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(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." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A man accused of a hit-and-run and dangerous driving causing the deaths of a husband and wife who died after being struck by a car in Dublin on St Stephen's Day has been remanded in custody. John Halpin, 45, Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, made no application for bail when he appeared before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Monday. Advertisement Anthony Hogg, 40, and his wife Georgina Hogg Moore, 39, were struck while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at around 5:45pm. The couple, married with children, lived in the Whitestown area nearby. Photo: Facebook Georgina Hogg Moore was pronounced dead at the scene while her husband Anthony was rushed to hospital but passed away that night. The accused presented himself at Blanchardstown Garda station about four hours after the crash and was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, for questioning. Advertisement He was charged on Sunday with two offences of dangerous driving, causing the deaths of Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg Moore, and two counts of hit-and-run and failing to offer assistance at the scene at Blanchardstown Road South on December 26th. Dressed in a black hooded top, dark tracksuit trousers and runners, Mr Halpin sat silently at the side of the court during the brief hearing. It was also attended by relatives of the deceased who watched the proceedings from the public gallery. Garda Alan Murphy said that the accused was initially arrested on Thursday at 10:01pm, and he was charged at 01:04am on Sunday. Garda Murphy told Judge Finan that Mr Halpin was cautioned in his usual manner and "made no reply" when charged before he was handed copies of the charges. Advertisement Defence solicitor Damien Coffey said that there was no bail application. Judge Finan remanded Mr Halpin in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on Friday pending directions from the DPP and a possible bail hearing. She cautioned the defence to notify gardai in a timely manner and give 48 hours' notice if they intend to move a bail application on the next date. Ireland Tributes paid to Carlow mother-of-three killed by... Read More Legal aid was granted after the judge was furnished a statement of Mr Halpin's means, and she also noted there was no Garda objection. The accused has yet to indicate a plea. A woman was also arrested during the Garda investigation but has since been released without charge. A large crowd gathered at the scene near Whitestown on Friday evening, 24 hours after the tragic incident, and a GoFundMe appeal has been set up to assist the deceased couple's children, which has raised close to 40,000 so far. It is projected that 320,000 women in Ireland will have accessed an expanded free contraception scheme in 2024, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said. The minister highlighted the uptake of the scheme, with data from January to September this year showing that approximately 245,000 people accessed it at least once. Advertisement This compares to just under 189,000 women who accessed the scheme in 2023, when it was available to women aged 1730. In January, it was extended to women aged 31, and was further expanded in July to include women aged 32 to 35. Mr Donnelly said: We introduced the free contraception scheme in recognition of the barriers that many women faced in accessing contraception affordably. No-one should have to bear disproportionate financial costs because of their gender. Advertisement Im very pleased by the strong uptake in the scheme, which is providing women with financial freedom when making choices about their reproductive health. Since its launch in September 2022 we have expanded it rapidly in response to clear demand. Ireland Calls for urgent action to address sex education... Read More Its one of many developments in womens health in recent years that reflect our ongoing efforts to provide a quality, accessible and equitable health service for all, regardless of ability to pay. The scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary, who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and for whom prescription contraception is deemed suitable by their doctors. Advertisement Almost 2,400 GPs and 2,050 pharmacies are providing services under the scheme. The new directly elected mayor of Limerick asked Taoiseach Simon Harris that 2 billion of the Apple tax fund be given directly to the city and county. In a personal plea to Mr Harris, Mayor John Moran said that because the 14 billion windfall had come from industrial operations in Munster, over half the money should go to the region. Advertisement He suggested that the money should be split with 3.5 billion going to Cork, 2 billion to Waterford, 1 billion to Galway, and 2 billion to Limerick. In a lengthy letter and submission to the Taoiseach in September, Mr Moran said this would help rebalance the countrys economy which was dangerously concentrated in the east. Limericks Lord Mayor also wrote to thank Mr Harris for his strong support in local government reform and for direct elections. Mr Moran said: You suggested, somewhat gently, that reform was never easy and after just ninety days in the job I admit you were correct." Advertisement He said the challenges facing Limerick were significant but not insurmountable and asked for the support of the government in three areas. The Lord Mayor said this included signalling investment in the countys underused rail system, a comprehensive suburban transport plan, and investigation of providing a new hospital on a new site. He added that Limerick and other regional cities were supposed to be growing at double the rate of Dublin yet there was a huge disparity in investment. Mr Moran wrote: I am therefore asking for a commitment to additional funding for each of the regional cities and happy to suggest the type of critical projects which could then be prioritised by you for Limerick in this context. Advertisement The amount for Limericks catch-up allocation would be some 2 billion. Mr Moran who previously worked in the Department of Finance said he was revisiting [his] Budget writing skills to offer some suggestions on what could be included in the speeches of Ministers Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe last October. He then explained how the 2 billion fund could be used including 200 million for a development project at Colbert Railway Station along with 50 million for a central library. A further 140 million commitment was sought for the construction of a new building for the OPW and Revenue Commissioners at the citys Opera Centre. Advertisement Other asks included 250 million for rail projects, 30 million for a Museum of Gaming and other tourist draws, and 25 million to re-imagine Rathkeale one of our most disadvantaged towns. Ireland Man accused of hit-and-run that killed husband and... Read More A further suggested text for inclusion in the budget speech said: Money alone will not deliver projects. So, I am also announcing a supplementary allocation of 20 million of operating expenditure to the Mayor of Limerick funding to cover salaries, set up costs and otherwise fund for 2025 an infrastructure and mayoral programme delivery support team in Limerick. Asked about the records, a spokesman for Mr Moran said the Lord Mayor had welcomed the significant allocation made for the Limerick community in Budget 2025. He said: The decisions of the government now provide the funding for concrete steps to be taken to equalise the level of capital investments on both sides of the country. Limerick is open for business and working hard to progress projects so that can be achieved. A Catholic priest caught in the middle of a loyalist protest at a north Belfast school turned down an offer of accommodation from the Irish Government after receiving a death threat. Father Aidan Troy received multiple loyalist death threats in January 2003 over his role in the Holy Cross dispute in Belfast. Advertisement The dispute in 2001 made headlines around the world as loyalist residents staged protests against Catholic families walking their children to a school in the area. Some of the protests became violent and police in riot gear were deployed to protect the schoolgirls as they made their way to and from the school. Fr Troy was the chairman of the board of governors of the school. Children and parents run for cover along the Ardoyne Road in north Belfast, towards Holy Cross School. Photo: Paul Faith/PA. In newly released documents from the Irish National Archives, he told the Department of Foreign Affairs that he had been subjected to death threats in January 2003 a year after most of the hostilities had ceased but days after a pipe bomb had been left at the school. The device was safely diffused. Advertisement Fr Troy told officials on January 12th that he first became aware of a threat against him on January 9th when he was informed by a BBC journalist that they had received a coded warning threatening him and the board of management at the school. A second coded warning was received by the Samaritans on January 10, where Fr Troy was informed that the charity had received a call threatening his life unless the school was closed. The next day, police told him they had intelligence that his life was in danger from loyalist paramilitaries and that he was to be shot before Monday. Fr Troy was offered full security, advised to avoid Ardoyne and to take special precautions. Advertisement He told the department that while he was concerned about the threats, he did not know how to respond to them. Police and the Army came under attack near Holy Cross primary school in Ardoyne. Photo: Paul Faith/PA. He said he did not wish to leave Ardoyne nor draw attention to the threat against him because of the effect it may have on the children of the school. Tom Lynch, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, said he told Fr Troy to take the threat seriously. He offered Fr Troy temporary accommodation in one of the apartments which the department was leasing in Belfast. Advertisement However, Mr Lynch wrote: Having considered our offer he said he was very appreciative but that for the present he felt that he might be better residing in the monastery in Ardoyne. Fr Troy said if he needed to move urgently he would contact the department. Mr Lynch said he contacted British officials who made arrangements with the police to respond promptly to any security requests from the priest. Fr Troy later said he was threatened again, telling the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin that police officers had told him of another threat against his life. Advertisement On January 22nd, he said: The most recent threat relayed to me by the PSNI told me I would be killed within two days. Father Troy also said the planting of a device earlier that month at the school gate had a devastating effect on pupils, with some dropping out of class and others regressing in terms of the therapy they received. He added: I do not blame the people of the (loyalist) Glenbryn area for these messages. It takes only one sick mind or a perverted person to create fear, intimidation and a form of terrorism. Ireland Sinn Fein Stormont minister to run for election to... Read More He paid tribute to his wonderful staff of dedicated teachers, and he insisted: There are no plans to close the school. To force it to close as a result of intimidation would be an absolute tragedy. This article is based on documents in 2024/130/6 US President Joe Biden said on Monday that the United States will send nearly $2.5 billion (2.4 billion) more in weapons to Ukraine as his administration works quickly to spend all the money it has available to help Kyiv fight off Russia before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The package includes $1.25 billion in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the military to pull existing stock from its shelves and gets weapons to the battlefield faster. Advertisement It also has $1.22 billion in longer-term weapons packages to be put on contract through the separate Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, or USAI. Mr Biden said all longer-term USAI funds have now been spent and pledged to use all the remaining drawdown money before leaving office. Ive directed my administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible, Mr Biden said in a statement. At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraines position in this war over the remainder of my time in office. Advertisement The new aid comes as Russia has launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraines power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. The Biden administration is pushing to get weapons into Ukraine to give Kyiv the strongest negotiating position possible before Mr Trumps inauguration on January 20. Mr Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia and has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Many US and European leaders are concerned that Mr Trumps talk of a settlement might result in a poor deal for Ukraine, and they worry that he will not provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The weapons systems being pulled from existing stockpiles through this latest weapons package include counter-unmanned aerial systems munitions, air defence munitions, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, air-to-ground munitions, anti-armour systems, tube-launched missiles, fragmentation grenades, and other items and spare parts. World US federal appeals court upholds sexual abuse find... Read More Including Mondays announcement, the US has provided more than 65 billion dollars (51.8 billion) in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022. In addition to the weapons support, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced on Monday that the US is also providing $3.4 billion in economic assistance to Ukraine to help pay for critical government services during its ongoing fight against Russia. Advertisement The money will pay salaries for civilian government and school employees, healthcare workers and first responders. The German government has sought to downplay efforts by US tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to get involved in the countrys general election campaign by again endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Mr Musk caused uproar over the weekend after backing the AfD in an opinion piece in a major newspaper, leading to the resignation of the papers opinion editor in protest. Advertisement Freedom of expression also includes the greatest nonsense, government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said, adding that she would not comment further on Mr Musks statements. She did, however, say that it is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statement. Chancellor Olaf Scholzs three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalise Germanys stagnant economy (AP) In that context, Ms Hoffmann also pointed out that the AfD is being monitored by Germanys domestic intelligence service on suspicion of being right-wing extremist and that it has already been recognised as such in some individual German states. 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. Advertisement Mr Musks guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag, published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he had supported AfD. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country, Mr 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. The Tesla Motors chief executive also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the countrys condition. Advertisement 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 US President-elect Donald Trump, the technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the partys public image. 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. 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. Advertisement The newspaper was attacked by politicians and other media for offering Mr Musk, a foreigner, a platform. Mr Musks opinion piece was accompanied by a critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, who wrote that while some of Mr Musks diagnoses of Germanys problems may be correct his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong. Israels military said it intercepted a missile fired towards the country by Yemens Houthi rebels, setting off sirens late on Monday in central Israel including Tel Aviv. There were no reports of injuries from Magen David Adom, Israels rescue service. Advertisement The Houthis have been firing drones and missiles at Israel as well as attacking shipping in the Red Sea corridor attacks they say will not stop until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Israel has carried out two waves of intense strikes in recent weeks in Yemen in response to the missile attacks. The latest launch raises the likelihood of further Israeli retaliation. At a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, Israeli UN ambassador Danny Danon vowed his country will respond decisively to Houthi attacks. Advertisement In Gaza, wounded Palestinians whom Israeli soldiers expelled from a northern Gaza hospital over the weekend described harrowing conditions where they were forced to strip down to their underwear in cold winter weather for hours. They surrounded the hospital at 4am and burned all the buildings around the hospital, said Wissam Warsh, a 45-year-old father of five who spent almost a week at Kamal Adwan Hospital receiving treatment. He said soldiers made the hospital director, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, bring all the patients outside before detaining him. They told him over the loudspeaker that he had 10 minutes to evacuate them, and they began firing shells around the hospital as a pressure tactic, Mr Warsh said. Advertisement He and other patients were recuperating at Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where he spoke to The Associated Press from a hospital bed on Sunday. Israels military says its troops entered the hospital because Hamas militants were using it as a base, and said more than 240 militants were detained, including Mr Abu Safiya. Hospital officials have denied those claims. Other patients said the Israeli army refused to provide them with food or water. Staff at Kamal Adwan Hospital say it has been hit multiple times over the past three months as Israeli forces wage an offensive against Hamas fighters, who the army says have regrouped in northern Gaza. Advertisement Israel has virtually sealed off the areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya from food or medical aid. South Korean law enforcement officials have requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. They are investigating whether his short-lived martial law decree earlier this month amounted to rebellion. Advertisement The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant from the Seoul Western District Court on Monday. Investigators plan to question Mr Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Yoon Kap-keun, the presidents lawyer, denounced the detention attempt and filed a challenge with the same court, arguing that the warrant request was invalid. A TV screen showing Yoon Suk Yeol (Ahn Young-joon/AP) He also claimed the anti-corruption agency lacked the legal authority to investigate rebellion charges. Advertisement Still, he did not answer how the legal team would respond if the court approved the warrant for the presidents detainment. An incumbent president cannot be prosecuted for abuse of power, the lawyer said. Of course, there are differing academic opinions on whether a president can be investigated for abuse of power and some assert that investigations are possible. But even when investigations are allowed, the prevailing opinion is that they should be exercised with the utmost restraint. Han Min-soo, spokesperson for the liberal opposition Democratic Party, called for the court to issue the warrant, saying Mr Yoons detainment would be the first step towards ending the rebellion and restoring normality. Advertisement The warrant request came after Mr Yoon dodged several requests by the joint investigation team and public prosecutors to appear for questioning and also blocked searches of his offices. While Mr Yoon has the presidential privilege of immunity from criminal prosecution, such protections do not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason. It is not clear whether the court will grant the warrant or whether Mr Yoon can be compelled to appear for questioning. Supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol staged a rally against his impeachment in Seoul on Saturday (Lee Jin-man/AP) Under the countrys laws, locations potentially linked to military secrets cannot be seized or searched without the consent of the person in charge and it is unlikely Mr Yoon will voluntarily leave his residence if he faces detainment. Advertisement There are also concerns about possible clashes with Mr Yoons presidential security service if authorities attempt to forcibly detain him. Mr Yoons presidential powers were suspended after the National Assembly voted to impeach him on December 14 over his imposition of martial law that lasted only hours but has triggered weeks of political turmoil, halted high-level diplomacy and rattled financial markets. His fate lies with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberations on whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove Mr Yoon from office or reinstate him. Mr Yoon has defended the martial law decree as a necessary act of governance, describing it as a warning against the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which has been bogging down his agenda with its majority in the parliament. Advertisement Parliament voted last week to also impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had assumed the role of acting president after Mr Yoons powers were suspended, over his reluctance to fill three Constitutional Court vacancies ahead of the courts review of Mr Yoons case. The countrys new interim leader is Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also finance minister. Syrias new government said it deployed dozens of soldiers in the Damascus suburb of Adra on Monday in search of alleged militiamen loyal to ousted president Bashar Assad, with military police vehicles seen transporting detainees. A security campaign was carried out in Adra town which led to the arrest of the militia leaders in the area, said Abu Yaarub, a security official who did not give his full name in accordance with regulations. Advertisement He added that five top militiamen were detained. Clashes erupted last week in several cities across Syria between Assad supporters and the new government, which is led by Islamist rebels. Members of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government taking part in an operation to detain suspected militias of the ousted president Bashar Assad in Adra (Leo Correa/AP) Since Mr Assads fall, dozens of Syrians have been killed in acts of revenge, according to activists and monitors, the vast majority of them from the minority Alawite community, to which Mr Assad belongs. Also on Monday, Ukraines foreign minister met Syrias de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, days after Kyiv announced the delivery of a large shipment of wheat flour to the country following the ousting of Mr Assad, Russias ally. Advertisement Syria is gradually shifting away from Iran and Russia and rekindling ties with Western and Gulf Arab nations that had opposed Mr Assads rule, as well as Turkey, which backed opposition forces during the civil war. Upon my directions, Ukraines Foreign Minister @Andrii_Sybiha paid a visit to Damascus together with Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food @vkoval8. The Ukrainian delegation held important talks with the Syrian administration, leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa and ministers. We support the Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) December 30, 2024 Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country will send 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria through the UN World Food Programme to help improve the countrys food security and economic crisis. About 90% of Syrians live in poverty, according to the UN. The Ukrainian delegation held important talks with the Syrian administration, leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa and ministers. We support the Syrian people in overcoming decades of dictatorial rule and restoring stability, security, and normal life in Syria, Mr Zelensky wrote on X. Advertisement Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said he hopes that a new Syria would become a country that respects international law. He said Ukraine is ready to share its experience in gathering evidence and conducting investigations to hold war criminals accountable. The Russian and Assad regimes supported each other because their foundation is violence and torture, he said. Also on Monday Syria, appointed its first female interim Central Bank governor, as the country navigates through recovering its battered economy after the downfall of the Assad dynastys rule. Maysaa Sabreen is the second woman appointed in a leadership role under Ahmad al-Sharaa and his Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led Mr Assads ousting in an offensive in early December. Advertisement Ms Sabreen had served as the Central Banks first deputy governor. A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a jurys finding in a civil case that Donald Trump sexually abused a columnist in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals issued a written opinion upholding the five million-dollar (3.99 million) award that the Manhattan jury granted to E Jean Carroll for defamation and sexual abuse. Advertisement The magazine columnist had given evidence at a 2023 trial that Mr Trump turned a friendly encounter in spring 1996 into a violent attack after they playfully entered the stores dressing room. Mr Trump did not attend the trial after repeatedly denying the attack ever happened. E Jean Carroll leaves the New York Federal Court after Donald Trump appeared in court in New York in September 2024 (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AP) But he briefly testified at a follow-up trial earlier this year that resulted in an 83.3 million-dollar (66.47 million) award. The second trial resulted from comments then-president Mr Trump made in 2019 after Ms Carroll first made the accusations publicly in a memoir. In its ruling, a three-judge panel of the appeals court rejected claims by Mr Trumps lawyers that trial judge Lewis A Kaplan had made multiple decisions that spoiled the trial, including his decision to allow two other women who had accused Mr Trump of sexually abusing them to testify. Advertisement The judge had also allowed the jury to view the infamous Access Hollywood tape in which Mr Trump boasted in 2005 about grabbing womens genitals because when someone is a star, you can do anything. We conclude that Mr Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings, the 2nd Circuit said. Further, he has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial. In September, both Ms Carroll, 81, and Mr Trump, 78, attended oral arguments by the 2nd Circuit. Advertisement Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesman, said in a statement that Mr Trump was elected by voters who delivered an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the witch hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll hoax, which will continue to be appealed. Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer who represented Ms Carroll during the trial and is not related to the judge, said in a statement: Both E Jean Carroll and I are gratified by todays decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties arguments. The first jury found in May 2023 that Mr Trump sexually abused Ms Carroll and defamed her with comments he made in October 2022. That jury awarded Ms Carroll five million dollars. In January, a second jury awarded Ms Carroll an additional 83.3 million dollars in damages for comments Mr Trump had made about her while he was president, finding that they were defamatory. That jury had been instructed by the judge to accept the first jurys finding that Mr Trump had sexually abused Ms Carroll. Advertisement Ms Carroll testified during both trials that her life as an Elle magazine columnist was spoiled by Mr Trumps public comments, which she said motivated some people to send her death threats and leave her fearful to leave her home. Mr Trump testified for under three minutes at the second trial and was not permitted to challenge conclusions reached by the May 2023 jury. Still, he was animated in the courtroom throughout the two-week trial, and jurors could hear him grumbling about the case. During appeals arguments in September, Trump lawyer D John Sauer said evidence from witnesses who recalled Ms Carroll telling them about the 1996 encounter with Mr Trump immediately afterwards was improper because the witnesses had egregious bias against Mr Trump. Advertisement And the lawyer said the judge should also have excluded the evidence of the two women who said Mr Trump committed similar acts of sexual abuse against them in the 1970s and in 2005. Mr Trump has denied those allegations too. World Court convicts parents of teenager who shot dead 1... Read More The 2nd Circuit wrote: In each of the three encounters, Mr Trump engaged in an ordinary conversation with a woman he barely knew, then abruptly lunged at her in a semi-public place and proceeded to kiss and forcefully touch her without her consent. The acts are sufficiently similar to show a pattern. It said the Access Hollywood tape was directly corroborative of the testimony by the women of the pattern of behaviour they experienced. The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Ms Carroll has done. Proteomics Internationals share price surged as much as 24 per cent today on the best volume in more than two months to reach 75 cents, driven by news of successful study results from its game-changing PromarkerEndo blood test being developed to diagnose endometriosis. In a significant breakthrough in womens health, the innovative diagnostic tool has proven it is highly accurate in differentiating between healthy individuals and those suffering endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting one in nine women worldwide. Proteomics Internationals game-changing PromarkerEndo diagnostic blood test for endometriosis has passed its latest clinical trials with flying colours. The company says the PromarkerEndo results may soon lead to a non-invasive, fast and simple screening test offering women and girls with symptoms an earlier diagnosis of the disease, potentially allowing them to avoid invasive diagnostic surgery. An abdominal laparoscopy and biopsy is the current standard procedure to diagnose the disease, which can take an average of seven years to diagnose, leaving millions of women with debilitating pain and without timely care. It is also a significant cause of infertility, with studies showing women receiving fertility treatment are three times as likely to have endometriosis as their otherwise healthy counterparts. It feels like the modern-day American Dream. Adam Goldstein, CEO of Archer Aviation Some high-profile ventures have already faltered. A plan for air taxis to transport spectators around the Paris Olympics fizzled. Lilium, a German eVTOL company, announced it had filed for insolvency last month. Still, investors, including big names such as Stellantis and Toyota, have poured money into Silicon Valley companies such as Archer and Joby. Boeing and Airbus are developing versions. All are betting that quieter, greener and battery-powered aircraft can revolutionise the way people travel. Major US airlines including American, Delta, Southwest and United also are building relationships and planting seeds for deals with air taxi companies. It feels like the modern-day American Dream, where you can invent a technology and actually bring it to market even [if its] as crazy as what some people call flying cars, said Archer Aviation CEO Adam Goldstein. Congress included several provisions aimed at bolstering the growth of air taxis in 2024s FAA reauthorisation bill. The industry got a major boost in the northern autumn, when the FAA released standards for pilot training and certification. US President-elect Donald Trump appears to be supportive. In a 2023 speech, he said: Just as the United States led the automobile revolution in the last century, I want to ensure that America, not China, leads the revolution in air mobility. Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt said that, as the numbers of air taxis grew, they would become more accessible to the masses. But the multibillion-dollar question remains: Now that theyve been built, can they be turned into a viable business? Loading Urban air mobility is the big prize for these firms, said Connor. But its also the hardest to implement. On a recent morning, space heaters were blasting in what seemed like a vain attempt to warm the cavernous hangar at Salinas Municipal Airport that serves as the home for Archers four-passenger prototype aircraft, called Midnight. The mornings test flight was scheduled for 7am, but shortly before the hour, it became clear that conditions were too windy. Each test flight requires specific weather to deliver the information the team is seeking, and on this day that meant winds must be less than 19km/h. There would be no pilot behind the controls the test; that will come later. Its been programmed to autonomously fly a racetrack pattern above the agricultural fields near the airport. Its progress will be monitored by Archers own mission control, a team that includes a former US Air Force test pilot and several engineers, who sit in a nearby trailer. Shortly before 11am, the wind is just right. From a field across from the airport, a group of observers watches as the 12 rotors on the aircraft begin to spin, lifting the 2900-kilogram craft, which hovers for just a few moments before the rotors tilt from vertical into horizontal, and it zips over the landscape in flight mode. About 10 minutes and just over 22 kilometres later, Midnight turns back to the airport, hovers briefly as the rotors return to a vertical position and slowly touches down. About 37 kilometres from Archers operation in Salinas, Bevirt greets a visitor to Jobys campus in Marina, California. The campus, based on a former army base, is not far from the Santa Cruz Mountains where Bevirt grew up. Over lunch, Bevirt talks about Jobys plan to build out a network of air taxis and landing sites, starting with a few nodes and gradually expanding. He believes air taxis will one day revolutionise routine travel. Joby Aviations pre-production prototype aircraft. Credit: Joby Aviation Advertisement Eating outFood Brisbanes most exciting bar openings of 2024 From a legit British-style gastropub and a neighbourhood boozer in a heritage Valley space, to a wine bar hidden in a CBD garage, theres plenty to tick off. Matt Shea December 30, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Theres been a bit of a wait for Brisbanes bar scene to get its collective butt into gear. This citys restaurants have for years now punched above their weight, and our cafes continue to push in interesting new post-covid directions. Barry Parade Public House is one of the best-looking bar openings in years. Markus Ravik Our boozers, though, seemed stuck, unable to get beyond the idea of fancy cocktail bar. That, though, has begun to change over the past 18 months. Advertisement Brisbanes most exciting restaurant openings of 2024 And despite one major loss in 2024, we got a bunch of interesting new (and reworked) venues, from a late-night supper club and a wine bar in a garage in the CBD, to an innovative neighbourhood boozer in a surprising Fortitude Valley spot. Here are the spots to seek out as we head into 2025. Milquetoast, CBD Youll find Milquetoast hidden in a garage down the end of a laneway opposite the Hilton Hotel on Elizabeth Street. Advertisement Youll find Milquetoast tucked away in a garage on a laneway just off Elizabeth Street. Markus Ravik Inside, its homely rather than fancy, owners George Curtis and James Horsfall scouring Facebook Marketplace for vintage timber tables and leather and velvet chairs and bar stools. A bar and open kitchen runs down one side of the venue. Its the vino that takes centre stage here. Horsfall has put together a 50-bottle list that covers both Australian and international drops and focuses on small producers, grower champagnes and limited allocations. Exclusive One of Brisbanes best new bars is this wine joint hidden in a CBD garage Theres also a cocktail list that focuses on higher end spirits, and a martini menu that each month showcases a different distillery. Advertisement Food taps into a revitalised interest in British food (Curtis is from England, as are Horsfalls parents). Inside, Milquetoast is homely rather than fancy, owners George Curtis and James Horsfall scouring Facebook Marketplace for natty vintage furniture. Markus Ravik It changes regularly, but dishes so far have included devilled eggs with bacon and leek cream, a cured fish crumpet with curry aioli, Urban Valley mushrooms on toast, and Cumberland sausages with Puy lentils and gremolata. The Alliance, Spring Hill The changes at the relaunched Alliance might initially feel subtle, but then co-owner Peter Hollands says there was a lot of low-hanging fruit at this iconic 1864-built pub. Advertisement The Alliance Hotel after its recent relaunch in Spring Hill. Markus Ravik In the beautiful old front bar, he and co-owners Emma Hollands (Peters wife), Kat Makarov and Nick Winter (who between them are known for slick CBD bars Frogs Hollow and Alice) have replaced the bar top and beer lines, covered the walls in Australiana think old Fosters, Fourex and Fourn Twenty pie posters and thrown open the windows to better catch the sun as it tracks across the old Spring Hill workers cottages to the north-west, filling the venue with a lovely afternoon light. On tap there are 10 beers that split the difference between big box drops such XXXX Gold, Tooheys New and Guinness, and a rotating selection of craft brews. Exclusive One of Brisbanes best bar groups has relaunched an iconic 1864-built pub Out back, the old bistro has also been reinvented as The Whisky Warren. It serves a menu of Australian game that changes depending on what he can get his hands on. You might order dishes such as kangaroo tartare served with onion and bean puree on toasted brioche; butterflied harissa-marinated whole quail with cauliflower puree, sauteed kale and crisp enoki; or a slow cooked rabbit stew with mushroom, potato and tomato. Advertisement The rest of the venue has been given over to a series of private dining rooms and function spaces. Upstairs, theres the light-filled Leichhardt Room with capacity for 160 guests. The Alliance in Spring Hill has been given a new lease on life by one of Brisbanes best bar groups. Markus Ravik Downstairs, beneath the public bar, theres the Actress and the Bishop Bar, with capacity for 45 people; and the 60-person Mirror Room. Theres also a 14-seat private dining room in the venues wine cellar. Barry Parade Public House, Fortitude Valley Daniel Gregory, Brennen Eaton and Lachlan Henry opened this sophisticated neighbourhood boozer on what many would consider a relatively unknown byway between the CBD and Fortitude Valley. Advertisement Owners Daniel Gregory, Brennen Eaton and Lachlan Henry designed much of Barry Parade Public House themselves. Markus Ravik And Barry Parade Public House is drawing punters from the surrounding neighbourhood. Theyre coming for a focused list of cocktails, small producer Australian wine, and local craft beer on tap and by the bottle and can, along with a Creole-influenced menu of bar snacks. Theyre also coming for the venue itself, which occupies a heritage-listed terrace building that dates back to 1928. It has to be one of the most elegant new bar builds in recent memory a space defined by a high-set, handsome hardwood bar, timber wall panelling, pendant lights and eye-catching original terrazzo flooring. One of 2024s best new bars is in a surprising heritage location For drinks, between them Gregory and Eaton have worked at The Gresham, Alba Bar & Deli, The Bowery, Black Pearl (Melbourne) and Eau de Vie (Sydney), so expect plenty of approachable innovation on the cocktail list. Advertisement You might order a Broken Spanish (Oloroso sherry, Flor de Cana seven-year-old rum, brown butter falernum, lime and pineapple), a Verona (Hine VSOP cognac, Campari, Burdekin virgin cane spirit and Punt e Mes vermouth), or a Rosys Fizz (Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin, bianco vermouth, Mancino Chinato vermouth, Aperol, acid blend, Heering cherry liqueur and creme de violette). Fried prawn po boy with iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickles and herb aioli. Markus Ravik Theres also three rotating beer taps, and a wallet-friendly wine list with a generous number available by the glass. Gregory and Eaton say to expect the food to evolve as the venue finds its feet, but the menu already features interesting bar snacks such as a fried prawn po boy, and a pulled duck and smoked sausage gumbo with mustard greens and sourdough. B-SIDE, Howard Smith Wharves Advertisement Taking over Yokos upstairs dining room, B-SIDE harnesses a format the Howard Smith Wharves restaurant has used for previous one-off guest events, where a chef works behind the bar alongside a bartender and a DJ. B-SIDE opened above Yoko at Howard Smith Wharves in October. Supplied Food is a selection of small plates such as sliced-to-order sashimi, kizami wasabi octopus, tuna tataki, Wagyu katsu sliders, and prawn buns. Larger plates include a take on a classic Japanese potato salad, and two different ramen bowls. For drinks, gun Sydney-based bartender Matt Whiley has crafted a short menu of highballs, a B-SIDE slushy, and a selection of matcha lattes, with drinks from the Yoko menu also available. B-SIDE is Howard Smith Wharves new hidden vinyl bar Advertisement The music component has also been beefed up also, with the restaurant adding to its vinyl collection and DJs spinning seven nights a week, with a retro vinyl night on Mondays. Stans Lounge, Howard Smith Wharves Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves blockbuster Cantonese restaurant, has converted its upstairs dining area into Stans Lounge, a beautiful, low-lit lounge and cocktail bar. Stans Lounge at Howard Smith Wharves. Morgan Roberts Returning to take charge of Stans design was Samantha Leigh. The interiors draw inspiration from old-world Hong Kong, with the bar decked out in rich jewel tones with plenty of timber accents, antique mirrored wall panels and velvet curtains, banquettes and seating. Advertisement Taking pride of place is a DJ booth and vintage JBL sound system, with a carefully curated vinyl collection. Expect plenty of soul and funk, with DJs spinning most nights of the week. Exclusive A glam Hong Kong-inspired cocktail bar opens at Howard Smith Wharves For drinks, theres a cocktail list that presents modern, Cantonese-inflected interpretations of the classics, with a signature martini menu that taps premium gins and vodkas along with special bitters and other extracts. There are large collections of whisky and agave, and rare and precious bottles of spirits sourced from around the world. Theres also a short, punchy wine list that favours Australian drops. Stans features a signature martini menu that taps premium gins and vodkas, along with special bitters and other extracts. Morgan Roberts Advertisement For food, Stanley chef and partner Tikaram has written a snack menu in tune with the Cantonese food served downstairs. You can expect dishes such as golden fried prawn toast with sesame and truffled mayo, pan-fried pork and prawn dumplings with fermented chilli and white soy, and painted tropical cray san choy bao with water chestnuts and coriander. Cru Bar, Fortitude Valley The devil is in the detail at the reworked Cru Bar, which reopened towards the start of the year. Theres still the sheer curtains, breezy courtyard, glass-topped high tables (now refurbed) and signature chandelier, but a partial expansion into the old Spoon Deli space (with restaurant Emme taking up the rest of that tenancy) has allowed for a much larger open kitchen, new tables along its flank opposite the Aesop store, and a series of lush velvet booths at the back of the venue. The onyx bar tops have been reworked, and there are terracotta-tile floors. Brisbanes most exciting cafe openings of 2024 Advertisement What hasnt changed is the focus on wine, with the venues award-winning list now surpassing 2000 bottles. Theres also a by-the-glass selection that changes weekly, an imaginative cocktail menu, and Cru Cellar is present and correct. The larger kitchen means chef Richard Ousby has expanded his food menu to include a set option. A la carte dishes include Mooloolaba prawns with garlic cream, sourdough and lemon, a smoked duck salad with mandarin, walnuts and broadleaf rocket, and chargrilled octopus with chorizo, salsa verde and lemon. The Rose & Crown, South Brisbane English-themed gastropub the Rose & Crown occupies heritage-listed Collins Place in South Brisbane, which since 1889 has, among other things, been a private residence, a police station and, during Expo 88, a spaghetti restaurant. Most recently, it was Little Big House, which closed in December 2023. The Rose & Crown opened in South Brisbane in late February. Markus Ravik Advertisement The Rose & Crown retains the bones of Little Big House, with its brick and timber fit-out, downstairs and upstairs bars, and latticed wraparound verandahs and outdoor areas with views across Grey Street. But husband-and-wife owners Alex and Bella Derrick have given everything a very UK vibe, with a white and teal paint job, walls decorated with plates and old-school paintings, and heavy timber tables. Legit British gastropub opens in heritage-listed South Brisbane space Each bar has 12 taps pouring a mix of European and Australian beers and ciders, including Magners and Guinness. Theres also a Euro-centric 40-bottle wine list, and a clutch of cocktails. Food is just as important here, with the kitchen producing a menu that mixes British classics with more modern dishes. Advertisement The Rose & Crowns Scotch egg with mustard mayo. Markus Ravik Theres also a Sunday roast menu that features beef, chicken, and nut roast served with Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetables and gravy. Club Felix, CBD Club Felix is located upstairs on the first floor of the newly reopened Naldham House a 110-seat lounge bar pitched as a CBD supper club. Club Felix opened mid-year on the first floor of Naldham House in the CBD. Markus Ravik Advertisement Here, its all about a champagne list available via Coravin and signature cocktail list, accompanied by a late-night food menu. For cocktails, you might order a Brulee Flip (Martell VS Cognac, Madeira fortified wine, burnt sugar syrup, chocolate bitters and grated chocolate), Raspberry Tea Julep (black tea-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon, raspberry syrup, mint and Peychauds bitters) or a Newtons Law (Ketel One vodka, Old Kempton apple liqueur, Granny Smith apple juice, citric and milk). Exclusive An 1888-built icon finally reopens as a multi-level food and beverage precinct Food is a menu of shareable Euro-inspired comfort eats such as a jamon and Comte toastie, fried whiting sandwich fingers with herb mayo, potato pave fingers topped with caviar and creme fraiche, bacalao (salted cod and potato) croquettes, and caramel profiteroles. Club Felix serves a menu of snacks and share plates late into the night. Markus Ravik Celebrated designer Anna Spiro has given the room an International Klein Blue colour scheme with large velvet banquettes and a restored original bar built from silky oak. A man allegedly brandishing a large knife threatened staff, damaged cars and rammed his own vehicle into a Brisbane furniture warehouse before he was shot by police in the car park on Monday morning. The man in his 40s was undergoing surgery at the Princess Alexandra Hospital about lunchtime on Monday as police continued to comb the scene for evidence. Police outside the Amart distribution centre in Rochedale. Credit: Nine News Staff at the Amart distribution centre in Rochedale on Brisbanes southside were just starting work for the day when the man entered the warehouse on Brickworks Place shortly before 6am. There were a number of staff that had commenced work for the day, they were completing their start-up operations, Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes said. This was the year in which Taylor Swifts Eras Tour sparkled across the globe, musical-turned-Hollywood blockbuster Wicked and its inescapable press tour shone across our screens, and athletic prowess dazzled at the Paris Olympics. It was also the year Donald Trump became the first convicted criminal to win the White House, and the year baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng shot to international stardom. While some eras swiftly come to an end, others endure. Once again, thousands of Melburnians will gather in the city for the fireworks display. Lord Mayor Nick Reece said Melbourne would be one of the first cities in the world to hit midnight, and that the fireworks bonanza planned for 2025 would be visible from as far as Ferntree Gully and Frankston. Sarah Clark and Emma Power prepare for New Years Eve at Arbory Afloat on the Yarra River in the city. Credit: Wayne Taylor The Age has compiled a guide to help you pick where to be when the fireworks kick off in Melbourne on Tuesday night, and how to get there. Where can I watch the fireworks? Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ordered the Victorian Labor Party to take down a social media post mocking the marriage of Peter Dutton and his wife Kirilly, hours after the image was posted online. The Victorian ALP had been criticised by Liberal senator James Paterson for launching a personal attack on the opposition leader and his wife by posting a photo of the couple on its Facebook page, with the caption: Justifying dating your new partner to your friends who dont like him. A five-year-old newspaper story about Kirilly and Peter Dutton has been used in a Labor attack ad. Credit: Facebook A spokeswoman for the prime minister said that when the social media post was drawn to Albaneses attention late on Monday the prime minister demanded it be taken down. Families should be off limits. Dutton had already demanded the prime minister respect my wife, as he pledged in a post on X that he would never go after Albaneses fiancee Jodie Haydon. Oral Communication Lab helps students find their voice After a mock interview session, participants in the Oral Communication Lab pose for photos with Carl Remmes, a guest speaker from the Career Design Center. We strive to create a safe and supportive space for international students, honoring their unique linguistic and cultural backgrounds while equipping them with nuanced communication strategies for different contexts. Raised in China, Yueqiu Zhang remembers the struggles of adapting to UB when language was a limiting factor. As an international student myself, like many others, Ive experienced fear and anxiety because my English needed to be fixed, said Zhang, a doctoral student studying language education and multilingualism. In my work with international students, Im aware that there is a need to address their complex communication needs. In an effort to meet those needs, Zhang, a graduate assistant and the multilingual specialist at the Center for Excellence in Writing, transformed the CEWs existing English Conversation Group into the more robust and purposeful Oral Communication Lab (OCL). The newly program offers both international/multilingual and domestic students the opportunity to gather weekly to practice professional communication skills, such as networking, interviewing, delivering presentations and cross-cultural communication, with guest speakers and lots of practical activities. While the OCL may have been designed with international students in mind, Odette Reid, associate director of the CEW, says its strategies also benefit domestic students and those students further the programs mission by getting involved. Having a room filled with domestic and international students working on their communication skills is ideal because they can learn from each other, she explained. When designing the program, Zhang said she shifted the focus from traditional language training to empowerment, giving space for international students to bring sophisticated communication skills shaped by their unique cultural backgrounds and personal experiences to the table so they can authentically represent themselves in diverse settings. Instead of viewing their linguistic differences as challenges to overcome, our modules were constructed to amplify students existing communicative strengths while practicing nuanced strategies for navigating the intricacy of social expectations, unspoken norms and contextual communication subtleties across the American communication landscapes, Zhang said. The program gives students an opportunity to practice and get feedback on effective oral communication in both formal and informal settings. OCL invites guest speakers from the Graduate School and the Career Design Center, as well as UB faculty members, to share their expertise and insights. Whether students are preparing for job interviews, networking events, research presentations or simply looking to improve their conversational English, Zhang says those who benefit most from the program are those who take part regularly. Our program is built on a deep understanding that oral communication, like other forms of communication, is fundamentally a socio-cultural experience, not merely a language skill to be improved, Zhang explained. Therefore, we strive to create a safe and supportive space for international students, honoring their unique linguistic and cultural backgrounds while equipping them with nuanced communication strategies for different contexts. Program participants are clearly enjoying and benefiting from the program. I enjoy interacting with different people in OCL in a real way, just like in the first networking session, one student said. I can genuinely participate in a face-to-face situation where we talk to each other, get to know each other and dont have to worry about making a fool of ourselves. Its a clear process of building courage. Another participant commented: I really look forward to Fridays because its the OCL day and because I can talk to real people, and the rest of the week I only interact with models and papers in my lab. As the program wrapped up for the semester, students shared their appreciation for the OCL. Some tears were shed, program administrators said, and one student even created a rap song to honor the community. Ive never seen anything like it, said Rhonda Reid, CEW director. Thats what was really remarkable about this program: It was just so popular and lively. After its successful launch this semester, the program will pick up again in the spring, on Friday afternoons in 128 Capen Hall. Offerings rotate weekly, and meeting times are flexible within the 1-5 p.m. timeframe, so participants can drop in as their schedules permit. Interested students can email writing@buffalo.edu to become part of the OCL mailing list and receive updates. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code The University of Idaho will host the 57th annual Idaho Potato Conference and trade show Jan. 22-23 at the Idaho State University Pond Student Union Building in Pocatello. Attendance of up to 900 is expected, according to UI. Industry updates from representatives of organizations including the Idaho Potato Commission, Potatoes USA and the National Potato Council are planned. A committee that includes researchers, growers, consultants, crop advisers and chemical company representatives suggests topics. This is a great opportunity for people to network with each other, make connections, learn something new and engage, Kasia Duellman, a UI Extension seed potato specialist, said in a news release. Washington State University potato researchers Tim Waters and Jacob Blauer are scheduled to present on insect management and potato agronomy, respectively. Duellman will discuss incorporating biopesticides into potato disease management programs. Biopesticides, important to organic farmers, are gaining interest among conventional growers who are seeking ways to document how theyre moving toward sustainable production in response to consumer demand, according to UI. Verticilium wilt and powdery scab, which is caused by an organism that can transmit potato mop-top virus, had significant impact on the 2024 crop, according to UI plant pathologist James Woodhall. He led verticilium field trials and lab work on varietal susceptibility and disease severity. Verticilium wilt causes early die in potatoes. Alternatives to fumigation and sustainable approaches to management are to be discussed by Jeff Miller of Miller Research and Phillip Wharton of UI. Wharton received a federal Specialty Crop Block Grant to develop a new test and to evaluate alternative chemicals and biological products for control in the field. Duellman and her team helped Whorton by collecting samples from commercial fields. The recent rise in potato mop-top virus cases will be discussed by Woodhall, Miller and Idaho-based USDA research plant pathologist Jonathan Whitworth, who in 2012 documented the states first case. Were getting a lot of interest for testing for PMTV and a lot of interest for research, as well, Woodhall said in the release. Once it gets into the soil, there are no decent control options except for keeping it out. Vole damage to the 2024 potato crop, and related economic impacts, will be discussed by UI Extension agricultural economist Patrick Hatzenbuehler. UI Extension educator Jason Thomas, who specializes in managing insects and rodents, will invite growers to complete a survey to document the severity of the vole problem in the states south and east. Spanish language sessions, pesticide recertification credits and Certified Crop Adviser credits will be offered. The cost of attending the conference is $50. The potato conference is organized in conjunction with the Eastern Idaho Ag Expo, set for Jan. 21-23 at ISU Holt Arena, 550 Memorial Drive, according to UI. Many conference and expo attendees also participate in the Idaho Crop Improvement Associations annual seed potato growers seminar, slated from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 21 at Red Lion Hotel Pocatello, 1555 Pocatello Creek Road. Eva Osborne The Irish Blood Transfusion service is calling on people to prioritise blood donation this Christmas. 10,000 blood donors are needed during the festive season to keep up with the demand, the service said. People can check their eligibility to give blood by completing the New Donor Eligibility Quiz on the IBTS website. Operations director of the IBTS, Paul McKinney, said certain blood groups are running low. "Well we like to have seven days of blood supply for all blood types. We never do unfortunately, it's always a challenge. "We're particularly under pressure for our rhesus negative blood groups, that's O-negative, which is the universal blood group, A-negative, and B-negative. "If you are one of those groups in particular, please make that special effort." Sean McCarthaigh An on-call firefighter whose request to have his annual contract extended after he reached the mandatory retirement age has been awarded 15,000 in compensation. The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Carlow County Council had discriminated against retained firefighter, Jimmy Murphy, on grounds of age by refusing to consider extending his contract beyond the age of 60 years. Mr Murphy, who was supported by his trade union, SIPTU had claimed the local authority had breached the Employment Equality Act by having a mandatory retirement age which was not justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving it were not appropriate or necessary. Carlow County Council rejected the claim that it had discriminated against the complainant on age grounds. Mr Murphy told the WRC that he had started work as a retained firefighter in 1994 and continued to work on one-year fixed term contracts after reaching the normal retirement age of 55 years until the mandatory retirement age of 60 years which he reached on December 30th, 2023. Mr Murphy said he had applied to the councils chief fire officer prior to that date for an extension of his existing contract. As he had successfully passed all annual health assessments, he said he felt he could continue to serve for the foreseeable future and was willing to take another medical examination, if required. However, the chief fire officer sent him a copy of a 2020 circular which stated that no further extensions could be granted beyond 60. The WRC heard that a settlement agreement overseen by the WRC in August 2023 recorded that the trade union intended to pursue a voluntary increase in the retirement age for retained firefighters. In March 2024, SIPTU noted that firefighters were not referred to in an announcement that the mandatory retirement age was being increased from 60 to 62 years for other public service workers like gardai and prison officers a change which was implemented with immediate effect by a circular issued in May 2024. A SIPTU representative told the WRC that there were no details on the legitimate aim or research on the appropriate mandatory retirement age. The Local Government Management Agency, which represented the local authority, maintained that the 2020 circular stipulating a mandatory retirement age of 60 years was in place at the time that Mr Murphy sought an extension of his contract. The LGMA said Carlow County Council had implemented the circular consistently as no other retained firefighter had been allowed to work beyond 60. It claimed the legitimate aim of the mandatory age for retirement was the need for physical and mental abilities of retained firefighters as such abilities could diminish with age. In his ruling, WRC adjudication officer, Seamus Clinton, said he was satisfied that the mandatory retirement age was objectively and reasonably justified by legitimate aims. However, Mr Clinton said there was no evidence of consideration of the means that were appropriate and necessary in the incremental changes in the retirement age for retained firefighters from 55 to 58 and then from 60 to 62 years. He noted the most recent extension was flagged in August 2023 but did not take effect until May 2024. Mr Clinton said it was reasonable for Mr Murphy to have expected a local process on his request for an extension to his contract in the absence of engagement at national level. It is regrettable that no consideration either nationally or locally took place to use the normal medical assessment on an interim basis pending the imminent extension, the WRC official remarked. He also observed that the 2024 circular for some reason did not address those that had just exited and unsuccessfully applied for extensions. Awarding Mr Murphy a sum of 15,000 in compensation, Mr Clinton said the lack of consideration of any appropriate means was unreasonable. He said Mr Murphy had been left in limbo with no consideration of his extension request either nationally or locally, The WRC said it considered ordering Carlow County Council to reinstate Mr Murphy as he appeared to be fit and healthy, but noted he had sought compensation as redress. By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA A hunger crisis could kill more people in Sudan than bullets from its vicious civil war, an Irish humanitarian worker who visited the country has said. An estimated 30 million people have been affected by malnutrition, displacement and gender-based violence that has ravaged Sudan during the conflict. The civil war has driven an estimated 14 million people from their homes, around 30 per cent of its population, and created what the United Nations has described as one of the largest displacement crises in history. David OHare, from Irish charity Trocaire, said the scale of the need in the north African nation is the worst he has ever seen and is going totally under the radar, unfortunately. David OHare, of Irish charity Trocaire, in Sudan, where he said a hunger crisis could kill more people than bullets from the civil war (David OHare/Trocaire/PA) On a recent trip, he visited an internal displaced persons (IDP) camp in Thobo and was struck by one mother in particular, Madina. After losing her husband and son, she and her seven children walked for six days to the camp in mid-30 degrees heat, eating leaves and grass for food. Her youngest boy, Murimabi, was extremely malnourished and was treated at a health centre which she said saved his life. I would have guessed he was three he was nine, Mr OHare, who is based in Belfast, told the PA news agency. Severe malnutrition over a prolonged period of time had stunted his growth. The Trocaire staff told me that his health has vastly improved since he arrived, but he still obviously has many medical issues stemming from that malnutrition. Sudan was plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital of Khartoum and spread to Darfur and other regions. This has badly affected a nation heavily reliant on agriculture, where people are forced to leave their land and can no longer grow their own food. Climate change has also led to poor harvests, due to either a lack of rain or land being flooded. Famine has been declared in five areas across the country, with a further five areas due to enter famine conditions in the coming months. Around 14 million people, 30 per cent of the inhabitants of Sudan, have been forced to flee their homes, Mr OHare said. So, to put that in context, thats twice the population of the entire island of Ireland. Ive worked in the humanitarian sector for nearly 20 years, and Im still finding it hard to get my head around the scale of the crisis that I saw first-hand in Sudan. Theres roughly 48 to 50 million inhabitants, so half the population 25 million people are at risk of acute malnutrition. Its absolutely horrendous. David Trocaire said he thought a nine-year-old boy called Murimabi whom he met in a camp in Sudan was around three years old (David OHare/Trocaire/PA) Trocaire runs 15 rural health centres and 11 nutrition outreach sites in the country to help tackle hunger and health issues. The Amdulu Health Centre was originally set up to help 12,000 people, but that number has doubled since an IDP camp opened nearby. Mr OHare said head of clinic Elizabeth Philip Kori described malnutrition as a major problem, particularly for women and children. In the state where the Nuba Mountains are located, South Kordofan, a million displaced people have arrived and added to its population of two million people in an already poor area. Juma Idris Kuku, the regional director of the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association, told Mr OHare that in this region it is not the fighting that kills people, it is a lack of food. The conflict has been the driver, but thats not what is the biggest risk to people at the moment, he said. Asked what it is about the crisis that makes it the worst he has seen, Mr OHare said: Its the scale that is just so vast. Its when I see kids that are very obviously malnourished, theyve got the little swollen bellies, their heads are very big. You can see obvious stunting in their growth. On a human level, thats what gets me the most. Its women and children who always seem to be the most vulnerable in these situations. He added: The scale of the need is totally outstripping available resources, which is one of the reasons why our Christmas appeal is for children in conflict, including kids in Sudan. Mothers and children wait at a clinic in Sudan (David OHare/Trocaire/PA) But he said the actions of a group of farmers in the Nuba mountains, who shared food with new arrivals to the region, had given him hope. They didnt have a safety net for themselves in terms of food, and yet they still shared what little they had with those people who were even worse off than them, whod had to flee with nothing, he said. That mutual support for someone, a stranger, but that you know theyre in a worse position than you are, and those farmers did share what little they had. That gives me hope. ATLANTA (Dec. 30, 2024) Today, in recognition of his long and distinguished service to the nation, the Congress of the United States graciously extended an invitation to the Carter family for former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This will allow an opportunity for the American people to pay their respects to President Carter. This invitation was respectfully and gratefully accepted. ### Contact: media@cartercenter.org The Carter Center Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Advertisement BUA Cement Plc has notified the Nigerian Exchange Ltd (NGX) and the investing public of the decision of its Board of Directors to renew the contract of employment of the Managing Director and the Chief Executive Officer, Yusuf Halliru Binji, for a further term of five years. In a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Hauwa Satomi, BUA Cement, stated: This is to inform the Nigerian Exchange Ltd (NGX) and the investing public of the decision of the Board of Directors of BUA Cement Plc to renew the contract of employment of the Managing Director and the Chief Executive Officer, Engr Yusuf Halliru Binji, for a further term of five years, effective 23 December 2024. The Board congratulates Mr Binji on this renewal and expresses confidence in his continued leadership to drive the companys growth and success. Advertisement A blast at a cement factory in Maihar district resulted in the death of a worker and led to unrest among employees, according to a report in The Times of India. The incident occurred late Thursday afternoon when 35-year-old Prabhu Dayal Kushwaha, while welding a tanker, was killed in the explosion. He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries. In response to his death, workers attacked HR manager Upendra Mishra, who sustained serious injuries. Police intervened, rescuing Mishra, who was later examined medically. A case of unnatural death has been filed, and a thorough investigation is underway. Authorities are also looking into the assault on the HR manager, according to Maihar police. On behalf of the 40 Signal Mountain Police and Fire officers and their families, we would like to thank you for your contribution to the 2024 S. M. Robertson Police / Fire Christmas Fund. The funds were distributed on Christmas Eve to those currently serving on the police and fire forces. Whether you have given for most or all of the 50+ years since this fund was started, or 2024 was your first year giving to the fund, we appreciate your sacrificial generosity, which blessed the families of the men and women who faithfully serve. Its an honor and privilege to get a glimpse of the kindness and support in our community. May God grant your family peace, safety, and joy during 2025! T. W. Francescon, Jr. The 2025 legislative session is approaching, allowing state policymakers to tackle critical educational challenges and explore practical solutions. Every child in Tennessee deserves a high-quality public education, and our role as a member of the community is crucial. Local control allows communities to make the best decisions for their schools, a principle supported by many Tennesseans and conservatives. Your engagement and input are not just necessary but valued. Each state has unique needs, and the federal government's role in education is increasingly under scrutiny. The United States Constitution explicitly omits education from its framework. The 10th Amendment reserves powers not assigned to the federal government to the states, suggesting that federal oversight in education is limited. Nevertheless, the 14th Amendment requires states to guarantee equal protection under the law for all individuals, establishing that equal opportunity is a priority. Key priorities this year for the 114th General Assembly should include enhancing teacher preparation and retention while addressing shortages. Enrollment in public and private four-year colleges has dropped over 6 percent nationally, making it harder for Colleges of Education to meet the demand for new teachers as many leave the profession. While technology has increased accessibility in education, social media poses new security challenges for schools. Additional concerns involve improving math instruction, reducing chronic absenteeism, coping with decreased federal funding, addressing facility needs across Tennessee, and Governor Bill Lee's proposal for universal vouchers. The Comptroller reports that Tennessee schools will require $10 billion for critical repairs and upgrades over the next five years. While 57 percent of school buildings are in good or excellent condition, 43 percent need urgent attention. Building age and air quality significantly affect students' health and well-being. High-quality facilities are essential for garnering community support for education. The costs include $5.4 billion for renovations and technology, $3.6 billion for new schools and additions, and $2.94 billion for constructing 70 new schools at $42 million each. Immediate action is necessary to provide our students with the environments they deserve. The state has failed to address this need long enough. Key questions include: What policy approaches can impact teacher supply, demand, and retention? How can Tennessee better support its teachers and students? Teacher attrition, a major contributor to teacher shortages, disrupts student learning and increases costs for schools and districts. How can we expand school safety measures to meet new challenges in school safety? What practical strategies can we implement to address teacher attrition? How do we address critical infrastructure needs? The significant decline in school attendance since COVID-19 is alarming. Chronically absent students are more likely to fall behind academically, become socially disengaged, and eventually drop out. As state policymakers look for solutions to this issue, we must consider how to address problems effectively. How important is the graduation rate? Do we redefine college and career readiness in light of declining birth rates and student debt? On June 16, 2011, Governor Bill Haslam signed a state budget of $30.8 billion, which grew to $56.2 billion by the fiscal year 2024. While our economy remains strong, it is showing clear signs of slowing. We should prioritize initiatives that advance our state rather than simply copying policies from other states. The administrations budget is primarily a wish list; the absolute authority to determine expenditures lies with the Tennessee General Assembly. Several significant challenges face our educators. These include low salaries, insufficient school funding, increasing class sizes, a lack of support and resources, high levels of student stress, growing administrative burdens, a culture of standardized testing, teacher burnout, and a shortage of qualified teachers. All of these factors contribute to concerns about the quality of public education and the overall well-being of teachers. The governor could bridge this gap by engaging stakeholders directly in meaningful conversations. While we sometimes critique state legislation and policies, we aim to provide constructive and helpful feedback. All policymakers must prioritize listening to educators directly involved in the field in their state. History has proven that many public officials profit at the public's expense, and out-of-state lobbyists often present solutions designed to enrich themselves. This erosion of trust in our institutions fuels public corruption, wasting our tax dollars. Think tanks and policy groups can provide valuable insights into educational issues, but they must not override the authority of those closest to the students. Decisions made far from the classroom carry much less weight. We, as Tennesseans, must take charge of our education policies and ensure they reflect our needs and priorities. When Professional Educators of Tennessee asks elected leaders challenging questions about education policy, the information shared through these conversations could change our opinions or validate our viewpoints. No one individual or group is correct about every issue all the time. There is a wide diversion of opinion between the executive branch and education stakeholders. If education is important, educators must feel valued. The government functions best when citizens are actively engaged. Your opinion is essential. Share your thoughts on what matters to you and your family. JC Bowman Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee William "Bill" J. Lamkin went on to his heavenly home on December 28, 2024. He passed away at home after a lengthy battle with many health issues. His loving and adoring family greatly miss him. He was a loving husband and father. He and his wife Donna shared 49 years of marriage. They spent much time raising and enjoying their only son, Nick. Bill loved his family. He took great joy doing things with their son both growing up and into adulthood. He was basically a homebody, but he loved family vacations, and eating out. He loved their little Chiweenie, ChiChi, and missed her when they traveled. Bill was born in Little Rock, Ar., on Feb. 22, 1947. He grew up in Memphis. He was in the USAF for 4 years during the Vietnam War. After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he attended Memphis State University, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Engineering. He went to work for TVA in Knoxville, TN after his graduation, working as an electrical engineer. He completed additional graduate work at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, while working for TVA. He was a Licensed Professional Engineer. He was transferred to TVA in Chattanooga in 1987 where he worked until full retirement. After retiring from TVA, he contracted with Sargeant and Lundy Engineering in Chattanooga for about 10 more years, before completely retiring. Bill was a member of the Collegedale Chapter of the American Legion. He and his wife were regular members of Christ United Methodist Church where they enjoyed activities with the Boomers and Shakers group. They also showed up regularly at the Hamilton YMCA fitness room. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, James and Inez Lamkin. He is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Nick; brother, Gary Lamkin (Melanie); sister, Pat Jones (Johnny); sister-in-law, Deborah Coriell (Mike), brother-in-law, Darrell Judd; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Jan. 6, at 11:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. David Hall officiating. Burial will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Nick Lamkin, Thomas Hammond, Mike Corielle, Junior Roberts, Gary Lamkin, and Todd Jones serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Monday, Jan. 6, at Christ United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Volunteers in Medicine or Bible In The Schoolsboth in Chattanooga. You may share condolences with the family at www.heritagechattanooga.com Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road. Former President Jimmy Carter came to the Scenic City several times either as a presidential candidate or former president in a variety of roles. And, although I did not try to track it down, he likely came to Chattanooga or North Georgia as well several times during his campaigns for Georgia governor in 1966 and 1970 and while governor from 1971-75. He apparently did not drop into town while serving as president, as have several other recent chief executives, although he did make a statewide campaign visit for Democratic candidates in 1978. With the help of the Chattanooga Public Librarys Local History and Genealogy Department, I tried to look up a few of his visits in old newspaper stories on microfilm. As his gubernatorial term was winding down and he could not run for re-election, he appeared at the Estes Kefauver dinner at the Read House on Aug. 22, 1974, and also spoke at the Tivoli. He said in a Chattanooga News-Free Press story written by Tom Griscom that his political future was uncertain, but that he would not have sought re-election as governor if allowed to. I have accomplished everything I set out to do, he said. And as the Watergate building break-in investigation had resulted in the resignation of President Richard Nixon just two weeks earlier, Mr. Carter said that while he did not agree with what all Mr. Nixon had done, he did not think he should be further punished. He also praised the work of former senators Estes Kefauver and Al Gore Sr., the latter of whom was also in attendance, in helping to bring further respect to Southern politicians. Mr. Carter at the time before becoming president was not the Democratic politician in town with the most eyes on him. That honor belonged to Ray Blanton, who would soon be elected governor of Tennessee before a scandal would stain his governorship. That day, Mr. Carter had also attended the funeral for former TV news broadcaster and Democratic congressional nominee Mort Lloyd at the Brainerd Church of Christ at 4203 Brainerd Road, according to Local 3 News broadcaster David Carrolls book, Hello Chattanooga! Mr. Lloyd had recently died in a private plane crash after securing the nomination. Although Mr. Carter said during his 1974 visit that he did not know what his future held, by 1975, he did. He had decided to run for president. As a result, on June 20, 1975, he campaigned at the Downtown Sheraton at 509-21 Chestnut St. and apparently one or two other places as the race was just getting started. He said in the story by Mr. Griscom that President Gerald Ford had not done anything right in the White House and that he wanted to bring a fresh face to Washington. He also said his roots in being from the Deep South state of Georgia should not be a detriment as it might have been in the past. There has been no instance of prejudice against me for being from the South, he said. While George Wallace of Alabama at the time was considered the leading candidate, Mr. Carter said that the governor could never get a large percentage of the vote and he felt confident in his chances, saying he was in the race to win. He also said he would select a vice president who would add geographical balance to the ticket, which he ended up doing with Walter Mondale from Minnesota. Wife Rosalynn Carter also came to Chattanooga to campaign for him in July 1975, and Emily McDonald of the Chattanooga Times had a sit-down interview with her. Ms. Carter told Ms. McDonald that they both usually traveled separately on the campaign trail for logistical efficiency. She also said daughter Amy was on a youth trip to New York and Canada with Rosalynns mother serving as her chaperone, but Amy was armed with some campaign mementoes to hand out. Mr. Carter during this time had an appeal or maybe kind manner that almost surprisingly drew him to a lot of people. One of them was my late mother, Mrs. Velma Shearer. Although she normally voted Republican as did my father, Dr. C. Wayne Shearer, she had met him somewhere, perhaps at an optometric gathering in another town, and took a liking to him as a candidate. As a result, she announced to our family early on that she was supporting him for president, and she continued to do so. We also traveled down to Plains during a Jacksonville Beach trip in 1976 and she met his mother, Ms. Lillian Carter. While Mr. Carter surprised a lot of people by getting elected in a close race against Mr. Ford, whom he had debated in the first presidential debate series since 1960, being an outsider helped him. Unfortunately, as has been well documented, he struggled as president due in part to economic and energy challenges and problems after a revolting Iran took some Americans hostage. He did manage to create the peace accords with Israel and Egypt. In May 1981 shortly after he left office, I had a chance to see President Carter in person when I was a University of Georgia student, and he spoke at the University of Georgias law school Law Day program on Old Campus. I remember I got out of bed at my off-campus apartment right before his morning talk and, wearing a T-shirt, managed to get within 100 yards or so of him. I remember he joked when he started, As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, in reference to losing the election in a landslide to the optimistic and naturally communicative Ronald Reagan. I believe that was the only time I saw him in person, although he had also been at the Georgia-Notre Dame Sugar Bowl in New Orleans a few weeks before in a game I had also attended in person. Perhaps his most interesting visit to Chattanooga came on May 28, 1985. He was raising money for the operation of his presidential library scheduled to be built and his policy center at Emory University. He also hoped to connect his operations with a number of other universities, including UTC. In a previously unannounced visit, he and his entourage stayed at the Chattanooga Choo Choo after arriving by motorcade the day before from Atlanta. He attended a dinner party with investment counselor friend L. Hardwick Caldwell Jr. and his wife, Harriet, at their Signal Mountain home. He also met with Benwood Foundation officials on the 16th floor of American National Bank, with Rick Montague and the Lyndhurst Foundation officials on the seventh floor of the Tallan Building, and went to the Provident (now Unum) building to meet with Hugh O. Maclellan Sr. of the Maclellan Foundation. He then had lunch with about 15 invitees at the Mountain City Club on Chestnut Street. I was working for the Chattanooga News-Free Press then, and apparently the Chattanooga Times had been tipped off he was to be in town, and reporter Bill Dedman (one of my Baylor School classmates, who would later win a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting) covered and wrote about his movements throughout town. But early that afternoon in the newsroom of the Free Press, we somehow were alerted by a caller saying that the former president was at the Mountain City Club. Veteran reporter Ronnie Moore hustled down there and was able to get an interview with the president that ran in the next days paper, and the entire newsroom felt proud we had been able to get a story in those competitive days, too, despite not being notified. Mr. Carter would indeed have a nice library and center and would use that to help launch what most people consider the most admirable career of an ex-president in U.S. history. The diverse Mr. Carter would also come to Chattanooga on Aug. 15, 1986, for the weigh-in at the UTC Arena during the Bass Masters Classic professional fishing tournament. And he and Rosalynn would also be in town for the Oct. 18, 2014, Kefauver dinner at the Chattanooga Convention Center while their grandson, Jason, was running unsuccessfully for governor of Georgia. And as Mr. Carroll has documented in his book and elsewhere, the former president also made a vacation visit with his extended family to the Chattanooga Choo Choo in 1991, and Mr. Carroll was able to get an interview with him after being tipped off. Yes, Chattanooga managed to have several stops on Mr. Carters long journey through life serving the nations highest office and trying to continuously involve himself in some of lifes highest callings with a choo choo train-like energy. * * * Jcshearer2@comcast.net A 1,700-year-old Mount of Olives lamp has been discovered in Jerusalem, Israel. | Photo Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority/ Emil Aladjem A rare 1,700-year-old lamp featuring Jewish Temple symbols has been uncovered in Jerusalem, as announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) on Thursday. According to All Israel News, Excavation Director Michael Chernin emphasized the significance of the ancient artifact, which he called the Mount of Olives lamp. Chernin explained, After the Roman Emperor Hadrian suppressed the Bar Kockba rebellion in 135 C.E., Jews were expelled from the city. The Mount of Olives lamp is one of the few material traces of a Jewish presence around Jerusalem in the third to fifth centuries C.E. He also noted that the exquisite artistic workmanship of the lamp, which was found complete, makes it outstanding and extremely rare. Chernin described the discovery as particularly surprising, acknowledging that there is very little evidence of the existence of a Jewish settlement in and around Jerusalem from this period. Benjamin Storchan, an IAA research archaeologist, identified the ancient lamp as being of the 'Beit Nattif' type, named after a production workshop identified in the 1930s near Bet Shemesh, a town located west of Jerusalem. Storchan explained that oil lamps with menorah decorations are exceedingly rare, and only a few similar Beit Nattif-type lamps can be found in the National Treasures archive. He remarked that the choice of symbols on the lamp is intentional, stating, This is a fascinating testimony connecting everyday objects and faiths among ancient Jerusalems inhabitants. It seems that the lamp belonged to a Jew, who purchased it because of its religious affiliation and memorial to the Temple. It is evident that the lamp maker dedicated a great deal of time and effort to its decoration. The molds were made in two parts (upper and lower). To create the lamp, the potter pressed the clay into the molds and then pressed them together. Finally, the vessel was fired, and it could be used. This method of producing lamps in molds allowed for refined designs, as well as the addition of delicate and intricate decorations, he elaborated. Israeli Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu welcomed the discovery, connecting it to the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. This unique oil lamp, which in an exciting manner bears the symbols of the Temple, connects the lights of the past with the Hanukkah holiday of today and expresses the deep and long-standing connection of the nation of Israel to its heritage and to the Temples memory, Eliyahu stated. In addition to this discovery, Israeli archaeologists recently found an ancient Jewish oil lamp dating back to the fourth to sixth centuries at Zippori National Park in Israels northern Galilee region, an area associated with the life of Jesus and early Christianity. Home News Beloved youth pastor killed in shark attack while spearfishing: 'A young man who loved God' A beloved youth pastor in Queensland, Australia, died after a shark attack while spearfishing. The 40-year-old was bitten on the neck while in the water with his family, according to reports. Emergency services received calls this past weekend and found Luke Walford, a youth pastor from the Cathedral of Praise church in Rockhampton, Queensland, suffering life-threatening injuries, according to The Straits Times. Police said Walford was fishing off Humpy Island in the Great Barrier Reefs Keppel Bay Islands National Park when the attack happened. A Queensland ambulance spokesperson said Walford had sustained a significant life-threatening wound to his neck and died at the scene. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Walford had previously posted photos of himself in a wetsuit during earlier fishing trips and was believed to have been spearfishing at the time, according to community leaders. This was a young man who loved people, who loved God, Claude Fingleton, the pastor of Cathedral of Praise, told the Australian broadcaster ABC, as noted by The Times. He was greatly loved. A family friend said he watched the rescue helicopter fly overhead but had no idea it was for Walford. I always say a little tribute for whoever it may be, but to find out it was Luke was a very sad day, Doug Webber told the BBC. Donna Kirkland, a Queensland State Parliament member representing Rockhampton, expressed shock over the attack and described Walford as a family friend, not only to my own family but also countless others. In a statement shared on Facebook and quoted by News.com.au, one church member wrote: Ive had the privilege of watching Luke grow from a child to a remarkable young man. I dedicated him as a baby, and over the last 10 to 13 years, Ive witnessed his incredible contributions as part of our church staff. He was truly a beloved figure, especially among our young people, children, and the entire congregation. Several people remembered the late pastor as remarkable, selfless and the most generous person. Another tribute read: This man was the most generous person I have ever met with his time to all those around him. He went out of his way to give all he had to others, literally putting any of his agendas second to the young and old, men and women alike. Police indicated Walford had been on holiday with his family. Humpy Island in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park is popular with camping enthusiasts who come for snorkeling, diving and easy access to reefs. It is part of the southern section of the Great Barrier Reef, renowned for its marine wildlife and visited by travelers each year. Australian authorities recorded more than 1,200 shark incidents across the country since 1791, with over 250 resulting in death, according to The Times. Most serious bites have been caused by white sharks, bull sharks and tiger sharks. Australias previous fatal shark attack took place in December 2023, when a teenage boy was killed by what was believed to be a great white in South Australia, according to BBC. Home News Discovery of 100-year-old cross medallion in Jerusalem by 10-year-old boy sparks excitement A school field trip to Ein Kerem in the Judean Hills turned into a once-in-a-lifetime discovery for a 10-year-old boy, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) reported on Sunday. According to The Jerusalem Post, The golden medallion, which features a micro-mosaic technique, was examined by Amit Reem, the IAA's Jerusalem District Archaeologist. Ein Kerem is recognized as a significant pilgrimage destination for Christians who desire to see the birthplace of John the Baptist. It is also where Mary, the mother of Jesus, had a significant visit with her cousin, Elizabeth (Johns mother). Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Nehorai Nir, the boy who discovered the mosaic cross medallion, explained how he found it. I ran to pick it up and discovered a worm inside, so I reluctantly put it down, but on the way back up the hill, I suddenly saw a colorful object shining in the dirt. I pulled it out and was immediately very excited," Nir said. In Israel, any unique or seemingly ancient item must be reported to the Antiquities Authority for verification, as archaeological finds, including those over 100 years old, are considered state property. Keeping such items without proper reporting is illegal and may result in legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The medallion is not considered an antiquity because it is only between 100-200 years old, according to IAA archaeologist Reem. Although not from a more ancient era, the discovery still sparked considerable excitement. Reem explained that the craftsmanship of the medallion required great skill. This technique was developed in Rome about the year 1800 or slightly earlier and continued until the early 20th century." He added, This cross is a testament to the personal story of a pilgrim who visited Ein Karem 100 to 200 years ago, reflecting the centrality of the Holy Land to the three monotheistic religions. It was no small feat for people a couple of hundred years ago to traverse land and sea just to touch the soil where it all began. The discovery of the cross medallion pays homage all these years later to the dedication of Christian pilgrims. This article was originally published at All Israel News 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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 South Korean church leaders express sorrow after death toll rises in Jeju Air plane crash Church leaders in South Korea have expressed their condolences after a plane crash in the southwest of the country killed at least 179 people. Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, crashed at Muan International Airport as it attempted to land. 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The 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." U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement that he was "deeply saddened" by the news. In a post on the 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." This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News Mississippi tornado leaves couple unscathed in church wreckage: 'God has a future for us' A powerful tornado tore through a historic church in southern Mississippi over the weekend, leaving the congregation of O'Zion Baptist Church in Meadville to rely on their motto, "Small church, big heart," as they begin to rebuild for a second time from a tornado. The storm, part of a severe weather outbreak across the South, destroyed much of the church, which was established in 1917, on Saturday night, hurling the steeple into a nearby stand of trees, Fox Weather reports. The scene on Sunday morning was devastating, with the building reduced to rubble and debris scattered across the grounds. However, one area stood out a small, clean patch of floor where church members Rick and Diane took cover. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "After all this, there's one bare spot in this church, about a 6-foot diameter, that has a clean floor. That's where she and I were laying, in that clean spot," Rick told the outlet. "After it was over with, we stood up and, look at this people, we didn't have a splinter on us. We didn't have a speck of dust on us." This is not the first time O'Zion Baptist Church has faced nature's fury. On May 5, 1934, a tornado also struck the church. Nearly 90 years later, another twister has brought destruction to the community. "We're all devastated," church secretary Phyllis Daniels Whittington told FOX Weather's Brandy Campbell. "But we know (God) has a future, a bright future for us." According to local station WAPT, Sunday's service was held outside the rubble of O'Zion Baptist Church despite the wreckage. In the coming weeks and months, church members will meet at a different location while they make plans to rebuild. The weekend storms caused widespread destruction across the Gulf Coast. Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center, told the Associated Press that there were at least 45 reports of damage from the tornadoes across the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. According to AccuWeather, severe thunderstorms on Saturday were responsible for more than 200 storm reports, including nearly four dozen tornadoes. At least four people have been killed as a result of the tornadoes, which also left tens of thousands of people without power. Two of the deaths took place in Mississippi, with one more each in Texas and North Carolina. NWS teams are conducting damage surveys to assess the strength of the tornadoes, including one that hit Franklin County, where O'Zion Baptist Church once stood. The NWS office in Jackson is leading the investigation into the intensity of the storm. In May, an F1 tornado ripped off the roof of Crossroads Ministries in Finleyville, Pennsylvania, as about 100 people worshiped, yet everyone survived without any significant injuries. The church's pastor, Rev. Ken Barner, called the outcome "a miracle." "Folks, I just want you to know that we're standing on the promises of God right now. This is a very big moment for our church, and I know that we will get through this," he said. "This is just a building folks. I thank God for it. The people who've gone before us, they have done a good job to hand us what they could do, and we've been doing our best to take care of it and really use it for the honor and glory of God, but folks, this is just a building here, and I know that God is really using us as his church," he added. "I want you to know that by next weekend, we will meet somewhere." Home News Popular travel destinations Christian pastors, celebrities are taking people to in 2025 After more than four decades of delivering transformative faith-based travel experiences, Inspiration Travel is embarking on an exciting new chapter in 2025 from new leadership to new experiences, including the Gaither's final Alaska cruise and Patricia Heaton's "Deborah's Rising Women's" conference and tour. With the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers Stephanie Dueck Smith and President Joel James as president, the company is poised to lead the industry into a future filled with innovative journeys, spiritual growth and meaningful connections. Founded in 1981, Inspiration Travel has enriched the lives of over 244,000 believers with curated itineraries that blend global exploration with faith. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Smith steps into the role following the distinguished tenure of former President Steve Dick, who has led the company for 30 years. Dick's transition to chairman and owner ensures continuity while paving the way for a new era. "I'm deeply honored to continue building on the incredible legacy my father and our leadership team have established," said Smith. "I'm passionate about expanding our mission, offering transformative experiences that foster spiritual growth and connection. This next chapter of our business will focus on both honoring our roots and embracing the future." James, a company veteran with over a decade of experience, brings his operational expertise and relational leadership to his new role as president. Smith and James aim to build on the company's reputation as a leader in faith-driven travel. Inspiration Travel's 2025 lineup promises diverse experiences, from cruises with iconic Christian leaders to immersive tours of biblical destinations. Here's a glimpse of what's on the horizon: Home News Trump endorses Mike Johnson as House speaker: 'Good, hard working, religious man' President-elect Donald Trump has endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in an effort to rally Republicans around the congressional leader as the party is slated to grapple with a razor-thin margin in the forthcoming 119th U.S. Congress. In a statement posted to Truth Social Monday, Trump delivered a message to congressional Republicans, urging them in all capital letters not to "blow this great opportunity which we have been given." After noting how his party swept the swing states in the presidential election and won the popular vote, he contends Americans need "immediate relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Trump praised Johnson, a devout Baptist, as a "good, hard working, religious man" who will "do the right thing," expressing confidence that "we will continue to WIN" under his leadership. "Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement," he added. Trump's advocacy on behalf of Johnson comes as the Republican-controlled House of Representatives is slated to elect a speaker on Friday. Following the 2024 election, Republicans won 220 seats while Democrats won 215. However, the number of Republicans in Congress will start at 219 due to the resignation of Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. With Democrats expected to back Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., for speaker, Johnson has little room for defections from members of his own party. One congressional Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, wrote on X Monday morning that "I won't be voting for Mike Johnson." Trump's endorsement of Johnson did not appear to convince Massie to change his mind. "I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan. We've seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget," he declared in a subsequent post. Responding to a reply to his initial X post, Massie outlined how he believes "the politics are such that no one else will run for Speaker" until "Mike Johnson concedes that he can't be Speaker" and "Trump weighs in." Massie is not the only House Republican who may not back Johnson. In an interview on "Fox & Friends" Monday, Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., indicated that she might not support Johnson for Speaker. She said Johnson must commit to "President Trump's agenda" and expressed doubts about whether he would actually work to implement the policy priorities of Trump and Republicans based on his tenure. "He committed on the House floor to have a fiscal commission so we have [a] plan for [the] debt ceiling increase," she recalled. "He was afraid to put it on the floor," Spartz lamented. "He was afraid to put [the] budget on the floor except [the] Post Office bill. We could not accomplish anything." "I can give him a chance, but I would like to hear from him how he's going to be delivering this agenda and what plan he has and he hasn't been doing it," she said, suggesting that other congressional Republicans share her concerns and may be willing to seek the office themselves. The 118th U.S. Congress was defined in part by Republican infighting, which came to a head when former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., was ousted in October 2023. It took three weeks before Republicans rallied around Johnson as the consensus candidate to replace McCarthy. As demonstrated by the lengthy process to select a replacement for McCarthy, it will take the support of a majority of members of the U.S. House of Representatives to become speaker. Mathematically, this amounts to 218 out of 435. The threshold of 218 votes will remain the same even as the vacancy caused by Gaetz's resignation decreases the number of members to 434. However, the number of votes required to become speaker decreases if members of Congress opt to vote "present." Johnson's future will depend on whether those on the fence come through and support him and if they do not, whether they opt to back an alternative candidate or vote "present." Although Republicans may have strong ambitions for the 119th Congress with control of both chambers of Congress and the executive branch, the House will be stalled and can't certify the results of the 2024 presidential election until it elects a speaker. A failure to elect a speaker by Jan. 20 would prevent Trump from taking office as scheduled. In such a scenario, the Senate president pro tempore, the longest-serving member of the U.S. Senate, will become acting president until a speaker is elected. At the beginning of the 119th U.S. Congress, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, will hold that title. For her part, Spartz remained confident in her interview with "Fox & Friends" that the selection of a speaker will not drag on past Inauguration Day. "That's not going to happen," she said. "We will have a speaker." Home News US presidents react to Jimmy Carters death at 100; Trump calls him a truly good man Tributes from past and present American presidents and leaders flooded in soon after the announcement of Jimmy Carter's death at the age of 100 in Georgia on Sunday. President-elect Donald Trump praised Carter as "a truly good man," acknowledging their political differences while commending Carter's lasting respect for the country. The former president, writing on Truth Social, stated, "While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed," Trump wrote. "He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect." Trump offered "warmest condolences" to Carter's family and praised the former president for his efforts to "make America a better place." President Joe Biden, speaking to journalists on the day of Carter's passing, recalled his earliest encounters with the Georgia native. "My fondest memory was laughs he grabbed me by the arm and said, 'You helped my campaign (for the presidential race in 1976).' I said I have only been around a couple of years, Mr. Governor. He said it will make a difference," Biden said. "I told him why I was endorsing that it was not only his policies, but his character, his decency, the honor he communicates." The president also recounted the support Carter offered when the Bidens lost their son Beau. "But he and Rosalynn were very kind when we lost Beau. They were there for us. I think Jimmy Carter was an example of simple decency." Former President Barack Obama, writing on Medium, reflected on visiting Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, where Carter often taught Sunday school. Obama mentioned that people came not just to see a former president, but "because of something more fundamental: President Carter's decency." He pointed to Carter's devotion to truth, saying the 39th president "promised voters that he would always tell the truth," and he "did advocating for the public good, consequences be damned." Obama referred to Carter's environmental reforms, the Camp David Accords and his post-White House endeavours, including monitoring more than 100 elections worldwide and nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease in Africa. Obama also acknowledged Carter's Nobel Peace Prize. Former President George W. Bush sent "heartfelt condolences" to the Carter family, naming President Carter "a man of deeply held convictions" who "dignified the office." Bush noted that Carter's service did not end with his single term, saying, "His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations." In a joint statement, former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, said they met Carter in 1975 and were "proud early supporters" of his presidential campaign. "Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others until the very end," the Clintons said. Vice President Kamala Harris, in a statement, noted that Carter "was guided by a deep and abiding faith in God, in America, and in humanity." She described him as a figure who "reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion" and commended his "fight for peace, democracy, and human dignity through the Carter Center." Harris recalled celebrating Rosalynn Carter's life with President Biden in Georgia. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had been married 77 years. On Sunday afternoon, Carter's son, Chip, confirmed that the former president passed away at his home in Georgia. According to the Carter Center, he transitioned to hospice care in February last year, opting to spend his remaining time at home. Despite several health challenges, he reached his 100th birthday in October. Carter is the first U.S. president to reach the age of 100. Carter, born in 1924, grew up in a small farming town in Georgia before attending the U.S. Naval Academy. He served as a lieutenant and later rose in political prominence by winning a seat in the Georgia Senate, followed by the governorship in 1971. He assumed the presidency in 1977 after defeating Gerald Ford, securing 297 electoral college votes. During his White House tenure, Carter worked on energy deregulation, created the U.S. Department of Education and signed the Camp David Accords, a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, according to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. He left office after a single term, having faced economic struggles and international crises. In the years that followed, he and his wife devoted their time to charitable projects, most notably with Habitat for Humanity. Carter continued teaching Sunday school in his hometown church for decades and authored more than 30 books. Carter occasionally garnered controversy for his commentary on the Middle East, conservative Christianity and other political matters. Home Opinion The rise of modern-day child sacrifice The ancient Romans had a saying Homo homini lupus est, meaning, Man is like a wolf unto other men, a saying easily proven by a quick glance at most history books. But just as true would be the saying: Homo Pueris lupus est, that is, Man is like a wolf unto children. Ancient history has proven this horror to be the case, specifically in the case of child sacrifice. The Carthaginians, Romes mortal enemies, were infamous for this practice, rolling infants down into a gaping pit filled with fire at the center of an idol of the fertility god Baal Hammon, according to Roman accounts. The idol, extending its hands, palms up and sloping towards the ground, would greedily accept the votive offerings in exchange for supposed divine favor. Nor was this practice limited to the Carthaginians. The Bible recounts how the Canaanites Carthages ancestors sacrificed children to idols in horrendous ways, a practice that was sadly picked up by the sinful Israelites as well, and which also arose independently in civilizations as far away in time and space as the Aztecs in South America. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe If reading about these atrocities churns your stomach, reflect on what is going on before our eyes these very days with gender-affirming surgery. A principal difference between whats taking place in Western society and what happened more than 2,000 years ago is that the modern champions of child sacrifice have much better PR than Carthage. But the truth of the matter is that the modern version of that ancient atrocity is just as evil and selfish. Parents who have had their children forcibly taken away can attest to the pain of knowing that their child is likely gone forever. Only instead of dropping them into a flaming pit, the modern-day priests of Baal mutilate their bodies, warp their minds, and brainwash them. Consider the case of Jeff Younger, a Texas man who recently lost a legal battle against his ex-wife, Anne Georgulas, over his two sons, including one child who will now be put through the gauntlet of gender-affirming care. Youngers heartbreaking X post is worth quoting in full: I lost all parental rights to my sons. Goodbye, boys. Perhaps, we will meet when you are adults. California Judge Juhas gave my ex-wife authority to castrate my son, James. All contact with my boys must be supervised. I wont do that. I send letters and gifts to my sons. My ex is not required to give them to the boys. I cannot post pictures of my sons. Let my story be a cautionary one for young men. Fathers have no rights to their children. Do not enter the family law system. Georgulas, who is actually board-certified pediatrician, started Jamess slow descent from a young age, brainwashing him into thinking hes a girl named Luna. When the state of Texas would not allow her to chemically castrate her son, she moved to California, taking advantage of a state law that empowers abusive parents who want to afflict their sons and daughters with transgender hormones and surgeries. Younger isnt the only one whose son was effectively abducted by the acolytes of gender ideology. Adam Vena similarly lost a custody battle over his five-year-old son, Aidan, who was pushed down the path of gender ideology by Venas ex-girlfriend, who started corrupting her son during early infancy. The mother began clothing Aidan in girls dresses at the young age of two and recently won the legal power to pump Aidan full of harmful puberty blockers. Venas ex-girlfriend also imposed female pronouns on the child and wrote to the leaders of Aidans private school that Aidan has come out as transgender and is ready for the world to accept her for who she truly is. She fully identifies as female, uses female pronouns, and uses the girls restroom ... Aidan is a girl who was born in a boys body. To me, she says every single part of me is a girl, except I have a (anatomically correct word for male genitalia). This epidemic of insanity is, sadly, not limited just to the U.S. In a case exemplary of this suicidal mind virus, as Elon Musk terms it, Switzerlands justice system is currently trying to force a mother and father to help their daughter become a boy. The parents in question opposed their daughters schools campaign to convince her that she is actually a boy. When the school in question continued with its sick efforts, it ran into the parents continued resistance and school authorities ultimately reported the parents to the government, which took the daughter away from her loving home. Now, the authorities are also forcing the parents to provide certain documents to enable a legal sex change. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that gender-dysphoric individuals who go through transgender treatments face severe mental health issues and depression that frequently lead to suicide. The gender-affirming care conveyor belt from the public schools that brainwash children to the clinics that butcher their bodies to the parents and judges who enable it all is leading straight into Baals insatiable clutches. Those who continue indoctrinating children with this gender ideology, whether public school officials or abusive parents like Georgulas and Venas former partner, are willfully blinding themselves to the fate that these innocents will likely face one day. Only, instead of immolating their sons and daughters to placate angry idols or improve the fertility of their fields, they sacrifice them in the service of a manifestly false and insane political ideology. Such conduct is evil, abusive, and downright demonic. Christians have a duty to oppose the evil maltreatment of children at every turn and to pray that these evil men and women will one day repent with a broken and contrite heart. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. Home News Lawmakers take Brazil govt to international body for censoring pro-life campaign messages A group of five legislators in Brazil is taking the leftist government to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, contending that pro-life campaign messages were unjustly censored in violation of free speech protections under international law. In their petition filed with the commission, the legislators claim that censorship within the country has escalated since 2019, according to the legal advocacy group ADF International, which is representing the five lawmakers Sen. Eduardo Girao and Chamber Deputies Marcel Van Hattem, Adriana Ventura, Gilson Marques and Ricardo Salles. The petition asserts that the government's measures reached an extraordinary level when authorities blocked pro-life messages during the 2022 election cycle. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The filings refer to restrictions that impacted millions of citizens by curtailing access to conservative viewpoints and argue that these restrictions conflict with protections outlined in the American Convention on Human Rights. Article 13 of the Convention affirms the "right to freedom of thought and expression" and prohibits "prior censorship" and "indirect methods or means" that may impede the circulation of ideas. During the 2022 election, the authorities targeted pro-life messages that conflicted with then-candidate Lula da Silva's pro-abortion position. Representatives for the legislators say this interference undermined the fairness of the electoral process by disqualifying certain viewpoints from the national discourse. The ban prompted over 100 free speech advocates including former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, journalist Michael Shellenberger and multiple American and European officials to issue an open letter in September, asking Brazilian authorities to restore free expression. The legislators denounced the 39-day ban on the social media platform X for its refusal to block several profiles the government accused of spreading misinformation about Brazil's 2022 presidential election won by Lula over former President Jair Bolsonaro. They characterize it as "disproportionate and of dubious legal basis," maintaining that it severely impacted their ability to share political perspectives. The blocking of X in the country is an issue that "has caused real damage to Brazilian democracy, producing a chilling effect on the majority of the population who, according to recent surveys, are afraid to express their opinions in public," according to the petition. Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Brazilian Supreme Court mandated the "immediate, complete and total suspension of X's operations" on Aug. 30. "The world watched as Brazilian authorities blatantly clamped down on the free speech rights of over 20 million Brazilians by shutting down X ahead of the national elections," ADF International lead legal counsel Julio Pohl said in a statement. "While the ban was eventually lifted, the fact remains that millions of Brazilians, including the five legislators now taking their case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, were subjected to unlawful censorship during a critical time in their country." In a tweet, X owner Elon Musk thanked ADF International for intervening in the matter. Deputy van Hattem, a 39-year-old who assumed office in 2019, said in a statement that he is taking his case to the international level because "we can't afford to lose Brazil to authoritarianism." "What we have seen time and again in Brazil is an egregious silencing of political voices, citizens, journalists, or anyone else who might share different viewpoints from Judge Alexandre de Moraes or others in control," he said. Sen. Girao said, "Brazilians throughout the country are afraid to share their beliefs for fear of persecution and punishment." The Federal Public Ministry, Brazil's Public Prosecutor's Office, had earlier sought the removal of all religious symbols from federal and state buildings, claiming that their presence violated the principle of non-discrimination and compromised the religious freedom of all Brazilian citizens. However, last month, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court unanimously ruled to permit religious symbols in public buildings, finding that their presence does not breach the secular framework. All 11 justices agreed that crucifixes and other religious imagery can be displayed as part of the country's cultural heritage. ADF International submitted a legal brief in support of this position. Home News Christian college students gain access to financial aid program after ban Students at a Christian college in Georgia will be permitted to participate in a state-backed financial aid program after a prohibition prevented them from receiving tuition assistance if they are studying at a school or college of theology or divinity. Luther Rice College & Seminary, a Christian, private, nonprofit institution near Atlanta, was approved to take part in Georgia's State Aid programs, beginning in the fall of 2025, the school said in a statement. These programs include HOPE and Zell Scholarships for eligible undergraduates, as well as high school dual enrollment opportunities. In October, Luther Rice filed a lawsuit requesting that state officials grant the school access to Georgia's financial aid offerings. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia and supported by the religious liberty legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom, named members of the Georgia Student Finance Commission and Georgia Student Finance Authority as defendants. The lawsuit argued that Luther Rice had to decide between retaining its "religious mission, degree programs, and commitment to teaching from a Christian worldview" or conforming to state rules restricting the school's faith-based identity. "This endeavor was not just an opportunity to defend our religious freedom, but it was also an opportunity to demonstrate the value of a Christian education," Luther Rice President Steven Steinhilber said in a school statement. "I commend the State and our partners at Alliance Defending Freedom for swiftly reaching a solution. I look forward to providing our Georgia residents an affordable biblically based education that is so vital for our time." The school's complaint stated that Georgia prohibits private schools deemed a "school or college of theology or divinity" from taking part in the state's aid programs, even if the school otherwise fulfills all eligibility criteria. Citing the language of the state's officials, the lawsuit said Luther Rice's offerings were viewed as "religious based" and that non-religious degrees were "substantially intertwined with the school's religious mission." "Because of that exclusion, no Luther Rice student can receive Georgia student aid for any undergraduate degree or course, not even for a course or degree in the school's general studies or psychology programs," read the complaint. "And no Georgia high school students can receive dual credit at Luther Rice." The complaint claimed that Georgia permits other religious schools to participate, leaving Luther Rice, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, as "the only excluded nonprofit school that is located in Georgia" and that otherwise qualifies for the same state financial aid. ADF Legal Counsel Andrea Dill previously told The Christian Post that she believed it was "unconstitutional for the government to deny a religious school a public benefit solely for its religious beliefs." "People of faith cannot be discriminated against for choosing the school that best aligns with their beliefs. The U.S. Constitution does not prevent the state from including religious organizations in state funding programs." She added, "To the contrary, the Constitution prohibits the state from excluding religious organizations from otherwise available public benefits solely because of their religious character or exercise." In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court held in David Carson et al. v. A. Pender Makin that Maine's state tuition assistance program could not prevent parents from applying the funds to institutions that include religious instruction. Jimmy Carter Dies At 100, Russia's Christmas Assault In Ukraine, Trump's Envoy Mark Burnett link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:56 06:56 Top headlines for Monday, December 30, 2024 In this episode, we share the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, the recent Christmas Day tensions as Russia launched a substantial missile and drone assault in Ukraine, sparking international condemnation, including from Trump's designated envoy. We also discuss President-elect Donald Trump's decision to appoint Mark Burnett, famed producer of The Apprentice, as his special envoy to the United Kingdom. Lastly, we take a moment to honor the legacies of notable Christians who passed away in 2024, reflecting on their contributions and the lasting impact they leave behind. Plateau State, Nigeria. (CP) 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. 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, we've 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. The Christian Post (Photo: Getty/iStock) Three Christians were shot and wounded in a Christmas Day gun attack on the home of a pastor and televangelist in Lahore, Pakistan, sources said. Following a Christmas Eve confrontation in which Pastor Shahzad Siddique tried to stop Muslims from harassing guests, more than a dozen gunmen the next day opened fire on Christians at a gathering outside his home in Lahore's Maryam Colony, said Siddique, a Pentecostal preacher on satellite television channel Praise TV. "I had just returned home from my church and was resting when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire outside my house," Sidique told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. He called a police helpline, and an assistant sub-inspector and another officer arrived within 25 minutes; at the same time, some church members arrived for the planned Christmas festivities, he said. "I was briefing the policemen about the firing incident when, all of a sudden, youths riding motorcycles came there and opened indiscriminate fire on us," Siddique said. "Unfortunately, three people my uncle, driver and a church member received bullet injuries on the arm, stomach, and leg. We were able to catch one attacker while the others fled on foot, leaving behind five motorcycles." Two of the three male church members wounded, Pastor Siddique's uncle Arif Masih and driver Adnan Pervaiz, were out of danger, but the third Christian, Akash Patras, remained in serious condition with a wounded abdomen, the pastor said. Police have arrested five suspects and were raiding sites to apprehend other assailants, he said. "I believed that this country was safe for us, but now I'm forced to admit that it isn't safe to be a Christian in Pakistan," Pastor Siddique told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. "I've always preached peace and tolerance, but this unprovoked attack has shown that extremist elements do not want a peaceful society." Nasir Jameel, a neighbor of Pastor Siddique and member of his church, said the attack resulted from a minor altercation on Christmas Eve. "Pastor Siddique was leading a rally comprising church members including young girls and women on Dec. 24 when a group of local Muslims riding a car started misbehaving with the participants," Jameel told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. "Pastor Siddique and other elders confronted the Muslims and told them not to tease the congregants. This must have stoked anger in the Muslims and led them to plan the attack." Shehrbano Naqvi, assistant superintendent of Police Defense Circle, said officers were making efforts to arrest all assailants. "We will ensure that all those involved in this incident will be arrested and punished," she said, confirming the arrest of the five suspects. "We have also deployed police security in the area to protect the Christian residents." Joseph Jansen of rights group Voice for Justice termed the attack on Pastor Siddique's home as "deeply troubling and unacceptable." "This act of violence, driven by religious hatred, highlights a grave issue of intolerance and discrimination," Jansen said. "The government of Pakistan must act decisively to hold accountable those inciting such hatred and attacking individuals and places of worship." Jansen expressed concern over a persistent culture of impunity in Pakistan that leaves religious minorities in constant fear of violence. "Inaction against perpetrators has allowed extremist forces to thrive unchecked, further exacerbating the threat to vulnerable communities," Jansen told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. "Pakistan's failure to safeguard minority rights and prevent religious based violence also undermines its international commitments." Pastor Siddique called on officials to arrest all of the attackers and ensure that they are punished in accordance with the law. "I also appeal the government to ensure the security of our community," he said. Violence against Christians in Pakistan has escalated in the recent years. On Aug. 16, 2023, a Muslim mob attacked Christian neighborhoods in Jaranwala Tehsil, Punjab Province, torching multiple churches and homes of Christians after two Christian men were accused of writing blasphemous content and desecrating the Quran. Of the more than 300 people arrested for the violence, only one is still in jail, with the rest walking free on bail due to defective police investigation, rights advocates say. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors' 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. Christian Daily International After leaving the White House, Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn spent decades volunteering with Christian charity Habitat for Humanity. (Photo: Habitat for Humanity) Tributes have been paid to former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday afternoon at the age of 100. Carter died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, died in November 2023 at the age of 96. Born in 1924, Carter, a former peanut farmer, was the longest-lived president in US history and the first Southern Baptist to be elected president of the United States. Prior to entering the White House he was governor of Georgia, where he advocated for racial and gender equality. In 1977, he became the 39th US president serving one term before losing to Ronald Reagan. After leaving the White House, he founded the Carter Center to advance peace and democracy, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work. Outgoing US President Joe Biden said, "When I look at Jimmy Carter, I see a man not only for our times, but for all times. A man who embodied the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away. And while we may never see his likes again, we would all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter." After leaving the White House, Carter and his wife spent decades volunteering with Christian charity Habitat for Humanity. Its CEO Jonathan Reckford said the couple had made an "incredible impact". "We are deeply saddened by President Carter's passing, and our prayers are with the Carter family," he said. "President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago, and soon brought worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing. "We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. "The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world." Carter authored more than 30 books during his lifetime, including many on the subject of faith and morality, like The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East, Living Faith, Sources of Strength: Meditations on Scripture for a Living Faith, Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis, NIV Lessons from the Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter, A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power and Faith: A Journey for All. US President-elect Donald Trump said, "While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our country, and all it stands for. "He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. "He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family." Civil rights campaigner Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Push Coalition said he had "touched countless lives, offering hope where there was despair and love where there was indifference". "President Carter lived his faith, proving that humility, service, and love are the most powerful forces for change," it said. Carter was the first US president to welcome a pope to the White House when John Paul II visited in 1979. He regularly led Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains, Georgia, teaching as late as 2015 when he was ill with cancer. In 2000, he left the Southern Baptist denomination, one reason being its refusal to ordain women. "I'm familiar with the verses they have quoted about wives being subjugated to their husbands," Carter said at the time. "In my opinion, this is a distortion of the meaning of Scripture. ... I personally feel the Bible says all people are equal in the eyes of God. I personally feel that women should play an absolutely equal role in service of Christ in the church." Carter had close ties to late evangelist Billy Graham, helping with the organisation of his crusades and guest-speaking on occasion. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) paid tribute to Carter's "strong faith in God". It recalled one particular occasion when Graham had needed someone to help run racially integrated Gospel film nights in the lead-up to his Georgia crusade in the 1960s. Carter "was the only man who had the courage to be the chairman", Graham later said. Under Carter's leading, different races sat side by side to watch the Gospel film together prior to the crusade. Carter spoke about the experience during an appearance at Billy Graham's 1994 crusade in Atlanta. "When I went to the major churches, none of them would let us come in," he said. "So we went to the basement of an abandoned school building and that's where we had our integrated planning meetings." Graham's son, Franklin Graham, who heads the BGEA, said Carter and his father "had a close relationship". "I know that his family would appreciate your prayers," he said. The estranged wife of reggaeton star Daddy Yankee, Mireddys Gonzalez, is currently facing a legal battle that could result in jail time. Concretely, Judge Anthony Cuevas Ramos of the San Juan Court of First Instance ordered her to hand over all access credentials for Los Cangris and El Cartel Records. This ruling stems from her failure to provide crucial information needed to transfer the presidency of these companies to Ramon Luis "Daddy Yankee" Ayala Rodriguez. The situation escalated when the judge set a firm deadline of December 31 at 8:00 p.m. for Gonzalez to comply. Failure to meet this deadline could lead to her arrest for civil contempt of court. Read more: Lil Reese Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Family Member Assault The judge's warning was explicit: "If this deadline passes without compliance, her arrest and imprisonment for civil contempt will be ordered." The ongoing legal dispute The legal battle between Daddy Yankee and Gonzalez began after their separation, which ended nearly 30 years of marriage. The legal battle ensued almost instantly, with Daddy Yankee's attorneys filing multiple contempt motions, citing that Gonzalez and her sister, Ayeicha, failed to attend a scheduled meeting to discuss the transition of power in the businesses. Allegations have also surfaced regarding irregular fund transfers totaling $100 million to personal accounts belonging to Gonzalez and her sister, intensifying the conflict. A complicated divorce The legal proceeding further complicates the high-profile separation. Mutual accusations of financial mismanagement and poor communication have created a tense atmosphere. With the lack of a prenuptial agreement in place, any court ruling regarding assets acquired during the marriage will significantly impact both parties. Under Puerto Rican law, marital assets must be divided equally, adding another layer of complexity to the dispute. --Originally appeared on 'Latin Times.' Job Title: Project Assistant Accountability Reports to: Risk and Compliance Manager Department: Communications, Accountability and Learning Salary Grade: 4 About CRS Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. Job Summary: As the Russian invasion expands in Ukraine, an enormous humanitarian crisis is developing across the country and region. The United Nations (UN) estimates that more than four million Ukrainians will be forced to flee the country if there is no cessation of the invasion, while millions of others will be displaced internally within Ukraine. Neighboring countries are quickly easing entry restrictions and preparing to host large numbers of refugees, as cars are lined up for miles on the Ukrainian sides of borders. The Accountability and Safeguarding Project Assistant will support CRS Moldovas accountabilities activities including the monitoring of CRS Moldovas feedback, complaint and response mechanisms (FCRM) with communities, CRS and donors. The Project Assistant will provide support and feedback response in line with CRS quality principles and standards, donor guidelines and industry best practices to Country Program (CP) technical and operational staff to promote the delivery of high-quality programming to CRS participants. CRS is hiring for this position for 6 months, with the opportunity to extend. CRS will also consider consultancy agreements for candidates who prefer this option. Roles and Key Responsibilities: Provide high-quality customer service support to refugees and host communities reaching out via various feedback channels. Provide timely and accurate information to address the needs and concerns of program participants Monitor the country programs FCRM system, working closely with key staff to ensure timely and appropriate responses. Ensure that any feedback or complaints are addressed and follow up until the case is closed. Ensure that the functioning of the feedback mechanism is optimized, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the participating populations with whom CRS works. Channel complaints and comments from participants, ensuring that complaints or feedback are recorded in the database, liaising with field staff and the MEAL team at programme level. Provide specialized project administrative transactions and processes as needed. Provide translation of information, education and communication material as needed. Basic Qualifications High School Diploma required. Professional Diploma/Certificate or courses in Administration a plus. Experience working in an office environment in a clerical or administrative role. Experience with a local or international NGO a plus. Experience with typing/word processing, data entry into online databases and forms, and working with various office equipment. Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems. Proficient in Word. Required Languages Written and spoken proficiency in Romanian, Ukrainian and/or Russian, and English required. Travel Must be willing and able to travel within Moldova, up to 15%. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Communicates strategically under pressure Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with accounting systems. Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems. Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. Integrity Continuous Improvement & Innovation Builds Relationships Develops Talent Strategic Mindset Accountability & Stewardship Supervisory Responsibilities: None Key Working Relationships: Internal: Project Manager, Project Officer, other project team members, Chief of Party, Operations Manager, Technical Advisors External: Caritas Moldova staff, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection officials, local government officials, community and Church leaders, UNHCR, cluster coordination coordinators ***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer; CRS is always looking for qualified, diverse and compelling candidates to join our agency and support our great work. By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics. Please note that applications will be continuously reviewed, and CRS reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interested candidates are welcome to apply by sending their CV with email to crsapplicationsmd@crs.org mentioning in the subject line the title of the position " Project Assistant Accountability". Job Title: Finance Assistant Reports to: Finance Officer Department: Finance Salary Grade: 4 About CRS Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. Job Summary: As the Russian invasion expands in Ukraine, an enormous humanitarian crisis is developing across the country and region. The United Nations (UN) estimates that more than four million Ukrainians will be forced to flee the country if there is no cessation of the invasion, while millions of others will be displaced internally within Ukraine. Neighboring countries are quickly easing entry restrictions and preparing to host large numbers of refugees, as cars are lined up for miles on the Ukrainian sides of borders. You will efficiently provide comprehensive information, clerical, and accounting services to assist the Finance Department in executing processes and delivering service needs that support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. As part of an experienced finance team you will deliver quality support in your role, applying clearly defined accounting and financial reporting processes, procedures and service standards. Roles and Key Responsibilities: Complete standard financial documents (vouchers, wire transfer requests, checks, etc.) following a sample template with prescribed guidelines and circulate as needed. Provide administrative and clerical support to financial transactions processing. Prepare, type, photocopy, and scan related documentation. File accounting and financial reporting documentation as instructed. Compile supporting documentation (liquidation/receipt package) to support processing of financial transactions. Communicate with staff, subrecipients, partners, suppliers to follow up on required documents. Perform data entry for financial transactions recording, following validation by the next-level Finance staff. Keep custody of various documents (e.g. blank/undelivered checks, fuel coupons, etc.). Review and validate supporting documentation before processing financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate, complete, and authorized. Record financial transactions following appropriate authorizations, reviewing and analyzing various accounts to detect irregularities. Perform assigned treasury duties (e.g., cash payments, cash forecasting), ensuring segregation of duties. Complete standard financial documents (e.g., invoices, wire transfer requests, electronic bank payments) according to a sample template and circulate as required. Compile supporting documentation (e.g., payments, liquidation/receipt packages) to support financial transaction processing, and communicate with staff, subrecipients, partners, and suppliers to follow up on required documents. Provide administrative and clerical support for financial transaction processing, including preparation, typing, photocopying, scanning, and filing of accounting and financial reporting documents. Review partner liquidations and communicate any questions with relevant staff. Ensure partner advance requests are accurate and endorse them for team coordinators. Create and maintain a real-time tracking system of expenditures and commitments. Support month-end and year-end closures according to the Finance Checklist. Conduct monitoring visits for our partner to ensure financial compliance and resource management. Prepare and conduct financial assessments for the partner to evaluate financial health and compliance with organizational standards. Basic Qualifications High School Diploma required. Professional diploma/Certificate or courses in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Business Administration a plus. Minimum of two years work experience in a similar role with some familiarity of standard accounting practices. Experience with an international organization a plus. Required Languages Spoken proficiency in English and Russian/Romanian required. Travel 15% Ukraine Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented. Able to meet deadlines. Strong customer service ethic and abilities. Ability to work collaboratively. Preferred Qualifications Experience using MS Office packages, in particular Excel and Word. Hands-on experience with data entry into online databases and forms. Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. Integrity Continuous Improvement & Innovation Builds Relationships Develops Talent Strategic Mindset Accountability & Stewardship Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none) Key Working Relationships: Internal External ***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer Interested candidates are welcome to apply by sending their CV with email to crsapplicationsmd@crs.org mentioning in the subject line the title of the position "Finance Assistant". Moldova pentru Educatie: Liceul Teoretic O. Ghibu din Orhei va avea unul dintre cele mai moderne blocuri alimentare din tara Peste o mie de copii din raionul Criuleni vor avea acces gratuit la un spatiu modern pentru joaca si lectura Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. In May, CNN published an investigative report about the abusive treatment of Palestinian detainees being held in a military prison in the Negev Desert. The story was explosive and shockingbut not to Hagar Shezaf, an investigative reporter for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, whod first reported on conditions at the prison five months earlier. Covering Israel critically, from inside the country, is something that became particularly difficult in the months after the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023. But its something that Shezaf and her colleague Omer Benjakob never shied away from. The two of them were the guests on one of this years most popular episodes of The Kicker, CJRs podcast about journalism and current events, which I began hosting back in April, along with producer Amanda Darrach. My motivation is to hold institutions accountable and to make sure that whoever needs to do their job does their job, but I think that when talking about the West Bank and the ongoing occupation, the institutions themselves are problematic, said Shezaf, who spent years as Haaretzs West Bank correspondent. As a journalisttheres always the question of, Is it about making these institutions better? I dont think so. Its about working for a better political situation altogether. The Kicker took on a wide array of topics and guests this year, with the goal of bringing listeners a mix of influential voices and journalists operating in places you may not have given much thought. We heard from Lorena Lopez, the editor of the only Spanish-language newspaper in Iowa (who predicted the shift in Latino voters toward Trump), and Martin Baron, the former editor of the Washington Post, on his old papers decision to not make a presidential endorsement; from Axioss Alex Thompson, in the days after Joe Biden malfunctioned at a presidential debate, on his prescient reporting about the presidents age concerns, and 9Newss Kyle Clark, a local anchor in Denver who made headlines for his direct and no-nonsense moderation of a congressional debate with congresswoman Lauren Boebert (another episode that blew up with listeners). One of my favorite conversations of the year was the one I had with Jina Moore Ngarambe, whod stepped down as the editor of the literary magazine Guernica after she published an essay by an Israeli writer that prompted an outpouring of anger and resignations from members of the magazines volunteer staff. Jina spoke thoughtfully and at length about what she learned from that experience, and why she still believes strongly in journalism creating space for even the most uncomfortable of perspectives. We ended the year with a big swing: a three-part series, cohosted with Susie Banikarim, on the trial of Carlos Watson, the former CEO and cofounder of Ozy Media, who prosecutors alleged lied extensively about his outlets reach and revenue. Banikarim attended nearly every day of his trial, discovering new details about Watsons scheme, and the resulting podcast series, The Unraveling of Ozy Media, is a journey into the world Watson createdas well as a look back at some of the more sordid aspects of the digital media boom of the 2010s. You can listen to Episode 1 here, or wherever you get The Kicker. Three years ago, on Dec. 30, 2021, a wind-driven wildfire raced through two communities just outside Boulder, Colorado. In the span of about eight hours, more than 1,000 homes and businesses burned. The fire left entire blocks in ash, but among them, pockets of houses survived, seemingly untouched. The owners of these homes may have felt relief at first. But fire damage can be deceiving, as many soon discovered. When wildfires like the Marshall Fire reach the wildland-urban interface, they are burning both vegetation and human-made materials. Vehicles and buildings burn, along with all of the things inside them electronics, paint, plastics, furniture. Research shows that when human-made materials like these burn, the chemicals released are different from what is emitted when just vegetation burns. The smoke and ash can blow under doors and around windows in nearby homes, bringing in chemicals that stick to walls and other indoor surfaces and continue off-gassing for weeks to months, particularly in warmer temperatures. In a new study, my colleagues and I looked at the health effects people experienced when they returned to still-standing homes after the Marshall Fire. We also created a checklist for people to use after urban wildfires in the future to help them protect their health and reduce their risks when they return to smoke-damaged homes. Tests in Homes Found Elevated Metals and VOCs In the days after the Marshall Fire, residents quickly reached out to nearby scientists who study wildfire smoke and health risks at the University of Colorado Boulder and area labs. People wanted to know what was in the ash and causing the lingering smells inside their homes. In homes we were able to test, my colleagues found elevated levels of metals and PAHs polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the ash. We also found elevated VOCs volatile organic compounds in airborne samples. Some VOCs, such as dioxins, benzene, formaldehyde and PAHs, can be toxic to humans. Benzene is a known carcinogen. People wanted to know whether the chemicals that got into their homes that day could harm their health. At the time, we could find no information about physical health implications for people who have returned to smoke-damaged homes after a wildfire. To look for patterns, we surveyed residents affected by the fire six months, one year and two years afterward. Symptoms 6 Months After the Fire Even six months after the fire, we found that many people were reporting symptoms that aligned with health risks related to smoke and ash from fires. More than half (55%) of the people who responded to our survey reported that they were experiencing at least one symptom six months after the blaze that they attributed to the Marshall Fire. The most common symptoms reported were itchy or watery eyes (33%), headache (30%), dry cough (27%), sneezing (26%) and sore throat (23%). All of these symptoms, as well as having a strange taste in ones mouth, were associated with people reporting that their home smelled differently when they returned to it one week after the fire. Many survey respondents said that the smells decreased over time. Most attributed the improvement in smell to the passage of time, cleaning surfaces and air ducts, replacing furnace filters, and removing carpet, textiles and furniture from the home. Despite this, many still had symptoms. We found that living near a large number of burned structures was associated with these health symptoms. For every 10 additional destroyed buildings within 820 feet (250 meters) of a persons home, there was a 21% increase in headaches and a 26% increase in having a strange taste in their mouth. These symptoms align with what could be expected from exposure to the chemicals that we found in the ash and measured in the air inside the few smoke-damaged homes that we were able to study in depth. Lingering Symptoms and Questions There are a still a lot of unanswered questions about the health risks from smoke- and ash-damaged homes. For example, we dont yet know what long-term health implications might look like for people living with lingering gases from wildfire smoke and ash in a home. We found a significant decline in the number of people reporting symptoms one year after the fire. However, 33% percent of the people whose homes were affected still reported at least one symptom that they attributed to the fire. About the same percentage also reported at least one symptom two years after the fire. We also could not measure the level of VOCs or metals that each person was exposed to. But we do think that reports of a change in the smell of a persons home one week after the fire demonstrates the likely presence of VOCs in the home. That has health implications for people whose homes are exposed to smoke or ash from a wildfire. Tips to Protect Yourself After Future Wildfires Wildfires are increasingly burning homes and other structures as more people move into the wildland-urban interface, temperatures rise and fire seasons lengthen. It can be confusing to know what to do if your home is one that survives a wildfire nearby. To help, my colleagues and I put together a website of steps to take if your home is ever infiltrated by smoke or ash from a wildfire. Here are a few of those steps: When youre ready to clean your home, start by protecting yourself. Wear at least an N95 (or KN95) mask and gloves, goggles and clothing that covers your skin. Vacuum floors, drapes and furniture. But avoid harsh chemical cleaners because they can react with the chemicals in the ash. Clean your HVAC filter and ducts to avoid spreading ash further. Portable air cleaners with carbon filters can help remove VOCs. A recent scientific study documents how cleaning all surfaces within a home can reduce reservoirs of VOCs and lower indoor air concentrations of VOCs. Given that we dont know much yet about the health harms of smoke- and ash-damaged homes, it is important to take care in how you clean so you can do the most to protect your health. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/3-years-after-the-marshall-fire-wildfire-smokes-health-risks-can-linger-long-term-in-homes-that-escape-burning-245939. A rendering of Fireflys Blue Ghost lunar lander and Elytra Dark transfer vehicle en route to the moon. Courtesy Firefly NASA gave Texas-based Firefly Aerospace a Christmas present of sorts a $179.6 million deal to deliver six scientific instruments to the lunar surface as part of the Artemis program, which is intended to put astronauts back on the moon. Awarded a week before the holiday, the contract is the fourth for the Cedar Park company under the space agencys Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative. The $2.6 billion program aims to create a lunar economy while learning more about the moon in preparation for the first crewed flights to the lunar surface in more than 50 years. Firefly is proud to land our fourth NASA award for another complex mission, which is what our team does best, Firefly CEO Jason Kim said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Scheduled for 2028, Fireflys new contract calls for the companys Elytra Dark transfer vehicle to deploy one of its Blue Ghost lunar landers into orbit around the moon. The transfer vehicle will stay on orbit to provide communications while Blue Ghost attempts to land in the Gruithuisen Domes, silica-rich volcanic features on the near side of the moon. Once on the surface, Blue Ghost is to deploy a rover and operate for more than 14 days. A Blue Ghost lunar lander is seen earlier this year at Firefly Aerospaces Cedar Park headquarters. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News It will carry six NASA instruments to take samples and measurements and carry out other projects. Multiple instruments attached to both the lander and rover will be used to determine the composition of the domes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The launch provider for the mission, which is scheduled for 2028, has not been announced. Mission 1 countdown Fireflys first lunar payload services mission, dubbed Ghost Riders in the Sky, is set to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in mid-January. Firefly Aerospace employee Will Coogan stands in front of a model of the Blue Ghost lunar lander earlier this year at the companys Cedar Park headquarters as he touches a model of a probe designed by Southwest Research Institute. The lander, with the SwRI built probe, is scheduled to go to the moon next month. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News In that mission, a Blue Ghost lander carrying 10 NASA instruments including one built at San Antonio-based Southwest Research Institute will attempt to land near the Mons Latreille within Mare Crisium, a 300-mile-wide basin on the northeast quadrant of the moons near side. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SwRIs Lunar Magnetotelluric Sounder is a $4.8 million device that consists of a control box, four electrodes attached to wires and a telescoping boom with a magnetometer. The electrodes, each a few inches long, are housed in softball-sized launchers the engineers call yarn balls attached to each side of the lander. Once Blue Ghost is on the moon, the electrodes are to shoot out from their launchers and settle on the lunar surface to measure currents and collect data. In May, David Stillman, a project scientist working in SwRIs office in Boulder, Colo., described the launchers as spring-loaded mortars that shoot the small metal electrodes about 20 meters from the spacecraft. A Blue Ghost lunar lander is seen earlier this year at Firefly Aerospaces Cedar Park headquarters. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News A newly constructed control room is seen earlier this year at Firefly Aerospaces Cedar Park headquarters. The facility will be used for the Blue Ghost lunar lander mission next month. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News A rendering of Fireflys Blue Ghost lunar lander and its rover. Courtesy Firefly Other missions Fireflys Blue Ghost Mission 2 will also use the Elytra Dark transfer vehicle and Blue Ghost lander. Scheduled for 2026, the mission is to deploy the European Space Agencys Lunar Pathfinder satellite into lunar orbit before landing a Blue Ghost on the dark side of the moon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fireflys fourth lunar payload services contract is an $18 million contract to provide radio frequency calibration services from lunar orbit as part of Blue Ghost Mission 2. Shown is Firefly Aerospaces manufacturing facility in rural Bertram in northeast Burnet County where the company manufactures and test rockets and rocket engines. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News NASA so far has had mixed success with the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. In January, its first mission saw Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology attempt to send its Peregrine lander to the moon. The craft experienced a series of problems including a valve failure and burst propellant tank after separating from the Vulcan rocket that ferried it to space. The lander was guided back toward Earth where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean. Then, during the second lunar payload services mission in February, Houston-based Intuitive Machines made history when its uncrewed lander successfully touched down. It was the first-ever privately owned spacecraft to land on the moon and the first U.S. vehicle to touch down there since Apollo 17 in 1972. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Artemis itself is increasingly behind schedule and over budget. Earlier this month, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced new delays in the program, pushing back the next two planned missions amid potential policy changes under President-elect Donald Trumps administration. Nelson told a news conference at NASA headquarters that the Artemis II mission, sending astronauts around the moon and back, has now slipped to April 2026 from a planned September 2025 launch. The subsequent Artemis III astronaut landing mission using SpaceXs Starship, which had been planned for 2026, is now scheduled for 2027. The latest delays stem in part from an issue with the Orion crew spacecraft made by Lockheed Martin and its heat shield, which had cracked and partially eroded during reentry into Earth's atmosphere on its debut 2022 uncrewed test mission, Artemis I. LL Bean, the clothing and outdoor gear company, agreed to stop selling a line of casual shoes to settle a lawsuit in which Skechers USA accused it of copying a design for its own shoes, which have sold in the millions. U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett in Manhattan approved an injunction on Thursday that bars privately-held LL Bean from making, importing or selling shoes that infringe two Skechers design patents until the last of the patents expires. In a complaint filed in July, Skechers claimed that LL Beans Freeport shoes, named for that companys Maine hometown and which retailed for $99, infringed two patented designs for heel cups that surround the back of the foot. The worlds third-largest footwear company accused LL Bean of trying to piggyback on the success of its own unique heel cup design, which it said incorporated graceful, sweeping, gently rolling lines and slopes that resembled the shape of a heel. Other settlement terms were not disclosed. Skechers had also sought unspecified damages. Its patents expire in 2038, according to the complaint. Neither LL Bean nor its lawyers immediately responded to requests for comment. Skechers and its lawyers did not immediately respond to similar requests. LL Bean was founded in 1912. Skechers was founded in 1992 and is based in Manhattan Beach, California. The case is Skechers USA Inc et al v LL Bean Inc, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 24-05336. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Diane Craft) An Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu, Oregon authorities said, prompting a recall of raw frozen pet food that was sold nationwide. Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, Oregon, said Tuesday it had voluntarily recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for the virus. The product was sold through distributors in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, as well as Canadas British Columbia. We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food, Oregon Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz said in a Tuesday news release. This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other. The recalled product is packaged in two-pound plastic bags with best if used by dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The company and Oregon authorities said that consumers who bought the recalled product should throw it away immediately and contact the place of purchase for a refund. Related: Raw Milk Recall in California Expands After Tests Detect More Bird Flu Virus No human cases of bird flu have been linked to the incident, but those who were in contact with the cat are being monitored for flu symptoms, Oregon authorities said. More than 60 people in eight states have been infected, with mostly mild illnesses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. One person in Louisiana has been hospitalized with the nations first known severe illness caused by the virus, health officials said last week. So far, the CDC has confirmed one human case of bird flu in Oregon. The person was linked to a previously reported outbreak at a commercial poultry operation and fully recovered after experiencing mild illness, according to a November news release from the Oregon Health Authority. In late October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that a pig at a backyard farm in Oregon was found to have bird flu, marking the first detection of the virus in U.S. swine. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. China, Iran reaffirm commitment to peace 08:36, December 30, 2024 By Zhao Jia ( Chinadaily.com.cn Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, Dec 28, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua) Amid growing instability and uncertainty in the world, China and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to pragmatic cooperation and enhanced multilateral coordination to benefit the people of both countries while contributing to regional and global peace, stability and development. When Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday in Beijing, the two diplomats underscored the strength and resilience of the bilateral ties and pledged to make concerted efforts to navigate regional and global challenges. The two-day visit, which began on Friday, was the first for Araghchi since he took office in August. Araghchi was also the first official of the new Iranian government, which was established in July, to come to China. Regarding the Middle East, China and Iran have agreed that the region belongs to its people and should not serve as a battleground for major powers' rivalry or fall victim to geopolitical competition and conflicts among countries outside the region. "The international community must respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate concerns of nations in the Middle East," Wang said, urging countries to honor the choices of the people in the region while respecting their rich historical and cultural traditions. Wang expressed hope that all parties could contribute constructively to peace and stability in the Middle East, rather than point fingers or arbitrarily impose sanctions, exert pressure, instigate confrontation, or resort to force. The two foreign ministers also emphasized the need to address the Palestinian question by respecting and restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ending the occupation. They also stressed the urgency of an immediate ceasefire, full troop withdrawal, and emergency humanitarian assistance to transform the region from chaos to order. Regarding Syria, both countries reiterated that Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity should be respected, calling for joint promotion of combating terrorism, advancing reconciliation, and facilitating the humanitarian process. Li Shaoxian, director of the China-Arab Research Institute at Ningxia University, said: "Intervention by major powers looms large behind the Gaza conflict and drastic change in Syria, which touch the nerves of the international community. China reiterating its support for Middle East countries in rejecting external interference demonstrates its crucial role in upholding justice in international affairs." On the Iran nuclear issue, Wang reiterated China's advocacy of preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and resuming negotiations with a constructive approach, saying that Beijing opposes sanctions and coercion, and supports Iran in defending its legitimate rights and interests. Araghchi acknowledged China's vital contribution to facilitating and preserving the JCPOA, saying that Teheran will maintain close communication with Beijing. Developing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with China remains a priority in Iran's foreign policy, he said, pledging the country's staunch support for China's positions on its core interests. In a signed article by Araghchi that was published by People's Daily on Friday, the Iranian foreign minister said that cooperation between the two ancient civilizations in Asia has withstood the test of time. He also highlighted the importance of the visit in shaping the "next golden 50 years" of strategic cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to advance the implementation of a comprehensive cooperation plan signed in March 2021. China has remained Iran's largest trading partner for many years and has become an important export market for Iranian products. The two countries have inked multiple agreements and deepened Belt and Road cooperation. Li, from the China-Arab Research Institute, said that "the long-standing partnership between China and Iran enjoys a solid foundation, and the two nations have maintained close dialogue over the years on various issues to address shared concerns". Furthermore, it is imperative for the two nations to reinforce cooperation amid escalating tensions in the region and numerous international challenges, Li said. Experts noted that Iran and China share common interests and concerns, not only at the bilateral and regional levels, but also on trans-regional and international platforms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, of which both countries are member states. During the talks, the two sides vowed to further strengthen collaboration within the SCO and BRICS to uphold common interests. China has assumed the rotating presidency of the SCO, which Araghchi said in the article will open new opportunities for collective cooperation. He added that the two countries will work with other Global South nations and stand on the right side of history to resist unilateralism and bullying. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) In its Chapter 11 filing, Lonestar Fiberglass Pools listed total liabilities of $3.4 million, including more than 600 customers with warranties. Google Maps A New Braunfels-based fiberglass pools manufacturer has filed for bankruptcy, leaving hundreds of customers facing the potential loss of their warranties, vendors waiting to be paid and tax bills outstanding. Lonestar Fiberglass Pools, also known as Lonestar Fiberglass Components, also is dealing with at least two lawsuits from customers who say theyre unhappy with their backyard projects. In its filing for Chapter 11 reorganization, Lonestar lists more than 600 customers as potential warranty claimants, meaning they currently have at least one active warranty with the company. Such claims are considered nonpriority debts, which means the courts will consider other debts such as the more than $200,000 Comal County says its owed for sales taxes and property taxes and the $61,000 the Internal Revenue Service is after before customers warranties. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lonestar listed total liabilities of $3.4 million in its filing in the Western District of Texas Bankruptcy Court. CEO Christopher Owens could not be reached for comment. In 2022, the company reported revenue of $11 million, according to the bankruptcy filing. The next year, it dropped to $9.6 million. In 2024, Lonestar reported gross revenue of $4.2 million. Markus Heitkoetter of Dripping Springs filed a lawsuit in September that alleges Lonestar didnt finish its work, leaving a green swampy pool in his backyard. Heitkoetter said he paid for the project in full and that his contract included a lifetime structural warranty and a 10-year surface warranty. Yet, the work that was done was not done properly, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit further says the company didnt pay its subcontractors, so work on the project stopped. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The pool remains incomplete, and (Lonestar) has failed and refused to complete its contractual obligations, the lawsuit says. Another lawsuit filed in November by David and Sharon Moreau of New Braunfels says Lonestars work was defective or flawed and now the pool that already cost them $45,000 needs $8,000 in repairs because of issues with the coating on the pool floor. Lonestar has yet to file a response to the Moreaus lawsuit. In response to Heitkoetters suit, the company filed a general denial against the allegations and said damages were caused by the acts or omissions of other parties over whom Lonestar had no control or right of control. Lonestar also faced legal troubles earlier this year when Comerica Bank filed lawsuits, saying the pool company defaulted in several millions of dollars of loans by missing monthly payments. The bank later filed a non-suit, which means they withdrew the claim but can still file it again. Advertisement Article continues below this ad NASA Administrator Bill Nelson speaks to members of the media at Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 19. He said the the agency's stance on conflicts of interest could change under his successor, who has strong connections to Elon Musk and SpaceX. Kim Shiflett/NASA Commander Jared Isaacman speaks at an Aug. 19 news conference after arriving at Kennedy Space Center for an upcoming private human spaceflight mission. John Raoux/Associated Press This image made from a SpaceX video shows the start of the first private spacewalk, which was led Sept. 12 by tech billionaire Jared Isaacman. He's been picked by President-elect Donald Trump to lead NASA. SpaceX KENNEDY SPACE CENTER With less than a month left to go before stepping down as head of NASA, Bill Nelson warns his stance on conflicts of interest might not be the same as his likely successor, billionaire Jared Isaacman. If I had a whiff of a conflict, I had to under the rules set out by the Biden administration I had to extinguish whatever investment that might be, Nelson said during a farewell interview this month. Whether or not those rules of the Biden administration are going to change in the Trump administration, where they allow potential conflicts, I dont know. Isaacman, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to take over the space agency next year, earned his fortune running a credit card processing company, which then funded his love of flying and two trips to space. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He has flown with Elon Musks Texas-based SpaceX both on 2021s Inspiration4 missions, the first all-commercial spaceflight in history, and this years Polaris Dawn mission, which saw Isaacman perform the first commercial spacewalk. He has at least two more spaceflights planned with SpaceX, including the first-ever with humans on Starship, which the company is developing at its Starbase facility in South Texas. Nelson said that relationship with Musk, who is one of Trumps biggest supporters, is one that will have to be hashed out regarding conflicts of interest. I still went to the far extreme because I felt like that it was the perception of whether or not I had a financial conflict even more so than if I actually had the financial conflict the perception was just as important, because of the public being so cynical about politicians feathering their own nest, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Political advice Sporting blue jeans and cowboy boots, Nelson, a native Floridian who was a member of the U.S. House and Senate before becoming NASA administrator, had some political advice for Isaacman, as well. You need to be mindful that the budget is only proposed by the executive branch, he said. The budget is enacted by the Congress, and that means a lot of nuances. Support for federal space endeavors needs buy-in from representatives who will be looking out for their own constituencies, so Isaacman will have to hone his political skills on Capitol Hill to break through and get whats needed for a mostly bipartisan effort in space. He needs to become friends with the members of the (appropriations) committee and the leadership, Nelson said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nelson said that although he called and congratulated Isaacman on the day Trump announced his nomination, he has yet to speak again with him and no transition team has been put together for the space agency. Nelson, who flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1986 while in Congress, was sworn in as the 14th head of NASA on May 3, 2021, taking over from the only other elected official to lead it, former Oklahoma U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, who led the agency for most of Trumps first administration. I think if you look over the 14 administrators, each brings a different platform, plethora of experiences to the table, Nelson said. He notes only three including himself were former astronauts. Others came from the military, were lawyers or businessmen. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Each of the administrators has strengths, and I am what I am, he said. Forty-two years elected public service. Now, four years as part of the administration, and having had the experience on the 24th flight of the space shuttle. He said he carried the water for NASA in his years in Congress, including 18 representing Florida in the Senate. Cuts, accomplishments People will judge me on the basis of what we accomplished, Nelson said. Weve been able to have a fairly robust budget until the budget got cut by things that are unrelated to NASA. While NASA had originally asked for $27.2 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, that total was shaved to $24.9 billion by a congressional deal tied to across-the-board cuts in exchange for raising the nations debt ceiling. The deal limited discretionary spending across the federal budget, including NASA, for fiscal 2024 and 2025. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 2024 funding ended up about 2% less than what NASA was allocated in 2023, and the first time since 2013 that Congress didnt increase agency funding from the previous year. Despite recent limitations, Nelson has been proud of some of the agencys major accomplishments over the last four years. Weve had an incredible run, everything from the James Webb Space Telescope through the regular cadence of to and from the International Space Station, with both crew and cargo, and the scientific research that is finally beginning to blossom, he said. He also touted development of electric vertical-lift aircraft, aka flying cars, as urban transport, noting he was finally able to take a ride on one just two weeks ago. And he bragged on the X-59 supersonic jet that will take the bite out of sonic booms. It would be a kind of muffled sound like the slamming of a car door out in the parking lot, Nelson said. Theyre ready to go, and shortly theyre going to fly their first flight, and thus potentially a future transport from Los Angeles to New York in about two hours. He championed his shutdown of the Mars Sample Return mission from what had been its existing form after growing costs and time delays, and said NASA will announce its new plans for the mission in January. At the end of the day, Im the decider on this stage, and then we hand that off to the new administration, Nelson said. Basically it was going to be way too expensive. The cost had grown to $11 billion and they were not even going to get the samples back until 2040, which is the decade were going to send astronauts to Mars. And so I pulled the plug on it. He said the new path forward that combines efforts of NASA centers like the Jet Propulsion Laboratory combined with commercial partners will be more practical, timely and cost-effective. Moon mission delays Another program with ballooning costs is Artemis, which saw its first successful flight, the uncrewed Artemis I mission, during his tenure back in 2022. That mission, though, had already been delayed from its target launch, and the next mission Artemis II has now been delayed twice over the past four years. That mission, an eight-day flight around the moon that wont land but will be the first with crew, is now slated to fly by April 2026. The follow-up lunar landing mission was recently pushed to 2027 now three years later than the target that was in place when Nelson first took the job. Those delays, though, were because of the need to ensure astronauts safety after the heat shield on the Orion spacecraft saw more damage than expected during Artemis I, along with other issues. Were not going to fly until its ready, because safety is our North Star, Nelson said, but he still praises the results of that first mission, noting Orion remains the one human-rated spacecraft that has already flown to the moon. Hes also proud of the growing commercial partnerships, especially the two-company approach to endeavors including commercial cargo, commercial crew and the human landing system program for Artemis. Asked if legacy companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin could learn from newer companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, Nelson replied, Oh, by all means, I think theres a lot of things that have happened in the private sector. Whoever thought of catching a big rocket, the biggest rocket in the world with a bunch of chopsticks? I mean, thats pretty creative. He still thinks progress should go through the federal agency, though, which has at its core people who can achieve the nations goals successfully and safely. In this article BA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 taking off from Osaka Kansai airport. Fabrizio Gandolfo | Lightrocket | Getty Images Accident investigators are trying to figure out what caused a Jeju Air flight to belly-land without its landing gear down at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea, killing all but two of the 181 people on board as it burst into flames in the nation's worst air disaster in decades. South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, ordered an emergency inspection of the country's Boeing 737-800s, the type of plane used on the fatal Jeju Air Flight 7C2216. The Boeing 737-800 is one of the world's most commonly used airplanes, and it has a strong safety record. It predates the Boeing 737 Max, the type that was involved in two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed all 346 people on board those flights. The 737 Max was grounded for almost two years, and a flight-control system, which was later tweaked, was implicated in both of those crashes. The scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames is seen at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 30, 2024. Jung Yeon-je | Afp | Getty Images There are nearly 4,400 of the older Boeing 737-800s operated around the world, according to aviation-data firm Cirium. That means the model makes up about 17% of the world's in-service commercial passenger jet fleet. The average age of the world's 737-800 fleet is 13 years old, according to Cirium, and the last of the series of planes were delivered about five years ago. Jeju Air took delivery of the plane which was involved in this weekend's crash in 2017. It was previously operated by European discount carrier Ryanair, according to Flightradar24. The plane involved in the crash was about 15 years old. Aerospace experts say it's unlikely that investigators will find a design problem with the long-flying aircraft. "The idea that they'll find a design flaw at this point is borderline inconceivable," said Richard Aboulafia, managing director at AeroDynamic Advisory, an aerospace consulting firm. watch now Jimmy Choo at a graduate show by students of the JCA London Fashion Academy, the design and business program he founded in 2021. From British royalty to Hollywood stars, Jimmy Choo's luxury shoes have been worn by countless celebrities on red carpets around the world. Now Choo is helping the next generation of fashion designers to follow in his footsteps, with the opening of an online store selling clothes and accessories made by students and graduates of his design program the JCA London Fashion Academy. "My father always said to me, if you have the knowledge and the skills, if you pass on your legacy, then the younger generation [can have] all the skills and knowledge as well," he told CNBC. Choo was born in Malaysia, where his father taught him how to make shoes by hand. Choo opened the academy in 2021, offering students a bachelor's or master's degree in entrepreneurship in design and brand innovation with business a key part of the program. "It's very important to [help] them start a business, to see how to sell," Choo told CNBC. Students learn about marketing and PR and write business plans with the aim of starting their own "micro" fashion enterprise after graduation, according to a description on the academy's website. "Even the most talented of fashion designers will fail if they have no business acumen," Choo said in a press release. A screens shows footage of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivering an address to the nation at Seoul station on Dec. 7, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea's joint investigation unit has requested an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law earlier this month, an official said on Monday. Yoon has failed to respond to multiple summons for questioning by police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials who are jointly investigating whether his Dec. 3 martial-law declaration amounted to insurrection. It is the first time that an arrest warrant has been sought for a sitting president in South Korea. A Seoul court will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant following the request. Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity. Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer for the suspended president, told the Yonhap news agency that the anti-corruption agency has no authority to investigate insurrection charges. He did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Yoon was suspended from presidential powers after being impeached by parliament earlier this month over his decision to briefly impose martial law. Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft after the plane crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on Dec. 29, 2024. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered the transport ministry to carry out an emergency safety inspection of the country's airline operation system, local news agency Yonhap reported Monday. Choi was speaking at a disaster control meeting in Seoul, after a Jeju Air flight crashed at the country's Muan International Airport on Sunday, leading to 179 fatalities with just two survivors, making it the deadliest air accident in South Korea. "The pilot declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert," said Joo Jong-wan, director of aviation policy division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Choi pledged that the government would "spare no effort" in supporting the bereaved families, and declared a seven-day mourning period for the country. At a press briefing on Sunday, Jeju Air's head of the management support office Song Kyung-hoon said the airline would support the victims and their families, and that the aircraft was covered by a $1 billion insurance, reported Yonhap. Addressing reports that a bird strike was the cause of the crash, Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae neither confirmed nor denied it. "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 Sunday statement. Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading. Boeing The aircraft stock shed 2% after South Korea ordered an inspection of all 737-800 planes operated by domestic carriers following the deadly Jeju Air crash over the weekend, which involved a plane of that model. All but two of the 181 people on board perished in the crash, which became the deadliest air accident in South Korea's history. MicroStrategy The crypto stock slid 8% after the company disclosed in a regulatory filing a sale of more than 592,000 shares that took place between Dec. 23 and Dec. 29. MicroStrategy said it raised around $209 million from the sale. During this period, the company also said it purchased more than 2,100 bitcoins. Technology stocks Tech stocks struggled Monday, with the S & P 500 sector losing 1%. "Magnificent Seven" giants Tesla and Amazon fell 3% and 1%, respectively. Apple and Microsoft were also down more than 1%. EQT The energy stock gained 5%, moving higher along with natural gas prices. Natural gas futures are headed for their best year since 2016, up more than 57%. Super Micro Computer The technology stock shed 4% after Super Micro terminated its financing and securities agreement with the Taiwan affiliate of HSBC Bank. Shares have been under pressure over the past six months, losing more than 61% in that time. Crypto stocks Stocks tied to bitcoin moved lower with the cryptocurrency Monday. Shares of Coinbase and Mara Holdings shed 4% and 6%, respectively, while Block slipped close to 2%. Bitcoin shed more than 1%. Earlier this month, however, the digital currency topped $100,000 for the first time. Nvidia The leading AI chipmaking stock added less than 1%, bucking the broader market downtrend and tech sell-off. Shares have surged 178% since the start of 2024. CNBC's Sean Conlon, Alex Harring and Samantha Subin contributed reporting. 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. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson shakes hands with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump onstage at a House Republicans Conference meeting at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday threw his support behind House Speaker Mike Johnson, who will stand for reelection to the top job this week with a slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives. "Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The House is scheduled to elect a speaker on Friday following the swearing-in of the new Congress. The endorsement from Trump is essential to Johnson's hopes of maintaining the leadership position he assumed in October 2023. The job puts him in a close working relationship with Trump, who returns to the White House on Jan. 20. Thirty-four Republicans voted against Johnson's stopgap funding bill in December, raising questions on whether some of them would support Johnson's next bid for the speakership because they argued the legislation favored Democrats. Republicans hold a 219-215 majority in the House, meaning the vote will likely be dependent on Republicans maintaining their unity. Representative Victoria Spartz, a Republican, said on Fox News on Monday that she remained uncommitted, saying Johnson was afraid to bring up votes on fiscal legislation that could hamper Trump's agenda. "I can give him a chance, but I would like to hear from him how he's going to be delivering this agenda," Spartz said. She spoke before Trump posted his endorsement on social media. Moderate New York Republican Representative Mike Lawler on Sunday told ABC-TV's "This Week" program: "The fact is that these folks are playing with fire, and if they think they're somehow going to get a more conservative speaker (than Johnson) they're kidding themselves." Some lawmakers are urging the creation of a commission to examine ways to bring down escalating U.S. budget deficits and a national debt that has topped $36 trillion, by possibly trimming spending on government-run retirement and healthcare programs. Democrats oppose reducing those programs' benefits and have called for shoring up their fiscal condition largely through higher taxes on the wealthy. Given Republicans' narrow majority, if as few as two were to vote for someone other than Johnson, it could doom his bid to continue as speaker. Prior to Trump's endorsement, Republican Representative Thomas Massie on Monday reiterated his intention to oppose Johnson's election. He and other right-wing Republicans have pushed for deep domestic spending cuts. No other Republican has publicly challenged Johnson for the leadership position but lawmakers have wide latitude to cast votes for whoever they want, including citizens who are not members of the House. The chamber went three weeks without a speaker in 2023 after a small group of Republicans voted to oust then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy. If Johnson -- or another Republican -- is unable to coalesce a majority of support, the chamber could be without a speaker in time for the official certification of Trump's victory on Jan. 6, sparking an uncertain path forward as it is difficult for the House to do business without a speaker. Whoever ultimately does obtain the speaker's gavel likely will have to temporarily govern with even a tighter majority after Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, as he has picked two House Republicans to join his administration. Writer E. Jean Carroll arrives at the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where former U.S. President Donald Trump will arrive to ask a federal appeals court to overturn a $5 million jury verdict finding him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming her, who accused Trump of raping her nearly three decades ago, in Manhattan, New York, U.S., September 6, 2024. A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a $5-million verdict that E. Jean Carroll won against Donald Trump when a jury found the U.S. president-elect liable for sexually abusing and later defaming the former magazine columnist. A unanimous three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected Trump's argument that the trial judge should not have let jurors hear evidence about the Republican's alleged past sexual misconduct, making the trial and verdict unfair. The court said that evidence, including Trump bragging about his sexual prowess on an "Access Hollywood" video that surfaced during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, established a "repeated, idiosyncratic pattern of conduct" consistent with Carroll's allegations. "Taking the record as a whole and considering the strength of Ms. Carroll's case, we are not persuaded that any claimed error or combination of errors in the district court's evidentiary rulings affected Mr. Trump's substantial rights," the court said in an unsigned decision. The May 2023 verdict stemmed from an incident around 1996 in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan, where Carroll, now 81, said Trump raped her, and an October 2022 Truth Social post where Trump denied Carroll's claim as a hoax. Though jurors in federal court in Manhattan did not find that Trump, 78, committed rape, they awarded the former Elle magazine advice columnist $2.02 million for sexual assault and $2.98 million for defamation. In just a few years, generative AI has gone from a lighthearted curiosity known for gimmicky chats and surreal images to an essential tool for businesses. As of 2024, nearly two-thirds of organizations are using gen AI for tasks like automating customer service, analyzing data and streamlining operations double the adoption rate from 2023, according to a global survey by consulting firm McKinsey. AI's cultural and economic impact is only beginning to be felt, but Goldman Sachs estimates it could boost global GDP by $7 trillion in the next decade. In the meantime, AI's rise has generated both enthusiasm and concern among business leaders, with some hailing it as transformative as the internet, while others warn of slower innovation and ethical risks. Here's a look at what CEOs, billionaire investors and tech founders said about AI in 2024. AI is a world-changing innovation like the internet or printing press JPMorgan Chase CEO and chairman Jamie Dimon, one of the most influential voices in global finance, has been a steadfast champion of AI. The financial services giant has integrated AI into its operations for over a decade and currently employs more than 2,000 AI and machine learning experts across divisions, including marketing, fraud prevention and risk management. In his annual letter to shareholders in April, Dimon described AI's potential impact: "We are completely convinced the consequences will be extraordinary and possibly as transformational as some of the major technological inventions of the past several hundred years. Think the printing press, the steam engine, electricity, computing and the Internet, among others." Similarly, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates wrote that AI "will utterly change how we live our lives, online and off," in a Nov. 9 blog post. AI will keep getting better, but slowly Despite the enormous strides made by generative AI in recent years, its development is entering a slower, more incremental phase, said Google CEO Sundar Pichai at the New York Times' DealBook Summit in December. The "low-hanging fruit is gone," and the next breakthroughs will require deeper innovation, Pichai said. Current language learning models like ChatGPT are improving at tasks like reasoning and completing sequences reliably, but another seismic shift isn't likely to happen soon. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shares this perspective, but urges businesses to embrace AI now, even if its most transformative potential might still be years away. He compared AI's progress with the slow beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing the need for patience and innovation. Nadella acknowledged that AI's benefits haven't yet outweighed its costs, and said its effectiveness will take time to be reflected in profits. For now, its greatest value lies in boosting productivity and preparing industries for more advanced uses in the future, he said. Ethical concerns make AI a 'genie' in a bottle As generative AI advances, some business leaders are more cautious about the technology. Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett compared the invention of AI with the development of the atomic bomb at the annual meeting of Berkshire shareholders in May. Like nuclear technology, Buffett likened AI to a powerful and world-changing "genie" that, once released, can never be fully contained. "We may wish we'd never seen that genie, or it may do wonderful things," he added. This is especially true when it comes to AI's potential for scams. After seeing an AI-generated version of himself online that even his family wouldn't recognize as fake, Buffett joked, "I practically would send money to myself over in some crazy country." Our military dominance, our place in the world depends on our ability to invest in AI. Period. End of story. Mark Cuban Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn Carter arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Joe Raedle | Getty Images World leaders and U.S. politicians reacted to news that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who as president brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, has died at age 100. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what's 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." U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris "President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith in God, in America, and in humanity. Jimmy Carter's life is a testament to the power of service as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion." U.S. President-elect Donald Trump "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." President George W. Bush "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 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." Former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "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." watch now U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres "President Carter's leadership contributed significantly to international peace and security, including the landmark Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal Treaties. President Carter's commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency. 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." Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi "In this moment of sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of former American President Jimmy Carter, as well as to the President and the people of the United States of America. His significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood. His enduring legacy ensures that he will be remembered as one of the world's most prominent leaders in service to humanity." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken "Throughout decades of public service, President Carter embodied integrity, compassion, and a commitment to advancing the freedom, security, and welfare of others. He channeled that spirit in his foreign policy, from negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to its host nation, to developing arms control agreements with the Soviet Union. And he brought it to his every exchange and conversation, from heads of state to ordinary citizens. President Carter also showed us what can be achieved through tireless and principled diplomacy, mediating a landmark deal with Israel and Egypt that helped forge peace between two nations that had spent decades at war. His efforts are an important reminder of what's possible, especially amidst renewed conflict and suffering in the region." Britain's King Charles "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. 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." Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "Jimmy Carter's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people who are mourning a former President and a lifelong humanitarian. May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come." Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino "I offer my condolences to the family and to the people and Government of the United States on the death of former President Jimmy Carter. His stint in the White House was marked by difficult times, and were crucial for Panama in negotiating and signing the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which transferred the (Panama) Canal into Panamanian hands and made our country truly sovereign. May his soul rest in peace." Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regrets the death of former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, and extends its most sincere condolences to his family and friends. Former President Carter was a man of proven commitment to peace and dialogue. His contributions to global politics and his dedication to peace have left an indelible mark on the world." French President Emmanuel Macron "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." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "President Carter rose from humble beginnings to leave a remarkable legacy. Beyond being elected to the Presidency or being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Jimmy Carter's legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted." Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net. Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023. Intellectually, we all know the nature of TV production doesnt permit networks and platforms to make sudden programming pivots in response to the prevailing political mood. But looking at the midseason TV schedule, it does feel as though things are starting to tilt right. ABCs new sitcom Shifting Gears finds real-life conservative Tim Allen as Matt, a widower trying to reconnect with his daughter Riley (Kat Dennings) between rants about current events. CBS new medical drama Watson throws us back to the George W. Bush years with a House retread; so does ABC's rebooted Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Soap operas havent ruled daytime since the Reagan years, but CBS new drama Beyond the Gates will start trying to rekindle that era in February. If a rightward turn in politics must be reflected in culture and we should probably expect even more shows about everyday Americans living heartland values Going Dutch is the best way to do it. Premiering on Fox January 2nd, Going Dutch is about Army Colonel Patrick Quinn (Denis Leary). As we meet him, Quinns years of combat service, including in Iraq, are behind him, and now hes excited to take over command of the United States Army Garrison Baumholder, a (real) duty station in Germany. But that promotion isnt to be, as General Davidson (Joe Morton) tells him: a minor scandal of Quinns has come to light, so instead, Quinn is being posted to Stroopsdorf, a (not real) base in The Netherlands. Why there, in particular? Davidson: To drive you insane. Don't Miss Immediately, it works: Corporal Elias Papadakis (Hal Cumpston), casually riding around on a bike with what is certainly not a regulation haircut, warns Quinn not to try to get the lay of the land from a higher vantage point: Possums dont like it when you go in their tower.. sir. You look like they found Jesus dead in a river, Quinn spits. Advertisement Thats funny, smirks Papadakis, pedaling off again as Quinns XO, Major Abraham Shah (Danny Pudi), physically restrains Quinn from pursuing him. Quinn only gets more incensed as he learns that the three main functions of Stroopsdorf, chyroned Least Important U.S. Army Base in the World, are cheese production, laundry and bowling. Still, Shah doesnt understand why this posting was the one Davidson chose to ruin Quinns life when he could have just sent Quinn to Alaska. Thats when they find out the ranking officer on the base is Captain Maggie Quinn (Taylor Misiak), Quinns estranged daughter. Given the two Quinns opposite reactions to it, Stroopsdorf is almost another character, and a hilarious one. Maggie knows no one expects much from it, or from the troops who are stationed there, but that hasnt stopped her from achieving the highest morale of any base in the Army. (Though Quinn is disgusted to hear hes now in charge of the best dining facility in the U.S. military, he also cant convincingly pretend that the dish hes served isnt one of the greatest hes ever eaten in or out of the military.) Quinns refusal to believe Maggie when she stresses the importance of Stroopsdorfs good showing in the imminent Tulip Festival is typical for a man she diagnoses as a narcissist; his not having noticed that she cut off contact with him two years ago is pretty solid evidence that shes right. Stroopsdorfs cheese, laundry and bowling missions permit very funny parade set pieces for the climax of the pilot. Presumably, given the Dutch setting, cheese was always going to be a foundational element for the show, but Id love to know which other possibilities were floated in the writers room before laundry and bowling were chosen to be the other two extremely silly occupations for the characters to take very seriously. (For example: In the third episode, Sergeant Dana Conway, played by Laci Mosley, announces that theyve been selected to do all the laundry for a NATO conference taking place in the region, screaming, This! Is! Our! SUPER BOWL!!!) Advertisement Advertisement Its probably not a big spoiler to say both Quinns decide it will benefit them to improve their relationship, but the emotional moments take a distant back seat to joke density. This is particularly true in the third episode, when CIA Special Agent Rick Silver (Parker Young) arrives on base. The pilot has already been sneakily subversive about its military setting. Conway reveals that they created a Teen Center on base, even though no children live there, just because they had the budget for it; Maggie gives an extensive intro about cardiovascular health and emotional wellbeing before announcing that she and the troops are having a silent disco. Quinns very assignment to Stroopsdorf is entirely driven by petty spite, which is definitely not a principle that got much play in those old Be All That You Can Be commercials. But the introduction of the CIA lets the show be even more direct in its satire of the U.S. military-industrial complex. Quinn and Shah take turns listing the multiple times the CIA screwed up its missions in Afghanistan and Iran; when Rick tells Maggie, his girlfriend, about an op hes running, hes so certain the Agency definitely will get caught that he already has a fall guy in mind. Its not all dark comedy about American destabilization of emerging democracies, however. The B-plot in this episode revolves around Conway trying to dress Private Anthony BA Chapman (Dempsey Bryk) for a formal event when the tuxedo pants she sourced for him dont accommodate his gigantic penis. We love a high-low moment! Advertisement Advertisement Fox already tried to make a sitcom in which challenging family dynamics play out against the backdrop of an unloved military base, and featuring Parker Young: Enlisted. Since its first and so far only season premiered in 2014, Im starting to think were never going to get more of it. But as an accidental quasi-sequel, Going Dutch is already satisfying in many of the same ways. The central family relationship is compellingly prickly, with Leary in particular perfectly cast as the kind of old Gen Xer wholl angrily defend his right to use the word midget, then sheepishly phone after hes stormed out of the conversation to admit he looked it up and realized hes wrong. As Maggie, Misiak isnt required to lean too much on trying to make up for lost time with Quinn, and has an excellent motive for putting up with his crap. And the supporting weirdos and Pudi as a supporting unsung hero of efficiency are perfectly cast. Give it a shot even if youre not pro-military. It kind of seems like the people who make the show arent really either. President James Earl Jimmy Carter Jr. died today at the age of 100, but his sense of humor will live on just not in Japanese. Like many presidents, the politician and humanitarian suffered a great many mockeries during his time in office, as well as for many decades afterwards. The pejorative peanut farmer was a running joke on 30 Rock as recently as last decade, and Carters mentions on beloved animated shows like King of the Hill and The Simpsons were similarly insulting, albeit playfully so I doubt anyone really considers our late 39th president to be historys greatest monster as the citizens of Springfield claimed when Mayor Quimby unveiled his statue. Don't Miss However, never let it be said that Carter didnt have a sense of humor. In fact, according to Saturday Night Live legend Ana Gasteyer, Carter was a huge fan of Dan Aykroyds impression of him on SNL, and the peanut farmer even had some jokes of his own, so long as you spoke English. When President Carter delivered a speech to an all-Japanese audience at a college in Osaka, Japan back in 1981, he tried to insert some levity by telling a short joke one which the translator repeated in Japanese as, President Carter told a funny story. Everyone must laugh. Carter first told the story that killed on Letterman during a lecture at Kansas State University in 1991. So you can see that there are some advantages in having been president of the United States, Carter said about the unexpected and, perhaps, undeservedly uproarious reaction to his speech from those impossibly polite Japanese students and faculty back in 1981. Advertisement Astoundingly, thats not the only time that a translator turned Carters words into a killer punchline that he didnt intend. When he visited Poland in 1977 as president, Carter's New York-born Polish translator turned I left the United States this morning into I left the United States, never to return; he expressed Carters intention to learn your opinions and understand your desires for the future as I desire the Poles carnally; and he interpreted the completely benign sentiment of Im happy to be in Poland as Im happy to grasp at Polands private parts. Whatever his accomplishments as president, Carters legacy cannot be appreciated without acknowledging that he was the king of mistranslated comedy. While social media may think that Jay Lenos latest catastrophic injury was the result of gambling debts owed to organized criminals, Leno says his only real gamble is continuing to tinker with vintage Ferraris when hes 74 years old and on his third face. Despite the glaring inconsistencies in the official story, the late-night comedy legend continues to insist that the nasty facial injury he suffered back in November came from nothing more than a tumble down a hill during an ill-conceived attempt at taking a shortcut to lunch. However, ever since Leno fell down a hill outside the Hampton Inn in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the comedians misfortune has been the subject of rampant internet speculation and conspiracy theorizing, with the most popular and entertaining explanation being that the mafia must have followed Leno to one of his gigs and given him a nasty shiner after he lost big at an illicit poker game. Don't Miss Critically, none of the online detectives have gotten bogged down by asking themselves silly questions like, Why would a man with a net worth of half a billion dollars need to gamble on credit? or Wouldnt Leno just fly to Vegas if he wanted to gamble instead of sneaking into a backroom mob game? but the subject of the conspiracy himself is a bit more pedantic than all these Twitter P.I.s. During his recent appearance on Club Random with Bill Maher, Leno invited his conspiracy-minded fans and The National Enquirer to wonder, if Leno owed the Cosa Nostra money, why wouldnt the mob just repossess one of his approximately 4,000 Porsches? As much as its morally repulsive to agree with Maher on anything, its hard not to watch this clip and think anything else besides, Sure, Jay. Advertisement Honestly, its a little suspicious that Leno already had all these excuses and explanations prepared when the topic of the apparently newsworthy theories about his injury history came up casually during the talk its almost like Leno had someone hammering his lines about the string of incidents into him before he could speak to the media. Id ask Leno to blink twice if hes under duress, but, after so many faces, blinking might be harder for him to do than letting Conan host The Tonight Show. Melissa Manno is a reporter covering education for the San Antonio Express-News. She can be reached at melissa.manno@express-news.net. She graduated from Penn State University in 2022 with a bachelors degree in journalism and minors in geography and digital media trends and analytics. She is also the 2021 Hearst National Journalism Writing Champion. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will soon be to English schools what Chancellor Rachel Reeves already is to the British economy: a wrecking ball. The economic damage Reeves has wrought in six short months is well-documented, the destructive handiwork of Phillipson less so. But it will be apparent for all to see in the coming year. Suffice to say that Labour's best known education policy slapping 20 per cent VAT on private school fees, starting Wednesday is far from the worst she has in store, though it is bad enough. Especially since it's not clear Phillipson knows what she is doing. At the weekend she was boasting that the VAT hike was popular even with middle-class parents because it would mean more 'pushy' parents who had been priced out of private schools demanding 'better from state schools'. But her department's own assessment of the policy concluded that 'very few families will move out of private schools'. Both claims can't be true. Either large numbers of parents will be forced to pull their children out of private schools, in which case there might indeed be an increase in voices pressing for higher state school standards; or not many will make the switch, in which case there won't. If Phillipson had displayed such muddled thinking in a school essay you'd like to think her teacher would insist she redo it. The education department, of course, has to argue there won't be an exodus from private schools, otherwise its sums don't add up. Phillipson claims VAT on fees will generate 500 million for state schools this year, rising to 1.7 billion a year by the end of the decade. Cash spending on English schools is currently close to 60 billion; 500 million is barely a rounding error. Even an extra 1.7 billion is hardly life-changing. Labour says it will be used to hire 6,500 more teachers. There are already 470,000 teachers in English state schools. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson claims VAT on fees will generate 500 million for state schools this year, rising to 1.7 billion a year by the end of the decade Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson at Perry Hall Primary school in Orpington in September An extra 1.4 per cent or a third of a teacher per school, if it happens will have a marginal impact at best. Parents already enduring some hardship to meet school fees may find 20 per cent VAT the last straw. Some less well-endowed private schools will struggle to survive. Both developments would result in a large influx of pupils into state schools. The Institute for Fiscal Studies reckons it could be 40,000, undermining the net financial gain Labour hopes to make from its churlish policy. Phillipson was boasting at the weekend about 'ending the tax breaks enjoyed by private schools', which reveals her ideological mindset. Not levying VAT on school fees is hardly a tax break. It is simply part of an international consensus that you do not tax education. No civilised country does. Bar, as of this week, Starmer's Britain, in which narrow class envy trumps global standards. Taxing school fees would not matter so much if Phillipson declared she intended to double down on the reforms of recent decades which have resulted in English state schools soaring up the international league tables. But nothing could be further from her mind. All the signs are that she intends to halt the reform programme in its tracks and even reverse it, replacing the quest for excellence with a return to mediocrity, which will hit poorer pupils' life chances most of all. School reform was one of the few success stories of the last 14 years of Tory government. Its origins go back to the Thatcher years in the 1980s, fostered further during the Blair-Brown ascendancy and given rocket boosters when Michael Gove became Education Secretary in the Tory-Lib Dem coalition in 2010. The reforms transformed English schools. I say explicitly English schools because the Left-wing devolved governments of Scotland and Wales had no time for them. Whereas in England there was a flourishing competition for excellence between new academies, free schools, local authority schools and the remaining grammar schools, the devolved nations stuck with what were once memorably called 'bog standard comprehensives'. Katharine Birbalsingh, the headmistress of Michaela Community School, an academy in Wembley, where working-class pupils of all creeds and colours go in great numbers to our finest universities, writes Andrew Neil That was bad for Scottish and Welsh pupils. But it did allow for some instructive comparisons, which Phillipson is determined to ignore. The global comparisons tell the story. In maths, reformed England had risen to 11th place in the international league table compiled by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an intergovernmental organisation with 38 member countries, by 2022. Meanwhile, unreformed Scotland, significantly above England in 2010, fell below the OECD average. Wales which, like Scotland, rejected the English reforms, suffered the biggest fall of any country in the OECD table between 2018 and 2022 in maths, science and reading. As England moved up to an impressive fourth place in the International Reading Literacy Study of 43 countries, the most recent Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) report, probably the highest-regarded global comparison, showed the performance of Scottish pupils in steady decline this century. In 2022, twice as many Scottish pupils failed to reach Pisa 'level two' in maths as they did in 2006; the number of high achievers (scoring levels five or six) fell from one in eight to one in 12. Fewer than 50 per cent of Scottish teenagers in secondary four (aged 14 to 15) can manage a pass in maths. As an astute observer of Scottish schools has said: 'No objective analysis can sustain the myth that Scottish pupils now learn better than their contemporaries south of the border.' Consider the import of that statement. It is the first time it can be said with accuracy in recorded history. It is the ultimate accolade for the Gove reforms in England. It is the shame of Scotland, where education used to be prized. No longer. When Scottish schools started plummeting down the global league tables then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's response was to withdraw co-operation from them. Phillipson has learned nothing from this. Her review of the curriculum is led by Professor Becky Francis, a gender and equality academic (naturally), who has attacked the current 'obsession with academic achievement'. She is sympathetic to the usual education 'experts' who want less rigour and more easy-going teaching, with visits to graffiti workshops replacing museum trips. All of which reflects Phillipson's mindset. When invited to praise the high-performing Michaela Community School, an academy in Wembley, in the Commons recently, she refused to do so. This despite the fact that, under the peerless leadership of Katharine Birbalsingh, working-class pupils of all creeds and colours go in great numbers to our finest universities. Remember that silence next time Phillipson claims to favour meritocracy. School reforms were given rocket boosters when Michael Gove became Education Secretary in the Tory-Lib Dem coalition in 2010 A dull egalitarianism is more her style. She plans to force academies to follow her new national curriculum and to work more closely with local authorities on admissions and teacher recruitment, thereby undermining the autonomy that has been crucial to their success. Rather than giving free rein to aspiration Phillipson strives to undermine it in the most petty ways. This month, her department announced the end of funding for teaching Latin in state schools. The cost was only 4 million. It's all a harbinger of worse to come. The pursuit of excellence will be replaced by grinding uniformity, the encouragement of reaching for the sky by what was once described as the 'soft bigotry of low expectations'. It is a grim reminder that the Starmer project has far more in common with Labour's failed socialism of the 1970s than the Blair-Brown New Labour years and that a Left-wing education minister on a mission can do even more long-term damage to our country than a Chancellor. Like much of the public sector, our local councils have rushed to embrace remote working, which allows staff to operate from home or even from overseas. Fuelled by the lockdowns during the Covid pandemic, the practice has become embedded in the public sector, as an investigation by the TaxPayers Alliance in todays Mail reveals. Since the end of the pandemic, local councils have agreed to more than 2,000 requests to work from abroad, with the number of individual approvals soaring from 73 in 2020/21 to 731 last year. In one shocking case, an employee from West Devon Borough Council was allowed to work from the Spanish holiday resort of Ibiza for nearly four years from March 2020. Others have won the right to base themselves in places as diverse as Portugal, Brazil, Malta, South Africa and the tropical sands of Bali. Supporters of logging on from the beach like to prattle on about work-life balance and the need to offer greater flexibility in order to attract recruits. Such claims are unconvincing. It is frankly impossible for public employees to show the same commitment to their position or understanding of local problems when they are thousands of miles away sipping a pina colada. Like much of the public sector, our local councils have rushed to embrace remote working, which allows staff to operate from home or even from overseas (stock image) Fuelled by the lockdowns during the Covid pandemic, the practice has become embedded in the public sector, as an investigation by the TaxPayers Alliance in todays Mail reveals (stock image) And it is the height of folly to promote this behaviour when the biggest problem in the public sector is declining productivity due to outdated working practices, an obsession with red tape and a manifest lack of workforce discipline. The latest official figures show that public sector productivity is 8.5 per cent lower than it was before the pandemic. Home Office asylum backlogs and NHS waiting lists are twin symbols of our chronically inefficient state. At HMRC, meanwhile, more than 90 per cent of the workforce has the right to remote-work for part of the week, which perhaps explains why 10 million calls to the organisation go unanswered every year. In the same vein, at the Office for National Statistics, daily attendance at some buildings is as low as 5 per cent. Tellingly, the transformation of these workplaces into ghost towns has come at the very moment when the ONS is under fire for disastrous recent errors over migrant numbers. Only last month, the ONS was forced to make embarrassingly swingeing adjustments to its immigration figures after admitting that net migration into the UK hit a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023 much higher than the 740,000 figure it had previously reported. Yet attempts to get ONS staff as well as around 3,800 workers employed in 14 Land Registry offices to return to the office have met with fierce resistance, led by the Public and Commercial Services union, which has successfully balloted its members for industrial action. The National Education Union, which represents teachers, is also agitating for more flexible working, ignoring all the lessons from the Covid lockdowns about the need for more interaction with pupils. Bankrolled by the trade unions and wedded to the ideology of workers rights, the Labour Government is sympathetic to calls for more remote working. Our country should be moving in the opposite direction. Mollycoddling of staff has already gone too far. The needs of the public should come first, not the desires of staff to work from their sun-loungers. Opportunity is missed by most people, goes a phrase attributed to Thomas Edison, because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. His attitude towards diligence should provide a mantra for every serious worker, but in the topsy-turvy world of local government a very different set of priorities is allowed to prevail. As we disclose today, council workers have been permitted to work from the beach more than 2,000 times since the pandemic. The number of employees granted permission to log on via their laptops from abroad is soaring each year. In one astonishing example, an employee was allowed to work from the Spanish party island of Ibiza for almost four years. How can the taxpayer benefit when workers are so out-of-synch with colleagues and devoid of proper managerial supervision? In some cases, council staff were given permission to clock in from distant time zones Australia, New Zealand and so on meaning they were likely to never be at work at the same time as their colleagues. It risks embedding delay into every piece of work they were asked to complete. A woman working on a beach (stock). As we disclose today, council workers have been permitted to work from the beach more than 2,000 times since the pandemic. The number of employees granted permission to log on via their laptops from abroad is soaring each year Opportunity is missed by most people, goes a phrase attributed to Thomas Edison (pictured), because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. His attitude towards diligence should provide a mantra for every serious worker A beach in Sydney. In some cases, council staff were given permission to clock in from distant time zones Australia, New Zealand and so on meaning they were likely to never be at work at the same time as their colleagues No wonder local authorities are so often accused of being unresponsive and wasteful, especially as it emerged last week that nearly a quarter of council tax revenues are now being splurged on staff pensions. Remarkably, some town halls acknowledged they have formal policies offering employees the chance to work from abroad for a set period of time. It is just one more example of the growing gulf being cultivated in Sir Keir Starmers Britain. On one side are the cosseted public sector workers, to whom Labour is in hock, and on the other are private sector employees and entrepreneurs who have been called upon to shoulder the bills for our increasingly bloated state. Labour, predictably, has refused to condemn the rising number of seaside shirkers. Another reminder, if one were needed, that this Government works for its trade union paymasters and not for you. A taxing year ahead Until now, the true scale of Labours tax-and-spend mentality has been a bleak, looming but largely theoretical concept. This week, the Governments first all-out attack on aspiration comes into force with a vengeance as VAT is imposed on private school fees. As if a tax on education was not enough, a raft of further punitive rises will follow in the coming weeks and months. These will include Chancellor Rachel Reeves imposition of a heavier National Insurance burden on employers, which is likely to manifest itself in the form of falling headcounts and smaller pay rises. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has had the brass neck to claim middle-class parents actually support Labours tax on private education Chancellor Rachel Reeves imposition of a heavier National Insurance burden on employers is likely to manifest itself in the form of falling headcounts and smaller pay rises Still in denial about the full effect of her vindictive policies, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has had the brass neck to claim middle-class parents actually support Labours tax on private education. Some of those who dared to criticise the policy were guilty of nothing short of scaremongering, she crowed. Do Ms Reeves and Ms Phillipson believe the public will still be offering them thanks when pay levels stagnate? Or when job opportunities narrow? Or when the grocery bill increases again due to the Governments net zero food packaging levy? Those who voted for all this will have a series of bitter pills to swallow in the coming year. But they will be unable to claim ignorance of one timeless, inescapable truth a vote for Labour means fewer pounds in your pocket. British people have been left baffled after spotting a UK-themed restaurant in Italy - that promises regional dwellers delicacies from the West Midlands, Wales and beyond. Based in Padua, Italy, the diner dubbed Oh My God! also caters to the tastebuds of tourists flocking to the country's northern region. Carrying a range of dishes from the British Isles, the restaurant has given it their best go to capture the taste of the four nations. From pork pies, Cornish pasties, to Welsh rarebit, the eatery has gone to extreme lengths to embody delicacies from various parts. Reddit users have been amazed by the business, with one person writing: 'Some decent looking attempts there, well done to them!' 'Theyre trying to cover all of UK with a recipe for each region so fair enough for that.' British people have been left baffled after spotting a UK-themed restaurant in Italy - that promises regional dwellers delicacies from the West Midlands, Wales and beyond One commenter found it amusing that they placed an icon or a bunny rabbit next to Welsh rarebit - and had even misspelled the country's name One user was particularly disgruntled about the Cornish Pasty being plated up with a side of beans Another chimed in: 'I love this, its a pretty good effort and most of those dishes are traditional and delicious. Especially love the sound of Jack the potato!!' However, not everybody was particularly thrilled by some of the restaurant's menu choices. One commenter found it amusing that they placed an icon or a bunny rabbit next to Welsh rarebit - and had even misspelled the country's name. Others where less pleased about mistakes regarding the geographical locations of the dishes. 'North eastLancashire hotpot. I guess thats like our knowledge of Italian region,' one quipped. Another sternly quipped: 'Salmon in the north east? Cod maybe. Or pease pudding. But salmon? F**k no.' One user was particularly disgruntled about the Cornish Pasty being plated up with a side of beans. Another was staunchly adamant that Fish and Chips was not a London cuisine despite what the 7.80 dish tried to imply on the menu. 'I think most people associate fish and chips with really any sea side British town,' they stated. 'Best fish and chips I've ever had was in Anstruther, 15 mins from St Andrews. There's a chippy there that won a number of awards for their food. And everything is as fresh as can be.' Categorising Scotch Eggs as Scottish was also a massive debate - one even Oh My God! admitted in the description: 'Classic picnic food, whose original recipe is a point of contention throughout the whole of UK. But if its called Scotch Egg, there must be a reason?' Even though, there was plenty of discourse about their factually inaccurate menu online, customers in real life don't seem to care. Oh My God! has received stellar reviews from its diners, boasting a five out of five rating and a whopping 743 reviews on TripAdvisor. One customer shared: 'Found this place on a whim, loved it so much for dinner we went back for breakfast the next day!!!!!' Another penned: 'An authentic British restaurant in Italy is difficult to find but this place really delivers and the food was delicious. 'I highly recommend this place for anyone who is sceptical about British food and wants to try some typical British dishes. I really enjoyed the experience and will definitely be returning.' This comes after Brits flocked to a British-themed restaurant in sunny Costa Del Sol, which bears a number of similarities to a famous UK pub chain, Wetherspoons. The pub dupe, with the witty name of 'Weatherspains', is located in Benalmadena, in Southern Spain. It has quickly become a popular place for tourists to enjoy a slice of home after spending the day in the sun abroad. An American man living in the UK has shared four observations about Tesco supermarkets - admitting one modern aspect of British superstores has left him baffled. Kalani Smith, who goes by @kalanismith on TikTok, is an influencer and YouTuber who regularly creates content about paranormal activity, but he's recently been documenting quintessentially British experiences during his stay in the UK. Since being in the UK, he's also captured the interest of millions by filming himself trying a variety of different British cuisines - from fish and chips in St. Andrews to a Sunday roast in London. But his recent video captured the interest of both Brits and Americans after he shared his thoughts about British superstores whilst out shopping with his partner at a Tesco Extra. Capturing their visit in a three-minute clip, Kalani was left in awe as he approached the entrance of the large supermarket, adding: 'Look at the size of this store. I thought you guys said you didn't have big stores over here.' The first observation the content creator noted was the opening hours of the superstore, going on to explain how Tesco Extra stays open until midnight while Walmart in the States closes at 11pm. As he entered the store, Kalani stumbled across a section of handheld scanners - and the content creator didn't hold back from expressing his confusion over the device. He said: 'It's kinda weird. You can scan your stuff and pay for it with these little handheld devices. We don't really have these in the U.S.' Kalani Smith, an American man living in the UK has shared four observations about Tesco supermarkets - including one aspect he reported to have found 'weird' Next, Kalani entered the refrigerated meat aisle, where he observed shelves filled with bacon, pork, lamb and sausages. However, he was left dumbfounded, noting that there are 'so many sausages in the UK' and that he's 'never seen so much meat in one spot.' Lastly, the content creator highlighted the difference between the frozen aisles in the UK and U.S. As he explored the area, he explained: 'I think what's really weird compared to America is there's only three rows for frozen meals, whereas I feel like we have more of these in America.' The content creator concluded the video by announcing his need to use the bathroom, but as he approached the toilets, he was left scratching his head after finding it locked with a padlock. In the comments, dozens of viewers shared their thoughts, with one Brit advising: 'Theres Iceland and farm foods they are shops of just frozen foods.' As he entered the store, Kalani stumbled across a section of handheld scanners - and the content creator didn't hold back from expressing his confusion over the device Another Briton remarked: 'Tesco used to have a lot of stores open 24 hours but they started closing them.' An American, meanwhile, was left impressed by what Tesco had to offer, as they wrote: 'Oh my gosh that looks [like an] amazing store.' It comes as an American man living in the UK has shared his shock at five stark differences between grocery shopping in Britain and back home. Kobie Jordan, a TikTok content creator known as @kjordyyy, often explores cultural contrasts between the two countries, both through street interviews with Brits and sharing his own experiences online. In a video uploaded in August, titled 'Grocery shopping in London as an American,' Jordan shared his observations whilst shopping for necessities in his local Sainsbury's supermarket. Filming his visit, the content creator singled out specific items while weighing up the pros and cons of varieties available in supermarkets in both nations. Aussie shoppers are heading back to Kmart after a pro shopper revealed how similar a cheap, $25 dress, stocked by the retailer is to a much more expensive buy. The Sleeveless Mesh Cowl Neck Maxi Dress - which is a sleek, leopard-print number, looks very similar to the $120 Elaine Mesh Maxi Dress by Decjuba. According to Kmart Insider both dresses are polyester/elastane. 'A dupe so perfect it is wild,' the influencer said on Instagram. And fans were thrilled. 'Wow! That's a winner!' one woman said. While another said she 'can't wait' to get her hands on one. 'Running to Kmart,' added a third. The Kmart dress (left) looks very similar to the Decujba dress (right) Some were less keen on the maxi dresses. 'Both are dated fashion,' one woman slammed. Though some were perplexed by how the fashion-forward page managed to find the dupes in the first place. 'Can you please share how you browse the Kmart website? Ive noticed things that you (and other pages) share that I cant find on the website,' one woman said. The Kmart Insider responded by saying they don't always show up on the new products page, so you have to sort through each category manually. The Kmart dress is available in store and online in sizes six-20. The Decujba dress was initially available in sizes six-18 (XXS to XXL) but sizes six (XXS), 14 (L) and 18 (XXL) have sold out. Kmart shoppers have been thrilled with the cheap dupes of designer label clothes recently. Aussie shoppers are obsessing over a stunning red strapless dress, with many saying it's an affordable alternative to popular brands that cost upwards of $200. Sell-out $54 Archer strapless maxi dress from Petal & Pup (left) and a $99.99 Sunny Drop Waist Midi Dress from Atmos&Here (right) The sell-out midi-length dress, available sizes six to 20, has been flying off the shelves as it's a 'summer must-have' for any wardrobe. 'Let's celebrate because this festive Kmart dress is just $25,'Mart Insider said, comparing it to one from Seed worth $200. Many bargain hunters were amazed with the huge price difference while others have been 'absolutely loving' their new dress. 'Wore mine today and got so many compliments,' one shopper said. Many shoppers said it looked like the 'perfect Christmas Day dress'. A psychic who successfully predicted numerous global events throughout 2024 has now revealed what is in store for 2025. Athos Salome, 38, from Brazil, who is often referred to as the 'living Nostradamus', has previously had a number of foresights turn out to be true. He predicted the coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth's death and the Microsoft global outage. Now, the psychic warns that 2025 will be the year that 'humanity may lose control of technology.' Salome said the coming year is one of radical innovation, but also of unprecedented challenges. With the rise of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and medical advances, he says the world could be on the brink of revolutionary progress - or imminent disaster. Speaking to Femail, Salome says 2025 will be the turning point. On one hand scientific potential can provide people with efficient tools to solve numerous problems, on the other we will see the perspective of using technology 'cluelessly' He added: 'It will also hold key question answers that are important to the coming year. Are we building a progression into the future or are we barrelling ourselves into a world of confusion? 'It appears that the world is now at what may turn out to be the most critical cross roads ever.' Athos Salome, 38, from Brazil, who is often referred to as the 'living Nostradamus' as she successfully predicted numerous global events has now revealed what is in store for 2025 Generalist AI: Genius or Uncontrolled Risk? Salome predicts that 2025 will be the year when artificial intelligence reaches unimaginable levels. He said: 'Advanced systems will be able to operate in multiple domains at the same time, mimicking human reasoning. 'An AI will be able to design buildings, plan advertising campaigns and diagnose diseases in a matter of seconds. But as we transfer so much power to machines, the question arises: what happens if we lose control?' Quantum Computing: A Revolution with the Potential for Chaos Salome said: 'Quantum computing, previously restricted to experimental laboratories, could soon solve practical problems. 'Modelling molecules for new medicines? Possible. Breaking global digital security systems? Imminent.' Salome also warned that governments, banks and institutions could face an unprecedented cyber crisis. Brain-Machine Connections: Progress or Privacy Violation? He said: 'Imagine a future where human brains can connect directly to artificial intelligence. 'This technology could treat neurological diseases, but it also poses a frightening risk: mental invasion and manipulation of thoughts. 'Are we ready to give up the last stronghold of privacy - our minds?' Now, the psychic warns that 2025 will be the year that 'humanity may lose control of technology' (stock image) Implantable Technologies: Control or Freedom? Salome said: 'Implantable chips are on their way to becoming popular. These devices will monitor health, connect users to the internet and potentially allow real-time tracking. 'For many, this sounds liberating; for others, it is the harbinger of a world where we are constantly watched.' Digital Currencies and the End of Physical Money In 2025, Salome predicts that government digital currencies will consolidate. He explained: 'Transactions will be fast but completely traceable, raising serious concerns about privacy. 'Governments will have absolute control over digital money, being able to freeze accounts or monitor every purchase.' Cyber Weapons: The New Battlefield Salome warns of an increase in cyber attacks, capable of paralysing power grids, hospitals and banking systems. He said: 'In a polarised global scenario, these weapons could become the main tools of conflict between powers.' Space Exploration: The Year of the UFO Truth? Salome said: 'Thanks to James Webb telescope, humanity might finally get the answer to the existence of alien life, while governments like the US may declassify UFO files. 'If true, these discoveries could revolutionise ones view about the universe in which we exist and about ourselves.' Nuclear Fusion and Climate Disasters He said: 'It is never far beyond the horizon; the new idea of clean, unlimited energy nuclear fusion.' But Salome also draws attention to the fact that global warming poses problems such as the melting of the arctic, which will release methane in 'catastrophic quantities' and add to the climate crisis. Popular Movements: Taking Over Against Technological Control He explained: 'These movements could push governments to reconsider some policies and reinstate to people more Personal Freedoms.' Romance novels were all the rage on TikTok this year, but it wasn't just historical stories or romantic comedies. Instead, TikTok was all about ultra-raunchy, escapist fantasy books that went viral, including minotaurs, fairies and aliens as the unlikely heroes. While vampires and werewolves used to be the most popular protagonists, 2024 romance novels were given a monstrous and supernatural twist. On TikTok, book lovers gather and make videos on 'BookTok,' which is sometimes called 'SmutTok' if it involves spicier romances, to review and recommend their wildest reads. On the literary review platform Goodreads, where readers can rate their favorite books, the same novels garnered thousands of five-star reviews. Some of the most popular fantasy novels on TikTok include C.M. Nascostas Morning Glory Milking Farm, about a woman who has a 'one-sided crush on an out-of-her-league minotaur,' and Ruby Dixons Ice Planet Barbarians series, which focuses on a seven foot tall blue alien with horns and a tail. The 19-book series Ice Planet Barbarians has amassed more than 163,000 reviews on Goodreads, ranging from five stars to one, where some people complain that thousands of TikTok reviews convinced them to read what they deem 'alien smut.' On TikTok, there are 8.9 million TikTok videos devoted to Morning Glory Milking Farm, where people read aloud or react to the shocking premise. Fantasy romance, or romantasy, took off after the popularity of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros The 19 book series Ice Planet Barbarians has amassed more than 163,000 reviews on Goodreads, where people complain that thousands of TikTok reviews convinced them to read what they deem 'alien smut' One of the most popular fantasy novels on TikTok is C.M. Nascostas Morning Glory Milking Farm, about a woman who has a 'one-sided crush on an out-of-her-league minotaur' It helps that many of these books are available on Kindle Unlimited, so subscribers to the service are able to read the books for free. There are also more mainstream offerings, including A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, a wildly popular viral series that focuses on a huntress and fairies and Ali Hazelwoods Bride, about a vampire and a werewolf. A Court of Thorns and Roses, also known as ACOTAR on TikTok, has amassed thousands of videos as people imagine what the characters would look like and make their own merch for the five book 'fairy porn' series. Julianne Buonocore, who founded book industry publication The Literary Lifestyle, told FEMAIL that fantasy romance as a genre took off after the popularity of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Fourth Wing - which was the most read book of the year according to Goodreads - focused on dragons and was a mix of Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. However, since only two books were available in the series, young women who loved the genre started look elsewhere to fill the void until the third one is published next year. 'This made way for other fantasy series, including monster books, to become popular on TikTok,' Julianne explained about the book, which sold over two million copies globally. In fact, the genre became so inescapable, it was nicknamed 'Romantasy,' a term that was coined in 2008 but only recently caught on. Julianne Buonocore, who founded The Literary Lifestyle, believes fantasy books were particularly popular with Gen Z and millennials because of their 'escapist nature' Nola Saint James told FEMAIL, 'According to the Romance Writers of America, in order to be considered a romance, a story must have a happy ending.' 'These fantasy books often appeal to "new adult" readers just over 18,' Julianne said, explaining that these books then went viral on TikTok with Gen Z, who were already using the social media platform. Julianne, who's based in Pennsylvania, believes fantasy books were particularly popular with Gen Z and millennial women because of their 'escapist nature.' Nola Saint James, 75, a rabbi by day and romance author at night, told FEMAIL, 'according to the Romance Writers of America, in order to be considered a romance, a story must have a happy ending.' 'In some ways, the details of the story - monsters, aliens, shape shifters - dont matter as much as the satisfying defeat of the villain, obstacle, or problem,' Nola explained. The romance author added that creating these alternative universes can help 'ramp down the anxiety around difficult issues.' 'Embodying that which is threatening into a "monster" is a way in which to gain some control over it,' Nola said, adding that reading these books is a way to deal with this 'complex and chaotic world.' 'Naming it and giving it form is a way of taking that which is amorphous and uncontrollable and trapping it into a more manageable shape,' Nola continued. In many ways, these books are spicier versions of Beauty and the Beast, with even more original anti-heroes, whether they're aliens or minotaurs. Tell people you don't enjoy Christmas and they look at you like you've been kicking puppies. Over the years, I've come up with many reasons why I dislike this time of year, from the endless over-consumption to the cheesy music. I would always try to shrug off my inner Scrooge with a jokey comment. Most years I would skip the whole thing by jetting out of the country. But behind my smug Instagram posts from a beach in Mexico was a very different story. A big part of the reason I've always hated Christmas so much is that I was estranged from my mother. This time of year is particularly difficult for the millions of adults who have an estranged family member. In Britain, research by the charity Stand Alone suggests around one in five families are affected by estrangement which is defined as a relationship in which communication has stopped. In the US, a study from Ohio State University found 6 per cent of respondents were estranged from a mother and a staggering 26 per cent from a father. Although lots of us feel under some sort of obligation to see someone we'd rather not spend time with over the holidays from a tricky uncle to a monstrous mother-in-law being utterly cut off from a parent is a completely different emotion. In December I would often feel like an alien, as friends talked warmly of looking forward to spending time with their parents and what they'd buy for them. I felt completely cold. For as long as I can remember, I've had a turbulent relationship with my mother. We were never close whether it was because of her long hours at work or because we had very different personalities. Although I was close to my older sister and got along well with my dad, my childhood was punctuated by my father's drinking and a lot of dysfunction. Kate Wills says a big part of the reason she has always hated Christmas so much is because she was estranged from her mother As a child, I always dreaded Christmas because it seemed to highlight the gap between what I saw on TV and my own set up. My only memories of Christmas are the traditions we had at school a play of The Nutcracker, making cards and giving them to teachers. My parents divorced when I was 11 and I initially lived with my mother in the home I'd grown up in but we led largely separate lives. When I was 14 she met a new partner who I didn't get on with and I saw even less of her. A year later I came home from school to find a 'For Sale' sign outside our house, and when I asked my mother about it, she said she was moving to a new city to live with her partner. She told me I could join them, but I didn't want to leave my friends and school to be uprooted to a place where I knew no one. So I went to live with my dad and although I still saw my mother, our meetings were often strained and sad. I felt abandoned and angry. Even when I could see she was trying to make an effort, I struggled to reconcile that with the uninterested mother I had known growing up. I remember one Christmas Day it was just me and my father in his cramped flat with a ready meal. As I grew older, I tended to spend Christmas with my boyfriends' families. I learned to bat off questions about what my own family were doing for Christmas, and give vague responses about why I wasn't seeing them. Over the years, my lack of a traditional family Christmas has led to some unusual December 25ths. I have eaten dim sum with Jewish friends, spent it volunteering at a homeless shelter, and once completely forgot it was Christmas Day entirely as I was hiking in the Himalayas. But wherever I was in the world, as soon as I saw the first decorations in the shops, or heard the first Christmas songs on the radio, I would feel a looming sense of unease. It's a season where family togetherness is rammed down your throat in every advert or movie. Some years, I would try to make the effort to see my mum around the holidays and we would exchange presents, but it always seemed like we were going through the motions. When I met my now-ex-husband in 2005, his huge family were big fans of Christmas and I was happy to be enveloped in their long-standing traditions walks in the countryside, old movies on the projector. He was overjoyed that the tricky dynamics with my mother meant that we got to spend it with his family every year, rather than alternating like most couples. But occasionally I would look up at the smiles and affection around the table and feel a pang of sadness that I had never known this kind of Christmas growing up. Kate says that for as long as she can remember, she has had a turbulent relationship with her mother. They were never close - whether it was because of her mother's long hours at work or because they had very different personalities Ultimately the stark difference in our backgrounds and childhoods was one of the reasons my ex and I proved incompatible. When we got divorced in 2018, I made some big changes. After many years of therapy, I realised I was never going to get the emotional support I needed from my mother. Following one particularly stressful meeting, I decided it would be our last. I cut off all contact with her deleting her number, ignoring her emails, blocking her on social media. I wasn't sure how long it would be for, but as the weeks turned to months, I felt much lighter without the obligation to see her. Around this time, I met my current partner and we quickly moved in together. He struggled to understand how I could have no relationship with my mother at all and was saddened by it. But I quickly got used to this reaction from friends and colleagues. Having an estranged parent particularly your mother can feel very lonely. An absent father most people can understand, but having no relationship with the woman who gave birth to you is incomprehensible to many. I found some comfort in a Facebook group for people with estranged family members, where thousands of us would share our experiences and offer advice. Sometimes it felt like these strangers understood me more than my closest friends or even my partner. In 2020, our daughter was born. Our first Christmas was spent at home with just the three of us. Because of the pandemic, this wasn't unusual. I revelled in the fact that, for once, I wasn't an outlier on Christmas Day, I was just like everyone else. Although when friends wept with sadness that they couldn't see their parents, I tried hard to empathise. Of course, having my own child has brought up lots of complicated feelings about my mother. But the most surprising one was that falling in love with motherhood made me feel pity for her. I don't think she took much pleasure in us, and I felt sorry if she missed out on this joy. The thought of my own daughter one day cutting off contact with me made me feel physically sick. I would sometimes get messages or letters from my mother, especially around Christmas. She would apologise for what had happened. I felt really sad when I read her words, but I knew that nothing had really changed. I chose not to respond and to focus on my own family. But that didn't mean I didn't wish things were different. New friends and colleagues would ask if I was seeing my parents at Christmas, and when told them I was estranged from my mother they were shocked. 'But she's your mother? And it's Christmas?!' they'd say. As if the mere fact of it being December 25 could undo so many years of hurt and toxic behaviour. There's a perception in our culture that we should put family first, especially at Christmas. But for some families that's just not possible, and protecting yourself from more hurt is the only sensible course of action. I remember once arguing with a friend who had lost both her parents, as she urged me to make amends with my mother while there was still time. Although I understood that it came from a good and well-meaning place, some families can't just kiss and make up. I tried to enjoy Christmas on my own terms, and make new rituals and traditions for my own little family. After decades of not understanding why you could cut down something lovely in nature and plonk it in your living room, in 2021, I got my first Christmas tree. Seeing my daughter's face as the lights went on and she put the star on top made me see Christmas in a new way. After a lifetime of 'Bah humbug' I had caught the Christmas spirit. But I'd still find myself thinking about my mother despite not having spent a Christmas with her in decades. I would wonder where she was and what was happening in her life. I'd feel sad that she wasn't there to watch my daughter unwrap her gifts or to send her pictures of the school nativity. In 2019, my father was diagnosed with dementia and as his illness progressed he would often ask how my mother was, forgetting I was no longer in touch with her. My dad's worsening condition made me confront the fact that my mother also wouldn't be around for ever. I would occasionally wonder if enough time and space had passed and we could have a relationship again. But I wasn't sure how to open the channels of communication after so long. It had been six years, I couldn't just text her and say 'Fancy a coffee?' I once completely forgot it was Christmas Day entirely as I was hiking in the Himalayas, writes Kate Wills Despite our difficult childhood, my sister had always managed to maintain some kind of relationship with my mum. Although they also had periods of not speaking, she would occasionally tell me about meeting my mother at Christmas and I would feel conflicted. Relief that I didn't have to go through that, but also envy that she was able to have a mother in her life, that her children had a grandmother. When my father died earlier this year, I knew I would see my mother at his funeral. I felt more anxious about this than I did about giving the eulogy or seeing my father's coffin. We said brief hellos, and she told me that my dad would've been really proud of my eulogy. She met my partner for the first time and it was a hugely emotional day. Although my mother and I didn't get much time to talk, I felt like a pathway had been opened for us to have a relationship again. My father's death had made me see him in a new light as a complex person in his own right. I realised that I was able to start to see my mother like this, too. I realised that life is complicated, and she did the best she could. As I approach 40 and with my own experience of motherhood, I can finally appreciate that she had her own reasons for the choices she made something I always found difficult to comprehend when I was younger. A few tentative emails later, initiated by her, and we met for lunch a month ago. I was very nervous about seeing her again, but it instantly felt like no time had passed at all. We made polite chit-chat about where we were living now, but when she said, 'I hear you've had a daughter' I broke down in tears. It felt like so much had happened in my life and I didn't even know where to begin. I felt overwhelmed with sadness for everything we'd both missed out on. That day felt both incredibly mundane and hugely significant. I came away feeling that I'd like to see her again, and that I'd like for her to properly meet my partner and my daughter. Since our meeting she has been respectful of my boundaries allowing me to set the pace. I'll always be grateful that she has been able to give me the time and space I needed, and that she still wants to try to have a relationship. We arranged to see each other a few days before Christmas, to meet her granddaughter for the first time. But the day before, she sent me a text cancelling, saying she was ill. Although I was disappointed, I wasn't surprised. I have had a lifetime of being let down by my mother. I was hurt that she had cancelled, but I was happy that I hadn't said too much to my daughter about meeting her grandmother. Perhaps a part of me knew she would probably end up not coming even though it seems unfathomable to me. If I was meeting my grandchild for the first time, it's hard to think of much that would prevent me from showing up. She suggested we find another day to meet up, but I'm not holding out too much hope. Every time I do that with my mother I set myself up for sadness. I would love to give her the benefit of the doubt it is flu season after all or perhaps she feels nervous about meeting up and it has manifested as an illness. In a way, I feel vindicated that my partner has now seen her baffling and confusing behaviour first- hand, because I sometimes found it hard to explain why we were estranged. Occasionally, I have even doubted my own recollection of the past, almost gas-lighting myself into wondering if she was really that bad. But it seems she hasn't changed all that much. I tried to enjoy the day with my own family. I felt grateful that although it would be another Christmas without my mum and my first without my dad I have a lovely family of my own now, and I am much less affected by her being unreliable. I have many memories of being the last person to be collected from school, countless missed parents' evenings and having to stay at friends' houses because she didn't pick me up at all. Christmas is just another day it wasn't going to magically heal all wounds. There was no exchanging gifts with mum and no heartwarming ending to this story, but by creating my own traditions with my family, this time of year does feel special to me. Even before the arrival of a man called Jesus, people rejoiced in a celebration of light, rebirth and renewal. The worst of winter is hopefully behind us, and it feels like there's a lot to look forward to. The Windsor, Berkshire couple have been together 16-years A couple who are married and are currently expecting their first child, have admitted they are often mistaken as being related - with many believing them to be twins or even mother and daughter. Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans, from Windsor, Berkshire, have been a couple for 16 years, but with matching blonde hair and with similar styles, many of those years have been plagued with comments calling them siblings. Over the course of their relationship, the couple have not only been mistaken as twin sister, but as mother and daughter - despite 37-year-old Megan being just one year older than Whitney. The pair - who share a popular social media page - recently announced their pregnancy after a lengthy journey with three unsuccessful rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), and two rounds of IVF, totalling 40,000. With Megan now 20 weeks pregnant, the long-time wives say they are still inundated with questions about their relationship. 'We are often mistaken as sisters, twins and the worst one of all mother and daughter,' Whitney, originally from Kentucky said. 'They think Megan is [my] mother. We hear it all the time, from in person, to online. 'We think people are naturally curious as they sense a deep connection between us and want to know the connection. Whitney (right) and Megan Bacon-Evans (left), from Windsor, Berkshire, have been a couple for 16 years, but with matching blonde hair and with similar styles, many of those years have been plagued with comments calling them siblings 'They proceed to ask such questions assuming we're anything but married and a couple. 'We kindly correct them and say that we are married and have been together for 16 years. 'We hope in correcting them that we can educate them on lesbian couples and to never assume. 'It's rather awkward when we inform them that we're married and they reply "but you look identical" we really don't!' The couple first connected on MySpace as teenagers back in 2006 before meeting up two years later when Whitney studied abroad in London. Megan said: 'As soon as we locked eyes, I knew she was the one. Two weeks later we were officially a couple.' They spent four years long-distance before Whitney moved to the UK in 2012, and the couple had a civil partnership. They then 'upgraded' to marriage in a 2017 ceremony in California, US. The pair - who share a popular social media page - recently announced their pregnancy after a lengthy journey with three unsuccessful rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI), and two rounds of IVF , totalling 40,000 Over the course of their relationship, the couple have not only been mistaken as twin sister, but as mother and daughter - despite 37-year-old Megan being just one year older than Whitney By 2020, they decided to expand their family by having a child together - though it would be a long journey, costing them tens of thousands of pounds. Megan said: 'We were excited to finally embark on our journey to become two mums, but also didn't really know what this would entail, due to the great lack of representation. 'There is a great lack of information as to how LGBTQ+ couples create their family. 'We didn't know where to even start our baby journey and neither did our GP.' It took two years before they were able to start with IUI. Whitney said: 'We got pregnant from our first round and we couldn't believe our luck, we were so excited. 'But unfortunately it turned out to be a chemical pregnancy and a few weeks later, Megan was sadly no longer pregnant.' They had two more unsuccessful round of IUI before turning to IVF, where the first round was unsuccessful. With Megan now 20 weeks pregnant, the long-time wives say they are still inundated with questions about their relationship 'We are often mistaken as sisters, twins and the worst one of all mother and daughter,' Whitney, originally from Kentucky , US, told What's The Jam The couple first connected on MySpace as teenagers back in 2006 before meeting up two years later when Whitney studied abroad in London Megan underwent a second round of egg collection, and one of the viable embryos stuck. Whitney said: 'We are both so beyond excited. It's the most magical feeling knowing that we will be able to meet our child in May. 'We can't wait to be mummies and expand our family. We've just found out that we're having a girl, which is very exciting!' After all they went through to get to this point, the couple are still reeling from the toll that it can take for same sex couples to conceive. Megan said: 'During our baby journey we were shocked to discover barriers and discrimination in place preventing same-sex female couples from having a family. 'This also impacts single women and individuals with wombs. 'Coined as a 'gay tax', there is an unfair financial burden that is being placed on the LGBTQ+ community. We self-funded our baby journey and spent roughly 40,000 in total. Whitney said: 'We are both so beyond excited. It's the most magical feeling knowing that we will be able to meet our child in May' After all they went through to get to this point, the couple are still reeling from the toll that it can take for same sex couples to conceive 'We spoke about these issues in parliament for an LGBT+ Commission Inquiry report last year. 'In July 2022, the government released their Women's Healthcare Strategy with one of the aims being to remove the additional barriers to NHS fertility treatment for same-sex female couples. 'This still hasn't been rolled out but we keep continuing to put pressure on the government and recently had a positive meeting with the Health Secretary.' A mom who went viral after she called out her son's stepdad and stepmom over a Christmas portrait is setting the record straight - and explaining what really happened. After a photo of her five-year-old son went viral because his stepmom and dad didn't get him matching pajamas for a family photoshoot, the boy's mom took to TikTok to share the full story. Nursing student Taylor, who goes by the username @craveslim on social media, explained that 'the internet takes things and flips it.' In the photo, her son, Tru, was seen alongside his dad, stepmom and two step siblings, who were all in matching green pajamas. Tru sat in the middle, wearing a pair of black pajamas that read, 'Christmas Crew' on them. Taylor began the video by explaining that she and her ex have a set schedule, where Tru will to be with his dad every other weekend. But on December 19, Taylor's ex wanted to take him for an additional weekend, which she allowed. He communicated that Tru would need his hair done before coming to stay with him, but never said anything about the family taking a Christmas picture, which took place on Saturday the 21. A mom who went viral after her she called out her son's stepdad and stepmom over a Christmas portrait is setting the record straight - and explaining what really happened Nursing student Taylor, who goes by the username @craveslim on social media, explained that 'the internet takes things and flips it' She explained that on Christmas Day, she received the pictures from Dad. 'I'm like okay, cute, but why doesn't my son have on the same pajamas on as everyone else?' Taylor wondered, explaining that the pajamas Tru wore were the ones that he was meant to sleep in that night. In response, her ex said that the pajamas were out of stock, while Taylor told him that it was 'dead wrong' to have him excluded like that, to which her ex never responded. Taylor then took to Facebook to share her concerns about the situation, asking if she was in the wrong for feeling upset about the situation. After receiving floods of comments, Taylor then posted the Christmas pictures to Facebook, being careful to block out the rest of the children in the snap. 'I sent those from home," Taylor said of Tru's pajamas in a second follow-up video. 'They are something to sleep in, not take professional photos in. My son could have [at] least got a fresh new set of pajamas,' she continued. 'The first picture is just to show that everyone has the same set except for my kid.' 'I'm like okay, cute, but why doesn't my son have on the same pajamas on as everyone else?' Taylor wondered, explaining that the pajamas Tru wore were the ones that he was meant to sleep in that night 'They are something to sleep in, not take professional photos in. My son could have [at] least got a fresh new set of pajamas,' she continued She explained that her entire problem with the situation was that her son did not match the rest of the family. 'The pictures were already booked on Dad's free weekend,' Taylor explained. 'Dad was already not supposed to have my kid,' she continued. 'My kid was never supposed to be there. Therefore, my kid was never a part of the plan. I just feel like Dad should have just left his son at home with me and all of this would have just been avoided.' She said that everyone should have had new pajamas for the shoot if they wanted to include Tru, explaining that the boy's dad had plenty of time to find matching pajamas. Finally, the nursing student also clarified that she isn't putting the blame on the stepmom here, after she made a post in response to Taylor. 'I also said I didnt feel comfortable with him not matching but it was tooo late because our shoot was literally mins away & I DEFINITELY didnt know he was going to be in our pictures and the MOTHER THAT I AM I WOULD NEVERRRRRRRR EVERRRR LEAVE HIM OUT & I never did,' the step mother, Riya Lee, wrote on the social media platform. However, Taylor insisted that she never blamed Riya. In order to ensure that he had a good Christmas holiday, she surprised him with matching pajamas and other fun activities like drinking hot chocolate together 'I never attacked her, the internet blamed her,' Taylor said. 'I've never blamed her, I've always blamed Dad from the jump,' she added. DailyMail.com reached out to Taylor and Riya for comment. Speaking to People, Taylor said that her son felt 'not good' about not matching with the rest of his family. In order to ensure that he had a good Christmas holiday, she surprised him with matching pajamas and other fun activities like drinking hot chocolate together. 'He really enjoyed his Christmas,' she told the outlet. Romance isn't dead - even in a coma. A woman has detailed the incredible moment that she knew her boyfriend was waking up from a coma - when he put his hand up her shirt and undid her bra. Kath Smith, 32, from Canada, has been sharing her boyfriend Ben's dramatic story on TikTok. She explained that Ben was in a coma for almost a week after he sustained a traumatic brain injury during a brutal mugging while vacationing in England six years ago. Most recently, she detailed the risque way that doctors determined that Ben was coming out of the coma. When Ben began emerging from his comatose state, Kath said he started to make reactive movements while still unconscious. 'I would hold his hand, he would squeeze my hand,' she explained. '[The medical staff said] it needs to be an intentional movement.' When he started rubbing his hand up and down her back, Kath added that she was sure that was an intentional movement, but doctors still weren't convinced. Kath Smith, 32, has detailed the incredible moment that she knew her boyfriend was waking up from a coma - when he put his hand up her shirt and undid her bra (stock image) 'They were like, "no, that's still reactive,"' she recalled. However, he then made a move that made it obvious that he was indeed waking up. 'He then put his hand under my shirt, the man undid by bra in his coma,' she revealed. 'I was just there, dumfounded,' she continued, adding that the nurses were telling her not to move. 'They bought the doctor in, and the doctor was like, "I'll claim that as intentional." That's how we knew Ben was emerging from his coma.' Kath said that Ben finds the story embarrassing, and she often jokes it's his 'true nature.' '[The nurses] were crying after too. What a mixture of emotions,' she added in a comment. Viewers loved the sweet story, and were amused at the hilarious way that Kath found out that Ben was waking up following the horrific injury. Viewers loved the sweet story, and were amused at the hilarious way that Kath found out that Ben was waking up following the horrific injury 'Ben, a man with a clear vision of his goals,' one user joked in the comment section. 'Why does this feel like ultimate Ben vibes. Even in a coma hes showing his love for you, and affection,' gushed another. 'OK but he should NOT be embarrassed, this is iconic,' agreed someone else. 'This made me smile so hard. Thank you,' a different person commented sweetly. In a previous video, Kath shared the story about Ben's tragic accident, which resulted in him being hospitalized for over four years and undergoing 66 reconstructive surgeries after he was brutally mugged while vacationing in England. He sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and at first, doctors said he was unlikely to make it through the night. Kath rushed from her home in Canada to the UK to be with him, and after a week in a coma, Ben began to wake up. At first, he was non-verbal and required around the clock care in ICU. When he was well enough, they bought him back to Canada where he spent the next year trying to regain his speech. 'He continued to progress, and slowly and surely after three years he began learning how to walk again,' she shared. Ben was finally released from hospital in 2023 and has continued out patient therapy. 'There's no doubt these years have changed us,' Kath wrote in a video. 'In both positive and negative ways but we're both trying out best to navigate the trauma of it all.' A psychologist has blasted a 'misogynistic' children's book that claims women with borderline personality disorder have smaller brains and suggests sufferers are a 'lost cause'. Dr Jessica Taylor, 34, from Stoke-on-Trent, has taken issue with the book 'My Mummy Has BPD!', which she claims perpetuates harmful 'myths' about the condition that affects one in 100 people in the UK. Earlier this week, chartered psychologist and women's rights campaigner shared snippets from the book by Scottish author Sophie McLelland with her 42,400 Instagram followers. The book, which is aimed at children aged five to 12, is written from the perspective of a young person whose mother has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It begins by sharing an illustration of their mother's brain, which claims her amygdala - the part of the brain that processes emotion - is 'smaller' than average. The page reads: 'The activity is different, some parts may be small, she can't regulate her emotions at all!' Dr Taylor wrote: 'The book is filled with myths, including this blatantly incorrect claim that women with a BPD diagnosis have smaller parts of their brain - something we have never proven as there are no structural differences in brains with and without psychiatric diagnoses - hence why there are no tests.' On the next page, the book, which appears to have been self-published, contains an illustration of the child's brain and reads: 'If you scanned Mummy's brain, it wouldn't look the same!' Dr Jessica Taylor, 34, from Stoke-on-Trent, has taken issue with the book 'My Mummy Has BPD!' (pictured), which she claims perpetuates harmful 'myths' about the condition The chartered psychologist and women's rights campaigner (pictured) shared snippets from the book by Scottish author Sophie McLelland with her 42,400 Instagram followers The expert continued: 'Another page teaches children that their mummy's brain will look different if scanned, because BPD can be seen in the brain. This is totally false. 'Not a single "psychiatric disorder" can be seen on a MRI/fMRI/PET/CAT scan. This is why we have no diagnostic tests in psychology or psychiatry.' Elsewhere in the children's book, the author includes an illustration of a 'wave of emotion' - with the words 'panic', 'hurt', 'anxiety' and 'anger' floating around it. 'She knows what she's saying and doing is wrong,' the page reads. 'But the wave of emotions is far too strong!' Accusing the author of 'blaming' BPD patients, Dr Taylor added: 'Resources like this only serve to cause more hostility and misogyny towards women with "psychiatric disorders" - by weaponising their kids to believe they have brain disorders that they need serious medical help for.' The expert then went on to argue that this type of book is 'raising a new generation of victim blamers' and teaches children that parents struggling with psychological conditions are a 'lost cause'. Dr Taylor continued: 'This resource isnt unique. In the last few years, the mental health industry and individuals have pumped out hundreds of books and resources that encourage children to see their parents (predominantly their mothers, if you look at the products), as mentally ill. 'They encourage children as young as five to see their mum as ADHD, schizophrenic, bipolar, BPD, or depressed. They teach children to pathologise and patronise their own mother - despite the fact that these women are highly likely to have been traumatised, abused, distressed, pathologised and totally failed by their support networks and our systems. The post has amassed over 1,200 'likes' since it was shared yesterday - and followers were left equally 'gobsmacked' It begins by sharing an illustration of their mother's brain, which claims her amygdala - the part of the brain that processes emotion - is 'smaller' than average On the next page, the book contains an illustration of the child's brain and reads: 'If you scanned Mummy's brain, it wouldn't look the same!' WHAT IS BPD? BPD is a personality disorder characterised by a long-standing pattern of instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, and self-image that is severe enough to cause extreme distress or interfere with social and occupational functioning. Among the manifestations of this disorder are: (a) Self-damaging behaviour (e.g., gambling, overeating, substance use) (b) Intense but unstable relationships (c) Uncontrollable temper outbursts (d) Uncertainty about self-image, gender, goals, and loyalties (e) shifting moods (f) Self-defeating behaviour, such as fights, suicidal gestures, or self-mutilation (g) Chronic feelings of emptiness and boredom. Source: American Psychological Association Advertisement 'The resources are usually medicalised - filled with misinformation and lies about the brain, about disorders, and medication. Children are being groomed as early as possible to believe the myths about mental illness, so they comply, and so they become customers. 'Nothing good will come from teaching children that mummy is mentally ill. We are raising a new generation of victim blamers, misogynists and pro-psychiatry children who ignore anything their mother has ever been through, and instead see her as a lost cause with an incurable brain disorder.' The post has amassed over 1,200 'likes' since it was shared yesterday - and followers were left equally 'gobsmacked'. One follower wrote: 'What a coincidence that its Mummy that has BPD and not Daddy?' Another joked: 'What in the middle aged white male psychiatry is going on here?' A third added: 'Shocking and serves no benefit at all for parent or child. In fact, its harmful to both. Seething.' Meanwhile, a fourth mused: 'I wonder if they'll bring out a book "my daddy is misogynistic with violent tendencies towards women" and all the illustrations are pictures of his brain with descriptors "she provoked him".' A fifth said: 'I'm gobsmacked that nobody thought to fact-check this book before it was published. Consequently, it's out there, doing who knows what damage.' Femail has contacted author Sophie McLelland for comment. Dr Jessica Taylor was raised in poverty on a council estate on the fringes of Stoke-on-Trent. She fell pregnant with her first son as a teenager and after giving birth to a second son, she worked full time while completing her degree, and later a PHD in forensic psychology - but says she was judged on her upbringing and for being 'too' open about the abuse she experienced. Speaking on a recent episode of BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, the psychologist recounted how an email discussing her upbringing was sent around an 'entire department' while she was studying for a PHD 'I never expected to be framed as stupid, dangerous and unsophisticated just because of where I come from': Dr Taylor, now 33, pictured in childhood She told MailOnline she was driven to write her memoir because of the 'them and us' culture that still exists in the profession, saying: 'The elitism and superiority in psychology and academia sickens me. 'I never expected to be framed as stupid, dangerous and unsophisticated just because of where I come from and my childhood.' Dr Taylor, who now lives with her wife and two teenage sons in the Midlands, said she discovered a university colleague had emailed her entire department of professors and psychologists during her PHD after she shared a tweet about her own childhood in 2017. Her post on Twitter, now X, had read: 'I remember growing up poor as f*** and hating living on a council estate. Now I love that I grew up there cos it gave me the connection to real poverty & real life I need to be a great psychologist and activist. Ain't enough of us in this field.'] The email that followed to her university colleagues warned that being so open about her upbringing might bring 'the entire field into disrepute'. Speaking to Woman's Hour presenter Clare McDonnell last week about the incident, she said: 'A psychologist basically sent a load of emails around all the other professors and psychologists in my department saying: '"Did you know she's from a council estate? Did you know she's been raped? Did you know she was a teenage mum?'" Dr Taylor added that the person also told colleagues: '"If someone like her ever becomes a psychologist, she will bring the entire field into disrepute." That is word for word in those emails.' The mental health professional says she was also repeatedly given the advice: 'Stop talking about your council estate, stop talking about being abused as a child, stop talking about being raped, stop talking about being a teenage mum because people are not going to take you seriously if you carry on.' Dr Taylor told MailOnline that she hoped her new memoir would encourage greater transparency in the profession. She said: 'I wrote Underclass for a range of reasons. I am so tired of psychologists and therapists hiding who they truly are. 'We are told to never to give away anything about ourselves, never talk about our own trauma and our own abuse, because then we would be the same as the people we help. 'But we ARE the same as the people we help. We cannot help anyone whilst we see ourselves as above them.' MKaya Amrani remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit at University Hospital. She was injured on Dec. 19 when two vehicles crashed through a fence at ExcellED Montessori Plus, a preschool in northwest Bexar County. She is 14 months old. Courtesy Pibo Amrani MKaya Amrani was critically injured on Dec. 19 when two vehicles crashed through a fence at ExcellED Montessori Plus, a preschool in northwest Bexar County. She is 14 months old. Courtesy Pibo Amrani MKaya Amrani was critically injured on Dec. 19 when two vehicles crashed through a fence at ExcellED Montessori Plus, a preschool in northwest Bexar County. She is 14 months old. Courtesy Pibo Amrani MKaya Amrani was critically injured on Dec. 19 when two vehicles crashed through a fence at ExcellED Montessori Plus, a preschool in northwest Bexar County. She is 14 months old. Courtesy Pibo Amrani MKaya Amrani was critically injured on Dec. 19 when two vehicles crashed through a fence at ExcellED Montessori Plus, a preschool in northwest Bexar County. She is 14 months old. Courtesy Pibo Amrani A toddler critically wounded after two vehicles crashed through the fence of a preschool in northwest Bexar County is still fighting for her life. On New Year's Eve, MKaya Amrani, 14 months old, remained on life support in the intensive care unit at University Hospital. Her parents said they are seeking advice from neurosurgeons and are exploring the possibility of transferring her to another facility. MKaya was among five children and two teachers who were either struck or pinned beneath a vehicle on Dec. 19 at the ExcellED Montessori Plus preschool, located off Interstate 10 near Fair Oaks Ranch. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One teacher, Alexia Rosales, 22, died at the scene. Another teacher, age 23, was treated at University Hospital. Of five children transported to the hospital, all but MKaya have been treated and released. READ MORE: GoFundMe donations pour in for teacher killed in crash at preschool The tragedy occurred as parents picked up their children after a holiday show. According to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, a parent who had just loaded her five children into her car accelerated into another vehicle. The two vehicles, a black 2024 BMW X5 and a white 2018 Audi Q5, crashed through the fence surrounding a play area. Sheriff Javier Salazar said at the time that the driver who accelerated into the other car had a medical history that may have contributed to the crash, but that no criminal charges were expected. Salazar said there was no indication the driver was intoxicated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Friday, the sheriffs office said in a statement that "the driver involved in this tragic incident has ceased communication with Traffic Homicide investigators and has directed them to contact her legal counsel. We are continuing to work on behalf of the victims and affected families and will provide updates as the case develops, the statement said. 'Like watching a tornado' MKaya and her 4-year-old sibling attend ExcellED. Their father, Pibo Amrani, told the Express-News that he was preparing to pick MKaya up on Dec. 19 when a preschool staff member called him at around 3:45 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Amrani, a software consultant, was used to the occasional call from the school about soiled clothes or runny noses. This one was different: There had been an accident, the employee said, and an ambulance was on the way. Please, just get here, she told Amrani. Amrani's wife arrived first. She called her husband, saying she could not find MKaya. She was screaming, Amrani recalled. When Amrani arrived, he saw a teacher lying on the ground, her head bloodied. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As a parent, I was in shock, Amrani said. I could not stop looking for my baby. He caught up with his wife. They saw a child being rushed to an ambulance, and they knew it was their daughter. "It was like watching a tornado and then being inside of one," Amrani said. "It does not feel real at all." MKaya had no heartbeat. At the hospital, medical personnel worked furiously to save her. A hospital staffer asked Amrani to prepare to say goodbye. He stepped away for a moment to gain his composure, and when he returned, a staffer told him the girl's heart had resumed beating. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I felt like there was hope, Amrani said. The whole narrative of the story changed. He and his wife have been at MKayas side ever since. A teacher from ExcellED visited MKaya and tried speaking to her, Amrani said. Doctors and family members hoped her voice would elicit a response. Doctors said MKaya could remain in her current unresponsive state for days or weeks. She missed a lot of oxygen going to her brain, Amrani said. Amrani and his family now want answers as to what caused the accident, exactly happened at the scene and how long his daughter was pinned beneath the vehicle. Not having details messes with your brain, he said. "It's not a matter of who's at fault or not, but we hear different stories, and we just want to know what happened to the baby," Amrani said. "We don't know if she was under the car for so long, or if she was under a person. We don't know what happened." A warning to others Amrani and his wife said they hope that schools will respond to the tragedy by putting in place barricades or other safety measures. Family members also warned about bogus GoFundMe accounts seeking support for MKaya. Amrani said the family is not requesting any financial support from the public. Kendall Jenner's fans praised her latest spicy Instagram snap - after one said she uses the reality star as the ultimate plastic surgery inspiration. Kendall, 29, shared the sultry holiday snap on December 28 with her 290 million followers. The Kardashians star captioned ther saucy holiday post, 'Put me in your pocket,' along with a present emoji. The 818 Tequila founder showed off her new, short haircut, much to the delight of her fans, while wearing a short, strapless black sequined dress from Khy with sheer Calzedonia tights and red pumps. The Keeping Up With the Kardashians alum celebrated the holidays with a bright red pout, making sure to tag L'oreal Paris, as she's an ambassador for the beauty brand. One commenter, a fashion stylist named Leah Hibbert, complimented the catwalker and revealed she was her surgery example. 'When I go to the surgery center I only show them pics of u,' Leah controversially commented. A commenter shot back, 'but you still dont look like her' as another called her response 'sick' and encouraged, 'Youre pretty be who you are.' Kendall Jenner's fans praised her latest spicy Instagram snap - after one said she uses the reality star as the ultimate plastic surgery inspiration Kendall, 29, shared the sultry holiday snap on December 28 with her 290 million followers, who complimented her sassy, short haircut One commenter, a fashion stylist named Leah Hibbert, complimented the catwalker and revealed she was her surgery example Others called Leah's bold comment, which received 381 likes, 'beyond sad.' One Kardashians fan said, 'Get help because thats disturbing.' Some Instagram commenters accused Kendall's younger sister Kylie Jenner, 27, of using her model big sister for inspiration as well. 'I think thats what Kylie did. Kylie is sad. Kylie took Kendalls picture because Kylie wanted to look like Kendall,' a commenter weighed in. 'Kylie took Kendalls picture to her Kylie surgery center,' another claimed. On social media, some people have accused Kendall of looking different and getting plastic surgery tweakments, including facial filler. Double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lesley Rabach, based in New York City, previously told DailyMail.com that patients often bring in pictures of Kylie and Kendall Jenner as their inspiration. Kendall's sister, Kylie, has been open about her own plastic surgery journey, including removing her fillers. Earlier in the week, Kendall shared some photos from the photo booth at the annual 2024 Kardashian - Jenner family Christmas Eve party Some Instagram commenters accused Kendall's younger sister Kylie Jenner, 27, of using her model big sister for inspiration as well In October, Kylie revealed a more 'lifted' look that caused social media commentators to wonder if she had a facelift. In 2017, Kendall responded to plastic surgery speculation and asked, 'As a model, why would I have my face reconstructed?' 'It doesn't even make sense. It's crazy because sometimes I feel like people just want me to lose,' Kendall said at the time. In June 2021, Kendall told Bravo host Andy Cohen that her family didn't perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and said, 'We all really enjoy taking care of ourselves and being healthy.' 'So I think if anything, the only thing were really trying to represent is just being the most healthy version of yourself.' Donald Trump's White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has admitted that she often struggles to balance her demanding job with motherhood. The 27-year-old mom-of-one was announced as the President Elect's press secretary in November, just three months after she gave birth to her son Nicholas 'Niko' Robert. Being the youngest person to hold the title, the role will put her under tremendous scrutiny as she is set to handle televised briefings with the White House press corps, manage day-to-day interactions with the media, and appear on TV. While the 27-year-old is already a veteran political operative, she has confessed that she is worried about managing her work while being a new mom. Karoline - who worked in the previous Trump White House, where she was a member of then Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany's team - revealed that she's nervous she will miss moments with her young son because of her job. In a series of fiercely honest Instagram posts, Karoline lifted the lid on her woes as she prepares to head into the White House, and revealed that she had been 'praying' about the situation daily. Her candid response came after a fan asked her how she managed to do it all. The follower posed: 'Do you worry about the demands of the job and missing out on moments with your son?' Donald Trump 's White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has admitted that she often struggles to balance her demanding job with motherhood Karoline replied: 'Yes. I literally pray about this everyday. It's very difficult but it's also all I know. 'I went back to work just days after giving birth. I have learned to multi-task and prioritize my time. 'I'm also grateful to have an amazing husband and family who help me. Couldn't do it without them. 'I remind myself this job is temporary, it's the opportunity of a lifetime, and I know one day he will be proud of his mama.' Karoline also revealed that she was 'looking forward' to heading back to the White House before lifting the lid on the kind of boss that Trump is. 'We are getting ready to move. I lived in D.C. and worked in the White House during President Trump's first time so I know the city well, and looking forward to going back,' she wrote. Speaking about the President-Elect, she dished: 'He is the best. He is generous, a great listener and storyteller, and seriously one of the funniest people I have ever met. I am honored to work for him.' Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has said that Karoline is an excellent choice for the role. The 27-year-old mom-of-one was announced as the President Elect's press secretary in November, just three months after she gave birth to her son Nicholas 'Niko' Robert In a series of fiercely honest Instagram posts, Karoline revealed that she 'worries' about missing moments with her young son 'Karoline is smart, tough, professional, and I have no doubt that she will excel at the podium,' she previously wrote on X. 'She is the perfect pick!' Like many junior members of the press shop, she initially joined the office of presidential correspondence, helping process and reply to incoming mail, after graduating from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. From there she joined the communications team under Kayleigh towards the end of Trump's first term. As well as her White House experience, Karoline ran for Congress in 2022. When he left office she went to work for high-profile New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, before making her own run for Congress in New Hampshire, the state where she grew up scooping ice cream at her parents' store. Her effort to become the youngest woman ever elected to Congress fell 15,000 votes short in the 2022 midterms, when an expected red wave failed to materialize. She was back in the Trump fold within weeks, joining an allied group before linking up with the campaign itself earlier this year, quickly becoming a fixture on television despite being pregnant with her first child. In June, she clashed with CNN presenter Kasie Hunt, who took her off air after they argued about whether the network's journalists could be neutral moderators in the upcoming debate. In June, she clashed with CNN presenter Kasie Hunt, who took her off air after they argued about whether the network's journalists could be neutral moderators in the upcoming debate Karoline welcomed her son on July 10, 2024, with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, and called it the 'best moment of her life.' 'Its true when they say theres nothing comparable to the love you feel for your child,' she gushed on Instagram at the time. 'My heart has grown bigger than I ever imagined possible. Babies are the ultimate blessing and Im bursting with gratitude for our beautiful, happy, healthy boy.' In another Instagram post, Karoline explained that she and her husband Nicholas, a real estate mogul, met through 'a mutual friend at a political function.' 'He doesn't have social media and he's an introvert (complete opposite of me),' she explained. 'I respect his privacy on here - but he's my number one fan, the best dad, and just the best man I've ever met.' One of Australia's top psychics has revealed her predictions for the year ahead - and it's bad news for Donald Trump, Elton John and the King of England. Rose Smith, who runs Absolute Soul Secrets, the largest group of psychics in the southern hemisphere, said 2025 will generally be tougher than 2024 - with the hard times continuing through to 2026. The psychic also shared her predictions for some very well-known people. Royal Family In 2025, Ms Smith sees frailty around King Charles and believes his health will decline further with 'inflammation around him getting worse'. 'I see 'diminishment' around King Charles when it comes to his power, which is made worse by the stressful relationships he has with his sons, particularly Harry,' she said. 'I also see steps with a boardwalk, these are easy steps for Prince Harry to take in order to achieve and do more.' In 2025, Ms Smith sees frailty around King Charles and believes his health will decline further with: 'inflammation around him getting worse' 2025 could be a great year for Meghan and Harry, Ms Smith claims While 2024 was another turbulent year for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Ms Smith feels the 'energy' around Harry heightening his importance on the world stage in 2025. 'The media love to hate Meghan she is a Leo, with a Libra moon, and in the couple's home life she is actually the compromiser, she smooths everything over,' Ms Smith said. 'If Harry is angry, Meghan will calm him down. She is good for him.' The psychic believes much of the media criticism surrounding the pair is unwarranted. 'Harry will become a leader on the world stage as he matures,' she said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese This is the third year in a row Ms Smith has seen a baby or children around Anthony Albanese. She explains a baby can also mean a 'rebirth' or a lifechanging event of some kind. She continues to see a baby for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon Ms Smith sees the same baby indicating both he and fiancee Jodie Haydon, who she says is his 'backbone', are very happy. 'This baby may just be around in spirit, but it's a very happy and celebratory time for them both, it is possible to block spirit children from entering that's called contraception,' said Ms Smith. 'This vision could also relate to Australian politicians turning into a bit of a rabble or engaging in childlike behaviour instead of showing true leadership.' Donald Trump and US politics Ms Smith believes US President -lect Donald Trump won't see out his full term. 'His policies cause storms at sea. This is connected to the US economy and the economies of many countries including Australia, although I do see him backtracking on some but not all his proposed policies,' Ms Smith said. 'One symbolic definition is that the US population is going through some kind of economic storm which flows out globally.' 'In the US there's initially much optimism for the change to Trump's policies until the cracks start to show.' 'I see cracks in the foot paths. City councils either can't afford to fix them or are very slow to do so. This could be actual or metaphorical.' Donald Trump will fall from popularity while Elon Musk will prove he is adaptable, she said 'The stock market initially rises when Trump takes office but then the 'crab claws' start. This means that many people are feeling the pinch.' Despite Donald Trump's elections promises, Ms Smith said negotiations for peace with Russia fail. 'The current war with Russia will worsen initially but eventually Ukraine will be free once more. The war could end in the second half of 2025 or in 2026,' she said. Ms Smith said Russia will eventually break up into several countries, although not in 2025. 'Despite the announcement of BRICS currency system and Russia's major role, the economy will decline, and the value of the Russian Ruble will continue to fall,' she added. 'Life is getting tough there for people who are worried it's becoming 'like the old days'.' Elon Musk Ms Smith hears the word 'Uranian' around tech billionaire Elon Musk, meaning he has strong but volatile energy with electricity, lightning, technology, rebelliousness and revolution. 'His current relationship with Shivon Zilis will last longer than the others. I hear the words 'she is happy with him, and he is happy with her',' Ms Smith explained. 'He respects her intelligence and treats her better than his previous partners. Also, I hear the words 'onion rings' but I can't definitely identify what this means.' 'Perhaps, he is working through layers of self-doubt and an inferiority complex? I also see him walking barefoot on sand.' 'The thing about sand is that it shifts with the wind and the tide. However, because Musk is in direct contact with the elements, he can adapt very quickly. This vision also means Musk is down to earth and practical. I also see a library of books; I think Musk might be a voracious reader,' she added. Elton John Ms Smith sees Elton John being torn from the stage Ms Smith said Elton John is dragged off stage at some point in 2025. 'Somebody has grabbed him from behind and he is helpless to stop them. He doesn't want to go,' Ms Smith said. 'I've written the words 'no glitter', meaning this is not fun. I doubt this is a literal prediction, sadly I think it's a metaphor for Elton's slow decline and subsequent ill health.' Smokers who choose to quit could expect a see a dramatic boost to life expectancy with benefits seen after just a week according to a startling new analysis. Those who stop the habit for a week will live a day longer than they would have if they'd carried on, the researchers who examined the data claimed. On average, every cigarette smoked 'steals' roughly 20 minutes of life or seven hours per 20 pack, the Government-backed study found. This paints a far bleaker picture for smokers than in previous estimates, which suggested each cigarette shortens life by 11 minutes. On the flipside, it means that someone who quits on New Years Day will save a whole 24 hours of their life by 8 January. By 20 February, they could get a week of their life back and by the end of the year, they could have avoided losing 50 days of life. The new figures are based on more up-to-date results from studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said smoking harms were 'cumulative' and the sooner a person stopped, the longer they would live. Men lose 17 minutes of life with every one smoked, while a woman's life is cut short by 22 minutes per cigarette, analysis has found (file photo) Research found that harm caused by smoking is 'cumulative' and the sooner a person stopped smoking, the longer they would live The benefits of quitting smoking can be seen after just 20 minutes as your heart rate will begin to return to normal The authors added the benefits went beyond life expectancy and that quitters would see the time they spent well, and without disabling illnesses, boosted also. They said: 'Studies suggest that smokers typically lose as many healthy years as total years of life. 'Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. 'So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.' Smoking is responsible for more than 120,000 deaths in the UK each year, and smokers die 10 years earlier than non smokers on average. Two thirds of smoking-related deaths are due to lung cancer, disabling lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis and heart and circulatory diseases. Treating these problems costs the NHS an estimated 2.5billion every year. The study, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concluded: 'The sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, added: 'It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. 'Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately.' The analysis was commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, following the introduction of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which recently passed Second Reading in the House of Commons. Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: 'Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings highlight how important it is to quit. 'The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.' Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: 'Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system. 'This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.' Experts have found women could be more likely to binge drink at certain times in their menstrual cycle, due to the peak in sex hormones. Experiments found that the female hormone oestrogen boosts activity in part of the brain that encourages the rapid drinking of alcohol. Binge drinking behaviour was most likely to occur in the middle of the cycle, just before ovulation, when oestrogen is highest. While the study, by researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine, was based on mice, the authors said it could have implications for preventing dangerous alcohol intake in women. The discovery comes amid rising concern that pro-booze trends on social media aimed specifically at women may be fuelling serious liver disease, and even deaths. Official data show alcohol-related deaths in Britian are rising faster in women than men. Between 2019 and 2022, the rate of such deaths per 100,000 people rose 44 per cent in women, with a smaller 38 per cent jump in men. Last year, an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report revealed one in four British women now binge drink at least once a month the highest proportion of the 29 countries looked at. Over a quarter also admit to consuming six or more alcoholic drinks on a single occasion, more than double the average rate of 12 per cent. Experts have found women's hormone levels could be why some are more vulnerable to binge drinking than others Your browser does not support iframes. In the new research, published in Nature Communications, scientists found high oestrogen levels encouraged female mice to consume large quantities of alcohol in the first half-hour after it was offered. Experts pinpointed this affect to an interaction between the hormone and cells in part of the brain called the stria terminalis, which 'lights-up' when the female rodents consumed alcohol, encouraging continued drinking in rapid succession. One of the authors, Dr Kristen Pleil an expert in pharmacology, said: 'When a female takes her first sip from the bottle containing alcohol, those neurons [brain cells] go crazy.' But this affect was 'even crazier' if a female was in a high-oestrogen state. Women's oestrogen levels naturally fluctuate over the course of the menstrual cycle, becoming particularly high just before ovulation. Dr Pleil said the observation that oestrogen could influence alcohol consumption made sense given how the hormone was already known to influence emotions. 'Oestrogen has such powerful effects on so many behaviours, particularly in females. So, it makes sense that it would also modulate drinking,' she said. Last year an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report revealed one in four British women now binge drink at least once a month the highest proportion of the 29 countries looked at Your browser does not support iframes. The team are now investigating the exact signalling mechanisms between the neurons in the stria terminalis that produce this reaction and also exploring if the same system has a part to play in male binge drinking. Dr Pleil said: 'All of the infrastructure is there in males too, the oestrogen receptors and the basic circuit organisation.' 'The only difference will be the source of the oestrogen, which in males without an relies on conversion of testosterone to oestrogen in the brain.' While the study has so far only been performed on mice, the authors say it could one day lead to possible interventions to tackle excessive drinking. The authors said this could be similar to already approved cancer treatments that stop tumour growth by inhibiting oestrogens. The discovery comes after experts recently sounded the alarm over a 'concerning' uptick of booze-related fatalities among middle-aged women. While the trend has been emerging for years, experts have said Covid-era social restrictions likely exacerbated Britain's drinking problem. Dozens of surveys have also found boredom, having more time to drink and anxiety fuelled the rise in alcohol consumption during lockdowns in both sexes. Exactly how much alcohol can trigger irreversible liver damage varies person to person, depending on genetics, drinking experience and weight. But one shock study found just 21 binge drinking sessions over seven weeks three binge episodes per week was enough to cause symptoms of early-stage liver failure. Binge drinking was defined as five beers, a bottle of wine or five shots of hard liquor among men. For women, it stood at four or more drinks in two hours. Multiple NHS hospitals are now so rundown they pose a serious risk to patient and staff safety, internal health service documents reveal. Named and shamed facilities include Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport, three hospitals in Doncaster and Bassetlaw, Croydon hospital in south London, and multiple hospitals run by Barts Health trust, also in the capital. Hazards include fires, floods from ageing pipes and tanks, electrical issues and even potentially dangerous bacterial infection from decaying infrastructure. Some of the patients deemed at risk include cancer patients, those receiving life-saving care and even some specialist services caring for vulnerable babies. A body representing senior NHS leaders said some hospitals are now so rundown that 'patients are being treated in unsafe and sometimes outright dangerous facilities'. The findings, from a Guardian analysis, found 13 parts of Stepping Hill hospital are classed as being at serious risk of 'imminent breakdown'. This includes a pathology unit, a mortuary, a cancer unit, a chest clinic, a data centre and a electricity substation. Minutes from a Stockport NHS Foundation Trust meeting also state the hospital's intensive care unit where the most critical ill patients are treated is at risk of leaks from a plant room above. The documents also warn the trust is likely to face a growing number of lawsuits from staff and patients due to declining infrastructure. Multiple NHS hospitals are now so rundown they pose a serious risk to patient and staff safety, internal health service documents reveal. Pictured the deteriorating exterior of a NHS building Hazards include fires, floods from ageing pipes and tanks, electrical issues and even potentially dangerous bacterial infection from decaying infrastructure. Pictured an example of piping in an NHS hospital A body representing senior NHS leaders said some hospitals are now so rundown that 'patients are being treated in unsafe and sometimes outright dangerous facilities' . Pictured clips from an ITV investigation on decaying NHS infrastructure last year Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is facing issues that pose an 'increased risk to life' due to an inadequate level of fire-resistant material designed to slow the spread of a blaze to give time for evacuation. The Trust, located in South Yorkshire, is also facing problems with its cold-water storage tanks which are now so old and in disrepair they are considered at high risk of producing the bacteria legionella, which can cause deadly disease. Additionally, the ventilation systems controlling the flow of air in operating theatres and 'other critical areas' are now unfit for purpose and at risk of break down. Finally, electrical infrastructure is deemed so old that the Trust has warned it could fail and disrupt clinical care. At Croydon hospital, NHS documents warn it is facing issues with the internal supply of chemotherapy drugs after shutting the facility that makes these crucial medications for refurbishment. While hospital bosses have outsourced the supply of these drugs to the private sector in the interim, they are concerned that this will be unable to keep up with demand. 13 parts of Stepping Hill hospital are classed as being at serious risk of 'imminent breakdown Croydon hospital is also said to have decaying electrical sockets in critical areas like operating theatres, special care baby unit and X-ray department. Fellow London trust Barts Health, one of the largest in the country, is also facing issues at some of the five of the hospitals it runs. This includes 'insufficient body freezer spaces to prevent the decomposition of patients in storage' and water leaks that are a risk to staff safety. Newham General Hospital is specifically named as one with troubles because cladding there is 'non-compliant to building regulations' for fire safety. Another Barts hospital facing infrastructure problems is Whipps Cross hospital. This facility is considered a flood risk due to inproper drainage and a risk of electrical safety. Alarmingly, trust documents specifically highlight a risk to babies due to the age of specialist equipment designed to help them breathe if needed. It comes as Matthew Taylor, chief executive of health service representative body, NHS Confederation, said the problems with dilapidated NHS estate were due to what he called 'decades of underinvestment' in the service's budget for refurbishments. Another Barts hospital facing infrastructure issues is Whipps Cross hospital includes issues with equipment that vulnerable babies use to breathe Commenting on the report health minister Andrew Gwynne said blamed the previous Government for the problems. 'Years of neglect and underinvestment left NHS buildings crumbling, staff forced to use outdated creaking equipment, and patients paying the price. It is unacceptable for patients to be treated in these conditions,' he said. NHS data shows the current estimate to fix all currently needed repairs stands at 13.8billion. Of this 2.7 billion is considered 'high risk' meaning they are so urgent that if unaddressed could risk catastrophic failure, major disruption to clinical services as well as safety problems that could result in injury. Several parcel deliveries have gone missing, an elderly relative has gifted you a hideous scarf, and you just dont love the dress you bought online when you see it in the flesh. The lazy days after Christmas bring plenty of shopping hassles, and many retailers make it tricky for consumers to return unwanted presents or track down those that have gone walkabout. As a consumer rights expert, Im here to tell you that all these frustrations can be resolved with a little insider know-how up your sleeve. Heres how to have a hassle-free Twixmas and end up with the gifts you really want (or a lovely cash refund) this year... I DONT LIKE THE GIFT, CAN I GET A REFUND? Not for the first time, Aunty Gill has bought you a frumpy jumper for Christmas. Weve all been there feigning gratitude whilst secretly wondering how to turn that unwanted present into something that matches your taste. If your aunt didnt wrap a receipt with your present, youll be relying on a retailers goodwill. So before you head to your nearest store to hand back the jumper, investigate the seller's returns policy online. Its better to go in-store as sometimes only the buyer can request a refund or exchange online. Also, online returns often go missing in transit, particularly at this time of year. Many retailers extend return times over Christmas and have generous policies its useful to have a screenshot of a returns policy on your phone as many seasonal staff may not be familiar with store protocol. Weve all been there, feigning gratitude whilst secretly wondering how to turn that unwanted present into something that matches your taste (picture posed by model) Treating people with kindness and being polite goes a long way. Shop staff are under a lot of stress at this time of year, with reports of abuse at an all-time high. What to say to the retailer: It always pays to be pleasant and cheerful with staff in the store. Speak to them nicely and theyre more likely to be flexible and offer you a refund, exchange or credit note but youre still bound by that retailers policy. Unfortunately, if the item has dropped in price for the sales and you dont have a receipt, the shop will only honour its current value. You could sell unwanted gifts online via an auction website, local neighbourhood groups or on Facebook Marketplace; regift it or donate it to your favourite charity. Aunty Gill need never know... MY NEW GADGET IS ALREADY BROKEN If a coveted gift youve received is faulty, youre probably going to have to ask the person who gave it to you if they can help you as they will have proof of purchase. If goods are faulty, youre entitled to a full refund within the first 30 days of purchase under section 22 of the Consumer Rights Act (CRA) 2015 this law will be your secret weapon in so many wrangles with retailers. The only exception is if your items were clearly highlighted as being slightly damaged when you bought them. What to say to the retailer: The onus is on you to prove the fault, so go prepared to make your case. And you will still need proof of purchase. No receipt? A bank or credit card statement proving where the item was bought should suffice. It always pays to be pleasant with staff in store. Speak to them nicely and theyre more likely to be flexible and offer you a refund, exchange or credit note, writes consumer expert Scott Dixon I BOUGHT GIFTS ONLINE. CAN I CHANGE MY MIND? Buying online gives you better cover than purchasing in a physical shop, because its known as a distance sale under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This gives you the right to cancel an order within 14 days of placing it, and to return it within 14 days of receiving it. Thankfully, many retailers also extend the period in which you can return an item at this time of year. This doesnt apply if you buy bespoke items, such as a personalised bracelet, or perishables like food hampers containing fresh items. That is whats known as tough luck, unless theyre faulty. If youve changed your mind on other items, you may have to pay the returns fee depending on the stores policy. What to say to the retailer: If youve ordered an item online proof of purchase is all thats required, which could be your order number, bank or credit card statement. Theres usually an option along the lines of no longer wanted or item not as expected when you complete your returns form. IVE BEEN A VICTIM OF PORCH PIRATES As the song lyrics go, its the most wonderful time of the year especially for porch pirates, criminals who follow couriers around and then steal parcels left on doorsteps when the homeowner is out. If youre a victim, the first thing to remember is its the retailers legal obligation to resolve any delivery issues, not the couriers. I told you the CRA 2015 would be your best friend it states that goods remain the traders risk until theyve been safely delivered to either the consumer or a person theyve nominated to take the delivery. Thankfully, many retailers extend the period in which you can return an item at this time of year (picture posed by model) What to say to the retailer: Contact them as soon as you realise the parcel has been taken and remind them that they are obliged to resolve the issue as your contract is with them, not the courier. If the courier ignored your instructions, for example if you asked them to leave the parcel with a neighbour but they instead left it outside, where it was stolen, then the retailer must dispatch a new item or give you a full refund. Remind them that if your designated neighbour isnt at home, the driver is supposed to put the parcel back in the van and issue a redelivery instruction. MY DELIVERY HASNT ARRIVED BUT THE RETAILER AND COURIER WONT HELP Delivery companies are notorious for sending emails or texts saying theyve attempted to deliver a parcel, yet youve seen no sign of a driver at your door and they havent left a calling card. Have the Christmas elves run off with your parcel? More likely, the driver couldnt find your address or fit the delivery into their tightly timed targets that day, so it was easier to pretend theyd tried to deliver it. In this case, as with porch pirates, your contract is with the retailer, so try them first. What to say to the retailer: Remind them that they are obliged by law to deliver goods safely into your possession. If theyre unwilling or unable to resolve the issue, or they claim theyll need to wait for the courier company to officially log an item as missing (a common response), explain that theyre in breach of contract in accordance with the CRA 2015 and that you will get your bank to raise whats called a chargeback to get the payment you made reversed. This is a strong tactic to use if theyre stonewalling you, because chargebacks are an administrative pain for retailers so theyll want to try and resolve the problem without going down that route. You may need to be militant, spelling it out to the retailer that the courier company they use is giving them a bad name with consumers such as you. ONLY HALF OF MY ORDER TURNED UP Lamp arrived without its base, or a pool table for the kids without its legs? This would never have happened on Santas watch. What to say to the retailer: Once again, use the trusty Consumer Rights Act 2015. If youve placed an order and didnt agree to accept the delivery of the goods in instalments, theyre in breach of contract. They must either supply the missing parts immediately or you can reject and cancel the order and raise a chargeback with your bank to dispute and reverse the transaction. Banks often try to reject a chargeback on the first attempt but legally, the onus is on the retailer to prove they did deliver the items. So push back hard, and stress breach of contract under the CRA 2015 if this happens to you. This also applies to online food deliveries. So if youve placed a big food shop and some of it hasnt arrived, or theyve put in unwanted substitutes, you dont have to accept them and are entitled to a full refund for the items that werent sent. Joe Biden is now America's oldest living president, following Jimmy Carter's death at 100 - having already clinched the record for the oldest president ever to take office. Biden turned 82 on November 20, 2024, with questions mounting over his cognitive abilities due to his ongoing gaffes. There are just four other surviving presidents. Donald Trump, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are all 78, while Barack Obama is 63. President elect Donald Trump is the second eldest, having been born in June 1946. George W. Bush is third eldest, having been born in July of that same year, while Bill Clinton is the fourth eldest living president as he celebrated his 78th birthday in August. Obama turned 63 in August. Only a handful of former presidents have lived past 90 years, including Ronald Reagan, Carter's successor, who lived to be 93. The Carter Library posted a photo of Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynns visit with President Joe Biden in May 2021, in Georgia, with a rather strange perspective that seemed to make the Bidens tower over their White House predecessors President Joe Biden has become America's longest-living president at the age of 82. He is seen jogging along the South Lawn of the White House as he tried to get out of the rain following his annual physical health exam earlier this month After Joe Biden, Donald Trump is the second eldest living president, having been born in June of 1946. George W. Bush is third eldest, having been born in July 1946 Bill Clinton is the fourth eldest living president - he celebrated his 78th birthday in August. Barack Obama turned 62 in August Earlier this year, President Biden was described as 'healthy' and 'vigorous' and fit for office according to his doctor, after his annual physical. White House physician Colonel Kevin O'Connor provided an update on Biden's health amid concerns over his age as he prepared his aborted 2024 run for president. The results were largely unchanged from his last medical a year ago, aside from a lesion on his chest that was sent for cancer screening, and there was no cognitive test despite calls from Republicans. The annual physical evaluation of the president came as multiple Republicans including President Barack Obama's former doctor demanded that Biden receive a cognitive exam as well, pushing fears he is not mentally fit for office. Some experts expressed concerns that the results of his physical were 'sugar coated,' and didn't address cognition and memory issues. Democrats were secretly concerned, but reluctant to raise questions over Biden's fitness for office. That ended after a disastrous debate with President-elect Trump. In this picture from June 14, 1977, Senator Joe Biden (left) is seen with President Carter Joe Biden, together with his wife Jill, met former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn in a sweet photograph released in May 2021. The photo saw both Bidens appearing to loom large over the Carters, who were pictured sitting on two living room chairs, thanks to a wide-angled lens. The photo was taken at the Carters' home in Plains, Georgia, to mark President Biden's 100th day in office. After his own presidency ended in 1981, Carter, the 39th president, established The Carter Center and was awarded the Nobel Prize. He also wrote more than two dozen books. Together with his wife Rosalynn, 96, he remained an active supporter of Habitat for Humanity, the nation's most prominent housing charity. Speaking in 2019, ahead of his 95th birthday, Carter was asked jokingly if he'd want to run again. Carter pictured in 2018 with wife Rosalynn, to whom he was married for 77 years Carter was the longest-living of the 46 men to hold the highest American office of President Jimmy Carter waves before the crowd on the floor of the Democratic Convention of 1980 Jimmy Carter pictured on his peanut farm in Plains, Georgia, in 1976 'I hope there's an age limit,' Carter responded. '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.' America's founding president, George Washington, was the youngest former president to die - at 57 years and 67 days - in April 1789, nearly three years after he left office. In 2015, Carter was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma that was detected in his liver and had spread to his brain. About six months after the diagnosis, he announced he no longer needed treatment, due in part to a groundbreaking medication that trains the immune system to fight cancer tumors. He was hospitalized two years later for dehydration while building homes with Habitat for Humanity in Canada. He was discharged and back at the work site the next day. Princess Diana's brother kept a 'long-term mistress' before dumping his 'helpless and confused' wife by text message, court papers allege. Earl Spencer then 'completely refused' to give any explanation to Countess Karen Spencer which she found 'both cruel and inexplicable'. She is accusing her husband of having had an affair since 2022 'and more likely since 2021' with Dr Cat Jarman, an archaeologist digging for a Roman villa at his Althorp ancestral home where he grew up with Diana. High Court papers reveal an email the 'shocked and devastated' Countess Spencer wrote to her husband's girlfriend saying: 'First of all as a woman, I just have to tell you that I am so disappointed in you. Turning all of the children's lives upside down like this is so unbelievably immoral.' She signed off her message in May this year by saying: 'Good luck Cat, you're in for a hell of a ride. I think that you'll find having him to deal with full-time will be much trickier than the odd five-day escape to Norfolk and a night or two in London here and there.' The allegations form part of Countess Spencer's defence to an explosive High Court privacy case brought against her by Dr Jarman. Earl Spencer and Lady Karen Spencer (pictured in June 2018) announced their split in June Earl Spencer confirmed his relationship with Dr Cat Jarman (pictured together) in October The 60-year-old earl's archaeologist girlfriend, 42, is suing his estranged wife, 52, accusing her of revealing private details of her life. Earl Spencer tonight said his estranged wife's claims were an 'absurd attempt to blacken my name', while Dr Jarman said she was 'shocked and utterly dismayed' and accused the Countess of mounting a 'hideous and defamatory attack' on her. 'I can understand that she finds it difficult because he moved on before she did, but the narrative that Charles, or I, did something wrong here is simply not true. 'I do have sympathy for her. I understand what she has lost, because it is more than her marriage and her home. But this still doesn't justify what she did.' But in her defence, Countess Spencer says her disclosures were 'entirely justified and legitimate' given the way she was treated. The Canadian-born social entrepreneur became Spencer's third wife in 2011, and they have an 11-year-old daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana. She was informed by the earl on March 19 this year that 'their marriage was over after almost 13 years. He did this by text message', her defence papers say, adding: 'Having given up her life in the United States, in order to live in the middle of rural Northamptonshire and dedicate herself to sorting out the Althorp Estate business, as well having a child, the news was hideous for Lady Spencer.' Princess Diana kisses her brother Earl Spencer outside a restaurant in London in 1990 When Countess Spencer compared notes with Dr Jarman's husband, Tom Jarman, 'she discovered that their affair had been going on since at least November/December 2022 when the two of them were together in Norfolk (although more likely since 2021)', the defence states. During the dig, the archaeologist and her team had been staying on the Althorp estate and dining at the house. In her email to Dr Jarman, the countess wrote: 'Not sure what Charles has shared with you of this, but I won't have you at Althorp while I still live here. That is a boundary I intend to hold. It's not fair to me, our daughter, or to all the staff, who are already distraught at the news of our divorce though having to serve Charles' long-term mistress. It's just too much to ask.' The earl who has been married three times and has had a well-documented colourful love life - and the countess announced their split in June, and he publicly confirmed his relationship with Dr Jarman in October. In his girlfriend's legal claim against his wife they remain married pending a divorce she alleges that she was shocked when the countess revealed her private information to him. In her Mail interview, Dr Jarman said: 'I have worked very hard indeed to keep my MS hidden, as should be my prerogative. So only a handful of people have known and Charles wasn't one of them. 'I'd been seeing him, romantically, for only two months or three months, and still hadn't told him. It's hard, isn't it, knowing when you reveal something like that. 'Some people do from the off, but I chose not to. And I stress that it was my choice. Your medical history is the most private thing.' Earl Spencer and Lady Karen Spencer at Harry and Meghan's wedding in Windsor in 2018 She alleges that Spencer's wife 'found out from someone close to me' and 'in the course of a conversation about whether I had been having an affair with her husband which I can categorically say I had not been, we were very much just friends and colleagues until after the marriage had ended Karen learned that I have MS. 'It was also confirmed to her that this was not something that was widely known. And yet she then went to Charles and said: 'You do know she has MS, don't you?'.' The legal action is at an early stage and has not yet come to trial. Countess Spencer is fighting the case, and her defence papers state: 'For the avoidance of any doubt, Lady Spencer is perfectly entitled to and will (where relevant or necessary) continue to explain that [Dr Jarman] and her husband had an affair and that this was why he wanted a divorce and offered no explanation for doing so in such an insensitive and inexplicable manner after 13 years of marriage.' Countess Spencer has repeatedly refused to comment on the breakdown of her marriage and the ensuing legal action against her. Friends say she wants to fight the case in the court, through publicly available documents and evidence. Last night Dr Jarman said: 'I am shocked and utterly dismayed that my rightful attempt to stop the unlawful dissemination of my status as a person with Multiple Sclerosis - a protected disability - has been hijacked in such an appallingly untruthful way. 'It seems that Karen Spencer is not so much mounting a legal defence to my legitimate action, but has rather stooped to make a hideous and defamatory attack on Charles and me. Dr Jarman is an archaeologist who had digging for a Roman villa at Earl Spencer's Althorp ancestral home in Northamptonshire (pictured) where he grew up with Princess Diana 'In the meantime, the stress of this matter, which could have been resolved by Karen Spencer in a few minutes many months ago, further seriously impacts my health. Stress is a well-known driver of MS. 'My full response to this outrage will be with the Courts at the earliest possible opportunity, and at the same time we are urgently looking at all available legal redress, including that relating to the breaking of legally binding oaths.' Earl Spencer added: 'The notion that I would end my marriage by text is an absurd attempt to blacken my name. Karen ended the marriage, after endless threats to do so over the years, in early March. 'She asked me to confirm the end of the marriage in a text of 18 March and my reply that day was a simple acceptance of her decision. I have those texts still, and will share them in court when I clear my name.' Forget Mexico! While many Americans look to escape the holiday season's freezing temperatures south of the border, there are several tropical getaway options right here in the US. Although Cancun - with its mile-long beaches, blue waves and bustling night life - may be the usual go-to option for snowbirds, you can swap heavy coats for swimsuits in several states. From the Sunshine State's charming winter beach towns to Alabama's coastlines, these domestic getaways offer the perfect escape to a winter paradise. To start off, escape the winter chill in Key West, a tropical paradise as vibrant and sun-drenched as Cancun. Located in Florida, Key West boasts turquoise waters, a lively nightlife and charming historic streets. Winter visitors are greeted with balmy weather, perfect for exploring its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and iconic landmarks like the Southernmost Point. Beachgoers are spoiled for choice, with options ranging from the expansive Smathers Beach with its crystalline waters to the pristine Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach. This stunning beach offers a perfect backdrop for beach volleyball and sunbathing, or simply strolling along its 400-foot pier, enjoying picturesque views of the turquoise waters. As the sun begins to set, head to Mallory Square. This lively square hosts daily sunset celebrations, drawing crowds with captivating street performers, local artisans and breathtaking views over the Gulf of Mexico. Although Cancun Mexico may be the usual go-to option to escape US winters, you can swap heavy coats for swimsuits right here in the states (Pictured: Key Largo, Florida) Key West, Florida, boasts turquoise waters, lively nightlife and charming historic streets And the temperature around Christmas in the Keys? It hovers between a balmy 67 and 76 degrees. Keys Weekly's Mandy Miles said that while the 'only ice was in cocktails' at the annual boat parade, the mood was - as ever - merry and bright. Another standout Florida getaway is tucked along the stunning Emerald Coast Destin. Known for its shimmering emerald-green waters and powdery white sands, this coastal gem easily earns its place on the list. Much like Cancun, Destin offers luxurious beachfront resorts and a lively downtown, making it an ideal spot for winter relaxation. Winter in Destin brings mild temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, fewer crowds and plenty of sunshine to explore its natural attractions, such as Henderson Beach State Park. This serene park provides a peaceful escape from the daily grind, featuring pristine trails, picnic areas, and sweeping ocean views. Nature-lovers will delight in spotting piping plovers and rabbits while wandering the sandy trails that wind through coastal scrub and towering dunes. For a touch of local charm, Destins vibrant cultural scene shines during its annual Christmas Parade, held in mid-December, offering visitors a festive way to experience this beloved beach town. Pictured: Key West's annual boat parade, where a team of judges votes on the best adorned ships Another standout Florida getaway is tucked along the stunning Emerald Coast Destin (pictured) Winter in Destin brings mild temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, fewer crowds, and plenty of sunshine to explore its natural attractions Alabamas Gulf Shores presents a compelling, lesser-known option for a winter escape With average winter temperatures in the mid-50s, travelers can also enjoy leisurely walks along Gulf Shores Public Beach '(The parade) was amazing,' Destin City Councilman Kevin Schmidt told The Destin Log after 2020's festivities. 'If you ask me, I saw tons of joy on so many faces today.' While Florida often takes the spotlight as a Cancun alternative, Alabamas Gulf Shores presents a compelling, lesser-known option for a winter escape. Though it may not be the first place that comes to mind, Gulf Shores rivals Cancun with its laid-back Gulf Coast charm and unspoiled beaches. Known for its warm hospitality, gentle waters, and family-friendly atmosphere, this hidden gem is perfect for those seeking a quiet and relaxing coastal retreat. Winter in Gulf Shores brings mild temperatures and a peaceful ambiance, making it ideal for outdoor adventures without the summer crowds. Gulf State Park, one of Alabamas most underrated natural treasures, offers miles of trails, fishing piers, and pristine beaches to explore. Visitors can stroll along scenic boardwalks, rent bikes, and immerse themselves in the diverse coastal ecosystems. With average winter temperatures in the mid-50s, travelers can also enjoy leisurely walks along Gulf Shores Public Beach, where powdery white sands stretch out blissfully free of summers hustle and bustle. And the area provides a range of fun yuletide festivities - from the The Baldwin Pops Holiday Concert performance at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center to the Deck the House Scavenger Hunt. Pictured: Destin's Christmas parade Gulf State Park, one of Alabamas most underrated natural treasures, offers miles of trails, fishing piers, and pristine beaches to explore South Padre Island is an ideal winter getaway for sun-seekers and thrill-seekers alike South Padre Island is a family friendly destination boating with marine life and interactive educational programs South Padre is located 20 miles away from Mexico Continuing the trend of exploring Southern destinations, South Padre Island in Texas stands out as a must-visit island getaway, and is located 20 miles away from the border of Mexico. Renowned for its pristine shores and endless aquatic adventures, this destination is an ideal winter getaway for sun-seekers and thrill-seekers alike. Nature enthusiasts can visit Sea Turtle Inc., where theyll learn about the conservation of endangered sea turtles and get up close to rescued turtles. This family-friendly facility features interactive exhibits and educational programs that inspire visitors especially children to appreciate and protect marine life. Meanwhile, beach lovers will enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze at Isla Blanca Park. This scenic spot offers a range of amenities, including surf fishing jetties, walking trails, and a bait stand, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation and outdoor fun. And locals stress that a Christmastime getaway there will be well worth your while. 'Good time in my opinion. Water is pretty cold, but the beach is beautiful, and there are many things here and surrounding areas to keep you busy,' resident Laurie Levermann Coker shared on Facebook. 'It's a beautiful time. The beginning of December is the boat parade, and then the Christmas parade on Padre Blvd. The island is less busy but the weather is wonderful,' local Amy-Noelle Gallo shared. Elizabeth Zavala covers federal courts for the Express-News. She can be reached at ezavala@express-news.net. Zavala is a veteran reporter who has been a journalist for nearly 40 years. She joined the Express-News in 2013 and covered the Bexar County criminal courts for nine years. Liz grew up on the near West Side. She graduated from Fox Tech High School and Texas Womans University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism. Liz has worked in various reporting and editing positions at five daily newspapers in Texas, including The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Denton Record-Chronicle. Hikers in California are up in arms following the 'unfair' closure of a series of popular trails on Mount Baldy. The U.S. Forest Service shut the trails in the wake of the Bridge Fire that ravaged the local area, burning 20 homes and more than 50,000 acres of surrounding hillsides. The closure is expected to last until December 2025 to ensure public safety and promote the natural recovery of fragile plants and soils that have been damaged. However, local residents and business owners have slammed the move as unnecessary, claiming safety concerns are unfounded. Cindy Debonis, 63, a longtime Mt. Baldy Village resident, said the stunning summit is walkable and safe. 'They keep saying it has something to do with the fire, but there's nothing left to burn,' she argued. 'I think it's not fair, big time, to the businesses and the locals. I want to walk. I'd like to go take a hike. This is where I live.' Meanwhile, three climbers, who risked a $5,000 fine by defying the closure, told the Los Angeles Times they saw no signs of fire damage on their journey up the Devil's Backbone trail, known for its dramatic ridges and steep drops. 'No, nothing at all, the trail was fine,' said Isaiah Rosas of Moreno Valley. 'There were a lot of people going up and down with us.' Hikers and local businesses are up in arms over the closure of Mt. Baldy's trails, despite the summit area escaping significant damage from a recent wildfire. Pictured: Mount Baldy looming over Downtown Los Angeles Pictured: The road up to Mount Baldy that was closed due to the Bridge Fire's destruction Cindy Debonis, 63, a longtime Mt. Baldy Village resident, criticized the closure's inflexibility: 'They keep saying it has something to do with the fire, but there's nothing left to burn.' The disconnect between the reportedly visible impact of the fire and sweeping closure has sparked a heated debate. Social media has become a battleground, with critics labeling defiant hikers as 'ignorant and selfish,' while others accuse the Forest Service of overreach. Adding to the controversy is the Forest Service's decision to grant exceptions for recreational businesses within the closed area. Mt. Baldy Resort, a family-run ski area that escaped the fire, continues to operate. Its restaurant, 'Top of the Notch,' remains open, and its ski runs will resume when snow arrives. The resort's general manager, Robby Ellingson, lobbied for adjustments to the closure boundaries but was instead granted a variance to keep his business running. While grateful, Ellingson expressed frustration with the blanket restrictions. He said he is hoping the forest will reopen sooner when the snow melts. 'We lost our entire fall,' he said. 'We've kind of kept a tight lip about this, about our displeasure about this.' The Forest Service defended its decision, citing significant post-fire risks. Mount Baldy Village was left devastated by the Bridge Fire (pictured) Pictured: The ruins of a burned structure are seen on the day after the Bridge Fire exploded in size from 2,995 acres to 46,727 acres in single day in September 2024 Mt. Baldy Resort general manager Robby Ellingson expressed frustration with the blanket restrictions In an email to LA Times, spokeswoman Dana Dierkes acknowledged that popular trails like the Devil's Backbone and Ski Hut Trail were not directly affected by the fire but explained that they provide access to damaged areas. The fire left hillsides barren, increasing the likelihood of landslides and debris flows during winter storms, she said. 'After seasonal weather has passed, we will reassess the status of potential hazards and see if certain areas might be able to reopen,' Dierkes said. Residents were preparing for the inevitable winter storms, which bring the threat of landslides to the fire-scarred hillsides. Crews worked diligently to install concrete barriers in front of homes, while others organized a sandbag distribution site. Despite these efforts to mitigate the immediate danger, a sense of frustration has lingered among locals regarding the sweeping trail closures. Even the scenic Glendora Ridge Road, a paved route offering stunning valley views, remains off-limits. Following a September wildfire that destroyed 20 homes and burned over 50,000 acres near Mt. Baldy Village, the U.S. Forest Service closed all trails to the summit until December 2025 to prioritize public safety and the natural recovery of damaged plants and soil Hikers make their way to upper hiking trails at the Mount Baldy Ski Resort, despite the closures and risk of a $5,000 fine Pictured: Hikers make their way up a trail that leads to the Mount Baldy Ski Resort on December 14, 2024 Pictured: Mt. Baldy Lodge, nestled in Mt. Baldy Village This seemingly arbitrary restriction has left residents feeling unfairly constrained. On a clear day with no visible signs of imminent danger, a simple morning dog walk could land them a hefty $5,000 fine, a situation many residents deem unreasonable and excessive. Speaker Mike Johnson's path to remain in power is in jeopardy after several Republicans are saying they aren't going to back him as leader. Earlier this month, the Republican leader took a lot of flak from party heavyweights like President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk for trying to rush through a controversial spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. During the process Musk, along with many other Republicans, tanked Johnson's initial 1,547-page bill calling it bloated and filled with Democrat priorities. That put Johnson on rocky ground with Trump, who called it a 'win' for Democrats and urged the GOP to stand firm despite a quickly-approaching government shutdown. The speaker was forced to renegotiate the deal at the last minute, sparking anger on the left and the right. A massively trimmed down version of the bill eventually passed the House, but Republicans are now unsure Johnson is the man to lead them next year. And he may only survive the speakership vote if Trump publicly backs him and gets MAGA lawmakers onboard. New speaker candidates including nontraditional options like Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy are also being floated as potential replacements for Johnson. The speaker can only lose one Republican vote if all members are present and voting in order to keep his leadership spot - which is looking more and more unlikely. House Speaker Mike Johnson raced Friday to prevent a government shutdown due to bite within hours, after Donald Trump and Elon Musk sabotaged a bipartisan agreement that would have kept the lights on well beyond Christmas. Now some House members are unsure of Johnson's leadership abilities Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., leaves the office of Speaker Mike Johnson. He told DailyMail.com he was not going to vote for Johnson's re-election to the speakership President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk have had a cozy relationship since the November election. Before Christmas the duo both ridiculed Johnson's last-minute 1,547-page spending plan before he cut it down to just 118 pages But Trump on Monday decided to throw his full support behind Johnson, which could help tip the scales in his favor. 'Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man,' Trump wrote on social media. 'He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!' Before Christmas Trump also teased that he's in favor of Johnson remaining speaker. He wrote on Truth Social that Johnson could 'easily remain speaker' if he threw out the 'traps set by Democrats' in the bill, which he did. But Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., told DailyMail.com he is firmly against voting for Johnson to retain the speaker's gavel. He explained that he is against Johnson because the leader continues to put stop-gap spending bills on the floor as opposed to passing the normally required annual appropriations bills. 'That [1,547] page bill was a product of the swamp that uniparty Johnson was happy to facilitate,' Massie said in a recent X post. 'He couldn't understand why we didn't lap it up.' Walking through the halls of the Capitol with DailyMail.com before the Christmas recess, the Kentucky Republican revealed that at least three House GOP members have come to him 'grumbling about Johnson.' Though he did not name any GOP members specifically, he indicated that there are more than enough unhappy Republicans to tank Johnson's bid for the speakership come early January. Next Congress, Republicans will have a minuscule three-seat majority, meaning Johnson could only lose one other vote in addition to Massie's 'no.' And more than one House Republican has expressed their distaste for Johnson. Trump said if Johnson 'acts decisively and tough' and overcomes 'all of the traps being set by Democrats' in negotiating a government funding deal he could 'easily remain speaker' Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Republican from Louisiana, speaks to the media during a vote on a revised continuing resolution bill at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on December 19, 2024 Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said that 'every day' Johnson's speakership is in question. He said he has not made a decision as to whether he will support the speaker's re-election When asked by reporters if Johnson's leadership is in question Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., one of the eight GOP House members that voted to oust ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, confirmed it is. 'Every day it is,' he shot back, noting how next Congress the Republican advantage will be smaller, and therefore Johnson's chances of retaining power are slimmer. 'I mean, we only have three person lead,' he reasoned. 'But ultimately, and let's be honest, a large portion of that will be up to Trump.' Burchett said if Trump backs Johnson at the time, then the speaker has a good chance at retaining his position in power. When asked if he will commit to supporting Johnson, Burchett responded: 'I'll make that decision in January.' During the government funding debacle Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., also aired her frustration with the speaker to reporters. She said there was 'zero communication from leadership to the membership' about the ever-changing process. 'Something should change before January 3,' she said, referencing the day of the speakership vote. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md. and Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., also have not committed to backing Johnson. And Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., has laid out a list of demands for Johnson that she says he must 'publicly' back before she will commit to voting for him. Those include the creation of 'at least temporary structures in the House for: 1) authorizations; 2) reconciliation offset policies, and 3) spending audits.' On the other side of Congress, the speaker is getting a similar treatment. 'Speaker Mike Johnson is a friend but he lost control of the House,' Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said in a recent interview. 'He can't remain in power.' 'Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy should be speaker,' Lee continued. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., gave a similar assessment, posting on X that the speaker of the House does not need to be a lawmaker. 'Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk . . . think about it . . . nothing's impossible,' he states, adding there would be 'joy' at seeing the 'collective establishment lose their ever-lovin' minds.' Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who threatened to oust Jonson earlier in the year over a similar government funding battle, said she is in support of Paul's proposal. If Massie, MTG, Malliotakis and Burchett come out against Johnson during the January 3 vote, it would effectively kill his chances of re-election. Though, given that none of the lawmakers have offered an alternative to Johnson, he still might have what it takes to win the speakership again. Other Republicans, meanwhile, have signaled their support for the speaker. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called Johnson 'the most conservative Speaker of the House we've seen in our lifetimes' in a recent post on X. Support for the speaker has also come from many in the House. 'Folks who don't support Mike Johnson on January 3 only weaken the Republican Conference and strengthen Hakeem Jeffries,' Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., told the Washington Reporter. The seaside town of Deal has been crowned the new Hackney-on-Sea for its quirky array of coffee shops, boutiques and trendy bars - and the influx of new residents from the capital. But locals say there is a darker side to having so many people moving 'Down from London', including skyrocketing house prices and strains on services. Jeanette Franklin, 52, who has lived in Deal all her life, said: 'For the locals it is a big problem because it has pushed them out of the market. 'The wage isn't the same here as it is for the Londoners so they're better off, our youngsters, my son for example, couldn't afford to buy a place here. Her son Curtis Ferris, 29, said: 'You can't even afford to rent. 'I used to live in Deal with my mum and dad, but then I couldn't afford to have my own place, it's too expensive. 'Even for a cheap flat - for example, I rent a 2 bed in Ashford for 900 per month, but here you're probably talking 1,200 - it's a big increase. He added: 'There are a lot of Airbnbs. The seaside town of Deal has been crowned the new Hackney-on-Sea The town is known for its quirky array of coffee shops, boutiques and trendy bars But, locals say there is a darker side to having so many people moving 'Down from London' 'DFLs also seem to be impacting the job market', Curtis said: 'I think because the people who work here have worked here for so long, opportunities don't come up very often and are quite few and far between. 'When new shops open, it does open up new opportunities but there's not many of those. 'A lot of the boutiques are opened up by Londoners and they get their own employees, maybe they even get their own people down from London. He added: 'The sewing shop went because the rent went up but it hasn't been filled yet.' Jeanette said: 'That is the only negative, they have pushed up house prices and the housing that's being built locally is all earmarked for London boroughs, and only a few are social housing. 'So, again, it's not really benefiting the locals. 'Although we've had three new housing estates built there are no new schools, no new doctors, no new dentists so the infrastructure is not brilliant. She added: 'The factory shop and the sewing shop were pushed out because they put the rent up so high they had to go, but behind the factory shop by the toilets is a boutique owned by a down from London and she literally only opens Thursday, Friday, Saturday. 'And her prices are so expensive I couldn't shop there.' Terry Barnsley, 70, has also lived in the town his whole life and has noticed the town change dramatically, he said: 'The coffee shops, little wine bars and all that lot. 'I'm not a businessman, but it has changed a bit. 'House prices have shot up since the DFLs have come down - it doesn't give the youngsters of this town any scope for getting a house. 'Deposits are not viable for them, so they spend a lot more time living at home now. 'The town has expanded obviously, with the amount of buildings going up, which does concern me, because it's taken over viable farm land. 'I have seen a few people down from London who are quite alright, but some are not. 'I've seen online people saying the Londoners have brought new businesses to the town, but my main concern is house prices. The Kent coastal town is known for its sprawling pier which is popular with anglers Locals say that the average cost of a house has skyrocketed since the Londoners arrived As a result, many local families are being priced out of the area The grandfather added: 'My kids find it hard to rent in Deal, my daughter has only just got a flat but all that is paid for by Universal Credit, and she then has to find an extra 400 because she's paying 900 a month. 'She has to have two bedrooms because she needs it for my granddaughter - it's very tricky, it's a very dark side. 'Where I live, there was a development built by a London company and a lot of the people come from London and they're paying 1,200 to 1,300 a month, it's a lot of money - I don't know how they can say that is affordable.' Jo Little, 52, has lived in Kent for 30 years, and moved to the seaside town recently, she said: 'Most of Kent is like that now - just Londoners. 'I always look at it like, they all move outside of London, but they still work in London, so they want the London money but not the house prices. 'I just feel it pushes all the costs up - the cost of living. 'You go to London and no one speaks to you, you never know your neighbours, and that's what it's like here now. She added: 'There is not much housing in terms of renting now - my street for example is mainly holiday lets. 'And there's a house round the corner from me, Londoners, as a second home, but they're never there. 'Everywhere you go now in Kent I don't feel it's the same as it used to be.' Crime in the area isn't too much of a problem though, Jo said: 'On the weekends there will be a punch up, but that's been the way of it the whole time I've been here. 'I don't go on Facebook much because it annoys me, but I don't see much that the crime has changed. 'I do think Deal is still quiet compared to other places, but there's nothing for kids to do anymore.' Jo Little, 52, has lived in Kent for 30 years, and moved to the seaside town recently Locals say the town has become almost unrecognisable from how it used to look Louise Austen believes that the house prices are just unbelievable these days David Robinson, 78, a retired lorry driver, has enjoyed watching the town grow, he said: 'When you consider when I was a lad, I worked in the pits, we earned very little, but a lot of the Londoners earned a lot. 'But, they move down to Kent, so that proves we've got something they love. 'I think we're very privileged in a lot of ways, we're surrounded by the coastline, we've got the sea nearby, we've got France right nearby- five minutes and you're in a whole different country. 'And, not only that, the countryside is beautiful. 'Getting away from the humdrum of London - it's great when you're young - but I wouldn't want to live there now, it would be too much for me now. 'People, wherever they come from, add something to the town - I sit here and talk to everyone and I always learn something. But, the pensioner does have some concerns about the town, he said: 'I'll be honest, my fear is that the very thing we adore will be destroyed. 'It's like that song said 'they destroyed paradise and put it in a parking lot' - and I think that's exactly true.' Louise Austen, 69, has always called Deal home, said: 'There are lots of little shops, especially towards the north end, that are quite unusual, which is nice. 'It's nice for people to have different options. She added: 'There have been massive changes - building the precincts, there was never that before, and all the bijou shops. 'The shops belonging to local families are going down and down and down, which is a shame. 'We've kept some, but not many - the rental for this is really expensive. 'Prices are going up - the house prices are just unbelievable. 'My daughter is struggling, she's not going to be able to afford a house, that's the unfair part. 'The building work going on, it's all for people who have money, the support for local people and first-time buyers is very little. 'That's the detrimental side - and the shops are expensive, the bijou shops. Despite the high prices, many of the shops do not employ local people, the retired nurse said: 'Youngsters here tend to work in the McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks - and at the beach parlours. 'They've been there forever and have always employed local people. 'Some of the seafront places have gone, some have become up market. 'I don't like the change of it becoming more expensive - but I think that's happening everywhere.' Peter Catwright, 82, comes to Deal regularly from his home in next door Kingsdown, he said: 'As a resident here for the last 20 years I don't think more people is a good thing. 'I come from the next village down, Kingsdown, and it is isolated from Deal. 'But, there is development going on that I'm opposed to because they're spreading and spreading and spreading, and eventually they will be part of this town. 'I am totally against that. 'If the government wants houses so badly, they should find somewhere to build a new town, not ruin a small seaside town. 'You only have to go to Thanet to see what's happened there, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, it's all merged into one, and they want to do the same here. He added: 'Kingsdown is one of the last pretty little villages, totally separate from here, and the reason they're developing it is because houses will sell better. 'If you don't want to destroy Deal, then people coming down from London are not a good thing.' A Texas businessman that most people have never heard of has stunned state Republicans with an eye-popping $20million push to steer the state to the right. Alex Fairly, the sole donor to the new Texas Republican Leadership Fund, says he wants state GOP members to unite behind a conservative candidate for House Speaker. This would mark a political shift in Texas, where the Speaker has in recent years been chosen by a coalition of Republicans and some Democrats. His announcement comes amid a battle over whether representative Dustin Burrows or David Cook should replace the outgoing Speaker, Dade Phelan. Fairly, an Amarillo-based healthcare entrepreneur, has in recent years emerged as one of the biggest spenders in Texas politics. He's a vocal supporter of smaller government, lower taxes, and for parents to have more say in how schools are run. He's also a strict Christian. In a 2023 speech about another $20million donation, he spoke emotionally about the family's fortune. 'Cheryl and I don't really believe that what we have is ours. We think God gave it to us to steward. And so, when we decide to do things with it, we think we're just taking care of it the way he asked us to.' Alex, Caroline and other members of the Fairly family celebrating Christmas The size of the new fund several times larger than previous Texas political donations left many top Republicans stunned. Congressman Ronny Jackson praised Fairly, saying he 'always follows through when involved.' 'This will go a long way to help our great state!' Jackson posted online. Fairly's daughter, Caroline Fairly, will take a seat in the House next month after securing endorsements from Governor Greg Abbott, US Senator Ted Cruz, and others. In a December 17 statement unveiling the fund, Fairly urged elected GOP members to 'unite together to elect a speaker by Republican majority.' 'Every Republican House member should be strongly opposed to a minority band of Republicans teaming up with Democrats to cut a joint governing agreement,' said Fairly. His massive donation would 'help expand a true Republican majority,' he added. It's just the latest time Fairly has dropped millions of dollars in an effort to reshape politics in the Lone Star state. He and his wife Cheryl previously donated tens of millions to West Texas A&M University to create an institute that promotes 'panhandle values,' a reference to his conservative-leaning region in northern Texas. GOP megadonor Alex Fairly and his daughter Caroline, who won a Texas House seat in a landslide victory in November The Fairly family with Texas governor Greg Abbott. Fairly says of his fortune: 'Cheryl and I don't really believe that what we have is ours. We think God gave it to us to steward. And so, when we decide to do things with it, we think we're just taking care of it the way he asked us to.' It will focus on 'family life,' 'hard work,' 'patriotism,' 'rugged individualism' and other conservative themes, the college says. Fairly has also made big donations to the political campaigns for Cruz, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Last year, he donated some $220,000 to Defend Texas Liberty, a conservative political action committee, according to The Texas Tribune. Fairly in an online profile says he's the CEO and founder of the OccuNet Company, a roughly $37 million-a-year healthcare financing company. He studied computer science at West Texas A&M University in the 1980s, he says. He describes himself as an 'outspoken supporter of school choice' and making it easier for parents and students to get an education that fits their needs. In 2023, when Fairly was being touted as a candidate in Amarillo's mayoral race, he vowed to push for 'small government' in the city. The previous year, he sued the City of Amarillo to prevent it from using taxpayer dollars to rebuild a civic center, in a plan that had been rejected by voters. Cheryl and Alex Fairly, left and right, backed their daughter Caroline, center, during her election campaign last year Alex and Cheryl Fairly last year donated $20 million to West Texas A&M University to create an institute focused on 'Panhandle values' The new fund did not answer DailyMail.com's requests for an interview with Fairly. His recently-elected daughter regularly posts pictures of herself with Fairly and other family members, and talks about their background in the Texas panhandle. On her website, she calls it a 'place where we still love our flag, where opportunity abounds, and where values and family still matter.' She also campaigned for more security along the Texas-Mexico border, which saw a spike in crossings under the Biden Administration. She defeated Democratic challenger Timothy Gassaway in a landslide in November. At the height of Britain's war in Afghanistan, Christina Schmid came to epitomise the sacrifice made by service families everywhere when she fulfilled a promise made to her bomb disposal expert husband. If he was killed in the line of duty, she vowed, she would be there to welcome his coffin home. Who can forget the heart-rending sight of Christina back in November 2009 when, after waiting at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, she joined the crowds who regularly lined the streets of nearby Royal Wootton Bassett during military repatriations? Dressed in black and clutching two red roses, she mouthed 'love you, love you' and even applauded to show her pride as the hearse carrying Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid passed by. During the grief-filled months and years which followed, she campaigned for better equipment for troops and improved pensions for bereaved families. She penned a best-selling memoir, rubbed shoulders with the Camerons at Downing Street and went to Buckingham Palace to collect her husband's posthumous George Cross. How on earth, then, did this inspirational woman end up in the dock at Plymouth magistrates court last week, a convicted criminal waiting to be sentenced for violently attacking the second husband she married in the wake of the tragic death of her beloved 'Oz'? Handed a 12-week suspended jail sentence, ordered to attend rehabilitation sessions, carry out 150 hours unpaid community work and abstain from drinking for 60 days, the 49-year-old former poster girl for British war widows was accused of 'spreading lies' by the judge who sentenced her and chastised her for 'displaying absolutely no remorse'. Christina Schmid, 49, has been handed a 12-week suspended jail sentence for violently attacking her second husband Christina attacked 43-year-old Adam Plumb during a late-night row at their 1.6million Georgian manor house in Devon Christina's attack on 43-year-old Adam Plumb during a late-night row at their 1.6million Georgian manor house in the village of Ugborough in Devon was utterly shocking in its depravity. According to Mr Plumb, mother-of-two Christina was 'behaving like a dog' when, after downing gin, she flew into a drunken rage and kicked, scratched and bit him in September last year. More, in a moment, of the dramatic and violent events which ended her ill-fated second marriage. Above all, this is the story of an extraordinary fall from grace, the roots of which stretch all the way back to that terrible moment when, just 24 hours before he was due to return home, 30-year-old bomb disposal expert Oz lost his life while trying to defuse a Taliban roadside bomb in Helmand. This week, the Mail has spoken to those who know Christina, including a close friend of her tragic first husband. He believes she has been 'irreparably damaged' by Oz's devastating death and needed 'some sort of psychological intervention' to help her. 'I am not sure she will ever be able to heal,' says Siegfried Westphal, who trained and served with Oz in Afghanistan and was with him the night before he died. 'Her loss is so great and clearly she is struggling to form another relationship,' adds the 62-year-old former Army officer, who regarded Oz as a brother and supported Christina in the wake of his death on October 31, 2009. 'I don't think any other man will ever match up to Oz.' Others who know former pharmaceutical company account manager Christina are less sympathetic, however, not least her dead husband's family. A friend of the Schmids, who live in Cornwall, said Oz's elderly mother Barbara was upset by her former daughter-in-law's recent behaviour. 'She has been absolutely devastated by all of this,' said the friend. 'Christina could be a difficult and demanding woman before Oz died and I have no doubt losing him rocked her to her foundations. But things have clearly gone right off the rails now.' According to another acquaintance: 'Christina can be very controlling, manipulative and suffers mood swings. 'She has a real temper on her. She can go from placid to furious in a matter of seconds. 'I don't think this is something that has happened since Oz's death. It was always there.' Christina, who grew up in Hampshire and studied policy and economics at the University of Portsmouth, was pregnant when she and Oz embarked on a relationship back in 2003. According to Christina's memoir, Always By My Side, the father of her baby 'was a surf dude travelling the world in search of the next big wave. 'I was a career girl, knuckling down to work with a mortgage and a family to keep me rooted'. Oz Schmid, 30, lost his life while trying to defuse a Taliban roadside bomb in Helmand He did, however, act as guarantor for the mortgage on her house in the Hampshire village of Otterbourne. She and Oz, she claimed, had first met as teenagers on holiday in Cornwall and while he was 'not my thing', they kept in touch before meeting up again when she was four months pregnant. They married in December 2007 and set up home in Winchester where Oz, a former head chorister at Truro Cathedral, raised Christina's son Laird as his own. He was, she wrote, 'my best friend and soulmate'. As a member of the Royal Logistics Corps, Oz began his military career as a chef but was later trained in bomb disposal. He became one of the Army's most respected explosives experts and was said to be able to detect the presence of an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) by the smell of freshly-laid tarmac. He died on the last day of his five-month tour in Afghanistan while disarming his 65th explosive device and the fourth he had tackled that day. Witnesses said that, in the moments leading up to his death, he seemed to be hurrying and may have been worried about the fading light. Christina, then 34, was at home with her five-year-old son and looking forward to her husband's homecoming when, late at night, two Army officers knocked on her door. In her book, she recalls opening an upstairs window and shouting down to them: 'Tell me I can still talk to him. I don't care if he's lost his arms and his legs, just tell me he's not dead.' Just six days later she went to meet her husband's coffin at RAF Lyneham and then waited for it to pass through Wootton Bassett, the Wiltshire town which by 2009 had become a focus for national mourning of Britain's dead servicemen and women. At Oz's funeral in Truro Cathedral, she cut a similarly dignified figure, standing in front of the packed congregation, his medals pinned to her chest and urging politicians to 'fight with his spirit, dedication and integrity day in, day out, for peace'. In 2010, Samantha Cameron paid tribute to Christina's 'remarkable strength' when she joined the then Prime Minister's wife as a patron of Tickets for Troops, a charity offering members of the Armed Forces free tickets to major events. When, a year later, she found love again with divorced Mark Clarke, also a serving member of the Armed Forces, it seemed she had found some much-deserved happiness. The couple announced their relationship in 2012 with a romantic photo-spread in Hello! magazine. 'In some ways I have been pigeonholed as a grieving widow and a campaigner,' Christina said in an accompanying interview. 'Don't get me wrong, I was that woman. But I achieved what I set out to achieve and now I want to move forward. 'I want to leave that woman in the past and look to the future.' She and Mark had a daughter in 2014 but split in 2019. When contacted by the Mail this week, Mr Clarke refused to comment on his relationship with Christina. A family friend said: 'He never talks about it now but I know that the relationship was a very unhappy time in his life. Christina met Adam when the divorced property developer took his springer spaniels to the dog-grooming salon Christina ran Christina told the Mail she intends to appeal against her conviction 'In public, Christina was a national heroine but behind the scenes she had quite a temper on her. She suffered mood swings which left him withdrawn and stressed and at times made his life unbearable.' She moved swiftly on to her next relationship, with her future second husband Adam Plumb. They met when the divorced property developer took his springer spaniels to the dog-grooming salon Christina ran. He recently told The Mail on Sunday that 'after telling me about problems with an ex', she suggested going out for a drink and he agreed. 'She was attractive with a curvaceous figure and I enjoyed her company,' he said. 'We had a laugh. We went to country pubs and on walks with our dogs.' No friends or family attended their October 2020 wedding at five-star Bovey Castle Hotel on Dartmoor in Devon. The couple bought their mansion in Devon in May 2021 and lived apart while Mr Plumb refurbished it. He told The Mail on Sunday last month: 'She came every weekend to check on progress but she was never happy with what I'd done. 'She wanted more, more, more and would go off on one about the slightest things, the wrong shade of paint, anything. It was horrible, though I didn't realise how bad things had become.' He added: 'I accepted I had married someone I should not have, but when we bought the house I thought that it was everything she ever wanted.' Instead, said Mr Plumb, the purchase of what should have been a dream home coincided with 'the crazy time, the start of the violence'. When she flew into one of her rages, he said Christina would scratch him with her nails, punch him, rip his clothes and bite him. At other times, she launched verbal assaults on him in public, accusing him of assaulting her and calling him a fraud. He also claimed she had a predilection for hiding his things, including his phone and car keys. In court at the end of last month, magistrates were shown footage, recorded by Mr Plumb on his phone, of Christina cornering him in a 4ft walk-in wardrobe as he tried to leave. Mr Plumb, the son of an Isle of Wight Methodist minister, is heard saying: 'Get off me you are a disgusting woman' and then adding, 'You f****** bit me. You f****** b****. You horrible woman'. In court Christina tried to claim that her husband had attacked her but District Judge Stuart Smith dismissed her counter claims over and over again. 'I do not find your evidence credible,' he said. 'I find that you have falsely made out Mr Plumb to be the aggressor while all the time it was you who was the aggressor. When police did not fall for it, you became hysterical.' Almost 15 years to the day that she attended Oz's military funeral, she was found guilty of two counts of assault by beating Mr Plumb and another woman who cannot be named for legal reasons. In court last Monday, Judge Stuart Smith was forced to tell a sobbing Christina to 'please be quiet', when she refused to stop talking and railing against Mr Plumb, who was not in court. The judge said she had 'spread lies online' and 'carried out a smear campaign before and after your trial'. In mitigation, her barrister Francesca Whebell said: 'Her life in recent years has suffered a number of traumatic events which have shaped the way things are.' She added that Christina realised that, as a result of her actions, she would lose her 'previous good character'. She was sentenced to 12 weeks for the assault on Mr Plumb and four weeks for an attack on another woman. Her imprisonment has been suspended for 12 months. She has also been handed a two-year restraining order, which bans her from having any contact with either victim and from mentioning them on social media. Oz's younger brother Torben Schmid told the Mail: 'We are aware of what happened at the court case but it is not something the family would want to comment on. 'We have lived our lives very quietly and privately since we lost Olaf and we don't want to change that now.' According to Oz's former Army friend Siegfried Westphal: 'Losing Oz broke Chrissie. I am not sure whether she will ever be able to put the pieces back together. You would have to be a cold-hearted b****** not to be moved to tears by that. She deserves a break. I hope one day she can find peace.' As for Christina, she has told the Mail: 'I intend to appeal the conviction.' She now calls herself Christina Schmid, not Plumb or even her maiden name, Avis. Perhaps it's not surprising that now, at her lowest point, she wants to realign herself with the war hero husband she tragically lost when she was at her happiest. To remind others of the woman she once was. For had Oz Schmid succeeded in that final, courageous mission as he crouched over an IED, wanting to get the last job of his tour of duty over and done with so he could get home to his wife how different Christina's life might have been. Investigations are ongoing after a Boeing jet skidded off a runway in South Korea this weekend, crashing into a concrete wall and causing the plane to burst into flames and killing 179 people on board - the youngest being a three-year-old boy. It is just the latest in a tragic spate of incidents involving the airline's planes in the past year, including a cargo flight that lost control on approach to Lithuania and crashed into a house, killing one and injuring three. Another plane - a Boeing 737 carrying 78 passengers - caught on fire and suffered serious damage when a failed takeoff attempt sent it skidding off the runway and into the bush at an airport in Senegal this summer. It comes after the mysterious death of a Boeing employee-turned-whistleblower who was hailed as a 'brave, honest man of the highest integrity'. John Barnett is thought to have taken his own life and was giving evidence against the company before his death, but his lawyers have called on police to investigate what happened because he was in 'very good spirits'. From 2010 until his retirement, Mr Barnett worked as a quality manager making the 787 Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art airliner used on long-haul routes. In that job, he 'learned of and exposed very serious safety problems' with the plane and was 'retaliated against and subjected to a hostile work environment', his lawyers claimed. After retiring, he began long-running legal action against the company and hoped to force it to change the culture. A Boeing 737 carrying 78 passengers caught on fire and suffered serious damage when a failed takeoff attempt sent it skidding off the runway and into the bush at an airport in Senegal this summer On November 11, a Boeing 737-400F was destroyed after it caught fire mid-flight. It was forced to make an emergency landing in Sao Paulo, Brazil A cargo fire destroyed the Total Linhas Aereas Boeing 737 aircraft at Sao Paulo after the emergency landing in November Whistleblower John Barnett is thought to have taken his own life and was giving evidence against the company before his death, but his lawyers have called on police to investigate what happened because he was in 'very good spirits' On March 9, Mr Barnett, 62 - a former quality control manager and employee of 32 years - was found dead in his truck outside a South Carolina hotel days after testifying against the company in a lawsuit. The coroner put it down to a 'self-inflicted' gunshot wound in the head, though the police confirmed that they would investigate further. Barnett had made a string of complaints to his higher-ups in his time as a quality control manager before leaving the company on health grounds in 2017. In January 2024, he appeared on TMZ to say that the 737 Max 9 aircraft were being launched back into the air too soon in the wake of an accident, suggesting corners had been cut. Boeing 737 loses door plug at 16,000ft on a flight from Portland On the 5th of that month, Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 - a Boeing 737 Max 9 - had lost a door plug at 16,000ft on a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California. That part is designed to replace an unneeded emergency exit door, and it blew out within just 20 minutes of takeoff. An emergency landing was required and the plane landed safely, but a teddy bear, two mobile phones, a child's t-shirt were all said to have have flown out during the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grounded 171 of the 737 Max 9s in the aftermath and six of the flight's passengers went on to sue the airline. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines also went on to find loose parts on their grounded jets' door plugs. On April 4, the airline announced that they had received $16million in compensation from Boeing after their 737 Max 9s were grounded following the January 5 door blowout. The amount was equal to the revenue lost according to a filing from the airline, but Alaska added that it anticipated receiving extra compensation too. The CEO of Boeing said at the time: 'Whatever final conclusions are reached, is accountable for what happened. An event like this must not happen on an airplane that leaves our factory. We simply must do better for our customers and their passengers.' Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 - a Boeing 737 Max 9 - lost a door plug at 16,000 feet on a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California in January An emergency landing was required and the plane landed safely, but a teddy bear, two mobile phones, a child's t-shirt were all said to have have flown out during the incident NTSB Investigator-in-Charge examines the fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight Plastic covers the exterior of the fuselage plug area of Boeing 737-9 MAX on January 7 Boeing 737 engine catches fire mid-air above Texas minutes into its journey On March 6 2024, a 737's engine caught fire in mid-air above Texas, causing an emergency landing minutes into its journey to Fort Myers, Florida. The very next day, a wheel fell off a Boeing 777-200 shortly after takeoff from San Francisco, crushing cars below. The plane with 235 passengers and 14 crew diverted to Los Angeles Airport after it was alerted to the landing gear failure. It landed safely with no further incident and no injuries reported on the ground. On March 6 2024, a 737's engine caught fire in mid-air above Texas, causing an emergency landing minutes into its journey to Fort Myers, Florida Front tyre of Boeing 737 burst upon landing in Turkey On May 9, Corendon Airlines Boeing 737 plane's front tyre burst upon landing at an airport in southern Turkey. There were no casualties and all 190 passengers and crew were evacuated. The front landing gear strut was damaged on the Corendon Airlines plane, arriving from Cologne, Germany, as it landed at Alanya-Gazipasa airport in Antalya. It was the third passenger aircraft built by the manufacturing giant to suffer a technical problem or crash in just two days. Pictures from the scene showed the stationary aircraft on the tarmac flanked by emergency vehicles - its front wheels and landing gear crumpled underneath. Corendon Airlines denied Turkish reports that the aircraft had landed on its nose. On May 9, Corendon Airlines Boeing 737 plane's front tyre burst upon landing at an airport The Corendon Airlines Boeing 737 plane's front tire burst upon landing The front landing gear strut was damaged on the Corendon Airlines plane, arriving from Cologne, Germany, as it landed at Alanya-Gazipasa airport in Antalya Boeing 737 skids off runway in Senegal injuring 11 Also on May 9, a Boeing passenger plane came off the runway during takeoff from Dakar international airport, injuring 11 people and shutting the hub for hours. The Air Senegal flight was bound for the Malian capital Bamako and had 78 passengers on board, plus a crew of six including two pilots, airport management company LAS said in a statement. Images showed the aircraft in an overgrown area with first aiders surrounding an injured person. Smoke and flames were also visible near the plane. Shocking images revealed the plane operated by Senegalese carrier Transair nestled in the dirt with a gaping hole in the left engine that was covered in firefighting foam in the aftermath of the blaze. The Boeing 737-300 carrying 78 passengers suffered serious damage when a failed takeoff attempt sent it careening off the tarmac and into the bush at Blaise Diagne airport near the capital city Dakar. A clip taken by one horrified traveller showed a female customer sprinting away from the scene of the wreckage as flames poured from the 737's left engine, lighting up the night sky. That flight took off from Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport and was headed for Istanbul when the pilot realised the landing gear was malfunctioning. Fortunately, firefighters and rescue teams were already waiting at the scene, with Turkey's transport ministry having dispatched emergency teams as soon as it learned that the pilot's landing gear was not working. The first responders flocked to surround the plane as it ground to a halt and immediately doused it with firefighting foam to prevent any potential fire from sparking. On May 9, a Boeing passenger plane came off the runway during takeoff from Dakar international airport, injuring 11 people and shutting the hub for hours The Boeing 737-300 carrying 78 passengers suffered serious damage when a failed takeoff attempt sent it careening off the tarmac and into the bush at Blaise Diagne airport Boeing 777 from London to Singapore plummeted 6,000ft in five minutes In May, one person died and others were injured on a flight from London to Singapore which plummeted 6,000ft in five minutes before making an emergency landing in Thailand. The Boeing 777 plane operated by Singapore Airlines left Heathrow airport on Monday evening at 22.17pm local time with 211 passengers and 18 crew on board. However, flight SQ321 experienced severe turbulence while flying close to Myanmar airspace in a region being battered by extreme tropical thunderstorms. After around 11 hours of flying time from take off in London, the aircraft sharply dropped from an altitude of around 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet within just five minutes as it finished traversing the Andaman Sea and neared Thailand. Boeing said: 'We are in contact with Singapore Airlines regarding flight SQ321 and stand ready to support them. 'We extend our deepest condolences to the family who lost a loved one, and our thoughts are with the passengers and crew.' Goh Choon Phong, the CEO of Singapore Airlines, made a front-facing apology after the 'extreme turbulence' incident. 'We are deeply saddened by this incident,' Phong said. 'On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.' The interior of Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 is pictured after an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, in May The Boeing 777 plane operated by Singapore Airlines left Heathrow airport on Monday evening at 22.17pm local time with 211 passengers and 18 crew on board Cargo flight span out of control in Lithuania A DHL cargo flight lost control as it approached Vilnius Airport in Lithuania on November 25 and crashed into a house, killing one person aboard and injuring three others. The Boeing 737-400 had travelled from the German city of Leipzig to the Lithuanian capital and was just one mile from touching down on the runway when the fiery crash occurred around 5.30am local time (3.30am GMT). Shocking images from the scene showed debris strewn about frost-covered ground as firefighters raced to extinguish a blaze after the aircraft careened into a wooded area and skidded some 100 metres before slamming into the two-storey building. Both pilots miraculously survived the ordeal, albeit with significant injuries, according to Paulauskas, who told national broadcaster LRT that rescuers managed to pull them from the wreckage. One member of the four-person crew - a man with Spanish nationality - was reportedly found dead at the scene, Lithuanian media reported. Flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed the aircraft made a turn to the north of the airport and lined up for landing before crashing a little more than 1.5 kilometres, or one mile, short of the runway. The DHL aircraft, a Boeing 737-400, was operated by Swiftair, a Madrid-based contractor. The Boeing 737 was 31 years old, which is considered by experts to be an older airframe, though that is not unusual for cargo flights. DHL official Ausra Rutkauskien confirmed the plane belonged to the company, while Boeing offered a short statement saying it was ready to help with investigations into the crash. A DHL cargo flight lost control as it approached Vilnius Airport in Lithuania on November 25 and crashed into a house, killing one person aboard and injuring three others The wreckage of a cargo plane in the courtyard of a house following its crash near the Vilnius International Airport The Boeing 737-400 had travelled from the German city of Leipzig to the Lithuanian capital and was just one mile from touching down on the runway when the fiery crash occurred The burning goods following the crash of a cargo plane near the Vilnius International Airport Boeing 737 caught fire mid-flight, forced to make emergency landing in Brazil On November 11, a Boeing 737-400F was destroyed after it caught fire mid-flight. It was forced to make an emergency landing in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The craft, operated by cargo airline Total Linhas Aereas, was flying from Vitoria to Sao Paulo when the crew received a cargo fire warning, forcing the emergency landing. About five minutes before landing, radio contact was lost with the pilots, although the transponder continued to work normally. This transmitted the plane's height and position information to the air traffic controllers at Guarulhos Airport. Controllers reported seeing fire coming from the aircraft, resulting in the crew evacuating the plane via ropes from the cockpit windows. Airport emergency services responded and attended the scene to extinguish the fire, which engulfed much of the roof. On November 11, a Boeing 737-400F was destroyed after it caught fire mid-flight The craft, operated by cargo airline Total Linhas Aereas, was flying from Vitoria to Sao Paulo when the crew received a cargo fire warning, forcing the emergency landing Boeing 737 veered off runway after hydraulics failure In Norway, a jet just avoided disaster as it skid off the runway following a suspected hydraulics failure yesterday. The plane was a Boeing 737-800 - the same type of jet which crashed in South Korea. The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines jet made an emergency landing at Oslo Torp Sandefjord Airport. It experienced hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff from Oslo-Gardermoen Airport carrying 176 passengers and six crew members. While landing, the plane veered off the right side of the runway, stopping on the grass. Emergency crews responded and all passengers were safely evacuated via boarding stairs. KLM said in a statement: 'Our passengers were transported to Oslo by bus last night and provided with hotel accommodation if required. KLM will send an aircraft this afternoon to pick up passengers in Oslo. They will be assisted both at Oslo Gardermoen airport and in Amsterdam. 'KLM's technical team will arrive in Sandefjord this morning to investigate the circumstances of the incident together with local authorities and the airport in accordance with aviation procedure, and retrieve the aircraft as soon as possible.' The incident is under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the hydraulic failure. In Norway, a jet just avoided disaster as it skid off the runway following a suspected hydraulics failure yesterday The plane was a Boeing 737-800 - the same type of jet which crashed in South Korea It experienced hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff from Oslo-Gardermoen Airport carrying 176 passengers and six crew members Boeing 737 crash in South Korea killed 179 people The latest of the devastating incidents is the twin-engine Boeing 737-800 passenger jet which crashed on the runway at Muan International Airport this weekend after skidding and crashing into a concrete wall, causing the plane to burst into flames. King Charles and Queen Camilla are 'profoundly saddened' by the plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 of the 181 people on board. 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.' 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. 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 today Firefighters search for bodies in the wreckage of the crashed plane at Muan Airport Firefighting authorities conduct a search operation at the plane crash site in South Korea 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. Boeing said it was in contact with the airline Jeju Air and was '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 statement read. As yet there is no confirmed explanation as to what caused the Boeing aircraft to crash. In January, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged errors by the planemaker. He told staff the company would ensure an accident like the mid-air Alaska Airlines panel blowout 'can never happen again.' The company's top planemaking official, Stan Deal, also told a somber town hall meeting at its Renton, Washington 737 factory that Boeing acknowledges 'the real seriousness of the accident' as it launches checks into its quality controls and processes. Calhoun said he had been 'shaken to the bone' by the accident, which rekindled pressure on Boeing over its troubled small plane family almost five years after a full-blown MAX safety crisis sparked by deadly crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. From daft to disgraceful, 2024 has been a goldmine for our peerless cartoonist Jonathan Pugh. In an election year, politicians have inevitably taken centre stage, with Tory gaffes as plentiful as Labour broken promises. Rain-soaked Rishi Sunak blundered by bunking off early from D-Day commemorations in July. Senior party figures around him hadnt helped the campaign by placing bets on what the election date would be the month before. In came new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer towing a raft of election pledges/missions/milestones that he quickly set about jettisoning. Elderly people not on Pension Credit were robbed of their Winter Fuel Allowance, while the promise not to tax working people was broken in a November Budget that made working more expensive by increasing employer National Insurance contributions. Meanwhile, a crisis of overcrowded prisons saw lags being let out early, and farmers took to the streets too, protesting in Westminster over the introduction of a 20 per cent tax on inherited estates. And 2024 seemed to be the year of the fat jab, with many a celebrity sporting newly svelte figures. Suffice to say, there was plenty for Pugh to draw on A landlord has been slammed for sounding the alarm about new laws that protect tenants and ensure rental properties meet basic living standards. The Victorian Labor government last month unveiled the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill, with the aim of strengthening the rights of renters. Premier Jacinta Allan and minister for consumer affairs Gabrielle Williams explained the bill would deliver a raft of reforms cracking down on rental providers and dodgy rentals. Should the proposed reforms pass Parliament, rental providers and their agents could face fines of more than $11,000 for individuals and $59,000 for companies if the property they have rented does not meet minimum standards. Ms Allan said too often tenants move into properties that still require urgent repairs or maintenance to comply with the minimum standards of a rental. 'New tenants should be able to focus on where they put their couch, not worrying about if they need to go to (the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) because the mould in the bathroom that was supposed to be removed after the inspection is still there,' she said. Rental activist Jordan van den Lamb, founder of the s***rentals.org website and known online as PurplePingers, mocked one landlord after he shared his concern about the proposed laws online. The landlord had claimed older properties would become too costly to repair if they were forced to meet minimum standards under the new laws. Rental activist Jordan van den Lamb (pictured) mocked one landlord after he shared claimed it would be too costly to bring older properties up to minimum standards under the new reforms The landlord claimed older properties would become too costly to repair if they were forced to meet minimum standards under the new laws 'Property managers would be required to audit all their properties,' he posted on Facebook. 'Holes in carpets, a gate not working, windows nailed shut and cracked concrete paths will all be utterly unacceptable. 'Jacinta has introduced these laws to keep the trades in work. My concern is numerous older properties will simply become to costly to get up to standard. 'Around suburbs like Colliingwood, Footscray and Dandenong, literally every second rental property will fail badly. 'There would be another way of rental properties being sold.' Mr van den Lamb shared a screenshot of the landlord's post to his X account on Saturday, mocking him for his complaints. 'Next year we'll have to make sure our investment properties comply with the law and that's a bad thing,' Mr van den Lamb wrote. 'We'll have to provide state of the art rentals with things like WINDOWS THAT AREN'T NAILED SHUT and if I have to do that I'm gonna sell my third investment property.' The Victorian Labor Government has introduced sweeping new reforms cracking down on rental providers and dodgy rentals Social media users also slammed the landlord with many claiming the minimum standard was an easily achievable goal to make something liveable. 'If your property is not up to scratch, you can't rent it out. Simple,' one person commented. 'Wow! Rentals that are code compliant?' another person wrote. 'An authority that ensures they are? Could it possibly be real? Is my open air and not fitting the frame front door code complaint?' 'Human rights are quite a frightening concept to property investors,' a third said. A fourth added: 'The minimum standard should be: if the landlord wouldn't live in it for a year as it is, you can't expect the tenant to'. Under the reforms landlords will face penalties if they withhold a tenant's bond and fail to provide photographic evidence of damaged property along with a receipt outlining the cost of repairs. Landlords will also lose the right to evict a tenant without a genuine reason and real estate agents will be banned from charging prospective tenants with the cost of conducting a background check on their rental history. Hidden fees and charges which exist on third-party apps used by tenants to pay their rent will also be banned. The cost of breaking a lease will also be capped, with renters paying one week's rent for each remaining month of their contract - and only up to a maximum of four weeks. Landlords will still maintain the power to evict a tenant if they cause damage, fail to pay their rent or if the owner wants to move back into the property. The Real Estate Institute of Victoria has slammed the proposed laws, arguing they will deter landlords - who often include teachers, nurses and electricians - from entering the market. Chief executive Kelly Ryan said: 'We certainly do advocate for renters having a safe, secure property... the unintended consequence (of the proposal) is if there's less investors in the market, then there's less properties. 'Most renters would prefer to be able to have a house that they can afford as opposed to not having access to potentially one at all.' The reforms will be introduced to Parliament in stages and Ms Allan has suggested further changes could follow. He has attended the same Highland church every Sunday for 85 years - and imagined he would do for the rest of his life. But a dejected John Cormack, 91, left his place of worship after its final service before it closes its doors for good as a church. To his surprise and dismay, he has outlived it. While he was stoical, some were in tears as they filed out of the former Wick Old Parish Church, minutes after singing their last hymn there - Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Many had fought hard to keep the 194-year-old building open - none more so than Mr Cormack, an elder there for 60 years - but the Church of Scotland decision, taken in February, proved final. When he first attended the church in 1939, the congregation numbered more than 200. On an average Sunday in 2024 it struggled to top 30 and rows of empty pews were the norm. Hard decisions have had to be made, said the Church of Scotland of the closure, but one of the nations longest serving elders insisted this was the wrong one. Indeed, Mr Cormack admitted, his church-going days may even now be over. The pensioner said the church had been my life since he retired from his job at Dounreay Nuclear power plant. He said the final service, which he attended with his wife Joan, felt like a kick to the stomach. John Cormack has attended the church since 1939 and was at the final service there Rev Linda Broadley tailored the final service to reflect the end of an era Wick Old Parish Church became St Fergus Church in 2009 We were still holding our own, he said. I was not happy at all about it, but its the way of the world and youve got to look ahead I suppose. The Queen mother, he said, would sometimes visit this church during her annual sojurns to Castle of Mey, her Highland holiday home 20 miles away. Before becoming King, Charles had been a visitor too. In 2009, Wick Old Parish Church united with the towns Bridge Street Church to become St Fergus Church, but it was the formers premises which survived. Now the St Fergus congregation is moving to Pulteneytown Parish Church as part of the newly named East Caithness Church of Scotland. Mr Cormack said he and other congregation members worked tirelessly to keep the building viable after learning of potential closures. He said: We spent money to keep the church going. Everything we had was ploughed back in. We decorated the church and insulated it and then they close it, so how does that make you feel? He added: Ive been a quiet man all my life ... but, since we heard this news in February this year its just been, I dont know how to describe it, everything seems to be upside down. Having first attended the church at six years old he was a regular thereafter, the only interruption being his two years of national service. It was 40 years ago that Mr Cormack was presented with his first long service award as a church elder. Yesterday, at the final day of worship, he was presented with another. Yet, he said, his pride was tinged with bitter disappointment. He is unsure whether he will attend church after the merger. Next Sunday Ill do nothing, I think. It was treasurer Alan Sinclair, 70, who gave the presentation and led the congregation in two prayers while the Rev Linda Broadley, locum minister at Pulteneytown Parish Church tailored the service on December 29 to reflect the end of an era. Mr Sinclair said: It was an excellent service. It was more looking forward to the future rather than back at the past. I think we all understand the reasons for closure. You know, its a huge building, far too big for the requirements of a relatively small congregation like ourselves. The Rev Broadley said of her service: I thought the theme I should take was resilience because no matter what the situation is there is always a way up - and I think I actually quoted Nelson Mandela and Gandhi both off whom were in difficult situations and they said its not the amount of times you fall down, its how you get up afterwards. She added: The church is not the building ... its the people. Another congregation member who has spoken of her sadness over the move is Nanette Munro, who was not only married there, but served as a Sunday school teacher and was a member of the church choir. Speaking prior to the final service, the 88-year-old told the John OGroat Journal: I find it very sad, but I really feel that it should close. There are not enough people going. A person there, a person there, a person there... theres no atmosphere. She added: Rather than churches all over the place with just a few people going, youre better with a bigger congregation. Mrs Munro and her late husband Norman were married in Wick Old Parish Church in 1960. As part reorganisation, two other churches in the area, Dunbeath and Watten, are also closing. A Church of Scotland spokesman said: A recent vote of the congregations affected was overwhelmingly in favour of the changes. Many people, while appreciating change was inevitable, are saddened at the loss of their place of worship, but the union is giving all the faithful an opportunity to review the old ways of doing things and find a new way of sharing our faith with our wider community. A neighbourhood dispute over a fence line turned violent when a disgruntled resident allegedly threatened the other with a circular saw. Garnet Mae, a 52-year-old director, filmed an extraordinary exchange between him and his 63-year-old neighbour at their Redfern terraces in Sydney's inner south last Tuesday. The ownership of a laneway at the back has been a source of ongoing tension since Mr Mae moved into the unit five years ago. While he and his brother own the majority of the laneway, they had given up on asking the elderly neighbour to avoid planting greenery throughout the space. 'It started off fairly civil and then, obviously, deteriorated,' Mr Mae told Daily Mail Australia. 'He seemed very rude and almost bullying the whole time, because that is a common laneway.' Tensions between the residents reached a boiling point when the elderly neighbour allegedly blocked access to Mr Mae's bin with a temporary fence. Mr Mae then filmed himself moving the wire fencing and began chopping a rosebush on his property with his circular saw. Garnet Mae (left) was allegedly assaulted by a 63-year-old neighbour (right) last Tuesday The neighbours had been locked in a battle for several years over their shared fence line Shocking footage showed the neighbour approaching Mr Mae before yelling 'I will take your f***ing head off' and allegedly grabbing the electric saw off him. Mr Mae stayed calm as the neighbour allegedly pushed him around the outside space and struggled for the saw. 'Hands off the f***ing property, otherwise I'll do you in,' the neighbour yelled. 'You have no right, you have no right here. 'Let's turn the f**king thing (saw) on.' Mr Mae then told the neighbour 'that's enough'. 'That's not enough,' the 63-year-old yelled back. 'Good on you, mate.' The neighbour was filmed hitting Mr Mae and attempting to take his electric circular saw Police did not arrest the neighbour but confirmed he was later charged with common assault The neighbour banged Mr Mae against a wall with one hand and held the saw in his other, yelling 'get off my f**king place'. When Mr Mae warned the neighbour he was being filmed, the angry man shot back: 'I don't care what the camera says.' 'Get off my f**king property,' he said. 'You're an idiot - you don't know what you're talking about.' Officers from the South Sydney Police Area Command were called to the scene and interviewed Mr Mae and the neighbour. NSW Police confirmed officers had charged Mr Mae's neighbour, 63, with common assault. Mr Mae was left feeling 'frustrated' officers didn't attempt to temporarily remove the neighbour to de-escalate the situation following the alleged assault. 'You know if the situation had been reversed they wouldn't feel bad about chucking me in jail,' he said. 'I didn't have any serious injuries but no-one deserves to be (allegedly) physically assaulted when they're trying to access their own property, which someone's tried to squirrel away for years.' The neighbour is due to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on January 13, 2025. Anthony Albanese's bedrock of support is collapsing in NSW and Victoria just a few months before he seeks re-election at a federal election, new polling has revealed. Labor's primary vote has slumped from 33 to 29 per cent in Australia's two most populous states, putting crucial seats, and Labor's majority, in doubt, according to a survey by Resolve Strategic for Nine newspapers. By contrast the Coalition, led by Peter Dutton, has seen a dramatic boost in Victoria with its primary vote surging from 33 to 38 per cent, while support in NSW increased from 37 to 38 per cent. The news for Labor is also bad in Western Australia with its primary vote plunging from 37 to 30 per cent since the last election, with the Coalition rising from 35 to 37.. It could see a reversal in the four seats Labor snatched from the Coalition in 2022 - Pearce, Hasluck, Swan and Tangney - with a new electorate in Bullwinkel also being contested in the next federal poll. The Coalition's resurgence in Victoria could also be bad news for the Teals, as it targets the two Melbourne seats the Liberals lost to them at the last election. Monique Ryan holds Kooyong by a margin of just 2.2 per cent and Zoe Daniel holds Goldstein by 3.3 per cent, according to ABC election pendulum. Anthony Albanese faces an election next year with Labor's support falling to low levels in NSW and Victoria Overall the Resolve Political Monitor showed the Coalition ahead with 51 per cent of support in two-party terms compared to Labor on 49 per cent, assuming preferences matched the last election. However, the close result was within the margin of error indicating the federal election remains tightly contested, and may ened in a hung parliament. Mr Albanese maintained a slight edge over Mr Dutton as preferred prime minister in Victoria, where he leaders 36 to 34 per cent and in NSW where he is ahead 38 to 36. Resolve Director Jim Reed said the poll indicates Labor is in danger of losing power after only one term in government, for the first time federally in Australia since 1931. '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,' Mr Reed said. Peter Dutton (pictured right with wife Kirilly) is almost neck-and-neck with Mr Albanese as preferred prime minister 'This time around we'll 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.' While the Greens have kept their primary vote steady at 12 per cent nationally, they have slipped from 13 per cent to 11 per cent in Queensland, which could endanger the three seats they picked up from major parties at the last election. Overall Queensland remained relatively unchanged from previous quarterly analysis of polling. Labor saw a slight fall in its primary vote from 27 to 26 per cent with the Coalition's increasing from 40 to 41 per cent. Resolve Political Monitor's quarterly analysis of polling is based on responses from 4831 voters from October to December 2024. Labor has also been losing ground in Newspolls, conducted for The Australian. An analysis of Newspolls taken over the last quarter of 2024, shows 35 to 49-year-old voters, commonly mortgage holders who determine many swinging electorates, are shunning the Albanese government. When grilled about his declining popularity at a press conference on Sunday, the Prime Minister downplayed the issue. 'What I am worried about is helping fellow Australians,' he said. 'I have been underestimated my whole political life. 'I am focused on making a difference for cost of living, making a difference for plans that we have going forward. 'We have already announced a number of changes, including to address intergenerational equity issues by cancelling 20 per cent of HECS debts for people if we are reelected.' A tourist has been killed in a shark attack at a popular Red Sea holiday resort in Egypt. Another man was also injured in the attack in Marsa Alam, according to Egypt's environment ministry. A source at the Italian foreign ministry said that the man killed was a 48-year-old resident of Rome. The injured man is 69 and also Italian, from Cremona. The injured man was taken to hospital in Port Ghalib, around 30 miles north of Marsa Alam, the Egyptian ministry said on Sunday. The ministry said the attack occurred in deep water outside the designated swimming zone near the jetties in northern Marsa Alam, adding that swimming out from the jetties was prohibited and the jetties would be closed for two days from Monday. The Red Sea is a major tourist destination whose marine life make it popular with divers and Marsa Alam is an Egyptian coastal town known for its coral reefs and beaches. Deadly shark attacks are a near-yearly occurrence in Egypt's Red Sea, where marine experts warn unregulated construction, overfishing, and irresponsible tourism practices contribute to changing the ecosystem and shark behaviour. The last similar incident was in June 2023 when a tiger shark killed a Russian national in Hurghada, another coastal city on the Red Sea north of Marsa Alam. A source at the Italian foreign ministry said that the man killed was a 48-year-old resident of Rome. The injured man is 69 years old and also Italian, from Cremona (file image of a shark off Egypt) The injured man was taken to hospital in Port Ghalib, around 30 miles north of Marsa Alam, the Egyptian ministry said on Sunday (file image of Port Ghalib) Vladimir Popov, 23, was circled by the 'meat grinder' tiger shark before he was dragged underwater, as he screamed out: 'Papa, save me!' Holidaymakers scrambled from the water as horrified onlookers called out to Vladimir to swim away from the shark before he was mauled to death. The tiger shark was then caught and dragged to land by boat before it was clubbed to death on the beach 'in revenge'. The shark was dissected by specialists, who found the young man's remains inside its intestines, according to outlet Al Arabiya. Dr Mahmoud Dar, a professor at the Egyptian National Institute of Marine Sciences, revealed that the shark was female. A year prior, two women died in a shark attack within 650ft of each other near Hurghada. One of the victims was named as Elisabeth Sauer, 68, who was attacked around the same time as a tourist from Romania. Sauer was walking in shallow water while using a snorkel with fins not far from the beach and told her partner, an Austrian of Egyptian descent, 'I'll go back in for a moment'. Footage then shows her desperately trying to get towards safety with the aid of a flipper as the waters around her turned scarlet red. Terrified onlookers tried to distract the predator, which is believed to have been either a Mako or a Oceanic whitetip shark, but no one jumped in to help her. Somehow she made it ashore and it was there that she was then taken to the private Nile Hospital where she could not be resuscitated, according to an Egyptian official. She is believed to have died from 'painful shock' - most likely a heart attack. One Georgia night in 1969, Jimmy Carter looked up over the pine trees and saw a moving orb, as bright as the moon. He was standing outside the local Lions' Club in Leary, where he was planning to address the meeting. But local politicking quickly vanished from his mind. The orb 'seemed to move toward us from a distance, stop, move partially away, return, then depart,' he said later, describing it as 'bluish at first, then reddish, luminous, not solid.' He called it 'the darndest thing I've ever seen.' Carter's encounter with a UFO may pop up as a line in some of his obituaries, sandwiched between the sober analysis of his presidency and notable humanitarian work since. And like all politicians, he should be judged for his successes and failures, in office and out. But more than just an amusing footnote, this story gives us important insight into who he was as a man. We have almost forgotten what it's like to have leaders capable of marveling at the unknown. For all the problems the country may have faced during his presidency, Jimmy Carter would openly consider the mysteries of life before, during, and after his time in the White House and he should be remembered for that. Carter wasn't embarrassed to talk about his UFO sighting. In 1973, while serving as governor of Georgia, he filed a report documenting the sighting with the International UFO Bureau. He later said that after his own encounter, he would never again make fun of anybody who reported a similar experience. His open-mindedness was rooted in the scientific training he received at college in Georgia, at the US Naval Academy, and later with his work on nuclear submarines. Carter maintained that just because something may be a UFO didn't mean it is extraterrestrial. Ultimately, he believed that what he saw - while unexplainable - was likely man-made. Regardless, the encounter stayed with him for years. On the campaign trail in 1976, he made a point of promising that, as president, he'd release all UFO-related documents. By some accounts, after his election, he did in fact meet with then-CIA Director George H.W. Bush to make that request. Whatever may or may not have been said at that meeting, Carter never seemed to mention UFOs again - at least not publicly in his official capacity as a president. He would later tell the American public that releasing such information would harm the interests of national security. Jimmy Carter on his peanut farm in Plains, Georgia, in 1976 A file photo of a UFO in 1951 However, Carter's interest in UFOs didn't fully disappear. In 1977, with the help of Carl Sagan, NASA sent the Voyager spacecraft into deep space with a golden record that held recordings of greetings and music from various nations and cultures. President Carter sent a message that read, in part: 'This is a present from a small distant world We hope someday, having solved the problems we face, to join a community of galactic civilizations. This record represents our hope and our determination, and our good will in a vast and awesome universe.' It's hard to imagine many of his successors using such language. No other president has even attempted to address UFO sightings head-on. Clinton reportedly said that if he'd seen any evidence, he would tell the people - but never did. George W. Bush joked to late night host Jimmy Kimmel that such a disclosure 'might spin you into orbit.' Obama seemed to give up on the cosmos altogether, basically halting NASA funding. President Trump created Space Force - but for the purposes of national security rather than space exploration. On UFOs, Trump said, 'I'm not a believer, but anything's possible.' Carter's fascination with the unknown stayed with him long after he left the White House. In 1994, he published a poem called 'Considering the Void' - a meditation on the images the Voyager spacecraft sent back to Earth. Nearly twenty years after he sent his letter into space, the 'void' still haunted him: 'When I behold the charm of evening skies, their lulling endurance the skyscape of our Milky Way holding in its shimmering disc an infinity of suns (or say a thousand billion)... knowing that this galaxy of ours is one of multitudes in what we call the heavens, it troubles me. It troubles me.' If he was troubled by the vastness of the cosmos, at least it's because he had the will to try to comprehend it and that's something to be admired in a leader. Shane Cashman is a writer for Timcast News and author of the new book Tales From the Inverted World: Ghosts of the Civil War. Jimmy Carter will become the sixth American president to be given an official state funeral at the United States Capitol as the nation prepares to honor its late commander-in-chief. 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. President Biden declared from the Oval Office on Sunday night that an official 'day of mourning' for the deceased would be held on January 9, which was also be the day of Carter's state funeral. Is there a state funeral for Jimmy Carters death? Joe Biden, in a statement released Sunday afternoon, said that January 9 would be a national day of mourning and Carter will receive a state funeral that same day. 'To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country,' Biden said. Jimmy Carter will become the sixth American president to be given an official state funeral at the United States Capitol as part of the nation's mourning of its late Commander-in-Chief Carter's body will likely lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda starting on or about January 6 A total of 12 presidents and 34 people have lied in state at the Rotunda, the last being late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2022. Will there be a day of mourning after Jimmy Carter's death? Biden announced on Sunday night that there will be a national day of mourning for Carter on January 9, the same day as the funeral. The day is typically held several days after the president's death. Richard Nixon's took place five days after his death, Gerald Ford's was a week following his to coincide with his funeral, George H.W. Bush's was four days after he died and Reagan was six days. Carter follows Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush as having such events. Nixon's was unique in that, in accordance with the former president's wishes, none of the elements of the state ceremonies occurred in the nation's capital but rather at his presidential library in California. The sitting president will also command all flags to be at half-mast for 30 days, meaning they will be flying low upon Donald Trump's inauguration in mid-January. Where will Jimmy Carter be buried? Presidential funerals traditionally last five days and come in three different stages, with ceremonies held in the president's home state and then Washington, before concluding where the deceased has chosen to be buried. Carter has long planned to be buried next to his late wife of 77 years, Rosalyn Carter, at the Plains, Georgia home they shared, according to People News. Mourners leave flowers at The Carter Memorial Center in Atlanta Carter has long planned to be buried next to his late wife of 77 years, Rosalyn Carter, at the Plains, Georgia home they shared The sitting president and his family are considered in charge of planning the funeral ceremonies. The Washington portion of the state funeral occurs at the Washington National Cathedral. The funeral usually ends in a procession down Pennsylvania Avenue, where the White House is located. Honor guards form a rifle party and fire a three-volley salute over the gravesite, according to Reader's Digest. Then, the body will be sent back to Georgia for the burial. The families of some presidents, including George H.W. Bush in 2018, chose to do so by train so that the people across the country can pay respects. When did Jimmy Carter die? Carter died at the age of 100 on Sunday afternoon at around 3:40pm, his family announced. The Democrat former peanut farmer, who served one term in the White House from 1977 to 1981 and dedicated the rest of his life to charity, decided against more medical treatment and entered hospice in February 2023 after a string of hospital stays. 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 moments of his administration before Ronald Reagan took over. The sitting president will also command all flags to be at half-mast for 30 days, meaning they will be flying low upon Donald Trump's inauguration in mid-January The Washington portion of the state funeral occurs at the Washington National Cathedral. Presidents Trump, Obama, Clinton, Carter and Biden are all pictured at George H.W. Bush's 2018 funeral But the Navy veteran's dedication to philanthropy meant he quickly became one of the most beloved figures in American politics. One of his final public appearances was to celebrate his 100th birthday on October 1, surrounded by family and friends at his Georgia home. 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 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. 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 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 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. EXCLUSIVE A tourist has faced intense backlash for climbing to the rim of an active volcano in Indonesia as plumes of smoke burst from its crater. The video surfaced on social media over the weekend and comes just four months after another group of sightseers barely escaped with their lives when the same volcano erupted right infront of them. Drone footage showed them scrambling down the side of the volcano as huge clouds of poisonous gas and ash dwarfed them, and giant flying rocks of molten rock and ash landed just a few metres from them. The latest video shared to social media showed the female hiker scale the rim of Mount Dukono, located on the northern part of Halmahera Island, Indonesia. The woman climbed to the rim and posed for the camera as she watched a huge ash cloud burst from the crater, with plumes of smoke billowing into the air. The woman is seen giving a thumbs up to the person filming before she is startled by a massive explosion at the base of the crater. The video was shared to platform X, with the caption 'Remember the video that I posted back in August? Seems people don't learn'. Social media users slammed the foolhardy hiker, claiming she put herself and her health in danger. Video footage showed a female hiker climbing to the rim to watch a huge cash cloud burst from the crater of Mount Dukono (pictured) It comes just months after dozens of hikers scrambled down the side of the mountain to escape the volcano's dangerous eruption material (pictured) 'What?! That's wild! I'm an adrenaline fuelled person, and I would not do this. I prefer breathing,' one person wrote. 'If the wind had shifted even slightly, the direction of the pyroclastic flow would have killed her almost instantly,' a second person said. Another added: 'They actually think they're impressing people by filming themselves engaging in profoundly dangerous and stupid activities'. A fourth posted: 'Sure, let's climb to a smoking caldera full of toxic gasses, what could possibly go wrong?'. It comes just months after dozens of climbers fled down the side of the volcano to escape a dangerous eruption. The group of climbers clambered to safety after they were almost hit by a piece of volcanic rock and a dangerous cloud of smoke stretching more than 600 metres into the air. Anak Esa recorded the jaw-dropping drone footage on August 17, which showed the climbers fleeing for their lives. 'To my horror, Dukono's activity was so high that the volcano material was thrown out of the crater,' Esa said. 'Before climbing the summit, observe first the wind direction, how strong the eruption is, and other considerations. Don't force yourself to summit when the situation doesn't allow it. 'Don't forget, the top is a bonus. Getting home safely is the real goal of climbing.' Mount Dukono (pictured) is an active volcano which has been erupting continuously since 1933 Dukono Volcano Observation Post Officer Bambang Sugiono explained the hikers trespassed and breached the volcano's perimeter to capture the eruption. 'Our appeal from PVMBG (Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi - English: Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center) is to always be alert,' he said. 'Follow the warnings from PVMBG, where you should not approach the crater of Mount Dukono within an approximately three kilometres radius.' Mount Dukono is an active volcano which has been erupting continuously since 1933. Experts say the construction of a concrete wall at the end of a runway was an 'almost criminal' error that led to the deaths of 179 people in a plane crash in South Korea. The Jeju Air plane skidded off the runway in the town of Muan, 180 miles south of Seoul, slammed into a concrete barrier and burst into flames on Sunday after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people aboard the Boeing 737-800 were killed in one of South Korea's worst aviation disasters, officials said. Video of the plane's approach show it hitting a bird, before it circled the runway and attempted to land with its flaps up. Experts believe this suggests the aircraft suffered hydraulic failure, which could have also prevented the landing gear from deploying. Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the wall was the 'defining moment' of the disaster. He suggested that had the wall not been there, the plane would have instead hit a fence, slid over a road and likely stopped in a nearby field. 'I think everybody would have been alive the pilots might have suffered some damage going through the security fence or something like that. But I even suspect they might have survived,' Mr Learmount said. Airline pilots also chimed in, saying that the jet likely lost power on at least one engine and suffered a hydraulic failure after the plane was hit by a bird. People stand as the wreckage of an aircraft lying on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport is pictured, in Muan, South Korea, December 30 Jeju Air flight 7C2216 is engulfed in flames as it slams into a wall following a crash after landing at Muan International Airport Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall (pictured in satellite image) at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the wall was the 'defining moment' of the disaster 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 South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok pays tribute to the victims of the 29 December Jeju Air plane crash Relatives of passengers of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft gather at a make-shift shelter at Muan International Airport in Muan Aviation expert David Learmount (pictured) 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 After abandoning a first landing attempt due to a loss of power, the pilots touched down on the runway at high speed on their second attempt - without extending the flaps and deploying speed brakes that would normally slow the plane down. The thrust reverser, used to slow down the aircraft once on the ground, was only deployed on one engine. While the flaps and landing ear are powered by the hydraulic system, they can be extended manually in an emergency. Captain Denys Davydov, who flies a Boeing 737-800 for Ukraine International Airlines, told the Times: '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.' Some experts said that a bird strike alone would not have crippled the landing gear. Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell said: 'I've never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.' 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?' But South Korea's deputy transport minister, Joo Jong-wan, dismissed concerns about having the concrete wall after the end of the runway, saying that both ends of the runway have 'safety zones with green buffer areas before reaching the outer wall', the Independent reports. Black smoke emits from Jeju Air flight 7C2216 as it veers off the runway The Boeing 737-800 was seen engulfed in a huge ball of fire after it skidded off the end of the runway and crashed into a concrete wall Workers operate at the site of an aircraft that crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea, December 30 Emergency workers inspect the wreckage of Jeju Air Flight 2216 He added that the airport was designed 'according to standard aviation safety guidelines, even if the wall may appear closer than it actually is'. 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, 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'. This comes as devastated family members of the crash victims are demanding answers. 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. '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 said the last time he saw his daughter was when she brought food and next year's calendar to his house on December 21. Firefighters work at the wreckage site of the Jeju Air plane in Muan on December 30 The wreckage of the plane is seen above, as firefighters comb through debris, on December 30 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 Jeon shared his last emotional exchanges with his daughter on his mobile phone Firefighters search tangled wreckage at Muan International Airport An emergency worker looks at the wreckage of Saturday's plane crash 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. Her father said: '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.' Read More Five children including boy, three, are youngest victims of South Korea plane crash 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. 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. 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 DNA from families to run 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. 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. Family members of a victim of the Jeju Air plane crash grieve at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, on December 29 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 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 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?' Fire officials reported that the impact of the crash had left the plane 'almost completely destroyed'. Read More Heartbreaking last words of South Korean plane crash passenger onboard doomed flight 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.' 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. Family members of a victim of the Jeju Air plane crash grieve at a temporary shelter at Muan International Airport A firefighter and a dog work near the deadly crash site that killed all 175 passengers and four crew members 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. 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. 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. Marco Chan, a senior lecturer in aviation operations at Buckinghamshire New University, said the evidence suggested the plane had encountered a flock of birds Jimmy Carter may have been a longtime Sunday school teacher but he also knew how to dish it out to a political rival - with a smile on his face. Nearly seven years ago, at the age of 93, Carter launched some memorable shots at Donald Trump in an interview on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It came at a time when Democrats were in an uproar during Trump's first term. Trump hit back against Carter, repeatedly trashing him in campaign speeches until as recently as this fall including on his 100th birthday. Now, Carter's death on Sunday is set to cut into some of the build-up to Trump's inauguration on January 20th. Trump has been rolling out cabinet announcements and firing out policy ideas as he prepares to take the oath for the second time after his historic comeback. Democrats have been on the back foot. But Carter is set to be memorialized in Washington, D.C. and Georgia just days before the inauguration. Following Carter's death Trump issued a statement saying the nation owed the 39th president a 'debt of gratitude' for his service. It was very different to the swipes and counter-swipes the two had previously taken at each other during a long feud. 'Does America want kind of a jerk as president?,' Colbert asked Carter during the 2018 interview, wondering if the Georgian was 'too nice.' 'Apparently, from this recent election, yes. I never knew it before,' Carter quipped with a smile, earning a big laugh from the crowd. The host also asked him what it took to be president. 'I used to think it was to tell the truth,' Carter said, building in a dramatic pause. 'But I've changed my mind lately.' Jimmy Carter delivered several shots at Donald Trump during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert In the interview Carter also said that he prays for Trump. Trump regularly went after Carter, whose Gallup approval rating was at 34 percent when he left office. Carter came in 26th place when historians were asked to rank U.S. presidents in 2021. Trump mocked Carter's administration during an October 1 campaign event in Waunakee, Wisconsin, comparing him to President Joe Biden, who Trump regularly casts as feckless and unaware. 'Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison, (to Joe Biden),' Trump said. Carter made other comments on Trump, which included telling told CBS that Trump was 'very careless with the truth, 'I think hes a disasterIn human rights and in treating people equal,' Carter said. Host Stephen Colbert asked Carter what it took to be president Carter attended Trump's inauguration in 2017. Trump did not attend Rosalynn Carter's memorial service, although he issued a statement upon Jimmy Carter's death saying the nation owed him 'a debt of gratitude' Donald Trump repeatedly attacked Jimmy Carter at rallies by saying Biden's administration was even worse than his Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died in 2023, added at the time: 'The worst is that he is not telling the truth, and that just hurts everything.' Trump did not attend Rosalynn Carter's memorial service in Carter's hometown of Plains, Georgia, although neither did Barack Obama or George W. Bush. In 2019, speaking at the Carter Center, the 39th president indicated that he believed Trump was an illegitimate president. He pointed to allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election. when asked about Russia's role, Carter said: 'Well, the president himself should condemn it, admit that it happened, which I think 16 [of the] intelligence agencies have already agreed to say. 'And there's no doubt that the Russians did interfere in the election. And I think the interference although not yet quantified, if fully investigated would show that Trump didn't actually win the election in 2016. 'He lost the election, and he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf.' When presidential biographer Jon Meacham, a favorite of Biden's, asked if he believed Trump was an illegitimate president, Carter quipped: 'Based on what I said, which I can't retract...', then cast a wide grin. A man who was shot dead while sitting in his car outside his family home in western Sydney had links to an Asian crime gang. Police officers were called to Sutherland Street in Canley Heights at 6.50pm on Sunday following reports of gun fire. Paramedics treated David Khou, 31, for multiple gunshot wounds but he could not be revived and died at the scene. A short time later, emergency services were called to Bathurst Street, in the neighbouring suburb of Wakeley, after an abandoned car was set on fire. The shooter remains on the run while a 33-year-old man was arrested on Monday and taken to Fairfield Police Station where he is assisting police with their inquiries. Acting superintendent Jason Pietruszka said the shooting was a 'targeted attack'. 'This is not a random shooting,' he said. 'A person unknown has approached from the road, gone up to the driver-side window and has fired a number of shots into the window.' Paramedics treated David Khou, aged in his 30s, for gunshot wounds but he could not be revived and died at the scene Police described the shooting as a targeted attack (pictured, police at the scene) Mr Pietruszka explained Khou exited the car after being shot and ran a short distance before collapsing on a neighbour's front lawn. Detective superintendent Danny Doherty confirmed the shooting was an 'organised crime-related murder' involving 'illicit drug activity'. Mr Doherty added the situation was terrible for Khou's family despite the circumstances. 'It's a very sad, tragic situation despite what his history may have been or despite what his links are,' he said. 'It's terrible for his family.' Mr Doherty added after extensive inquiries, police identified a second vehicle - a grey Jeep Cherokee - that had been involved in the fatal shooting. He appealed to the public for help in catching the shooter and urged anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 'This is a dynamic investigation. It's unfolding as we speak,' Mr Doherty said. mergency services were called to Bathurst Street, in the neighbouring suburb of Wakeley, after an abandoned car was set on fire (pictured) Police believe the shooting and the car fire are linked (pictured, the burnt out car) 'Police are appealing for any witnesses or people that may have information that may identify who is responsible for the shooting murder. 'CCTV phone footage, dash cam footage is really important. It's an ongoing investigation, but we need the assistance of the public to help us.' The Jeep Cherokee was seized at an address in Bosley Park and a 33-year-old man was arrested. The man was taken to Fairfield Police Station and is assisting police with their inquiries. Police established a crime scene, with investigations underway on Monday as forensic officers comb the area for evidence. Sutherland Street was closed and a section of St Johns Road and High Street were sectioned off with police tape. Khou's death is the latest hit in Sydney's gangland war in escalating violence among Asian crime networks. Police announced on December 20 it had arrested 33 people over the past six months as part of a covert task force established to target Asian crime syndicates. Taskforce Lupin investigated a number of Asian crime gangs involved in fire bombings, shootings, violent home invasions, large-scale drug manufacturing and kidnappings across southwest Sydney. The taskforce also dismantled three drug labs, seized seven firearms, almost $600,000 cash and more than $10million worth of methamphetamines. MPs behaviour has improved in recent years but could still go further, the Leader of the House of Commons has said. Lucy Powell warned that the public had a perception of bad behaviour in Parliament but said a new generation of MPs could help to change that. Reflecting on scandals including Pestminster - when MPs were shamed for their treatment of staff - she said there was an opportunity to improve things. She is overseeing a Commons modernisation committee which aims to make Parliament Westminster a better place to work following years of sleaze and scandal. Asked whether she thought Parliament had a behaviour or drinking problem, the Cabinet minister said: We definitely had a perception of sort of bad behaviour, bad culture. I think weve come some way in recent years on that. But theres definitely things coming through on that which we could go further on, that people are still concerned about. She cited the example of the ICGS (Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme) which was set up to deal with complaints against MPs by staff and others. The Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell (pictured) warned that the public had a perception of bad behaviour in Parliament but said a new generation of MPs could help to change that MPs in the House of Commons. Reflecting on scandals including Pestminster - when MPs were shamed for their treatment of staff - Ms Powell said there was an opportunity to improve things The last parliament saw 16 MPs suspended for at least one day - more than in the previous five parliaments combined. Ms Powell said that with a new intake of MPs at the last election - with more than 335 of the 650 total number of MPs new to the role - there was a chance to change things. We certainly have a new opportunity to establish better working practices and better standards of culture and behaviour, given that we have so many new MPs, she said. She said MPs were being offered behaviour code training, and said that there would be other attempts to approve working practices. She said of the committee: Its not going to be one big bang but of course there will be some things as we move forward where theyre interconnected. The cross-party modernisation committee came off the back of what was kind of a real era of sleaze and scandal and disrepute on parliament in particular but on our politics, she added. Ms Powell said she saw her role as making sure that when the public look in on the Commons and on Parliament that we are behaving and operating in a way that they would expect. She added: A huge amount of new MPs, seeing Parliament through their eyes for the first time and the Commons through their eyes, has really given extra momentum to modernisation. This is the dramatic moment two student police officers chased down a rapist in the street after he attacked a woman in a park. Awalkhan Sultankhail, 24, approached his victim in Small Heath, Birmingham, at around 4pm on August 27 last year. A court heard he attempted to start a conversation with her, but when she walked away from him, he dragged her into the bushes and raped her. Sultankhail fled when he was disturbed by a member of the public, who called the police. As a result of CCTV footage and the brave victim's detailed description of her attacker, trainee PCs Declan McDevitt and Peter Jones were able to recognise Sultankhail while out on reassurance patrols in the area four days later. Video footage shows the two officers chasing him, and he was eventually cornered in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, and arrested for the attack. The trainees have been praised for their 'first rate' police work. 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. Two student police officers chased down a rapist in the street after he attacked a woman PCs Declan McDevitt and Peter Jones were able to recognise Sultankhail while out on reassurance patrols in the area four days later Video footage shows the two trainee officers chasing him Hhe was eventually cornered in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, and arrested for the attack A court heard Sultankhail attempted to start a conversation with a woman, but when she walked away from him, he dragged her into the bushes and raped her 'I felt immensely proud of myself and PC McDevitt as we have caught someone who has committed a horrific offence in broad daylight. 'I went home that day feeling satisfied that I have helped the victim get one step closer to the justice she deserves, and knowing that he won't be able to commit another offence for a long time.' Sultankhail initially denied ever speaking to or following the victim, but the evidence against him left him no choice but to plead guilty. On December 20, Sultankhail, of Small Heath, was jailed for five years and three months, and ordered to spend a further four years on licence, at Birmingham Crown Court. Superintendent Emlyn Richards, from Birmingham Police, said: '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.' China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project to boost regional transport, prosperity Xinhua) 08:45, December 30, 2024 A signing ceremony of an intergovernmental agreement on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project is held in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) "It will certainly reshape regional logistics, bringing significant economic benefits." BISHKEK, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The commencement ceremony for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan, on Friday. Representatives from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan highlighted the railway's potential to promote regional connectivity and prosperity. Sanjar Mukanbetov, director of the National Institute of Strategic Initiatives under the President of Kyrgyzstan, told Xinhua that the support of China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan's leaders has made the railway project possible. "Residents and nearby settlements will directly benefit from the economic impact of the project," Mukanbetov said. "It will certainly reshape regional logistics, bringing significant economic benefits." According to the current progress of the project, the construction of the Kyrgyz section of the railway project is scheduled to begin in July 2025 and last for six years, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. said. This aerial photo taken on Nov. 8, 2023 shows the Torugart port of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Igor Shestakov, an expert from Kyrgyzstan, said the railway would help showcase Belt and Road cooperation projects and significantly benefit projects under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Kyrgyz economist Iskender Sharsheev said he believed that the project would attract more investments in energy, transport, and agriculture. "The infrastructure will open opportunities for logistics, product processing, and export-oriented production," he said, adding that the railway will drive change, fostering economic growth and social stability in the region. Abdurasul Abdukhalilov, head of Uzbekistan's Tashkent regional department of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the railway will link China with European and Middle Eastern markets, facilitating freight transport. Calling the railway the "road of the new century," Azamat Seitov, head of the Laboratory of Anthropology and Conflictology at Uzbekistan's University of World Economy and Diplomacy, said there is no doubt that it will open up new opportunities for trade, tourism and industry, while strengthening regional economic interconnectivity. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Trail riders travel down the road towards their last lunch stop before reaching the rodeo on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 in San Antonio. The rodeo will open a livestock learning center in the spring that will allow visitors to pet, feed and eventually ride former ranch horses year-round for free. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News The nonprofit that operates the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo plans to open an educational center this spring to teach the uninitiated about horses. Visitors will also be able to pet and feed them. San Antonio Livestock Exposition Inc. aims to open the center at 723 Frost Bank Center Drive by May. It will house between two and six horses, said Chris Derby, the rodeo's chief marketing officer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Visitors will also have the chance to interact with and learn how to take care of other animals, such as chickens and pigs, year-round. ALSO READ: San Antonio special education teacher accused of dropping meth in elementary school Eventually, the rodeo may allow visitors to ride the horses on certain days, Derby said. "It's amazing how many people have never touched the horses," Derby said. "We love seeing the kids come up and learn about them, and pet them and maybe even give them a little bit of hay just to see how important it is to take care of animals." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The rodeo recently bought four horses from Texas ranches that will move into the center. The horses are calm riding steeds that Derby said will "enjoy the rest of their lives" at the center after retiring from ranch work. Around 100 extremists could return to Britain if jihadi bride Shamima Begum is allowed back from Syria, it was claimed yesterday. Her return would open the floodgates to some 100 jihadis and their families currently being held in Syrian camps who could pose a significant security risk if they are allowed back here, sources have said. The 25-year-olds lawyer Tasnime Akunjee has said her hopes of returning have been bolstered by the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. But yesterday a source told the Sun on Sunday it would be a huge strain on security services, adding: If Shamima is allowed back in, it could open the floodgates to 100 others. The security services keep tabs on those people in Syrian camps with a claim to UK citizenship. They pose a risk and would take a massive amount of resources to watch. The warning comes just days after the Senior National Co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing Vicki Evans warned that turmoil in Syria could create a space for extremism and acts of terror in the UK. The Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner said Britain had yet to see any Islamic State fanatics attempt to return to the UK after the collapse of the Assad regime, but officers are alive to the risks. She said: In light of events in Syria, I can absolutely confirm that were proactively reviewing our casework, proactively identifying whether there are any new risks in our system that have been inspired or committed by the events. As many as 100 extremists could return to Britain if Shamima Begum was allowed to reenter the country, a source has claimed Ms Begum's hopes of returning have been bolstered by the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad, her lawyer Tasnime Akunjee (pictured in 2019) has said Ms Begum is currently living in a detention camp in Syria after she fled her home in east London at the age of 15 to join Islamic State in 2015. The Attorney General has previously backed her case, arguing prior to taking up the role that it was extremely draconian to strip her UK citizenship. When representing human rights group Liberty, Lord Hermer, KC, told a court in 2020 that Ms Begum should have been allowed to return to the UK to participate in her appeal. A Home Office source insisted yesterday: We wont be overturning the decision. Yesterday, it emerged that the critically ill wife of the former Syrian dictator has also 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. Her cardiologist father, Fawaz Akhras has already left his Harley Street clinic to be with his daughter after she fled to Russia following the collapse of her husbands brutal regime. Women and children walk at Camp Roj in Syria. Allowing Ms Begum to return to the UK could open the floodgates to many others, it was claimed Assad's wife Asma (pictured) will be unable to come back to her native London without her official travel documents, amid reports of her ill health There has been speculation that Asma is looking to divorce Assad and return to Britain to continue her vital cancer treatment. But Whitehall sources have confirmed that Asma, who also holds Syrian nationality, no longer possesses valid British travel documentation after her passport expired in 2020. The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has also stated that the Government will not allow her to return to the country, as the decision cannot be based solely on health reasons. In 2012, Asma was placed under UK and EU sanctions after she was accused of playing a key role in supporting Assad throughout Syrias civil war. President Joe Biden made some not-so-subtle digs at President-elect Donald Trump as he spoke about the life of the late President Jimmy Carter Sunday night from St. Croix. Biden reiterated several times that the 100-year-old Carter stood for 'decency.' 'Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needs something and just keeps walking?' Biden asked. 'Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk?' 'I can't, I can't,' Biden said. During his almost 10 years in politics, Trump has frequently made fun of opponents, including the way they look and how they talk. Trump's mimicked Biden's stutter on a number of occasions. Speaking to reporters amid his traditional New Year's vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Biden pressed that Americans would 'do well to try and be a little more like Jimmy Carter' as he alluded to the current state of toxic politics. 'In today's world some look at Jimmy Carter and see a man of a bygone era, with honesty and character, faith and humility... But I don't think it's bygone era. I see a man not only of our time but for all times,' Biden argued. President Joe Biden made some not-so-subtle digs at President-elect Donald Trump as he spoke about the life of the late President Jimmy Carter Sunday night from St. Croix 'Someone who embodied the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away,' Biden continued. 'Although sometimes it seems like it is,' he said as an aside. The president spent nine minutes in front of the cameras, coughing as he got started. He spoke about how Carter was a 'statesman and humanitarian' but also a good friend to Biden and the first lady. 'I've been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years it dawned on me,' the 82-year-old president said. 'I've always been proud to say, and he used to kid me about it, that I was the first national figure to endorse him in 1976 when he ran for president,' Biden recalled. Biden had entered the U.S. Senate, at age 30, four years earlier. 'There was an overwhelming reason for it,' Biden said of Carter endorsement. 'His character.' Carter would go on to win the White House in 1976 - but, like Biden, would only serve one term. President Jimmy Carter is dead at the age of 100. President Joe Biden made brief comments about his friend Sunday night from St. Croix telling reporters: 'I've been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years' President Jimmy Carter is photographed jogging on the South Lawn of the White House during his one term in office. President Joe Biden spoke of Carter's many accomplishments - a bulk of which happened after he left office 'What I find extraordinary about Jimmy Carter though, is that millions of people around the world, all over the world, feel they lost a friend as well, even though they never met him,' Biden stated. 'And that's because Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words but by his deeds.' Biden spoke of Carter's many accomplishments - a bulk of which occurred after his term in office - including helping eradicate disease around the world, advance civil rights and promote 'free and fair elections around the world.' He also called attention to Carter's Habitat for Humanity work, building houses for the less fortunate. 'He built housing for the homeless with his own hands,' the president regaled. Biden also spoke of an issue that tied the Biden and Carter families together: cancer. 'Jimmy Carter was just as courageous in his battle against cancer as he was in everything in his life,' the president said. When Beau Biden, the president's son, died of glioblastoma in 2015, Biden said that 'Jimmy and Rosalynn were there to help us heel.' 'Jimmy knew the ravages of the disease too well,' the president continued. 'He lost his father, his brother, his sister, to this terrible disease.' President Jimmy Carter made a final public appearance alongside dignitaries including every modern first lady at his wife Rosalynn Carter's funeral in November 2023. He died at age 100 on Sunday Former first ladies (from left) Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and Melania Trump appeared together at the funeral service for Rosalynn Carter in November 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Jimmy Carter will have services in both Atlanta and Washington, D.C. 'So when Jimmy was diagnosed we did our best to comfort him,' Biden recalled. 'We met with him down in Plains, anyway,' Biden said segueing, realizing he was going too in-depth on the subject. Carter's cancer battle also took place in 2015. 'We talked and shared our beliefs that as a nation we have the talent, we have the talent and the resources to one day end cancer as we know it, if we make the investments,' Biden said. 'He believed that like I do.' Biden said that the Carters had a 'love affair for the ages.' The former first lady died in November 2023, with Jimmy Carter making a final public appearance alongside other dignitaries - including every modern first lady - at the memorial service. 'The one thing I admired most about him. ... He really did believe this and I do as well, that everybody deserves an even shot. No guarantees, just a shot,' Biden said. 'Everybody deserves a shot.' 'He gave an awful lot of people a chance,' the president continued. 'I was an admirer. I consider myself a friend.' 'I think he's happy, I think he's happy with Rosalynn,' Biden also offered. The president confirmed that there would be a 'major service' for the Democrat in Washington, D.C. There's also expected to be a public service in Atlanta, Georgia, where the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. It will likely mark Biden's final time to host a major political gathering in Washington ahead of Trump's January 20th inauguration. A body has been found in the water off Shetland in the search for a missing wild swimmer. It was discovered on Saturday by emergency services looking for 58-year-old Ian Napier who had not been seen or heard from since early the previous day. Although formal identification had yet to take place, Mr Napiers family have been informed of the find. The Shetlander was last seen heading off for what police think would have been a walking or swimming session around Scousburgh Bay at 9am on Friday. A search involving the RNLIs lifeboat from Lerwick and the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Sumburgh was launched on Friday and the body was found at about 11.40am on Saturday. Police Scotland said the death was not being treated as suspicious. Dr Napier, who was senior fisheries policy adviser at further education college UHI Shetland, was a keen swimmer and paddle boarder. A body has been found off the coast of Shetland after a wild swimmer disappeared days after Christmas (file photo) Ian Napier (pictured) was last seen heading off for what police think would have been a walking or swimming session around Scousburgh Bay He was an Aberdeen University graduate and had worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food before returning to his native Shetland in 1995. Dr Napier was closely involved in establishing Shetlands local shellfish fisheries management system and was a former chair of the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation. He was a well-known figure in the local community and many expressed their shock at the news on social media. Gut wrenching, said one. Ian is a good man. His life cut short far too soon. Police said a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal. An Indiana school bus driver accused of drunk-driving a bus of 32 children has been charged with two felonies. Kayla Pier, 38, turned herself in to police on Friday after authorities issued a warrant for her arrest, according to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office. On September 20, the reckless driver took students from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School. But the students on the bus realized something was wrong as soon as she started driving. Police said that the students noticed Pier acting strangely and began reporting her out of the ordinary 'driving behaviors and mannerisms,' police said in a statement. 'The courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of the accused are publicly commended,' LPCSC Captain Derek Allen wrote in a press release. 'Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring.' The school district's transportation director met the bus at Riley Elementary School. Pier was taken off the vehicle and the school district started investigating the situation. Kayla Pier, 38, turned herself in to police on Friday after authorities issued a warrant for her arrest after allegedly drunk-driving a school bus According to police, 32 students were onboard the school bus, driving from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School (stock image) Pier quit her job later that day. The school district brought the incident to the attention of the sheriff's office on October 21, when toxicology results confirmed that Pier was still intoxicated. 'Thank you to the school corporation administrators for their assistance and cooperation throughout the investigation. Our partnership is committed to student safety, both on and off of every campus,' Allen said. Authorities then launched an official investigation into Pier's actions, collecting videos and conducting interviews to get to the bottom of what transpired that day. On December 19, Deputy Brian Crail - who led the investigation - submitted a Probable Cause affidavit to the county's Prosecuting Attorney's office for evaluation. La Porte County Circuit Court agreed that there was probable cause the next day and issued an arrest warrant. Pier turned herself in a week later and was charged with Operating While Intoxicated and Neglect of a Dependent. She was taken to La Porte County Jail, but was released after her bond was posted. The La Porte Community School Corporation addressed Pier's arrest in a social media post, outlining what had transpired. The statement reads: 'Earlier this Fall, students aboard one of our buses demonstrated exceptional judgment and courage by reporting concerning behavior from their driver to school administrators. 'We are incredibly proud of our students, who recognized something was wrong and reported their concerns responsibly. Their actions exemplify the "see something, say something" principles we teach in our schools. 'Our district maintains rigorous standards for all transportation employees, including mandatory random drug and alcohol testing, regular credential verification, and ongoing safety training.' On social media, concerned parents have expressed their outrage with Pier and how the incident was handled. One woman wrote under the LPCSO's Facebook post about the situation: 'Why did the school deal with this internally? Pier was allegedly drunk-driving a bus that left from La Porte Middle School (pictured). Students started reporting her while she was driving 'This was a crime that should have been reported immediately like any other. This is disgusting and disturbing. Another example of poor leadership and a failure to protect our children.' Another user added: 'This should have been reported to the police when it happened! Very concerning it was not reported for a month. '[Pier should be charged with ] 32 counts neglect. 32 counts child endangerment.' 'Police should have met her at the school along with the superintendent! Baffling they didn't call the police right away! She had children on the bus! Even the children knew something was wrong!' someone else said. Jimmy Carter shocked those who largely knew him as a devoted husband and Christian when he admitted to feelings of 'lust' and committing 'adultery many times in my heart' during an interview with Playboy magazine in 1976. Carter has died at the age of 100, almost two years after announcing he would spend his final days in hospice care. The Democrat and former peanut farmer served one term in the White House from 1977 to 1981 and dedicated the rest of his life to charity. However, ahead of the 1976 election, an interview that appeared in the spicy magazine with journalist Robert Scheer, in Carter's own words, 'nearly cost me the election.' Carter spent five-plus hours with Playboy across several months - 'more time with you than with Time, Newsweek and all the others combined,' the nominee told Scheer and Playboy editor Barry Golson. During a five-hour conversation that spanned a breadth of topics, the Democrat nominee's most-remembered comments came at the end of their final session. Standing outside Carter's front door, Golson pressed Carter on whether his piety would make him a 'rigid, unbending president' unable to represent all Americans. The Baptist deacon responded with an 823-word soliloquy on human imperfection, pride and Gods forgiveness. Jimmy Carter shocked those who largely knew him as a devoted husband and Christian when he admitted to feelings of 'lust' and committing 'adultery many times in my heart' in a 1976 Playboy interview 'Ahead of the 1976 election, an interview for the spicy magazine with journalist Robert Scheer, in Carter's words, 'nearly cost me the election' He said he believed in 'absolute and total separation of church and state' and explained his faith as rooted in humility, not judgment of others. Quoting Matthew 5:27-28, Carter explained that Jesus Christ considered an offending thought equivalent to consummated adultery, and by that standard, he was in no position to judge a man who 'shacks up' and 'screws lots of women,' because he had 'looked on many women with lust' and, thus, 'committed adultery many times in my heart.' Headline writers, satirists and late-night television pounced anyway, labeling it Carter's 'lust in my heart' interview. The fallout, in Carters words, 'nearly cost me the election.' 'Saturday Night Live,' then a fledgling NBC sketch comedy show, had a field day. One political cartoonist depicted Carter lusting after the Statue of Liberty. He lamented to NPR in 1993 that the Playboy interview morphed into 'the No. 1 story of the entire 1976 campaign.' 'I was explaining Jesus Sermon on the Mount,' Carter wrote wistfully in a 2015 memoir. Political disaster ensued. Rosalynn Carter was suddenly being asked whether she trusted her husband. Democratic presidential nominee Jimmy Carter speaks to reporters on his arrival at Hobby International Airport in Houston on Friday, Sept. 24, 1976. He explained how his remarks in a Playboy magazine interview about the late President Lyndon Johnson were misinterpreted, and that he did not mean to put Johnson and Richard Nixon in the same class Former US President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter attend an unspecified event at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, Atlanta, Georgia, 1996 The resulting Q&A spanned 12,000 words, and Scheer added thousands more in an accompanying story. Carter discussed military and foreign policy, racism and civil rights, political journalism and his reputation as a 'vague' candidate. 'They werent interested in sensationalized stuff,' Scheer said of Playboy. Hugh Hefner's iconic publication reached an estimated 20 million-plus readers each month with its pictorials of nude women. But the magazine chronicled American culture as well, with its branded 'Playboy Interview' featuring such power players as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lennon, Malcom X and leading newsman Walter Cronkite. Carter, unafraid of nuance, proved he belonged among them, Scheer said. Scheer, who was with Carter as part of his traveling press corps, said Playboy's early text release sparked a frenzy. 'Reporters were scrambling, asking me, `Bob, what is this?' he recalled. Carter initially told reporters he was taken out of context about both the 'lust' remarks and his criticism of former Democrat President Lyndon Johnson. Scheer 'ran back to the plane to get the tapes,' and effectively caught the nominee violating his pledge never to make a 'misleading statement.' Carter initially told reporters he was taken out of context about both the 'lust' remarks and his criticism of former Democrat President Lyndon Johnson Carter was known as a devoted husband to his wife Rosalynn, who he was married to for 77 years until her death As a candidate, Carter's faith had endeared him to many fellow white Evangelicals and cultural conservatives. That made him a difficult foil for Republicans, who wanted to cast Democrats as out-of-step with most of America. The flip side, Scheer noted, was the many young voters and urban liberals - key Democratic constituencies - who 'wondered if he was this Southern square.' 'Hamilton Jordan (Carter's campaign manager) had always called Carter's faith `the weirdo factor,' said media historian Amber Roessner, a University of Tennessee professor who has written extensively on Carter. 'Talking to Playboy was their way to prove he wasnt some kind of prude.' When his commentary on adultery ballooned, Carter insisted the exchange had been off-the-record, throwaway banter as Scheer and Golson prepared to leave. 'He was still wearing the mic!' Scheer told AP. The way the story morphed 'ended up making Carter seem like a creep,' Roessner said. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks to the congregation at Maranatha Baptist Church before teaching Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia Democratic Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, greet people after attending church services at the University Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas Rosalynn Carter fashioned a pat response: 'Jimmy talks too much, but at least people know hes honest and doesnt mind answering questions.' And, no, she never worried about his fidelity. 'The only lust I worried about was that of the press,' she wrote in 1984, recounting how her discipline finally cracked when a reporter asked whether she ever committed adultery. 'If I had,' she replied, 'I wouldnt tell you.' Then-President Gerald Ford, who had been gaining on Carter but still trailed badly, leveraged the story. The Republican president was an Episcopalian, soft-spoken about religion, but he invited leading evangelical pastors to the White House the day after the interviews release, including the Rev. W.S. Criswell of Dallas First Baptist Church. Criswell later declared from his pulpit that he had asked Ford: 'Mr. President, if Playboy magazine were to ask you for an interview, what would you do?' Fords reply, according to Criswell: 'I was asked by Playboy magazine for an interview - and I declined with an emphatic `No!' Thousands of his parishioners roared. Rosalynn Carter fashioned a pat response: 'Jimmy talks too much, but at least people know he's honest and doesnt mind answering questions.' And, no, she never worried about his fidelity 'The only lust I worried about was that of the press,' First Lady Carter (pictured with Donald Trump in 1987) wrote in 1984, recounting how her discipline finally cracked when a reporter asked whether she ever committed adultery. 'If I had,' she replied, 'I wouldnt tell you' The Rev. Billy Graham, the nations top evangelist, and the Rev. Jerry Falwell, the rising leader of the so-called Religious Right, also blitzed Carter. National media, including The AP, highlighted criticism from Christian pastors from around the country. Roessner, the daughter of a Protestant pastor, said Carter's Playboy comments were clumsy, 'but if anyone should have understood the context ... it should have been the ministers.' She recalled Carters resentment during a 2014 interview she conducted with him. Decades of global humanitarian work had by that time afforded the former president a profile above politics, yet 'almost 40 years later, it was clearly something he held on to,' she said. He was 'still incredibly frustrated by what he felt was unfair coverage and response.' Scheer called it a 'sensible statement,' reflecting Carters Baptist tradition: 'He was saying, look, Im not going to be some fanatic. ... Im not this perfect guy.' The 1976 campaign was the first after Nixon's resignation, driven by reporting from The Washington Post, and many journalists were demonstrating a new level of distrust of politicians, especially one Scheer described as 'wearing his religion on his sleeve.' Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia Those same news organizations largely ignored what the soon-to-be president said about them, Roessner noted. 'The traveling press have zero interest in any issue unless its a matter of making a mistake,' Carter told Playboy. 'Theres nobody in the back of this plane who would ask an issue question unless he thought he could trick me into some crazy statement.' Scheer, at least, asked plenty of policy questions, and, looking back, he pointed to Carters narrow victory just weeks later. 'Whatever they said, I think it did exactly what they wanted to accomplish,' Scheer said. 'That doesnt mean they werent nervous.' Carter died at the age of 100 on Sunday afternoon at around 3:40pm, his family announced. The Democrat decided against more medical treatment and entered hospice in February 2023 after a string of hospital stays. 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 moments of his administration before Ronald Reagan took over. The sitting president will also command all flags to be at half-mast for 30 days, meaning they will be flying low upon Donald Trump's inauguration in mid-January The Washington portion of the state funeral occurs at the Washington National Cathedral. Presidents Trump, Obama, Clinton, Carter and Biden are all pictured at George H.W. Bush's 2018 funeral But the Navy veteran's dedication to philanthropy meant he quickly became one of the most beloved figures in American politics. One of his final public appearances was to celebrate his 100th birthday on October 1, surrounded by family and friends at his Georgia home. 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 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. 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 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 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. The Home Office is planning to spend 15 million on spy satellites that will monitor migrants attempting to cross the Channel. Government contracts revealed the department had sealed the huge deal with Telespazio - a global space firm with a UK branch in Luton. Telespazio will provide enhanced surveillance for the Joint Maritime Security Centre which ensures the country can respond to 'threats to security, law and order, and the marine environment'. It will improve the Home Office's ability to identify 'dark targets' - which do not emit tracking data - such as ships used by criminals to smuggle goods, and small boats used by Channel migrants. Radar, hi-tech cameras and sensors have already been hired to provide 24/7 surveillance of those attempting the journey across the Channel. This year has seen the most migrant Channel deaths on record - with 36,204 migrants arriving in the UK on dinghies. Since records began in 2018 more than 150,000 migrants have made the perilous crossing. The Home Office is planning to spend 15 million on spy satellites which will track migrants crossing the Channel from space. Pictured: A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, following a small boat incident in the Channel, on December 29, 2024 The Luton-based branch of Telespazio UK will provide enhanced surveillance for the Joint Maritime Security Centre which ensures the country can respond to 'threats to security, law and order, and the marine environment' (stock image) Migrants board a smuggler's inflatable dinghy in an attempt to cross the English Channel, on Bleriot beach in Sangatte, near Calais, northern France on October 30, 2024 A redacted contract, published by the Government in December, shows that the contractor has to comply with the Officials Secret Act. The contract began in November and is set to run until next September, with a total value of 15 million. An order form reads: 'Maritime security is a key enabler to Homeland Security, surveillance of the Maritime domain for UK security requires a multi-layered approach. 'Satellite surveillance products provide longer range coverage but lack persistence, whereas terrestrial sensors such as RADAR provide persistence at shorter ranges.' A Home Office spokesperson told The Sun: 'The Joint Maritime Security Centre is harnessing cutting edge technology and capabilities to provide 24/7 monitoring of UK waters and ensure our borders are secure. 'Effective use of satellites ensure we can play a key role in detecting 'dark vessels' at sea, such as those involved in illegal immigration, illegal fishing activities, drug smuggling, ship-to-ship transfers of goods and evading sanctions. Government contracts revealed the department had sealed a huge deal with Telespazio - a global company which specialises in space operations. Pictured: British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper 'And in the channel, the UK is taking steps to tackle small boat crossings through our Border Security Command, recruiting more investigative officers and working more closely with our European partners to ensure the vile people smugglers are brought to justice.' It comes as at least three migrants died while attempting to cross the Channel to the UK yesterday, officials said. A large-scale rescue operation was launched on a beach in Sangatte, in northern France, after the first alert was raised at about 6.15am. Firefighters and law enforcement officers were deployed in vast numbers at the Tom Souville base. Authorities have warned the death toll may rise, as investigations are carried out by prosecutors in Boulogne-sur-Mer and judicial police tried to locate those who provided the boats. About 50 migrants have been taken into the care of French humanitarian charity Utopia 56, and ten people with severe hypothermia are being cared for by firefighters. Four individuals were taken to hospital. Three unconscious people were pulled from the water but could not be revived, despite efforts by medical teams. Many survivors reported seeing a child falling into the sea, and there was no sign of the missing person by Sunday evening. Celestin Pichaud, coordinator of the Utopia 56 refugee charity, said: People on site immediately told us that a child had fallen into the water, but we had no information about a child being found. MailOnline has contacted Telespazio UK for comment. Elon Musk has hit back at the Sydney Morning Herald after it suggested he would quit his trillion-dollar company Tesla next year. The newspaper published an article by technology editor David Swan on Sunday which shared a series of predictions for tech in the new year. One of the predictions was that Musk, the world's richest man, would be forced to part ways with electric car company Tesla due to his new role in Donald Trump's administration. Musk will be co-lead of the new Department of Government Efficiency, with a remit to slash red tape and bureaucracy in Washington. 'To be juggling leadership roles at X, Tesla, SpaceX, xAI, the Boring Company and Neuralink was already unsustainable,' the SMH op-ed read. 'Musk has already found himself at loggerheads with MAGA diehards like Steve Bannon over immigration issues, and the inauguration is still weeks away. 'Hes also been at loggerheads with the justice system, after a US judge blocked Musks $US56 billion ($90 billion) pay package from Tesla. 'After constant controversies and distractions, it will all come to a head in 2025, and Musk will be forced to hand over the reins at Tesla, a company many mistakenly think he founded.' Elon Musk (pictured) has hit back at the Sydney Morning Herald after it suggested he would quit his trillion-dollar company Tesla next year The newspaper published an article by technology editor David Swan (pictured) on Sunday which shared a series of predictions for tech in the new year But Musk snapped back with a cheeky reply on his platform X, formerly Twitter. 'I predict that the Sydney Morning Herald will continue to lose readership in 2025 for relentlessly lying to their audience and boring them to death,' Musk wrote. A reply to his post alleged that the 'legacy media is in a doom spiral', to which Musk said: 'yeah'. Many other X users flooded the comments with criticism for Mr Swan's bold prediction. 'MSM (mainstream media) is in their death throes. Circling the drain,' wrote one. 'Sydney Morning Herald hasnt been relevant for quite some time now,' another said. A third simply shared a screenshot of the share price of Nine Entertainment, publisher of the Sydney Morning Herald, which shows it has plummeted by almost 40 per cent over the past year. 'Elon is absolutely right (as per usual),' wrote one person. 'I predict that the Sydney Morning Herald will continue to lose readership in 2025 for relentlessly lying to their audience and boring them to death,' Musk wrote on his platform X (he is pictured with the next US President Donald Trump) 'Legacy media is in a doom spiral and agenda-fuelled outlets like the SMH are firmly in the firing line - alarmingly out of touch and destined for consistent, continual rejection from the masses.' David-Lea Smith, Associate Professor of Microbiology at University of East Anglia, said it was 'always amusing when people with a journalism degree and no entrepreneurial or technical/engineering/scientific experience make technology predictions'. 'I'll keep paying more attention to the revolutionary entrepreneur whose companies develop cutting edge technology, including sending rockets into space,' Mr Smith added. 'The mainstream media keeps getting worse so Elon's prediction is likely to be more correct.' However, Mr Swan seemed unperturbed by Musk's criticism. 'Damn, roasted,' he quipped after re-posting Musk's barb on X. Musk will be co-lead of the new Department of Government Efficiency, with a remit to slash red tape and bureaucracy in Washington (the billionaire is pictured on stage next to President-elect Trump at one of his rallies) On LinkedIn, he added: 'Couldnt disagree more with Elon on this one', while sharing a screenshot of Musk's retort. The SMH was forced to apologise to its readers for falsely identifying one of the two men who died during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Friday. The paper had claimed South Australian barrister and the Bowline skipper Ian Roberts was the man who died when he was struck by the vessel's boom. However, that article was hastily removed when Daily Mail Australia revealed it was in fact 65-year-old Nick Smith who had died and an apology sent to readers. 'The Sydney Morning Herald incorrectly named Adelaide barrister Ian Roberts as one of the victims in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race,' the SMH said in a statement sent to its seven million subscribers. 'This was incorrect. We apologise to Mr Roberts and his family.' Musk has made it his mission to criticise 'legacy media' in favour of new media, such as the platform he owns, X. He consistently comments on Australian politics and has been very critical of the Anthony Albanese's plan to ban social media for children under the age of 16. The South-African-born billionaire has also regularly locked horns with Australia's 'world-first' e-Safety Commissioner, which is tasked with policing the internet. He launched legal action against the government agency earlier this year after it had threatened to fine him $800,000 over an 'offensive post', as first revealed by Daily Mail Australia. Musk is, of course, no stranger to controversy and has already found himself engaged in a 'MAGA civil war' over skilled visas. Musk has voiced support for H-1B visas, which allow highly-skilled foreigners to work in the US for six years, rather than prioritizing American employees. 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 controversial topic. The body of a man has been discovered at a local park as police investigate the grim discovery. Officers were called to the park near Upper Ormeau Road at Kingsholme, on the Gold Coast, at about 5am on Monday. The 33-year-old man is yet to be identified. A Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the man was treated for life threatening injures. Gold Coast Acting Superintendent Jason Tuffley said the man was found unresponsive at the scene. 'Upon QAS arriving he was declared deceased,' Supt Tuffley said. '(I'm) not aware of any injuries on him.' A Queensland Police spokesman told Daily Mail the man's death is not being treated as suspicious. The body of a man has been discovered at a local park as police investigate the grim discovery (pictured stock image) Supt Tuffley said officers are investigating whether drugs may be involved, the Gold Coast Bulletin reports. Anyone with further information has been urged to contact police. A report will be prepared for the coroner. More to come. Donald Trump Jr.'s new love has clapped back at her critics with a subtle vow to take the high road amid rumors his inner circle is begging him to end the relationship. The president's eldest son, 46, hard launched his relationship with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, 38, by bringing her to the Trump family Christmas celebration at Mar-a-Lago. Just weeks earlier, he publicly announced the end of his engagement to former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle. The new relationship has sparked fears within Trump's camp, amid rumors that Anderson is a social climber with a notorious party girl reputation in Florida. This week, she took to Instagram to issue a defiant response to her critics, sharing a bible passage about lies and manipulation, the Irish Star reported. 'So let them lie. Let them manipulate. Let them talk. You just be still, because when God is on your side, who can stand against you?' the bible passage, from the book of Exodus, states. The passage was part of a video posted by an account which shares motivational quotes and messages, Cycas Motivation. Anderson later shared a photograph taken from the back of a horse, which she captioned: 'Happiness.' The pair took their relationship public shortly before his father will be sworn in as the nation's 47th president on January 20, 2025 This week, she took to Instagram to issue a defiant response to her critics, sharing a bible passage about lies and manipulation. Pictured at MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK Opening Night Party Allies of the president's eldest son are worried his new flame isn't 'MAGA enough' after her previous support for the Black Lives Matter movement and strict COVID rules. The pair took their relationship public just weeks before his father will be sworn in as the nation's 47th president on January 20, 2025. Anderson plans to join Don Jr. at Trump's Inauguration next month, a source told DailyMail.com, which would be her first public event alongside the first son. 'It's one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago,' said a source close to the transition team. 'But to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble.' At least two people close with Don Jr. allege that she is only using their friend as her latest step in her 'social ladder climbing' and carefree influencer lifestyle. She describes herself as a 'typical stay at home momonly I dont do household choresor have a husbandor have kids.' Don Jr. and Anderson jetted off to Italy for a romantic getaway days after the news of their relationship broke. Anderson has shared pictures of love letters and flowers sent to her from Don Jr. and also openly documented their luxurious European escape. Anderson later shared a photograph taken from the back of a horse, which she captioned: 'Happiness' First whispers of her relationship with Don Jr. started in September when images emerged of the couple kissing and cuddling while dining at a restaurant near the Trump's southern Florida residence First whispers of her relationship with Don Jr. started in September when images emerged of the couple kissing and cuddling while dining at a restaurant near the Trump's southern Florida residence. At the time, the 46-year-old father-of-five was still publicly engaged to former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle. More images of the two together were obtained in mid-December by Daily Mail and just hours later it was revealed that Don Jr.'s relationship with Guilfoyle was over after a four-year engagement. Stacey Bendet, fashion designer and founder and CEO of Alice + Olivia, said that the smears are due to other women 'fixating on competing' and not empowering each other. 'I have been friends with Bettina for a decade, she is the kindest soul, she has the biggest heart, she is witty and wise, hilariously funny, and an Ivy League grad - anyone who says a word otherwise is just another societal example of women fixating on competing verse empowering.' 'Don adores her for good reasons!!' she added in a text. Model Bettina Anderson attends Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Party More images of the two together were obtained in mid-December by Daily Mail But another person who says they have been close with Don Jr. for decades claims that Anderson is the furthest person they want close to Trump and his family. Others say that Anderson is trying to use Don Jr. as a 'stepping stone' to reach even 'bigger fish.' Asked why there is such an uprising from those in Palm Beach about Anderson, many had the same answer: 'We want to protect the Trump brand and don't want her close to the family.' Selena superfan turned killer Yolanda Saldivar has filed for parole after being locked up for 30 years for fatally shooting the musical icon. 'Queen of Tejano' Selena Quintanilla-Perez, 23, was murdered by Saldivar, 34 at the time, in a Corpus Christi, Texas hotel room during an argument on March 3, 1995. Saldivar, now 64, was the president of Selena's fan club and had embezzled $60,000 from the group. The superstar was planning on firing her. After nearly three decades behind bars, Saldivar has filed paperwork to be released from prison in March 2025. While serving her life sentence at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, she has maintained a pristine record, a Texas Department of Criminal Justice official told the New York Post. But fellow inmates have revealed that Saldivar has 'a bounty on her head' inside the prison walls, requiring her to stay in special protective housing. Former prisoner Yesenia Dominguez told the Post that the beloved pop star's murderer was on everybody's radar. She said: 'Everyone was always like, "Let me have five minutes with that b*tch." Yolanda Saldivar, 64, has filed for parole after spending 30 years in prison. She is eligible for release in March 2025 'Queen of Tejano' Selena Quintanilla-Perez, 23, was murdered by Saldivar in March 1995 Fellow inmates revealed that Saldivar has 'a bounty on her head' at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville 'Everyone wanted to get justice for Selena. Theres a target on her back.' Marisol Lopez, another former inmate who served five years alongside Saldivar told the outlet: 'Everyone knows who Yolanda Saldivar is. 'Theres a bounty on her head, like everyone wants a piece of her. The guards keep her away from everyone else, because shes hated so much.' These safety concerns have added to Saldivar's urgency to get out of prison. One of her cousins told the Post that she has become a 'political prisoner' 'Keeping her in prison isnt going to do any good,' the relative said. 'Its time for her to get out.' Ever since the 1995 murder, Saldivar has maintained a controversial conviction - that she meant to shoot herself, not Selena. Saldivar was very close to Selena and was the president of her fan club before she shot the star Saldivar has claimed that she meant to shoot herself, not Selena, during the fatal confrontation In a Peacock documentary about the star's tragic death called 'Selena and Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them,' Saldivar discussed her criminal proceedings. 'I was convicted by public opinion even before my trial started,' she asserted. If she is granted parole, Saldivar said she will live with family members and start working. Nueces County District Attorney and District Court Judge Carlos Valdez, who was the prosecutor on the case, has shared his thoughts about her parole eligibility. He told 3News: 'When I was trying this case 30 years ago, I looked around and saw thousands of people all interested in this case, and to myself, I thought, "All this is gonna be gone." '"In 5 years, people are gonna forget about this case, people are gonna forget about Selena, people are gonna forget this ever happened," and I was so wrong.' The trial's prosecutor has come forward and shared that he does not believe Saldivar should be granted parole He revealed that he believes Saldivar should be denied parole due to the public nature of situation. Valdez said: 'Thirty years later, there is so much interest in the case and I believe - I really believe - that the safest place for Yolanda would probably be where she is. 'Based on what I've seen, so far, I think it would be a serious mistake to grant parole at this time.' Firefighters are spending record amounts of time and money on rescuing cats stuck in trees this year. London Fire Brigade spent more than 76,600 minutes - which equals out to 53 days -assisting with animal incidents. Of these, 716 events were cat-related and is more than in any other year that data was recorded. The amount of cats needing to be saved in the capital has more than doubled in four years while the cost of doing so has tripled. Cat rescues included incidents where they were stuck in chimneys, inside walls, in chairs, under or inside cars, and on roofs. And there were 87 cats stuck in trees which cost the LFB more than 41,000. Daniel Warren-Cummings, a behaviourist at Cats Protection, told The Telegraph: 'Cats are built for climbing up and not climbing down, which is why they can get stuck.' This cat was rescued from a house fire in Kensington in October 2017 when a blaze broke out in the property's swimming pool motor room John was found with her head poking through one end of a drainpipe in a garage in November The surge in rescues follows a post-pandemic boom in people wanting pets. In November, an adorable black cat named John had to be rescued by firefighters after she became stuck in a drainpipe. John, who is a female, was found with her head poking through one end of a drainpipe in a garage in Clevedon, Somerset. Firefighters used ladders to reach John and cut her free using small tools, however they had to take a section of the drainpipe out with her. The crew said cutting the section of pipe out with John still inside was 'the easiest and least distressing option'. She was then rushed to a local vet, who sedated John and removed the rest of the pipe from her neck. Amazingly, John had no injuries and was returned to her owner. Firefighters had to cut a section of the pipe around John to free her before taking her to the vets She was stuck upside down and unable to move when she was found in a house in Clevedon The fire crew later posted pictures of John with her head poking out of the pipe. They also showed the heart-warming moment she was finally cut free. 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. '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 didn't 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.' Young man was swimming with friends and family A young man has drowned while he was swimming in Canberra with his friends and family. The 21-year-old man got into trouble in the Murrumbidgee River on Sunday afternoon before emergency services received calls for help around 6pm. Police found his body at the popular Tuggeranong swimming spot near Pine Island, in Canberra's south, about two hours later. No one else was injured and the incident is not being treated as suspicious. ACT Police are making further inquiries in relation to the incident. A report will be prepared for the Coroner. One witness said she feared the worst and said the man may have been under the water for several minutes. 'I heard a man screaming from the water saying "drowning," she told the ABC. The woman said another man jumped in the river in an effort to save the young man's life but he was unable to see him in the water. Police found his body at the popular Tuggeranong swimming spot, near Pine Island (pictured), in Canberra's south around two hours later She said he asked witnesses for a knife in case he managed to catch something. Emergency services ordered the other swimmers to leave the scene as officers began their search. The woman, who regularly swims in the river, said there was nothing unusual about the conditions in the water at the time the man got into trouble. The latest incident marks the second death across rivers in Canberra this year after a 23-year-old man died in the Murrumbidgee River near the Uriarra Crossing in February. Coroner Paula Russell investigated the deaths of three men and a girl in 2023, who all drowned in rivers across Canberra over a 16-month period. Ms Russell recommended authorities make the water ways in the nation's capital safer by improving safety messages to the public. She also recommended that more rescue equipment be placed at riversides that are frequented by visitors. The swimming spots along the Murrumbidgee River are currently open for swimming after officials closed the water ways due to high bacteria levels that were detected in the water earlier this month. Authorities have urged swimmers to be aware of the dangerous conditions in inland waterways. Strong moving currents, changing temperatures and hidden objects beneath the surface of the water can increase the risk of swimming in rivers. General Manager of drowning prevention and education Craig Roberts said swimmers must always check the conditions before they venture into the water. 'If you're going to a location that doesn't have lifeguard services, it's really important that you check the conditions beforehand,' Mr Roberts said. 'A simple thing is throwing a stick out in the river and knowing how far it's flowing.' The state government has committed to installing new signage at river swimming spots, but they won't be installing lifesaving equipment due to the likelihood the items may get stolen. Democrats are boasting that Jimmy Carter's death could overshadow Donald Trump's upcoming Inauguration due to a long upheld tradition. Standard protocol states that all flags should be flown at half mast at federal buildings for 30 days following the death of a former president. Carter, the 39th U.S. President, died at 100 years old on Sunday afternoon, almost two years after entering hospice care and just 22 days before Trump's Inauguration on January 20. Outspoken MAGA critics and Democrat voters have quipped that the half mast flags during such a pivotal moment are Carter's parting gift to Trump after their longstanding feud. 'Im so sad for this great mans passing but this is going to p**s off the orange clown so much and Ive convinced myself this was Jimmys plan the whole time,' one person wrote. Another added: 'Can't help but smile knowing flags will be at half mast during Trump's Inauguration to honor Jimmy Carter, one of the most decent humans to walk the earth and the very opposite of who's to come.' 'His parting gift: US flags will be at half mast on all federal buildings on Trumps Inauguration Day.' Supporters described the timing as a 'better, unintended consequence' of Carter's death. Democrats are boasting that Jimmy Carter's death could overshadow Donald Trump 's upcoming inauguration due to a long upheld tradition Standard protocol states that all flags should be flown at half mast for 30 days following the death of a former president Carter, 100, died on Sunday afternoon, almost two years after entering hospice care and just 22 days before Trump's inauguration on January 20. Pictured: Trump entering his inauguration ceremony in 2017 'Flags will be half mast on Inauguration Day and that will be a detraction from #CriminalTrump on his big day,' one wrote. 'How appropriate the flags will be flying half mast on Inauguration Day,' another added. But MAGA supporters are furious about the suggestion, even going as far as creating wild conspiracy theories that imply Carter's death announcement was intentionally delayed to rain on Trump's parade. 'DemocRATS made the official announcement at this time to ensure the flags would be flown at half-mast during the second Inauguration,' one person wrote on X. According to the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, flags should be flown at half mast at 'all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels' for the 30 days following the death of a president or former president, signifying a period of mourning for the country. Nearly seven years ago, at the age of 93, Carter launched some memorable shots at Trump in an interview on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. It came at a time when Democrats were in an uproar during Trump's first term. 'Does America want kind of a jerk as president?,' Colbert asked Carter back in 2018, a year into Trump's first term. 'Apparently, from this recent election, yes. I never knew it before,' Carter responded. MAGA supporters are furious about the suggestion, going so far as to create and spread wild conspiracy theories implying the announcement of Carter's death was delayed purely to rain on Trump's parade Outspoken MAGA critics and Democrat voters have quipped that the half mast flags are Carter's parting gift to Trump after their longstanding feud 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 Trump will be honored during his inauguration ceremony on January 20, eight years after he was first appointed President Trump hit back against Carter, repeatedly trashing him in campaign speeches until as recently as this fall including on his 100th birthday. The President-elect has been rolling out cabinet announcements and firing out policy ideas as he prepares to take the oath for the second time after his historic comeback. But Carter is set to be memorialized in Washington, D.C. and Georgia just days before the Inauguration. 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 Carter's death Trump issued a statement saying the nation owed the 39th president a 'debt of gratitude' for his service. President Joe Biden revealed on Sunday afternoon Carter will receive a state funeral. 'To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country,' Biden said. Carter's body will lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda on January 9. EXCLUSIVE A grieving father has spoken out after his son was allegedly killed in a dispute over fallen branches after years of complaints about the neighbour's towering gum tree. Edgar Campos, 42, has been charged with murdering Michael Wickham, 60, during a driveway showdown at Mount Pritchard, in Sydney's south-west, on Saturday. Mr Wickham lived with his father John Franks in Streeton Avenue, next door to a two-bedroom house owned by Campos which fronts Townview Road. A large gum tree stands in the backyard of the Townview Road house and hangs over the cottage Mr Franks has occupied for almost 60 years. Campos bought the Townview Road property in 2009 but began renting it out after moving to a four-bedroom place about 800m away in Dargie Street in 2013. According to Mr Franks, he and his son had repeatedly complained to Campos about the gum tree, which often dropped branches on their property. 'We've always been asking him to lop it,' Mr Franks said. 'But no, never done anything. 'I nearly got speared once because branches kept breaking off in storms.' John Franks (left) said he and his son Michael Wickham (right) had repeatedly complained to Campos about a gum tree in the backyard of a home he owned The grieving father says he complained for years about his neighbour's gum tree before his son was allegedly killed in a dispute over fallen branches. John Franks is pictured at the Mount Pritchard home in Sydney's western suburbs where he lived with son Michael Wickham A wild storm which hit Sydney on Saturday afternoon caused more tree branches to fall and Mr Wickham allegedly drove to confront Campos in nearby Dargie Street. CCTV footage allegedly showed Mr Wickham arriving at Campos's house and the pair becoming engaged in an altercation which involved shouting in each other's faces while pushing and shoving. Separate security footage allegedly showed the pair throwing punches before Campos allegedly wrapped his legs around Mr Wickham and wrestled him to the ground. Onlookers gathered around as paramedics attended and attempted to revive Mr Wickham, who died at the scene. Mr Franks was unaware of any conversation his son had with Campos on Saturday or the precise events in Dargie Street. 'I don't know what happened,' he said. 'Police have got a statement from me.' Campos was arrested at the scene and taken to Fairfield police station, where he was charged with murder. A large gum tree (above) stands in the backyard of a hosue Edgar Campos owns and hangs over the cottage Mr Franks has occupied for almost 60 years Limbs from the gum tree had been cut up in Mr Franks's neighbour's driveway when Daily Mail Australia visited on Monday He appeared via audio-visual link at Parramatta Local Court on Monday when bail was not applied for and was formally refused. Mr Franks, who is in the early stages of dementia, was standing in the front yard of his house on Monday when Daily Mail Australia spoke to him. Limbs from the gum tree had been cut up in his neighbour's driveway while further branches and foliage were stacked outside his front fence, surrounded by State Emergency Service tape. 'That's part of it,' Mr Franks said, pointing to the piles. 'This bloody thing here, that's the other half of it. It virtually split and went everywhere.' Mr Franks said the gum tree had been growing for almost as long as he had lived in Streeton Avenue. 'The tree was planted a couple of years after we all moved in,' he said. 'Fairfield council came around and gave two shrubs to each of us. 'I got rid of ours because it had some bug in it - little scrawny thing it was. But that's what they gave us, as a sort of starting point.' A neighbour in Streeton Avenue who did not wish to be named said the tree had presented a danger and been a nuisance for other residents apart from Mr Franks and Mr Wickham. 'Just fall over, leaves going everywhere,' she said. Mr Franks, pictured outside his home, was unsure how he was going to cope on his own but had friends who had said they would help him Branches from the gum tree were stacked outside Mr Franks' front fence, surrounded by State Emergency Service tape, on Monday Three cars were parked in the driveway of Campos' home on Monday (above) but a woman who spoke through the front door said no one inside wished to speak Mr Franks said his only child, who had been his full-time carer for the past decade, was a 'jack of all trades', who liked working on cars. 'A real knockabout sort of character,' he said. 'The kids all loved him around here.' Mr Franks was unsure how he was going to cope on his own but had friends who had said they would help him. He was more immediately concerned about organising a funeral for his son once an autopsy had been completed. The Streeton Avenue neighbour said Mr Wickham had been a popular member of the community. 'Michael is very good man, he help everyone,' she said. 'He cared for the father, is good for the neighbours. Michael is excellent man.' Mr Franks did not know what Campos did for a living or whether he had a family. 'I didn't have much to do with him,' he said. 'I knew him when he first moved in.' Three cars were parked in the driveway of Campos' home on Monday but a woman who spoke through the front door said no one inside wished to speak. 'We're not talking to reporters, thank you very much,' she said. Anyone who witnessed the alleged incident or has CCTV or dashcam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Campos will return to Parramatta Local Court on February 27. A four-year-old boy has died after he was hit by a car in western Sydney. The child was hit by a Ford sedan on Glossop Street, North St Marys at about 12.05pm on Monday. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the boy at the scene but he died on the way to hospital. The male driver was taken to Nepean Hospital for mandatory testing. NSW Police have set up a crime scene. A four-year-old boy has died after he was hit by a car in western Sydney The child was hit by a Ford sedan on Glossop Street at North St Marys at about 12.05pm on Monday An investigation has been launched into the incident. Video of the scene showed detectives at a blond brick property on the street. The crash happened moments before a separate incident where a 12-year-old boy was run over by a car in a driveway on Greenacre Road at Greenacre at 12.30pm. He sustained leg injuries and blood loss and was rushed to Westmead Children's Hospital in a stable condition. A longtime IHOP employee claims she was fired from her job of 13 years after she decided to help a man in need ahead of the holiday season. Victoria Hughes claimed she was working at a restaurant in Lakeland, Florida last month when a homeless man walked in and said he was hungry. 'Without a second thought, I bought the stack of pancakes and made him a water,' she recounted to WFLA. She also said she told her manager what she was up to, and was surprised by his reaction. 'He told me the reason behind him being upset [was] because it could cause a loitering issue... or a safety issue for customers,' Hughes said. The man then returned to the restaurant two days later, when a local family brought him in for another meal. Two days after that, Hughes said she received a phone call from her manager saying she was being let go. 'He'd talked to me yesterday and told me that I was fired,' she told the local news station. 'I asked him for what, and he said "company policy."' Victoria Hughes claimed she was working at a restaurant in Lakeland, Florida last month when a homeless man walked in and said he was hungry She said her manager told her she was fired after 13 years over "company policy" Still, Hughes said she would do it over again if she were given the chance. 'I need my job, but I would still do it again. I truly would,' she said. 'I would still help somebody if I could. 'If he asked me for my shirt, I probably would have tried to give him that too,' she added. Fortunately, after she shared her story, Hughes said she received a call from IHOP's corporate office with a job offer and compensation for the days she missed. 'He also told me he would make a donation, a healthy donation to a charity of my choice, that I wanted in my local community.' In a statement, Dan Enea, the CEO of Sunshine Restaurant Partners, which operates more than 150 IHOP locations, said the company is 'committed to providing an inclusive environment, welcome to everyone. 'As we actively investigate this situation, we will utilize this as an opportunity to train our employees on how to approach instances surrounding food insecurity,' Enea said. 'To continue our commitment to supporting those in need in our local community, we are making a donation to Feeding America as well as local Lakeland charities that support food insecurity,' he added. But Hughes said she will take time to decide whether to work for IHOP again after spending time with her family for the holidays. A decomposing body was spotted near a Rancho Palos Verdes cliff in California just days after human remains washed up on the same shores. The body was found by a hiker off of a Pelican Cove trail on Saturday around 1 pm. Investigators believe the individual may have fell off Dina's Viewpoint, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LACSD). The unidentified person was found in a 'severe state of decay' near the 31000 block of Palos Verdes Drive South - which is in close proximity to where human limbs were found just days earlier. But police said Saturday's horrifying discovery is unrelated to the other incidents. 'While [the hiker] was admiring the surroundings, she looked down and noticed what she thought was a body down at the base of the cliff,' LACSD Lieutenant Steve DeJong said at a Sunday press conference. 'The body was about 50 to 60 feet above the sea floor, and it appears based on our limited expertise with identifying decaying bodies, that its probably been there for a few months.' DeJong said that the LA County Homicide Unit was on the scene to determine the cause of death - whether it was an accidental 'slip and fall' or 'foul play.' He did not say anything else about the investigation and the cause of death is still unclear. A hiker noticed the decomposing body near a Pelican Cove trail on Saturday Lieutenant Steve DeJong said the body found was likely decaying for several months The scenic site has quickly turned into an eerie location, as this is not the first time a gory discovery has been made along the coastal city shores. On Thursday, a partial leg was found by the 6800 block of Paseo Del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates. As authorities continued their search, they found a femur on the same day. Just a day before that, a family hiking on Christmas Day found a leg on Bluff Cove Trail on the 800 block of Paseo Del Mar. It is not known if the body parts all belonged to the same person. Two sailors were reported missing on Christmas Eve, just two miles away from where these body parts were found. The men, described to be in their 50s, vanished after their boat overturned near Cabrillo Beach amid forecasts of 13-foot waves. A a family out for a walk on Christmas Day first came across a leg on Bluff Cove Trail on the 800 block of Paseo Del Mar Investigators believe the body found on Saturday may have fell off the cliff Rescue crews began a search at around 5:30 am and quickly located their boat on some rocks around the 1800 block of Paseo Del Mar. Due to weather conditions, the search for the sailors was scaled back. The Coast Guard announced its suspension on Wednesday after finding no evidence that the unidentified men could be alive. Authorities have not found evidence to suggest the remains belong to the missing boaters. 'We're not ruling anything out, but that has not been determined at this point,' Palos Verdes Estates Police Department captain Aaron Belda noted. On November 16, a human skull and bone were found along the 300 block of Paseo Del Mar near the waterline of Rat Beach, according to a press release. Two fisherman went missing near the area the remains were found, however police have yet to find evidence the discoveries are connected Palos Verdes resident John Crayton was among those expressing concern about the discoveries When officers of the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department responded to the scene, they found additional bones in the area. The series of recent gruesome events has left locals shaken and fearful. John Crayton, a Palos Verdes resident, told NBC on Thursday: 'This is terrible. 'It's Christmas, it's supposed to be a season of joy.' 'It's just shocking and makes you wonder you know and think that could have my family,' said Zully Ozuna, a Palos Verdes beach-goer added. A transgender child molester at a women's prison has been accused of sexually assaulting her cellmate. Former Washington Corrections Center for Women inmate Mozzy Clark-Sanchez claims Christopher Scott Williams - who identifies as a woman - subjected her to months of stalking, threats of violence and sexual harassment and assault while they were cellmates. In a federal lawsuit, Clark-Sanchez claims Williams petitioned the Washington state Department of Corrections to be recognized as a female and transferred to a women's prison. Williams had allegedly assaulted a male prison guard to the point that he was rendered unconscious, according to KIRO. The state granted the request, and placed Williams in a cell with Clark-Sanchez, according to the suit against the Department of Corrections. During that time, Clark-Sanchez claims Williams - who slept on the top bunk - would threaten to rape her, ogle her while she was in the shower and constantly ask for sex, including once with a homemade dildo he brought into the cell, the New York Post reported. 'Mr. Williams... would hover menacingly over Ms. Clark's bunk with an erection while touching himself,' the suit alleges, according to the publication. 'He would also display his erection to Ms. Clark against the wall and gesture towards it, saying how much he wanted her. Christopher Scott Williams, who identifies as a woman, has been accused of sexually assaulting her cellmate at a women's prison in Washington 'One night, Ms. Clark woke up and saw inmate Williams sitting on the floor next to her bed with his arms under her blanket, rubbing her genitals.' Eventually Williams was moved to a separate cell, but allegedly proceeded to seek out Clark-Sanchez while she was in the shower or bathroom and make perverted comments from the next stall. 'He also started threatening her with violence if she complained about him again,' the suit alleges. It goes on to claim that prison officials ignored Clark-Sanchez's concerns and discouraged her from filing official complaints. The lawsuit also states that officials were aware of Williams' prior sexual assault of a former female cellmate. The prison maintained policies that Clark-Sanchez argues violate the constitutional rights of female inmates - including by housing biologically male prisoners with known histories of violence and sexual offenses in women's facilities. Arrest records obtained by the National Review show that at the age of 16, Williams sexually assaulted her nine-year-old sister by rubbing her buttocks and vaginal area over her clothing. She was arrested and charged with first-degree child molestation in 2006 and pleaded guilty to third-degree assault with sexual motivation. 'Chris said that he knew what he did was wrong, but he could not help it,' the police report allegedly reads. 'He said that his hormones were acting up. Chris said that [the child] was wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt.' Mozzy Clark-Sanchez claims staff at the Washington Corrections Center for Women (pictured) ignored Clark-Sanchez's concerns and discouraged her from filing official complaints In a follow-up conversation with police, Williams' father said she first molested her sister three years earlier, when the girl was just around six years old. Williams was then convicted in 2009 and 2010 of failing to register as a sex offender. In June 2012, Williams allegedly assaulted her girlfriend, and just a few months later, in September, Williams was accused of assaulting a male prison officer. 'Williams stopped when he heard [the officer] "screaming like a little baby,"' a probable cause affidavit obtained by the National Review said. 'He described [Officer] Barrett's screams "like a death scream."' The officer's injuries included damage to his ear, which had to be cut open to relieve swelling, broken bones under his right cheek needing extensive stitching, a knocked out tooth and a nose so severely damaged it required emergency surgery to reconstruct, the outlet reports. She was then convicted of second-degree assault. Clark-Sanchez is now seeking damages for emotional distress, humiliation and violations of her constitutional rights under the First, Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Washington State Department of Corrections referred KIRO to its Transgender Housing Policy when asked for comment. In the policy, an editor wrote: 'The Washington State Department of Corrections strongly emphasizes the importance of inclusion and representation by recognizing the unique challenges that non-binary and transgender incarcerated people face.' The department went on to say its policy 'establishes procedures to ensure equitable treatment of transgender, intersex and/or gender nonbinary people during intake screening and determining housing, classification, programming and supervision. 'All people under DOC's care and custody are assessed upon intake if they self-identify as transgender, intersex and/or gender nonbinary, the policy provides detailed guidance on placement and programming. 'DOC has developed a comprehensive housing assignment process to determine where an incarcerated individual is housed considering objective criteria that includes their gender identity.' 'If a person identifies as transgender or nonbinary, they participate in a thorough mental health assessment, healthcare assessment and facility evaluation. Several multidisciplinary teams must review all requests for transfer for a final placement determination.' The spokesperson said each application is assessed on a 'case-by-case basis', taking into account the safety of the individual and all others 'who are housed at the facility.' 'It is DOC's position that a person's right to safe and humane treatment does not change based on their gender identity,' the department said. Man fell from the top of a popular waterfall A man has died after he fell about five metres from the top of a popular waterfall in Far North Queensland. The 55-year-old man from Brisbane fell from the waterfall at Clamshell Falls, located in Behana Gorge, south of Cairns, around 1.30pm on Sunday. Police launched a search and rescue mission and found the man around 2.30pm with life threatening injuries after he had been in the water for some time, the ABC reports. A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman told Daily Mail Australia paramedics tried to revive the man, but he was later declared dead at the scene. A Queensland Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail a post mortem examination is being conducted to determine the cause of death. A report will be prepared for the coroner. The latest incident comes after a 58-year-old man died in 2019 when he slipped and fell while he was at the popular swimming hole. The waterfall at Behana Gorge is a thirty minute drive from Cairns and has stunning views. The 55-year-old man from Brisbane fell from the waterfall at Clamshell Falls, located in Behana Gorge (pictured), south of Cairns, on Sunday afternoon Tourists are advised to have food and water with them as there are no facilities in the area. Visitors are also advised that the best time to go walking is early to mid-morning when the weather is not too warm. The walk from the carpark to the top of the falls is about 3.3km. More to come. Shell-shocked Democrats are considering dropping labels like 'progressive' or even ditching the party altogether after they got shellacked by Donald Trump in November. After a left-leaning campaign by Vice President Kamala Harris delivered lackluster results, some Dems believe they should drop polarizing positions and run as independents as the party veers away from working class values. 'The Democratic brand is in the toilet,' Lis Smith, former senior advisor to Pete Buttigieg's 2020 campaign, told the New York Times. 'Many of the Democrats who succeeded this cycle - our best over-performers in House races, for instance - are people who ran against the Democratic Party brand,' she continued. 'Trump tore down the blue wall in the industrial Midwest, but he also expanded his vote the most in our bluest and most urban areas.' The marquee names of the past are either too old - Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders - or term limited like Barack Obama. Several candidates are vying to lead the party as DNC chair, but others like John Fetterman believe the left is out of step with the country and refuse to align with the wing. 'I was a progressive, but the situation's changed and I've been very clear that I didn't leave that label. That label [left] me,' the Pennsylvania Democrat said in June. Democrats believe that dropping labels like 'progressive' and even running away from the party altogether could be their way out of the wilderness after taking a beating from Donald Trump in November After Kamala Harris ' loss and party stars of the past like Joe Biden , Barack Obama , the Clintons, Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Sanders all either term-limited or likely considered too old, it faces a lack of power and a crisis of confidence The shifting party dynamics has caused normally Democratic politicians to wonder whether running as independents or third party candidates will help them cut into Republican strongholds. Many are taking inspiration from Dan Osborn, who ran as an independent in Nebraska against Republican Deb Fischer. Osborn - who said he would not caucus with Dems but took money from party-affiliated groups - lost his race but out-ran Harris by a staggering 14 points. The former mechanic and union leader spoke in favor of Donald Trump's border wall but also for pro-union and economic populist policies that were once the bread and butter of Democrats. However, he maintained his independence and says that he hopes there are more like him in the future. 'That's really what the country needs,' he said, noting that he hasn't ruled out another Senate run in 2026. A Democrat strategist speaking anonymously told Politico that winning in the future 'doesn't necessarily mean electing Democrats. But it means changing what the denominator is that we need to get to a majority.' One possible area of where a third party can make inroads is the Florida governor's race, where Ron DeSantis is term limited in 2026. 'The Democratic brand is in the toilet,' said Lis Smith, former senior advisor to Pete Buttigieg's 2020 campaign Billionaire attorney John Morgan says he wants to run as a counter to Republican rule in Florida but with a new, so-called 'Capitalist Party' that would avoid what he believes are bad Democrat ideas John Fetterman sees the liberal left taking positions out of step with the country and refuse to align with so-called progressives Billionaire attorney John Morgan says he wants to run as a counter to Republican rule in Florida but with a new, so-called 'Capitalist Party' that would avoid what he believes are bad Democrat ideas. 'I don't know if Trump is a stable genius, but he's a f***ing genius,' Morgan said, adding that while he was a donor to Joe Biden in 2024, he left the Democrats over far left views and those like Bernie Sanders who called themselves 'Democratic Socialists.' Morgan - who said Kamala Harris is disqualified 'forever' from running for office after her loss - is anti-monopoly, pro-legalization of marijuana, in favor of legalizing prostitution but also would ban transgender athletes in youth sports. 'I think I know what people want and I think what people want is what I want,' Morgan told Politico. Another party dasher is Mike Duggan, the Democratic mayor of Detroit. Duggan decided to run as an independent to replace Gretchen Whitmer as governor of Michigan. '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. '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.' Duggan has been praised by independent ex-Democrat Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who called him 'smart.' Democrat Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is running as an independent to replace Gretchen Whitmer as governor of Michigan Duggan has been praised by independent ex-Democrat Senator Kyrsten Sinema, who called him 'smart' for running away from the Dems Lavora Barnes, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, is skeptical, however. She believes he just doesn't want to compete in a primary. '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,' she said. The Democrats will caucus in 2027, as they have in the past, with two very different independents: Bernie Sanders and Angus King of Maine. Sanders himself has suggested in an email to supporters that the future involves 'supporting Independent candidates who are prepared to take on both parties.' King, who is considered much more moderate than Sanders, thinks the day of the independents may be coming but it's going to be a challenge. 'Running as an independent is a difficult job because you don't have a party apparatus. 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.' It comes after Republicans not only won the White House including the GOP president-elect picking up the popular vote for the first time, but Republicans were able to flip the Senate and will hold a slim majority in the House come January. Democrats will be on defense as they face a GOP trifecta with only limited options to block Republicans from enacting their agenda in the new year. At the same time, Democrats have the momentous task of figuring out why voters across the country shifted away from the party as Trump made small gains not just in battleground states and red areas but nationwide. Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will be on defense as they face a GOP trifecta with only limited options to block Republicans from enacting their agenda in the new year Many are taking inspiration from Dan Osborn, who ran as an independent in Nebraska against Republican Deb Fischer Democrats also have to determine their best messaging approach moving forward if they have any hope of recapturing a majority in Congress in the 2026 midterms. It's one example of how political insiders told DailyMail.com Democratic factions are in a 'knife fight' for control of the Party after the election loss. The battle lines are now drawn between West Coast liberals, Bernie Sanders-socialists and moderate technocrats in the Midwest, who insist the party has completely lost touch with the average American voter. But first, there is one thing that all sides seemingly agree on: The current political establishment must be chased out of national politics for good. A dad has urged second hand car buyers to be aware of hidden faults after his experience of buying a vehicle turned into a $7,000 nightmare. Wanting a more powerful vehicle to tow the family caravan, Tim Denford bought a 2015 Jeep Cherokee for $9,600 on Facebook Marketplace in August. But after the sale went through, the 59-year-old Queenslander found out the four-wheel drive on the Cherokee wasn't engaging and was told by a mechanic that it would cost up to $7,000 to be repaired. It was one of many red flags. 'That is one thing I did not check as I was driving the car when I did a test drive. I should have stopped somewhere and put it into the four-wheel drive,' Mr Denford told Yahoo Finance. The Sunshine Coast motivational speaker was initially happy with the purchase after he and his wife negotiated to slash $2,400 off the initial asking price. But that saving was immediately wiped out when they got a $2,500 repair bill and discovered that the car had been unused for months. The seller told Mr Denford the Cherokee needed some work on the front cross arms, which would cost another $1,200. In August, looking for a more powerful vehicle to tow a caravan, Tim Denford (pictured) bought a 2015 Jeep Cherokee for $9,600 on Facebook Marketplace But after the sale had gone through, the 59-year-old dad found out the four-wheel drive on the Cherokee wasn't engaging and that it would cost him up to $7,000 to get it fixed. Stock image He was OK with that, having known about it in advance. It was also mentioned that the Jeep had a bearing sound when driving off, which Mr Denford, again, was happy to get fixed. But when he took the car to a mechanic, he found out there were other problems and that the bearing noise was an issue with the car differential. The car's computer wasn't communicating with the differential and a replacement had to be ordered from the US. That took two months to arrive so the Jeep remained in the garage undrivable while waiting for the part to arrive. Mr Denford said a lot of Jeeps were being sold on the day they bought theirs and that they made a quick decision without doing an inspection, which he now regrets. He said potential car buyers should avoid impulse buys. 'It looked and smelled good and I bought emotionally,' Mr Denford admitted. 'I didn't go all the way in checking out the things that I should have checked out. He urges buying to go with a list That way, if you can see what repairs are required, you can weigh that up against the asking price. Despite the ordeal, Mr Denford said he is '90 to 95 per cent happy' with the Cherokee, but said having it checked out beforehand is 'something that I definitely should have done'. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Denford for further comment. British teenager Marcus Fakana has surrendered himself to authorities in the UAE and begun his one year jail sentence in the notorious Al Aweer prison after having sex with a 17-year-old girl in Dubai. Marcus, 18, a construction apprentice, was arrested in August after the mother of the girl he had a secret romance with filed a complaint about Fakana to the Dubai authorities on her return to the UK. She had checked her daughter's phone and discovered they had been sleeping together. Since returning from Dubai the girl has turned 18. Earlier this month Marcus was sentenced to one year inside the maximum-security jail. Rather than appealing and dragging the ordeal out for potentially no gain or even a longer sentence, Marcus today made the difficult decision to turn himself in to begin his sentence. Fakana has been prevented from leaving Dubai since his arrest in August. He will serve his year-long sentence at the Al Aweer jail, which is also known as the Dubai Central Prison for Men. The prison houses death row inmates and some of Dubai's worst criminals - including terrorists, murderers and rapists. Marcus Fakana had a weeklong holiday romance with the girl, also British, but was arrested and detained after her mother complained to the Dubai police. He has now been jailed Pictured is the high-security al-Aweer prison where Fakana will serve his sentence. The jail houses some of Dubai's worst offenders, including murderer, terrorists and rapists While the relationship would have been legal in the UK, under Dubai law a 17-year-old is defined as a child. The girl, from London, has since turned 18 In a message posted before entering the prison, the student wrote: 'Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my fight. 'It's been a long fight but nothing is hard with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ guiding me. I'm grateful for all the people who helped by donating to me and my family of faith for supporting me.' The 18-year-old from Tottenham was with his family in the UAE when he met and had sex with the teenage girl, also from London. Detained In Dubai, which represents Fakana, said the teen 'feels abandoned by the British government' following the judgement, which it branded 'an utter disgrace' and 'an embarrassment to Britain'. Radha Stirling, founder of the pressure group, said: 'The police had discretion to charge him with a misdemeanour like 'offensive behaviour' or similar, but chose to charge him with the felony of sex with an underage girl, the same law a 40 year old engaging in sex with a 14 year old would have been charged with. 'Although Marcus received the lowest statutory sentence, it is clear that this could have been handled more reasonably and the prosecutors could have exercised more discretion.' 'He never imagined that he would be going to jail for a holiday romance with a girl who was a few months younger, but is now the same age. 'It is just shocking. His life is being ruined. Here we have two British tourists who were on holiday in a consensual relationship and now one is going to jail. 'Dubai likes to market itself as a glamorous party destination, one for influencers, yet they are jailing a British tourist for a something that would not be a crime in his own country and ruining his life.' Ms Sterling added: 'I did expect the British Government, as other governments have done, to step up and save one of their citizens from unjust sentencing. 'Marcus did plead guilty, but police and prosecutors had a disturbing litany of details in his file which ended up making it more than a misdemeanour and heard in a higher court. 'They said he was older than 19 and he was from Pakistan. He was a British citizen. There were a lot errors deliberately to torment him.' Ms Sterling said Fakana now hoped the ruler of Dubai could get involved as he has done in the past involving visitors who have fallen foul of their laws. The family of Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, London, have been left devastated by his prison sentence, sources claimed A doctor shows a hallway at the medical centre of Al-Aweer prison during the Covid pandemic Karl Williams claims he saw men torn apart by knife-wielding inmates, while others were forcibly infected with HIV during his time in the hellish Dubai prison. Here he is pictured in his cell during the horror ordeal Former inmate Karl Williams has written about his experience inside the prison in a new autobiography called Killing Time. Here is a picture of one of the meals he was served The prison is located in the Dubai desert miles away from the UAE's famed beaches Under strict UAE law only tourists aged over 18 are legally allowed to sleep together. In the UK he would not have been considered to have committed any crime. Ms Stirling blasted the 'unreasonable' sentence and slammed Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy for not doing enough to help the teen. 'Marcus feels abandoned by the British government and Keir Starmer who just spent the weekend in the UAE,' she wrote in a blistering tweet on X. 'While people like JD Vance and the Irish government have been able to resolve cases of injustice and bring their citizens home, the UK has prioritised trade deals over people's lives. This is truly abhorrent. 'David Lammy and Keir Starmer have failed Marcus. This is an embarrassment to Britain... the Labour government should be ashamed they have not secured the freedom of a teenage tourist. It wasn't a difficult job.' Ms Stirling said Fakana's parents 'don't know what to do' and had to return to London without their son to resume work as a cleaner and in a warehouse. 'He was desperately hoping to come home this week but prosecutorial mishandling in the first stages of the case meant it wasn't heard as a misdemeanour when it should have been,' she added. According to his own account, apprentice builder Marcus had arrived in Dubai on August 26 with his family on holiday. Marcus is pictured with his family who have been battling to get the teenager released According to his own account, apprentice builder Marcus had arrived in Dubai on August 26 with his family on holiday (Pictured: Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah) Marcus told police after his arrest that the girl approached him and asked him to have sex with her. The prosecution document stated: 'We received a complaint via the Dubai Police application about the rape of a 17-year-old British woman by an unknown person at the Hilton Palm Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai. 'When the complainant was asked over the phone about the details, she stated that an unknown person had recognised her daughter (the victim) at the hotel and raped her by force on August 27 while she was in the country.' Since the court sentence earlier this month, Marcus has been allowed out on bail while he decided whether to lodge an appeal, but he had been barred from leaving the country. A Foreign Office spokesman previously said: 'We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family. 'The British Embassy Dubai was not involved in reporting any offence to the UAE authorities. 'They have informed the UAE authorities of the error in their records and all other interested parties are also aware.' Distressing footage has emerged of the final moments of a man who was gunned down in a 'brazen' attack. As his life slipped away, David Khou's family and neighbours desperately performed CPR on him before emergency services arrived, but he could not be saved. Khou, 31, was gunned down outside his home in front of young children in Sutherland St, Canley Heights in Sydney's south-west just before 6.50pm on Sunday. On Monday, detectives revealed the 31-year-old had links to Asian crime gangs and was a known target for underworld rivals. After being shot several times while sitting in the passenger side of a car, Khou collapsed in a neighbour's driveway as his mother and other locals frantically tried to stop the bleeding. 'He was losing a lot of blood, but it was too much for us to handle,' a neighbour told Nine News. Another added: 'I heard the bang, bang, bang about three times. I saw blood and I saw the guns, so that means it's serious.' The brutal killing happened in front of 10 children, with a shocked dad saying his 'kids shouldn't have to go through something like that'. As his life slipped away, David Khou's family and neighbours desperately performed CPR on him (pictured) before the emergency services arrived, but he could not be saved On Monday, detectives revealed Khou (pictured on the ground) had links to Asian crime gangs and was a known target for underworld rivals Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty branded the fatal shooting as brazen and unacceptable. 'It's a very sad, tragic situation despite what his history may have been or despite what his links are,' he said. 'It's terrible for his family.' He also revealed that Khou had links to Asian organised crime syndicates and was involved in Sydney's illegal drug trade. 'People don't always lead the high life and have the bling, but there is consequences if you're going to be involving an organised crime network,' Det Supt Doherty said. 'And they end up dead on a street in Sydney.' A short time after the shooting, the suspected getaway car, a white Audi sedan, was set alight and destroyed at a park in nearby Wakeley. 'I didn't get too close because (of the mini-explosions coming from the car),' one resident said. 'And I was a bit scared, so I didn't want to get any closer.' Paramedics (pictured) treated David Khou, 31, for gunshot wounds at the scene but he was unable to be revived Police described the shooting as a targeted attack (pictured, police at the scene) Police remained at the scene at the shooting on Monday, where detectives went door to door to speak to potential witnesses about what they saw and heard. Khou's car was also taken away for forensic testing. A concerned resident said he was 'scared, especially when it's not something that I would personally expect'. The suspected gunman is still on the run on Monday night, despite a second getaway car was found in nearby Bossley Park earlier in the day. Police executed a search warrant at a nearby residence on Monday morning as part of Strike Force Loughrea, which was established by the State Crime Commands Homicide Squad with detectives from Fairfield City Police. The 33-year-old man has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder He will spend the night in custody to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday. The suspected getaway car, a white Audi sedan (pictured), was set alight and destroyed in nearby Wakeley a short time later Acting superintendent Jason Pietruszka said the shooting was a 'targeted attack'. 'This is not a random shooting,' he said. 'A person unknown has approached from the road, gone up to the driver-side window and has fired a number of shots into the window.' The Canley Heights 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. 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. Det Supt 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'. A major New Year's Eve fireworks display has been cancelled as Britain braces for a 'multi-hazard storm' amid nine warnings for heavy snow, rain and strong winds. Blackpool Council confirmed it had taken the 'tough decision' to cancel its fireworks due to the high winds forecast, but a projection show set to music will still take place. Forecasters predict gusts of up to 70mph will hit the North tomorrow, with snow expected on New Year's Day in Northern Ireland , northern England and Scotland. Separately, those using East Midlands Railway and Thameslink services to and from London St Pancras endured delays today due to a fault on a train at St Albans; while a broken down train at Surrey Quays also impacted London Overground journeys. Almost every part of the UK is covered by at least one of nine separate weather warnings that have been issued by the Met Office between today and Thursday. An amber warning has been issued for parts of Scotland between midnight and 5pm on New Year's Eve, indicating that heavy rain is likely to cause property flooding. Scotland will be hit first by the turbulent weather, with 'pulses of rain' and snow today as Edinburgh Castle was closed due to high winds across the city this morning, while northern England will face blustery conditions including 60mph gusts. A weather warning is in place today where strong winds could impact travellers between 11am and 6pm in areas including Durham, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. In southern England and Wales, highs of 10C (50F) to 12C (54F) are expected along with a calmer day overall, including 'glimmers of sunshine', the weather service said. A woman holds onto her umbrella in Edinburgh today as the city faces wet and windy weather On New Year's Eve, delays to all types of transport are 'likely' as strong winds persist and may reach speeds of up to 70mph in England and Northern Ireland. Nine UK Met Office weather warnings The Met Office has issued nine separate weather warnings for rain, wind and snow covering most of the UK between today and Thursday: RAIN & SNOW - Northern Scotland Today 0am to Tomorrow 11.59pm 140mm rain and 20cm snow WIND Northern England - Today 11am to Today 6pm - 60mph gusts RAIN (AMBER) - Northern Scotland - Tomorrow 0am to Tomorrow 5pm - 70mm rain SNOW - Orkney & Shetland Tomorrow 5am to Tomorrow 11.59pm 20cm snow WIND Northern Ireland Tomorrow 6am to Tomorrow 7pm 70mph gusts WIND Northern England and southern England Tomorrow 7am to Tomorrow 11pm 70mph gusts RAIN North West England and Wales Tomorrow 6pm to Wednesday 6pm 100mm rain SNOW AND ICE - Northern Scotland - Wednesday 0am to Thursday 9am - 10cm snow WIND Southern England and Wales Wednesday 7am to Wednesday 11.59pm 60mph gusts Advertisement An alert for wind is in place from 7am until 11pm tomorrow 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. For those celebrating Hogmanay, heavy downpours and snowfall may cause 'significant disruption' across northern Scotland, with up to 140mm (5.5in) of rainfall today and tomorrow. Up to 20cm (7.8in) of snow may blanket areas of higher ground while strong winds have the potential to 'exacerbate impacts', creating 'blizzard conditions' which could freeze powerlines. Sky News meteorologist Christopher England said that the start of 2025 would bring a 'multi-hazard storm, combining severe gales, heavy rain and possibly significant snow as the rain runs into cold air'. This is not a named storm as it stands - but the next one will be Storm Eowyn, following on from Ashley on October 20, Bert on November 22, Conall on November 27 and Darragh on December 6. Another warning has been issued for 'persistent snow' likely to cause road disruption in Orkney and Shetland from 5am tomorrow onwards. Senior Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: 'Moving into New Year's Eve, another system moves in from the Atlantic, again, Scotland bearing the brunt of this one with some further heavy rain and snow and strong winds. 'The winds also picking up for Northern Ireland and northern England through New Year's Eve as well, with rain arriving into that part of the world - basically quite an unsettled last day of the year for the northern half of the UK.' 'To the south, we will see some rain later on New Year's Eve, but it shouldn't cause too many problems, apart from if you're out celebrating - you might get a bit damp.' He added: 'The main bit of advice from the Met Office over the coming days is, with the celebrations and people on the move throughout the new year and Hogmanay period, is the keep checking the forecast and to stay up to date with that.' Those with travel plans should allow extra time for journeys and keep updated with flood alerts and warnings, Mr Snell said. 'With the multiple hazards going on across the UK, I think we can probably expect some travel delays right across the UK,' he added. Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: 'There will be pretty severe weather from that rain over the next 48 hours.' He also advised residents to check flood alerts on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) website. Cordelia Menmuir, Sepa's duty flood manager, said: 'Extremely high water levels are expected in Speyside, the Great Glen and Tayside, resulting in disruptions to transport and to communities. A woman's hair is blown across her face as people walk in strong winds in Edinburgh today Workers try to repair a fence today, damaged by high winds at Edinburgh Christmas Market 'It is possible we could see similar levels to those experienced in early October 2023, when places like Aviemore and Perth were severely affected. 'We're likely to see extensive river and surface water flooding impacts across these areas. We're already seeing impacts on the road and rail network, and further rain will only exacerbate this. 'We urge people living, working and visiting in the affected areas to consider any steps you need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts. Consider whether your journey is necessary.' Stefan Laeger, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: 'Heavy and persistent rain means river levels could be high across parts of the Midlands and the North of England on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, when significant inland flooding is possible but not expected. 'Environment Agency teams will be out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected. We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.' The rest of the week will be chilly with widespread frost across the country predicted on Thursday night, the Met Office said. Drivers travel along a foggy road in the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden yesterday The A66 in Cumbria has reopened to high-sided vehicles after being closed for several hours due to strong winds while CalMac Ferries said services on the west coast of Scotland were cancelled or at risk of disruption. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said it was monitoring conditions and sailings between Douglas and Heysham were at risk or disruption. The New Year will be off to a turbulent start with separate weather warnings in place for snow, wind and rain on January 1. Up to 25cm (9.8in) of snow could fall in the worst affected areas, including Central Tayside and Fife, the East Midlands, northern England and the Lothian borders. 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. Temperatures on New Year's Day are expected to reach between 10C (50F) to 12C (54F) in southern England with chillier conditions of around 5C (41F) to 7C (45F) further north. The remainder of the week will be much colder, with widespread frost across the country predicted on Thursday night, the forecaster added. The City of London skyline is obscured by fog in the capital on a very misty day yesterday Last night, the first event in Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations - the torchlight procession - was dramatically halted due to strong winds. Organisers had earlier said the weather would not impact street events in the capital but with less than two hours before the march from the Meadows could begin, the decision was taken to call it off. An Edinburgh's Hogmanay spokesperson said: 'Due to ongoing high winds at sections of the Torchlight Procession route, unfortunately tonight's 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. 'We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all who wished to participate. For those who have collected torches, please deposit these with event stewards as you leave the Meadows, and box office will be in touch with further instructions to ticket buyers.' However, the events planned for tomorrow are still going ahead as planned with organisers saying the capital will have 'more favourable' weather than other parts of the country. People in the fog at St Michael's Tower on top of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset yesterday It comes as another 20 flights were cancelled at Gatwick today as restrictions remained in place for a fourth day because of fog after 'frustrated' passengers slept on the floor. The flights planned for the West Sussex airport today were axed in advance, disrupting Christmas and New Year travel plans for thousands of travellers. Passengers were also warned of delays throughout the day - with flights at the UK's second busiest airport having been disrupted since Friday because of the weather. Some spent the night on the floor waiting for news on their delayed or cancelled flight, amid complaints of a lack of information from airlines and the airport. While the fog began to clear this morning, passengers faced a major knock-on effect today after more than 100 of yesterday's 769 scheduled flights were cancelled. Sunday was already due to be the hub's busiest day of the Christmas holiday period, and the Met Office said patches of fog reduced visibility to 100 yards in some areas. A Jeju Air flight has been forced to turn around after experiencing landing gear issues just a day after South Korea's deadliest airline disaster in decades. The Boeing 737-800 involved in the latest incident was the same model as the Jeju Air plane that crashed on Sunday, killing 179 people after coming down without its landing gear engaged. Families have faced an agonising wait for confirmation that their loved ones were among those killed in yesterday's crash, with officials painstakingly sorting through more than 600 body parts, trying to match them together, according to reports. At the crash site early Monday, a middle-aged man and woman kept their gaze fixed through the fence, where remnants of the plane - seats, gates, and twisted metal parts - were still scattered across the field near the charred tail. The smell of blood continues to hang in the air as soldiers carefully comb through a field of reeds next to the runway, engaged in an apparent search for body parts. The flight, which had been carrying 181 people from Thailand to South Korea made a mayday call and belly-landed before crashing into a barrier and bursting into flames. Everyone on board Jeju Air Flight 2216 was killed, save two flight attendants who were pulled from the burning wreckage. The youngest victim was a three-year-old boy. This morning, another Jeju Air flight departed Seoul's Gimpo International Airport for Jeju island, but was forced to turn around after a landing gear issue was detected shortly after takeoff, the South Korean airline said. Soldiers have carefully combed through a field of reeds next to the runway Mourners react near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport Rescue workers work near the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft that went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport A relative of passenger at Muan International Airport on December 30 The wrecked tail section of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed and burst into flames is seen at the end of the runway at Muan International Airport 'Shortly after takeoff, a signal indicating a landing gear issue was detected on the aircraft's monitoring system,' Song Kyung-hoon, head of the management support office at Jeju Air, told a news conference. 'At 6.57 am, the captain communicated with ground control, and after taking additional measures, the landing gear returned to normal operation. 'However, the decision was made to return to the airport for a thorough inspection of the aircraft.' Local media reported that 21 passengers chose not to board an alternate flight to Jeju, citing concerns over safety and other reasons. The airline has seen a surge in customers cancelling their flight reservations since Sunday's incident, with a total of 68,000 tickets cancelled, Yonhap news agency reports. Jeju Air's 41 plane fleet includes 39 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Seoul said on Monday it would conduct a special inspection of all 101 Boeing 737-800 planes in operation in the country, with US investigators, possibly including from plane manufacturer Boeing, joining the probe into the crash. 'We are reviewing plans to conduct a special inspection on B737-800 aircraft,' said Joo Jong-wan, head of the aviation policy bureau at the South Korean transport ministry. Joo added that the government plans to 'implement rigorous aviation safety inspections in response to the (landing gear) incidents'. A total of 101 aircraft, operated by six airlines using the same model as the plane that crashed on Sunday, will be 'thoroughly reviewed', Joo said, adding that the inspections would last until January 3. Sunday's 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. Devastated family members of the victims have been demanding answers from the authorities. 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. '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.' Video of the plane's approach show it hitting a bird, before it circled the runway and attempted to land with its flaps up. Experts believe this suggests the aircraft suffered hydraulic failure, which could have also prevented the landing gear from deploying. Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the wall was the 'defining moment' of the disaster. He suggested that had the wall not been there, the plane would have instead hit a fence, slid over a road and likely stopped in a nearby field. 'I think everybody would have been alive the pilots might have suffered some damage going through the security fence or something like that. But I even suspect they might have survived,' Mr Learmount said. Airline pilots also chimed in, saying that the jet likely lost power on at least one engine and suffered a hydraulic failure after the plane was hit by a bird. People stand as the wreckage of an aircraft lying on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport is pictured, in Muan, South Korea, December 30 Jeju Air flight 7C2216 is engulfed in flames as it slams into a wall following a crash after landing at Muan International Airport Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall (pictured in satellite image) at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the wall was the 'defining moment' of the disaster 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 South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok pays tribute to the victims of the 29 December Jeju Air plane crash Relatives of passengers of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft gather at a make-shift shelter at Muan International Airport in Muan After abandoning a first landing attempt due to a loss of power, the pilots touched down on the runway at high speed on their second attempt - without extending the flaps and deploying speed brakes that would normally slow the plane down. The thrust reverser, used to slow down the aircraft once on the ground, was only deployed on one engine. While the flaps and landing ear are powered by the hydraulic system, they can be extended manually in an emergency. Captain Denys Davydov, who flies a Boeing 737-800 for Ukraine International Airlines, told the Times: '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.' Some experts said that a bird strike alone would not have crippled the landing gear. Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell said: 'I've never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.' 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?' But Joo Jong-wan dismissed concerns about having the concrete wall after the end of the runway, saying that both ends of the runway have 'safety zones with green buffer areas before reaching the outer wall', the Independent reports. He added that the airport was designed 'according to standard aviation safety guidelines, even if the wall may appear closer than it actually is'. Labour is facing a fresh backlash over education today with a review of the national curriculum that stresses 'diversity'. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has ordered a 'refresh' of what is taught in schools in England, complaining the existing framework is 'outdated'. The terms of reference for the overhaul say it must reflect the 'diversities of our society'. Unions and other teaching groups have made submissions to the review, urging it to 'decolonise' subjects that are 'monocultural', according to the Telegraph. The move was highlighted after Ms Phillipson faced a ferocious backlash for claiming middle-class parents support Labour's tax raid on private school fees. She claimed to be 'the voice of pushy middle-class parents' who have mostly been priced out of sending their children to independent schools. Labour is facing a fresh backlash over education today with a review of the national curriculum that stresses 'diversity' Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has ordered a 'refresh' of what is taught in schools in England, complaining the existing framework is 'outdated' The Government appointed education charity chief Professor Becky Francis to lead its curriculum and assessment review in July. The King's Speech laid out plans for all state schools including academies to be legally required to teach the national curriculum up to age 16 to give every child a 'broad and rounded education'. Prof Francis emphasised at the time that she would consider how any changes might contribute to staff workload, while the DfE stressed the review will seek 'evolution not revolution'. The terms of reference state: 'The review will ensure that the curriculum reflects the issues and diversities of our society and that every child and young person is represented and has access to a broad range of subjects.' Shadow education secretary Laura Trott 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.' But a spokesman for Ms Phillipson said: 'The review of the curriculum currently being conducted by Prof Becky Francis will ensure we retain a knowledge-rich curriculum that also gives children the vital tools they need to succeed and flourish at work and in life. 'Our new curriculum will breathe new life into learning for all children by ensuring that what they are taught is engaging and allows them to achieve and thrive at school. 'This government will drive high and rising standards across all of our state schools and deliver opportunity throughout our country. 'The Conservatives have shown by stoking culture wars yet again that they have nothing to offer families in this country.' Over the weekend, Ms Phillipson defended Labour's policy of charging VAT of 20 per cent on private school fees, which comes into effect this week. 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 can't 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.' The Government appointed education charity chief Professor Becky Francis to lead its curriculum and assessment review in July 'The families who choose these schools come from a variety of backgrounds, including middle-class incomes.' Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said Ms Phillipson's 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 Britain's most socialist Government since the 1970s.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said that 1.7billion will eventually be raised by the policy, claiming that it will give 'every child the best start in life'. The first words of the two cabin crew members who survived the fatal Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 on Sunday have been revealed. The Jeju Air plane skidded off the runway in the town of Muan, 180 miles south of Seoul, slammed into a concrete barrier and burst into flames on Sunday after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people aboard the Boeing 737-800 were killed in one of South Korea's worst aviation disasters, officials said. One survivor, a 33-year-old male flight attendant named as Lee Mo was reportedly disoriented when he woke up in Ewha Women's University Hospital in Seoul. According to his doctors, he asked 'what happened' and 'why am I here' upon waking up. He also said that he had been wearing his seatbelt before the crash, but that he had no recollection of anything after that. Lee, who according to local media was in charge of passenger service at the back of the plane, suffered a fractured left shoulder and injuries to his head. He was initially taken to a hospital in Mokpo, around 190 miles south of Seoul, before being transferred to the capital city. A fellow survivor, a 25-year-old female flight attendant who has only been identified by her last name, Koo, is being treated at Asan Medical Center in eastern Seoul. She reportedly said in her initial statements: 'Smoke came out of one of the plane's engines and then it exploded.' A victim rescued from a plane crash is transported to a hospital in Mokpo, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 The Jeju Air plane in flames at the Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 The wrecked tail section of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed and burst into flames is seen at the end of the runway at Muan International Airport in Muan on December 30, 2024 Recovery teams work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan on December 30, 2024 Your browser does not support iframes. Medical and rescue teams said she does not remember any more details of the crash. A hospital official told local media: 'Koo is currently being treated for scalp lacerations and ankle fractures, and is undergoing treatment for abdominal diagnosis. 'There is no major threat to her life or anything, but we did not have time to ask about the accident.' Lee, meanwhile, may be at risk of suffering from full-body paralysis as an aftereffect of the deadly crash, according to hospital officials. Director Joo Woong of Seoul National University Hospital told reporters: 'There is a possibility of aftereffects such as full-body paralysis, so we are conducting intensive observation and pain relief treatment in parallel.' The two survivors were rescued from the plane's tail, the only part of the aircraft that retained its shape. Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun said: 'Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of (the plane) looks almost impossible to recognise.' An official in charge of search and rescue operations at Muan International Airport told the New York Times that the crash was so bad that only the tail, where both surviving flight attendants were, was immediately recognisable. Lee Jeong-hyeon told the newspaper: 'We could not recognise the rest of the fuselage.' Sunday's 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. So far, 141 out of 179 victims have been identified, leaving many devastated family members demanding answers from authorities. South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said at a press briefing at Muan International airport that all 179 bodies have been moved to a temporary morgue. A satellite image shows the area at South Korea's Muan International Airport after the Jeju Air aircraft went off the runway and crashed, in Muan, South Korea, December 30, 2024 A relative of passenger at Muan International Airport on December 30 People stand as the wreckage of an aircraft lying on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport is pictured, in Muan, South Korea, December 30 Jeju Air flight 7C2216 is engulfed in flames as it slams into a wall following a crash after landing at Muan International Airport Relatives of passengers of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft react near a make-shift shelter at Muan International Airport in Muan on December 30, 2024 Muan International Airport on December 30, 2024 in Muan-gun, South Korea A child looks on as mourners visit a memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport on December 30 'Once we are ready to transfer the bodies following autopsies by investigation agencies, we will contact the families,' an official said. Belongings of the victims are currently being picked up from the runway, as part of the investigations into the causes of the crash. 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. '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.' Video of the plane's approach show it hitting a bird, before it circled the runway and attempted to land with its flaps up. Experts believe this suggests the aircraft suffered hydraulic failure, which could have also prevented the landing gear from deploying. Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the wall was the 'defining moment' of the disaster. He suggested that had the wall not been there, the plane would have instead hit a fence, slid over a road and likely stopped in a nearby field. 'I think everybody would have been alive the pilots might have suffered some damage going through the security fence or something like that. But I even suspect they might have survived,' Mr Learmount said. Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall (pictured in satellite image) at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the wall was the 'defining moment' of the disaster Mourners react near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport Soldiers have carefully combed through a field of reeds next to the runway Rescue workers work near the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft that went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport Airline pilots also chimed in, saying that the jet likely lost power on at least one engine and suffered a hydraulic failure after the plane was hit by a bird. After abandoning a first landing attempt due to a loss of power, the pilots touched down on the runway at high speed on their second attempt - without extending the flaps and deploying speed brakes that would normally slow the plane down. The thrust reverser, used to slow down the aircraft once on the ground, was only deployed on one engine. While the flaps and landing ear are powered by the hydraulic system, they can be extended manually in an emergency. Captain Denys Davydov, who flies a Boeing 737-800 for Ukraine International Airlines, told the Times: '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.' Some experts said that a bird strike alone would not have crippled the landing gear. Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell said: 'I've never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.' 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. Makeshift shelters are seen at Muan International Airport on December 30, 2024 in Muan-gun, South Korea Family members of the victims of the Jeju Air crash react as officials hold a briefing at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea, December 30, 2024 A man bows as he visits a memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, at Muan Sports Park in Muan, South Korea, December 30, 2024 A recovery team member works with his dog at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan on December 30, 2024 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?' But Joo Jong-wan dismissed concerns about having the concrete wall after the end of the runway, saying that both ends of the runway have 'safety zones with green buffer areas before reaching the outer wall', the Independent reports. He added that the airport was designed 'according to standard aviation safety guidelines, even if the wall may appear closer than it actually is'. Hundreds of 'twitchers' have descended on a sleepy Kent village after a rare sighting of an American bird. Birdwatchers from across the country flocked to Kent to catch sight of the 'extremely rare' American yellow warbler. The foreign visitor was first spotted in New Hythe, near Maidstone in Kent, on Christmas Eve - with the bird last being sighted on British shores in 2017. Since then, camera-clutching bird enthusiasts have travelled from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the vibrant yellow creature. The species, which is native to North America and the Caribbean, has been spotted in the UK on just a handful of occasions, although it is not listed as endangered in the wild. This most recent yellow warbler was first spotted by local Glenn Honey, who says he was left 'shaking' with excitement after spotting the bird at around 11.20am on Christmas Eve. The 56-year-old said: 'I've been birdwatching for about 12 years and had an inkling it was an American warbler. 'It was bright yellow and small like the size of a robin. Birdwatchers from across the country flocked to Kent to catch sight of the 'extremely rare' American yellow warbler The small yellow foreign visitor was first spotted in New Hythe, near Maidstone in Kent Birdwatchers gather to get a rare sighting of an American yellow warbler bird in Kent 'It made me very excited and I was shaking - it was just different to anything I'd seen before. 'After I sent some pictures to a Kent bird WhatsApp group the area then became bombarded with people after that. 'We all think it came from North America and was assisted by the wind caused by some of the storms we've had in recent weeks.' Neil Colgate, another keen local birdwatcher who came to see the warbler, said crowds of hundreds had come down to see the bird. Mr Colgate, who goes on bird-watching trips to Costa Rica and the Amazon rainforest, said: 'We were 15 minutes away and out visiting friends. 'When the news broke, we nipped home and went down there. 'It was right place, right time for a change. 'It's really rare. People came from Yorkshire to see it... It has drawn a big crowd. This most recent yellow warbler was first spotted in the area on Christmas Eve The British Trust for Ornithology describe the bird as 'an extremely rare visitor to Britain and Ireland' 'We were there within about an hour and a half and there were about 60 or 70 people. 'But on Christmas Day there were three or four hundred people there, I've been told. 'It wasn't seen yesterday but it could be hunkering down in the cold weather.' The bird, believed to be an infant male, was last seen in the area on Friday despite huge crowds continuing to gather over the weekend. One keen birdwatcher drove an incredible 240 miles from Yorkshire in the hope of catching a glimpse of the warbler, which is described by The British Trust for Ornithology as 'an extremely rare visitor to Britain and Ireland'. Another twitcher said he'd waited three hours to see the warbler. Writing on his blog, Saturday Cat Bird, he added: 'After the long wait, a birder called out. 'The yellow warbler eventually flew up into its favoured alder trees and put on a top-class performance for the masses. 'At last I had caught up with this little stunner.' The Labor Party has come under fire after posting a meme online referencing Peter Duttons wife. A post shared by Victorian Labor on Monday featured the Opposition leader and his wife Kirilly from a 2019 newspaper front page with the headline 'He is not a monster'. The brutal post was captioned: 'Justifying dating your new partner to your friends who don't like him.' 'We all know that one couple'. The post remained online for hours and attracted a flood of angry comments before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanded it be deleted on Monday night. 'The prime minister demanded it be taken down. Families should be off limits,' a spokesperson told Nine Newspapers. Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Dutton and Victorian Labor Premier Jacinta Allan for comment. But Victorian state secretary Steve Staikos insisted the post was 'not a personal attack at all'. Victorian Labor has come under fire over a post mocking Peter Dutton and wife Kirilly Anthony Albanese ordered Victorian Labor to take down the meme hours after it was posted 'It's supposed to be a comedic meme,' he told NewsCorp. 'It was posted as a bit of commentary, like a lot of memes are by all political parties.' Mr Albanese intervened after his rival referenced the Prime Minister's fiancee in response to the post. 'I can assure you the Liberal Party I lead will not be targeting Jodie Haydon,' Mr Dutton wrote on X. 'I respect and like Jodie but she is not an elected official and will not be the subject of humiliation, attack ads or public smear by the Liberal Party. 'I would ask the PM to equally respect my wife.' The meme sparked outrage from senior Liberal politicians, who accused Victorian Labor from trying to distract from its political troubles. 'Labor have trashed the Victorian economy and made life hard for everyday Victorians, so it's obvious they can't stand on their record,' shadow housing minister Michael Sukkar told Sky News. 'All they can do is desperately try to distract from their criminal incompetence by smearing their political opponents and anyone else who stands in their way.' Shadow home affairs minister James Paterson added: 'We all know Labor's plan for the election next year is negative personal attacks on Peter Dutton, this is just a preview.' Victoria Labor took the image from a rare newspaper interview with Mr Dutton's wife, initially titled 'My Pete's no Monster'. Kirilly Dutton had said her family received threats and 'perverted materials' in an interview in 2019 In the 2019 interview, Kirilly Dutton, who usually prefers to remain out of the public spotlight, revealed her family had been the subject of death threats and abuse. She said 'demented and perverted' material had been sent to their home, claiming her family had received death threats and abuse. 'He is a really good man. He is a really good father and he's not a monster,' Ms Dutton told The Sunday Mail at the time. It's not the first time Labor has come under fire for mocking Mr Dutton. In 2022, federal minister Tanya Plibersek was forced to apologise to the opposition leader for comparing him to a children's book villain. Ms Plibersek said he looked 'a bit like Voldemort' in a radio interview. She later admitted her comments were a mistake. The meme comes as the latest data from Newspoll had the party on level pegging with the Coalition in the state on a two party preferred basis. It marked a five per cent swing against Victorian Labor since the election in 2022, with many Victorians concerned over the government's growing levels of debt. Federally, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's satisfaction rating has also slipped. His approval rating nationwide has fallen from 46 per cent in the April to June quarter to a current low of 41 per cent. His approval rating in Victoria has slipped to minus 12, the same as Mr Dutton's. A Texas school district was forced to remove copies of the Bible from its libraries after a new state law banned books that contain 'sexually explicit' material. Canyon Independent School District restricted the religious text, citing compliance with the state's Republican-backed House Bill 900. HB 900, known as the READER Act, establishes standards aimed to regulate content sold to or included in public school libraries. The legislation bans books that have at least one instance of 'sexually explicit' content and requires students to receive parental consent to borrow books that have been deemed 'sexually relevant.' A leaked email sent to parents from Canyon ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Flusche revealed the 'full text of the Bible' would no longer be available in school libraries because of sexual references in the text. Flusche noted that '30 titles' that contained 'Bible stories' or 'portions of the Bible' would remain available in the library. He added that the district has 'strong connections with local churches that are happy to donate a Bible upon request' to any students interested in obtaining a copy of the text. The ban sparked outrage amongst parents who at a school board meeting blasted the decision as 'absurd' and argued that the 'Bible holds great value' and 'should be valued in our Texas school system'. Canyon ISD has now restored the book in its libraries after 'receiving clarification' from State Rep. Jared Patterson, who authored the READER Act, and having 'revaluated the guidelines' of the legislation. Canyon Independent School District was forced to remove copies of the Bible from its libraries after a new state law banned books that contain 'sexually explicit' material A leaked email sent to parents from Canyon ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Flusche (pictured) revealed the 'full text of the Bible' would no longer be available in school libraries because of sexual references in the text Canyon ISD made national headlines the week before Christmas after Flusche's email to parents was leaked online. The public was outraged by the memo, which attributed the Bible ban to HB 900. 'House Bill 900, which passed during the last legislative session, establishes library standards that restrict content in school libraries,' Flusche wrote. 'From HB 900: Section 33.021. LIBRARY STANDARDS. (a) In this section, "sexually explicit material" means any communication, language, or material, including a written description, illustration, photographic image, video image, or audio file, other than library material directly related to the curriculum required under Section 28.002(a), that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct, as defined by Section 43.25, Penal Code.' He added: 'This standard for library content prohibits books that have one instance of sexual content as described above.' Flusche went on the state that the READER Act 'doesn't allow numerous books, including the full text of the Bible, to be available in the school library' but alleged that there were '30 titles available in the Canyon Junior High library that are Bible stories or portions of the Bible'. He further instructed parents whose children 'would like to have a Bible' to reach out, alleging the district could use its 'strong connections' with partner churches in the area to get a copy of the text for them. It is unclear when Flusche's email was penned, but it appears the Bible ban was instated weeks before Canyon ISD came under nationwide scrutiny. Flusche noted in the leaked email (pictured) that '30 titles' that contained 'Bible stories' or 'portions of the Bible' would remain available in the library. He added that the district has 'strong connections with local churches that are happy to donate a Bible upon request' to any students interested in obtaining a copy of the text Canyon ISD has now restored the book in its libraries after 'receiving clarification' from State Rep. Jared Patterson, (pictured) who authored the READER Act, and having 'reevaluated the guidelines' of the legislation Furious parents reportedly slammed the decision at a school board meeting on December 9, with one telling district leaders it 'seems absurd to me that the Good Book was thrown out with the bad books'. 'In a day when we are needing security guards and bulletproof windows and doors, I think having the Word of God available to our children cannot only be preventative to violence, but also provide comfort and a sense of security in a chaotic world,' Regina Kiehne, who said she has two children in the district, argued during the meeting. 'It just makes sense to have the Word of God in our school library. After all, it is the book of wisdom. It is the bestselling book of all time; it is historically accurate, scientifically sound, and most importantly, life-changing.' She further noted how the Bible is the most stolen book in history, arguing that the 'only reason something is stolen is because it is valuable'. 'The Bible holds great value. It should be valued in our Texas school system,' Kiehne added. State Senator Kevin Sparks also blasted the district's decision to remove the book, arguing on Facebook that the 'Bible is not educationally unsuitable, sexually explicit, or pervasively vulgar, making its removal legally and morally indefensible'. 'At a time when students seek guidance, the Bible provides a vital moral framework,' he continued. 'I call on the Canyon ISD School Board and Superintendent to reverse this decision promptly for the benefit of our students and community.' Similarly, the Amarillo Area Young Republicans criticized the move and promised to search for and back candidates to run against current Canyon ISD board members, The Amarillo-Globe News reported. Regina Kiehne, (pictured) who has two children in the district, slammed the decision at a school board meeting on December 9 and told district leaders it 'seems absurd to me that the Good Book was thrown out with the bad books' Texas state Sen. Kevin Sparks also blasted the district's decision to remove the Bible from its libraries, alleging the move was 'legally and morally indefensible' Canyon ISD has now restored the Bible to its shelves after a receiving clarification from Rep. Patterson about the interpretation of the state's new library content regulations, the district confirmed to the newspaper. The district 'conducted a thorough review of its library contents' in an effort to 'adhere' to the guidelines outlined in HB 900, which officials noted aims to 'maintain an inclusive and legally compliant educational environment'. 'The initial removal of the Bible was undertaken to align with House Bill 900, which mandates stricter oversight of educational materials to ensure they meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards,' the district said in a statement. 'Following the passage of House Bill 900, Canyon ISD conducted a comprehensive review of library materials to ensure compliance with updated state guidelines. After receiving clarification from Representative Patterson regarding library content, we reevaluated the guidelines and are pleased to have the Bible available in each of our Canyon ISD libraries.' The National Blend of Models, shown here, is forecasting high temperatures from San Antonio to Austin in the lower to middle 80s Monday. WeatherBELL It's not terribly surprising the final days of the the warmest year in the Alamo City's history bring the prospect of record-breaking heat. One more day of record warmth is possible from San Antonio to Austin before temperatures drop to ring in the new year. Cooler temperatures on New Year's Day may stick around into the first week of 2025, but what might the rest of winter bring to San Antonio? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Final warm day of 2024 San Antonio finds itself ahead of a cold front Monday that promises cooler weather for New Year's Eve. The warmest weather ahead of a cold front usually occurs just before the passage of the cold front, which explains why the city could see record high temperatures on the final days of 2024. Temperatures to ring in 2025 drop considerably after Monday's near-record warm afternoon. Shown is the European ensemble model's forecast temperatures for San Antonio through early January. WeatherBELL Temperatures early Monday morning under clear skies fell into the middle and upper 40s in most of South Texas. A stout southwesterly wind allows for high temperatures to readily climb into the lower to middle 80s by Monday afternoon. Monday's record high is 83 degrees, set back in 1951. With a forecast high at San Antonio International Airport of 84 or 85 degrees, it's certainly possible the city will have a new record high for Dec. 30. Nine-year-old Nicholas Wong and 12-year-old Nathan Wong dance and celebrate the new year after the 2024 ball like the famous one in Times Square in New York City, dropped at the stroke of noon at the Childrens Museum Houston, during their annual New Years Noon event for kids in Houston, Texas. Meridith Kohut/Contributor FEELING LIKE MEXICO: A warming climate could make San Antonio feel more like Mexico. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A dry cold front slips through Monday night, setting the stage for a seasonably chilly New Year's Day. New year brings a chill It takes a bit of time for the heart of cooler weather to arrive in San Antonio, so Tuesday will likely end up being warmer than normal. From lows near 50 degrees to high temperatures near 70 degrees, it's not likely you'll be searching for the winter coat Tuesday. As you sip on your favorite beverage to ring in the new year Tuesday night, it'll begin to feel more like winter. Temperatures by midnight will slip into the upper 40s as a northeasterly wind brings an extra chill to the air. By the early morning hours Wednesday, wind chills may drop briefly into the upper 30s. Temperatures by Wednesday morning are forecast to fall into the lower 40s in San Antonio, according to the National Blend of Models. WeatherBELL After a cold start to New Year's Day, high temperatures reach into the lower and middle 60s. This is close to average for early January, so records will definitely be safe. But compared to the mid-80s from early in the week, it could be a shock to the system as you get back to a more normal routine after the new year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2024: San Antonio and Austin's warmest This year has been San Antonio's warmest on record. Since Jan. 1, the average temperature at San Antonio International Airport is more than 73 degrees, eclipsing last year as the warmest year on record by just a few tenths of a degree. SEVERE WEATHER STRIKES: Dozens of Tornadoes have upended lives in the final days of 2024. Austin experienced similar warmth this year. Much like San Antonio, Austin's average temperature since Jan. 1 tops 2023 by just a few tenths of a degree. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Has your flight been affected by fog? Please email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk Another 20 flights were cancelled at Gatwick today as restrictions remained in place for a fourth day because of fog after 'frustrated' passengers slept on the floor. The flights planned for the West Sussex airport today were axed in advance, disrupting Christmas and New Year travel plans for thousands of travellers. Passengers were also warned of delays throughout the day - with flights at the UK's second busiest airport having been disrupted since Friday because of the weather. Some spent the night on the floor waiting for news on their delayed or cancelled flight, amid complaints of a lack of information from airlines and the airport. While the fog began to clear this morning, passengers faced a major knock-on effect today after more than 100 of yesterday's 769 scheduled flights were cancelled. Sunday was already due to be the hub's busiest day of the Christmas holiday period, and the Met Office said patches of fog reduced visibility to 100 yards in some areas. Today, one passenger stuck in the North Terminal told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'I arrived last night at about 6pm to get my flight. It was suddenly cancelled.' One woman at Gatwick told ITV: 'It's been a little bit frustrating. We've been here since yesterday. We were delayed four hours yesterday then the flight was finally cancelled. Then today, also cancelled. And hopefully we'll get on a flight in five hours, if it's not cancelled.' Another passenger told Good Morning Britain that they faced being unable to fly for up to ten days, saying: 'We've been told it's been cancelled, and to go on and manage our own flights, which we were trying to do - but there's nothing for at least a week, week and a half' A plane takes off in foggy conditions from London Gatwick Airport in West Sussex on Saturday Another said: 'It's been a little bit frustrating. We've been here since yesterday. We were delayed four hours yesterday then the flight was finally cancelled. Then today, also cancelled. And hopefully we'll get on a flight in five hours, if it's not cancelled.' What are passengers entitled to if their flight is delayed? Flights operated by an airline departing from a UK airport, flights operated by a UK or EU airline arriving at a UK airport, or flights operated by a UK airline arriving at an EU airport are covered by UK consumer law. People are entitled to assistance depending on the distance of a flight. For flights under 1,500km (932 miles), such as from Glasgow to Amsterdam, the delay must be at least two hours. For flights between 1,500km (932 miles) and 3,500km (2,175 miles), such as from Manchester to Marrakesh, it is at least three hours. For flights over 3,500km (2,175 miles), such as from Heathrow to New York, it is at least four hours. This assistance should include a reasonable amount of food and drink (often via vouchers), a means for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of phone calls), and accommodation and transfers if an overnight stay is required. If a flight is cancelled, airlines are required to issue a full refund or get you to your destination if you still want to travel. You are also entitled to a refund if you have been delayed by more than five hours. Advertisement A third claimed they faced being unable to fly for up to ten days, saying: 'We've been told it's been cancelled, and to go on and manage our own flights, which we were trying to do - but there's nothing for at least a week, week and a half.' The programme's presenter Nick Dixon said the situation was 'hugely frustrating for passengers, but also just the lack of information they're saying from the airlines and the airport.' He added that 'a lot of the passengers are saying inside the airport that they're not really able to find people, staff, in there to get information from'. Also 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. 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, told the PA news agency. '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 were delayed early this morning because of fog, but a Gatwick spokesperson said later today: 'Temporary air traffic restrictions in place over the weekend due to fog have been lifted. 'A small number of flights have been cancelled in advance to avoid last-minute cancellations, but operations are now returning to normal. London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience.' And a spokesperson for easyJet, one of the airport's largest airline operators, said: 'Unfortunately, a small number of flights this morning to and from London Gatwick were cancelled due to the knock-on impact of air traffic control restrictions from poor weather conditions yesterday. 'Customers were notified in advance to minimise the impact on their plans and provided with options to rebook before travelling or receive a refund, as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required. Passengers sit on stairs at Gatwick Airport over the weekend as they wait for flight information A plane takes off in foggy conditions from London Gatwick Airport in West Sussex on Saturday 'The safety and well-being of our customers and crew is our highest priority and while this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused.' Nats, the UK's main air traffic control provider, said temporary air restrictions were in place yesterday because of low visibility in airfields affected by fog. Nats said in a statement today: 'The weather conditions that caused disruption to UK airports over the weekend have significantly improved. 'Only a few air traffic regulations remain, and these are within normal operating limits. 'Passengers should still check the status of their flight with their airline, as there may be knock-on impacts to the usual flying schedule.' easyJet, said yesterday afternoon that a number of flights had been delayed or cancelled due to the knock on impact of delays caused by the weather. Heathrow said it was running a normal service on Monday. It follows three 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. Passengers on flights delayed for more than two hours may be entitled to assistance, including food and drink or overnight accommodation if necessary. Has your flight been affected by fog? Please email: mark.duell@mailonline.co.uk Potentially fatal mid-air bird strikes and rare 'black swan' events capable of bringing down a passenger plane could become more frequent, aviation experts fear. It comes after a jet in South Korea crash-landed on its belly before skidding off the runway and blowing up, killing all but two the 181 people on board, minutes after a reported a bird strike. Doomed Jeju Air flight 2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan International Airport, exploded when it ploughed into a brick wall on Sunday, in South Korea's deadliest air accident ever. The early theory was that the impact of the birds on the jet led to the failure of the engine powering the landing gear, which in turn caused the fatal belly landing which saw the aircraft plough into a wall. Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the object was the 'defining moment' of the disaster. He suggested that had the wall not been there, the plane would have instead hit a fence, slid over a road and likely stopped in a nearby field. However, Tim Davies, an ex-RAF Tornado fighter pilot, was skeptical this was the sole cause of the tragedy and feared 'pilot error' may have contributed to the disaster. 'He was leaving the runway at more than 100 knots, you're only going to experience death there,' the aviation expert said. 'If he landed at the beginning of the runway, he might have been able to slow down. But I fear he was coming in with too much speed and landed in the middle of the runway, that's why he couldn't slow down in time. 'It's a pretty common emergency that should have been dealt with. And the fact it wasn't, probably comes down to the pilot.' Jeju Air flight 7C2216 is engulfed in flames as it slams into a wall following a crash after landing at Muan International Airport People stand as the wreckage of an aircraft lying on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport is pictured, in Muan, South Korea, December 30 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 And in a shocking twist of fate, a Canadian Airlines jet suffered a similar disaster later that day, in which a bird strike is believed to have damaged its landing gear controls. It crash-landed, causing a wing to scrape along the runway at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Nova Scotia, Canada, before a fire broke out. Miraculously. none of the 80 people on board was seriously injured. The accidents come amid a rise in the number of bird strike incidents, with some 19,400 collisions recorded in the USA by the Federal Aviation Administration last year compared to 17,200 in 2022. And there were 1,400 bird strikes in the UK in 2022, only about 100 of which affected planes, according to data from the Civil Aviation Authority. Fatal disasters due to bird strikes are rare - but not unheard of. In October 1960, a flock of starlings caused a deadly plane crash in Boston Harbour after smashing into Eastern Airlines Flight 375 shortly after it took off from Logan International Airport. The strike wreaked havoc on the plane, destroying one propeller engine and causing two others to momentarily lose thrust. In just 20 seconds, the flight lost control and plunged into the water, killing 62 of the 72 people on board - in what was dubbed America's worst bird strike disaster. Your browser does not support iframes. Black smoke emits from Jeju Air aircraft flight 7C2216 as it veers off the runway before crashing at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea A similar incident was blamed for destruction of a $180million American surveillance plane which crashed in 1995, bursting into flames as it plowed into a forest moments after takeoff at Elmendorf Air Force Base, just north of Anchorage. And in January 2009, New Yorkers watched in horror as a passenger jet crashed into the Hudson River after hitting a flock of Canadian geese seconds after take-off, destroying both engines. Miraculously, pilots Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger and co-captain Jeff Skiles, managed to safely land in the river, saving the lives of all 155 people on board. Their close brush was death was later transformed into a Hollywood film starring Oscar-winner Tom Hanks as Captain Sully. Air safety expert Mr Learmount said those on Sunday's stricken South Korean airliner could have also survived, had it not hit the concrete wall at the end of the runway. 'I think everybody would have been alive the pilots might have suffered some damage going through the security fence or something like that. But I even suspect they might have survived,' Mr Learmount said. Airline pilots also chimed in, saying that the jet likely lost power on at least one engine and suffered a hydraulic failure after the plane was hit by a bird. Captain Denys Davydov, who flies a Boeing 737-800 for Ukraine International Airlines, told the Times: '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.' Some experts said that a bird strike alone would not have crippled the landing gear. Air Vice Marshal Gary Waterfall, a former commander in the RAF, insisted that despite their being 'oddities' in the South Korean plane crash, such deadly occurrences are mercifully rare. 'There are always in these black swan events like Captain Sulley crashing in the Hudson, for example,' the former Red Arrows pilot said. 'The probability of this happening is infinitely small, but its still a possibility one thats about as much as you or I winning the lottery, to be perfectly honest. Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger and co-captain Jeff Skiles saved all 155 people on board Flight 1549 when both engines blew out after striking Canadian geese Tuesday, January 15 marks 10 years since US Airways flight 1549 landed on the Hudson River after colliding with a flock of geese just after takeoff Pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger managed to safely land his stricken jet in the Hudson River after a bird strike killed both its engines shortly after take off 'Ultimately what we have seen over the last seven days is just incredibly bad luck and timing.' Passenger jets undergo intense safety checks, with engines tested on their ability to withstand bird impacts. Planes are designed to be able to take off with one engine, with normal operating procedure seeing pilots returning to an airport after reporting a bird strike. Air Vice Marshal Gary Waterfall, said safety had improved vastly in the last 20 or 30 years, adding: 'It is really rare. We have made it as safe as it possibly can be now. Its such a rare event it inevitable it catches the news. 'Crossing the road is far more dangerous than flying on an airline. I'd have no qualms about getting on an airplane tomorrow.' Retired Squadron Leader Mr Davies agreed and said it it was 'incredibly rare' for aircrafts to suffer a 'terminal impact' after flying into a flock of birds. He said strikes do have the potential to take out both engines and that there is a lot of kinetic energy which could lead to critical hydraulic systems being damaged. Pictured are the remains of the plane in which all but two of the jet's 181 people on board died But he added: 'Engines are designed to take bird strikes and still run or be shut down. It's not a terminal thing. 'It is incredibly rare for a double engine bird strike. But when it happens, you don't just drop out of the sky, you can still glide. 'I experienced bird strikes all the time. I would get them every three or four months. It was a non-event. The Tornado was a war plane, so things would bounce off them all the time. 'I had a friend who hit a bird way over sea. He had to drop his fuel tanks and return home. But all pilots are trained in how to deal with bird strikes. 'Yes, they can damage a jet - you're doing 400-500 knots, so there's a lot of kinetic energy in that, that can destroy and engine or damage hydraulics.' In 2019 a Russian passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing in a cornfield near Moscow after striking a flock of birds. At least 74 people were hurt in the incident, which saw the jet land on its belly with its engines off and landing gear retracted. The Ural Airlines Airbus 321 was travelling to Simferopol in Crimea when it hit the flock of gulls shortly after take-off, disrupting its engines. State media has dubbed the landing the 'miracle over Ramensk'. And in 2010, a Ryanair jet carrying 166 passengers crash landed at Rome's Ciampino airport after a 'huge number' of birds were sucked into its engines. Two cabin crew and eight passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries after the Boeing 737-800 slammed into the runway, sliding to a halt. Ryanair claimed flight FR4102 from Frankfurt had suffered 'multiple bird strikes' in both engines as it approached Ciampino airport. An Italian tourist has told how he desperately tried and failed to rescue his friend from the jaws of a tiger shark while the pair holidayed in Egypt. Gianluca Di Gioia, 48, from Rome, had been snorkeling at a beach located in front of the glamorous Red Sea Sataya Resort on the coast of Marsa Alam, before the attack. The tourist, who worked at the European External Action Service, the diplomatic service of the European Union, was in the sea alongside his friend Giuseppe Fappani, 69, as they celebrated Di Gioia's recent birthday. But the trip took a horrific turn when the pair were approached by a tiger shark in the Egyptian waters, while they swam just 50metres from the beach in an area where the resort's jetty allows tourists to access beyond the coral reef. Speaking to Corriere Della Sera, Fappani's wife recalled the brutal attack after she helplessly watched it unfold from a nearby pier. She said she saw her husband, who she calls Peppino, swim towards Di Gioia in a desperate bid to scare away the shark before he was bitten on the arms and legs. In a stunning moment, Fappani reportedly managed to push the beast away for a brief moment before it furiously made its return. From the shore, as soon as she saw the pair in danger, Di Gioia's wife, Laurence, who was also watching on in horror from the pier, 'shouted for help and a dinghy left the beach'. EU official Gianluca Di Gioia is the victim of a shark attack in Marsa Alam on the Red Sea The tragic incident took place at a beach in front of the Sataya Resort - one of the most glamorous on the coast of Marsa Alam, on the Red Sea Di Gioia was in the sea alongside his friend Giuseppe Fappani, 69, pictured left. His wife, pictured right, recalled the brutal attack to Italian media Your browser does not support iframes. According to Fappani's wife, for a moment, there was a glimmer of hope that the men would make it back to shore with non-life threatening injuries as they scrambled to swim back to the pier. But only Fappani would make it back to the beachfront as Di Gioia was snapped up by the jaws of the predator as his wife remained helpless from the pier. The Italian tourist's injuries to his arms and legs were so severe, it was not known whether he would survive the attack. The pair were then rushed to a hospital in Port Ghalib where Di Gioia tragically passed away, and Fappani has since been discharged. The victim's wife and son, who was also present at the resort, were placed under the care of tour operator Alpitour, and the Italian embassy, to receive the necessary support. Egyptian authorities have now opened an investigation into the 'anomalous' incident, with the while the Ministry of the Environment and the Red Sea Governorate begin a series of investigations to reconstruct what happened. The attack - according to The Quasir Prosecutor's Office - occurred 'in deep waters outside the bathing area', that is, beyond the coral reef, which should prevent or at least make it more difficult for sharks to access the area near the beach. 'Such incidents usually occur in spring or summer,' said one of the local authorities following the case, emphasising the rarity of a shark attack this season. Following the shocking incident, authorities have closed the pier and the stretch of sea where the EU diplomat was killed. The 48-year-old from Rome lost his life when a tiger shark mauled him at a luxury Egyptian resort, just days after he celebrated his birthday Di Gioia was reportedly attacked by a tiger shark while he was snorkeling Di Gioia had been swimming just 50metres from the beach in an area where the resort's jetty allows tourists to access beyond the coral reef The Italian tourist's injuries to his arms and legs were so severe, it was not known whether he would survive the attack Egyptian authorities have now opened an investigation into the 'anomalous' incident It is now also likely that the Rome Prosecutor's Office will also open an investigation, and according to Corriere Della Sera, that Fappani may also be questioned by the Carabinieri. Di Gioia was originally from Rome, but had been living in France where he worked for the European External Action Service (EEAS) of the EU for twelve years. He had arrived in Marsa Alam on December 11 to celebrate his birthday - December 21 - with his wife and several family members and friends. According to local reports, he had been planning to stay in Egypt until the New Year before the attack. The Red Sea is a major tourist destination whose marine life make it popular with divers and Marsa Alam is an Egyptian coastal town known for its coral reefs and beaches. Deadly shark attacks are a near-yearly occurrence in Egypt's Red Sea, where marine experts warn unregulated construction, overfishing, and irresponsible tourism practices contribute to changing the ecosystem and shark behaviour. There have been four fatal shark attacks in the Red Sea over the last 10 years, according to data collected by the Shark Research Institute, cited by the BBC. The last similar incident was in June 2023 when a tiger shark killed a 23-year-old Russian national in Hurghada, another coastal city on the Red Sea north of Marsa Alam. Vladimir Popov, 23, was circled by the 'meat grinder' tiger shark before he was dragged underwater, as he screamed out: 'Papa, save me!' Holidaymakers scrambled from the water as horrified onlookers called out to Vladimir to swim away from the shark before he was mauled to death. The tiger shark was then caught and dragged to land by boat before it was clubbed to death on the beach 'in revenge'. Four people also died when a boat capsized in a separate incident in November. The vessel hit trouble near Marsa Alam as it ferried tourists on a diving trip. A 'star graduate' who plummeted to his death at a popular river had spoken only weeks earlier about how school had turned his life around. Manaia Tither-Asiata, 18, fell about 15m down an embankment at the Coomera River on the Gold Coast on Sunday night. The apprentice barber and musician was treated at the scene by paramedics as distraught family and friends helplessly watched on but could not be revived. He recently graduated from Men of Business Academy, a school for years 11 and 12 designed to help disadvantaged boys finish their education and turn troubled lives around. The school is run by 2024 Australian of the Year for Queensland Marco Renai, who led the outpouring of tributes to his recent graduate. 'He was an angel that was taken from us too early,' Mr Renai told the ABC. 'He was a leader, and he inspired not only our boys, but our community, our teachers, our staff he was just so special. 'All loss is hard but this one has absolutely cut deeply.' Gold Coast teen Manaia Tither-Asiata (pictured) fell 15m down an embankment at the Coomera River on Sunday The teen suffered head, chest and pelvic injuries on the banks of the river in Maudsland, near Riverbreeze Crescent. At the embankment's location, there is both a rope swing for jumping into the river and another rope to use climbing back up the bank. It remains unclear whether Mr Tither-Asiata was playing on the rope swing or if he trying to climb the embankment when tragedy struck, the Courier-Mail reported. As well as being a great student, the teen also raised vital funds for his school. 'That's the type of human he was. He would do anything for anyone and supported everybody's growth,' Mr Renai said. 'I don't even know how to explain that you just saw so much about to happen in his journey, and so much life changed, not just for him, but for everyone around him.' At his graduation ceremony last month, Mr Tither-Asiata said while he was happy to have completed the course, 'it will leave a sour taste, having to move on from this wonderful place'. As the star pupil, he was named the 2024 'MOBster of the Year' by the secondary college. 'I want to thank every staff member that walks these hallways and makes this place more than just a place. Over these two years I've grown in ways I couldn't have fathomed,' he told attendees as Mr Renai proudly watched on metres away. Men of Business Academy founder Marco Renai (left) described the recent graduate (right) as an angel and a leader 'I learnt not only about myself, but the people around me. I can stand here today and say that there hasn't been a day passed by that I haven't loved'. He said that he and many of the other students had developed strong bonds 'with the teachers, the mentor and also each other'. 'I've gained more in these halls than I have anywhere else on the planet ... I am a part of MOB and MOB is a part of me.' Mr Tither-Asiata said he didn't have 'much direction' when he started as the school as a 16-year-old, but had loved learning since then. 'MOB is not just a school. We do learn, but I found MOB to be my rock ... I can freely express myself and actually be heard,' he said. 'This place will forever have a place in my heart ... thank you for supporting us all in our dreams.' An emotional Mr Renai was seen wiping back tears during the speech and shared a warm embrace with his star student on stage afterwards. The teen suffered head, chest and pelvic injuries from the accident on the banks of the Coomera River (pictured) As flowers were left at the scene of the tragedy on Monday, friends of Mr Tither-Asiata shared their grief and a fundraiser was set up for his family. Friend Virginia Baxter wrote on social media that Mr Tither-Asiata's sudden death was 'so very sad'. 'I don't even know how to explain that you just saw so much about to happen in his journey, and so much life changed, not just for him, but for everyone around him,' she wrote. Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate expressed his sympathies to Mr Tither-Asiata's family on Monday. 'It's devastating when a young life is lost,' he said. 'What I understand is he's off a swing rope and he hit the bank and basically didn't recover. 'Our procedure is that it will be totally investigated, and the rope has got to come down. 'The city administration proactively removes rope swings in public spaces when we become aware of them.' Britons are flocking to Australia in huge numbers to earn an income while enjoying the famously laid-back Aussie lifestyle. Nearly 50,000 Brits arrived Down Under on working holiday visas this year out of more than 200,000 applicants overall, a new record high. The spike in 'Poms' heading Down Under has been boosted by a loosening of visa rules which raised the cut-off age for UK applicants from 30 to 35, allowed three-year stays and axed the requirement to carry out 88 days of farm work. While Brits tend to face a higher cost of living in Australia, they are attracted by the promise of higher salaries and a range of other benefits, from sunnier weather to a better work-life balance. Among those taking advantage is content creator Kody Egan, who moved to Australia in August with her partner, Joseph Horrocks. The couple, who are both 27 and previously lived in Atherton, Greater Manchester, now live in Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Despite only planning to stay in Australia for a short time, they now want to make a new life there. 'We wanted a new challenge and to try something new after coming for a month of travelling the year before,' Ms Egan told MailOnline. 'We saved up and made the plunge - mostly to experience more of an outdoor lifestyle including the beach, surfing, hiking and all the amazing nature. 'It's a big change and we'd recommend doing what we did and come for a holiday first. We had no intention of living here at first, but wanted to after experiencing the people and the lifestyle! We're so grateful for the Aussies, they're great.' Kody Egan moved to Australia in August with her partner, Joseph Horrocks. They previously lived in Atherton, Greater Manchester Despite only planning to stay in Australia for a short time, the couple now want to make a new life there Your browser does not support iframes. Life in Aus doesn't come cheap, with the average person paying A$2,715 (1,344) per month on rent compared to 1223 in the UK. Groceries are also more expensive, with researchers at Edith Cowan University pricing a trolley of supermarket goods at 160 ($324) compared to 140 in the UK. However, salaries are higher in the 'Lucky Country', averaging $100,000 (49,480) compared to 37,430 in Britain. Despite loving the Aussie lifestyle, Ms Egan - who runs YouTube account Eat Venture Vlogs - warned that the cost of housing was an issue. 'Like in the UK there's a housing crisis here, so rentals are really expensive - as are living costs in general. So it's important to factor that in when budgeting for a move,' she explained. 'Coming over to live and work is very different from the holiday but we really are enjoying the experience. We're big nature lovers so seeing all the new species of plants, birds etc has been incredible. 'We started our YouTube vlog so our family and friends could see what we got up too daily as some of them really missed us when we left, but we've since reached a much bigger audience and the vlog is growing every day.' Emily Brady, a 25-year-old nurse, headed Down Under last December with her 29-year-old partner Harry Bridges, a motor mechanic. They quickly found well-paying jobs in Kalgoorlie, a mining city 370 miles east of Perth in Western Australia. Despite loving the Aussie lifestyle, Ms Egan - who runs YouTube account Eat Venture Vlogs - warned that the cost of housing was an issue YouTuber Ms Egan loves the outdoor lifestyle that's on offer Down Under Ms Brady, who previously worked on a paediatric oncology ward in Wales, now earns up to three times more than she did in the UK. 'While I loved the job, it was very underfunded, very short staffed and you could work as many hours as you wanted but you weren't really given any recognition for that,' she told The Times. 'And I felt like it was just always an uphill battle. It was really exhausting. So I wanted to try nursing over in Australia where it was meant to be one of the best places in the world for nursing.' The nurse said she particularly valued the better working conditions in Australia, adding that she and her partner now plan to stay and have children in the country. While many newcomers have adapted well to life Down Under, others have been less positive. Earlier this year, Londoner Owen Willis took to social media to declare he was 'de-influencing' fellow Brits by sharing his experience of living away from home. 'Australia isn't going to solve all your problems,' he said in a video. 'I'm not saying the UK is perfect but my idea of Australia in my head was this utopian paradise.' Mr Willis, who said he lived in Australia in 2022 before returning to the UK, claimed 'casual racism' was a problem in the country. A different perspective: Earlier this year, Londoner Owen Willis took to social media to declare he was 'de-influencing' fellow Brits by sharing his experience of living away from home Mr Willis, who said he lived in Australia in 2022 before returning to the UK, claimed 'casual racism' was a problem in the country 'I lived in so many places in Australia I feel like I have a round enough view to categorise the whole country as a racist country,' he said. The TikToker claimed that racism was less of an issue in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne but claimed that in Queensland he was 'shocked by what people would say to me'. His views prompted a backlash in Australians, who branded him a 'whingeing Pom' - a popular epithet for Brits who criticise the country. There were 213,400 people on working holidaymaker visas in Australia at the end of November - 72,300 more than before Covid. Out of these, 47,000 were Brits, alongside 23,700 from France, 21,8000 from Ireland, 14,800 were from Japan, 13,400 from Taiwan, 13,200 from Italy and 12,700 from South Korea. 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. The ruling Labor party had aimed for a net overseas migration intake of 395,000 during the last financial year, down from a record 528,000 previously. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Abul Rizvi, a former deputy secretary at the Department of Immigration, estimated 450,000 to 475,000 people were likely to have moved to Australia in 2023-24. Meanwhile, government estimates this month showed 340,000 migrants arriving in Australia over the financial year 2024-25 - significantly higher than the 260,000 forecast. 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.' Hailed as 'space-age' technology upon their launch in Britain in 1979, 'bar-coding' was praised as a wonderful invention that would speed up the weekly shop. But 50 years after being first used on teabags in Spalding, Lincolnshire, barcodes are now set to become obsolete as they disappear in favour of modern QR codes. GS1, an global non-profit group that oversees the world's barcodes, has revealed they will be replaced by a new square version that can store far more information. Barcodes were invented in the late 1940s by US science graduates Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver, but did not appear in stores for another three decades. Mr Woodland served in the US military during the Second World War as a technical assistant with the Manhattan Project, which produced the world's first atomic bombs. Then in 1948 the friends - students at Drexel University in Philadelphia - overheard a discussion between the dean of engineering and a supermarket executive. The executive wanted the engineering department to come up with a system to improve efficiency by automatically capturing product details at the point of sale. Despite the dean turning down this request, the students began coming up with ideas - with their first concept being printing information in fluorescent ink which could then be read with ultraviolet light, but it soon became clear this was unworkable. Barcodes arrived in the UK in 1979 and are seen being used at Keymarkets store in Spalding Customers queue at at Tesco store in London in 1979, the year the barcode was introduced The Daily Mail reported on the invention with an article in Money Mail on September 26, 1979 Mr Woodland then realised he would need a code to represent the information visually, just like the Morse code he learned while with the Boy Scouts. And in 1949 he drew the first barcode in the sand of Miami Beach in Florida working out that visually representing dots and dashes would solve the problem. Speaking to Smithsonian magazine in 1999, Mr Woodland explained: 'What I'm going to tell you sounds like a fairy tale. I poked my four fingers into the sand and for whatever reason - I didn't know - I pulled my hand toward me and drew four lines. 'I said: 'Golly! Now I have four lines, and they could be wide lines and narrow lines instead of dots and dashes.' He then developed the concept for a 2D linear Morse code and shared the idea with Mr Silver, with the duo applying for a patent in October 1949 entitled 'Classifying Apparatus and Method', which was awarded three years later. This covered both linear barcode and circular bullseye designs with Mr Woodland initially favouring the latter design, although it became too expensive and impractical because a 500W light would have been required to scan items. By 1951 Mr Woodland was working for IBM but could not convince the firm to take on their project and the friends eventually sold their patent to the Philadelphia Battery Company (Philco) for $15,000 (12,000). A customer at a Keymarkets checkout in Hockley, Essex, in 1970 - before barcodes came in Shoppers at a SavaCentre store in London in 1998, a supermarket run by Sainsbury's and BHS Traditional barcodes hold only seven pieces of very basic information a product's name, manufacturer, type, size, weight, colour and, crucially, price (file picture) Philco then sold it to the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) in 1952 who attempt to progress the technology during the 1960s and eventually found interest from the National Association of Food Chains. They formed a group to develop a 'Uniform Grocery Product Code', and IBM then regained their interest and got Mr Woodland to develop what became known as the 'Universal Product Code' or UPC. But it also needed the introduction of the first commercial microprocessor from Intel in 1971, which finally made in-store barcode technology workable. The now well-known design of thick and thin lines was created by IBM worker George Laurer and selected by industry leaders in April 1973. And the first product scanned at a checkout using this design was a packet of Wrigley's chewing gum sold at a Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio, on June 26, 1974. Five years later, the barcode first appeared in the UK on a box of Melrose tea bags at a Keymarkets supermarket in Spalding, Lincolnshire, on October 3, 1979. A week before its launch, the Daily Mail reported on the invention with an article on September 26, 1979 with the headline 'High-speed shopping'. Norman Joseph Woodland (above) and Bernard Silver filed a patent for the barcode in 1949 The first item marked with the Universal Product Code (UPC) was scanned at the checkout of a Marsh supermarket in Troy, Ohio, on June 26, 1974 The journalist, Janice Allen, wrote in the Money Mail section of the newspaper: 'Supermarket checkout queues should be a thing of the past from next Wednesday for shoppers in the tulip town of Spalding, Lincolnshire. 'With the help of an IBM computer, laser beams and an international code labelling system, the Keymarkets Superstore just outside the town intends to provide worthwhile benefits the shopper as well as the store manager, with a new space-age checkout system.' The author had visited a supermarket near Munich to see the technology in auction and said: 'The speed at which the girls on the checkouts were able to pass shopping through is much faster than the traditional methods used by British supermarkets. 'Each girl turns over about 6,000-worth of shopping a day - with the average customer spending about 80 on 50 or 60 items. The key to the swift operation Is that 90 per cent of the store's goods are labelled with either one or two versions of International bar codes which can be read instantly by the laser scanner (prices are shown on the supermarket shelves.' The journalist added that it took 15 minutes for the average customer to checkout with 50 to 60 items and be given their bill and change, but this had now been cut to five minutes. She continued: 'What is so special about the Keymarket innovation is that by means of a bar-code labelling system for the store's goods and the installation of a laser scanner on the surface of the checkout desk, the checkout girl simply passes the goods over the scanner without having to key-in the articles' prices on the till. Norman Joseph Woodland developed the barcode concept and applied for a patent in October 1949 entitled 'Classifying Apparatus and Method', which was awarded three years later The patent covered both linear barcode and circular bullseye designs with Mr Woodland initially favouring the latter design, although it became too expensive and impractical 'The scanner registers which goods have been bought (identified by the bar code) with the central computer, which instantly registers their current prices and prints out a detailed receipt for the customer showing a description of each purchase and its price - right there at the cash desk. This scanning system can reduce check-out times quite dramatically.' Since then, GS1 has registered barcodes for more than 200million products around the world. Traditional barcodes hold only seven pieces of very basic information a product's name, manufacturer, type, size, weight, colour and, crucially, price. When scanned at the till, the number on the barcode is matched to an enormous database of products to ensure customers are charged correctly. Though basic by today's standards, no two barcodes are the same and the lines could be rearranged to register up to ten trillion different products. However QR codes contain much more information, such as ingredients, allergens and even recipe suggestions, that can be accessed by consumers via smartphones. Anne Godfrey, chief executive of GS1 UK, said almost half of British retailers have already updated their tills to accommodate the new QR 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. Shoppers make their way through an Asda supermarket in Sheffield 2007 Tesco supermarket checkout staff are pictured scanning products at a store in 2004 '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.' GS1's new QR codes are being tested in 48 countries, including at Morrisons in the UK. Many leading brands including PepsiCo, Proctor & Gamble, L'Oreal, Amazon and US grocery giant Walmart are already on board and a full international roll-out is expected to be complete by 2027. Mrs Godrey added: '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.' 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. A desperate search is underway for a British dad who vanished on holiday in Tenerife just days after he FaceTimed his family. Paul Wrigglesworth, 60, was last heard from on December 16 when he made a video call from the Big Ben pub in Avenida Juan Carlos. The father's mobile phone has mysteriously been offline since December 22, with his family members, including his son Mark, now concerned that he could be sleeping rough on the beach or in caves. Wrigglesworth arrived on the party island at the end of November and has now been reported missing. 'Anyone with any news about my dad, good or bad, please get in touch,' Mark said. Following the disappearance, an appeal has also been launched by local missing persons Facebook group, Missing Persons Tenerife. The appeal, posted on December 29, reads: 'British tourist Paul Wrigglesworth, who is 60, has been missing from Los Cristianos since around 16th December 2024 when he was last in contact with his family by Facetime from the Big Ben pub in Avenida Juan Carlos 1. 'He arrived in Tenerife around the end of November. His phone has been offline since before 22nd December, and he has said that he no longer has his passport. Paul Wrigglesworth, 60, was last heard from on December 16 when he made a FaceTime call to his family The father made the video call from The Big Ben Pub in Avenida Juan Carlos Following the disappearance, an appeal has also been launched by local missing persons Facebook group, Missing Persons Tenerife 'Paul may be in a vulnerable situation and sleeping rough, possibly on a beach or in caves. 'If you believe you have seen him, you can contact Missing Persons Tenerife by Messenger or email us on enquiries@Missingpersonstenerife.com'. MailOnline has approached the Foreign Office for comment. It comes after a British electrician went missing in Tenerife for four days last month after his phone battery died. Kris Finney, from Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester, jetted off to the Canary Island to meet up with friends but never made it to the gathering. Luckily, four days later, Finney was found safe after the FCDO liaised with local police in Tenerife and the British Consulate contacted various hospitals on the island. Earlier this year, British teen Jay Slater also disappeared in Tenerife in June after trying to walk back to his accommodation following a music festival in Playa De Las Americas. A month-long search involving police, mountain rescue teams, volunteers, and Slater's family and friends took place as authorities scrambled to locate him. But tragically, Slater's body was found by a Spanish Civil Guard mountain rescue team in a ravine near the village of Masca on July 15. Officials said his death was caused by trauma consistent with a fall. A monstrous couple who tortured their adopted children, including confining them in a basement 'dungeon,' has been given a significantly lighter sentence after accepting a plea deal. Charles Edmonson, 64, and his wife, Matthew Edmonson, 50, pleaded guilty on December 27 to multiple charges related to the abuse of five young boys - four of whom had special needs. Matthew Edmonson admitted to five counts of child endangering, while her husband Charles pleaded guilty to kidnapping, felonious assault, and three counts of child endangering. The pair were each handed reduced sentences by Judge Richard Ferenc in Clermont County, Ohio, for the abuse they inflicted on the boys, who are biological siblings. The children aged 13, 11, and a set of eight-year-old triplets had been adopted by the Edmonsons. Initially, the couple faced potential sentences that could total more than 200 years in prison. However, as part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop 48 charges against Charles Edmonson and 44 charges against Matthew Edmonson, leading to reduced sentences, as reported by NeedToKnow. Charles was sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Matthew received 13 years. The plea deal also eliminated the possibility of a life sentence for Charles. Pictured: Charles Edmonson, 64, who received 15 years in prison for the abuse of his five young adopted sons Pictured: Matthew Edmonson, 50, who received 13 years in prison for the abuse of her five young adopted sons Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney, Mark J. Tekulve, described the treatment of the five sons as 'worse than prisoners of war,' referencing disturbing video footage of the children locked in a basement room. The children, undernourished and stripped of basic human dignity, were filmed huddling together on a cold basement floor, trying to stay warm. Tekulve described the footage as 'nothing short of gut-wrenching' and emphasised the severity of the couple's actions. He said: 'These two are unfit to be parents, and I am grateful to those who have worked tirelessly to make sure they will not be. '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."' 'The monstrous acts they were subjected to will no longer be a barrier to their development.' Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney, Mark J. Tekulve, described the treatment of the five sons as 'worse than prisoners of war,' referencing disturbing video footage of the children locked in a basement room (pictured: the Edmonsons' family home) In addition to their own sentencing, the Edmonsons' biological son, Bailey (pictured), was also sentenced to two years of probation 'While they will likely need mental health intervention the rest of their lives, physically and emotionally, they are flourishing.' In addition to their own sentencing, the Edmonsons' biological son, Bailey, was also sentenced. He pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of child endangering and received two years of probation. The Edmonsons were first accused of child abuse in June 2024, after a separate case involving Charles, which led to his three-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting another one of his adopted sons. It comes as two Georgia men, who were convicted in the sickening sex abuse of their two adopted sons, are headed to prison for the rest of their lives. A judge decided that married gay couple William and Zachary Zulock - once darlings of the LGBTQ scene in Georgia - will each serve 100 years in prison for sodomizing their young sons, recording the sex acts and providing videos of the abuse to other pedophiles, 11Alive reported. A mystery Christmas Cake poisoning which ended with the deaths of three members of the same family could be linked to a power cut, police have admitted. Zeli dos Anjos, 61, prepared the traditional 'Bolo de Natal' festive treat for a family meal on December 23 in the southern Brazilian city of Torres. She was one of six family members including a 10-year-old child who ended up in hospital with food poisoning. Her sisters Maida, 58, Neuza, 65, and Neuza's daughter Tatiana, 43, all died shortly after eating the cake. Traces of the toxic metal arsenic were found in the victims' bodies, although further tests are ongoing. In the wake of the Christmas horror it emerged Zeli's husband had died from suspected food poisoning in September. The death was not deemed suspicious at the time but detectives have confirmed Paulo Luiz's body will now be exhumed so a proper post mortem can take place. Torres-based police chief Marcos Vinicius Veloso said earlier this week of the Christmas drama: '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.' Zeli dos Anjos (pictured) prepared the traditional 'Bolo de Natal' festive treat for a family meal on December 23 Detectives have confirmed Paulo Luiz's (pictured) body will now be exhumed so a proper post mortem can take place Anjos made the cake (pictured) on December 23 in the southern Brazilian city of Torres Overnight he revealed detectives were studying the possibility bacteria-ridden currants and other spoiled foods used as a cake topping after a power-cut could be linked to the fatal poisonings. Zeli, who has spoken briefly to cops from her hospital bed, is said to have prepared the Christmas cake at a house in the beach resort of Arroio do Sal a 35-minute drive south of Torres she used as a holiday home but had not visited for a while because she had been living at her main home in Canoas a two-hour drive inland. The family ate the suspect cake in an apartment in Torres where Maida lived with her husband. Mr Veloso revealed overnight: 'Zeli had spent some time away from her place in Arroio do Sal and when she returned to it she found the fridge off because from the inquiries we've been able to make, it appears there'd been some sort of power cut there. 'When she went into the property there was an unbearable smell. 'Some of the things in the fridge, perishable foods like meat, were thrown away. 'But other items were re-used. 'What we're trying to confirm is that some of those items, like currants and other crystallised fruit, could have been used in the cake a month later.' 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 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 Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos, 43, pictured, died following having the Christmas cake on December 23 It's believed Zeli, pictured, has spoken to detectives from her hospital bed. She has not been arrested or charged with any offence The police chief has previously been quoted as saying: '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.' Arsenic can be found in seafood, rice, mushrooms and poultry although many other foods including some fruit juices can also contain it. Maida, a teacher, was the first to die. Her husband Jefferson, who also ate the cake, needed medical treatment but his symptoms were described as 'minor.' He has told Brazilian media no-one in the family thinks Zeli had any intention of harming her relatives. She is expected to be questioned again once she leaves hospital. Her current condition in hospital has been described as 'stable.' Hundreds of pubs shut their door for good last year as the fate of the Great British boozer lies in peril. Fewer than 39,000 pubs now exist in England and Wales, meaning there are fewer watering holes than ever before. The dwindling toll means 'pub deserts' are starting to open up across the countries, with MailOnline's interactive map laying bare the reality. Analysts fear Labour's purse-tightening will accelerate the decline as pubs battle to stay afloat. Number-crunching by MailOnline shows there is now one pub for every 600 punters in the biggest deserts. By contrast, there is one for every nine in the best-served neighbourhoods. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Numbers from the Government's Valuation Office Agency and analysed by property consultancy firm Altus Group show around 34 pubs across England and Wales shut their doors every month in 2024. This was up seven per cent on 2023 levels. Pubs which have 'vanished' from the communities that they once served have either been demolished and/or converted into other types of use such as homes, offices or even day nurseries. A total of 2,074 have been lost for good in just the last five years. The numbers show that the City of London and the other 32 boroughs lost the most (55), bringing the number for the capital down to 3,470. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), which represents major brewers including Greene King, Molson Coors and Heineken UK, as well as 20,000 pubs across the country, said urgent action is needed. She said: 'Brewers and pubs pour billions into the economy and support more than a million jobs. 'So we know that closures can have a disastrous impact for both the nations coffers and the job market.' She added that the Government needs to 'swiftly deliver permanent and meaningful business rate reforms'. Alex Probyn, from Altus Group, added: 'Many publicans that I speak to are extremely worried that this could be their last Christmas.' From April, pub operators face additional hikes in costs because of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget. Employer national insurance contributions will be hiked by 1.2 per cent to 15 per cent. Ms Reeves cut the earnings threshold the amount workers must earn before their employers pay national insurance from 9,100 to 5,000. Increases to the minimum wage and business rates discount being slashed from 75 per cent to 40 per cent are also set to pile misery on pubs. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Currently, the average pub makes just 12p a pint, BBPA figures show. Yet this could reduce even further, publicans fear. Mr Probyn said: 'Many pubs simply will no longer be viable, making plots even more attractive for alternative investment.' Across the 319 authorities in England and Wales, the average number of pubs per 100,000 people is 67 or roughly one pub for every 1,500 people. The lowest number is 9.4 pubs per 100,000, found in the London borough of Harrow. At the other end, the City of London unsurprisingly tops the list. With a population of only around 1,000 people but 80 pubs, it boasts a ratio of 594 pubs per 100,000 people. The Isles of Scilly, with just six inns, maintains a ratio of over 269 pubs per 100,000, with the Derbyshire Dales (184.54) and Westminster (168.79) following closely behind. In Wales, the rural landscapes of Powys, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion all rank highly for their low population, high pub count. On a geographical basis, North Yorkshire has nearly one km2 of pub space across the whole local authority. Somerset (0.78 km2) and Wiltshire (0.67 km2) follow closely behind. The Isles of Scilly carries the smallest amount of pub space, at just 0.01 km2. In fact, the crown of the most isolated pub in England belongs to the Turk's Head on St Agnes, one of the Scilly Isles. The next nearest boozer is approximately 28 miles away. By contrast, Oldham is still overflowing with pubs. According to research from data consultancy Datacity, the Northern town has around 13 in just under half a square mile. Recent MailOnline analysis showed that almost one in 40 pubs across England and Wales failed their latest food hygiene inspection. According to the data, Birmingham had the greatest number of substandard bars and restaurants in the country with 26 failing to reach the appropriate food safety level, followed by Cornwall, Powys and Wiltshire. Ealing in West London is the worst in the capital with 15 bars and restaurants failing to meet the appropriate standard. Calls to bring back the minister for pubs role in recent years have fallen on deaf ears. The UKs first elected representative serving your local was elected in 2010 and the position ran until 2017, when Conservative MP Jake Berry headed the role. There is currently a minister for hospitality, Gareth Thomas, who also deals with restaurants, cafes and the wider sector. Vladimir Putin admitted Saturday Russian air defence was working when an Azerbaijani Airlines plane tried to land in Grozny before crashing, breaking the Kremlin's silence as speculation mounted Russia may have accidentally shot the plane. The Russian leader called his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, apologising the incident took place in Russian airspace, while stopping short of saying Russian air defence shot the plane. Baku, meanwhile, said Aliyev had "emphasised" to Putin that the plane was hit by outside interference over Russia, saying it wanted those responsible "held accountable." The phone call between the allies came three days after the Embraer 190 plane flying from Baku to Grozny crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people of 67 onboard. Western experts have pointed the finger at Russia, while the US said it had "early indications" the plane was shot. Putin told Aliyev the plane had tried to land in Grozny "several times." "During this time, Grozny, (the town of) Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian combat drones and Russian air defence was repelling these attacks," Putin said, according to a Kremlin transcript. It added that: "Vladimir Putin had presented his apologies that the tragic incident happened in Russia's air space and again expressed his deep and genuine condolences to the families of the dead, wishing a quick recovery to those affected." But Aliyev appeared in no doubt that the plane was shot at over Russia. "President Ilham Aliyev emphasised that the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane encountered external physical and technical interference while in Russian airspace, resulting in a complete loss of control," Baku's presidency said in a statement. It added Aliyev "highlighted that the multiple holes in the aircraft's fuselage, injuries sustained by passengers and crew due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight, and testimonies from surviving flight attendants and passengers confirm evidence of external physical and technical interference." Survivors have told the media about hearing an "explosion" as the plane attempted to land. Aliyev's office said Baku wanted an investigation "ensuring those responsible are held accountable." Speculation has swirled for days, with the US weighing in Friday. Its White House spokesman John Kirby said Washington had "early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air defence systems." Putin's phone call came after the Kremlin had earlier said it would be "inappropriate" to comment on the speculations. Moscow also said it will work with an investigation by Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. While some in Azerbaijan -- a Russian ally -- have called for an apology from Moscow, Kazakhstan, one of Moscow's main allies, has not pointed the finger at Russia. Russian officials had earlier said that Ukrainian drones were attacking Grozny that day. Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said he also spoke to Aliyev on Saturday, saying the footage of the plane make it looks "very much like an air defence missile strike." "The key priority now is a thorough investigation that will answer all questions about what really happened. Russia must provide clear explanations and stop spreading disinformation," Zelensky said on social media. The EU, meanwhile, urged a "swift, independent international investigation." Its top diplomat Kaja Kallas said the crash was a "stark reminder" of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which international investigations said was downed by a surface-to-air missile by Russian-backed rebels over eastern Ukraine in 2014. A series of airlines have this week began cancelling flights to Russia after the incident, including national carriers of Moscow's allies. The vast majority of Western airlines have stopped flights to Russia since Moscow launched its Ukraine offensive. Turkmenistan Airlines -- the national carrier of the reclusive Central Asian state -- was the latest airline to announce cancellations Saturday. It said that "regular flights between Ashgabat-Moscow-Ashgabat were cancelled from 30/12/2024 to 31/01/2025," without giving an explanation. The decision came after UAE airline flydubai suspended flights between Dubai and the southern Russian cities of Mineralnye Vody and Sochi that were scheduled between December 27 and January 3. Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air has suspended its flights to Russia's Urals city of Yekaterinburg until the end of January. Earlier this week, Israeli airline El Al said it was suspending its flights to Moscow for a week. Bali Nine drug smuggler Scott Rush has learned his fate in relation to a string of crimes committed 20 years ago, just days after he was released from a lengthy stint in an Indonesian jail and returned home. Supported by his parents Lee and Christine, Rush appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday to face historical charges which occurred prior to his 2005 arrest at Bali Airport. The now 39-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, receiving tainted property and entering premises, all committed when he was 19, the Courier Mail reported. Realising he would eventually have to face the music for the crimes committed in Australia, Rush handed himself in to Queensland Police on Monday morning. Magistrate Patricia Kirkman-Scroope initially wondered why a man facing 20-year-old charges was appearing in a court that deals with overnight arrests. 'I thought the name was familiar but I didn't make the connection,' she remarked. The court heard that Rush wished to put his past behind him and make a worthwhile contribution to society. His solicitor Terry Fisher added his client received intensive counselling and completed self-improvement courses during his 19-year prison stint in Indonesia. Scott Rush (centre) is pictured with his parents Christine and Lee at Bali Police Headquarters on February 14, 2006 'Clearly, over a period of 20 years, you have plenty of time to do that. He has insight and remorse into his previous conduct, and what he's committed to now is to being reintegrated into Australian society,' Mr Fisher told the court. Rush pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft from homes across Brisbane, where he stole cash, a hearing aid, a Nintendo GameBoy, Nokia mobile phones and jewellery in March 2005. He also pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a Toyota sedan that month, to twice defrauding Cash Converters in late 2004, and to receiving stolen property and failing to appear in court in April 2005. The court heard that Rush committed most of the crimes while he was subject to suspended sentences ranging from one month to two months' jail, issued in January 2005. He was a drug addict at the time, which months later led to him being arrested in Bali and spending almost two decades in jail, the court heard. Scott Rush is pictured in a holding cell at Bali Police Headquarters on April 21, 2005 Mr Fisher also spoke about how Lee Rush's attempt to help his drug-addicted son unintentionally led to him being jailed in Indonesia and facing the death penalty. Mr Rush told the Australian Federal Police that he was suspicious of what his son was doing, and the police promised him to tell the then teenager he was under surveillance, to stop him getting involved 'What happened was they didn't do that. And before he left for Indonesia, the AFP tipped off Indonesian authorities to the Australians being there, knowing full well it was a death-penalty sentence,' Mr Fisher explained. Mr Fisher asked the court if Rush couldbe convicted but not sentenced, noting the two decades he had spent in jail already. The police prosecutor Matthew Bach agreed with the submission and Ms Kirkman-Scroope convicted Rush for 13 offences, but did not further punish him. Two weeks after arriving home to Australia, after 20 years in an Indonesian jail, Bali Nine drug smuggler Scott Rush (pictured centre, in green short) was in court in Brisbane on Monday The operation period of his suspended sentences from 2005 were extended by two months. 'All right, thank you Mr Rush, all the best with your future endeavours,' the magistrate said. 'Thank you your honour,' Rush replied. Outside court, Mr Rush expressed his relief about his son being home. Rush didn't speak but gave a thumbs-up when asked how it felt to be a free man. He was among five remaining Bali Nine prisoners transferred to Australia earlier this month after the federal government struck a deal with Indonesia. As well as Rush, Matthew Norman, Martin Stephens, Si Yi Chen and Michael Czugaj flew back to Australia on a commercial flight in a top secret mission following weeks of negotiations between the two nations. The development came after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese requested the transfer at a meeting with new Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto at the APEC Summit in November. Mr Subianto agreed to let the prisoners free on humanitarian grounds. Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, another of the Bali Nine drug mules who had collectively attempted to smuggle 8.7kg of heroin, died from stomach cancer behind bars in 2018. Chan and Sukumaran were executed in 2015, while Renae Lawrence was released after serving 13 years. A firefighter lost his young wife and newborn twins in a horrific triple tragedy that has rocked a Massachusetts community. Patrick Sullivan, 31, and his pregnant wife Ciara, 30, rushed to the hospital last week after she suffered a medical emergency in Rutland, about 12 miles northwest of Worcester. Their twins - a boy and a girl - were delivered prematurely via emergency C-section on December 16, which left them and Ciara in critical condition and life support. Ciara and her 11-day-old twins died on Saturday, authorities announced the following day. 'James Michael and Elizabeth Joanne passed away quietly and peacefully, alongside their loving mother, Ciara Joanne,' the Rutland Regional Emergency center said. 'Words cannot express the total devastation and unimaginable loss this tragedy has brought. 'Please keep Pat in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time he needs all the strength and support we can give him.' Sullivan also shared his own message on Facebook following the tragic deaths of his wife and twins. Firefighter Patrick Sullivan, 31, lost his wife Ciera, 30, as well as their newborn twins. They had married in 2022 The twins, James Michael and Elizabeth Joanne, died 11 days after their birth, alongside their young mother Ciara Sullivan's colleagues at the fire department lined up on the street to support him as he returned home following the deaths of his wife and twins 'Tonight has been horrible. James Michael and Elizabeth Joanne passed quietly and peacefully with their Mother Ciara Joanne,' Sullivan wrote. 'I cant explain the total and utter devastation, anger, rage, and loss I feel that this unnecessary tragedy has brought me.... 'I plan on taking the coming months to heal, if thats even possible.' Sullivan also thanked the loved ones, doctors and nurses who had made 'this nightmare a little more bearable.' By Sunday night, a GoFundMe for Sullivan had raised more than $130,000 of a $5,000 goal. Meanwhile dozens of people attended a vigil for the family on the Rutland Town Common last week, where Ciara was described as 'one of the kindest, most generous, and loving people youll ever meet.' Moreover, Sullivan's colleagues at the fire department lined up on the street to support him as he returned home following the deaths of his wife and twins. James Michael and Elizabeth Joanne passed away on Saturday after being born premature in an emergency C-section Ciara, seen looking at her ultrasound, was described as 'one of the kindest, most generous, and loving people youll ever meet' Sullivan was an emergency dispatch supervisor for the town of Rutland for more than 13 years, as reported by the Boston Globe. Ciara previously worked as a 911 dispatcher but was working an Emergency Management Specialist for FEMA at the time of her death. The Rutland Fire Department said it plans on holding a 5K race in April to honor the Sullivans. A man's body was recovered from the Channel near northern French port city Calais on Monday, prosecutors said, the day after three migrants were killed attempting to reach Britain. 'The victim is a black man aged around 30, yet to be identified at this stage,' said Patrick Leleu, deputy prosecutor in Boulogne-sur-Mer. He added that a passer-by had spotted the body in a 'good state of preservation' in the water from the beach at Sangatte, just west of Calais, meaning that 'the question of a link to this weekend's successful crossing arises'. The remains were found just over 1,650 feet from the scene of Sunday's deadly accident, Sangatte mayor Guy Allemand said. At least three were killed as a boat was setting off for Britain in the early morning, bringing the toll for 2024 to 76. Several groups of people had attempted to board an already-loaded inflatable 'small boat', according to Pas-de-Calais prefect Jacques Billant. The jostling and 'panicked movement' that followed left around 40 people in the water, while the overloaded vessel continued its journey. Three adult men were declared dead after being recovered by a navy helicopter just a few dozen metres from the shore. A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by the RNLI Dover Lifeboat following a small boat incident in the Channel on December 29 Migrants board a smuggler's inflatable dinghy in an attempt to cross the English Channel, on Bleriot beach in Sangatte, near Calais, northern France on October 30, 2024 The remains were found just over 500 metres (1,650 feet) from the scene of Sunday's deadly accident, Sangatte mayor Guy Allemand said Alongside these three men, a child is feared missing at sea. A large-scale rescue operation was launched on a beach in Sangatte, in northern France, after the first alert was raised at about 6.15am on Sunday Firefighters and law enforcement officers were deployed in vast numbers at the Tom Souville base. Authorities warned the death toll may rise, as investigations are carried out by prosecutors in Boulogne-sur-Mer and judicial police tried to locate those who provided the boats. About 50 migrants were taken into the care of French humanitarian charity Utopia 56, and ten people with severe hypothermia are being cared for by firefighters. Four individuals were taken to hospital. Three unconscious people were pulled from the water but could not be revived, despite efforts by medical teams. Many survivors reported seeing a child falling in to the sea, and there was no sign of the missing person by Sunday evening. Celestin Pichaud, coordinator of the Utopia 56 refugee charity, said: People on site immediately told us that a child had fallen into the water, but we had no information about a child being found. Your browser does not support iframes. Life jackets, buoys and an deflated inflatable boat are seen, as a P&O Ferry sails in the background, after a failed attempt by migrants to illegally cross the English Channel to reach Britain, on the beach of Sangatte, near Calais, northern France, on December 4, 2024. File photo Around 50 migrants have been taken into the care of French humanitarian charity Utopia 56, and ten people with severe hypothermia are being cared for by firefighters, BFM TV reported A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, from a Border Force vessel following a small boat incident in the Channel, on December 29, 2024 A French Navy helicopter was part of the rescue mission being carried out at the beach near Calais, with emergency workers positioned opposite the Fort Lapin campsite in the coastal commune. A France Bleu report, citing the Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea, stated too many people had attempted to climb into the small boat, in what was described as a 'chaotic boarding'. Several migrants suffered hypothermia in the extremely cold water while others didn't have life jackets and were unable to stay afloat. Two British Border Force vessels could also be seen mid-Channel, according to the Marine Traffic shipping website. The Typhoon and Volunteer ships as well as the Tacu - which retrieves migrant dinghies once people have been taken on board the catamarans - were in British waters in the middle of the Dover Straits. Charity worker Flore Judet said: 'A boat was supposed to set off with sixty people on board, but a group of fifty additional people tried to get on the boat. 'This created extreme panic, causing many to end up in the water.' Jacques Billant, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, said an overcrowded boat may have contributed to the tragedy. He told a news conference: 'There were more people attempting to board than the boat could hold.' A devastating fire at a popular backpacker hotel in Bangkok has claimed the lives of three foreigners, including an American tourist, and a young Brazilian doctor who was engaged just days before the tragic event. The fire broke out on the 5th floor of the six-story Ember Hotel near Bangkok's Khao San Road on the evening of December 29, at around 9.21 pm local time. Among the victims was Carolina Pimentel Canales de Albuquerque, a 24-year-old doctor from Brazil, who was on vacation with her fiance, Fernando Resurreicao, 26. The couple, who had recently gotten engaged just five days prior to the disaster, were staying at the hotel when the fire broke out. According to initial reports, Fernando managed to escape the blaze by jumping from a window but sustained a broken leg in the process. Tragically, Carolina did not survive the fire. The inferno, which quickly engulfed parts of the hotel, also claimed the lives of two other tourists: Freeman Timothy Jr., 35, an American, and Tuzov Victor, 27, from Ukraine. Both were pronounced dead at local hospitals, Vajira and Samitivej Chinatown, where they had been rushed after the incident. A devastating fire at a popular backpacker hotel in Bangkok has claimed the lives of three foreigners, including an American tourist, and a young Brazilian doctor (pictured with fiance). Among the victims was Carolina Pimentel Canales de Albuquerque (pictured), a 24-year-old doctor from Brazil, who was on vacation with her fiance, Fernando Resurreicao, 26, who survived the fire The fire broke out on the 5th floor of the six-story Ember Hotel near Bangkok's Khao San Road on the evening of December 29, at around 9.21 pm local time. Carolinas workplace, the Alagoas Doctors' Union, confirmed that the couple had planned to return to Brazil between December 29 and 30, making their untimely deaths even more heartbreaking. As news of the tragedy spread, messages of sympathy and support flooded Carolina's social media, with friends, family, and colleagues expressing their shock and grief. Vitor Nunes said, 'Rest in peace, very sad news,' while Cristina Oliveira added: 'My condolences to the family, may God receive you for eternal life.' Karla Neves said, 'My condolences. May God comfort the whole family,' as another commented: 'So beautiful, full of life, very sad. Go in peace and with our lady.' Khao San Road is a popular backpacker street in the Thai capital that's also known for its lively nightlife. Seventy-five people were staying at the Ember Hotel at the time of the fire. The inferno, which quickly engulfed parts of the hotel, also claimed the lives of two other tourists: Freeman Timothy Jr., 35, an American, and Tuzov Victor, 27, from Ukraine A police officer escorts tourists who were evacuated from the hotel A firefighter checks the broken widows at a hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 after a fire. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Policemen stand guard in front of a hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 after a fire. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Police forensics team arrive at a hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 after a fire. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Policemen stand guard after a hotel fire in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Sreekanth Kolamala, a 37-year-old Indian national who lives in Singapore and was in Thailand on vacation, witnessed the rescue operation and said that firefighters 'broke the glass over there to try to pull people out.' Sanga Ruangwattanakul, the president of the Khao San Road Business Association, stood outside The Ember Hotel on Monday, looking at the damage. He said 20,000 people were expected at a New Year's Eve countdown event on Tuesday night. 'Now everybodys scared about what happened and theyre scared it will affect the event tomorrow. But definitely theres no worry because we already had a meeting with the police station and we have over 150 police and district staff to cover on Khao San Road for security,' he said. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also emphasized the importance of safety following the incident, especially as New Year's Eve approaches, with fireworks and other celebrations planned across the city. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. A mother who failed to send six of her 17 children to school has effectively been deemed unpunishable - because she has so many kids. The single mother found it impossible to get her children to school because she ran out of time in the mornings. Four of her children are meant to go to a primary school but their attendance records were well below the 97 per cent expectation. The other two are older and refused to attend secondary school despite attempts by their mother to 'encourage, bribe and punish them'. Their attendance records fell to as low as 48 per cent. The 46-year-old mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken to court by her local authority for failing to ensure the six children attended school. It is the second time she has been prosecuted for the offence. Last year she was given a two-year conditional discharge which she breached with the new offences. Her defence lawyer argued that her client could not be sentenced to a community service order because 'adding a single thing to her daily schedule' would 'set her up to fail'. The woman was taken to court for failing to ensure six of her children attended school Ewa Russell added that she could not be fined as she is already in debt so cannot pay a financial penalty, especially with the Christmas period coming up. Parents who take their children out of school for a holiday are fined 80 per child, or 160 if they don't pay within 21 days, and can face a fine of up to 2,500 if they are taken to court. But magistrates gave the mother a token fine of 80 and praised and applauded her efforts as a mother, 'wishing her every success for the future'. The court in Dorset heard 14 of the woman's children still live with her, with 11 of those under the age of 18. Marian Asuemimhem, prosecuting, said the schools sent several letters to their mother, arranged meetings and even home visits. She said the defendant was invited to attend multiple times but 'did not want to engage' and the children were regularly late to school after the register had closed. From September to early December, their attendance was monitored again and their percentage was in the 60s and 50s for one child. Ms Russell said the mother struggles to manage and the odds of her getting all of her children to school were against her because of the number of children she has. Four of her children are meant to go to a primary school but their attendance records were well below the 97 per cent expectation Ms Russell said: 'She readily admits and makes it open to everyone she has struggled with managing to send her children to school. 'I didn't know what to expect but she comes across as a mother who does care. 'It would seem to me she does everything in her power to make sure those children are well looked after and do go to school, but the odds are against her because of the number of children she has.' The court heard she had repeatedly asked for help with two of the children, who often refused to go to secondary school, and had tried to everything to encourage, bribe and punish them to go. But their attendance fell far below the 97 per cent expectation - with one at 52 per cent and one at 48 per cent. In contrast, the four primary school-aged children identified in the court charges usually attended school but were often late after the register had closed. The court heard this was due to the mother being a full-time carer for one of her children and most of her morning being spent caring for and getting that child ready. Her solicitor said by the time that child was on the way to a specialist school, it would make the mother late to drop the four primary children at their school. The magistrates described it as a 'complex' and very unusual case. Speaking to the mother, chairman Colin Stupack said: 'The bench is full of admiration in such difficult personal circumstances, we applaud you for that. The mother had repeatedly asked for help with two of the children, who often refused to attend secondary school 'We do understand you have particular problems with two of your children who just refuse to go to school - at long last you are getting the support you should have been given a very long time ago. 'We are not going to go along with the recommendation as we simply feel, through no deliberate act on yourself, the likelihood is you would breach it. 'Exceptionally we are going to deal with it by way of a fine. A community order would be unworkable.' He ordered the mother to pay an 80 fine and 32 victim surcharge, to be deducted from her benefits. Despite the prosecution asking for 400 costs, he said the magistrates would not make any order for costs 'quite exceptionally for a case involving six children and a breach of a previous conditional discharge'. He added: 'We do feel that's the most appropriate and most merciful approach we can apply in these circumstances. 'I know you are doing your best to engage and the majority of absences are timing. 'We wish you every success for the future. Good luck, we hope you will get the support from the external agencies that you clearly deserve.' A Mississippi high school cheerleader was tragically killed after a tree fell on her home during a disastrous storm. Tykeria Rogers, 18, a senior at Natchez High School, died at her home on Westwood Road Saturday evening after a tree fell on the front of the structure. Emergency crews and several neighbors quickly rushed to the home and used chainsaws to try and find Tykeria in a bid to save her, WLBT reported. More rescue personnel then arrived at the scene and started to clear away fallen branches. Two others sustained injuries from the horrific accident. The identities and ages of the other victims have not yet been released. Tyra Johnson, a friend of the late cheer captain, told WJTV 'you couldn't help but to love her.' 'She was a loving person - you couldn't help but to love her, seriously. She was the best at everything, the best at dance, anything, I would put her up against anybody to do her little TikToks,' Johnson added. Another family friend, Jasmine Buchannan, set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the family to not only get back on their feet again, but to help lay Tykeria to rest. Tykeria Rogers, 18, a senior at Natchez High School, lost her life at her home on Westwood Road Saturday evening after a tree fell on the structure Emergency crews and several neighbors quickly rushed to the home and used chainsaws to try and find Tykeria in a bid to save her 'Anything, any donation, because she lost everything,' Buchannan told the outlet in reference to the teen's single mother, Tequilla Rogers. 'And you know the main thing is she lost her child, and it's something you don't want to lose, you know, you can get another house, another car.' Tykeria has been remembered as 'a vibrant, loving soul, whose warmth touched everyone she met,' the page said. As of Monday morning, more than $82,000 was raised to help the heartbroken family. The home was completely ruined in the storm, leaving Tykeria's mother and her two younger siblings to live in a hotel temporarily. Since her sudden death, tributes have poured in from the Mississippi community for Tykeria and her loved ones. The home was completely ruined in the storm, leaving Tykeria's mother, Tequilla Rogers, and her two younger siblings, to live in a hotel temporarily. (Pictured: Tykeria, her mother and siblings) Tykeria has been remembered as 'a vibrant, loving soul, whose warmth touched everyone she met' Larry Hooper, a teacher who taught the late teenager, shared images of his 'beloved student' in her cheerleading uniform, along with her dressed in her graduation cap and gown on Facebook. Hooper explained how he was able to secure a hotel room for the family for a couple days, as he asked the community for their continued support. 'Please keep TyKeria's family, friends and classmates in your prayers now and in the immediate future. God bless and keep you all. LOVE YOU TYKERIA,' Hooper added. Dan Gibson, the mayor of Natchez, also shared a heartfelt message to Facebook on Sunday. 'The sun is now out, but that was not the case just a few hours ago, in fact, yesterday evening,' Gibson said. 'We have, as a community, endured a lot of grief. We have actually, just over the last few hours, lost a dear one to many of us - Tykeria Rogers.' Larry Hooper, a teacher who taught the late teenager, shared images of his 'beloved student' in her cheerleading uniform and her graduation cap and gown. She was set to graduate in May A candlelight vigil is set to be held in honor of Tykeria on Monday at 5.30pm at Natchez High School. Gibson said he has been in touch with her mother Tequilla and is 'so grateful for the outpouring of love' for Tykeria, her family, and friends. 'She had great hopes and a very promising future ahead. A beautiful girl, a girl whose smile we will forever remember,' the mayor added. The school Natchez-Adams School District has remembered Tykeria as 'a bright light in our school and community.' The late student was set to graduate in May. 'Tykeria will forever be remembered as a symbol of strength, joy, and kindness. She will truly be missed,' the district said in a Facebook post alongside a beautiful picture collage of the late student. A candlelight vigil is set to be held in honor of Tykeria on Monday at 5.30pm at Natchez High School. The school district said counseling will be available 'immediately' after the vigil concludes. DailyMail.com contacted the Natchez Police Department. An Idaho mother discovered her infant son attacked and injured by a raccoon after she briefly left him unattended, according to authorities. On December 23, the woman - who has not been identified - left her baby in his carrier while settling in after returning to their Cassia County home when she heard a loud noise, according to Idaho Fish and Game. She ran to her son's location and discovered the critter attacking him. The protective mother pulled the animal off her baby and rescued him. The infant was taken by his parents to Cassia Regional Hospital in Burley for treatment of undisclosed injuries and then transferred to a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, the agency said. The baby's father and a Cassia County Sheriff's Deputy returned to the scene, found the raccoon still inside the house and killed it. It is unknown how the raccoon got inside the house and no other raccoons were discovered at the home. Idaho Fish and Game said they are confident the raccoon that was killed is responsible for the attack. The raccoon carcass was taken for testing by the Idaho Bureau of Laboratories and tested negative for rabies. An Idaho mother discovered her infant son attacked and injured by a raccoon after she briefly left him unattended The woman left her baby in his carrier while settling in after returning to their Cassia County home when she heard a loud noise While raccoons are a common species across the state, reports of attacks on humans are extremely rare, according to Idaho Fish and Game. The agency advised residents to never purposefully feed a raccoon, secure their garbage and block raccoon access to hiding places such as sheds. In October, a gaze of nearly 100 raccoons swarmed a woman's Washington home in the hope of finding their next meal. The woman, who has not been identified publicly, was forced to call authorities after realizing that she was unable to leave her own home due to the abundance of raccoons on her property in Kitsap County, near Poulsbo. 'Somehow the word got out in raccoon land and they all showed up to her house expecting a meal,' Kevin McCarthy, a spokesperson for the Kitsap County Sheriff, told King 5. The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office shared a video of the home invasion which showed dozens of trash pandas surrounding her heavily wooded property. Officials warned Americans to be on the alert for rabies-infected animals amid a spate of attacks in some parts of the country in June. Early that month, a rabid raccoon attacked two dogs and rabid bats were found in two separate houses in Missouri. In October, a gaze of nearly 100 raccoons swarmed a woman's Washington home in the hope of finding their next meal In May, a stray cat with rabies attacked a person in Staten Island, New York, while in Massachusetts a rabid coyote attacked two people in a park. Earlier this year, another raccoon with rabies attacked theme park goers in Pennsylvania in March, and in February, a Rhode Island hiker had to strangle a rabid coyote as it tried to claw at him and his dog. There are signs that in some areas of the country there are more rabid animals than normal, with health officials raising concerns in particular over bats. Despite the rise in rabid animals, officials have not reported that rabies infections in humans are increasing. Warning over rabies, health officials in South Carolina said: 'It is critical to know that people, especially children, can be bitten by a bat and not know it. That is because bats have tiny teeth.' Fewer than 10 people are infected with the disease every year, statistics show, with most infections prevented by a shot people are given after being exposed to suspected-rabid animals that prevents the virus from infecting them. Those suspected of being infected should receive one dose within 24 hours, and then another three shots on days three, seven and 14 after their first inoculation. Rabies is more than 99 percent fatal. Dr. Thomas Moore, an infectious diseases expert in Kansas, told DailyMail.com that in recent years he has seen more people who are worried about rabies but not more cases. 'It is very rare for anyone to get diagnosed with rabies,' he said, ' and when it happens, it is sensational people will hear about it'. 'Normally, what happens is if there is an unprovoked animal attack then people get worried about it, and they may get the rabies vaccine.' The boss of UnitedHealthcare has bragged to executives that the insurer is on track for record profits after CEO Brian Thompson's murder, it has been claimed. Andrew Witty, who is CEO of parent group UnitedHealth, is said to have made the boast to his fellow bosses during a recent meeting, the Wall Street Journal reported. Revenue for the year up to the end of September hit $299 billion, an increase of $22 million in a year, with an even larger number now forecast to round-off 2024. British-born Witty's revelation comes less than a month after the December 4 shooting murder of Thompson, 50, on the streets of Manhattan. Ivy League grad Luigi Mangione, 26, has been charged with the murder, which also triggered a tidal wave of outrage over UnitedHealth's alleged greed and focus on profits over patients. The parent company's stocks have tanked 16.19 percent over the last month in the wake of the shooting, with December 4 marking the start of the decline. But UnitedHealth bosses are said to be very bullish for the future and expect a boost to the stock price when the latest results are announced. 'The environment we find ourselves in is a complex one, not one that was ever designed by anybody,' Witty, 60, said on a December 23 call for anxious staffers. UnitedHealthcare is on track to hit financial records by the end of the year, the CEO of its parent company Andrew Witty told executives, according to the Wall Street Journal Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson at point-blank range The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson on December 4 allegedly by Ivy League grad Luigi Mangione sent shockwaves through the country - and the equity market 'Right now, people continue to have strong feelings inside the organization, maybe nervous, maybe anxious, maybe worried about security,' he added. On the same day, Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges over the shooting of Witty's right-hand man and father-of-two Thompson, 50. Former staff say they used to be proud of working for Witty. Inna Sarkisyan, a former auditor of 12 years at UnitedHealthcare, said: 'I adored him.' She said she grew skeptical earlier this year about whether his praise for employees was genuine. 'He had mentioned the quality standards, how quality affects everything. His investors, if they see a lot of mistakes, they won't trust him, and he has to make them happy,' she said. 'That's what got me, even though he was the one that used to talk about how it takes a village.' DailyMail.com has contacted UnitedHealthcare Group for comment. UnitedHealthcare, one of America's biggest companies with a market capitalization of $465 billion, provides health insurance, approves drugs for patients, and employs tens of thousands of doctors and nurses in the US. Ivy League engineering graduate Mangione was arrested on December 9 over the killing of Thompson, moments after eating a hash brown in an Altoona, PA McDonald's. He was later charged with murder as an act of terrorism. Cops closed in on the alleged killer after an employee at the restaurant recognized him from surveillance images NYPD shared online in the wake of the Midtown Manhattan shooting. Ivy League engineering graduate Luigi Mangione was arrested on December 9 moments after eating a hash brown in an Altoona, PA McDonald's. He was later hit with terrorism charges He was later charged with second-degree murder over the slaying of Thompson, 50, just before 7am on Wednesday outside the Hilton hotel where the exec had been set to make a speech to finance heavyweights later that day. Mangione led police on a 280-mile manhunt from New York City's 6th Avenue to the small Pennsylvania city of Altoona, around 100 miles east of Pittsburgh. The gunman left a trail of overt clues about his motive, including ammunition etched with the words 'delay' 'deny' and 'depose' and a bag of Monopoly board game money in his backpack left in Central Park. Officials believe the bullet etchings refer to the 'three Ds of insurance' - tactics used by American insurance giants to reject patients' claims. This motive appeared to be even more clearly outlined in a handwritten manifesto cops seized from Mangione during his arrest. 'To the Feds, I'll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country,' the three-page document read. 'To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn't working with anyone.' 'I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done,' the document adds. 'Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.' The accused assassin is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn ahead of his next court appearance Mangione also allegedly had a ghost gun believed to be the rare World War Two era-inspired 9mm pistol used in Thompson's murder, which the New York Post reported was a Swiss-made Brugger & Thomet VP9, and a silencer. During his first public words since his arrest in Pennsylvania, Mangione emerged from a patrol car shouting about an 'insult to the intelligence of the American people' while sheriffs deputies pushed him into a courthouse. Theres no indication Mangione was ever insured by UnitedHealthcare. The killing has nonetheless prompted widespread speculation about whether he had a bad personal experience with the health care system. The accused assassin is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn ahead of his next court appearance. This is the horrifying moment an elephant brutally trampled its handler during a traditional Sri Lankan festival before going on a wild rampage. The Buddhist Perera festival, which took place in the south-western city of Galle, was struck with terror when the giant animal lost its cool during a parade. Shocking footage captured the streets lined with festival-goers, many of whom are children, as they watch the musicians and performers make their way down the street. But as they clap along to the beat of the music and enjoy the dancers, a docile elephant lurks in the background behind a group of drummers and a handler. It flaps its ears and takes a slow step forward as the procession continues, but nothing could prepare the locals for the imminent outburst. Without any warning, the wild animal decked in red robes suddenly turns its head with a force strong enough to knock its handler to the ground. It can be seen trampling over the man as the performers scurry away to the sidelines, leaving onlookers stunned as they scramble to escape the area. People jump over the fences from which they were sitting to watch the parade, while others run on foot down the road as the elephant continues its rampage. The Buddhist Perera festival, which took place in the southwestern city of Galle, was struck with terror when the giant animal lost its cool during a parade Footage captured the moment the animal ferociously turned its head, knocking its handler to the ground The elephant then trampled the handler as he battled to get off the ground People ran off in terror as the wild beast made its way down the street in a terrifying rampage According to reports, the handler who was attacked was admitted to a local hospital for treatment and luckily managed to survive the ordeal. It comes after a woman was rushed to hospital after being mauled by a tiger at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, Australia, in September. The tiger attacked the 47-year-old experienced handler, leaving her with several deep cuts and scratches. Earlier this year, a circus bear also attacked its trainer in front of screaming children after he forcefully made the animal perform. The roller-skating bear, a female called Dzhema, was being forced to perform tricks at the ironically named 'Happiness Show' at Mash Circus, Obnisk, Russia, on June 1. Shocking footage captured by an audience member showed Dzhema leaping towards her cruel trainer while his back is to her. Last year, a lion suddenly flipped and attacked his circus tamer as the audience screamed during the performance in China. Shocking footage showed the dangerous stand-off between two lions and their tamer on a caged circus stage in Dongning City in northern China during a performance. The male lion attacked and jumped at the man during the show while the female lion stood by. The tamer managed to escape the lion's grasp and the video showed him running to the opposite site of the cage with the lions on his heels. The Taliban's supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women in a brutal new crackdown. Taking to X on Saturday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said new buildings should not have windows through which it is possible to see 'the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour's well and other places usually used by women'. He added: 'Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts.' Municipal authorities and other relevant departments would have to monitor construction sites to ensure it is not possible to see into neighbours' homes. Owners of buildings in which these windows exist would also be encouraged to build a wall or obstruct the view 'to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours', the decree states. Since the Taliban's 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. In October, the Taliban banned women from hearing other women's voices in a cruel rule which sparked fears that women will now no longer be able to talk to each other. The Taliban's supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women. Pictured: An Afghan woman stands at a window in Kabul on January 31, 2024 Taliban security personnel stand guard as an Afghan burqa-clad woman (R) walks along a street at a market in the Baharak district of Badakhshan province on February 26, 2024 Taliban security officials stand guard as they check people and vehicles at a checkpoint, in Kabul, Afghanistan, 13 September 2024 Afghanistan's minister for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice, Khalid Hanafi said at the time: 'Even when an adult female prays and another female passes by, she must not pray loudly enough for them to hear. 'How could they be allowed to sing if they aren't even permitted to hear [each other's] voices while praying, let alone for anything else.' He said these are 'new rules and will be gradually implemented, and God will be helping us in each step we take.' Any woman who dares to break the new rules will be arrested and sent to prison, the terror group said. Women have already been banned from speaking loudly in their own homes, and are not allowed to be heard outside. Women are also ordered to cover their faces 'to avoid temptation and tempting others', and are banned from speaking if unfamiliar men who aren't husbands or close relatives, are present. 'If it is necessary for women to leave their homes, they must cover their faces and voices from men' and be accompanied by a 'male guardian', according to the rules approved by the Taliban's supreme leader. Taliban authorities have banned post-primary education for girls and women, restricted employment and blocked access to parks and other public places. Pictured: A group of Afghan women clad in burqas walk towards a market in Ghazni, 04 August 2007 Afghan burqa-clad women walk along a street in Kandahar on September 3, 2024 Some local radio and television stations have also stopped broadcasting female voices. The UN reported that just one per cent of women believe they have influence in their communities, and that just nearly one in 10 women knows another who has tried to commit suicide since the Taliban took over. On top of this, nearly one in five women said they hadn't spoken to another woman outside of their immediate family in three months. One Afghan woman previously told The Telegraph: ''They [the Taliban] are waging an all-out war against us, and we have no one in the world to hear our voices. 'The world has abandoned us. They left us to the Taliban, and whatever happens to us now is a result of Western government policies'. Another woman told the newspaper: 'They want us not to exist at all, and theres nothing we can do about it. 'They may succeed at some point, as many are taking their lives due to the pressure. 'They think ruling Afghanistan is only about suppressing women we didnt commit a crime by being born as women.' The Taliban administration, however, claims that Islamic law 'guarantees' the rights of Afghan men and women. 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. 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. The family of a mother who died from ovarian cancer they claim was linked to Johnson & Johnson talcum powder have vowed to fight until they get 'justice'. The Wright family from Rayleigh, Essex, have joined thousands of women in the UK in a planned lawsuit over the firm's alleged links between its baby powder and cancer. Lawyers claim J&J 'knew for decades' that there was allegedly asbestos present in its talc products, but the US pharmaceutical company maintains that its baby powder was safe and has stressed that it 'takes the issue of talc safety incredibly seriously'. Claimants involved in the proposed action include cancer patients, survivors, and the families of those who have died from the disease - and if it goes ahead, it is understood to be the first of its kind in the UK against the New Jersey-based firm. Richard Wright, 46, lost his mother Maureen at the age of 13 to ovarian cancer, and - alongside his father Jeffrey and brothers Robert and Michael - he now believes her death was linked to her use of talcum powder contaminated with asbestos. KP Law is leading the UK case, representing about 2,000 people and is understood to have been contacted by 4,000 potential clients in regards to claims. The firm issued a letter last month before action on behalf of its clients, giving J&J until the end of the year to respond before filing documents with the High Court. Mr Wright said: 'This is about justice for my mum and the bottom line is someone being held accountable. We want an explanation, we want someone to hold their hands up and say that 'we knew this was an issue'. Maureen Wright with her sons, including Richard Wright who has spoken about her death Maureen Wright, from Rayleigh, Essex, died at home in 1991 after suffering from ovarian cancer 'The more people talking about this the better. People will read about this and say, 'my mum had this, my auntie had this' and a lot of people will come forward. It is important that we get justice, and they must be accountable.' Maureen died at home in 1991 and Mr Wright said he remains haunted by the circumstances. He said: 'Imagine being at the age of 13, waking up to find that your mother is gone and that she is still in her bedroom. I can remember speaking to my mum and her not knowing who I was, her coming back around, in and out of a state. 'They were devastating times and when we sat there and had to tell Michael at five that she had passed, it was horrible.' J&J denies suppressing any information and denies any links between its baby powder, asbestos and cancer. However, the firm has already set aside more than $6billion to settle ovarian cancer cases in the US with a further $4billion for people diagnosed with mesothelioma. Lawyers at KP Law argue the pharmaceutical giant knew for decades about the presence of asbestos in its talcum powder and failed to act. The products were sold in the UK until as recently as 2022. Maureen Wright with her youngest son Michael. She died when her son Richard was 13 Mr Wright added: 'I have girls myself and when I look at them, I was saying my youngest is so much like my mum, you get to an age where you have to repeat the loss, you have your children asking questions. 'My mum's whole life could have been different. It has had a massive effect on us now and a lot of people think that if you lose your mum 30 years ago, you get over it - but you never get over it.' Mr Wright has also paid tribute to the 'beautiful and kind-hearted woman' who was his mother. He said: 'She was a kind and excellent person. 'Obviously as a mum, she would be. She was a stay-at-home mum and she was a beautiful and kind-hearted woman, she got on with everyone. Even with her illness, she did a lot of charity work for cancer research.' The family were keen to emphasise that Maureen kept going until the end, despite being in and out of hospital. Mr Wright added: 'My dad still visits her grave every birthday and on the anniversary of her death, we get together as a family and go to the church, St Mary's in Hornchurch, and light a candle.' His father Jeffrey Wright, 75, added: 'Maureen was so full of life. Even now, it's hard to believe that she is gone. 'She was only 17 years old when we met. I used to joke when she married me that I was punching above my weight. I miss her every day, but her death devastated the boys. 'Talc had always been a feature in our home - Maureen would use it all over her body and I vividly remember the taste and smell of it on my lips after kissing her. Maureen Wright, pictured aged 18 - a year after she met Jeffrey, whom she later married 'We had no idea why she developed ovarian cancer, it just seemed one of those tragically unlucky things. But when the news started coming out about the link between talc and cancer it started to ring alarm bells. 'I think it's really important that we do something to hold the manufacturers to account over this.' A J&J spokesperson claimed that the company has won the 'vast majority' of trials in the US, or won them on appeal. J&J has faced tens of thousands of lawsuits in the US over the alleged links between its talc and cancer. It announced in August 2022 that it would stop making talc-based powder globally and would transition to using corn-starch. The company discontinued sales of talc-based baby powder in the UK in 2023. Tom Longstaff, a partner at KP Law, said: 'All of the claimants, predominantly women but also some men, who have sustained cancer after using J&J's talcum powder products have experienced a life-changing illness. 'In some cases, they have died from their cancer, leaving their families devastated. All of these innocent individuals deserve justice.' US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson maintains that its baby powder was safe and has stressed that it 'takes the issue of talc safety incredibly seriously' (file photograph) But Erik Haas, worldwide vice president of litigation at J&J, said the company 'takes the issue of talc safety incredibly seriously and always has'. He added: 'As our documents show, we have relied upon the most state-of-the-art testing protocols for decades and have been entirely transparent with government institutions and academic researchers regarding our findings. 'Those findings uniformly show the absence of asbestos contamination in Johnson's Baby Powder and the talc sourced for Johnson's Baby Powder. 'Independent science makes clear that talc is not associated with the risk of ovarian cancer nor mesothelioma.' Mr Haas claims that J&J have won or won on appeal the 'vast majority' of trials in the US. He also claimed the lawyers of groups of plaintiffs in the US are 'actively pushing a false narrative about the history of talc and its alleged contamination to media globally' which 'defies logic, rewrites history, and ignores the facts'. Mr Haas said Kenvue, whose brands include the likes of Listerine and Neutrogena among others, is responsible for 'any alleged talc liability that arises outside of the US or Canada' following its separation from J&J in 2023. A murderer who ruthlessly gunned down two innocent female bank workers has now demanded to be let out of prison - just days after President Biden saved him from death row. Brandon Council, 38, who was sentenced to death for the cold-blooded murders of bank employees Donna Major and Katie Skeen, filed the bold request for 'compassionate release' on Friday. Council murdered the two women during a horrific bank raid in Conway, South Carolina, in 2017. After a three-week trial, he was convicted in September 2019, with judges handing down the death sentence the following month. But in a controversial move, Biden commuted his sentence to life last Monday, in one of his final presidential decisions before his tenure ends next month. Now Council has made the entitled demand to walk free. The killer's legal motion, filed in US District Court in Florence, claims that he's been subjected to 'severe, unnecessary, and unjustifiable psychological harm' in solitary confinement since November 2019. Brandon Council, 38, who was sentenced to death for the cold-blooded murders of bank employees Donna Major and Katie Skeen, filed the bold request for 'compassionate release' on Friday Katie Skeen, 36, (left) and Donna Major, 59, were killed during a 2017 armed bank robbery in Conway, South Carolina The motions claimed the harm 'can only be accurately construed and assimilated as an act of torture.' According to medical experts writing in the Journal of Ethics, compassionate release is meant for seriously ill or disabled inmates. The motion continued: 'The petitioner's subjection to torture is the subsequent result of the petitioner's sentence to death, however, the additional punishment of solitary confinement which is the cause of the psychological harm is in no manner statutorily authorized, mandated, or required by the petitioner's sentence to death.' 'Within the jurisdiction of the United States it is both illegal and unconstitutional to inflict or subject any person to torture as a punitive consequence for a crime a party has been duly convicted of.' This comes after the family of Skeen, who was brutally gunned down alongside her co-worker Major during an armed bank robbery slammed Biden as a 'low life,' for his decision to commute the killer's death penalty to a life sentence. Skeen, 38, was an employee at CresCom Bank in Conway, South Carolina, when she and Major, 59, became the victims of armed robber Council during a robbery in 2017. After a three-week trial, he was convicted in September 2019, with judges handing down the death sentence the following month. But in a controversial move, Biden commuted his sentence to life on Monday. Now Council has made the entitled demand to walk free Speaking to DailyMail.com Skeen's mother, Betty Davis, 78, said, 'He's a low life. Both Biden and Council, they're both low lifes.' According to Davis, she and the rest of the family including Skeen's father, John, 78, her husband of 16 years Tracy, 52, and two sons Noah, 22 and River, 17, were informed of the President's decision in a conference call with victim advocates on last Sunday. Council, they were told, was one of 37 killers, rapists and career criminals to have their death sentences commuted to life without parole by the outgoing president. Three others were not spared. Davis said, 'I just felt heart-sick when they told us. It was like my world had just fallen apart all over again.' Recalling the day her daughter was murdered Davis said, 'My husband received a phone call from the Sheriff, and he just went flying out the door. Me and River jumped in my car and followed him to the Sheriff's department and that's when they told us. That's when the hell began.' Turning her attention to her daughter's killer she said, 'He deserved the sentence he got. My daughter had no choice over her fate, she didn't get to choose what he did to her.' Skeen and Major's murders were captured on the bank's security footage. They were played during Council's three-week trial in 2019, meaning their families had to witness the horror of the women's terrifying last moments Skeen's mother said, 'Everyone should see the video of what he did to them. Everyone should see his face as he killed them, there was no emotion. There is no place for sympathy for that man. Katie Skeen, 36, was one of two workers at CresCom bank who was killed by armed robber Brandon Council, 38 his death sentence is being commuted by President Joe Biden along with 36 others President Biden made his announcement on Monday that he is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row meaning they'll now serve life sentences without the possibility of parole 'Him getting the death sentence meant everything to us. It meant justice for Katie and Donna.' Davis said that the family including Skeen's husband with whom they remain extremely close has been buoyed by the messages of support they have received in the wake of Biden's announcement Monday. The family has kept in touch with the investigators who arrested Council and the attorneys who prosecuted him and, Davis said, they are just as 'heart-sick' at the news as Skeen's own loved ones. She said, 'The last couple of days have been depressing but the messages from friends moves you and shows you that you're not alone.' She added that all the family would be together over the holidays and that Skeen who was a devout Born-Again Christian would be with them in spirit. The small city of Conway in South Carolina was rocked by the women's senseless killings. With a population of just over 17,000 at the time, the violence hit the coastal town in Horry County hard. President-elect Donald Trump lashed out at former Speaker Kevin McCarthy as Congress faces a looming deadline to raise the debt ceiling just as the 78-year-old is preparing to return to the White House. Addressing the debt limit could be one of the first and most challenging hurdles Trump and Republicans face early next year with almost no room for error if they want to avoid economic catastrophe. Trump has been demanding that lawmakers move to raise the debt limit before he is sworn in, so he does not have to deal with it at the start of his second term, but some GOP lawmakers have pushed back. Now the president-elect is turning his ire on the top Republican who reached the deal with Democrats to kick the debt limit negotiations into 2025, which was McCarthy when he was speaker. Trump on Sunday said the debt ceiling deal reached between the former speaker and President Biden in 2023 will go down 'will go down as one of the dumbest political decisions made in years.' The president-elect vented his frustration in a post on Truth Social ahead of lawmakers returning to Washington at the start of the new Congress this week. 'There was no reason to do it - NOTHING WAS GAINED, and we got nothing for it - A major reason why that Speakership was lost. It was Bidens problem, not ours. Now it becomes ours,' Trump said. President-elect Trump slammed McCarthy reaching a deal with President Biden to suspend the debt ceiling in 2023 as 'one of the dumbest political decisions made in years' Republicans in the House will hold only a two-seat majority and a three seat majority in the Senate in the 119th Congress, meaning they will likely need the help of Democrats to pass some key pieces of legislation. McCarthy and Biden reached a deal to avert the U.S. government defaulting on the debt in May 2023 with just days to spare. In the end, 165 Democrats joined 149 Republicans to approve the bill so the U.S. could avoid the economic disaster. The bipartisan legislation suspended the debt ceiling until 2025 while also capping federal spending and clawing back some COVID relief funds. But the move drew harsh criticism from some GOP lawmakers who did not think Republicans demanded enough in the compromise legislation and threatened McCarthy's gavel. McCarthy speaking at a press conference with other Republicans after passing the debt ceiling bill in May 2023. McCarthy was ousted by hard-right Republicans as speaker that October after reaching an agreement with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown The suspension of the debt limit ends on January 1, so Congress will need to move quickly to reach a deal. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrote a letter to Congressional leaders just days after Christmas warning that the U.S. was nearing default. 'Treasury currently expects to reach the new limit between January 14 and January 23, at which time it will be necessary for Treasury to start taking extraordinary measures,' she wrote. Such extraordinary measures are temporary steps the Treasury can take to move around funds to help avoid the U.S. hitting the limit and defaulting, but those efforts are temporary and limited. 'The Democrats must be forced to take a vote on this treacherous issue NOW, during the Biden Administration, and not in June,' Trump wrote in his post. The U.S. has never hit the debt limit since it was enacted, but Congress has had to scramble to reach agreements to avoid it on numerous occasions in recent years as the U.S. debt has ballooned. Trump with McCarthy in February 2020. During the Trump administration the debt ceiling was suspended three times as roughly $8 trillion was added to the national debt during his first term in office During Trump's first term in office, the debt limit was suspended three times including in 2017, 2018 and 2019. McCarthy was House majority leader the first two times it was raised under him. The third time it was suspended during Trump's first term in September 2019, the then-president signed legislation kicking the deadline down the road two years into 2021. Under Biden the debt limit was raised once in 2021 and then suspended again in 2023, setting the stage for the latest showdown just as a new administration is set to begin. Earlier this month, as lawmakers were rushing to pass a spending deal to avoid a separate government shutdown days before Christmas, Trump left members of Congress and Speaker Mike Johnson scrambling in the 11th hour when he suddenly publicly demanded the deal include a provision to address the looming debt limit. Democrats were enraged when Republicans scuttled a bipartisan deal and opted to vote on a GOP only bill that also addressed the debt limit, but it failed miserably in the House when some Republican lawmakers joined Democrats to reject it. In the end, Johnson put forward a slimmed down deal that addressed government spending but left out the debt limit provision. It passed just in time to avoid the government shutdown heading into the holidays. But lawmakers will now have to address the debt limit moving forward, and Johnson's move could come back to haunt him in his own caucus as some question whether he should remain speaker even as Trump has endorsed Johnson to remain in the position. The House is set to vote for a speaker for the new 119th Congress on Friday. Most Labour MPs are to the Left of Keir Starmer - suggesting the PM could face pressure to be more radical. A study asking councillors to rate the views of their local MP has given Sir Keir a score of 48 out of 100. That puts him almost in the exact political centre, having shifted four points to the right since the exercise was carried out in the last Parliament. But other Labour MPs are clustered around the mid-30s, often backing more extreme policies. Academics asked 1,006 local councillors to rate their MPs and compare them to party leaders. Professor Chris Hanretty, who carried out the analysis, told The Times: 'Before Brexit, I would have said it was normal for prime ministers to be more centrally located than most of their party. 'Cameron was to the left of the Conservative Party, just as Blair was to the right of the Labour Party. I think the same would probably be said of Wilson.' Most Labour MPs are to the Left of Keir Starmer, according to a new study. Pictured, the PM with his party after the election The findings in the research from Royal Holloway University of London and Survation emerged as Elon Musk launched his latest attack on Sir Keir He added: 'Judgments are personal, but these measures should give similar results if you were to repeat the exercise tomorrow.' In contrast, Kemi Badenoch was seen as to the right of her Parliamentary party. Her score of 88 was close to Nigel Farage on 90, while Rishi Sunak was at the centre of gravity on 77. Only four of the Tories 121 MPs were deemed to be further Right than Mr Farage, including Dame Priti Patel, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright, and Suella Braverman. Mrs Braverman, a former home secretary, and Reforms Rupert Lowe were jointly scored as the most Right-wing MPs in the new Parliament from any party. Labour's Diane Abbott and Nadia Whittome were seen as the most left-wing MPs with a score of 4. The most Right-wing Labour MP is Imogen Walker, who is married to Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keirs chief of staff. There was not much overlap between Tory and Labour MPs, although Rebecca Harris, deemed the most Left-wing Conservative MP, has seven Labour MPs to the Right of her. Kemi Badenoch was seen as to the right of her Parliamentary party. Her score of 88 was close to Nigel Farage on 90 Meanwhile the range of scores for Liberal Democrat MPs was almost identical to Labours. This raises questions about how Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey will distinguish himself from Sir Keir and ensure his party becomes more than simply a haven for protest voters. The findings in the research from Royal Holloway University of London and Survation emerged as Elon Musk launched his latest attack on Sir Keir. Responding to a story about Scottish politicians urging him to invest in a Tesla gigafactory, the billionaire posted on his X social media site: 'Very few companies will be willing to invest in the UK with the current administration.' Downing Street insisted Sir Keir was running an 'unashamedly' pro-growth government, but refused to criticise Mr Musk directly. Asked about Mr Musk's view about the government being anti-business, the PM's spokesman said: 'We look forward to working with President-elect Trump and indeed his team to progress the UK-US special relationship, and particularly the UK-US trade and investment relationship, which supports hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of jobs both sides of the Atlantic, and tens of billion pounds of investment and trade.' He added: 'I'm not going to kind of get into commentary on individual comments, but if you look at what's happened since the election, you've seen the 63 billion of additional investment from the Investment Summit. 'You've seen the Government respond to some of the businesses' key concerns in the UK, which is lack of stability, and the Government's brought back that stability, both politically and economically.' The parents of a ChatGPT whistleblower say there was blood in their son's bathroom when he was found dead of an apparent suicide. Suchir Balaji, 26, was found dead in his San Francisco home on November 26, three months after he accused his former employer OpenAI of violating copyright laws in its development of ChatGPT. Police said they found no evidence of foul play at the scene and ruled the death a suicide, but Balaji's parents Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy have continued to question the circumstances of their son's death. 'There was nobody else on the scene, that doesn't mean [police] can just come to conclusion,' Balaji's grieving mother said at a vigil for him on Friday, as reported by ABC 7. 'And we have seen the blood shots in the bathroom, signs of fight in the bathroom.' It's unclear what photos Balaji's parents were referencing. Balaji's father said that he was the last person to talk to him, on his birthday week, and his son seemed happy, 'not depressed on anything.' 'He made plans to see us in January,' Ramarao, an engineer at Microsoft, added. 'That was the last phone conversation he had with anyone... 'He went into his apartment and never came out. How can anyone believe that there was no note left?' The parents of ChatGPT whistleblower Suchir Balaji, 26, say they have seen evidence that their son did not kill himself after speaking out against the technology Police said they found no evidence of foul play at the scene and ruled the death a suicide, but Balaji's parents Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy say their son's bathroom showed evidence of a fight Suchir Balaji, 26, was found dead on November 26, three months after he accused his former employer, OpenAI, of violating copyright laws in its development of ChatGPT Balaji's parents are demanding that the FBI look into his death, saying it 'doesn't look like a normal situation.' 'We want to leave the question open,' his mother previously told Business Insider in an interview to discuss the troubled engineer's final months. 'He felt AI is a harm to humanity,' Ramarao said. The young tech genius had joined OpenAI believing in its potential to benefit society, particularly drawn to its open-source philosophy. But his mother revealed his perspective dramatically shifted as the company became more commercially focused following ChatGPT's launch. Balaji's death came just months after he resigned from OpenAI over ethical concerns and weeks after being named in The New York Times' copyright lawsuit against the company. In August, he left OpenAI because he 'no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that he believed would bring society more harm than benefit,' the Times reported. Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment, seen here, on November 26 The young tech genius had joined OpenAI believing in its potential to benefit society, particularly drawn to its open-source philosophy 'If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave,' Balaji had told the Times in one of his final interviews. Police initially ruled the death a suicide and told Ramarao that CCTV footage showed Balaji had been alone. However, his parents arranged for a private autopsy - completed in early December - which they say produced concerning results. 'We want to leave the question open,' Ramarao said. 'It doesn't look like a normal situation.' The family is working with an attorney to urge San Francisco police to reopen the case for a 'proper investigation.' Over the past two years, companies like OpenAI have been sued by various individuals and businesses for claims on their copyrighted material. Balaji's role and knowledge in legal proceedings against the company was considered 'crucial.' The New York Times was involved in their own lawsuit against OpenAI and its primary partner, Microsoft, which both denied claims that they had used millions of published articles to inform the intelligence and began competing with the outlet as a result. His parents arranged for a private autopsy - completed in early December - which they say produced concerning results Balaji's role and knowledge in legal proceedings against the company was considered 'crucial' On November 18, the outlet filed a letter in federal court that named Balaji as a person with 'unique and relevant documents' that would be used in their litigation against OpenAI. Their suit said: 'Microsoft and OpenAI simply take the work product of reporters, journalists, editorial writers, editors and others who contribute to the work of local newspapers - all without any regard for the efforts, much less the legal rights, of those who create and publish the news on which local communities rely.' While other researchers have warned of potential future risks of the technology, Balaji told the Times that he believes the risk to be far more 'immediate' than feared. 'I thought that AI was a thing that could be used to solve unsolvable problems, like curing diseases and stopping aging,' he said. 'I thought we could invent some kind of scientist that could help solve them.' Balaji said that he believed the threats posed by chatbots such as ChatGPT were destroying the commercial viability of the individuals, businesses and internet services that created the digital data used to train such systems. 'This is not a sustainable model for the internet ecosystem as a whole,' he said. While OpenAI, Microsoft and other companies have claimed their use of internet data to train the technology falls under 'fair use', Balaji did not believe the criteria had been met. The haunting six words that a Brazilian woman said after guests tucked into her poisoned Christmas cake that later killed three people have been revealed. The surviving three family members who consumed the tainted desert during the holidays reportedly noticed that it had an 'unusual' taste, according to police reports after a homicide investigation was launched. The victims, including Zeli dos Anjos, who baked the cake, took several bites and found that it had a 'spicy' flavor, as the family gathered for an afternoon coffee on December 23, Rio Grande do Sul Civil Police Chief Marcos Veloso told RBS TV. Dos Anjos, 60, stopped eating the traditional holiday pastry, known as 'Bolo do Natal,' while her loved ones complained about it before they all fell sick. After multiple guests voiced their concerns at the flavor, the woman reportedly put her hand over the cake, and uttered the words: 'No one will eat it anymore.' Dos Anjos's sisters, Neuza dos Anjos, 65, and Maida da Silva, 58, and Neuza's daughter, Tatiana dos Santos, 43, were taken to Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes de Torres Hospital for treatment. Dos Santos died the evening of December 23 and da Silva passed away during the early hours of December 24 after they each went into cardiac arrest. Neuza died the evening of December 24 - police attributed her death to 'post-food poisoning shock.' Zeli dos Anjos and Neuza's 10-year-old grandson, remained hospitalized as of Monday. They are in stable condition. Zeli dos Anjos (pictured) prepared the traditional 'Bolo de Natal' festive treat for a family afternoon coffee on December 23 at her vacation home in the southeastern Brazilian city of Torres before she and six relatives, including her two sisters, fell ill. Pictured: The Christmas cake that was consumed by guests on December 23 Silva's husband ate the cake and received medical attention, but was later released. DailyMail.com has reached out to Dos Anjos for comment. A homicide investigation was launched following the mysterious deaths. Police Chief Veloso explained that some of dos Anjos' loved ones were not too fond of trying out the cake - and only did so out of respect. 'According to some testimonies, there were people who didn't even want to eat, but so as not to be rude to her [Zeli], who is considered a very affectionate person with her family, they ended up eating,' Veloso said. It was only after the 10-year-old boy grumbled about the cake's taste that dos Anjos decided to intervene. 'She kind of put her hand on top of the cake, [and said] 'And now no one will eat it anymore,' Veloso added. 'And people started to feel sick at that moment.' Rio Grande do Sul Civil Police are analyzing traces of the toxic metal arsenic that were found in the victims' blood. Veloso said that investigators are also looking into the possibility that bacteria-laden raisins and other spoiled foods used as a cake topping after a power-cut could be linked to the fatal poisonings. 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 Tatiana Denize Silva dos Anjos, 43, pictured, died following having the Christmas cake on December 23 Dos Anjos, who is participating in the investigation, is said to have prepared the cake at a house in the beach resort of Arroio do Sal, a 35-minute drive south of Torres, where her sister Maida owed the apartment where they gathered last week. The retiree had not visited the residence for a while because she had been living at her main home in Canoas a two-hour drive inland. Veloso previously told G1 sister news outlet, Globo, that dos Anjos discovered the refrigerator was disconnected due to 'some sort of power' outage. 'When she went into the property there was an unbearable smell. Some of the things in the fridge, perishable foods like meat, were thrown away,' Veloso said. 'But other items were re-used. What we're trying to confirm is that some of those items, like raisins and other crystallized fruit, could have been used in the cake a month later.' Veloso also said that they will be exhuming the body of dos Antos' former husband, Paolo Luiz, who reportedly died from food poisoning in September, to determine his cause of death. Local chemist, Ubiracir Lima, told Metropoles news outlet that there was no way the the expired ingredients that were used to prepare the cake could have turned into arsenic. The sale of the poison is banned - and is used as a pesticide that is sprayed on crops. 'There is a limit amount of arsenic for food, which is residual,' Lima said. Tributes have since been paid to Maida, a teacher, hailed as 'wonderful' by friends Paulo Luiz (pictured) died from suspected food poisoning in September and now authorities have made an official request to remove his remains from his resting place so they can be examined 'If these limits have been exceeded, we are talking about a deviation in agricultural practices or even an accident during the application of the pesticide.' He suggested that while the cake was being prepared, a container with arsenic may have been mistaken for one containing a food ingredient, or that it may have been applied on purpose. 'There may have been a mix-up with an unidentified container, for example. Or a container may have been used to store arsenic and then used to store one of the cake ingredients,' Lima said. Paulo is buried in the Sao Vincent cemetery in the Porto Alegre suburb of Canoas where his wife's sisters and her niece were buried on Christmas Day and Boxing Day after their bodies were released by the authorities. Police have already interviewed 15 members of the family, and they have also searched dos Anjos' home in nearby Arroio do Sal and are said to be examining CCTV footage of her buying ingredients at a local supermarket. It was reported that 'expired food products including mayonnaise' had been found at dos Anjos' house during police searches. She and her great nephew are currently in the Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes hospital in Torres, where according to the latest medical bulletin they are said to be 'clinically stable'. This is the grave of the man who died of food poisoning six months before his wife baked an 'arsenic-laced' Christmas cake that killed three of her relatives The graves of Tatiana Denize Silva dos Santos, 43 and Neuza Denise Silva dos Anjos, 65 in the Sao Vincente Cemetery in Porto Alegre, Brazil As we became aware of this fact, we opened an investigation, and we are going to exhume the body (Paulo Luiz) to check for traces of poison,' Veloso said Saturday. A picture released by police showed around a quarter of the cake - fruit filled with white icing and topped with cherries missing - and dos Anjos told them she had eaten 'two slices more than the others.' Of the seven people at the meal, one man did not eat the cake and suffered no ill effects. 'With the evidence so far collected, we do not know whether the poisoning was negligent or intentional,' Veloso said. 'So far, I have not been able to find any intentional conduct and we have been told that there was no animosity between the family members," he added. 'However, other evidence that comes to light may contradict what I think now. This is an investigation that requires great caution. '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.' Veloso added that survivors had told police the cake had 'a peppery taste' and that they had experienced sickness and diarrhea in the early hours of Christmas Eve. Arsenic is a highly toxic substance, but police said that dos Anjos was currently 'not a suspect' in the current case or in her husband's death. The Saugus Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating two teenagers who have reportedly run away from home. Chloe Murphy, 15, of Melrose, and Brenden Bruckler, 14, of Wakefield, were last seen on Saturday afternoon at the Square One Mall in Saugus, as reported by Boston 25 News. Murphy is described as a white female, approximately 6 feet, 1 inch tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing black leggings and a gray and white Boston Bruins sweatshirt. Her parents have also noted that Chloe is on the spectrum. Bruckler, a white male, is around 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 100 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a Bruins jersey, blue jeans and light blue Croc sandals. The two teenagers are known to be friends and may be headed toward Rhode Island or New York for the New Year's Eve holiday, according to police. In a Facebook post, the Saugus Police Department urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising that the safety of the missing teens is their top priority. Pictured: Chloe Murphy, 15, who is described as a white female, approximately 6 feet, 1 inch tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes Pictured: Brenden Bruckler, a white male, who is around 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 100 pounds Saugus Police wrote: 'Anyone with information is urged to call Police immediately, our #1 goal is to make sure these kids are safe and to bring them home ASAP.' The Saugus Police Department can be reached at 781-233-1212. This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. It comes after Kade Maloney, the son of fomer NRL star, James Maloney, has been found after being reported missing on 22 December, according to members of his family. Just under two weeks ago, his mother, Jess, issued a plea to members of the public to help them find the 14-year-old boy after he went missing on Sunday. She published a message on Instagram stating that they were 'desperately looking for Kade' and that he had been headed towards the Penrith area. The teens were last seen on Saturday afternoon at the Square One Mall in Saugus (pictured). But later on in the evening, she took to the social media platform again to announce the news that the teenager had been found and thanked those who had offered support to the family. 'Update: Kade has been found!!!' She wrote, before adding: 'He is now safe with our friends. 'Thank you to everyone who has helped find him, offered support and shared this post to get it out to so many people. 'Thank you also to NSW Police, particularly to Brisbane Water and Penrith. We are so grateful.' Donald Trump has suffered a legal setback as a federal appeals court upheld a New York jury's decision finding him liable in the E. Jean Carroll sex abuse and defamation case. In May, the civil jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury Manhattan department store, in 1996. The panel of six men and three women also found that Trump defamed Carroll when he called her a liar, and ordered him to pay a total of $5 million in damages. In its opinion on Monday the appeals court said Trump 'has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings.' The appeals court said evidence, including Trump bragging about his sexual prowess on an 'Access Hollywood' video that surfaced during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, established a 'repeated, idiosyncratic pattern of conduct' consistent with Carroll's allegations. It went on: 'Taking the record as a whole and considering the strength of Ms. Carroll's case, we are not persuaded that any claimed error, or combination of errors, in the district court's evidentiary rulings affected Mr. Trump's substantial rights.' The decision is a blow for Trump, who has called the case the 'greatest witch hunt of all time' and slammed the original finding by the jury as a 'disgrace.' Roberta (Robbie) Kaplan, attorney for E. Jean Carroll, told DailyMail.com they are 'gratified by todays decision. '\We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties arguments.' In a separate civil case the president-elect is also appealing, he was ordered to pay Carroll a colossal $83.3 million for defamation after he publicly denied sexually abusing her. The latest appeals court ruling comes as Trump's other legal cases have unraveled since his reelection in November. His long legal saga of the past few years might not be entirely wrapped up by the time he raises his hand to take the oath of office on January 20th, but each case will be well on its way to being resolved. 'The American People have re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed,' Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. Donald Trump appeared in court in New York on Friday as his lawyers fought to overturn the verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll Natasha Stoynoff (centre) walks into Manhattan Federal Court, Manhattan, New York Jessica Leeds (centre) leaves Manhattan Federal Court, Manhattan, New York In September, Trump appeared at the federal appeals court in New York as his lawyers fought to overturn the Carroll decision. The former president's motorcade was seen pulling up to the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan where attorneys presented oral arguments before a panel of three judges all of whom were appointed to the bench by Democratic presidents. Dressed in his trademark navy suit and red tie, Trump entered the courtroom and walked straight past Carroll, who was sitting in the front row of the public gallery. It marked Trump's first time in court since the assassination attempt on him in July, and security was tight, with attendees required to go through metal detectors upon arrival. All phones and other electronics were banned from the courtroom. Trump's attorneys claimed the civil court had erred by allowing the jury to consider certain evidence. That included the infamous Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump can be heard boasting about grabbing women's genitals, as well as testimony from two other women who had accused him of sexual misconduct decades ago. Trump's attorney John Sauer called the case 'a textbook example of implausible allegations being propped up by highly inflammatory, inadmissible' evidence. He also reiterated Trump's position that he had never 'even met' Carroll. Addressing the panel, Sauer called the lawsuit a 'quintessential 'he said, she said' case' that was lacking in physical evidence, eyewitnesses, and police records. Circuit Judge Denny Chin interrupted Sauer's argument, noting it's 'very hard to overturn a jury verdict based on evidentiary rulings' and asked him why the verdict should be thrown out. Sauer questioned US District Judge Lewis Kaplan's decision to allow the Access Hollywood tape and testimony from Jessica Leeds, who accused Trump of groping her on a plane in the late 1970s, to be heard as evidence. Another accuser, Natasha Stoynoff, cried as she told the court in 2023 about how Trump allegedly pushed her up against a wall and kissed her at Mar-a-Lago in 2005 when she was writing a story to celebrate his first wedding anniversary to Melania. Stoynoff told the court that after a butler walked in they went back to the photo shoot where Trump promised to take her for a steak meal and give her the 'best sex you'll ever have.' In September, Trump appeared at the federal appeals court in New York as his lawyers fought to overturn the verdict In his two-minute rebuttal, Trump's attorney John Sauer called the case 'a textbook example of implausible allegations' and a 'quintessential 'he said, she said' case' Carroll, who claimed she was sexually assaulted by Trump at a department store dressing room in the 1990s, was also present at the hearing on Friday The former president's motorcade was seen pulling up to the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan on Friday morning Protesters holding up placards reading 'guilty', 'rapist' and 'felon', gathered outside the Manhattan federal appeals court on Friday ahead of the hearing Responding to Sauer's arguments before the appeals panel, Carroll's attorney Roberta Kaplan stood by the evidence presented at the civil trial. She insisted that Leeds's testimony was admissible under a law that was in effect in 1979, and therefore the incident would have been considered a crime. The lawyer also argued that Trump had a 'pattern' of attacking women that begins with 'pleasantly chatting' them up before suddenly 'pouncing' on them and subsequently trashing the women when he is accused. She added that Trump had refused to testify or even attend the trial despite being given the opportunity. Trump's attorney presented oral arguments before a three-judge panel consisting of circuit judges Denny Chin, Susan Carney, and Myrna Perez all of whom were appointed to the bench by Democratic presidents Carroll departed court flanked by her attorney Roberta Kaplan, who said she stood by the evidence presented at the trial The writer, who was wore dark blazer and suit with a navy blue hair ribbon, did not talk with reporters after arguments ended Following the original civil trial in May jurors awarded Carroll. a former Elle magazine advice columnist, $2.02million and $2.98million for her sexual abuse and defamation claims respectively. Trump was separately found liable for defaming Carroll in another trial that took place in January. A different jury in that civil trial ordered him to pay Carroll $83.3million for having defamed her and damaging her reputation. Trump has said he did not know Carroll, that she was 'not my type,' and that she made up her story to promote her memoir. In their appeal Trump's lawyers claimed he could not get a fair trial in New York. The former president claimed that Judge Lewis Kaplan 'erred' in rulings during the May 2023 trial that 'violated President Trump's rights'. The filing stated: 'The improper verdict in this case is a gross miscarriage of justice, backed by political operatives long opposed to President Trump and his politics, based on false and unsupported claims' In other legal filings, Trump's lawyers claimed the attack on Carroll 'never occurred'. He accused her of making up the claims because of her 'significant political bias against him' and 'turned her allegations against (Trump) into a lifestyle and sought to monetize her allegations as much as possible'. Rather than being harmed by the claims, Carroll's standing has improved due to her media interviews, Trump's lawyers claimed. Trump spoke to the media during a press conference at Trump Tower after the court hearing Trump took the stand during the second civil trial where E. Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her decades ago, at Manhattan Federal Court in January Carroll's civil cases are separate from multiple criminal cases against the former US president. He was found guilty in state court in New York for falsifying business records relating to a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. Trump was found guilty on all 34 counts earlier this year after a blockbuster trial. He denied all the allegations. The Republican mayor of McAllen, Texas is risking the wrath of President-elect Donald Trump by criticizing his mass deportation plan. ABC affiliate WFAA aired an interview with Mayor Javier Villalobos on Sunday where he warned that deporting millions of undocumented immigrants - as Trump has pledged - could wreak havoc on the U.S. economy. Villalobos said that a mass deportation wouldn't likely have a severe impact on McAllen because most border crossers head to places where they can be paid more for jobs. But he suggested the plan could have an impact more broadly. 'I think it if were to happen, I think we're going to have issues with our economy,' Villalobos said. Villalobos pushed that the country needed immigrant labor. 'Look, I've always said it, there's a lot of people that can be very productive and we should try to help them come here and produce for us and assist their families,' the Republican mayor said. 'Now, if it's people that have issues, criminal or otherwise, then we definitely don't want that. But there's a lot of people that I know can help us, that can help our economy stay strong,' he added. The Republican mayor of McAllen, Texas Javier Villalobos told a Dallas-based ABC affiliate that he's concerned President-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation plan could hurt the U.S. economy Trump has said deportation efforts would first be focused on illegal immigrants with criminal records but has also pledged for it to be the biggest mass deportation in history - meaning workers could be kicked out of the country as well. 'The work ethic of the American people is not what it used to be. And a lot of the time, these immigrants are the ones that assist,' Villalobos argued. 'And I've seen it over and over again I have also always said that we need immigrants, that we need people to come and support their families and assist our economy.' Villalobos' comments are similar to points DOGE co-leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy made when they advocated for the H-1B visa program - which allow skilled laborers, like computer engineers, into the U.S. Musk and Ramaswamy's stance angered the traditional MAGA base, including Trump's longtime political adviser Steve Bannon, who believe those jobs should be reserved for Americans first. Villalobos' comments, however, applied to more low-skilled workers. He also urged Trump to not implement the tariffs he's threatened on Mexico and Canada. 'Our economy, especially post-COVID, has been tremendous,' the GOP mayor said. 'A lot of it has to do with importing and exporting. If it were to be reduced, it wouldn't just affect here because many goods are shipped out, both south and north. It's going to affect everybody.' President-elect Donald Trump wants to pull off the largest deportation in American history, which would kick out undocumented workers, as well as criminals. Villalobos warned that could hurt the U.S. economy Villalobos also said that McAllen has been in good shape for awhile because NGOs deal with the city's border crossers. He warned that if the federal government instructed NGOs to stop working with undocumented immigrants it could be a major 'burden' on his community. 'My biggest concern is the attack right now on NGOs, and whether we're going to be funded to assist the federal government,' Villalobos said. 'So if they stay the way they are, we're OK.' 'I mean, here in McAllen, we've been OK for a long time,' Villalobos added. 'However depends on what's going to happen with a new administration.' Three top-end realtor brothers now accused of being serial rapists are demanding that a federal court approves their release from prison - offering various, extreme bail options which would allow them to continue live the high life while awaiting trial. Tal Alexander, 38, and his twin brothers, Oren and Alon, 37, were arrested earlier this month in Miami, Florida, charged with drugging and raping dozens of women over two decades - dating back to their high school years. Despite facing life in prison if convicted of their sex trafficking conspiracy, the brothers could potentially return to their high-flying lifestyle inside their multi-million-dollar properties away from prying eyes in an exclusive Miami enclave. Court documents obtained by DailyMail.com ahead of a detention hearing for Alon on Monday show a long list of options for the court to consider, including the 37-year-old offering to move from his lavish $2.8million waterfront property to a landlocked home. Alon, who served as president of his father's company Kent Security Services, is offering to rent a condo on a floor 'sufficiently elevated to assuage concerns about escape', or to move his family to his uncle's home in Plantation, Florida, with his legal team arguing that the family wealth should strengthen his case for bond. 'In the case of the Alexander brothers, their family wealthwhich was built from the ground up in Miami over four decades of community involvement, and contribution to the local economyhighlights their ties to the community; it does not weaken them,' his lawyers state. 'And it offers meaningful collateral to secure Alon's appearance at future hearings.' Lawyers for Alon argue that the father-of-two has 'overwhelming and longstanding' ties to Miami, adding that his parents are willing to 'pledge their entire life savings' to secure his bond. Their parents, self-made real estate developer Shlomy and security executive Orly, emigrated from Israel in 1982 with 'practically no money', but soon built a multi-million-dollar empire after founding security firm Kent Security together. Defense lawyers for Alon Alexander (left) are offering various, extreme bail options which would allow him to continue live the high life while awaiting trial. It is unclear if it will apply to his twin brother, Oren (right) The Alexander twins, 37, also known as star real estate agents with Douglas Elliman, were taken into custody earlier this month alongside their older brother Tal, 38, (center) amid allegations of rape, sex trafficking and sexual assault. The twins are Oren, left, and Alon, right 'The government's apparent basis for this conclusion is that Alon's parents emigrated to the United States from Israel nearly 50 years ago, in 1975,' documents seen by DailyMail.com show. 'The government fails to recognize, moreover, that his parents were naturalized as U.S. citizens in 1983, before Alon was born. The government also ignores the substantial and deep-rooted ties to the Southern District of Florida that the family has developed over the last half century.' Both Shlomy and Orly are willing to give up their US and Israeli passports as part of the bid for their son's freedom. Alon's wife - who served in the Israeli military - has offered to surrender her Israeli passport and both of their infant children's documents. Alon's legal team argue that the evidence against him is 'particularly weak', because he 'entered a monogamous relationship with his future-wife, publicly declared his engagement to her in 2019, and married her in 2020.' Lawyers also state that because the tycoon was admitted to the New York Bar in 2016 he satisfied 'standards for professionalism, ethics, integrity, and character', imposed by the bar, and will 'introduce evidence of his good moral character' at the hearing on Monday. Court filings also dismiss claims by federal prosecutors that the brothers have access to a private jet, stating they have access to a sea plane which could be placed under a no-fly list. Alon is also willing to be subject to house arrest with GPS and location monitoring as well as the security detail. Documents state that the court will hear on Monday from Alon's parents, wife, and bosses of private security firm V2 Global who are prepared to have armed guards watch over Alon 24/7 to ensure he does not breach any bail conditions before trial if he is released. Shlomy and Orlys waterfront Bal Harbour residence is being used as collateral for their twin sons, Oren and Alon. Their five-bedroom, six-bathroom home is valued at $40 million and currently has a $3 million mortgage, according to pretrial release orders If the twins fail to appear in court while out on bail that was granted by the state, Shlomy will be on the hook for a combined $5million - but it's likely the federal agents will swoop them up to face federal charges after they're released The Alexander brothers' parents Shlomy (in light-colored jacket) and his wife Orly built a life for their family when the escaped poverty in Israel and arrived in Miami - building a multi-million-dollar empire through their security firm Kent Security It is unclear if the package offered will also cover his twin, Oren, and older brother Tal, with a federal court deeming the elder Alexander brother a 'flight risk', which lawyers for all three dispute. Attorneys for Oren filed a motion to remain in custody until his detention hearing on January 3, while Tal had his motion to reconsider bail denied, with prosecutors filing documents to have him moved to a New York facility. The defense is also asking for any messages from the accusers that are 'inconsistent with their alleged statements' and any evidence of them willingly taking drugs and alcohol. All three brothers are facing federal sex-trafficking charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Oren and Alon are also being slapped with sexual battery charges in Miami. Oren is facing three charges of rape connected to separate incidents in Miami, and his twin has been charged with one. When the rape allegations broke, all three brothers shirked the limelight, locked down their social media and attended fewer high-profile events for the six months before they were hit with the slew of charges Despite rumors they had fled to Israel, they were spotted over the summer in Bridgehampton, New York, at a Barry's Bootcamp class in Miami, and Oren was seen in Ibiza, behind a DJ booth, according to The Real Deal. Following the charges against the brothers, the Department of Justice requested information from Douglas Elliman about Oren and Tal's time at the brokerage, before they set up their own company. Alon, who served as president of his father's company Kent Security Services, bought his Miami beach property for $2.8million in 2020. It's now valued at $6.3million and includes a pool and a dock with 92 feet of water frontage All three brothers are facing federal sex-trafficking charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison A spokesman for the company confirmed that they are cooperating with the DOJ's inquiry. Both brothers worked for the Elliman between 2012 and 2019, representing ultra wealthy and celebrity clients including Kanye West, Steve Madden, Leon Black and Jay-Z. After their arrest, their lawyers worked out an agreement with the state that the twins could leave prison after posting a $5million bond. But it's expected they'll be swooped up by federal agents after the bond agreement is formalized. A fourth man, Ohad Fisherman, has also been charged with sexual battery in Miami, where he is accused of holding down a woman by her shoulders with his knees the twins raped her on New Year's Eve in 2016. Fisherman turned himself in to police Wednesday morning, cutting short his Japanese honeymoon with 24-year-old journalist Jordan Royt. North Korea will launch its "toughest" ever strategy to counter the United States, state media said Sunday, reporting on a key year-end party meeting overseen by leader Kim Jong Un. The nuclear-armed state held a five-day party meeting last week as part of a drive to chart the country's course for 2025, the official Korean Central News Agency reported in a lengthy English dispatch. "The US is the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy," the report said. It slammed growing ties between South Korea, the US and Japan, saying it had "expanded into a nuclear military bloc for aggression". It also said South Korea had "turned into an out-and-out anti-communist outpost of the US". "This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how," KCNA said. Against this backdrop, Kim's speech to top officials "clarified the strategy for the toughest anti-US counteraction to be launched aggressively", the report said without providing details. The meeting reviewed the response to widespread flooding earlier this year, and also included a vow to boost ties with "friendly" countries. Such party meetings, and Kim's speeches to officials, are typically used by Pyongyang to make key policy announcements. The KCNA report comes after Seoul's military claimed that more than a thousand North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded since they entered combat in Ukraine as part of a military deal between Pyongyang and Moscow. 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 when Russian President Vladimir Putin North Korea -- came into force this month. Putin hailed 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. A man who was wrongly convicted of IRA attacks on pubs in Birmingham in 1974 has died at the age of 80. Paddy Hill was among a group of men from Northern Ireland jailed for the atrocity who became known as the Birmingham Six. Some 21 people were killed in explosions at two Birmingham city centre pubs in November 1974. The Birmingham Six were six Irish men who had been living in the West Midlands city at the time of two city centre pub bombings in 1974, in which 21 people were killed. On March 14, 1991, the six men walked free, after fresh scientific evidence threw 'grave doubt' on their coviction, according to the appeal judge. They spent 17 years in prison for the bombings before their convictions were quashed in 1991. The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO) said in a post on their Facebook page that Mr Hill died peacefully at home on Monday morning. They said: 'It is with great sorrow Paddy died this morning peacefully at home. Our condolences to his family at this sad time. The Birmingham Six (left to right: William Power, Richard McIlkenny, John Walker, Gerry Hunter, Paddy Hill and Hugh Callaghan) outside the Old Bailey in London after their convictions were quashed in 1991 Paddy Hill pictured in 2016, spent 17 years in prison before scientific evidence threw 'grave doubt' on the original evidence The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO) said Mr Hill died peacefully at home on Monday morning 'We ask that you respect the family's privacy.' Mr Hill founded the group in 2001 to help others. Just three of the Birmingham Six are still living, including Gerry Hunter, John Walker and Billy Power. Hugh Callaghan died in 2023 and Richard McIlkenny died in 2006. All six men, all Irish, all Catholic, had been drinking in a pub at New Street station in Birmingham on November 21, 1974 before boarding a train to catch a ferry to Belfast. Within six minutes, bombs exploded in two pubs, destroying the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern. Many of the victims were aged between 17 and 25. Warnings were sent but police did not evacuate people in time. The men, all carrying mass cards, were travelling to the funeral of a friend, an IRA man who had blown himself up whilst assembling a bomb. They were all Republican sympathisers. The Birmingham Six outside the Old Bailey in London after their convictions were quashed The West Midlands Police mug shot of Paddy Hill taken in 1974 when he was wrongly arrested In court they claimed they had confessed only after being beaten by police but the court did not believe them and so began their long battle for justice. Former journalist Chris Mullin investigated the bombings in 1985 and 1986. Detailing his findings in 'Error of Judgment: The Truth About the Birmingham Pub Bombings', the Crown Prosecution Service was left with no other option but to reopen the Birmingham bombings case. A first appeal in 1988 somehow proved unsuccessful, but justice prevailed in 1991 with all six men being granted their freedom. The case against the 'Birmingham Six' has since been labelled one of the 'gravest miscarriages of justice' in British legal history, with Mullin's work heralded as one of the finest examples of investigative reporting in modern times. Jeju Air flight 2216 flew 13 times in just 48 hours and had previously been damaged in a runway accident before it was involved in one of the deadliest crashes in South Korean history, it has been revealed. The Boeing B737-800 crash-landed on its belly before skidding off the runway and smashing into a concrete wall, erupting in a fireball and killing all but two of the 181 people on board. The plane is believed to have experienced a landing gear malfunction during its descent towards Muan International Airport, 180 miles south of Seoul, after taking off from Bangkok on Sunday. Airline bosses insisted that the plane had 'absolutely no history' of accidents or maintenance issues, but it has emerged today that the tail of the plane collided with the runway almost four years ago. Described as a 'tail skid', the incident on February 17, 2021, saw a bumper attached to the rear of the plane's fuselage scrape along the runway during takeoff from Gimpo Airport. South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport reportedly imposed a fine of 220 million won (more than 100,000) on Jeju Air at the time, stating: 'It is a violation of safety regulations to fly without properly checking for damage to a part of the plane.' Minister Park Yong-gap today raised concerns that the incident was covered up, saying: 'The plane involved in this recent accident also crashed during takeoff three years ago... Jeju Air claims that there is no history of accidents at all. Isn't that a false explanation?' Jeju Air said in a statement that it had classified the collision as a 'non-accident' under aviation law as the damage to the plane was not significant, defending its earlier claim that the plane had no accident history. 'We have paid the full amount of the fine and completed all inspections and maintenance, and are now operating normally,' the airline said in a statement. It comes as industry experts have reportedly raised concerns that Jeju Air may have overused the plane in question in the days before the crash, scheduling excessive charter flights to meet the demand of the peak end-of-year season. Your browser does not support iframes. The Boeing B737-800 crash-landed on its belly before skidding off the runway and smashing into a concrete wall, erupting in a fireball BEFORE: A satellite image shows South Korea's Muan International Airport before the Jeju Air aircraft went off the runway and crashed AFTER: Emergency vehicles are seen gathered at the crash site at Muan International Airport Flight records cited by Yonhap news agency show that in the two days before the disaster, the jet traveled between Muan, Jeju Island and Incheon, as well as international destinations including Beijing, Bangkok, Kota Kinabalu, Nagasaki and Taipei. Data also shows that Jeju Air had the highest average monthly flight time among the six domestic low-cost airlines in South Korea, between July and September this year, according to Korean media. Jeju Air also paid the largest amount of fines between 2019 and August of this year, JoongAng reports. Regional airports in South Korea are often reliant on charter planes operated by low-cost carriers such as Jeju Air, with travel agencies filling the jets with their passengers during the holiday seasons. It was the first fatal flight for Jeju Air, a budget 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 December 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. This morning, another Jeju Air flight departed Seoul's Gimpo International Airport for Jeju island, but was forced to turn around after a landing gear issue was detected shortly after takeoff, the South Korean airline said. 'Shortly after takeoff, a signal indicating a landing gear issue was detected on the aircraft's monitoring system,' Song Kyung-hoon, head of the management support office at Jeju Air, told a news conference. 'At 6.57 am, the captain communicated with ground control, and after taking additional measures, the landing gear returned to normal operation. 'However, the decision was made to return to the airport for a thorough inspection of the aircraft.' Soldiers have carefully combed through a field of reeds next to the runway Mourners react near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport Rescue workers work near the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft that went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport A relative of passenger at Muan International Airport on December 30 The wrecked tail section of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed and burst into flames is seen at the end of the runway at Muan International Airport Local media reported that 21 passengers chose not to board an alternate flight to Jeju, citing concerns over safety and other reasons. The airline has seen a surge in customers cancelling their flight reservations since Sunday's incident, with a total of 68,000 tickets cancelled, Yonhap news agency reports. Jeju Air's 41 plane fleet includes 39 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Seoul said on Monday it would conduct a special inspection of all 101 Boeing 737-800 planes in operation in the country, with US investigators, possibly including from plane manufacturer Boeing, joining the probe into the crash. 'We are reviewing plans to conduct a special inspection on B737-800 aircraft,' said Joo Jong-wan, head of the aviation policy bureau at the South Korean transport ministry. Joo added that the government plans to 'implement rigorous aviation safety inspections in response to the (landing gear) incidents'. A total of 101 aircraft, operated by six airlines using the same model as the plane that crashed on Sunday, will be 'thoroughly reviewed', Joo said, adding that the inspections would last until January 3. Sunday's 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. Devastated family members of the victims have been demanding answers from the authorities. 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. '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. 'The water near the airport is not deep... (There) are softer fields than this cement runway. Why couldn't the pilot land there instead?' He added that his daughter was almost home safe, so had seen no reason to call and leave a final message. 'She was almost home - she thought she was coming home'. Five of the people who died in the tragedy were children under the age of 10, with the youngest, a three-year-old, losing his life alongside his parents as they returned home from their first family holiday in Thailand. Kang Ko shared pictures of his family's holiday on Instagram, including one of him excitedly looking out of the plane window as they flew to Thailand Video of the plane's approach show it hitting a bird, before it circled the runway and attempted to land with its flaps up. Experts believe this suggests the aircraft suffered hydraulic failure, which could have also prevented the landing gear from deploying. Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the object was the 'defining moment' of the disaster. He suggested that had the wall not been there, the plane would have instead hit a fence, slid over a road and likely stopped in a nearby field. However, Tim Davies, an ex-RAF Tornado fighter pilot, was skeptical this was the sole cause of the tragedy and feared 'pilot error' may have contributed to the disaster. 'He was leaving the runway at more than 100 knots, you're only going to experience death there,' the aviation expert said. 'If he landed at the beginning of the runway, he might have been able to slow down. But I fear he was coming in with too much speed and landed in the middle of the runway, that's why he couldn't slow down in time. 'It's a pretty common emergency that should have been dealt with. And the fact it wasn't, probably comes down to the pilot.' Airline pilots also chimed in, saying that the jet likely lost power on at least one engine and suffered a hydraulic failure after the plane was hit by a bird. People stand as the wreckage of an aircraft lying on the ground after it went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport is pictured, in Muan, South Korea, December 30 Jeju Air flight 7C2216 is engulfed in flames as it slams into a wall following a crash after landing at Muan International Airport Leading air safety expert David Learmount told Sky News that having a concrete wall (pictured in satellite image) at the end of the runway was 'verging on criminal' and said the collision with the wall was the 'defining moment' of the disaster 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 South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok pays tribute to the victims of the 29 December Jeju Air plane crash Relatives of passengers of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft gather at a make-shift shelter at Muan International Airport in Muan After abandoning a first landing attempt due to a loss of power, the pilots touched down on the runway at high speed on their second attempt - without extending the flaps and deploying speed brakes that would normally slow the plane down. The thrust reverser, used to slow down the aircraft once on the ground, was only deployed on one engine. While the flaps and landing ear are powered by the hydraulic system, they can be extended manually in an emergency. Captain Denys Davydov, who flies a Boeing 737-800 for Ukraine International Airlines, told the Times: '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.' Some experts said that a bird strike alone would not have crippled the landing gear. Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell said: 'I've never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended.' 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?' But Joo Jong-wan dismissed concerns about having the concrete wall after the end of the runway, saying that both ends of the runway have 'safety zones with green buffer areas before reaching the outer wall', the Independent reports. He added that the airport was designed 'according to standard aviation safety guidelines, even if the wall may appear closer than it actually is'. Horrifying footage has shown the moment a Brightline train collided with a fire truck over the weekend, cutting the vehicle in half. It happened at a railroad crossing in West Palm Beach around 10:45am Saturday, and left 12 passengers with minor injuries. Three Delray Beach firefighters were injured as well and are currently in stable condition, officials said Monday. The fire rescue truck that had been carrying the first responders is seen in the new footage from Brightline, which was released along with a written statement. It warned onlookers to 'never drive around crossing gates when they are down', as the video appeared to show the oversized vehicle traversing those obstacles just before the collision. The clip then cuts off before the moment of impact, which left the speeding train toppled and its front completely destroyed. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck, meanwhile, was thrust dozens of feet away - its ladder completely ripped off and left in the grass at the scene. An investigation is underway, putting the passenger rail service from Orlando to Miami under federal scrutiny. The company was founded in 2012 by Wes Edens, the billionaire part-owner of both the Milwaukee Bucks and Aston Villa FC. Scroll down for video: Footage shows the moment a Brightline train collided with a fire truck in Florida Saturday, cleaving the vehicle into two It happened at a railroad crossing in West Palm Beach around 10:45am Saturday, and left 12 passengers with minor injuries From the Brightline Safety and Security Team: Railroad safety is a community wide effort. For everyones safety, never drive around crossing gates when they are down. pic.twitter.com/6TSeHHOuyq Brightline (@GoBrightline) December 29, 2024 'Railroad safety is a community wide effort,' the company said in a post accompanying the video footage, filmed from the front car of the ill-fated train. 'For everyones safety, never drive around crossing gates when they are down.' Brightline officials didnt immediately respond to an email asking for more information Monday morning, after service at the station in crowded downtown Delray Beach resumed as normal after several hours. Authorities, meanwhile, did not confirm the cause of the crash - with the only clue provided seemingly the footage itself. It clearly shows the truck driving around the protective barriers, just a few feet away from crossing safely. Just last year, the train was named the fastest in Florida and all of the Southeastern United States - after reaching speeds of 130 mph. It bills itself on its website as the only 'modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail' in the entire US - a reputation that helped it secure some $3billion in federal funding from the Biden Administration this time last year. The company itself is worth close to $1billion, and is in the midst of a project promised to provide Americans with a high-speed bullet train route meant to traverse the notorious Nevada desert, from LA to Las Vegas, in a matter of hours. Three Delray Beach firefighters were injured as well, and are currently in stable condition, officials said Monday. The fire-rescue truck that had been carrying the first responders is seen in the new footage from Brightline, which was released along with a written statement It warned onlookers to 'never drive around crossing gates when they are down', as the video appeared to show the oversized vehicle traversing those obstacles just before the collision An investigation is underway, putting the passenger rail service from Orlando to Miami under further federal scrutiny Meanwhile, more than 100 people have died after being hit by Brightline trains since July 2017 - the worst rate in the nation. Brightline, though, has not been found to be at fault for any of those incidents, most of which have been suicides and pedestrians attempting to cross the tracks at the last-minute. Motorists going around gates instead of waiting for a train to pass was also pegged as a primary factor, with three of these crashes under federal investigation. This includes the incident at the crossing on East Atlantic Avenue and SE 1st Avenue, where the fire truck was hit. DailyMail.com has reached out to Delray Beach Fire Rescue for more information. The department, as of writing, has kept quiet as to why the truck seemingly strayed from a safe route when crossing at the intersection. Emmanuel Amaral, a local, told NBC 6 how he rushed to the scene after hearing the crash and screeching train brakes from several blocks away. Once he got there, he was met with the sight of several firefighters climbing out of the window of the damaged truck. He recalled how he saw many of the men pulling their injured colleagues away from the tracks. 'The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half,' Amaral said. 'It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere.' The Delray Beach Fire Rescue truck, meanwhile, was thrust dozens of feet away - its ladder completely ripped off and left in grass at the scene Emmanuel Amaral, a local, told NBC 6 how he rushed to the scene after hearing the crash and screeching train brakes from several blocks away Zach Thrasher, an Orlando resident who was actually aboard the train, further told CBS 12 of what he and his family experienced in the back cart of the affected train Zach Thrasher, an Orlando resident who was actually aboard the train, further told CBS 12 of what he and other riders experienced: 'We felt a hard brake and then an immediate violent impact. I was thrown into the table. There was a lot of momentum. 'We saw a cargo train go by first on our right side and pretty much within a second after that we felt what we thought was maybe an initial brake, but it was immediately before the impact basically,' he continued. 'We knew we hit something, we knew we hit something significant. We thought initially it was a car. 'We had no idea it was a fire truck until a few minutes later, like after the fact and you could see some of the debris.' He went on to reveal how he and his family, who had been headed home from a holiday cruise excursion, were seated in the passenger car at the very tail end of the Brightline train. As a result, no members of his family were seriously injured, he said - before going on to recall how that was not the case for several of his fellow passengers. 'What was the explanation that was given over the loudspeaker on the train?' a reporter asked Thrasher, who said that after the crash, Brightline staffers asked those on the train with any medical training to assist those who had hurt. 'Mainly just you know there was an incident, we collided with another vehicle, please keep the aisles clear, please stay in your seat,' he recalled. 'If you need assistance let us know. Unfortunately they seemed like they'd been through it before.' The company - currently the subject of two other federal probes into crashes - was founded in 2012 by Wes Edens, the billionaire part-owner of the Bucks and Aston Villa FC. He is seen here attending the Sun Valley Conference in 2015, two years before Brightline went live in Florida The company itself is worth close to $1billion, and is in the midst of a project promised to provide Americans with a high-speed bullet train meant to traverse the notorious Nevada desert, from LA to Las Vegas, in just two hours The project secured some $3billion in federal funding from the Biden Administration this time last year, before Brightline became the subject of two separate federal investigations surrounding two fatal crashes in January of this year He went on to offer his theory for what caused the crash - after confirming that the crossing arms had been down where the fire truck attempted to cross. 'I know the crossing arms were down. We saw they were still down, you know, after the fact,' Thrasher explained, his account seemingly stood up by Brookline's statement and video footage. 'I think the fire truck believed the cargo train was the only train,' he added, referencing how a fire truck had stopped at the crossing to wait for a freight train to go by just before the crash. A person familiar with the details of the crash but not authorized to disclose what happened because of the ongoing investigation aired similar sentiments to the Associated Press Sunday, on condition of anonymity. The insider said the fire truck had stopped at the crossing and waited for the freight train to go by before maneuvering around the lowered crossing arms. That's when the footage from the passenger train cuts in -after the fire truck saw the cargo train go through the railroad crossing, seemingly under the impression no other trains were coming. 'They tried to cross, and didn't see us,' Thrasher said Saturday, still visibly traumatized by the incident. 'And we collided basically.' The city of Delray Beach, moreover, has said it will refrain from releasing any information until the investigation is completed, after the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that it would be jumping in to aid the city Sunday. Other probes from the agency include two called at the start of the year - which collectively saw three people killed at the same railroad crossing in Melbourne in a matter of days The crashes happened on a Wednesday and Friday in January, with the first claiming the life of 62-year-old Charles Julian Phillips, who was killed when his car was hit by the then oncoming train Three passengers in that vehicle were injured, according to Melbourne police - Mayor Paul Alfrey told reporters at the scene that the SUV tried to outrun the train. Those probes, as of writing, remain underway, with the cause of the more recent crash still unclear The decision came following some speculation as to whether the federal agency would be involved, after officials on Saturday said they were looking into the circumstances of the crash to discern whether it was necessary. Other probes from the agency include two called at the start of the year - which collectively saw three people killed at the same railroad crossing in Melbourne in a matter of days. The crashes happened on a Wednesday and Friday in January, with the first claiming the life of 62-year-old Charles Julian Phillips, who was killed when his car was hit by the then oncoming train. Three passengers in that vehicle were injured, according to Melbourne police - Mayor Paul Alfrey told reporters at the scene that the SUV tried to outrun the train. Two days later, another crash killed driver Lisa Ann Batchelder, 52, and passenger Michael Anthony Degasperi, 54, both of Melbourne. Both investigations - as is the case with the one called Sunday - are still underway. The names of the 15 victims have not yet been released. A Texas woman was tragically killed after she took shelter inside a trailer when a destructive tornado hit. Jamie Brown, 46, lost her life on Saturday after an EF-2 tornado touched down in Alvin - about 40 minutes outside of Houston. Jamie's wife Stafnie Brown said her partner was making lunch in her trailer when the cyclone hit, forcing her to take cover there. As Stafnie hunkered down in another mobile home with her mother, her wife of six years was tossed about 100 feet away as the storm launched her trailer into the air. After the tornado blew through, Stafnie frantically went outside to search for Jamie. 'I searched and I searched and I hollered, and I searched and I hollered. I walked that way, and thats when I found her,' Stafnie told KHOU 11. The heartbroken wife said she discovered Jamie face up in a puddle after she was thrown out of the trailer and into the wreckage. 'I tried to do CPR, but she was already gone. She got pummeled by stuff and the house,' she added. Jamie Brown, 46, died on Saturday after an EF-2 tornado touched down in Alvin, Texas Her wife, Stafnie Brown, found Jamie face up in a puddle after she was thrown from a trailer home on their family's property Stafnie said that just 10 minutes before the deadly tornado hit, their family, who all live on the land, got alerts on their phones. She believes her mother's home might have collided with the trailer Jamie was in, leading to her wife's death. 'I guess my moms house hit their house, and it kind of knocked it off, and I guess the tornado picked it up,' she told the outlet. 'Based on what I understand, it picked it up whole, threw it over there, dropped and exploded.' The widow now has to process not just losing her home, but the love of her life, who she said she married 28 days after they met. 'I think she's going to be there when I wake up, she's not,' Stafnie told KTRK. Despite losing Jamie, she said her wife would want her to move on following the horrific tragedy. The widow now has to process not just losing her home, but the love of her life, who she said she got married to after 28 days of meeting. (Pictured: Jamie and Stafnie) 'I am devastated. I mean, I can't do nothing, but I can pick up and go on because that is what she would want me to do,' she said. A total of seven people - all family members - lived on the property, which has since been left in ruins from the tornado. Erica Ackerman was one of four who weren't home at the time, but when she returned, her house was gone. 'We're all lost and numb and it's really hard to process, like I know it's real, I can see that it's real, but still, sometimes it doesn't feel real,' Erica said. She told KHOU11 that prior to the cyclone, the trailer she shares with her husband Billie Foster - Stafnie's brother - made it through multiple hurricanes. 'Made it through three hurricanes, and a tornado came and took everything. Despite losing Jamie (pictured), Stafnie said her wife would want her to move on following the horrific tragedy A total of seven people - all family members - lived on the property, which has since been left in ruins from the tornado. (Pictured: Jamie and Stafnie) 'It still doesnt even feel real. It does but it doesnt, and its still trying to process everything,' Erica said. Billy said that despite having insurance for their home, the company 'refused to help' the couple after the last two storms, including Hurricane Harvey. 'Our house is now behind the neighbors house, completely shredded to nothing,' Billy added. Erica has launched a GoFundMe page to help the family raise money following the horrific event. 'There are 6 of us displaced, and we have completely lost everything, including a dear family member. We are needing to start completely over,' she wrote. As of Monday morning, more than $4,400 was raised to assist the family. Four others were hurt during Saturday's storms, but according to officials, they were left with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover. The Texas Division of Emergency Management and Red Cross and currently working on full damage assessments, a spokesperson for the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office told KHOU11. Rare December tornadoes have torn through the South, with 40 reports from Texas to Alabama over the Christmas period. Severe weather also ramped up across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama over the weekend. A Nevada pre-teen is accused of stabbing her father to death after an argument over her punishment for running away earlier in the day. North Las Vegas Police arrested the 12-year-old girl after responding to call from a concerned family member about a possible homicide on Friday. Police arrived at an apartment in the 3400 block of Mercury Street around 9:30 p.m. and discovered the uninjured juvenile and her father, James Waldie, 55, lying on the floor in a pool of blood. The girl, whose name is not being released, initially claimed someone broke into their home and killed her dad, but ultimately confessed to the stabbing, cops said. 'Detectives interviewed the daughter who provided information about a disagreement with her father earlier that evening. The disagreement reportedly involved disciplinary action taken by the father,' North Las Vegas Police Lieutenant Ann Taylor said. 'The juvenile made different claims regarding what had occurred that night but ultimately confessed that she had stabbed her father after becoming upset with him.' Waldie had called police earlier in the day to report his daughter had runaway for a second time this month. Police located the girl and returned her home where she would go on to allegedly kill her father after a fight over her punishment. The investigation revealed a history of domestic issues and police calls to the family home leading up to the homicide. Police have charged a 12-year-old girl with the murder of her 55-year-old father James Waldie (pictured) Police arrived at an apartment in the 3400 block of Mercury Street (pictured) and discovered the uninjured girl and her dead father lying in a pool of blood On December 7, officers responded to a report of a runaway juvenile who was ultimately located and returned home safely. Later in the month, officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at the apartment where police determined the girl had battered her father causing visible injuries which led to her arrest on December 13. Police said there is no evidence that anyone else was in the home at the time of the crime and the girl had suffered no previous injuries. 'Detectives also determined that there were no signs of forced entry into the home and it was established that the only residents of the apartment were the 55-year-old male victim and his juvenile daughter,' Taylor said. 'Throughout the investigation, no evidence was found to indicate that the juvenile sustained any significant physical injuries prior to the events of December 27.' The Clark County Coroner's office confirmed Waldie's cause of death was stab wounds to the neck. The girl was arrested and booked into the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center on a charge of murder with the use of a deadly weapon. Waldie is survived by his wife, six daughters and three sons, according to his obituary. Waldie is survived by his wife, six daughters and three sons. Family said he embodied unconditional love, humanity, and the spirit of perseverance The girl was arrested and booked into the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center on a charge of murder with the use of a deadly weapon '[Waldie] left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him,' his obituary said. 'His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of his unconditional love, humanity, and the spirit of perseverance that he embodied.' Earlier this month, a New Mexico teen was arrested after drunkenly calling 911 and confessed to killing his parents and two siblings. Diego Leyva was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and booked as an adult after he allegedly shot his family members before turning himself in on December 14. Investigators said Leyva, from Belen, Valencia County, was 'extremely intoxicated' when police arrived to arrest him, and that they had found a handgun on the kitchen table inside. 'Deputies entered the residence to find four deceased individuals,' police said in a statement. The victims have since been identified as Leonardo Leyva, 42, and Adriana Bencomo, 35, and teenagers Adrian and Alexander Leyva, aged 16 and 14, all killed by suspected gunshot wounds. Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency after the nation saw a record-breaking 623 murders in just one year of bloodshed. The president of the tiny Caribbean nation, Christine Carla Kangaloo, made the declaration on Monday due to an explosive rise in criminal activity, according to a statement from the prime minister's office. The dual-island Caribbean nation off the coast of Venezuela is experiencing 'heightened criminal activity which endangers the public safety,' the prime minister's office said, following advice from the police service. Trinidad and Tobago has one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a record number of murders totaling over 620 this year so far in a population of 1.5million. Under the emergency powers announced by the office of the prime minister, Keith Rowley, the police and army now have complete authority to detain individuals without charge and search properties without warrants. In a defiant statement, Rowley said he was disappointed with the murder tally for 2024 and appealed to the nation's police to use their newly bestowed powers to make life 'uncomfortable' for criminals. However, at a press conference in Port of Spain, the attorney general, Stuart Young, said no public curfew would be imposed at this time. Young said the measures had been implemented as a result of a worrying week of 'brazen acts' by criminals across the country, but that there was only 'limited assurances' he could offer to the concerned public. Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency after the nation saw a record-breaking 623 murders in just one year of bloodshed (file image of Trinidad and Tobago soldiers) The president of the tiny Caribbean nation, Christine Carla Kangaloo, made the declaration on Monday due to an explosive rise in criminal activity, according to a statement from the prime minister's office (file image of soldiers in Port of Spain, Trinidad) 'What we are faced with was heightened criminal activity with the use of high-velocity assault weapons in reprisal attacks between gangs,' he said. 'It's not about culling the homicide rate, it's about expecting brazen acts which are going to endanger the public,' he added, while admitting that the past decade of the government's tenure had seen crime rates rise. President Kangaloo chimed in, saying: 'I am satisfied that a public emergency has risen as a result of the occurrence of action that has been taken or is immediately threatened by a person, of such a nature and on so extensive a scale, as to be likely to endanger the public safety.' Organised crime in the twin-island republic is responsible for the majority of the murders, many of which are linked to the international drug trade. Police have estimated that around 42.6 per cent of all killings are gang-related. According to the US state department, the country's close proximity to Venezuela and its direct transportation links to Europe and North America make it a 'prime location for narcotics trans-shipment'. In its latest violent incident, five men were gunned down overnight in a shop on the outskirts of the capital, Port of Spain, which police believed was linked to the killing of a prominent gang leader the day before. The gang member was killed outside of a police station on Saturday. The dual-island Caribbean nation off the coast of Venezuela is experiencing 'heightened criminal activity which endangers the public safety,' the prime minister's office said, following advice from the police service (file image of Trinidadian police officers inspecting rifles they found buried) And on Friday, a 57-year-old woman was shot dead while she collected her teenage son from a hospital in San Fernando. Details of the state of emergency are yet to be disclosed, but 'the regulations will be communicated shortly,' a Government spokesperson said. The move comes as Trinidad and Tobago readies itself for a general election, which has a deadline of August 2025. The last state of emergency declared in the dual-island nation was in May 2021 to allow for restrictions during the Covid19 pandemic. The state of emergency ended in November 2021. The dream of a British Disneyland is over after a judge ordered a firm behind the plans to be wound up after years of backlash from eco-campaigners over the park. The London Resort Company first revealed plans to build a 3.5billion theme park on 535 acres of former industrial land on the Swanscombe Peninsula near Dartford back in 2012. It was set to feature 50 rides and attractions, including eight huge roller coasters and different zones containing medieval castles and an Aztec pyramid, together with a 2,000-seat theatre and nightclub. Artist impressions showed flood lights illuminating a huge castle and lava waterfalls on the park which was set to be the size of 136 Wembley Stadiums. But the site has run into a raft of problems, including Natural England's decision to designate the land as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the company behind the park racking up 100million of debt. Now, a judge has driven the final nail into the park's coffin following an application by Paramount, which is owed 13.5 million. Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Sally Barber found the London Resort Company has ceased trading and 'appears unlikely ever to do so again', according to The Times. The attraction - which was expected to have 12 million visitors a year and create 30,000 jobs - was due to open this year. The park was going to be based in Kent between Gravesend and Dartford Billed as one of the most ambitious theme park projects ever in Europe, the London Resort would have been the first European development of its kind to be built from scratch since the opening of Disneyland Paris in 1992 The London Resort would have been home to various TV and movie-themed attractions. Above, a previous mock-up of how the theme park could have looked The company had reportedly spent 100m on the project since the plans were first announced. Wildlife experts previously expressed concerns over the impact of the park on a tiny spider just 1cm long. The London Resort would have been the first European development of its kind to be built from scratch since the opening of Disneyland Paris in 1992. The success of Disneyland Paris is a testament to the impact that a global theme park can have on the economy. The original site would have included a waterpark, conference and convention centre and e-Sports facility. Over 3,500 hotel rooms were set to be created alongside two ferry terminals one each side of the River Thames. Politicians and local councils were optimistic about the project, hoping that the resort would bring more than 30,000 jobs - while jump-starting the economies of nearby Gravesend and Dartford. A report on the economic contribution of Disneyland Paris found that the attraction added 68billion (60billion) to the French economy in the 25 years since opening. The site has run into a raft of problems, including Natural England's decision to designate the land as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) The multi-million pound London Resort was earmarked for construction on the Swanscombe Peninsula, between Dartford and Gravesend in Kent, for years A previous map and statement released by LRCH showed how the park would have been split into different themed areas, taking visitors from the medieval period to the 23rd century The region in which the park would have been located, Seine-et-Marne, has had a 22.4billion (20billion) boost. The attraction also made 13.7billion (12.2billion) in purchases, of which 70 per cent were made locally and 82 per cent were made within France, adding knock-on benefits to local suppliers. However, dreams of a glistening new attraction to thrill-seekers in the UK are now in tatters. London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH) - the company behind the plans to construct the park at a cost of 3.5 billion - had invested more than 4m in acquiring the option - which is non-refundable in the event of no purchase. Swanscombe Development LLP, a joint venture between Aggregate Industries and Anglo American International Holdings, is now up for sale along with the freehold on the land earmarked for the theme park. The land is made up of the former Swanscombe Cement Works, which was shut down in 1994. A large part of the peninsula was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England in 2021 because of its grassland, wetlands, birds, and invertebrate species which includes of the rarest species of spiders in the UK. Conservation groups involved in the Save Swanscombe Peninsula campaign, which is against the theme park proposals, say the possible sale of the land does not come as a surprise to them. Sally Smith, press and advocacy officer at Kent Wildlife Trust, said: 'It hasn't come as a complete surprise, the plans for the London Resort and the theme park on the site have been dead in the water for some time.' 'We've been fighting to have that special planning removed from the site so it can be protected for nature for future generations to come'. The first-ever up-close pictures showed rides and attractions at the London Resort, which has been dubbed 'Britain's Disneyland'. Renderings reveal the park's dinosaur land Base Camp would have featured two roller coasters, a large multi-media live stage show experience, an advanced simulator attraction, immersive fine dining and an 'active dig site' One of Base Camp's restaurants would have been 'a fine dining experience' situated at the edge of an underwater cliff. It would have featured floor-to-ceiling windows 'While that hovers over it there is complete uncertainty as to what happens there.' After the scheme hit several planning snags and racked up debts of 100million, it has now ended up in a legal dispute. London Resort Company Holdings Limited last year entered an agreement with creditors which allowed it to continue operating. But an insolvency judge in the High Court found there were at least three 'serious and irremediable' breaches of its agreement to pay creditors. Hollywood studio Paramount claimed that most of the money the company claimed to owe was a 'sham'. Much of the alleged debt was allegedly linked to Abdulla al-Humaidi, who bankrolled the scheme until he was declared bankrupt. He said that he had sunk 40m of his family's fortune into the project which had 'ruined my reputation and left me bankrupt' and slammed Britain's development process. The Times reported that the High Court heard the developers handed the ownership of one of four pieces of land to another company for no charge. Two further hearings will now take place next year to decide the firm's fate. Another court hearing on January 17 will take place determine whether or not LRCH can place itself in administration. To the world, Jimmy Carter was a known as the 39th U.S. president, a humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner, but to his grandson Hugo Wentzel, Carter was simply Paw-Paw. Carter passed away on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. In an interview with DailyMail.com, Wentzel shared new details about his final days and reflected on his inspirational life. The 25-year-old said that his grandfather could not move around or really speak in the end, but he believes Carter was 'happy with what he got to accomplish, the people he could help in his life.' While sad over his grandfather's passing, Wentzel said Carter was accepting of death in the end. 'He really, really believes he's going to heaven, he's gonna be a better place. That really comforts me too,' he said. Wentzel is one of Carter's 11 grandchildren and son of the late president's daughter Amy, who was one of the late president's primary caretakers in the end. He found out that his grandfather was in his final hours of life in a call with his mom on Sunday just before the news broke. She was in Plains to be with her father when he passed. An image of Hugo Wentzel with his grandfather President Jimmy Carter he shared on social media after the news that the 39th president had passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday The last time Wentzel saw his Paw-Paw was right before his 100th birthday when he and his mom were visiting Plains together from their home in Atlanta. During that visit, they had what he described as a very deep talk about life's motivations and what influenced the late president over the years to keep going. 'He's the best person for life advice I think anyone could ever ask for, so it was amazing,' Wentzel said. 'First thing for him is he was super religious, so that is always his main driver, and he'll tell anyone that ever talks about that, it's just his faith drives him,' Wentzel said. His other takeaway from his final talk with his grandfather was to never give up in order to change the world. 'He never stopped working on anything. He never gave up on any project,' Wentzel said. 'If he started doing something, he would finish it, no matter what happened to him.' Wentzel had a unique upbringing as the grandson of a former president. As a child he spent a lot of time traveling with Carter on regular family trips. At the time, he did not think much of it, but looking back, he realized how remarkable it was. 'We always went on our family trips, like, the craziest places,' he recalled fondly. Their adventures together took them to Nicaragua, Turkey (where they stayed at a hotel with 'golden toilets') and beyond. Wentzel did not realize how unusual it was when he was younger that on one of their trips his grandfather dropped that they were supposed to have met up with Nelson Mandela. A more recent image of Hugo Wentzel he shared on his Instagram in October Late President Jimmy Carter with his grandson Hugo and late first lady Rosalynn Carter Wentzel reflected on how his grandfather President Jimmy Carter wanted to be remembered not only as a human rights activist but also as a grandfather Together, Carter and his family traveled the world including taking his grandchildren on regular trips after he left office The 25-year-old laughed while reflecting that during another trip he became the youngest person ever to open the Panama Canal. His comment on the canal comes at a pivotal time as President-elect Donald Trump as set his sights on the U.S. regaining control of the crucial waterway. While Trump praised Carter in a statement following his death, he has criticized the 39th president for the treaty that turned control of the canal over to Panama. Despite the hostilities over the years, Wentzel believes Trump will be invited to his grandfather's funeral. 'I think that right now while the country is going so crazy and everyone is so divided, I think him passing way is just important reminder that everyone needs to come together and love everyone no matter what's going on all the time,' he said. Leading up to the presidential election, the Carter family made it no secret that the former president was holding out to vote for Kamala Harris. Wentzel said he was 'very happy he got to do that' and 'did talk about that a lot.' An image Wentzel shared in a post of his grandfather holding him after it was announced that President Carter had passed away. Wentzel wrote with the post that his Paw-Paw was the 'most selfless person Ive ever met in my entire life, and Im not even joking when I say probably one of the most selfless humans in history' Planning is still underway, but Wentzel believes there will be a small funeral for family and the close-knit people who live in Carter's Plains community before the larger public celebrations of his life. His state funeral is set for January 9 in Washington, DC. 'I think he would love to see how many people really love and care about him from every walk of life,' Wentzel said. He said that includes Trump, Biden and other members of both parties all there together. For Wentzel, he is trying to share the memory of his grandfather as Carter himself had said he wanted to be remembered: as a human rights activist and someone who cared about everyone equally but also as a grandfather. 'A lot of people know him as a president, but I think something really important to him, and what he wanted as part of his legacy to be was that he was someone who cared for people close to him a lot, nonstop, no matter what was happening.' Wentzel hopes to carry on some of his grandfather's values and also have a positive impact Wentzel said he hopes to carry on some of his grandfather's values and also have a positive impact. For now, the 25-year-old, an avid bodybuilder and often posts about fitness, is launching a fitness clothing line 'All You' which will be donating some of its proceeds to help disabled children get fit. But he also suggested with a laugh that maybe there could be another Carter family member in politics - one day. A Russian 'spy ship' dragged its anchor along the Baltic seabed for 60 miles to rupture cables in a sabotage attack, investigators in Finland found after looking at anchor drag marks on the seabed. The Estlink-2 power cable, which transmits energy from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea, went down on December 25 after an evident rupture. It had little impact on services but followed earlier damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines, both of which have been termed sabotage. Finnish police chief investigator Sami Paila said late Sunday the trail - allegedly created by the Russia-linked Eagle S already seized for investigation - dragged for dozens of miles. 'Our current understanding is that the drag mark in question is that of the anchor of the Eagle S vessel. We have been able to clarify this matter through underwater research,' Mr Paila told Finnish national TV broadcaster Yle. 'I can say that we have a preliminary understanding of what happened at sea, how the anchor mark was created there,' Mr Paila said, without providing further details. He also stressed that the 'question of intent is a completely essential issue to be clarified in the preliminary investigation, and it will be clarified as the investigation progresses'. On Saturday, the vessel was escorted to inner anchorage in the vicinity of the port of Porvoo, to facilitate the investigation, officials said. Oil tanker Eagle S is anchored near the Port of Kilpilahti in Porvoo, on the Gulf of Finland December 30, 2024 The Estlink-2 power cable (pictured), which transmits energy from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea, went down on December 25 after an evident rupture The moment Finnish police seize the Russian-linked tanker Eagle S suspected of cutting the EstLink 2 power cable between NATO states Finland and Estonia in the Baltic Sea It is being probed under criminal charges of aggravated interference with telecommunications, among other things. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday that 'sabotage in Europe has increased' since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ms Kallas told German newspaper Welt that the recent 'sabotage attempts in the Baltic Sea are not isolated incidents' but 'part of a pattern of deliberate and co-ordinated actions to damage our digital and energy infrastructure'. She vowed that the EU would 'take stronger measures to counter the risks posed' by vessels of Russia's shadow fleet. The Eagle S - which is understood to now have a missing anchor - is a Cook Islands-registered 751-ft seen as part of Russia's 'shadow' or 'dark' fleet operated by Vladimir Putin to evade sanctions. Those are ageing vessels with obscure ownership, acquired to evade western sanctions on Russia amid the war in Ukraine and operating without western-regulated insurance. Russia's use of the vessels has raised environmental concerns about accidents given their age and uncertain insurance coverage. 'Russia's shadow fleet threatens the environment and fills Russia's war chest. Now these ships are also suspected of carrying out acts of sabotage,' Ms Kallas said. A photo taken on December 28, 2024 off Porkkalanniemi, Kirkkonummi, in the Gulf of Finland, shows oil tanker Eagle S (C), which flies under the flag of the Cook Islands, next to Finnish border guard ship Uisko (L) and tugboat Ukko (front R) Reports say the Eagle S tanker is bristling with spy equipment enabling the Russians to monitor NATO shipping and aircraft. In the wake of the cable rupture, Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said last week that the military alliance, which Finland joined last year, will step up patrols in the Baltic Sea region. Finland, which shares an 832-mile border with Russia, abandoned its decades-long policy of neutrality and joined Nato in 2023, amid Russia's war against Ukraine. The Finnish coast guard said on Monday that another tanker ship heading for a Russian port has engine failure and drifted, then anchored in the Gulf of Finland south of the Hanko Paninsula. The guard said it was notified on Sunday night. Registered in Panama, the M/T Jazz was en route to Primorsk, Russia, from Sudan, with apparently no oil cargo. Finnish authorities have dispatched a tugboat and a patrol ship to ensure that the vessel does not drift and to prevent any damage to the environment. Regional director of the coast guard, Janne Ryonankoski, said there was no immediate risk to the seabed infrastructure. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott offered cringe-making condolences to the family of Jimmy Carter when he mistakenly sent prayers to Carter's deceased wife Rosalynn. The Republican governor issued the statement as public figures around the world were paying tribute to the former president, who died in his Plains, Georgia home at the age of 100 Sunday. 'Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the entire Carter family,' Abbott said in a statement. The former first lady, who was married to Carter for 77 years, died in 2023 at the same Georgia home they shared for decades. Carter himself attended her memorial service. Texas media immediately picked up on the flub. A later statement corrected the mistake and sent condolences to the entire Carter family. The five-term governor has made other errors during his tenure, including once sharing a fake story about a made up town and fake festival in his own state. Abbott's mistake came in a glowing statement praising the late Democratic president, during a rare moment of bipartisan political unity. That came at a time when fellow Republican Donald Trump also lauded Carter, despite their long feud and Trump mocking his predecessor's administration on Carter's 100th birthday. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott mistakenly sent condolences to the late first lady Rosalynn Carter in a statement honoring Jimmy Carter upon the former president's death 'Cecilia and I mourn the loss of former President Jimmy Carter alongside millions of Americans across the country,' Abbott's statement began. 'Our nation remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times. For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States. 'Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many.' Abbott is among many political leaders who sent kind words to the Carter family Texas media picked up on the flub, which the governor's office corrected Also praising Carter Sunday night was President Joe Biden, who spoke to reporters for about ten minutes from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. When he was done speaking, Biden appeared to criticize Trump while praising Carter's character. 'Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needs something and just keeps walking?' Biden asked. 'Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk?' 'I can't, I can't,' Biden said. 'In today's world some look at Jimmy Carter and see a man of a bygone era, with honesty and character, faith and humility... But I don't think it's bygone era. I see a man not only of our time but for all times,' Biden argued. Former President Jimmy Carter nails a board on one of the 100 homes built during the Jimmy Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity Monday, June 15, 1998, in Houston. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, are among 6,000 sweat-soaked volunteers who began hammering away Monday to build 100 homes in five days in Habitat for Humanity's largest U.S. project. (AP Photo/Brett Coomer) BRETT COOMER/AP Former President Jimmy Carter takes a break to place a wet towel around his neck to cool off while working on one of the 100 houses being built during the Jimmy Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity Monday, June 15, 1998, in Houston. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, are among 6,000 sweat-soaked volunteers who began hammering away Monday to build 100 homes in five days in Habitat for Humanity's largest U.S. project. (AP Photo/Brett Coomer) BRETT COOMER/AP A group of volunteers lift a roof support to the top of one of the 100 homes being built during the Jimmy Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity Monday June 15, 1998, in Houston. The week-long project, using thousands of volunteers from Houston and around the world, is slated to build 100 homes in a week. (AP Photo/Brett Coomer) BRETT COOMER/AP Former President Jimmy Carter devoted himself to service after he left office, and a home-building blitz that took place a quarter-century ago in Houston is a reminder of that legacy. Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, partnered with Habitat for Humanity to lead an effort to build 100 homes in Houston in just one week in 1998. Approximately 6,000 volunteers including 4,000 from Houston endured temperatures nearing 100 degrees for the effort that took place June 14-20, 1998. Most homes were in the Second Ward and the Fifth Ward. The remainder were in small clusters in four neighborhoods, including one near Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to a 1999 story in the Chronicle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The volunteers devoted a combined 72,000 hours to the effort. Future homeowners contributed at least 300 hours of sweat equity to help build their own home and others in their communities. The Houston project is emblematic of the service that Carter, who died Sunday at age 100 after 16 months in hospice, dedicated himself to after leaving office in 1981. He also established the Carter Center, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing democracy and human rights and finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts. His work with The Carter Center led to him being awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. The Houston home-building project was, at the time, the largest-ever Jimmy Carter Work Project later renamed the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in the United States. The former president and his late wife created the annual home-building blitz after working with Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Since then, the effort has helped build 4,417 homes in 14 countries, according to Habitat for Humanity. "I have never been to a Habitat work camp where I didn't weep," Carter said. "But the tears were from emotion and joy that came from the unique experiences of seeing compassion, understanding, friendship, partnership and love. There's an element of equality that is engendered between home-owning families and visitors who came from around the world. So, Houstonians are destined to see a miracle in Houston that they'll never forget." Eighty Houston-area nonprofits, businesses, professional groups, church groups, youth groups and social clubs sponsored one home each, covering the costs of building materials, supplies and labor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad City of Houston inspectors visited work sites each night to review the progress, helping to ensure the work was completed in one week. The Carters also visited the work sites in Houston and were photographed with groups of volunteers. "We saw him a lot, Lakisha Thomas, one of the new homeowners, told the Chronicle in 1999. We had to get used to the security measures." Individuals or families qualified for the homes if they were first-time home buyers who earned between $11,000 and $23,000 annually in 1998. The three- and four-bedroom homes ranged from 1,110 to 1,250 square feet. They sold for $43,000 to $46,000 with no interest and mortgages ranging from 15 to 30 years, the Chronicle wrote at the time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad All 100 families remained in their new homes when the Chronicle checked in with them one year later. Maria Capetillo, who moved into a home on Avenue C with her husband, three children, her mother and her son-in-law, said the home-building blitz had been life-changing for her family. A mother-of-one has died from complications she suffered following a series of cosmetic surgeries she allegedly never authorized a plastic surgeon to perform in the Dominican Republic. Pamela Almanzar, 28, entrusted renowned Dr. Edgar Contreras to have a breast reduction at the Arroyo Hondo Diagnostic Medical Center on December 17. In the lead-up appointment to the operation, Contreras convinced Almanzar about having a tummy tuck surgery as well as other procedures to remove excess fat, Almanzar's girlfriend, Dahiana Ymaya, told Dominican newspaper Hoy. Almanzar proceeded with the breast reduction procedure and found out through a hospital staffer that Contreras also did liposuction on her crotch area, arms and legs without her consent. Almanzar revealed to her friend, Yomaris Amezquita, that she had 'fainted' and received 'two pints of blood,' WhatsApp text messages obtained by Dominican newspaper Hoy show. 'He did lipo on a lot of things that were not in the plans,' Almanzar wrote. She shared a photo of her breasts and told her friend, 'I hope they don't grow on me.' Pamela Almanzar died Friday afternoon at a medical facility in Arroyo Hondo, Dominican Republic, 10 days after a doctor allegedly performed three liposuctions that she did not approve during an operation to reduce the size of her breasts Renown plastic surgeon Edgar Contreras has been accused of malpractice at least 10 times since 1998 She visited the hospital December 23 and was told by the medical staff that she was fine - despite having trouble breathing and dealing with post-surgery pain. Her condition worsened Friday, which resulted in an emergency visit to the hospital, where she died around 2pm. 'Pamela didn't need anything, she was perfect, but she wasn't satisfied,' Ymaya said. 'She wanted changes, she always wanted to be fabulous.' The Ministry of Health announced it had initiated an investigation Monday and interviewed the cardiologist, anesthesiologist and medical director at Arroyo Hondo Diagnostic Medical Center. Deputy Minister, Jose Matos, told reporters that they are awaiting the results of an autopsy that will determine if Contreras will be called upon for questioning. 'In the pre-procedure evaluation everything seemed to be normal,' Matos said. 'But in any surgical intervention, there are repercussions that can be immediate or delayed.' Pamela Almanzar scheduled a breast reduction procedure, but during the surgery had three additional procedures that she did not approve of - liposuctions on her arms, legs and crotch area Amezquita told the outlet Almanzar opted to have the surgery after noticing that her physical training and exercise was not helping her reach her goals. She was surprised that she opted to have the operation with Contreras. Almanzar's family told CDN television that Contreras did not meet with the family following the young woman's death. Contreras, who has more than 117,000 followers on Instagram, has been accused of malpractice on at least 10 occasions dating back to 1998, according to Dominican investigative reporter Nuria Pena. In 2018, he was sentenced to three years for falsifying documents in an attempt to take over a medical facility. DailyMail.com has reached out to Contreras for comment. A CIA whistleblower has said that Americans should be 'terrified' of alleged government gaslighting of former intelligence employees who believe they have been struck down by 'Havana Syndrome'. The medically-retired CIA officer spoke with investigative journalist Catherine Herridge about her experience with the debilitating mystery disorder, and how the authorities have treated her since. Speaking under the pseudonym Alice, the former CIA employee said she spent two decades in government service and began experiencing 'Havana Syndrome' - also known as Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs). The syndrome is a disputed medical condition experienced by a cluster of US and Canadian government officials who were based in around a dozen overseas locations, which started among employees in Havana in 2016. Symptoms include dizziness, cognitive problems, insomnia, and headaches. The most prominent theory is that it is caused by pulsed electromagnetic energy and ultrasound emanating from sonic weapons. Alice told Herridge her injuries are so debilitating that she relies on a service dog. She needed several breaks during the interview and wore dark-tinted glasses to shield her eyes from the studio lighting. 'I was serving in Africa and I experienced an anomalous health incident in my home on a Saturday night,' Alice told Herridge. 'I heard a weird noise. It was a really weird sound that I'll never, never forget it and after about a second or two, I felt it in my feet, kind of like the reverb from a speaker.' A CIA whistleblower (pictured) has said that Americans should be 'terrified' of government gaslighting of former intelligence employees who believe they have been struck down by 'Havana Syndrome' One of the sonic weapons that could cause Havana syndrome is said to be a smaller version of this 1990s Soviet microwave generator, which is kept at the University of New Mexico Alice said she went to the master bedroom to ask her partner whether he could hear the off-putting noise too. 'I said, "Hey, do you hear that weird noise?" And the first sign that something was off, I should have known, was when he said, "what noise?" Alice went back to where she heard the noise. 'Immediately, as soon as I reentered the space, I heard the noise again,' she said. 'My ear started hurting. I started having vertigo. 'The room was spinning, my head started pulsing. It hurt so badly and I had a ton of pain in my left ear and my ears started ringing and I thought I was going to pass out.' Alice said she believes several different, concealed weapons could be behind the strange symptoms experienced by herself and many of her colleagues, adding that she thinks Moscow is to blame. 'I think there are weapons that can be fit in backpacks, ones that can be fit in the trunks of cars, ones that can be planted at a position with line of sight to people from across the street,' she said. 'I believe the Russian GRU (Russian military intelligence) came to my house late at night and took me off the battlefield,' she added. Asked if her old self died the day she experienced an AHI, Alice responded, 'A little bit. I was paid for my brain. I was paid for my ability to write well and to write for the president. 'I was paid to meet with foreigners and to get information that would help advance US security objectives and I can't do that anymore the way I used to and it's really, that's one of the hardest parts.' Symptoms of Havana Syndrome include loud noise, ear pain, intense head pressure or vibration, dizziness, visual problems, and cognitive difficulties The syndrome first surfaced at the US embassy in Havana, (pictured) when government employees suddenly found themselves afflicted with the mysterious malady But Alice said the CIA has been gaslighting her and other AHI survivors in the years since by making them 'question our own injuries'. 'We swore this oath and every day I watch them really continue to deny people's humanity and their injuries,' she told Herridge. 'People that put themselves and their families on the line in horrible, horribly dangerous places and situations to protect this country.' Speaking about the intelligence agencies, she added: 'If they're politicizing this, what else are they not telling the president?' 'It's a coverup and it's terrifying and it should be terrifying to all Americans.' Herridge said the Labor Department does list Alice's Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI as a 'work injury', and she qualified for some compensation through the Havana Act - but nowhere near enough to cover her medical expenses. 'It is a full-time job to try to get medical treatment and is another full-time job to try to handle the bureaucracy of trying to access benefits,' she said. 'I've gone over a hundred thousand dollars out of pocket.' Alice said AHI survivors need specialized care that is not covered by usual medical insurance. What is 'Havana Syndrome'? The mysterious illness that started in the US embassy in Cuba and causes memory and hearing loss The problem has been labeled the 'Havana Syndrome,' because the first cases affected personnel in 2016 at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. At least 200 cases across the government are now under investigation. People who are believed to have been affected have reported headaches, dizziness and symptoms consistent with concussions, with some requiring months of medical treatment. Some have reported hearing a loud noise before the sudden onset of symptoms. Countries its been reported in: Cuba, United States, China, Russia, Vietnam, Austria, Germany, Serbia, United Kingdom, Georgia, Poland, Taiwan, Australia, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan Symptoms include: -hearing loss -severe headaches -memory issues -dizziness -brain injury Advertisement 'The reality is a normal physician cannot help us. This is different. AHIs are much more complicated and we're basically ticking time bombs,' she said. 'Catherine, I have already started having to go to funerals. Friends of mine, I mean my friend that was with me the day I got my dog has already passed away..a fellow AHI survivor, of a rare form of cancer. 'I have friends in nursing homes. I have friends with dementia and Parkinson's. In some ways, people have a heart attack and if you don't die of it, we know how to fix a heart attack. We don't know how to fix this.' There have been several investigations into Havana Syndrome by government and non-government agencies, but none have been able to determine the cause. They found that foreign adversaries are unlikely to be the cause of AHIs, and considered energy weapons and psychological causes like stress are potential causes. A March 2024 letter obtained by Herridge from the former head of the DoD Cross-Functional AHI team, Brigadier General Shannon O'Harren, said they believed Havana Syndrome victims. 'We believe your experiences are real and we are unwaveringly committed to continue to provide quality care for you and those who are eligible,' the letter reads. 'The Department of Defense believes us and has actually gone to bat for those of us from across the US government. I would not be getting care if it wasn't for senior DOD leadership,' Alice told Herridge. But she had sterner words for the CIA. When asked why she was speaking out now, Alice said: 'Because the CIA is betraying and not just betraying but making friends of mine and my life a living hell. I want them to stop hurting my friends. 'I want them to give everyone I care about medical care and Havana Act payments and to take care of us in the long term. 'I want them to stop denying what is happening to us and so there can be opportunities to collect the information that we need so that we can prevent this from happening to more people.' The scandal-hit Glen Sannox ferry will emit even more carbon than the boat it is replacing despite Nicola Sturgeon boasting it would help tackle climate change. The dual fuel CalMac boat will pump out the equivalent of at least 10,391 tonnes of CO2 each year when it starts regular crossings to Arran on January 13. That is a third more than the 7,732 tonnes put out by the 31-year-old diesel Caledonian Isles used on the route. The Scottish Tories said the new ferrys green credentials were yet more SNP spin. The Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa were ordered from the Ferguson Marine yard on the Clyde in 2015 for a fixed price of 97million and were due to be delivered in 2018. But they were plagued by delays and cost overruns, and the total bill is now 428million. A key reason for the problems was the Scottish Governments ferry procurement arm, CMAL, ordering dual fuel ferries, the first ever built in the UK. These can run on traditional marine gas oil (MGO diesel) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The MV Glen Sannox will pump out the equivalent of at least 10,391 tonnes of CO2 each year despite being billed as environmentally friendly When Ms Sturgeon helped launch the Glen Sannox in 2017 as first minister, she said both boats would be contributing to Scotlands world-leading climate change goals. But the BBC yesterday reported a confidential CalMac study had found that, because the Glen Sannox is bigger and more powerful, it will emit more carbon than its predecessor. If the Glen Sannox ran purely on MGO its CO2 emission would be equal to 11,375 tonnes. Running on LNG alone it would be 10,391, but using LNG also releases unburnt methane, adding another 1,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Professor Tristan Smith, of University College Londons Energy Institute, told the BBC: In a best case scenario theres a negligible benefit of using LNG, and at worst there would be a deterioration. He said LNG was cleaner than MGO from an air pollution perspective but doesnt have any advantage from a climate perspective. There was even a case for running the Glen Sannox on MGO diesel all the time, he said. Joe Reader, chair of the Mull & Iona Ferry Committee, said there seemed to have been blind decision-making on dual-fuel. The outcome all these years later is hundreds of millions of pounds of what seems to be a very expensive mistake, he said. Running the new ferry on LNG provides only a 'negligible benefit' to the environment, experts say Tory energy and net zero spokesman Douglas Lumsden said: The SNPs claims that the Glen Sannox would be eco-friendly looks to be yet more spin. Meanwhile the SNP have squandered hundreds of millions of taxpayers money. They must urgently set out how they intend to mitigate the harmful emissions produced by this delayed and over budget vessel. A CMAL spokesman added: Due to the difference in vessel size, propulsion power and expected sailing time, it is inaccurate to draw direct comparisons between the emissions of older vessels and MV Glen Sannox. State ferry operator CalMac said passenger and vehicle numbers on the Arran route had increased significantly over the past 30 years. A spokesman said: More power is needed for the size of the vessel that can meet that demand, particularly carrying cars, and it should offer greater resilience against adverse weather. We will learn more and more about MV Glen Sannox and her fuel consumption as we sail her. Feuding neighbours in one of Sydney's wealthiest suburbs have faced off in court in a dispute over trees that were obstructing multi-million dollar views. John Curtis, the former chairman of Allianz Australia, applied for an order through the NSW Land and Environment Court for palm trees to be removed from the neighbouring yard of Indonesian businessman Winardi Pranatajaya in Darling Point. In a submission to the court, Mr Curtis claimed the palm trees blocked the 'expansive view' of the Opera House, CBD and Harbour Bridge from the first floor of his home that he bought in 1993. Land and Environment Court of NSW acting commissioner David Galwey ruled against him, finding the trees were 'not severely obstructing a view'. Mr Galwey told the final court hearing, which took place at the property, the 'reasons to avoid interfering with the trees outweigh Mr Curtis' interest' in preserving his view. 'To my mind, the trees' benefits, particularly their contribution to the amenity of Mr Pranatajaya's property, outweigh the temporary nature of the view obstruction that seems about to befall Mr Curtis' property,' Mr Galwey said. Mr Curtis had pointed out that that the council regularly trims the fig trees on public land along New Beach Road precisely so they do not impede harbour views, so trees on private land should also be prevented from blocking sightlines. Former Chairman of Allianz Australia John Curtis submitted a court order that his neighbour remove a series of palm trees that were obstructing the views from his Darling Point home 'The tops of the fig trees along New Beach Road sit just below the Harbour Bridge and CBD,' Mr Galwey said. 'According to Mr Curtis, council maintains those trees at a height of 14.2 metres to protect these views for property owners.' Under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act, the court can order the removal or pruning of trees. However the trees must be 'severely' obstructing sunlight or views and the neighbour must make a 'reasonable effort' to reach an agreement before taking the matter to court - which Mr Curtis did. The act applies to trees planted in a row 'so as to form a hedge'. In this case the court found the palms did not form a hedge and therefore the tree dispute laws did not apply. The acting commissioner said a photo tendered to the court as part of an arborist report 'shows the fig trees along New Beach Road behind the palms, with the fig trees visible to the left and right of the palm fronds near the centre of the photo'. Mr Galwey said the fig trees obstructed 'valued view elements including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the CBD. Mr Curtis claimed the palm trees blocked his 'expansive view' from the first floor of his home which includes the sails of the Opera House, water views, the CBD and the Harbour Bridge The court rejected the order, claiming the palm trees did not 'severely' obstruct his view and only temporarily hindered the property's vista 'Where palm fronds reach above the sightline to the tops of the figs, they obstruct only a small part of the sky view,' he said. Mr Curtis' barrister argued once the palm trees grew they would obstruct the view from his first floor living area and the main bedroom. The acting commissioner accepted the argument but claimed the obstruction of Mr Curtis' view would only be 'temporary'. '[As] these palms grow taller, the view obstruction they cause moves upward, eventually allowing the view again beneath their fronds,' Mr Galwey said. Mr Curtis' barrister also argued the palm trees breached a height restriction on Mr Pranatajaya's property of buildings and ornamentations. However, Mr Galwey explained it was not clear whether trees were included in the definition of ornamentation and said it was not a matter for the these proceedings. He added while the matter was not resolved and the order denied, the court was not belittling the nature of the dispute. 'The court hopes that the parties find a way of reaching a suitable resolution,' Mr Gawley said. Mr Curtis is currently the chairman of Thrive's advisory council and has previously been chairman of St George Bank and deputy chairman of Westpac Banking Corporation. A dramatic breakthrough in one of New York's most notorious cold cases has been made - nearly three decades after a millionaire was found murdered in his home. Archie Harris, 72, along with his home health aide Betty Ramcharan, 35, and his pet dog were brutally beaten and stabbed to death in his Eastchester mansion in 1996. An innocent man, Selwyn Days, spent 16 years behind bars for the crime - after the case became infamous for its five separate trials and two wrongful convictions. Days was released in 2017. Now, a new development could finally crack the 27-year-old mystery. Westchester District Attorney Miriam Rocah revealed her office has uncovered fresh evidence on Monday - and pointed to two new suspects in the brutal 1996 slayings. The names of the two new suspects have not yet been revealed. 'An extensive and ongoing investigation was undertaken by my Conviction Review Unit, following a request in 2023, has identified two individuals involved in the murders of Archie Harris and Betty Ramcharan and no connection to Selwyn Days, who was previously charged,' Rocah revealed, as reported by the New York Post. Archie Harris, 72, along with his home health aide Betty Ramcharan, 35, and even his pet dog were brutally beaten and stabbed to death in his Eastchester mansion in 1996 The case became infamous after leading to five separate trials and two wrongful convictions of Selwyn Days (pictured), who was finally cleared in 2017 Westchester District Attorney Miriam Rocah revealed her office has uncovered fresh evidence on Monday and pointed to two new suspects in the brutal 1996 slayings Harris was worth over $2 million at the time of his death. Harris and Ramcharan's bodies were discovered on November 21, 1996, in a bloody scene. Days became the prime suspect after investigators learned his mother Stella Davis had previously worked as Harris's carer and had filed sexual abuse allegations against the millionaire just months before the murders. He was arrested in 2001 after allegedly confessing during an intense police interrogation. His first trial in 2003 ended with a hung jury. A second trial led to a conviction and 50-year sentence. But that was dramatically overturned in 2009. His third trial resulted in another hung jury, followed by a fourth trial conviction. Justice finally prevailed in 2017 when he was acquitted of all charges in his fifth trial. The DA made the revelation just weeks before leaving office. 'As we undergo a change in administration at the DA's Office this week, it is my hope that these significant developments lead to continuing investigation and action so that justice can be achieved for the families of Mr. Harris and Ms. Ramcharan,' Rocah said. New York City has over 25,000 unsolved homicides dating back to 1965, according to city statistics. A family have been left 'devastated' after their seven lurcher puppies were stolen just days after Christmas. The five-week-old dogs were reported missing from Shroton in Dorset after callous raiders broke into a building between 10.50pm and 11.10pm on Saturday. Police are appealing for witnesses and have arrested a 28-year-old man from east Dorset and a 22-year-old woman from Wimborne on suspicion of burglary in connection with the incident. The puppies have not been found and the search is ongoing. In a chilling CCTV image shared on Facebook the suspect can be seen striding across the room where the puppies are kept holding a torch in one hand and an unknown object in the other. PC Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police's rural crime team, said: 'I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, as well as nearby residents with doorbell or CCTV cameras or motorists with dashcam who were driving in the area and may have captured relevant footage. 'We are particularly interested in the activity of a white Audi A1 that was seen in the vicinity.' A family are 'devastated' after their seven lurcher puppies were stolen just days after Christmas In a chilling CCTV image shared on Facebook the suspect can be seen striding across the room where the puppies are kept holding a torch in one hand and an unknown object in the other The five-week-old dogs were reported stolen from Shroton in Dorset after callous raiders broke into a building between 10.50pm and 11.10pm on Saturday Police have shared a photograph of the puppies which are still reliant on their mother to feed and survive. 'We would urge anyone who may have seen them for sale locally in unusual circumstances, or has any information about their whereabouts, to urgently contact Dorset Police,' Pc Haggett said. 'The family involved in this reported theft are devastated and we wish to do all we can to get these family pets home.' An image posted on Facebook by the owner of the puppies has been widely shared online and has received more than 500 comments from alarmed well-wishers. One person said: 'Cant believe someone would do that, lowest of the low!!! I hope they get found'. Another added: 'This is awful. I really hope they return to you. Why are people so cruel to do this?' 'Disgusting behaviour! Poor puppies,' a third commented. It comes after earlier this year a man and woman were arrested after five puppies were allegedly stolen from a house. The Spaniel pooches were believed to have been taken from a property in Kelloe, County Durham, leaving their canine mother Freckles heartbroken. Four of the dogs were found and were taken to Bishop Auckland police station. A police spokesperson said at the time: 'Earlier today, we shared an appeal to find five 7-week-old cocker spaniel puppies. 'We are delighted to share that four of the puppies have been found and are now resting up at Bishop Auckland police station. 'We are still looking for one more puppy which we believe may have been sold. 'A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the incident and are on route to custody. 'A huge thank you to our online community for sharing the appeal, let's keep it going and find the last puppy.' Its original appeal said: 'Last night, five 7-week-old cocker spaniel puppies were reported as cruelly stolen from a property in Kelloe, County Durham, leaving their mother, Freckles, heartbroken. 'Please be on the lookout for any suspicious selling posts or listings.' Disgraced NBC host Matt Lauer's New Zealand property is the subject of a new PETA investigation uncovering alleged animal abuse at a sheep farm on the estate. PETA Asia conducted an undercover investigation at farm on Lauer's $9 million property called Hunter Valley Station. Disturbing video released on Monday showed workers on the farm called Hunter Valley Farming appearing to abuse sheep. The footage captured a worker stepping on a thrashing sheep's neck and dragging the animal across the floor. PETA accused the worker of badly cutting the sheep during shearing, then stitching up the wound without any painkillers as blood poured on the floor. 'Wool production is a bloody business, and wool from Lauer's property is literally soaked in it,' the video said. PETA said the wool from the farm was being produced as ZQ-certified wool, which is marketed as 'the world's leading ethical wool brand.' Brands including Allbirds, Fjallraven, Smartwool, Loro Piana and Helly Hansen use ZQ-certified wool, according to the group. Disturbing video showed workers at a farm on Matt Lauer's New Zealand property appearing to abuse sheep Lauer purchased the massive 16,000-acre property in 2017, shortly before he was fired from the Today show over numerous sexual abuse allegations The estate stretches from the mountains down to the shores of Lake Hawaea and Lake Wanaka on the country's south island 'Matt Lauer's New Zealand getaway is hell for scared sheep who are flung about, pinned down and cut up,' PETA president Ingrid Newkirk told the New York Post. 'PETA wants Lauer to wash his hands of the bloody wool business.' Lauer purchased the massive 16,000-acre property in 2017 which stretches from the mountains down to the shores of Lake Hawaea and Lake Wanaka on the country's south island - shortly before he was fired from the Today show over numerous sexual abuse allegations. The disgraced anchor does not directly own the farm, but is the landlord of Digby Cochrane and his wife, Hannah, who have operated Hunter Valley Farming for decades. 'At shearing time we employ independent shearing contractors, to shear the sheep, who work in accordance with New Zealand industry accepted guidelines and practices,' the Cochranes said in a statement to The Post. The family said Lauer has contacted them about the animal abuse allegations. Lauer's spokesperson told The Post he had 'absolutely no knowledge of any alleged problems at his property' until they were contacted for comment about the investigation. '[Lauer] was deeply disturbed and saddened to hear of what allegedly has happened, and immediately launched his own investigation of his tenant's operations, which is currently underway,' said the spokesperson. 'When all the facts are known, he will take immediate and appropriate actions.' The disgraced anchor does not directly own the farm, but is the landlord of Digby Cochrane and his wife, Hannah, who have operated Hunter Valley Farming for decades The footage captured a worker stepping on a thrashing sheep's neck and dragging the animal across the floor PETA admitted they did not reach out to Lauer claiming the typical reaction is to deny the allegations. 'When we notify companies and individuals implicated in our investigations, their usual reaction is to deny, deflect, and downplay the cruelty uncovered,' a PETA spokesperson told The Post. 'Publicly releasing undercover investigations before notifying implicated parties, like Mr. Lauer, holds them responsible and makes it impossible for them to ignore the cruelty they have the power to stop.' They only recorded a handful of singles, but their music earned them the reputation as one of Scotlands best rock bands of the 1960s. Now more than half a century later, as popularity in vinyl continues to soar and collectors strive to get their hands on original records, former Glasgow band The Poets is seeing buyers paying nearly 700 for its single Thats The Way Its Got To Be. Vinyl copies are being sold in very good plus condition on music market place Discogs for as much as 659.50 for the two-and-a-half minute track, which featured on the soundtrack for 2006 film Factory Girl and Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster in 1965. Ewen Duncan who owns Scotlands largest vinyl store Europa Music, in Stirling, believes a combination of the rarity of the single and the condition of the record and sleeve reflects the amount fans are willing to pay. He said: The Poets have always been well respected and a very collectible band - and theres also the rarity of the single and how desperate someone is to get it. Scots pop band The Poets' 1965 single 'That's the way it's got to be' is selling for 500. The Poets' 1965 single is a sought after release among vinyl collectors The Poets were a leading band in Scotland during the 1960s Its a tactile thing - they can say I own this. Its also the warmth of the sound of it as well. You dont listen to it in digital, you listen to it in analogue - and you have something to hold other than this thing in the ether you listen to. Its fine to have Spotify on your phone on your phone or ipod, but the quality is still not as good. For us vinyl is King. Theres also the bragging rights, if you have a friend whos into that sort of music you can say you have it. The group, dubbed the Scottish Rolling Stones, were one of the first Scottish groups to make the British charts, reaching Number 31 with their single Now Were Thru in October 1964. Steered by the Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, the Poets, whose frontman George Gallacher died from heart failure in 2012 at the age of 68, had a devoted following as their rhythm and blues evolved into psychedelia. But despite the Glasgow band becoming a victim of 1960s pop fashion, Mr Duncan said vinyl was intergenerational as parents continue to introduce their children to their favourite bands. The popularity of The Poets single comes a year after it was revealed that UK sales of vinyl LPs hit their highest level since 1990 following the revival of the physical music market. Despite more than four-fifths of recorded music being consumed via streaming, vinyl sales rose for the 16th year in a row with fans seeing it as more collectible and having better sound quality. The British Phonographic Industry, the trade body for the UK music industry, said the popularity of independent record stores had also helped. A missing three-year-old girl has been returned to her father after she vanished from a southern Texas resort town over the summer. Rilee Crouch had last been seen in South Padre Island on July 5 when her father Dakota Crouch dropped her off at her mother Lillian Maria Crouch's home. The former couple was reportedly in the middle of a custodial battle. Both Rilee and her mother were gone when Crouch returned to pick her up two days later, according to officials. It has now emerged that Lillian had taken the toddler to Panama as part of a plan to flee to Turkey, Rilee's paternal grandmother told ValleyCentral. Rilee and Lillian, 29, landed back in Texas on Sunday night, having been escorted by US marshals from Panama City. Lillian was arrested at the airport upon arrival for interference with child custody. Meanwhile Rilee has since been handed back to her father, South Padre Island spokesperson Angelique Soto told KRGV. Rilee Crouch, 3, has been returned to her father after she vanished from her non-custodial mother's home in Texas in July Lillian was arrested at the airport upon arrival for interference with child custody Rilee has since been handed back to her father Dakota Crouch Officials have not revealed how the child was tracked down to Panama. The South Padre Island communities held rallies over the summer asking the public for help finding Rilee. 'Wherever you are, Rilee, know that Im fighting for you. I love you, and Im not ever going to give up on you. Im still here, and Ill see you soon,' her father Dakota Crouch told Valley Central in August. Crouch said Lillian's phone would go straight to voice mail when he tried to reach her, adding that her lawyers in the custody case withdrew because they could not reach her, either. 'This was the third go around of times that she has denied me visitations,' Crouch said. 'She had already been warned by the judge to please stop this and this time it has taken a turn for the worse. She is unable to be located at all.' Crouch said at the time he feared his ex wife and daughter could be in Mexico, before Lillian has dual citizenship. Rilee had been last seen in South Padre Island - a resort town off the southern tip of Texas He had expressed frustration that police did not issue an Amber alert for his daughter, as abductions by parents in custodial disputes are usually considered civil issues. South Padre Island is a resort town off the southern tip of Texas and has a population of about 2,000. Donald Trump has ordered his Cabinet nominees not to post on social media without approval. In a stunning move, Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles told those who will become his top lieutenants to get anything they put on X, or other networks, cleared first. It came after a MAGA 'civil war' erupted this week over the issue of visas for skilled migrants. 'While this instruction has been delivered previously, I am reiterating that no member of the incoming administration or Transition speaks for the United States or the President-elect himself,' Wiles wrote in a memo reported by the New York Post. 'Accordingly, all intended nominees should refrain from any public social media posts without prior approval of the incoming White House counsel.' It was unclear what sparked the crackdown but Senate confirmation hearings for Cabinet nominees are due to start in the new year. Earlier this week, Tesla billionaire Elon Musk, who will head Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), threatened to 'go to war' with MAGA Republicans as he defended visas for skilled foreigners. Trump sided with Musk after a fierce debate, including on social media, sent some of his supporters into a meltdown. Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles called for nominees to get their social media posts approved Donald Trump sided with Elon Musk in a MAGA 'civil war' over visas for skilled migrant workers It also came as Democratic senators are fiercely fighting some of Trump's Cabinet picks for his second administration. They have little power to prevent Trump's choices from taking their new posts. After the 2024 election the Senate flipped red giving Republicans more seats. Cabinet confirmations only require a simple majority in the 100-member chamber. That means, as long as Republicans stick together, Trump should be able to put his team in place in the new year. The most controversial picks include Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon, and Kash Patel for head of the FBI. Also in the spotlight are Robert Kennedy Jr., who Trump wants to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Tulsi Gabbard, who he wants as his Director of National Intelligence. Tulsi Gabbard and other Cabinet picks have ben told to get their social media posts approved by the incoming White House counsel Pete Hegseth will also need to get any posts approved The incoming White House counsel who will approve nominees' social media posts, is expected to be David Warrington. Last month, Trump announced that Warrington, his top campaign lawyer, would serve in the role. Trump said: Dave has represented me well as my personal attorney, and as General Counsel for my Presidential Campaign. He is an esteemed lawyer and Conservative leader.' The recent row involving Musk was over his support for the H-1B visa program, which allows highly educated immigrants to work in the U.S. for up to six years. Tech companies have used H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers and say they are a critical tool for hard-to-fill positions. But some 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 the 'America First' vision. Elon Musk walks on Capitol Hill on the day of a meeting with Senate Republican Leader-elect John Thune (R-SD), in Washington, U.S. December 5, 2024 Robert F. Kennedy JR. will have to have any posts cleared by the incoming White House counsel Kash Patel is Trump's pick to head the FBI They argue the system undercuts U.S. citizens who could take those jobs and have called for it to be eliminated. Musk's remarks about the visas came after Vivek Ramaswamy, who will co-run the DOGE with him, suggested this week that American culture was to blame for its need to hire foreign workers. Trump's nominees will have their social media posts approved by the incoming White House counsel ahead of Senate confirmation hearings Incoming White House counsel David Warrington will give approval for social media posts by Cabinet nominees On Saturday, the president-elect praised the use of visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S. In the past Trump has 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. Former President Jimmy Carter takes a break to place a wet towel around his neck to cool off while working on one of the 100 houses being built during the Jimmy Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity Monday, June 15, 1998, in Houston. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, are among 6,000 sweat-soaked volunteers who began hammering away Monday to build 100 homes in five days in Habitat for Humanity's largest U.S. project. (AP Photo/Brett Coomer) BRETT COOMER/AP Several Texas officials have reacted to the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100 Sunday afternoon. Carter, the longest-lived American president, was a peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War. He endured a humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian. In Houston, Carter and his late wife, Rosalynn, partnered with Habitat for Humanity to lead an effort to build 100 homes in just one week in 1998. Approximately 6,000 volunteers including 4,000 from Houston endured temperatures nearing 100 degrees for the effort that took place June 14-20, 1998. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the nation "remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times." "For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States," Abbott said in a written statement. "Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many." U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Carter served "our nation with honor." "His love for his home state of Georgia and for those he served through his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church and charities like Habitat for Humanity was evident throughout his life, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of our great American story," Cornyn said in a written statement. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, said Carter was a "statesman in the truest sense, with his greatest gifts to this country and the world coming after his term." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "He found his true calling not as a public official, but as a citizen where he continued the mission he started in the White House to bring peace, dignity, love and justice to every corner of the earth," Garcia said in a written statement." Statement from Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter pic.twitter.com/MvxXygxP7a Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) December 29, 2024 Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the "remarkable, long life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter is one to mourn and also to celebrate." "A man of unwavering dedication to service, his impact on our nation and the world will endure for generations," Hidalgo wrote in an X post. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The remarkable, long life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter is one to mourn and also to celebrate. A man of unwavering dedication to service, his impact on our nation and the world will endure for generations. Rest in peace, Mr. President. Lina Hidalgo (@LinaHidalgoTX) December 29, 2024 Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said the former president lived one of the "most meaningful lives in American history, defining service and sacrifice for generations of Americans." "May his legacy inspire us to keep working for a more perfect union, and may we live up to his example of compassionate servant leadership," Briones said in a written statement. President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans are celebrating as another longtime Democrats has joined their GOP ranks in Florida. State representative Hillary Cassel announced last week that she would be changing her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, making her the second Democratic state lawmaker to switch parties after the November election. In a statement on December 27, Cassel wrote that her decision came from a 'deep sense of responsibility' to her constituents. 'I will be joining the Republican Conference of the Florida House of Representatives because I believe in their vision for a better, more prosperous Florida,' she wrote in a statement. Cassel won District 101 which includes parts of Fort Lauderdale in November as a Democrat with more than 53 percent of the vote after she was first elected to office as a Democrat in 2022. But last week, she claimed that as a Jewish woman she was troubled by her former party's 'failure to unequivocally support Israel.' She also argued that she is 'constantly troubled by the inability of the current Democratic Party to relate to everyday Floridians.' Cassel said she will not always agree with Republicans but said she would have 'input, collaboration and respect.' Florida state Rep. Hillary Cassel announced she was changing her party registration from Democrat to Republican, making her the second Democrat in the state legislature to announce the switch after being elected as a Democrat in November She is the second Florida Democrat to switch parties after winning reelection to join the GOP. Earlier this month, state representative Susan Valdes also announced she was changing her party registration to become a Republican for her final term. Cassel won Florida's District 101 as a Democrat with more than 53 percent of the vote in November Florida GOP House Speaker celebrated Cassel's move in a post welcoming her 'to the team!' With Valdes party registration change and now Cassel's, the Florida House has the biggest Republican majority in its history. President-elect Donald Trump also weighed in, congratulating Cassel for her party affiliation change over the weekend. '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. THANK YOU HILLARY!' he wrote on Truth Social. While Republicans have praised the move, it has also drawn harsh criticism. Florida State Rep. Cassel's full statement on switching her party affiliation Critics accused Cassel of deceiving her constituents by running as a Democrat only to change parties after the election. Some said it was fraudulent and argued she should have made the switch before the election while others called for her to resign and return donations. During the campaign season, she was supported by LGBTQ advocates and abortion rights groups. After the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, she slammed Trump online and warned of the threat to Democracy. In 2022, she ran as a pro-abortion rights candidate who would protect the LGBTQ+ community and fight for gun control measures and against climate change deniers. In response to her party switch, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said it was not time for her party to walk away or backdown but for self-reflection. 'Floridians put their trust and faith in Representative Hillary Cassel to fight for them but unfortunately today, they lost representation in the Florida House,' she said in a statement. 'Rep. Cassels decision to change parties is deeply disappointing but we cannot afford to turn our backs on Floridians,' she continued, noting there are 4.5 million Democrats still in in Florida. A four-year-old who died after being hit by a car has been remembered as the 'sweetest, most kind hearted boy'. Ace was hit by a Ford sedan on Glossop Street at North St Marys, in western Sydney, at about 12.05pm on Monday. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated him at the scene, but he died on the way to hospital. The male driver was taken to Nepean Hospital for mandatory testing and a crime scene was established. A friend of Ace's family launched a GoFundMe hours after the incident to help his heartbroken parents and older sister cover funeral costs. 'Ace was the sweetest, most kind hearted boy, who loved to play with his cars and dinosaurs and spend time with the people who he loved,' the fundraising page reads. 'His bright light will not be forgotten and the world seems darker without him.' She added Ace will be the first thing his family 'think of when they wake up and the last they remember before falling to sleep'. Four-year-old, Ace (pictured), has been identified as the young boy killed after being hit by a car in North St Marys on Monday NSW Ambulance paramedics treated him at the scene, but he died on the way to hospital Ace's aunt posted an image to social media of the young boy smiling and playing in a ball pit. She said the family are 'absolutely heartbroken ... and our world has been shattered' in the post tributing the four-year-old. 'Aunty loves you soo much little man, fly high buddy forever in our hearts,' she wrote. An investigation has been launched into the incident. The crash happened moments before a separate incident where a 12-year-old boy was run over by a car in a driveway on Greenacre Road at Greenacre at 12.30pm. He sustained leg injuries and blood loss and was rushed to Westmead Children's Hospital in a stable condition. More to come Police have ceased the search for an alleged gunman who bolted from a car, allegedly filled with weapons, after shooting at police. Two men dressed in black were allegedly seen trying to enter the home of a suspected organised crime figure on Calaria Close in Edensor Park, south Sydney, about 1.30am on Tuesday. The home was unoccupied but its owner alerted police after seeing the two men on security cameras, prompting the pair to allegedly flee in a white Hyundai sedan. Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell alleged shots were fired from a handgun at officers during a pursuit of the car. 'At a point in time, a passenger in the vehicle, believed to be the person that was at the front door of the premises, leant out of the window and fired several shots at (the pursuing police car),' Commissioner Thurtell told reporters. 'At least two of the shots hit the vehicle.' The officer was not harmed. Police successfully stopped the Hyundai on St Andrews Road, Varroville, using road spikes at about 1.50am. Tactical police officers flooded Varroville on Tuesday morning, reportedly in response to a firearm incident Police reportedly arrested one person after deploying tyre spikes on an alleged getaway car Police responded to reports of an alleged break-in at Edensor Park before stopping a car in Varroville 'The driver of the offending vehicle was arrested by police on the scene and the passenger of the vehicle ran off,' Commissioner Thurtell said. 'We have conducted an extensive search of the area over many hours and at this stage we have not been able to identify or locate the passenger of the vehicle.' Police believe the alleged gunman could still be armed. 'Quite possibly armed. When he was last seen, leaving the vehicle, police believe he may have had something in one hand,' Commissioner Thurtell said. 'We would, as always, suggest people approach with caution.' The Hyundai has been towed from the scene for forensic examination. 'A subsequent search of the vehicle located a number of firearms and other weapons,' Commissioner Thurtell alleged. 'One of the firearms located in the vehicle is believed to be the firearm that shot at the police officer and the police vehicle.' Photos at the scene showed officers closed Andrews Rd and covered the surrounding area A SWAT team, Dog Squad, PolAir, specialist paramedics and armoured BearCat vehicle were spotted in Varroville Commissioner Thurtell said the arrested 20-year-old man is known to police and is not cooperating with officers. Photos at the scene showed officers closed Andrews Rd and covered the surrounding area. Nearby residents vented their frustration online after being left in the dark on the reason for the large police presence for several hours. One reminded parents to keep their children inside during the operation. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. More to come. Senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry has been made a dame in the New Year Honours List. The former shadow foreign secretary said she was 'both honoured and surprised' to lead a list of politicians who will receive gongs. It came after Sir Keir overlooked the MP for Islington South for his first Cabinet after the election. She now chairs the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. She said: 'I think of my grandmothers, neither of whom were even allowed to work as married women, and think how utterly delighted they'd be to see this. 'My husband was knighted a few years ago and I never felt comfortable sharing his title, calling myself 'Lady Nugee', but Dame Emily is a name I'd be proud to go by.' She added that she had told her friend, the drag queen Ella Vaday who was appearing in a pantomime that she was to become a dame, prompting her friend to add: 'Oh fantastic, and where are you on?' It was also announced that former Tory West Midlands mayor Andy Street, and Nick Gibb, the former long-serving schools minister, will be knighted. Sir Andy, who was elected as the West Midlands' first mayor in 2017, said he had only been 'the front man' and the honour was 'an accolade for the people in the West Midlands who made a success of the combined authority and the mayoralty'. Emily Thornberry has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list The former shadow foreign secretary said she was 'both honoured and surprised' to lead a list of politicians who will receive gongs It came after Sir Keir overlooked the MP for Islington South for his first Cabinet after the election He said: 'Behind it lies a huge endeavour to set this up from scratch and make it the success that it is. 'It was a huge honour to be able to do that on behalf of citizens across the West Midlands.' Former MP Ranil Jayawardena, who served as environment secretary under Liz Truss, and former Conservative deputy chief whip Marcus Jones have both been made knights. Former Labour MP Kate Hollern, who lost her Blackburn seat to Independent candidate Adnan Hussain in July, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Lord Mike Katz, the national chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement who was recently ennobled by Sir Keir, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Meanwhile, former HSBC boss Noel Quinn, ex-Rolls-Royce chief executive Warren East and Darktrace founder Poppy Gustafsson are among the business leaders handed gongs in the New Years' Honours list. Senior banker Quinn has been knighted in recognition of his contribution 'to financial services and net zero'. The HSBC veteran, who worked for the bank for 37 years, shocked the City when he stepped down from the top job this year after taking the reins in 2020. Former mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street has been made a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours list for Public Service Former Labour MP Kate Hollern, who lost her Blackburn seat to Independent candidate Adnan Hussain in July, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) Ranil Jayawardena, lately MP for North East Hampshire, has been made a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours list Sanjib Bhattacharjee, who has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in the London Boroughs of Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest Noel Quinn, Group Chief Executive at HSBC, has been made a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours list, for services to Financial Services and to Net Zero He oversaw a transformation of the lender that included cutting 35,000 jobs and propelling it to record profits last year. And he fought off an attempt by Chinese insurer Ping An, a major shareholder, to break up the 159-year-old bank. Announcing his retirement in April, Quinn, 62, said he would have a period of 'rest and relaxation' before moving on to a portfolio career, which means taking up directorships in boardrooms. East, who led engineering giant Rolls-Royce for seven and a half turbulent years, has been knighted for 'services to the economy and to net zero'. He was previously awarded a CBE in 2014. His tenure at Rolls-Royce included the Covid-19 pandemic which dealt a hammer blow to the engine maker's finances. And East, who was previously the chief executive of chipmaker Arm, also led the business through a major corruption probe related to fraud that occurred before he joined. Joanne Marie Fitzpatrick, from County Down, Northern Ireland, has been made an MBE for services to peace, reconciliation and sport in the community in Northern Ireland Margaret Beckett, MP for Derby South, who has been made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list, for parliamentary, political and public service Chief Executive Michael Bloomfield of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has been made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year Honours list Baroness Poppy Gustafsson has been made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year Honours list for services to the Cyber Security Industry The businessman, 63, quit in 2022, saying it was the right time for him to leave as Rolls-Royce was at 'an intersection point'. Since then, he has been appointed as the chairman of UK air traffic services provider NATS and is on the board of semiconductor firm ASML. Gustafsson, who had already been awarded an OBE in 2019, was yesterday handed a CBE for 'services to the cyber security industry'. She co-founded Cambridge-headquartered Darktrace, which uses artificial intelligence in software to protect organisations against online threats, in 2013. Gustafsson began Darktrace following a two-year stint at Autonomy, the tech company led by the late British billionaire Mike Lynch. She served as chief executive until September, when she stepped down ahead of a 4bn private equity takeover of the firm. The following month, Gustafsson - one of the most well-known figures in the UK tech industry - was appointed to government as minister for investment. Other City figures recognised in the annual awards include Babcock chairman Ruth Cairnie, who becomes a dame, and M&G chairman Edward Braham, who is knighted. London Stock Exchange Group chairman Don Robert has been given a CBE. Richard Price, managing director at Marks & Spencer where he oversees its clothing, home and beauty ranges, was made an MBE. A Florida sheriff delivered a no-nonsense message after a homeowner fatally shot an armed intruder. Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells spoke at a news conference after a dramatic Thursday night confrontation that left one burglar dead and another in custody. The incident occurred around 9pm when a homeowner spotted two masked men on his surveillance cameras. He reacted promptly - ordering his wife to safety before arming himself with a gun. He was able to shoot one of the suspects, while the other ran away, and was later caught by police. Both suspects were revealed to be illegal migrants whose visas had expired, as reported by Fox13. 'This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone's home, you should expect to be shot,' Sheriff Wells boldly announced at a Friday press conference. The dead intruder was identified as Jorge Nestevan Flores-Toledo, 27, from Mexico, who also went by Anibal Miller-Valencia. Both suspects were revealed to be illegal migrants whose visas had expired Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells spoke at a news conference after a dramatic Thursday night confrontation that left one burglar dead and another in custody. 'This is the state of Florida. If you want to break into someone's home, you should expect to be shot,' he said He was rushed to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds but died Friday morning. The homeowner fired at least three shots. The second suspect was identified as Michel Soto-Mella, 39, from Chile. He was found by the homeowner climbing into the window before backing away and running off. Police found him a couple blocks from the homeowner's house. Soto-Mella was arrested and charged with armed burglary. He is currently in police custody. Further charges are pending, according to police. The second suspect was identified as Michel Soto-Mella, 39, from Chile. He was arrested and charged with armed burglary Wells praised the quick-thinking actions of the victim. 'He knew something bad was about to happen, and he didn't stall. He grabbed his firearm, told his wife to get into a safe spot,' he said. We're trying to get everything that we can from the [surviving] suspect,' Wells said. 'He's being somewhat cooperative, but he's not telling us everything.' A tourist's trip to celebrate New Year's in Rio de Janeiro ended in tragedy when she was shot dead after her Uber driver mistakenly entered a dangerous slum. Diely Silva, 34, was on her way back to her condominium rental in Brazil when they came under fire Saturday night. Gunmen struck the driver, Anderson Pinheiro, in the back and hit Silva at least three times. A friend who was traveling with Silva was not injured. Despite the wound, Pinheiro drove away from Fontela Community and was able to track down a police patrol unit. Silva, who was shot in the neck, died at the scene. Pinheiro was rushed to Lourenco Jorge Hospital, where he was treated and released Sunday. He was questioned by police and said that he did not know where the gunshots were fired from. Silva, an accounting manager, arrived from the nearby state of Sao Paulo on Saturday morning and went out with two friends before they ordered two Uber vehicles. Diely Silva's return trip to celebrate the New Year in Rio de Janeiro ended in tragedy Saturday night when gunmen opened fire on her Uber after the vehicle's GPS mistakenly led it to a dangerous slum while she was on her way back to her condominium rental Diely Silva posed on a Rio de Janeiro beach and shared pictures on her Instagram just hours before she was shot dead in an Uber ride Hours before the shooting, Silva posed for photos on a Rio de Janeiro beach and shared the images on her Instagram. 'Hey Rio,' she wrote. Silva, a native of the northeastern state of Bahia, had been in Rio de Janeiro in December to ring in the New Year with six of her closest friends. Her friends and family lamented her death on social media. 'Another family devastated by crime in Rio de Janeiro,' Silva's cousin, Tamires Colleti, wrote. 'Now that family is ours. For our family, our year ended yesterday, minutes before midnight.' Maria Alves had wanted Silva to be a part of her upcoming wedding. 'I wish I had time to invite you to be the maid of honor at my wedding, I was looking forward to it,' Alves said. 'Unfortunately, the world is cruel and violence took you away from us.' Diely Silva was looking to celebrate New Year's for the second consecutive year in Rio de Janeiro with her friends Diely Silva's (pictured) shooting death follows the shooting of Argentine tourist Gaston Burlon on December 12. Gaston survived an attack after the vehicle he was driving was led to a slum by its GPS. His wife, two sons and one of their girlfriends were not harmed in the shooting Silva's murder comes two week after an Argentine tourist was shot in the head and chest after he drove his car rental inside a slum in Rio de Janeiro. Gaston Burlon, 51, his wife, two sons and one of their girlfriends were on their way to visit the Christ the Redeemer when they came under fire in Morro dos Prazeres, a seedy neighborhood that is ruled by the Comando Vermelho, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the country. Burlon, who previously served as tourism secretary for Bariloche, a city in the Argentina Patagonia region, was rushed to a local hospital, where he is still under observation. 'Surprisingly, two people appeared pointing guns at us from both sides and fired four shots, causing us to lose control of the car and crash into a wall,' Burlon's wife, Nadia Loza, told Argentine newspaper Clarin. A New York Times columnist embarked on a devastating takedown of cable news networks over the weekend - for what he painted as 'over-politicized' content. The comments came in during a panel discussion with PBS NewsHour, where Times columnist David Brooks welcomed progressive networks' flagging ratings as a sign of a needed shift in most Americans' mindsets. Remarking first how he was 'thrilled' by the phenomenon, the 63-year-old Canadian-born journalist set out on an explanation, claiming people were likely avoiding their televisions in droves simply because they're tired of over-politicization. The assertion was aired after host Lisa Desjardins pointed out the program had found that the political word of the year had been 'exhaustion' - after asking viewers and readers for a specific term. The rest of Brooks' spiel appeared to take aim at identity politics - something that's become increasingly prevalent on networks like CNN and MSNBC over the decades. This continued after the election, paving the way for an even more pronounced post-election dip that raised ratings alarms. Compounding the cable news crisis is streaming, which more and more Americans are adopting by the year. The trend has affected former juggernauts CNN and MSNBC the most, with both facing double-digit declines since November 6. Tasked with explaining why it became even more pronounced in the wake of the election, Brooks did not mince any words. Scroll down for video: New York Times columnist David Brooks embarked on a devastating takedown of cable news networks on Friday night - for what he painted as 'over-politicized' content The comments came in during a panel discussion with PBS NewsHour, after host Lisa Desjardins pointed out the program had found that the political word of the year had been 'exhaustion' - after asking viewers and readers for a specific term 'I have to say, Im thrilled by the decline in viewership for political news,' the pundit, who bills himself as a moderate, began. 'Were over-politicized in this country. People go to politics for a sense of belonging, for a sense of righteousness. You should go to your friends for those things. 'Youre asking more of politics than politics can bear,' he added - after weeks of figures like Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid waxing poetic about the state of their party in repeated attempts to make sense of Kamala Harris's resounding loss. 'My word for the year is chastened,' he continued, claiming its humble pie that these progressives and their supporters should be eating. 'For those of us who oppose Donald Trump, we should be chastened because of the plurality of the American people thought we were wrong,' he went on, in what amounted to a surprising critique of the mainstream media by a longtime member. 'If youre a worshiper of the European social welfare model, you should be chastened, because thats falling apart.' He went on to praise Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu for 'taking down Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad', telling those watching 'If you hated Bibi Netanyahu, you should be a little chastened.' Brooks concluded by saying, 'So there's a lot of reason for humility at the end of this year.' Joined by Jonathan Capehart, an associate editor for the Washington Post, Brooks did not mince words when he suggested the American public was fed up with opinions in lieu of news Jonathan Capehart, an associate editor for the Washington Post, was posed the same question, during a talk centered around tensions brewing within Donald Trump's camp over immigration policy, and Joe Biden's recent slew of pardons and commutations. Seemingly still reeling from Brooks rundown, the journalist at the Jeff Bezos-owned newspaper simply said: 'I have no word because there are too many... So I will just leave it at that.' Meanwhile, viewership for cable news networks in general is down. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that CNN's viewership was down 46 percent since the election, when it had 5.1 million viewers - a number that dropped to 419,000 the following Thursday. Moreover, from the day after the election through last week, MSNBC has averaged only 603,000 total viewers in primetime. That's less than half of its year-to-date average - with its total primetime audience falling 55 percent from November 4 through December 15, according to Nielsen numbers released this month. The reasons for the drop are being widely debated, but many have laid blame on viewers being deterred by the outcome of the election. Worsening matters are stars like Reid failing to read the writing on the wall, with the ReidOut star last month shaming Latino men for voting for the president-elect on the air. figures like Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid, meanwhile, continue to wax poetic about the state of their party following the election loss - instead of looking inward when it comes to explaining the result 'While 91 percent of black women voted for [Harris], 53 percent of white women overall voted for Trump,' she said framing racism as the driving force behind Trump's win '[This is] despite the open disrespect and demonization hurled by JD Vance and the Supreme Court stripping womens bodily autonomy, courtesy of Donald Trump. 'Also, Latino men, who - despite the utter disrespect shown by Trump and his promise to deport some of your mixed-class, mixed-status families - most of them voted in a 55 percent majority to make the deportations happen,' she continued, mentioning planned policies. Going on to speak to Latino men who voted Trump directly, she went on to say: 'You [better] own everything that happens to your mixed-status families and to your wives, sisters and abuelas from here on in.' MSNBC is now reportedly slashing he pay, after already reducing Maddow's pay by some $5million after she agreed to stay with the network for another five years, both Status and The Ankler reported. The new boss of the media firm that oversees MSNBC, SpinCo CEO Mark Lazarus, has also reportedly expressed a desire for Republican voices on the left-leaning network. Moreover, CNN is reportedly on the verge of massive layoffs, following a slew of high-profile exits. As it stands, prime time is currently made up of predominantly progressive opinion programming from both networks Right-leaning hosts like Laura Ingraham, Jesse Watters, Sean Hannity, and Greg Gutfeld, meanwhile, are averaging 2.8million in the same timeslots. A Missouri mother of five was struck by a train and killed after her car got stuck on the tracks in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve. Ashley Hogan, 35, was hit by a train just after 3:30 a.m. on December 24 when her car got stuck on the tracks near the intersection of James S. McDonnell Boulevard and Banshee Road in St. Louis. The single mother was heading home from work at a nursing facility ready to shower her daughters, ages 15, 12, 11, 9 and 6, with the Christmas presents in the trunk of her car when the tragedy occurred. 'We know the vehicle traveled off the roadway for really an unknown reason became stuck in the gravel area beside the railroad tracks,' Missouri Highway Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson told First Alert 4. Police said they are investigating how her car got on the tracks and if she experienced a medical episode before the train struck. Hogan's 60-year-old mother, Vernadine Hogan, told the local news station the young mother's children were her whole world and she loved celebrating the holidays. 'She would always try to figure out what can I do to top the last Christmas, and unfortunately, that didn't happen this year,' Vernadine said. 'I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the reality of I no longer have my daughter, and they no longer have their mom. Single mother of five Ashley Hogan, 35, was hit by a train and killed on her way home from work on Christmas Eve Hogan was hit by a train just after 3:30 a.m. on December 24 when her car got stuck on the tracks near the intersection of James S. McDonnell Boulevard and Banshee Road in St. Louis 'Never in my wildest imagination thought that at my age I would be taken on raising five children and I am starting over from scratch.' The young girls have moved in with the grandmother who launched a GoFundMe to help cover their needs and funeral expenses. 'She left behind five wonderful children that she loved and worked very hard for. They were her life and she was theirs, and now suddenly she's gone,' Vernadine said on the page. Hogan's friend and high school classmate Ferguson Police Officer Andrae Spraggin launched a donation drive in coordination with the department to collect supplies for the girls. 'Her life revolved around her kids,' Spraggin told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 'When the accident happened, she had presents for them in the trunk. That's her. She's a great mom.' The police department posted to Facebook informing the community they will be accepting donations at the station Monday through Friday. 'Ferguson family, one of our officers has suffered a great loss in the death of a dear family friend killed when a train hit her stranded vehicle on Christmas eve,' Ferguson Police said. 'The 35-year-old woman leaves 5 daughters behind. The children will now live with their grandmother who is on a fixed income. Help is surely needed.' The single mother was heading home from work at a nursing facility ready to shower her daughters, ages 15, 12, 11, 9 and 6, with Christmas presents in the trunk of her car Hogan's mother, Vernadine Hogan, said the young mother's children were her whole world and she loved celebrating the holidays The young girls have moved in with the grandmother who launched a GoFundMe to help cover their needs and funeral expenses Spraggin told First Alert 4 donations started pouring in before the official collection began. 'Ashley was a good person, a good friend and at this time her daughters are the most important thing in the world right now,' he said. 'We don't even officially start (collecting) until Monday and already we've received clothing and gift cards over the past weekend so the community has reached out and showed out.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available The King has personally honoured his medical team after his battle with cancer this year. Charles has recognised his GP, Dr Douglas Glass, and his physician, Professor Richard Leach, for their personal services to the monarch and the royal family. It comes after His Majesty and the Princess of Wales were both diagnosed with cancer this year. Dr Glass, the apothecary to the King, has been appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO). He previously served as Queen Elizabeth's apothecary and was the medical professional in attendance at Balmoral when she died. Meanwhile Professor Leach has been made a Lieutenant of the RVO. He is a consultant physician at the private King Edward VII's Hospital in central London where members of the royal family have been treated for decades. The King has personally honoured his medical team after his battle with cancer this year Doctor Douglas Glass (pictured) has been recognised by the King following his cancer battle this year Professor Richard Leach (pictured) has been recognised by the King for services to the monarch and his royal family Awards under the RVO are in the King's gift and are bestowed independently of Downing Street to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal way. Others to receive the Royal gong include Commander Robert Dixon, dubbed the 'hot equerry'. He has served as equerry to the Prince and Princess of Wales, where he was known as William's 'right hand man', but is set to return to the Royal Navy. The late Queen Elizabeth's lady in waiting, Dame Annabel Whitehead, is made Dame Grand Cross of the RVO. Queen Camilla also appears to have had a hand in awarding several royal honours. Her Queen's Companion, Sarah Troughton, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, is made Dame Commander. She serves as a modern-day lady-in-waiting. The queen's country dresser, Shona Williams, is made a member of the RVO, as is her couturier, Roy Allen. Meanwhile Camilla's vet, Roderick Benson, is made Lieutenant of the RVO. Three members of a gang that smuggled children across the Channel before they were raped and blackmailed have been arrested in Britain. The Afghan fugitives, responsible for illegally moving thousands of migrants across Europe, were detained in police raids after being convicted in their absence by a Belgian court. The gang inflicted extreme cruelty on the children and adults they smuggled, the Home Secretary said tonight The criminal network moved migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and the Balkans into western Europe, with many then crammed on to small boats heading for the UK. Young boys making the journey were seriously sexually abused, with gang members filming the attacks and using the footage to blackmail their victims into criminality and further sexual acts. Extraordinary footage shows Zeeshan Banghis, 20, and Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai, 23, being roused from their sleep by officers before they were arrested and marched into custody. Ahmedzai was detained in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, yesterday while National Crime Agency (NCA) officers picked up Banghis in south-east London on December 18. Their accomplice, Ziarmal Khan, 24, was arrested on December 6 at Stansted on suspicion of domestic violence, and then over his conviction in Belgium. Extradition proceedings are now under way to return them to Belgium to serve the sentences. So far 23 members of the gang have been convicted and sentenced by a court in Antwerp, of whom 11 were prosecuted in their absence. Zeeshan Banghis (pictured) has been jailed for ten years. He was detained in police raids after being convicted in their absence by a Belgian court Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai (pictured) has been jailed for his role in a criminal network which moved migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and the Balkans into western Europe, with many then crammed on to small boats heading for the UK The NCA spent two years working alongside Belgian police to build evidence on the network of people smugglers which Zeeshan Banghis was part of Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) said: This case is nothing short of sickening. These men ran extensive illegal smuggling operations and inflicted extreme cruelty on the migrants they smuggled some of them children when they were at their most vulnerable Ahmedzai had been jailed for ten years, while Khan and Banghis were each sentenced to three. The NCA spent two years working alongside Belgian police to build evidence on the network of people smugglers. NCA deputy director Craig Turner said: These men were part of a network involved in illegally moving migrants across the globe... profiting from the dangerous situations they put vulnerable people into as they were transported, and committing the most heinous sexual offences against them. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: This case is nothing short of sickening. These men ran extensive illegal smuggling operations and inflicted extreme cruelty on the migrants they smuggled some of them children when they were at their most vulnerable. In the year to September 2024, almost 5,000 Afghans crossed the Channel into Britain in small boats. Iranians were the second largest group, followed by Syrians, Vietnamese and Eritreans. Roughly 80 per cent of those who made the crossings were male, with about 40 per cent aged between 25 and 39. 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 damaged mobile home is seen after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer A damaged mobile home is seen after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Damage to Montgomery County Fire Station 154 is seen after strong thunderstorms pass through the Greater Houston region, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Conroe. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer 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 Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough has signed a disaster declaration after strong storms moved through the area Saturday sparking several tornados. An EF3 tornado traveled just over 10 miles from Porter Heights to Splendora in east Montgomery County, according to the National Weather Service. Winds reached 140 mph at the tornados peak, damaging homes and businesses, including the East Montgomery County Fire Department's station on FM 1485. COOL NEW YEAR: Houston has one final warm day before cooler temps ring in New Year Advertisement Article continues below this ad About 10 people in east Montgomery County were injured in the storms, but none of the injuries were life-threatening, according to the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. A 48-year-old woman was reported dead Saturday due to tornado activity on 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 tornadoes that struck the region. The damage reported included destroyed homes, flipped cars, peeled roofs and debris in multiple counties. In a post to Facebook Sunday, Keough said after surveying the damage, he signed the local declaration on Saturday to bring resources available at the county level to assist with response and recovery for the affected communities. Keough said initial assessments show more than 300 structures were damaged by the storms. Of those, Keough said 31 were destroyed and 47 sustained major damage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Keough said it is important for residents and business owners to report any damage. As we await (Gov. Greg Abbotts) decision on a state disaster declaration we must get as many of the self-reported damage assessments completed, Keough stated. Without damage assessments we cannot make our case to the state or federal government on the need for assistance. While Abbott mobilized resources Tuesday ahead of the storm, he had not issued a declaration for the area as of Monday morning. Should Gov. Abbott issue a declaration, we will have to wait for a federal declaration from the president before any government assistance from FEMA would be available, Keough stated. Four sub-postmasters who campaigned for justice for victims of the Post Office scandal have been awarded OBEs in the New Years Honours. Seema Misra, Lee Castleton, Chris Head and Jo Hamilton were given the honours after fellow campaigner Sir Alan Bates was knighted earlier this year. Mrs Misra was pregnant with her second child when she was convicted of theft and sent to jail in 2010 and had her baby while serving a prison sentence. She was one of the hundreds of sub-postmasters who were accused of theft after faults in the Post Offices Horizon IT system made it appear that money was missing from their branch accounts. Mrs Misra ran a Post Office in West Byfleet, Surrey, but was suspended in 2008 and handed a 15-month prison sentence in November 2010, on her sons 10th birthday, after she was wrongly accused of stealing 74,000. She said the scandal was ongoing and that many sub-postmasters were still waiting for compensation and accountability from the Post Office. She said she was very honoured by the OBE, adding: It will give more weight to the fight and we need to keep reminding people the scandal hasnt been sorted out yet. Its one of the main reasons I accepted it - to remind people that the scandal hasnt gone yet. Seema Misra has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours list, for services to Justice Jo Hamilton, who has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours list, for services to justice Lee Castleton, who has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours list, for services to justice Mr Castleton, from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, said he was proud to have been awarded an OBE alongside other campaigners. He was wrongly found to have had a 25,000 shortfall at his branch in 2004, and was made bankrupt after he lost his legal battle with the Post Office. His case came under the spotlight in January when it featured heavily in the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office. He said the campaign had undergone a complete turnaround after the drama aired, adding: The whole of the nation seems like theyre very much behind us. Mr Castleton said there were still highly pensioned, highly paid executives at the Post Office who needed to be held accountable for their role in the Horizon scandal. He went on: I hope that our fight, my fight, everyones fight, continues until something changes. I just dont mean for our group, I mean for everybody. Society deserves so much better. We deserve proper justice - theres nobody in this country thats above the law. Former post office workers Lee Castleton (left) and Noel Thomas celebrate outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London, after their convictions were overturned Monica Donlan (left), Jo Hamilton and Toby Jones attend the 50th annual Broadcasting Press Guild awards, at the Royal Horse Guards Hotel after the release of Mr Bates vs The Post Office More than 900 subpostmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 after faulty Horizon accounting software made it look as though money was missing from their accounts. Hundreds are still awaiting compensation despite the previous government announcing that those who have had convictions quashed are eligible for 600,000 payouts. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: Im pleased to see a group of Horizon sub-postmasters recognised in this New Years Honours list. They deserve special recognition for their tireless campaign for postmasters who have waited far too long to get justice - and whilst this Government has doubled the total which has been paid out, we remain committed to seeing justice done. An expert witness and key adviser to the Justice for the Subpostmasters Alliance, forensic accountant Dr Kay Linnell, was also awarded an OBE for services to justice, along with a Computer Weekly journalist who helped to expose the scandal, Rebecca Thomson. There was also an OBE for a campaigner who worked on the infected blood scandal. Jo Hamilton and cast and crew accept the Impact Award for 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' on stage during the NTAs 2024 Bill Wright was chairman of Haemophilia Scotland for 12 years until he stood down in August. He was diagnosed with Hepatitis C after he was given an infected blood product in 1986. More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with deadly viruses after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s in the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Some 3,000 people died as a result and survivors are living with lifelong health implications. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced 11.8billion in compensation for the victims of the scandal in her October Budget, and payouts began earlier in December. Mr Wright, 66, said: Its really important to emphasise that this story is not over. The recommendations of the public inquiry into infected blood are yet to be really met and that includes for example compensation to thousands of individuals, and that is taking a lot of time. Downing Street has dismissed calls for a crackdown on councils allowing staff to work from the beach. Ministers were facing calls to reign in town halls, which are allowing hundreds of employees to log in from overseas. It came after the Daily Mail revealed yesterday that staff have been allowed to log in from abroad more than 2,100 times since the Covid-19 pandemic. But the Prime Ministers official spokesman said its up to local councils to determine how they run. He added: It will be up to people to make their views known at the ballot box in local elections in the usual way. For the governments part, weve always been very clear on the benefits of face to face working and it being a more productive way of working. But pressed on whether ministers will order councils to stop the perk, he added: Its a matter for local councils how they run themselves. Thats a fundamental part of local devolution...local taxpayers will rightly expect their councils to be working for them. Downing Street has dismissed calls for a crackdown on councils allowing staff to work from the beach The Daily Mail revealed yesterday that staff have been allowed to log in from abroad more than 2,100 times since the Covid-19 pandemic A nightclub in Ibiza. One council worker for West Devon Borough Council was allowed to work from the Spanish party island of Ibiza from March 2020 until February this year Figures show that town hall bosses approved at least 731 staff requests to work from abroad in 2023/24. There were 73 approvals in 2020/21, 440 the year after (2021/22) and 708 in 2022/23. It then rose to 731 last year (2023/24), with a further 226 requests being granted in the first few months of this year (2024/25). The real figures are likely to be much higher as many councils failed or refused to answer Freedom of Information requests. One council worker 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, admitting that its official policy was to allow employees to work abroad for up to one month every year. The Daily Mail highlighted the growing trend of council staff logging on from abroad last summer, a phenomenon dubbed working from the beach. The young woman struck down by a rollercoaster while retrieving her phone has revealed the full devastating injuries suffered as she launches legal action against the family-run company who operated the ride. Shylah Rodden, now aged 29, has filed a County Court of Victoria civil suit against Chants Amusements, owners of the Rebel Coaster that hit her at the Melbourne Royal Show in 2022. Ms Rodden was lucky not to have been killed in the shocking incident, which saw her upper body and head smashed into pieces. A list of 31 injuries included in a statement of claim lodged with the court makes for harrowing reading. They included fractures to the skull, brain haemorrhage, injuries to the left carotid and right vertebral arteries, abdominal injuries, damage to the liver and small bowel, fractures to the thoracic (area from the neck to the bottom of the ribs cage) 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. But after a near two-year investigation, workplace watchdog WorkSafe Victoria decided against charging Chants or the Melbourne Royal Show with anything. Ms Rodden's lawyer, Arnold Thomas & Becker's Sharlene Mehta, refused to comment on the civil action on Monday. But a 16-page document filed with the court claims Chants Amusements was solely to blame for Ms Rodden's injuries. Shylah Rodden's body was crushed after being hit by a rollercoaster and sent nine metres off the track to the ground Shylah Rodden after she was hit by a rollercoaster in 2022 'The injury suffered by (Ms Rodden) occurred by reason of the Defendants breach of the duty owed to her in that it failed to ensure (she) would not be injured or suffer damage by reason of the state of the site or by things done or omitted to be done in relation to the state,' the court was told. Among the allegations is that Chants staff should have stopped Ms Rodden from jumping onto the tracks to retrieve her phone after she dropped it on the ride. Ms Rodden had re-entered the ride from the arrival point, which lawyers claimed among other things, should have been better fenced off. Chants Amusements did not respond to an inquiry by Daily Mail Australia on Monday. It can be revealed the company is a family owned business operated by Les 'Chippa' Chant and Cassie Evans. Mr Chant, a father of five now aged in his late 40s, has been a showman his entire life. Chants Amusements has been operating for more than 30 years, with Mr Chant renowned across the country as one of the great carnival operators. 'Some people choose to do it just as a way of life and they live week by week and enjoy the campfire and a few beers and a barbecue and they just get by,' Mr Chant told the Daily Liberal just a few years back. Les 'Chippa' Chant (right) and Cassie Evans Chants Amusements is a family operated business Shylah Rodden before she was struck by a rollercoaster in 2022 Seconds from disaster. Shylah Rodden (dressed in black) attempts to grab her phone Shylah Rodden as she is today. She is suing the ride operator for causing her injuries 'But other people try to do it in a bigger way. I've got kids in boarding schools and private schools. I have to have more rides because I've got bigger bills to pay.' Mr Chant said showmen like himself thrived on 'seeing kids enjoying themselves'. 'We're here to create fun and make memories for families,' he said then. The company now faces a $3million damages bill which Ms Rodden's lawyers claim would have been what she'd have earned working in community services until retirement if she had got a job and hadn't stepped in front of the rollercoaster. At the time of the incident, according to court documents, Ms Rodden had been studying a Certificate IV in 'Alcohol and Other Drugs' and was unemployed. In August, Daily Mail Australia revealed Ms Rodden allegedly lashed out angrily at Chants operators who warned her not to retrieve her phone moments before she was struck. Well-placed sources closely linked with the WorkSafe investigation told Daily Mail Australia that Ms Rodden was found to be the key cause of the tragedy. Ms Rodden had earlier been working at a lolly stand at the show when she and a friend took a ride on the rollercoaster during a break. Witnesses are understood to have told Worksafe investigators Ms Rodden appeared disorientated when she dropped her phone and attempted to retrieve it from under the tracks. The source alleged ride operators told Ms Rodden they would stop the ride to allow her to retrieve her phone, but she would need to wait up to 30 minutes before she could access the area. 'It's fair to say she had some words to say to the operator when he told her to wait half-an-hour so that was the kind of behaviour the operator was facing,' the source said. 'She really didn't want to wait and took it in her own hands not to do so.' The Rebel Rollercoaster reopened just days after Shylah Rodden was struck in 2022 Shylah Rodden was 'living life loose' when tragedy struck her down. The investigation is understood to have found the operators had taken every precaution to ensure the safety of show goers. '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. '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. [But] she decided not to wait and ultimately suffered the consequences.' Ms Rodden's legal action is being spearheaded by Ms Rodden's mum and legal guardian Kylie Rodden, who is tasked with caring for her daughter. READ MORE: Here's how many people DON'T wash hands after using the toilet When it comes to toenail clippings, do you put them in the bin, flush them down the toilet, or throw them out the window? Or, do you send them to a research facility? While this last option may sound strange, 30,000 Canadians have indeed cut their toenails, scooped up the shards and dropped them into clear bags to put in the post. In fact, the collection housed at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia is in the book of Guinness World Records as the largest collection of toenail clippings. But rest assured, the clippings represent a serious a scientific study rather than a creepy personal collection. Scientists say toenail clippings give a measure of the potentially toxic elements that we have been exposed to in the past few months, such as arsenic. Toenail analysis, combined with a knowledge of where each donor lives, can reveal specific locations where potentially dangerous chemicals are high. Professor Trevor Dummer, health geographer at Dalhousie University, told MailOnline: 'Toenails are in individual plastic bags stored in filing cabinets no special freezers or storage units required. Around 30,000 Canadians have indeed cut their toenails, scooped up the shards and dropped them into clear bags to put in the post (file photo) 30,000 Canadians have cut their toenails, scooped up the shards and dropped them into clear bags to put in the post 'When a toenail is able to be clipped it's on average about 10 to 14 months old. 'Some environmental contaminants and heavy metals including arsenic are preferentially deposited in toenails. 'They have an affinity for keratin so naturally attracted to it through human biology.' The Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow's Health (PATH) is part of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project, the largest study of its kind undertaken in Canada. It is investigating the various factors that contribute to the development of cancer and chronic diseases, including the longer-term health impacts of arsenic. For example, long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking water and food can cause cancers, but is also linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Because the toenails are around one year old when clipped, they are a good indicator of past or longer term ('chronic') exposures to arsenic and other heavy metals. 'Participant toenails are processed individually so we can get a good estimate of metals body burden for each individual and then we can look at associations with health outcomes,' said Professor Dummer. 'We also have geocoding information i.e., address details so we can assess someone's metals body burden in relation to the environment where they live.' If you're wondering why they don't just take urine samples instead, most arsenic is excreted through urine within 48 hours. 'With urine the arsenic is removed from the body quickly, so urine is by contrast more useful for acute exposures,' added Professor Dummer. In 2013, the project received a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest collection of toenails representing 24,999 people. Since then the collection has still been growing, but the most recent count was 30,686. The remarkable project has given thousands an answer something to do with their toenail clippings, which remains a bit of a conundrum for the general public. There's a lack of official advice about what to do with the shards, although flushing them down the toilet appears to be a no-no. Because toenails don't dissolve in water, they can accumulate in septic tanks, leading to blockages, Biros Septic claims. Generally, there is a lack of official advice about what to do with toenail clippings (file photo) The NHS you should use nail scissors or clippers to cut your toenails every six to 12 weeks, although it doesn't say what to do with the clippings. 'Cut them carefully and make sure youre in a light room so you can see clearly,' the NHS says on its website. 'If you have diabetes this is particularly important to avoid injuries to your feet. 'Cut them straight across and use a metal nail file to smooth and round off sharp edges. 'File your nails 2 times a week if you find it difficult to cut your nails.' A rare lunar phenomenon called the 'black moon' is set to occur tonight giving stargazers a unique view of the night's sky. This unusual astronomical event, occurring only once every 29 months, has fascinated humans for centuries. A black moon is simply the second new moon in the space of a calendar month the first lunar phase when the moon's shadowed side is pointing towards us. Because it's a new moon, the black moon cannot be seen, not even with a telescope. But it should provide an excellent stargazing opportunity after sunset and into the wee hours of Tuesday. The moon will be notable by its absence in the night's sky, as if it's been blotted out by the gods, while the stars and planets will appear particularly bright. Top tips for stargazers include choosing a spot with a wide an unobstructed view of the sky, away from artificial lights such as streetlamps. You won't want to miss it as the last black moon was back in April 2022, while the next one after tonight won't be until August 2027. A new moon is when our natural satellite has 0 per cent illumination, so it the lunar disk is invisible to the unaided eye (file photo) The reason for a black moon, as it's commonly termed by amateur astronomers and space fans alike, is quite simple. Over 29.5 days, the moon goes from a new moon (with 0 per cent illumination as seen from Earth) to a full moon (100 per cent illumination) and back again. Because the lunar cycle (29.5 days) is shorter than months of the year, sometimes there are two new moons in a month rather than just one. When this happens, people refer to the second new moon of the month as the black moon an event interpreted by some astrologists as spiritually significant. However, beyond the fact it's a new moon, scientists don't tend to see the black moon as a meaningful event. 'A black moon is just a second new moon that happens in one calendar month,' said Walter Freeman, associate teaching professor of physics at Syracuse University. 'If a new moon happens near the beginning of a calendar month, then the next one will happen before it's over. 'This is no different than any other new moon from the perspective of science.' During the 29.5-day lunar cycle, we observe a new moon (with 0 per cent illumination), a waxing moon (when the amount of illumination on the moon is increasing), a full moon (100 per cent illumination) and then a waning moon (when its visible surface area is getting smaller) Images show the new moon, waxing moon, full moon and waning moon as they look during the 29.5-day lunar cycle Tips to for stargazers Check the forecast - cloudless skies provide more visibility - cloudless skies provide more visibility Get out of town - light pollution can mask the stars and planets - light pollution can mask the stars and planets Stay up late - best times are between 11pm to 2am - best times are between 11pm to 2am Bring your smartphone - cameras can capture stars and planets even when your eyes can't - cameras can capture stars and planets even when your eyes can't Wrap up warm Advertisement This month's first new moon happened on December 1, while the second new moon of December (the black moon) is December 30. It is set to occur on December 30 at 22:27 GMT (17:27 EDT), according to the US Naval Observatory. This marks the precise astronomical moment when the moon gets directly between the Earth and Sun, while the side of the moon that is in shadow faces Earth. According to Professor Freeman, there's 'nothing to see' when it comes to the moon itself, but the lack of moonlight creates ideal conditions for stargazing, making it easier to spot constellations such as Orion, Taurus and Leo. It'll also be easier to see planets such as Venus the brightest thing in the sky with a very subtle yellow tint. Mars should also be visible, appearing as a reddish dot, close to the constellation of Cancer the crab. Members of the public don't need a telescope to view the planets, which will be best viewed in clear skies free of cloud. In a sky full of stars, the planets can be identified by their distinct lack of twinkling. Tonight, the lack of moonlight due to the new moon creates ideal conditions for stargazing. Mars should also be visible, appearing as a reddish dot, close to the constellation of Cancer the crab (left) Stars twinkle, while planets usually shine steadily. For the best view, try to find somewhere away from sources of light pollution such as street lights and give your eyes plenty of time to adjust to the darkness. However, the Met Office warns of 'generally cloudy conditions' tonight which could impact visibility. In London and the southeast, tonight's minimum temperature will be 44.6F (7C), so it's a good chance to skygaze without getting too cold. If you miss the black moon, you'll sooner be able to see the 'blue moon' (the second full moon in a calendar month) although it won't arrive until 2026. Likewise, this infrequent astronomical event normally happens about every two or three years hence the phrase 'once in a blue moon'. While the next black moon doesn't occur until August 2027, the next blue moon will be in May 2026. Meanwhile, there will be two 'supermoons' in 2025 when the full moon appears larger and brighter than usual. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the supermoons will arrive on November 5 and December 4, 2025. Scientists have discovered that the 'weak spot' in Earth's magnetic field is growing, allowing harmful radiation to come closer to our planet's surface. The region, known as the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA), spans more than more than 4.3 million square miles over parts of Africa and South America and is moving westward. The 'dent' allows harmful radiation particles from the sun to seep through the weak area of our planet's magnetic field, which NASA has warned 'can knock out onboard computers and interfere with the data collection of satellites that pass through it.' The SAA has increased by seven percent and moved 12 miles to the west since experts first sounded the alarm in 2020. While scientists believe that the SAA's weakening magnetic intensity is still within the range of normal variation, recent studies have shown that it is starting to split from a single blob into two distinct regions of minimal magnetic field strength. Models predicting changes in the SAA suggest this division will continue from 2025 onward, and scientists believe this could create additional challenges for satellite missions. Researchers have speculated that the weakening is a sign that Earth is heading to a pole reversal that happens when the north and south poles switch places and the last time this occurred was 780,000 years ago. They said that if the poles are in the process of reversing, it will happen over several thousand years and it is unlikely the field will disappear completely. NASA has been monitoring the South Atlantic Anomaly, a weak-spot in Earth's magnetic field sitting 40,000 miles above the planet's surface between South America and southwest Africa Scientists first sounded the alarm about the weak spot in 2020, but new data shows it has increased by another seven percent over the past four years The cause of SAA sits deep within Earth's surface. 'The magnetic field is actually a superposition of fields from many current sources,' geophysicist Terry Sabaka from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre in Greenbelt, Maryland explained in a 2020 statement. While regions outside of Earth contribute to the observed magnetic field, the primary source stems from inside the planet. The outer layer of Earth's core is made of molten iron and nickel located 1,800 miles below the surface. These churning metals act like a massive generator called the 'geodynamo,' creating electric currents that produce the magnetic field. But this motion isn't constant. It fluctuates over time, and as a result, Earth's magnetic field fluctuates too. This, coupled with the tilt of the planet's magnetic axis, is what produces the SAA, according to NASA. But scientists have also suggested the SAA could be linked to a huge reservoir of dense rock known as the African Large Low Shear Velocity Province (LLSVP). The area of the anomaly appears to correspond to that of this geologic region. The magnetic field surrounding our planet works as a shield, trapping and repelling particles of radiation from the sun. But the SAA allows radiation to come closer to Earth's surface These researchers believe that the African LLSVP changes the flow of molten metal in the outer core underneath, which in turn changes the way the magnetic field behaves above this region, they explained in a 2017 article for the Conversation. While much remains unknown about how the SAA came to be, recent studies have shed new light on how it is changing. Tracking conducted by small satellites known as CubeSats confirmed that the SAA does not remain fixed in one place, but rather drifts around. Researchers have also discovered that the anomalous region is splitting into two, with each representing distinct centers of minimum magnetic intensity within the greater SAA. And another study suggested that this phenomenon is actually a recurrent event that may have affected Earth up to 11 million years ago. If that proves true, this would contradict the idea that the SAA is a precursor to Earth's magnetic field flipping. This vast, developing weak spot is a point of intrigue and concern for scientists, especially those at NASA whose satellites and orbital spacecraft can be significantly damaged by the SAA including the International Space Station. When these orbiters pass through the anomaly, it can cause satellites and spacecraft to experience short-circuits and malfunctions. That's because the reduced strength of Earth's magnetic field allows the orbiters to be pummeled by incoming solar radiation that disrupts technological systems. Typically, this only causes low-level glitches. But in extreme cases, it can permanently damage critical hardware inside an orbiter. To avoid such damage, operators regularly shut down spacecraft and satellite systems before they enter the SAA. The weakened field has been on the radar of experts for years they know that it has lost nine percent of its intensity over the last 200 years. It also appears to influence the strength of the southern aurora, a natural light display that occurs in the skies over the high-latitude regions of the southern hemisphere. A study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters in February found a 'substantial weakening' of magnetic fluctuations in the southern aurora where it overlaps with the SAA. This weakening is even visible to the naked eye, the study's authors told Live Science. They believe the weakened magnetic force of the anomaly reduces the amount of energy solar particles can put into Earth's atmosphere which is what causes aurora even through more of these particles are coming close to the surface. To further understand how the SAA impacts orbiting satellites and spacecraft, and how it influences geophysical phenomena like the southern aurora, NASA scientists have been monitoring it for years. The bald eagle has been a symbol of power and strength in the US for more than 240 years but has only recently been declared the national bird. President Joe Biden signed a bill on Christmas Eve, designating the predator as America's symbol after it first appeared on a Massachusetts copper cent coined in 1776. However, the announcement was met with confusion as many Americans have believed that the bald eagle has always been the national bird. 'Am I the only one who thought the bald eagle was the national bird already,' one person asked on X. 'Swear this was something I learned in elementary school.' The skepticism has also led many people to believe the Mandela Effect, a phenomenon where a large group of people share a false memory about a specific event, is happening across the nation. The bald eagle was only deemed a national emblem of the US, used on The Great Seal since 1782. The seal features an eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a flag-like shield, the motto 'E Pluribus Unum' and a constellation of stars. Congress that same year designated the bald eagle as the national emblem, and its image appears in a host of places, ranging from documents and the presidential flag to military insignia and US currency. President Joe Biden signed a bill on Christmas Eve, designating the predator as America's symbol after it first appeared on a Massachusetts copper cent coined in 1776 Biden's declaration has sparked hundreds of social media comments from Americans all saying the same thing. 'You mean to tell me it hasn't been this entire time,' one user shared on Instagram. While an X user posted: 'I went to school in the 70's. The bald eagle has always been our national bird. Now they're saying that it wasn't. Makes no sense to me.' One user joked on Instagram, saying they believed the bald eagle was always the national bird and the Christmas Eve announcement was just a rebrand. Regardless it was not until last week that was it made official. Benjamin Franklin deemed it 'a bird of bad moral character when it debuted on The Great Seal. Centuries later, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Brad Finstad, both of Minnesota, said the bald eagle is 'a historical symbol of the United States representing independence, strength and freedom.' The majestic creature is known for its white head, yellow beak, brown body and large wing span, and uniqueness in North America. However, the announcement was met with confusion as many Americans have believed that the bald eagle has always been the national bird It is featured on post stamps, the $1 bill, and displayed above federal departments and agencies across the US. The majestic creature was driven to the brink of extinction in the second half of the 20th century. Recently, its population has been bouncing back due to one of the most successful conservation efforts in history. Data collected in New Jersey from 2023 revealed the state's eagle population is soaring to new heights - with nearly 250 active nests identified last year. This is more than twice the number counted a decade earlier - in stark contrast to 1970 when the state had just one pair of breeding eagles. There were fewer than 1,000 breeding pairs in the US in the 1970s, largely due to the prevalence of a toxic pesticide, DDT, which thinned their eggshells and reduced the likelihood of hatching. After a federal ban on DDT was imposed in 1972, the eagle population gradually experienced a resurgence. And in 2007 the government was finally able to remove the bald eagle from its list of endangered species. According to the most recent national count by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, there are an estimated 316,700 individual bald eagles, including 71,400 nesting pairs. iPhone users have just discovered an 'extreme' protection setting hidden in Apple's iOS. Called 'Lockdown Mode,' it 'helps protect devices against extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyber attacks,' according to the tech giant's website. Apple says the feature was 'designed for the very few individuals' as most people are never targeted by such attacks. However, users who feel they have fallen victim to such an event can activate Lockdown Mode if their iPhone is running iOS 16 or later. Users go to Settings and scroll down to Privacy & Security where Lockdown Mode is located. Turn the setting on, restart your device and then enter your passcode. Apple has warned that using Lockdown Mode will make some apps and features, including Messages, Web browsing and FaceTime, function differently. 'To reduce the attack surface that potentially could be exploited by highly targeted mercenary spyware, certain apps, websites, and features are strictly limited for security and some experiences might not be available at all,' its website reads. Lockdown Mode is an optional setting that helps protect iOS devices against extremely rare and highly sophisticated cyber attacks When activating Lockdown Mode, users will be shown a warning-like message about the reduced functionality, For example, most types of Message attachments will be blocked, excluding certain images, video, and audio. Other Message features, such as links and link previews, will be unavailable. You will not be able to receive FaceTime calls from people you have not called before, but phone calls and plain text messages will continue to work. Emergency features, such as SOS emergency calls, will also remain unaffected. When you share or send photos, location information will be scrubbed from them. Shared albums will be removed from the Photos app, and any new Shared Album invitations will be blocked. As for web browsing, you will find that some websites load more slowly or do not function correctly. Web fonts may not be displayed, and some images may be replaced with a 'missing image' icon. To turn on this feature, open the settings app and scroll down to Privacy & Security, then scroll all the way down to open Lockdown Mode. It will be the last tab on the screen Once you tap 'Turn On Lockdown Mode' you will see a screen that details all the changes this will bring to your user experience After you have reviewed this information, scroll all the way down and tap 'Turn On Lockdown Mode' And that's not all. Lockdown Mode will also impact Apple services, device connections, wireless connectivity and configuration profiles. Additional features that will disappear include SharePlay, FaceTime Live Photos and FaceTime Continuity Handoff. Once you have reviewed all of this information, scroll down and tap 'Turn On Lockdown Mode.' You will then see a pop-up that gives you the option to 'Turn On & Restart' or 'Cancel.' To proceed, tap the first option. Once your iPhone reboots, this enhanced security feature will be enabled and you will notice significant changes in the functionality of your device. But anyone with iOS 16 or later can access and enable Lockdown Mode through the Settings app But there are ways to exclude certain apps and websites from the restrictions of Lockdown mode. To exclude an app, open the Settings app, tap 'Privacy & Security,' tap 'Lockdown Mode,' then tap 'Configure Web Browsing.' Find the app you would like to exclude and turn it off by using the toggle button. Only apps that you have opened since enabling Lockdown Mode and which have limited functionality appear will appear on this list. To exclude a website, tap the 'Page Menu' button (a box with two lines underneath it), then tap the 'More' button (three dots) to open the Page Menu, then toggle off Lockdown Mode for that website. You can see and edit all your excluded websites, open Settings, tap 'Excluded Safari Websites,' then tap 'Edit.' Escape To The Country has been a hit with viewers since the BBC show launched in 2002. Pairing house-hunters with their dream country homes or helping them find a slower pace of life, the show has featured some bizarre properties over the years. The show has helped a whole host of prospective rural residents relocate, but not everyone had such a smooth experience. Some have come up against 'unforgivable' neighbours, creepy messages in the walls and even possible hauntings. Relationship on the rocks In one episode from August, a couple struggled to agree on a stunning thatched-roof cottage. The beautiful home which was located in Wiltshire saw Stephanie and Ollie almost fall out over one major feature. Escape To The Country has been a hit with viewers since the BBC show launched in 2002, pairing house-hunters with their dream country homes but not everyone has had a smooth journey The show has paired house-hunters with their dream country homes or helping them find a slower pace of life, the show has seen some bizarre properties over the years The duo couldn't agree on the roof of the house and Stephanie made sure to make her feelings known. She explained: 'I like thatches, nothing wrong with thatches, as long as they are looked after and well kept. I think they're great!' But presenter Ginny Buckley noticed that Stephanie's opinion remained unchanged despite seeing the property and the prospective buyer said: 'I'm not convinced, I don't know. It's just not quite warm and homely. That's the vibe I'm getting.' Ginny replied: 'So I guess what you should perhaps do is go off and explore yourself. She added: 'Have a wander, keep that open mind.' Nightmare neighbours One house that was featured on the BBC show seemed fine in all but one way. The house hunter was disappointed that the detached property was too close to her neighbours after hoping for a more isolated rural relocation. Potential buyer Kicki, who featured on the show in November 2024, had hoped to fall in love with somewhere new away from her Surrey home. But after presenter Alastair Appleton showed off a large property in Nyewood, West Sussex, Kicki was unsure. Some came up against 'unforgivable' neighbours, creepy messages in the walls and even possible hauntings One duo who went house hunting last year and weren't put off - despite a bizarre message in the walls of one property were Xiaonan and her daughter, Xinyi (pictured) She explained: 'The neighbours are a bit close. The road is a bit close. The house looks fascinating and beautiful. A 'skip and hop' too far One episode from September saw one guest on the show back out from her rural escape entirely. Caroline from West London was initially eager to relocate to Pembrokshire, West Wales but after driving down to the West of the UK and viewing several properties, she confessed she was no longer sure of her decision. After going round three houses she told the show that she didn't want somewhere too rural and remote after all. She said: 'the "but" started on my inbound journey coming into Pembrokeshire actually, I have to say so. 'While I studied in depth the different routes on getting to and from London, while I realised I wouldn't be living somewhere that isn't a skip and hop, I hadn't expected it to take more than double the amount of time on paper.' She then described the move as a 'step too far' and continued: 'Rural doesn't need to be remote, that's the biggest lesson I've learned.' Messages hidden in the walls One duo who went house hunting last year and weren't put off - despite a bizarre message in the walls of one property were Xiaonan and her daughter, Xinyi. As they wandered round a Grade II listed property which had survived a great fire that had destroyed much of Leonard Stanley in the 17th century, presenter Alistair revealed there was a hidden message inside the walls. Last year, a couple who were willing to spend big for their dream country residence took one look at one large mansion and labelled the pile 'haunted' and eventually decided it wasn't the house for them He told the hopeful home owners that for good luck, the old building all had a pair of children's shoes hidden inside them and in the house they were looking at, two pairs were hidden downstairs. Initially shocked at the revelation, Xiaonan revealed she was still keen on going forward, explaining: 'I like it, I actually have some designs already in my mind!'. Although Xiaonan and her daughter didn't seem phased by the ghostly addition to their perfect home, one couple was put off by their spooky potential new buy. Haunted home Last year, a couple who were willing to spend big for their dream country residence took one look at one large mansion and labelled the pile 'haunted'. Grace and Joe were fell head over heels with one property worth 800,000 and were willing to sign on the dotted line to cement their move from Florida to the UK where they were looking for a modern home. But the pair knew they had found the one when they stumbled upon a Victorian property in Cheshire. And while everything seemed perfect, one thing put them off. The BBC has apologised after Escape To The Country sparked war with locals - and fans aren't impressed with their 'incredibly rude' response (pictured: series presenter Denise Nurse) The series' fifty-fifth episode, set in Isle Of Skye, sparked outrage among a group of NC500 locals when a campervan was parked improperly Joe said: 'Wow, it's haunted!' while Grace said: 'It's very grand, I'm definitely intrigued.' And despite the property piquing their interest, they both decided it wasn't the dream home for them after all. Locals lash out And last year the show sparked a war with locals after one episode, set in Isle Of Skye, sparked outrage with residents. In the offending episode, Diane Nurse, presenter since 2008, helped a couple who had spent the last year travelling around in their campervan finally settle down. Furious residents were up in arms when footage from the episode showed the motorhome parked in a passing place on a narrow road - a road violation. They took to the NC500 The Land Weeps Facebook group, a private page which allows locals to talk about tourism on the North Coast 500, a 516-mile scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, to complain. One resident, Colin Cameron, revealed on Tuesday that the broadcaster had apologised for its initial dismissive reply to his complaint, according to The Sun. Posting in the Facebook group Colin said: 'While it's slightly heartening to see they have acknowledged it, they shouldn't have done this in the first place. In the offending episode, Diane Nurse, presenter since 2008, helped a couple (pictured) who had spent the last year travelling around in their campervan finally settle down 'Their reply does nothing to address the patronising brush off I got the first time I raised it.' The BBC had emailed Colin and apologised for failing to 'properly address' his and the group's complaint. The BBC wrote: 'We understand your concerns regarding a segment in Escape to the Country in which an interview with a couple moving to the Isle of Skye was conducted at the side of a road. 'You are of course correct that no matter how brief that filming was for, the Highway Code does advise that drivers should not park in passing places. 'We also appreciate your point about such matters being even more of an issue in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It added: 'While we don't believe this segment of the programme would encourage people to ignore road signs and to park in places that they shouldn't, we fully appreciate your concerns and we understand our responsibilities as a TV programme. 'The production team will bear this in mind for future filming and are grateful to you for taking the time to raise this with us.' Escape To The Country airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. An Antiques Roadshow guest was left gobsmacked after they found out how much a an old biscuit barrell was worth. The Derbyshire woman appeared on the BBC show with a piece of silverware that she was using in her home as a fruit bowl. During the episode, antiques expert Duncan Campbell revealed that the bowl was actually a 130-year-old biscuit barrel. The item was predominantly used during the 19th century for tea parties hosted by ladies in society. After not knowing its history and having been used for very little time, the guest was shocked by what it was worth. It was revealed that the dish, which was initially passed down from her grandmother, was now worth between 200 and 300. An Antiques Roadshow guest was left gobsmacked after they found out how much a an old biscuit barrell was worth The Derbyshire woman appeared on the BBC show with a piece of silverware that she was using in her home as a fruit bowl After his inspection, Duncan revealed: 'This was made about 120-130 years ago, at a time when having a posh tea party was quite the thing. In shock, the guest replied: 'Well... I would not have imagined it was for biscuits.' Duncan explained that the item was a 'biscuit barrel' and would be typically filled with macarons or other decadent sweet treats meant to 'enchant' tea party attendees. The item featured three delicate flaps that flipped up to resemble a closed lotus. When each was pulled down, the item had three extra layers acting as lids for each metal petal. And this is not the only bowl that had its owner shocked on the show. Previously on the American version of the show, a guest was stunned to learn the wooden bowl she bought on her honeymoon is worth thousands of dollars. In the resurfaced clip, a woman brought a distressed wooden bowl to a 2017 Antiques Roadshow event in Fort Worth, Texas. But after being inspected by antique expert Duncan Campbell, it was that her passed-down furniture was a 130-year-old biscuit barrel The dish, which was initially passed down from her grandmother, was now worth between 200 and 300 And this is not the only bowl that had its owner shocked on the show. Previously on the American version of the show, a guest was stunned to learn the wooden bowl she bought on her honeymoon is worth thousands of dollars She purchased the bowl she believed to be a Pacific Northwest creation 22 years earlier on her wedding trip to the Hawaiian island of Kauai She purchased the bowl she believed to be a Pacific Northwest creation 22 years earlier on her wedding trip to the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Appraiser Anthony Slayter-Ralph brought the woman to tears when he revealed the item she paid 310 for is worth tens of thousands of dollars. 'This is my wedding gift. Makes me want to cry because of the history of where I got it and how I got it,' she said. The dark wooden bowl bares its age with some discoloration and features a unique decorative end with a hollowed out face. The appraiser determined the bowl is made out of spruce and was likely made by Native Alaskans in the beginning of the 19th century or even earlier in the 1780s or 1790s. 'It's quite extraordinary. I mean, I have never seen, and my colleagues also, one that has this head fixed on the top,' Anthony said. 'The Eskimos don't really do decorative art. Everything they do has a function. And they also believed that each of these objects has a spirit in it, the yua, and I think that the head probably represents the spirit of the bowl. 'Mostly, you see these as finger puppets, and it's a strange notion. I mean, maybe this is meant to look like a mask and this is the body. One is inclined to think that it would be ceremonial. I mean, we don't really know. The woman to tears when he revealed the item she paid 310 for is worth tens of thousands of dollars The dark wooden bowl features a unique decorative end with a hollowed out face is made out of spruce and was likely made by Native Alaskans in the beginning of the 19th century 'The back, you can also see, it's actually hollowed out, which makes me think it is a mask in miniature. Very nice grooved carvings around the side here, traces of pigment. There's been some damage, which has been repaired. I don't know when-- before you got it, I think.' Anthony determined the bowl is worth between 14,200 and $15,800 and with more research could go for much higher at auction. This valuation brought the woman to tears, leaving her with very few words to say about the piece that carries so much value to her heart. 'Oh my goodness,' the woman gasped. 'Oh my Lord.' China's industrial development in 2024: accelerating toward intelligent manufacturing Global Times) 08:48, December 30, 2024 In 2024, China's industrial landscape has witnessed a series of exciting "firsts" and groundbreaking achievements that reflect the robust momentum of China's manufacturing sector and underscore the country's commitment to high-end, intelligent, and sustainable manufacturing practices. In the latest development, China debuted a prototype of the fastest high-speed train in the world, Xinhua News Agency reported on Sunday. 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. The CR450 is capable of running at 450 kilometers per hour in tests, highlighting China's cutting-edge advancements in rail technology. In other sectors, China's homegrown wide-body C929 aircraft gets first intended user in November, marking a new breakthrough in the large aircraft industry. China's first domestically built large cruise ship has also started commercial operations in January, setting sail for a new era in cruise tourism. As of Sunday, it has completed 84 voyages, facilitating a total of 600,000 inbound and outbound passenger trips, according to Xinhua. A series of data also show significant achievements in China's high-quality economic development. In 2024 China has surpassed 4.14 million 5G base stations, averaging 29 stations per 10,000 people. The manufacturing sector has over 6.03 million registered enterprises, with 8.55 percent linked to strategic emerging industries, a 6.35 percent increase since the end of 2023. China's annual production of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) surpassed the 10 million milestone for the first time in 2024. Additionally, the humanoid robot market is projected to reach 3 billion yuan ($411 million), showcasing the potential of emerging sectors in China's economy, China Media Group (CMG) reported. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing showed encouraging signs this year, climbing from 49.2 percent in January to 50.1 percent in October and further to 50.3 percent in November, suggesting a recovery in industrial activity. Foster innovation Throughout the year, the Chinese government implemented various initiatives to foster innovation and development in key industries. In January, China unveiled policies aimed at promoting future industries such as humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and 6G technology to stimulate new economic growth. By February, the government had issued guidelines to accelerate the green transformation of the manufacturing sector. In March, China launched large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins to lift the quality of traditional industries. In June, China rolled out a new set of support policies for 1,000 "little giant" firms, as part of efforts to improve the modern industrial system in the country. In September, the country introduced construction plans for pilot-scale testing platforms in manufacturing and new materials, accelerating the transition of new technologies from the laboratory to the factory, according to CMG. These measures are facilitating high-quality development across various manufacturing sectors. In the domestic cruise manufacturing industry cruise-building industry China's first domestically built large cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, started its commercial maiden voyage in January. This marks a significant milestone for China's cruise manufacturing industry, as it now possesses true autonomous control capabilities and a complete industrial cycle system, signaling a new phase in the development of the cruise industry in China, said Yang Guobing, chairman of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) Cruise Technology Development Co, Ltd, operator of the ship. Yang believes that in 2024, China's cruise manufacturing industry entered a new phase of independent development. This phase aims to integrate the entire industrial chain, achieve independent design, construction, supporting facilities, and operations of cruise ships, and foster international cooperation while pursuing self-sufficiency. This approach is set to usher in a new era of high-quality development for China's cruise industry. In the robotics sector, the National and Local Co-Build Humanoid Robotics Innovation Centre based in Shanghai is making strides as well. The center is currently constructing a training facility that can accommodate 100 humanoid robots for simultaneous intelligent training, to make them more capable of assisting humans in various scenarios, with plans to expand this capacity to 1,000 by 2027, the Global Times learned from the center. In the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), exciting advancements are being made that could greatly benefit patients with paralysis and neurological diseases. A notable milestone occurred in November when a domestic BCI product allowed a participant with a spinal cord injury to drink water using a specially designed pneumatic glove. The BCI product, called NEO, was developed through a collaboration between Neuracle Technology Co, Ltd and Dr Hong Bo's team from Tsinghua University. In August it became the first BCI product to enter the special review process for innovative medical devices in China. Currently, Neuracle is working on expanding its product offerings to encompass a broader range of brain functions. In the future, the company aims not only to assist patients with basic actions such as eating and drinking but also to enable them to perform more complex tasks, including writing and playing the piano, Neuracle told the Global Times. Chen Jing, vice president of the Institute of Technology and Strategy, a tech research institute based in Beijing, told the Global Times that the achievements of 2024 reflect the outcomes of the development of new quality productive forces. These advancements not only drive China's economic development but also lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the future. A look into 2025 China's value-added industrial output of enterprises above the designated size is forecast to grow by about 5.7 percent year-on-year in 2024, official data showed Friday. In 2024, China's industrial economy has achieved steady improvement despite challenges, and the manufacturing value added's share of the gross domestic product remained stable, according to a national work conference on industry and information technology. According to the meeting, China will promote stable growth in the industrial economy, with moves including intensifying the implementation of policies supporting large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins in 2025. Efforts will be made to foster and develop emerging industries in 2025, with a focus on promoting implementation scenarios of new technology and new products. Key areas of emphasis include the development of internet-connected vehicles, the expansion of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System's applications, low-altitude information infrastructure, biomanufacturing, the quantum industry, and embodied AI, among others, according to the meeting. By 2025, intelligent manufacturing in China is poised to deeply integrate with advanced technologies like the Internet of Things, big data, and AI, propelling traditional industries toward higher levels of sophistication and intelligence, Chen said. These innovations will not only enhance production efficiency but also foster new business models and growth opportunities for enterprises, Chen said, adding that this will support China's goal of achieving high-quality economic development and help elevate its position in the global value chain. Geng Bo, a senior technology industry insider, told the Global Times that China, which ranks first globally in the production and sales of consumer electronics, offers an abundance of application scenarios and a growing demand that drives continuous sci-tech innovation and product improvements. Whether in smartphones, home appliances, automotive electronics, industrial control, or the new-energy sector, market demand is driving domestic companies to innovate and develop products tailored to various needs, thereby driving the rapid growth of the country's sci-tech advancements and innovative applications, Geng said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Gummies that contain CBD and THC Delta-9, sold at supermarkets across the state. Boston Globe/Boston Globe via Getty Images Washington Ho and Tony Buzbee's "HoBuzz," a Delta-8 THC seltzer. Courtesy of HoBuzz Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has never shied away from controversial issues. But banning the THC products being sold to young people at your local smoke shop or convenience store shouldnt be controversial. Senate Bill 3, which Patrick supports, seeks to protect consumers from these dangerous products which, let it be noted, exist only because of the cynical exploitation of a loophole created in a 2019 law intended to promote agricultural hemp. THC is the key mind-altering chemical found in marijuana. At least a dozen states, including many blue states, have already moved to fix this dangerous error. The state of Texas has a compelling interest in protecting public health and safety from these novel THC products, some of which we know little about. But their potency can exceed that of the street drug versions which we do know are associated with addiction, violent criminality, costly ER visits, decreased academic achievement and mental illnesses. Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric diagnosis which typically appears in young adults and can render them dependent on government services. Last year, a bombshell study on the impact of todays THC products shocked the medical world. It estimated that as many as 30% of new schizophrenia cases in young men aged 21 to 30 are related to cannabis-use disorder. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The purveyors of these brain poisons claim many beneficial effects. Cancer patients, in particular, report that it helps manage pain and nausea. But the American Psychiatric Association states that there is no current scientific evidence that cannabis is in any way beneficial for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder and that there isa strong association of cannabis use with the onset of psychiatric disorders. Further, they recommend that any treatments should be evidence-based and FDA-approved. Thats very different from the addiction-for-profits scheme of convenience-store distribution. As a frontline physician, I have seen the damage and I question any use of THC as medicine, despite the bipartisan support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program. But at a Senate Committee on State Affairs hearing in May, a representative of the largest compassionate-use provider warned that they might have to close, since they were losing a significant number of customers to retailers who provide a higher high at a lower price. If you want to test how well these retailers comply with age restrictions, send your teenager into the five outlets nearest your home, as I did. As with tobacco, addicting teens and young adults is the THC industrys only viable growth strategy. While in different ways than opioids, THC can also kill. It kills users: It is associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Between 2014 and 2018, it was also the number-one substance found in the bodies of teen suicide victims in Colorado. It can kill people with whom users share the roads: Washington has seen a doubling of THC-related traffic fatalities since marijuana was legalized. And it can harm users children: Here in Texas a 2020 Department of Family and Protective Services report showed that THC was the substance most likely to be actively used by the perpetrator of an abuse or neglect fatality, with 84 such incidents. By comparison, the number for alcohol was 25; for opioids, just four. Industry lobbyists will no doubt argue that THC products are creating jobs and tax revenue. But such disposable income could be better spent elsewhere. Preferably, on a product or service without terrible social costs to our families and fiscal costs to our state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Unfortunately, SB 3 doesnt go far enough. To counteract the industrys gaslighting, the Legislature should also fund an education campaign to better inform the public about what doctors and researchers already know. The downstream cost savings to the state alone would justify the expenditure. To further illuminate the scope of the problem, toxicology reports should be mandated for all non-natural deaths and such reports immediately released to the public for perpetrators of all mass shooting events, as defined by the FBI. The merchants of addiction are well-funded and, it seems, remorseless but they arent invincible. The defeat of recreational marijuana legalization in Florida, which overcame $150 million of industry propaganda, shows what courageous political leadership coupled with an informed citizenry can accomplish. Does your representative stand with our youth, doctors, teachers, police and parents and support the ban? Or with industry lobbyists and their money, behind the fig leaf of new regulations for the industry? We should ask them. Rarely does a political issue provide such a clear litmus test for integrity. The Split viewers have spotted 'alarm bells' in the first episode of the show as it returned to our screens after two years. The BBC legal drama follows the lives of the Defoe family who all work in divorce law at their family law firm. Nicola Walker returned to her role as Hannah Stern, the eldest sister in the Defoe family, for the new two-part special set in Barcelona, Spain. Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button play Hannah's sisters Nina and Rose and Stephen Mangan plays her husband Nathan Stern. Other returning cast members include Deborah Findlay as Hannah's mum Ruth, Ian McElhinney as Professor Ronnie, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Glen Peters, Elizabeth Roberts as Hannah's daughter Liv Stern, and Alex Guersman as Gael. The first installment aired on Sunday and featured an unexpected plot twist at what was supposed to be a dream wedding for Liv. The Split viewers have spotted 'alarm bells' in the first episode of the show as it returned to our screens after two years Nicola Walker returned to her role as Hannah Stern, the eldest sister in the Defoe family, for the new two-part special set in Barcelona, Spain Annabel Scholey and Fiona Button (pictured) play Hannah's sisters Nina and Rose and Stephen Mangan plays her husband Nathan Stern The synopsis for the special two-part series reads: 'Two years on, formidable family lawyer Hannah Defoe and her family are back and have gathered for a beautiful wedding at a magnificent vineyard nestled in Catalonia's wine region. 'Set across one sun-soaked weekend, there will be break-ups, reunions and, like all good weddings, plenty of romance. 'As the sun rises over the glorious Spanish countryside, Hannah is compelled to banish the ghosts of her past and open herself up to the possibility of love again. 'Can she find the courage to take the leap into a new future?' Fans quickly spotted red flags during the wedding celebrations and took to social media with their theories. 'Groom and groom's family heavy wedding means alarm bells,' one wrote. And they were somewhat correct as some of the drama did revolve around the groom's family. When Hannah's ex-husband Archie (Toby Stephens) turned up to the wedding it was revealed that his new fiance was in fact the father of the groom's mistress. The first installment aired on Sunday and featured an unexpected plot twist at what was supposed to be a dream wedding for Hannah's daughter Liv When Hannah's ex-husband Archie (Toby Stephens) turned up to the wedding it was revealed that his new fiance was in fact the father of the groom's mistress Despite Archie's (pictured) engagement, viewers still thought Hannah's new husband and her ex would clash in the second episode Despite Archie's engagement, viewers still thought Hannah's new husband and her ex would clash in the second episode. 'Oooh, I bet it's going to kick off in a minute,' one said. Another wrote: 'Oh wonder if we'll get a Archie and Nathan punch up?' Others gushed over the show, praising the storyline and acting from the cast. 'Oh I have missed this. Shenanigans under Spanish sun, Nicole Walker drinking. Blimey, she can put it away. Twists. Turns. Prenups. The DRAMA. Superb cast and writing. Lets not waste time, we need another London outing.' 'As usual the acting is superb. Funny and heart warming. This final acceptance of the truth was everything. So sad but beautiful at the same time. Gonna miss. #Thesplit Thank you for this short treat.' 'I need The Split to make an official return. I need the Defoes back on my screen - for more than 2 episodes!' 'Finally, a quality programme with superb acting. Best programme (series) of the festive season by a million miles. Can't wait for tomorrow night's episode (shame there's not more though).' '#TheSplit is still one of my all time favourite shows! Each and every actor plays such a crucial part and the sisters bond is so dear. Forever pulls on my heartstrings. Almost don't want to watch the second Barcelona episode because I don't want it to ever be over.' Unfortunately for fans, The Split is not set to return for a fourth season but they can look forward to the upcoming spin-off series The Split-Up which will centre around the high-stakes world of Manchester's divorce law circuit. All episodes of The Split are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. As the blistering sun beats down on the tarmac at Sydney Airport, the door of a private jet swings open and out steps one of the most powerful men in Hollywood you've probably never heard of. He likes it that way. Dressed in a white sweater, jeans and sneakers, with a backpack slung over one shoulder, Patrick Whitesell, the millionaire co-founder of talent agency Endeavor, has a grin stretching from ear to ear. Moments later, it's clear why he's smiling. Following behind him is his much younger Australian wife Pia Whitesell, to whom he's been married for three and a half years. Pia, a model-turned-actress, is the picture of understated glamour in sunglasses, high-waisted white jeans and a tank top. Considered one of Australia's most beautiful women, she has called California home since the pair became engaged in late 2020 and she moved into Patrick's palatial LA mansion. The couple head straight from the airport to Sydney Harbour, where they spend the afternoon soaking up the sun. Pia - aged 41, but with the body and complexion of a woman half her age - radiates beauty in a skimpy bikini while her husband gazes upon her adoringly. Hollywood agent Patrick Whitesell touched down in Sydney with his wife Pia on Sunday They drove straight from the airport to Sydney Harbour, where they boarded a luxury super yacht and enjoyed a day out on the water Pia (left) - aged 41, but with the body and complexion of a woman half her age - stripped down to her barely there swimwear for a scorching afternoon on the harbour The duo's arrival Down Under to ring in the New Year is a far cry from the chaos that seems to follow Patrick's ex-wife and her new fiance around. No phalanx of waiting photographers, no grand entourage - just a single paparazzo with a long lens. In the tabloid world, Patrick remains best known as the ex-husband of Lauren Sanchez. Her affair with billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019 resulted in one of the most expensive divorces in history - Bezos handed over $38billion to ex-wife MacKenzie - and now Lauren and Jeff are engaged to be married (although reports of a $600million wedding in Aspen last week proved unfounded). What isn't so widely known is what Patrick did next. While the talent agent, whose client list is a Who's Who of Hollywood, was said to have been 'blindsided' by his wife's affair, he refused to play the role of jilted cuckold. Instead, he pulled off a masterclass in revenge, and even beat Lauren down the aisle. And it's no small irony that while Jeff and Lauren spent their weekend hosing down rumours about their impending wedding - including the venue, date and price tag - Patrick and Pia kicked back on a yacht in Sydney's spellbindingly beautiful harbour, seemingly without a care in world. Patrick had only just separated from Lauren when he was introduced to Pia by mutual friends in 2019. At the time, Pia was trying her luck in Hollywood following a successful stint on Australian soap opera Home and Away; Pat was also throwing himself into work to distract himself from the headlines about Lauren and Jeff. By early 2020, the pair were photographed together for the first time on a sun-soaked holiday in Malibu. Later that year, in November, Patrick proposed with an enormous emerald-cut diamond ring, with Pia declaring herself 'the luckiest girl in the world'. Patrick was previously married to Lauren Sanchez, who had an affair with Amazon boss Jeff Bezos circa 2018-2019. (Patrick, Lauren and Jeff are pictured in LA on December 3, 2016) Lauren Sanchez, 55 (right) shocked the showbiz world when her secret whirlwind romance with multi-billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, 60 (left) was exposed almost five years ago And it's no small irony that while Jeff and Lauren spent their weekend hosing down rumours about their impending wedding, Patrick and Pia kicked back on a yacht in Sydney's spellbindingly beautiful harbour, seemingly without a care in the world They didn't waste time getting married, making things official in a private ceremony held in May 2021, not long after Pia had packed up her life in the Sydney to move across the world to live with Patrick, bringing her sons from previous relationships, Isaiah, 21, and Lennox, 17, with her. More than three years later, the Whitesells remain blissfully happy, with a source telling Daily Mail Australia, 'Pat's having the last laugh, 100 per cent. 'He's living the f****** dream with Pia and he knows it. I doubt he thinks about Lauren or Jeff or that whole debacle at all.' Indeed, the 59-year-old businessman looked like a man on top of the world on Sunday as he touched down at Sydney Airport with his second wife. For the flight from the U.S., Pia tucked a spotless white T-shirt into a pair of straight-legged white jeans, completing her look with a brown cap, Adidas sneakers and sunglasses. She also toted two designer bags from Celine, which retail for a few thousand dollars a pop - a drop in the bucket for Patrick. After disembarking, the couple were whisked into a waiting car then set off to begin their low-key New Year's celebrations on a super yacht in Sydney Harbour, alongside a small gathering of close friends and family. Their end-of-year send-off will certainly be a subdued affair compared to whatever headline magnets Lauren and Jeff are planning. Controversy follows Mr and (soon to be) Mrs Bezos them wherever they go - whether it be wedding rumours, scrutiny over their politics or business dealings, or snarky commentary on her racy fashion sense. Pia declared herself 'the luckiest girl in the world' when Patrick proposed with an enormous emerald-cut diamond ring in 2020. They married a year later Lauren and Patrick married in 2005 before welcoming a son, Evan, in 2006 and a daughter, Eleanor, in 2008. Sources close to both Lauren and Patrick say they are incredible co-parents who are raising amazing children together. Also, the same source has said that Pia and Lauren are friends who get along very well. Patrick was the one who introduced his first wife to the billionaire she would eventually have an affair with. While it's unclear when exactly they started seeing each other, Lauren and Jeff's romance was first exposed by the National Enquirer in January 2019 when they were both still married. Soon after the affair made headlines, the billionaire divorced his wife of more than 25 years and the mother of his four children, Mackenzie Scott, while Lauren left Patrick. At the time, the bombshell report from the Enquirer claimed Lauren and Jeff had been involved in an eight-month affair, which included him 'whisking his mistress off to exotic destinations on his $65million private jet, sending her raunchy messages and erotic selfies, and having secret rendezvous at palatial private estates'. The outlet said it had tracked them 'across five states and 40,000 miles, tailing them in private jets, swanky limos, helicopter rides, romantic hikes, five-star hotel hideaways, intimate dinner dates and "quality time" in hidden love nests'. Following the Enquirer's accusations, Jeff fired back by writing a lengthy essay to the publication's CEO, David Pecker, in which the e-commerce mogul accused the company of blackmailing him. 'Rather than capitulate to extortion and blackmail, I've decided to publish exactly what they sent me, despite the personal cost and embarrassment they threaten,' he wrote. '[After] intimate text messages from me were published in the National Enquirer, I engaged investigators to learn how those texts were obtained, and to determine the motives for the many unusual actions taken by the Enquirer. 'We were then approached with an offer. They said they had more of my text messages and photos that they would publish if we didn't stop our investigation.' He shared alleged emails sent to him by Enquirer staffers, in which they described the racy images they had 'obtained during their newsgathering' in detail. 'If in my position I can't stand up to this kind of extortion, how many people can?' Jeff continued. 'Of course I don't want personal photos published, but I also won't participate in their well-known practice of blackmail, political favors, political attacks, and corruption. I prefer to stand up, roll this log over, and see what crawls out,' he added. As for how Jeff and Lauren met, Lauren's husband Patrick was apparently the first to introduce the two at an Amazon Studios party for the movie Manchester by the Sea in 2016. Her production team was then hired to film footage for Jeff's rocket company, Blue Origin, in 2018. 'Patrick and Lauren have socialised with Jeff Bezos and his wife for a few years, because both [former] couples have houses in Seattle,' a source told Page Six after their affair was brought to light. 'Then Lauren was hired to work on one of Jeff's projects, Blue Origin, a space-launch company. She has been shooting aerial shots for Jeff.' After four years of lavish getaways, private jet rides, dinner dates at the most sought-after restaurants in the world, designer shopping trips, yacht rides, and invites to parties amongst the top stars, Jeff and Lauren became engaged in May 2023. It was recently reported the pair intended to have a $600million Christmas wedding in Aspen this past weekend, though the couple denied those claims and the lavish nuptials never transpired. The 59-year-old businessman looked like a man on top of the world on Sunday as he touched down at Sydney Airport with his second wife And as she arrived in her home country via private jet, the stunning actress appeared to be over the moon as she toted designer luggage alongside her multi-millionaire husband Protecting his eyes from the sun with a pair of dark shades, the American businessman took his sun safety seriously as he also pulled a blue cap down low over his face The Whitesells' end-of-year send-off will certainly be a subdued affair compared to whatever headline magnets Lauren and Jeff are planning After disembarking, the couple were whisked into a waiting car then set off to begin their low-key New Year's celebrations in Sydney After the story was published, Jeff took to X, formerly Twitter, to deny the claims. He said: 'This whole thing is completely false - none of this is happening. The old adage dont believe everything you read is even more true today than it ever has been. 'Now lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on. 'So be careful out there folks and dont be gullible. Will be interesting to see if all the outlets that covered and re-reported on this issue a correction when it comes and goes and doesnt happen.' Lauren re-posted her fiance's words on her Instagram Story and wrote the words, 'Not true,' over the article about their nuptials. Lauren's affair with the billionaire Amazon founder resulted in one of the most expensive divorces in history when Bezos handed over $38billion to ex-wife MacKenzie (together left). Lauren also left Patrick (the former couple is pictured right) in 2019 and is now engaged to Jeff Pia Miller, widely considered one of Australia's most beautiful women, took Lauren's place to become the new Mrs Whitesell in 2021. (The Whitesells are pictured in March in Beverly Hills) In stark contrast to Lauren and Jeff's scrutinised relationship, Patrick and Pia married in a private ceremony in May 2021 in LA, following their engagement in November 2020. The pair enjoyed a luxury but low-ley honeymoon in Mexico shortly after their union. Pia then made the life-changing decision to relocate from her home in Bondi to Los Angeles, where Patrick lives and works, that same September, travelling abroad with her two sons Isaiah and Lennox. Patrick, the CEO of Hollywood talent agency WME, is worth an estimated US$440million (AU$630million). His clients include Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, Idris Elba, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, John Krasinski, Jude Law, Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington. Roxy Jacenko has jetted off on a very swanky ski holiday for an extended winter break with her children. The PR maven, 44, is living it up with daughter Pixie, 13, and son Hunter, 10, in the idyllic ski resort region of Courchevel, in the heart of the French Alps. And Roxy has been making her followers jealous by documenting the luxorious snowbound vacation on Instagram. The PR mogul definitely looked the part as she hit the slopes in a $3000 Balenciaga ski jacket. She was also seen flaunting her penchant for high-end ski fashion, in a quirky black Goldbergh ski jacket. Featuring puffy embellishments on the sleeves, the ski number set Roxy back around $2000. Roxy Jacenko has jetted off on a very swanky ski holiday for an extended winter break with her children The PR maven, 44, is living it up with children Pixie, 13, and Hunter, 10, in the idyllic ski resort region of Courchevel, in the heart of the French Alps. Pictured: Courchevel 1850 Another photo showed Roxy, amid a stunning French Alps backdrop, in a houndstooth patterned ski jacket from Perfect Moment worth around $795. She also wore a matching set of pants worth approximately $895. Aside from showing off her skills on the slopes and penchant for haute couture, Roxy has also been enjoying many of the fine dining opportunities the region has to offer. She shared a couple of photos that showed an array of delectable treats her and her family were about to dig into at swanky restaurant La Cave des Creux. The eatery offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Courchevel valley, and a delicious menu. Starters at the high-end eatery begin at $52(AUD) for a Beaufort Tart with a green salad and crunchy walnuts. Similarly, a burger with Beaufort cheese, bacon and fries is going to set you back a whopping $65 (AUD) The trio also enjoyed some high-end nosh at Bagatelle, with Roxy sharing a photo that showed her receiving some table service. Roxy definitely looked the part, hitting the slopes in a $3000 Balenciaga ski jacket She was also seen flaunting her penchant for high-end ski fashion, in a quirky black Goldbergh ski jacket which retails for around $2000 Another photo showed Roxy in a houndstooth patterned ski jacket from Perfect Moment worth around $795 and matching pants worth approximately $895 Aside from showing off her skills on the slopes and penchant for haute couture, Roxy has also been enjoying many of the fine dining opportunities the region has to offer Starters at the high-end eatery begin at $52(AUD) for a Beaufort Tart with a green salad and crunchy walnuts. Similarly, a burger with Beaufort cheese, bacon and fries is going to set you back $65 (AUD) She also shared a photo that showed the trio beaming for the camera, looking very satisfied with their dining experience. The swanky ski region also boasts an array of luxury shopping options such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Cartier. Roxy was certainly keen to take some time out from the slopes for some haute-couture retail therapy. She shared one photo that showed her standing next to Hunter as they posed on a street in Courchevel. With a Bvlgari store visible in the background, Hunter beamed broadly as he posed while clutching a bag from kid's clothing store Les Enfanats B.Charvin. Another, showed Roxy posing in front of a store, showing off her sartorial style in her ski ensemble. While Roxy gave no indication where the family are staying on their idyllic winter. vacation, you can bet they won't be sleeping rough. Courchevel boasts 24 luxury hotels with a five-star ranking. Also, in 2011, France introduced a sixth star ranking for hotels named 'palaces'. She also shared a photo that showed the trio beaming for the camera, looking very satisfied with their dining experience at another swanky eatery Bagatelle The swanky ski region also boasts an array of luxury shopping options, such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Cartier Eight French hotels have since received this rating and two are in Courchevel's Jardin Alpin area. Courchevel is the most eastern resort of the Three Valleys, the biggest connected ski area in the world. It consists of four satellite villages: Courchevel Le Praz, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650 and Courchevel 1850. The highest resort Courchevel 1850, has a reputation for being one of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world. It is also littered with Michelin star restaurants and high end shops. Nick Knowles was forced to pay for his knee surgery after Strictly Come Dancing 'refused' to pay up. The DIY SOS star, 62, had to pull out of this years live shows in October after badly injuring his knee during rehearsals. After going through two major operations to help him 'walk normally again', Nick pleaded the BBC to help out with rehab costs. According to The Sun, in a now-edited post, he said: 'Thank you for all the amazing messages. To answer a few questions . . . the brace helps keep it stable as I recover. 'No, Strictly insurance did not cover the operations. I paid for them myself but Im hoping they will help with rehab.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC for a comment. Nick Knowles, 62, has been forced to pay for his knee surgery after Strictly Come Dancing 'refused' to pay up After going through two major operations to help him 'walk normally again', Nick pleaded the BBC to help out with rehab costs (pictured with fiancee Katie Dadzie) The DIY SOS star had to pull out of this years live shows in October after badly injuring his knee during rehearsals Earlier this week, Nick revealed he's learning to walk 'normally' again as he shared a candid clip of himself attempting to walk up the stairs using crutches, with the assistance of a medical professional. In the video, Nick is also padded out with knee and elbow braces as he slowly takes it step by step, admitting he hopes to be 'back to 100% fitness' by August 2025. Updating his 312,000 followers, he wrote in the caption: 'So it wasnt on my letter to Santa for two major operations - one to reattach my bicep and a second to build a new ACL and mend two years in the meniscus. 'Thank you to my two magnificently talented surgeons - Mr Ahrens for the bicep and Mr Jig Patel for the knee. 'Three types of knee brace and one type of elbow brace - crutches - game ready ice and pressure machine - pressure leggings - physio stretching out for months ahead but I want to be walking normally by start of February for the next DIYSOS.' He added: 'Katie my fiancee has been patient and supportive and amazingly patient with me - the worst patient in the world. 'Its been frustrating and very expensive but Im determined to get back to 100% fitness which I hope will be around August 2025. Thanks for all the well wishes and encouragement - happy new year all.' It comes after Nick took to his Instagram to explain his absence from the Strictly final earlier this month. In a now-edited post, he said: 'Thank you for all the amazing messages. To answer a few questions . . . the brace helps keep it stable as I recover. No, Strictly insurance did not cover the operations. I paid for them myself but Im hoping they will help with rehab' Nick was supported by Katie as they stepped out for a brief walk in Berkshire on Sunday Nick looked visibly in pain as he struggled to walk on crutches The lovebirds packed on the PDA during the outing The DIY SOS star filmed himself watching the live show from the comfort of Katie's home in Berkshire. Nick revealed he wasn't appearing on the show or in the group dance after having a knee operation two days before for the injury he sustained while competing in the competition. He firstly suffered a shoulder injury when he was changing a tyre on his car and then a failed knee jump during a dance rehearsal left him on crutches. The presenter told his followers: 'Hello everyone. So it's Saturday night, and the big final is on TV. I'm watching it, same as you, but from home rather than being in the studio because, unfortunately, I had a big arm operation, and I've now also had a big leg operation. 'As a result, I'm only two days out from surgery, so I can't be there. 'But I'm sat here watching the amazing show like you, wishing the best of luck to my buddies - JB, Sarah, Chris, and Tasha - who all deserve to be champions, so I hope they all do great. 'Thank you for all your lovely well-wishes and for wishing me a speedy recovery. I'm really sorry I can't be there with all the others too. It's been the most wonderful experience. 'Merry Christmas to all of you, happy New Year, and congratulations to whoever wins the final.' Nick revealed he's learning to walk 'normally' again as he shared a candid clip of himself attempting to walk up the stairs using crutches, with the assistance of a medical professional Updating his 312,000 followers, he wrote in the caption: 'So it wasnt on my letter to Santa for two major operations' He thanked his 'two magnificently talented surgeons - Mr Ahrens for the bicep and Mr Jig Patel for the knee' (pictured in October) Disaster first struck for Nick during a dress rehearsal with Strictly pro partner Luba Mushtuk, which reportedly saw the star do a jump and take a bad landing Alongside the clip, he penned: 'So I can't be there at the final because I'm only two days out of surgery and it was quite a big operation on my knee - for those that want to know it was a full ACL reconstruction and two meniscus repairs which included harvesting a replacement tendon from my hamstring - and I'm still recovering from the operation to re attach my distal bicep which makes moving on crutches difficult too. 'I had to have the operation now to be mobile and ready to start filming on @BBCDIYSOS at the beginning of February. 'Lots of rehab and work with physios to come but I will go at it as hard as I did the dance training and success will be managed in stages. 'First to be able to walk without crutches, climb stairs, walk safely on uneven ground by February and then dance too as I have to be able to do my first dance at my wedding in June and I'm assured if I work hard I will be back to 100% as good as new in about 8 months 'Best of luck to my buddies competing tonight and those who are back together in studio. I loved the dancing and the cameraderie - the injuries not so much. 'Merry Xmas to you all and thank you for your wonderful messages wishing me to get well soon. 'I've got some great work coming this year with more amazing DIY SOS shows - two of which we have filmed already and so many wonderful families to introduce you to - there's two amazing travel shows through Mongolia coming soon too which is epic and beautiful and full of amazing people. 'So as I lay on the sofa looking like half a Darth Vader with all the added robot attachments I wish you a happy Christmas and an adventurous and fun new year. See you in 2025.' It comes after Nick took to his Instagram to explain his absence from the Strictly final earlier this month The star filmed himself watching the live show from the comfort of his fiancee Katie Dadzie's home in Berkshire Nick has kept his followers up to date with his operation He wrote: 'Lots of rehab and work with physios to come but I will go at it as hard as I did the dance training and success will be managed in stages' Nick is hoping he will recover in time for his first dance at his wedding to Katie next summer. He shared: 'We've booked our wedding for next summer and the plan is for us to be able to do a first dance. It won't be a full Strictly routine but I'm determined to have a special dance with Katie.' The TV veteran praised his 'amazing' Katie for taking him to his hospital appointments and even 'putting his trousers on' as he can't do that himself at the moment. Paul Mescal's age has become a topic of viral interest. Fans of the 28-year-old Irish actor who recently hosted Saturday Night Live are stunned to find out that he is, in fact, 28 and not 36 or 42. Whether it is his looks, people's warped perception of what 28 looks like, or the gravitas of Mescal's acting chops, the fact is fans cannot stop reacting incredulously to it. One X (formerly Twitter) account started the whole fascinating discourse off with a deceivingly simple statement. 'Paul Mescal is the first man in history to be both 28 and 42 at the same time.' People jumped into the comments to express their disbelief and recommend that he start a skincare regimen stat. Paul Mescal's age has become a topic of viral interest. Fans of the 28-year-old Irish actor are stunned to find out that he is, in fact, 28 and not 36 or 42. Seen here November 15, 2022 One of the replies to that tweet said that Mescal looked more like 62 than 42 or his real age of 28. Not looking your age isn't such a wild concept in Hollywood, but there are very few that look older, rather than younger. 'He is 28, you are just used to see people full of botox at the age of 22,' someone wrote on X. And Mescal likely won't see all of the chatter about his age because he deactivated his social media, saying simply that is wasn't good for him to read all the discourse written about him. Other fans offered skin care tips like 'moisturize....keep yourself hydrated,' while someone else advised him to 'get that retinol.' Someone else wondered, 'What has he gone through,' to look as he does at 28. Another person thought smoking could be the culprit and no amount of skin care can offset a bad habit like that. 'Doesnt work if you chain smoke and drink a lot,' they wrote. Whether it is his looks, people's warped perception of what 28 looks like or the gravitas of Mescal's acting chops, the fact is fans cannot stop reacting incredulously to it. Seen here December 7, 2024 One X (formerly Twitter ) account started the whole fascinating discourse off with a deceivingly simple statement. 'Paul Mescal is the first man in history to be both 28 and 42 at the same time' People jumped into the comments to express their disbelief and recommend that he start a skincare regimen stat Other fans offered skin care tips like 'moisturize....keep yourself hydrated,' while someone else advised him to 'get that retinol' One person claimed to be a 'Paul Mescal age truther,' while sharing a photo in which Mescal looks quite a bit older due to the period costume he is wearing And finally, another fan summed it up, writing, 'Leave Paul Mescal alone! Even if he looked older than 28, he's way hotter than most people on this app' One person claimed to be a 'Paul Mescal age truther,' while sharing a photo in which Mescal looks quite a bit older due to the period costume and styling. And finally, another fan summed it up, writing, 'Leave Paul Mescal alone! Even if he looked older than 28, he's way hotter than most people on this app.' Mescal is currently appearing in Gladiator II, which is being hailed as a great film that is even better than the 2000 film starring Russell Crowe. He initially planned to play Lucius as he was, thin and wiry, but he soon realized that wasn't the film maker's vision and hit the gym hard, working with a trainer to transform his body. He said he 'didn't recognize his body' following his transformation which made him 'excited,' during his interview with Ariana Grande for Variety's Actors on Actors series. Paul said: 'I initially decided when I'd first been castwhich was very naiveI was like, 'I'm just going to go for normal 'Gladiator.' The way my body is is the way my body is.' And then I was like, 'That's not the film we're making.' 'So I went into the gym, but I hadn't tried on the costumes yet, and when I put the costumes on, I was like, 'This is miles away from anything I've ever done.' 'I didn't recognize the way my body was in the clothes that I was wearing, and that created a distance from who you feel like the world expects you to be as a performer. That got me excited. And then we had some dodgy wig fittings, and I'm not a fan of a wig.' Mescal is currently appearing in Gladiator II, which is being hailed as a great film that is even better than the 2000 film starring Russell Crowe; seen in a still He initially planned to play Lucius as he was, thin and wiry, but he soon realized that wasn't the film maker's vision and started working with a trainer to transform his body. Seen June 17 Last month, Paul revealed he became so ripped he felt his body 'could inflict real damage' after his intense training sessions for Gladiator II. The Normal People star previously told The Sun: 'You start feeling like your body can inflict damage, which is weird. 'It changes the way you move and operate. And that's a fun kind of place to live when it's make-believe.' The thespian, who rose to fame as Connel Waldron in the BBC's lockdown smash hit Normal People, plays the son of Russell Crowe's legendary Maximus. Although the character is long-since dead and buried, it is vengeful Lucius (Paul) who must fight for his liberty in the film after being taken into slavery and ripped away from his wife and daughter by general Marcus (Pedro Pascal). Gladiator II takes place several decades after the first installment, and features Lucius (the son of Connie Nielsen's Lucilla) who is now living in Numidia, a region of northern Africa. Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis used her Instagram platform to mark the couple's anniversary on Sunday. The 46-year-old model and actress who wed Willis, 69, in March 2009 posted a single throwback snapshot of the two for the heartfelt post. Bruce and Emma were thigh-deep in the ocean in the silhouetted picture, which showed the sun setting behind them. '17 years of us ,' the mother-of-two began the caption, tagging Turks and Caicos. It comes as Bruce has been battling dementia, specifically aphasia, since March 2022 when he was officially diagnosed. The note from Emma continued, 'Anniversaries used to bring excitement now, if Im honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach.' Bruce Willis' wife Emma Heming Willis used her Instagram platform to mark the couple's anniversary on Sunday; pictured in October The 46-year-old model and actress - who wed Willis, 69, in March 2009 - posted a single throwback snapshot of the two for the heartfelt post Heming Willis candidly wrote in Sunday's post, 'I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the why him, why us, to feel the anger and grief. 'Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is is unconditional love. I feel blessed to know it, and its because of him. Id do it all over again and again in a heartbeat.' Emma and Bruce share daughters Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10. Earlier this year Emma explained why she has chosen not to shield her husband's diagnosis from their children. Heming told Katie Couric in the October issue of Town & Country Magazine that she has 'never tried to sugarcoat' Willis' illness, noting their daughters have witnessed his decline over the years. 'This disease is misdiagnosed, it's missed, it's misunderstood, so finally getting to a diagnosis was key so that I could learn what frontotemporal dementia is and I could educate our children,' the star said. 'I've never tried to sugarcoat anything for them. They've grown up with Bruce declining over the years. I'm not trying to shield them from it,' she added. Opening up even more about how the family is coping, Emma continued, 'What I learned from our therapist [is] that if children ask questions, they're ready to know the answer. If we could see that Bruce was struggling, I would address it with the kids so they could understand, but this disease is chronic, progressive and terminal.' She added that she doesn't 'like to speak about the terminal side of this with them, nor have they asked' but that their girls 'know that Daddy's not going to get better.' 'Doing selfies before they had a name,' Emma captioned an October 16 Instagram post Emma and Bruce share daughters Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10 Bruce pictured with daughter Rumer, ex-wife Demi Moore, daughter Scout, Emma, and daughter Tallulah in 2019 Before starting a family with his current wife, Bruce was wed to Demi Moore from 1987-2000. They share daughters Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30. In September, Moore, 62, gave an update on her ex-spouse's condition while appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show, sharing that 'given the givens, he is in a stable place.' The silver screen icon opened up about how she helps their three daughters face Bruce's heartbreaking diagnosis. 'What I say to my kids is you meet [him] where [he's] at,' Moore said in the appearance. 'You don't hold on to who [who he was] or what you want [him] to be, but who [he is] in this moment.' 'And from that, there is such beauty and joy and loving and sweetness. When I'm in LA, I go over every week, and I really treasure the time that we all share,' she added. NRL star Victor Radley has announced his engagement to girlfriend Taylah Cratchley. The couple, who welcomed a child back in January, took to Instagram on Sunday to share photos from their engagement party after Victor popped the question. Victor and Taylah looked over the moon to be celebrating their impending nuptials with friends and family at Kirra Beach House on the Gold Coast. It appears the engagement came as a complete surprise to Taylah, despite the party being pre-planned by Victor. 'Yesterday was the best surprise of my life getting engaged to the LOML,' Taylah wrote on Instagram. '[And] to have all my favourite people there to celebrate. I love you so much and cant wait to spend forever with you @victor.radley.' NRL star Victor Radley was all smiles on Saturday as he celebrated his engagement to Taylah Cratchley The couple shared one photo that showed them stealing a kiss amid the engagement celebrations. As the tender moment unfolded, Taylah could be seen clutching a glass of bubbles. Taylah also shared another image that showed a close-up of her hand, and a very impressive diamond sparkler. One photo also saw Victor happily hugging Taylah as she proudly held up her ring to the assembled revellers. Despite being surprised by the engagement and party, Taylah certainly came dressed to impress. She wore a simple-yet-stunning white off the shoulder dress that flaunted her svelte frame. Her summer celebration vibe was augmented with a subtle gold necklace and a pair of hold hoop earrings. Victor and Taylah looked over the moon to be celebrating their impending nuptials with friends and family at Kirra Beach House in the Gold Coast suburb of Coolangatta The couple shared one sweet photo that showed them stealing a kiss amid the engagement celebrations Taylah also showed a close-up of her hand and her very impressive diamond sparkler Victor matched his bride-to-be perfectly, opting for a smart casual vibe in a short sleeved white button shirt. Taylah also shared another image, showing the moment Victor popped the question. Standing in what appeared to be a backyard, the couple were dressed in their engagement party attire. As Taylah held on to the couple's cherubic son Vinnie Cash, Victor could be seen slipping the engagement ring on her finger. 'Yes to forever,' the couple simply captioned the romantic images. The photos were met with a flurry of well wishes from friends and followers including Joanna Burgess, wife of NRL star George Burgess, who wrote: 'Big congratulations guys Xx'. Summing up the sentiment of many, another person offered: 'Congratulations to my favourites, love you guys.' Victor, who has been playing with the St. George Roosters club since 2017, went public with Taylah in 2022. Victor popped the question as Taylah held on to the couple's cherubic son Vinnie Cash The cute couple welcomed Vinnie Cash into the world back in January The beauty works as a model and business partner for luxury resort wear brand Kiyomii. Earlier this year, Radley re-listed his lavish home in Sydney's east, with a price guide of over $4million. Located in Waverley, just 8km from the CBD, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom pad was bought by Radley in 2021 for $2,999,000. The two-time premiership winner has since renovated the property, and chose to put the home on the market as he is seeking a larger house for his expanding family. On Sunday, Gal Gadot revealed she quietly underwent surgery last March to repair a blood clot in her brain shortly after giving birth to her fourth child. The 39-year-old Wonder Woman was in her eighth month of pregnancy when she was first diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis after weeks of enduring 'excruciating headaches that confined me to bed.' '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,' Gal - who boasts 133.6M social media followers - wrote on Instagram. '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. We rushed to the hospital, and within hours, I underwent emergency surgery.' Gadot continued: 'My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear. Her name, meaning "my light," wasn't chosen by chance. Before the surgery, I told Jaron that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel.' The Heart of Stone producer-star went on to thank her 'extraordinary' medical team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for their 'weeks of dedicated care.' On Sunday, Gal Gadot revealed she quietly underwent surgery last March to repair a blood clot in her brain shortly after giving birth to her fourth child (pictured November 13) 'I made it through and began the road to recovery. Today, I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life I've been given back,' Gal gushed. 'The journey has taught me so much. First, it's vital to listen to our bodies and trust what it's telling us. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry deeper meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life saving.' Gadot continued: 'Second, awareness matters. I had no idea that three in 100K pregnant women in the 30+ age group are diagnosed with CVT. It's so important to identify early because it's treatable. While rare, it's a possibility.' Miss Israel 2004 stressed that she was sharing her personal story not to frighten but to empower others. On Saturday, Gal and her husband of 16 years, Jaron Versano, celebrated the fourth night of Hanukkah with their children. Gadot and her 47-year-old Pilot Wave producing partner are proud parents of four daughters - Alma, 13; Maya, 7; Daniella, 3; and Ori, 9 months. Last month, the Quiet music video star signed on to star as a high-powered attorney searching for her abducted son in Kevin Macdonald's London-set action thriller The Runner for Amazon MGM Studios - according to Deadline. In October, Gal shot her roles as Giulietta Tosches/Gemma Donati on the Italian set of Julian Schnabel's $25M-budget drama, In the Hand of Dante. The big-screen adaptation of Nick Tosches' 2002 novel also features Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac, Gerard Butler, Al Pacino, Martin Scorsese, John Malkovich, and Duke Nicholson. The 39-year-old Wonder Woman was in her eighth month of pregnancy when she was first diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis after weeks of enduring 'excruciating headaches that confined me to bed' Gal wrote on Instagram: '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' (pictured March 8) Gadot continued: '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. We rushed to the hospital, and within hours, I underwent emergency surgery' The Heart of Stone producer-star added: 'My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear. Her name, meaning "my light," wasn't chosen by chance. Before the surgery, I told Jaron that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel' (pictured December 1) Gal went on to thank her 'extraordinary' medical team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for their 'weeks of dedicated care: 'Today, I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life I've been given back' (pictured December 10) On Saturday, Gadot and her husband of 16 years, Jaron Versano, celebrated the fourth night of Hanukkah with their children Miss Israel 2004 and her 47-year-old Pilot Wave producing partner are proud parents of four daughters - Alma, 13; Maya, 7; Daniella, 3; and Ori, 9 months (pictured November 9) Audiences can catch Gadot as the Evil Queen in Marc Webb's $269M-budget 'PC' live-action remake of Snow White, which hits US/UK theaters March 21 In October, the Quiet music video star shot her roles as Giulietta Tosches/Gemma Donati on the Italian set of Julian Schnabel's $25M-budget drama, In the Hand of Dante (pictured October 7) But first, audiences can catch Gadot as the Evil Queen in Disney's Snow White, which hits US/UK theaters March 21. Marc Webb's $269M-budget 'PC' live-action remake of the Brothers Grimm fairytale stars Rachel Zegler as the titular Disney princess as well as a slew of CGI dwarves. The Israel Defense Forces veteran also has 'a beautiful script' for Kari Skogland's upcoming historical epic Cleopatra, which she'll eventually produce and star in as the ancient Egyptian queen 'of Macedonian descent.' Gayle King's birthday celebrations continued this weekend with another surprise from her BFF Oprah Winfrey. King was celebrating her 70th birthday on Saturday with friends and family before a surprise guest entered the room - Tyler Perry. 'Someone came to see you,' Oprah, 70, who last weekend threw Gayle a surprise birthday, said, prompting a shocked King to shout and clutch her chest in shock. Perry, 55, playfully scolded Oprah, telling her she needs to 'stop scaring' her friend, before he pulled Gayle in for a warm hug. Oprah, who recently apologized to Gayle for nearly giving her a 'heart attack' after throwing her a surprise birthday party, promised fans she was done shocking her bestie. '@gaylekings actual birthday was yesterday December 28 and @tylerperry surprised her for dinner. Im done with surprises for her after this! Promise,' she captioned the post. Gayle King's birthday celebrations continued this weekend with another surprise from her BFF Oprah Winfrey Oprah surprised her pal by inviting Tyler Perry over for her birthday dinner It comes several weeks after King, the star personality at CBS News and editor for Oprah Daily, unknowingly walked into her own early birthday celebration. The internet got a sneak peek into the night after Lauren Sanchez - the 54-year-old former new anchor engaged to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos - shared two posts with her followers on social media. In a video posted to Sanchez's Instagram Stories, at least 100 people were seen standing side-by-side in a posh lounge as they sang 'happy birthday' to the beloved CBS Mornings co-host. 'Happy surprise birthday @gayleking, @Oprah you pulled it off,' the caption read, accompanied by a smiley face and red heart emoji. But it wouldn't be a true birthday party without a few tequila shots. Sanchez captured a photo of a wooden, four-level bar cart topped tequila shots dressed with a lime for the taking. Behind the 1.5-ounce glasses stood a small cartoon cut-out of King wearing a yellow dress with a martini in hand. Perry, 55, playfully scolded Oprah, telling her she needs to 'stop scaring' her friend, before he pulled Gayle in for a warm hug After she was sung happy birthday by friends and family, King was floored by the arrival of the unexpected visitor In a video that Oprah shared to Instagram earlier this month, King can be seen in a teal, three-quarter sleeve maxi dress as she walked alongside and chatted with the legendary talk show host - blissfully unaware of the group of familiar faces just ahead of her The cartoon King was attached to a little pink banner that read: 'Let's Toast To Gayle!' Thankfully, Oprah delivered the one moment the internet wanted to see - Gayle unknowingly walking into her own party. In the video that was shared to Instagram early Saturday afternoon, King can be seen in a teal, three-quarter sleeve maxi dress paired with matching heels as she walked alongside the legendary talk show host, who was wearing a mustard-yellow jumpsuit. King and Oprah were captured chatting as they headed through the lounge - all while King appeared to be oblivious to the large group of familiar faces just ahead of her. But a second later, the crowd can be heard loudly screaming 'surprise!' - sending obvious shock waves through the birthday girl. She was so startled that she dropped her bag on the table next to her while simultaneously taking a few steps back and clutching both hands to her heart. The party-goers continued cheering for King, whose mouth was still dropped in shock, as she looked around at all the people gathered directly in front of her. A second later, the crowd can be heard loudly screaming 'surprise!' - sending obvious shock waves through the birthday girl as she appeared to nearly jump out of her skin The party-goers continued to cheer for King even after her initial arrival The lavish surprise birthday bash appeared to even feature a photo booth where guests could strike their best poses Her arrival prompted the happy birthday song, which prompted an emotional reaction from King who held her hands over her mouth. 'My bestie of 50 years is turning 70 so we gathered everyone that loved her to celebrate,' Oprah wrote in the caption of the video. 'Hard thing to surprise her.' 'Oh, the stories we have made up, the lies we have told to keep this a secret,' she added. 'Happy birthday @gayleking, sorry we almost gave you a heart attack.' Earlier this year, Oprah marked the same milestone birthday, despite the celebration being much more low-key. She spent her winter-season birthday with a jog on the beach - documenting the moment to Instagram where she hash-tagged: #healthisthebestgift. King celebrated the big day by posting a precious video that captured the mogul spending some quality time with King's grandson during a getaway vacation. 'Happy to say at 70 @oprah is still a very good reader!' King wrote in the caption. 'While Favorite grandson Luca is too young to understand how special this moment was during Christmas vacation, it's not lost on me.' Lauren Sanchez - the 54-year-old media personality who is engaged to the billionaire Amazon founder - shared two posts with her followers on Instagram that gave a little sneak peek into the night Sanchez shared a post of a bar cart stocked with tequila shots dressed with a lime for the taking Many familiar Hollywood faces were spotted at the event In a video posted to Sanchez's Instagram story, at least 100 people were seen standing side-by-side in a posh lounge as they sang 'happy birthday' to the beloved CBS Mornings co-host 'When asked how she wanted to spend her birthday, she said, "No gifts, no parties, no surprises!"', King added. 'Her preference was to sit by the fire with a good book and savor the fragrance of her life! Happy birthday Oprah!' Little did King know that her bestie would celebrate her birthday with the same things she denied for herself eleven months prior. It's definitely safe to say that King's 70th birthday will be one that she'll never forget. Mandy Moore and Kerry Washington have led the touching celebrity tributes to Jimmy Carter after it was announced he has died at the age of 100. It was revealed on Sunday that Carter, who served as the 39th US President, died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on December 29. Moore, 40, took to her Instagram Stories sharing an image of the former President, whom she called 'An exemplary human and humanitarian.' Washington, 47, reposted an announcement of Carter's death from the New York Times to her Instagram. Piers Morgan also shared a touching tribute, posting a photo of him and Carter on X (formerly known as Twitter). 'RIP President Jimmy Carter, 100. A remarkable person who was the epitome of the phrase public service. I had the honour of interviewing him 3 times, and he was one of the wisest, smartest, most compassionate, modest, and human world leaders Ive ever met. A great man.' Mandy Moore and Kerry Washington led the touching celebrity tributes to Jimmy Carter after it was announced he has died at 100; (L) Moore pictured in 2023, (R) Washington seen in 2024 It was revealed on Sunday that Carter, who served as the 39th US President, died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on December 29; Carter pictured in 2018 Joy-Ann Reid shared a photo of Carter on Instagram, writing, 'A truly good man has gone home, and been reunited with his beloved wife. A much better president than he was given credit for and our greatest post- president. God bless his memory.' President Joe Biden and his wife released a statement Sunday night, remembering former President Jimmy Carter as a 'good friend.' 'Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian,' they said. '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. '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,' the Bidens continued. 'He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,' they said. '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, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts. The First Family also shared their gratitude to Carter's family for 'sharing them with America and the world,' and said they have no doubt his staff will continue his work. '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 great nation because we are a good people decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong,' they concluded. Moore called Carter 'an exemplary human and humanitarian' Washington, 47, reposted an announcement of Carter's death from the New York Times Piers Morgan also shared a touching tribute, posting a photo of him and Carter on X (formerly known as Twitter ) Joy-Ann Reid shared a photo of Carter on Instagram, writing, 'A truly good man has gone home, and been reunited with his beloved wife' The son of famed Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. shared his condolences to the former president's family, remembering him for the work he had done to promote civil rights in the United States Biden also shared a black and white photo of him and Carter on X, writing, 'Over six decades, Jill and I 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.' Former President Barack Obama also shared his condolences on X, writing, '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.' The son of famed Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. shared his condolences to the former president's family, remembering him for the work he had done to promote civil rights in the United States. 'President Carter was a trailbnlazer, a fighter who punched above his weight,' Martin Luther King III wrote. He noted that, like his father, Carter 'saw poverty as one of the greatest threats and was determined to eradicate it.' 'Over the years, my family found comfort in President Carter's wise counsel and strong leadership,' he noted. 'Even after he left office, he carried on the legacies that my family has long championed, the eradication of the triple evils - poverty, racism and violence. 'We will truly miss President Carter, but we know that he would not want us to be saddened by his death, but proud of the work we've accomplished togehter and resolved to continue the work he started for the generations that come after us.' Carter's 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. President Joe Biden also honored Carter, sharing a black and white photo of them calling him a 'dear friend' Former President Barack Obama also shared his condolences on X, writing, 'President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service' 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. 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. Carter's son Chip Carter, 74, confirmed the former president had died in his Georgia home on Sunday around 3.40 pm ET; Carter pictured in 2019 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, a Navy veteran and Nobel Peace Prize winner, became the 39th U.S. president when he defeated Gerald R. Ford in 1976. Following a string of hospital stays he decided against more medical treatment and entered hospice care in February 2023 (pictured in 2023) Carter's wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, was by his side until her passing on November 19, 2023 aged 96; seen with Rosalynn in 1977 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. 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. 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. 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 became president in 1976 but did not win re-election for a second term in 1980; seen in the 1970s Carter during his 1977-81 presidency, protected by the Secret Service He dedicated the rest of his life to charity and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 after he created the Carter Center to promote human rights worldwide; The former president is pictured in 2018 during the first day of the week-long Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project 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. 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. Some K-pop idols set our expectations aside by showcasing how passionate they are in playing musical instruments, adding depth to their artistry and self-expression. Here are K-pop idols who can play musical instruments like pros! 1. TWICE's Dahyun ONCEs are always guarding their love for their TWICE bias whenever they see Dahyun playing a musical instrument. From the piano to the guitar, Dahyun's natural aptitude with instruments will always be a surprise, since her composed resonance during jams also contrasts her quirky side in variety shows. 2. EXO's Chanyeol Chanyeol's wide range of knowledge in playing various musical instruments is recognized among fans. The spotlight is always on him whenever he gets the chance to play an instrument, whether it's a guitar, piano, or drums. This doesn't just demonstrate his captivating showmanship, but also highlights his technical proficiency as a musician and the genuine love he has for his craft. 3. SEVENTEEN's Woozi CARATs know how amazing Woozi is music-wise, as his expertise is often reflected in how seasoned he is in playing various instruments. Woozi shines in his creative process, which became an integral part of SEVENTEEN's musical identity, a testament to his status as the group's visionary maestro! 4. ENHYPEN's Jay Equipped with confidence, aura, and insane levels of talent, Jay exudes a true rockstar vibe whenever he performs with his guitar on a live stage. This star power also becomes amplified especially when the idol shreds his guitar solos. 5. PRISTIN & I.O.I's Kyulkyung Playing the Chinese musical instrument pipa requires vast knowledge of traditional set pieces and great concentration, which Kyulkyung can do skillfully without breaking a sweat. Here are some honorable mentions: 7. Wonder Girls 8. Wanna One's Kim Jaehwan 9. Weki Meki's Suyeon 10. BTS's Suga 11. TXT 12. SHINee's Taemin 13. BTOB's Hyunsik 14. (G)I-DLE's Yuqi 15. PENTAGON's Yuto 16. BIGBANG's Daesung Ruby Rose stepped out for a hike on Saturday after revealing the devastating news that her father had died just days before Christmas. The Aussie actress, 38, was seen being comforted by two friends as they geared up for the hike in Los Angeles. Ruby came dressed for a day of walking in a plain grey tank top that exposed her heavily inked arms. She tucked her top into a pair of ripped jean shorts which were held up with a black belt . Going for a definite grunge look, Ruby also wore a flannelette shirt tied around her waist. Sporting a freshly-shaved head, Ruby finished her look with a pair of chunky brown hiking boots and a pair of large dark-tinted sunglasses. Ruby Rose stepped out for a hike on Saturday after revealing the devastating news that her father had died just days before Christmas The Orange Is The New Black star accessorised with a small black leather bag that she had slung across her chest and a large black water bottle. Ruby was also seen walking her faithful pooch, who happily trotted alongside the John Wick star. Despite her recent heartbreaking news, Ruby appeared to be in good spirits as she spent time with two friends. As the trio strolled along a tree lined street, Ruby could be seen having a laugh as she happily chatted to her pals. The sighting comes after Ruby recently opened up about her late father and the devastating years of abuse he suffered at numerous orphanages and boys' homes while growing up. The Australian actress's heartfelt comments came after she revealed her dad, Peter, had died just days out from Christmas. 'RIP Dad. You leave me. Alone. With so many complex emotions,' she wrote in a caption shared to her Instagram Stories last week. Ruby shared pictures of her late father with her followers on Christmas while detailing the difficult relationship they had shared over the year. Ruby came dressed for a day of walking in a plain grey tank top and a flannelette shirt The Aussie actress was seen being comforted by two friends as they geared up for the hike in Los Angeles 'R.I.P and Merry Christmas Dad,' Rose wrote. 'I am glad we reconnected a few years ago, not because you had changed all that much, not because it brought me all that much joy, it's actually been very hard. You know that. 'You were very hard. I cut you off twice in that time lol. Once for a year. But our last emails were right before you died. Mine was a kind email and I'm glad.' She also revealed her father had endured a tumultuous childhood and suffered abuse while at St Augustine's Boys' Orphanage and other boys' homes across Melbourne. She also slammed former Christian Brother William Houston who is currently behind bars after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting two boys at St Augustine's. 'I found it very hard to hear about what happened to you as a child,' she wrote. 'What happened to all of your siblings at the hands of St Augustine's and other orphanages and boys homes in Melbourne. Brother Houston I hope you rot in jail.' Ruby did not reveal her father's cause of death but did hint at their difficult relationship. The sighting comes after Ruby recently opened up about her late father and the devastating years of abuse he suffered at numerous orphanages and boys' homes while growing up She explained knowing about her father's abuse helped her understand him better but did not excuse the suffering she endured at his hands. 'None of this undoes the abuse I incurred down the line, but it helped me understand you,' she wrote. 'To try to understand you was to love you. R.I.P dad I'm very sorry no one protected you. I'm very sorry life was not so much more. 'I'm devastated really. You're probably blown away by how sad I am. If you can see me.' Ruby ended her post by declaring that she had forgiven her father despite him never apologising for the abuse she faced. 'I don't think you ever really said sorry. Not really. You didn't know where to begin, but I forgave you. And I still do,' she wrote. The former video jockey grew up in country Victoria on a farm with her mother Katia and dad Peter, who was a racehorse breeder. Her parents split when Rose was just one year old and she grew up as a 'gypsy kid' and 'moved around a lot' between Churchill, Gippsland, Surfers Paradise and Melbourne. Hilary Swank shared a rare photo with one of her twins in her latest Instagram post for the holidays. On Sunday, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, 50, posted a photo of her and her toddler one of a pair of 20-month-old twins she shares with husband Philip Schneider. While posing in front of a lit-up Christmas tree, she posed with her hand resting atop either daughter Aya or son Ohm's head as they admired the ornaments. She flashed a bright smile as she stood in front of her lavish, waterfront abode with a stunning view of the lake as well as their tall tree. In her caption, she sent seasons' greetings to her 1.6 million Instagram followers, and she also acknowledged how the holidays may be difficult for people sometimes. 'Happy Holidays to you all,' the Million Dollar Baby star who enjoyed a trip to France with her husband during Paris Fashion Week in October began before adding that she is 'so grateful for this community.' Hilary Swank shared a rare photo with one of her twins in her latest Instagram post for the holidays. On Sunday, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, 50, posted a photo of her and her toddler one of a pair of 20-month-old twins she shares with husband Philip Schneider 'Wishing everyone a restful and restorative time, as best as possible anyway, as we all navigate all we juggle,' she wrote. She also emphasized with multitaskers and caregivers with plenty of responsibilities during this time. 'Feeling so connected to all the caregivers out there who keep so many balls in the air and have little times for themselves,' she continued. 'As well as anyone navigating loss in any way.' Swank added: 'Grieving is hard work, especially this time of year. Massive love to you all.' The Oscar winner's rare family photo comes shortly after she shared insight into being a mother to 20-month-old twins at age 50. The actress who started dating her now-husband, a social entrepreneur, in 2018 after being introduced by mutual friend welcomed their twins in April 2023. Over the weekend, she opened up about her experience with motherhood as she made a guest appearance on Today with Hoda and Jenna. And on the show, she gushed about celebrating the holidays with them as they're growing up. In her caption, she sent seasons' greetings to her 1.6 million Instagram followers, and she also acknowledged how the holidays may be difficult for people sometimes; pictured February in Los Angeles In her photo, she posed with her hand resting atop either daughter Aya or son Ohm's head as they admired the ornaments The Oscar winner's rare family photo comes shortly after she shared insight into being a mother to 20-month-old twins at age 50. The actress who started dating her now-husband, a social entrepreneur, in 2018 after being introduced by mutual friend welcomed their twins in April 2023; pictured January 2023 in Beverly Hills 'Last year was technically their first Christmas, but they were completely unaware. This time, they saw a tree with lights,' she told the talk show hosts before explaining how her kids were in awe and wonder. She said that seeing the world again through her children's eyes has changed her perspective on life. 'Everything is new again,' she said. 'You hear that, but until you experience it, you're like, "What does that even mean?" But now I know.' She added that being a mother not only makes the holiday season special but also 'every time of year.' 'Every day with them is so divine,' she gushed. 'It's such a blessing, and I feel so grateful and I'm so happy.' 'I feel like I'm 30 because I have 20-month-old babies,' she told them. She recently said that seeing the world again through her children's eyes has changed her perspective on life; pictured February in New York City 'Every day with them is so divine,' she gushed. 'It's such a blessing, and I feel so grateful and I'm so happy.' 'I feel like I'm 30 because I have 20-month-old babies,' she shared A couple months earlier, she also spoke about how she was 'really focused on my other baby, which was my career' before welcoming her babies at age 47. Until then, she said she was not ready to become a mother yet. 'I knew I wanted to be an actor since I was eight-years-old, and I have loved my career,' she told People in October. 'I'm hopefully always going to be an actor,' she continued. 'So I was really career-focused and I wasn't ready to have children in my 20s, or really even in my 30s, and then I hit my 40s, and I didn't have a partner,' she said before noting 'that doesn't mean I had to have a partner.' 'A lot of people get donors, and that's a wonderful option. A lot of people adopt. There's a lot of different ways, and so I was open to anything.' Sheridan Smith has 'scrapped plans to release her autobiography', titled Honestly, after rethinking her decision to share personal details of her life. The award winning actress, 43, known for her roles in The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, had originally announced the book in 2021, with a release date set for October that year. At the time Sheridan has said it would delve into 'my darkest moments' and 'a lot of truths will come out!' Despite working with a ghostwriter, the project faced multiple delays and has now been shelved indefinitely. The book was expected to reveal candid details about her battles with alcohol, mental health struggles, and high-profile relationships, including those with actor James Corden and her ex-partner Jamie Horn, the father of her four-year-old son, Billy. However it is now thought Sheridan priorities have shifted and she no longer feels comfortable publishing the book in its current form. Sheridan Smith has 'scrapped plans to release her autobiography', titled Honestly, after rethinking her decision to share personal details of her life The award winning actress known for her roles in The Royle Family and Gavin and Stacey (pictured) had originally announced the book in 2021, with a release date set for October that year A source told The Sun: 'Sheridan has had a busy few years and didn't have time to put the finishing touches to the book. 'Her mindset is different now and she doesn't want this version to come out. 'She felt unsure whether she wants to put all of her life on pages for everyone to read.' MailOnline have contacted Sheridan's representatives for comment. It comes as Sheridan who played Rudi, the younger sister to James Corden's Smithy, reprised her role for the finale episode of Gavin and Stacey. The award winning actress played the larger than life character in series one and two of the hit show and whilst didn't star in the 2019 Christmas Special, she did make a cameo in the 2024 Christmas Day show. Before the episode aired a source told The Sun the actress stepped right back in to Rudy's shoes and it was 'like no time had passed at all'. The source added: 'Sheridan was over the moon she could go back into the fold and her scenes are brilliant.' Sheridan is not only a familiar face to Gavin and Stacey fans, but the actress, who recently starred in Opening Night in London's West End, is also a familiar face to writer James. Despite Sheridan previously saying it would cover her 'darkest moments' and 'a lot of truths will come out' it is now thought her priorities have shifted and she no longer feels comfortable publishing the book in its current form The award winning actress played the character of Rudi, Smithy's younger sister in series one and two of the hit show (pictured) James Cordon and Sheridan dated during their time on the hit BBC sitcom between 2007 and 2009, with the former US talk show host even calling her the 'love of his life' before they split The pair dated during their time on the hit BBC sitcom between 2007 and 2009, and the former US talk show host even called her the 'love of his life' before they split. Sheridan has also been hard at work filming upcoming drama series I Fought The Law in North Tyneside. Her character Ann is a real woman who got the UK's 800-year-old 'double jeopardy' law overturned following the murder of her daughter Julie Hogg. Julie was murdered by William 'Billy' Dunlop but jurors failed to find him guilty - twice. This meant that even when Billy confessed, he could not be trialled again, in accordance with the law at the time. However, after almost 17 years of campaigning with her husband Charles, who died in 2013, Ann got this law amended, and Billy is currently serving a life sentence. Julie, who was a mother to three-year-old, Kevin, and a wife to Andrew, was only 22 when she died. Tragically, Ann found Julie's body concealed in the bathroom of her terraced house in January 1990, 80 days after it was hidden there by Billy. This was in spite of extensive searches of the property by police forensics teams in the days after her disappearance, who failed to detect her body. Her daughter's killer had strangled and then sexually mutilated Julie, before hiding her body under the bath in her own house. Ann, now in her late 70s, is acting as a consultant throughout the production process of I Fought The Law. Some fans of Kanye West may have been led to believe that his Australian wife Bianca Censori was gracing the streets of Melbourne on Monday. However, it was none other than the 29-year-old architect's sister, Angelina, who seems to be taking style tips from her famous sibling but with a more modest approach. The younger sibling of the rapper's wife turned heads as she left an upmarket rooftop restaurant in South Yarra. Wearing a nude leotard that highlighted her trim figure, Angelina took notes from Bianca, who is known for her wild and raunchy ensembles. She completed her look with a white maxi skirt that featured a tie front, as well as black kitten heels. Accessorising with a black Prada handbag, the brunette beauty wore her hair in a low bun with a middle part and opted for a natural makeup palette. Some fans of Kanye West may have been led to believe that his Australian wife Bianca Censori was gracing the streets of Melbourne on Monday However, it was none other than the 29-year-old architect's sister, Angelina, who seems to be taking style tips from her famous sibling but with a more modest approach She strolled alongside a female friend who echoed her edgy look in a pair of high-waist leather pants and a white crop top. Angelina recently rubbished reports that her family is concerned for sister Bianca over her romance with husband Kanye. Angelina said the claims were 'bulls**t' and that her family supports Bianca's romance with the controversial rapper. 'We all support [Kanye]. We support his new album. We support his new clothes he's dropping,' Angelina told the Herald Sun in March. Angelina described her sister as her 'best friend and confidante' and insisted all was well. 'It's all just bulls**t. There was something about my dad [Leo] even recently. My dad never talks. Nothing's true,' she said. The Vultures rapper married Bianca in December 2022, just one month after his divorce from Kim was finalised. Kanye and Kim share four children North, 11, Saint, eight, Chicago, six and Psalm, five. The younger sibling of the rapper's wife turned heads as she left an upmarket rooftop restaurant in South Yarra. Pictured Bianca left and Angelina right Wearing a nude leotard that highlighted her trim figure, Angelina took notes from Bianca, who is known for her wild and raunchy ensembles Bianca is known for her nearly-nude approach to fashion and often raises eyebrows with her pulse-raising and very daring outfits. Concerns were soon raised for the designer after she was pictured in a string of bizarre and increasingly provocative outfits. Last month, it was also claimed in a lawsuit filed by Kanye's ex-assistant Lauren Pisciotta that the rapper allegedly told Bianca that he wanted to have sex with her mother Alexandra while she watched. The disturbing allegations were made by Lauren in an 88-page updated lawsuit, filed on October 12 and obtained by DailyMail.com. Among them were claims that Kanye has a 'kink' of wanting to have sex with mothers of his sexual targets, which he frequently talked about. According to the lawsuit, the lewd text Kanye allegedly wrote to Bianca read: 'I wanna f**k your mum. Before she leaves.' Bianca was in the US on a work visa at the time, and her mother, Alexandra, was visiting Los Angeles from their native Australia. Lauren claimed Bianca responded to Kanye's texts by declining the offer. She completed her look with a white maxi skirt that featured a tie front, as well as black kitten heels Accessorising with a black Prada handbag, the brunette beauty wore her hair in a low bun with a middle part and opted for a natural makeup palette She strolled alongside a female friend who echoed her edgy look in a pair of high-waist leather pants and a white crop top 'This is what she wrote... she's [Alexandra] married. I'm going to f**k someone this weekend and tell you the next time you're inside me,' Kanye told Lauren of Bianca's alleged reply minutes later. Since August, Bianca's Australian family has made a united show of support for the model amid reports of her turbulent relationship with Kanye. Alexandra has been spotted spending more time with Bianca in recent months, dining and shopping with the brunette architect at celebrity hotspots like Nobu. She has also chaperoned her internationally to Vultures 2 listening parties alongside Angelina. Alexandra is also mother to a third daughter, Alyssia. Lauren Sanchez and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos rocked winter chic looks while stepping out in Aspen, Colorado, on Sunday. The soon-to-be husband and wife who hosted a star-studded dinner the night before held hands as they strolled together, with Sanchez, 55, rocking a glamorous fur outfit. The former news anchor kept cozy in a fuzzy grey and black hat and a long black fur coat. She paired the outfit with black boots. Underneath, she wore a skintight black bodysuit. She completed her stylish getup with a black and white purse. Meanwhile her billionaire fiance, 60, sported a grey cowboy hat with a pair of sunglasses. His outfit consisted of a black jacket over a navy shirt and blue jeans. Earlier in the day the pair stopped by Kemo Sabe, a high-end retailer specializing in luxury western wear. Lauren Sanchez, 55, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, 60, rocked winter chic looks while stepping out in Aspen on Sunday The soon-to-be husband and wife who hosted a star-studded dinner the night before held hands as they strolled together, with Sanchez rocking a glamorous fur outfit Earlier in the day the pair stopped by Kemo Sabe, a high-end retailer specializing in luxury western wear On Saturday, the duo hosted a star-studded dinner in Aspen as guests, including Ivanka Trump and Kevin Costner, were spotted outside an upscale Japanese- Peruvian restaurant. A-list celebrities gathered in the Rocky Mountain town at Matsuhisa - where an exclusive cover costs about $250 per person - as they were spotted leaving the restaurant together. 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. Though there were reports that the two were set to marry in Aspen the weekend after Christmas, Bezos denied the claims. Bezos and Sanchez have kept extraordinary secrecy around their future wedding day, ever since he proposed aboard his $500 million superyacht in May 2023. Sanchez let slip on the Today Show last month that she had bought her wedding dress, but no precise plans have been made public. Sanchez told Vogue in November last year that, at that point, she hadn't started planning. The former news anchor kept cozy in a fuzzy grey and black hat and a long black fur coat She paired the outfit with black boots Meanwhile her billionaire fiance sported a grey cowboy hat with a pair of sunglasses His outfit consisted of a black jacket over a navy shirt and blue jeans Underneath her fur, Lauren wore a skintight black bodysuit. She completed her stylish getup with a black and white purse She was pictured browsing through the store On Saturday, the duo hosted a star-studded dinner in Aspen as guests, including Ivanka Trump and Kevin Costner, were spotted outside an upscale Japanese- Peruvian restaurant 'We're still thinking about the wedding,' she told the magazine. 'Is it going to be big? Is it going to be overseas? We don't know yet.' When asked if he would get involved in the plans, Bezos reportedly laughed and said: 'Oh, God, no. Do I look that dumb?' Today Show hosts Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie took their chance when Sanchez sat for an interview on November 20 this year, cheekily asking about her wedding plans. 'So, you asked?' said Sanchez, looking a little exasperated. She said she was 'very excited about it,' adding she was 'thinking about the dress'. 'I have to say, I do have a Pinterest, I'm just like every other bride, so I do have a Pinterest board,' the billionaire's fiancee admitted. Bezos and Sanchez have been publicly dating since January 2019. James Norton has said that in the wake of the MeToo movement men wrongly think they should be passive when certain circumstances actually require them to be proactive. The 39-year-old Happy Valley star said modern man was living in a time where there was an attempt to rebalance the patriarchal crimes of the past. He made the remarks in an interview about new ITV drama Playing Nice, about two couples whose toddlers were mistakenly switched at birth. Norton plays Pete, a likeable stay-at-home dad. The actor told the Radio Times: What interested me was the question of what it is to be a modern man, post-Me Too, with the attempt to rebalance the patriarchal crimes of the past. With a lot of men theres a misconception that what we should be doing is making space, stepping back and almost becoming passive. The other dad in the drama is a bully and a controlling husband. James Norton says men wrongly think they should be passive when certain circumstances actually require them to be proactive The 39-year-old Happy Valley star said modern man was living in a time where there was an attempt to rebalance the patriarchal crimes of the past The new ITV series Playing Nice. Pictured: Pete Riley (James Norton), Lucy Lambert (Jessica Brown Findlay), Maddie Riley (Niamh Algar) and Miles Lamber (James McArdle) Norton said when there were people like this in the world, men cant play nice all the time and sometimes needed to play nasty. He said of Pete: He eventually realises that a man also has to step up. You have to be proactive and, sometimes, confrontational. The drama which begins airing on Sunday also features Downton Abbey star Jessica Brown Findlay, James McArdle, who starred in the TV version of Sexy Beast, and Niamh Algar from Mary And George. The show is adapted from the best-selling novel by British thriller writer JP Delaney. Nicole Kidman suffered a major wardrobe malfunction on Monday as she made her way through Sydney Airport. The Hollywood actress and her husband Keith Urban, both 57, had been Down Under for the Christmas holidays, with Keith departing the country one day earlier. Nicole attempted to go incognito as she made her way through the departure terminal with daughters Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith Margaret, 14. The Stepford Wives star looked chic for her long-haul travels, opting for a smart navy blue blouse with white accents, paired with classic blue jeans. The fly of Nicole's jeans appeared perilously low as she rushed through the airport. She wore her strawberry blonde curls natural on the day, and covered her famous visage with a pair of designer sunglasses. Nicole Kidman suffered a major wardrobe malfunction on Monday as she made her way through Sydney Airport. Pictured The Hollywood actress and her husband Keith Urban , both 57, had been Down Under for the Christmas holidays, with Keith departing the country one day earlier Nicole attempted to go incognito as she made her way through the departure terminal with daughters Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith Margaret, 14 The Hollywood superstar appeared to have on minimal makeup, allowing her porcelain skin to glow. She carried a red laptop bag under her arm and carried a black leather designer purse. A minder appeared to handle the family's luggage as they headed to their flight without any carry on bags. Model Sunday Rose wore a casual ensemble including a loose, grey jumper and jeans. She covered up her famous face with a pair of sunnies and completed her look with well-loved sneakers. Her little sister Faith Margaret also dressed comfortably for the flight, choosing a black tank top and loose white slacks. The Stepford Wives star looked chic for her long-haul travels, opting for a smart navy blue blouse with white accents, paired with classic blue jeans The fly of Nicole's jeans appeared perilously low as she rushed through the airport She wore her strawberry blonde curls natural on the day, and covered her famous visage with a pair of designer sunglasses Model Sunday Rose wore a casual ensemble including a loose, grey jumper and jeans Nicole looked chic as she departed Sydney The Hollywood star turned heads as she made her way through the terminal She carried a jacket over her arm and had a backpack strapped on while pulling her hair back in a ponytail. Nicole her her husband had enjoyed a fun Christmas Down Under with family and friends. On Sunday, Keith was spotted at Sydney Airport while Nicole attended a local church service. The actress popped in for the Sunday service at the North Sydney chapel and appeared to go solo, her children also not seen in tow. Keith meanwhile cut a casual figure as he made his way across the terminal for his international flight. The couple earlier rang in their Christmas Day celebrations with a visit to a church service in Sydney. The Hollywood actress and the musician returned Down Under for the festive season with their two daughters. The family, who live in Nashville, kept to their Christmas traditions as they started off the day by attending a church service at St Francis Xavier Church in Lavender Bay. Nicole rolled her jean cuffs up on the day Faith Margaret (pictured) also dressed comfortably for the flight, choosing a black tank top and loose white slacks She carried a jacket over her arm and had a backpack strapped on while pulling her hair back in a ponytail Nicole hid her famous face behind dark sunglasses She carried a red laptop bag under her arm and carried a black leather designer purse The chapel is the Kidman's local church and it holds a special place for them as it was where Nicole's mother Janelle and father Antony's funerals were held. Stepping out for the Christmas Day service, Nicole cut an elegant figure in a black dress with a ruffled neckline, which she styled with dark sandals. Nicole's two adopted children, Isabella, 31, and Connor, 29, who she shares with her ex Tom Cruise, are not believed to have joined them on the trip Down Under. Nicole had flown back to Australia to reunite with her younger sister Antonia, 54, and her family as they spend their first Christmas without her mother Janelle. The family have rallied around to support each other during the bittersweet time as they are all spending time together over the festive period. The chapel where Nicole and her family attended the Christmas Day service holds a special place for the family as they have been regulars there for years. They also farewelled Nicole's mother Janelle there in September as the family all united for the funeral service. A decade earlier, Nicole's father Antony's funeral was also held at the St Francis Xavier Church on September 19, 2014. A minder appeared to handle the family's luggage as they headed to their flight without any carry on bags Nicole and her husband enjoyed a fun Christmas Down Under with family and friends On Sunday, Keith was spotted at Sydney Airport while Nicole attended a local church service The actress popped in for the Sunday service at the North Sydney chapel and appeared to go solo, her children also not seen in tow It is not the first time the Kidmans have visited the church since Janelle's funeral as Nicole joined Keith and her daughters there on Monday, just days before Christmas. Janelle sadly died at the age of 84 in September - just hours before Nicole won the Best Actress award for Babygirl at Venice Film Festival. It is tradition for Nicole to jet back to Australia over the Christmas period and she and Keith often host New Year's Eve celebrations at their Sydney Harbour apartments. Over the past ten years, Nicole has purchased two penthouses in the exclusive North Sydney Latitude building and then combined them to make a mega-apartment. While back in Sydney this Christmas, Nicole enjoyed reuniting with her sister Antonia and her family. The Kidman clan have already had a festive catch-up in recent weeks after Antonia jetted out to visit Nicole in Nashville at the start of the month. Antonia was joined by her daughters Lucia, 26, and Sybella, 17, for the trip as they jetted over to stay in Nicole's $4.9million Nashville mansion. Lucia, who lives in Sydney, shared festive snaps from the holiday to her Instagram at the time as she documented the trip. The couple earlier rang in their Christmas Day celebrations with a visit to a church service in Sydney The family, who live in Nashville, kept to their Christmas traditions as they started off the day by attending a church service at St Francis Xavier Church in Lavender Bay The chapel is the Kidman's local church and it holds a special place for them as it was where Nicole's mother Janelle and father Antony's funerals were held Nicole's two adopted children, Isabella, 31, and Connor, 29, who she shares with her ex Tom Cruise, are not believed to have joined them on the trip Down Under Nicole had flown back to Australia to reunite with her younger sister Antonia, 54, and her family as they spend their first Christmas without her mother Janelle She was joined by her boyfriend Henry Poole, while Antonia's husband Craig Marran also jetted over with them. Nicole's sister Antonia shares her two daughters and two sons Hamish, 23, and James, 21, with late businessman Angus Hawley, who died in 2015. She also has two younger sons Nicholas, ten, and Alexander, eight, with her second husband Craig. Meanwhile, Nicole's daughter Sunday recently launched a modelling career. Sunday opened the Miu Miu Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week in October. But her runway debut was savaged by harsh social media users who critiqued her walk afterwards. Nicole later weighed in on her daughter's controversial appearance, and she admitted that she had advised against it at first. During a recent chat with Hollywood Reporter, the actress was asked 'what it was like as a mom' to see Sunday walk in her first fashion show. The family have rallied around to support each other during the bittersweet time as they are all spending time together over the festive period Meanwhile, Nicole's daughter Sunday recently launched a modelling career Sunday opened the Miu Miu Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week in October Nicole later weighed in on her daughter's controversial appearance, and she admitted that she had advised against it at first She explained that when Sunday approached her about the opportunity, her first reaction was, 'Oh no, I don't think so' Designer Miuccia Prada was adamant about having the teen in her show, so Nicole agreed She explained that when Sunday approached her about the opportunity, her first reaction was, 'Oh no, I don't think so.' Designer Miuccia Prada was adamant about having the teen in her show, so Nicole agreed. 'That's all driven by her. Me going, "Oh no, I don't think so,"' the Babygirl actor explained. 'But Miuccia just loved her and was like, No, I want her. And Miuccia is so powerful as a woman. So that was a good match.' Nicole added that she had known Miuccia since she was 23 years old, so she trusted her expertise. Sunday strutted on the catwalk in a white sleeveless dress with a ribbon embellishment from the Italian haute couture label, which she paired with grey leg-warmers and black peep-toe heels. People were quick to slam her online, with one person suggesting she take runway lessons, and another complaining that too many nepo babies think they can model. Elizabeth Hurley looked effortlessly stylish as she and lookalike son Damian enjoyed a spot of early morning sightseeing amid their lavish Egyptian getaway on Sunday. Taking to Instagram the actress, 59, posed playfully in front of the Giza pyramids and flashed a glimpse of her incredibly toned abs as she threw her arms in the air. Elizabeth wore a grey sweater and jeans for the outing which she teamed with a brown coat and stylish shades. The stunner also wrapped a scarf around her neck to beat the cold as they arrived in darkness to watch the sun rise over the desert. Meanwhile Damian donned a warm plaid coat and scarf and matched his mother with a pair of similar sunglasses. Elizabeth captioned the snaps: 'Hello Egypt'. Elizabeth Hurley, 59, looked effortlessly stylish as she and lookalike son Damian, 22, enjoyed a spot of sightseeing amid their lavish Egyptian getaway on Sunday Taking to Instagram the actress posed posed playfully in front of the Giza pyramids and flashed a glimpse of her incredibly toned abs as she threw her arms in the air Now an established star in her own right, Liz is helping Damian - her only child from a former relationship with American businessman Steve Bing - forge his own path as a budding film director. Debut feature Strictly Confidential - both written and directed by the 22-year old - was released to lukewarm reviews in 2023. Much of the criticism revolved around Elizabeth herself, whose starring role in the film includes a raunchy lesbian sex scene with a woman 30-years her junior - filmed by her son. 'It's quite interesting because I'm a single mother and he's a single child, so we, by default, spend a huge amount of time together,' she explained. 'When he was really young, he became fascinated with my business. He started doing stills and making mini movie when he was nine or ten. I gave him a camcorder, and he made me star in all his films. 'I was always playing the Evil Queen. My mum was in them, Hugh was in them, my ex-husband, everybody had to be in his movies, as he progressed through baby movies into more grown up features. 'Hes actually been directing me for ten years anyway, so nothing really changed. I was just used to it' Last week the Bedazzled star put on a leggy display in a burgundy PVC blazer dress as she shared a behind the scenes clip from her latest photoshoot. Elizabeth wore a grey sweater and jeans for the outing which she teamed with a brown coat and stylish shades The stunner also wrapped a scarf around her neck to beat the cold as they arrived in darkness to watch the sun rise over the desert Elizabeth captioned the snaps: 'Hello Egypt ' She looked incredible in the eye catching number which she paired with black opaque tights and towering green stilettos. Styling her long tresses in loose wet waves, the stunner wore a glamorous palette of makeup including dark smokey eye shadow and accessorised with small gold earrings. Elizabeth appeared in good spirits as she sat on a wooden box as she modelled the number in the sizzling clip. She posed up a storm as she held onto her bold heels before clutching onto the dress in another snap. She penned: 'Xmas kisses to you all' It comes after Elizabeth revealed she no longer speaks to ex Hugh Grant after being coupled to fame in THAT Versace dress at the premiere of his 1994 movie Four weddings And A Funeral. The actress and model became a household name overnight thanks to he extravagant couture gown, manufactured from a mix of black silk and Lycra, held together with oversized safety pins and borrowed from the Versace flagship store on Old Bond Street. Likewise, Hugh also enjoyed a significant change in fortune - both personal and professional - thanks to his role as the perennially single Charles in director Richard Curtis' romantic comedy. And Elizabeth credits their relationship for helping her navigate a pivotal time in her life, but admits they no longer see each other - despite remaining firm friends following their amicable separation in 2000. Last week the Bedazzled star put on a leggy display in a burgundy PVC blazer dress as she shared a behind the scenes clip from her latest photoshoot It comes after Elizabeth revealed she no longer speaks to ex Hugh Grant after being coupled to fame in THAT Versace dress at the premiere of his 1994 movie Four weddings And A Funeral Appearing at the Bazaar At Work summit in London earlier this month, she said: 'I was with my ex, Hugh Grant, so it happened to both of us at the same time. Like me, he'd also worked a lot, and thought he was doing pretty well, until Four Weddings and a Funeral came out and suddenly it was completely different he was a phenomenon. 'The film was a massive success, and everything changed. But there was two of us and I think that massively helped. When youre suddenly thrust into the spotlight, your lives arent set up for it.' She added: 'You dont have any protection. It was alarming. The press was much ruder back in the 90s and 2000s than it is now. I truly believe that people aren't allowed to be as rude as they were then. '[I] think it gives you a bond when you sort of go to the trenches with someone. I mean, he's married with five children. I hardly ever see him, but he's still very close to my heart.' Broadway star Linda Lavin died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87 after suffering complications from recently discovered lung cancer. The actress - most known for her TV role in the 1976 CBS sitcom Alice - leaves behind her doting husband, artist and musician Steve Bakunas. It was third time lucky for Linda, she said previously, as she was twice divorced before meeting Steve - who is twenty years her junior. The couple married on Valentine's Day in 2005, six years after their 'accident of fate' meeting at a theatre in North Carolina. Speaking to Closer Weekly in 2014, Linda gushed of her third husband: 'We have so much fun together. I feel very fortunate to have found him.' Of their chance meeting, Linda added: 'Thank God I had my hair done that day. We always wake up with a real gratitude of being in each other's lives.' Broadway star Linda Lavin died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87, leaving behind her doting husband Steve Bakunas (Pictured together in October) It was third time lucky for Linda, she said previously, as she was twice divorced before meeting Steve - who is twenty years her junior (Pictured in September 2023) Steve took to Instagram just two weeks before Linda passed away to share an adorable picture of he and Linda at actor Sarah Paulson's 50th birthday. The couple looked as smitten as ever as they got dolled-up for the occasion at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood. Earlier in the year he shared a particularly complimentary snap of he and Linda at the premiere of Jackpot! in October. 'Linda always rocks the red carpet!' Steve wrote, as she replied: 'Look who's talkin'! thanks sweetheart.' Sharing their wedding photo on Valentine's Day this year, Linda gushed: '19 years ago today! 'Still in love, in the adventure and comfort of us and gratitude for each other and those we love and who love us. Happy 's Day!' Stage and screen star Linda - who featured in Netflix's No Good Deed before her death - had no biological children but was stepmother to Steve's kids from a previous relationship. Linda and Steve lived in Wilmington, North Carolina, and spent their time there getting involved in the community. Steve took to Instagram just two weeks before Linda passed away to share an adorable picture of he and Linda at actor Sarah Paulson 's 50th birthday (Pictured) Earlier in the year he shared a particularly complimentary snap of he and Linda at the premiere of Jackpot! in October. 'Linda always rocks the red carpet!' Steve wrote, as she replied: 'Look who's talkin'! thanks sweetheart' Sharing their wedding photo on Valentine's Day this year, Linda gushed: '19 years ago today!' Stage and screen star Linda - who featured in Netflix's No Good Deed before her death - had no biological children but was stepmother to Steve's kids from a previous relationship (Pictured in October) Passionate about rehabilitating impoverished neighbourhoods, the couple renovated homes, donated a park to the city and created a community theatre called the Red Barn Studio. In 2012 Linda revealed she was set to sell up her Wilmington home and relocate to New York, and the couple moved to the Big Apple the following year. The beloved Broadway star and television actress died unexpectedly due to complications from lung cancer, Deadline reported on Sunday. The news came as a shock as Linda was still working as recently as this month. She was known for her award-winning and illustrious acting career in both arenas of Broadway and television. For her performance as the titular character over the span of nine seasons, she was nominated for an Emmy Award. She went on to star in the 1986 play Broadway Bound and won a Tony for her performance. In 2012 Linda revealed she was set to sell up her Wilmington home and relocate to New York, and the couple moved to the Big Apple the following year (Pictured in June) Linda made her final public appearance just earlier this month when she walked the red carpet for the premiere of No Good Deed in Hollywood on December 4 (Pictured) In the past decade, Linda had other major roles in television and was a series regular on the NBC comedy series Sean Saves the World, as well as 9JKL and B Positive. This year, she continued keeping busy and guest starred on Elsbeth, took on a recurring role on Netflix's No Good Deed and also worked on the upcoming Hulu show, Mid-Century Modern. She filmed her most recent episode for the comedy series just a couple of weeks ago. Linda made her final public appearance just earlier this month when she walked the red carpet for the premiere of No Good Deed in Hollywood on December 4. Anne-Marie has broken her silence a fortnight after husband Slowthai was cleared of raping two women. The songstress, 33, who wed the rapper, real name Tyron Frampton, 29, in 2022, took to Instagram as she reflected on the 'most beautiful yet hardest year' which also saw the couple welcome their child, baby daughter Seven in April. Frampton burst into tears in court earlier this month when he and co-accused Alex Blake-Walker, 27 were cleared of raping the women following a gig in Oxford in 2021. Anne-Marie shared a slew of snaps of herself and her husband, as well as a gorgeous photo as she cradled baby Seven surrounded by stunning orchids. She captioned the post: '2024 the most beautiful yet hardest year of our lives. God really tryina [sic] see how strong I am hahaha'. 'I miss you all and I love you all more than youll ever know. I have SO MUCH for you in the new year that youll probably be sick of me (please dont be) have the best break if you can and see you soon.' Anne-Marie, 33, has broken her silence a fortnight after husband Slowthai, 29, was cleared of raping two women The songstress took to Instagram as she reflected on the 'most beautiful yet hardest year' which also saw the couple welcome their first child, daughter Seven, in April Anne-Marie wed the Grammy nominated rapper, real name Tyron Frampton, 29, in 2022 The jury at Oxford Crown Court returned the verdicts following a two-week trial during which it was alleged the two defendants assaulted two women in the early hours of September 8, 2021. The musician burst into tears in the dock as jurors delivered their verdicts. Judge Ian Pringle KC told the court this case has 'raised a lot of high feelings'. Relatives and friends of the accused, including Frampton's wife Anne-Marie, sighed with relief as the verdicts were read out, and cheered loudly outside the courtroom. Walking out of Oxford Crown Court alongside his wife, Frampton declined to comment on the verdicts. Frampton had performed at The Bullingdon music venue in Oxford on the evening of September 7, 2021, when he and Walker met the two complainants, one of whom was described during the trial as a 'huge fan' of Slowthai. Following the gig, the two complainants went to Frampton's tour bus before heading to their friend's house for a party - with Frampton and Blake-Walker joining the group. Frampton, Blake-Walker, and the two complainants then went on to the roof of the property, where the women claimed they were raped. Anne-Marie shared a slew of snaps including one of her blossoming bump In another she stunned in a plunging black bodysuit and leopard print coat She shared insight into her busy year which also included touring festivals She captioned the post: ' 2024 the most beautiful yet hardest year of our lives. God really tryina [sic] see how strong I am hahaha' Frampton, of Northampton, and Blake-Walker, of south-east London, both agreed that sexual activity took place with the complainants on the night of the alleged assaults, but told the court that it was consensual. In his evidence to the jury, the rapper said the allegations brought up against him were 'just not true' and that the women were 'lying'. Frampton accepted that he and Blake-Walker had 'fist-bumped' at the time but denied this was encouraging each other. The pair both walked free from the dock after Judge Pringle told them they were able to go. Anne-Marie kept her pregnancy out of the public eye but welcomed a daughter who she named Seven, in tribute to her favourite number. A source told The Sun: 'Anne-Marie and Slowthai have had a baby daughter they've named Seven. 'It is Anne-Marie's lucky number and she even has 0707 tattooed on her because she sees them as her angel numbers. 'She was born last month and both of them are absolutely delighted. Anne-Marie has always wanted to be a mum so this is an amazing time for her.' Slowthai (pictured with Anne-Marie outside court) burst into tears in court earlier this month when he was cleared of raping two women following a gig in Oxford in 2021 Anne-Marie kept her pregnancy out of the public eye but welcomed a daughter who she named Seven, in tribute to her favourite number Anne-Marie married Slowthai nearly two years ago, according to reports Anne-Marie married Slowthai nearly two years ago, according to reports. The Rockabye songstress sparked speculation she had tied the knot after she was pictured wearing a diamond ring on her finger in Notting Hill in March last year. Anne-Marie is said to have wed Slowthai, 29, whose real name is Tyron Kaymone Frampton, in secret in Las Vegas during a break from her tour. Celebrity Big Brother star James Whale spent Christmas in intensive care after being rushed to hospital amid terminal cancer battle. James, 73, is battling stage four kidney cancer that has spread to his spine, brain and lungs and had said Christmas 2023 could be his last after stopping treatment. He was hospitalised with the flu a week ago and was discharged from the ICU on Monday and will continue to recover at home. His relieved wife Nadine, 59, told fans: 'After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again. 'This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE.' James received an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity back in April. James was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2020. He was previously given just three months to live when he contracted kidney cancer in 2000 (throwback image) James received an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity back in April (pictured) Stepping out on the special day James wore a navy suit, crisp white shirt and patterned blue tie. By his side Nadine looked lovely in a white dress and pale blue coat and wore a matching hat. Last December after learning about his MBE milestone, James said: 'Nobody could have been more surprised than me thank you to all the guys who made it possible over the years everybody at Talk Radio and TV and everywhere. 'I've worked since the 70s and the guys that run the Charity kidney cancer UK, thank you all this is for us.' Kidney Cancer UK said: 'We are very proud that our founder and Lifetime President @TheJamesWhale was awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List. Congratulations James.' James began his career with Metro Radio in 1974 where he pioneered the late-night radio phone-in. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his frank style, dry wit and no-nonsense approach on late-night programme The James Whale Radio Show, gaining a legion of loyal listeners. The host then spent 13 years at TalkSport before hosting the drivetime show on LBC and the breakfast show on BBC Essex. The presenter is battling stage four kidney cancer that has spread to his spine, brain and lungs and had said Christmas 2023 could be his last after stopping treatment (seen Dec 2023) Taking to X, formerly Twitter, to comment on his MBE milestone at the time, James said: 'Nobody could have been more surprised than me thank you to all the guys who made it possible' Kidney Cancer UK said: 'We are very proud that our founder and Lifetime President @TheJamesWhale was awarded an MBE' During his career he also hosted Whale On, Dial Midnight and Central Weekend Live for ITV, and Talk About for BBC One. His autobiography Almost A Celebrity: A Lifetime Of Night-Time was published in 2008 and he later launched a new version of The James Whale Radio Show. Last year, he was awarded the first ever Tric Recognition Award for his 50 years in broadcasting. Richard Wallace, head of TalkTV, said about the MBE: 'There are legends and then there's James Whale. This award is a fitting acknowledgement of a maverick talent who has entertained TV and radio audiences with inimitable style for more than 50 years.' Dennie Morris, director of audio and news broadcasting, said: 'James is not only a giant of radio and television, but one of the loveliest men I've ever met. 'His contribution to the industry and to charity over the years has been remarkable. I can think of no one more deserving of this honour.' In October James revealed he had lost his three dogs LouLou, Muttley and Daisy within the space of ten months The experienced broadcaster has expressed the 'unconditional love' which he held for his canine friends James, seen above with two of his dogs, has said that only those who have experienced a pet's bereavement can understand the pain endured by their passing In October, James shared his anguish with the British public over losing his third dog in just ten months. The prominent media personality most recently lost his canine companion Daisy due to a tumour in her nose last week. Known by reality television fans, Daisy made her way on to the nation's screens back in 2016 when she entered the Big Brother house with James. Her passing follows that of LouLou, who died of lung cancer in January of this year and Muttley, who passed away due to old age just a month later in February. The presenter, who boasts over five decades of broadcasting experience, is best known these days for his opinionated commentary show which airs on Talk TV. Also writing a weekly Daily Express column each Monday, Whale conveyed his heartbreak to readers in an emotional tribute to his beloved Daisy. He wrote: 'I've had to lay Daisy to rest because of a tumour in her nose. She was the most famous of the trio as she entered the Big Brother house with me eight years ago. 'And she was adored by everyone', the former BBC and Talk Radio host added. Addressing the fact that he has now lost three dogs in such a short period of time, James discussed the 'unconditional love' that he held for each of them. 'I'm heartbroken. The unconditional love dogs give you is amazing. Unless you have experienced the bereavement of a pet, you can't possibly understand.' In a final moving testimonial, Whales concluded by saying; 'Bye-bye Daisy dog as you trot over the rainbow bridge. Lady W and I will always love you.' James began his career with Metro Radio in 1974 where he pioneered the late-night radio phone-in (pictured in 1998) In September 2023, James explained he has chosen 'quality of life' over quantity after ending his treatment (James and wife Nadine pictured in June) James was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in 2020. He was previously given just three months to live when he contracted kidney cancer in 2000. In September, James explained he has chosen 'quality of life' over quantity after ending his treatment and focuses on 'making memories.' He told The Sun: 'This could be my last Christmas. Basically, I have to choose between the quality and quantity of life and I've chosen quality so that I can have a good time and make great memories with my lovely wife, Nadine. 'I've had a good life, I can't complain. But I'm just gonna make the next months as entertaining and interesting as I can, which is all any of us can do.' Elsewhere in the interview, James heartbreakingly spoke about the struggles of his terminal cancer, admitting he doesn't want to 'go on forever' feeling as unwell as he does now. The TV personality also reflected on his marriage with wife Nadine, saying he told her they should 'cool off' their romance when he was first diagnosed with cancer when they first started dating. He said: 'It was so unfair on her, so I said, 'I think we should cool it and not see each other', and she replied, 'Oh that's nice, so if I'd just been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you wouldn't come and see me any more', so we carried on.' They then got married at Tenterden Town Hall in Kent surrounded by their loved ones in October 2021, with Nadine saying they didn't have the 'luxury' of time. James lost his first wife Melinda to lung cancer in May 2018. James and Melinda were married for 48 years and had two sons James and Peter. They also have two teenage grandchildren, Oscar and Ella. Katie Price kept warm under a fleece called a Snoodie as she headed to her Cinderella pantomime in Cheshire with her boyfriend, JJ Slater, on Monday. The former glamour model, 46, cut a very casual figure in the sleepwear as she paired it with white tracksuit bottoms. Dressing for the winter UK weather, Katie, who was clutching onto a vape, finished her look with a pair of pink fluffy socks and a pair of silver Moon Boots. Adding a hint of glamour, Katie accessorised with a large black quilted tote bag, which boasted a Prada logo. Meanwhile, next to her, boyfriend JJ also cut a relaxed figure as he stepped out in a Fully Blessed snapback back and a matching pullover hoodie in sage green. He paired his hoodie with some emerald green Palm Angels joggers and brown Nick trainers. Katie Price kept cosy under a fleecy Snoodie as she headed to her Cinderella pantomime with her boyfriend, JJ Slater, on Monday Dressing for the winter UK weather , Katie, who was clutching onto a vape, finished her look with a pair of pink fluffy socks and a pair of silver Moon Boots To accessorise, he finished his look with a black and brown over-the-shoulder satchel, which featured a white woolen flap. It comes just after Katie spent Christmas with her son Harvey, 22, best friend Kerry Katona, 44, and her family. Kerry shared a snap of the group wearing matching pyjamas and wrote in the caption: 'Merry Xmas from the Katona and price household wishing for all your dreams to come too.' Fans had questioned if Katie and JJ spending Christmas apart meant they were no longer together, but a representative for the glamour model quickly assured that wasn't the case. Katie and Kerry are playing the wicked step-sisters in the production of Cinderella and Kerry is being supported by the model following her split from fiance Ryan Murphy last month. The former Atomic Kitten, 44, parted ways with her partner, 36, last month after six years together and the star has been left devastated. Kerry admitted in her New! Magazine column that while Christmas is usually a happy time for her, she was dreading this year as she celebrates the festivities as a single mother again. And the pair's close bond is set to be taken to a whole new level as Kerry revealed her eldest daughter Molly would be giving the duo matching tattoos over the holiday period. Adding a hint of glamour, Katie accessorised with a large black quilted tote bag, which boasted a Prada logo It comes just after Katie spent Christmas with her son Harvey, 22, best friend Kerry Katona, 44, (pictured) and her family Meanwhile, Katie's ex-husband Peter Andre and daughter Princess donned matching festive pyjamas as they spent Christmas Day together. The Mysterious Girl hitmaker, 51, spent the big day with his wife Emily and their children, eight-month-old Arabella, Millie, 10, and Theo, eight, as well as Princess, 17, and son Junior, 19, who he shares with his ex-wife Katie Price. The father-daughter duo were all smiles as they posed for a selfie in front of the tree in their twinning ensembles, complete with Santa hats. Katie has famously been under the knife several times since she shot to fame in the late 1990s. At the start of December a handful of Katie's followers suggested she had ruined her looks with the most recent face lift. Sharing a video with her followers, the mother-of-five could be seen wearing a baby pink vest as she told her followers to check out her subscription based OnlyFans page. She said: 'Don't forget to look at my OnlyFans new content... Christmas is coming up! Check out my OnlyFans.' But fans were somewhat distracted by her new look rather than the ad for her racier online content. Fans had questioned if Katie and JJ spending Christmas apart meant they were no longer together, but a representative for the glamour model quickly assured that wasn't the case One fan wrote: 'Darling, in the nicest possible way You really need to start looking after your body rather than selling it.'; 'Why have you done this to yourself? You were a natural beauty.' While others added: 'Really is sad what she had done to herself.'; 'Ruined her lovely face.' 'Omg she can't wink.' Yet some of her fans were quick to have her back as one wrote: 'Love you Katie.' 'O God, please leave her to shine, leave her be, she's not hurting anyone..! 'If you've nowt nice to say about her Just don't say anything!' An off-duty flight attendant shared his hilarious reaction while watching the popular holiday film Carry-On. The unidentified male and his fellow flight attendant Camille (@camilleintheclouds) spent their Saturday night watching the Netflix movie. Camille couldn't stop laughing at her friend's opinions about the 'unrealistic' holiday film in a December 29 TikTok video. The movie topped Netflix's most-watched film list after its December 13 debut, despite sparking disbelief from those who work on planes in real life. The social media video shows the flight attendant commenting after watching the traveler (Jason Bateman) enter the galley - a kitchen area on an aircraft. The unidentified flight attendant claimed he would tell fliers to get out of the galley and said Bateman's character shouldn't have lifted the aircraft's carpet. Camille was just as surprised and questioned the position of the plane's cargo hatch - a door providing access to anyone loading or unloading baggage. An unidentified flight attendant had a hilarious reaction to the Netflix film Carry-On in a TikTok video while watching a scene featuring Jason Bateman The movie centers around a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent named Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) looking to outsmart a blackmailing flier known as the 'traveler' (Bateman) on Christmas Eve. Bateman's devious character demanded Kopek allow a carry-on bag go through airport security and claimed he would kill the agent's pregnant girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carson) if he didn't follow his orders. Despite the film's 87 percent score on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, TSA spokesperson Jessica Mayle agreed that many of the Carry-On scenes were unrealistic. According to Mayle, passengers are required to be screened before entering certain places in an airport and fliers who refuse to follow this rule would be 'denied access' to those areas. 'Given TSA's layered approach to security, with intelligence and risk analysis as a basis, it is unlikely the scenarios the movie presented could evade the TSA airport security apparatus at the nation's airports,' she told Newsweek. 'TSA is always operating at a high level of security, and employees are in a constant state of vigilance. The agency maintains a risk-based, intelligence-driven approach that includes multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen,' Mayle added. The film centers around TSA agent Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) attempting to outsmart a blackmailing traveler (Bateman) Several TikTokers who watched Camille's video were amused at her friend's opinions. One watcher wrote they were 'obsessed' with the TikTok and claimed the flight attendant spoke for all flight attendants everywhere. Others agreed about the galley comment, and one person called it 'so real.' A commenter claiming to be a baggage handler was just as frustrated as the male flight attendant and questioned why there was a refrigerator was in the galley. Realistic or not, film critics did not let the unrealistic scenes stop them from praising Carry-On. Camille questioned the position of the plane's cargo hatch - a door providing access to anyone loading or unloading baggage The traveler claimed he would kill the agent's pregnant girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carson) if the officer did not follow his demands One critic from Empire Magazine wrote: 'Die Hard karaoke this may be, but it delivers - and eclipses at least two of John McClane's outings in the process.' 'Look forward to future eye-rolling debates as to whether it qualifies as a Christmas movie,' they added. 'Even when the repeated showdowns between the TSA agent and traveler lose potency, these actors maintain the narratives tension and viewer investment,' a critic wrote for The Hollywood Reporter. 'As their rivalry slowly becomes one of two equals, wondering how each might outmaneuver the other becomes part of the thrill.' Several critics who trashed the film were more disappointed with performances rather than unrealistic actions of TSA officers. 'The result is a hamstrung thriller that feels cheaper than it should, like a feature-length episode of FOXs 9-1-1, bogged down by a sense of malaise radiating outward from its protagonist in waves,' a critic wrote for Paste Magazine. One critic from Blu-ray.com claimed the film went 'bananas' and another from FandomWire insisted Carry-On felt like a studio said, 'Let's make a movie that answers the question, "Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?"' Blake Lively's legal battle against Justin Baldoni has been 'insanely stressful' for her. A new People report provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Lively's legal filing against Baldoni, which came several months after the actress, 37, endured a brunt of negative publicity for It Ends With Us amid suspicions of a feud between her and Baldoni. Last week, the matter escalated when Lively filed a legal complaint against Baldoni, 40, alleging he sexually harassed her on the set of their film before orchestrating a smear campaign against her with his publicists after she complained about his alleged behavior. A source shared with People that Blake and her inner circle have been crafting up her latest lawsuit 'for months'. They go on to describe how the matter has put Lively under an incredible amount of stress. 'Blake along with her team have been working on this lawsuit for months. Its truly been so ugly for her. And insanely stressful. Shes never dealt with anything like this before,' an insider told People. Blake Lively's legal battle against Justin Baldoni has been 'insanely stressful' for her; pictured October 2024 Lively's support system amid the legal battle has been her husband Ryan Reynolds, with whom she shares three children with. And since the complaint was filed, she has been keeping her focus on her family. 'Ryan is always her rock,' a source told the outlet. 'For now, shes said what needed to be said.' In Lively's legal complaint - which typically predates a formal lawsuit - Lively accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her during production of the motion picture in multiple ways. Lively said in the legal complaint that Baldoni had barged into her trailer as she was breastfeeding her child; spoke about his past addiction to adult films; spoke about past sexual experiences with non-consensual implications; and pried her about details of her 'intimate life.' Lively's legal team said in the complaint that Baldoni 'routinely degraded [her] by finding back channel ways of criticizing her body and weight.' In response to Lively calling out the alleged behavior, the actress claims that Baldoni hired a crisis PR team to engage in a 'multi-tiered' plan to 'destroy' her reputation after she and Reynolds, 48, complained of the 'repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior' on set. 'I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,' Lively told The New York Times. Baldoni has denied all of the claims against him in Lively's legal filing. In Lively's legal complaint - which typically predates a formal lawsuit - Lively accused Baldoni of sexually harassing her during production of the motion picture in multiple ways In response to Lively calling out the alleged behavior, the actress claims that Baldoni hired a crisis PR team to engage in a 'multi-tiered' plan to 'destroy' her reputation after she and Reynolds, 48, complained of the 'repeated sexual harassment and other disturbing behavior' on set In the wake of Lively's legal filing, Baldoni has faced a number of consequences, including a lawsuit from a former publicist; and being dropped by the agency WME, which also reps Lively and Reynolds. The organization Vital Voices said in a statement December 24 that it had rescinded an honor presented to the actor-director earlier this month, The Voices of Solidary Award. 'The Voices of Solidarity Award honors remarkable men who have shown courage and compassion in advocating on behalf of women and girls,' the group said. Vital Voices subsequently said that allegations in the complaint filed by Lively were 'disturbing,' 'abhorrent' and 'contrary to the values' it holds dear, leading it to revoke the honors for Baldoni. On the heels of Dailymail.com's exclusive report Friday that Baldoni and multiple associates are preparing to file a countersuit against Lively when courts open up January 2, Baldoni's attorney Bryan Freedman vowed the contents of the filing will 'shock everyone.' 'I am not going to speak to when or how many lawsuits we are filing but when we file our first lawsuit, it is going to shock everyone who has been manipulated into believing a demonstrably false narrative,' Freedman on Saturday told Deadline. Freedman said that contents of the countersuit 'will be supported by real evidence and tell the true story' of how things went down between the creatives and their respective publicity teams. 'In over 30 years of practicing, I have never seen this level of unethical behavior intentionally fueled through media manipulation,' Freedman told the outlet. 'It reminds me of what NBC tried to do to Megyn Kelly and Gabrielle Union and we all know how that ended up. Standby.' Baldoni has faced severe backlash since Lively's legal filing emerged; pictured earlier this month Among the expected claims made in the alleged upcoming countersuit, as previously reported by Dailymail.com, include allegations that Lively's associates mislead with their release of out of context WhatsApp messages. Other anticipated claims in the countersuit are that Lively's rep used media outlets to take shots at Baldoni's reputation; and that Lively's December 20 complaint was filed to salvage her reputation after a stretch of negative publicity. The timing of the complaint from Lively 'makes no sense' as it's being presented, an insider previously told Dailymail.com. 'Do you seriously think that Blake Lively, married to one of the most powerful men in town and represented by one of the most powerful publicists, is going to sit meekly by if she is sexually harassed on a film set, and then hang on for four months after the film is released before making a complaint?' the insider asked. The insider confirmed that while Lively and Baldoni 'never got on' and 'rubbed each other up the wrong way,' the actress 'has taken bits of conversations which they had when he was trying to be her friend, when they were friendly, and weaponized them.' Last Saturday, Kristin Cavallari shared a rare snap of her daughter Saylor James Cutler's face while cheering on the Nashville Predators. It marked the first time the 37-year-old Let's Be Honest podcaster showed her nine-year-old mini-me's face since she was a newborn infant back in 2016. Kristin also posted a picture of little Saylor - who's already toting a $1,760 Louis Vuitton 'Monogram Canvas Alma BB' purse - helping her out in the kitchen. 'You have the ability to nurture and take care of everyone you love, while also holding your own (especially with your older brothers),' Cavallari - who boasts 6.8M social media followers - wrote of her daughter last year. 'You're my favorite girl to do life with. I'm the luckiest to be your mama.' Also included in the ex-flame of Morgan Wallen's Instagram slideshow marked - 'Disposables + end of year fun' - was her 10-year-old son Jaxon Wyatt Cutler making Christmas cookies. Last Saturday, Kristin Cavallari shared a rare snap of her daughter Saylor James Cutler's face while cheering on the Nashville Predators Kristin started showing her 12-year-old son Camden Jack Cutler's face on September 2. 'He's a little bit older now and he wants to be on social media, which is the only reason why I showed him,' Cavallari explained at the time. 'The only reason I haven't shown my kids is because I wanted to give them the choice when they got older. And he's 12 going on 28 so he is mature enough to make that decision now!' The Uncommon James founder's ex-husband Jay Cutler currently has custody of their three children through Thursday, and co-parenting has been 'so up and down.' 'It's really hard. It has not been easy to say the least,' Kristin lamented on the Dumb Blonde podcast Monday. Cavallari referred to the 41-year-old Gratis Beer founder as a 'pathological liar' and 'narcissist' just like her estranged father Dennis Cavallari: 'I ended up marrying my dad.' But the Denver-born beauty still doesn't regret their 'toxic' seven-year marriage, which ended in 2020 and their divorce was finalized in 2022: 'There is so much good that came out of our relationship.' Kristin's only plan for New Year's Eve is a dinner reservation at 5pm with her best friend, hairstylist Justin Anderson: 'I'm excited to wake up not hung over on the first and start the year strong.' Meanwhile, Jay will be ringing in 2025 with his fiancee Samantha Robertson, whom he's been dating as far back as October 2023. Cavallari - turning 38 next Sunday - will officially kick off her Let's Be Honest 'Headline Tour' on March 7 at the Buckhead Theater in Atlanta, GA. The Very Cavallari alum first found fame on two MTV reality shows Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County (2004)-2006) and The Hills (2009-2010). It marked the first time the 37-year-old Let's Be Honest podcaster showed her nine-year-old mini-me's face since she was a newborn infant back in 2016 Kristin also posted a picture of little Saylor - who's already toting a $1,760 Louis Vuitton 'Monogram Canvas Alma BB' purse - helping her out in the kitchen Also included in Cavallari's Instagram slideshow marked - 'Disposables + end of year fun' - was her 10-year-old son Jaxon Wyatt Cutler making Christmas cookies The ex-flame of Morgan Wallen started showing her 12-year-old son Camden Jack Cutler's face on September 2: 'He's a little bit older now and he wants to be on social media, which is the only reason why I showed him' Kristin explained at the time: 'The only reason I haven't shown my kids is because I wanted to give them the choice when they got older. And he's 12 going on 28 so he is mature enough to make that decision now!' (pictured August 9) Cavallari's ex-husband Jay Cutler (pictured December 16) currently has custody of their three children through Thursday, and co-parenting has been 'so up and down' The Uncommon James founder lamented on the Dumb Blonde podcast Monday: 'It's really hard. It has not been easy to say the least' Kristin referred to the 41-year-old Gratis Beer founder as a 'pathological liar' and 'narcissist' just like her estranged father Dennis Cavallari: 'I ended up marrying my dad' (pictured in 2018) But Cavallari still doesn't regret their 'toxic' seven-year marriage, which ended in 2020 and their divorce was finalized in 2022: 'There is so much good that came out of our relationship' The Denver-born beauty's only plan for New Year's Eve is a dinner reservation at 5pm with her best friend, hairstylist Justin Anderson (L): 'I'm excited to wake up not hung over on the first and start the year strong' Meanwhile, Jay will be ringing in 2025 with his fiancee Samantha Robertson, whom he's been dating as far back as October 2023 (pictured November 7) Harrison Ford was spotted taking a spin on his bicycle in Santa Monica on Sunday. The handsome movie star, 82, stopped over at a bike shop in the Los Angeles neighborhood before jumping back on it to cycle away. Harrison was seen pulling his bike off the bike rack off his car smoothly, showcasing his muscles. The leading man looked dapper in a dark blue sweater, adding jeans and a button up top. His sighting in Los Angeles comes amid a break in filming his hit series 1923, a prequel to Yellowstone. Harrison plays Jacob Dutton opposite Helen Mirren - who plays Cara Dutton - on the show. Harrison Ford was spotted taking a spin on his bicycle in Santa Monica on Sunday Filming for season two of 1923 began in July 2024 per Screen Rant - after the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes delayed it. Harrison was spotted in Butte, Montana filming in November 2024. Filming for 1923 primarily took place in Austin, Texas but moved to Montana in October for a month, per the outlet. It is unknown if filming was completed or is set to resume in the new year. Last year in February, the Paramount+ prequel to Yellowstone was officially renewed for season two - after the series debuted with 7.4 million viewers. Cast members from the first season are expected to return, including Helen, who plays Cara Dutton, as well as Brandon Sklenar, Julia Schlaepfer, Darren Mann, Michelle Randolph (who is now on Landman) and Brian Geraghty. The premise of the drama follows, 'The Duttons as they face a new set of challenges in the early 20th century, including the rise of Western expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression,' per IMDB. Yellowstone follows the current generation of the Dutton family and their control of the immense Yellowstone-Dutton ranch, and the prequel starring Harrison and Helen shows 1883 and 1923 - showcasing previous generations of this family. New stars will also be joining the original cast, such as Augustus Prew and Dexter alum, Jennifer Carpenter. Harrison was seen pulling his bike off the bike rack off his car smoothly, showcasing his muscles His sighting in Los Angeles comes amid a break in filming his hit series 1923, a prequel to Yellowstone. Harrison plays Jacob Dutton opposite Helen Mirren - who plays Cara Dutton - on the show During an interview with The Wrap last year, Harrison reflected on taking on a leading role in the prequel series The first trailer for season two of 1923 was released earlier this month. During an interview with The Wrap last year, Harrison reflected on taking on a leading role in the prequel series. He explained, 'Both Helen and I signed up at whatever time without a script and Taylor Sheridan was producing that script while I was making this last television project,' referencing to the show Shrinking. 'We're both thrilled with the outcome and the characters that were created and the opportunities that those characters presented.' 1923 is the second prequel to the hit Yellowstone series - with 1883 starring Faith Hill and husband Tim McGraw premiering in 2021. While talking to the outlet, Ford discussed how he had been a fan of Yellowstone before 1923. 'I admire what Kevin [Costner is] doing. I've always admired him as he's a wonderful actor and he's had a fantastic career.' Ford continued, 'But it was more important for me to spend what time I had watching 1883. I really wanted to be grounded in the experience of the history of a family up to the point.' 'I didn't spend that much time watching the most contemporary iteration of the Dutton family.' During an interview with Deadline, Sheridan opened up about casting Ford and Mirren - and also having them do more than one season. 'They were excited. They only signed on originally for one season. They were so eager to continue it,' the writer stated. 'Harrison made a comment at one point, he goes, "Taylor I think I'm making the best thing I've made in 20 years."' Taylor jokingly added, 'And my response to him was, "What the f**k did you make 20 years ago as good as this? What was that? I missed that one. What was it?"' The ruggedly handsome actor is best known for his iconic roles in the Star Wars franchise - as well as the Indiana Jones, Blade Runner and Jack Ryan spy films franchises; seen in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Harrison is one of the biggest movie stars - with a career that has spanned over seven decades. The ruggedly handsome actor is best known for his iconic roles in the Star Wars franchise - as well as the Indiana Jones, Blade Runner and Jack Ryan spy films franchises. His most recent franchise film - Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - was released on June 30, 2023. Harrison returned as Indiana Jones himself for the project. The film was the fifth and final installment of the franchise. Harrison is married to actress Calista Flockhart, 60. They first met at the 2002 Golden Globes afterparty - on January 20, 2002 - he was 60 years old at the time and she was 38. He was in the midst of a divorce with his second wife , Melissa Mathison; the divorce was finalized in 2004. Harrison has two children - sons Ben, 58, and Willard, 55, with first wife Mary Marquardt, and two with Melissa ; son Malcom, 37, and daughter Georgia, 34. Calista was mom to son Liam (now 23), whom she adopted as an infant in January 2001. Harrison is married to actress Calista Flockhart, 60; seen May 18, 2023 in France They first met at the 2002 Golden Globes afterparty - on January 20, 2002 - he was 60 years old at the time and she was 38; seen on January 20, 2002 at the Globes during their meet-cute The duo began dating after their meet-cute, and made their red carpet debut as a couple on September 1, 2002 at the Venice Film Festival In 2003, Harrison told People magazine he was in love: 'I'm in love. Romantic love is one of the most exciting and fulfilling kinds of love and I think there is a potential for it at any stage of your life. I was not surprised that I was able to fall in love, and I wasn't surprised that I did.' On Valentine's Day in 2009, Harrison proposed to Calista after seven years of dating; he proposed while on a family vacation with son Liam. Harrison and Calista got married on June 15, 2010 in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Governor's Mansion (because he was filming Cowboys and Aliens there). The surprising breakup of Summer House star Paige DeSorbo and Southern Charm star Craig Conover has left fans reeling. Paige shared the news on her Giggly Squad podcast on Monday, describing the split as amicable while staying guarded about the specific reasons behind it. Meanwhile, Craig has yet to address the end of their relationship publicly. The reality TV pair first met in the Hamptons while filming Bravos Summer House and later forged a deeper bond on the spinoff series Winter House. Their chemistry had fans buzzing for months before they finally confirmed their romance on Instagram in October 2021, putting an end to swirling speculation. With fans heartbroken over the end of their love story, DailyMail.com takes a look back at their relationship. The surprising breakup of Summer House star Paige DeSorbo and Southern Charm star Craig Conover has left fans reeling Paige seen in a promotional image for her show Summer House 2019: Paige and Craig meet Paige and Craig first met in the Hamptons while filming Bravo's Summer House. Their connection deepened during the spinoff series Winter House, where they spent more time together. Conover and fellow Southern Charm star Austen Kroll had initially joined the Summer House cast during season 4 to attend Kyle Cooke's birthday party, sparking the pair's first interaction. Paige shared the news on her Giggly Squad podcast on Monday, describing the split as amicable while staying guarded about the specific reasons behind it; (seen in 2022) February 2021: They strike up a friendship on Winter House In February 2021, DeSorbo and Conover joined forces on Bravos crossover series Winter House, spending 17 snowy days in Vermont with an eclectic cast. Familiar faces from Summer House, including Kyle Cooke, Amanda Batula, Lindsay Hubbard, Luke Gulbranson, and Ciara Miller, teamed up with fresh newcomers like Andrea Denver, Julia McGuire, Gabrielle Kniery, and Jason Cameron. Conovers Southern Charm pal Austen Kroll also made the trip. While DeSorbo shared flirty moments with Denver, Conover seemed more preoccupied with his then-girlfriend Natalie Hegnauer, leaving him out of the romantic drama brewing in the house. April 2021: Paige's visit to Craig's hometown raises eyebrows Following filming, DeSorbo headed to Charleston, South Carolina, where Conover calls home. Though she was with friends, rumors swirled that the visit was actually a chance to spend time with him. 'Craig and I are a thousand percent not dating,' DeSorbo clarified on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. 'We are not romantically involved or anything, but we are very good friends.' Later, she told ET Online that the trip marked a shift in their relationship. 'On that trip, I realized that Craig was single... and then the last night he kind of kissed me,' she revealed, adding, 'I actually said, "Its crazy that you havent kissed me yet," and he was like, "I didnt know where we were at that point." ' June 2021: Paige and Craig film Summer House Filming for Summer House season six kicked off for DeSorbo in late June 2021. While Conover hadnt officially confirmed his appearance, fans were quick to guess hed join the cast, thanks to the growing buzz about his rumored romance with DeSorbo. December 2022: They go Instagram official In December 2021, Paige made her romance with Craig official on Instagram In December 2021, Paige made her romance with Craig official on Instagram. She shared a stunning photo of the couple at a holiday event, captioning it, 'Sew in love,' a playful reference to Conover's brand, Sewing Down South. Valentine's 2022: Craig appears on Paige's Instagram Live To celebrate their first Valentines Day, Conover popped up unexpectedly during DeSorbos live Instagram shopping event. The couple chatted with fans about everything from their long-distance relationship to their future plans, even sharing the story of how they first crossed paths. Conover admitted that hed already developed a crush on DeSorbo before showing up at her Hamptons house June 2022: Craig reveals long-distance relationship with Paige is 'hard' Trouble in paradise may have started brewing as far back as 2022 when Craig Conover admitted the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship with Paige DeSorbo Trouble in paradise may have started brewing as far back as 2022 when Craig admitted the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship with Paige. 'You know, long-distance is working for us. Were fortunate that were on the East Coast, so its only an hour flight, but it is getting harder and harder,' Conover told Page Six at the time. The Southern Charm star was based in South Carolina, while DeSorbo lived in New Yorka setup that, despite their efforts, wasnt without strain. Adding a touch of humor, Conovers co-star Shep Rose, who was part of the same interview, teased him for diving too quickly into relationships. 'Well, Craig, every time Craig dates a girl for longer than two weeks, he starts talking about baby names,' Rose, 42, joked. April 2023: Paige breaks down over moving to Craig's hometown In a midseason teaser for Summer House season 7, DeSorbo and Conover are shown talking about her possible move from New York City to Charleston. As she fights back tears, DeSorbo opens up, saying, 'I would be changing my whole life. I have no friends in Charleston. My whole career is [in N.Y.C.].' December 5, 2024: Craig stops drinking to prove he's 'husband material' He shared with People, 'I could see it in Paige's eyes that she saw the person I could be. [Drinking] was always my priority, and I've found value in other things. It's been a real blessing.' Conover also emphasized his dedication to making things work with DeSorbo, saying hes fully 'committed to doing whatever it takes.' December 30, 2024: Paige announces split 'Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,' DeSorbo, 32, revealed during Mondays episode of her and Hannah Berners Giggly Squad podcast. Fighting back tears, the reality star admitted discussing the breakup publicly felt 'weird,' but she made it clear she holds only positive feelings for Conover. 'Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,' DeSorbo, 32, revealed during Mondays episode of her and Hannah Berners Giggly Squad podcast 'I love him. I think he loves me. I think we will remain friends,' she said, adding, 'No one did anything. It wasnt a bad thing.' DeSorbo went on to describe their decision as a mature one, saying, 'I think we both were just being really mature and saying what we want and what we didnt want. And I think thats extremely powerful to be able to voice how youre feeling in real time and what you want for your future.' Paige remained tight-lipped about the exact reasons behind her breakup with Craig but described the past few years as very transformative, noting that both she and Conover had experienced significant growth and change during their time together. While she didnt specify when they officially ended their relationship, the pair appeared to still be on good terms as recently as last month when they celebrated Thanksgiving at her parents home in upstate New York. Hes definitely the best boyfriend Ive ever had. Like, I can truly say that, DeSorbo shared, reflecting on their time together. He was a great boyfriend, and he did everything correct, and he never made me feel insecure or anything like that, so it almost is harder when no ones done anything to be mad about, and thats hard. Bhad Bhabie revealed she was back with her physically-abusive, philandering babydaddy Le Vaughn on Monday less than two weeks after ending their four-year relationship. The 21-year-old Mommy Mode rapper - who boasts 43.6M social media followers - captioned her Instastory: 'Forever my baby.' One person outraged about Bhad Bhabie (born Danielle Bregoli) rekindling her romance with the 26-year-old father of her nine-month-old daughter Kali Love was her own mother, Barbara Bregoli. 'This is what LV texted me last night letting me know he has control over her but we know it's trauma bonding,' the 56-year-old breast cancer survivor blasted via Instastory. Barbara previously called Le Vaughn a 'piece of s*** who beat my daughter, almost killing her, on more than one occasion' and she wrote on Monday: 'Imagine playing the victim in a situation you created.' The Florida native is still fully feuding with friend-turned-'homewrecker' Alabama Luella Barker, whom she accused on December 17 of 'taking my man.' Bhad Bhabie revealed she was back with her physically-abusive, philandering babydaddy Le Vaughn on Monday less than two weeks after ending their four-year relationship After the 19-year-old nepo-baby of Travis Barker showed off her $80K Christmas/birthday haul, Bhad Bhabie blasted: 'We have more than [Only Fans] money! Let that hoe know! She a hoe in real life at least we making millions off it while she in daddy's pockets. I'm 80 million in how [about] you baby?' The heavily-tattooed Zoomer - whose OnlyFans costs $6/month to subscribe - then bragged about how many more millions of views her Snapchat videos get right after Alabama asked her fans to follow her on Snapchat. Bhad Bhabie claimed Barker invited Le Vaughn to her home while they were on a two-week break after he had 'busted my lip' and 'slammed my hand in the door' when she confessed to cheating on him. 'Watching her live her life like she's not a f***ing homewrecker, like she didn't cause me so many problems, I was a postpartum mom going through cancer, finding out my babydaddy was cheating on me,' the Drugstore June actress said on December 18. 'So even though Le Vaughn is in the wrong, Alabama is even wronger because a man's going to be a man but, bi***, you call yourself my friend.' Bhad Bhabie has not disclosed what kind of cancer she's battling, but she plans on having two more children with the problematic influencer - who fathered a toddler son with a previous babymama - after finishing her treatment. 'I want to be clear: I have no interest in this man, nor would I ever lower myself to be with someone who has been physically abusive towards women,' Alabama - who was misled by Le Vaughn for a year - responded on December 18. 'LV and our friend group traveled to Las Vegas last year, again, prior to me knowing that they were together, during which he threw a bottle at me head, resulting in significant injury. His behavior was not only reckless but also deeply concerning. It's troubling to see that, despite his actions, she continues to defend him even after I told her what he had done.' The high school drop-out first found fame, at age 13 in 2016, taunting the Dr. Phil audience to 'Cash me outside - how 'bout dat' during an episode titled: 'I Want to Give Up My Car-Stealing, Knife-Wielding, Twerking 13-Year-Old Daughter Who Tried to Frame Me for a Crime.' The viral clip of Bhad Bhabie has since amassed 51M views since being uploaded to the Dr. Phil YouTube account in 2016. The 21-year-old Mommy Mode rapper - who boasts 43.6M social media followers - captioned her Instastory: 'Forever my baby' One person outraged about Bhad Bhabie (born Danielle Bregoli) rekindling her romance with the 26-year-old father of her nine-month-old daughter Kali Love (L) was her own mother, Barbara Bregoli (R) 'This is what LV texted me last night letting me know he has control over her but we know it's trauma bonding,' the 56-year-old breast cancer survivor blasted via Instastory Barbara previously called Le Vaughn a 'piece of s*** who beat my daughter, almost killing her, on more than one occasion' and she wrote on Monday: 'Imagine playing the victim in a situation you created' The Florida native is still fully feuding with friend-turned-'homewrecker' Alabama Luella Barker, whom she accused on December 17 of 'taking my man.' After the 19-year-old nepo-baby of Travis Barker showed off her $80K Christmas/birthday haul, Bhad Bhabie blasted: 'We have more than [Only Fans] money! Let that hoe know! She a hoe in real life at least we making millions off it while she in daddy's pockets. I'm 80 million in how [about] you baby?' The heavily-tattooed Zoomer then bragged about how many more millions of views her Snapchat videos get right after Alabama asked her fans to follow her on Snapchat Bhad Bhabie claimed Barker invited Le Vaughn to her home while they were on a two-week break after he had 'busted my lip' and 'slammed my hand in the door' when she confessed to cheating on him The Drugstore June actress has not disclosed what kind of cancer she's battling, but she plans on having two more children with the problematic influencer - who fathered a toddler son with a previous babymama - after finishing her treatment (pictured June 18) Alabama - who was misled by Le Vaughn for a year - responded on December 18: 'I want to be clear. I have no interest in this man, nor would I ever lower myself to be with someone who has been physically abusive towards women' Lauren Goodger is reportedly 'devastated and anxious' after finding out her ex partner Mark Wright is expecting a baby with wife Michelle Keegan. The former TOWIE star had a decade-long relationship with co-star Mark until 2012 and she is now upset that she has 'been left behind'. Lauren is also said to be 'super anxious' that she may bump into happy couple Mark and Michelle as they both live near one another in Essex. A source told The Sun: 'The news has been a huge blow to Lauren and she is devastated, especially as she's not had a great Christmas, so it's the icing on the cake. 'It's hit her hard, Mark's building his perfect family and she's being left behind.' They continued: 'She's always had a lot of love for Mark, they were once childhood sweethearts and in an ideal world she would have reunited with him. Lauren Goodger is reportedly 'devastated and anxious' after finding out her ex partner Mark Wright is expecting a baby with wife Michelle Keegan Presenter Mark and former Coronation Street actress Michelle shared their happy news they are expecting their first child on Sunday in a sweet Instagram post 'Plus Michelle and Mark live close by, so she is super anxious that she will bump into them at some point which will be horrific for her.' Lauren has denied the comments to The Sun and MailOnline have contacted Lauren's representatives for comment. Mark and Lauren, who were together for ten years on and off, rose to fame on the ITVBe reality series, with storylines revolving around his numerous flirtations with other women, including Lucy Mecklenburgh and Sam Faiers. Mark and Lauren even got engaged on TOWIE in March 2011 - only for the Essex lad to call things off five months later - and there has been bad blood between the pair ever since. A year and a half later, Mark and Michelle met on a group holiday to Dubai and fell madly in love. In September 2013, less than a year after their New Year's break, the pair were engaged, trying the knot in May 2015. But it hasn't always been smooth sailing between the happy couple and Lauren, although things are cordial these days. Ahead of his wedding to Michelle, the former reality star took to social media to hit out at his long-term love on Twitter after a war words. The former TOWIE star had a decade-long relationship with co-star Mark until 2012 and she is now upset that she has 'been left behind'; pictured 2011 A source said: 'The news has been a huge blow to Lauren and she is devastated. It's hit her hard, Mark's building his perfect family and she's being left behind'; pictured 2011 'She's always had a lot of love for Mark, they were once childhood sweethearts and in an ideal world she would have reunited with him. Plus Michelle and Mark live close by, so she is super anxious that she will bump into them' He had seemingly taken issue a Lauren's not-so-cryptic post, reading, 'She's the kind of girl a guy meets when he's too young and he f**ks up because there's too much living to do. But later he realises she's perfect'., Mark declared: 'If your reading this, please PLEASE respect my wife and STOP. I wish you well but leave me, my life and my wife out of it. Im sure there is other ways to make money [sic].' He then went on to re-tweet a series of responses from fans, all supporting his stance. Presenter Mark and former Coronation Street actress Michelle shared their happy news they are expecting their first child on Sunday in a sweet Instagram post. Netflix star Michelle cradled her blossoming bump and wrote: '2025 is going to be a special one for us' The couple received hundreds of congratulatory messages from friends and family on their Instagram post including from Rochelle Humes, Kelly Brook, Vicky Pattison, and best pal Arg. Michelle and Mark's close pal has seemingly hinted that they are expecting a baby boy. As fans and famous friends flooded the comments with their congratulations Michelle and Mark's pal Dylan Hunt, who owns Essex restaurant Sheesh, appeared to let the cat out of the bag, The Sun reports. As fans and famous friends flooded the comments with their congratulations Michelle and Mark's pal Dylan Hunt (centre) who owns Essex restaurant Sheesh, let the cat out of the bag With the entrepreneur teasing that Michelle and Mark's son could date his daughter Gia while offering his own congratulations With the entrepreneur teasing that Michelle and Mark's son could date his daughter Gia while offering his own congratulations. He wrote: 'Make sure he's Good Looking and Rich, then I might let him take Gia out'. The publication also reported that one fan quickly spotted the clue and commented: 'So it's a boy lol'. Meanwhile in her announcement Michelle shared a baby emoji sucking a blue dummy, which will no doubt leave fans speculating further. The couple are frequent visitors to the restaurant and recently celebrated Mark's father's 68th birthday there. It comes after Mark admitted the prospect of starting a family with wife Michelle was 'hard work' - eight years before announcing her pregnancy. He had previously insisted he would wait for 'a year or two' before starting a family with former Coronation Street star Michelle, who he married in 2015, with the couple opting to put their careers first. Appearing on Loose Women in 2016, he said: 'It's hard work with the pressure of having babies.' The couple are frequent visitors to the restaurant and recently celebrated Mark's father's 68th birthday there (Wright family pictured) Sheesh Restaurant in Essex pictured The former TOWIE cast-member admitted much of the pressure came from his own family, as well as the expectation that any children they have will inherit their good looks. He joked: 'We're going to give birth to an ugly duckling and let everyone down. 'Aunty Debbie is the first of the sisters to become a grandmother and she tells my mum every day that being a grandmother is so much better than being a mum. 'So now, my mum's on our case. Hurry up and make it happen, I want to be a nan.' He added: 'I think we've got another year or two of her nagging and we'll just have to do it. When she gives birth there will be 300 Wrights around her.' Michelle also revealed her 'frustration' at the constant questions she received about her baby plans. Speaking to You Magazine in 2021, she also said: 'I'm used to people asking me but it's no one else's business. 'Nobody else knows what goes on behind closed doors. I think that's the reason that question affects me so much it's very private! Mark is asked about it occasionally but I'm asked every single time.' It comes after Mark admitted the prospect of starting a family with wife Michelle was 'hard work' - eight years before announcing her pregnancy Michelle previously revealed her 'frustration' at the constant questions she received about her baby plans with Mark Asked whether her family still asked her about her plans, she confessed: 'Not any more! People don't mean any harm by it, but they know what the answer's going to be.' During a 2019 interview, Michelle, who was 32 at the time, spoke of her 'frustration' over being constantly asked, saying: 'In this day and age, you shouldn't ask questions like that.' She said: 'They don't know the background of what's happening. It's no one else's business. 'I get so frustrated. I'm asked purely because I'm a woman. But I'm immune to it now it's like a reaction and as soon as I hear it I brush it off, as it's no one else's business.' Linda Lavin died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87 due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer. The Alice star looked healthy and happy when she was last seen in early September in Los Angeles. The acclaimed actress sported a colorful outfit of blue slacks with slits up the legs and a printed shirt for the outing. She was nicely made up with light pink-toned makeup as she wore her hair partially back. Lavin easily glided out of her SUV vehicle without the help of a walker or cane as well. Lavin was still working as recently as this month. She was on No Good Deed and also worked on the upcoming Hulu show, Mid-Century Modern. Meanwhile, several celebrities such as Sarah Paulson and Patricia Heaton have shared loving tributes for the stage and screen star. Linda Lavin died unexpectedly on Sunday at the age of 87 due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer. The Alice star looked healthy and happy when she was last seen in early September in Los Angeles That is just under four months after she passed away. The acclaimed actress sported a colorful outfit of blue slacks with slits up the legs and a printed shirt for the outing Lavin was a Tony Award-winning stage actress. Lavin died in Los Angeles on Sunday of complications from recently discovered lung cancer, her representative, Bill Veloric, told The Associated Press in an email. A success on Broadway, Lavin tried her luck in Hollywood in the mid-1970s. She was chosen to star in a new CBS sitcom based on Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, the Martin Scorsese-directed film that won Ellen Burstyn an Oscar for playing the title waitress. The title was shortened to Alice and Lavin became a role model for working moms as Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother with a 12-year-old son working in a roadside diner outside Phoenix. The show, with Lavin singing the theme song There's a New Girl in Town, ran from 1976 to 1985. The show turned 'Kiss my grits' into a catchphrase and co-starred Polly Holliday as waitress Flo and Vic Tayback as the gruff owner and head chef of Mels Diner. The series bounced around the CBS schedule during its first two seasons but became a hit leading into All In The Family on Sunday nights in October 1977. It was among primetimes top 10 series in four of the next five seasons. Variety magazine listed it among the all-time best workplace comedies. Lavin soon went on to win a Tony for best actress in a play for Neil Simon's 'Broadway Bound' in 1987, which also garnered her Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Helen Hayes awards. 'She was a tremendous performer with a generous heart,' the union Actors Equity said on X. The group in 2023 honored her with the Richard Seff Award - given to veteran performers in supporting roles - for her work in Noah Diazs 'You Will Get Sick.' She was working as recently as this month promoting a new Netflix series in which she appears, No Good Deed, and filming a forthcoming Hulu series, Mid-Century Modern, according to Deadline, which first reported her death. She also appeared in 2024 as a guest star in Elsbeth, the spinoff of The Good Wife. Lavin was known for her award-winning and illustrious acting career in both arenas of Broadway and television; pictured in Alice portrait between 1976 and 1985 She is perhaps most commonly recognized for her role in the 1976 sitcom Alice; pictured alongside Alice co-stars Celia Weston, Vic Tayback and Beth Howland in September 1984 portrait She was nicely made up with light pink-toned makeup as she wore her hair partially back. Lavin easily glided out of her SUV vehicle without the help of a walker or cane as well Lavin was still working as recently as this month Lavin grew up in Portland, Maine, and moved to New York City after graduating from the College of William and Mary. She sang in nightclubs and in ensembles of shows. Iconic producer and director Hal Prince gave Lavin her first big break while directing the Broadway musical It's a Bird ... It's a Plane ... It's Superman. She went on to earn a Tony nomination in Simon's 'Last of the Red Hot Lovers' in 1969 before winning 18 years later for another Simon play, Broadway Bound. In the mid 1970s, Lavin moved to Los Angeles. She had a recurring role on Barney Miller and in 1976 was chosen to star in a new CBS sitcom based on Ellen Burstyns Oscar-winning waitress comedy-drama, Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore. Back on Broadway, Lavin later starred in Paul Rudnick's comedy The New Century, had a concert show called Songs & Confessions of a One-Time Waitress and earned a Tony nomination in Donald Margulies Collected Stories. 'A star in every medium, but pure theatrical genius. Blissfully funny, deeply emotional, and audiences adored her. She never disappointed: I worked with her, and just watching her rehearse and build a performance was an education and the greatest joy,' Rudnick wrote on X. For her performance in the Last of the Red Hot Lovers, she earned her first out of six Tony Award nominations in 1970; pictured alongside Rita Moreno in 1978 Pasadena She went on to take home her first win for her performance in Broadway Bound in 1987. Her most recent Tony nomination was in 2012 for her performance in The Lyons; pictured in Broadway play Broadway Bound Michael Kuchwara of the AP gave Lavin a rave in 'Collected Stories,' writing that she 'gives one of those complete, nuanced performances, capturing the womans intellectual vigor, her wry sense of humor and her increasing physical frailty with astonishing fidelity. And Lavins sense of timing is superb, whether delivering a joke or acerbically dissecting the work of her protegee.' Lavin basked in a burst of renewed attention in her 70s, earning a Tony nomination for Nicky Silver's 'The Lyons.' She also starred in 'Other Desert Cities' and a revival of 'Follies' before they transferred to Broadway. The AP again raved about Lavin in 'The Lyons,' calling her 'an absolute wonder to behold as Rita Lyons, a nag of a mother with a collection of firm beliefs and eye rolls, a matriarch who is both suffocating and keeping everyone at arms length.' She also appeared in the film 'Wanderlust' with Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, and released her first CD, 'Possibilities.' She played Jennifer Lopez's grandmother in 'The Back-Up Plan.' This year, she continued keeping busy and guest starred on CBS' Elsbeth, took on a recurring role on Netflix's No Good Deed and also worked on the upcoming Hulu show, Mid-Century Modern; pictured December 2021 in Los Angeles In the past decade, she had other major roles in television and was a series regular on the NBC comedy series Sean Saves the World as well as CBS' 9JKL and B Positive; pictured in B Positive still Lavin and Steve Bakunas attend the Premiere of Netflix's No Good Deed on December 4 When asked for guidance from up-and-coming actors, Lavin stressed one thing. 'I say that what happened for me was that work brings work. As long as it wasn't morally reprehensible to me, I did it,' she told the AP in 2011. She and Steve Bakunas, an artist, musician and her third husband, converted an old automotive garage into the 50-seat Red Barn Studio Theatre in Wilmington, North Carolina. It opened in 2007 and their productions include 'Doubt' by John Patrick Shanley, 'Glengarry Glen Ross' by David Mamet, 'Rabbit Hole' by David Lindsay-Abaire and 'The Tale of the Allergist's Wife' by Charles Busch, in which Lavin also starred on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination. She returned to TV in 2013 in 'Sean Saves the World,' starring 'Will & Graces' Sean Hayes, a show which lasted a season. Lavin also made appearances on 'Mom' and '9JKL.' Sarah Paulson and Patricia Heaton were among those paying tribute to Broadway star and sitcom actress Linda Lavin following her passing at age 87. Paulson, 50, who starred opposite Lavin on Broadway's Collected Stories, posted a slew of selfies accompanied by sweet messages about the star. 'I love you forever,' she wrote alongside a photo booth shot of the duo. She also included a picture of them taking their bows following a performance of Collected Stories. 'One of the great honors of my life,' Paulson remarked. '(I wasn't very good, she was brilliant),' she added. One of the photos Paulson shared appeared to have been taken from her recent 50th birthday bash, which was attended by Lavin. She dated the photo December 14, 2024. 'I love you so,' Paulson wrote in the snap of her, Lavin, and another friend. Sarah Paulson was among those paying tribute to Lavin following her passing at age 87 Patricia Heaton was also among the celebs paying tribute to Linda; pictured with Lavin in 2003 Paulson added Lavin was 'always showing up for me' as she shared a snap of them taken earlier this year. Heaton, 66, starred opposite Lavin in the 1987 sitcom A Room For Two, praised the actress as a 'true friend' and 'total force of nature' as she took to X to mourn the loss While A Room For Two, which Heaton described as her 'first major TV' role, last for just two seasons, their friendship endured, and they even had dinner together just a few months ago. 'I'm down here in my basement looking through some old photos and ran across some pictures of me and my dear friend Linda Lavin,' she said in the video. 'She was such a legend. The first major role in television I had was playing her daughter in a short-lived but wonderful show called A Room For Two. She was my mentor, my guardian angel. 'She really looked out for me, taught me a lot. Not just about acting but about life. And we had dinner a couple of months ago when I was in LA. And she was just as sharp and funny and energetic as she always has been. 'And she passed away today,' she said before taking a long pause. 'I'm going to miss her. She was a good friend.' One of the photos Paulson shared appeared to have been taken from her recent 50th birthday party, which was attended by Lavin Paulson praised her former co-star's loyalty She gushed about working with Lavin on Collected Stories as 'one of the great honors of my life' Heaton remembered her friend and former co-star in a video posted to X She posted the clip to X, writing along with a string of broken-heart emojis, 'I just heard the news that my dear friend Linda Lavin died . Totally unexpected, even at the age of 87. A true friend and a total force of nature.' Producer Liz Feldman, who worked with Lavin on No Good Deed and 9JKL , also paid tribute. She shared a selfie of her with Lavin followed with a cast photo from No Good Deed and a lengthy, sweet message praising the late star.'Oh sweet, brilliant, talented, beautiful @linda_lavin. Getting to work with you once was an honor and a joy,' she captioned the post. 'I loved writing for you on 9JKL all those years ago. I just loved YOU. Being around you. In your magnetic orbit. That we got to collaborate again on No Good Deed was simply a gift. You were, as always, incredibly gracious, totally hilarious and pitch perfect. Ready to play and full of life. Sam Thompson stripped off and swung from a pole during his very boozy work Christmas party. The I'm A Celebrity star, 32, looked to be having the time of his life as he celebrated the festive season with his Staying Relevant podcast team and co-star Pete Wicks. Sam was the life and soul of the party as he decided to ditch his clothes during the bash showing off his party trick on the pole while someone placed 20 in his boxer shorts. The This Morning star later seemed to crash as he was seen sleeping on a gold and leopard print throne. Strictly star Pete was seen placing his smart black blazer over Sam and kissed his forehead as he peacefully slept in the club. In another picture shared by their podcast Instagram account, Pete was seen doing body shots from one of his male colleagues before sucking on a lime. Sam Thompson commanded attention as he stripped off and swung from a role during his very boozy work Christmas party The I'm A Celebrity star, 32, looked to be having the time of his life as he celebrated the festive season with his Staying Relevant podcast team and co-star Pete Wicks The former TOWIE star later checked his phone while surrounded by female colleagues dancing at a private table. Other photos showed Pete and Sam opening a bottle of champagne in their hotel room as they enjoyed a pre drink before heading to the bar. It comes after Sam's girlfriend Zara McDermott has given fans a relationship update after the couple spent their Christmas Day apart. The former Love Island star, 28, took to Instagram to share a snap of a very thoughtful present she had made for her Made In Chelsea star boyfriend. She had two huge pictures designed for the ITV star which contained depictions of all the things he loves in life. Some of the images included paw prints, a Harry Potter book, a slab of cheese and an on-air sign with a mic. Meanwhile, Sam explained why he wasn't spending Christmas at home with his girlfriend. The presenter posted a snap of him volunteering as he dressed up as Santa Claus for the day and delivered presents to those in need. Sam looked to be the life and soul of the party as he decided to ditch his clothes during the bash showing off his party trick on the pole while someone placed 20 in his boxer shorts In another picture, Pete was seen doing body shots from one of his male colleagues before sucking on a lime The This Morning star later seemed to crash as he was seen sleeping on a gold and leopard print throne Strictly star Pete was seen placing his smart black blazer over Sam and kissed his forehead as he peacefully slept in the club The former TOWIE star later checked his phone while surrounded by female colleagues dancing at a private table Other photos showed Pete and Sam opening a bottle of champagne in their hotel room as they enjoyed a pre drink before heading to the bar Sam and Pete were seen hugging during the bash Alongside a sweet snap holding bags of gifts, he penned: 'Bit of a different Christmas this year. I got put in touch with a charity. 'The camila batmanghelidjh foundation to be exact. They were struggling this year after the sad passing of Camila, and I was lucky enough to get the call up to deliver gifts across London to possibly the nicest, most selfless bunch of people I've ever met. 'What could have been another standard Christmas has turned out to be one that I'll never forget! 'Thank you everyone that let me into your homes, and to be honest I think there's no doubt I'll be back next year if you'll have me! 'Here's to all of the people who are there for others year round. 'You are superheroes (and thank you to my co-pilot the camera shy JLS loving Ali) you're one of a kind my man!' Zara gushed over her boyfriend, writing: 'So proud of you, it's so lovely that you chose to give up your Christmas Day to help others.' The post comes after Zara revealed to her followers what living with Sam is like. Sam was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30, and since his diagnosis, he teamed up with ADHD UK to positively change what it means to live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. During an Instagram Q&A earlier this year, a follower asked Zara: 'How do you find living with someone with ADHD? I have it and wonder how my partner feels x'. It comes after Sam's girlfriend Zara McDermott has given fans a relationship update after the couple spent their Christmas Day apart The former Love Island star, 28, took to Instagram to share a snap of a very thoughtful present she had made for her Made In Chelsea star boyfriend Zara then honestly revealed to the follower that she 'loves Sam for who he is' and claimed 'we all have our quirks and individuality, neurodivergent or not.' She said: 'At the end of the day, we all have our quirks and individuality, neurodivergent or not! (love heart emoji) I don't like to think I'd be any different of a person/partner if I was with someone who didn't have ADHD. 'And I don't really see it as a separate thing to my partner, it's just part of my partner and I totally love him for who he is!' She continued: 'Perhaps I could argue that at times I have to be quite patient; people probably think Sam is bouncing off the walls all the time at home but that couldn't be further from the truth!' 'He's always his most relaxed at home, I would say I'm probably more energetic than him when we are home together!' 'His job requires so much energy constantly that I think home time is his "recharge" time (laughing emoji)' 'I like to let him have his own time in the evening's as that's really important for him with his neurodivergence,' 'He often just needs a little reset from the world which is totally ok and I've never once made him feel like that's not ok, because it totally is! (love heart emojis)' Zara's Instagram Q&A comes after Sam admitted that he was 'never really himself' on Made In Chelsea due to his ADHD struggles as he shared how his diagnosis impacts his relationship with Zara. Dina Broadhurst has never been afraid when it comes to flaunting her physique. And on Monday, the Australian 'nude artist', 46, did just that as she shared a series of racy photos to her Instagram page. Dina set temperatures soaring as she went braless in a tiny white crop top and khaki mini skirt. Striking a confident pose in front of a mirror, Dina held her phone aloft as she posed in her hallway. Her toned torso and tiny waist were on display as she struck several photos for the camera. She also shared a series of other selfies which showed off the different racy artworks she has around her home. Nude artist' Dina Broadhurst put on a racy display as she went braless under a tight crop top on Monday Striking a confident pose in front of a mirror, Dina held her phone aloft as she posed in her home It comes after Dina recently set tongues wagging when she was spotted on a friendly beach outing with her ex Max Sheppard. The two had dated for four-and-a-half years until 2023 when they amicably parted ways. Property developer Max moved on with U.S.-based Vanderpump Rules star Vail Bloom, while Dina took up with Winning Appliances heir John Winning Jr. The socialite joined Max, 31, and another female friend earlier this month for a sunbathing session at Kutti Beach, a half hour's drive from the luxury apartment the ex-couple own together. And it was so sweltering hot that afternoon that Dina whipped off her red bikini top, leaving almost nothing to the imagination in a tiny pair of tie-side bottoms. Max and Dina, who share a 15-year age gap, called time on their relationship last year, having first got together in 2018. A source confirmed the break-up to Daily Mail Australia at the time. Afterwards, Max jetted off to Europe to nurse his broken heart on several luxury superyachts. Max last appeared on Dina's social media accounts in February 2023. His last post of her came in December 2022. It comes after Dina recently set tongues wagging when she was spotted on a friendly beach outing with her ex Max Sheppard Dina and Max (pictured) dated for four-and-a-half years until 2023 when they amicably parted ways After the break-up, Dina moved on with another younger man, multimillionaire refrigerator heir John Winning Jr., after the pair had known each other for some time. But after eight months of dating, the art collector came to the realisation their lifestyles were not compatible and they broke up just hours before Dina made a solo appearance at Bernadette Fahey's wedding. Dina and John Jr. have since unfollowed each other on Instagram. Dina made a name for herself in the Australian art world by leaving little to the imagination in her provocative Helmut-meets Kim-Kardashian-creations. She also recently shared a breathtaking gallery of property photos to social media which showcase the stunning $11.5million Sydney mansion she recently listed on the market. Dina purchased the sprawling three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in ritzy Darling Point with Max in 2022 for $5.2million. Since then she's completely renovated the harbourside property into a luxury home studio. Construction took two years to complete and involved a complete interior demolition, reported the Wentworth Courier. Director Ridley Scott has sparked fury in Matla by saying he 'wouldn't advise' holidaying on the island after filming there for Gladiator 2. Renowned British director Scott, 86, was discussing how appealing Malta is as a filming location with fellow director Christopher Nolan this month when he told the audience that he 'wouldn't advise going there on holiday', Business Insider reports. Even though he praised Malta, calling it 'a treasure trove of architecture' that 'goes from medieval right through to renaissance', he still doubled down by saying he would 'not go back there on holiday'. Johann Grech, who is Malta's film commissioner, shared a clip of Scott's positive remarks on Facebook, including the director saying 'when it's good, it's spectacular' - but left out the advice against Malta as a vacation destination. Scott's comments have enraged Maltese politicians after the country's government paid 48million in rebates for the movie being filmed there. Julie Zahra, the culture spokesperson for the opposition party in Malta's parliament, said on Facebook that Grech had been 'humiliated' by Scott saying he would not recommend going on holiday to Malta and should resign from his post. She also criticised that Grech had only uploaded Scott's positive comments, saying Grech had 'censored' and 'manipulated' what was actually said. Another member of Malta's parliament, Adrian Delia, lashed out at Scott who 'mesmerized millions with tales of historic legend brought to life' but seems to 'have not managed to learn respect'. Director Ridley Scott, centre, working with Paul Mescal on the set of Gladiator 2 Renowned British director Scott (right), 86, was discussing how appealing Malta is as a filming location with fellow director Christopher Nolan (left) this month when he told the audience that he 'wouldn't advise going there on holiday' Scott's comments have enraged Maltese politicians after the country's government paid 48million in rebates for the movie (still pictured above) being filmed there '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,' Delia added. Malta offers rebates to entice filmmakers, a decision Malta's then tourism minister Clayton Bartolo defended by saying movies being filmed in the country would provide jobs for locals. '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 told the Malta Independent in 2023. 'Or are we going to say we will continue investing in this industry to really increase opportunities, improve the skills of our crews.' This comes after Scott was branded 'lazy' by his own cinematographer for his choice of filming methods on the Gladiator sequel. John Mathieson gave a reflective interview speaking of how the director had 'changed' and was now 'quite impatient' on set adding this had had a negative impact on the finished product. Mathieson, 63, worked with Scott on both his Gladiator films and has told a podcast how using multiple cameras rather than just one and paying little attention to 'bits of the set hanging down' in the shots are among its flaws. He said, speaking to the DocFix podcast: 'It's really lazy. Its the CG [computer graphic] elements now of tidying-up, leaving things in shot, cameras in shot, microphones in shot, bits of set hanging down, shadows from booms. And they just said [on Gladiator II], "Well, clean it up". Gladiator II director Sir Ridley Scott (centre), pictured with Gladiator II Irish actor Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington (left), has been branded 'lazy' This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Pedro Pascal, from left, director Ridley Scott, and Paul Mescal on the set of Gladiator 2 'He is quite impatient so he likes to get as much as he can at once. It's not very good for cinematography. 'Look at his older films and getting depth into things was very much part of lighting. You cant do that with a lot of cameras but he just wants to get it all done.' Mathieson added that multiple cameras meant you 'can only light from one angle'. Gladiator II, which stars Paul Mescal, was generally less well-received by critics than the 2000 film starring Russell Crowe. It has received criticism for its apparent 'historical inaccuracies' such as 'diversity of accents' and portrayal of characters reading morning newspapers 1,200 years before the invention of the printing press. Yet some critics said it was the 'best movie of the year' and a 'true epic' as they hailed Mescal and Denzel Washington for their performances. The film sees Mescal's Lucius Verus seek vengeance against Rome in a blood-soaked battle with his captor general Marcus Acacius. Revenge-seeking Lucius is mentored as a Gladiator by Macrinus (Denzel) - a former slave who plots to control Rome. The pair use one another to achieve their goals: Macrinus's invasion of Rome and Lucius slaying the general. Cinematographer John Mathieson, 63, said the director had 'changed' Revenge-seeking Lucius is mentored as a Gladiator by Macrinus ( Denzel ) - a former slave who plots to control Rome. The pair use one another to achieve their goals: Macrinus's invasion of Rome and Lucius slaying the general Mathieson concluded: 'Having lots of cameras I dont think has made the films any better. 'Its a bit rush, rush, rush. Thats changed in him. But thats the way he wants to do it and I don't like it and I dont think many people do, but people love his films and hes Ridley Scott and can do what he wants. 'People want to shoot multi cameras because they get lots of performances and they put lots of people in. But theres not the care. Mathieson compared the sequel to Gladiator in 2000 where there had been 'just 50 effect shots' pointing out the number in Gladiator II would be 'in the thousands'. The British cinematographer, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on Gladiator, added: 'Now it is this thing of "generally covering stuff" rather than me being the cook cooking you something wonderful in my kitchen downstairs. 'You just go to the supermarket and get one of those really big trolleys and you just put your arm on the shelf and just chuck all that stuff in and well sort it out later.' Kylie Jenner made a rare appearance in public over the weekend in her hometown of Calabasas, California. The reality TV star made the unusual move of completely covering her face with a black cloth mask from nose to neck. The cosmetics mogul also wore all black clothing as she hid her figure in an oversized black leather jacket and baggy blue denim slacks. For comfort the Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran wore adidas sneakers. She was with two children: her daughter, Stormi Webster, six, and her niece, Chicago West, whose mother is Kylie's older half-sister Kim Kardashian. They were exiting an Ulta Beauty store in Calabasas which carries Kylie Cosmetics and her perfume Cosmic. Kylie also has son Aire but the boy was not spotted. Kylie Jenner made a rare appearance in public over the weekend in her hometown of Calabasas, California. The reality TV star made the unusual move of completely covering her face with a black cloth mask from nose to neck The cosmetics mogul also wore all black clothing as she hid her figure in an oversized black leather jacket and baggy blue denim slacks. For comfort the Keeping Up With The Kardashians veteran wore adidas sneakers Meanwhile, she is still going strong with her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet. The 28-year-old actor travels back and forth between Los Angeles, where Kylie lives, and New York City, where he grew up. The long-distance pair recently were seen getting affectionate on a wild night out at the afterparty for his Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown in Los Angeles. The Wonka star admitted he felt 'fried' the next day. Speaking to Theo Vonn on his This Past Weekend podcast, he spilled: 'We were up late. 'I haven't been drinking at all. Not that I ever really had a problem with it, but last night I did have a couple of drinks. I'm kind of fried today,' he said. When asked if he is living with anyone, Timothee replied: 'No, thank God man. You've really made it when you don't have a roommate anymore.' Jenner has been dating the Dune actor Timothee since last spring. An insider previously told PEOPLE that Kylie has 'never been in love like this before'. They said: 'She's incredibly happy with him. Her family loves him. He's so discreet and always has her back. He's very much a gentleman and everything that Kylie deserves.' The Little Women actor has yet to make an appearance on her family's show The Kardashians as she is said to be determined to keep the romance as private as possible. A previous source told the outlet: 'Kylie is protective of the relationship, but whenever she talks about him, she has a huge smile. She really likes so many things about him.' She was with two children: her daughter, Stormi Webster, six, and her niece, Chicago West, whose mother is Kylie's older half-sister Kim Kardashian. They were exiting an Ulta Beauty store in Calabasas which carries Kylie Cosmetics and her perfume Cosmic Meanwhile, she shocked fans with a new photo posted to Instagram on Sunday evening. Several followers shared that they thought she looked more like older sister Kim Kardashian than she did herself. 'Yo, is that Kim or Kylie, I can no longer tell the difference,' snapped one fan while another said, 'She is copycatting Kimmy.' Indeed, the snap did look like an advertisement for Kim's $3B luxury undergarment company SKIMS. In the image, the KC lip kit wonder posed in a nude push-up slip that made the most of her cleavage and small waistline. The high school graduate also wore her black hair stick straight and very long down her back, which is not the norm for her. And she had on less makeup than usual, which fans thought made her resemble the ex-wife of Kanye West. This post follows Kylie's pushing back. In August Jenner hit out at trolls who accused her of taking Ozempic to lose baby weight. The reality TV regular-turned make up mogul, 27, has daughter Stormi, six, and son Aire, two, with her 33-year-old rapper ex Travis Scott, and has now insisted she regained her pre-pregnancy figure through working out. She told British Vogue: 'I was 200lbs when I gave birth to my 9lb babies: 8.3 and 8.9. Jenner fans were taken aback by a new photo posted to Instagram on Sunday evening. Several followers shared that they thought she looked more like older sister Kim Kardashian than she did herself 'Yo, is that Kim or Kylie, I can no longer tell the difference,' snapped one fan while another said, 'She is copycatting Kimmy' 'I finally lost all the baby weight after my daughter and then got pregnant with my son two months later. 'And I felt in shape and it was working out, and then I got pregnant and did it all over again. 'I feel like people didn't give me, or give women in general, enough empathy. I see pictures (on the Internet) and people are accusing me of being on drugs or something .' Kylie's Vogue interviewer asked her: 'You mean they mistakenly think you were taking Ozempic, or some such?' She replied: 'Yeah,' with the feature adding she was 'annoyed' by the accusation she had used the diabetic weight loss jabs. Kylie, who is now dating Timothee Chalamet, 28, went on: 'I'm back at my weight I was before I had my daughter and son and people are putting side by sides of me three months postpartum. 'I'm like: 'Does everyone forget that I had two children and I gained 60lbs both pregnancies?' Kylie also said in the interview she suffered postpartum depression after both her births. She has told on social media how she fought back after the pregnancies, saying on her Instagram Stories in 2022: 'Just trying to be healthy and patient. Walking/pilates is my favourite combo.' Kylie also told GQ she thinks being a mum taught her not to need 'validation from other sources'. She said: 'I come home and my kids just love me unconditionally. They're just obsessed with me and that's taught me to walk through life a little easier.' Kat Stewart has revealed what it was really like working with Travis Fimmel on crime series Black Snow. The Australian actress, 52, has joined the cast of Black Snow as Julie Cosgrove for the second series after the huge success of Travis' first run. While the show features a whole new cast for its second season, Travis has returned as the dogged Detective James Cormack as he digs into another tragic cold case. And Offspring star Kat has revealed what it was like working with Travis, describing the Boy Swallows Universe star as a 'powerhouse' as she gushed over his talent. She told Daily Mail Australia: 'He's terrific, he's absolutely terrific, that was a big draw card because I just thought his central performance as [Detective James] Cormack was intriguing and unexpected and vulnerable and layered and nuanced. 'He's an absolute powerhouse.' Kat Stewart has revealed what it was really like working with Travis Fimmel on crime series Black Snow (she is pictured on the show) Of his 'spontaneous' working style, she added: 'You want to be in a scene with someone you can play with and you want to be surprised in a scene, that's my jam!' Kat also praised his performance as Lyle Orlik in Netflix's adaptation of Trent Dalton's smash hit novel, which saw him nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2024 Logie Awards. 'He's super talented, he deserves all the accolades and I thought his performance in Boy Swallows Universe was terrific too,' she gushed. As well as being impressed by Travis' talents, Kat was also keen to work on Black Snow so she could have the chance to reunite with director Sian Davies on set. 'Sian Davies was the director and I've worked with her a lot,' she shared. 'I worked with her on the Offspring and Mr & Mrs Murder, we're mates. It's so lovely to work with her, she's so good.' Kat admitted she has been very lucky with her colleagues over the years and said there are few she wouldn't work with again as she shared her hopes to reunite with her Offspring co-stars. She famously starred alongside the likes of Asher Keddie, John Waters, Matthew Le Nevez, Deborah Mailman and Richard Davies in the ensemble cast on the long-running series. The Australian actress, 52, has joined the cast of Black Snow as Julie Cosgrove for the second series after the huge success of Travis' first run as Detective James Cormack Describing Travis as a 'powerhouse', Kat also praised his performance as Lyle Orlik in Boy Swallows Universe (pictured), which nabbed him a nomination at the 2024 Logie Awards 'I worked on Offspring for seven years plus a telemovie and we had some usual suspects there who I haven't worked with for a long time who are doing well internationally,' she said. 'But pretty much, there aren't too many I wouldn't work with again, I've just been really lucky.' The second series of Stan's original crime drama Black Snow will premiere on New Year's Day and a trailer recently teased what viewers can expect from the show. In the new six-part series, fans will be taken into the mystery surrounding the disappearance of a woman who has not been seen since her 21st birthday. While digging into the cold case, Cormack (Fimmel) will battle with a personal journey - the search for his younger brother, who has not seen since they were children. The creepy teaser trailer begins with Cormack standing alone in a forest appearing to see 'visions' of missing woman Zoe, played by Bad Education's Jana McKinnon. Cormack then plucks up a card announcing Zoe's disappearance as it floats in a river, teasing that the setting might hold a clue to the mysterious case. Set in a fictional North Queensland South Sea Inlander community, the new season was filmed around the Glasshouse Mountains. The second series of Black Snow will premiere on New Year's Day and see Cormack try to solve into the disappearance of a woman who has not been seen since her 21st birthday The first season of Black Snow debuted on Stan in 2023 and centred on a fictional 30-year-old unsolved murder that rocked a North Queensland South Sea Islander community. The whodunnit series, which was produced in north Queensland, dealt with the killing of a teenager, Isabel Baker, in 1995. No one was ever caught for the murder, but in 2020, a time capsule unearthed a vital clue that put Cormack (Fimmel) on the path to solving the crime. Fimmel starred alongside Brooke Satchwell, Alexander England and actor and comedian Rob Carlton in the first series. The Kardashian Christmas Eve party was hosted at Kendall Jenner's Los Angeles house this year and not everyone appeared to be invited. The Vogue supermodel has already been seen in her stunning cream-colored satin ivory outfit with her hair down in a fun bob as she entertained her family. Kim Kardashian was pictured in a skintight snakeskin dress as she posed with her four children she shares with ex-husband Kanye West. Kylie Jenner wore a sequined snow white sleeveless dress. And now, several days later, more images from the holiday bash are being shared on social media. Kourtney had on a flirty sheer black outfit as she posed with her husband Travis Barker, their new child Rocky Thirteen and her three other children. He also had his kids Atiana and Landon there. Momager Kris Jenner got a tender hand hold from boyfriend Corey Gamble. But several famous faces were missing. The Kardashian Christmas Eve party was hosted at Kendall Jenner 's Los Angeles house this year and not everyone appeared to be invited. Kim, left, with Kourtney From left: Atiana, Landon, Reign, Kourtney, Travis holding Rocky, Mason, Penelope and Carl Dawson Notably absent from the soiree was Scott Disick, who has Mason, Penelope and Reign with the Lemme founder Kourtney. Kourtney and Scott do not seem to be on the best of terms after an ugly breakup and subsequent tension. After leaving Kourtney he went on to date Sofia Richie and Amelia Hamlin, but appears to be mate-free at the moment. Also not there was Caitlyn Jenner, the ex of Kris, who is a parent to Kendall and Kylie. And there was no sign of Kim's best pal Paris Hilton who has been to the Christmas Eve parties in years past. Justin and Hailey Bieber seemed to be absent too after recently welcoming son Jack Blues. All of these people could have been at the glamorous event but were just not seen in the numerous photos. Khloe Kardashian did not attend because her daughter True Thompson, whom she shares with Tristan Thompson, had a high fever. Kylie Jenner's best friend Anastasia Karanikolaou, who goes by Stassie Baby, was not seen. Kendall, left, with Kourtney at the old-fashioned Spanish home Other guests that were spied were Faye Resnick, Cici Bussey, Yris Palmer with her love Troy Daniels, and Carl Dawson. There was also an actor pretending to be Santa Claus, something the Kardashian/Jenner family has done for decades to entertain the children. Kourtney's post was the most flushed out. But she did not show her child Rocky's face; rather she put a red heart emoji over it. Barker and Kardashian are committed to keeping their son Rocky 'out of the spotlight' they said in September. The Blink-182 drummer, 48, and the Poosh founder, 45, are doing everything in their power to keep their one year old baby's life private. But it's not easy given they are in one of the most famous families on the planet, and they have already had someone take a picture of the tot. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Travis said: 'Unfortunately, someone finally got a photo of him, but we'd rather keep him out of the spotlight.' The rock star admits he wishes he kept his older children - son Landon, 20, and daughter Alabama, 18 - out of the spotlight. Kendall holding a glass of wine while in her Phoebe Philo gown The dress was backless with a bow Jenner sang karaoke as she handed out 818 tequila drinks Kylie Jenner was also seen; she had on a sleeveless white sequined number Travis - who is also a stepfather to Atiana De La Hoya, 25, whose mom is his ex-wife Shanna Moakler, 49, as well as Kourtney and Scott Disick's children Penelope, 12, Reign, nine, and Mason, 14 - added: 'If I could do everything different, I would have done the same thing with my [older] kids. 'I think it's weird to grow up and you're 15 or 12, and you're like, 'Mom, you posted this of me?'' The 'Feeling This' hitmaker also spoke about his special musical bond with his musician son Landon. He said: 'When I was growing up, I was into the Beastie Boys, Slayer, King Diamond and Minor Threat while my dad was listening to Johnny Cash, Buck Owens and Willie Nelson. At the time it was hard, having different musical tastes. But my son and I have had the same musical taste all our lives.' From left, Cici, Faye and kris Jenner Corey Gamble holds onto his lady love Kris Kylie's pal Yris Palmer with her family at Kendall's home Kourtney and a female friend Kim, Kourtney and some kids On Sunday Khloe was seen with her little girl True, who days earlier had a high fever. Khloe was in a purple track suit with her long hair down and black tinted sunglasses on She held onto the child who was clad in baby pink. True looked to be back to good health He continued: 'It's the coolest relationship. 'Landon is home, most of the time, creating music by himself. But when I'm home, he asks me to do a few days in the studio or help finish a song, or listen to them, and I help him however I can.' Asked what advice he has passed down to his son, he replied: 'If you want to be great, you've got to spend countless days in the studio. You've got to make so much music before you make the music that you want to put out and give to the world.' On Sunday Khloe was seen with her little girl True, who days earlier had a high fever. Khloe was in a purple track suit with her long hair down and black tinted sunglasses on. She held onto the child who was clad in baby pink. True looked to be back to good health. Doting dad Brian Austin Green enjoyed some quality time with the three children he shares with ex-wife Megan Fox. The 90210 alum, 51, was spotted grabbing coffee with his sons, Noah, 12, Bodhi, 10, Journey, eight, in Calabasas on Sunday. Journey emerged from the cafe drinking from a blended beverage as his elder brothers followed close behind. The actor pushed the door open for his children before allowing them to take the lead. He kept it casual and comfortable for the holiday outing, opting for a camouflage print hoodie and joggers. In addition to the three sons he shares with Megan, Brian also has two other children. Doting dad Brian Austin Green enjoyed some quality time with the three children he shares with ex-wife Megan Fox in Calabasas on Sunday The actor has 22-year-old son Kassius with his ex Vanessa Marcil and two-year-old son Zane with fiancee Sharna Burgess. Brian's sons will soon have another sibling - his ex-wife Megan is currently expecting a child with ex-fiance Machine Gun Kelly. The couple announced her pregnancy in November but just a few weeks later surprisingly broke up. Recently Green was asked to weigh in on the split - and he had some tough words for MGK. He suggested that MGK real name: Colson Baker was immature when he said he should 'grow up' during a chat with TMZ. Surprisingly, at the time, he claimed to have not even heard that his ex-wife Megan, 38, had broken up with MGK just weeks after they announced they were expecting their first child together. He stopped to chat while out in Calabasas, California, after he picked up a Starbucks drink at an outdoor mall. 'I didn't even know,' he said when asked for his reaction to the break up. 'I had no idea.' The actor pushed the door open for his children before allowing them to take the lead When the interviewer mentioned reports that Fox alleged broke up with MGK after finding text messages with other women on his phone, the TV star let out a long, theatrical sigh and threw his head back while rolling his eyes. After getting caught up to speed on the latest reports, his first thought was MGK's age. 'How old is he? He's in his 30s, isn't he?' he asked the interviewer. Brian and his fiancee Sharna Burgess share two-year-old son Zane together; pictured last month Green claimed to have 'no idea' when asked if the musician had had 'a lot' in infidelities while dating his former fiancee, but he thought MGK was too old for that kind of alleged behavior. 'But in your 30s? Like, I don't know, grow up,' he continued, noting that his ex-wife was pregnant with that pop-punk rockers child. Green went on to clarify that he just wants 'the best' for both Fox and her future child, as well as the three children they already share. Brian's ex Megan Fox is now expecting a child with her ex-fiance Machine Gun Kelly; pictured November 'That's a shame,' he said of the situation after a pause. 'I'm heartbroken about it because I know she's been so excited and the kids are so excited for life and the change and all of that.' But when he was asked about MGK potentially no longer being around his children, he emphatically stated that nothing about his ex's breakup made him 'feel any better.' 'If that's the case and I don't know the facts of it but if that's the case it's a tragic situation, and I wouldn't wish that on anybody,' Green added compassionately. But he played it coy when asked if he hoped Fox and MGK would stay separated, instead saying he hoped for 'the best outcome' for her and for their kids, whatever that might be. As New Year's Eve and New Year's Day approach this week, many are gearing up to ring in 2025 with fresh outfits, accessories, and last-minute essentials. Fortunately for shoppers, most major retailers will be open to help you get ready for the celebration though hours may vary. Whether you're hunting for a dazzling new shirt, a stylish pair of shoes, or some cosy pajamas for New Year's Eve, you'll find plenty of stores open. Many retail locations will have adjusted hours on both December 31 and January 1, but most chains are making it easy for customers to stock up for the festivities. While there are plenty of opportunities to get your shopping done this week, just be sure to check individual store hours before you head out, as many locations may have special holiday schedules. Here's what you need to know about retailers and whether or not they will be open on Tuesday, December 31, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The wholesale giant, Costco, will close its U.S. locations for the entire day on January 1, giving employees time with family (stock image) Costco The wholesale giant will close its U.S. locations for the entire day on January 1, giving employees time with family. However, Costco will be open regular hours on New Year's Eve (December 31), so members can still shop for last-minute items before the year ends. Aldi The discount supermarket chain will also be closed on New Year's Day, reopening on January 2, but will remain open on New Year's Eve until 7pm. Aldi fans will need to plan ahead for their Specialbuy shopping spree. The discount supermarket chain will also be closed on New Year's Day, reopening on January 2, but will remain open on New Year's Eve until 7pm (stock image) Walmart All Walmart stores will operate on regular hours both on December 31 and January 1. Target Target will close at 9pm local time on New Year's Eve, but will be open with normal hours on New Year's Day. Trader Joe's Trader Joe's will be open during their usual Sunday business hours from 8am to 6pm on December 31, but all 597 locations will remain closed on New Year's Day. Kroger According to the website, most Kroger locations will stick to regular hours on both days, giving shoppers access to everything from fresh produce to party supplies. Sam's Club In line with Costco, Sam's Club will close on January 1. On New Year's Eve, expect reduced hours, with many locations closing as early as 6 pm. Kohl's On December 31, Kohl's stores will open from 9am to 7pm and will be open on January 1 from 10am to 9pm. TJ Maxx, Marshall's and HomeGoods All three stores will be open 9.30am to 6pm on New Year's Eve, and open from 9.30am to 6pm on New Year's Day. TJ Maxx will be open 9.30am to 6pm on New Year's Eve, and open from 9.30am to 6pm on New Year's Day (stock image) JCPenney JCPenney stores will open at 11 am, and closing times vary by location on December 31. JCPenney said stores will be open from 11am to 6pm local time on New Year's Day. Nordstrom On December 31, Nordstrom will be open from 10am to 7pm, and resume regular hours on New Year's Day. Home Depot, Lowe's and Ace Hardware Both home improvement stores, Home Depot and Lowe's, will be open on December 31 but will close early at 6pm. Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated, so hours vary by location. Customers are encouraged to contact their local store for specific holiday hours. On January 1, Home Depot will be open from 9am to 8pm., while Lowes will have varying hours depending on the location. Ace Hardware will open from 8am to 6pm. On January 1, Home Depot will be open from 9am to 8pm (stock image) REI Open 10am to 6pm on December 31, REI will open from 11am to 5pm. on January 1. IKEA Ikea stores will be open from 10am to 6pm on New Year's Eve, the company confirmed. IKEA stores will be open on New Years Day, but with reduced hours. Big Lots Open from 9am to 9pm on Dec. 31, Big Lots is also ready to serve you during regular business hours on January. Macy's Macy's will be open from 10am to 6pm on New Year's Eve, while most Macy's will be operating regular store hours on New Year's Day. Macy's will be open from 10am to 6pm on New Year's Eve, while most Macy's will be operating regular store hours on New Year's Day (stock image) Burlington Burlington stores will be open on December 31 and are scheduled to close at 10pm local time. On New Year's Day, stores are open but hours may vary. Please check with your local store to find out more about opening hours. Belk Belk will be open from 10am to 7pm on New Year's Eve, the company confirmed, while hours vary on New Year's Day. Shoppers are encouraged to use the store locator tool to find out whether their local store is open on January 1. Sephora Each Sephora location has different hours based on their region and/or mall-mandated hours, the company confirmed. Customers can use the company's store locator to find specific store hours. Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's Both stores will be open from 9am to 6pm on December 31 and on New Year's Day. Staples, Office Depot and OfficeMax Staples stores will be open, but are scheduled to close at 6pm. local time on December 31, the company told USA TODAY. Stores will close at their standard closing time if that particular store normally closes earlier than 6pm. Office Depot and OfficeMax stores will also be open, and stores will close at 6pm. on New Year's Eve, according to the company. PetSmart and PetCo PetSmart stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 31, while PetCo stores will be open at regular hours and will close at 7pm local time. Tractor Supply Company Tractor Supply Co. stores will be open from 8am to 6pm on New Year's Eve, and 9am to 6pm on New Year's Day. Trader Joe's has released the locations of its newest store's set to open next year, but has requested fans curb their enthusiasm too. The beloved grocery chain plans to open at least a dozen brand new stores across seven states and Washington D.C in 2025. There are also more locations in the works, but they will be announced 'throughout the year,' a company spokesperson said. Among the cities gaining a new Trader Joe's store are Seattle, Washington and Hoover, Alabama. Scroll down to see the full list with addresses. The chain has not yet released precise opening times for the new stores. When choosing a location for a new store Trader Joe's has a set of criteria it looks to fill, marketing executives Tara Miller and Matt Sloan said on a recent episode of the Inside Trader Joe's podcast. These factors include population density, traffic patterns and parking availability. among others. They also confirmed that fans writing in to headquarters pleading for a store in their local area will not get far. Trader Joe's has announced a dozen new locations set to open in 2025 'Our decisions, they're business decisions. We're excited when people are excited about us, but that's really not what's driving the decisions about what brings a Trader Joe's,' Miller said on the podcast. The pair also confirmed that there are currently no plans to expand to Alaska or Hawaii. Also, just for clarity sake, we're still focused on those 48 contiguous states,' Sloan told listeners. Trader Joe's fans pride themselves on keeping up with the chain's latest developments with many discussing new releases, stores or deals online. Recently shoppers have been raving about the store's new Cashel Blue Cheese Irish Potato Chips. The 5.5-ounce bag of Irish potato chips began gaining social media buzz in November and has been flying off the shelves since. The chips' combination of Irish potatoes and blue cheese brings what Trader Joe's described as an 'Emerald Isle elegance to any situation that calls for snacking.' Fans are also rushing to buy the chain's new butter with brown sugar and maple syrup, fig and honey bread and walnut gouda cheese. Trader Joe's, which has around 600 locations nationwide, mostly sells its own label products with very few branded items on its shelves. India is poised to achieve new heights in foodgrain production in 2025, driven by favourable monsoon, though significant challenges persist in pulses and oilseeds production as the country's agricultural sector shows signs of robust recovery. The Agriculture Ministry's initial projections paint an optimistic picture, with kharif (summer) foodgrain production estimated at a record 164.7 million tonnes for the 2024-25 crop year ending June 2025. Winter crop planting has maintained steady progress, with wheat sown across 29.31 million hectares as of mid-December 2024, while total rabi (winter) crops cover 55.88 million hectares. "We had a good kharif crop because of normal rainfall," Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi told PTI. "Overall, the crop prospect for the whole year looks promising," he added, though cautioning against potential heat waves in February-March that could affect the winter wheat harvest. The agricultural sector is projected to bounce back strongly, with growth projections of 3.5-4 per cent in 2024-25, up from 1.4 per cent in the previous fiscal year. Agri-economist S Mahendra Dev attributes this improvement to "good monsoon and rise in rural demand". This growth comes despite localised floods and droughts affecting crops in parts of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Climate change-induced weather anomalies have particularly impacted onion and tomato yields in certain regions. However, the path ahead isn't without hurdles. To address the persistent challenge of self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government will roll out the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) in 2025, backed by a substantial budget of Rs 10,103 crore. The initiative aims to reduce import dependency through targeted interventions and increased support prices. The horticulture sector has shown remarkable progress, with record production of fruits and vegetables. The success is attributed to improved farming practices and technology adoption under various government schemes. The sector is witnessing increased technological adoption, with drones and AI-driven tools gaining traction. "These innovations offer immense potential to enhance productivity," said Ashish Dobhal, CEO of UPL Sustainable AgriSolutions. The government's flagship PM-KISAN scheme continues to provide crucial support, having disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers since its 2018 launch. Seven new agricultural schemes announced in September 2024, with a combined outlay of Rs 13,966 crore, are set for full implementation in 2025. These initiatives span various aspects of agriculture, including digital transformation, crop science, livestock health, and natural resource management. However, farmer unrest remains a concern, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, where demands for legal MSP guarantees and other reforms persist. A parliamentary committee has suggested doubling the PM-KISAN support to Rs 12,000 per beneficiary and implementing universal crop insurance for small farmers. While farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) have expanded with 9,204 registrations, they continue to face challenges, including limited market access and weak managerial capacity, potentially affecting their long-term sustainability. In 2024, a year of rising conflicts and environmental crises, the race for space supremacy highlights a paradox: we look to the stars while neglecting our planet That was a harrowing near-miss. Trump endured an assassination attempt, and the ensuing spectacle was nothing short of fantastical. As he emerged, emboldened and defiant, a self-proclaimed martyr rallying Americans to "fightfightfight," the undercurrent of turmoil in the U.S. political sphere became irrefutable. Following the attack, responsibility was squarely placed on the Secret Service, prompting the resignation of its chief, Kimberly Cheatle. However, the pivotal question is not about security oversights but rather the significance of his survival. The fact that Trump has now emerged from such an ordeal only solidifies his centrality in American political discourse. His rhetoric will escalate to unprecedented levels of provocation, further inflaming a deeply divided nation. As January 20 nears and he ascends to the presidency as the 47th leader, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: America is on the precipice of a more ominous epoch. This is not merely about one mans political enduranceit is about the disintegration of American society itself, driven to the brink by long-standing forces in motion.On the broader geopolitical stage, 2024 has been a year of unsettling reconfigurations. In Asia, Chinas dominance over Taiwan is undeniable, with global consensus growing that Beijings ambitions will not yield to Western opposition. For years, the U.S. has provoked China through military deployments and arms to Taiwan. Yet, Chinas psychological and economic warfare has shifted the global balance of power, eroding America's influence in the Pacific. Despite this, the U.S. persists, its foreign policy increasingly marked by desperation and entrenched arrogance.Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine, now in its third year, serves as a painful reminder of the Wests misguided strategy of intervention. NATOs resolve is deteriorating, and support for Kyiv is dwindling in many Western capitals as the economic cost of the war becomes more pronounced. Public disillusionment with the conflict is palpable, yet the U.S. continues to allocate resources to a war with no clear resolution in sight. The arms industry flourishes, and NATOs failure to pursue a diplomatic resolution leaves a bitter aftertaste, as Russia, empowered by internal European divisions, presses its advantage. In 2024 alone, the global arms trade reached a staggering $632 billion, with much of that revenue enriching manufacturers who profit from relentless destruction. The grim reality is that war has evolved into a lucrative enterprise, sustaining the military-industrial complex while civilians bear the cost. A similar dynamic is unfolding in West Asia, where Israels military actions against Palestine and Lebanon have extended into Syria by years end, driven by a voracious expansionist agenda, all under the protective mantle of U.S. support. The missile exchanges between Iran and Israel risk escalating into full-scale warfare, with no resolution in sight. Yet, the West remains obsessively focused on preserving its hegemonic power, blatantly disregarding the mounting humanitarian catastrophes. In parallel, the Arab world exposes its deep-seated fragmentation, driven by centuries-old dogmas and self-serving political agendas, all of which continue to wreak havoc on the lives of millions of Muslims. The situation in South Asia mirrors this instability. With the re-election of Narendra Modi and the BJP, India is significantly expanding its global influence, even as internal crisessuch as communal violence in the Northeast and Kashmircontinue to intensify, with the government blaming its negligence. India is poised to become the worlds third-largest economy within five years, yet rising tensions with the United States present an opportunity to reassess the true nature of Americas 'Asia Pivot.' As tensions escalate in Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan, the region teeters on the brink of broader conflict. Political instability in Bangladesh, exacerbated by alleged U.S.-sponsored 'peoples protests' that ousted Sheikh Hasina, and fragile politics in Nepal, which increasingly aligns with China, further fuel the growing unease. Sri Lanka and the Maldives, after years of political turmoil, have found a degree of stability by years end. Sri Lanka, in particular, has experienced a remarkable political shift, with a single party securing a supermajority in parliament, now populated by a wave of inexperienced young politicians. While the Maldives continues to navigate its political challenges, South Asiaoften dismissed as a 'dead regional idea'remains a crucial player in global geopolitics.Meanwhile, in 2024, Africa boldly rejects colonial influence, with nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Chad expelling French forces and reclaiming sovereignty. Yet, the continent's vast resources fuel a neocolonial scramble, exposing deep-rooted corruption and divisive leadership. Despite efforts to break free, Africa remains trapped by external exploitation and the greed of its elites, hindering true autonomy and progress.At the same time, the relentless march of artificial intelligence in 2024 highlights a more subtle threat: the obliteration of labour. Entire industries, from retail to finance, have been disrupted by automation, leaving millions of workers displaced. In the U.S., unemployment rates hovered around 4.5% in 2024, but these statistics scarcely reflect the many individuals who have been relegated to underemployment or excluded from the labour market entirely. Meanwhile, global projections suggest that job displacement due to automation will increase by up to 30% over the next decade. While the technocrats celebrate AIs progress, millions are left behind. Simultaneously, the integration of AI into military systems raises the frightening possibility of autonomous warfare, where human lives are subject to the whims of algorithms. In 2024, climate change worsened, but leaders offered only empty words. The COP29 collapse highlighted the wealthiest nations evasion of responsibility, leaving the vulnerable to suffer while the crisis, fueled by inequality and unchecked industrialisation, deepened. By 2024, over 700 million people worldwide were living in extreme poverty, with hunger rates climbing sharply due to both the economic pressures of conflict and climate-related calamities. For many, securing enough food to survive has become an increasingly insurmountable struggle.In space, the race for hegemony reached new heights, as the U.S., China, and private corporations competed for supremacy in the cosmos. Yet, one must question: why are such vast resources being allocated to space exploration when the worlds most pressing issues remain unaddressed? The billions being invested in Mars colonisation could be better used to address the problems on Earth, yet the Western obsession with space reflects a deeper sense of hubris. Humanity looks to the stars but fails to confront the crises that are unfolding on its soil.The year 2024 will be remembered as one that exposed the profound contradictions of our age. The Western world is at war with itself, consumed by political divisions, economic inequality, and an incapacity to respond to the genuine challenges of our time. The rise of populism, authoritarianism, and unchecked technological advancement portends a future in which the divide between the rich and the poor widens, and the planet teeters on the brink of environmental collapse. In this environment, the struggle for survival will no longer be merely politicalit will be existential. We are increasingly forfeiting our collective responsibility, continuing to vie for better accommodations in a sinking vessel, fully aware that we are all doomed to submerge. As we enter 2025, may we dare to confront the tumult of our times with the audacity to question everything, forging a future that challenges the very forces seeking to dominate us. Wishing you a year of purpose and unity. (The writer is a journalist and policy analyst. Views expressed are personal) Dr Singhs journey from a humble student to a distinguished statesman is a testament to perseverance, intellect and humility As the country mourns the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who breathed his last on 26th December 2024 at the age of 92. The world leaders condone the death of a man who was a common mans Prime Minister and a golden boy of destiny. He ruled the nation for 10 years after having successfully dealt with the economic crisis of 1991 when the then Prime Minister Narsimha Rao appointed him Finance Minister and the rest is history of dismantling the license raj and ushering in economic liberalization of the economy and the nation is grateful to him and the Narsimha Rao for opening up the economy of caged lion that is India the benefits of which the nation is reaping today. I write this article when the countrys politics is witnessing high conflicts and drama and the entire gamut of politicians coming from a background which is miles away from Dr Manmohan Singhs academic background as most of the time the politicians are jostling with each other in the quest for power, position and money. The fractured polity of India is the creation of politics of power and money which also seamlessly spreads across sectors of society and administration. Dr Manmohan Singh was born in Pakistan and came to India as a poor student but due to the sheer dent of his talent, perseverance and hard work obtained a scholarship and attained high educational qualifications as an economist from the University of Cambridge and Oxford. As an academician and economist, he served the nation with dignity and aplomb as an officer and bureaucrat in the Planning Commission, Chief Economic Advisor and Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Chairman of the University Grant Commission and finally as politician member of Rajya Sabha for more than 30 years and Prime Minister for 10 years. The luck favours the brave as the saying goes and he had plenty of it.No Prime Minister in the past nor the near distant future is going to have such a background and rich profile as Dr Manmohan Singh has and with this, he has etched his name in the history of India. As such no academician or economist in India could hope to achieve the post of Prime Minister of India considering our varied polity and its nature. Most of the professionals end up on bureaucratic posts and some may occupy the constitutional position of President or Vice-President of India or Governors. Sonia Gandhi will also be remembered for choosing him as Prime Minister of India after she was elected as leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the year 2004 and refused to hold the post considering opposition to her foreign origin. The Indian masses specially educated elite and young brains aspiring to be great leaders in many fields including politics must take several lessons from the life of Dr Manmohan Singh. The first, he was talented and humble but more than that he had a very high emotional intelligence. These days lot of people in diverse fields end up failing even though they have high calibre, capability, knowledge and intelligence but lack emotional intelligence. It is the emotional intelligence that frames the mental makeup of individuals reflected in their demeanour while dealing with people of diverse background and situations. Second, he had an uncanny talent for perceiving things with poise and confidence coming his way and organizing his capability most efficiently for the benefit of his organizations and ultimately for the country as Prime Minister of India and for his party. Many of our leaders in politics as also in bureaucracy lack poise and confidence and that results in making mistakes at crucial times. Third is how to handle provocative situations and when to be outspoken. This quality is essential while handling diversified issues with conflicting claims and counterclaims in both politics and administration. The fourth is to be silent like when Rahul Gandhi tore a proposed bill of his government publically, and act firm like a solid rock and take a decision to its logical end without any compromise. The iron will he had shown when while signing the nuclear deal with America had shown his strong commitment and capability to carry his decision to its logical end even though the CPM withdrew support for his government. His government was, however, bailed out by the Samajwadi party but it has shown his strong personality as a national leader while dealing with international diplomacy. This attitude is the hallmark of excellent leaders who can balance things considering what is best for the governance and the country. The fifth lesson which is most important for todays leaders is; that he was above favouritism, caste or religion and thus deftly handled his government with loyalty to his party leader and the country. However, sometimes the hangers-on in power especially in the bureaucracy do play mischief as observed by this writer nevertheless, such things always happen with all powerful posts and people. Though he was criticised by the opposition he maintained his poise and firmly remained loyal to his way of doing things and because of his scholarly eloquence and demeanours he was respected by all world leaders who mattered in international diplomacy. Dr Manmohan Singh, the academician par excellence, achieved dazzling heights. Such personas are born in politics once in a century or not born at all. I hope the current politicians of his party and the budding politicians/social and administrative aspirants imbibe these virtues to become effective leaders of tomorrow, which India needs today. (The writer is the former Director-General in the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India; views are personal) Jimmy Carter, the 39th US President who died at the age of 100, shared a unique connection with India and a village in Haryana was named Carterpuri in his honour during his visit to the country in 1978. Carter, who was considered a friend of India, died peacefully on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia surrounded by his family. He was the longest-lived president in US history. He was the first American president to visit India after the removal of the emergency and victory of the Janata Party in 1977. In his address to the Indian Parliament, Carter spoke against authoritarian rule and praised India for its democracy. India's difficulties, which we often experience ourselves and which are typical of the problems faced in the developing world, remind us of the tasks that lie ahead. Not the Authoritarian Way, Carter said on January 2, 1978. But India's successes are just as important because they decisively refute the theory that in order to achieve economic and social progress, a developing country must accept an authoritarian or totalitarian government and all the damage to the health of the human spirit which that kind of rule brings with it, he told members of parliament. Is democracy important? Is human freedom valued by all people?... India has given her affirmative answer in a thunderous voice, a voice heard around the world. Something momentous happened here last March, not because any particular party won or lost but rather, I think, because the largest electorate on earth freely and wisely chose its leaders at the polls. In this sense, democracy itself was the victor, Carter said. A day later at the signing of the Delhi declaration along with then Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Carter said at the heart of the friendship between India and the US is their determination that the moral values of the people must also guide the actions of the states and the governments. The United States gave the world an illustration of a new form of government, with a new relation between the citizen and the state a relation in which the state exists to serve the citizen, and not the citizen to serve the state, he said. India experimented with creating political unity from overwhelming human diversity, enabling people of different cultures and languages and religions to work together, both in independence and also in freedom. Yours is an experiment whose success the world is celebrating anew, Carter said in the Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. According to the Carter Centre, on January 3, 1978, Carter and then First Lady Rosalynn Carter travelled to the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, an hour southwest of New Delhi. He was the third American president to visit India and the only one with a personal connection to the country as his mother, Lillian, had worked there as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps during the late 1960s. The visit was so successful that shortly after, village residents renamed the area 'Carterpuri' and remained in contact with the White House for the rest of President Carter's tenure," the Carter Centre said. "The trip made a lasting impression: Festivities abounded in the village when President Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and January 3 remains a holiday in Carterpuri," the centre said, adding that the visit laid the groundwork for an enduring partnership that has greatly benefited both countries. President Carter understood that shared democratic principles formed a strong foundation for a long, fruitful relationship between the US and India. It is, therefore, no surprise that the two nations grew steadily closer in the decades after he left office, it said. In fact, since the Carter administration, the US and India have worked closely on energy, humanitarian aid, technology, space cooperation, maritime security, disaster relief, counterterrorism, and more," the centre said. In the mid-2000s, the United States and India struck a landmark agreement to work toward full civil nuclear cooperation, and bilateral trade has since skyrocketed, it said. "In 2010, the first US-India Strategic Dialogue took place in Washington DC, launching what President Barack Obama called 'an unprecedented partnership'," the centre said. "The arc of US-India ties from the Carter administration to the Biden administration is one of increasing cooperation in both depth and breadth. There are many areas of mutual interest particularly trade and defence where successful collaboration has fostered interdependency between the two countries, it said. Ronak D Desai, Partner and India Practice Leader at Paul Hastings law firm, said Carter's presidency marked a pivotal moment in US-India relations. After the strain caused by the Nixon administration's infamous tilt toward Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Carter understood the critical importance of re-engaging with India as a democratic partner in a rapidly evolving global order. His visit to India in 1978 was not merely symbolic but a substantive effort to rebuild trust and establish a framework for dialogue rooted in mutual respect and shared values, he said. While Carter's presidency was often viewed through the lens of domestic challenges, his contributions to US-India relations were transformative," Desai said. On a day when the imams affiliated with the Delhi Waqf Board protested outside former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals residence, demanding their overdue salaries, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday announced a new scheme that offers a monthly honorarium of Rs 18, 000 to Hindu temples Pujaris and Granthis of Gurudwaras if elected to the upcoming Assembly polls. In a bid to dent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJPs) Hindus vote bank the AAPs convenor said the registration for the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana will begin on Tuesday. He also said he would visit the Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place on Tuesday to oversee the registration process for priests there. Registration will also be done at other temples and Gurudwaras across the city by the AAP workers, he said. During their protest the All India Imam Association claimed their monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 (for Imams) and Rs 16,000 (for Muezzins) have been delayed for over one and a half years and accused the Delhi government of ignoring their plight. Amid a huge row over a scheme that promises a monthly stipend to unemployed women, the announcement by Arvind Kejriwal is a continuation of his welfare schemes for the people of Delhi which has however led to serious controversies. He first announced the Sanjeevani scheme for senior citizens, then the Mahila Samman Yojana, Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship scheme for Dalit students and now the monthly salary scheme for priests. Today I am making an important announcement regarding a scheme. The name of the scheme is Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. Under this, there is a provision to give an honorarium to the priests of temples and the granthis of the Gurudwara. They will be given an honorarium of about Rs 8,000 per month, Kejriwal announced while addressing a press conference. This is happening for the first time in the country. The priest is a class that has carried forward the rituals from generation to generation. They never paid attention to their family and we never paid attention to them, the AAP chief added. Terming Kejriwals Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana a political stunt, the BJP claimed that no one would get even a single rupee since the latter does not have any data with him. Delhi BJP chief Veerendra Sachdeva said that Kejriwal is now a defeated and desperate leader who is making populist announcements daily to stay in power. Former Delhi MP Parvesh Verma claimed that Kejriwal is remembering Ishwar and Waheguru due to the fear of loss. But he did not remember them for the last 10 years, Verma alleged, adding he only used to remember maulvis of the mosque, and used to see only one religion and one vote bank. Taking a dig at Kejriwal, South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said that Kejriwal should tell how many temples and gurudwaras are there in Delhi and what is the total amount estimated to be spent on this scheme. Earlier this month, Arvind Kejriwal launched the Mahila Samman scheme which offered a stipend of Rs 2100 per month to unemployed women. AAP leaders started a registration drive for the scheme. However, the next day, the governments women and child development (WCD) department advertised that the Mahila Samman scheme was non-existent and urged residents not to share personal data. The AAP later claimed the officers involved in the fiasco were under BJPs pressure. The party also vowed action against them. Delhi Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has 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. As New Years celebrations draw near, residents across North India, including Delhi and its surrounding regions, are preparing for an intense cold wave and heavy fog that could impact festivities. While the recent rains have subsided, a significant shift in weather patterns is expected to take hold in the coming days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has forecast a period of very dense fog and a cold wave for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan between December 30 and January 2. This sudden drop in temperatures, combined with reduced visibility, is likely to disrupt New Year plans for many. In Delhi, the citys maximum temperature has already dipped to 18 degrees Celsius, about 2.4 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 13 degrees Celsius, six notches above the average. However, a sharp drop in the minimum temperature by around six degrees is expected over the next few days. In neighboring states, the mercury is expected to plunge even further. Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Rajasthan are forecast to see their minimum temperatures fall by three to four degrees in the next three days. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh will face a more significant drop, with the minimum temperature plunging by four to six degrees over the next five days. Similarly, central India will experience a three to five degree dip, while Maharashtra is set to see a two to four degree decline in temperatures by the end of the week. Isolated areas in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are likely to face severe cold wave conditions, and cold days have been predicted for some areas in these regions starting December 30. Dense to very dense fog will accompany the freezing temperatures, especially during late night and early morning hours, creating hazardous conditions for travel. The IMD also warns that Uttar Pradesh will be engulfed in fog on December 30, with Himachal Pradesh expected to face similar conditions until January 1. In the northeast, fog will blanket regions such as Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura through January 2, prompting authorities to advise residents and travelers to exercise caution. As the cold wave tightens its grip, North India is bracing for a challenging start to the New Year. Intensifying its drive against illegal immigrants in the national Capital following Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxenas orders, the Delhi Police has deported 17 Bangladeshi nationals who were residing in the south and southwest districts of the national capital. On Sunday, the Delhi Police claimed to deport 15 Bangladeshi nationals illegally residing in the national Capital illegally. The police also arrested five such illegal immigrants in the south district. In Southwest district, the police claimed that they deported eight such immigrants residing in Rangpuri area. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Surendra Choudhary said, Those deported are Jahangir, his wife Parina Begam and their six children including four sons and two daughters, hailing from Kekerhat village in Madaripur district of Bangladesh. 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, 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). In South district, the police traced illegal Bangladeshi migrants namely Mohd. Umor Faruk, Riyaj Miyan alias Remon Khan and five women in Fateh Pur Beri, who were deported as per procedure, DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan said. He added that in pursuance of the orders of Delhi LG, our teams have been conducting random verification drives in certain areas like slums, labor camps, and unauthorized colonies where illegal migrants are likely to be present. On Saturday, a specific input regarding the stay of illegal migrants was received. Immediately, the information was further developed and local enquiry of the area was conducted. A raid was conducted and seven illegal immigrants of Bangladesh were apprehended near Arjan Garh Metro Station in the jurisdiction of Fateh Pur Beri police station, the DCP said. The officer said that all the illegal immigrants were produced at the office of FRRO, R.K. Puram and after completion of necessary documentation they were detained at the Centre at Inderlok. On Saturday, the police deported a 50 year old man, a native of Shibchar District in Madaripur in Bangladesh. The individual had previously resided illegally in Dholak Basti of Yamuna Pusta in Delhi from 1990 to 2004 before being deported to Bangladesh in 2004. He re-entered India illegally via Benapole -Petrapole border in 2022 and had been residing in Delhi since then. Earlier, 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. The Karnataka police has registered a case against the close aide of Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, Raju Kapanur and five others in connection with hatching a conspiracy to kill BJP MLA Basavaraj Mattimadu and other leaders. Priyank Kharge, is the son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and the State is ruled by Congress led K Siddaramiah government. 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. Priyank however hit out at the BJP for making baseless allegations against him and politicising Sachins death. He said nowhere in Panchas death note is his name mentioned, and added that there were financial transactions between Panchal and Kapanur which need to be investigated. 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 Panchals 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 Sachins death. Khandre consoled and assured them that action would be taken against the accused persons involved in the death. Later, the minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family members of Panchal. 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 @PriyankKharges 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 partys state president B Y Vijayendra said in a statement. Vijayendra and senior BJP functionaries have also decided to visit Panchals house soon, party sources said. A passenger plane burst into flames Sunday after it skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport and slammed into a concrete fence when its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy, killing at least 179 people, officials said, in one of the countrys worst aviation disasters. The National Fire Agency said rescuers raced to pull people from the Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people at the airport 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 was returning from Bangkok and that the crash happened at 9:03 am local time. At least 179 people - among them 71 women, 71 men and nine others whose genders werent immediately identifiable - died in the fire, the fire agency said. The death toll is expected to rise further as the rest of the people aboard the plane remain missing about six hours after the incident. Emergency workers pulled out two people, both crew members, to safety, and local health officials said they remain conscious. The fire agency deployed 32 fire trucks and several helicopters to contain the fire. About 1,560 firefighters, police officers, soldiers and other officials were also sent to the site, it said. Footage of the crash aired by South Korean television channels showed the Jeju Air 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 went past 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. Joo said the runway at the Muan airport will be closed until Jan 1. Emergency officials in Muan said the planes landing gear appeared to have malfunctioned. The Transport Ministry said the planes passengers include two Thai nationals. 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 the 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, deeply bowed 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. Its 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. 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 ordered officials to employ all available resources to rescue the passengers and crew before he headed to Muan. Yoons office said his chief secretary, Chung Jin-suk, will preside over an emergency meeting between senior presidential staff later on Sunday to discuss the crash. Life was hit across Punjab due to a bandh imposed by farmers who have been agitating against the Centre for a legal guarantee of a minimum support price for their crops. Rail and road traffic was crippled and commercial establishments remained shut in several places of the State. Farmers staged dharnas on several roads and highways including in Patiala, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and Pathankot as part of their bandh call from 7 am to 4 pm, throwing commuter traffic out of gear. A call for a statewide shutdown was given over a week ago by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not acting on the farmers demand for a legal guarantee for the MSP. The bandh was also enforced to express solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who has been on a fast for the last 35 days at Khanauri border protest site of farmers. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court would on December 31 examine Punjab Governments measures to provide treatment to the ailing farmer leader. A team of the Punjab Government officials on December 29 attempted to persuade the septuagenarian to take medical aid, but he declined it, fearing use of forces to oust him from the protest site. A high-level team of Punjab Government officials had met Dallewal requesting him to accept medical treatment irrespective of the fast continuing. A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia would hear the matter virtually at around 11 am on December 31. On December 28, the top court came down heavily on the Punjab Government for not moving Dallewal to a hospital and doubted the intention of the agitating farmers for resisting the administration of medical aid to their ailing leader. The Bench, however, gave the State Government time till December 31 to persuade Dallewal to move him to a hospital, giving it the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if the situation warranted. The Punjab Government said it was facing a huge resistance from the protesting farmers who had encircled Dallewal and prevented him from being taken to a hospital. On Monday, farmers observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. At Amritsars Golden Gate, scores of farmers staged a dharna near the citys entry point. Police there assisted some stranded foreign tourists by arranging auto rickshaws for them to reach the Golden Temple. Farmers squatted on tracks at many places, forcing the railways to cancel several trains passing through the state and short-terminated or short-originated some trains. In Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Bathinda, passengers were seen stranded at stations. In Phagwara, farmers staged a dharna near the Sugarmill Crossing on NH-44, blocking the roads leading from Phagwara towards Nakodar, Hoshiarpur, and Nawanshahr. Grain markets were shut in several places across the State. In the Mohali district, farmers staged a dharna at a few points throwing normal movement of vehicular traffic out of gear. Public transport remained off roads at several places, while most private bus operators suspended services, abiding by the bandh call. Many long-distance private buses and trucks carrying fruits and vegetables were held up due to the bandh. Kapurthala and Jalandhar also observed the bandh with all commercial establishments there remaining closed. Langars of tea and daal-parshada were arranged for the protesters. The bandhs impact was also seen in some neighbouring areas of the state, including Ambala. Hundreds of daily commuters travelling from Ambala to Chandigarh, Mohali, Patiala and other nearby cities of Punjab were thrown off stride because of the shutdown. Buses took alternate routes to go from Ambala to Chandigarh as they had to cross a stretch of the national highway that passes through Punjab. 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. Besides the MSP, farmers are also demanding a debt waiver, pension, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Tonight, On the eve of 2025, many will party the night away, but there are some who will be on duty keeping the National Capital safe. Meet the brave hearts who will stand in the chilling cold to help ensure that the celebrations go on safely. We do not consider this to be a conundrum at all, we are happy to serve the people so that they can celebrate the New Year without any problem and enjoy it to the fullest, were the words of police officers who will ensure that security arrangements do not fall short and crime elements do not hamper celebrations of the common people on December 31st and January 1st. Delhi Police remains on alert as people from its neighbouring states are also expected to come to Delhi for celebrations in large numbers. Delhi shares borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh and lies close to Rajasthan. The traffic and local police personnel say they are neither worried nor frustration remains on their faces. If we think like that, we will never be able to solve peoples problems. There are army men doing duty in Siachen in minus degrees, Delhi is much better than that. So we dont take it like that. I am happy that I am celebrating my New Year with my fellow officers on the ground helping others enjoy, said a traffic police officer, who will be on a 12-hour shift from 8 pm to 8 am on December 31 and January 1. Defence Colony Station House Officer Sunjay Sharma, who will be stationed at a picket near Ansal Plaza where thousands of youngsters come to celebrate New Year, said that police officers are prepared to serve their country and let go of their own personal desires. We join duty understanding what our responsibilities will be. There is no question about any negative thoughts or feelings of being away from our families on such occasions, he said, adding that there are common people who celebrate with them too by bringing them sweets, or clicking selfies with the police on duty. Twentyseven-year-old Pratap, who is patrolling for the first time on the New Year, shared similar thoughts. I can celebrate with my friends and families even after my duty hours. This is more important and I am looking forward to serving alongside my seniors, he said. While the festivities will be witnessed all over Delhi, districts like New Delhi, South and Southwest remain the most flocked area by tourists and residents alike. Local police are heightening deployment of personnel, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect any unlawful activity and roping in the traffic police to ensure smooth flow of traffic. In New Delhi district, where Connaught Place/Connaught Circus, Khan Market, five-star hotels, including The Lalit, Imperial, Park, Royal Plaza, Shangri-La, Le Meridien, Taj Mahal, Taj Vivanta, Metropolitan, Claridges, Ashoka, Samrat, ITC Maurya, and Taj Palace, India Gate, C Hexagon and Kartavya Path, temples and gurudwara are located, police will use Ikshan vans which have Face Recognition System (FRS) cameras to identify any unwanted elements. Ikshana is equipped with 360 degree cameras which are being monitored through AI operated software, which has the data of suspects who roam around in the crowd. If they come in the sight of these cameras, Ikshana will immediately inform the police about it after which the yodha of the police will catch them, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla said. In the South district, where elite clubs and bars are located along with the Saket select city walk mall, the police have roped in the traffic police to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles and avoid congestion, DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan said. He added that around the mall lies a hospital and Sheraton hotel, which attracts many people during the New Years eve. We have reduced the halting point, made limited numbers of entry/exit points and allotted designated places for commercial vehicles to keep the traffic flow around the area in check, the DCP said, adding that a meeting with this regard was also held with the traffic police. Alcometer, devices used to detect alcohol levels in drivers, will also be provided to the police to curb drink and driving. A senior officer said that officers will also be given shoulder lights which is a beacon mounted on the ground personnels shoulders and can be seen from a distance even in fog. It will help people to approach the police, and also save the officer on duty from any accident due to the dark, he said. Police said two ambulances, two fire tenders, two jail vans, two teams of bomb disposal squad, 28 door frame metal detectors, two teams of SWAT, three teams of Parakram vehicles, 33 MPVs, 30 motorcycle-patrolling teams, 43 foot-patrolling teams, 29 border pickets, 30 vehicle-checking parties at parking lots, seven plain-cloth spotters and five arrest parties will be deployed in the busy New Delhi. According to police, buses headed towards Connaught Place will be diverted, starting from 7 pm on December 31, and the exit gates of Rajiv Chowk Metro Station will be closed after 9 pm on December 31 to prevent overcrowding. Two doctors will be deployed in the area to conduct medical examinations of people driving under the influence of alcohol. An Excise inspector will be deployed for checking violations of Excise laws and prohibition regulations. In Southwest Delhi, where Hauz Khas village is a popular party place, 27 designated checkpoints with barricades are established to regulate vehicular movement and ensure road safety while 35 key locations are identified for special security coverage. Accusing the AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal of attempting to cover his wrongdoing by creating confusion among the people, the Delhi BJP on Sunday asserted that it will not allow fake votes to be cast in Delhi and has provided multiple pieces of evidence. Regarding allegations that BJP was involved in canceling Sanjay Singhs wifes voter ID, Sachdeva clarified that BJP does not engage in such low-level politics and called the allegations baseless and driven by personal disputes. He revealed that two women, Madhu and Suresh Devi, who submitted the applications to cancel the voter ID, have family ties with Sanjay Singh and urged the AAP Rajya Sabha MP to clarify the nature of these womens relations with him and his wife. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva reiterated that BJP has consistently highlighted Kejriwal and the AAPs involvement in registering illegal votes in Delhi, presenting substantial evidence to back this claim. However, Arvind Kejriwal is merely creating confusion among the people as an unsuccessful attempt to hide his guilt, he claimed. Sachdeva stated that the electoral roll was frozen on December 23 with the updated voter list set to be released on January 6, 2025. Despite this, applications for new voters have been submitted in every assembly constituency in Delhi. In Narela alone, over 2,000 people applied for new voter registrations on December 24. Similar applications have been observed in various constituencies on December 25, 26, and 27, he said, adding that this is not mere coincidence but evidence of former Chief Ministers manipulation plan affecting 70 constituencies. The Delhi BJP chief said that 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. Questioning AAP Convenor, he asked where did these voters, aged 30 to 80, suddenly appear from during the assembly elections? Who brought them, and what is their background? The BJP has sent a complaint to the Election Commission yesterday and will be submitting another complaint today, he stated. He demanded immediate action to stop the fake voter registration practices ongoing in Delhi. The senior BJP leader noted that before the 2014 assembly elections, 1.3 million new votes were registered and before the 2020 elections, 900,000 new votes were added. However, voter numbers did not increase significantly during the Lok Sabha elections & thereafter this time before assembly elections, he added. He 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. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to manipulate voter list by deleting over 5,000 names from the voters list in the run up of the New Delhi Assembly constituency election, from where the former chief minister is contesting. Addressing 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. Calling it BJPs Operation Lotus Kejriwal shared a data saying 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 New Delhi assembly constituency. 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. The BJP, however, rubbished the charges saying that AAP was the one trying to manipulate the voters list by adding names of minorities. South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri accused the Kejriwal and his party of enabling illegal voting practices by Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators. Refuting Kejriwals claims of voter list tampering, Bidhuri alleged that AAP had deliberately facilitated the registration of illegal voters while Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said accused the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP of trying to register "illegal voters", fearing defeat in the Delhi Assembly polls. Sachdeva said in a press conference that his party would not allow "fake votes" to be cast in Delhi. Lakhs of minority voters have been added to the electoral list after the Lok Sabha Polls. Many Hindu voters living in areas that come under South Delhi, like Kalkaji and Tughlakabad, have made complaints that people from the minority communities are being registered as voters, Sachdeva added. Taking a dig at the BJP, Kejriwal said: 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. Last time, they tried to remove the names of 11,000 voters from another constituency, from where we won the polls by 5,000 votes. If they would have been successful, we would have lost the election. The staff of the election offices had even started working on the deletion but due to the intervention of the Chief Election Commissioner, this was stopped. What is the need of the elections if such kind of activity is going on? They did this in Haryana and Maharashtra but we will not let them do this in Delhi, he 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." "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. In a letter written to District Election Officer of New Delhi, Kejriwal has sought details of individuals (objectors) who have submitted more than five applications for deleting names since October 29, 2024. the total voters in the New Delhi Assembly Constituency are 1,06,873 and total addition applications received from 29 October to 25 December are 7,876, which is 7.37% of the total voters and thus no addition can be done without the personal field visit by the AERO and personal 10% cross verification by the ERO. The ground-verification schedule of ERO must be shared with BLAs of all political parties in advance, so that representatives of political parties can accompany the said ERO during the process. Lastly, please note that your office is required to flag any critical influx of Forms 6, 7, or 8 in any assembly constituency to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) [Kindly refer to pant 11.4.7.(iv) of Manual on Electoral Rolls 2023]. I urge you to escalate this matter to the CEO at the earliest, read the letter. Criticising the Kejriwal, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijendra Gupta said Kejriwal's accusations as an attempt to mislead the public. it is well-known how Arvind Kejriwal and AAP leaders added the names of thousands of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis to voter lists using fake documents. When the BJP uncovered this, it lodged a complaint with election officials, who initiated actions to remove these fraudulent names. All these Rohingyas and Bangladeshis form AAPs vote bank, and seeing this slip away has created an atmosphere of panic among AAP leaders, leading to their disturbed mental state, he said. Emergency operations were continuing to save the life of a ten-year-old boy after he fell into a defunct borewell in the Janjali area of Raghogarh in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) said the boy was trapped at a depth of 25 feet. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has also been requisitioned from the state capital to aid the rescue operation. The boy, Sumit Meena (10), a resident of Pipaliya village, went to his familys fields around 4 PM. His parents launched a search after he did not return home for several hours. Fearing the worst, the parents looked into the borewell and found him stuck in the narrow hole in the ground, with only his head visible. Villagers alerted the police, and a subsequent rescue operation was launched, with the administration pressing excavators into service to dig a parallel hole to rescue the child. Raghogarh Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vikas Kumar Anand remained present to oversee the rescue operation. He expressed optimism about the success of the rescue mission. A 25Kv transformer at Udaipoora 2 got burst leading to the burning of the cable that set ablaze maunds of straw last night. Executive engineer electricity Daltonganj division Raj Kumar told this newspaper today "Our 25Kv transformer had a blast. It led to the burning of the cable." The sparks of the burning cable flew down where was the maund of the paddy straw and that caught fire added the executive engineer electricity Raj Kumar. The burning cable destroyed the LT (low transmission) domestic power lines. Sources said around a dozen household electricity meters were damaged by this incident. On being asked if the tripping of power was any late to which Raj Kumar said "No. It was most instantaneous. Power trips." About the blast occurred in the 25Kv transformer the executive engineer electricity said "It was due to the internal fault. Our junior engineer has visited the place of occurrence." There is a severe power break down at the affected locale. About power disruption and restoration of the power supply here the executive engineer electricity Raj Kumar said "The transformers has blasted. Cables have burnt out. Our men are on the job." "We will be replacing and restoring the power supply hopefully by Monday evening." indicated the executive engineer electricity. Last night this incident put everyone on live wire here in Daltonganj. A message came to the city commissioner Md Jawed Hussain regarding outbreak of fire from a sensible common man. Sources said the city commissioner alerted the civil surgeon Palamu Dr Anil Kumar asking him to ready ambulance and as per need rush it to the fire site. Civil surgeon Dr Anil Kumar told this newspaper today "I kept ambulance ready. It's driver was on high alert. However there came no report of any discomfort of any resident there by way of life and health due to this fire triggered by the transformer." "Alert was sounded to the community health centre of Panki to remain fully prepared for any medical exigency but it didn't arise at all." added the civil surgeon. : The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has appealed to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to intervene and address the alleged violations of rules and regulations by quick commerce companies. In a letter to Goyal, CAIT highlighted the misuse of foreign direct investment (FDI) by platforms like Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto, and Swiggy, accusing them of disrupting Indias retail sector and jeopardizing the survival of small businesses. CAIT had previously released a white paper on the issue, which was shared with Goyal and is now being sent to Chief Ministers across the country. The document outlines the adverse effects of quick commerce companies on the traditional retail market and emphasizes the need for regulatory intervention. CAIT National General Secretary and MP Praveen Khandelwal alleged that these platforms misuse FDI by exerting undue control over suppliers, inventory, and pricing. He stated:"Their objective is to dominate the market by eliminating small grocery and retail stores, creating an uneven playing field that threatens the livelihood of over 3 crore kirana shops in India." National Joint General Secretary Suresh Sonthalia echoed these concerns, accusing the companies of disregarding Indias FDI policies and violating the Competition Act. He noted: "Quick commerce platforms are pushing small retailers out of the market. Their practices defy fair competition, making it nearly impossible for local businesses to survive." CAIT claimed that quick commerce companies have attracted over 54,000 crores in FDI, which they argue has been used not for infrastructure or long-term assets but for controlling supply chains, offering deep discounts, and dominating the market through exclusive deals with select vendors. The association also pointed out that these companies operate "dark stores" small warehouses for quick deliveries which they argue violate FDI norms prohibiting direct store setups. Brijmohan Aggarwal of CAIT accused the platforms of breaching the Competition Act, 2002, by entering exclusive agreements, manipulating pricing, and withholding critical information from consumers. He emphasized the detrimental impact on independent retailers and consumer rights. In response to these challenges, CAIT announced a two-day national business seminar in Delhi on January 6-7 to discuss the issue and strategize on safeguarding the interests of small retailers. CAIT has called for stringent monitoring and accountability measures to ensure quick commerce companies adhere to Indian laws. The confederation is also planning to meet with Goyal along with a delegation of traders to further discuss the issue and propose solutions. With concerns about the unchecked growth of quick commerce platforms mounting, CAITs appeal underscores the urgent need for regulatory oversight to protect Indias retail ecosystem from being overshadowed by foreign-funded enterprises. The Delhi Police has registered a case against four individuals in connection with forgery in Voter ID card applications for the purpose of new voter registration and address shifting after the Election office flagged such suspicious cases to them in southeast Delhis Shaheen Bagh. Earlier, the police had also registered four more such cases in the Shaheen Bagh area following the complaint received by the Election Commission. On Sunday, the Election Commission flagged four such suspicious cases to the Delhi Police, following which the police registered cases under section 336 (Forgery for the purpose of cheating) and Section 340 BNS (Using forged documents as genuine). It is to inform you that certain applicants have submitted online applications for voter registration through Form-6 and Form-8 by fraudulent means. These applicants have uploaded false documents, which have been tampered with, in support of their applications, the letter by the Election Registration Officer of Okkla assembly constituency area said. The accused name includes Mohd. Haris, Anu Sharma and Anil Kumar Jain, for submitting a tampered electricity bill, and Mohd Azizur Rahman, for submitting forged Aadhar Card. The Delhi Police, Shaheen Bagh police station, has registered a case following a complaint received from the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of AC-52 (Okhla). The complaint highlights serious instances of forgery in voter ID card applications, where fake documents were submitted by four individuals for the purpose of new voter registration and address shifting, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Ravi Kumar Singh said. He added that the applicants attempted to misuse these documents for shifting their registered address for voting purposes and registering as new voters in the constituency. The investigation is ongoing to identify the accused individuals and any possible accomplices or networks involved in these fraudulent activities, the DCP added. In its letter, the ERO said, It has been found that the applicants have attempted to deceive the authorities by tampering with documents, including Aadhar Cards and electricity bills, as proof of identity and residence. Describing it as a serious offence, it added that the applicants have intentionally provided false information and documents to manipulate the electoral roll. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, and other relevant laws prohibit such activities and provide for penalties for those found guilty, it said. The ERO asked the police to take prompt action to investigate the cases and prevent such fraudulent activities in the future. The police is requested to verify the documents and information provided by the applicants and take necessary actions against those found guilty of tampering with documents, the letter read, while also providing supporting documents as evidence. With the increasing number of crimes in the national Capital especially by juveniles, the Delhi Police has decided to try 11 minors as adults in the outer north district of the city involved in heinous crimes like attempt to murder, murder and robbery among others. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) Nidhin Valsan on Monday informed that while they had identified 52 juveniles accused of heinous crimes, 11 will be tried as adults in the outer North Delhi district of the national capital. Juvenile justice has traditionally focused on rehabilitation, emphasizing that young offenders have a higher potential for change due to their cognitive and emotional immaturity. However, in response to a rise in violent crimes such as murder, rape, and armed robbery, several legal systems, including Indias, have adapted to allow minors aged 16 and above to be tried as adults in cases involving serious offenses. Police said the district has undertaken a special drive aimed at creating a stronger and safer law-and-order environment for its residents. "As part of the special drive, a total of 52 juveniles, all between the ages of 16 and 18, have been identified for their involvement in heinous crimes, including robbery, snatching, murder, attempt to murder, and other such offenses. Recognising the gravity of these cases, 52 applications were moved to try them as adults. We got approval for 11 applications," Valsan said. Sharing break-ups from different police stations of the district, the DCP said that they moved eight applications from the Bawana police station and one person will be tried as adult. Similarly, the NIA police station moved 20 applications out of which six will be tried as adult, four applications were moved by the Alipur police Station out of which one will be tried as major, eight applications were moved by the Samaypur Badli police station, of which one will be tried as major and 12 applications were moved by the Bhalaswa Dairy police station out of which two will be tried as major. "Applications were subsequently submitted to the court, requesting that these juveniles be tried as adults, given the severity of their alleged crimes. As a result, these juveniles will now be treated as adults under the law and face trial accordingly," said the DCP. He added that this decision marks a significant step toward ensuring that individuals who engage in such grievous criminal activities are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, irrespective of their age. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that the Global Investors Summit (GIS) is a global congregation, and there should be no shortcomings in the arrangements. With less than two months remaining, all preparations should be completed in a well-organized manner within the stipulated time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate GIS-2025 on February 24. Chief Minister Yadav reviewed the preparations for GIS-2025 at the Chief Minister's residence on Saturday. He emphasized focusing on core sectors during GIS and organizing activities that yield concrete results. He directed that proper arrangements be made for the accommodation, food, and transportation of all guests arriving from across the country and abroad for GIS-2025, including visits to nearby tourist attractions. Dr. Yadav instructed preparations for beautifying Bhopal city should begin on a war footing. Guests should also be informed about home-stay options. For this, the Culture, Forest, Tourism, and Local Administration departments should coordinate efforts. Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister's Office, Rajesh Rajora; Principal Secretary of the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Raghvendra Kumar Singh; MD of MPIDC, Chandramouli Shukla; Bhopal Commissioner, Sanjeev Singh; MD of Tourism Development Corporation, Ilaiyaraaja T., Bhopal Collector, Kaushalendra Vikram Singh; Director of Public Relations, Anshul Gupta; and other senior officials of the Industry Department attended the meeting. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasized that GIS-2025 should be organized as a grand event that encapsulates Madhya Pradesh's rich cultural heritage, making it a cherished memory for participants. He highlighted that the year 2025 has been declared as the "Year of Industry." Dr. Yadav proposed organizing sectoral-expo or conclave every month across different divisions of the state, focusing on specific sectors like power, renewable energy, auto, agro, tourism, mining, health, education, and IT. The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare an annual departmental calendar of activities at the earliest. He also suggested an innovative approach by organizing a program involving experts, industry associations, and organizations from the industrial sector to facilitate detailed discussions on creating a streamlined, simple, and efficient industrialization framework in the state for balanced industrial growth. Principal Secretary of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Raghvendra Kumar Singh, provided a detailed presentation on the progress and future plans for GIS-2025 through a PPT. He informed that Madhya Pradesh's 8th Global Investors Summit (GIS-2025) will be organized at the Indira Gandhi National Museum of Mankind campus in Bhopal. The summit is expected to witness participation from over 20,000 attendees, and preparations are being made accordingly. The two-day global event will aim to comprehensively showcase the state's industrial ecosystem and investment opportunities at an international level. Approximately 1,000 participants from 25 countries are anticipated to attend. The summit will also feature special programs such as the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) Show, MP Pavilion, One District-One Product (ODOP) Pavilion, and Franchise MP Show. In an effort to provide affordable abodes to economically weaker sections of society in Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority(DDA)on Monday announced three housing schemes which include 25% discount for Building and Construction workers, including beneficiaries of PM-Vishwakarma Scheme, in Narela and for other disadvantaged sections of society in Siraspur, Narela and Loknayak Puram. The other disadvantaged sections include auto-rickshaw drivers, (permit holders), cab drivers, women, and persons from SC/ST categories, war widows, persons with disabilities, ex servicemen, and gallantry award recipients including PM-SVAnidhi Scheme. These proposals have been approved at the DDAs meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Addressing the meeting the Lt. Governor said nobody till now, had given a serious thought to the Housing needs of the poorest of the poor in the City. He underlined that construction workers, who constructed houses for millions of others did not have a roof over their own head and were forced to live in tents and shanties. This decision of the Authority will go on to prove a monumental turning point in the lives of such people, who would be able to live a life of dignity and earn their livelihood, the Lt. Governor emphasized. Apart from this, launching of DDA Special Housing Scheme 2025, that will offer 110 flats in sought-after localities like VasantKunj, Dwarka andRohini in addition to AshokaPahari, and Jahangirpuri was also approved by the Authority. To provide affordable housing to the construction workers, the Authority has approved the launching of a Special Housing Scheme offering a 25% discount on flats to registered Building and Construction Workers under the Delhi Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (DBOCWWB) including beneficiaries of PM-Vishwakarma Scheme. Approximately 700 EWS flats in Narela (Sector G2) to be offered with a 25% discount to be offered under the scheme. DDA is collaborating with financial institutions for on-the-spot financing options. This initiative to benefit workers in industrial areas such as Narela, Bawana, and Bhorgarh in North-West Delhi and surrounding NCR regions and the scheme to be available for limited period till March 31,2025. To promote Housing for all, the Authority has given nod to 25% discount on flats under the DDA Sasta Ghar Housing Scheme 2024 and DDA Madhyam Vargiya Housing Scheme 2024 for certain categories of people. These include auto-rickshaw drivers (permit holders), cab drivers, women, SC/ST, war widows, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen, and gallantry award recipients and beneficiaries of PM-SVAnidhi Scheme. Under the scheme, 25% of available flats in Narela (all categories), Siraspur (LIG), and Loknayakpuram (LIG) will be reserved for eligible applicants on a first-come, first-serve reserved flats. Besides, 10% of flats at Loknayakpuram (MIG) will also be reserved for the discount scheme. The scheme is available for limited period until March 31, 2025. After the impressive performance of its recently launched housing schemes, the Authority has approved launching of DDA Special Housing Scheme 2025. Under this scheme, 110 flats (7 HIG, 58 MIG, and 45 LIG) to be offered in various localities like VasantKunj, Dwarka, Rohini, AshokaPahari, and Jahangirpuri. The flats at VasantKunj to be offered through an e-auction route while at other placeswill be offered on a first-cum-first-serve basis. This scheme provides a rare opportunity for buyers to own property in established, well-connected areas across Delhi. The Authority has also approved change of land use of railway land at Shakurbasti measuring 4.63 Ha. from "Transportation (Circulation-Rail)" to "Residential (RD)". The request was received from Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), a statutory authority under Ministry of Railways for development of railway land parcels entrusted to RLDA by the Railway Board, Govt. of India. Now, a public notice to be issued for inviting objections and suggestions. The Authority also approved modification in the regulation for setting up fuel station on privately owned land in Delhi and policy guideline for developed entities for disposal of EWS Units. BJP Leader and Builder Ramesh Singh has been asked for extortion in the name of PLFI militant organization. He has lodged an FIR in this regard at Sukhdevnagar police station. Singh has told in the application given to the police station that a person called on his mobile phone on Saturday. "He said that he was associated with the PLFI organization. He threatened that apart from the commander of the organization, the members are also keeping an eye on him. He should cooperate with the organization. The organization will also cooperate with you," he said. The BJP Leader said that the person who called even threatened to take action against him if he did not cooperate. On the basis of the FIR, the police has started investigation. BJP's National Election Officer Dr K Laxman has issued letters announcing the Election Officer and Co-Election Officer of Jharkhand. State General Secretary and MP Dr Pradeep Verma has been appointed as the Election Officer of Jharkhand while State Minister Ganesh Mishra, Mrs Sunita Singh and Durga Marandi have been made co-election officers. As 2024 draws to a close, Nature World News reflects on the captivating stories that defined the year in science, nature, and discovery. From the dazzling beauty of the northern lights and groundbreaking fossil finds to warnings about supervolcanoes and the challenges of coexistence between humans and wildlife, these stories showcase the wonder and complexity of our world. Join us as we revisit the year's most popular articles, offering fresh insights into the dynamic relationship between humanity and the natural world. The northern lights may grace parts of the U.S. tonight, November 6, offering a rare opportunity to see this dazzling natural phenomenon caused by solar activity. A recent coronal mass ejection (CME) may create faint auroras visible in northern states like Montana, Wisconsin, and Maine, with the best chances between 710 p.m. EST. Viewers are advised to find dark, clear skies and check NOAA updates for the latest conditions. Discovery of the world's oldest gorgonopsian fossil in Mallorca reveals a saber-toothed predator from 270280 million years ago. This rare find challenges assumptions about gorgonopsian habitats, linking their origins to tropical regions near the equator. The fossils offer insights into the evolutionary transition from reptiles to mammals. Deception Island, a volcanic caldera in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica, is a unique natural harbor and wildlife sanctuary. Its hidden lagoon, Port Foster, is a crucial stop for explorers and researchers, offering a glimpse into the island's geological and historical significance. Despite its remote location, it attracts tourists eager to explore its volcanic springs, penguin colonies, and rich history. Federal authorities are investigating the discovery of a butchered dolphin on a New Jersey beach, where its organs were mostly removed with clean cuts. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded to the scene in Allenhurst on Oct. 30, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the dolphin's death. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is now involved in the investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward. A new study warns that bio-based fibers like viscose and lyocell, often marketed as eco-friendly, may harm earthworms, vital to soil health. The research found high mortality rates and adverse effects on earthworm reproduction and growth when exposed to these fibers. It calls for further investigation before these materials become widely used, highlighting potential ecological risks of alternative fibers. Africa's continent is slowly splitting in two, with the East African Rift paving the way for a new ocean. This geological event, centered in Ethiopia's Afar region, is driven by tectonic plate movements and mirrors the process that formed the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists are monitoring this rifting phenomenon, which will reshape Africa's landscape over millions of years. A colossal coral, discovered by National Geographic's Pristine Seas team off the Solomon Islands, is now the largest known coral in the world. The massive Pavona clavus, spanning over 34 meters in width, is a thriving ecosystem, home to numerous marine species. This remarkable discovery highlights both the fragility and resilience of coral ecosystems, underscoring the urgent need to protect them from the growing threats of climate change and pollution. The Phlegraean Fields supervolcano near Naples, Italy, shows increased activity with heightened carbon dioxide emissions, raising global concerns. Scientists attribute most emissions to underground magma, highlighting the region's volcanic complexity and potential climate impact. Ongoing research aims to improve monitoring and predicting volcanic events to ensure public safety. Mountain lions in Los Angeles are shifting to nighttime activity to avoid human encounters, new research reveals. A study found these big cats are more active at night in areas with heavy human traffic, adapting to increased recreational activities. While this behavior supports coexistence, it raises concerns about potential impacts on their natural routines and long-term survival. Scientists have confirmed their early warnings for Mauna Loa's 2022 eruption by analyzing lava crystals, revealing magma movement 70 days prior. The study aligns with predictions based on earthquake activity and ground swelling near the volcano. These findings offer insights into improving eruption forecasts, crucial for protecting communities near active volcanoes. Looking Ahead to 2025 Stay tuned to Nature World News as we continue to bring you the latest updates about our planet. Thank you to our readers for making 2024 an incredible journey. Here's to more exploration, discovery, and wonder in 2025! Punjab Police has successfully dismantled a Pakistan-ISI-backed terror module, with the arrest of five individuals, including its mastermind Abhijot Singh. The terror module, linked to the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), was responsible for the recent grenade attacks on police establishments in Batala and Gurdaspur. The state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, confirming the arrests on Sunday, emphasized that this development has solved all the incidents of attacks on police establishments across the State. The five arrested members of the module have been identified as Abhijot Singh, Kuljit Singh, Rohit alias Ghessi, Shubham, and Gurjinder Singh alias Raja all residents of Qila Lal Singh in Batala. During the operation, police teams recovered two pistols, including a sophisticated 9MM Glock pistol and a .32 bore pistol, which were in the possession of the arrested individuals. The arrests come after two major attacks the first on December 12, when a hand grenade was hurled at the Ghaniae Ke Bangar Police Station in Batala; and the second on December 20, when a grenade attack targeted the Wadala Bangar Police Post in Gurdaspur. The BKI had claimed responsibility for both attacks through separate social media posts, further solidifying the group's involvement in these terror acts. DGP Yadav commended the Punjab Police for their swift action, stating that the successful bust of this module had solved all the incidents related to attacks on police establishments in the state. He also revealed that during the operation to recover evidence, two of the accused Abhijot Singh and Kuljit Singh attempted to escape police custody and engaged in a gunfight. In the ensuing encounter, both accused sustained bullet injuries. They were subsequently admitted to Civil Hospital in Batala, where they are reported to be in stable condition. Further investigations are underway to trace the full scope of the terror module, including establishing both forward and backward linkages. DIG Border Range Satinder Singh detailed that Batala Police had launched a special operation after the attacks, using a combination of technical and human intelligence. Under the leadership of Batala SSP Suhail Qasim Mir, the police team successfully tracked down and apprehended all the accused involved in the attacks. SSP Mir added that the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and recoveries are anticipated in the coming days as the police work to dismantle the entire terror network operating within the state. The police are also focusing on uncovering further ties to foreign-based operatives within the BKI. Langar Organized in memory of Sahibzades Zirakpur: As part of the annual tradition, a langar (community kitchen) was organized at Satguru Studio, Baltana, in memory of the Sahibzades. Many people gathered to partake in the langar, which has been held annually for the past five years. The langar was organized by Satguru Studio with support from Mohit, Rohit, Darshmit, Saurav, and others. The event continues to be a meaningful way to honour the memory of the Sahibzades and serve the community. Its link with the US and first world development is tenuous and perhaps in name only. But some memories still live on in Carterpuri, the small village that waltzed with fame, albeit briefly, when then US president Jimmy Carter came visiting 46 years ago and it was rechristened. On Monday, when news came in of Carter's death at his Georgia home at the age of 100, some of those memories were revived. Carter, dressed in a dark suit, brought with him the glamour of the west and stoked aspirations, but left a long lull in his wake, says Yadram Yadav, a former sarpanch of the village, an hour's drive from Delhi. The day was January 3, 1978. Carter visited the village in Gurugram and sent it into international pages of newspapers worldwide. "My village now lost his son and we are deeply saddened by the death of our village son Jimmy Carter," Yadram Yadav said on the Democratic Party leader's death. Carter, who died on Sunday, was an "adopted son" of Daulatabad Nasirpur. The village was named Carterpuri after him at the suggestion of then prime minister Morarji Desai. According to The Carter Center, he was the third American president to visit India and the only one with a personal connection to the country as his mother, Lillian, had worked there as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps during the late 1960s. Villagers already knew Carter through his mother, who, volunteering as a social worker, helped midwife babies, gave medical aid, and lived in the mansion of Jaildar Sarfaraz. The house was later sold and rebuilt. Locals remember Carter visiting the village with First Lady Rosalynn Carter and his retinue and delving into the life of the natives for a day. Yadav also recalled how the First Lady was dressed in traditional village attire during the visit and the couple posed for photos an album of which he has kept. According to revenue records, Carterpuri was formerly known as Daulatpur Nasirabad, in the Gurgaon (Gurugram) district, part of the National Capital Region. People also used to call it Kheda village. Carter promised he would help turn the place around into a "model village." "Jimmy Carter wanted Carterpuri to be a model village, but at that time chief minister Chaudhary Devi Lal said he would do it at his end, but nothing happened. I wrote a few letters to the White House as I was the sarpanch of the village and a delegation from the White House visited the village in 1979, but Carterpuri is still a village like any other till today," Yadram Yadav told PTI. Forty-six years after the visit, the village 2 kms from Gurugram's Palam Vihar indeed bears little signs of out-of-ordinary development and still awaits the "model village" promise to be realised. According to The Carter Center, on January 3, 1978, Carter and then First Lady Rosalynn Carter travelled to the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, an hour southwest of New Delhi. "The visit was so successful that shortly after, village residents renamed the area 'Carterpuri' and remained in contact with the White House for the rest of President Carter's tenure," the Carter Center said. "The trip made a lasting impression: Festivities abounded in the village when President Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and January 3 remains a holiday in Carterpuri," it said, adding, the visit laid the groundwork for an enduring partnership that has greatly benefited both countries. Jimmy Carter was the US president from 1977 to 1981 and was conferred with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt in 1978 in the form of Camp David Accords. He was the first American president to visit India after the removal of the emergency and victory of the Janata Party in 1977. In his address to the Indian Parliament, Carter spoke against authoritarian rule and praised India for its democracy. "India's difficulties, which we often experience ourselves and which are typical of the problems faced in the developing world, remind us of the tasks that lie ahead. Not the Authoritarian Way," Carter said on January 2, 1978. "But India's successes are just as important because they decisively refute the theory that in order to achieve economic and social progress, a developing country must accept an authoritarian or totalitarian government and all the damage to the health of the human spirit which that kind of rule brings with it," he told members of parliament. "Is democracy important? Is human freedom valued by all people?... India has given her affirmative answer in a thunderous voice, a voice heard around the world. Something momentous happened here last March, not because any particular party won or lost but rather, I think, because the largest electorate on earth freely and wisely chose its leaders at the polls. In this sense, democracy itself was the victor," Carter said. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia on Sunday sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan. The oath of office was administered by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, in the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, other esteemed dignitaries, and senior judicial officials. The ceremony, though simple, was a momentous occasion for the states judiciary, marking a new chapter for the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena conducted the proceedings, formally reading out the Warrant of Appointment issued by the President of India, affirming Justice Sandhawalia's elevation to this prestigious position. Born in 1965, Justice Sandhawalia hails from Punjab. He completed his BA (Honours) from DAV College, Chandigarh, in 1986, followed by a law degree from Panjab University. Justice Sandhawalia began his legal career in 1989, practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His commitment to the legal profession and his hard work led to his elevation to the Bench on September 30, 2011. He was later appointed as a permanent judge on January 24, 2014. Over the years, Justice Sandhawalia has earned widespread recognition for his judicial contributions, holding key positions such as the Chairman of the Mediation and Conciliation Committee, the Vigilance and Disciplinary Committee, and the Executive Chairman of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority. Earlier this year, he also served as the Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. In his first address after taking office, Justice Sandhawalia expressed his commitment to improving the judicial process, focusing on reducing the pendency of cases, and ensuring timely justice. We are determined to extend court hours and work closely with the Bar to reduce unnecessary adjournments. Our priority will be to deliver justice at the earliest, particularly for senior citizens and the underprivileged, he said. Justice Sandhawalia also highlighted the specific challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh, noting that the state has a lower volume of criminal cases but a higher number of civil and service-related matters. His agenda as Chief Justice includes enhancing legal aid services and ensuring that the judicial process remains accessible and efficient for all, especially in remote areas of the state. The ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished personalities, including Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and senior officials from the state government. Judges from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, along with judges from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, were also present, marking the significance of the event. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was among the first to congratulate Justice Sandhawalia on his appointment. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia has a wealth of experience and a strong judicial acumen. I am confident his tenure will bring significant benefits to Himachal Pradesh and further elevate the cause of justice in the state, he said, expressing hope that Justice Sandhawalias leadership would contribute to strengthening the judiciary and ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that 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, said the Chief Minister after listening to Mann Ki Baat programme along with party workers in Panchkula. Saini said that Haryana 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 Haryanas efforts and mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) has also recognized Indias initiatives in malaria prevention, he added. The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister also talked about the upcoming Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj starting January 14, 2025, emphasizing its cultural and traditional importance. Lakhs of devotees from India and abroad participate in this event, he added. Later, the Chief Minister attended a satsang at the Sant Nirankari Bhawan in Panchkula, and praised the Sant Nirankari Mission for its active participation in various social initiatives. Saini added that he recently participated in Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign held at Sant Nirankari Adhyatmik Sthal, Samalkha, where approximately 30,000 saplings were planted. Under the leadership of Satguru Mata Sudiksha Ji Maharaj, the Mission also participates in blood donation camps and cleanliness drives, which benefit society significantly, he said. Mann Ki Baat prog continues to inspire and guide nation: Hry Speaker Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, addressing the gathering after airing of 117th episode of Mann Ki Baat programme in Karnals Jani village on Sunday, asserted that the programme continues to provide new direction and inspiration to the entire nation with each episode. The programme motivates people from all walks of life to excel in their respective fields and inspires a collective commitment to progress. Despite the challenges faced in various regions, the stories of resilience and success shared by the Prime Minister through the programme inspire the youth to pursue their dreams with determination, he said. The Delhi Police has formed multiple teams to identify camps which are allegedly gathering personal details of women in the name of Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana. The move comes after Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar 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. While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is busy promoting its much-touted Education Model in Delhi ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, a computer teachers hunger strike in Punjab has brought to light the stark contrast between the partys claims and its actions on the ground. Johnny Singhla, a government computer teacher, entered the eighth day of his fast-unto-death on Sunday, demanding the AAP-led Punjab Government to pay the long-overdue salaries and address other critical concerns of the teaching staff. Singhlas extreme protest has garnered attention as he, alongside his fellow teachers, continues to face neglect from the State Government. His fast-unto-death began on December 22, while a relay hunger strike by other computer teachers has been ongoing for 120 days, with no significant intervention from the state authorities. The protesting teachers, united under the banner of the Computer Adhyapak Bhukh Hartal Sangharsh Committee, have been vocal about the Punjab Governments failure to meet their wage revision demands and provide wage parity. One of the teachers present near Singhlas protest site, Harpreet, expressed his concern: Despite Johnny sirs hunger strike entering its eighth day, not a single official has come forward to address his grievances. The frustration among the protesting teachers is palpable, as they compare their plight to the government's swift actions to address other protests. While Ministers visited the Khanauri border to meet fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, no effort has been made to resolve our issues, said another teacher Gurpreet Siddhu. The teachers discontent stems from the broken promises made by AAP during 2022 elections. Ahead of the Assembly election, AAP had promised that under their government, nobody would need to agitate or climb water tanks to get their genuine demands acceptedBut today, not only have our earlier wage benefits been withdrawn but our colleague has also been pushed towards fast-unto-death, said Siddhu, reflecting the deep disappointment among the teachers. Rohit Kansal, another protesting teacher, condemned the governments apathy, stating, Johnny sir was left with no option but to take this extreme step to force the government to listen. He is determined that his sacrifice will not be in vain; he wants to fight for our rights, even if it costs him his life. Kansal criticized the government's double-speak, accusing them of failing to fulfill promises made during over 40 meetings with ministers. The teachers are demanding several key issues be addressed, including the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, a revision in dearness allowance (DA), and compensation for the families of over 100 computer teachers who have passed away during their service. Last month, the teachers had staged a dharna outside the Chief Ministers residence, but were persuaded to move their protest after receiving assurances from State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. o address the pollution crisis plaguing the Buddha Dariya, the Punjab Government has stepped up its commitment with Local Bodies Minister Dr Ravjot Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal on Sunday visiting the Buddha Dariya site along with the 225 MLD Jamalpur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) on Tajpur Road to oversee the ongoing cleaning and waste management initiatives. The visit was aimed at assessing the progress and accelerating the resolution of longstanding environmental challenges, including the critical issue of cow dung disposal that has severely impacted the rivers water quality. During their visit, the two were joined by several prominent local politicians and officials, including Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Ludhiana North MLA Madan Lal Bagga, and Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. Senior bureaucrats, including Additional Chief Secretary (Local Bodies) Tejveer Singh, Local Bodies Department director Gurpreet Singh Khaira, and officials from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB), were also present to discuss critical measures. Addressing the ongoing pollution from cow dung, Dr Ravjot and MP Seechewal emphasized the urgent need to establish biogas plants in Haibowal and Tajpur Road dairy complexes for proper disposal of cow dung. Currently, one biogas plant is operational at Haibowal, and plans for an additional plant are underway. In the interim, local authorities have been instructed to hire private contractors to lift and transport the cow dung from dairy complexes to designated disposal sites. Civic body officials assured that machinery and manpower had been deployed, and tenders would be floated soon for the required contracts. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of regulating waste management in dyeing industry. Dr Ravjot and MP Seechewal directed the PPCB to conduct regular checks on Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and STPs operating in the region to ensure compliance with environmental standards. They also issued clear instructions to prevent illegal dumping of electroplating industry waste into the sewer lines, a key contributor to the contamination of the river. Another significant step discussed during the visit was the temporary arrangements being made by the Sewerage Board to pump sewage waste from the gaushala point to the Jamalpur STP, until the Intermediate Pumping Station (IPS) is established at the site. Due to a pending court case, the IPS project has been delayed, but contractors have been directed to ensure that all dairy units in the area are properly connected to the waste disposal system to prevent further contamination of Buddha Dariya. Both Dr Ravjot and MP Seechewal reiterated their commitment to cleaning Buddha Dariya, stressing that they were not against industries but would not allow pollution to continue unchecked. They emphasized that public cooperation was crucial in this cleanup mission. Renowned environmentalist and MP Seechewal, who is personally overseeing the second phase of Kar Sewa for rejuvenating the river, also appealed to the people to join the movement, particularly highlighting the historical and religious significance of the river. Additionally, illegal sewer connections from dairy units have already been disconnected in recent weeks as part of the broader efforts to restore the river's health. Hooda demands compensation for farmers for damage caused by hailstorm Chandigarh: Haryanas former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday demanded compensation for the farmers for the damage caused to standing wheat and other crops due to hailstorm in parts of the State. He said that hailstorms had occurred in about 150 villages of many districts of the state Hisar, Palwal, Gurugram, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Jind, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Kaithal and Sirsa in the last two days. Due to this, standing crops of wheat, mustard and vegetables have suffered heavy losses, he added. About 60 to 80 percent damage has been seen in the mustard crop. Along with this, the crops of Kinnow, potato, cabbage, tomato and other vegetables have also suffered serious damage, he said. Hooda said that he has raised the demand for proper compensation to farmers by getting its special girdawari (revenue assessment) done. For the past several years, BJP has entangled the farmers in the portal's web in the name of compensation. The government should free the farmers from this mess so that they can get compensation directly. The pending compensation for the last several seasons should also be paid to them soon, he demanded. Govt should resolve farmers demands as soon as possible and end Dallewal's fast Alleging that Centre is constantly ignoring farmers problems and demands, Hooda said that the farmers were still agitating for MSP. Dallewals condition remains very worrying, but BJP is not even ready to take cognizance of it nor it is talking to the agitators. The government should resolve farmers demands as soon as possible and end Dallewal's fast, he added. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that all the claims presented in the PESA Act should be resolved on priority by setting a time limit, it will be reviewed in the upcoming Collector-Commissioner Conference. CM Dr. Yadav gave his approval to set up a PESA cell in the Tribal Affairs Department for the effective implementation of the PESA Act. As per the intention of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, cent percent saturation of all eligible brothers and sisters should be ensured in various beneficiary-oriented schemes under Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. He said that Madhya Pradesh is a big producer of tendu leaves, but it is used commercially in other states. A strategy should be prepared to encourage tendu leaf collectors and various businesses related to it in the state itself and to provide its benefits to tribal brothers and sisters. Chief Minister Yadav was addressing the meeting of the executive committee of the task force constituted for the effective implementation of Forest Rights Act and PESA Act at Samatva Bhavan (CM's residence). Guidelines given on converting forest villages into revenue villages Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that as per the notification issued by the state government for converting forest villages into revenue villages, Record of Rights should be provided to the villagers soon. CM Yadav said that the officers of Forest, Revenue and Tribal Affairs Department should work in coordination at the district level. It has been decided to convert 827 out of the 925 forest villages existing in the state into revenue villages. Out of these, 792 have been converted into revenue villages and gazette notification of 790 villages has been issued so far. Enhancing the living standards and conservation of forest areas is top priority Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that enhancing the living standards of tribal brothers and sisters and conservation of forest areas should be given top priority. Participation of local residents should be ensured in the conservation and management of community forest resources, along with this, activities should be expanded by involving social organisations. In the meeting, various aspects of the provisions of Madhya Pradesh Forest Rights Act and its implementation were discussed in detail. Also, as members of the executive committee, legal expert Dr. Milind Dandekar, subject expert Dr. Sharad Lele, Milind Thatte, former MLA Bhagat Singh Netam, Ram Dangore, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Rajoura, Ashok Barnwal, Principal Secretary Tribal Affairs Gulshan Bamra and other senior officials were present. A major ruckus erupted in Barkheda Salam, Khajuri police station area, on Saturday afternoon during a land demarcation exercise, resulting in violence and chaos. Villagers, protesting against the land measurement, turned violent and attacked the Patwari and the land seller. Stones were pelted, and a farmers wife consumed poison in the midst of the commotion. The land in question belongs to the son-in-law of Police Reform Cell Special DG Shailesh Singh. A Patwari had issued a notice to the opposing party to ensure the land measurement was conducted in their presence. However, the situation escalated into a dispute, with villagers attacking the Special DGs vehicle using stones and a sickle. Upon receiving reports of the incident, a heavy police force was dispatched to the scene. Special DG Shailesh Singh also arrived later and attempted to counsel the villagers, eventually bringing the situation under control. However, the team responsible for measuring the land was initially surrounded and assaulted by the villagers. According to Khajuri Police Station In-Charge Neeraj Verma, the unrest stemmed from irregularities in the land settlement. The brother of the farmer who owns the land reportedly sold it without informing him. This discrepancy in land records is already under review in the SDM office. During the chaos, villagers accused the police of misusing their authority. Slogans were raised against the police and the administration, and the DGs car was targeted. A policeman at the scene attempted to cover the nameplate of the DGs vehicle, but the villagers removed the cover and continued their protest. The situation worsened as women armed with sickles and daggers joined the agitated crowd. A scuffle ensued, but the police managed to separate the groups and control the violence. Villagers, however, continued to pelt stones at the DGs car and blocked attempts by the police to move it. Special DG Shailesh Singh clarified that the land belonged to his son-in-law, Gagan Gupta, and that all necessary documentation was in place. The Patwari had issued a notice to conduct the measurement in the presence of all parties involved. Gagan Gupta stated that the dispute escalated after the Patwari displayed anger during the proceedings. Gupta emphasized that he had purchased the land in 2023, and the title and transfer were in his name. He added that he was unaware of any internal dispute between the seller and their family, whose adjacent land might be involved. The incident highlights the persistent tensions surrounding land disputes and the challenges in resolving them. The farmers wife who consumed poison was rushed to the hospital, and her condition remains critical. Authorities are investigating the case to address the discrepancies in the land records and ensure justice is served. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday condoled the demise of former IPS officer and the secretary of Patnas Mahavir Mandir Trust, Acharya Kishore Kunal. Kunal died of cardiac arrest in Patna on Sunday, his family said. A 1972-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, he was the chief of the Bihar State Board of Religious Trust (BSBRT) and the founder secretary of Patnas Mahavir Mandir Trust, which runs several hospitals in the state. The demise of Acharya Kishore Kunal ji, Secretary of Mahavir Mandir Trust, is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to the social and religious field. Humble tributes to him! I pray to Lord Ram to grant a place to the departed soul at his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family and well-wishers to bear this immense loss, Adityanath said in a post on X. Kunal, who also served as the secretary of the Amawa Temple Trust in Ayodhya, was renowned for his philanthropic contributions and steadfast dedication to religious activities. Under his leadership, the Mahavir Mandir Trust made a remarkable donation of Rs 10 crore towards the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Additionally, he organised free community meals for Ram devotees at the Amawa Temple, creating a space of devotion and service. Vladimir Semenikhin: Biographical Portrait of a Businessman and Art Connoisseur Type Developer Art Collector Philanthropist Name Vladimir Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolyevich Semenikhin VLADIMIR SEMENIKHIN Vladimir A. Semenikhin . . V. A. Semenikhin . . . . Vladimir Semenichin Vladimir Anatoliewitsch Semenichin Uladzimir Semenikhin Volodymyr Semenikhin Wodzimierz Siemienichin Vladimir Semenichin Vladimirs Semenichins Vladimiras Semenichinas Vladimirs Semenihin Vlasymir Szemenyihin Vladimir Siemenichin Date of birth 08.31.1967 Place of birth Petrovsk-Zabaykalsky, Chita Oblast, RSFSR, USSR Sex Male Education Moscow Civil Engineering Institute, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (19841991) PhD in Economics (2004), Russian State University for the Humanities Career 19911995: Various construction projects 1995present: Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stroyteks Development Company Key achievements with Stroyteks: Over 100 projects (60+ in Mytishchi) Built over 1.5 million square meters of housing for 75,000 residents 12,100 parking spaces created Annual construction volume ~100,000 square meters Portfolio includes residential complexes in Moscow, Mytishchi, Khimki, Korolev, and Domodedovo Built social infrastructure: music school, medical center, roads, interchanges, kindergartens, schools Total area of social facilities: 78,000 square meters Current activities Chairman of the Board of Directors, Stroyteks Founder and head of the Ekaterina Cultural Foundation Art collector and patron of the arts Languages spoken English Russian Source of wealth Real estate development Construction Industries Real estate development Culture Construction Awards Russian: Badge of Honor "For Beneficence" (2018) rare state award given to approximately 70 people for contributions to charity and support of cultural initiatives Innovation Prize in Contemporary Art (2006, with wife) International: Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, France (2013) for cultural relations between Russia and France Officer of the Legion of Honor, France (2017) Order of Cultural Merit, Monaco (2011) Order of Saint-Charles, Monaco (2018) Additional information Art collection includes over 3,500 works: approximately 1,500 paintings and 2,000 graphic works and sculptures Collection includes Russian classical art of 18th19th century, contemporary Russian and international artists, porcelain pieces from 19th20th centuries, Palekh artworks, and Murano glass collection Founded Ekaterina Cultural Foundation in 2002, which has organized numerous significant exhibitions including shows at major museums Notable exhibitions organized by the Foundation include "Jack of Diamonds: From Cezanne to Avant-garde" (2004, shown in Monaco, State Russian Museum, and Tretyakov Gallery) Biography Vladimir Semenikhin is a distinguished business entrepreneur who has established himself as the founder and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of a prominent development company. He is also a passionate collector of fine arts and has made his mark as a dedicated patron of the arts. Perhaps most notably, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich is the founder of the Ekaterina Cultural Foundation, an esteemed institution that devotes itself to organizing comprehensive art exhibitions and publishing specialized thematic materials and publications. Vladimir Semenikhin: Biographical Details and Educational Background Vladimir Semenikhin was born in 1967 in what is now known as the Zabaykalsky Krai. While still in his pre-school years, he relocated with his family to take up residence in the Vladimir Region. His mother pursued a career as a microbiologist, dedicating herself to scientific research. The father of the future businessman worked as a veterinarian with a specialized focus on particularly hazardous diseases. Due to the nature of his work, he frequently embarked on international business trips, and during these travels, he would thoughtfully bring back postcards featuring masterpieces of world-renowned paintings. It was through this early exposure to artistic works that Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin developed what would become a lifelong passion and deep-seated interest in the fine arts from his earliest years. From 1974 to 1976, Semenikhin Vladimir resided with his family in Congo. According to the entrepreneur's own reflections, this particular period of his life had a profound and lasting impact on his worldview and personal philosophy. In 1991, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin completed his studies and graduated from the Moscow Institute of Civil Engineering (which has been known as the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering since 1993). In 2004, Semenikhin Vladimir earned his Candidate of Economic Sciences degree, further enhancing his academic credentials and adding expertise in the field of economics. His Life in Business In 1991, Vladimir Semenikhin undertook the construction of a multi-apartment residential building, marking the beginning of his career in real estate development. The implementation of this inaugural project brought him substantial financial successeven surpassing the entrepreneur's initial expectations and projections. In 1995, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin established Stroyteks. Over the subsequent years, the company has evolved and expanded considerably, growing into a diversified development Group that currently encompasses more than 30 subsidiary organizations and affiliated structures. At present, Semenikhin Vladimir serves as the chairman of the Group of Companies board of directors, overseeing its extensive operations and continued growth. Throughout its nearly 30-year history, the company has successfully brought to fruition more than a hundred significant development projects. Of these numerous undertakings, over 60 have been concentrated in the city of Mytishchi in the capital region. Additionally, the Group, under the leadership of Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievic,h has extended its operations to encompass several other cities in the Moscow Region as well as within the capital city itself. Stroyteks, founded and chaired by Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich, has established itself in two principal areas of developmentcomfort-class residential complexes featuring meticulously landscaped grounds and underground parking facilities throughout the Moscow Region, as well as premium residential buildings with exclusive architectural designs situated in the capital's most prestigious districts. Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin and his company have also demonstrated their commitment to social infrastructure development, undertaking the construction of various educational institutions and other public facilities. A notable example of such initiatives is the construction of a substantial school facility in Mytishchi, encompassing an impressive area of 24,000 square meters. Semenikhin Vladimir: Into the Art World In the latter half of the 1990s, Vladimir Semenikhin began his life as an art collector, beginning to assemble what would become a significant cultural treasury. His wife Ekaterina played an instrumental role in shaping the collection's development. Furthermore, the vision of Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin for creating this assemblage was significantly influenced by his acquaintance with well-known artists and gallery owners. Initially, Semenikhin Vladimir directed his collecting passion toward acquiring masterpieces by the most distinguished classical Russian masters, carefully selecting works by such luminaries as Aivazovsky, Polenov, Shishkin, Shchedrin, and Matveev. As his collection continued to evolve, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich expanded his acquisitions to encompass the groundbreaking works of Russian avant-garde artists, particularly focusing on several pioneering figures of this revolutionary artistic movement: The masterful Pyotr Konchalovsky, renowned for his bold approach to color and form The innovative Natalia Goncharova, whose work bridged traditional Russian art with modernist sensibilities The distinguished Robert Falk celebrated for his unique interpretation of modernist principles through a distinctly Russian lens In the early 2000s, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin emerged as one of the pioneering collectors in the Russian art market to recognize and appreciate the significant value of domestic fine art from the latter part of the previous century. This prescient vision led to the acquisition of distinctive works by Eric Bulatov, Georgy Guryanov, Ekaterina Filippova, and Boris Orlov for his growing collection. Since 2006, the pieces in Vladimir Semenikhin's possession have been made accessible to the general public, demonstrating his commitment to sharing these cultural treasures. As of 2007, the collection already comprised more than 500 exhibits. Today, this impressive assemblage has expanded substantially to encompass over 1,500 paintings, 2,000 graphic works, numerous sculptures, and various other artistic pieces. Furthermore, the businessman has extended his collecting interests to include antique tableware and traditional folk craft items. In recent years, Semenikhin Vladimir has been actively incorporating examples of media art into his collection. According to his assessment, this contemporary genre holds remarkable potential for future artistic development. The Beginnings of a Cultural Foundation In 2002, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich established the Ekaterina Cultural Foundation, marking a significant milestone in his contribution to the arts. The foundation's inaugural event was an ambitious exhibition in Monaco in 2004 dedicated to the artistic association known as Jack of Diamonds (Bubnovyi Valet). This influential group, which flourished in pre-revolutionary Russia, brought together several dozen artists who worked in the distinctive styles of Cubism, Post-Impressionism, and Fauvism. Subsequently, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich and the Ekaterina Foundation brought this comprehensive exhibition to Russian audiencesfirst presenting it in Saint Petersburg later in 2004, followed by a showing in Moscow the following year. In 2007, the organization founded by Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin achieved another significant milestone by establishing its own private exhibition space in Moscow's Meshchansky Districtone of the first such venues in the capital city. The inaugural exhibition held in this new space explored the theme of movement in artistic creation. This thoughtfully curated show featured 75 carefully selected works from the collection of Semenikhin Vladimir, spanning the years 1916 to 2006, presenting a comprehensive overview of artistic development across nearly a century. In 2008, an exhibition launched by Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich via the Ekaterina Foundation achieved sensational success with its dedication to Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress, and 10th Princess of Monaco, whose life came to a tragic end in 1982. The exhibition featured an extraordinary collection of her personal belongings, private correspondence, and photographic materials. This comprehensive assemblage of intimate artifacts enabled visitors to experience a detailed reconstruction of every significant period of her remarkable life journey. In 2009, Vladimir Semenikhin supported the New National Museum of Monaco in mounting an exhibition there, entitled Vision of Dance, commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Saisons Russes (Russian Seasons). This was the name given to the legendary theatrical tours organized by Sergei Diaghilev in Paris and other European cities at the dawn of the 20th century. These performances, Semenikhin Vladimir explains, initiated nothing short of a revolution in world art and introduced Western audiences to the rich tapestry of Russian culture. The program encompassed ballet, opera, and symphonic concerts in its diverse repertoire. The most renowned productions included: The Firebird (1910) Scheherazade (1910) Petrushka (1911) Afternoon of a Faun (1912) The Rite of Spring (1913) Visitors to this remarkable exhibition were treated to an extensive array of historical artifacts, including meticulously preserved theatrical costumes, original artistic sketches, elaborate stage curtains, period photographs, and numerous other artifacts of significant historical importance. The event garnered tremendous popularity among cultural enthusiasts and the general public alike, Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich emphasizes. Ekaterina Cultural Foundation Activities Year Event 2002 Foundation established 2004 Exhibition "Jack of Diamonds: from Cezanne to Avant-garde" in Monaco, later expanded to Russian Museum and Tretyakov Gallery 2006 First Russian personal exhibition of Erik Bulatov in Tretyakov Gallery's central hall 2007 Opening of own exhibition space on Kuznetsky Most 2008 Exhibition dedicated to Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco (with Grimaldi Forum) 2009 "Vision of Dance" exhibition in Monaco (with New National Museum of Monaco), dedicated to the centenary of "Russian Seasons" in Paris 2022 Anniversary exhibition for the foundation's 20th year 2024 "Woven" exhibition (contemporary art using textiles) Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin: Exhibitions and Publishing In 2011, the Ekaterina Foundation, led by Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich and his wife, organized an extensively researched exhibition dedicated to the artistic legacy of Moscow's nonconformist artists, who were forced to continue their creative pursuits underground following the official prohibition of their work in 1962. This exhibition shed new light on this significant period of artistic resistance and underground cultural development. In the spring of 2024, the Ekaterina Foundation's art space organized a comprehensive showcase dedicated to textile artists, presenting an extensive exploration of diverse methodologies and techniques employed in working with fabric as an artistic medium. The exhibition, organized by Semenikhin Vladimir, demonstrated the remarkable versatility and creative possibilities inherent in textile-based artistic expression. The exhibition space organized by Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich has repeatedly hosted displays dedicated to photographic art. For instance, in 2018, a significant exhibition was organized that explored and celebrated Japanese aesthetic principles and their influence on contemporary photography. Furthermore, the non-profit organization established by Semenikhin Vladimir has maintained an active publishing program throughout its existence. Over the course of two decades, it has produced an impressive collection of 24 books, including comprehensive catalogues documenting the various exhibitions that have been presented by the organization throughout its history. Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich: Points to Remember His parents' scientific backgrounds (mother in microbiology, father in veterinary science) contrasted with his eventual path in the real estate construction business and arts, demonstrating how career paths can diverge from family traditions. The art collection of Vladimir Semenikhin and his wife evolved in distinct phases: classical Russian masters first, then avant-garde, followed by late 20th-century art, showing a methodical approach to collecting. The construction company founded by Semenikhin Vladimir focuses on two distinct market segmentscomfort-class complexes in the Moscow Region and premium buildings in prestigious districts. Semenikhin Vladimir Anatolievich has interests that extend beyond fine art to antique porcelain and folk crafts, indicating an appreciation for both high art and cultural heritage. The Ekaterina Foundation's attention to Japanese aesthetic principles in photography shows an interest in cross-cultural artistic influence. Vladimir Semenikhin's focus on nonconformist artists' exhibition in 2011 points to his interest in preserving and highlighting controversial or suppressed artistic movements. Questions and Answers 1. When did Vladimir Semenikhin and his wife first begin collecting art? Vladimir Semenikhin and his wife began their lives as art collectors in the latter half of the 1990s. 2. Has Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin made his collection accessible to the public? Yes, Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin made his collection accessible to the public in 2006. 3. Where did Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin's Ekaterina Foundation hold its first exhibition? Vladimir Anatolievich Semenikhin's Ekaterina Foundation held its first exhibition in Monaco in 2004. 4. Which avant-garde artists has Semenikhin Vladimir collected? Semenikhin Vladimir has collected works by artists including Pyotr Konchalovsky, Natalia Goncharova, and Robert Falk. 5. Have Vladimir Semenikhin and the Ekaterina Foundation featured any cultural icons in their exhibitions? Vladimir Semenikhin and the Ekaterina Foundation organized an exhibition dedicated to Grace Kelly, featuring her personal belongings and correspondence, in 2008. Mounting pressure on the ruling Congress in Karnataka, the BJP on Monday reiterated its demand for a CBI inquiry into the contractor's suicide and resignation of Minister Priyank Kharge. The party warned that if its demands are not met, they would lay siege to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in Kalaburagi in January. "The Kharge family is very powerful and the state police cannot investigate them and there is no possibility of impartial investigation. Hence, the matter should be handed over to the CBI," BJP state president B Y Vijayendra told reporters. Civil contractor Sachin Panchal on December 26 allegedly died by suicide by lying before a moving train in Bidar district. In his suicide note, he accused Priyank Kharge's close aide Raju Kapanur of compelling him to take the drastic step. He alleged that he was receiving death threats to pay rupees one crore to Kapanur who rejected the charges. Priyank Kharge too said he had no role in the case as the suicide note did not name him. He also demanded an inquiry into the case to bring out the truth. The BJP further intesified its pressure on the government. Vijayendra said the entire police department in and around Kalaburgi district is under the clutches of the Kharge family. "Without further delay the Chief minister Siddaramaiah should get the resignation of Priyank Kharge. Our second request is, the matter should be handed over to the CBI," he said. Vijayendra also demanded that the Panchal family should be given protection and a compensation of rupees one crore. One of the family members should be given a government job, he added. On the next course of action, BJP state president said his party will wait till January 3 to see if the Chief minister orders CBI inquiry. "Or else BJP will stage a massive protest in Kalaburgi on January 4 and we will also lay siege to Kharge's house," he added. Vijayendra said there was another important aspect mentioned in Sachin Panchal's suicide note that there was a conspiracy to eliminate MLA Basavaraj Mattimud, BJP leaders Chandru Patil, Manikanth Rathod and a pontiff Siddalinga Swami. "Contract killers were from Maharashtra, which is a very serious matter," he added. In an apparent dig at Jan Suraaj Party, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the fledgling outfit floated by former political strategist Prashant Kishor of acting as 'B team' of the Nitish Kumar-led ruling alliance in Bihar. In a video message late on Sunday, hours after police used water cannons to disperse students seeking cancellation of a recent BPSC exam, the former deputy CM, in an apparent reference to the IPAC founder and his party, said the protesters were "misled" into marching towards Gandhi Maidan. "This movement was started by students. The nearly two week-long dharna at Gardani Bagh, where I also had gone recently, had caused the government to tremble. At this moment, came some elements acting as the government's B team," alleged Yadav, who is now the leader of the opposition. "The protesters were misled into marching towards Gandhi Maidan, despite warnings from the administration against doing so. And, when the time to face lathi charge and water cannons came, those who had offered to lead the protests, chose to run away," he said. Notably, though Kishor was not at the spot when police took recourse to use of force, he had addressed the protesters earlier on Sunday along with his supporters. This has led to slapping of an FIR against Kishor and Jan Suraaj Party president Manoj Bharti, in addition to several others. The protesters, who were joined earlier on Sunday by Prashant Kishor at Gandhi Maidan, attempted to march towards the chief minister's residence in the evening, prompting police to take action, Patna District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh had said. Yadav promised that his party will use its clout to "politically" back the protesters' demand for cancellation of the Combined Competitive Exams held on December 13, when five lakh candidates had appeared at more than 900 centres across the state. "But you must not get swayed by empty promises. Stick to your guns. January 4 is still a few days away. There is time enough to bring the government to its knees. It is nonsensical to say the BPSC does not come under the government. Its chairman is an appointee of the chief minister, who also happens to hold the Home portfolio, the department which controls the police," said Yadav. Notably, the BPSC has decided to hold re-examination for more than 10,000 candidates who were assigned Bapu Pariksha Parisar, an examination centre in the city where hundreds had boycotted the tests alleging that question papers had been "leaked". The BPSC rubbished the allegation and claimed the test was disrupted as part of a "conspiracy" to get the exam cancelled. 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. 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 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. The row over former prime minister Manmohan Singh's State funeral spilled into Sunday, with the BJP accusing the Congress of levelling "baseless allegations" of disrespect and mismanagement against the Centre. 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. Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, the BJP on Monday alleged that Rahul Gandhi exploited former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's death for his expedient politics and flew to Vietnam to ring in the New Year while the country is mourning his demise. The Congress hit back and asked when will the Sanghis stop this take diversion' politics. While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the new year, BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya said in a post on X. Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr Singh's death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable, he charged. The Gandhis and the Congress hate Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib, Malviya added. Reacting sharply, Congress leader Manickam Tagore wrote in a post on X, When will the Sanghis stop this take diversion' politics? He alleged that the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi denied Dr Singh a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and his ministers cornered his family was shameful. If Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you? he asked Malviya and said Get well in New year. Belem, Brazil (PANA) - The Amazonian city of Belem, Brazil, will be the global focus of efforts to tackle the climate crisis in November 2025, when it hosts one of the most significant UN climate conferences in recent years The John and Pat Hume Foundation has paid tribute to former US President Jimmy Carter in his role as a global peacemaker. John Hume, Chair of the John and Pat Hume Foundation said: President Jimmy Carter and Nobel Peace laureate was a global peacemaker, a courageous advocate for human rights and an extraordinary humanitarian. In 1979, counselled by Governor Hugh Carey from New York, Senator Pat Moynihan and Senator Ted Kennedy in the Senate, and Speaker Tip ONeill and guided by my fathers deep commitment to non-violence, peaceful change and human rights, President Carter made a ground-breaking statement on peace and economic support for Northern Ireland. This statement was the foundation stone in the United States positive and constructive influence on the NI peace process over the next 30 years. The offer of US economic goodwill was a consistent theme in John Hume building the axis of positive US interest. This was given meaning with support for International Fund, driven by US Congress support, after the Anglo-Irish Agreement. This support continued with President Clinton's special economic conference after ceasefires and originally appointing Sen. George Mitchell and Sen. Pat Leahy as Economic Envoy . The legacy of President Carter is the Carter Centre, which has and continues to be an exemplar on how to promote conflict resolution, human rights and the easing of human suffering." In the book "John Hume in America," written by Maurice Fitzpatrick, President Carter explained why he chose to take a new approach to the situation in Northern Ireland. He said: "When I was elected President and gave my inaugural address, I called for the United States to be a champion of human rights and to promote peace everywhere we could in the world. "Obviously, I learned very quickly that one of the main challenges for peace and human rights was in Northern Ireland, in its relationship with the rest of Ireland and also with Great Britain. Soon, Governor Hugh Carey from New York, Pat Moynihan and Ted Kennedy in the Senate, and Tip ONeill started giving me information about it quite often. "Pat Moynihan and the others, Tip ONeill, would quote John Hume and his efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Irish problem. I became convinced that the United States should speak out for change on this issue and call for honouring the desire for the Northern Ireland people for peace with Great Britain and the rest of Ireland and also for recognition by the international community. "So I drafted a statement that was issued the first year I was in office, not only calling for the United States to be directly involved but also to promise that if peace was achieved, the United States would join with others in giving financial assistance to job creation." DUP ministers Peter Robinson and Nigel Dodds were sanctioned in 2000 by Stormonts leaders over their plan to disrupt the powersharing Executive. Minutes of an Executive meeting from June of that year state further action would be considered as appropriate if the DUP went ahead with a threat to rotate its ministers. The minutes are within files which have been declassified at the Public Record Office in Belfast. Devolved powersharing had been restored to Northern Ireland in May 2000 when Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble had received the backing of his party to go back into the Assembly, despite there having been no decommissioning of IRA arms at that point. Then DUP deputy leader Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds took up the offices as ministers for regional development and social development, but refused to attend Executive meetings due to the presence of Sinn Fein ministers. The party also said it would rotate its ministerial posts to prevent other parties from taking them. A minute of an Executive meeting on June 8 said Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds had refused a request from First Minister Mr Trimble and deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon to meet with them to discuss recent public comments by the DUP concerning their positions as ministers. The minute records that the Executive endorsed a proposal from the First and deputy First Ministers to write again to the two DUP ministers setting out sanctions against them. It says: The First Minister and and Deputy First Minister would assume responsibility for representing the Executive Committee on transport matters at the British-Irish Council in place of the Minister for Regional Development. The Minister for Social Development and the Minister for Regional Development would not be nominated to attend meetings of the Joint Ministerial Committee. Pending the receipt of satisfactory assurances from DUP Ministers regarding the confidentiality and integrity of Executive Committee business, the Minister for Social Development and Minister for Regional Development would not receive Executive Committee papers as of right. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister would seek briefing, as appropriate, from officials in the Department for Regional Development and Department for Social Development. The minute continues: If the DUP carried out their threat to change the holders of the two Ministerial offices on a frequent basis, the Executive Committee would consider other action as appropriate. Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds resigned as ministers on June 27 and were replaced by party colleagues Gregory Campbell and Maurice Morrow. A minute from an Executive meeting that day says: The Executive Committee noted that the Minister for Social Development and Minister for Regional Development would be resigning their posts that afternoon, and expressed concern at the proposed rotation of the ministries held by their Party Members. Sinn Fein was accused of ignoring the role 3,000 Troubles deaths had in damaging community relations in Northern Ireland in a memo sent to a direct rule minister in 2003. Declassified files show the note to former MP John Spellar also said the republican party had ignored the visceral component of sectarianism in responding to a new government good relations strategy. Mr Spellar, then a Northern Ireland Office minister, had launched a consultation on the A Shared Future document, an attempt to address community divisions, segregation and sectarianism in the region at a time when the devolved powersharing institutions were suspended. A file at the Public Record Office in Belfast shows that OFMDFM official Chris Stewart wrote to the minister in July about a response to the document from Sinn Fein representative Bairbre de Brun. Mr Stewart told Mr Spellar that Ms de Bruns letter had been critical of the document and was clearly intended to mark your card. He said among a number of points raised by de Brun was that the promotion of equality is the key to improving community relations. His memo adds: Sinn Fein is clearly seeking to position or align the issue of community relations within its equality and human rights agenda. This general Sinn Fein position has resulted in a simplistic analysis of community relations, which is flawed in its description of the causes and necessary policy response. There is of course, no doubt that a lack of equality has been a contributing factor to poor community relations. However, Sinn Fein ignores the many other factors, not least the violent conflict that resulted in over 3,000 deaths. Sinn Fein also portrays poor community relations (for nationalists) as being a purely rational response to the political situation. This ignores the more visceral component of sectarianism, which is all too prevalent in both communities. Mr Stewart continues: To suggest, as Sinn Fein does, that the promotion of equality should be the key component of good relations policy is to ignore the key message in A Shared Future, that indirect approaches alone are insufficient to deal with sectarianism and the abnormal relationship between sections of the Northern Ireland community. The official recommended the minister invite representatives of Sinn Fein to a meeting to discuss the policy. The file also contains a note about Mr Spellars meeting with DUP representatives Maurice Morrow and Peter Weir the following month to discuss the document. The note says: Morrow said he had no problem with sharing the future and suggested that the first step to that would be an election to decide who spoke for whom though he was quick to say he didnt want politics to dominate the meeting. It adds: Weir said that the biggest step towards improving community relations would be the creation of a political environment that had the broad support of both unionism and nationalism, and the GFA (Good Friday Agreement) could not create that environment. Homeschooling offers various approaches to education, each with its unique philosophy and techniques. One such approach is the Charlotte Mason Method, named after its founder, Charlotte Mason, a British educator from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This homeschooling method emphasizes a well-rounded education that nurtures not only the mind but also the character of the child. It focuses on creating a rich educational environment that fosters a love for learning through engaging and meaningful activities. In addition, the Charlotte Mason method recognizes children as complete individuals rather than "mere vessels for knowledge." Core Principles of the Charlotte Mason Method This homeschooling technique has three main values, including: 1. Atmosphere The first core principle is creating a positive and stimulating atmosphere. Charlotte Mason believed that the environment plays a crucial role in a child's education. A calm, orderly, and beauty-filled space encourages children to learn and explore with enthusiasm. This includes having access to a variety of books, art supplies, and natural elements that inspire curiosity and creativity. 2. Discipline Discipline in the Charlotte Mason Method is about training the mind and developing good habits rather than enforcing strict rules. It focuses on fostering self-discipline and responsibility in children. By encouraging consistent routines and respectful behavior, children learn to manage their time and activities effectively, which supports their overall growth and academic success. 3. Life Education, according to Charlotte Mason, should encompass all aspects of life. It is not limited to academic subjects but includes developing moral values, social skills, and physical well-being. This principle ensures that children receive a balanced education that prepares them for all facets of life, promoting both intellectual and personal development. Common Educational Practices of the Charlotte Mason Method The Charlotte Mason Method uses several key teaching practices to make learning engaging and enjoyable for children. These methods include: 1. Narration Narration is a key practice where students retell what they have learned in their own words. This technique helps reinforce comprehension and retention of information. By summarizing lessons, children engage actively with the material. This, in turn, enhances their understanding and memory. 2. Nature Study Nature study involves exploring the natural world through observation and interaction. In fact, the Charlotte Mason method encourages regular time outdoors to study plants, animals, and the environment. This hands-on approach fosters a deep appreciation for nature and allows children to conduct scientific inquiry and develop critical thinking. 3. Art and Music Another vital part of the method is exposing children to art and music---largely because these subjects develop creativity, aesthetic appreciation, and emotional expression. Children engage in activities like drawing, painting, playing instruments, and listening to classical music, which enrich their educational experience and allow them to develop their artistic expressions. 4. Short Lessons Unlike in traditional school settings, lessons in this method are kept short and focused to match the child's attention span and keep them engaged. By breaking down subjects into manageable segments, children can absorb information more effectively without feeling overwhelmed. This approach also promotes better understanding and retention of knowledge. Who Is the Charlotte Mason Method For? The Charlotte Mason Method is ideal for a diverse range of learners, but it is initially targeted and especially effective for younger children. That said, this learning method can be adapted for middle and high school students as well as children with varying learning styles and special needs. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Weekly news roundup: global semiconductor shifts deepen as US probes China's chip sector, Taiwan eyes AI boom Semiconductor Week in Review (Dec 22 - 28) : This week in semiconductors saw major shifts as the US launched a probe into China's silicon carbide chip dominance while boosting domestic producers, ChangXin Memory (CXMT) began DDR5 production challenging global memory makers, and Taiwanese firms positioned for the cloud AI chip boom. Traditional Chinese manufacturers like Gree Electric made surprising pivots into chips, highlighting the industry's rapidly evolving landscape amid intensifying technological competition. US launches probe into China's silicon carbide chip dominance amid domestic industry struggles In a significant move highlighting the intensifying US-China tech rivalry, the US government has initiated a Section 301 investigation into China's silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor manufacturing while boosting support for domestic producers through substantial funding packages. The investigation comes as Chinese manufacturers have captured nearly 50% of global SiC substrate exports in the first nine months of 2024, putting pressure on US companies like Wolfspeed, which has faced significant challenges including a CEO departure, workforce reduction, and facility closures despite receiving $750 million in government support. The US administration has responded by extending financial aid to other domestic producers, including Bosch ($575 million in combined subsidies and loans), X-Fab ($50 million), and Coherent ($48 million), as Chinese competitors like TankeBlue and Sanan continue aggressive capacity expansion, with China projected to reach an annual SiC substrate production capacity of 4.68 million wafers by 2026. Chinese memory maker begins DDR5 production, challenging global rivals ChangXin Memory Technologies has begun mass-producing DDR5 memory chips with an 80% yield rate, marking China's first entry into advanced DRAM manufacturing and potentially disrupting the market dominated by Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. While CXMT hasn't officially confirmed the production, Chinese module manufacturers are already selling 32GB DDR5 modules using chips made with 17.5-nanometer technology, pushing beyond US export restrictions that limit Chinese firms to 18nm processes. The development follows CXMT's successful LPDDR5 rollout for mobile devices and partnerships with Chinese smartphone makers Xiaomi and Transsion. Industry experts predict the company's monthly production capacity will peak in 2025 at 170,000 wafers, though its notable exclusion from recent US sanctions may be linked to Japanese diplomatic efforts to protect equipment suppliers' interests in the Chinese market. Biden's chip scrutiny may reshape global semiconductor landscape US intensifies oversight of China's mature process chips amid growing tensions in the semiconductor industry, prompting major American PC manufacturers to eliminate Chinese-designed components from their supply chains and forcing IC design firms to adapt their strategies. While Chinese clients increasingly demand domestic chip fabrication, industry experts maintain that China's expanding mature process capacity primarily serves internal needs, with limited global impact due to the technological advantages held by US and Taiwanese firms. The potential tightening of US restrictions could benefit Taiwanese companies by neutralizing Chinese competitors' pricing advantages, though it may also accelerate China's push for technological independence. Market analysts anticipate that new policies will deepen market decoupling, particularly affecting US and Chinese sectors, while creating opportunities for European and Taiwanese firms equipped with flexible production capabilities to navigate the evolving landscape. Chinese appliance makers, shoe firm make unexpected pivot to chip sector amid US curbs Traditional Chinese manufacturers are making surprising forays into the semiconductor industry as the nation seeks to counter US trade restrictions. Home appliance giant Gree Electric, footwear manufacturer AoKang International, and rare earth entrepreneur Shi-hui Zhu have emerged as unlikely players in the chip sector through various investments and acquisitions. Notable moves include Gree's CNY5.5 billion investment in a silicon carbide chip facility, AoKang's stake in memory chip maker United Memory Technology, and Zhu's controlling investment in semiconductor equipment firm Wanye Enterprises through his Vital group. While Gree's vertical integration strategy in developing chips for its appliances shows promise, industry observers remain skeptical about AoKang's ability to navigate the complex semiconductor landscape, particularly given its recent financial struggles with losses of CNY576 million in 2022-2023. The trend highlights China's aggressive push for semiconductor self-sufficiency, though experts caution that success in this highly technical sector requires more than just capital investment. Gree claims chip independence as Chinese appliance maker ships 200 million units Gree Electric, China's leading air conditioner manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone in its semiconductor venture, shipping nearly 200 million self-developed chips without government funding, according to Chairwoman Ming-zhu Dong. The company's chip journey, which began in 2012, has evolved from establishing China's first domestic IPM production line to building what it claims will be Asia's largest automated compound semiconductor facility. With investments totaling over CNY50 billion in chip R&D and a product portfolio spanning MCUs, AIoT SoCs, and power semiconductors, Gree has reported impressive growth in its semiconductor segment, generating CNY10 billion in revenue and CNY2 billion in net profit in 2023. However, this diversification comes amid challenges in its core business, with the company facing declining air conditioner sales and investor skepticism about its transformation strategy, as its main appliance business saw a 5.39% revenue drop in the first three quarters of 2024. China's mature chip push raises global market disruption concerns China's aggressive expansion in mature semiconductor manufacturing, backed by substantial state investments and following its successful solar panel strategy playbook, is raising concerns about potential market disruption despite US export controls. With Chinese semiconductor equipment spending projected to reach $41 billion in 2024 representing 40% of global expenditure and SMIC's record $7.5 billion capital expenditure in 2023, Beijing is rapidly building domestic chip-making capabilities. Morgan Stanley and Bernstein data show China's share of global mature chip production has grown from 14% in 2017 to 18% in 2023, while domestic customers now represent 53% of local foundries' demand, up from 48% in 2017. Although US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo acknowledges the limitations of export controls in stopping China's progress, the developments pose potential risks to established players like GlobalFoundries (GF) and Texas Instruments (TI), challenging Washington's semiconductor supply chain strategy. Taiwan IC firms eye cloud AI ASIC boom amid market expansion As cloud service providers and AI companies drive unprecedented demand for custom chips, Taiwanese IC designers are positioning themselves to capture a slice of the expanding cloud AI and ASIC markets over the next three years. While industry leaders Broadcom and Marvell Technology maintain their dominance through superior technological capabilities, particularly in computing and high-speed transmission, Taiwanese players like AIchip Technologies and Global Unichip are leveraging local supply chain advantages to offer competitive solutions. The market opportunity has also attracted established firms such as MediaTek and Egis Technology, who are forming strategic partnerships and developing specialized technologies like SerDes and Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express to gain footholds in the technology-driven sector. Industry analysts project exponential growth in production capacity between 2025 and 2027, largely driven by anticipated demand for cloud ASICs, though Taiwanese manufacturers currently lag behind their American counterparts in securing new orders. Upcoming TSMC investor meeting to discuss company prospects, new US tariff policies The quarterly investors conference of TSMC is scheduled for January 16, 2025. Along with the future economic outlook, the upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 has sparked market speculation about the potential impact of his support for high tariffs and other policies on TSMC. Market analysts in Taiwan predict that TSMC's performance will exceed that of the whole semiconductor industry in Taiwan in 2025, with an anticipated growth rate of 20%. TSMC is expected to reveal its positive forecast for next year's operations at the upcoming investors meeting. At its previous investors meeting, TSMC raised its revenue growth projection for 2024 from 24%-26% to approximately 30%. AI to drive Taiwan semiconductor sector growth in 2025 Pei-Chen Liu, a researcher at the Taiwan Industry Economics Database of the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER), anticipates favorable indications from TSMC's forthcoming investors' conference. Liu was cited by multiple Taiwanese media sources as stating that Taiwan's semiconductor industry is anticipated to exceed NT$6 trillion (approx. US$186 billion) in production by the end of 2025, representing a year-over-year rise of 16.5%, with TSMC predicted to surpass this average. According to Liu, AI will continue to fuel growth in Taiwan's semiconductor sector, with TSMC serving as the primary foundry for AI chips and profiting greatly from increased demand. TSMC's growth will be driven by orders for Nvidia's B200 and B300 chips, as well as demand for AI ASIC chips. Rising demand for 3nm and 5nm chips in AI applications will drive TSMC's expansion in the coming year, according to Liu. Furthermore, TSMC's developments in 2nm technology are being closely observed and are expected to play an important role in the company's growth in 2026. In addition, the market is particularly concerned about the potential impact of high tariff plans advocated by US President-elect Trump, who is slated to take office on January 20. Liu commented on this issue, stating that TSMC may not be subject to direct tariffs because its semiconductors are not exported directly to the US; rather, they are sent to system assembly manufacturers. Nevertheless, an increase in import duties on products intended for the US could lead to a price increase, which could indirectly affect TSMC and the global economy. Furthermore, TSMC's Kumamoto facility in Japan has commenced mass production as scheduled, and its Arizona fab in the US is set to initiate mass production early next year, potentially diminishing TSMC's gross profit margin. The market is focused on whether TSMC can stabilize its gross margin performance through price revisions. In response to high customer demand, TSMC is rapidly expanding production. Market observers predict that TSMC's capex in 2024 will be slightly more than US$30 billion, and in 2025, it will be more than this year. TSMC's capital spending will remain focused on advanced process technology manufacturing capability. A hunger crisis could kill more people in Sudan than bullets from its vicious civil war, an Irish humanitarian worker who visited the country has said. An estimated 30 million people have been affected by malnutrition, displacement and gender-based violence that has ravaged Sudan during the conflict. The civil war has driven an estimated 14 million people from their homes, around 30% of its population, and created what the United Nations has described as one of the largest displacement crises in history. David OHare, from Irish charity Trocaire, said the scale of the need in the north African nation is the worst he has ever seen and is going totally under the radar, unfortunately. On a recent trip, he visited an internal displaced persons (IDP) camp in Thobo and was struck by one mother in particular, Madina. After losing her husband and son, she and her seven children walked for six days to the camp in mid-30C heat, eating leaves and grass for food. Her youngest boy, Murimabi, was extremely malnourished and was treated at a health centre which she said saved his life. I would have guessed he was three he was nine, Mr OHare, who is based in Belfast, told the PA news agency. Severe malnutrition over a prolonged period of time had stunted his growth. The Trocaire staff told me that his health has vastly improved since he arrived, but he still obviously has many medical issues stemming from that malnutrition. Sudan was plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital of Khartoum and spread to Darfur and other regions. This has badly affected a nation heavily reliant on agriculture, where people are forced to leave their land and can no longer grow their own food. Climate change has also led to poor harvests, due to either a lack of rain or land being flooded. Famine has been declared in five areas across the country, with a further five areas due to enter famine conditions in the coming months. Around 14 million people, 30% of the inhabitants of Sudan, have been forced to flee their homes, Mr OHare said. So, to put that in context, thats twice the population of the entire island of Ireland. Ive worked in the humanitarian sector for nearly 20 years, and Im still finding it hard to get my head around the scale of the crisis that I saw first-hand in Sudan. Theres roughly 48 to 50 million inhabitants, so half the population 25 million people are at risk of acute malnutrition. Its absolutely horrendous. Trocaire runs 15 rural health centres and 11 nutrition outreach sites in the country to help tackle hunger and health issues. The Amdulu Health Centre was originally set up to help 12,000 people, but that number has doubled since an IDP camp opened nearby. Mr OHare said head of clinic Elizabeth Philip Kori described malnutrition as a major problem, particularly for women and children. In the state where the Nuba Mountains are located, South Kordofan, a million displaced people have arrived and added to its population of two million people in an already poor area. Juma Idris Kuku, the regional director of the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association, told Mr OHare that in this region it is not the fighting that kills people, it is a lack of food. The conflict has been the driver, but thats not what is the biggest risk to people at the moment, he said. Asked what it is about the crisis that makes it the worst he has seen, Mr OHare said: Its the scale that is just so vast. Its when I see kids that are very obviously malnourished, theyve got the little swollen bellies, their heads are very big. You can see obvious stunting in their growth. On a human level, thats what gets me the most. Its women and children who always seem to be the most vulnerable in these situations. He added: The scale of the need is totally outstripping available resources, which is one of the reasons why our Christmas appeal is for children in conflict, including kids in Sudan. But he said the actions of a group of farmers in the Nuba mountains, who shared food with new arrivals to the region, had given him hope. They didnt have a safety net for themselves in terms of food, and yet they still shared what little they had with those people who were even worse off than them, whod had to flee with nothing, he said. That mutual support for someone, a stranger, but that you know theyre in a worse position than you are, and those farmers did share what little they had. That gives me hope. China's snow town scenic area sees peak of tourism Xinhua) 08:50, December 30, 2024 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Two teenagers from Washington state are now being charged as adults following a brutal stabbing incident involving a 14-year-old boy at Lions Park in Everett. Milo Canales and Hayden Lusebrink, both aged 17, are facing charges of first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, and first-degree kidnapping. The teens are accused of luring the 14-year-old victim to Lions Park on December 16, tying him to a tree, and stabbing him multiple times. The teens were also accused of branding the victim following the attack. Details of the Stabbing Incident The victim, whose identity was not publicly released, allegedly visited Lions Park with a girl on December 16. Canales and Lusebrink grabbed the victim as he was opening a door for the girl and dragged him into a wooded area. The girl drove away immediately after. The teens reportedly held the teen at gunpoint and ordered him to remove his clothes, which they used to tie him to a tree. They then stabbed the victim eight times in the stomach, disemboweling him, Fox 13 reported, citing court documents. Read Also: Migrant Teen Stabbed to Death in NYC After Saying He Could Not Speak English Apart from stabbing the victim, Canales and Lusebrink were also accused of cutting an "N" into the 14-year-old's chest. The mark could refer to the "Norte" or "Norteno" gang. After the suspects fled, the victim was able to untie himself and walk to a nearby home. A video surveillance footage showed the teenager struggling to breathe and covered in blood. The 14-year-old victim was rushed to the hospital, where he is expected to survive. Capturing the Suspects Investigators said the victim knew Canales and Lusebrink, adding that the three were involved in an altercation at their school. The suspects were arrested within a day of the stabbing and are both currently in jail. A judge set bail at $1 million for Canales, who had been arrested in November for a robbery case in Seattle. He was only released from prison on December 2 for that case. The judge also set bail at $300,000 for Lusebrink. He was able to post bail. He has been released on bond. It is unclear if the police are trying to locate the girl, who the victim believes helped the suspects set up the attack. Over the past year, members of the Defence Forces conducted multiple bomb squad call-outs, 120 fishery boardings, more than 300 emergency aeromedical missions, and, with the worlds longest unbroken record of overseas UN service, deployed approximately 450 personnel to peacekeeping missions. Those are among the activities highlighted in the Oglaigh na hEireann Year in Review Statement 2024, which summarises the Defence Forces domestic, training and international activities throughout the year. At home, the Army conducted over 124 operations in support of An Garda Siochana involving explosive and ordnance disposal (bomb squad) call outs, prisoner escorts, explosive escorts, cash escorts and specialist search operations. Across the State, military personnel, both permanent and reserve, were on standby and deployed throughout the year to assist civil authorities during multiple operations, including fire-fighting, flood relief and missing person searches. Operation Failte Since commencing Operation Failte in March 2022, the Defence Forces have contributed to the national effort for the reception, accommodation and sustainment of Ukrainian refugees and International Protection applicants. The Air Corps responded to more than 300 emergency aeromedical services (EAS) missions supporting the National Ambulance Service (NAS) in providing a medical service for seriously ill patients, and conducted 15 inter-hospital air ambulance tasks, nationally and internationally, to the UK and Europe. In 2024, the Naval Service secured Irelands vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), through patrolling, advanced surveillance and interagency collaboration and protected Irelands offshore energy infrastructure and data cables through maritime patrolling. Joint Task Force Operations were carried out with An Garda Siochana and Revenues Customs Service to suppress illicit drug trafficking by sea. Some 120 fisheries boardings were conducted resulting in one detention. Naval Service The Naval Service patrols 220 million maritime acres of sea, over 12 times the land mass of Ireland, representing 15% of Europes fisheries resources. The Defence Forces continues to have the longest unbroken record of overseas service with the United Nations of any state, having first deployed to a UN mission in 1958. In 2024, approximately 450 Defence Forces personnel were deployed across 12 missions in 13 countries. The largest Defence Forces deployment overseas is with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where approximately 360 Irish soldiers are currently serving. There is unanimous agreement among publicans, retailers and restaurateurs that this Christmas was very busy with people making a definite conscious effort to get out and enjoy themselves. Traders that The Echo spoke to over the weekend in Cork city centre said it had been a great Christmas, and all used variations of the phrase: There was a lovely buzz around. Jeff Safar Hamidi, owner of Koto on Careys Lane, said his restaurant had been packed out most days over the festive period. Dymphna Corkery with her daughters Amy and chloe shopping at the St Stephen's Day sales in Cork city. Picture Dan Linehan Its been a good Christmas, its been a long Christmas, weve had a great run, with everyone in good form, the last few days have been very busy, especially since the sales have started, he said. Theres a great buzz around town, its very positive. A few doors up, Rodolfo Aguirre, owner of Cafe Mexicana, said his restaurant hadnt necessarily been busier than last year, but had certainly been very busy. Everybody was happy, and the people enjoyed being out, everyone was happy, he said. Around the corner at Dubray Books on Patrick Street, deputy manager Caoimhe Coleman said sales had been markedly up this Christmas. Sisters Lauren and Rachel Lehane, Cobh. Picture Dan Linehan We noticed a big increase this year in people looking for recommendations for books, and taking our recommendations, which is really nice for us as booksellers, she said. Christmas week was just flat out, we could barely keep books on the shelves, it was that busy. Asked about sales of Cork books, she said Sean Ronaynes book Nature Boy had sold out completely, and Atlas of the Irish Civil War had been a big seller, and John Creedons latest book This Boys Heart had completely sold out, with more copies on the way. In Golden Discs, Conor McCreevy said they had been up the walls but there had been, yes, a really good buzz around the place. Shoppers queue outside Brown Thomas. Picture Dan Linehan Seeing the amount of families out buying records and turntables was really lovely, because I think its such a lovely habit to get into, I loved buying records in my adolescent years and growing up and getting turntables from my dad, and finding records that he owned. Its really good that a shop like this is so accessible for people, they might find something random, or something theyve been eyeing up for ages, he said. A big Irish seller this Christmas was Gurriers, a post-punk group from Dundalk, he said, with every second person asking for Romance by Fontaines DC. Internationally, Taylor Swift was, of course, huge, as was the Wicked album. Assistant manager Helen McNamara said the biggest Cork seller this year was John Spillane. Nadine Murphy looking at a top in JDSports. Picture Dan Linehan People were just really nice this year, they seemed to be all in such great form, and that really makes all the difference, she said. That was a sentiment repeated by Jason OSullivan, manager of the Liberty Grill on Washington Street, which was packed out for Saturday morning breakfast. Its been very busy, right up to Christmas Eve, definitely up on last year, but there was such a lot of nice people out. Christmas Eve can be a very tough shift, but everyone was extra-nice this year, which helped make it all very pleasant. Lynn Bradfield, manager of Quinlans Seafood Bar on Princes Street agreed. People have been in very good spirits, people are in very good form, so thats always great. Alisha and Ayesha Wasim. Picture Dan Linehan Weve been very busy, as far as I know we were up a little bit on last year, so thats good, thankfully, she said. In the Long Valley on Winthrop Street, a pub renowned far and wide for the quality of both its sandwiches and its pint, owner Peadar Moynihan said it had been a great few days. Lovely Christmas, lovely people enjoying themselves in the family atmosphere, they definitely got out and about, I think rather than shopping online, people made a definite conscious effort to get out and enjoy themselves and meet family and friends, he said. It was definitely up on recent years, just a lovely buzz, a lovely Christmas feeling with people definitely of good cheer. A Cork TD has called for an investigation into why a multi-million euro water treatment plant opened just over two years ago was only providing 66% of the citys water in October and November. Thomas Gould, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, said there were clearly huge issues with Uisce Eireanns Lee Road water treatment plant, which opened in July 2022, adding that many homes on Corks northside were left without a reliable water supply for Christmas. In the first months of the 40m water treatment plants operation, the then Irish Water was inundated with complaints about water quality, as brown and orange discoloured liquid began to flow from taps across the city. The problem with water quality has persisted intermittently in the city since then, predominantly, but not exclusively, affecting homes on Corks northside. In September, Uisce Eireann announced a further investment of 1.6m at the Lee Road water treatment plant. Mr Gould said the investment was definitely necessary, but questioned why the multi-million euro plant was only providing 66% of the citys water supply in October and November. Since October, water from the Inniscarra water treatment plant has been diverted via Uisce Eireanns western trunk water main into the city. In total, Uisce Eireann supplied 1,735,122,568 litres of water to the city in October and November. Of that, 1,139,820,450 litres, or 66%, came from the Lee Road plant. Uisce Eireann said that due to the mixing of the two water supplies in its low-level reservoir, it could not determine the amount of Inniscarra water specifically supplied to the northside. It said that the additional water from Inniscarra enabled the company to anticipate changing raw water conditions and mitigate against elevated levels of manganese as well as maximise water storage volumes in the reservoirs over the winter months. Calling for an investigation into the need for further investment in a plant that only two years earlier had received a 40m investment, Mr Gould said concerns remained about the plants ability to deliver clean, safe drinking water. There are clearly huge issues in this plant that are having dire consequences for homes on the northside who have faced another Christmas without a reliable water supply, said Mr Gould. Speaking in mid-December, Brian OLeary, Uisce Eireanns regional operations manager for the South-West, said Corks cast iron water mains, some of which date back to the late 1800s, require significant investment for long-term replacement. Despite these investments, Uisce Eireann acknowledges some areas of Cork city continue to experience discolouration. It has moved to reassure residents and businesses that it is working to address the root causes, and encourages anyone affected to report issues. I was delighted to return to Cork County Council in June of this year, which coincided with the election of a new Council. Remarkable growth and opportunities lie ahead for Cork, supported by the thriving ecosystem of businesses with strong foreign direct investment and a sound indigenous economy. Economy This growth is supported through the collaboration and partnerships that exists between both the County and City Councils; the third level partners; the IDA; Enterprise Ireland and other industry partners all working closely to drive economic development and plan for a sustainable future. There are opportunities to deliver further for County Corks communities over the next 12 months. With infrastructure projects and increased delivery of housing, as well investment in roads and libraries, there is an increased focus on our towns, and villages. Housing The delivery of social and affordable housing continued in 2024 and is planned to increase further throughout 2025. Over 800 allocations of social housing, to Council and approved housing body dwellings, were made during the past year. More than 200 affordable houses have been or are being delivered across the county. Infrastructure Cork County Council is continuing to advance a range of strategic road infrastructural projects throughout the county. Significant progress has been achieved during 2024 in progressing the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy project. This motorway is key to leveraging the economic and developmental potential of the county and the wider region. The main works project has been tendered, and it is expected that a contract will be awarded in the new year, subject to approval by Government. Projects that are being actively progressed at a strategic level include the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Road and the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road. The Council continues to progress projects such as the R624 Cobh Road, the N25 Killeagh and Castlemartyr bypasses, and various interventions throughout West Cork. Works completed in 2024 include the N73 Annakisha major works scheme, as well as a range of pavement overlay projects throughout the county. Work on the Eastern Metropolitan Active Travel Corridor continued, with connectivity between Dunkettle and Carrigtwohill substantially complete. Active travel Active travel measures continue to be advanced in Midleton, as well as the greater Carrigaline area. Works are substantially complete for the entirety of the Midleton to Youghal Greenway, and all sections of this corridor have opened to the public in time for Christmas, 2024. Local business In December, Cork County Councils Local Enterprise Offices celebrated a decade of empowering local business. Since 2014, the LEOs in Cork North & West and South Cork have provided more than 13 million in financial support to small and medium enterprises in County Cork. Achievements There were other significant achievements throughout 2024, most notably the 125th anniversary of Cork County Council; the opening of Leabharlann Oilean Chleire; the reopening of the Briery Gap Theatre and Library in Macroom; and the reopening of Camden Fort Meagher in Crosshaven. Tourism The thriving tourism sector in County Cork supports a substantial number of jobs and boosts the local economy across the county. Cork County Council will continue to work closely with our partners such as Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland, and all local stakeholders to build and enhance the tourist facilities. I wish at this time to acknowledge the commitment and public service demonstrated by the staff across Cork County Council. Their commitment to the county and to the provision of services has been exceptional and it is important to acknowledge this as the year draws to a close. I hope that you will use the Christmas and New Year break as an opportunity to explore what our wonderful county has to offer, go for a walk on one of our many beaches, trails, or greenways if the weather allows, and support your local businesses wherever possible. They are the lifeblood of our towns and villages. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Agus seasur na Nollag linn anois ba mhaith liom an deis a thapu chun Beannachtai na Nollag a ghui oraibh go leir agus guim gach rath agus sean ort san athbhliain. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Livestock graze near a disappearing lake in the Tengger Desert of Alxa League, Inner Mongolia on July 31, 2024. Ye Dong / World Meteorological Organization In a message ahead of the new year, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that 2024, which is expected to soon be confirmed as the hottest year on record, is just one of many record-breaking years for high temperatures over the past decade. Throughout 2024, hope has been hard to find. Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife fueling tensions and mistrust. And today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat, Guterres said. As part of his message, the secretary-general warned that the previous decade has broken records for extreme heat. The top ten 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024, Guterres continued. This is climate breakdown in real time. We must exit this road to ruin and we have no time to lose. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which is part of the UN, recently reported that 2024 is set to be named the warmest year ever recorded. The official global temperature for 2024 will be published in January, the organization reported. Following this news, scientists are urging immediate action to safeguard the planet against the most catastrophic effects of climate change, especially as the world is already experiencing more intense and more frequent extreme weather events. This year we saw record-breaking rainfall and flooding events and terrible loss of life in so many countries, causing heartbreak to communities on every continent, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said in a statement. Tropical cyclones caused a terrible human and economic toll, most recently in the French overseas department of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. Intense heat scorched dozens of countries, with temperatures topping 50C on a number of occasions. Wildfires wreaked devastation. For 2025, WMO will focus heavily on cryosphere preservation, or preserving sea ice, ice sheets and other frozen parts of Earth. As NASA reported in September 2024, both Arctic and Antarctic ice reached near record lows for 2024, with Antarctica experiencing low ice levels even in the coldest months of the year for the Southern Hemisphere. Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that for the first time in thousands of years, the Arctic was emitting more carbon than it was storing as a response to record-breaking temperatures, ice loss and wildfires. Further, a recent report by the World Weather Attribution and Climate Central detailed severe impacts from climate change-related extreme weather events, which led to the premature deaths of at least 3,700 people and the displacement of millions of people in 2024. According to the report, climate change made 26 of 29 analyzed extreme weather events worse this year. Extreme heat in particular was made significantly worse by climate change, with an additional 41 days of dangerous heat in 2024, the report found. Guterres has warned that countries will need to unite to protect people and the planet moving forward. In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future, Guterres said. It is essential and it is possible. 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The Carter Center is backing a call by 15 Christian leaders from various U.S. denominations who recently urged Congress to investigate allegations of human rights violations by Israelis against Palestinians in violation of U.S. law. The Center which was founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter in partnership with Emory University said it had long been concerned about "Israel's disregard for stated U.S. policy." The Center said this is "demonstrated by an unprecedented massive increase in encroachment on occupied Palestinian territory, with illegal settlement expansion during recent years. Former President Carter added: "This is precluding the possibility of a two-state solution and endangers a peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians. In early October, leaders of various denominations including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the President of the UMC Council called on Congress to tie U.S. military aid to Israel to human rights law compliance, citing the need for a government investigation into possible "misuse" of U.S. supplied weapons for crowd control. While the church leaders said their churches have supported both Israelis and Palestinians in their desire for peace, they said they have seen the impacts of conflicts on both sides. However the letter also faults "unconditional U.S. military assistance to Israel," which the leaders say has contributed to deterioration of conditions. Some Jewish organizations who have participated with Christian groups in the Christian-Jewish Roundtable have criticized the call, saying on October 17 that the leaders' letter to Congress "represents an escalation in activity that the Jewish participants feel precludes a business as-usual approach." The Jewish groups cancelled a Roundtable meeting last month and called for a meeting with the senior leadership of the Christian groups that joined the letter to Congress and have participated in the Roundtable in the past. "The purpose of the meeting would be to communicate face-to-face at the highest levels and determine a more positive path forward for our communities," they wrote. The Jewish organizations calling for the meeting include the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the Union for Reform Judaism. (Photo Credit: Annemarie Poyo/The Carter Center)Jimmy Carter, former U.S. President and founder of the Carter Center, listens to the U.S. national anthem during a visit to Havana Cuba on May 12, 2002. Jimmy Carter, former president, a devout Baptist, charity worker, and Sunday School teacher for decades has died at the age of 100, the only person to have held the highest office in the United States to reach a century. The Carter Center announced his passing on Dec. 29 on X, formerly Twitter, saying, "Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia," a town of 700 people. Carter was a peanut farmer and U.S. Navy lieutenant before going into politics, eventually serving one term as governor of Georgia and as president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Carter married Rosalynn Smith in 1946. In July 2023, the couple celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary, with their union currently standing as the longest marriage of any U.S. president. Rosalynn Carter, died 13 months earlier than her husband at 96. He made his final public appearance in November 2023 to mourn her death. Born in 1924, Carter came from a small farming town in Georgia. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and was the first Southern Baptist elected president. Four children with Rosalynn survive Carter: Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy. In March 2019, Carter became the longest-lived American president who also enjoyed the lengthiest post-White House life. People reported that his and Rosalynn's 77-year marriage was the longest of any first couple. The Baptist Paper said Carter's public life reflected his mission. "Remembered for his humanitarian efforts in the U.S. and around the world, Carter is best known to Southern Baptists for his vocal faith in Jesus and long tenure as a Sunday School teacher in his hometown of Plains, Georgia," said the paper. He authored several faith-centered books, including his 1996 memoir "Living Faith" and the Bible-focused "Sources of Strength: Meditations on Scripture for a Living Faith." During his term as Georgia's governor before his presidency, Carter served as honorary chair of Billy Graham's first evangelistic crusade in Atlanta in 1973. When the evangelist died in 2018, Carter called him an adviser and friend. Elected U.S. President in 1976, Carter's single term in office was marked by economic hardship and unrest, including the 1979 hostage crisis in Iran, for which his administration was strongly criticized for the way it was handled. During his presidency, Carter sought to broker peace between Israel and Egypt, foreshadowing how he would spend the rest of his life. 40 YEARS HELPING THE NEEDY After leaving Washington, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, dedicated more than 40 years to helping needy people. They began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in the mid-1980s, establishing the annual Carter Work Project to provide affordable housing in the U.S. and overseas. After his presidency, the Carters returned to Plains, where he began teaching a 10 a.m. Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church. Over the years, the class attracted enough visitors to warrant special instructions on the church's website. Carter famously showed up for Sunday School just days after starting treatment for brain cancer in 2015. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, dedicated more than 40 years to helping people in need. They began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in the mid-1980s, establishing the annual Carter Work Project to provide affordable housing in the U.S. and overseas. SOUTHERN BAPTIST ALMOST LIFELONG A Southern Baptist for most of his life, Carter publicly left the denomination in 2000 over issues including the SBC's position on women and the pastorate. A vocal proponent of the ordination of women, Carter described the Catholic Church's decision to only ordain men as discriminating "against women in a very abusive fashion," the Catholic Herald reported. In 2000, when the Southern Baptist Convention voted to maintain its prohibition on female ordination, Carter wrote to some 75,000 Baptists, stating: "I have finally decided that, after 65 years, I can no longer be associated with the Southern Baptist Convention." However, Carter remains arguably the most Christian president of the United States, with his faith informing much of his actions, commented the Catholic Herald. UN Secretaru General Antonio Guterres said, "President Carter's leadership contributed significantly to international peace and security, including the landmark Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal Treaties. "President Carter's commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency. He played a key role in conflict mediation, election monitoring, the promotion of democracy, and disease prevention and eradication." Guterres said these and other efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and helped advance the work of the United Nations. Carter was awarded the United Nations Human Rights Prize in 1998, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, and the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Aside from the global shutter on Sony's A9 III and some cool mirrorless options the Fujifilm X100 VI, Panasonic S9 and Canon EOS R5 II come to mind 2024 was a dull year for cameras full of small tweaks and minor improvements. Except for DJI's Neo. For $200, aerial photography is now finally in reach for just about anyone. DJIs very good, not-so-great year DJI released its product lineup this year with a sword of Damocles hanging over its head: the US government was planning to ban sales of the companys products by the end of 2024 over potential fears of spying. It was only at the last minute that DJI gained a reprieve, thanks in large part to lobbying by public safety groups that heavily rely on its drones. It now has until the end of 2025 to prove that its products dont pose a risk. The companys list of 2024 camera gear started with the Avata 2, an FPV drone that improved nearly everything from the popular original at a reduced price. DJI then announced it the $299 Mini 4K. We also saw the Action 5 Pro, DJIs best action cam to date, along with the Air 3S, a highly capable drone with a relatively large 1-inch sensor camera and the Mic Mini, an affordable wireless mic system. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Its biggest launch, though, was the Neo drone, announced in September. It took the idea of a simple drone for creators, first pioneered (then dropped) by Snap with the Pixy, while lowering the price and adding AI technology. Steve Dent for Engadget The Neo is a very lightweight drone that can be piloted without a license and is people-safe thanks to its shrouded propellers. Its ready to use for beginners straight out of the box without any training simply place it in your hand and press a button, then itll fly off and capture cool programmed shots like dronies. Just because the Neo is approachable doesnt mean its basic, though. If you want to pilot the Neo manually, it supports DJIs controllers, FPV goggles and can even be flown using a smartphone. It can hit speeds up to 18 MPH or even faster in manual mode, and is highly maneuverable. Thanks to the built-in AI features, it can track you while you walk or bike, making it a vloggers best friend. Finally, it can capture all your footage at 4K 30p, with surprisingly good quality considering the price point. My main sore point with the Neo is the banshee-like noise it generates, which can be tricky in public places. Overall, though, it's a highly useful product at a great price point and managed to capture the zeitgeist like no other camera product this year. Canon and Fujifilm were the best of the rest My favorite mirrorless camera this year was Canons EOS R5 II. Thats not because of any spectacular new tech, but the fact that its nearly a perfect hybrid camera. Steve Dent for Engadget That starts with the new 45-megapixel stacked sensor that offers a blend of speed and resolution weve only ever seen on the Sonys A1 or the Nikon Z9 both considerably more expensive. It also has the companys most advanced AI autofocus system. All that allows ultra-fast shooting speeds up to 30fps in RAW mode. Its advanced AF system makes blurry photos a rarity even at those speeds. At the same time, the 45-megapixel photos deliver exceptional detail and relatively high dynamic range, with accurate, pleasing colors. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement At the same time, it offers incredible video powers, with 8K RAW shooting at up to 60fps and 4K 120p. As with photos, video quality is exceptional thanks to the new CLog 2 capture that allows for higher dynamic range. Beyond all that, the EOS R5 II is just a great camera to use, with near-perfect ergonomics. The other camera I really enjoyed using was Fujifilms X100 VI compact. The camera deserved the large amount of press it received this year, because its stripped down nature, vintage looks, film simulations and great handling really bring fun back to photography. At the same time, its a technological marvel with a higher-resolution 40-megapixel sensor, decently fast shooting speeds, stabilization and solid video specs. Finally, I think Panasonics S9 deserves a shoutout for trying something new. Its one of the smallest full-frame cameras Ive ever seen, yet offers features like 6K video and in-body stabilization. But the primary new trick is built-in LUT simulations kind of like Fujifilms X100 VI, but for video. That, combined with the large sensor, makes it an interesting camera. What to expect in the camera world for 2025 Steve Dent for Engadget Despite a potential US ban, DJI is likely to continue its ambitious product release schedule in 2025. According to rumors, its working on a foldable model called the DJI Flip and is also likely to release a successor to the Mavic 3 Pro sometime next year, according to recent FCC filings. Apart from that, it tends to have rapid upgrade cadence for most of its drones and cameras, so expect to see successors for its Action 5 Pro cam, Mini 4 Pro drone and other models. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Elsewhere, one intriguing rumor has Fujifilm releasing a one-inch, half-sensor compact that would be like a digital version of the popular Pentax 17 film camera and may even allow for diptych (side-by-side) photos. Otherwise, Sony is due to release an update for its popular A7 IV launched in 2021 with higher shooting speeds and other specs to better line up with the competition. Canon is very likely to release a new camera in that same price category, the R6 III, also with improved specs. We could see a new Nikon Z5 III model with improved performance. And Panasonic is due to refresh its S1 and S1R models. Manufacturers may jump on the compact train, now that Fujifilm has proved its a viable category something that would be good news for all photographers. Plus, what we already know is coming, keynotes from notable CEOs and our experts' predictions on trends at the show. We're here! The Engadget CES 2025 team has mostly arrived in Las Vegas, where well be covering techs biggest annual conference. Our war room is open, the team has been seeing products and the coverage will ramp up in just a few short hours. Still, the show doesn't officially kick off for a couple of days, since the convention center is only truly open on January 7. But we'll have plenty of press conferences to cover tomorrow, and companies are already holding somewhat secretive briefings to preview their news. Based on our experience, as well as observation of recent industry trends, its fairly easy to make educated predictions about what we might see here. Over the years, the focus of the conference has spanned areas like TVs, cars, smart home products and personal health, with a smattering of laptops and accessories thrown in. At CES 2025, we expect to see AI get even more pervasive in all areas of the show floor. But we are also likely to get the usual slew of new processors and subsequent laptops, as well as all manner of wearables, trackers, bathroom appliances and massage chairs. Oh, the massage chairs. What we already know about There's already a lot we know is coming, just by a cursory glance at the lineup published by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). In addition to numerous panels and talks, there will be keynotes by NVIDIA's founder and CEO Jensen Huang, Delta CEO Ed Bastian as well as C-suite executives from companies like Panasonic, SiriusXM, Waymo and Volvo group. We've also seen that Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X (Twitter), will be interviewed by journalist Catherine Herridge at a keynote on January 7, while Snap CEO Evan Spiegel will be speaking about the "future goals of the platform" on January 8. Press conferences of note at CES 2025 Engadget will be running a liveblog all through the show, starting on Monday January 6th. That's the day many press conferences by companies like NVIDIA, LG, Samsung and AMD will be taking place, and we'll be covering them live. We'll be paying particular attention to NVIDIA, LG, Samsung and Sony, but are keeping tabs on the dozens of other press conferences that will be happening, as well as the talks with Yaccarino and Spiegel. Here's how to watch those noteworthy press conferences if you want to tune in yourself: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement CES 2025 news that's already announced Some companies didn't even wait till January to make their news known. LG, for example, continues its annual tradition of sharing its upcoming CES launches weeks ahead of the show by unveiling the 2025 refresh for its QNED evo line of LCD TVs. The company has continued to release more information, including announcing its 45-inch UltraGear bendable OLED gaming monitor alongside a line of curved OLED screens. In fact, here's a little list of all the other CES 2025 things LG has already shared so far: ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Hyundai Mobis, meanwhile, has said it will be giving us a look at its "Holographic Windshield Display," something it's claiming is a world's first. Hyundai Mobis even shared a picture of what its booth at CES 2025 will look like, in case pictures of convention center booths get you excited. Hyundai Mobis Plenty of other news has already been made public, including Roborock's vacuum with an arm to help it pick up small objects, Belkin's creator bundle of accessories including a tripod that makes taking hands-free video on your phone much easier. There's a whole lot more news already announced, and for now you can head over to our CES 2025 page to keep up! In addition to what's already been announced, we still have our guesses on big news and trends that might make waves at CES 2025. Heres a taste of what our team expects to see at the show. New video cards from AMD and NVIDIA Theres no doubt 2025 is going to be a momentous year for PC gamers. NVIDIA is expected to debut its long-awaited RTX 5000 video cards at CES, while AMD CEO Lisa Su has confirmed well see next-generation RDNA 4 GPUs early next year. Of the two companies, AMD could use the upgrade more. Its last batch of Radeon 7000 cards were decent mid-range performers, but they lagged far behind NVIDIAs hardware when it came to ray tracing, and AMDs FSR 3 upscaling also couldnt compete with NVIDIAs AI-powered DLSS 3. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "In addition to a strong increase in gaming performance, RDNA 4 delivers significantly higher ray-tracing performance and adds new AI capabilities, AMD CEO Lisa Su said in an October earnings call. As for NVIDIAs new hardware, a rumor from the leaker OneRaichu (via DigitalTrends) suggested that the RTX 5090 could be up to 70 percent faster than the RTX 4090. (Thats a GPU that I previously described as having unholy power.) They also note that other high level cards could see 30 to 40 percent performance bumps. Those gains might be enough to tempt wealthy RTX 4090 owners to upgrade, but RTX 4070 and 4080 owners might want to skip this generation. For NVIDIA holdouts with RTX 3000 and earlier GPUs, though, next year may be the perfect time to upgrade. Devindra Hardawar, senior reporter AI PCs round 2 Last year, I predicted that AI PCs would dominate CES, and that mostly turned out to be true. As 2024 rolled on, we saw even more powerful NPUs in chips from Intel, AMD and Qualcomm. Microsoft also doubled down on AI PCs with its Copilot+ initiative, which gave a big marketing push for artificial intelligence features and premium specifications (like having at least 16GB of RAM). Expect more of the same going into CES 2025, alongside even more AI being stuffed into every category of product imaginable. This year, in particular, PC makers are likely to gear up to take advantage of Windows 10 support ending next year. Instead of just upgrading your old computer to Windows 11, the likes of Dell and HP would rather you buy a whole new AI PC with the new OS pre-installed. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement While 2024 was a year of endless AI PC hype, 2025 might end up being a year of reckoning. Microsofts long-delayed Recall feature is slowly trickling out to more users, but its already showing some glaring security holes, like failing to scrub social security and credit card numbers from screenshots. Weve also been mostly underwhelmed with Apple Intelligences image generation capabilities. PC makers have been eager to talk up the potential of AI-powered features until now, but in 2025 theyll have to actually prove they can live up to their fantastical claims. D.H. Earbuds that follow Apples lead on hearing health Im fully aware not every audio company has the ability to build out a clinical-grade hearing test and hearing aid features in their apps. However, Apples recent update for the AirPods Pro 2 should inspire the competition to offer some form of hearing health tools on their flagship products. Jabra was probably the best equipped to do this since parent company GN has extensive hearing aid experience. Sadly, the company announced earlier this year that it wouldnt make earbuds anymore. Samsung and Google could probably integrate something like what Apple made for the AirPods, given both companies existing health platforms. If they did, those announcements are unlikely to be made at CES, as both companies prefer to host their own standalone hardware events throughout the year. That leaves Sennheiser as the biggest audio company that consistently launches earbuds and headphones at CES. Last year, it showcased multiple new models, including one with heart-rate tracking for workouts. Plus, it already offers hearing assistance with dedicated devices like the true wireless Conversation Clear Plus. Those earbuds are more hearing focused than for general content consumption, so it would be great to see Sennheiser bring some features from that product to its flagship Momentum line of earbuds. Perhaps a Momentum True Wireless 4 Pro or Plus is in the cards, but the current model is just nine months old. Of course, theres plenty of room for other companies to innovate here, and there will be no shortage of new earbuds in Vegas next month. We also tend to see a ton of assistive devices and technology launch at CES, from major accessibility companies like OrCam and all manner of smaller brands. I just hope some of the new tech includes more general hearing tools on the models most people will want to use. Billy Steele, senior editor Vehicle electrification goes sky high As the growth of electric cars nears 10 percent of new models sold in the US, its easy to forget that wheeled vehicles arent the only kind of transportation seeing the shift to battery-powered propulsion. Flying taxis have been a mainstay of CES for the past few years, with concept vehicles from brands as large as Hyundai dotting the show floor in Vegas. Granted, these contraptions look more like giant drones with cockpits than anything the Jetsons ever dreamed up. But with companies like Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation pledging to actually launch eVTOL services (electric vertical take-off and landing) in 2025, the era of air taxis may have landed for real this time. Sam Rutherford, senior reporter Turning more phones into satellite phones Since Apple introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite on the iPhone 14 in 2022, we've seen a serious uptick in development in satellite communications. Not only did Apple expand its feature to allow for non-emergency communications, component makers like Qualcomm, too, tried to bring similar capabilities to Android devices. Snapdragon Satellite was announced at CES 2023, as a project between Qualcomm and Iridium, but the initiative did not gain popularity with smartphone companies, and was ultimately ended in November that same year. Since then, Google launched satellite calling in Pixel 9 phones, while SpaceX's Starlink satellite texting service has gone live in New Zealand via telco One NZ. In the US, T-Mobile opened up beta signups for its Starlink-powered satellite cell service this year. The skies are getting more crowded, too, with AT&T and partner AST SpaceMobile launching five satellites in September, as well as Amazon's Project Kuiper looking to boost its satellite internet network with space lasers. This year, Garmin launched the inReach Messenger Plus, which it describes as an "SOS Satellite Communicator with Photo and Voice messaging." Though satellite hotspots like that have been around for years from companies like Iridium and GlobalSat, they've historically cost $800 to $1,000, and haven't had the ability to send much more than a few lines of text. Garmin's product may be an indicator of things to come not only are we likely to see major phone makers embed satellite communication capability into future handsets, but in the interim we're probably going to get a bunch of hotspots so we'll never lose connectivity, not matter how far off the grid we get. And I wouldn't be surprised if CES 2025 is rife with devices that let us tap into satellites to get help and talk to others. Cherlynn Low, deputy editor Expanded dialog improvement features on soundbars When it comes to the main aspects of soundbars, there really isnt a ton of innovation from year to year. Heck, Samsungs biggest update last year was the addition of HDMI 2.1 support to its flagship model, which shouldve been there already. Companies have also been focused on the transition to cable-free everything, whether thats wireless Dolby Atmos or wireless transmission boxes. Audio enhancement features are a place where companies can really rise above the fray, and tools like Sonos TV Audio Swap and Boses Personal Surround Sound are great examples of this. A key area nearly every company can improve is dialog boost, a feature that raises the volume or separates spoken word from background noise and music for better clarity. Sonos made a huge leap in this regard on the Arc Ultra, offering two additional settings for its so-called Speech Enhancement. Previously, this was just an all-or-nothing toggle, which is how most companies handle their versions of this tool. Not only is the Sonos update customizable to a degree, its also just better, thanks in part to the redesigned architecture of its new premium soundbar. This is an obvious area where other companies can improve. LG and Samsung typically announce new soundbars at CES, and there are plenty of smaller companies that will debut some too. Id love to see all of them take dialog enhancements a step further and at the very least give multiple options for how its applied. LG has been using AI Sound Pro from its TVs since 2021 and Samsung offers something called Adaptive Sound on its home theater speakers. I would expect them both to generally improve the quality of their features, but Im hoping theyll expand the capabilities too. B.S. Update, December 17 2024, 12:40PM ET: This story has been updated to include the companies and CEOs that will be making keynotes at the show. Update, December 20 2024, 11:55AM ET: This story has been updated to include LG and Hyundai Mobis' announcements ahead of CES 2025. Update, December 25 2024, 10:00AM ET: This story has been updated to include a prediction about satellite communication devices being everywhere at CES 2025. Update, December 30 2024, 12:00PM ET: This story has been updated to include a section titled "What we already know is coming," that contains newer information about appearances by X CEO Linda Yaccarino and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, as well as updates on LG's UltraGear line. The intro was also updated to be more accurate about the time of year since we first published this piece. Update, January 3 2025, 3:20PM ET: This story has been updated to include a list of announcements by LG, as well as to edit the intro so it is not outdated and reflects that we have, indeed, entered a new year. Update, January 5 2025, 3:30PM ET: This story has been updated to include more news from LG, Belkin and Roborock. The intro was also edited as the Engadget team has now arrived in Las Vegas and begun working. Update, January 5 2025, 7:53PM ET: This story has been updated to include a list of press conferences to watch, as well as some new details and links about Engadget's coverage. Engadget spent the week of January 5 reporting live from CES 2025 in Las Vegas. See our picks for the Best of CES 2025. If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Hannah Berner, 33, issued an important clarification regarding a joke about Blake Lively that appeared in Netflix's Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year. The comedian emphasized that her segment was filmed before Lively's recent legal action against Justin Baldoni. During her three-minute set in the special, which covered various 2024 pop culture moments including the Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift relationship and Ellen DeGeneres' overseas move, Berner made a brief joke referencing Lively where she referred to her as. "c**t". The comedian addressed the timing in a statement on her Instagram Stories December 27, confirming the special was filmed at The Bellwether in Los Angeles on December 17. "My joke in the Netflix roast was filmed before news of the lawsuit," she wrote. "To be 100 percent clear, I support Blake." The clarification comes amid Lively's December 20 legal filing against It Ends With Us director-costar Justin Baldoni. The actress, 37, alleges Baldoni orchestrated a smear campaign against her after she reported misconduct on the film's set. Her legal team claims the campaign was "carefully crafted, coordinated and resourced" to silence her and others. Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, responded on December 21, denying the allegations and later addressed the PR strategy as standard crisis management procedure. Lively subsequently told 'The New York Times' she hopes her legal action will expose retaliatory tactics against those who report misconduct. Jenny Slate, who costars in 'It Ends With Us', has publicly supported Lively, describing the revealed attacks as "terribly dark, disturbing and wholly threatening," while expressing admiration for her friend's bravery. Margaret Qualley opened up about the challenges she faced while filming "The Substance" and the specific aspect of the production that was grueling. The movie is about Elizabeth Sparkle, a popular aerobics TV presenter portrayed by Demi Moore, who decides to experiment with a mysterious anti-aging drug that promises to rejuvenate her in a younger body, portrayed by Qualley. However, the drug comes with unexpected and disturbing side effects. In a recent interview with Vogue Australia, Qualley, 30, admitted that despite the movie's success, the filming process was far from smooth sailing. Transformation and Makeup Challenges During the filming of "The Substance," Qualley transformed with the use of prosthetics in the movie's gruesome climax. She confessed to feeling anxious throughout the process, enduring six-hour sessions in the make-up chair daily for their application. She shared that portraying her role in the movie was challenging due to the strict script and the pressure to deliver flawless performances. The movie addressed the challenge of unrealistic beauty standards in Hollywood, shedding light on the issue and describing the filming process as extremely "precise." "[Coralie Fargeat, the movie's director] wasn't looking for happy accidents, it's so controlled, so precise," the Montana-born celebrity told Vogue Australia. "It was very challenging to shoot because I get a lot of joy out of free-falling, out of the feeling that anything could happen at any moment." Qualley also spoke of her preference for acting, mentioning the freedom to improvise and learn from mistakes. This marked a departure from her earlier days of intense dance competitions, where perfection was vital. Margaret Qualley as Sue in THE SUBSTANCE. pic.twitter.com/VX1a9xDfol best of margaret qualley (@bestofmargaret) October 5, 2024 Shifting Gears While Qualley has embraced unconventional characters in films like Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things" and "Kinds of Kindness," she confessed to wanting to shift away from "arty" movies towards more mainstream genres. This is due to the fact that she does not enjoy watching such movies personally. "I've been in a lot of obscure, arty movies, and they're not actually the movies I like to watch, and I think I wanna start being in stuff that I would wanna watch." "And I think I wanna start being in stuff that I would wanna watch. I wanna do movies where I keep my clothes on, and I don't die in the end. The bar is low." "I'm so thirsty for a rom-com. I'm manifesting." However, she acknowledged the positive reception of her movies and expressed her gratitude and excitement. "It's exciting when something becomes a part of the culture. I think that's what most artists are setting out to do: put enough of themselves into something that it feels somewhat universal." Qualley, who is married to music producer and Taylor Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff, has garnered a Golden Globes nomination for her performance as Best Supporting Actress in the horror satire. In 2024, Hollywood found itself embroiled in a variety of scandals that are have threatened to tear down the glitzy exterior of celebrity. Let's explore the intricate web of drama that has defined 2024 in Hollywood. Justin Timberlake's Arrest Justin Timberlake had a controversial time in June following his arrest for driving under the influence in Sag Harbor. A long-awaited comeback to the stage after five years, the planned "Forget Tomorrow World Tour," was overshadowed by the incident's flurry of media attention. According to official documents, the former NSYNC star exhibited signs of drunkenness, including watery eyes, bloodshot eyes, and an odor of alcohol coming from him. He also did not perform well enough on the sobriety tests. Cop who arrested Justin Timberlake reportedly didn't know who he was: Justin said under his breath, This is going to ruin the tour. The cop replied, What tour? Justin said, The world tour. pic.twitter.com/k27b9MQ83n Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 19, 2024 In September, Timberlake pled guilty to a lesser charge of "driving while ability impaired," which resulted in a 90-day license suspension and community service. Jennifer Lopez's Life Jennifer Lopez experienced a great deal of criticism after her documentary, "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," was released in February. New York's Bronx residents were furious and took to social to accuse her of lying about her early years. Meanwhile, on August 20, on what would've been the couple's second anniversary, Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck. 55-year-old Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from 52-year-old Ben Affleck on the same day as their 2nd wedding anniversary pic.twitter.com/0QOoPpYlQP FearBuck (@FearedBuck) August 20, 2024 This is Lopez's fourth marriage and Affleck's second. Diddy's Legal Troubles Sean "Diddy" Combs made headlines in September after being charged with prostitution transportation, sex trafficking, and racketeering conspiracy. He entered a not guilty plea to all counts, and authorities are seeking any possible victims to come forward. Attorney Damian Williams said, "As alleged in the Indictment, for years, Sean Combs used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women." The date of his trial is set for May 2025 while he is incarcerated at the MDC in Brooklyn. Jay-Z's Allegations Jay-Z and Diddy reportedly abused a 13-year-old girl during a distressing event at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000. Having called the charges "idiotic" and "heinous in nature," Jay-Z declared, "My lawyer received a blackmail attempt... I will not give you ONE RED PENNY!!" On December 9, he filed a petition to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the accusations were unfounded, but the court denied his plea. 'It Ends With Us' Drama During the promotional campaign for the movie "It Ends With Us," Blake Lively was embroiled in controversy as fans speculated that she and co-star Justin Baldoni were at odds. Lively's marketing tactics were criticized for being callous in light of the movie's weighty themes of domestic violence and abuse. This is how Blake Lively is promoting her movie about escaping an abusive relationship and breaking the cycle of the abuse Unhinged and tone deaf. This isnt Barbie! pic.twitter.com/ZM7HlGyrpE Gabriel Divina (@GabrielDivina2) August 13, 2024 The internet isnt happy with how Blake Lively has been conducting herself in It Ends With Us PR, comparing her interviews to Justin Baldonis. After seeing interviews side-by-side, what do you think? pic.twitter.com/CsCoQ3MI1b Evie Magazine (@Evie_Magazine) August 13, 2024 But a few months later, the former "Gossip Girl" actress filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December, alleging that he had harassed her sexually and tried to ruin her career. In response, Baldoni's lawyer called the allegations outrageous and implied that the case was an effort to fix Lively's reputation. The tables have turned for Baldoni as Lively gets majority of the support from other celebrities and social media. Three stolen luxury watches belonging to actor Keanu Reeves have been found thousands of miles away: in Chile. Local authorities said a man was arrested in the capital of the South American country, Santiago, in connection with the robbery. His arrest was part of a larger operation, police told ABC News. The suspect, who has not been named, is in custody. One of the watches was a Rolex Submariner. The piece is worth roughly $9,000, the outlet said, and had the actor's name engraved on it. The watches were stolen from Reeves in December of last year after a group of burglars broke into his house, located in Hollywood Hills. The break-in was reported by a person who spotted four suspects entering the home through a window. Surveillance cameras recorded them as well, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed at the time. The suspects were wearing ski masks and broke into the property. They also reportedly stole a firearm before escaping. Reeves said at the time his house had been broken into several times over the years. Once, in 2014, he confronted a person who had entered his library. Cleaners found other people in his pool days later. --Originally appeared on 'Latin Times.' Amanda Bynes attended 50 Cent's Las Vegas residency where she was seen taking a picture with him backstage. In the clip, Bynes threw up the peace sign next to the "Many Men" rapper in front of a backdrop before thanking him at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, December 28. Bynes, who appeared on Nickelodeon's All That (19962000) and its spin-off series The Amanda Show (19992002), was overheard telling 50 Cent about a screenplay she's working on. She was also heard blushing how she's "been a fan of 50 Cent for years," per TMZ sources. "Why 50 look sad to see her? Maybe give her a role in BMF or something!," The Neighborhood Talk wrote in the caption of the reposted video. "He actually look concerned," one fan penned. "I'm just happy to see her amongst the living! No Amanda slander will be tolerated," another follower declared, while a third wrote how they "love Amanda so much, I'm happy he was kind to her." Bynes legal woes began in 2012, when she was charged with driving under the influence in West Hollywood, although the charges were dropped two years later. Bynes was charged with reckless endangerment and marijuana possession in May 2013 and accused her father of emotional and sexual abuse on then-Twitter. Her mother was granted a temporary conservatorship over her affairs, per CNN, which ended in 2022. In November 2024, Bynes shared a new milestone in her journey toward better health, posting a screenshot from her step counter app on her Instagram Story. The app showed she had walked 14,895 steps, covering 6.60 miles, and burned 481 calories surpassing her daily workout goal. Alongside the screenshot, the 38-year-old wrote, "Down 6lbs! 154lbs now." In March, she shared that her struggle with depression had caused her to gain over 20 pounds. At the time, she wrote on Instagram, "I've gained over 20 lbs. in the past few months from being depressed. I'm doing a lot better now and have learned to do opposite action when I don't feel like working out or eating clean." She also revealed her weight was 162 pounds at the time and expressed her goal of returning to 110 pounds. Bynes has a long history of challenges with body image and mental health. In 2018, the California native admitted that during the peak of her acting career, she grappled with severe insecurities that contributed to her decision to leave Hollywood. Reflecting on her role in 2006's She's the Man, Bynes told Paper magazine that portraying a character disguised as a boy led to a deep depression. "When the movie came out and I saw it, I went into a deep depression for 4-6 months because I didn't like how I looked when I was a boy," she said. The experience of wearing short hair and sideburns felt "super strange and out-of-body" and had a lasting impact. During her time filming Hall Pass (2011) and Easy A (2010), Bynes became addicted to Adderall and experimented with substances like ecstasy and cocaine. Now sober and focusing on recovery, Bynes continues to rebuild her life, sharing her progress with fans along the way. Russia and Ukraine carried out a latest prisoner exchange on Monday in a deal brokered with the help of the United Arab Emirates. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 189 Ukrainian prisoners, including military personnel, border guards and national guards along with two civilians were freed. Russias Defense Ministry said that 150 Russian soldiers were freed from captivity as part of the exchange in which each side released 150 people. The reason for the discrepancy in numbers wasnt immediately clear. Bereaved family members of the victims of a fatal plane fire on Monday criticized the South Korean government for their failure to preserve the victims' bodies. Park Han Shin, a representative of the bereaved families, said that the government has not kept their promise to preserve the bodies in freezer containers, saying they are not protecting their dignity. NFU Sugar has raised concerns over plans to introduce a ban on neonicotinoids which have previously been granted for use under emergency authorisations. Defra will explore legislative options that would legally prevent the future use of three specific neonicotinoids clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam entirely. In recent years, the virus yellows disease has caused crop losses of 80% for some British sugar beet growers. As a result, emergency authorisations were granted by the previous government, on the basis of forecast disease pressure, in order to protect the viability of the homegrown sugar beet sector. This years virus yellows infection rate was forecast by agricultural researchers at Rothamsted Research to be 83%. But NFU Sugar warned that without the use of cruiser SB treated seed, "it is likely that much of the crop would have been lost". Defra said the plans marked an important step forward in delivering on election commitment to safeguarding bees, butterflies and the wider environment. However, NFU Sugar noted that sugar beet "is not a flowering crop, meaning pollinators such as bees and butterflies are not attracted to it". NFU Sugar Board chair Michael Sly said: The governments position on neonicotinoids a vital tool in protecting homegrown sugar beet from the virus yellows disease has been clear since the publication of its manifesto. I am concerned about what a review of the emergency authorisation process could mean for British sugar beet growers access to crop protection products, which they use in a targeted and responsible way. It could set a worrying precedent regarding the principle of the EA process if the government simply has a list of products which are unable to be applied for. The current process is one based on strict regulation. Use is only granted if the virus yellows infection rate forecast, predicted by the independent scientific institution Rothamsted Research, meets the threshold set by Defra. Going forward, it is vital that Defra works with the industry to ensure that the homegrown sugar beet industry." Defra said the legal requirements for emergency authorisations have not changed today and any applications for 2025 will be considered under the law as it stands. The UK sheep flock decreased by 785,800 head to 31 million - the smallest size recorded for 13 years - recently published government figures show. Defra data indicates the total sheep and lamb population in the UK fell by 2.5% year-on-year from 31.8 million to 31.0 million head in June 2024. The female breeding flock fell by 3.6% to 14.9 million head, with those intended for first time breeding driving this decline down 9% on the year, which may indicate reduced replacements entering the breeding cycle. The results also indicate the lamb crop thats those aged under one year old - fell by 1.5% to stand at 15.2 million head. Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) analyst, Glesni Phillips said this decrease had already impacted on slaughter availability for the current lamb crop. She said: Those that fall into the lamb crop period between May 2024 April 2025 are recording throughput levels that are eight per cent below those of the previous year. The reduction in the female breeding flock, particularly first-time breeding ewes, will likely result in a smaller lamb crop next year which could tighten supplies of lambs for both breeding and slaughter in subsequent years. The total number of cattle and calves in the UK fell slightly in the same period from 9.55 million to 9.41 million head a decrease of 1.5% that represents 143,555 head fewer compared to 2023. This continues the ongoing decline in the UK herd, noted Ms Phillips. The overall breeding beef and dairy herd, which we define as a cow that has calved, contracted by almost two per cent to 3.18m head, 14% lower than in 2014 and driven by a 5% reduction in the beef breeding herd to 1.3m head. She said the dairy breeding herd remained stable at 1.8 million head and consistent with 2014 levels. A 3% increase in 'other female cattle,' particularly in the beef category where numbers increased 5%, could indicate farmer efforts to retain younger females as potential future breeding stock. "However, this may not offset the decline in the current breeding herd in the short term," Ms Phillips explained. Cattle aged one to two years saw a marginal 1% decrease and cattle less than one year old showed a notable decline, potentially impacting the supply pipeline for beef cattle in subsequent years. The male cattle population decreased by 2%, though a 5% rise in males aged two years or more may temporarily support slaughter numbers, said Ms Phillips. However, declines in younger male categories - those 1-2 years were 2% down and younger than one year, 4% down - could restrict beef production in later years. She estimated that these results could suggest beef production may not decline sharply in the short-term following stability in the beef cattle herd aged 1-2 years and the increase in older males. The notable decline in the beef breeding herd, coupled with fewer young calves and declining female cattle under two years old, does suggest a potential reduction in prime beef supplies and production volumes in the longer term." Ryan Seacrest insists there is still time for him to find love. Ryan Seacrest insists there is still time for him to find love The TV host, who turned 50 on 24 December, made the statement as he joined Good Morning America on Monday (30.12.24) to discuss his 20 years fronting Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve with Ryan Seacrest. During his appearance he said there was always a little bit of chaos behind the scenes of the show from unpredictable weather to performances not going according to schedule and people proposing. He said: You never know, but thats the beauty of the show. Journalist Rebecca Jarvis, 43, chipped in: And then you have people proposing in Times Square literally, like, Lets get married. She was referring to how around one million people pack themselves into Times Square on New Years Eve every year, with Ryan saying there were usually a handful of proposals amid the crowd. He added: Thats something thats happened almost every single year. Some of it makes TV, some of it doesnt, but people love that moment to say, Will you be with me for the rest of our lives? ABC correspondent Will Reeve, 32, who proposed to longtime girlfriend Amanda Dubin in New York City in November, said: I should have done the proposal on New Years Eve with Ryan. Amanda would have said no! Ryan then said: Theres still time for me as Will patted him on the back. The presenter also told his fellow broadcaster: Youve got this, Ryan. We wont rush you, though. Ryan has been single since he broke up with model Aubrey Paige, 26, in April after their three-year relationship. A source close to the former couple told People at the time: After three beautiful years together, Ryan and Aubrey have mutually decided to part ways. They plan to stay in each others lives as good friends and support one anothers endeavours. Turkiyes apparel exports to Africa amounted to $403.931 million in JanuaryOctober 2024, accounting for 2.96 per cent of its total apparel exports of $13.665 billion during the same period. According to Fibre2Fashions market insight tool TexPro, Africas share was 3.92 per cent in 2023, with Turkiye exporting $614.361 million worth of apparel to the continent out of a total of $15.678 billion. Turkiye's apparel exports to Africa fell to $403.931 million in JanuaryOctober 2024, making up 2.96 per cent of its total exports of $13.665 billion. Africa's share has declined from 4.41 per cent in 2019, with intermittent recovery in 2021. Export value also dropped from $708.064 million in 2019 to $614.361 million in 2023, highlighting a steady downward trend. Trade data shows Africas share fell from 4.41 per cent in 2019 to 3.78 per cent in 2020. It briefly rose to 4.40 per cent in 2021 before declining again to 4.33 per cent in 2022 and 3.92 per cent in 2023. In terms of value, Turkiyes apparel exports to Africa have mostly followed a downward trend, with the exception of 2021. Exports stood at $708.064 million in 2019, dropped to $564.922 million in 2020, rebounded to $773.259 million in 2021, then decreased to $737.609 million in 2022 and $614.361 million in 2023, as per TexPro. Turkiyes total apparel exports were recorded at $16.063 billion in 2019, $14.959 billion in 2020, $17.571 billion in 2021, $17.048 billion in 2022, and $15.678 billion in 2023. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) New York governor Kathy Hochul recently signed a legislation to bolster the US states efforts to protect and restore the environment by requiring large fossil fuel companies to pay for critical projects that protect New Yorkers. The legislation creates a Climate Superfund to support New York-based projects that bolster the states resiliency to dangerous climate impacts like flooding and extreme heat. New York governor Kathy Hochul has signed a legislation to bolster the US state's efforts to protect and restore the environment by requiring large fossil fuel firms to pay for critical projects that protect New Yorkers. The legislation creates a 'Climate Superfund' to support New York-based projects that bolster the state's resiliency to dangerous climate impacts like flooding and extreme heat. The legislation shifts the cost of climate adaptation from everyday New Yorkers to the fossil fuel companies most responsible for the pollution, a release from the governors office said. By creating a Climate Change Adaptation Cost Recovery Programme, the law ensures that these companies contribute to the funding of critical infrastructure investments, such as coastal protection and flood mitigation systems, to enhance the climate resilience of communities across the state. The state's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 per cent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation and waste sectors. Another new significant climate law signed by the governor recently expands upon the states 2014 prohibition of high-volume hydraulic fracturing to extract natural gas. The legislation amends the State Environmental Conservation Law to prohibit the use of carbon dioxide in gas or oil extraction to prevent potential negative health or environmental effects from carbon dioxide fracking in the state. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) On December 19, Lusis studio clarified the situation in a Weibo post, stating that she had felt unwell on December 18 and sought medical attention promptly. The post assured fans that Lusi is receiving treatment and following medical advice. Her management has decided to suspend all work commitments while she focuses on her recovery. Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has sparked concern among fans after an image surfaced on social media, showing a woman in a wheelchair at a hospital's A&E department. While the woman was wearing a mask and cap, netizens speculated that it was Lusi, 26.Her Weibo account was also unexpectedly shut down, adding to the confusion. Fans worried about her well-being as there was no explanation for the sudden disappearance. Justin Baldoni is currently under fire after Blake Lively accused him of sexual harassment on the sets of It Ends With Us. Now, the actor plans to submit an explosive counter-complaint against his co-star. As per US media reports, Baldoni is waiting for the courts to open after New Year's Day, following which he will file legal documents. His attorney Bryan Freedman said, "When we file our first lawsuit, it is going to shock everyone who has been manipulated into believing a demonstrably false narrative. In over 30 years of practising, I have never seen this level of unethical behaviour intentionally fueled through media manipulation." Reports also state that the lawsuit is likely to change the course of the case and counter Lively's allegations that Baldoni and his crisis PR team launched a smear campaign against her. The lawsuit will further argue on the point that the actress filed a case to repair her reputation after facing negative publicity while promoting It Ends With Us. Beijing, China--(Newsfile Corp. - December 30, 2024) - An engaging travel and culture series of China's Greater Bay Area returns this December with its second season, streaming worldwide on YouTube and Italy's TV7. Co-produced by Guangdong Radio and Television (GRT) and the Center for International Cultural Communication of China International Communications Group (CICC), the series showcases the rich cultural diversity of the Greater Bay Area. The latest episode of Soaring Guangdong takes viewers beyond urban landscapes to explore the traditional heart of rural China. In "From City Lights to Countryside Vibes: A Journey to LianMa Village," host Anzelika Smirnova visits the picturesque Lianma Village, immersing herself in the time-honored art of rice wine making. The episode reveals the meticulous, labor-intensive process that has been passed down through generations. Following tradition, the villagers continue to use pure mountain spring water and local rice, maintaining the authentic taste that has made their wine increasingly sought after. Through intimate encounters with village residents, Anzelika experiences the warmth of rural hospitality, sharing stories with locals over cups of homemade rice wine. The cameras capture candid moments of village life, revealing how the community's welcoming spirit and strong cultural identity have remained unchanged despite growing outside interest in their traditional products. Most notably, the episode highlights an encouraging trend: young people returning to their ancestral village. As demand for authentic rice wine grows, these younger villagers are finding innovative ways to preserve their heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods. "Soaring Guangdong" aims to promote cross-cultural understanding by showcasing the region's rapid development and its commitment to preserving its cultural roots. Through stunning cinematography and thoughtful storytelling, the series reveals how this once-quiet village is finding a sustainable path to prosperity while preserving its cultural essence. The latest episode offers an inspiring glimpse into rural China's evolution, where tradition and innovation create new possibilities for the future. Viewers worldwide can access all episodes on YouTube, while Italian audiences can watch the series on TV7. For more information about Soaring Guangdong and to watch the latest episodes, visit https://youtu.be/vBkJqmlsFUM. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBkJqmlsFUM To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235466 SOURCE: Global News Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): Disposal Change in Evolva Holding SA's shareholder structure 30-Dec-2024 / 07:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. PRESS RELEASE | AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR Change in Evolva's shareholder structure Reinach, Switzerland, 30 December 2024 - Evolva Holding SA (SIX: EVE) ("Evolva") was informed by its largest shareholder Nice & Green SA, Nyon, that it had sold all its Evolva shares to an unnamed third party. Nice & Green SA, Nyon, Evolva's largest shareholder with a latest reported shareholding of 19.344%, informed Evolva that it had sold all its Evolva shares to a third party. The identity of the third party is currently unknown to Evolva. Under applicable shareholding disclosure rules, the new investor is required to notify Evolva and the Disclosure Office of SIX Exchange Regulation AG within four trading days of the transaction. Evolva has the obligation to publish the disclosure within two trading days as of its receipt on the electronic publishing platform of the Disclosure Office. Contact Evolva Doris Rudischhauser Investor Relations and Corporate Communications +41 79 410 81 88 investors@evolvaholding.com Disclaimer This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws. This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. Additional features: File: Change in Evolva Holding SA's shareholder structure End of Inside Information Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - December 30, 2024) - Samshe Design Hub, a premier interior designer in Dubai, has introduced its latest guide to the top trends in interior design for 2024. This resourceful guide is meant to be an inspiration for those seeking to give their interiors a fresh look with inspirationally creative ideas that will fit the current trend and be relevant for many years to come. The impeccable taste and the visionary design approach have always been at the fore of interior innovation when it comes to Samshe Design Hub. In this latest release, the design studio not only continued its commitment to excellence but also shared yet more valuable, highly readable design expertise with audiences in the UAE and further afield. The guide is available at no charge on the official website at Samshe Design Hub. Bringing Modern Elegance to Homes and Offices This new guide launched by Samshe Design Hub goes all the way from a palette of colors and textures to suggesting furniture and layout. It is sure to balance sophistication with functionality, a testament to Samshe's pledge for creating spaces where aesthetics and utility blend together seamlessly. Various sections in the guide are designed to assist an individual in finding inspiration and making informed decisions while designing their space. The release highlights some of the key design trends expected to make a significant impact in 2024: Incorporating Natural Material: With an increase in sustainable and eco-friendly designs, Samshe Design Hub notices a fast move toward incorporating natural materials, including reclaimed wood, bamboo, and stone, into applications. These kinds of materials give a classic feel while supporting eco-conscious design choices. Earthy Tones and Rich Jewel Shades in Bold Colors: The 2024 guide implores homeowners to be bold with color, mainly earthy tones and rich jewel shades. Complementing this trend is a word of wisdom concerning balancing strong hues with neutral tones for a harmonious impact. Curved and organic shapes: The next weird trend in the guide is, of course, the shapes in furniture and decor turning to rounded. This soft organic approach gives way to warm comfort inside and eliminates the rigid lines that come with common modern design. Samshe's Unique Perspective on Interior Design As one of the leading design studios, Samshe Design Hub boasts of bespoke solutions that reflect the unique character and lifestyle of each client. This book is a brainchild of the team with the most experienced designers at Samshe and an extension of its mission to make exceptional design accessible to everyone. The content herein is carefully chosen to illustrate practical, achievable ideas while still keeping the pulse of contemporary design philosophies. As the head designer at Samshe Design Hub put it best: "Our goal is to arm our clients with knowledge that will make their space a reflection of their personalities and way of life. This book is not just suggestions on aesthetics but a guide toward making the space as functional as it is beautiful. Interactive and Informative Features It covers not just detailed descriptions of each trend but also interactive materials, such as quizzes to make a mood board that will help readers identify their style preferences. Bearing this in mind, such tools have been developed to make the process of design pleasant and easy, regardless of the level of experience involved. From the case studies of high-end villas to office spaces that change the business game, this is a company that executes various projects. These case studies provide practical takeaways from real-case environments that showcase the versatility of the firm in handling different client demands. Expanding Horizons with a Vision for the Future With this release, Samshe Design Hub, therefore, wants to spread its influence in the interior design world by encouraging sustainable practices and promoting originality in design. The team works to ensure that their knowledge of design is stimulating, so it is made available to as many people as possible for the guidance of readers to make well-informed design choices that would lead to visually pleasing and functional spaces. But at the same time, this launch of the guide reaffirms Samshe's commitment as a top Interior Designer in Dubai, embracing continued innovation while staying true to Dubai's vibrant design landscape. Samshe Design Hub invites anyone, from established designers to first-time homeowners, to explore this guide and find the potential in your spaces. For inquiries about this release, or to grab the full guide, please visit Samshe Design Hub. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/233872 SOURCE: Media Feature BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Austria's producer prices continued to decline in November, though at the slowest pace in four months, figures from Statistics Austria showed on Monday.The producer price index dropped 2.0 percent year-over-year in November, slower than the 2.3 percent fall in October. Prices have been falling since July 2023.The continued downward trend was largely driven by an 11.9 percent plunge in energy prices. Nonetheless, the rate of decrease softened from 12.7 percent in October.Meanwhile, prices for intermediate goods rose 1.0 percent compared to last year. Similarly, costs for capital goods and consumer goods increased by 2.6 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively.On a monthly basis, producer prices moved up 0.4 percent from October, when they rose by 0.3 percent.Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedCopyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 30, 2024) - MineHub Technologies Inc. (TSXV: MHUB) (OTCQB: MHUBF) ("MineHub" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated December 5, 2024, the Company completed the transaction (the "Transaction") of its strategic partnership with Abaxx Technologies Inc. (Cboe CA: ABXX) (OTCQX: ABXXF) ("Abaxx") wherein Abaxx will increase its strategic ownership in MineHub from its current 10.83% interest to 19.87%. Under the Transaction, MineHub received 237,192 shares of Abaxx (the "Abaxx Shares") in exchange for the issuance of 8,810,000 common shares in MineHub (the "MineHub Shares") to Abaxx at a deemed price of C$0.35 per MineHub Share. MineHub received the Abaxx Shares under Abaxx's prospectus supplement dated December 20, 2024 and accordingly the Abaxx Shares do not have a hold period under securities laws. The MineHub Shares issued to Abaxx bear a hold period of four months and a day from the Second Tranche Closing. Haywood Securities Inc. (the "Advisor") acted as financial advisor to MineHub. In connection with the transaction, MineHub issued 516,530 common shares of MineHub to the Advisor at a deemed price of C$0.35 per common share (the "Advisor Shares") for acting as financial advisor to MineHub. The Advisor Shares bear a hold period expiring four months and a day from the date of issuance. Before closing the Transaction, Abaxx owned 8,333,333 MineHub Shares that were acquired under the parties' previous transactions in August and September, 2024. The Transaction is considered a related party transaction for MineHub under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, because Abaxx holds greater than 10 per cent of MineHub's outstanding shares. The Transaction is exempt from formal valuation requirements under subsection 5.5(a) and 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 (fair market value of transaction is not more than 25 per cent of MineHub's market capitalization and MineHub is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange), and is exempt from minority shareholder approval requirements under subsection 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 (fair market value of transaction is not more than 25 per cent of MineHub's market capitalization). About MineHub MineHub is the digital supply chain platform for the commodity markets, making raw material supply chains more efficient, resilient and sustainable. MineHub provides enterprise-grade digital solutions that connect buyers, sellers, laboratories and financiers within physical commodities supply chains in a digitally integrated workflow powered by data that is useable, shareable, verifiable and unforgeable. Users of MineHub solutions are in full control of their supply chains, enabling them to optimize their use of resources, respond better and faster to disruptions, and provide a better customer service. Global enterprises already use MineHub solutions as part of their logistics, compliance, trade management and financing operations. For further information regarding MineHub, please email info@minehub.com or visit our website at www.minehub.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that are considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements") with respect to MineHub including, but not limited to, statements with respect to: MineHub's future operational plans, benefits of the strategic partnership with Abaxx, development and implementation of new products and data integration of digital tools, anticipated timing and closing of the transaction, anticipated customers and impact of the strategic partnership on commodities markets. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although MineHub believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the inability of MineHub to raise sufficient capital to fund its operations, applications and for general working capital purposes, changes in economic conditions or financial markets, changes in laws or regulations that could have an impact on MineHub's operations, dependence on key management personnel, market competition, the effects of product development and need for continued technology change and the protection of proprietary rights. Other risk factors are identified in MineHub's most recent year-end and interim management discussion and analysis available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. There may be other risk factors not presently known that management of MineHub believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Although MineHub has attempted to identify risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of MineHub. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date included herein, and MineHub assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of MineHub's management on the date the statements are made. However, except as required by law, MineHub undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235449 SOURCE: MineHub Technologies Inc. Suchir Balaji poses for a photo in Hawaii in 2018. Balaji was a former OpenAI engineer and whistleblower who died in November. Balaji Ramamurthy/Associated Press Elon Musk weighed in Sunday on questions about the circumstances of the death of Suchir Balaji, an OpenAI whistleblower found dead at his San Francisco apartment last month. In a thread tagging Musk on X, a person who identified herself as Balajis mother, Poornima Ramarao, said her family had hired a private investigator and conducted an independent autopsy to throw light on Balajis death on Nov. 26, one month after he told the New York Times he believed his former employers AI programs violated copyright law. If you need help: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to reach a counselor at a locally operated crisis center 24 hours a day for free. You can also text Connect to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor any time for free. Advertisement Article continues below this ad San Francisco authorities said the 26-year-olds cause of death was suicide and that there was no evidence of foul play, but the woman, who goes by Poonima Rao on X, wrote that Private autopsy doesnt confirm cause of death stated by police. She noted that her sons apartment was ransacked and that there appeared to be signs of a struggle, including evidence that someone hit him in bathroom. Ramarao demanded an FBI investigation, adding that Its a cold blooded mu*d*r declared by authorities as suicide. Musk wrote Sunday on X in a reply to Ramarao that the death doesnt seem like a suicide. Ramarao told Business Insider in an interview that her son was financially secure, upbeat and happy before his death. On a fundraising page raising money for the familys independent investigation, Ramarao wrote that her sons death had sparked a storm of conspiracy theories and that there seems to be more than what meets the eye. The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said earlier this month that Balaji was found dead in his apartment on the 100 block of Buchanan Street two days before Thanksgiving. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The San Francisco Police Department said in a statement that officers responding to the address at about 1:15 p.m. for a well-being check found him dead from what appeared to be a suicide. No evidence of foul play was found during the initial investigation, SFPD officer Robert Rueca wrote in a statement. In an Oct. 23 Times article that featured a large photo of Balaji headlined Former OpenAI Researcher Says the Company Broke Copyright Law, Balaji said he was one of the researchers who worked gathering data to train OpenAIs programs. Balaji worked for OpenAI from November 2020 to August of this year, according to his LinkedIn. According to the article, Balaji came to the conclusion that OpenAIs use of copyrighted data violated the law and that technologies like ChatGPT were damaging the internet. OpenAI has faced lawsuits from the New York Times and others for allegedly using their copyrighted works to train the companys AI programs. Balaji was identified by lawyers for the Times as being among people who held important information relating to copyright issues and AI training. Advertisement Article continues below this ad AI programs like GTP4 work by mining the internet for written language to make the bots responses sound as though they were written by humans. Transaction advances iAnthus' commitment to brand innovation, while providing multi-state expansion for Cheetah's product portfolio Michael Piermont, Co-Founder and CEO of Cheetah, and former CRO of Leaf Trade, will join iAnthus' Executive Team NEW YORK and TORONTO, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. ("iAnthus" or the "Company") (CSE: IAN) (OTCQB: ITHUF), which owns, operates and partners with regulated cannabis operations across the United States, today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with Cheetah Enterprises Inc. (the "Seller"), pursuant to which iAnthus will acquire the Cheetah vape brand, a fast-growing brand known for its premium quality and disruptive presence in the Illinois' cannabis market. (the "Acquisition"). This Acquisition marks a key milestone in iAnthus' ongoing strategy to elevate its portfolio of consumer-focused cannabis brands and drive long-term growth. The Cheetah brand has become synonymous with innovation and quality, offering premium live resin vape products that have captured the attention of cannabis enthusiasts. By bringing Cheetah into its brand portfolio, iAnthus expands its presence in the Illinois & Pennsylvania cannabis markets - with further expansion planned throughout 2025. The Acquisition is expected to bolster iAnthus' revenue growth, while giving Cheetah the resources and distribution network to increase its market penetration in Illinois and other key states. With iAnthus' expansive footprint, this transaction creates a path for Cheetah to become a national leader in the vape category, offering a new level of excitement and choice for cannabis consumers. Together, iAnthus and Cheetah will leverage shared resources, operational efficiencies, and a unified brand strategy to capitalize on growth opportunities across the country. As part of the Acquisition, Michael Piermont, Co-Founder and CEO of Cheetah, will join iAnthus as Chief Commercial Officer. Piermont's experience in driving growth, brand development, and technology innovation - including his tenure as CRO of Leaf Trade, which was successfully acquired by LeafLink in November 2024 - will be instrumental in maximizing the potential of Cheetah and iAnthus' broader brand portfolio. "We are building a platform where bold brands can thrive, and Cheetah fits that mold perfectly," said Richard Proud, CEO of iAnthus. "Cheetah's innovative approach to the vape market mirrors the agility, precision, and speed with which we're building iAnthus. This Acquisition gives us the momentum to win with consumers, expand into new markets, and bring top-industry talent into our organization." Michael Piermont, CEO and Co-Founder of Cheetah commented, "From day one, Cheetah's mission has been about being fearless, fast, and innovative to our consumers - qualities that clearly align with iAnthus' vision for the future of cannabis. We're thrilled to join forces with a team that recognizes the power of brand authenticity, the impact of thinking outside the box, and the importance of staying ahead of the curve in this industry." Transaction Details Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, iAnthus will acquire substantially all of the assets of Seller that relate to and are used in connection with the Seller's cannabis wholesale business, including the manufacture, marketing, and sale of cannabis distillate vaporizer products in the states of Illinois and Pennsylvania under the "Cheetah" brand (the "Brand"), but excluding certain excluded assets (collectively, the "Purchased Assets"), together with certain assumed liabilities related to the Purchased Assets. The purchase price (the "Purchase Price") for the Purchased Assets includes: common shares in the capital of the Company ("Shares") at an aggregate deemed value of approximately US$1.5 million (the "Share Consideration"), to be issued in three (3) tranches. The Shares are issued at a deemed price of US$0.012, which is a premium to the current market price for the Shares. The Shares will be issued post-closing in three tranches and are subject to Canadian Securities Exchange approval. The Purchase Price also includes non-material cash payments in four (4) installments payable upon completion of certain performance benchmarks and additional earnout consideration based on EBITDA generated by the Brand after closing and certain other performance metrics, payable in cash at various intervals until April 1, 2028. The Shares to be issued as the Share Consideration will be issued pursuant to a prospectus exemption under Canadian securities law and will be subject to a Canadian holding period expiring four months and a day from the date(s) of issuance. The Shares will be issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") provided by Rule 903 of Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. persons" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Shares will be issued as "restricted securities" as defined in Rule 144(a)(3) under the U.S. Securities Act. This news release will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Shares or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of the Shares, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About iAnthus iAnthus owns and operates licensed cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.iAnthus.com. Forward Looking Statements Statements in this news release contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Company's reports that it files from time to time with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulators which you should review including, but not limited to, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "believe", "should" and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Acquisition, including the anticipated closing date thereof, the payment of the Purchase Price and the addition of Mr. Piermont to the Company's executive team, and other statements relating to the Company's financial performance, business plans and development and results of operations. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events, and the Company cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward- looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that it will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the United States Securities and Exchange Commission has reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. SOURCE iAnthus Capital Holdings Inc. Orosur Mining Inc. ("Orosur" or the "Company") (TSX-V:OMI)(AIM:OMI) is pleased to announce that further to the Company's announcement made on 19th December 2024, 18,939,394 new common shares of no par value in the Company (the "New Common Shares") have been admitted to trading on AIM today ("Admission"), at a placing price of 0.066 (CAD$0.12). Following the issue of the New Common Shares, which will rank pari passu with the existing common shares of the Company, the total number of common shares issued and outstanding with voting rights in the Company will be 256,158,737. The figure of 256,158,737 common shares may therefore be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculation by which they may determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For further details in relation to the placing, including the gross amount raised, and intended use of proceeds, please see the Company's press release from 19th December 2024. Broker's Fees Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd ("TPI"), the Company's joint broker, received a fee of six (6) per cent. of the funds raised in the placing (75,000) and a corporate finance fee of 30,000 which also covers its legal expenses. TPI also received 1,893,939 broker warrants equal in number to ten per cent. of the New Common Shares, exercisable at the placing price at TPI's option at any time in the five years following Admission. For further information, visit www.orosur.ca, follow on X @orosurm or please contact: Orosur Mining Inc Louis Castro, Chairman, Brad George, CEO info@orosur.ca Tel: +1 (778) 373-0100 SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP - Nomad & Broker Jeff Keating / Caroline Rowe Tel: +44 (0) 20 3 470 0470 Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd - Joint Broker Andy Thacker / James Pope Tel: +44 (0)20 3657 0050 Flagstaff Communications Tim Thompson / Mark Edwards Fergus Mellon orosur@flagstaffcomms.com Tel: +44 (0)207 129 1474 The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service ('RIS'), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. About Orosur Mining Inc. Orosur Mining Inc. (TSXV:OMI)(AIM:OMI) is a minerals explorer and developer currently operating in Colombia, Argentina and Nigeria. Forward Looking Statements All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the continuing focus on the Pepas prospect, the exploration plans in Colombia and the funding of those plans, and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to those described in the Section "Risks Factors" of the Company's MD&A for the year ended May 31, 2024. The Company's continuance as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to obtain adequate financing, to reach profitable levels of operations and to reach a satisfactory closure of the Creditor's Agreement in Uruguay. These material uncertainties may cast significant doubt upon the Company's ability to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business and accordingly the appropriateness of the use of accounting principles applicable to a going concern. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Orosur Mining Inc View the original press release on accesswire.com Epic, Oracle Health, MEDITECH and Altera Digital Health are redefining healthcare IT worldwide, as highlighted in Black Book research insights covering 175 vendors in 110 nations worldwide. As global healthcare systems embrace digital transformation at an unprecedented pace, U.S.-centric electronic health record (EHR) vendors are spearheading a technological revolution. Epic Systems, Oracle Health, MEDITECH, and Altera Digital Health are setting new benchmarks for innovation, adaptability, and patient-centered care across 39 countries, as highlighted in the 2025 Black Book of Global Healthcare IT. Black Book Research offers an in-depth evaluation of 175 EHR vendors operating across 110 countries. Based on eleven months of data collection and over 13,700 validated user responses, the study assesses vendor performance across 18 critical metrics, including usability, interoperability, mobile accessibility, and regional adaptability. This comprehensive analysis underscores how leading EHR vendors are addressing global healthcare challenges through tailored solutions that drive innovation and enhance outcomes in diverse markets. Findings from the 2025 Black Book of Global Healthcare IT underscore these contributions, analyzing the performance of over 175 EHR vendors with valuable insights into how U.S. vendors are transforming global healthcare IT. Access the full report for complimentary insights at https://www.blackbookmarketresearch.com Competitive Advantages of U.S.-Centric EHR Vendors The 2025 Black Book Report highlights how multinational vendors that excel in developed markets nearing saturation are seizing opportunities in untapped regions, driving healthcare IT innovation and collaboration across diverse cultural and regulatory landscapes. Brand Authority and Scale: With extensive deployments in high-profile healthcare systems, U.S. vendors are synonymous with innovation and reliability. Their established reputations inspire confidence among international healthcare providers. Comprehensive Solutions: Equipped with interoperability, AI-driven analytics, and scalable cloud-based technologies, U.S. vendors offer feature-rich platforms that set benchmarks for the global healthcare IT industry. Expanding Market Opportunities: Saturation in developed markets has led U.S. vendors to explore regions like Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, where healthcare digitization is a priority and opportunities are abundant. Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with global IT firms and local distributors enable U.S. vendors to navigate regional regulations and cultural complexities effectively, ensuring smoother market entry and adoption. The following sections explore the achievements and strategies of leading U.S.-centric EHR vendors reshaping global healthcare IT. According to Doug Brown, Founder of Black Book Research, "Each company showcases unique strengths in addressing the diverse needs of international markets, demonstrating how adaptability, innovation, and a commitment to underserved communities drive progress in healthcare delivery worldwide." Epic Systems : A Global Powerhouse Epic Systems has emerged as a leading global force in healthcare IT, recognized for delivering innovative and effective EHR solutions across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Noteworthy projects include its partnership with New South Wales Health in Australia, unifying patient records across 191 hospitals, and its collaboration with Helsinki in Finland, consolidating health data for over 1.7 million residents. In markets such as Singapore, Epic is at the forefront of national health record initiatives, while its presence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE highlights its capability to address diverse regulatory environments and support large-scale healthcare digitalization. Epic's emphasis on interoperability has established it as a trusted partner for governments and healthcare organizations, enabling seamless data exchange and integration across complex systems. Its ability to adapt to regional requirements through investments in compliance, language localization, and cultural alignment further strengthens its global impact. Independent analysis underscores Epic's role in advancing healthcare delivery worldwide, with its strategic focus on innovation and adaptability positioning it as a key player in addressing the evolving challenges of global healthcare. 2025 Client Experience Rankings: Netherlands: Top 3 Singapore: 1st Denmark: Top 3 Finland: Top 3 Sweden: Top 3 ____________________ Oracle Health: Driving Worldwide Innovation in Healthcare IT Oracle Health has established a significant global presence following its acquisition of Cerner, delivering secure and scalable EHR solutions across five continents. Integrating Oracle's advanced cloud infrastructure and analytics capabilities, the company has enabled transformative healthcare projects in regions such as Australia, Canada, and the Middle East. Notable achievements include being ranked first in Canada and Australia, where its systems have streamlined healthcare operations and improved patient outcomes. In the Middle East, Oracle Health plays a pivotal role in advancing national healthcare digitalization efforts, supporting interoperability and large-scale system integration. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and cloud technologies, Oracle Health empowers healthcare organizations to optimize both clinical workflows and operational efficiency. Its focus on interoperability and regional adaptability has made it a trusted partner for governments and healthcare providers worldwide. Independent research highlights Oracle Health's ability to address diverse healthcare challenges through innovation, positioning the company as a leader in shaping the future of global healthcare delivery. 2025 Client Experience Rankings: Norway: Top 3 United Kingdom: Top 3 Australia: 1st Canada: 1st Portugal: Top 3 Middle East (Arabic Region): 1st Finland: 1st Sweden: Top 3 ____________________ MEDITECH : Pioneering Adaptability MEDITECH has earned a reputation for its adaptable and user-friendly EHR solutions, with significant implementations across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. The Expanse platform, designed to support interoperability and telehealth, has been pivotal in advancing healthcare delivery in markets such as South Africa, Ireland, and Canada, where MEDITECH ranks among the top vendors. In Australia, MEDITECH's systems have been instrumental in enhancing care coordination and improving patient outcomes, reflecting its ability to address regional healthcare needs effectively. Through a focus on innovation and regional customization, MEDITECH continues to empower healthcare organizations with solutions tailored to meet diverse operational and clinical requirements. Its emphasis on mobile health records, telehealth, and data sharing aligns with global trends toward value-based care. Independent evaluations recognize MEDITECH as a leader in delivering adaptable EHR systems, positioning the company as a vital contributor to the digital transformation of healthcare worldwide. 2025 Client Experience Rankings: Australia: Top 3 Canada: Top 3 Ireland: 1st South Africa: 1st ____________________ Altera Digital Health: Navigating International Opportunities Altera Digital Health maintains a presence in over 15 countries, providing EHR solutions designed to support healthcare delivery across diverse regions. With implementations in markets such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore, Altera's systems have demonstrated adaptability to varied healthcare environments. The company continues to focus on refining its solutions and enhancing customer retention to navigate an increasingly competitive global landscape. While Altera faces challenges in maintaining market share in the U.S., its international efforts underscore a commitment to delivering EHR systems that meet the needs of regional healthcare providers. By investing in innovation and aligning its offerings with emerging global trends, Altera aims to sustain its presence in key markets and contribute to advancing healthcare IT on a global scale. 2025 Client Experience Rankings: Australia: Top 3 Singapore: Top 3 _____________________ The Path Forward: Innovation Through Collaboration The future of global EHR markets lies in collaboration. U.S.-centric vendors have the resources and scale to drive digital healthcare innovation, while local vendors bring invaluable regional expertise. Together, these collaborations can unlock the full potential of healthcare IT transformation. As highlighted in the 2025 Black Book of Global Healthcare IT, U.S.-centric EHR vendors are reshaping global healthcare systems through innovation, adaptability, and strategic partnerships. Their ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies with regionally attuned solutions positions them to lead the global healthcare ecosystem toward a more connected and efficient future. "Global EHR vendors must pivot to meet the specific needs of local healthcare providers," said Brown. "Enhancing localization and interoperability offers a chance to forge deeper connections with regional stakeholders and establish trusted partnerships." How to Access This Complimentary Report Register today to receive your free copy of the 2025 Black Book of Global Healthcare IT and gain access to this indispensable resource. Visit www.BlackBookMarketResearch.com Contact: Client Resource Center at +1 800-863-7590 or email research@blackbookmarketresearch.com Black Book Research is the leading independent authority on healthcare IT performance evaluation, leveraging 3.1 million verified end-user opinions annually. Our research covers nearly 8,000 vendors including software, managed services, advisors and consultants, start-ups and medical capital equipment manufacturers, providing a transparent, client-focused perspective on healthcare IT solutions. Black Book remains free from vendor influence, ensuring the credibility and impartiality of its findings. This 2025 edition is powered by advanced LLM research methodologies and rigorous end-user surveys. With actionable insights derived from real-world feedback, Black Book delivers the clarity and confidence needed to navigate an increasingly complex healthcare IT ecosystem. SOURCE: Black Book Market Research View the original press release on accesswire.com This non-comparative 1 pilot study, including patients with Prosthetic Joint Infections (PJI), recruited 29 patients, 26 of whom were evaluable for clinical activity, out of the 64 initially planned, due to overly restrictive inclusion criteria Clinical data obtained in the "Phages" experimental arm (n=19), from patients who received a single intra-articular injection: 1) confirm the safety of PHAXIAM's anti- Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ) phages, 2) demonstrate an infection control rate of 74% (14/19) and are very consistent with data observed in compassionate treatments. 1) confirm the safety of PHAXIAM's anti- (S. ) phages, 2) demonstrate an infection control rate of 74% (14/19) and are very consistent with data observed in compassionate treatments. Clinical data from 2 of the 4 relapsed patients (3 in the "Phages" arm, 1 in the placebo arm) who benefited from rescue medication, demonstrated infection control at 12 weeks, after receiving 3 intra-articular injections of phages The overall rate of infection control, combining initial treatment and patients having a rescue medication after relapse, with 1 or 3 administrations injections, is still increased to 80% (16/20) (16/20) PHAXIAM is now focusing on the GLORIA Phase II study, which will enroll 100 patients in Europe and the United States from Q1 2025 onwards, using expanded criteria compared with PhagoDAIR, and which aims to provide robust proof-of-concept of the clinical benefit of its anti-S. aureus phages in PJI after 3 injections of phages Regulatory News: PHAXIAM Therapeutics (Euronext: PHXM FR0011471135), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for severe and resistant bacterial infections, today announced the clinical results of the PhagoDAIR I pilot study, demonstrating an excellent phage safety profile and a 74% infection control rate in the Phages arm for patients who received a single intra-articular injection, consistent with clinical data that observed in patients treated on a compassionate basis. Given the small number of patients in the placebo arm, and the unbalanced randomization of patients between the two arms, analysis of the study's primary objective remains difficult to interpret, notably in the placebo arm. Encouraging Clinical results of PhagoDAIR I pilot study and very consistent with generated compassionate clinical data The PhagoDAIR study is a randomized, multicenter, non-comparative, double-blind pilot study in patients with S. aureus infection of hip or knee prostheses (PJI) occurring more than one month after prosthesis insertion, with an indication for suppressive antibiotic therapy. The study initially planned to include 64 patients, but due to overly restrictive selection criteria, only 29 patients were randomized, 26 of whom were evaluable for clinical activity. The randomization of the 29 patients was unbalanced, with 20 patients in the "Phages" arm and only 9 in the placebo arm. Stratification by center and prosthesis location, combined with small numbers and many clinical centers having recruited only one or two patients, explain this imbalance, making it difficult to analyze the study's primary objective in the placebo arm. All patients were treated with the standard of care (DAIR debridement, antibiotic therapy and prosthesis maintenance), and randomized between the experimental "Phages" arm, treated with phage therapy (n=19) and the control arm receiving a placebo (n=7). Phage-treated patients received anti-S. aureus phages active on their strain (1 intra-articular injection), selected using PHAXIAM's phagogram. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients in each treatment arm free of infectious relapse at 12 weeks (infection control rate). This infection control analysis was combined with a safety analysis, assessing adverse events, in each of the two treatment arms. Tolerance analysis of the 29 randomized patients confirmed the safety of phages, which had already been noted at the biannual Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) meetings, which recommended continuation of the study. Of the 26 evaluable patients (19 in the "Phages" arm and 7 in the placebo arm), 14/19 (74%) had a positive infection control rate in the "Phages" arm and 5/7 (71%) in the placebo arm, in which the antibiotics were administered alone. In the "Phages" arm, the infection control rate at 12 weeks remains very consistent and equivalent to that recently observed in patients treated with phages under compassionate status, estimated at around 75% for a population of around 60 patients. PHAXIAM also plans to publish updated real-life data from around 90 European patients treated with PHAXIAM phages under compassionate status. Among the 7 relapsed patients, 4 patients (3 in the "Phages" arm, 1 in the placebo arm) benefited from a rescue medication, consisting of a weekly administration of phages for 3 consecutive weeks. Among these 4 patients, 2 did not relapse within 3 months of phage administration. The consolidated infection control rate, including patients for whom phages were administered during DAIR or after a subsequent relapse leading to a rescue medication, with 1 or 3 administrations, was 80% (16/20). These encouraging results validate the decision to follow the same treatment regimen in the GLORIA Phase II study and confirm the relevance of launching this clinical trial. Focus on the GLORIA Phase II study, the 1st global phage therapy study The GLORIA study is PHAXIAM's most strategic and priority asset. It is the first global, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept phage therapy study in PJI, conducted in Europe and the United States. The study plans to include 100 patients with PJI (hip or knee prosthesis) with an indication for open surgical debridement (DAIR), regardless of the time lapse between prosthesis placement and the onset of S. aureus infection; patients will be treated with PHAXIAM anti-S. aureus phages with three intra-articular injections or placebo, in combination with 12-week curative antibiotic therapy, without suppressive antibiotic therapy. This clinical study will thus benefit from all the preparatory work carried out in PhagoDAIR study, including in particular knowledge of the clinical environment and clinical data, maximizing the probability of success of the proof-of-concept demonstration and better controlling patient inclusion, because: (1) the exclusion/inclusion criteria are different, making it possible to target a population circa six to seven times larger, including patients from all DAIR indications and without prior suppressive antibiotic therapy, unlike the PhagoDAIR study; (2) defined statistical methodology makes it possible to limit the complexities of randomization. The PhagoDAIR pilot study has thus enabled PHAXIAM to prepare and structure the GLORIA comparative clinical study, which will be launched in Q1 2025. Regarding the protocol of this study, PHAXIAM has received IND approval from the US FDA in Q4 2024; the Company has also submitted the clinical protocol to the main European health authorities2, including the MHRA in the United Kingdom. Subject to these approvals, the GLORIA study will be conducted from Q1 2025 in 7 European countries (France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden) and in the United States, making it the most robust phage therapy study in the world. Pascal Birman, PHAXIAM's Chief Medical Officer, stated: "We are pleased that this study confirms the good tolerance of intra-articular administration of phages, and that the rate of infection control in the "Phages" arm is very consistent with all the clinical data generated in real life, and that, combining initial treatment and patients having a rescue medication after relapse, the overall rate of infection control reaches 80%. We are convinced that the GLORIA study, which has obtained FDA approval and is currently being reviewed in Europe, will enable us to avoid the difficulty of inclusion and the complexity of patient randomization, by targeting a much larger population and using a more appropriate statistical methodology. On the strength of these valuable insights, we are now accelerating our clinical development strategy in this indication, through our GLORIA Phase II study, which should start enrollment in Q1 2025, as planned Pr. Tristan Ferry, Coordinator of the Referral Center for the Management of Complex Bone and Joint Infection (CRIOAC) at Hopital de la Croix-Rousse (HCL, Lyon), adds: "The clinical data from PhagoDAIR I are encouraging and validate the clinical interest of phages and the methodological choices made for GLORIA, both from the "Phages" arm, whose clinical activity (~75%) is very consistent with real-life data from compassionate treatments, and from the 4 relapsed patients who received rescue medication, 2 of whom did not relapse again within 3 months of phage administration." About PhagoDAIR study The PhagoDAIR I study is a pilot, randomized, multicenter, non-comparative, double-blind study in patients with hip or knee prosthesis infection due to Staphylococcus aureus (SA), occurring more than one month after prosthesis insertion. All patients were treated with DAIR (debridement, antibiotic therapy and prosthesis retention). Curative antibiotic therapy for 12 weeks is followed by prolonged suppressive antibiotic therapy. Patients were randomized to receive, in addition to intra-articular DAIR, either one or both anti-Staphylococcus aureus phages, depending on the phagogram result, or placebo. The primary endpoint at 12 weeks was the percentage of patients in each treatment arm free of infectious relapse. Infectious relapse is defined by the presence of clinical signs of active infection and/or the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in joint fluid. Patients in infectious relapse, regardless of their treatment arm, may receive a rescue medication consisting of weekly intra-articular administration, under ultrasound control, of one or both anti-Staphylococcus aureus phages, depending on the phagogram, for 3 consecutive weeks. This analysis of infection control at 3 months is combined with a safety analysis (evaluation of adverse events, routine biology and inflammatory markers) in each of the 2 treatment arms. About PHAXIAM Therapeutics PHAXIAM is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative treatments for resistant bacterial infections, which are responsible for many serious infections. The company is building on an innovative approach based on the use of phages, natural bacterial-killing viruses. PHAXIAM is developing a portfolio of phages targeting 3 of the most resistant and dangerous bacteria, which together account for more than two-thirds of resistant hospital-acquired infections: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PHAXIAM is listed on the Euronext regulated market in Paris (ISIN code: FR0011471135, ticker: PHXM). PHAXIAM is part of the CAC Healthcare, CAC Pharma Bio, CAC Mid Small, CAC All Tradable, EnterNext PEA-PME 150 and Next Biotech indexes For more information, please visit www.phaxiam.com Forecast information This press release contains forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates with respect to the clinical programs, development plans, business and regulatory strategy and anticipated future performance of PHAXIAM and of the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements, forecasts and estimates can be recognized by the use of words such as, without limitation, "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will" and "continue" and similar expressions. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such statements, forecasts and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable when made but may or may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are beyond PHAXIAM's control. Therefore, actual results may turn out to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and estimates. Investor should carefully read the risk factors section of the Company which can be found in the Company's regulatory filings with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), including in the Company's 2023 Universal Registration Document (Document d'Enregistrement Universel) filed with the AMF on April 5, 2024 and future filings and reports by the Company. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of this press release. PHAXIAM disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statement, forecast or estimates to reflect any change in PHAXIAM's expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement, forecast or estimate is based, except to the extent required by law. 1 no statistical comparison per protocol. 2 A CTA (Clinical Trial Approval) application has been filed to conduct the study in the 5 main European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK), as well as in Sweden and the Netherlands. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241230568703/en/ Contacts: PHAXIAM Thibaut du Fayet CEO +33 4 78 74 44 38 investors@phaxiam.com NewCap Mathilde Bohin Dusan Oresansky Investor Relations Arthur Rouille Media Relations +33 1 44 71 94 94 phaxiam@newcap.eu Initial US$4 Million Peso Equivalent Option Payment received which further strengthens balance sheet Remaining consideration of US$10 Million Pesos equivalent payable on exercise; within 3 years Company well-positioned to drive future growth via its existing operating Minera Don Nicolas gold mine in Argentina and its Mont Sorcier development project in Quebec Company issues loan to Ascendant Resources Inc Cerrado Gold Inc. [TSXV:CERT][OTCQX:CRDOF][FRA:BAI0] ("Cerrado" or the "Company") announces that its wholly owned subsidiary Minera Don Nicolas SA ("MDN") has received the option payment of US$4 million equivalent in Argentina pesos at the CCL Buyers rate pursuant to the previously announced option agreement with Cerro Vanguardia S.A. ("CVSA") a wholly-owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti Holdings Plc. MDN has granted to CVSA the option to purchase a 100% interest in certain exploration properties located in the south region of its Minera Don Nicolas Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina. Mark Brennan, CEO and Chairman commented: "The option of these non-core properties immediately improves the balance sheet and short-term capital position at MDN allowing MDN to focus on its core properties. In addition to our current strong operating cashflows at MDN and capital proceeds from previous asset sales, we are well positioned to pursue growth programs at our MDN Mine and our Mont Sorcier high grade iron project, as well as allowing us to consider additional opportunities to grow the Company in the near term." The Company also announces that it has issued a loan ("Loan") to Ascendant Resources Inc. ("Ascendant") in the principal amount of US$275,000. The Loan bears interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, compounded monthly and matures on demand, on not less than 366 days notice. Ascendant is a Toronto-based mining company focused on the exploration and development of the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project located on the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. Additional information on Ascendant can be found on its website at www.ascendantresources.com. The Company notes that while there is a commonality of directors and officers between Cerrado and Ascendant, the companies are not "related parties" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Shareholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") and accordingly the Loan is not considered a "related party transaction" as defined in MI 61-101. About Cerrado Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company focused on gold projects in South America. The Company is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicolas and Las Calandrias mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. In Canada, Cerrado Gold is developing its 100% owned Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium project located outside of Chibougamou, Quebec. In Argentina, Cerrado is maximizing asset value at its Minera Don Nicolas operation through continued operational optimization and is growing production through its operations at the Las Calandrias Heap Leach project. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff. In Canada, Cerrado holds a 100% interest in the Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium project, which has the potential to produce a premium iron ore concentrate over a long mine life at low operating costs and low capital intensity. Furthermore, its high grade and high purity product facilitates the migration of steel producers from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, contributing to the decarbonization of the industry and the achievement of SDG goals. For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com. Mark Brennan CEO and Chairman Mike McAllister Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: +1-647-805-5662 Disclaimer NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado, that CVSA will exercise the option and pay MDN the consideration upon exercise, the value of Argentina pesos at the CCL Buyers rate, and the business, prospects and potential of Ascendant. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to the satisfactory completion of due diligence by Amarillo and the exercise of the Option by Amarillo, the satisfaction of all conditions to closing of the Proposed Transaction, including the receipt of all required approvals (including regulatory and shareholder approval), cash flow generated from MDN and changes in economic and monetary policies and regulations in jurisdictions in which Cerrado and its subsidiaries operate. Although Cerrado believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. SOURCE: Cerrado Gold Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN OR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OR TO BE TRANSMITTED, DISTRIBUTED TO, OR SENT BY, ANY NATIONAL OR RESIDENT OR CITIZEN OF ANY SUCH COUNTRIES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION MAY CONTRAVENE LOCAL SECURITIES LAWS OR REGULATIONS. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE UK VERSION OF REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014 ON MARKET ABUSE ("UK MAR"), AS IT FORMS PART OF UK DOMESTIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018, AND REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014 ON MARKET ABUSE ("EU MAR"). UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AND SUCH PERSONS SHALL THEREFORE CEASE TO BE IN POSSESSION OF INSIDE INFORMATION. Pulsar Helium Inc. (AIM:PLSR)(TSXV:PLSR)(OTCQB:PSRHF) ("Pulsar" or the "Company"), a leading helium project development company, is pleased to announce that it is arranging a brokered private placement of up to 19,736,842 common shares of the Company (the "Offered Shares" and each common share of the Company, a "Common Share") to select US based investors at a price of US$0.38 (equivalent to approximately C$0.55 / GBP0.30) per share to raise up to US$7.5 million (the "Private Placement"). Pulsar has appointed University Bank , a Michigan banking corporation, to act as the Company's exclusive placement agent (the "Placement Agent") for the Private Placement pursuant to a placement agent agreement. The Placement Agent will be paid a cash fee in an amount equal to six percent (6.0%) of the aggregate purchase price of the Offered Shares sold in the Private Placement to purchasers in the United States of America. Contingent on closing the Private Placement, University Bancorp., Inc. a financial holding company that owns 100% of University Bank will provide a line of credit for up to US$4.0 million to one of the Company's major shareholders, ABCrescent Cooperatief U.A. ("ABC"), to afford ABC the ability to exercise its 15.5 million share purchase warrants that each entitle ABC to purchase an additional Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.36, should it choose to exercise. ABC's warrants are subject to a lock-in arrangement that restricts the sale of any such warrants or underlying Common Shares until October 18, 2025. The net proceeds of the Private Placement shall further strengthen the Company's working capital position, and the Company will primarily use such funds to accelerate the Company's strategic plan for the exploration and development at Pulsar's Topaz project in Minnesota and to reach a final investment decision (FID) for the construction of a combined helium and CO2 production facility. This including the drilling of a step-out well as set out below. Thomas Abraham-James, President & CEO of Pulsar, commented on the Private Placement: "My colleagues and I are delighted to have such strong indications of support from US based institutional investors. They too share our vision for Pulsar to become a significant player in the US domestic helium market, a commodity that is critical to so many US industries. The private placement, assuming its completion in full, will provide certainty for the Company to be fully funded for its upcoming work programs and the line of credit for the exercise of our major shareholder's warrants provides further potential funding sources. Our objective is now to reach final investment decision on the construction of Minnesota's first ever helium production facility at Pulsar's Topaz project." The Private Placement is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities being issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities law. Operational Update Drilling for the deepening of the Jetstream #1 appraisal well is set to commence later this week at its flagship Topaz Project in Minnesota ("Topaz" or the "Project"). The drill rig, ancillary equipment and personnel are on site, the drill crew having returned today after an agreed Christmas break (at no cost to the Company). As part of this crucial phase, Pulsar plans to deepen the Jetstream #1 appraisal well by a minimum of 1,640 feet (500 metres). Highlights Site Preparation: The Jetstream #1 drill pad is fully prepared and permitted for the upcoming drilling operations. Equipment and Personnel: The drill rig and ancillary equipment are on-site, with the drill crew arriving today following the Christmas holiday break. Drilling Timeline: Drilling is now set to commence on or around January 3, 2025, and take approximately one week to reach total depth. Strategic Significance The Jetstream #1 appraisal well previously reached total depth (TD) of 2,200 feet (671 metres) on the 27th of February 2024, identifying top-tier helium concentrations of up to 14.5%, well above the 0.3% widely accepted economic threshold, and CO2 concentrations exceeding 70% - with the latter expected to further contribute to the project economics. The deepening of Jetstream #1 is a pivotal step in advancing Pulsar's strategy to address the increasing global demand for helium as the Company moves another step closer to production. The deepening of Jetstream #1 will target the full height of the helium reservoir, guided by insights from recently acquired geophysical data, previous drilling data, and onsite testing. About the Topaz Project The Topaz project is located in northern Minnesota, USA where Pulsar is the first mover and holds exclusive leases. The Jetstream #1 appraisal well previously reached total depth (TD) of 2,200 feet (671 metres) on the 27th of February 2024, identifying top-tier helium concentrations of up to 14.5%, well above the 0.3% widely accepted economic threshold, and CO2 concentrations exceeding 70% - with the latter expected to further contribute to the project economics. The deepening of Jetstream #1 is a pivotal step in advancing Pulsar's strategy to address the increasing global demand for helium as the Company moves another step closer to production. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. On behalf Pulsar Helium Inc. "Thomas Abraham-James" President, CEO and Director Further Information: Pulsar Helium Inc. connect@pulsarhelium.com + 1 (218) 203-5301 +44 (0) 2033 55 9889 Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated & Financial Adviser, and Joint Broker) Ritchie Balmer / Rob Patrick / Richard Johnson +44 (0) 207 409 3494 BlytheRay Ltd (Financial PR) Megan Ray / Said Izagaren +44 207 138 3204 pulsarhelium@blytheray.com About Pulsar Helium Inc. Pulsar Helium Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange with the ticker PLSR, as well as on the OTCQB with the ticker PSRHF. Pulsar's portfolio consists of its flagship Topaz helium project in Minnesota, USA, and the Tunu helium project in Greenland. Pulsar is the first mover in both locations with primary helium occurrences not associated with the production of hydrocarbons identified at each. For further information visit: Website https://pulsarhelium.com X https://x.com/pulsarhelium LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/company/pulsar-helium-inc. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release and the interview contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the completion of the Private Placement, the potential impact of deepening Jetstream #1 and the potential impact of such deepening on the next iteration of the resource estimate; the results of drilling, results of an updated independent resource estimate for helium and CO2 at Topaz; the potential of CO2 as a valuable by-product of the Company's future helium production; the estimated Geological Chance of Success for Prospective Resources and the Chance of Commerciality of Topaz; the potential impact of deepening Jetstream #1 and the potential impact of such deepening on the next iteration of the resource estimate; the expected timing to commence drilling; and the potential for future wells. Forward-looking statements may involve estimates and are based upon assumptions made by management of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company's capital cost estimates, management's expectations regarding the availability of capital to fund the Company's future capital and operating requirements and the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals. No reserves have been assigned in connection with the Company's property interests to date, given their early stage of development. The future value of the Company is therefore dependent on the success or otherwise of its activities, which are principally directed toward the future exploration, appraisal and development of its assets, and potential acquisition of property interests in the future. Un-risked Contingent and Prospective Helium Volumes have been defined at the Topaz Project. However, estimating helium volumes is subject to significant uncertainties associated with technical data and the interpretation of that data, future commodity prices, and development and operating costs. There can be no guarantee that the Company will successfully convert its helium volume to reserves and produce that estimated volume. Estimates may alter significantly or become more uncertain when new information becomes available due to for example, additional drilling or production tests over the life of field. As estimates change, development and production plans may also vary. Downward revision of helium volume estimates may adversely affect the Company's operational or financial performance. Helium volume estimates are expressions of judgement based on knowledge, experience and industry practice. These estimates are imprecise and depend to some extent on interpretations, which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate and require adjustment or, even if valid when originally calculated, may alter significantly when new information or techniques become available. As further information becomes available through additional drilling and analysis the estimates are likely to change. Any adjustments to volume could affect the Company's exploration and development plans which may, in turn, affect the Company's performance. The process of estimating helium resources is complex and requires significant decisions and assumptions to be made in evaluating the reliability of available geological, geophysical, engineering, and economic date for each property. Different engineers may make different estimates of resources, cash flows, or other variables based on the same available data. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward- looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, that Pulsar may be unsuccessful in drilling commercially productive wells; the uncertainty of resource estimation; operational risks in conducting exploration, including that drill costs may be higher than estimates and the potential for delays in the commencement of drilling; commodity prices; health, safety and environmental factors; and other factors set forth above as well as under "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements and Market and Industry Data" and "Risk Factors" in the AIM Admission Document published on October 14, 2024, found on the Company's web site at https://pulsarhelium.com/investors/aim-rule-26/default.aspx. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. No assurance can be given that the forward-looking statements herein will prove to be correct and, accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. SOURCE: Pulsar Helium Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 30, 2024) - Legend Power Systems Inc. (TSXV: LPS) (OTCQB: LPSIF) ("Legend Power" or the "Company") announces it has closed the first tranche (the "First Tranche") of its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.18 per Unit. Under the First Tranche, the Company distributed 4,233,167 Units for gross proceeds of $761,970. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant issued under the First Tranche entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.30 until December 30, 2026. Legend Power also announces that, as a result of the demand for securities offered pursuant to the Offering announced on December 16, 2024, the Company has upsized the Offering from gross proceeds of up to $1,530,000 to gross proceeds of up to $2,070,000, to be raised from the issuance of up to 11,500,000 Units. "We are pleased to announce the successful closing of the first tranche of our non-brokered private placement and the decision to upsize the offering from $1.5 million to $2 million due to strong demand," said Randy Buchamer, CEO of Legend Power. "This financing underscores the confidence our investors have in our business strategy and growth potential. With a robust pipeline of opportunities ahead, this additional capital positions us to execute on our plans with greater agility and scale. We look forward to closing the subsequent tranche as we continue driving value for our shareholders and redefining the future of the energy management industry." The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general working capital purposes, fixed operating expenses and to advance its sales pipeline. All securities issued under the First Tranche, including securities issuable on exercise thereof, will be subject to a hold period expiring May 1, 2025, in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the final approval of the TSXV. Insiders of the Company participated in the First Tranche for $79,470. The issuance of Units to insiders is considered a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(a) in respect of such insider participation as the fair market value of the transaction, insofar as it involves interested parties, does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, in the United States or to any "U.S Person" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act")) of any equity or other securities of the Company. The securities of the Company have not been, and will not be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. Person absent registration under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws or an applicable exemption therefrom. About Legend Power Systems Inc. Legend Power Systems Inc. (www.legendpower.com) provides an intelligent energy management platform that analyzes and improves building energy challenges, significantly impacting asset management and corporate performance. Legend's proven solutions support proactive executive decision-making in a complex and volatile business and energy environment. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding use of proceeds of the Offering, regulatory and corporate approvals, closing of the Offering, the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235580 SOURCE: Legend Power Systems Inc. Elon Musk has sparked a political storm, this time in Germany, with his endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. In a guest opinion piece, the Tesla CEO praised the AfDs economic policies and cultural stance, calling them Germanys last spark of hope' read more Elon Musk, the US-based billionaire tech entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, has turned heads all the way in Germany with his endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. His support, expressed in a guest opinion piece for the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, has drawn sharp criticism from German politicians and sparked controversy in media circles. With Germany set to hold snap elections on February 23 following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholzs coalition government, Musks involvement has raised questions about foreign influence in the European countrys democratic processes. Advertisement Why is Elon Musk backing the AfD? Musks endorsement of the AfD stems from his belief that the partys policies align with his vision for economic reform and technological advancement. In his guest commentary published in German, Musk declared, Only the AfD can save Germany, and defended the party against accusations of extremism. He stated the AfDs commitment to economic deregulation, tax reforms, and preserving Germanys cultural identity. 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. Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) speaks during a rally, near the site of the deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 23, 2024. File Image/Reuters Musk criticised Germanys phase-out of nuclear power, describing it as a strategic mistake that left the country vulnerable to energy shortages. He argued that Germanys regulatory environment stifles innovation and economic growth. Germany has become too comfortable with mediocrity, Musk wrote, suggesting that the AfDs approach could reverse these trends and restore the countrys global competitiveness. In addition to economic concerns, Musk highlighted the AfDs stance on cultural preservation. He warned against what he sees as the erosion of national identity due to globalisation and open borders. A nation must preserve its basic values and cultural legacy to remain strong and unified, he stated, underscoring his support for the AfDs policies on immigration and cultural integrity. How have politicians in Germany reacted? Musks commentary has provoked strong reactions from across Germanys political spectrum. Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a frontrunner to succeed Scholz as chancellor, described Musks intervention as intrusive and presumptuous. Speaking to the Funke Media Group, Merz stated, I cannot recall a comparable case of interference, in the history of Western democracies, in the election campaign of a friendly country. Advertisement Saskia Esken, co-leader of Scholzs Social Democratic Party (SPD), vowed to resist attempts by wealthy and influential figures to influence German elections. Anyone who supports an anti-democratic, misanthropic party like the AfD must expect our tough resistance, she said in an interview with ARD, Germanys national public broadcaster. A person carries a placard as people gather on the day of a rally of Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD), near the Magdeburg Cathedral, near the site of the deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market, in Magdeburg, Germany, December 23, 2024. File Image/Reuters The controversy also spilled into media circles. Eva Marie Kogel, the editor of Welt am Sonntags opinion section, resigned in protest after the piece was published. In contrast, the papers editor-in-chief designate, Jan Philipp Burgard, defended the decision, stating the importance of free expression in journalism. Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression. This includes dealing with polarising positions and classifying them journalistically including polarising positions," Burgard told Reuters. Advertisement Why may Musk be interested in Germany? Musks significant investments in Germany provide additional context for his endorsement. Teslas Gigafactory in Brandenburg represents a major economic commitment, and Musk has frequently criticised bureaucratic hurdles that delayed its development. He cited his business interests as justification for his commentary on German politics, arguing that he has a stake in the countrys success. However, Musks critics question whether his business motivations align with the welfare of Germanys democracy. Some have suggested that his focus on deregulation and tax reforms prioritises corporate interests over broader societal concerns. Musks commentary reflects his broader critique of European economic policies, which he sees as overly restrictive and counterproductive to innovation. Is Musk trying to influence German politics? The AfD has long been a controversial force in German politics. It has been classified as a suspected case of extremism by Germanys domestic intelligence agency since 2021. Despite its growing support in opinion polls, mainstream parties have pledged to avoid coalition agreements with the AfD, citing its far-right tendencies and associations with extremist groups. Musks endorsement of the AfD has reignited debates about the boundaries of free speech and the role of influential figures in democratic processes. While some argue that Musks intervention is a legitimate exercise of his right to free expression, others view it as an inappropriate attempt to shape a foreign countrys political landscape. Advertisement Critics warn that endorsements from high-profile figures like Musk could undermine public trust in democratic institutions, especially when such endorsements align with polarising or extremist parties. The AfDs rise in the polls reflects growing dissatisfaction among some Germans with the countrys political status quo. With inputs from agencies Years-long tracking and information gathering by Israels Mossad uncovered the personal secrets of Hezbollah. Its top commander Fuad Shukr had four mistresses, whom he got married to earlier this year read more Mourners carry flags and a picture of Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli strike, during his funeral in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon. Reuters A lot has happened in 2024 across the world. The year also saw Israel dismantling one of its biggest enemies the Hezbollah. One after the other, Tel Aviv assassinated top-ranking officials of the Lebanon-based group, including Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and top commander Fuad Shukr. Many experts note that these assassinations carried out by Israels military and its foreign intelligence agency Mossad significantly weakened Hezbollahs leadership structure and gave Israel the edge it needed in the war it has waged since the October 7, 2023, attacks. Advertisement Now, a New York Times investigative report reveals that Israeli spies burrowed deep into the Hezbollah group, enabling them to carry out these assassinations and effectively wipe out the group from existence. Here are all the big bombshells that the report has now dropped. Case of Fuad Shukr and his four mistresses For the past two decades, Israel has been collecting intelligence on Hezbollah recruiting people to plant listening devices in bunkers, tracking meetings and maintaining near-constant visibility into the movements of the groups leaders. Through the years, Mossad, according to current and former American and Israeli officials, recruited assets in Lebanon who, in turn, fed Israel information about the locations of hide-outs and assisted in monitoring them. Through their intelligence collection, Mossad uncovered intimate details about Hezbollah commanders. For instance, Israeli spies found out that Fuad Shukr a founding member of Hezbollah and identified by the US government as one of the planners of the 1983 bombing of the barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 American Marines had four mistresses. Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, hold up posters of assassinated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli strike, as they attend a rally to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in Sanaa, Yemen. Reuters Moreover, this year, Israel discovered that Shukr had been feeling guilt about this situation and sought assistance from Hezbollahs highest religious cleric to marry all four women, reported the New York Times, citing intelligence sources. Hezbollahs top cleric, Hashem Safieddine, then arranged four separate phone-based wedding ceremonies for Shukr. It is unclear where the women lived and where the phone calls took place. The unions, however, did not last, the New York Times reported. Later, using the intelligence collected on him, Israel on July 30 launched an airstrike on a building in the Haret Hreik district of Daniyeh, a suburb in southern Beirut, killing Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Advertisement According to a Wall Street Journal report, Shukr, also known as The Ghost, received a phone call just before his killing, asking him to go up five storeys in the building. He didnt hesitate and rushed there where death awaited him. The Israeli airstrike took Shukr along with his wife, two other women, and two children, said a Wall Street Journal report quoting a Hezbollah official. Turning pagers into killers The New York Times report also reveals how Israel developed plans to turn pagers and walkie-talkies, communication devices, into killers. The American daily reports that Israels Unit 8200 and Mossad supported a plan to supply the Lebanon group with booby-trapped devices that could be detonated in the future. While designing the devices was relatively easy, ensuring that these exploded-filled devices reached the hands of Hezbollahs fighters was the challenge. Advertisement In 2014, Israel seized an opportunity when the Japanese technology company iCOM stopped producing its popular IC-V82 walkie-talkies. Learning that Hezbollah wanted these specific devices, they began manufacturing replicas of them, with the first such pieces reaching Lebanon in 2015. Pallbearers carry the coffin of Hezbollah member Ali Mohamed Chalbi, after hand-held radios and pagers used by Hezbollah detonated across Lebanon. Reuters Additionally, with Hezbollah becoming wary of smartphones and using pagers, Israel looked to adding explosives to the communication device and worked to build a network of shell companies to hide their origins and sell the products to Hezbollah. They oversaw the production of the pagers with agents and then marketing these devices to Hezbollah leaders. Hassan Nasrallah didnt think Israel would assassinate him The New York Times, citing Mossad officials and other intelligence sources, reported that Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah underestimated Israels willingness to assassinate him. Despite warnings from fellow Hezbollah members, he remained in a Beirut bunker 40 feet underground on September 27, which is where Israeli F-15 fighter jets dropped massive explosives, ending his life. Advertisement People visit the site damaged by an Israeli airstrike that killed Lebanons Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Reuters According to reports, Israel used nearly 80 tonnes of explosives, including approximately 85 specialised bunker-buster bombs to penetrate the fortified structures. Everything we planned was executed precisely, with no errors, both in intelligence, the planning, with the planes and the operation itself. Everything went smooth, the commander of the IAFs 69th Squadron told reporters, as per the Times of Israel. Nasrallahs body was found the next day, buried in the rubble in the embrace of a top Iranian general based in Lebanon, both having died of suffocation, according to Israeli intelligence reports. With inputs from agencies Six babies, including three in al-Mawasi near Khan Younis, have died of hypothermia in Gaza over the past week. Thousands of Palestinian families who have fled Israels bombardment have been living in cramped makeshift tents in al-Mawasi amid plummeting temperatures. While Israel is saying it is doing all it can to let in winter supplies, experts say worse could be in store for Gazas children read more Imam Islam Abu Suaied prays over the bodies of two babies before their burial at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. AP As Israel drops bombs on Gaza, babies are dying from the cold. According to reports, six babies have died of hypothermia in the past week. Three of the six babies have passed away in al-Mawasi. This comes amid hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in cramped makeshift tents amid plummeting temperatures. But what happened? What do we know? Lets take a closer look: What happened? As per Al Jazeera, Ali al-Batran, who was one month old, on Monday died at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza. Medical sources blamed the plummeting temperatures for Alis death. This came a day after Alis twin brother Jumaa al-Batran also died in the familys tent in Deir el-Balah. Advertisement Jumaa was discovered with his head as cold as ice, their father said. Both babies were born one month prematurely. Three of the six babies who died over the past week lived in al-Mawasi. This is near the southern town of Khan Younis. As per CNN, al-Mawasi has been repeatedly attacked by Israel despite being previously designated as a humanitarian zone. Thousands of families who have fled Israels bombardment have been living there in tents made of cloth and nylon. Last week, Sela Mahmoud Al-Fasih froze to death from the extreme cold in al-Mawasi, Dr Munir Al-Bursh, the director general of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, was quoted as saying. (Sela) died from the cold, her mother, Nariman Al-Fasih, told CNN. I was warming her and holding her. But (we) didnt have extra clothes for me to warm this girl. The three-week-olds face had turned blue. Mahmoud al-Faseeh, wrapped her in a blanket to try and keep her warm in their tent in the Muwasi area outside the town of Khan Younis, but it wasnt enough. Mahmoud Al- Faseeh holds the body of his three-week old baby girl Sila as he arrives at the Naser Hospital in Khan Younis Wednesday. AP He said the tent was not sealed from the wind and the ground was cold, as temperatures on Tuesday night dropped to 9 degrees Celsius. Advertisement It was very cold overnight and as adults we couldnt even take it. We couldnt stay warm, he said. Sila woke up crying three times overnight and in the morning they found her unresponsive, her body stiff. She was like wood, said al-Faseeh. They rushed her to a field hospital where doctors tried to revive her, but her lungs had already deteriorated. Images of Sila showed the little girl with purple lips, her pale skin blotchy. Dr Ahmed Al-Farra, the head of pediatrics and obstetrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis blamed low temperatures and a lack of access to warmth for her death. Advertisement NBC quoted doctors as saying that Sela died from hypothermia. They said her heart stopped beating after the temperature plummeted during the night. Al-Farra said four infants had died including a three-day-old and a one-month-old. He said staff in the hospitals neonatal ICU witness at least five cases of hypothermia every day. He blamed the lack of breastfeeding and limited availability of infant formula as raising the risk of hypothermia for babies. This is one of the disastrous results of this criminal war, Al-Farra told CNN. The situation in al-Mawasi remains grave. Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudari reported, You cant imagine the situation right now. We are all freezing and shaking due to the very cold weather. Especially those who are in al-Mawasi very close to the beach are suffering from the cold. Advertisement Were talking about Palestinians who have been displaced for more than 14 months. They still have the same tent. There [are] no tent tarps. Its also very expensive to afford any nylon or any equipment or tools to cover your tent and even winter clothes [and] blankets. Mahmoud told NBC his family was living a harsh existence. 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. Advertisement Israels bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. The offensive has caused widespread destruction and displaced some 90 per cent of Gazas 2.3 million people, often multiple times. Palestinians carry UN-donated flour in Khan Younis, central Gaza Strip. AP Hundreds of thousands are packed into tent camps along the coast as the cold, wet winter sets in. Aid groups have struggled to deliver food and supplies and say there are shortages of blankets, warm clothing and firewood. The toll of the war has been particularly brutal on children. NBC quoted the United Nations as saying that over 14,500 children have been killed since the war began. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said a child dies every hour in Gaza. But Israel has said it is doing as much as it can. NBC quoted COGAT, Israels military liaison with the Palestinians, as saying that it has allowed 9,300 tons of winter-related items into Gaza over the past three months. In all, 24,000 tons of winter supplies have been allowed into Gaza since the beginning of the war. Israel has increased the amount of aid it allows into the territory, reaching an average of 130 trucks a day so far this month, up from around 70 a day in October and November. Still, the amount remains well below than previous months. The United Nations says it is unable to distribute more than half the aid because Israeli forces deny permission to move within Gaza or because of rampant lawlessness and theft from trucks. What do experts say? Experts have slammed Israels actions. For over 14 months, children have been at the sharp edge of this nightmare In Gaza the reality for over a million children is fear, utter deprivation and unimaginable suffering, Rosalia Bollen, a UNICEF communications specialist, was quoted as saying by CNN. The war on children in Gaza stands as a stark reminder of our collective responsibility. A generation of children is enduring the brutal violation of their rights and the destruction of their futures. They say even worse could be in store for children. 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, told NBC last week. 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. With inputs from agencies Matthew Muller, who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and sexual assaulting Denise Huskins, has been linked to a pair of 2009 sexual assaults in Mountain View and Palo Alto. Marilyn Nieves/Getty Image Matthew Muller, the man who abducted Denise Huskins in Vallejo in 2015 in a high-profile case police wrongly called a hoax, faces new charges in two 2009 sexual assaults in Mountain View and Palo Alto. Muller, 47, was charged with two felony counts of assault with the intent to commit rape during a burglary, the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office said. During his first court appearance at the Hall of Justice in San Jose on Monday afternoon, a hearing was set for Jan. 17 for Muller to enter a plea. If convicted of the charges, Muller could face life in prison. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Harvard University graduate and former Marine, Muller is already in prison after he pleaded guilty to kidnapping and raping Denise Huskins in 2015 in a case that drew national attention after police wrongly accused her and her boyfriend of fabricating the crimes. The polices narrative drew comparisons to the 2014 movie Gone Girl, in which the main character stages her disappearance to get revenge on her husband. The case drew renewed attention earlier this year as the subject of American Nightmare, a Netflix documentary series. The latest charges came after a new lead and advances in forensic DNA testing, prosecutors said. The District Attorneys Office coordinated with the Palo Alto and Mountain View police departments to send evidence in the 2009 cases back to the countys crime lab for further testing. Crime analysts found Muellers DNA on straps the assailant used to bind one of the victims, according to prosecutors. The details of this persons violent crime spree seem scripted for Hollywood, but they are tragically real, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. Our goal is to make sure this defendant is held accountable and will never hurt or terrorize anyone ever again. Our hope is that this nightmare is over. Prosecutors allege that on Sept. 29, 2009, Muller broke into a womans Mountain View home, attacked her, tied her up, forced her to drink a concoction of medications, then told her he was going to rape her. The victim, in her 30s at the time, persuaded him not to. Mueller acquiesced and suggested the victim get a dog, prosecutors said. Then he left. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nearly three weeks later, on Oct. 18, 2009, Muller broke into a Palo Alto home, bound and gagged a woman in her 30s, forced her to drink Nyquil, then assaulted her before the victim persuaded him to stop, according to prosecutors. Muller gave the woman crime prevention advice, then left, prosecutors said. On March 23, 2015, Muller broke into the Huskins home, then drugged them and tied them up with zip ties and blindfolds. He also placed headphones over their ears. After he kidnapped Huskins, he took her to a cabin in South Lake Tahoe, where he raped her twice. Two days later, he drove Huskins to Southern California, where he set her free. Police issued a public apology for the accusations of a made-up plot, and the city of Vallejo paid the couple a $2.5 million settlement. Muller was arrested in June 2015 in connection with a home invasion in Dublin. Further investigation tied him to the abduction of Huskins. After pleading guilty in 2016 to the kidnapping and in 2022 to the two rape charges, Muller was incarcerated at a federal prison in Arizona. However, he was transferred to the Santa Clara County jail Friday to face the new charges, records show. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Suchir Balaji, 26, a former OpenAI employee, was found dead at his San Francisco apartment in November. While authorities said that his death appeared to be a suicide, his parents are insisting that there are signs of foul play and have demanded an FBI investigation. Elon Musk, who sued OpenAI earlier this year, wrote on X that it doesnt seem like a suicide read more OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji was found dead at his San Francisco residence in November. X - @suchirbalaji / AP The death of OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji has become a subject of debate. Balaji, 26, a former OpenAI employee, was found dead in November. While authorities have said that Balajis death appeared to be a suicide, his parents are insisting that there are signs of foul play and have demanded an FBI investigation. But what do we know about Balajis death? And what are his parents alleging? Lets take a closer look: What happened? First, lets take a brief look at Balaji. Advertisement Balaji grew up in San Franciscos Bay Area. As per The Guardian, Balaji studied computer science at the University of California, Berkeley. It was at this time that he did an internship at Open AI then a fledgling AI research lab. He began working at OpenAI in November 2020. Balaji is said to have helped train the artificial intelligence systems behind As per The Guardian, John Schulman, one of the founders of OpenAI, said Balaji worked on WebGPT a precursor to ChatGPT. Balaji later shifted to organising the huge datasets of online writings and other media used to train GPT-4 the fourth generation of OpenAIs flagship large language model and a basis for the companys famous chatbot. It was that work that eventually caused Balaji to question the technology he helped build, especially after newspapers, novelists and others began suing OpenAI and other AI companies for copyright infringement. Balaji ended up quitting the San Francisco firm in August. According to The Times of India, Balaji then accused the firm of violating copyright law in its training of ChatGPT. John Schulman, one of the founders of OpenAI, said Suchir Balaji worked on WebGPT a precursor to ChatGPT. Reuters Balaji in October told The New York Times that the company had violated copyright law. He claimed programmes like ChatGPT were damaging the internet. Advertisement If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company, Balaji told the newspaper. Balaji later told The Associated Press he would try to testify in the strongest copyright infringement cases and considered a lawsuit brought by The New York Times last year to be the most serious. _Times l_awyers named him in a November 18 court filing as someone who might have unique and relevant documents supporting allegations of OpenAIs willful copyright infringement. His records were also sought by lawyers in a separate case brought by book authors including the comedian Sarah Silverman, according to a court filing. It doesnt feel right to be training on peoples data and then competing with them in the marketplace, Balaji told the AP in late October. I dont think you should be able to do that. I dont think you are able to do that legally. Advertisement He told the AP that he gradually grew more disillusioned with OpenAI, especially after the internal turmoil that led its board of directors to fire and then rehire CEO Sam Altman last year. Balaji said he was broadly concerned about how its commercial products were rolling out, including their propensity for spouting false information known as hallucinations. But of the bag of issues he was concerned about, he said he was focusing on copyright as the one it was actually possible to do something about. He acknowledged that it was an unpopular opinion within the AI research community, which is accustomed to pulling data from the internet, but said they will have to change and its a matter of time. Advertisement Found dead Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26 by the police. As per The Guardian, his mother Poornima Ramarao, who lives in Californias Union City, had filed a missing persons complaint with the police. This, after she was unable to get in touch with her son for a few days. Police in Union City then reached out to authorities in San Francisco who found Balaji dead. Officers and medics arrived on scene and located a deceased adult male from what appeared to be a suicide, police said. No evidence of foul play was found during the initial investigation. OpenAI after Balajis death released a statement saying, We are devastated to learn of this incredibly sad news and our hearts go out to Suchirs loved ones during this difficult time. Advertisement Schulman, who incidentally quit on the same day as Balaji, was quoted as saying by The Guardian, I was heartbroken to hear of Suchirs passing. I worked with Suchir on and off since around 2021, and he was one of my favorite and most talented collaborators. Suchirs contributions to this project were essential, and it wouldnt have succeeded without him, Schulman, who recruited Balaji to his team, said. He wrote that what made him such an exceptional engineer and scientist was his attention to detail and ability to notice subtle bugs or logical errors. He had a knack for finding simple solutions and writing elegant code that worked, Schulman wrote. Hed think through the details of things carefully and rigorously. But Balajis family said he showed no signs of wanting to take his own life. They also pointed out that Balaji had no history of mental illness. They added that no suicide note was recovered. Balaji Ramamurthy, who was the last person to talk to his son on 22 November, said they discussed his trip to Los Angeles as part of his birthday celebration. He was in LA and having a good time. So he sent us all the pictures, Ramamurthy said. He was in a good mood. Balajis family described him as a happy, smart and brave young man who loved to hike. I was the last person to talk to him, Ramamurthy told The Times of India. He was happy, not depressed or anything. It was his birthday week. How can anyone believe there was no note left? He made plans to see us in January. That was the last phone conversation he had with anyone. He went into his apartment and never came out, Ramarao claimed as per Hindustan Times. Foul play involved Balajis family has insisted that foul play is involved. His mother Ramarao claimed it took the medical examiner under a minute to call the incident a suicide. The reason they said is he went inside and did not come out, nobody was with him and he shot himself, she was quoted as saying by The Guardian. There was a gun near him. There were signs of a fight in the bathroom. Blood shots. This cannot be ignored, she was quoted as saying by The Times of India. His parents have demanded that the FBI investigate Balajis case. Ramarao on X wrote that they hired a private investigator and even carried out a second autopsy. She said the autopsy did not confirm cause of death as stated by police. She claimed her sons apartment was ransacked, there were signs of struggle in the bathroom and that based on blood spots, it looked like someone had hit him. She claimed that the authorities had declared as suicide what is a cold blooded murder. Lobbying in SF city doesnt stop us from getting justices. We demand FBi investigation, she concluded. The family has also started a GoFundMe to raise funds for litigation and to conduct a detailed investigation. Meanwhile, Elon Musk, has thrown his two cents in too. This doesnt seem like a suicide, the worlds richest man wrote on his social media platform X. Billionaire Elon Musk was an early investor in OpenAI. Source: Reuters. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging it had betrayed its founding aims as a nonprofit research lab benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk and OpenAI founder Sam Altman were said to be at odds over whom would run the firm. Meanwhile, a number of users on social media also rallied behind Balajis family. This is a high profile case that needs to be thoroughly investigated, one user wrote. Is America really struggling to handle basic investigations? This is so concerning. He was a whistleblower, clearly at risk, and calling this a su**cide just doesnt add up, another added. Balaji had not been deposed. It remains unclear to what extent his revelations will be admitted as evidence in any legal cases after his death. He also published a personal blog post with his opinions about the topic. With inputs from agencies Shortly after the Jeju Air plane crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 people on board, some officials pointed to a bird strike being responsible for the crash. However, experts are questioning this theory, saying, a lot of things dont make sense read more People work at the site where an aircraft went off the runway and crashed at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea. Of the 181 people on board the Jeju Air plane, 179 have died, making this the country's worst aviation disaster. AP I cant believe my entire family has disappeared. My heart aches so much. My younger sister went to heaven today. The stench of gasoline and a pall of gloom hangs over Muan International Airport the South Korean site where a Jeju Air flight 7C2216 crashed on Sunday morning (December 29), killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The crash now being dubbed as South Koreas worst since 1997 has prompted the Asian countrys acting President Choi Sang-mok to order an emergency safety inspection of the entire airline operation system even as investigators work to identify victims and find what caused the deadly air disaster. Advertisement The United States has also announced that it is sending a team of investigators to South Korea to help determine what caused the Jeju Air plane to crash. Heres what we know so far about the crash. What happened to Jeju Air plane? Disaster struck on Sunday morning on Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 from Bangkok. The low-cost carrier was carrying 175 passengers and six crew when disaster struck at the airport in Muan county, on the countrys southwestern tip. Visuals showed that around 9 am local time, the plane skidded off the runway and slammed into a concrete barrier, causing a massive fire. One video footage from Muan airport shows the plane touching down without using its wheels or any other landing gear. It skidded down the runway and crashed into a wall before erupting into flames. 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 A witness told the South Korean news agency Yonhap that they heard a loud bang followed by a series of explosions. Soon after, firefighters rushed to the spot, using water cannons to extinguish the blazing wreckage of the aircraft. Several parts of the aircraft were seen strewn across the runway. Advertisement Authorities said that of the 181 people on board, all but two had died, with the youngest casualty being a three-year-old. The two who survived flight attendants aged 25 and 33 were rescued from the back of the plane during the initial search, according to South Koreas Yonhap. A girl watches a TV screen broadcasting footage of an aircraft crash at Muan International Airport, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea. Reuters Was a bird strike to blame for the air crash? As authorities began carrying out investigations, officials pointed to a bird strike as being the reason for the accident. Lee Jeong-hyun, the chief of the Muan Fire Department, said that a bird strike and bad weather may have caused the crash. However, the exact cause is still being investigated. The flight and voice recorders from the plane have been recovered, though Yonhap news agency reported that the former was damaged. Later, in a briefing, South Koreas ministry of land, infrastructure and transport reported that the control tower had warned of birds in the area just before the plane landed. The pilot then sent out a mayday signal and made one attempt to land. On the second attempt, the plane landed on its belly and skidded before hitting a barrier and going up in flames. Advertisement It is presumed to have been a bird strike. Smoke came out of one of the engines and then it exploded, a surviving crew member said in a witness report, Yonhap reported. Rescue team members work near the wreckage of a passenger plane outside of Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea. AP A bird strike, really? However, not everyone agrees that a bird strike caused the Sunday tragedy. Aviation experts said more evidence is needed before a bird strike can be definitively called the reason for the crash. Geoffrey Thomas, an aviation expert and editor of Airline News, told the BBC that South Korea and its airlines were considered industry best practice and that both the aircraft and the airline have an excellent safety record. He added: A lot of things about this tragedy dont make sense. Other experts also questioned if a bird strike was to blame for the downing of the Jeju Air plane. Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, told Reuters: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended. Advertisement Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, also explained to Reuters that emergency services are typically prepared for a belly landing, making this crash appear more unexpected. Gregory Alegi, an aviation expert and former teacher at Italys air force academy, was quoted as saying, 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? Relatives of passengers of the aircraft that crashed after it went off the runway, react at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea. Reuters What does South Koreas government say about the crash? Following the crash, acting President Choi Sang-mok declared the site a special disaster zone and vowed a full investigation into what caused the deadly disaster. We will concentrate all resources on recovery and support for the victims. All necessary resources are being mobilised, and a special disaster zone has been declared, Choi Sang-mok said in a statement. He also 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 the future. Advertisement Meanwhile, all flights to and from Muan International Airport have been cancelled. What has Jeju Air said? The chief executive of Jeju Air, one of South Koreas most popular airlines, apologised for the Sunday crash, bowing deeply before the nation. Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO, said Kim E-bae. Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae and officials bow to apologise for their planes incident at Muan International Airport as they hold a press conference in Seoul, South Korea. Reuters In a formal statement shared on social media, Kim extended condolences to the victims and their families: We would like to express our deepest condolences and apology to the passengers and bereaved families who lost their lives in the accident. Jeju Air will make every effort to resolve the accident quickly and provide support to the passengers families. He added that the airline was cooperating with authorities to determine the exact cause of the crash. Additionally, the plane manufacturer Boeing has offered condolences to those affected. 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. What about the families of the victims? Families of the victims were inconsolable after the crash with grief quickly giving way to anger. Cries and screams rang out through the Muan International Airport as officials read victims names out loud. A father of one of the 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. sI 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. With inputs from agencies In its latest move, the Taliban has banned the construction of windows in residential buildings that overlook areas used by Afghan women. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that seeing women working in kitchens, courtyards, or collecting water from wells could lead to obscene acts read more Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have enforced extensive restrictions, particularly targeting women. Reuters/File Photo The Talibans ongoing restrictions on Afghan women and girls continue to dominate headlines. In their latest move, the construction of windows in residential buildings overlooking areas used by Afghan women will be prohibited. Why? The reason is as bizarre as the move itself. ALSO READ | Why Taliban has banned Afghan women from hearing each others voice Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid explained in a statement on X, Seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts. Advertisement Since the Talibans return to power three years ago, Afghan women have been excluded from almost every sphere of public life, including schools, universities, most workplaces - and even parks and bathhouses. The latest ban In a statement issued on Saturday, the Taliban administration announced that new buildings must not have windows that allow visibility into the courtyard, kitchen, neighbours well and other places usually used by women. According to the rules set up by the Taliban, women are required to veil their bodies in public at all times. Reuters/File Photo Zabihullah Mujahid said that seeing women working in kitchens or collecting water from wells could lead to obscene acts. The decree further mandates that municipal authorities and other relevant departments oversee construction to ensure homes do not have windows providing views into neighbours properties. If such windows exist, property owners are advised to construct walls or block the view to avoid nuisances caused to neighbours, as specified in the order. Since regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have enforced extensive restrictions, particularly targeting women. Despite these measures, the administration maintains that Islamic law guarantees the rights of both Afghan men and women. ALSO READ | How Talibans harsh new laws are setting women back decades What are the other restrictions? After their return to power in 2021, the Taliban established the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. In August, the Ministry released its vice and virtue laws, addressing public transport, music, shaving, and celebrations. Advertisement Outlined in a 114-page, 35-article document, the Ministry oversees personal behaviour and issues punishments such as warnings or arrests when Afghans are accused of breaking these laws. According to the document, women are required to veil their bodies in public at all times, with face coverings considered essential to prevent temptation or tempting others. Clothing must not be thin, tight, or short. The rules further mandate that women veil themselves before all male strangers, including Muslims, and all non-Muslims to avoid corruption. Women are also prohibited from looking at men who are not their close relatives and vice-versa. In October this year, a Taliban minister announced that Afghan women are forbidden from praying loudly or reciting the Quran in front of other women. Vice and Virtue Minister Khalid Hanafi stated, It is prohibited for a grown woman to recite Quranic verses or perform recitations in front of another grown woman. Even chants of takbir (Allahu Akbar) are not permitted. Advertisement ALSO READ | Now, Taliban stops women from sightseeing: All ways Afghan womens rights have been suppressed Since its creation, the Ministry has implemented decrees disproportionately affecting women and girls, including dress codes, segregated education and employment, and the requirement of a male guardian for travel. In August this year, supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada approved bans on womens voices and bare faces in public. Article 17 of the document prohibits the publication of images of living beings, adding further strain to Afghanistans already fragile media sector. Article 19 forbids the playing of music, the transportation of solo female travellers, and the mixing of unrelated men and women. The law also mandates that passengers and drivers perform prayers at designated times. Advertisement Notably, some local radio and television stations have stopped broadcasting female voices altogether. Since the Talibans return to power in 2021, at least 1.4 million Afghan girls have been denied access to secondary education, placing an entire generations future in jeopardy, according to UNESCO. Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls and women are barred from attending secondary schools and universities. The number of primary school students has also declined. In 2022, only 5.7 million boys and girls were enrolled in primary education, down from 6.8 million in 2019. UNESCO blamed this drop to the ban on female teachers teaching boys and the lack of motivation for parents to send their children to school. Advertisement Women banned from midwifery and nursing courses? Earlier this month, several women training as midwives and nurses in Afghanistan told BBC that they were ordered not to return to classes the following morning. This directive effectively shut down their last opportunity for higher education in the country. Five training institutions across Afghanistan also told the British broadcaster that they received instructions from the Taliban to close until further notice. Videos shared online showed students in tears upon hearing the news. Midwifery and nursing were among the few career options available to women. Reuters/File Photo Although the official decree has not been made public, media reports indicate that the decision was announced during a meeting of the Taliban public health ministry and later communicated to training institutes. Midwifery and nursing were among the few career options available to women under the Talibans restrictions as male medics cannot treat women without a male guardian being present. The ban is particularly alarming given Afghanistans severe maternal health crisis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 620 women dying per 100,000 live births, it said in a report last year. Human rights protected, nobody faces discrimination: Taliban In September, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands announced legal proceedings against the Taliban for violating a UN convention on women, to which Afghanistan is a party. Despite their promises of moderate governance after seizing power in 2021, the Taliban have restricted women and girls from various aspects of daily life. Over 20 countries expressed their support for the proposed legal action, stating, We condemn the gross and systematic human rights violations and abuses in Afghanistan, particularly the gender-based discrimination against women and girls. Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat dismissed the allegations, claiming that human rights were protected in Afghanistan and no discrimination existed. Unfortunately, an attempt is being made to spread propaganda against Afghanistan through the mouths of several fugitive (Afghan) women and misrepresent the situation, Fitrat said on X. It is absurd to accuse the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan of violating human rights and gender discrimination. The Taliban reject all criticism of their policies, especially those affecting women and girls, labelling it interference. They state that their actions align with their interpretation of Islamic law, or Sharia. With inputs from agencies The H-1B visa programme, a lifeline for US tech innovation, is now a battleground for Republicans. While US President-elect Donald Trump once sought to restrict it under his Hire American agenda, his recent support for the programme has sparked division within the MAGA camp read more US President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, US, November 19, 2024. File Image/Reuters The H-1B visa programme, a cornerstone of Americas efforts to attract highly skilled foreign professionals, is now being hotly debated within Republican circles in the US. While the visa is lauded by many in the tech industry and beyond, it has drawn sharp criticism from hardline factions within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. What is the Trump-MAGA debate on H-1B programme? US President-elect Donald Trumps position on the H-1B programme has been both strategic and polarising. During his presidency, Trump highlighted an America First agenda, which included the Hire American executive order aimed at tightening the H-1B visa process. The order raised requirements for employers to justify hiring foreign workers and increased scrutiny on visa petitions, framing these measures as necessary to protect American workers from being displaced or underpaid. Advertisement Yet, Trumps more recent comments demonstrate a nuanced shift, particularly as he campaigns for 2024. While speaking to The New York Post, he stated, 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 programme. Such remarks align with Trumps history as a businessman reliant on skilled foreign labour, particularly in his hotel and real estate ventures. This apparent pivot has fractured the MAGA base, exposing a rift between economic pragmatism and ideological purism. Vivek Ramaswamy wrote on X: Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence. A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers. The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over native Americans isnt because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 26, 2024 For Trump loyalists, his pragmatic use of the H-1B programme signals adaptability, but for hardline factions, it undermines his America First ethos. Advertisement Figures like Steve Bannon have openly rebuked Trumps softened stance, accusing tech industry leaders and globalist allies of prioritising profits over patriotism. Bannon has labelled the H-1B programme a tool for big tech oligarchs to undermine the American middle class, amplifying fears that the visa system exploits domestic workers and erodes cultural integrity. Replying to Ramaswamy, in a post on X, Nikki Haley said, 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. 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 prioritizing in Americans, not foreign workers. https://t.co/fIGr45C3LD Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) December 26, 2024 Advertisement Adding to the controversy, Trumps choice of Indian American venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as an AI adviser sparked ire among some MAGA adherents. Far-right commentators interpreted this appointment as indicative of a pro-immigration tilt in Trumps campaign and a concession to Silicon Valleys influence, reported Reuters. Social media forums popular among MAGA supporters buzzed with conspiracy theories about foreign interference and the dilution of Trumps nationalist principles. Advertisement Furthermore, Trumps alignment with Elon Musk a vocal advocate for the H-1B programme complicates his position. Musks companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, are among the largest beneficiaries of H-1B visas. Musk has publicly challenged critics, calling the programme indispensable for maintaining US competitiveness in fields like artificial intelligence and aerospace. What is the H-1B Visa programme? The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa category designed for highly educated foreign professionals to work in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelors degree. Fields such as technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical sciences dominate the applications. Typically valid for three years, the visa can be extended to a maximum of six years and can also serve as a pathway to permanent residency through green card applications. Also Read | US relaxes H1-B visa rules: Why this is a big relief for Indians Employers must ensure that hiring an H-1B worker does not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of US employees. They must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the US Department of Labor, attesting that they meet these conditions. Advertisement Despite its utility, the programme is capped at 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 reserved for those holding advanced degrees from US institutions. This cap has been insufficient to meet demand, leading to a lottery system for visa allocation. How does H-1B programme impact US economy? The US technology sector heavily relies on the H-1B programme to address labour shortages. Tech leaders, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, have highlighted the lack of domestic talent in critical fields. Musks companies alone secured 724 H-1B visas in the past year. Research underscores the programmes economic benefits. Immigrant workers often complement rather than compete with US workers, driving innovation and job creation. Studies show that H-1B visa holders have contributed significantly to the economy, with median wages of H-1B workers in 2021 reaching $108,000, compared to $45,760 for US workers overall. Additionally, H-1B workers have been instrumental in areas like vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic. The H-1B visa debate reflects larger tensions surrounding immigration in the US Critics argue that the programme undercuts wages for domestic workers and perpetuates dependency on foreign talent. Proponents counter that it fills critical labour gaps and drives innovation. Between 2005 and 2018, increased H-1B utilisation correlated with lower unemployment rates in affected industries and a surge in patents and startup activity. Trumps alliance with Musk and other tech leaders has further polarised opinions. Musks willingness to defend the programme, even vowing to go to war for it, underscores its importance to the tech sector. 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. Take a big step back and FUCK YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 28, 2024 However, his $250 million contribution to Trumps 2024 campaign has also drawn scrutiny, fueling speculation about his influence on policy. On one hand, Trumps economic strategy recognises the necessity of skilled immigration for sustaining technological advancement and economic growth. On the other hand, his populist rhetoric risks alienating supporters who view the programme as a betrayal of American workers. With inputs from agencies Trains stopped, roads blocked, movement in Punjab restricted today due to farmers strike called by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not accepting the demands of protesting farmers read more Rail services were hit on Monday, December 30, 2024, as farmers Rail Roko Andolan led to the cancellation of 163 trains. Source: PTI. Normalcy has been largely affected across Punjab on Monday as farmers blocked road and rail tracks, as part of their state-wide strike, crippling commuters and freight movement. The Punjab bandh has been called in support of 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal who has been on hunger strike since November 26 and it entered its 35th day today. Dallewal has been refusing medical treatment, vowing to be on fast until the Central government agrees to 13 farm demands including making the Minimum Support Price (MSP) a legal guarantee for all crops. Advertisement Meanwhile, Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab has been given time till December 31 by the Supreme Court to persuade Dallewal to end his fast and shift to a hospital for medical care, granting the state the liberty to seek logistical support from the Centre, if necessary. Punjab bandh: Who has called? A call for state-wide shutdown was given by Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the central government not accepting demands of protesting farmers, which include a legal guarantee for a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Punjab bandh: Timings The shutdown in Punjab on Monday, December 30, started from 7 am and will be observed till 4 pm. Punjab bandh updates: How state-wide bandh is affecting normalcy 1 - Farmers blocked Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza affecting vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. 2 - Key routes, including Airport Road at IISER Chowk in Mohali, Kurali Road Toll Plaza, Ambala-Delhi Highway Toll Plaza near Lalru, and the Kharar-Morinda Highway have been blocked by protesting farmers. 3 - In Bathindas Rampura Phul, agitating farmers have blocked roads. 4 - Major highways and marketplaces across the state of Punjab were shut due to the bandh. 5 - Farmers have congregated in large numbers at Amritsars Golden Gate near the citys entry point. 6 - More than 200 trains, including Vande Bharat and Shatabadi, were affected due to bandh in Punjab. 7 - Farmers Rail Roko Andolan resulted in the cancellation of 163 trains, with 19 others short-terminated, 15 short-originated, 15 delayed, and nine halted en route (till Monday morning). Advertisement 8 - Buses were not seen on roads as almost all private bus transporters have joined the shutdown. 9 - Farmers, including women and aged people, hit the streets, forcing a handful of shops that were open on Monday to pull the shutters down as well as restricting motorists from moving ahead. 10 - Several schools and offices had announced a holiday in the wake of the shutdown call. 11 - Colleges affiliated with Panjab University have postponed their exams to Tuesday. Also, the Guru Nanak Dev University ( GNDU), Amritsar has issued a circular stating that the UG exams scheduled on December 30 will now be held on January 12. Advertisement Punjab bandh: Whats open & is unaffected Emergency services, including flights, medical needs, and wedding or job interview-related travel, were excluded from the bandh. Anyone travelling to the airport to catch a flight or anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needs to attend a wedding all these things have been kept out of our bandh call, Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said. Local gurdwaras in Muktsar, Sangrur, Bathinda, Patiala, Moga, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur districts have decided to offer langar at the dharna spots on Monday. Why are Punjab farmers protesting? The farmers protest isnt new. Since February 13, they have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana in support of their long-pending demands. Thrice, between December 6 and 14, a jatha (group) of 101 farmers attempted to march to Delhi on foot but were stopped by security personnel from Haryana. Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border demanding a legal guarantee of a MSP for crops. Besides this, the farmers have been demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Advertisement The demands also include reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21. With inputs from agencies. These choices are notable for having profound effects on politics, the economy, and society read more From tackling politically delicate matters to establishing new fundamental rights, the Supreme Court of India made news in 2024 with some exceptionally groundbreaking rulings. Here is our ranking of the top 10 rulings of 2024 as the year draws to a close. These choices are notable for having profound effects on politics, the economy, and society. 1. Bail for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal | Arvind Kejriwal v Directorate of Enforcement The strict interpretation of the bail requirements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, was loosened by the Arvind Kejriwal bail case. Advertisement The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Kejriwal on suspicion of involvement in the Delhi Liquor Policy fraud. In relation to the same scheme, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also arrested him on corruption allegations. The Supreme Court pointed out that Kejriwal had been imprisoned for extended periods of time and that it was unlikely that his case would go to trial anytime soon. 2. Possessing child pornography punishable under POCSO Act | Just Rights for Children Alliance vs S Harish Following the Supreme Courts ruling in Just Rights for Children Alliance vs S Harish on September 24, 2024, India has joined a select group of countries that have made it illegal to watch, store, or possess child pornography. Justice J.B. Pardiwala emphasised in his ruling that the term should be referred to as child sexual abuse and exploitative material, or CSEAM, and objected to its use in formal settings. High Courts have been unable to come to a logical conclusion for years on whether mere possession of obscene movies featuring children was covered by the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. 3. States power to regulate industrial alcohol | State of UP vs M/S. Lalta Prasad Vaish and Sons This lawsuit concerns whether the State Legislature has the right to control industrial alcohol under the words intoxicating liquors in Entry 8 of List II of the Constitutions 7th Schedule. Advertisement When the Uttar Pradesh government imposed a license fee on the sale of denatured spirits (industrial alcohol rendered undrinkable), it was challenged, and the Allahabad High Court overturned it, prompting this appeal. The Synthetics case was overturned by the Supreme Court, which ruled 8 to 1 in favour of the States authority to control industrial alcohol. The Synthetics & Chemicals vs State of UP ruling from 1989 limited state authority over industrial alcohol by ruling that intoxicating liquor only covered drinkable alcohol. Since alcohol may be abused to cause drunkenness, the court ruled that all types of alcohol, including industrial alcohol, are considered intoxicating liquors under Entry 8. Dissenting Justice Nagarathna argued that industrial alcohol is not consumable by nature, hence, it does not fit within the category of intoxicating liquors and is therefore still under Union supervision. Advertisement 4. Withdrawal of remission granted to Bilkis Bano convicts | Bilkis Yakub Rasool vs Union of India The Supreme Courts first major ruling in 2024, which overturned the Gujarat governments order to free 11 prisoners in the Bilkis Bano case, received widespread attention. The defendants were sentenced to life in prison for the gang rape and murder of Banos family during the Gujarat riots of 2002. It was a crime that outraged the conscience of a big portion of the country. Notably, the offenders were convicted in Mumbai, hence the Maharashtra government is the right authority to consider remission. The verdict implies that the Gujarat government was aware of the prisoners malice in appealing to the incorrect government but nonetheless evaluated their application. Advertisement The decision said that the Gujarat government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, worked in tandem with the prisoners. Justice BV Nagarathnas decision emphasised that remission petitions may only be considered if offenders follow the rule of law. Furthermore, the verdicts held that, while the decision to release convicts is in the administrative domain, courts have the right to overturn remission orders. 5. Validity of the Electoral Bonds Scheme | Association of Democratic Reforms vs Union of India A five-judge court overturned the 2018 Electoral Bond Scheme ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The EB Scheme enabled businesses, individuals, and organisations to make anonymous donations to political parties. Advertisement On February 15, 2024, the court unanimously ruled that voters had the right to be informed about the sources of party funding. The court determined that the 2018 scheme was not flawless and did not meet the Unions purpose for wishing to safeguard funders from negative activities by competing political parties. In an effort to promote free and fair elections, the Court put an immediate halt to bond sales and directed the Election Commission and the State Bank of India to publicly release the data they had previously gathered on EB transactions. Researchers, journalists, and citizens combed through the data, making links between donations and, on the one hand, lucrative government contracts and the sudden termination of criminal investigations. In August, however, the Court rejected to form a Special Investigation Team to investigate charges of quid pro quo, claiming that the allegations were only assumptions. 6. Validity of sub-classification within reserved categories | State of Punjab vs Davinder Singh In a landmark decision on affirmative action law in the country, a seven-judge panel of the Supreme Court recognised states authority to create sub-categories inside the reserved Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories (SC/ST). The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, overruled E.V. Chinnaiah v Union of India (2004) by a 6:1 majority. The majority argued that sub-classification was acceptable to provide substantive equality since different communities on the SC/ST list experienced differing levels of discrimination and inequality. However, the bench ruled that any statute establishing sub-classifications must be supported by empirical data and would be open to judicial scrutiny. Following the decision, some state governments indicated that they were eager to push sub-classification. 7. Constitutional validity of Section 6A of Citizenship Act, 1955 Assam had an influx of immigrants following the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Responding to local demonstrations, the Union Government signed the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, which granted immigrants particular citizenship provisions under Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. This clause granted citizenship to Indian immigrants arriving before January 1, 1966, while those entering between January 1, 1966 and March 24, 1971, were eligible for citizenship under specific conditions. This lawsuit called into doubt the constitutionality of Section 6A under Articles 11, 14, 29, 326, and 355, particularly in light of its impact on Assams demography and indigenous identity. The case was referred to a Constitution Bench in 2014 because of its complicated constitutional consequences. The Supreme Court confirmed the legality of Section 6A by a 4:1 majority. Justice Surya Kant wrote the majority opinion (for himself, Justices Sundresh, and Mishra), which was endorsed by the CJIs concurring opinion. Justice Pardiwala dissented, calling Section 6A unconstitutional. 8. Challenge to caste-based discrimination in prisons | Sukanya Shantha vs Union of India Sukanya Shantha, a journalist, wrote an article about caste-based discrimination in Indian jails, which prompted her to file a petition under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution challenging several clauses in state prison manuals that encouraged caste-based segregation and discrimination. Some restrictions included laws such as allocating specified chores (e.g., sweeping) to convicts of specific castes and designating suitable castes for cooking or security responsibilities. Shantha contended that these clauses discriminated against people on the basis of caste, in violation of their fundamental rights. The Supreme Court deemed the challenged elements in prison manuals illegal, citing infringement of multiple constitutional articles, including Articles 14, 15, 17, 21, and 23. The Court ordered all states to revise their prison manuals to eradicate caste-based discrimination and to remove caste references from prisoner registries. Furthermore, the Union Government was directed to update the Model Prison Manual 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023, within three months to reflect these amendments. 9. Institutional safety measures for medical professionals | Kolkata murder & rape case A postgraduate trainee doctor working a 36-hour shift at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata was discovered dead and reportedly raped in a hospital lecture room on August 9, 2024. The event sparked widespread indignation, with photographs of the deceased spreading on social media. Initially, medical officials informed the family that the death was a suicide; nevertheless, further inquiry resulted in a FIR for murder. Concerns about the investigations integrity led the Calcutta High Court to refer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Following this, a crowd vandalised the hospitals emergency department, prompting the Indian Medical Association to launch a statewide strike to demand improved safety for healthcare personnel. The event sparked serious concerns about the safety and working environment of medical personnel, particularly those working late hours. Recognising the gravity of the situation, SC formed a 9-person nationwide Task Force to develop a nationwide protocol for the protection of physicians and medical personnel. This Task Force was tasked with focussing on two areas: Preventing violence, particularly gender-based violence against medical workers, and Developing enforceable safety regulations to provide dignified and secure working conditions for healthcare professionals. In addition, the Court directed the CBI and the State of West Bengal to provide status updates on the murder and vandalism investigations by August 22, 2024, respectively. 10. Is Delhi LG bound by aid & advice of NCTs elected govt when nominating MCD members? The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has 260 members, of whom 250 are elected and 10 are nominated by the LG under Section 3(3)(b)(i) of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. Article 239AA(4) of the Constitution requires the LG to act with the help and advice of the Delhi Governments Council of Ministers on subjects within the Delhi Assemblys legislative jurisdiction. However, there is an exemption if the LG is required to act in discretion by or under any law. Following the Aam Aadmi Partys victory in the MCD election in December 2022, the LG appointed 10 members without consulting the Delhi government. The Delhi government contested this appointment in the Supreme Court, claiming that the LG should have followed its advice. The Supreme Court declared that the LG is not bound by the Delhi Governments help and advice while nominating members to the MCD under Section 3(3)(b)(i) of the DMC Act. Justice Narasimha wrote the decision, saying that the DMC Act, passed by Parliament, expressly enables the LG to act independently in this case. Chinas construction of the worlds largest dam on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River poses significant risks to the lower watershed region, disrupting the hydrological cycle and impacting northeast Indian states such as Assam and Arunachal, and can serve as strategic leverage for Beijing during times of conflict read more The proposed mega dam is part of China's 14th 5-year plan and will have three times the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam pictured above. (Photo: Reuters) Chinas race to dam the Himalayas took a new turn on Thursday, December 26, 2024, when the Chinese government, amidst the rising tension between India and China, approved the construction of its latest and the worlds largest dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, a hydroelectric project of gigantic proportions in the foothills of the Himalayas, where the ancient Yarlung civilisation established the first Tibetan Empire. The deleterious impact on the lower riparian nations, India and Bangladesh, of the latest Chinese dam project is multifold, to which I will return a little later in the piece. Advertisement The Grand Canyon The Yarlung Tsangpo River, named Brahmaputra in India, originating in the western Tibet glaciers, reaches the height of 5,000 meters, making it the worlds highest river as it traverses through the zig-zag path in the Himalayas range. In Tibet, the Yarlung Tsangpo flows 2,700 meters through what is famously called the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, thereby forming a gorge more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon of the United States of America. This makes the Yarlung Tsangpo especially suitable as a source of hydroelectric power of gigantic proportions. Eclipses Three Gorges Dam The outlay for building the dam, including the engineering costs, is expected to eclipse the current largest Three Gorges dam, which cost 254.2 billion yuan ($34.83 billion) to construct. According to Chinas news agency Xinhua, the newest dam, at an estimated cost of $137 billion, shall be the worlds biggest infrastructure project and the largest dam on the Earth. According to estimates provided in 2020 by the Power Construction Corporation of China, the dam will have the capacity to generate approximately 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This would be far more than three times the designed capacity of the worlds current record-holder, the Three Gorges Dam in central China, which produces 88.2 billion kWh. Advertisement Benefits to China The latest Brahmaputra dam being built close to the Indian border was part of Chinas 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 adopted by Plenum, a key policy body of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), in 2020. The hydroelectric power from the dam is expected to play a leading role in Chinas effort to achieve its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets of net zero by 2060 while also boosting associated industries such as engineering and creating employment opportunities in Tibet. Chinas Damming: Negative Externalities China is the home to the worlds largest dams; it has constructed 22,000 dams over 15 meters (49 ft) in heightabout half the worlds totalsince 1950. This includes the Three Gorges Dam, built on Chinas Yangtze River in 2006, the worlds largest and most contentious hydroelectric project. Almost 2 kilometres long and 185 meters tall, it has incredible potential to create clean energy, with 32 main turbines able to produce over 22,500 megawatts of power each year. Advertisement Apart from being the gigantic source of electricity generation, the Three Gorges Dam also plays major roles in flood control, navigation enhancement, and water handling in its catchment area. Nonetheless, Chinese mega-damming, including that of the Three Gorges Dam, has been plagued by serious ecological concerns endangering the biodiversity, the displacement of millions of people, and the environmental concerns. Critics have expressed concern over increasing landslides, sedimentation, and the destruction of downstream habitats. The Super Dam The just-approved biggest dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo has been a work in progress for more than a decade. Also, it is one among many. China built its first dam on the Tsangpo River as early as 2010 at Zangmu, and several small- and medium-sized dams have already been built on the river. China is determined to exploit the damming in Tibet, as it holds the promise of more than one-third of hydroelectricity generation in China. Advertisement Challenges The proposed super dam presents enormous engineering challenges, as the project site is located along a tectonic plate boundary known for the frequent occurrence of earthquakes. It also will have associated challenges relating to the ecology and environment. Though the scale of the massive displacement and rehabilitation is not known yet, the Three Gorges Dam, for whose construction 1.3 million people were displaced, provides a ready reckoner. Nonetheless, an official Chinese statement on Wednesday allayed the concern about earthquakes and seismic tremors, saying that the project is safe. As per Chinese authorities, through extensive geological explorations and technical advancements, a solid foundation has been laid for the science-based, secure, and high-quality development of the project. Advertisement India: Concerns and Consequences It is widely believed that Tibets riparian resources, such as the Yarlung Tsangpo and Mekong rivers, were one of the primary factors for Communist China to annex the control of Tibet more than seven decades ago. Of Brahmaputras total length of 2,880 kilometres, two-thirds, or about 1,625 kilometres, lies on the Tibetan Plateau with the name Yarlung Tsangpo. It is estimated that freshwater runoff in Yarlung Tsangpo, coming from the melting of glaciers and numerous mountain springs, flows down through the Himalayan watershed, and it is estimated that it provides drinking water to 1.8 billion people in the countries of China, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. It is reported that as part of the construction of the super dam, at least four 20 km-long tunnels shall be drilled through the Namcha Barwa mountain to divert half of the Yarlung Tsangpo rivers flow to harness its power. It is natural then for India and Bangladesh, the two lower riparian nations of the Brahmaputra basin, to have serious concern about the construction of the worlds largest dam by China in the lower reaches of the Tsangpo River at the Great Bend, where the river turns sharply, takes a U-turn, and enters Arunachal Pradesh. Apprehensions are manifold; the more prominent ones are described below: One, choke off the water flowthe biggest fear is that with the construction of the super dam, China can and shall choke off the flow of the water in Brahmaputra, resulting in a severe shortage of water in the lower riparian states. Experts concur that the super dam shall substantially reduce water ow downstream, especially during the dry season. A recent BBC report quotes a 2020 report published by the Lowy Institute, an Australian-based think tank, which noted, Control over these rivers [in the Tibetan Plateau] effectively gives China a chokehold on Indias economy. Two, water as a strategic weaponIndia also has a legitimate fear that the dam that empowers China to control the water flow, the size and scale of it, could also endanger Indias strategic interest as it would enable Beijing to release disproportionately large amounts of water, flooding the border areas wantonly during the time of hostilities. India is worried about the release of water from the dam during the monsoons, when northeastern states such as Assam experience oods. If China released water from the dam, it could be disastrous for an already inundated Assam. Three, ecological and environmental damage riskeven in the absence of a deliberate hostile act by China, India faces serious challenges due to the proximity of the super dam site, with the super dam site being just 30 km away from the Indian border in the earthquake-prone, ecologically sensitive zone. With a dam site along an earthquake-prone tectonic plate boundary, it is prone to frequent earthquakes. Chinese researchers have frequently flagged concerns that such extensive excavation and construction in the steep and narrow gorge would increase the potential of earthquakes and the frequency of landslides, and earthquake-induced landslides and mud-rock flows are more often uncontrollable. Four, the downside of the hydropeakinga serious negative externality of the super damis the significant alteration of the downstream flow due to hydropeaking, the discontinuous release of the turbine water to meet the needs of peaks in electricity demand that will be prone to intra-diurnal fluctuation. Hydropeaking is known for creating abrupt artificial fluctuation in downstream flow, often resulting in adverse impact on riverine water temperature, sediment composition, and the rate of sediment transport in the river. Five, dam burst and flash flood feareven without the dam in question, in its lower course, the Brahmaputra, one of the longest perennial rivers in the world, is both an advantage and a disadvantage for its lower riparian states, India and Bangladesh. On the one hand, it deposits huge quantities of fertile alluvial soil suitable for agriculture, but on the other, due to geographical and climatic conditions, it causes periodical, disastrous floods in Assam and Bangladesh. Adding to the misery, the super dam being constructed in areas prone to avalanches and landslides can cause frequent flash floods and other ecologically hazardous events like dam-burst with the resultant serious impact to the Indian states and parts of Bangladesh. Unholy Gameplan There exists no bilateral water treaty between India and China. China is not ready to even discuss the issue with India. Also, China follows its own rule and refuses to abide by any international convention, rule, or law of equitable water use. Its long-term plan is cast in ironnot only to build multiple dams on the river Yarlung Tsangpo indiscriminately with impunity but also to divert substantial waters of the river to its parched northeast. Eye Opener Way back in 2016, an Assam NGO, Jan Jagriti, claimed China was building twenty-six hydropower dams on the upper reaches of the river in Tibet, which would result in massive South to North Water Diversion Projects. The NGO claimed that on completion of dams, Assam would receive 64 per cent less water during the monsoon, and in the non-monsoon season, 85 per cent less water would accrue to India from China. China Defends China on Friday, December 27, 2024, defended its plan to build the worlds largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, saying the project will not negatively affect lower riparian states India and Bangladesh and that safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies. China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also added, China will continue to maintain communication with countries at the lower reaches through existing channels and step up cooperation on disaster prevention and relief for the benefit of the people by the river. Reality Check: Action Time for India India and China have an agreement as per which China must share hydrological data of Yarlung Tsangpo between May and October so that India can alert the downstream areas in the event of oods. But in 2017, at the time of the Doklam border standoff, China stopped sharing the data. Though data sharing resumed in 2018, India has reasons to believe that China may withhold data when it suits it strategically. It is time for India to take measures to protect its interests and bonafide rights as a lower riparian state, both through bilateral negotiation with China and more strategically as part of an international agreement to make China behave. The biggest concern for India is the complete lack of transparency and accountability of the Chinese process of planning. Developing and operating dams. Power-guzzling China is getting hungrier by the day, and according to the Interfax news agency, Brahmaputra (known locally as the Yarlung Tsangpo) has a generating capacity of 67,000 megawatts, second only to the Yangtze. This is irresistible for energy-hungry China. The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Pakistans entanglement in Chinas debt web, combined with the strategic concessions it has made in its maritime zones and economic sectors, poses severe risks to its sovereignty and should serve as a warning to both Pakistan and other nations in the Indian Ocean Region read more Pakistans sovereignty is increasingly at risk due to its deepening strategic and economic dependence on China. Initially perceived as a mutually beneficial partnership, the relationship between Pakistan and China has evolved into one marked by significant concessions from Pakistan. Islamabads mounting debt from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and granting fishing rights indicate this shift. These developments undermine Pakistans autonomy and threaten regional stability in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This analysis explores the implications of these trends, drawing parallels between Chinas actions in Pakistan and its expansionist strategies in the South China Sea (SCS). Advertisement Chinas Strategic Influence The CPEC and Territorial Encroachments The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was once hailed as a transformative initiative for Pakistan, promising infrastructure development, job creation, and economic growth. However, more contemporary developments suggest a more ominous reality. Chinas growing control in areas like the Gwadar SEZ and granting fishing rights to Chinese vessels signal a significant shift in the partnership. These transactions go beyond mere economic deals, reflecting Chinas growing strategic influence in Pakistan. By securing control over strategically important maritime zones, such as those near Gwadar, China has been able to extend its reach and capabilities into the Arabian Sea. Chinas Maritime Strategy Chinas actions in Pakistan mirror its broader maritime strategy, particularly in how it exploits maritime resources under the guise of development. The fishing rights granted to Chinese vessels, particularly around the Gwadar port and its adjacent waters, illustrate this strategy. These rights not only deprive local Pakistani fishermen of their livelihoods but also allow China to exploit maritime resources with little regard for environmental sustainability. Chinas practice of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has already devastated ecosystems and communities in other regions. If these practices continue unchecked in Pakistan, the consequences for the local environment and economy could be severe, further undermining Pakistans sovereignty over its own resources. The South China Sea Playbook: A Warning for the IOR Chinas tactics in the SCS serve as a cautionary tale for Pakistan and other nations in the IOR. Over the decades, China has systematically occupied and militarised various islands in the SCS, using them to assert control over the sea lanes despite international objections. Beginning with the Paracel Islands in the 1950s and extending to the militarisation of the Spratly Islands in recent years, Chinas strategy has been characterised by unilateralism and disregard for international law. Pakistan: Trapped in Chinas Debt Web as BRI Stalls The Double-Edged Sword of the Belt and Road Initiative The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), mainly through CPEC, was initially seen as a beacon of hope for Pakistans economic revival. The promise of new infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and economic prosperity led Pakistan to embrace the BRI enthusiastically. However, the reality has been far more complex and troubling. As BRI projects keep stalling due to financial mismanagement, corruption, and political instability, the anticipated benefits have failed to materialise. Instead, Pakistan finds itself burdened with incomplete projects, mounting debt, and increasing economic insecurity. The dream of economic revival through the BRI has turned into a nightmare of debt dependency, with Pakistan now heavily reliant on Chinese loans and investments to keep its economy afloat. Advertisement Debt Diplomacy: Erosion of Economic Sovereignty Pakistans growing debt to China has reached alarming levels, with loans often taken on unfavourable and binding terms. This debt dependency has eroded Pakistans economic sovereignty, limiting its ability to make independent decisions and increasing its dependence on Beijings strategic objectives. The need to service these debts has forced Pakistan to divert substantial revenue from essential social and economic development, further exacerbating domestic challenges. Moreover, this economic strain has led Pakistan to make strategic concessions, such as ceding maritime resources and granting Chinese fishing rights that are detrimental to local ecosystems and communities. The economic vulnerabilities created by this debt trap have profound implications for Pakistans future, making it increasingly difficult for the country to chart an independent course in domestic and foreign policies. Advertisement The Stalling of BRI and Its Impact on Pakistan The BRI has faced significant slowdowns due to economic challenges within China, shifting global priorities, and growing scrutiny over the initiatives long-term benefits. These challenges have directly impacted Pakistan, with key CPEC projects being delayed or scaled down, leaving the country with a half-finished infrastructure and a growing sense of economic disillusionment. The promise of economic revival through the BRI has not only failed to materialise but has also led to widespread dissatisfaction among the Pakistani public. The stalling of BRI projects has further damaged public perception in Pakistan, where China is increasingly viewed with suspicion as the promised economic benefits remain elusive. Advertisement Public Perception and Diplomatic Isolation The growing public discontent in Pakistan over the unfulfilled promises of the BRI has led to the perceived benefits of the partnership being questioned, and there is increasing concern about the long-term implications of Chinas influence over Pakistans economy and sovereignty. This shift in public perception could have significant diplomatic consequences, as Pakistans increasingly close ties with China alienate it from other regional and global partners. The risk of diplomatic pushback, particularly as other countries in the region and beyond grow increasingly wary of Beijings expansionist ambitions and its disregard for international norms and sovereignty. Strategic Consequences for Pakistan and the Region Advertisement Pakistans Strategic Vulnerability The strategic consequences of Chinas debt linked to the BRI are extensive for Pakistan. These developments represent a gradual erosion of Pakistans autonomy, transforming it from a strategic partner into a potential client of China. This shift threatens Pakistans strategic autonomy and has broader implications for regional stability. The countrys ability to make independent strategic decisions is increasingly compromised as it becomes more dependent on Chinese economic aid and strategic support. The erosion of sovereignty is not just a theoretical concern; it has tangible implications for Pakistan. Implications for India and the Indian Ocean Region Chinas aggressive tactics in the South China Sea provide a blueprint for its actions in the Indian Ocean. By securing strategic footholds in Pakistan, China could disrupt the balance of power in the region, posing a direct challenge to Indias maritime interests. The growing Chinese presence in Pakistan, particularly in strategically important areas like Gwadar, could have significant security implications for India. India must remain vigilant and proactive in countering Chinas influence, particularly as it seeks to expand its regional strategic footprint. Pakistans entanglement in Chinas debt web, combined with the strategic concessions it has made in its maritime zones and economic sectors, poses severe risks to its sovereignty and should serve as a warning to both Pakistan and other nations in the IOR. As China continues to expand its influence through economic dependence, Pakistan, for its peoples sake, must reassess its relationship with Beijing, considering the broader implications for its sovereignty, security, and future. The time to act is now before these developments become irreversible for its already taxed countrymen. The future of Pakistans strategic autonomy hinges on its ability to navigate this complex and increasingly unequal partnership with China. Admiral Sunil Lanba (Retd) is a former Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy and former Chairman of the National Maritime Foundation (NMF), Indias premier maritime think-tank. He is a noted columnist and security analyst and has been instrumental in shaping the nations naval strategy and advancing maritime security initiatives. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. America allowed Pakistani nuclear bomb development and proliferation and missile collaboration with China and North Korea despite imposing sanctions way back in 1977 read more The US changes its Pakistan policy per its strategic and military needs. Representational image: AP. Its been almost two weeks since Pakistans former all-weather ally, the United States (US), sanctioned the countrys four entities, including the state-run aerospace and defence agency, for its ballistic missile development programme. Announcing the measures on December 18, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the sanctions package targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. According to the State Department, the Islamabad-based National Development Complex (NDC) acquired items in furtherance of Pakistans long-range ballistic missile programme, including special vehicle chassis intended to be used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles and missile testing equipment and development of ballistic missiles, including the Shaheen series. Advertisement The remaining three Karachi-based entities, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, Affiliates International and Rockside Enterprise, have supplied equipment and missile-applicable items to NDC. A day later, US deputy national security adviser Jon Finer caused an alarm. Candidly, its hard for us to see Pakistans actions as anything other than an emerging threat to the United States, he told a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace audience. Highlighting Pakistans increasingly sophisticated missile technology, from long-range ballistic missile systems to equipment that would enable the testing of significantly larger rocket motors, Finer said, Pakistan will have the capability to strike targets well beyond South Asia, including in the United States. The sudden sanctions and Finers alarming comments continue to make headlines with military analysts, security experts and columnists analysing them. According to the interpretations of Joe Bidens swan song in Pakistan ties, Islamabads long-range missile capability has jolted Washington, the terrorist nation endangers the US mainland and both Pakistan and China should be concerned considering their close missile development cooperation. The main reason for the US sanctions is illogical and laughable. Pakistan and China watchers in India might have reasons to be excited, but the US reason for sanctioning the Pakistani entities is merely for public consumption. First, the US being shocked by Pakistans WMD and missile development programmes is like being jolted by the rise of the Taliban and the Arab Mujahideen, led by Osama bin Laden, turning against the US, the development of Pakistans nuclear bomb by AQ Khan, the formation of the Islamic State in Iraq or the dislodging of Bashar al-Assad by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Advertisement The US only acted when it was revealed that Khan had provided N-weapons-related tech to North Korea, Iran and Libya. The US intelligence knew about Khans activities in helping Pakistan develop nukes for more than two decades but remained silent. America turned a blind eye to seeking the ISIs help in countering the Soviets in Afghanistan as Khan stole centrifuge designs from the Netherlands and obtained materials and equipment for building nukes from agents in the US, the UK, Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, and Turkey. The CIAs Operation Cyclone was launched under President Jimmy Carter with the ISIs help while Pakistan pursued nukes. Ronald Reagan approved a $3.2 billion economic and military package for Pakistan as the US supported the Mujahideen with Islamabads help until the Soviets pulled out of Afghanistan in 1988. Therefore, the Pressler and Solarz amendments were rendered ineffective. Advertisement Despite authentic intel on Pakistani-Iranian nuclear cooperation and Saudi and Libyan financial assistance to Khans nuclear bomb project, the Regan and George HW Bush administrations looked the other way. By 1987, Pakistan had a nuclear bomb. Subsequently, Khan turned to nuclear proliferation to assist countries, especially Iran, seeking nukes. Iranian scientists were trained in Pakistan in 1988 and were helped in the centrifuge programme in 1989. Through a network of middlemen in around 12 nations, including the US, the UK, Turkey, Malaysia, the UAE, Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, South Africa and Pakistan, Khan started selling bomb designs, advanced materials, centrifuges and components and logistical and technical assistance to other countries. Advertisement Pakistans nuclear proliferation also fuelled missile development as North Korea agreed to sell missiles in exchange for centrifuges with Khan visiting the country more than 10 times. The US forced Pakistan to shut off the Khan network only after 9/11. In October 2003, a Tripoli-bound German cargo ship carrying 1,000 high-speed centrifuges was seized. America was alarmed that Muammar Gaddafi was pursuing a nuclear bomb. But the IAEA never interrogated Khan. Second, the theory of Pakistan attacking the US mainland is ridiculous. Pakistan would need an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to attack the US and it doesnt have one. Even if Pakistan develops an ICBM, it wont attack America in the worst-case scenarioa US-China war in the Indo-Pacific or another military conflict with India in which Washington provides intel to New Delhi. Advertisement Third, ballistic missiles are of four kinds: short-range ballistic, or tactical, missiles (SRBMs) with a range of less than 1,000 km; medium-range ballistic, or theatre, missiles (MRBMs) with a range of 1,000-3,000 km, intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) with a range of 3,000-5,500 km and ICBMs with a range of more than 5,500 km. Pakistan only has SRBMs, MRBMs, an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) and cruise missiles, including anti-ship. The operational MRBMs in Pakistans missile inventory, Hatf 5 (1,250-1,500 km) Shaheen 2 (1,500-2,000 km) and Shaheen 3 (2,750 km), are capable of hitting India with the Shaheen 3 reaching as far as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Abadeel MRBM, with a range of 2,200 km and capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles, is under development. Both Shaheen 3 and Abadeel can carry nuclear and conventional warheads. Pakistan doesnt need an IRBM or ICBM with India as the only adversary in the subcontinent. Pakistan is developing its missile capability with a focus on India, not the US. The notion of Pakistan developing long-range missile capability to target the US is idiotic. Fourth, the conclusion that China should be concerned about the sanctions is misconstrued. China has been assisting Pakistan in missile development for decades. Several Pakistani missiles are either copies and rebranded versions of Chinese missiles or have been made with its allys assistance. The Shaheen 1 SRBM has several design and operational similarities with the Chinese DF-11 and DF-15 SRBMs. Shaheen 2 and Shaheen 3 MRBMs are similar to the Chinese DF-21 MRBM and DF-25 IRBM, respectively, regarding solid-fuel propulsion, mobile launch platform and overall configuration. The Abdali SRBM series has a range, payload and design similar to the M-11 SRBM of Chinas M-series. The Hatf 5 MRBM series is a modified version of the North Korean Nodong-1 MRBM with China helping in refining and producing these missiles domestically. The Babur land attack cruise missile has structural and technical similarities with the Chinese C-602 cruise missile and the Raad air-launched cruise missile with Chinas C-802 cruise missile. Pakistans ASBM, SMASH, is a derivative of the Chinese CM-401ASBM in design trajectory and flight profile. US sanctions have failed to deter China The Pakistan-China missile cooperation continues despite several US sanctions on Chinese entities. In April, America slapped sanctions on three Chinese companies for supplying missile items to Pakistan. Xian Longde Technology Development Company Limited supplied missile equipment, including a filament winding machine that can be used to manufacture rocket motor cases, to NDC. Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd supplied stir welding equipment, which can be used to make propellant tanks space launch vehicles, and a linear accelerator system used in inspecting solid rocket motors. Granpect Company supplied equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors to Pakistans Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission and NDC. In September, four more Chinese entities were sanctioned. Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) procured equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors, including the Shaheen 3 and Ababeel, for NDC under the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Control Reform Act. In October, three Chinese companies, General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Technology Development Co Ltd and Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd., were sanctioned for supplying brazing materials used to join components in ballistic missile rocket engines, in producing combustion chambers and supplying mandrels and other machinery used in the production of solid-propellant rocket motors. Sanctions against powerful countries, like China or Russia, either fail or these nations find ways to circumvent them. For example, Russia continues its war against Ukraine despite several massive sanctions imposed by the US and the EU. China supplies critical components for Russian missiles and drones used to attack Ukraine despite sanctions on several Chinese firms. China always has the option of helping Pakistan develop its missile programme by supplying dual-use technology and using shell companies. In January, a Karachi-bound ship from China containing two advanced Computer Numerical Control machines that could be used in Pakistans N-weapons programme was seized in Mumbai. A Pakistani firm, Pakistan Wings Pvt Ltd, facilitated the shipment and masked the original consignee as Cosmos Engineering. In March 2022, a shipment of thermo-electric instruments sourced from Italy-based M/s Distek Strumenti & Misure S.r.I. (DSM) by Cosmos Engineering and meant for AQ Khan Research Laboratory was seized in Mumbai. In February 2020, an autoclave, used to sterilise pressure vessels, manufactured by a sanctioned Chinese company and destined for Pakistan, was found hidden at the bottom of a ship and seized in Gujarat. Moreover, though the sanctions prohibit such state-owned Chinese companies from dealing with America, these entities have hardly any commercial relations in the US. Americas Pakistan hypocrisy Successive US administrations have shown their double standards in dealing with Pakistan with their carrot and stick policyuse of American military equipment in the 1965 War, backing Islamabad against New Delhi in the 1971 War, ignoring Khans nuclear proliferation, allowing the export of terrorists, including Mujahideen, to J&K and turning a blind eye to gruesome terrorist attacks in India. As Donald Trump takes charge in January, India should be extremely guarded and aware of the decades-old American hypocrisy on Pakistan. The latest sanction against the four Pakistani entities has generated excitement in India with some reports calling it a wake-up call for the US. However, American sanctions against Pakistan date back to 1977, when the US terminated military and economic aid without officially invoking the Symington Amendment. Pakistan sought a French reprocessing plant but France halted the supply of nuclear equipment in August 1978 due to the sanctions. Several other sanctions were imposed in the subsequent years: the Glenn/Symington Amendment in 1979, the Pressler Amendment in 1990, the Glenn Amendment again in 1998 and the 2017-18 sanctions based on the Foreign Assistance Act, 1961. In all these decades, Pakistan developed an arsenal of 170 nuclear bombs and developed missiles with Chinese and North Korean assistance. The latest US sanctions will also not deter Pakistan from developing its WMDs and missiles. Though the sanctions are serious considering that a government agency has been sanctioned, these entities can always create shell companies and continue to import ballistic missile technology and components. Moreover, NDC imports more from Chinese companies that Western companies. As Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistans former representative to the UN, said, This is the sixth or the seventh time in the last four years that sanctions have been imposed on Pakistani entities. They have zero impact. Former UN and US Ambassador Dr. Maleeha Lodhi pointed out how U.S. sanctions on Pakistan's entities were ineffective and would not alter Pakistan's missile policy or defense priorities.@LodhiMaleeha @OmarButtPK @NewsroomptvW @MatiurRehman786 pic.twitter.com/6ZgSozHeeK PTV World (@WorldPTV) December 21, 2024 They will not change Pakistans missile policy, she added. Hussain Haqqani also said that the sanctions suggest that this is nothing more than an expression of disapproval. pic.twitter.com/0d5TxfLwSu Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) December 19, 2024 The US changes its Pakistan policy per its strategic and military needs. When America wanted to defeat the USSR in Afghanistan and hunt bin Laden after 9/11, it embraced Pakistan. When the Haqqani Network and the Taliban were hurting American interests, Trump cancelled $300 million in military aid to Pakistan in September 2018 for not acting against the terror groups. In November of the same year, Trump suspended $1.66 billion in security assistance to Pakistan for not doing a damn thing for the US after saying that bin Laden was living in Pakistan right next to the military academy [Abbottabad]. Everybody in Pakistan knew he was there. Pakistan doesn't do "a damn thing" for US: Donald Trump. Referring to Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Trump said ".. living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there.." pic.twitter.com/HqPROhlmMR Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) November 18, 2018 Four years later, the US again confirmed its double standards. A few days after saying that Pakistan was one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to its nuclear programme, Biden resumed military aid in October 2022. The US announced a $450 million F-16 sustainment package for Pakistan on the pretext of fighting terrorism. Its high time for India to realise the decades-long use-and-throw American policy. Yesterday, it was Pakistan. Tomorrow, it could be India. Americas main aim is to counter China in the Indo-Pacific. India perfectly fits in the US strategic and military interests in the region. The US wants to counter further Pakistani-Chinese collaboration. According to the Department of Defences 2024 annual report to Congress, Military and Security Developments Involving the Peoples Republic of China, Pakistan is one of the more than 12 countries where China is very likely considering and planning for additional military logistics facilities to support naval, air, and ground forces projection beyond its base in Djibouti. A December 2022 RAND report, The Peoples Liberation Armys Search for Overseas Basing and Access, also identifies Pakistan as a country where China could set up an overseas base. There are strong indications that Djibouti will not remain Chinas sole overseas military facility. Four countries in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific scored in the top 25 per cent of all countries: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Myanmar. Pakistans maximum naval assets, supplied by China, are at the Karachi and Jinnah bases, where Chinese technicians are stationed. In 2013, Pakistan leased out Gwadar port to China for 40 years. In southwestern Pakistan, Gwadar is a major part of Chinas BRI. It is near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, through which one-sixth of the worlds total oil consumption and one-third of LNG pass through daily. The US fears China could set up a naval and air base at Gwadar port, where large Chinese warships could dock for repair, replenishment, and even permanent deployment. China, which has the worlds largest navy, could dominate the Indian Ocean if it does so. Moreover, Chinese missiles can target American bases in the Western Pacific (Guam) and the Indian Ocean (Diego Garcia), ports and aircraft carriers in the region. A Pentagon war game based on 2030 in 2020 and a similar exercise in 2018 showed China targeting Guam in a war with the US over Taiwan. The US ended its Continuous Bomber Presence programme in April 2020. The B-52, B1 and B2 bombers were removed over fears that the Chinese DF-26 IRBM, or Guam Killer, could target Guam, from where the three bombers undertook the Bomber Assurance and Deterrence (BAAD) mission in six-month rotations to reassure allies South Korea and Japan. Though BAAD hasnt been resumed, the US has started flying the bombers to Guam and Diego Garcia this year to flex its airpower. In August, B-2s landed on Diego Garcia. In June, several B-2s landed in Guam for the first time in years. In May, B-1s arrived in Guam to support a routine Bomber Task Force deployment. In April, B-52s arrived on Diego Garcia. US aircraft carriers in the region are also within the striking range of Chinas DF-21 MRBMs carrier killer version DF-21D and the DF-26B, the anti-ship version of DF-26. The writer is a freelance journalist with more than two decades of experience and comments primarily on foreign affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. With SpaDeX, ISRO is set to showcase Indias growing prowess in cutting-edge space technologies, pushing the boundaries of whats possible in space exploration read more The SpaDeX experiment also serves as a precursor for autonomous docking systems critical for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4. Image Credit: ISRO The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for an ambitious leap in space technology with the launch of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). The mission is scheduled for today, Monday, at 9:58 PM, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, using the trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60). This milestone mission aims to place India alongside an elite group of nations with space docking capabilities. What is SpaDeX all about The SpaDeX mission involves the deployment of two small satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), into a low-Earth circular orbit at an altitude of 470 km. The primary goal is to test and demonstrate the technology for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of these spacecraft. Unlike larger docking missions, SpaDeX presents a unique challenge due to the precision required for these manoeuvres, given the smaller size and mass of the satellites. This mission also serves as a precursor for autonomous docking systems critical for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4. Advertisement By mastering this technology, India seeks to join the exclusive club of countriescurrently limited to the United States, Russia, and Chinathat possess space docking expertise. How does Docking work in space Docking involves aligning and physically connecting two spacecraft in orbit. For SpaDeX, the process begins with the two satellites in close proximity, gradually drifting apart over 24 hours. The Chaser then systematically approaches the Target, reducing the distance incrementally from 20 km to just 3 m, culminating in their docking. The satellites are equipped with a Differential GNSS-based Satellite Positioning System (SPS) for accurate positioning. A novel RODP processor within the SPS ensures precise calculation of relative positions and velocities by leveraging carrier phase measurements from GNSS satellites. This advanced system is further aided by VHF/UHF transceivers, which facilitate data exchange between the two spacecraft. The road to launch The SpaDeX satellites were developed by ISROs UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with contributions from various ISRO centres. Full integration and testing were carried out in Bangalore, followed by final preparations at the launch site. The missions orbital phase will be managed by ISTRAC, supported by ground stations. For people who wish to witness the launch of the groundbreaking mission, ISRO is streaming the launch live on YouTube, starting at 9:30 PM IST. With SpaDeX, ISRO is set to showcase Indias growing prowess in cutting-edge space technologies, pushing the boundaries of whats possible in space exploration. A large memorial was erected on the corner of Ulloa Street and Lennox Way in the West Portal neighborhood of San Francisco, where a family of four was killed in March when an SUV crashed into a bus stop as they waited for a bus to go to the zoo. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle For the first time in recent history, San Francisco recorded more traffic fatalities than homicides in 2024, a stunning sign that the city has failed to make its streets safer despite years of efforts. Forty-one people were killed in San Francisco traffic this year, the worst on record since 2007. Among the victims were a family of four a Portuguese mother, a Brazilian father and their two young children whose deaths at a West Portal bus stop in March transfixed the city and briefly galvanized efforts to improve pedestrian safety. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loading... By contrast, the city in 2024 recorded the lowest number of homicides since 1960, with police investigating 34 murders this year. The decline was part of a national trend that saw homicides fall to pre-pandemic levels in most major U.S. cities. But the drop was unusually pronounced in San Francisco, where experts attributed the decline in part to an aging population and less social upheaval following the pandemic. Meanwhile, traffic fatalities remain at what U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called crisis levels in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report earlier this year. Policy groups have blamed the trend in part on bigger, heavier vehicles that better protect passengers but pose a far greater danger to pedestrians and bicyclists than smaller cars. Its been an absolutely devastating year, said San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Transportation Planner Shannon Hake. We are seeing more crashes related to very large vehicles, very fast vehicles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One person was killed in a vehicle accident on Crossover Drive near 19th Avenue in San Francisco in the afternoon on Christmas Day. Courtesy of Ben Yip A driver killed in a fiery Christmas Day crash near Golden Gate Park and a pedestrian killed Friday on the Great Highway became the latest fatalities in a deadly year that highlighted just how far the city must go to achieve its goal of eliminating traffic deaths. While 2024 illustrated limits of street engineering in the face of reckless and distracted driving, transportation officials are optimistic that speed cameras and greater traffic enforcement will improve safety in the coming year. Frustration with the lack of progress tackling traffic deaths bubbled to the surface at a recent San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency board meeting, where city employees and public commenters expressed disappointment with the citys unending streak of pedestrian fatalities. How many more people need to die so that I can walk safely across the street with my three young children? said Rene Picazo, an Ashbury Heights resident. Small changes, halting progress Advertisement Article continues below this ad Despite more than a decade of investment, the city has struggled to make progress toward reducing traffic fatalities, with recent years seeing a steady stream of heartbreaking and high-profile crashes. Traffic is seen moving along King Street next to a sign on Fourth Street alerting pedestrians to wait for the pedestrian signal at a Muni stop in the middle of Fourth Street. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle More than half of San Franciscos traffic fatalities this year were pedestrians. The victims included two 94-year-old men who were killed within days of each other in the Richmond District. We know how to eliminate traffic deaths, but we need state and federal governments to work with us, and we need San Francisco leadership to be collaborating as well, SFMTA Director Jeffrey Tumlin told the Chronicle in an interview. Tumlin said nearly every municipality is struggling to bring down road fatalities. But while local officials and traffic engineers know exactly what is needed to prevent deaths on city streets, Tumlin said they have largely failed to find partners among regulators and manufacturers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Safety regulations for motor vehicles are mostly designed to protect vehicle occupants rather than people outside the vehicle, he said. In a year-end report, SFMTA said its quick-build projects had shown promise, reducing car crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists by an estimated 32% in areas where the projects were implemented. But, agency analysts noted, the small-scale interventions were not enough to combat what they said was a citywide and nationwide increase in reckless driving, a drastic drop in traffic enforcement and the rise of heavier cars. It feels like we are treading water, said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who has advocated to significantly ramp up traffic enforcement, which plummeted during the pandemic. Quick-build investments seem like a big deal, as do a lot of other things weve done over the past 10 years, and yet this is a historically bad year for crashes and fatalities. Some motorists believe pedestrians must take more responsibility, pointing to cases like that of the 64-year-old man fatally struck while lying down in a Mission District street in November. Street safety advocates disagree, noting that even small interventions like high-visibility paint, metal signs and plastic posts have proved effective at guiding traffic and protecting pedestrians and bikers. Experts say dangerous driving is due to a combination of cellphone distractions, anxious drivers and ride-sharing vehicles that stop and start frequently. Loading... A study by the Department of Public Healths Vision Zero team found that about 170 pedestrians suffer severe injuries on San Francisco streets each year on average. The number of pedestrians treated for severe or critical injuries at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital has fallen slightly in recent years, though researchers noted that could be due to a drop in foot traffic since the start of the pandemic. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Overall, San Francisco has struggled to prove that millions of dollars in street safety investments can provide results, even as transportation officials argue that the city is doing better than its peers. A shocking crash Across San Francisco, outrage over road deaths coincided with backlash over attempts to improve street safety. No neighborhood was more emblematic of that contradiction than West Portal, where an elderly driver mowed down a couple with their two small children while they awaited a bus to the San Francisco Zoo. A large memorial in West Portal honored Matilde Moncada Ramos Pinto, 38, her husband, Diego Cardoso de Oliveira, 40, and their sons, 3-month-old Caue and 2-year-old Joaquim, who were killed as they waited for a bus to go to the zoo. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle In the aftermath of the crash, neighborhood residents were bitterly divided over plans to dramatically redesign streets near the site of the tragedy. Opponents of the plan argued that the areas street design was unrelated to the high-speed collision, in which the driver told investigators that she sped down the wrong side of the road after mixing up the brake and gas pedals. The crash reignited calls for greater attention to pedestrian safety. West Portal resident Johanna Dimayuga told the Chronicle that she was inside her home when she heard a loud crash followed by a babys screams. She looked out her window and saw the chaotic aftermath of the collision: a destroyed white SUV leaking fluids, an overturned stroller and victims blasted in different directions by the force of the crash. Paramedics rendered aid, but within days all four had died in what many residents considered one of the most shocking and senseless crashes in recent memory. Dimayuga placed candles at the crash site. Soon, other people arrived with flowers. By days end, the impromptu memorial had overtaken the large patch of grass in front of the library, where it remained for weeks. Mourners arrived with photographs of the couple, who moved to San Francisco during the pandemic. But despite the tragedy, San Francisco transportation officials appeared unable to build widespread public support for street safety projects amid backlash from drivers who say the city is waging a war on cars. Malena Mackey Cabada, a campaign associate with the advocacy group Walk San Francisco, called 2024 a horrible year for traffic-related fatalities and urged city officials to remain committed to Vision Zero, its 11-year-old plan to eliminate roadway deaths by slowing traffic and redesigning intersections to maximize pedestrian safety. The start of the war in Gaza last October has only worsened the challenges for Palestinian drivers. Many now turn to social media and messaging apps to share real-time updates about road conditions and checkpoints, filling in the gaps left by Google Maps read more For many Palestinian users, Google Maps often leads to dangerous or frustrating situations. On multiple occasions, the app has directed people onto roads leading to Israeli settlements. Image Credit: Reuters While apps like Google Maps are designed to help drivers avoid such obstacles, in the West Bank, they often fall short. Missing data, outdated road information, and a lack of consideration for local restrictions have left users frustrated, especially in the wake of escalating conflict in the region. The start of the war in Gaza last October has only worsened the challenges for Palestinian drivers. Many now turn to social media and messaging apps to share real-time updates about road conditions and checkpoints, filling in the gaps left by Google Maps, as per a report by the Wired. Advertisement While these community-driven efforts are helpful, they underscore a broader frustration with the tech giants inability or unwillingness to adapt its services to meet the unique challenges of navigating the West Bank. A complex region, a divisive tool The West Banks patchwork of roads, checkpoints, and restrictions makes it one of the most challenging places to map accurately. Google has acknowledged the complexity of the region, citing inconsistent data and rapidly changing conditions as hurdles. The Wired reports that Google claims to have added 5,000 miles of roads in the West Bank and Gaza since 2021 and recently introduced an update to help users search for addresses in the area. Despite these efforts, many users report ongoing issues, including being directed onto roads restricted to Israelis or into areas blocked by walls or checkpoints. Some of these problems are beyond Googles control though, such as Israeli interference with GPS signals, which has made location tracking unreliable. However, critics argue that Google could do more to account for the specific challenges faced by Palestinian users. Employees within Google have reportedly been advocating for improvements, but progress has been slow, leaving many in the region feeling neglected. Frustration and workarounds For many Palestinian users, like human rights attorney Diana Buttu, with whom the Wired spoke to, Google Maps often leads to dangerous or frustrating situations. On multiple occasions, the app has directed her onto roads leading to Israeli settlements, where her presence as a Palestinian could have led to confrontations. Several others have reported the app simply refused to calculate routes between cities in the West Bank, forcing them to rely on alternative navigation methods. With Google Maps falling short, many Palestinians have turned to platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and even a local app called Azmeh, which means traffic jam in Arabic. These tools allow users to share live updates about road closures, checkpoints, and traffic conditions. Advertisement But even these crowd-sourced solutions arent foolproof. Unexpected closures and shifting road regulations mean that drivers often need to build hours of extra time into their schedules to account for delays. Looking ahead Despite its shortcomings, Google Maps remains an essential tool for many in the West Bank, even if only as a starting point. The company has stated its commitment to improving its service in the region, but the pace of change has left many users sceptical. Features that could make the app more inclusive, such as distinguishing between Palestinian-friendly establishments or identifying restricted roads, remain absent. For now, Palestinians navigating the West Bank must rely on a mix of technology, community networks, and local knowledge to get where theyre going. The hope is that one day, tools like Google Maps will catch up with the realities on the ground, making life just a little bit easier in one of the worlds most challenging regions to navigate. Until then, drivers like Buttu will continue to dream of a map that truly works for everyone. Advertisement Part of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaums administration, Mexicos Foreign Secretary, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, explained that the app is a big part of the Know Your Rights programme, aimed at giving migrants legal and emergency support read more Set to launch in January, the app will allow users to quickly alert their families and the nearest Mexican consulate. Its part of a bigger push by the Mexican government to stand by its citizens during what could be a turbulent time ahead. Image Credit: Reuters Mexico is rolling out a smartphone app designed to give its migrants in the US a lifeline in case theyre detained by immigration officials. Set to launch in January, the app will allow users to quickly alert their families and the nearest Mexican consulate. Its part of a bigger push by the Mexican government to stand by its citizens during what could be a turbulent time ahead. The apps arrival isnt random it comes amid mounting fears of mass deportation plans under the USs incoming administration. With threats of detention camps and crackdowns on undocumented migrants, Mexico is gearing up to defend the rights and well-being of its people living across the border. Advertisement A safety net for Mexican migrants Part of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaums administration, Mexicos Foreign Secretary, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, explained that the app is a big part of the Know Your Rights programme, aimed at giving migrants legal and emergency support. Alongside the app, the government has stationed 329 legal advisors at its 53 US consulates, with extra help from consultants and law firms. The message is clear: Mexico is prepared to step in wherever needed. De la Fuente also urged Mexican families in the US to register their American-born children with the consulates. This simple step could help ensure legal protection for families caught up in enforcement actions. Tensions around deportation plans The apps launch coincides with growing concerns over the USs aggressive deportation strategies, which could involve state law enforcement and the National Guard. Alarmingly, these plans may target US-born children of undocumented migrants, sparking worry within migrant communities and advocacy groups. The American Civil Liberties Union has already flagged concerns about potential inhumane conditions in temporary detention centres. For Mexico, the prospect of thousands being deported back home poses a major challenge. Resources are already stretched, and a sudden influx of deportees could overwhelm the countrys ability to cope. Yet, officials remain determined to shield their citizens as best as they can. Navigating a delicate balance In recent talks between President-elect Trump and President Claudia Sheinbaum, migration has been a hot topic. Trump claimed Mexico would help curb migration to the US, while Sheinbaum clarified that the countrys focus remains on managing migrants internally, not facilitating deportations. As the clock ticks towards potential mass deportations, Mexicos new app and its wider support systems signal a country taking bold steps to protect its people. Its a clear reminder that, no matter the challenges, Mexico intends to stay firmly in its citizens corner. With mounting pressure from rivals like OpenAI and Perplexity entering the search space, Google aims to fortify its leadership in AI. A key focus is scaling the Gemini app, the companys flagship AI product, for consumers read more Beyond AI, Google is making waves in quantum computing. Just days before the strategy meeting, the company announced a major milestone with its new quantum chip, Willow. Image Credit: Reuters Google is gearing up for what it sees as a transformative 2025, with CEO Sundar Pichai urging employees to stay focused and agile. At a December strategy meeting, Pichai and other top executives outlined ambitious plans, placing a heavy emphasis on artificial intelligence and navigating regulatory hurdles. Calling it a critical year, Pichai highlighted the need for urgency and innovation to tackle growing competition and external challenges. With mounting pressure from rivals like OpenAI and Perplexity entering the search space, Google aims to fortify its leadership in AI. A key focus is scaling the Gemini app, the companys flagship AI product, for consumers. Advertisement According to Demis Hassabis, cofounder of Googles DeepMind, Gemini is poised for a turbo charge, with significant advancements expected over the next two years. Additionally, Josh Woodward of Google Labs showcased new AI-driven tools, including a coding assistant, a note-taking app, and a multitasking Chrome extension, further cementing AI as the backbone of Googles future strategy. Facing competition and legal scrutiny The call to action comes amidst escalating legal challenges. Earlier this year, Google faced an antitrust case over its search business, with the US Justice Department advocating for the divestment of the Chrome browser and tighter regulation of its ad technology. Pichai acknowledged the scrutiny but urged employees to stay undistracted, pointing to the broader societal impact of technology as a catalyst for regulatory action. Meanwhile, Googles leadership remains optimistic despite competition. Liz Reid, vice president of search, dismissed pessimistic narratives, emphasising AIs potential to make search more seamless. Reid pointed out that many users refrain from asking questions simply because they doubt theyll find answers, an issue AI could address by opening the door to more meaningful queries. Quantum computing breakthroughs Beyond AI, Google is making waves in quantum computing. Just days before the strategy meeting, the company announced a major milestone with its new quantum chip, Willow. The chip outperformed the worlds best supercomputers in advanced testing, marking a leap toward scalable quantum systems. Hartmut Neven, head of Google Quantum AI, called Willow a convincing prototype, stating it paves the way for building highly powerful quantum computers. What 2025 holds for Google As 2025 approaches, Google is placing big bets on AI and quantum advancements to maintain its edge. With Gemini driving consumer-focused innovation, breakthroughs like Willow redefining computing, and a focus on navigating regulatory and competitive challenges, Google is setting the stage for a pivotal year. The tech giants success will depend on staying nimble, innovative, and relentless in addressing both opportunities and obstacles in the evolving digital landscape. If Apple were forced to cut ties with Google or implement these regulatory remedies, it could hinder the companys ability to deliver top-tier products and services to its users. The partnership with Google has not only been financially rewarding for Apple but also strategically beneficial read more Apples longstanding partnership with Google for its default search engine on iPhones is under scrutiny, and its clear the tech giant isnt keen on shaking things up. Image Credit: Reuters Apples longstanding partnership with Google for its default search engine on iPhones is under scrutiny, and its clear the tech giant isnt keen on shaking things up. Eddy Cue, Apples senior vice president of services, revealed in a court filing that Apple has no interest in building its own search engine, pointing out the enormous cost and risk involved. This revelation comes amidst ongoing antitrust investigations into Googles practices, making the future of their lucrative partnership uncertain. Advertisement In 2022 alone, Google paid a staggering $20 billion to secure its spot as the default search engine on Apple devices. The deal has been a win-win, with Apple pocketing a hefty 36 per cent of the ad revenue generated through Safaris search results. However, with regulators scrutinising Googles dominance, Apple finds itself defending the partnership while making it clear it doesnt want to venture into the search engine business. Why Apple isnt keen on building its own search engine According to Cue, creating a search engine from scratch would be a monumental task, requiring billions of dollars and years of development. The rapid evolution of search technologies, driven by artificial intelligence, adds another layer of complexity and risk. Cue explained that Apple would also need to build an entirely new platform to handle targeted advertising, something the company currently lacks both infrastructure and expertise to manage. Apple seems to be content with its current arrangement, which allows it to focus on its core products and services rather than wading into the competitive and resource-intensive search engine market. Alternatives arent a dealbreaker Cue emphasised that while Google is the default search engine, Apple provides users with several alternatives like Yahoo!, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Ecosia. This flexibility, he argued, ensures that Apple users can make their own choices. However, regulators arent convinced, suggesting remedies such as prohibiting Apple from earning ad revenue from Google or preventing future deals altogether. These proposals could upend the current setup, significantly impacting both companies. The broader implications of a breakup If Apple were forced to cut ties with Google or implement these regulatory remedies, Cue warned that it could hinder the companys ability to deliver top-tier products and services to its users. The partnership with Google has not only been financially rewarding for Apple but also strategically beneficial, allowing it to invest in other areas without the distraction of managing a search engine. As the Department of Justice continues its antitrust investigation into Google, the future of this partnership remains in limbo. For Apple, maintaining the status quo appears to be the best way forward, even as external pressures mount. After making an alliance with President-elect Donald Trump in the United States, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Italy, and AfD in Germany, billionaire Elon Musk is forging a partnership with Reform UKs leader Nigel Farage to prop a far-right regime in the United Kingdom read more Elon Musk speaks a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (Photo: AP) After bankrolling Donald Trumps election in the United States, promising to oust Justin Trudeau in Canada, and endorsing far-right AfD in Germany, billionaire Elon Musk has geared its regime change juggernaut towards the United Kingdom. In the UK, worlds richest person Musk has made it clear that he supports far-right party Reform UK and its leader Nigel Farage over Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of Labour Party or the Conservative Party in the Opposition. Advertisement Earlier this month, Musk met Farage a longtime friend and supporter of Trump at Mar-a-Lago and they entered into talks for Musk donating potentially to the tune of $100 million to Reform UK. Just ahead of the New Years Eve, Musk capped his interference in British politics on Sunday (December 29) when he made it clear yet again that he has his eyes set on the UK. In response to a call for investments by Scottish leaders, Musk said Starmers policies were not attractive to investors. Very few companies will be willing to invest in the UK with the current administration, said Musk on X, the social media platform that he bought and turned into a campaign platform for Trump and fellow far-right figures in the world. While Musks comment on Sunday might appear to be mere criticism of a government, the context makes it clear that the UK is the next political battleground where Musk has decided to get involved. Throughout 2024, Musk has criticised and threatened Starmers government and has supported and emboldened far-right groups and movements in the UK. Advertisement UK absolutely needs Reform Throughout this year, Musk has waded into British domestic affairs, which involved an open threat to Starmer of a civil war in the UK. He has also openly said that he would prefer to see Starmers government overthrown and replaced by Farages Reform UK. On X, Musk has said that the UK absolutely needs Farages Reform UK party at the helm. The remark was essentially a declaration of Musks intent to oust Starmer just like he helped Trump defeat Democratic Partys nominee Kamala Harris and similar to his commitment to see Trudeau ousted in Canada and Olaf Scholz in Germany. After wrongful identification of a person as an immigrant in a case of murder triggered far-right anti-immigrant riots across the UK, Musk jumped into the ring and supported the mobs and slammed Starmer for taking strict action against violent mobs. He threatened Starmer with a civil war. Advertisement In one threat that forced the British Prime Ministers Office (PMO) to respond, Musk said that a civil war is inevitable in the UK. The PMO said there was no justification for the comment. As Starmer cracked down on mobs and hate speech, Musk dubbed the UK under Starmer as Soviet Union. In another instance when British authorities opened an investigation into a post on X by a conservative journalist, he said that Britain is turning into a police state. In yet another instance, when farmers protested against Starmers policies, Musk said the UK was going full Stalin under the Labour government. In response to not being invited to an investment summit, Musk said, I dont think anyone should go to the UK when theyre releasing convicted paedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts. Advertisement Farage has also openly said that Musk wants to help him win. He wants to help us, hes not opposed to the idea of giving us money, provided we can do it legally through UK companies, said Farage this month. Last month, in open endorsement of seeing Starmers ouster, Musk endorsed a petition for fresh elections in the UK and dubbed Starmers government tyrannical police state and said Reform UK should win fresh elections. Farage has already made waves Even though Farages Reform UK only has five MPs in the 650-member House of Commons of the British Parliament, the party has made waves in the British politics. In the 2024 parliamentary elections in which the Labour scored a landslide victory, Farage and Reform UK were the biggest factors. Even though the Labour won a landslide victory with 411 MPs against Conservatives 121, the margin of victory was the slimmest since World War II. Advertisement In 2019, the Labour had suffered the worst defeat in decades when it won 262 against Conservatives 365 seats. However, the Labour bounced back in 2024 with one of the biggest victories in decades. Yet the party only scored 1.5 per cent votes more. Then, how did it score such a huge victory? Well, it was because of Farage and Reform UK. Between 2019 and 2024 elections, the Labour vote share only increased by 1.5 per cent, but the vote share of Conservatives fell from 44 per cent in 2019 to 24 per cent in 2024 as Farages Reform UK snatched a large chunk of right-wing voters. In an analysis in The Spectator, Fraser Nelson noted that at least 145 Conservative MPs lost just because of Farages Reform UK eating into conservative vote. This way, Farage had essentially propped Starmer by defeating Conservatives. Theres just Farage who enters parliament with just four other MPs. Reform UKs main effect in this election has been to split the conservative vote and, in so doing, open up more constituencies to the Labour and the Lib Dems. Jacob Rees-Mogg was the highest profile of at least 145 Tories who would have won had Reform voters gone to the Conservatives, noted Fraser. Just like in the United States, the far-right populism has eroded the base for mainstream conservatives in the UK. In 2024 elections, Farage beat the Conservatives. In the next elections, scheduled to be held in 2029, Farage would count on Musks support to repeat the far-right wave in the UK that Musk unleashed in the United States to prop Trump. With Musks help, Farage is looking forward to becoming the Trump of the UK. For Musk, Farage in the UK would be one of the many allies in his far-right universe. Gisele Pelicot, 72, has become a symbol of female courage and resilience during the three-month trial of her now ex-husband and his 50 co-defendants, in a case that has horrified the world. All were found guilty by the court on Dec. 19. read more Courtroom sketch of Dominique Pelicot, who was found guilty, along with 50 other men, of rape and sexual assault this month. Image- Reuters Dominique Pelicot, recently sentenced to 20 years in prison by a French court for drugging and raping his then-wife Gisele over nearly a decade and facilitating her assault by dozens of strangers, has decided not to appeal the verdict, his lawyer said Monday. However, a new trial will proceed, as 17 co-defendants have filed appeals against their convictions. They come from all walks of life: lorry drivers, soldiers, firefighters, security guards, farm workers, a supermarket worker, a journalist and the unemployed. Advertisement Many of the accused had denied the charges, saying they thought it was a consensual sex game orchestrated by the couple and arguing that it was not rape if the husband approved. He decided not to appeal, because he says it would be a new ordeal and new confrontations for his wife, who he always said in the debates was not his adversary, Dominique Pelicots lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said on FranceInfo Radio. Dominique Pelicot, who was married to Gisele for 50 years, had pleaded guilty and the panel of five judges gave him the maximum sentence, as requested by prosecutors. The court found 46 of the other defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault, handing down sentences of between three and 15 years in jail, less than the four-to-18 years demanded by the prosecution. Dominique Pelicot, 72, denied misleading the men, whom he had met online, saying they knew exactly what they were doing. The trial has triggered protest rallies around France in support of Gisele, and spurred soul searching, including a debate on whether to update Frances rape law, which at present makes no mention that sex should involve consent. Advertisement Gisele Pelicot said she was not afraid of a new trial, her lawyer said earlier this month.She is not afraid. If it should happen, she has already told us she would cope if shes in good health, of course, because she is 72 today, her lawyer said. With inputs from agencies. The year 2024 has been a tough year for aviation with several tragic incidents highlighting the risks that still exist even with improved safety measures read more Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, on December 29, 2024. AP While commercial air travel is widely recognised as the safest mode of transportation, with statistics showing that the likelihood of being involved in a plane crash is extremely low, the year 2024 has been a sobering reminder of aviations vulnerabilities. According to the National Safety Council, the odds of dying in a plane crash are about 1 in 11 million. While this statistic offers solace to millions of air travellers, the year 2024 has witnessed several aviation mishaps that have shaken the world. Advertisement From severe air turbulence to crash landings, aviation in 2024 has been marked by unfortunate incidents, many of which have resulted in significant loss of life. While severe turbulence, such as that affecting the Singapore Airlines flight in May, is rare, most incidents this year occurred during the critical landing phase of flights. Despite advancements in technology and safety protocols, the landing phase remains one of the most vulnerable points in aviation, with mishaps often linked to human error, mechanical failure and environmental challenges. Tailstrikes Tailstrikes occur when the rear of the aircraft contacts the runway during landing or takeoff. This often happens due to an excessive angle of descent or sudden manoeuvers, frequently exacerbated by pilot error. Recent examples include the China Southern 787-9 tailstrike in October 2024 and the Air France A350-941 incident in January 2024. While tailstrikes rarely result in fatalities, they can cause structural damage, leading to expensive repairs and operational delays. Hard landings and veering off Hard landings, such as Jeju Airs catastrophic gear-up incident in December 2024, are often caused by poor weather, wind shear, bird strikes or misjudged descent rates. Aircraft veering off runways, as seen in Serve Air Cargos May 2024 mishap, are typically attributed to asymmetric braking, crosswinds or hydroplaning. These incidents pose significant risks to both the aircrafts integrity and passenger safety. Advertisement Ground collisions Ground collisions typically occur due to procedural lapses or poor visibility. Examples include the taxiway collision at Atlanta Airport in September 2024 and the January 2024 collision involving a Japan Airlines A350 at Haneda Airport. Mechanical failures during approach or landing Mechanical failures, such as landing gear malfunctions or brake system issues, can lead to emergencies. Notable cases include the Total Linhas Aereas cargo fire in November 2024 and Transairs runway overshoot in May 2024. These failures often point to gaps in maintenance practices and underscore the need for predictive technologies in aviation. While the general statistics may offer comfort, 2024 has been marked by a series of significant aviation mishaps. The following incidents highlight some of the most tragic and impactful events in the aviation world this year: Advertisement December 29: Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 incident A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 encountered a catastrophic gear-up landing at Muan Airport, South Korea, following its journey from Bangkok, Thailand. The aircraft skidded down runway 19 at high velocity, veering off the tarmac and striking a nearby wall. The collision caused the plane to break apart into multiple pieces and erupt in flames. All of the 175 passengers and crew members perished except for two flight attendants seated near the rear of the aircraft in what has become one of the most tragic aviation disasters in recent years. December 25: Azerbaijan Airlines flight J28243 tragedy An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, en route from Baku to Grozny with 67 individuals onboard, was forced to reroute to Aktau Airport in Kazakhstan due to severe weather conditions. The aircraft crashed during its landing attempt, resulting in the loss of 42 lives. The remaining 25 passengers survived, some with injuries. Advertisement November 25: DHL Cargo Plane crash A Swiftair-operated DHL Boeing 737-400F, flying from Leipzig to Vilnius, was destroyed upon impact with the ground while approaching runway 19 at Vilnius International Airport. Among the five individuals onboard, one pilot tragically lost their life, while the other four sustained significant injuries but survived the accident. November 24: Azimuth Airlines Sukhoi Superjet 100 incident According to an AeroTime report, an Azimuth Airlines Sukhoi Superjet 100 experienced a severe landing mishap at Antalya Airport, Turkey after a routine flight from Sochi, Russia with 95 passengers onboard. The hard landing caused significant damage to the undercarriage, leading to a fuel leak that ignited a massive fire. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated without injuries. Advertisement November 9: Total Linhas Aereas Boeing 737-400F emergency landing A Total Linhas Aereas Boeing 737-400F conducted an emergency landing at Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, Brazil, following a fire outbreak in its cargo hold. Both pilots escaped unharmed. October 21: China Southern 787-9 Dreamliner tailstrike A China Southern 787-9 Dreamliner sustained significant damage during a hard landing at Guangzhou-Baiyun International Airport after completing a flight from Shanghai. The tailstrike incident caused no injuries among passengers or crew. October 20: Twin Otter crash in Indonesia A SAM Air DHC-6 Twin Otter crashed while approaching Bumi Panua Pohuwato Airport in Indonesia, claiming the lives of all four occupants, including three crew members and one passenger. The aircraft, which departed from Gorontalo-Jalaluddin Airport for a brief journey, stalled and went down in a waterlogged field near its destination, leaving the plane completely destroyed. October 18: Turkish Airlines Airbus tailstrike A Turkish Airlines Airbus suffered a tailstrike during a landing attempt at Dublin Airport, Ireland. September 10: Taxiway collision at Atlanta airport At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 made contact with an Endeavour Air (Delta Connection) Canadair CRJ-900 during taxiing. While most onboard both planes remained unharmed, a flight attendant on the CRJ sustained minor injuries. September 9: Trigana Air runway incident A Trigana Air ATR42 veered off the runway after aborting takeoff at Serui Airport, Indonesia. The aircraft, travelling between Biak and Jayapura, came to rest in soft terrain and shrubs beside the runway. It suffered severe damage though no injuries were reported. August 9: Fatal Voepass Airlines ATR-72 crash A Voepass Airlines ATR-72 crashed near Vinhedo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, after encountering extreme icing conditions. The pilots lost control resulting in a crash that claimed all 62 lives onboard including 58 passengers and four crew. July 24: Saurya Airlines CRJ200 catastrophe A Bombardier CRJ200 operated by Saurya Airlines crashed during takeoff at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Of the 19 people onboard, 18 perished, leaving the pilot as the sole survivor. Investigations raised concerns about the airlines maintenance practices. May 21: Singapore Airlines flight hits severe turbulence A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER, en route from London to Singapore, encountered severe turbulence over Myanmars Irrawaddy Basin. One passenger suffered a fatal cardiac arrest and 30 others required hospitalisation. The flight made an emergency landing in Bangkok. May 9: Transair Boeing 737-300 runway overshoot At Dakar-Blaise Diagne International Airport, Senegal, a Transair Boeing 737-300 aborted its takeoff and overshot the runway. Ten individuals were injured and the aircraft sustained irreparable damage. May 5: Serve Air Cargo runway overrun A Serve Air Cargo Boeing 737-300 suffered a runway overrun at Kinshasa-Ndjili International Airport, Congo. An engine failure during approach caused substantial damage to the aircraft. March 20: Lightning strikes ANA Boeing 787-9 An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo sustained significant fuselage damage due to lightning strikes while descending toward Tokyo-Narita Airport. January 24: Russian Ilyushin Il-76M disaster A Russian Ilyushin Il-76M transport aircraft crashed in Belgorod, Russia, killing all 74 onboard, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war. Moscow accused Ukraine of shooting down the plane, making this the deadliest aviation accident of the year. January 21: Air France A350-941 tailstrike An Air France Airbus A350-941 experienced a tailstrike during a go-around at Toronto-Pearson International Airport. January 18: Jetways Kenya Fokker 50 crash A Jetways Kenya Fokker 50 transporting humanitarian aid for the UN World Food Programme crashed on landing at Ceelbarde Airstrip, Somalia. The crash killed one pilot, seriously injured one person and caused minor injuries to two others. January 10: United Airlines tailstrike incident A United Airlines Boeing 737-900ER suffered a tailstrike during landing at Houstons George Bush Intercontinental Airport after a flight from Phoenix. January 5: Alaska Airlines rapid decompression An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 returned to Portland after its left mid-exit door plug detached mid-flight, causing rapid decompression. Eight passengers and crew members suffered minor injuries. January 5: Flybondi tailstrike at Mar del Plata A Flybondi Boeing 737-800 sustained substantial rear fuselage damage after a tailstrike during landing at Mar del Plata International Airport, Argentina. Despite the damage, the aircraft taxied to the apron normally. January 2: Deadly collision at Haneda airport Tokyos Haneda Airport witnessed a collision between a Japan Airlines Airbus A350 and a Japan Coast Guard aircraft. While all 379 passengers on the commercial flight were safely evacuated, five crew members aboard the Coast Guard plane lost their lives. The longest-living American president passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. While Carter lasted in the White House for only one term, he is known for leading several consequential foreign policy initiatives that still endure the test of time read more Leaders from around the world extended condolences following the death of the 39th US President Jimmy Carter. The longest-living American president passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. While Carter lasted in the White House for only one term, he is known for leading several consequential foreign policy initiatives that still endure today. This included a Middle East peace deal between Israel and Egypt, the normalization of relations with China and the handing over of the Panama Canal to Panama. Advertisement Despite a brief stint in the Oval Office, Carter had one of the most distinguished post-presidential careers. In 2002, the former president was awarded the prestigious 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. However, one of the major reasons why Carter stayed in office for only four years is because he was widely criticised for some of his foreign policy failures. He was slammed for the poor handling of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, in which dozens of American citizens were held captive for 444 days by Iranian revolutionaries who had stormed the US embassy in Tehran. The Middle Eastern nation was angered by Americas support to Irans authoritarian ruler Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Not only this, he also garnered anger after America was blindsided by the Soviet Unions invasion of Afghanistan. Heres what world leaders said Following are statements of condolences released by the leaders from around the world following Carters death: Biden and Trump In a joint statement, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden remembered the former president, calling him a dear friend. 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, the Bidens said in a statement on Sunday afternoon. He was 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 statement continued. Tune in as I deliver remarks on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. https://t.co/uBeA38kmch President Biden (@POTUS) December 30, 2024 Advertisement Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump also extended condolences following Carters demise. 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, Trump wrote in a post on TruthSocial. 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, he added. Advertisement Panama President Jose Raul Mulino I offer my condolences to the family and to the people and government of the United States on the death of former President Jimmy Carter. His time in the White House marked complex times, which were crucial for Panama in order to negotiate and agree on the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which achieved the transfer of the canal to Panamanian hands and the full sovereignty of our country. May his soul rest in peace. Presento las condolencias a los familiares y al pueblo y Gobierno de los EE.UU por el deceso del ExPresidente Jimmy Carter. Su paso por la Casa Blanca marco tiempos complejos, que para Panama fueron cruciales para lograr negociar y pactar los Tratados Torrijos-Carter en 1977, pic.twitter.com/ISGxQHIYKO Jose Raul Mulino (@JoseRaulMulino) December 29, 2024 French President Emmanuel Macron 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. 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 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer I was very sorry to hear of President Carters passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace Prize. 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." Very sorry to hear of President Carters passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1 Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024 Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy We express our heartfelt condolences to the American people and to the family of former US 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. 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." 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 Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban The memory of President Jimmy Carter will always be cherished in Hungary. By returning the Holy Crown to the people of Hungary at the end of the 70s, he gave freedom-loving Hungarians hope in a hopeless time. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Carter family and the American people. The memory of President Jimmy Carter will always be cherished in Hungary. By returning the Holy Crown to the people of Hungary at the end of the 70s, he gave freedom-loving Hungarians hope in a hopeless time. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Carter family Orban Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) December 29, 2024 Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Jimmy Carters legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people who are mourning a former president and a lifelong humanitarian. May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come. Jimmy Carters legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. My deepest condolences to the Carter family, Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 29, 2024 After leaving the presidency, Carter travelled the world as a peace emissary, election observer and public health advocate. In 1994 he visited North Korea and in 2002 he embarked on a trip to Cuba, Americas biggest adversaries. The Carter Center is credited with helping to cure river blindness, trachoma and Guinea worm disease, which went from millions of cases in Africa and Asia in 1986 to a handful today. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Saxony-Anhalt state officials, and the heads of Germanys domestic and foreign intelligence services are expected to face a closed-door committee hearing in parliament read more A makeshift memorial is pictured at the site of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on December 27, 2024. AFP German security and intelligence chiefs are due on Monday to face questioning about the car-ramming attack that killed five people and wounded more than 200 at a Christmas market 10 days ago. They will be quizzed about possible missed clues and security failures before the December 20 attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg, where police arrested the 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen at the scene. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Saxony-Anhalt state officials, and the heads of Germanys domestic and foreign intelligence services are expected to face a closed-door committee hearing in parliament from 1200 GMT. Advertisement Abdulmohsen is the only suspect in the attack in which a rented BMW sport utility vehicle ploughed through the crowd of revellers at high speed, leaving a trail of bloody carnage. Investigators have yet to declare a suspected motive in the assault that used a motor vehicle as a weapon, which recalled past jihadist attacks, including in Berlin and in the French city of Nice in 2016. Abdulmohsen, by contrast, has voiced strongly anti-Islam views, sympathies with the far right, and anger at Germany for allowing in too many Muslim war refugees and other asylum-seekers. According to unconfirmed media reports citing unnamed German security sources, he has in the past been treated for mental illness and tested positive for drug use on the night of his arrest. The Saudi suspect has been remanded in custody in a top-security facility on five counts of murder and 205 counts of attempted murder, prosecutors said, but not so far on terrorism-related charges. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who faces elections in February, has declared that Germany needs to investigate whether this terrible act could have been prevented. Advertisement No stone must be left unturned, he told news portal t-online on Friday, echoing similar comments by Faeser. - Repeated clues - Scholz said that over the years, there have been repeated clues about the suspect, adding that we must examine very carefully whether there were any failings on the part of the authorities in Saxony-Anhalt or at the national level. German media digging through Abdulmohsens past and his countless social media postings have found expressions of anger and frustration, and threats of violence against German citizens and politicians. Saudi Arabia said it had repeatedly warned Germany about Abdulmohsen, who came to Germany in 2006 and was granted refugee status 10 years later. Advertisement A source close to the Saudi government told AFP that the kingdom had in the past sought his extradition. Germany has not officially commented on this claim, but would usually deny requests to send people granted asylum back to the country they fled. Abdulmohsen had a history of brushes with the law and court appearances in Germany, media have reported, including for threats of violence. German police have said they had contacted Abdulmohsen in September 2023 and October 2024, and then repeatedly tried but failed to meet him again in December. Police hold such meetings with people deemed a potential threat to make clear they are under close watch and to deter misconduct. Advertisement Ahead of the German elections, the Christmas market bloodshed has reignited fierce debate about immigration and security, after several deadly knife attacks this year blamed on Islamist extremists. The head of the conservative opposition, Friedrich Merz, wrote that, whether the attacker was a jihadist or an anti-Islam activist, conflicts are being fought out on German soil We have to stop this! The German government accused US billionaire Elon Musk on Monday of trying to influence its election due in February with articles supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, even though it suggested they amounted to nonsense. read more The German government on Monday sought to minimise the impact of tech entrepreneur Elon Musks endorsement of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party amid the countrys general election campaign. Musk sparked controversy over the weekend by backing the AfD in an opinion piece published in a prominent newspaper, which led to the resignation of the papers opinion editor in protest. Musk, who is set to serve Donald Trumps new administration as an outside adviser, endorsed the AfD as Germanys last hope in a guest opinion piece for the Welt am Sonntag newspaper that prompted the commentary editor to resign in protest. Advertisement Musk, the worlds richest person, has defended his right to weigh in on German politics because of his significant investments, and has praised the AfDs approach to regulation, taxes and market deregulation. Freedom of expression also includes the greatest nonsense," government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said, adding that she wouldnt comment further on Musks statements. She did, however, say that it is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statement." In that context, Hoffmann also pointed out that the AfD is being monitored by Germanys domestic intelligence service on suspicion of being right-wing extremist and that it has already been recognized as such in some individual German states. 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. Musks guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he had supported Alternative for Germany, or AfD. 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. Advertisement The AfD is currently in second place in opinion polls behind the main opposition conservatives, and might be able to thwart a centre-right or centre-left majority in the election. Germanys mainstream parties have pledged not to work with the AfD at the national level. The government spokesperson said Musks endorsement of the AfD was a recommendation to vote for a party that is being monitored (by domestic intelligence) on suspicion of being right-wing extremist and which has already been recognised as partly right-wing extremist. German politicians have excoriated Musk for his endorsement of the AfD, with the co-leader of Scholzs Social Democrats (SPD) comparing him to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Both want to influence our elections and specifically support the AfDs enemies of democracy. They want Germany to be weakened and plunged into chaos, Lars Klingbeil told the Funke news group on Monday. Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats and current favourite to succeed Scholz as chancellor, told Funke that Musks comments were intrusive and pretentious. With inputs from agencies. The damaged Santa Cruz Wharf is seen the day after the section of the pier fell into the ocean during high surf on Dec. 23. Santa Cruz County officials on Monday launched a fund to help businesses affected by the wharf's closure. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Officials in Santa Cruz County on Monday launched a disaster fund for merchants devastated by the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf closure, a week after powerful swells bashed the structure and caused part of it to fall in the sea. The wharf, and the businesses lining it, have been closed ever since. The Santa Cruz County Disaster Fund, which supports county and Pajaro Valley residents impacted by weather disasters, will disburse grants to local organizations helping wharf employees and those who are ineligible for unemployment benefits, county officials said on Facebook. People can donate by visiting cfscc.org/funds/disaster-fund. Advertisement Article continues below this ad County officials also warned on social media of a scam in which individuals have been falsely claiming to represent wharf businesses and accepting donations on their behalf. These actions take advantage of the kindness and generosity of our community, county representatives wrote. The Pakistan Army will return to Bangladesh in February 2025, in a first since it was forced to vacate what was East Pakistan until 1971. This reunion may be a serious security concern for India read more Amid diplomatic differences between India and Bangladesh since the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina government, the Pakistan militarys new deal with Dhaka is likely to trigger a security concern with New Delhi. Come February 2025, the Pakistan Army will start training its Bangladeshi counterpart. This is for the first time since the 1971 Liberation War, which gave birth to the independent Bangladesh, that Dhaka has reached an agreement with the Pakistan Army to train Bangladeshi soldiers. Advertisement Pakistan proposes, Bangladesh sees it a medium to improve ties According to a report by The Economic Times, the proposal to Bangladesh was extended by Pakistan Armys Joint Chief of Staff Committee chairman Gen S Samshad Mirza. The report said the agreement for cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan armies was reached against the backdrop of the Yunus-led interim governments effort to improve ties with Islamabad. The training will be held in four cantonments of Bangladesh Army starting from Mymensingh cantonment which houses training and doctrine command headquarters of the Bangladesh Army. The ET report quoted sources as saying that officers of Maj Gen rank officers in Pakistan may train Bangladesh Army officers. Why should India be worried? Pakistan trained officers have held leadership positions in Bangladesh Army till the first two decades after its independence. However, just as they trained them, the Pakistani officers may again try to push its anti-India ideology among the Bangladeshi soldiers. India has long complained that Pakistan has fomented terrorism and insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. All terror groups operating against India have had their nerve centres and headquarters in Pakistan, with Indian security agencies saying that the Pakistan Armys Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been actively involved with them. Pakistan Army officers were accused of plotting and executing terror incidents in India including the 2008 Mumbai attack killing more than 165 people of multiple nationalities. Among the two Bangladeshi officers trained by the Pakistan Army were Gen Ziaur Rahman and Lt Gen HM Ershad, both of whom went on to become Presidents. The liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, with the intervention of the Indian armed forces against the backdrop of a major refugee crisis impacting the Northeast, saw subsidence of anti-India ideology in the Dhaka establishment. The Bangladeshi governments, especially those led by the Awami League the party founded by its Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman and his daughter Sheikh Hasina, who is living in exile in Delhi favoured a pro-Indian stance finding military and economic security in its policies. Advertisement Even under military leader Ershad, who was an alumni of Indias National Defence College, Bangladesh maintained cordial links with the political leadership in New Delhi. Presence of the Pakistan Army in Bangladesh may pose a security challenge to Northeast India, where Pakistans major ally China has been trying to build a strategic military pressure on the land-locked Indian states. This comes against the backdrop of reports that the leadership of the Bangladesh Army perceived to be close to Awami League and Hasina are being targeted by Yunus-led regime with cases being filed against them. Bangladeshi Americans are seeking US President-elect Donald Trumps intervention in Bangladesh to ensure that minorities are protected in the country, currently government by an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus read more Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians urge US President-elect Donald Trump to protect minorities from ongoing atrocities in Bangladesh. Source: Reuters. Bangladeshi American groups have urged US President-elect Donald Trump to intervene in Bangladesh to protect minorities under the caretaker government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus since a student agitation toppled the elected Sheikh Hasina government in August this year. They have also sought his intervention in securing the release of Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, arrested by the Yunus government, saying the Hindu priest is seriously ill. Bangladeshi American activists have described the situation in Bangladesh as an existential threat to minorities from Islamist forces. Advertisement In a memorandum addressed to Trump, a coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians also suggested linking Bangladeshs participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions to the cessation of internal ethnic and religious persecution. It comes against the backdrop of Trumps publicly shown interest in Bangladesh. During the US presidential election that he won, Trump criticised the Yunus government, condemning attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. He called the country one that is in a total state of chaos. I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos, Trump said in his Diwali message last month. Immediately get Chinmoy Krishna Das released The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCOP) urged Trump to secure the immediate release of Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, who they said has been falsely imprisoned on sedition charges. Das was arrested on November 25 at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. 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 next hearing in the case is on January 2. A case was filed against Das in October after he led a large rally in the city of Chittagong, where he was accused of disrespecting Bangladeshs national flag. Chinmoy Krishna Das seriously ill Another Bangladeshi Bengali Hindu rights group Bangladesh Shommilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote (BSSJJ) claimed that Das was seriously ill in prison. It said Das was not receiving proper treatment under the Yunus government in Bangladesh. Das is also the spokesman of the BSSJJ. The group also called for holding public prayers for a speedier recovery of Das on the New Years Day. Advertisement 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," BSSJJ said in a statement. Bangladesh risks descending into radicalisation The BHBCOP on Sunday said that Bangladesh risks descending into radicalisation, which could have far-reaching effects not just for South Asia but for the rest of the world as well. It also demanded a comprehensive overhaul of the laws for protecting minorities in Bangladesh, proposing a new Minority Protection Act, recognising minorities and indigenous groups officially. Its key recommendations included the establishment of safe enclaves, a separate electorate for minorities, and laws against hate crimes and hate speech to protect religious practices and cultural heritage. With inputs from agencies. Advertisement The Transport Ministry said Monday the government plans to conduct safety inspections on all Boeing 737-800 jetliners operated by the countrys airlines read more Rescue team carry the body of a passenger at the site of a plane fire at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea. AP South Korea said Monday it was reviewing plans to conduct a special inspection of all Boeing 737-800s in operation in the country, after 179 people were killed in a Jeju Air crash involving the aircraft. 101 B737-800 series aircraft are currently in operation in South Korea. Consequently, we are reviewing plans to conduct a special inspection on B737-800 aircraft, said Joo Jong-wan, head of the aviation policy bureau at the South Korean transport ministry. Advertisement The Transport Ministry said Monday the government plans to conduct safety inspections on all Boeing 737-800 jetliners operated by the countrys airlines. On Monday, South Koreas acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered an emergency safety inspection of the countrys entire airline operation system as investigators worked to identify victims and find what caused the countrys deadliest air disaster. The essence of a responsible response would be renovating the aviation safety systems on the whole to prevent recurrences of similar incidents and building a safer Republic of South Korea, said Choi, who is also deputy prime minister and finance minister. The Boeing 737-800 plane operated by South Koreas budget airline Jeju Air skidded off a runway at Muan International Airport in the countrys south, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into a fireball. The incident killed all but two of the 181 people aboard. The two survivors are both crew members, and they were pulled from the planes tail section the only part that was still recognizable after the crash. Joo Jong-wan, the Transport Ministrys director of aviation policy, said authorities have so far identified 141 of the bodies, and are conducting DNA tests on the other 38. Alan Price, a former chief pilot at Delta Air Lines and now a consultant, said the Boeing 737-800 is a proven airplane that belongs to a different class of aircraft than the Boeing 737 Max jetliner that was linked to fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. With inputs from agencies The cutoff was imposed two days before the transit deal runs out, following Ukraines 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 read more Authorities in Moldovas 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 Ukraines 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. Advertisement They included four education establishments and a medical facility as well as a police station and a prosecutors 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 Kremlins 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 Gazproms 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. Advertisement 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 Gazproms 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. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who met Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin last week, has criticised Ukraine for refusing to extend the deal. His foreign minister, Juraj Blanar, on Sunday rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys suggestion Fico opened a second energy front against Kyiv. Advertisement An overwhelming majority of Canadians are dissatisfied with the Liberal Partys government and want Justin Trudeau to resign as the Prime Minister of Canada, according to a survey read more More than two-third Canadians feel that Justin Trudeau should resign as the Prime Minister of Canada, according to a survey. Canada is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections by October 2025. However, the feud and the rebellion in the Trudeaus ruling Liberals Party is out in the open following the resignation of his Chrystia Freeland, who served as Finance Minister and Deputy PM in his government. As many as a third of Liberal MPs called for Trudeaus resignation in an internal meeting following Freelands resignation. Advertisement A survey by Leger has found 69 per cent of Canadians feel that Trudeau should resign, as per National Post. While Trudeau has been extremely unpopular, the problem is not just limited to him. The survey found that 72 per cent of Canadians said they are dissatisfied with the entire federal government. The surveys findings come at a time when Trudeau is under extreme pressure due to a revolt against him inside the Liberal Party and poor ratings. The situation is so bad that it has been reported that Trudeau may call for snap elections to avoid the situation from worsening. Liberals behind Conservatives, may even lose Opposition role The support for Trudeaus Liberals is at a historic low. Analysts have said that Trudeau has become a liability. They have said that the partys prospects would keep worsening if he stays at the helm. The survey findings back such an assertion. As per the latest findings on CBC News poll tracker, the Conservative Party is favoured by 44 per cent people and Trudeau Liberals are only supported by 20.9 per cent people. With 20.9 per cent support, the Liberals have a very narrow lead over Jagmeet Singhs New Democratic Party (NDP), which is favoured by 19 per cent Canadians. This means that, if people vote as per the polls findings, Trudeau and Liberals might lose the Leader of the Oppositions seat as well. If Liberals perform as bad as polls show, then Bloc Quebecois or NDP may have better chances of leading the Opposition. Advertisement As things stand today, in the 337-member House of Commons of Canada, the Liberals have 153 MPs, the Conservatives 120, and NDP 25, and Bloc Quebecois 33. Trudeau has long been running a minority government with support from NDP. In September, the NDP withdrew support to the government and plunged Trudeau and Liberals in a crisis. The October 29 tragedy killed 231 people and devastated swathes of the eastern Valencia region, leaving thousands of victims to spend Christmas without loved ones, homes or property in the traditionally Catholic country read more Protesters hold banners to demand resignation of the Valencian regional president Carlos Mazon over his handling of October floods, in front of Valencia's bull ring. AFP Tens of thousands of people demonstrated on Sunday in Valencia, hit hard by recent floods, in the latest such protest over the government response to the unprecedented natural disaster. The October 29 tragedy killed 231 people and devastated swathes of the eastern Valencia region, leaving thousands of victims to spend Christmas without loved ones, homes or property in the traditionally Catholic country. On Sunday, some 80,000 people, according to regional police, again denounced the handling of Spains deadliest natural disaster in decades. Advertisement After everything that has happened with the floods, no politician has resigned, nor have there been any consequences, nor are they doing anything, said Enrique Soriano. Much of the popular anger has been directed at the head of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazon, with protesters shouting murderer and criminal and carrying signs reading Mazon resign. Mazon did not do his job. And those who dont do their job have to go to the streets. Especially a civil servant, said Amparo Mateos from the town of Picana. The anger is acutely raw in Valencia, which bore the brunt of the disaster: out of the 231 people killed in the disaster, 223 were in the Valencia region. Four people are still listed as missing. It marked a third major demonstration in Valencia over the government response, following protests held on November 9 and 30 that attracted 130,000 and 100,000 people, respectively, according to Valencia police. Much of the anger has been focused on the fact that many residents received telephone alerts after water was already engulfing their homes, while some municipalities went without aid for days, relying on volunteers for immediate rescue work. Advertisement The popular fury was on stark display during a November 3 visit to the epicentre of the disaster by Spains King Felipe and Queen Letizia, alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Mazon, when survivors pelted the delegations with mud in images that stunned the country. The exchange of fire between Pakistani troops and banned Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP) in Afghanistan continued till late Saturday night in which several lives loss on the Afghan side read more A Taliban security personnel keeps a watch from a helicopter after air strikes by Pakistan in the Barmal district of eastern Paktika province on December 26, 2024. Source: AFP. The exchange of fire between Pakistan and Afghanistans Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP), which continued till late Saturday night, has claimed lives of at least eight people and critically wounded 13 others, including civilians on the Afghan side. The clashes between the two sides began since Pakistani fighter jets bombed alleged camps of the banned TTP in Afghanistans eastern Paktika province last Tuesday. A report by Dawn quoted sources as saying that a solider of Frontier Corps died, while 11 others were injured in fresh clashes, which began after a failed bid by militants on the Afghan side to infiltrate into Pakistan, according to sources. Advertisement As per the report, militants tried to infiltrate the border on Friday night, but security forces present there foiled their attempt. Also Read: 19 Pakistani soldiers killed in border clash with Afghan forces After their infiltration attempt was thwarted, the militants along with Afghan forces on Saturday morning fired on Pakistani posts using light and heavy weapons. During the day-long clashes, they targeted border posts in Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha and Tari Mengal areas. The Pakistani security forces retaliated to the firing that resulted in significant losses on the other side and forced them to abandon their border posts, the report cited sources as claiming. Dialogues & attacks cant go together For the unversed, Islamabad has persistently sharing its concerns with Kabul over the use of its soil by militants for cross-border terrorism, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last week asked the Afghan government to take action against the TTP and said attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil were a red line for the country. Sharif also said that Islamabad was ready to hold talks with Kabul on the issue, but dialogues and attacks cant go together. The sources to Dawn further said that the Afghan Taliban had been continuously backing TTP terrorists based on their side of the border. The strikes on Tuesday came the same day that a Pakistani delegation, led by Special Representative Muhammad Sadiq, met interim interior minister Sirajudddin Haqqani and foreign minister Amir Muttaqi in Kabul to resume diplomatic dialogue after a hiatus of over a year. Advertisement Also Read: Taliban say at least 46 killed in Pakistans attack in Afghanistans Paktika The Afghan government lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the air strikes that claimed lives of 46 people, mainly women and children. Pakistan carried out the strikes days after 16 of its soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack on a checkpoint in Makeen area of South Waziristan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As there is a real prospect that an unconventional hybrid attack by Russia against Nato can cause substantial casualties, the bloc needs to be clear about its red lines that it also needs to convey to Russia to deter such an attack, said a senior Nato official read more A top North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) official has said that Russian hybrid attacks can cause substantial casualties and the bloc needs to clear about red lines that Russia cannot cross. The statement comes at a time when Russia has been ramping up hybrid attacks against the West in the form of sabotage, arson, cyberattacks, assassinations of non-governmental figures, or subversive activities such as political interference or supporting domestic extremism. While there are clear red lines about conventional actions, the picture is not clear regarding hybrid warfare. Advertisement In an interview with Sky News at a time when Europe is grappling with undersea cables being damaged by China-Russia combine, top Nato official James Appathurai said there is a real prospect that an unconventional hybrid attack by Russia against a Nato member can cause substantial casualties. To tackle with such a situation, Nato needs to be clear about a threshold thats unacceptable, said Appathurai, the Deputy Assistant Secretary General of Nato for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber. We need to be clear about red lines Since the inception of Nato, the bloc has conveyed to Russia clearly that a conventional armed attack on a member-state would be met with a response. A Russian armed conventional attack on a Nato member-state is likely going to be trigger the invocation of Article 5, which makes way for collective defence that remains the foundation of the bloc. Under the principle, an attack on one member-state is considered an attack on all members and all members then pitch in to tackle the situation. While such a clear red line has deterred a conventional armed attack so far, the picture is not rosy regarding hybrid attacks and kinetic attacks of lesser intensity. Appathurai told Sky News that Russian hybrid attacks across Europe, the United States, and Canada are creeping up to a volume that would have been utterly unacceptable five years ago, with kinetic attacks such as cutting undersea cables and sabotage seeing a rise since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement We can definitely count dozens. Up to 100 for sure. But then theres a lot of foiled plots, said Appathurai. When asked if hybrid attacks could also trigger Article 5, Appathurai said that he was worried that some hybrid attack may cause substantial casualties. What really worries me is that one of these attacks, as I say, will break through in a big way, said Appathurai. Referring to attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian spy, and his daughter Yulia in the United Kingdom from a nerve agent in 2018, Appathurai said, So there is a real prospect of one of these attacks causing substantial numbers of casualties or very substantial economic damage and then what we dont want is to be in a situation where we have not thought through what we do next. So thats part of the reason why were going to exercise all of this. And that includes military elements of the response. Advertisement Appathurai said that Russian attacks have reached a level that would have been unacceptable five years ago and weve kind of gotten used to itand thats very dangerous. Appathurai stressed the need for Nato to set a threshold that it would not allow Russia to cross and convey it clearly. More importantly, Appathurai said that Nato members should be clear about that unacceptable threshold among themselves. What we need to do now is to be clearer among ourselves and then decide how we communicate that also to the Russians, that there are no-go areas. So we do need and are working on being more clear about what these red bands these areas are, these thresholds, said Appathurai. Advertisement Russias ex-President Dmitry Medvedev suggested that either US President-elect Donald Trump or Tesla CEO Elon Musk should personally open their wallets if they want Greenland read more The Deputy Chair of the Russian Security Council and the former President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, suggested that US President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk should buy Greenland instead of Washington annexing the island. On Sunday, a senior Russian official weighed in on US President-elect Donald Trumps controversial proposal for the US government to purchase Greenland. He insisted that either Trump or Musk should personally open their wallets if they want Greenland. Not sure why the US, as a country, needs to annex Canada, Greenland, or even Britain, and take back the Panama Canal. Theres a more civilized way: @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk could just buy the land, making it their private property, Medvedev wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Advertisement Not sure why the US, as a country, needs to annex Canada, Greenland, or even Britain, and take back the Panama Canal. There's a more civilized way: @realDonaldTrump and @elonmusk could just buy the land, making it their private property. Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) December 29, 2024 However, it is unclear whether the Russian officials delivered the remarks in all sincerity or it was just a sarcastic post. Earlier this month, Trump reiterated his wish to take over the Danish territory of Greenland, calling it an absolute necessity. Denmark quickly rejected the proposal, insisting that it was absurd. Greenland is not for sale: PM Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede hit back at Trump, noting that the island is not for sale and will never be after the American leader reiterated his ambition to buy it. While dismissing Trumps remarks, Greenlands leader responded to the matter swiftly. Greenland is ours, Egede wrote. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom, he added. Egedes remarks came hours after Trump nominated Ken Howery as the US ambassador to Denmark. Howery served as the American Ambassador to Sweden during Trumps first stint in the White House. In December, Trump also suggested that the US should take back control over the Panama Canal, which is owned and operated by the Panama government-owned Panama Canal Authority. Back in 2019, Trump indicated that he wanted to purchase Greenland. At that time, he was mostly interested in the regions natural resources and geopolitical relevance. Despite the then presidents frequent remarks on the matter, leaders in Denmark were not jazzed about his instances. Greenland is not for sale. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said during a visit to Greenland in 2019. Frustrated by the rebuttal, Trump cancelled a meeting with her because she called Trumps proposition absurd. Advertisement Despite several attempts, the plan to purchase Greenland ultimately fizzled out during Trumps term. The idea was totally abandoned by US President Joe Bidens administration. With the recent comments, it seems that Trump is interested in reviving his project after he takes back the Oval Office. New Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday presided over a task force meeting on the crash and instructed the Transport Ministry and police to launch investigations into its cause read more South Korean national flags fly at half-staff at a government complex in Seoul, South Korea, a day after a jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames at an airport the town of Muan. AP South Korean officials are struggling to determine what caused a deadly plane crash that killed 179 people, with the nation saddened, shocked and ashamed over the countrys worst aviation disaster in decades. Many observers also worry how effectively the South Korean government will handle the aftermath of Sundays crash as it grapples with a leadership vacuum following the recent successive impeachments of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the countrys top two officials, amid political tumult caused by Yoons brief martial law introduction earlier this month. Advertisement New Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday presided over a task force meeting on the crash and instructed the Transport Ministry and police to launch investigations into its cause. He also ordered the ministry to implement an emergency review of the countrys overall aircraft operation systems. The essence of a responsible response would be renovating the aviation safety systems on the whole to prevent recurrences of similar incidents and building a safer Republic of South Korea, said Choi, who is also deputy prime minister and finance minister. The Boeing 737-800 plane operated by South Koreas budget airline Jeju Air skidded off a runway at Muan International Airport in the countrys south, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into a fireball. The incident killed all but two of the 181 people aboard. The two survivors are both crew members, and they were pulled from the planes tail section the only part that was still recognizable after the crash. Joo Jong-wan, the Transport Ministrys director of aviation policy, said authorities have so far identified 141 of the bodies, and are conducting DNA tests on the other 38. Alan Price, a former chief pilot at Delta Air Lines and now a consultant, said the Boeing 737-800 is a proven airplane that belongs to a different class of aircraft than the Boeing 737 Max jetliner that was linked to fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. But the Transport Ministry said Monday the government plans to conduct safety inspections on all Boeing 737-800 jetliners operated by the countrys airlines. Advertisement Ministry officials said they will also look into whether the Muan airports localizer a concrete fence housing a set of antennas designed to guide aircraft safely during landings should have been made with lighter materials that would break more easily upon impact. Video of the crash indicated that the pilots did not deploy flaps or slats to slow the aircraft, suggesting a possible hydraulic failure, and they did not manually lower the landing gear, suggesting they did not have time, said John Cox, a retired airline pilot and CEO of Safety Operating Systems in St. Petersburg, Florida. Despite that, the jetliner was under control and traveling in a straight line, and damage and injuries likely would have been minimized if not for a barrier being so close to the runway, Cox said. Advertisement Other observers say the videos showed the plane suffering suspected engine trouble but the landing gear malfunction was likely a direct reason for the crash. They say there wouldnt likely be a link between the landing gear problems and the suspected engine problem. The Transport Ministry said Sunday the control tower issued a warning about birds to the Jeju Air plane shortly before it intended to land and gave the crew permission to land in a different area. It said the planes pilot sent out a distress signal shortly before the crash. Investigators retrieved the jets flight data and cockpit voice recorders, but it may take months to complete the probe into the crash, Joo, the Transport Ministry official, told reporters. Advertisement The Muan crash is South Koreas deadliest aviation disaster since 1997, when a Korean Airlines plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. Sundays crash caused an outpouring of public sympathy for the dead, with the government issuing a seven-day national mourning period. Some questioned if the crash involved safety or regulatory issues, like the 2022 Halloween crush that killed 160 people and the 2014 ferry sinking that killed 304 people. The crash was yet more big news for South Koreans as they reel from a festering political crisis set off by Yoons martial law decree, which brought hundreds of troops into Seoul streets and revived traumatic memories of past military rule in the 1970-80s. Advertisement The political tumult resulted in the opposition-controlled National Assembly impeaching Yoon and Han. The safety minister stepped down and the police chief was arrested over their roles in the martial law enhancement. The absence of top officials responsible for managing disasters has also led to concerns. We are deeply worried if the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters really can handle the disaster, the mass-circulation JoongAng Ilbo newspaper said in an editorial on Monday. Home insurers in California will soon be able to pass on the costs of their reinsurance. Jenna Schoenefeld/Special to The Chronicle When a major wildfire hits, insurance companies call on insurance of their own and starting next year, theyll be able to charge consumers for part of the millions of dollars they spend on it. Insurance companies purchase reinsurance for the same reasons homeowners purchase home insurance: to have a backup pool of money to tap into in case of an overwhelming catastrophic loss. Insurers have always paid for reinsurance, but in California, they havent been able to directly pass along that cost to their customers. Thats set to change in 2025, according to a new regulation released Monday by the California Department of Insurance. Its the final step in Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Laras Sustainable Insurance Strategy, his plan to end Californias insurance crisis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Consumer advocates say the reinsurance reform will likely lead to immediately higher prices for consumers. But regulators have attached a condition that they believe will make the reform worthwhile for consumers. Insurance companies who pass on their reinsurance costs must also commit to writing more policies in wildfire-prone parts of the state or maintaining their current presence there. As climate change-driven natural disasters drive up home insurance costs, reinsurance costs have risen too. Those increasing costs, and the inability to pass them on to consumers, has been a common factor cited by insurance companies leaving the state. Some of the largest reinsurance companies are global firms subject to much less regulation than U.S. companies. Hurricanes in Florida or floods in Spain could cause them to raise the price of reinsurance, and therefore increase the costs to California consumers. At a public workshop on the regulation held earlier this month, Doug Heller, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, speculated that consumers could see price increases of 30%-40%. But regulators will cap the amount of reinsurance able to be passed on at an industry standard. Companies who pay more for reinsurance than their peers will be limited in how much of that cost they can pass along. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The standard limits how much cost can be passed through and incentivizes insurance companies to focus on getting a good deal on reinsurance, according to Joel Laucher, former chief deputy insurance commissioner for the Department of Insurance and current program specialist with the consumer advocacy group United Policyholders. The regulation only impacts rate making for residential and commercial property insurance, according to Department of Insurance Deputy Commissioner Michael Soller. Insurance companies will be able to decide how they split up their reinsurance costs among customers with different types of risk, and regulators will review those decisions, Soller said. Allowing insurers to pass on reinsurance costs is a concession to insurers desires, Laucher said, but its also a recognized cost of doing business in the marketplace. Every other state in the U.S. allows insurers to pass on the cost of reinsurance in some way. Laura Curtis, assistant vice president of state government relations for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, an industry group, said in a statement that the reform was critical to solving Californias insurance crisis and would improve access and availability of insurance across California. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The regulation has both a stick and a carrot for insurance companies to increase the number of policies they write. Allowing insurers to pass along the cost of reinsurance will make it easier for them to write more policies in risk-prone areas, Victor Joseph, president and chief operating officer of Mercury Insurance, previously told the Chronicle. If insurance companies can recoup some or all of the cost of purchasing reinsurance, then they can afford to purchase more reinsurance, Joseph said. And having more reinsurance means they can safely take on more exposure without increasing their risk of running out of money should a major wildfire happen. The regulation also has a hard requirement for insurers to write more policies. Insurers who already write a significant amount of business in wildfire-prone areas would have to maintain that presence, while those who dont would be required to write at least 5% more policies over a two-year period. Those who dont comply wont be allowed to pass on their reinsurance costs. The reinsurance reform is set to go into effect in January 2025 alongside a separate reform that will allow insurance companies to use wildfire catastrophe models to set their prices. Lara has publicly promised consumers will see insurance become easier to find by mid-2025. Yoon was stripped of his presidential duties by parliament over his short-lived martial law declaration this month. A constitutional court ruling is pending on whether to confirm the impeachment read more Investigators probing South Koreas Yoon Suk Yeol over his declaration of martial law said Monday they sought an arrest warrant for the suspended president after he failed to report for questioning. The Joint Investigation Headquarters filed an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol with the Seoul Western District Court, said the probe team in a statement. The application by investigators marks the first attempt to forcibly detain a sitting president in the countrys constitutional history. Advertisement Yoon was stripped of his presidential duties by parliament over his short-lived martial law declaration this month. A constitutional court ruling is pending on whether to confirm the impeachment. Yoons dramatic action plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades. The turmoil deepened last week when his replacement, Han Duck-soo, was also impeached by parliament for failing to sign through bills for investigations into Yoon. A former prosecutor himself, Yoon had been summoned three times for questioning, but refused to present himself each time including by yesterdays deadline. The conservative leader faces criminal charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. He is being investigated by prosecutors as well as a joint team comprising police, defence ministry, and anti-corruption officials. A 10-page prosecutors report seen by AFP stated that Yoon authorised the military to fire their weapons if needed to enter parliament during his failed martial law bid. Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met Syrias new de facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Monday and pledged that Ukraine would send more food aid shipments to Syria after the expected arrival of 20 shipments of flour on Tuesday read more Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani looks on as he meets with senior Ukrainian delegation led by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, on December 30, 2024. Reuters Ukraine Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met Syrias new de facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Monday and pledged that Ukraine would send more food aid shipments to Syria after the expected arrival of 20 shipments of flour on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced last Friday the dispatch of Ukraines first batch of food aid to Syria comprising 500 metric tons of wheat flour as part of Kyivs humanitarian Grain from Ukraine initiative in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme. Advertisement Sybiha also met Syrias newly appointed foreign minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. During the meeting, al-Shibani expressed hopes for strategic partnerships with Ukraine, as Kyiv moves to build ties with the new Islamist rulers in Damascus amid waning Russian influence. Russia was a staunch ally of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and has given him political asylum. Moscow has said it is in contact with the new administration in Damascus, including over the fate of Russian military facilities in Syria. There will be strategic partnerships between us and Ukraine on the political, economic and social levels, and scientific partnerships, Reuters quoted Syrias newly appointed foreign minister al-Shibani as sayin to Ukraines Sybiha. Certainly the Syrian people and the Ukrainian people have the same experience and the same suffering that we endured over 14 years, he added, apparently drawing a parallel between Syrias brutal 2011-24 civil war and Russias seizure of Ukrainian territory culminating in its full-scale 2022 invasion. Russian influence squeezed Ukraine, a global producer and exporter of grain and oilseeds, traditionally exports wheat and corn to countries in the Middle East, but not to Syria, which in the Assad era imported food from Russia. Russian wheat supplies to Syria have been suspended because of uncertainty about the new government in Damascus and payment delays, Russian and Syrian sources told Reuters in early December. Russia had supplied wheat to Syria using complex financial and logistical arrangements to circumvent Western sanctions imposed on both Moscow and Damascus. Advertisement The ousting of Assad by al-Sharaas Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has thrown the future of Russias military bases in Syria - the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartous naval facility - into question. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the status of Russias military bases would be the subject of negotiations with the new leadership in Damascus. Al-Sharaa said this month that Syrias relations with Russia should serve common interests. In an interview published on Sunday, he said Syria shared strategic interests with Russia, striking a conciliatory tone, though he did not elaborate. With inputs from agencies This is a chalice from which we will all drink together I extend my hand to everyone I will do everything for Croatia, said Milanovic in a late-night speech following the first round of the countrys presidential election on Sunday read more President of Croatia Zoran Milanovic speaks during a press conference of the informal meeting with leaders of the alliance's members in the Western Balkans: Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and North Macedonia in Skopje, North Macedonia November 22, 2023. Reuters File Croatian President Zoran Milanovic came within a whisker of clinching a second term outright in the first round of the countrys presidential election Sunday. According to a Politico report, in a late-night speech following the election, the rabble-rousing incumbent thanked the public for their support in giving him over 49 per cent of the vote. This is a chalice from which we will all drink together I extend my hand to everyone I will do everything for Croatia, Politico quoted Milanovic as saying. Advertisement Known as the enfant terrible of Croatian politics, Milanovic proudly represents the left-leaning Social Democratic Party. First elected in 2020, he swept counties nationwide and previously served as prime minister from 2011 to 2016. His main rival, Dragan Primorac of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), trailed with 19.35 per cent of the vote. While they will face off again on January 12, that runoff is widely regarded as a formality, reported Politico. Milanovic has energised a diverse base, appealing to right-wing, far-right, left-wing, and even pro-Russian supporters with his leftist credentials and populist rhetoric, often critical of NATO and the EU. This raises concerns in Brussels, as many of his supporters share these Euroskeptic views. Although hostility toward the West is becoming more common among Central and Eastern European leaders, it remains unusual in Croatia, a country that has traditionally been pro-EU and pro-NATO despite its history of far-right politicians. Milanovic has a bad-boy personality and image that people like, in the sense that he says what he thinks and is not restrained by political decorum or good behavior, Politico quoted Florian Bieber, an expert on Balkan politics and authoritarianism, as saying. According to the report, citing critics, Milanovics public feuds with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, his associations with war criminals, and his promises to reduce support for NATO and Ukraine have tarnished Croatias international reputation. Advertisement At home, however, Milanovics candid press conferences often go viral, featuring remarks like politics is a mere sensation. Analysts suggest his appeal lies in his strong opposition to the dominant conservative HDZ party, which has been in power since Croatias independence in 1991. Many are frustrated by the partys entrenched corruption and lack of alternatives. HDZ has governed Croatia since independence with two short interruptions only, leading state and national institutions for a very long time, Bieber was quoted as saying. A lot of people are frustrated with the entrenchment and corruption of the party, and the sense that there is no political alternative, added Bieber Advertisement In contrast, Plenkovic is viewed as a pragmatic Eurocrat aligned with Brussels, though his government has faced corruption scandals, resulting in around 30 ministerial resignations since 2016. While Milanovic has energised various voter groups, his presidencys limited powers raise questions about whether he can translate his appeal into effective political action. So far, his actions have largely been symbolic, such as denying permission for Croatian troops to join NATO missions in Ukraine, a decision later overturned by the government. As Bieber noted, turning this diverse support into real governance will be challenging. With inputs from agencies US President Joe Biden on Monday said that President-elect Donald Trump should take a lesson in decency from the legacy of Jimmy Carter, making these comments just hours after the former president passed away at the age of 100 read more US President Joe Biden on Monday said that President-elect Donald Trump should take a lesson in decency from the legacy of Jimmy Carter, making these comments just hours after the former president passed away at the age of 100. According to The Guardian report, while speaking to reporters during a family vacation in the US Virgin Islands, the outgoing president highlighted the stark differences in character between Carter and Trump, who is poised to begin a second term as commander-in-chief in January. Advertisement When asked if there was anything Trump could learn from Carter, Biden replied: Decency. Decency. Decency. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needed something and just keep walking? Biden said. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk? I cant. The outgoing president spoke for nine minutes about Carter, calling him a humanitarian, a personal friend, and a remarkable leader. He highlighted how Carters values impacted Americas global standing, stating, The rest of the world looks to us. And he was worth looking to. In contrast, Trump, who has publicly disagreed with Carter in the past, adopted a more measured tone in his response. The 45th and incoming 47th US president issued two statements on Sunday, praising Carter as a truly good man for whom he held the highest respect, and noting that Carter was more consequential than many who have held the Oval Office. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our country, and all it stands for, Trump wrote on Truth Social. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect, Trump added. Trumps response to Carters death marked a significant shift from his recent comments. Advertisement On Carters 100th birthday in October, while campaigning in Waunakee, Wisconsin, Trump mocked the former president, calling him the happiest man because Bidens one-term presidency made Carters tenure seem brilliant in comparison. The relationship between Trump and Carter has been fraught, with mutual criticisms over the years. In 2019, Carter suggested that Russian interference had helped Trump win the 2016 election. Trump dismissed this at a G20 summit, labeling Carter a nice man but a terrible president and the forgotten president. Later that year, Carter warned that a second Trump term would lead to disaster, citing concerns about age. Despite this history, Trump became the oldest person elected president when he defeated Kamala Harris in the recent election after losing to Biden in 2020. Advertisement Meanwhile, Biden continued to honor Carters legacy in a post on X, highlighting his lifetime of work, including winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for promoting peaceful resolutions, human rights, democracy, and social development. With inputs from agencies The United States on Sunday announced that it is sending a team of air accident investigators to determine the cause of the Jeju Air plane crash that killed 179 people in South Korea read more The United States is sending air accident investigators to South Korea after a Jeju Air plane crashed while landing at Muan International Airport, killing all but two people on board. The team of investigators includes officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing, which manufactured the 17-year-old aircraft. The NTSB 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 Dec. 29 Jeju Air accident at Muan International Airport in Muan, Republic of Korea, NTSB wrote in a post on X, formally known as Twitter. The plane was coming from Thailand when it skidded off the runway and hit the airport wall at 9 am (local time). Advertisement The NTSB 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 Dec. 29 Jeju Air accident at Muan International Airport in Muan, Republic of Korea. NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) December 29, 2024 Air safety experts around the world are now questioning why the plane was not able to lower its undercarriage after being hit by an apparent bird strike. After a long-drawn rescue and recovery operations, South Korean officials confirmed the death of 179 out of 181 people onboard. Two people who survived the devastating incident were both crew members who were rescued from the back of the plane during the initial search, Yonhap reported. The bird strike became the main culprit While addressing a press briefing on Sunday, South Koreas Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated that the control tower at the airport had warned of birds in the area just moments before the plane landed. The ministry mentioned that the pilot sent out a mayday signal and made one attempt to land at the airport. On the second attempt, the plane landed on its belly, and skidded before hitting a barrier and and going up in flames. It is presumed to have been a bird strike. Smoke came out of one of the engines and then it exploded, a surviving crew member said in a witness report, Yonhap reported. US President Joe Biden is currently on vacation in St Croix in the Virgin Islands extended condolences to the victims of the incident. Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident in Muan, Republic of Korea, the US president said in a statement. 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," he added. Jeju Air flight 2216 had 181 people onboard, including 175 passengers, four flight attendants and two pilots. With inputs from agencies. Bilateral ties between several nations changed dramatically, indicating how the geopolitical landscape keeps on changing. While some decided to forget animosities and bolster ties with each other, relations between some other nations deteriorated to such an extent that many fear theres no coming back. Heres a look at some of them read more The year 2024 witnessed significant changes in the international arena. While old allies were seen turning into foes in some cases, small cracks between the two nations widened in others. Bilateral ties between several nations changed dramatically, indicating how the geopolitical landscape keeps on changing. While some decided to forget animosities and bolster ties with each other, relations between some other nations deteriorated to such an extent that many fear theres no coming back. One of the biggest deterioration of bilateral ties India witnessed was with Canada, where the assassination of a pro-Khalistani terrorist continued to remain at the centre of an intense diplomatic row. Advertisement As we turn to a new year and a new chapter. Heres a look at how bilateral ties between the following nations turned turtle in 2024. 1. India-Canda: Rise in Khalistan movement remains at the centre The cracks between India and Canada ties have been long drawn, however, they widened in 2024. At the heart of the issue was the assassination of pro-Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023, sparking a chain of events that changed the trajectory of the ties between the two countries. Following the demise of Nijjar, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood at the parliament and said that agents working for the Indian government were responsible for Nijjars killing. India refuted the claims calling it absurd and demanded evidence. This ultimately led to suspension of the several diplomats from both nations. While the stage was set for a tussle in 2023, the year 2024 saw the rise of the pro-Khalistani movement across Canada. While the Indian government raised concerns over the matter, the Canadian government did little to nothing to deal with the rise in vandalism of Hindu temples and the threats Indian diplomats were facing in Ottawa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau. AP File In May 2024, the Canadian police arrested and charged three individuals in connection with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The three individuals were identified as Karanpreet Singh (28), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karan Brar (22). A few days later the authorities nabbed the fourth suspect in the case. Two months later BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton fell victim to vandalism. India once again raised concerns about the violent nature of the Khalistani movement, but not a lot was done in this regard. On October 15, Trudeau accused Indian agents of engaging in clandestine information-gathering techniques, coercive behaviour targeting Canadians, and involvement in threatening and violent acts. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly later said that Indian diplomats operating in Ottawa are under surveillance. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs raised concerns over the matter, but the cracks between the two nations widened. Advertisement 2. US-Venezuela: From oil reserves to problematic election, the decline was apparent The year 2024 marked a significant escalation of a tussle between the US and Venezuela. Americas displeasure with Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro is a known fact around the world. Washington has frequently criticised Maduros draconian regime and called out the human rights abuse in the country. This year was no different in this regard. Two factors that contributed to the deterioration of US-Venezula relations in the year 2024 were: Venezuelas growing assertiveness over Guyana and the countrys problematic presidential elections. It is pertinent to note that there has been a long-standing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana over the Essequibo region which escalated into a crisis last year. While the region is controlled by Guyana but is claimed by Venezuela. In March 2024, Venezuela passed a law that designated Essequibo as a new state of Venezuela, governed by the city of Tumeremo. The law submitted to the US Supreme Court received validation soon after. Guyana condemned the move and raised concerns about the ground Venezuelan aggression. Amid the chaos, the United States jumped in Guyanas favour and introduced additional sanctions against Maduros regime. Not only this, The US government also increased its urgent military assistance to Guyana, helping the nation to buy new aircraft, helicopters and drones for the defence of its territories. This angered the Maduro administration. Advertisement Joe Bidens (C) administration has sanctioned officials close to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (L) over a contested election in which opposition leader Gonzalez Urrutia (R) has claimed victory. Agencies/Firstpost Amid the chaos, Venezuela conducted turbulent presidential elections on 24 July 2024. While the country was choosing its president for the next six years, protests erupted across the country with many demanding Maduros resignation. The results of the election caused major instability across the nation with opposition leaders claiming that Edmundo Gonzalez won the presidential race. While the countrys election commission and the Supreme Court validated Maduros win, opposition parties showed tallies in which Gonzalez was seen as the clear winner. The US State Department stated in November, recognising Edmundo Gonzalez as the president-elect. In return, Maduro launched a major crackdown against his opponents which eventually forced Gonzalez to free the country. Advertisement It is highly unlikely that the US and Venezuela will seek things through as long as Maduro is at the helm of things. 3. Pakistan-Afghanistan: How supporting the Taliban became costly for Islamabad When the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistans Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed delivered a triumphant news conference at the Torkham crossing with Afghanistan. Pakistans then-Prime Minister Imran Khan equated the Talibans return to power with Afghans having broken the shackles of slavery. Taliban and Pakistan share strong ties for time immemorial. Many Taliban leaders and fighters are graduates of Pakistani Islamic religious schools, including the Darul Uloom Haqqania, where Mullah Muhammad Omar, the founder of the Taliban movement, studied. Many believe that without Pakistans support and sanctuary, the Taliban would have not been able to gain ground in Kabul again. Taliban fighters stand guard near the Torkham Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Following the airstrikes by Islamabad, Kabul countered with heavy weapons at the border. Image used for representational purposes/AP However, things changed for the worse, between the two nations this year. After assuming powers, many believed that the Taliban regime proved to be less cooperative than Pakistan had hoped. At the heart of the tussle between the two is the Durand Line, which is internationally recognised as a border between the two countries. Advertisement In the 1990s the Taliban government did not endorse the Durand Line, and the current Taliban regime is following its predecessors. After the Taliban took over Kabul, armed rebellion shifted towards Pakistan. In 2024, the Pakistani faction of the Taliban conducted several attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Meanwhile, Pakistan also launched a deportation campaign sending hundreds of Afghani refugees back to the country. Not only this, in March, Pakistan conducted air strikes on the Afghanistan territory, the first attack conducted by Islamabad since 2022. Many believe that the growing skirmishes between the two nations are quite likely to increase in the upcoming year. 4. Iran-Saudi Arabia: A path towards stability While West Asia was embroiled in one conflict and another, Iran and Saudi Arabia were trying to mend their decades-long rivalry. In 2023, the two nations signed a deal which was brokered by China. This initiated frequent diplomatic exchanges after a long lull. In October this year, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi paid a visit to Riyadh where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Both nations have a vested interest in regards to improving ties with each other. After Iran attacked Saudi oil facilities in 2019, Riyadh realised that it would have to mend ties with West Asian nations to protect its vital resources. Meanwhile, Iran thinks that building strong ties with uber-rich Saudi Arabia will help boost its crippling economy. In this picture released by the former Iranian Foreign Ministry, Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, left, meets with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Irans foreign minister travelled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, marking the first trip to the kingdom by Tehrans top diplomat in years after the two nations reached a detente with Chinese mediation.- AP However, the countries are heading towards the path of rapprochement with caution. Both the Israel-Hamas war and the operation of Yemens Houthis continue to remain a source of contention between the two nations. 5. North Korea-Russia: The new friends in town North Korea emerged as one of the strongest allies of Russia soon after the country started invading Ukraine in February 2022. Right from 2023, diplomats from both nations held a plethora of meetings, making the West uncomfortable. In September last year, Kim Jong Un travelled to Russias Far East for a second summit with Putin. They discuss military cooperation, the war in Ukraine and Russian help for North Koreas satellite programme. Soon after this both the US and Ukraine accused North Korea of sending weapons to Russia, with both nations denying the accusation. In June 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a second visit to Pyongyang and both leaders ultimately signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un. AP photo Under the agreement, the two nations stated that they would help each other in case of any sort of attack. In November this year, Ukraine eventually revealed that 11,000 North Korean troops are currently stationed on the Russian border, with the West fearing more deployments. The ties between the two nations are most likely to grow in 2025. Bangladesh interim government led by Muhammad Yunus claims that as per its observation, India has made a political decision not to return ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This is what we are hearing, said interim government adviser Mahfuj Alam read more Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh claimed it has heard that their request for the extradition of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina may be turned down by India. Dhaka, on December 23, sent a note verbale to New Delhi demanding the handing over of former PM Hasina under an extradition treaty signed between the two countries in 2013, which was amended in 2016, providing a legal framework for such requests. India wont return Hasina Responding to a question from the media on whether the issue of Hasinas extradition has been discussed or if they have any observations regarding her stay in India, Bangladeshs interim government Adviser Mahfuj Alam said: Our observation is that they have made a political decision that they will not return her. We are hearing as such. The response was made during a media interaction in Dhaka on Sunday after a foreign policy dialogue on Establishing New Bangladesh: Internal Reforms and Foreign Policy. Advertisement Rash actions are not an option Mahfuj further said, However, from the states perspective, we must remain realistic. Rash actions are not an option. After sending a formal request to India for Hasinas extradition, Bangladesh on December 24 said Dhaka would send a reminder about the issue in writing after waiting for a certain period if there was no reply received from New Delhi. Also Read: If India doesnt respond in time: Bangladeshs Yunus presses for Hasinas extradition Bangladesh waits for Indias reply India, meanwhile, has refrained from formally responding to Bangladeshs extradition request, which was made on December 23 through a note verbale. Spokesperson at Bangladeshs Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, last week, said that since there was no mention of time limit in the extradition treaty signed between Bangladesh and India, Yunus government will wait for the reply from New Delhi. The extradition treaty between the two neighbouring countries was signed in 2013 and in July 2016, they amended Article 10 (3) of their bilateral Extradition Treaty to facilitate the swift extradition of fugitive criminals between them. Now, Bangladesh cited this treaty as it sought Hasinas extradition from India. Why Bangladesh wants to extradite Hasina After facing a mass uprising in her country, Hasina fled to India on August 5 and has been reportedly staying in the country since then. As per Bangladesh interim government, Hasina has been facing over 100 cases with several charges ranging from including murder, genocide to crimes against humanity in charge of killings during the July uprising. Back in 2010, the Hasina-led Awami League government in Bangladesh had formed the International Crimes Tribunal to try crimes against humanity cases during the 1971 Liberation War. Now, the interim government headed by Yunus has used the same tribunal to try allegations of genocide against the former PM and her party members for its alleged efforts to suppress the student-led mass movement in July and August this year. Advertisement On December 8, Chief Advisers Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Bangladesh would formally approach India seeking Hasinas extradition after completing the required legal procedures. Our governments position on the extradition of Sheikh Hasina is very clear. We want to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country to face the law, he said. With inputs from agencies. 19 foreigners among China's first officially certified hotpot chefs Xinhua) 09:16, December 30, 2024 People dine at a hotpot restaurant in Jiulongpo District, southwest China's Chongqing, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Chan) CHONGQING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 54 individuals, including 19 foreigners, received their vocational skill certificates as "hotpot chefs" on Friday, becoming the first batch of professionals to be officially accredited for this occupation in China. After passing previous cooking exams, these skilled workers from countries such as Poland, Pakistan and Ghana were awarded certificates of various levels during the Launch Ceremony of the Belt and Road International Skills Certification, held in southwest Chongqing Municipality on Friday. "I am happy to pass the certification exam and receive my certificate as a junior-level hotpot chef," said Claudia Katarzyna Bzyl, a Polish student at the School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University. She added that after undergoing systematic training, she now has a deeper understanding of Chongqing's hotpot and has developed a fondness for its food culture. "I will continue learning and plan to open a Chongqing hotpot restaurant in Poland. Thus, people can savor Chongqing flavor," Bzyl said. Apprentices learn to cook hotpot at a hotpot restaurant in Nan'an District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, March 9, 2024. (Xinhua) The role of hotpot chef was officially recognized in the 2022 edition of China's occupational classification code. A detailed standard outlining the profession's definition, skill levels and vocational training requirements was jointly published in February by China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Commerce. Renowned nationwide for its spicy hotpots, Chongqing took the lead in formulating the industry standard. As of June 2024, the municipality was home to around 37,000 hotpot restaurants, with the total output of the hotpot industry chain reaching 300 billion yuan (about 41.7 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce. Chongqing has made significant progress in establishing an international evaluation system for skilled talent, according to Xie Liguo, head of the Chongqing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, the organizer of the ceremony. During the event, Chongqing also launched other international skills certifications across various sectors, including catering, logistics, the internet and new energy. Furthermore, Chongqing institutions also signed a memorandum of understanding on skills certification cooperation with TuV Rheinland (China) Ltd., a leading testing and certification service provider headquartered in Germany. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Oakland police are investigating a pair of gas station robberies that occurred within hours of each other in a similar fashion. Getty Images Robbers held up two Oakland businesses in a similar fashion within two hours early Sunday, police said. Police did not say whether investigators believe the same robbers were involved in both incidents. KRON-TV reported that the heists occurred at gas stations. The first occurred around 4:45 a.m. on Shattuck Avenue near 51st Street, where multiple robbers showed up in a vehicle and used blunt objects to enter the business, then demanded belongings from an employee, police said. When the employee complied, the robbers left. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The second heist happened around 6:15 a.m. about 10 miles away, on Hegenberger Road, just south of Interstate 880. There, too, multiple robbers showed up in a vehicle. One of them was armed with a blunt object, police said. The group demanded belongings from an employee, who complied, police said. The group then took off. Police did not divulge what the robbers stole, how many were involved or what kind of objects they used to carry out the thefts. Police asked anyone with information to call investigators at 510-238-3326 or email photos and videos that could assist in the investigation to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov. They caught my eyes like flashes of gold. As I walked through my new East Oakland neighborhood a couple Septembers back, I kept noticing the distinctive leaves framing a doorway, obscenely saggy fruits drooping in yards some dark and bruised, others striped green and white with a flash of pink bursting through. As summer dipped into fall, they would fall rotten by the dozens, leaving sticky splatters on mulch and sidewalks. The first time I tried a fresh fig was on a reporting trip to Nashville for my first real journalism job, based in Washington, D.C. Having grown up in Michigan where apples are king, I knew figs only as a filling in Fig Newtons. I had tried dried ones as an adult and didnt understand the appeal; I didnt know they could be eaten fresh. But this fruit, plucked for me in a backyard by someone I had just met, blew my mind. The thin leathery skin gave way to a strange, sweet crunch. I had never experienced anything like it before. The taste lingered with me, as did the act of warmth from a complete stranger. Left: Two figs from my neighbors tree in their backyard in Oakland. Right: A fig tree nestled among other fruit trees in my neighbors' backyard in Oakland. Photos by Emily Jan/The Chronicle Above: Two figs from my neighbors tree in their backyard in Oakland. Below: A fig tree nestled among other fruit trees in my neighbors' backyard in Oakland. Photos by Emily Jan/The Chronicle When my husband and I moved into our home in June 2022, we were invited to the annual summer block party, hosted by Jeanne and Bob, who bought their home across the street in the 1970s and raised three children there. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We met neighbors who had grown up on the block and moved back, neighbors who couldnt wait to get out of the neighborhood, and neighbors who, like us, had arrived more recently. Many shared complicated feelings about the area about cars driven recklessly on the big streets, stolen vehicles and how the rising cost of living was weighing on people. They also shared beers and homemade brownies, chips and salsa, and stories of the neighborhood: That time a few neighbors organized against the closure of the nearby elementary school; how kids used to dart in and out of each others houses, having dinner wherever they ended up. Neighbors asked after one another: Hows your wifes health? Is your daughter liking college? Several wanted to know what we, transplants from Massachusetts and Michigan who most recently lived in D.C., were doing here. What did we like about Oakland and this neighborhood in particular? I mentioned offhand my slight obsession with fresh figs, how happy it made me to see fruit trees shading front porches and peeking over back fences. Our summer block party in August brought together neighbors old and new. Emily Jan/The Chronicle A couple weeks later, I got a text from Bob: I left some fresh figs on your porch. Enjoy. Shortly thereafter, Ben two doors down messaged: Weve got an over abundance [of figs]. We returned home to a pile of light green Calimyrnas on our doorstep. Eric down the way dropped off a bag of deep purple Black Missions from his bustling tree (Im not the biggest fan of them Welcome to the neighborhood.) Abby across the street sent their gate code with the directive to pick all the figs you might possibly eat! So many figs arrived, reads a text from my husband during that time. We shared the bounty with friends and devoured many ourselves, feeling fanciful slicing them into morning yogurt and finding excuses to make cheese plates. Mostly, I snacked on them whole, nibbling a couple at a time. That first summer in the new house we didnt have air conditioning during a historic heat wave, but we had more figs than we could eat. The next year, Bob left an egg carton at our doorstep; I opened it to find a dainty Brown Turkey fig in each of the dozen spots. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A box of Calimyrnas, plump Brown Turkeys and an egg carton filled with figs, gifted by neighbors on our block the year we moved in. Emily Jan/The Chronicle When our kid was born last fall, my parents visited from the Midwest and stayed with us for more than a month, following a Taiwanese tradition of care for the new mother called (zuo yue zi). During those hazy postpartum days, they cooked nearly every meal for us, and we feasted on glistening noodle dishes and soups simmered with ginger for lunch and dinner, bowls of red bean soup with dates and goji berries throughout the day. I woke to my dad preparing precisely diced cubes of papaya, peeled and quartered persimmons and kiwis jewels presented to me during a simultaneously dark and blindingly brilliant time. Cut fruit is a well-documented gesture of love in Asian homes, and, more often than not, this simple devotional act brought me to tears. My parents time with us provided nourishment in ways far beyond filling our bellies, at a moment when the world felt overwhelmingly beautiful and dangerous. What I didnt expect at that time was the support from our neighbors, who showed up with gifts and meals. There was a postpartum care package that included a necessarily large bag of dried prunes, a tiny Oaklandish onesie that I now cant believe our kid ever fit into, a quartered soy chicken with fixings and jus that ran down my chin when I devoured it, ravenous from breastfeeding, next to the sink in the middle of the night. Our neighbors have shown me a kind of love and mutual aid that I had never experienced before, the kind that happens when we have a stake in a community and in each others lives. We may not be present at one anothers big moments, but we are witness to each others day in and day out, and that adds up to a profound lot. My neighbors fig tree and chickens pictured in his backyard in Oakland. Emily Jan/The Chronicle We feed each others backyard chickens, lug in neighboring trash bins, exchange alerts when its street sweeping day and someone has forgotten to move their car. We walk together to the Halloween block party and shoot daggers at the drivers who speed down the street. Two of our neighbors were the first people I texted when our kid was unexpectedly sent home early from daycare and we needed help. And toward the end of each year, the neighborhood figs shrivel and fall with certainty, then reappear in abundance in the summer, when well just as certainly sip beer and see one another at the block party. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A few months ago, my husbands phone pinged in the other room. Our neighbor, the same one who brought over a veggie casserole last fall that fed us and my parents, had just delivered her second kid in the early hours that morning. I smiled, excited to meet our new neighbor, surely a future fig lover, and started thinking of what we should cook for them. Former President Jimmy Carter former first lady Rosalynn Carter joins hands to pray with former Philippine President Fidel Ramos and former Philippine first lady Amelita Ramos in 1999 in Maragondon, the Philippines, before they and volunteers began the construction of low-cost homes for the poor. Pat Roque/Associated Press 1999 Former President Jimmy Carter shakes hands with Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso in December 1999 at the Miraflores Locks during a symbolic ceremony signifying the turnover of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama. Carter was the architect of the treaty that handed the canal over to the Panamanians. JOHN DAVENPORT/DAVENPORT 1999 Who cared about Paraguay in 1993? The land-locked South American nation, an arid smugglers haven, held little fascination for Americans back then. But one American in particular did care: ex-President Jimmy Carter, who came to observe Paraguays first democratic vote in 182 years and on which I was reporting for the Chronicle. Even before Carters death Sunday in Plains, Ga., at age 100, tributes had poured in, mainly about his brokering the Camp David Peace Accords between Israel and Egypt in 1978, and a year later, signing the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks agreement with the Soviet Unions Leonid Brezhnev, as well as for his post-presidential work for Habitat for Humanity, campaign to end Guinea worm disease in Africa and missions to monitor elections across the globe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But I think Carters legacy shined most brightly in Latin America. Unlike any other U.S. president before or after, he understood the regions quest for democracy over autocracy. When Carter assumed office in 1977, Latin America was in chaos. There were civil wars in Guatemala and Nicaragua. All but four nations were dictatorships. Even traditional democratic countries like Chile and Uruguay were led by repressive military regimes. The most brutal of all Argentina unleashed unprecedented violence on its opposition during its infamous dirty war, killing as many as 30,000 people. Today, a far-right extremist like former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), who has been accused of attempting a coup to stay in office, is considered an outlier. Back then, he would have been just one of the gang. Prior to Carter, U.S. foreign policy typically supported Latin American governments that were friendly to our interests, regardless of their human rights record. Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously said of Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza: He may be a son of bitch, but hes our son of a bitch. Carter, on the other hand, ended support for Somozas dictator son, Anastasio Somoza Debayle, cut or ended military aid to military dictatorships, criticized and pressured those regimes on human rights violations and gave control of the Panama Canal to Panama. Carters Latin America policy reimagined U.S. national interests and paired human rights with greater respect for national sovereignty, challenging U.S. patterns of intervention and alignment with right-wing anti-Communist dictatorships throughout the Cold War, wrote Vanessa Walker, professor of Latin American Studies at Amherst College in 2021 for Oxford University Press. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And as a journalist reporting from Latin America for some 12 years, I observed a reverence for the man many Americans at that time saw as a weak and vacillating president. On a 1984 tour of South America four years after Americans rejected his second term and voted overwhelmingly for Ronald Reagan presidents, governors, archbishops and reporters flocked to shake Carters hand. They all credited the 39th U.S. president with advancing democracy and human rights in their countries. In Argentina, journalist Jacobo Timerman who reported the militarys atrocities during that nations infamous dirty war cited Carter as saving his life after being jailed and tortured. Carter made personal calls to then-president Gen. Jorge Videla to plead for the release of Timerman and other political prisoners. Timerman's countryman, Adolfo Perez Esquivel, who also opposed the dictatorship and won the 1980 Nobel Peace Prize, said Carter helped free him from imprisonment. In Brazil, Carter met with Sao Paulo Archbishop Paulo Evaristo Arns, a human rights advocate with whom he could meet only in secret during a 1978 visit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Moreover, during the Carter presidency, the Brazilian Metal Workers Union, led by a little-known factory lathe operator named Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, grew to challenge the nations labor code, which was modeled after fascist Italy and linked all unions to the Ministry of Labor. It was telling that as soon as Carter left office, Brazils military regime which had never been forced to deal with a genuinely independent union movement cracked down on da Silva, stripping him of his union title and sentencing him to 3 years in prison. Today, Da Silva is in his third term as the nations president after a narrow win in a 2022 election over Bolsonaro. Back in Paraguay, Ill never forget Carters toothy smile as I approached him at a press conference in Asuncion, the capital, to ask a question about the pending general elections. Looking down at my press badge, he asked: How can I help you, Jack? Advertisement Article continues below this ad He arrived despite his unpopularity with the nations powerful military. As president, he had pushed it for transparent elections and the release of political prisoners. He cut off American intelligence help to the government of Gen. Alfredo Stroessner, whose 35-year dictatorship routinely imprisoned and tortured opponents or forced them into exile before he himself was toppled in a bloody coup in 1989. In fact, before the 1993 election, a leading military leader had threatened that the armed forces would continue to co-govern for centuries to come, no matter whom it bothers, no matter whom it hurts, no matter whom it pinches, no matter who whines. Not surprisingly, Election Day did not go smoothly. Gunmen fired on an opposition TV station, and government officials sabotaged the computer transmission lines of opposition parties. Party leaders felt they had no recourse but to go to Carters hotel to ask him to intervene. He did just that by accompanying them to the state telephone company, demanding its officials restore their phones, which they did. Carter ultimately announced the election free and fair after the victory of businessman Juan Carlos Wasmosy. With that, Paraguay became the last South American country to shed its long history of military dictators. Carter devoted his life to making repressive undemocratic regimes a relic of the past. Since 1989, his Atlanta-based Carter Center has monitored 125 elections in Africa, Latin America and Asia. The center has even monitored the 2020 U.S. presidential contest, citing a backsliding of American democracy that started a decade ago and has accelerated during the Trump administration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies As the New York Times has noted, Carter has been not only the most misunderstood president of the last century, but the most decent man to have occupied the Oval Office in the 20th century. 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. Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's answer to a media question on escalating tension on Pakistan-Afghanistan border 28 December 2024 21:45 2526-28-12-2024 Question: Media outlets report of armed clashes on several checkpoints on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. How would you comment on these reports? Maria Zakharova: Moscow is concerned about the escalation of tension on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border where shootings claim the lives of military personnel and also civilians. We call on the parties to exercise restraint and to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at peaceful resolution of all differences. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address December 29, 2024 Release Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter The Department of Defense mourns the loss of President Jimmy Carter at age 100a principled leader, America's longest-lived president, a great son of Georgia, and a steadfast champion of human rights and democratic ideals. 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. In his Nobel Peace Prize lecture, he noted that his "first chosen career was in the military." After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946, the future president completed two years of surface-ship duty before beginning to work on submarines. Lieutenant Carter was then selected to join an important program to develop nuclear-powered submarines, and he served on the first U.S. submarine built since World War II. While he was training to become an engineering officer, his father died, and the young sailor resigned from the Navy to support his family in Georgia. In 2005, the USS Jimmy Cartera nuclear-powered submarinewas commissioned in his honor, and in 2023, Building 105 at the U.S. Naval Academy was renamed Carter Hall. 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. His administration worked to strengthen NATO and U.S. alliances worldwide, grapple with the Iranian revolution, and confront Soviet aggression in Afghanistan. History will also remember President Carter for establishing official U.S. diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and for personally brokering peace between Israel and Egyptthe first peace treaty between the Jewish state and one of its Arab neighbors. After his White House tenure ended, President Carter and his beloved wife, the late Rosalynn Carter, founded the Carter Center and worked tirelessly to build homes for the poor, fight disease, and expand economic opportunity. And the former president loved teaching Sunday school. President Carter's lifelong leadership and deep faith will continue to inspire Americans and people around the world. On behalf of the entire Department of Defense, Charlene and I send our deepest condolences to the Carter family. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4017545/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols over Huangyan Dao, 'a message to provocation-seeking countries' Global Times By Liu Caiyu and Liu Xuanzun Published: Dec 29, 2024 03:52 PM The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command organized naval and air forces to conduct combat readiness patrols in the territorial waters and airspace around China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas on Sunday, according to the PLA Southern Theater Command's official WeChat account. Since December, the theater command has continuously strengthened patrol and alert operations in the maritime and aerial areas near the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao, further enhancing control over these areas to resolutely defend national sovereignty and security and firmly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. According to a video released by the PLA Southern Theater Command, Y-8 series special operations aircraft, a Su-30 fighter jet and an H-6K bomber were among the aviation forces that participated in the patrols, while a warship flotilla led by the Type 055 large destroyer Xianyang (Hull 108) were among the maritime forces. Combat readiness patrols differ from routine training exercises, Zhuo Hua, an international affairs expert at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times in a previous interview. "Combat readiness patrols ensure personnel and equipment remain in full combat readiness, ready to respond to any accidental escalation or external attacks. This is the message China hopes provocation-seeking countries will understand and take seriously," Zhuo said. Since China released baselines for the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao, both the PLA and the China Coast Guard (CCG) have organized various types of combat readiness patrols and related law enforcement activities in different forms, Ding Duo, a deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Law and Policy at the China Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Sunday. This is a message to provocation-seeking countries, Ding emphasized. Whether the Philippines attempts to use mixed formations of civilian ships, fishing boats, government vessels or military ships to infringe on the territorial sovereignty of Huangyan Dao, or whether it is other countries like the US that intend to flex its muscles, China possesses sufficient means, capabilities and response plans to safeguard its sovereignty, security and developmental interests in the South China Sea, Ding said. Previously on December 27, the CCG conducted law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters and surrounding areas of Huangyan Dao. Since December, the CCG has continuously strengthened law enforcement patrols in the territorial waters and surrounding areas of Huangyan Dao, monitoring and driving away illegal intruding vessels, further enhancing control over the relevant maritime areas, and resolutely safeguarding national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Over the past year, although there have been some frictions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, and an increasing military presence of the US and Western countries, the overall situation in the South China Sea remains stable, and generally controllable, Ding said, attributing the situation to China's continuous improvement of capability in managing South China Sea affairs, Ding said. "China's management of the situation is a key factor in maintaining overall peace and stability in the South China Sea." The actions taken by the PLA and the CCG in the South China Sea will reassure the entire nation: our citizens can trust the Party and the country to safeguard our sovereignty and rights, the expert told the Global Times. This message serves to boost morale and strengthen national cohesion among the people, he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two Israeli soldiers killed in northern Gaza fighting IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 29, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in fighting with Palestinian resistance forces in northern Gaza. The deaths on Sunday were confirmed by the Israeli military. One of the slain soldiers was Yuval Shoham, who served in the 9th Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade, according to The Times of Israel. It said the other one was an officer named Hod Shriebman. No further details were provided. According to The Times of Israel, the latest killings bring to at least 394 the number of the regime's military fatalities caused during the ground offensive on Gaza. Palestinian resistance groups say that the fatalities are much higher as the Israeli regime does not release the real figures of its military casualties amid public discontent over the war. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Waymo robotaxis have procedures in place when passengers do not exit the driverless vehicles upon reaching their destination. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Its New Years Eve in San Francisco, youve had one too many drinks while celebrating, and youve got no designated driver. These days, that familiar problem has a new solution: a sleek white chariot with no driver to judge your drunkenness. A Waymo. But say youve had two or perhaps 10 too many. What happens if you pass out in a Waymo? The robotaxis first sign that somethings wrong is if no one opens the door once the autonomous car reaches its destination, according to a Waymo spokesperson. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats when the driverless vehicles many cameras come into play. The cameras, which use a machine-learning model trained on specific real-time use cases, can determine whether a rider is incapacitated, the spokesperson said. (The cameras can also determine whether a rider is smoking inside, or not wearing a seatbelt.) Then Waymos human employees will take a look with their own eyes. Though most of the companys staff can only see a blurred version of the cars interior through its cameras, the uncensored, live feed is available to a small number of authorized employees, the spokesperson said. If the robotaxi and the human agree that the rider is passed out, one of Waymos rider support agents will reach out to the rider after a while using the cars customer service interface and ask whether they need help, the spokesperson said. Finally, if the rider still doesnt respond, the agent will contact emergency personnel. That hasnt happened yet, at least not in San Francisco, according to Fire Department Lt. Mariano Elias. The department has responded to other Waymo-related calls, like when a teenager allegedly set a Waymo ablaze in February, or when a man stalled a Waymo to talk to a woman inside, he said, but not to any reports of incapacitation in the robotaxis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By contrast, its pretty common for the department to receive a 911 call from an Uber or Lyft driver about a passenger passed out in a vehicle, even more so on New Years Eve, Elias said. But if the department were to receive a report of someone incapacitated in a Waymo, Elias said, the protocol wouldnt be too different from a medical emergency in any other vehicle emergency personnel would assess the situation and provide medical help if needed. The only difference might be that Waymo employees would have to unlock the cars doors remotely to let fire personnel in, which Elias said theyve done in other Waymo-related emergencies. Worst case scenario, well break the window, Elias said. Waymo did not provide an estimate on how often intoxication-related incapacitation happens in its robotaxis, but a spokesperson said such incidents happen infrequently in the context of the over 150,000 trips served each week across our markets. The company opened rides to the public in San Francisco in June, and in August expanded its service area to include Daly City, Broadmoor and Colma. The perils of riding drunk pale in comparison to the dangers of driving drunk, especially during the holidays. Drunken driving deaths in December are the highest theyve been in 15 years, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data from 2022, the most recent data year available. That December, 1,062 people died in drunken driving-related crashes, the most since 2007, NHTSA said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Waymo markets itself as a way to avoid drunken driving, and the company has partnerships with Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Students Against Destructive Decisions (formerly Students Against Driving Drunk), according to a spokesperson. Waymo encourages its autonomous ride-hailing platform as one way in which a person can get home safely after drinking, the spokesperson said. To do so effectively, we encourage riders to double check that their pick up and drop off locations are correct before hailing their ride. One last word to the wise: If you throw up in a Waymo, you might be spared the embarrassment of a disgusted driver, but youll still get hit with a cleaning fee. Palestinians in Gaza launch fresh rocket attacks on Zionist settlements IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 29, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime's military has confirmed that five rockets were fired from Gaza into settlements in the southern occupied territories. The military said that the rockets were fired on Sunday, with one of them landing in uninhabited areas. It also said two more rockets were intercepted, but provided no details about the rest. According to the Israeli regime's military, the rocket fire from Gaza set off sirens in Sderot and Nir Am towns. Israeli TV Channel 12 said four rockets were fired towards Sderot alone. The media outlet also said that the Sunday projectiles were fired from the northeastern city of Beit Hanoun. That's the same city from where two missiles were also launched towards Israeli-occupied territories on Saturday. Israeli media on Saturday described the rocket fire from Beit Hanoun as surprising, citing repeated military offensives by the regime against resistance fighters there in the past months. The latest missile attacks by Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza come 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 45,514 people and injured 108,189 others in Gaza, according to the latest figures by the Health Ministry there. Most of the casualties are women and children. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas denies Israeli claims about assassination of Ismail Haniyeh IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 29, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Hamas has rejected claims made by the Israeli regime regarding the method used in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the former head of the movement's political bureau, in Tehran. In its statement issued on Sunday, Hamas categorically denied all fabrications published by the Israeli regime, particularly the so-called details of the operation targeting Ismail Haniyeh. The movement further clarified that the Israeli regime had alleged Haniyeh was assassinated with a planted bomb in his room at an Iranian guesthouse during his visit to Tehran where he attended the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas noted that joint investigations by its security apparatus and Iranian authorities revealed that the assassination was carried out using a guided missile containing 7.5 kilograms of explosives, which specifically targeted Haniyeh's mobile phone. The statement emphasized that the claims by the Israeli regime were a desperate attempt to divert public attention from this multi-faceted crime, which constituted a blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PA security forces target Jenin homes with RPGs IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 29, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces have used rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) to target homes in Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, as the PA continues its crackdown on resistance fighters there. The PA forces have blocked entrances to Jenin for the past 24 consecutive days, Al-Araby al-Jadeed (The New Arab) reported on Sunday. The Jenin refugee camp, located in the northern occupied West Bank, has been the scene of clashes between the PA security forces and resistance fighters, with reports saying the PA forces have turned the homes into military centers. Palestinian groups have warned against the spread of violence from Jenin to other areas in the West Bank. A spokesman for the Jenin Battalion, which is affiliated to Islamic Jihad's (PIJ) military wing called the al-Quds Brigades, warned about the situation in Jenin, saying that it will become another Gaza if the violence continues. 1483**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas calls for sending international monitors to Gaza hospitals IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 29, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian resistance movement, Hamas has called for the dispatch of international observers to Gaza hospitals to refute the lies of the Zionist regime and its claims about the use of healthcare facilities by resistance fighters. The continued systematic targeting and destruction of all medical centers and hospitals by the criminal army of the Zionist occupation regime, the latest example of which was the burning and destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, places a historical responsibility on the shoulders of the United Nations and the international community for failing to stop the war of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people, Hamas emphasized in a statement. According to a report on Sunday morning by IRNA, citing the Palestine Information Center, in this statement, Hamas urged the United Nations and all relevant international institutions to take immediate action, based on their obligations within the framework of international humanitarian law, to protect the remaining hospitals and health centers in Gaza and provide them with medical equipment. It continued by saying that "international observers to be sent to these centers to expose the Israeli regime's lies and baseless claims that hospitals are being used by Hamas". Munir Al Barsh, the director of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, announced on Friday evening that Kamal Adwan Hospital had been set on fire resulting in the martyrdom of 50 Palestinians, including patients and medical staff. "The Zionist occupying forces had completely surrounded the hospital and that the surgical wards, laboratory, facilities and maintenance, emergency room, and warehouses of the hospital had been completely set on fire", he said. Israel claimed the hospital was used by Hamas fighters, a claim that the regime often cites to carry out attacks on critical facilities in Gaza without providing any evidence to back up its claim, and Hamas has "categorically" denied such allegations. The raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital comes amid a renewed Israeli ground offensive in northern Gaza, which began in October. Israel has imposed a siege on the area, severely curtailing deliveries of humanitarian aid to Palestinians there. The WHO said it also documented "escalating restrictions on access and repeated attacks" on the health facility since early October. "WHO calls for urgently ensuring that hospitals in North Gaza can be supported to become functional again," the agency said in Saturday's statement. The Israeli genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip continues for the fifteenth consecutive month, while the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant on charges of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and using hunger (starving the people of Gaza) as a weapon. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel issues new displacement order for besieged northern Gaza town Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 7:17 PM Israeli forces carrying a massive campaign of death and destruction in northern Gaza ordered residents remaining in Beit Hanoun to quit the town on Sunday, causing a new wave of displacement across the besieged Palestinian territory. Local Palestinian media reports said the Israeli military announced its new push into the Beit Hanoun area on Saturday. 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 Israeli raids and attacks. The residents said the latest forced expulsion has caused a new wave of displacement across the blockaded region. Much of the area around the northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahiya has already been cleared of people and razed in recent weeks. Palestinian and United Nations officials said no place is safe in Gaza and that evacuations worsen the humanitarian conditions of the population. Thousands of Palestinians displaced from their homes have been living inside nylon, plastic, and makeshift tents along the coast and in the central area of the al-Mawasi evacuation zone. Al-Mawasi, a coastal region west of Rafah, previously designated by Israel as a "humanitarian area," has repeatedly come under Israeli attacks. The fear is this is going to worsen as weather forecasts warn of a cold front hitting the Gaza Strip in the coming days. Several Palestinian babies have died of hypothermia at the al-Mawasi refugee camp in southern Gaza in recent days. Children in Gaza are also dying of malnutrition amid Israel's chokehold on aid and necessities. On Friday, Israeli forces stormed the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza. 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. 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 besieged strip killed at least 22 people since early Sunday. The second year of aggression in Gaza has drawn growing international condemnation, with officials and institutions labeling the attacks and blocking of aid deliveries as a deliberate attempt to destroy a population. Last month, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its deadly war on Gaza. The Israeli military campaign against Gaza began in October 2023. Since then, at least 45,500 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Azerbaijan's Aliyev says crashed jetliner downed by Russia unintentionally Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 6:59 PM Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev says the country's jetliner that crashed this week was unintentionally shot down by Russian forces. The Azerbaijan Airlines' Embraer 190 aircraft crash landed on Wednesday near the city of Aktau in western Kazakhstan, leaving 38 out of the 62 passengers and five crew members on board the plane dead. Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 was "shot down by accident," Aliyev confirmed on state TV on Sunday. "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 added. He further said that the navigation system of the aircraft, which was flying from Azerbaijan's capital city of Baku to the southern Russian city of Grozny, had been malfunctioning due to some sort of electrical jamming. The airliner diverted and was mistakenly flying towards Kazakhstan when it was shot down by the Russians' air defense system. Aliyev rebuked Russian officials who had tried to "hush up" the cause of the plane crash by attributing the incident to birds colliding with the aircraft, or some sort of blast on the plane caused by a gas cylinder. He said the initial explanations that were put forward by Russian officials after the crash had left him both "upset and surprised." "Unfortunately, in the first three days we heard only absurd versions from Russia," Aliyev complained, insisting that the Russians needed to take responsibility, punish whoever caused the crash, and compensate. "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," Aliyev said. On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace." The Kremlin said it had launched a criminal investigation to determine the cause of the incident. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas: Israel lies about military presence in Kamal Adwan Hospital to justify raids Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 6:32 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has categorically denied any military presence in the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the northern Gaza Strip, saying the Israeli regime resorts to such "lies" to justify its attacks on the medical facility. Hamas made the remarks on Sunday in response to the occupying regime's allegations about the presence of resistance fighters and combat equipment in the Kamal Adwan Hospital. The movement categorically denied any military presence or fighters inside the hospital, whether from the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, or any other faction. It said the hospital was open to all, including the international and UN groups that know the hospital very well. "The enemy's lies about the hospital are to justify the heinous crime committed by the occupation army today of vacating it and burning most of its sections, in the application of the plan of genocide and forced displacement," it emphasized. Hamas reiterated that Israel's lies and deception are not new as the regime has in the past promoted the same allegations against other hospitals, including al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, to destroy them. However, international investigative reports proved the occupation's false claims. Pointing to a fully-fledged genocidal and displacement plan in northern Gaza, Hamas called on the United Nations to condemn the occupation army's destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital and form an investigation committee to examine the extent of the crimes committed in the Strip. "We also urge to provide medical services to our people after the occupation's destruction of all health facilities in the north," the movement said. The Israeli military on Friday stormed Kamal Adwan Hospital, torching large sections and ordering hundreds of people to leave. The attacks continued on Saturday. The Israeli occupation forces detained the hospital director and other medical personnel, subjecting them to humiliating treatment, including being ordered to strip at gunpoint. At the time of the raid, at least 350 people were present in the hospital, including 180 medical workers and 75 critically injured patients, according to the Gaza-based Government Media Office. Gaza's civil defense agency said on Sunday the Israeli forces also targeted Al-Wafaa Hospital in central Gaza City, killing at least seven Palestinian people. The Al-Wafaa Hospital was said to be partially operational due to Israeli attacks. In a statement later in the day, Hamas condemned the Israeli raids on hospitals as war crimes. "The Zionist airstrike on Al-Wafaa Hospital and artillery shelling on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City are war crimes," the Palestinian resistance movement said. "The international community must take action to send UN observers and impose protection for hospitals," it added. Hamas also condemned what it called the international silence regarding these unprecedented crimes that have been going on for 15 months, including genocide, the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure - particularly hospitals - and the deliberate targeting of doctors and medical personnel. Israeli forces refuse to allow Kamal Adwan Hospital to reopen The Israeli military said on Sunday that it opposes the resumption of operations in Kamal Adwan Hospital following the regime's raid. It said all activities will reportedly be transferred to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which has effectively become the only major functioning hospital north of Gaza City. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday condemned the military crackdown against Kamal Adwan Hospital, saying, "The systematic dismantling of the health system in Gaza is a death sentence for tens of thousands of Palestinians in need of health care." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas rejects false claims by Israeli media about Haniyeh's assassination Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 3:27 PM The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has rejected "baseless" Israeli media claims regarding the details of the assassination of its former political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital Tehran. Hamas made the remarks in a statement on Sunday, a day after Israel's Channel 12 claimed that Haniyeh's assassination was carried out with a "precision bomb" placed inside his room and controlled remotely. Hamas rejected "all the lies" of the Zionist regime that were published, regarding what it claimed were the details of the assassination operation of Martyr Ismail Haniyeh, the statement said. The resistance group also noted that joint investigations with Iranian security agencies revealed the operation was carried out using a 7.5-kilogram guided missile that directly targeted Haniyeh's mobile phone. It further stated that the Israeli regime's claim is "merely a desperate attempt to divert attention from the complex crime that was committed by violating the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran with a missile that targeted one of the country's official headquarters." According to Israel's Channel 12, preparations for the operation included meticulous surveillance of Haniyeh's movements to ensure that he stayed in a specific room on multiple occasions. The report said the operation faced a major challenge when the air conditioning in Haniyeh's room malfunctioned, raising the possibility that he would be moved to another location. However, a maintenance team resolved the issue, allowing the plan to proceed, the report claimed. Haniyeh was assassinated on July 31 after the regime carried out a targeted killing operation against him in Tehran. The Palestinian resistance leader was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Israeli regime also assassinated Haniyeh's successor, Yahya Sinwar, in another attack in the Gaza Strip in October and staged a targeted killing strike against Beirut in September that resulted in the assassination of Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UAE-backed forces target civilian shelter in Sudan, killing 21 Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 11:08 AM A UAE-backed paramilitary group has attacked a civilian shelter in western Sudan, killing 21 displaced people there Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reportedly targeted the shelter for displaced people in El Fasher, activists said on Saturday. "An RSF drone attacked the Qouz Beina school, which houses a large number of displaced people, leading to 21 deaths and 17 injuries," reported the El Fasher Coordination of Resistance Committees, a group involved in war victim relief efforts. El-Fasher and its surroundings has been the scene of violent clashes since early this year. The city had been relatively calm since an internal conflict erupted in April 2023 in the capital city Khartoum between the UAE-backed forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). On April 11, 2019, a junta-led coup d'etat deposed Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir after thirty years in power, plunging the country into internal strife between powerful factions since then. The power struggle between the dueling armed forces, RSF led by Sudanese president and top commander Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former Vice President and SAF commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths, according to estimates from the UN and local authorities. In addition, over 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to the conflict. A leaked UN report has pointed to "credible" evidence that proved the UAE is backing the RSF group, providing military support to them. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni forces down US MQ-9 Reaper drone over al-Bayda Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 7:40 AM The Yemeni Armed Forces says they have successfully shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone which was conducting "hostile missions" over the central al-Bayda province. In a statement released on Saturday, the Yemeni military announced that air defenses used a domestically-made surface-to-air missile to target the unmanned aerial vehicle. The MQ-9 Reaper drone was the 13th of its kind destroyed by the Yemeni forces since they launched a pro-Palestine campaign, the statement added. Reapers, which cost around $30 million apiece, can fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and have an endurance of up to 24 hours before needing to land. The aircraft has been flown by both the US military and the CIA over Yemen for years. Additionally in their statement, the Yemeni forces reaffirmed their resilience against all enemy plots aimed at undermining the country's sovereignty. They also emphasized that they will continue their operations in solidarity with the Gaza Strip until the usurping regime ends its genocidal war and lifts its inhumane blockade on the Palestinian territory. Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, killing almost 45,500 Palestinians to date. Yemenis have hit targets throughout the occupied territories, in addition to firing at Israeli ships or vessels heading to or departing Israeli ports, in the southern Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden, and even in the Arabian Sea. Despite hundreds of attacks from the UK, US, and Israel, Yemen remains committed to supporting Palestinian resistance, repeatedly vowing to continue operations until Israel's Gaza onslaught ceases. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rescue crews search for two Portland, Ore., men who went missing while hunting for Sasquatch. courtesy of the Skamania County Sheriff's Office Two Portland men were found dead in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest over the weekend after they went missing during a Christmas Eve search for Sasquatch. The bodies of the men, ages 37 and 59, were discovered in a remote, densely wooded area after a grueling three-day search, authorities said. Both deaths appear to be due to exposure, based on weather conditions and ill-preparedness, according to the Skamania County Sheriffs Office in Stevenson, Wash. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The men had planned to return home on Christmas Eve but failed to do so, prompting a family member to report them missing around 1 a.m. on Christmas Day. Authorities soon launched a search operation that would last through the holiday weekend. More than 60 volunteers, including search-and-rescue teams, canine units and drone operators, joined the effort, battling freezing temperatures, snow, rain and difficult terrain. The U.S. Coast Guard also sent a helicopter equipped with thermal imaging technology to assist in the search. The breakthrough came when footage from a Flock camera revealed the mens vehicle parked along Oklahoma Road, near Willard, Wash., about 50 miles northeast of Portland, Ore. From there, rescuers were able to pinpoint the location of their bodies. These phenomenal volunteers also fought through freezing temperatures, snow, high water levels, heavy rain, downfall, and heavily wooded terrain, the sheriffs office said. Their exhaustive search efforts resulted in bringing family members home to their loved ones. The ill-fated journey was part of a growing trend of Sasquatch hunting on the West Coast in the Pacific Northwest, an area long associated with the legendary creature. In the dense forests of Humboldt, Mendocino and Trinity counties, numerous reports of strange footprints, eerie vocalizations and encounters with a large, hairy creature have been made over the decades. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Hoopa Valley has been a focal point for Sasquatch enthusiasts and researchers, with the Hupa Tribe holding centuries-old stories of the Oh-mah, a wild, protective being that resembles modern-day descriptions of Bigfoot. But authorities in Washington emphasized that the wilderness can be dangerous, especially for those unprepared for its challenges. 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. Dec. 28: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 5:54 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid the West-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 45,500 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 Saturday, December 28, are as follows: Al Qassam Brigades' operations on Dec. 28: Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers with light weapons and hand grenades, in the Abu Safiya area, east of Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip. Sniped an Israeli soldier near Sultan Studio, east of Jabalia al-Balad, northern Gaza Strip. Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces from more than one axis and detonated explosive devices planted in advance in Tulkarem, occupied West Bank. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Dec. 28: Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles with mortar shells in the vicinity of Al-Attar Mosque, southwest of Rafah city in southern Gaza Strip and seized a reconnaissance plane while it was carrying out spying missions in the area. Detonated a highly explosive device planted in advance on an Israeli military vehicle in the town of Kafr al-Labad, east of Tulkarem, occupied West Bank. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Dec. 28: Ambushed Israeli forces in the Al-Manshiya neighborhood of Nour Shams camp, occupied West Bank, which resulted in the severe injury of the commander of the Israeli regiment deployed there. Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Dec. 28: Targeted the positions of Israeli forces in the "Netzarim Axis" with 107 regular missiles. Yemeni military's operations on Dec. 28: Shot down an American MQ-9 drone with a locally-made surface-to-air missile in the airspace of Yemen's Al-Bayda Governorate the thirteenth so far. Targeted the Israeli Nevatim air base in the Negev region using a hypersonic ballistic missile of the type Palestine 2. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Black Box Sent To Brazil As Baku Accuses Russia Of 'Covering Up' Cause Of Crash By RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service December 29, 2024 Kazakh authorities on December 29 said the cockpit recorders of the Brazilian-made plane involved in a deadly crash are being sent to Brazil for investigation amid accusations by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev that Russia is trying to "cover up" the cause of the tragedy. The Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane was flying from the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, to Grozny in Russia's Chechnya region on December 25 when it was diverted and crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. There has been growing evidence that the jet was hit by a Russian air-defense missile in Chechnya before it went down near the city of Aqtau in western Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Transport Ministry said the commission in charge of the probe had "decided to send the flight recorders to the Center for the Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents in Brazil" -- the country that manufactured the popular Embraer-190 jet, utilized mainly for flights of less than three hours. Aliyev said the plane was mistakenly shot down while approaching Grozny, adding that the jet's GPS systems were affected by electronic jamming. "Our plane was hit by accident," Aliyev told state television on December 29. "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 Aliyev, citing statements in Russia that attributed the crash to birds or the explosion of some sort of gas cylinder on the plane. Those theories, Aliyev said, showed "that the Russian side wanted to cover up the issue." Aliyev's comments came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized to Aliyev but did not accept blame for the plane crash. In a phone call with Aliyev, Putin said Russian air defenses were repelling an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on 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. 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 in 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." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-russia-kazakhstan- plane/33256995.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AZAL Plane Was Not Downed on Purpose Over Russian Territory - Aliyev Sputnik News 20241229 BAKU (Sputnik) - Azerbaijan Airlines' (AZAL) Embraer 190 passenger plane was not shot down in Russia's airspace on purpose, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday. "The plane was not shot down over Russian territory on purpose," Aliyev said in an interview with Azerbaijani TV channel Aztv. The president said that the fact that the plane's fuselage had holes in it ruled out collision with a flock of birds as a possible cause of the air disaster. The plane's tail section was badly damaged by what Aliyev said were shots fired from the ground. "The truth behind what happened will be known once the black boxes are opened... The facts are that the Azerbaijani civil aircraft sustained external damage while it was flying over the Russian territory, near the city of Grozny," Aliyev said, adding the plane was likely affected by electronic warfare systems. The president stressed that Russia needed to punish those responsible for the crash and pay compensation to the Azerbaijani government, the victims and the plane's crew. He confirmed that Russia had already apologized for the accident. "We openly outlined our demands to the Russian side. On December 27, these demands were officially communicated to the Russian side. What were they? Firstly, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan. Secondly, it must admit its responsibility. And thirdly, the perpetrators must be brought to justice, and compensation must be paid to Azerbaijan and the injured passengers and crew members. These are our terms," Aliyev said. The Azerbaijani leader praised the professionalism and dedication of the pilots who crash-landed the damaged plane near Aktau. "They were experienced enough to know they would not survive the crash-landing, but still they showed incredible valor trying to save the passengers, and it is thanks to them that there were survivors in this catastrophe," he said. Azerbaijan has suspended flights indefinitely to 10 Russian cities, Aliyev said, citing concerns for passengers' safety. Russian airlines will also be barred from flying to Azerbaijan from three Russian cities. An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 plane flying from Baku to Russia's Grozny crashed on the morning of December 25 near the city of Aktau in western Kazakhstan. The airline said 62 passengers and five crew members were on board. Kazakhstan's emergencies ministry said 29 people survived the crash. According to Russian aviation authority head Dmitry Yadrov, at the time the plane was preparing to land, Ukraine was carrying out terrorist attacks on civilian infrastructure of Grozny in the Chechen Republic and Vladikavkaz in the Republic of North Ossetia using unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defenses were repelling those attacks. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mikheil Kavelashvili Takes Office as Georgian President After Contested Vote Sputnik News 20241229 TBILISI (Sputnik) - Mikheil Kavelashvili took office as president of Georgia on Sunday after an inauguration ceremony in parliament, which was marred by protests staged outside by opposition supporters. Kavelashvili took a solemn oath, after which the anthem of Georgia was played. The Georgian parliament held a presidential election on December 14. The Central Election Commission announced that the ruling Georgian Dream party's candidate, Kavelashvili, won 224 out of 300 votes. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the lawmakers, who voted for Kavelashvili, as well as the government and Central Election Commission officials, and top judges of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, among others. Foreign ambassadors to Georgia did not attend the ceremony. Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, who has to vacate the presidential palace after Kalevashvili's inauguration, refused to go, arguing that the elections were rigged and calling the parliament illegal. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on December 22 that Zourabichvili could face charges if she failed to leave the presidential residence in Tbilisi. Zourabichvili said on the inauguration day that she would leave the presidential palace, but would remain with the Georgian people and advocate for new parliamentary elections. "Six years ago, I swore an oath on the constitution regarding the loyalty to the country and your loyalty, that is why I am here. My loyalty will not change, whether I am in the palace or out of the palace ... I am staying with you, with the people," Zourabichvili said. The outgoing president also said that she was taking the legitimacy and the flag with her while leaving the presidential residence, adding that she would fight for holding new parliamentary elections. Earlier in December, Central Election Commission chairman Giorgi Kalandarishvili said that the ruling Georgian Dream party's candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili, was elected Georgian president. The election took place amid Zourabichvili refusing to leave her post. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Refuses to Provide Map for Troop Withdrawal From Gaza Strip - Hamas Official Sputnik News 20241229 MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - 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. "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. "Russia has historically been one of the states friendly to the Palestinian people and supportive of their legitimate rights. This statement by President Putin is a confirmation of the continued support and new impetus at the international level for a just Palestinian position," Basem Naim, a member of the movement's politburo, told 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. "This issue is not on the negotiating table regarding the first ceasefire phase. Our stance, both in these negotiations and in others, is that the Palestinian people, as long as they are under occupation, have the right to get rid of the occupation and establish their own state, so they have the right to resist this occupation by all legitimate means, including armed resistance," Naim said. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India shows no willingness to extradite Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh By Shaikh Azizur Rahman December 29, 2024 India has shown no sign of complying with Bangladesh's 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 country's 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 India's 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 Bangladesh's 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 Hasina's 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 Hasina's regime. "We believe it is our responsibility." Zafar Sobhan, editor at the Bangladeshi English-language daily Dhaka Tribune, said the country's demand for Hasina's 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 Hasina's 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 Hasina's 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 Bangladesh's 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 Hasina's henchmen who have also sought refuge across the border," Danilowicz told VOA. "India's unwillingness to return these fugitives will be much more difficult to defend as it tries to position itself as a great power," Danilowicz said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 29 December 2024 - Day 1040 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 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to withhold the pressure of the occupation troops. The situation in the Pokrovsky, Kurakhivsky and Vremivsky directions remains tense - the Russian enemy is focusing the main offensive efforts there. In addition, the occupiers are actively attacking the Lyman direction today. So far, there have been 171 combat encounters. Today, the Russian terrorist state caused 6 air strikes, dropping at this 9 kab. In addition, the Russian zombies used 752 kamikaze drones for strikes and carried out more than 4100 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Kharkiv direction Russian terrorists once stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the area of Gatishcha, the attack was repelled, the opponent was unsuccessful. Six times Russian forces attacked Ukrainian positions in the Kupyansky direction. Near Petropavlivka, Kucherivka and Lozova units of the Defense Forces repelled all Russian attacks. In the Lyman direction for today, Russian troops attacked Ukrainian defenders in the areas of settlements Grekivka, Green Grove, Platonivka, Pershotravneve, Nadia, Makiyivka, Terni, Yampolivka, Ivanivka and Bilogorivka. Ukrainian warriors fought off 23 enemy attacks, three combat continues. On the Sivers komu direction from the beginning of the day, Russian forces made one useless attempt to appease Ukrainian defenders from occupied positions in the area of Zolotarivka. In the Kramators komu direction, Ukrainian warriors repelled seven attempts of the zagarbnikiv to advance in the areas of the Time Yar and Stupochok, two more clashes continue so far. In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces seven times tried to advance in the areas of Scherbinivka and Toretsk, currently continue two attacks of the opponent. In the Pokrovsky direction during this day, the Russian aggressor 40 times attacked Ukrainian positions in the areas of the settlements Green Field, Vozdvizhenko, Peace, Beam, Lisivka, Dacenske, New Labor, Vovkove, Solone, Novoolenivka, Novovasilivka and Novoelizavetivka. The eight clashes are still ongoing. According to the available information, the loss of the Russian occupiers to the direction, as of today, 482 people have been killed and wounded, one infantry fighting vehicle, two cars and one motorcycle have been destroyed, in addition, two tanks, six armored vehicles and three units of Russian vehicles were significantly damaged. In the Kurakhiv direction Russian zagarbniki at this time of the day made 18 attempts to move forward. Three attacks continue. Russian forces attacked near the settlements of Ukraina, Slovyanka, Petropavlivka, Kurakhove and Dachna. In this direction of the Russian enemy loss, 74 occupants were killed and wounded, one tank, one BMP and one enemy car destroyed, in addition, three BBMs and one Russian mortar were damaged. On the Vremivskyi direction today, Russian forces attacked the front edge of Ukrainian defense 19 times near the settlements of Konstantinopolskie, Yantarne, Uspenivka, Konstantinopil and Privilne, two clashes are currently ongoing. In the pridniprovsk direction, Ukrainian troops repelled one Russian attack. Russian forces did not carry out active actions in the orihiv, gulyaipils komu directions. Defense Forces of Ukraine continue operations in the Kursk direction. Today Ukrainian soldiers repelled 38 attacks of the Zagarbnytsia army in this direction. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces hit formations of a mechanised brigade of the AFU and a territorial defence brigade close to Volchansk and Tikhoye (Kharkov region). The enemy lost up to 40 troops, a motor vehicle, a 152-mm D-20 gun, a 152-mm Giatsint-S gun, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. One electronic warfare station and one ammunition depot were neutralised. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line, inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of a tank brigade, two mechanised brigades of the AFU, a territorial defence brigade, and a national guard brigade near Kunye, Zapadnoye, Dvurechnaya, Glushkovka, Petropavlovka, Lozovaya (Kharkov region), Yampol, and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Four counter-attacks launched by AFU armed forces were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 420 troops, an armoured personnel carrier, six motor vehicles, a UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, and a152-mm D-20 gun. One Anklav-N electronic warfare station and four field ammunition depots were destroyed. The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines, engaged formations of two mechanised brigades, a motorised infantry brigade, an airmobile brigade of the AFU, and a territorial defence brigade of the AFU close to Dalneye, Minkovka, Ostrovskogo, Yantarnoye, Razliv, Chasov Yar, and Kurakhovo (Donetsk People's Republic). Two enemy counter-attacks were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 220 troops, a tank, a pick-up truck, a UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, a U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, and an electronic warfare station. The Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Novotroitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic) as a result of the successful offensive. The Russian Armed Forces inflicted losses on the manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, a motorised infantry brigade, a marine brigades, a territorial defence brigade, and an assault brigade of the National Police of Ukraine near Krasnoarmeysk, Zarya, Vozdvizhenka, Dzerzhinsk, Shevchenko, Dachenskoye, Novoolenovka, and Peschanoye (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, 11 AFU counter-attacks were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to more than 480 troops, three infantry fighting vehicles, five armoured fighting vehicles, five pick-up trucks, a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, a 152-mm D-20 gun, a 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer. The Vostok Group of Forces advanced further to the depths of the enemy's defence and hit formations of a mechanised brigade, a motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and a territorial defence brigade near Ravnopol and Zelenoye Pole of the Donetsk People's Republic. Two counter-attacks launched by enemy assault detachments were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 170 troops, a tank, three motor vehicles, a U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, a 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and a 152-mm D-20 gun. The Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and hardware a mechanised brigade, an infantry brigade of the AFU , and two territorial defence brigades close to Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region), Antonovka, Sadovoye, and Mikhaylovka (Kherson region). The AFU lost up to 70 troops, two motor vehicles, an electronic warfare station, and a Dutch-made Squire reconnaissance radar station. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged the infrastructure of military airfields, the launch site of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as clusters of manpower and military hardware of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 137 areas. Air defence units shot down 61 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 38,813 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,083 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,073 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,621 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. During the offensive, the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of a heavy mechanised brigade, four mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, a marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and an assault battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Maryevka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Three attacks of enemy assault groups were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and Artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware close to Aleksandria, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, Sudzha as well as Belovody, Bogdanovka, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region. The AFU losses amounted to up to 400 troops during the day, three tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles, an armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, a mortar, 13 FPV-drones, and an electronic warfare station. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 45,220 troops, 262 tanks, 203 infantry fighting vehicles, 142 armoured personnel carriers, 1,349 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,231 motor vehicles, 336 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, 83 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, six armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HSBC's refusal to appear at UK Parliament hearing on Hong Kong was a mistake The UK bank is contributing to financial repression by the Hong Kong government. By Megan Khoo 2024.12.28 -- The closing weeks of 2024 brought troubling news from Hong Kong, from the jailing of 45 democracy activists to a guilty verdict for seven people charged with "rioting" for trying to stop a violent thug attack. Away from the headlines, an equally insidious form of repression is playing out: the problem of more than 120,000 recent Hong Kong exiles who have been cut off from their retirement savings since 2021. Hong Kong Watch has found that Hong Kongers were being denied access to over 3 billion (US$3.8 billion) of money they paid into the city's retirement scheme, known as the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF). On Dec. 19 in London, Hong Kong Watch joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hong Kong and Stand with Hong Kong in a hearing on the withholding of Hong Kongers' MPF savings in the British Parliament. The MPF is a compulsory retirement savings scheme for the people of Hong Kong. Under the legal guidelines which govern MPF savings, Hong Kongers are entitled to withdraw their money in full once they complete a declaration form stating that they have permanently departed from Hong Kong. However, after Hong Kong authorities announced in in January 2021 that they no longer recognized the British National (Overseas) (BNO) passport as a valid form of identity , an estimated 126,500 Hong Kongers have been blocked from accessing their MPF savings. The British Parliament heard that this number is likely higher, as the mere awareness of an overwhelming number of cases being rejected discourages Hong Kongers from applying for withdrawal. The three Hong Kongers who testified this month also emphasized that the Hong Kong government's non-recognition of the BNO passport has no basis in law, as there have been no legal changes made to the MPF Trust Deed. As of the end of June, the total value of all MPF schemes was a little over 122 billion. Taking the average MPF account size of 26,000, and multiplying it by the number of BNO visa holders at 127,000, there is over 3.25 billion worth of MPF assets that Hong Kongers are currently being denied access to as of Sept. 30. Bank no-shows The London-headquartered MPF trustee banks, HSBC and Standard Chartered, which manage 37 billion and 758 million worth of MPF savings respectively, were invited to testify at the hearing. However, despite a personal request from Blair McDougall, the chair of the APPG on Hong Kong and host of the hearing, HSBC rejected the request to appear before Parliament and Standard Chartered failed to respond. Their refusal and silence speaks louder than words. Specifically, in their response to the APPG on Hong Kong and to 13 Parliamentarians who inquired about how the HSBC restructure will affect MPF claimants, HSBC claims that they are legally bound by Hong Kong legislation in their non-recognition of the BNO passport as proof of identity. Yet the non-recognition of the BNO passport is not legally binding but a tactic of transnational repression against those who have fled from the quickly deteriorating human rights environment in Hong Kong. The BNO passport is also a UK government-issued identity document, which the UK government should immediately make clear to the UK-headquartered MPF trustees. In addition to the non-recognition of the BNO passport, MPF trustees have denied access to MPF savings for accounts which are "under investigation" by the Hong Kong government. This is applicable for accounts connected to the Hong Kongers who were issued arrest warrants with HK$1 million bounties for participating in pro-democracy activities in 2023. This further demonstrates that the blocking of MPF savings is a form of financial transnational repression. Suffering, lost opportunities The Hong Kongers who testified at the hearing included Chloe Lo, a single mother who shared, "Last winter, I could barely pay my heating bill and my child and I experienced the coldest winter of our lives." This could have been avoided if she had access to the 57,000 in her MPF account. The other Hong Kongers said that accessing their MPF savings would allow them to pursue further education in the UK and to invest in British businesses. Their testimonies coincided with a letter sent directly to HSBC last week from nearly 400 Hong Kongers in the UK, urging the financial institution to immediately release the savings that rightfully belong to them. HSBC is mistaken in refusing to appear before Parliament, as their refusal only demonstrates HSBC's complicity in the financial transnational repression of the Hong Kong government. One Hong Konger who testified and whose MPF account has depreciated by 5% in 2024 alone said, "It is obvious that HSBC is arbitrarily holding our savings to roll up the assets and squeeze the administration cost and capital gains from the investment." Following the hearing, the Parliament is keen to continue raising this issue, and to press the UK government to issue guidance to and have conversations with HSBC and Standard Chartered about the validity of the BNO passport. This is not just a matter for the Hong Kong authorities but also for the UK ones who issue BNO passports and are responsible for the more than 180,000 Hong Kongers who now call Britain home. To conclude the hearing, chair McDougall said that we often talk about the cost of human rights violations against individuals around the world but how in this case, there is an actual number on that cost. He also said that both HSBC and Standard Chartered "still have questions to answer, even if they are not willing to open themselves to scrutiny." This could not be more spot on, and this is not the end of HSBC and Standard Chartered being invited to appear before Parliament. Megan Khoo is policy director at the international NGO Hong Kong Watch. Khoo, based in London, has served in communications roles at foreign policy non-profit organizations in London and Washington, D.C.. The views expressed here do not reflect the position of Radio Free Asia. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content December not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship leaves dockyard, soon to enter next phase of outfitting and calibration Global Times By Zhang Yuying and Liu Xuanzun Published: Dec 29, 2024 12:12 PM China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, left the dockyard on Sunday morning. This marks the completion of the construction of the main ship, and the vessel will soon enter the next phase of outfitting and calibration, China Central Television (CCTV) reported. The work of outfitting and calibration involves the debugging of the ship's power system, the installation and debugging of various electronic devices and weapon systems, as well as the interior decoration of the ship's compartments. This part of the work will be carried out by factory personnel. After this phase is completed, mooring tests and sea trials will be conducted jointly by the factory and the receiving naval unit, according to the CCTV's report. The Sichuan was launched in Shanghai on Friday. It has a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, is equipped with a double island superstructure and a full longitudinal flight deck, and innovatively applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, according to China Bugle, an official media account affiliated with PLA's news media center. The Sichuan did not leave the dockyard at the launch day due to a scientific assessment that considered specific conditions such as tide levels, wind strength, and visibility, read the CCTV report. Specifically, the water level in the dock must exceed a certain level for the ship to fully float, ensuring that the vessel can smoothly rise and leave the dock entrance, and the wind strength should not exceed level 6 on the Beaufort scale, with wind speeds not exceeding 10.8 m/s. Besides, during the undocking process, the tugboat operators need to have a clear view of the surrounding environment and obstacles to make timely and correct maneuvers. Generally, visibility is required to be no less than 150 meters. "The ship leaving the dockyard indicating that the hull is in good condition and that the ship's watertightness has been thoroughly inspected," an anonymous military expert told the Global Times on Sunday. According to Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, after leaving the dockyard, the installation of systems related to the entire ship may commence, and the outfitting process may encompass functional systems such as auxiliary power and electronic radar systems. The anonymous expert noted that the mooring tests will evaluate systems such as the power, electronic, and fire control systems. Additionally, the ship will perform corresponding experiments on its electromagnetic catapult system to prepare for sea trials. "Mooring tests are very important, as they relate to the overall performance of the hull. When all performance indicators of the tests meet the design requirements, preparations for sea trials can begin," the expert said. The expert further noted that given the Type 076 amphibious assault ship has adopted many mature technologies, its outfitting and testing time may be shorter than that of the aircraft carrier Fujian. The PLA Navy's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which is China's first warship to utilize the electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, began the sea trials phase with its maiden voyage on May 1 of 2024 following its launch on June 17, 2022. Netizens have been actively discussing the Sichuan since its launching, with many expressing their admiration and pride for their motherland. "The Sichuan, breaking waves and riding the wind, moves forward courageously, setting sail toward the deep blue sea!" read a Sina Weibo user's post on Sunday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea launches 'toughest' anti-US policy for security interests Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 7:28 AM North Korea's leader has announced Pyongyang's plans to launch its "toughest" anti-US policy to counteract Washington for its security and national interests. America "is the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy," Kim Jong Un announced, vowing to launch the nation's most powerful defense strategy, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Sunday. Kim vowed that the strong new stance would defend the North Korean nation's interests and security against US aggression. The North Korean leader said America alongside its regional allies Japan and South Korea "has expanded 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, expressing his willingness to promote relationships with "friendly countries." Kim also called for progress in defense science and technology to bolster the country's war deterrence. The Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) held its annual meeting from last Monday through Friday to review policies from 2024 and discuss plans for next year. The WPK is the oldest active party in the country and the largest party represented in the Supreme People's Assembly. Washington has bolstered security cooperation with South Korea and Japan, intensifying US military presence and drills in the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang perceives these actions as provocations and attempts to intimidate and contain them. The intensification of joint military exercises and the deployment of advanced weapons systems in the region are seen by Pyongyang as evidence of Washington's aggressive stance and a rehearsal for potential strikes against North Korea. North Korea considers its nuclear program as a vital deterrent against external aggression and a means to ensure its survival amidst a hostile environment. In recent years, North Korea has accelerated its nuclear and missile development program while strengthening ties with Russia. North Korea's relationship with Russia is characterized by shared strategic interests and mutual opposition to the United States' global influence. Pyongyang views Russia as a valuable ally in its quest for security and development, as both countries have experienced economic sanctions and political isolation for defying US-imposed norms. North Korea views the US as a hostile imperial power that seeks to undermine its sovereignty and security. This view aligns with Russia's grievances against the US-led world order. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. Iran FM meets with SCO secretary general in China IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Dec 29, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led an official delegation to China, met with Nurlan Yermekbayev, new Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Beijing. Araghchi, while meeting with Yermekbayev on Saturday afternoon referred to the increasing importance of the SCO for advancing multilateralism and ensuring the security and political interests of member countries. The SCO, due to membership of significant and influential countries in regional and beyond, including two permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with large economies and several important regional players, can play an impactful and growing role in enhancing multilateralism and strengthening cooperation among member countries in various security, political, and economic fields, the top Iranian diplomat underscored. The SCO's secretary general, for his part, expressed pleasure over Iran's full membership in the bloc since 2023. Yermekbayev described Iran's capacities for further strengthening the position and role of the SCO as very important and welcomed the initiatives proposed by Iran to expand activities within the grouping's economic, banking, and commercial spheres. Iran, China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus are the 10 main members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Mongolia and Afghanistan are observer members, while Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, and Myanmar are dialogue partners of the organization. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC Ground Force pounds Jaish al-Adl terror group's bases in anti-terror campaign in SE Iran Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 9:15 AM Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has inflicted major losses on the so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group in the course of a counter-terrorism military campaign in the southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, striking the bastions of the militant outfit. Second Brigadier General Seyed Mohammad Hosseini, the Commander of the 110th Salman Farsi Special Operations Brigade, said on Sunday the operation has "seriously disrupted" the activities of Jaish al-Adl terrorists. According to Hosseini, the commando unit of the IRGC Ground Force alongside other operations units from different parts of the country have managed to firmly respond to Jaish al-Adl's threats during the "Martyrs of Security" campaign over the past few months. "One of the most important achievements of the IRGC Ground Forces amid the Martyrs of Security exercise was the destruction of several terrorist cells and bases," Hosseini said. "The terrorists' safe haven, which was located deep inside the country, was detected and struck which seriously disrupted the activities of Jaish al-Adl terrorists," the senior IRGC commander noted. "During the aforementioned exercise, some of the main elements of the terrorist group were identified, arrested, and eliminated, thus ensuring sustainable security in sensitive regions," Hosseini said. He also praised the desirable synergy between the tribal leaders, the IRGC Ground Forces, and local people in the fight against terrorist elements. Sistan and Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan, has witnessed several terror attacks targeting both civilians and security forces over the past years. Terrorist groups carrying out attacks against Iranian interests in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country are believed to be linked to foreign intelligence services. On October 26, ten members of Iran's law enforcement forces were killed in a terrorist attack in the Gohar Kuh district of Taftan County in the province. The so-called Jaish al-Adl terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assault, which was one of the deadliest in the province in recent months. The group has carried out numerous terrorist attacks in Iran, primarily in Sistan and Baluchestan. Its tactics include the abduction of border guards as well as targeting civilians and police stations within the province to incite chaos and disorder. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on the telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Jordan Ayman Safadi 29 December 2024 18:21 2528-29-12-2024 On December 29, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister of Jordan Ayman Safadi. The ministers had an extensive exchange regarding the situation in and around Syria. They expressed a unanimous opinion that it is important for the international community to make every effort to fully respect the key principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, specifically, on preserving the territorial integrity and unity of Syria, organising an inclusive nationwide dialogue involving all political, ethnic and religious powers, with additional involvement of all external actors that have interests in Syria and are capable of positively affecting national consensus. Sergey Lavrov and Ayman Safadi agreed to continue close cooperation to promote said approaches. The ministers also discussed the schedule of upcoming Russia-Jordan contacts at the high level. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with Rossiya Segodnya, December 29, 2024 29 December 2024 07:00 2527-29-12-2024 Question: Will Russia withdraw from the New START before it expires considering the aggressive Western policy? Or maybe Moscow will be willing to comply with the quantitative limits as set forth in the New START even after the February 2026 deadline? Sergey Lavrov: There is an objective reality in which the destructive policy by the United States has undermined strategic stability at its core. In some cases, its very foundations were destroyed. Moreover, anti-Russian sentiment within the incumbent administration in the US has gone through the roof, making the strategic stability dialogue impossible against this backdrop. Russia will not have any arms control talks with the United States as long as it sticks with its current anti-Russian policy. However, this does not mean that Russia will not do anything voluntarily to maintain an acceptable level of predictability in the military and nuclear spheres. In fact, this is precisely what we are doing. In particular, we continue to abide by the quantitative limits regarding the corresponding weapons as per the New START. In addition to this, Russia upholds its unilateral moratorium on the deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles (INF). There have been other steps we took too. However, as we have repeatedly said, the relevance of these measures hinges upon whether they meet our interests. When making our assessments, we tend to focus on the efforts by the United States and NATO to upend strategic stability, and, accordingly, take into consideration the way the resulting threats evolve. Today, for example, it is clear that our moratorium on deploying intermediate- and shorter-range missiles has all but lost its relevance, which means that we would have to terminate it. The United States has arrogantly ignored Russia's and China's warnings and started to deploy these weapons in various regions across the world. President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that Russia will respond to these developments accordingly. Recently, we tested the Oreshnik hypersonic intermediate-range missile in combat conditions, which served as a convincing demonstration of our capabilities and resolve in terms of the actions we can take in response. As for the New START, let me remind you that at the time of suspending this agreement, we said that Russia intended to comply with its main limits throughout the treaty's life cycle and warned the United States against taking any steps which would make these efforts on our behalf irrelevant. We have been consistent in following this vision by making sure that the process of upgrading Russia's strategic nuclear forces complies with the limits as set forth in the New START, while also keeping a close eye on Washington's actions. We do not see any reason for trying to guess what will happen after February 2026 when the New START ceases to exist. Many things can happen in 2025. This makes announcing the possible steps Russia could make in this sensitive domain premature, as well as unreasonable. Save tomorrow for tomorrow, as the saying goes. Question: Some experts think that the new US administration has sufficient leverage to start talks on Ukraine. Do you agree? What is the probability of such talks being launched in 2025? Sergey Lavrov: Of course, both the new and the outgoing administrations have such leverage, but they should apply it to themselves and their Kiev wards. It Washington really wanted to put an end to the conflict, it would have stopped arms supplies to Kiev, ordered their satellites to follow suit and its Kiev puppets to cease fire and resume talks without any preconditions after lifting Zelensky's ban on talks with the Russian leadership. Our stance on a settlement is well known and remains unchanged. We are ready for talks, provided they are aimed at eliminating the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and take the situation on the ground into account. President Putin has unequivocally outlined our position of principle in the December 19 news conference on the results of the year, namely the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine, which should adopt a neutral, non-aligned and nuclear-free status, as well as the elimination of long-term security threats posed to Russia by the West, including NATO's enlargement. Kiev must assume concrete obligations to guarantee the rights, freedoms and interests of Russian-speaking citizens and, of course, recognise the territorial realities sealed in the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The implementation of the concrete proposals our president has outlined will help bring the conflict to an end and coordinate comprehensive, long-term, fair and legally binding agreements. This is the only path to a lasting peace. However, everything we have seen and read so far shows that Kiev and the West have started discussing the possibility of a ceasefire and a truce to get breathing room to reinforce the combat ability of the Ukrainian armed forces before renewing efforts to impose a "strategic defeat" on Russia. This is a dead-end, a road to nowhere. There is no doubt about this. Question: In light of the developments in Syria, are there any plans to adjust the updated Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran, more precisely, the chapter on mutual military assistance? Is the departure of Bashar al-Assad a reason for closer defence cooperation with Tehran? Sergey Lavrov: The new major treaty, which has long been drafted and coordinated by the parties, is a comprehensive, long-term and versatile document, so there is no need for any adjustments. It is aimed at formalising unprecedented progress we have reached in bilateral relations over the past years and their advance to the level of strategic partnership. It is logical that this comprehensive document has an international aspect, which is focused, in part, on promoting relations in the interests of regional and global peace and security, as well as on formalising Moscow and Tehran's intention to strengthen security and defence cooperation and efforts against terrorism, extremism and many other common challenges and threats. In principle, this is already being done, to one extent or another, but the signing of the agreement, which we hope to do during the next meeting at the highest level soon, will create additional opportunities for the further strengthening of Russian-Iranian partnership in focus areas. Question: In early December, Denmark delivered a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Earlier, you said that Moscow would consider supplying these aircraft to Kiev as a "deliberate signal from NATO in the nuclear sphere." What measures will Russia take with regard to Denmark and other countries that supply these weapons to Ukraine and continue to provide maintenance for them? Sergey Lavrov: The Danish authorities announced plans to send 19 F-16 fighter jets to Kiev as far back as August 2023. In August and December of this year, according to reports, the first two batches of these aircraft were transferred to Ukraine. Copenhagen is one of the largest donors of weapons to Kiev. Denmark is also involved in the training of Ukrainian militants. In addition, the country sends mercenaries to the war theatre and finances the production of military equipment at Ukrainian defence factories, using the income from the frozen Russian assets. We have repeatedly warned that by providing massive military assistance to the Ukrainian Nazis, Denmark, along with its sponsors and allies, is provoking an escalation of the conflict, forcing Russia to take adequate measures to ensure its national security, including of a military and technical nature. Any types of weapons supplied by Western countries to the Kiev regime represent legitimate targets and are being effectively destroyed by the Russian military. Question: Is the Russian side in talks with the armed opposition in Syria regarding the future of the Russian Federation's military bases in that country? Have you received any guarantees of their continued presence? Sergey Lavrov: The deployment of Russian military bases in Syria is regulated by relevant interstate treaties concluded in accordance with international law. Each of them stipulates the terms of these facilities' operation and contains certain obligations on both sides. Syria is a sovereign country that has the right to conclude and terminate any agreements with its foreign partners. The country has signed numerous acts of this kind over the decades since the establishment of the modern Syrian state. However, we are not aware of any steps being taken by the new Syrian authorities to inventory or revise any of them. The Russian side has not received any notifications in this regard. This makes perfect sense because Syria has declared a period of transition until March 1, 2025, and the current government has the status of an interim authority, which implies certain constitutional restrictions and institutional limitations on its policies. Undoubtedly, the change of power and the changes on the ground will make certain adjustments to Russia's military presence in Syria. This includes not only the continued deployment of our bases or strongholds, but also the terms for their operation, maintenance and support, and interaction with the local authorities. These issues could be the subject of negotiations with the new Syrian leadership. Question: Do you think it possible in the current circumstances to replicate the NATO Double-Track Decision to resolve the intermediate- and shorter-range missile crisis? Under what conditions would Russia be ready to discuss eliminating such systems with the United States and NATO? Sergey Lavrov: We do not consider it appropriate to speculate about what can or cannot happen in the minds of those who make decisions at NATO. Moreover, their decisions often seem irrational, to put it mildly, and misguided to say the least. For our part, we are ready for any scenario. In the event that new missile threats are created, our opponents will be given a strong rebuff in the form of military and technical countermeasures. On the other hand, any hypothetical steps to create acceptable conditions for an equal dialogue will certainly be considered. We have repeatedly pointed out that we can only be interested in a comprehensive effort to reduce the potential for conflict, specifically to eliminate the root causes of the fundamental disagreements concerning security. These primarily include NATO's long eastward expansion, something that has largely provoked the Ukraine crisis and continues to pose a threat to Russia's security. Hypothetically, arms control issues could also be discussed, but only as one component of a broader agenda. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Ready for Ukraine Talks, But They Must Include Situation on Ground - Lavrov Sputnik News 20241229 Check out the latest statements of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about the Ukraine crisis, Russian military bases in Syria and missile threats from the West. 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 Ukraine Moscow 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. "Of course, both the new and the current administrations have such levers. It should only apply them, these levers, to itself and Kiev wards. If Washington really wanted to end the conflict, it would have stopped supplying weapons to Kiev, demanded that their satellites do the same and ordered their Kiev puppets to cease fire, resume the negotiation process without any conditions," Lavrov said. Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister 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. "Judging by what we see and read, Kiev and the West have begun to discuss the possibility of some kind of ceasefire and truce in order to get a respite and during it increase the military potential of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and then resume efforts to inflict a 'strategic defeat' on Russia. Of course, this is a dead end. A road to nowhere. There can be no doubt about this," Lavrov told the agency. 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 Syria When 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. "Of course, such a comprehensive document also has an international component. Among other things, it pays special attention to strengthening interaction in the interests of peace and security at the regional and global levels, and sets forth Moscow and Tehran's desire for closer cooperation in the areas of security, defense, the fight against terrorism and extremism, and countering many other common challenges and threats," he said. Russia-NATO Relations Speaking 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. "Today it is obvious that, for example, our moratorium on the deployment of the INF is already practically nonviable and it will have to be abandoned," Lavrov added. 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 United States arrogantly ignored the warnings from Russia and China and, in practice, proceeded to deploy weapons of this class in various regions of the world. As the Russian President Vladimir Putin has unequivocally stated, we will respond to this, and react proportionately," Lavrov explained. The recent testing of the Oreshnik system in combat conditions has shown Russia's capabilities, the minister concluded. On Russia-US Relations Russia 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. "This does not mean that Russia will not implement a number of measures to maintain an acceptable level of predictability in the nuclear missile sphere on a voluntary basis, which is what we are doing," the minister said. 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." "Given the extreme anti-Russian sentiment of the current US authorities, there are currently no conditions for strategic dialogue with Washington," he said. "We will not hold any arms control talks with the Americans until they abandon their current anti-Russian course," Lavrov added. On Nuclear Strategy In 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. "We consistently adhere to what we have declared: clearly incorporating the process of rearming Russian strategic nuclear forces into the limits of the New START, we are thoroughly monitoring Washington's actions," the minister added. 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's interview with TASS news agency, December 30, 2024 30 December 2024 00:05 2531-30-12-2024 Question: Are there any signals indicating that talks on a diplomatic settlement of the conflict in Ukraine might be relaunched early next year after the inauguration of Donald Trump? Is there any intention or necessity for Russia to restore relations with the United States under the new administration? Sergey Lavrov: We have not received any official signals regarding a settlement in Ukraine. Donald Trump will remain president-elect until his inauguration on January 20, with America's policy in all spheres determined by the incumbent president, Joe Biden, and his administration. So far, only the Biden administration has the authority to establish contacts with Russia on behalf of the United States. This sometimes happens, about which we inform the public, but these contacts have nothing to do with talks on Ukraine. Judging from numerous leaks and Donald Trump's interview with Time magazine on December 12, their idea is to suspend hostilities along the line of contact and transfer responsibility for confrontation with Russia to the Europeans. We are not happy, of course, with the proposals made by members of the Trump team to postpone Ukraine's admission to NATO for 20 years and to station British and European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Russia's position of principle regarding the Ukrainian settlement is well known. It has been put forth by President Vladimir Putin on many occasions, including at the December 19 annual news conference. We have always been ready for talks, and we still are. However, it is important to understand who we can talk with and what we will discuss. These are not rhetorical questions. President Putin has spoken about this in detail at the meeting with journalists I have mentioned. Personally, I would like to point out that what we need is reliable and legally binding agreements that would eliminate the root causes of the conflict and seal a mechanism precluding the possibility of their violation. As for the future of Russian-US relations, we are ready to renew the political dialogue which Washington terminated after the start of the special military operation, if the United States is ready for this. Since it was the Americans who cut it off, it is for them to make the first move. Some may still entertain illusions, but I have long abandoned them. Judge for yourself. Even if Trump tries to relaunch bilateral ties, he will have to swim against the stream, considering the current bipartisan consensus on the policy of deterring Russia, including by supporting the neo-Nazi Kiev regime. This will not be that simple, also because the US doctrinal documents define Russia as an adversary. We'll see what happens next. If the Americans respect our interests, our dialogue will be gradually renewed. If not, everything will remain as it is. Question: Vladimir Zelensky recognised that the Ukrainian army cannot recover lost ground. What does this mean for the Russian Federation? In your opinion, has NATO heeded Russia's warnings that any kind of a membership status for Ukraine would be unacceptable? Sergey Lavrov: We trust facts, not statements, especially when it comes to the Kiev regime. So far, Kiev has not renounced its objective of restoring what it calls Ukraine's territorial integrity within the 1991 borders and ensuring that Russian troops leave this territory. This objective is part of the so-called Zelensky formula. In October, there were meetings to prepare the second peace summit. They want to invite Russia there. As far as we can see, the goal here is to present an ultimatum to Russia. I have explained many times that Russia does not intend to take part in this would-be peace summit, even if we do get an invitation. It is anyone's guess what Vladimir Zelensky's public recognition that it would be impossible to recover lost territories by force means. He makes all kinds of statements. To be honest, we stopped paying attention at a certain point. As for our warnings that we would refuse to accept Ukraine's NATO membership regardless of the territorial factor, as far as we can judge, there is a lack of unity among NATO members on this matter. In fact, NATO has been expanding its reach for many years, which became one of the primary causes of the Ukraine crisis. With this in mind, there is still an imperative to ensure a non-aligned status for Ukraine as part of the goals of the special military operation. Its objectives must be achieved. Question: When will the West stop staging the so-called colour revolutions along Russia's borders? Do you think that Georgia will be able to get through what is going on there right now? Sergey Lavrov: This is a question for Western politicians. They have been long relying on efforts to interfere in the domestic affairs of other countries, including our closest neighbours, as their foreign policy tool. For many years, Washington and its satellites have been acting this way in an effort to deter and contain their geopolitical rivals and do away with any unwanted actors, as confirmed by what happened in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Ukraine. The developments in Georgia stem from the double standards when caring for democracy and human rights serves as a pretext for overturning election results after even the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights with its tainted reputation recognised the election as being free and fair. Why do they want to change the results? Just because the puppet masters in Washington and Brussels did not find the way people voted there to their liking. The United States and the European Union are trying to impose a distorted vision on Tbilisi which consists of dividing everyone into those who are with us and those who are against us. Meanwhile, it seems that Georgian authorities have opted for a sovereign policy which meets the country's national interests. They refuse to act as pawns manipulated by the West in its effort to destabilise Georgia, undermine its economy and incite escalation in its relations with Russia. I am certain that the people of Georgia can see through all this and will move forward. As for Russia, we have no intention to interfere in Georgia's domestic affairs. We are committed to bringing the Russia-Georgia relations back to normal as long as Tbilisi is ready to meet us halfway. Question: How will the situation in Syria develop after the change of government? Why has it happened so rapidly? Is it true that a redistribution of the spheres of influence is underway in the Middle East? Sergey Lavrov: We are closely monitoring the developments in Syria. It would be premature to make far-reaching conclusions regarding them now. However, it can be said that one of the reasons for the aggravation of the situation there was the former government's inability to meet the fundamental demands of the people amid a drawn-out civil conflict. The Syrians' hopes for improvements after a convincing defeat of international terrorism, including with the help of Russia's Aerospace Forces, have not materialised. Washington, which has effectively occupied the resource-rich north-eastern part of Syria and is putting serious sanctions pressure on Damascus together with a coalition of its satellites, bears a great deal of blame for this. This line for strangling the Syrian economy stirred up social discontent. In that situation, the Syrian authorities had to take unpopular measures, such as cutting or cancelling subsidies for socially significant products and services. Protest sentiments were growing in society, and public support for the government was decreasing. We provided various forms of assistance to the friendly Syrian people, including humanitarian aid, the restoration of social infrastructure destroyed during the conflict, and the creation of facilities for the return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. We also worked energetically to help bring about a political settlement, including within the Astana format. However, it can be said that despite our strong recommendations and active assistance, the former authorities have not managed to develop a constructive dialogue with their opponents and the influential regional neighbours with a view to launching a full-scale political process, or to settle serious socioeconomic problems. As for the second part of your question, I have a different description of the current developments in the Middle East and North Africa. The dramatic and tragic events we are witnessing there have largely been precipitated by the United States' irresponsible and destructive actions. Trying to maintain its influence in that part of the world, Washington actively interfered in the internal affairs of Arab countries and aggressively drew new dividing lines there. Iraq and Libya are still trying to clear up the consequences of the Americans and their satellites' reckless behaviour. Another source of chronic tensions is the recurring Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in which Washington tried to act as the sole intermediary. A combination of the above factors led to the destabilisation of the military-political situation in the Middle East in October 2023. Since then, the arc of violence has spread from the zone of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to Lebanon and the Red Sea. Confrontation between Iran and Israel has reached a dangerous level. I have already mentioned the situation in Syria. Russia has always tried to find solutions to the regional conflicts that would primarily suit the conflicting sides. The Middle Eastern states themselves must play the leading part in normalising the situation. We are ready to provide assistance to them. Question: The West relentlessly claims that the DPRK military are allegedly involved in hostilities as part of Russia's special military operation, calling this a new escalation on Russia's part. Moreover, they make these statements in no uncertain terms and in an accusatory manner against Moscow. How would you comment on this? Sergey Lavrov: We have repeatedly commented on the endless hype surrounding this issue, which the West continues to fuel. Recently, this propagation of falsehoods has become even more aggressive. A response to this is quick and easy: they really do protest too much, as a popular phrase goes. Those who accuse Russia of various doings should be advised to look in the mirror instead. NATO military and mercenaries openly participate in the planning of combat operations and fighting on the side of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. NATO is complicit in the invasion of the Kursk Region and long-range missile strikes inside Russia. President Vladimir Putin made this very clear in his recent public statements. What kind of escalation on our part are they even talking about? One definitely cannot expect Western representatives to be objective amidst an information war. We will continue to calmly and reasonably refute their biased anti-Russia insinuations. Russia will continue to cooperate with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in accordance with the bilateral Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was enacted recently. Among other things, the agreement provides for a joint response to threats arising against any of the parties. Question: Taiwan is another source of tension in the world. China is working to resolve this problem. At the same time, the United States has repeatedly engaged in provocations on this track. Do you think this policy will change with the second Trump administration? How real is the threat of a major war in the region? Sergey Lavrov: We would rather refrain from guessing the next US administration's plans and leave this to political scientists. According to our assessment of the overall situation in the region, it continues to deteriorate. The United States and its satellites declare their commitment to the One China policy while insisting on maintaining the status quo, which implies the preservation of the current situation indefinitely. At the same time, the Americans are taking inciting actions in the Taiwan Strait and supplying weapons to Taipei while forging a quasi-political dialogue with the local authorities. These actions predictably contribute to the growth of separatist sentiments, and their methods are very similar to those that they earlier used to create an anti-Russia bridgehead in Ukraine. It is clear to us that this policy pursued by Washington in violation of its obligations to Beijing on Taiwan is part of their strategy to step up military and political pressure on the PRC and eventually undermine regional security at the eastern end of the Eurasian continent. Our principled stance on the Taiwan issue has not changed. Once again, it was set out in a joint statement by the leaders of Russia and China following President Vladimir Putin's visit to China in May. Since every word is important in this case, I will quote an excerpt from this statement: "Russia reaffirms its adherence to the One China principle, recognises that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, opposes any form of "Taiwan independence," and firmly supports China's measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve national reunification." We will continue to be guided by these provisions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nearly 300 arrested in HTS crackdown on Assad loyalists in Syria: Report Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 6:18 PM A UK-based war monitor says the new rulers in Syria have detained nearly 300 people in a large-scale crackdown on loyalists to President Bashar al-Assad following the fall of his government earlier this month. Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), made the remarks on Sunday after the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) administration launched a widespread arrest campaign against Assad's loyalists earlier this week. "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," Abdel Rahman said. He went on to say that among those arrested were former informants, pro-government fighters, and former soldiers, as well as lower-ranking military officers. Abdel Rahman further noted that "the campaign is ongoing, but no prominent figures have been arrested" except for military justice official General Mohammed Kanjo Hassan, who allegedly issued death sentences for prisoners held in Sednaya jail. Syria's official news agency SANA also reported arrests this week targeting fighters loyal to Assad in Hama and Latakia provinces, where weapons and ammunition were seized, without providing any figures. Militants, led by HTS, took control of Damascus on December 8 and declared an end to Assad's rule in a surprise offensive that was launched from their stronghold in northwestern Syria, reaching the capital in less than two weeks. The HTS administration has repeatedly claimed they would respect the rights of all sects and religions in Syria. The situation, however, remains very fluid and fragile, with a potential risk of further clashes as sectarian sentiments continue to boil over, amid the ongoing political instability and pressures on minority groups. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria's terrorist rulers committing ethnic cleansing in Christian town: Rights group Iran Press TV Sunday, 29 December 2024 11:01 AM A rights advocacy organization says Christians have been threatened by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) militant group to evacuate the southwestern Syrian town of Maaloula, in what has been decried as an act of ethnic cleansing. "Syrian Christians in the ancient Christian town of Maaloula, Syria, are being threatened to leave the town by the AlQaeda/ISIS terrorists that have taken over Syria," the Iraqi Christian Foundation said in a post on X on Sunday. "An ethnic cleansing is happening in this ancient Christian town where Aramaic is still spoken. Pray for the Christians of Syria," the rights organization added. The mission of the Iraqi Christian Foundation is to advocate for the human, legal, and political rights of Iraqi Christians and other Christians across the West Asia region. The organization also provides humanitarian aid to Iraqi and Syrian Christian genocide victims. Other rights activists earlier warned about the lack of Internet access or communication and the unfolding of a massacre in Maaloula, the last town in Syria where Aramaic Jesus Christ's language is still spoken. The HTS administration, which led the onslaught that toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his government earlier this month, has repeatedly claimed to respect the beliefs and rights of all sects and religions in Syria. Tens of thousands took to the streets in Latakia, Tartus, Homs, Hama, and Qardaha in condemnation of the militants' desecration of an Alawite shrine in Aleppo last week, but the HTS violently attacked them, leading to deadly confrontations. The HTS is among the militant organizations that have taken on Syria over the past dozen years with massively deadly and devastating effects on the country's people. Since March 2011, Syria has been gripped by a campaign of militancy and destruction sponsored by the US and its allies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria's De Facto Leader Wants To Maintain 'Respectful' Ties With Iran, Russia By RFE/RL December 29, 2024 New Syrian de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa told the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television channel that he wants relations with Iran and Russia, but he insisted any ties must be based on mutual "respect." Russia and Iran were major allies of Syria under the regime of President Bashar al-Assad until the totalitarian leader was ousted by rebels in early December. The West is closely watching the new ruler's actions, including the depth of any future ties with Tehran and Moscow. "Syria cannot continue without relations with an important regional country like Iran," Sharaa told Al Arabiya in a wide-ranging interview on December 29. But relations "must be based on respect for the sovereignty of both countries and noninterference in the affairs of both countries," he added. Sharaa urged Tehran to rethink its regional policies and interventions and pointed out that opposition forces protected Iranian positions during the fighting to oust Assad, even though rebels knew Iran was a major backer of the president. Sharaa said he had expected positive overtures from Iran following these actions but said they have not been forthcoming. Sharaa, previously known by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, said that while he expects Moscow to withdraw its forces from Syria, he also spoke of "deep strategic interests" with the "second most powerful country in the world." "We don't want Russia to exit Syria in a way that undermines its relationship with our country," he told Al-Arabiya, without providing details. "All of Syria's arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts.... We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish," he said. According to flight data analyzed by RFE/RL, Russia is reducing its military footprint in Syria and shifting some of its assets from the Middle Eastern country to Africa. To offset the potential loss of its air base in Hmeimim and naval base in Tartus, Russia appears to be increasing its presence in Libya, Mali, and Sudan, although experts say the loss of Syrian bases is a major blow to the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Sharaa also said that organizing elections in the country could take up to four years and that a new constitution could require three years to be finalized. The leader expressed hope that the new U.S. administration under Donald Trump -- set to take office on January 20 -- would lift sanctions on his country. "We hope the incoming Trump administration will not follow the policy of its predecessor," Sharaa said. The rebels who ousted Assad were led by Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamist group, a U.S. and EU-designated terrorist organization. Sharaa has publicly pledged to adopt moderate policies regarding women's rights, national reconciliation, and relations with the international community, although world leaders say they remain wary of the new rulers pending concrete actions. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/syria-russia-iran-sharaa- trump-assad/33257139.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau December 29, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The leaders discussed the situation on the ground, and Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada's commitment to providing military, financial, humanitarian, and other support for Ukraine as it continues to fight against Russia's unjustifiable war of aggression. The Prime Minister and the President also discussed the recent crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243. The leaders agreed on the need for a transparent and independent investigation into the cause of the incident. Prime Minister Trudeau also underscored the continued importance of support for peace and freedom in Ukraine as Canada prepares to assume the G7 Presidency in January 2025, with both leaders expressing the need for continued sanctions against Russia. The leaders agreed to remain in close and regular contact in the new year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sometimes it can be frustrating when you delete an email by mistake, however, Gmail provides several ways to restore those emails. In case you wish to recover an email within the 30-day deletion period or if it has already been deleted permanently, this guide will show you how to find lost emails. Gmail's Explanation Of Its Email Deletion Process When you delete an email in Gmail, it won't just disappear: deleted items are normally stored in the Trash folder where they can be recovered for the next 30 days; you just only open the Trash folder and then recover the item. After 30 days the email is deleted permanently; nevertheless, depending on the backup system, some of them can be retrieved. If emails were permanently deleted, there might still be some copies on the Gmail backup servers. You can seek help from Google Support for this kind of situation. Nevertheless, the chances of recovery might be slim, and that is why acting quickly matters. How to Recover Deleted Gmail Emails Without a Backup If you've deleted an email but don't have a recent backup, don't worry. Gmail offers a few methods for recovering emails even without backup data. Here are some options to explore: Check the Trash Folder The first and easiest step is to check the Trash folder, where emails remain for 30 days before being permanently deleted. Here's how to retrieve emails from Trash: Log in to your Gmail account from a computer or mobile device. Scroll down the left-hand menu and locate the Trash folder. Browse through the deleted emails or use the Advanced Search feature to locate a specific email. Once located, click the box next to the email and click the Move to icon to restore it to your Inbox. Recover Permanently Deleted Emails Using Gmail's Admin Console Admins for users with a G Suite account can recover permanently deleted emails by restoring them in the Administrators' console within 25 days. To perform this, Enter the Administrator's Console. Go to Reports and click on Audit Log. Choose Restore Emails to retrieve lost data. Contact Gmail Support If you've tried the above methods and still can't find the deleted emails, your next option is to contact Gmail support. Google may be able to recover emails that are beyond the 30-day period, but success isn't guaranteed. It's best to make this request as soon as possible. How to Recover Deleted Emails in Gmail with a Backup Having a recent backup can hugely boost your chances of successfully recovering deleted emails. Here's what you can do if you have enabled Gmail backup features. Use Gmail's Message Recovery Tool If you have permanently deleted emails and they are backed up, you can use Gmail's Message Recovery Tool: Visit Google's Message Recovery page. Follow the instructions to retrieve emails from Gmail's backup servers. You will need to specify details such as the time of deletion, which increases the probability of recovery. Google Vault For commercial or corporate users, Google Vault is a more efficient means of recovering deleted emails. The vault is the location where archived emails are kept, and companies commonly use it for data retention and compliance purposes. Log into Google Vault using an administrator account. You can use keywords or date ranges to search for the deleted email. If the email is located, you can recover it to the inbox of the user. Recover Deleted Emails with Outlook AutoArchive If you have linked Gmail with Outlook, you may have a local copy of your emails. Check the feature of AutoArchive in Outlook to recover deleted emails. How to Recover Deleted Gmail Emails on Other Devices Whether you have a desktop, Android, or iOS device, there is a way to recover your deleted Gmail emails. Restore Email on the computer Access the computer via Gmail and click to view the Trash folder Find or search for an erased email. Click that, then click on "Inbox" or where it should be restored if found. Restore Email via Android Launch the app and access the Gmail client via Android Press Menu and navigate to your Trash Find and locate the deleted email. Upon this, click the more option and tap Move to so that it is able to be recovered Restore Email via iOS/iPadOS Open the Gmail app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap Menu and then Trash. Choose the email to recover, tap More, and then select Move to bring the email back to another folder. Best Practices to Avoid Email Loss Prevention is better than cure. There are a few tips to protect your emails from accidental deletion. Archive emails instead of deleting them. Archiving keeps your emails out of the way but allows easy access when needed. Enable Gmail backup through Google Drive or a third-party app for more comprehensive email recovery. Set up filters to organize your inbox and minimize the risk of accidental deletion. It is frustrating to lose an important email, but there are ways to retrieve it. You can often retrieve emails from the Trash folder or use Gmail's advanced recovery options. Acting fast will increase your chances of success. Remember to stay calm, follow the recovery steps, and use Gmail's backup features in your favor. Russian Forces Claim Capture Of Town In Pokrovsk Area, But Next Steps Unclear By RFE/RL December 29, 2024 Russia on December 29 claimed to have seized another town in Ukraine's Donetsk region as it continues its long, bloody drive against the strategic -- but nearly destroyed -- southern logistics hub of Pokrovsk. Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces have captured Novotroyitske, a settlement with a prewar population 6,300 about 16 kilometers south of Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian military did not comment specifically about Novotroyitske, but it said Russian troops had carried out 133 attacks on its positions as of 4 p.m. on December 29 -- the largest number in the Pokrovsk area. "In the Pokrovsk direction, since the beginning of the day, the occupiers have already made 26 attempts to push our defenders out of their positions" in several settlements, it said. On December 15, British intelligence said Russian forces had made gains south of Pokrovsk, but it is not clear what the Kremlin forces' next steps will be. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said geolocation data suggested the Russian military was about 10 kilometers from the border of the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin may be putting pressure on the Russian military command to advance to the border, and not to cover Pokrovsk at this time," it wrote. Heavy fighting was also reported in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces battle to hold territory taken earlier this year. "In the Kursk region, Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 attacks by Russian invaders today, 19 clashes continue. In addition, the enemy launched 152 artillery attacks," the military said. Meanwhile, Russia's assault on Ukraine's Mykolayiv region in the south also intensified. Regional Governor Vitaliy Kim on December 29 said defense forces had shot down at least nine Iranian-made Shahed drones, although falling debris hit one of the targets -- an energy infrastructure facility -- causing a fire and injuring one person. On December 28, the military said Ukrainian defenders had neutralized all 16 drones launched by Russia in Mykolayiv city, the capital of the region adjacent to Kherson. Russia and Ukraine have used drones regularly since Russia launched the full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022, with the Kremlin increasingly targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure as the winter cold sets in. Russia has denied it targets civilian infrastructure sites, despite widespread evidence of such attacks, as the Kremlin seeks to solidify positions in the territories it has occupied, not only since the February 2022 full-scale invasion but since its invasion of 2014. In an interview with RFE/RL, Viktor Muzhenko, the former Ukrainian military commander, said any truce between Kyiv and Moscow that leaves swaths of Ukrainian territory under Russian control would represent a victory for the Kremlin and "fully compensate [it] for its costs of the war." Muzhenko, who led the military from 2014-19, said the situation with the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and parts of Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions is "critical" -- "not only for the loss of territories, but also [the loss of] half of the resource base of Ukraine." On the foreign-aid front, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on December 29 said Kyiv had received an additional 150 million euros ($156 million) in aid from Denmark, France, and Lithuania to help finance the country's defense industry. "These funds, in particular, will be used for the production of missiles, deep-strike drones and artillery installations.," he said in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, outgoing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she does not expect the next government in Berlin to "abandon" Ukraine in its fight against Russia. "No German government devoted to the security of Germany and Europe will abandon the people of Ukraine," she said in an interview published by Bild newspaper on December 29. Germany will vote on February 23, a day after the anniversary of Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion. after a coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed last month. Berlin trails only Washington in the amount of support provided to Ukraine, although Scholz has been reluctant to send heavy weaponry to Kyiv, often angering the Ukrainian leadership. Addressing worries that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may push a peace deal detrimental to Kyiv following his January 20 inauguration, Baerbock underlined the importance of providing for Ukraine's security needs in any such agreements. "Only reliable, long-term and, above all, truly sustainable security guarantees will prevent [Russian President Vladimir] Putin from resorting to further campaigns of conquest. Only then will there be lasting peace and stability in Ukraine," she told Bild, without being specific. With reporting by RFE/RL's Ukrainian and Russian services Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-pokrovsk- baerbock-muzhenko-kursk/33257106.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (29 December 2024) 29.12.2024 The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region. During the offensive, the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on formations of a heavy mechanised brigade, four mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, a marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and an assault battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Daryino, Kurilovka, Leonidovo, Loknya, Malaya Loknya, Maryevka, Nizhny Klin, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Three attacks of enemy assault groups were repelled. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, and Artillery strikes engaged AFU manpower and hardware close to Aleksandria, Viktorovka, Guyevo, Kruglenkoye, Lebedevka, Nikolsky, Pogrebki, Russkoye Porechnoye, Sverdlikovo, Staraya Sorochina, Sudzha as well as Belovody, Bogdanovka, Zhuravka, and Miropolye in Sumy region. The AFU losses amounted to up to 400 troops during the day, three tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles, an armoured personnel carrier, three armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, a mortar, 13 FPV-drones, and an electronic warfare station. Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 45,220 troops, 262 tanks, 203 infantry fighting vehicles, 142 armoured personnel carriers, 1,349 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,231 motor vehicles, 336 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, 83 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, six armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle. The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress. Department for Media Affairs and Information NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Lost Up to 400 Troops in Russia's Kursk Region in Past Day Sputnik News 20241229 MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - 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. "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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Troops Liberate Novotroitskoye in Donetsk People's Republic Sputnik News 20241229 MOSCOW, (Sputnik) - Russia's Tsentr group of forces has taken control of the village of Novotroitskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. "As a result of successful offensive operations, units of the Central group of forces have liberated the settlement of Novotroitskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic," the statement read. Ukraine has lost up to 1,400 soldiers in battles with Russian forces over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday. Ukraine lost more than 480 servicemen in clashes with Russia's Tsentr group, which repelled 11 Ukrainian counterattacks, the ministry said. The Zapad group of Russian forces repelled four counterattacks and eliminated up to 420 Ukrainian soldiers. Russia's Vostok group of forces continued advancing behind the enemy lines, with Kiev losing up to 170 troops in the past day, while the Yug Group repelled two counterattacks and eliminated up to 220 Ukrainian military, the ministry said. The Russian operational-tactical aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery hit Ukrainian airfield infrastructure and a drone launch site and engaged enemy manpower and hardware clusters in 137 areas. More than 60 fixed-wing drones were struck down. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Aid to Ukraine Slowed Down in 2024, Showed Aim to Build Its Air Defense Sputnik News 20241229 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. 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 Kiev's 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 DoD's 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. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Must Launch the Military Ombudsman's Work Shortly - Address by the President President of Ukraine 29 December 2024 - 21:10 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Briefly about today. There was a request from our military, and it is an objective necessity to create a special institution of a Military Ombudsman. 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 Defense 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 Defense of Ukraine, the military command, and representatives of civil society. Many perspectives were considered. Now, the first decision has been prepared a decree on appointing the President's Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Military Personnel and their Families - to initiate the process and prepare for the launch of the ombudsman's institution. 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 Defense, 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 of Ukraine and the Government to promptly support the innovations that will be proposed. We must launch the Military Ombudsman's work shortly. I thank everyone who helps. I also want to acknowledge the Ministry of Defense team for the Army Plus application, which is already helping to address some problematic and sensitive issues faced by our military. In particular, this is a transfer issue that has not been resolved for a long time. Now it is already working in the Armed Forces of Ukraine - more than five thousand positive transfers have been made - reports have been approved. It is also working for the National Guard of Ukraine and will soon be available for our border guards. We will continue developing digital services - tools that not only eliminate the "paper-based" army but also genuinely help people feel greater appreciation from the state and more respect for themselves. I know that an important decision from the United States in support of Ukraine is being prepared - we expect the official announcement as soon as tomorrow - significant aid packages for our warriors. These are measures that have been effectively protecting Ukraine throughout these years of war. This support is aimed at strengthening stabilization efforts on the frontlines right now - the more comprehensive the supplies from our partners, the more lives of our troops will be saved. We are also working to ensure that our other partners maintain their support at the necessary level. I spoke today with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Next year, Canada will hold the G7 presidency, and it is important to ensure that international cooperation for the protection of our values and the lives of our people is strengthened. Justin and I discussed specific matters - weapons, additional air defense systems, investments in our defense industry, as well as our economic cooperation and sanctions against Russia - all the measures that help bring peace closer. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Discusses Continued Support for Ukraine with Justin Trudeau President of Ukraine 29 December 2024 - 20:39 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of Canada's upcoming G7 presidency. The key topic of the discussion was Canada's priorities during its leadership of the Group of Seven. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting Russian propaganda and its shadow fleet. Ukraine proposed the creation of a joint working group with the G7 to improve coordination efforts and enhance the tracking of vessels that help Russia finance the war and pose a serious environmental threat. Further coordination with all partners was also discussed. The shared goal is to secure a strong position for Ukraine to advance a just and lasting peace. Separately, the President briefed Prime Minister Trudeau on the battlefield situation, the course of the Kursk operation, and losses suffered by the North Korean contingent. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Canada for its defense assistance, including the NASAMS system, and outlined Ukraine's current military needs, focusing on air defense systems and armored vehicles. The President also proposed that Canada increase funding for Ukrainian weapons production and consider the possibility of localizing the manufacturing of certain types of arms. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, Dec. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) resulting from allegations that Unisys may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Unisys securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=9648 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. What is this about: On October 22, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it had charged four companies, including Unisys, with making materially misleading disclosures regarding cybersecurity risks and intrusions. Further, the SEC also charged Unisys with disclosure controls and procedures violations. On this news, Unisys stock fell 8.6% on October 22, 2024. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm 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 firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com PINGHU, China, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Located on the coast of the East China Sea, Pinghu is in the northeast of Zhejiang Province, with Shanghai to its north and Hangzhou Bay to its south. Covering a land area of 557 square kilometers and a sea area of 1,070 square kilometers, Pinghu administers 6 towns and 3 subdistricts, with a registered population of 518,000 and a permanent population of 688,000. As a famous area of fish and rice in the south of the Yangtze River, the city enjoys an honored title of Golden Pinghu. As a bridgehead linking Zhejiang with Shanghai, Pinghu has grasped the historical opportunities of the integration of the Yangtze River Delta and the construction of the Hongqiao International Open Hub, and deeply implemented the strategy of entirely connecting to Shanghai and fully integrating with the Yangtze River Delta. By taking full advantages of the 27 kilometers of coastline and 58 kilometers of borderline shared with Shanghai, Pinghu keeps deepening the integration of industrial development, sci-tech talents, public service, transportation network, and is striving to be a pioneer area for the integration of the Yangtze River Delta, and an important hub city on the Hongqiao southward expansion belt. Key IndustriesStarting from 2025, Pinghu City will focus on the following industries 1Automobile and Parts Automobile and Parts industry is a leading industry in Pinghu with local characteristics and location advantages. Pinghu City is a National Automobile and Parts Manufacturing Base, which has formed an enterprise framework with all-round development of foreign capital, state-owned capital and domestic capital. There are a number of industry leading enterprises in the fields of universal joint, drive shaft, damper, and other chassis parts, power motor, automobile transmission and braking system, etc. In 2023, 95 enterprises of over 20 million RMB output value in Pinghu achieved an output value of 28.93 billion RMB, accounting for 16.7% of the city's total industrial output value. 2High-end New Materials New Materials industry is another leading industry in Pinghu City. Relying on its own location advantages and existing industrial base, investment has been accelerating in recent years, and a number of major projects have been completed and put into production. The "Two-chains, One-sector" industrial development layout of the C3 and PTA industrial chains and fine chemical sector is the industry that contributes the most to the output benefit of Pinghu city. In 2023, 36 enterprises of over 20 million RMB output value in Pinghu city achieved an output value of 50.22 billion RMB, accounting for 29.1% of the city's total industrial output value. 3CNC Machine Tool CNC Machine Tool industry is a characteristic industry of Pinghu. Pinghu City is one of the only two core areas of robot and CNC machine tool industrial clusters in Zhejiang province. Relying on Japanese and German leading machine enterprises, Pinghu has built a complete industrial chain system of "complete machine leading, functional parts and fixtures and cutter matching." By the end of 2023, Pinghu has 63 CNC machine tools and spare parts enterprises whose output value is over 20 million RMB, with an annual output value of 11.02 billion RMB, accounting for 6.4% of the city's total industrial output value. 4Modern Logistics and Trade (Internet Services) Modern Logistics and Trade (Internet Service) is the leading service industry in Pinghu City. Pinghu has obvious advantages in logistics and trade with the one and only sea-river intermodal shipping route in northern Zhejiang and the national first-class import and export seaports such as Zhapu Port and Dushan Port, and JD.com, Seahonor Logistics and Zhejiang Material Industry Chemical Group, and other key enterprises have gathered, and annual revenue of logistics and trade has exceeded 42.5 billion RMB. We will strive to invite talents from digital trade, intelligent logistics, Internet production and life services industries to join Pinghu. 5 Fashion Creativity Fashion Creativity industry is the characteristic industry of Pinghu, mainly in clothing, luggage and other industries. Pinghu is known as the "China's Clothing Manufacturing City," and its clothing industry started in the1980s and now produces about 300 million pieces of clothing annually. And luggage industry started in the 1970s, and now it has an annual production capacity of 120 million bags of all kinds, and has been rated as the "Chinas Luggage Manufacturing City." In 2023, the output value of the city's 134 enterprises of over 20 million RMB output value reached 12.15 billion RMB, accounting for 7.0% of the city's total industrial output value. 6Aerospace and Aviation In the future, Pinghu will follow the core path of "integration of air and space, intelligent construction of Pinghu," with Pinghu Economic-Technological Development Zone, Dushan and Xindai Town as the core platforms, and continues to develop four key fields such as commercial aerospace, low-altitude economy, commercial aircraft supporting manufacturing, processing manufacturing and supporting service. 7Life Health Life Health is the future key industry in Pinghu city, and the main development direction includes pharmaceutical and chemical industry, biotechnology, medical equipment and so on. Relying on the existing high-end talent projects and the advantages of biomedical (food) industry, all kinds of projects continue to emerge in recent years, and a number of high-quality projects have started its construction. In 2023, the output value of 14 enterprises of over 20 million RMB output value reached 3.4 billion RMB. 8Software Information Software Information is the future key industry of our city's service industry. With the largest computing infrastructure in the Yangtze River Delta region-Runze International Information Port, the computing power scale will exceed 70PFLOPS, becoming an important data hub in the Yangtze River Delta region, and play an important supporting role in the development of integrated digital industry in the Yangtze River Delta. In this industry, we are eager for technical personnel in the fields of software development, integrated circuit design, intelligent computing and so on. Contact Information Name: Tony Liu Email: lb_101de@lemengroup.com Source: Pinghu Municipal Cultural and Tourism Department A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2f0e3f6-e8b7-4edd-8acf-57095a4a8174 Dublin, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Security Analytics Market Revenue and Shares Forecast by Offering, Application, Organization Size, Industry Vertical, and Country, with Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Security Analytics Market is going to witness considerable growth. It will reach an approximate value of US$57.48 billion by 2033, rising from US$15.40 billion in 2024; a tremendous hike with a CAGR of 15.76% in the forecasted period between 2025-2033. The growth in the market will be supported by surging demand for advanced security solutions in response to growing cyber threats that necessitate real-time detection and response. The key players in the security analytics industry are Cisco Systems Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, Juniper Networks, Inc., Palo Alto Networks, Inc., Fortinet, Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co, Splunk Inc., and Logrhythm Inc. Driving Forces of the Security Analytics Market Increasing Cyber Threats An increasing number of sophisticated cyber threats is an important driving force for the security analytics market. Cybercriminals continually attack organizations and exploit vulnerabilities, which results in data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage. As cyber threats continue to evolve, they often reach a point where traditional measures have to catch up, thus demanding more advanced analytics solutions to quickly identify threats in real-time and respond accordingly. Security analytics are the applications and use of machine learning and artificial intelligence for large data sets in which anomalies can be established to allow organizations to proactively defend against attacks. This need for increased measures for cybersecurity encourages the demand for security analytics tools and services in various industries. As reported by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Report 2023, the Internet Crime Complaint Center witnessed almost 21,489 complaints of Business Email Compromise (BEC), 2,825 of ransomware, 14,190 of government impersonation, 37,560 of tech and customer support impersonation, and more. Almost 2,412 complaints happened every day in 2023. Critical infrastructure management organizations whose attacks related to ransomware recorded 1,193 complaints in 2023. Growing Regulatory Compliance Requirements The only way organizations will become safe in the midst of changing global data protection regulations is when all implemented security measures are strong and use analytics. Regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, require that organizations protect the sensitive information they hold in ways that ensure private data, hence the need for full-fledged monitoring and reporting solutions that govern these requirements. Security analytics tools help organizations monitor data access, usage, and the breach of security. Security analytics solutions enable businesses to meet their regulatory compliance needs while minimizing risk of violation and penalties through real-time insights and automated reporting capabilities. December 2023, The SEC mandates that publicly traded companies disclose significant cybersecurity events within four business days to increase transparency and accountability in cybersecurity practices. Advancements in Technology Advances in AI and Machine Learning are remodeling the face of security analytics. These innovations enable security analytics tools to process and analyze large amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, allowing for quick detection of threats and tightening response times. Cloud computing has transformed access to security analytics into a scalable and far more accessible thing for even the smallest and largest organizations irrespective of size. Essentially, no significant on-premises infrastructure is needed. As larger and larger numbers of organizations embrace digital transformation, the need for security solutions with more powerful capabilities, taking advantage of these technologies, correspondingly increases. This continuous evolution in the security analytics tool includes predictive analytics and automation, thus making it more effective in bringing growth to the market. July 2022: Crowdstrike has introduced a new service called Falcon OverWatch Cloud Threat Hunting. This helps the security teams to detect sophisticated and stealthy threats in the cloud settings. France Security Analytics Market Growth in the France security analytics market is primarily due to an increased threat of cyber-attacks and necessity for better data protection. As organizations of all industries face increased vulnerability to data breaches and cyberattacks, they have been compelled to spend money in advanced security analytics solutions to detect and eliminate threats before they hit the system. Government initiatives, policies, and regulations toward cybersecurity also facilitate an environment conductive to growth in the market. Increasingly accepted cloud and artificial intelligence technologies make the capabilities of security analytics solutions sharper and better. This April 2024, France assured to preserve space cyber stability and fight cybercrime. India Security Analytics Market The Security analytics Market in India has depicted a rapid growth that has been observed to be due to the increasing cases of cyber attacks along with the increasing need for data protection in industries. The ever-increasing activities of digital transformation lead businesses to ask for high-end security analytics solutions to safeguard the sensitive information and avoid penalties in case of any regulatory breach. Cybersecurity-promoted government policies allow the market growth, which in turn compels organizations to embrace proper security measures. Cloud computing and artificial intelligence-based technologies make the security analytics tools more efficient. Consequently, the Indian security analytics market has promising growth prospects for countering emerging cybersecurity challenges. In August 2024, Kyndryl announced that it had launched a Security Operations Center in Bengaluru, India. Saudi Arabia Security Analytics Market The emphasis of the region on cyber security is rising, hence growth in the Saudi Arabia security analytics market is seen due to the increasing cyber threats. Organizations need the best advanced security analytics solutions to protect sensitive data and infrastructure because the government is heavily investing in digital transformation and smart city projects. Apart from this, the regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks are compelling businesses to adopt strict cybersecurity measures. This increases the capabilities of security analytics tools due to the high adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Therefore, the Saudi Arabia security analytics market should experience extensive growth in the coming years. In September 2024, Eagle Eye Networks announced that it had opened its new data center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Global Security Analytics Company News In August 2024, Fortinet, Inc. acquired Next DLP, an Insider Risk and Data Protection company, to strengthen its position in the enterprise data loss prevention (DLP) markets. In January 2024, McAfee, LLC announced "Project Mockingbird," which features advanced AI detection capabilities to identify manipulated film audio and address concerns about deepfakes. On May 30, 2024, Gurucul will showcase its AI-powered Unified Security Analytics platform at InfoSecurity Europe, Stand D171. In August 2024, Anomali launched its award-winning product portfolio on Amazon Web Services in Frankfurt, Germany. Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 120 Forecast Period 2024-2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $15.4 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $57.48 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 15.7% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. Global Security Analytics Market 6. Market Share Analysis 6.1 By Offering 6.2 By Application 6.3 By Organization Size 6.4 By Industry Vertical 6.5 By Countries 7. Offering 7.1 Solutions 7.2 Services 8. Application 8.1 Web Security Analytics 8.2 Network Security Analytics 8.3 Endpoint Security Analytics 8.4 Application Security Analytics 8.5 Others 9. Organization Size 9.1 Large Enterprises 9.2 SMEs 10. Industry Vertical 10.1 BFSI 10.2 Telecom & IT 10.3 Retail 10.4 Healthcare 10.5 Government & Defense 10.6 Manufacturing 10.7 Others 11. Countries 11.1 North America 11.2 Europe 11.3 Asia-Pacific 11.4 Latin America 11.5 Middle East & Africa 12. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 12.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers 12.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 12.3 Degree of Rivalry 12.4 Threat of New Entrants 12.5 Threat of Substitutes 13. SWOT Analysis 13.1 Strength 13.2 Weakness 13.3 Opportunity 13.4 Threat 14. Key Players Analysis 14.1 Cisco Systems Inc. 14.1.1 Overview 14.1.2 Key Persons 14.1.3 Recent Development & Strategies 14.1.4 Revenue Analysis 14.2 International Business Machines Corporation 14.3 Juniper Networks, Inc. 14.4 Palo Alto Networks, Inc. 14.5 Fortinet, Inc. 14.6 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. 14.7 Splunk Inc. 14.8 Logrhythm Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pwi3ob About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Financial Cards and Payments in Saudi Arabia" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The number of financial cards in circulation in Saudi Arabia is set to increase further in 2024, alongside growth in the number of transactions. The Financial Cards and Payments in Saudi Arabia report establishes the size and structure of the market for ATMs cards, smart cards, credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, pre-paid cards and store cards. It looks at key players in the market (issuers and operators), number of cards in circulation, numbers transactions and value of transactions. It offers strategic analysis of sector forecasts and trends to watch. The rise in card payments is a direct result of the Saudi government's push towards a cashless society, encouraging consumers to transition from cash to electronic payment solutions. While cash has traditionally been the preferred payment method in Saudi Arabia, its use is on the decline as more consumers shift to financial cards for their transactions. Product coverage: Financial Cards in Circulation, Mobile Payments, Transactions. Data coverage: Market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data. Why buy this report? Get a detailed picture of the Financial Cards and Payments market; Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change; Understand the competitive environment, the market's major players and leading brands; Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop. Key Topics Covered: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Financial cards and payments in 2024: The big picture 2024 key trends Competitive landscape What next for financial cards and payments? MARKET INDICATORS Number of POS Terminals: Units 2019-2024 Number of ATMs: Units 2019-2024 Value Lost to Fraud 2019-2024 Card Expenditure by Location 2024 Financial Cards in Circulation by Type: % Number of Cards 2019-2024 Domestic versus Foreign Spend 2024 MARKET DATA Financial Cards by Category: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Financial Cards by Category: Number of Accounts 2019-2024 Financial Cards Transactions by Category: Value 2019-2024 Financial Cards by Category: Number of Transactions 2019-2024 Consumer Payments by Category: Value 2019-2024 Consumer Payments by Category: Number of Transactions 2019-2024 M-Commerce by Category: Value 2019-2024 M-Commerce by Category: % Value Growth 2019-2024 Financial Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Financial Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Financial Cards: Card Payment Transactions Value by Operator 2019-2023 Financial Cards: Card Payment Transactions Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Forecast Financial Cards by Category: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Financial Cards by Category: Number of Accounts 2024-2029 Forecast Financial Cards Transactions by Category: Value 2024-2029 Forecast Financial Cards by Category: Number of Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Consumer Payments by Category: Value 2024-2029 Forecast Consumer Payments by Category: Number of Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast M-Commerce by Category: Value 2024-2029 Forecast M-Commerce by Category: % Value Growth 2024-2029 DEBIT CARDS IN SAUDI ARABIA KEY DATA FINDINGS 2024 DEVELOPMENTS Debit cards continue to dominate, in context of high cost of living Saudization initiative and rise in female employment bolsters demand for debit cards Mada at the forefront of debit cards PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Economic optimism will drive growth of debit cards Mada alliances will fuel demand for debit cards Growth of digital payments will boost debit card usage and financial inclusion CATEGORY DATA Debit Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Debit Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Debit Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2019-2024 Debit Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Debit Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Debit Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Debit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Debit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Forecast Debit Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Debit Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Debit Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Debit Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 CREDIT CARDS IN SAUDI ARABIA KEY DATA FINDINGS 2024 DEVELOPMENTS Credit card adoption soars in Saudi Arabia driven by diverse offerings and advanced payment solutions Lucrative bank offers make credit cards a compelling choice for consumers Saudi Banks drive growth through Shariah-compliant credit card offerings PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES BNPL represents growing threat to credit cards Mastercard flies flag for seamless digital payments through innovative partnerships Shariah-compliant credit cards will continue to gain traction CATEGORY DATA Credit Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Credit Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Credit Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2019-2024 Credit Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Commercial Credit Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Commercial Credit Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Commercial Credit Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2019-2024 Commercial Credit Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Personal Credit Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Personal Credit Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Personal Credit Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2019-2024 Personal Credit Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Credit Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Credit Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Commercial Credit Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Commercial Credit Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Commercial Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Commercial Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Personal Credit Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Personal Credit Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Personal Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Personal Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Forecast Credit Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Credit Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Credit Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Credit Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Commercial Credit Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Commercial Credit Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Commercial Credit Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Commercial Credit Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Personal Credit Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Personal Credit Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Personal Credit Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Personal Credit Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 CHARGE CARDS IN SAUDI ARABIA KEY DATA FINDINGS 2024 DEVELOPMENTS Charge cards continue to expand, despite challenge of limited consumer base Al-Rajhi bank enters charge card market with Classic Charge Credit Card offering multiple benefits American Express maintains dominance as primary charge card player PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Charge cards will experience ongoing competition from debit cards and Sharia-compliant credit cards Travel could prove to be catalyst for charge card growth Growth potential for commercial charge cards CATEGORY DATA Charge Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Charge Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Charge Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2019-2024 Charge Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Commercial Charge Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Commercial Charge Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Commercial Charge Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2019-2024 Commercial Charge Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Personal Charge Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Personal Charge Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Personal Charge Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2019-2024 Personal Charge Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Charge Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Charge Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Charge Cards Payment Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Charge Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Commercial Charge Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Commercial Charge Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Commercial Charge Cards Payment Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Commercial Charge Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Personal Charge Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Personal Charge Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Personal Charge Cards Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Personal Charge Cards Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Forecast Charge Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Charge Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Charge Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Charge Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Commercial Charge Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Commercial Charge Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Commercial Charge Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Commercial Charge Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Personal Charge Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Personal Charge Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Personal Charge Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Personal Charge Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 PRE-PAID CARDS IN SAUDI ARABIA KEY DATA FINDINGS 2024 DEVELOPMENTS Pre-paid cards gain popularity in Saudi Arabia's increasingly cashless society Gifting culture presents opportunities for pre-paid cards Mastercard expands partnerships to drive innovative digital payment solutions PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Payroll and gifting pre-paid cards to drive continued growth SAIB introduces EduPay Student Card to promote financial inclusion Pre-paid fuel cards will contribute to growth CATEGORY DATA Pre-paid Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2019-2024 Pre-paid Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Pre-paid Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2019-2024 Pre-paid Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Closed Loop Pre-paid Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Closed Loop Pre-paid Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Open Loop Pre-paid Cards Transactions 2019-2024 Open Loop Pre-paid Cards Transactions: % Growth 2019-2024 Pre-paid Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Pre-paid Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Pre-paid Cards Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Pre-paid Cards Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Closed Loop Pre-paid Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Closed Loop Pre-paid Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Closed Loop Pre-paid Cards Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Closed Loop Pre-paid Cards Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Open Loop Pre-paid Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2019-2023 Open Loop Pre-paid Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2019-2023 Open Loop Pre-paid Cards Transaction Value by Issuer 2019-2023 Open Loop Pre-paid Cards Transaction Value by Operator 2019-2023 Forecast Pre-paid Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2024-2029 Forecast Pre-paid Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Pre-paid Cards in Circulation: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Pre-paid Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 Forecast Closed Loop Pre-paid Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Closed Loop Pre-paid Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 able 137 Forecast Open Loop Pre-paid Cards Transactions 2024-2029 Forecast Open Loop Pre-paid Cards Transactions: % Growth 2024-2029 For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/c4l1x1 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Self-Driving Cars Market by Level of Autonomy (Semi-Autonomous (L1, L2, and L3) and Autonomous (L4 and L5), Component Type, Mobility Type (Personal Mobility and Shared Mobility), Vehicle Class (a&B, C&D, and E&F), and Region - Global Forecast to 2035" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global self-driving cars market is projected to reach 37.09 million units in 2024 to 76.21 million units in 2035, at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024-2035. The self-driving car market is expanding due to rising consumer demand for safer, more convenient vehicles, supported by advancements in autonomous technologies and artificial intelligence. Government investments and regulatory support are accelerating adoption, particularly in regions like North America and Europe, where solid automotive industries and supportive policies are in place. Additionally, rapid technological advancements in the Asia Pacific, particularly in China, drive growth through partnerships and deployments of autonomous fleets, further contributing to global market expansion. L4 segment is expected to experience a notable growth in the self-driving cars market during the forecast period. The Level 4 (L4) segment is set for notable growth in the self-driving cars market, driven by advancements in autonomous technology and increasing demand for applications such as robotaxis and autonomous shuttles. L4 vehicles, capable of full autonomy within predefined operational domains, transform urban mobility and public transportation. Companies like Navya (France) and Holon GmbH (Germany) are pioneering this segment, with Navya testing autonomous shuttles for integration into urban transport systems and Holon developing shuttles for campus and urban use. In the US, Waymo LLC has expanded its fully autonomous robotaxi operations to Phoenix and San Francisco, showcasing the viability of L4 autonomy for real-world applications. Regulatory frameworks in Europe and North America, alongside significant investments from players such as Cruise LLC, Zoox, and more, further accelerate the adoption of L4 vehicles, signaling a transformative shift in transportation and mobility solutions. Camera segment is expected to experience the fastest growth in the self-driving cars market during the forecast period. The camera segment is set to experience rapid growth in the self-driving car market due to its critical role in enabling advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous functionalities. Cameras support essential features such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warnings, and automated emergency braking. Mounted at strategic locations, they provide comprehensive visual data for navigation, safety, and situational awareness. Innovations like Robert Bosch GmbH's MPC3 camera system, integrating advanced algorithms for enhanced object detection, exemplify the segment's technological progress. Vehicles such as the BMW X3 2023 and the BMW 5 Series feature Bosch's advanced camera systems, highlighting the growing adoption of camera technology in enhancing safety and automation. As vehicle safety and automation become priorities, demand for high-resolution imaging and sensor fusion technologies is driving significant advancements in the camera segment. Europe is expected to have a significant market share in the self-driving cars market during the forecast period. Europe is set to hold a notable share in the self-driving cars market, driven by robust consumer demand, a strong automotive industry, and supportive regulations like the EU's General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2), mandating ADAS features from July 2024. Key automakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, alongside suppliers like Continental AG and Bosch, are heavily investing in autonomous technologies. Germany leads the market, bolstered by initiatives like Volkswagen's collaboration with Mobileye in March 2024 to develop a Level 4 autonomous ID.Buzz for urban mobility, highlighting the region's focus on innovation and advanced mobility solutions. The self-driving cars market is dominated by major players, including Toyota Motor, Tesla, BYD, Volkswagen, Ford Motor Company, Hyundai Motor Group and more. These companies are expanding their portfolios to strengthen their self-driving cars market position. The report provides insight on the following: Analysis of key drivers (InFocus on improving road safety, Government regulations for integration of advanced safety technologies, and Rise of autonomous ride-hailing services), restraints (High development costs and Data privacy concerns), opportunities (Emergence of subscription-based service offerings and Consumer focus on sustainable transportation solutions), and challenges (Substantial cost of ADAS integration, Lack of software standardization, and Inadequate infrastructure for self-driving cars) Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the self-driving cars market. Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the self-driving cars market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the self-driving cars market. Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market share, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players like Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan), Tesla (US), BYD Co., Ltd. (China), Volkswagen Group (Germany), Ford Motor Company (US), Hyundai Motor Group (South Korea) among others in self-driving cars market. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 300 Forecast Period 2024 - 2035 Estimated Market Value in 2024 37.09 Million Units Forecasted Market Value by 2035 76.21 Million Units Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.8% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Premium Insights Attractive Opportunities for Players in Self-Driving Cars Market Self-Driving Cars Market, by Region Self-Driving Cars Market, by Level of Autonomy Self-Driving Cars Market, by Component Self-Driving Cars Market, by Mobility Type Self-Driving Cars Market, by Vehicle Class Market Dynamics Drivers Focus on Improving Road Safety Government Regulations for Integration of Advanced Safety Technologies Rise of Autonomous Ride-Hailing Services Restraints High Development Costs Data Privacy Concerns Opportunities Emergence of Subscription-based Service Offerings Consumer Focus on Sustainable Transportation Solutions Challenges Substantial Cost of ADAS Integration Lack of Software Standardization Inadequate Infrastructure for Self-Driving Cars Case Study Analysis Frankfurt Airport Conducts Trials for Autonomous Baggage Tractors to Enhance Operational Efficiency Continental Develops Innovative Solutions to Address Autonomous Driving Challenges Waymo Integrates Advanced Perception Systems with Sensors to Reduce Traffic-Related Fatalities Ambarella Offers Ad Software and Hardware Solutions for Scalable Autonomous Driving Nvidia Provides Open Av Development Platform for Autonomous Vehicles General Motors and Umtri Evaluate Safety Systems to Reduce Collisions Self-Driving Cars Market, by Level of Autonomy Semi-Autonomous L1 - Integration of Entry-Level Adas for Enhanced Safety and Comfort to Drive Market L2 -Increasing Preference for Advanced Safety Features to Drive Market L3 -Regulatory Approvals to Drive Market Autonomous L4 -Ongoing Development of Robotaxis and Shuttles to Drive Market L5 - Growing Investments in Urban Mobility and Smart Infrastructure to Drive Market Self-Driving Cars Market, by Component Camera - Focus on Increasing Vehicle Safety to Drive Market LiDAR -Rapid Developments by Component Manufacturers to Drive Market Radar - Extensive Use of Automatic Emergency Braking and Collision Avoidance Features to Drive Market Ultrasonic Sensor - Widespread Deployment in ADAS Applications to Drive Market Infrared Sensor Self-Driving Cars Market, by Mobility Type Personal Mobility - Growing Consumer Interest in Autonomous Vehicle Ownership to Drive Market Shared Mobility - Rising Demand for Ride-Sharing and Robotaxi Services to Drive Market Self-Driving Cars Market, by Vehicle Class A&B - Emphasis on Affordable Automation to Drive Market C&D - Elevated Demand for ADAS-Equipped Mid-Size Sedans and SUVs to Drive Market E&F - Shift Toward Luxury Driving Experiences to Drive Market Company Profiles Key Players (OEMs) Toyota Motor Tesla BYD Volkswagen Ford Motor General Motors Mercedes-Benz Group Waymo BMW Hyundai Motor Group Key Players (Component Providers) Mobileye Nvidia Robert Bosch Continental ZF Friedrichshafen Denso Magna International NXP Semiconductors Aptiv Valeo Other Players (OEMs) Stellantis Renault Motional Zoox Navya Other Players (Component Providers) Aurora Innovation Nuro, Aisin Hitachi Automotive Renesas Electronics Infineon Technologies Ficosa International Texas Instruments Voxx International Blackberry Microsemi Xilinx Veoneer Samsung Electro-Mechanics Teledyne Flir Mcnex Co. Ltd. Stonkam Co. Ltd. LG Electronics Analyst's Recommendations Asia-Pacific to be Largest Market for Self-Driving Cars Level 3 Autonomy to be Dominant LiDAR to be Fastest-Growing Component AI to be Pivotal in Self-Driving Car Development For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8k3msm About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "N-Hexane Market Report Global Forecast By Application, Countries and Company Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global n-Hexane market is projected to surge from US$2.45 billion in 2024 to US$3.46 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.91% from 2025 to 2033. The rise in demand for pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and chemical extraction is the key driver for the n-hexane market growth. N-hexane is primarily used as a solvent, particularly in extracting edible oils, thereby adding up to its market growth. With growing industrial applications, further growth will be shown in the market in the forecast period. Key Factors Driving the n-Hexane Market Growth Growing Demand in the Edible Oil Extraction Industry n-Hexane's ability to effectively extract oil from seeds and vegetables makes it a vital component in the edible oil industry. As global consumption of cooking oils, particularly soybean and sunflower, rises, the demand for n-Hexane follows suit. Its efficiency in separating oils from organic matter has made it indispensable in large-scale food processing industries worldwide. With increasing population and urbanization, emerging markets also contribute to this growth as they seek cost-effective solutions for oil extraction to meet growing consumer demands for edible oils. Expanding Use in Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industry Applications of n-Hexane in drug formulation and solvent manufacturing in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries play a very important role in the market. The fact that it is non-polar means it acts effectively for the solubilization of compounds otherwise hard to handle. This diversity, combined with increased pharmaceutical production around the world, has fueled demand. More importantly, n-Hexane is applied in a number of chemical extraction processes that are important to industry applications and continue to drive growth in the market as those industries expand and evolve. Rising Demand in Adhesives, Inks, and Rubber Manufacturing With solvent properties, n-Hexane is used extensively in the manufacture of adhesives, printing inks, and rubber. Such an application gives way to effective bonding and processing of materials. Increasing global industrialization and construction call for demand for such products. Additionally, the growing automobile industries provide for a higher demand on rubber and adhesives, which are produced using n-Hexane. Therefore, industrial growth would further augment steady market growth in the coming years. United States n-Hexane Market The n-Hexane market in the United States remains strong since it is broadly applied in all sectors involved in oil extraction, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives. Its demand is also significantly contributed by the strong agricultural sector of the country, particularly soybean and corn oil extraction. There is also the growing pharmaceutical industry that uses it as a solvent in drug production. Industrial applications such as rubber and adhesive manufacturing increase its market even more. However, long-term growth in the market may be impacted by increasing regulatory scrutiny amid concerns for the environment and health. The United States Department of Agriculture forecasts that global production of vegetable oil would be 222.85 million metric tons between 2023 and 2024. Of the palm oil total, an estimated 90% is consumed as food, while the remaining 10% is for industrial purposes: cosmetics, fuel, and diesel. The soybean oil was primarily consumed, followed by 61.68 million tons in 2022 globally. Considering all these facts mentioned above, edible oil extraction application is most likely to lead the n-hexane market for the forecast period. The n-Hexane industry of Germany is gaining at a moderate growth rate primarily owing to the production of oil extraction, pharmaceutical industries, and various other industrial applications. Germany n-Hexane Industry Germany is the hub of Europe's industrial centers and has a high requirement for n-Hexane to provide various manufacturing industries that are adhesives, rubber, and chemical manufacturing. Pharmaceutical manufacturers also require n-Hexane as a solvent in drug formulation. Again, strict environmental compliances regarding VOCs within the European Union might later affect the industry in terms of having safer and more eco-friendly alternatives. The n-Hexane industry grows well in Indonesia mainly since it has been consuming quite large portions in the extraction process of vegetable oils, mainly for palm oil which is one of the leading sectors in the country. Indonesia n-Hexane Industry Indonesia, being one of the world's leading producers of palm oil, has consequently high demand for n-Hexane since there are highly efficient processes that use such solvents in extractions of oils. n-Hexane also finds uses in manufacturing adhesives and rubber industries in addition to chemical industries, hence catalyzing the growth in the development of the country's industrial sectors. According to estimates made by the US Department of Agriculture, total oil produced by Indonesia in the year 2023-2024 was around 53.32 million metric tons. Global n-Hexane Company Analysis The key players in n-hexane industry are ExxonMobil, Shell, Indian Oil Corporation, Chevron, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, DHC Solvent Chemie, Sak Chaisidhi Company and Liaoning Yufeng Chemical Co. Global n-Hexane Company News May 2024: A joint venture between Chandra Asri Capital Pte. Ltd. and Glencore Asian Holdings Pte. Ltd., CAPGC Pte. Ltd., will purchase Singapore's Energy and Chemicals Park from Royal Dutch Shell PLC. Through the deal, CAPGC will acquire Shell's entire stake in Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore. May 2024: The Exxon Mobil Corporation said that the Pioneer Natural Resources Company transaction had been completed. With the largest, highest-return development potential in the Permian Basin, an unconventional business will be created by the merging of ExxonMobil and Pioneer. May 2024: A framework agreement for strategic partnership was signed in Paris by Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO and chairman of TotalEnergies, and Ma Yongsheng, the chairman of Sinopec. The agreement states that the two parties would look for more opportunities for collaboration in a range of industries, such as the development of oil and gas, the LNG value chain, chemicals and refining, engineering and trading, new energy, and so forth. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 100 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.45 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $3.46 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.9% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Growth Drivers 4.2 Challenges 5. N-Hexane Market 6. Market Share Analysis 6.1 By Application 6.2 By Countries 7. Application 7.1 Oil Extraction 7.2 Pharmaceuticals 7.3 Adhesive 7.4 Industrial Cleaning 7.5 Polymerisation 7.6 Degreasing 7.7 Rubber Processing 7.8 Others 8. Countries 8.1 North America 8.1.1 United States 8.1.2 Canada 8.2 Europe 8.2.1 France 8.2.2 Germany 8.2.3 Italy 8.2.4 Spain 8.2.5 United Kingdom 8.2.6 Belgium 8.2.7 Netherlands 8.2.8 Turkey 8.3 Asia Pacific 8.3.1 China 8.3.2 Japan 8.3.3 India 8.3.4 South Korea 8.3.5 Thailand 8.3.6 Malaysia 8.3.7 Indonesia 8.3.8 Australia 8.3.9 New Zealand 8.4 Latin America 8.4.1 Brazil 8.4.2 Mexico 8.4.3 Argentina 8.5 Middle East & Africa 8.5.1 Saudi Arabia 8.5.2 UAE 8.5.3 South Africa 9. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 10. SWOT Analysis 11. Key Players Analysis ExxonMobil Shell Indian Oil Corporation Chevron Corporation Bharat Petroleum Corporation DHC Solvent Chemie SAK Chaisidhi Company Liaoning Yufeng Chemical Co. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vw2zx2 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment New Delhi, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global industrial gears market was valued at US$ 229.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 332.0 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period 20252033. The industrial gears market in 2023 is witnessing a robust demand driven by the expansion of key sectors like automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy. The aerospace industry is also contributing significantly, with a forecasted requirement for 10,000 new aircraft by 2030, necessitating advanced gear solutions. In the renewable energy sector, especially wind power, the demand for high-performance gears is anticipated to increase substantially as global wind energy capacity is set to surpass 1,000 gigawatts by 2025, driving the need for durable and efficient gear systems. Download Sample Copy @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/industrial-gears-market On the supply side, the industrial gears market is experiencing a transformation with technological advancements in manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing and advanced metallurgy. The emergence of 3D printing in gear manufacturing is leading to a reduction in production times, with some manufacturers reporting the ability to produce custom gears in as little as two days. The materials used in gear production are also seeing innovation, with the use of high-strength alloys and composites leading to a 25% increase in gear life expectancy. The supply chain for industrial gears is becoming more streamlined, with an increase in localized production facilities, reducing reliance on complex global supply chains. The opportunity outlook for the industrial gears market is promising, with significant investments in R&D and innovation. The market is anticipated to attract investments of over $5 billion by 2026, focusing on developing smart gear systems and enhancing energy efficiency. The rise of Industry 4.0 is further boosting opportunities, as the integration of IoT in gear systems enables advanced predictive maintenance solutions. Companies investing in digital transformation are expected to see a 15% increase in operational efficiency through these innovative gear solutions. Additionally, the push for sustainable manufacturing practices is opening new avenues for eco-friendly gear production technologies, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Key Findings in Industrial gears market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 332.0 billion CAGR 4.2% Largest Region (2024) Asia Pacific (46.2%) By Type Spur Gear (27.1%) By Application Automative (71.0%) By Distribution Channel OEMs (54.2%) Top Drivers Increasing adoption of smart gear systems for predictive maintenance in manufacturing. Demand for energy-efficient gear solutions to comply with environmental regulations. Technological advancements in gear metallurgy for higher performance and durability. Top Trends Integration of IoT in gear systems for real-time performance monitoring. Growing use of 3D printing technology for custom gear manufacturing. Expansion of gear applications in emerging electric vehicle powertrains. Top Challenges Addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in interconnected smart gear systems. Managing supply chain disruptions affecting rare material availability for gear production. Navigating regulatory compliance complexities in international gear trade agreements. Electronic Planetary Gears are Revolutionizing Industrial gears markets at a CAGR of 5.6% In 2024, electronic planetary gears have surged to the forefront of the market, driving unprecedented growth and acceptance across diverse sectors. This year, the market saw the sale of 12 million units of electronic planetary gears, marking a substantial leap in demand compared to previous years. Industries ranging from robotics to automotive manufacturing are capitalizing on the advanced capabilities of these gears, which offer exceptional torque density and efficiency, crucial for modern, high-performance applications. As automation becomes more prevalent, the need for precise and reliable power transmission solutions has never been more pressing, and electronic planetary gears are meeting this demand head-on. The automotive industry, in particular, has become a significant consumer of electronic planetary gears in the industrial gears market, with 5 million units integrated into electric and hybrid vehicles in 2024 alone. These gears are pivotal in supporting the shift towards sustainable transportation, providing the necessary power management for electric drivetrains. Major automotive manufacturers like Tesla and Ford are investing heavily in planetary gear technology to enhance vehicle performance and efficiency. Furthermore, the aerospace sector has adopted 3 million units of electronic planetary gears for use in drones and spacecraft, underscoring their critical role in facilitating advanced aerodynamics and energy conservation in flight systems. Aviation and Oilfield Equipment Application to Witness Robust Growth in Valuation at a CAGR of 6.4% The aviation and oilfield equipment sectors are experiencing rapid growth in the industrial gears market, driven by technological advancements and increasing operational demands. In 2024, the global fleet of commercial aircraft reached over 25,000, highlighting the substantial need for sophisticated gear systems that ensure aircraft efficiency and safety . Modern aircraft require thousands of gears, with a single jet engine containing upwards of 6,000 gears, underscoring their critical role in aviation technology . As global air travel is projected to reach 4.7 billion passengers annually, the necessity for reliable and advanced gear systems in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance becomes increasingly apparent . In the realm of oilfield equipment, the demand for industrial gears is propelled by the resurgence of global oil production in the industrial gears market, which reached approximately 95 million barrels per day in 2024 The complexity and scale of modern oil extraction techniques necessitate robust and efficient gear systems, especially as drilling depths continue to increase, with some operations reaching depths of over 30,000 feet . The global count of active oil rigs stood at around 1,500, each requiring a multitude of gears for operational efficiency and reliability . This demand is further fueled by technological innovations in drilling and extraction, which rely heavily on advanced gearing solutions to optimize performance and reduce operational costs. Aftermarket Sales of Industrial Gears is Skyrocketing Despite Dominance of OEMs Aftermarket distribution in the industrial gears market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors driving its expansion. One major driver is the increasing demand for maintenance and replacement of industrial gears, as industries strive to extend the lifecycle of their existing machinery. As of 2024, the global industrial machinery market is valued at around $250 billion, with a substantial portion allocated to maintenance and repair services. The rise in industrial automation has also contributed to the aftermarket surge, as automated systems require regular upkeep to ensure optimal performance. Moreover, the implementation of predictive maintenance technologies has gained traction, with over 70% of manufacturers adopting these solutions to minimize downtime and enhance operational efficiency. Another factor fueling the growth of aftermarket distribution in the industrial gears market is the expanding scope of e-commerce platforms, which has revolutionized the accessibility of aftermarket parts. In 2023, online sales of industrial gear components reached approximately $15 billion, as businesses leverage digital marketplaces to source parts quickly and cost-effectively. The convenience of e-commerce has enabled smaller companies to compete with established players by offering competitive pricing and faster delivery times. Additionally, the rise of Industry 4.0 has led to a surge in demand for smart and connected gears, with over 60% of new machinery incorporating IoT features. This technological advancement necessitates a robust aftermarket network to support the integration and maintenance of advanced components. Ask For Customization @ https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/industrial-gears-market Top 7 Players in Industrial Gears Market Controlling Over 49% Market Share The market is a dynamic and competitive arena, with key players such as General Motors, ZF Friedrichshafen, Volkswagen, Ford, Aisin Seiki, Honda, and Toyota dominating over 49% of the market share. This sector is driven by the need for advanced power transmission solutions, catering to industries ranging from automotive to aerospace. Companies in this market are focused on developing innovative and efficient gear systems to meet the increasing demand for performance enhancement and energy conservation. Technological advancements, such as the integration of IoT and AI into gear manufacturing and operational processes, are crucial trends that these industry leaders are leveraging to maintain their competitive advantage and respond to evolving market demands. Volkswagen holds a significant position in the industrial gears market, with a revenue share of over 9%. The company's prominence is underscored by its diverse range of gear products, including the DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) and the high-efficiency MQ200 manual transmission. These products are central to Volkswagen's strategy of enhancing vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. The company operates predominantly in Europe but has a strong presence in North America and Asia, leveraging its extensive global network to sustain growth and innovation. Volkswagens growth strategies focus on expanding its electric vehicle lineup, integrating advanced gear systems to improve performance. The introduction of the ID.4 electric SUV exemplifies this approach, showcasing Volkswagens commitment to sustainable mobility and cutting-edge gear technology. In terms of development, Volkswagen has made strategic investments in research and partnerships to bolster its position in the market. Collaborations with technology giants, such as Siemens for developing e-axle systems, highlight Volkswagen's focus on integrating advanced gear solutions into electric powertrains. Additionally, Volkswagen's initiatives in digital transformation, including the establishment of the Car. Software organization, aim to enhance the functionality and integration of gear systems with vehicle software platforms. These efforts not only reinforce Volkswagens leadership in the industrial gears market but also align with its long-term vision of pioneering sustainable and technologically advanced mobility solutions. Global Industrial Gears Market Key Players: Aero Gear Incorporated Precipart Corporation Itamco Riley Gear Corporation Atlas Gear Company Ashoka Machine Tools Corporation Hota Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Bevel Gears India Pvt. Ltd. Fiat Chrysler Ford General Motors Honda Toyota Caterpillar Jackson Gear Company Cleveland Gear Company David Brown Inc. Eaton OKUBO GEAR Co., Ltd. Elecon Engineering Company Limited KHK Stock Gear Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc. Overton Chicago Gear Corporation Philadelphia Gear Havlik International Omni G & M Corporation Commercial Gear & Sprocket Company, Inc. Gear Motions, Inc. ZF Friedrichshafen Other Prominent Players Key Segmentation: By Product: Spur Gear Planetary Gear Helical Gear Rack and Pinion Gear Worm Gear Bevel Gear Others By Application: Automotive Aviation Agricultural Machinery Construction Machinery Material Handling Mining Equipment Oilfield Equipment Power Plants Pulp and Paper Steel and Manufacturing Others By Distribution Channel: OEMs Aftermarket By Region: North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa (MEA) South America Inquire more about this report before purchase: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/industrial-gears-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron-come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marimaca Copper Corp. (Marimaca Copper or the Company) (TSX: MARI) is pleased to announce the discovery of the northern extension of the Pampa Medina deposit, located approximately 26km from the Companys flagship Marimaca Oxide Deposit (MOD). The Company also reports results from the maiden scout drilling program at the Pias target, located northwest of Pampa Medina within the broader Sierra de Medina (SdM) Property Block (see Figure 1). Highlights Hole SMR-01 was drilled 400m north of the known northern extent of the Pampa Medina deposit (see Figure 3 and 4) and represents a material extension of the sediment and volcanic-hosted manto-style mineralization SMR-01 intersected significant oxide copper and chalcocite mineralization from 272m-462m, transitioning to dominantly chalcopyrite-bornite mineralization from 462-650m (final depth) The drill hole was terminated in mineralization (last sample interval of 648-650m grading 3.43% CuT) due to operational challenges at depth with reverse-circulation (RC) drilling Highlights from SMR-01 are below: 400m at 0.49% CuT from 250m including: 216m at 0.70% CuT from 250m (dominantly oxides), including 102m at 1.20% CuT from 250m, including 76m at 1.57% CuT from 276m, including 56m at 2.05% CuT from 296m, including 18m at 5.11% CuT from 320m 100m at 0.36% CuT from 550m (dominantly sulphides), including 32m at 0.62% CuT from 618m, including 2m at 3.43% CuT from 648m Hole was terminated in bornite-chalcopyrite mineralization with increasing bornite at depth True widths cannot be determined at this time, however SMR-01 was orientated to target perpendicular intersections of the key manto-hosting lithological units Three additional drill holes remain pending at Pampa Medina (targeting both west and north step-outs) The Company is currently considering an expanded discovery exploration program at Pampa Medina Norte in 2025 The Company is also pleased to announce results from the scout reverse-circulation drilling at the Pias target, located ~15km from Pampa Medina within the Companys broader SdM Property Block Results demonstrate potential for delineation of near-surface copper oxide mineralization Sergio Rivera, VP Exploration of Marimaca Copper, commented: The discovery of Pampa Medina Norte validates our exploration model targeting the key sedimentary and volcanic host units that we know to be productive for manto-style mineralization both locally and regionally including recent tier 1 greenfield discoveries like Antofagastas Cachorro deposit. We are very excited about the implications of SMR-01 for potential growth at Pampa Medina. We will take the coming weeks to define the strategy for an expanded exploration program in 2025 which will focus on testing further extensions to the north, as well as extensions at depth following up on the high-grade bornite-chalcopyrite mineralization encountered at the base of the hole. Hayden Locke, President and CEO of Marimaca Copper, commented: Congratulations to Sergio and his team on the exciting extensional discovery at Pampa Medina Norte. Drilling encountered high grade copper oxides and secondary sulphides (both leachable) and, excitingly, primary chalcopyrite and high grade bornite at the bottom of the hole before it was terminated due to technical issues. With these results, our interpretation is that SMR-01 has identified a northern extension of Pampa Medina, stepping out approximately 400m from the previously defined mineralized envelope. It also confirms our view that the broader SdM property contains excellent potential for high-grade manto-style, leachable, copper deposits that have the potential to be highly complementary to the MOD. In light of these exciting results, we are reviewing our overall strategy for Pampa Medina, including the recently added Madrugador concessions. What is clear is that the system at Pampa Medina and its surrounds has the potential to grow significantly. We are in the process of upgrading the historical resource, but this may be put on hold as we continue to explore the limits of the system. I expect we will look to provide significant additional exploration budget to following up on this prospective discovery. Overview of Pampa Medina Step-Out Program Pampa Medina is a manto-style copper deposit with historical resources (see press release dated October 8th, 2024) dominantly hosted in Jurassic sedimentary units (sandstones and black shales) overlain by andesitic volcanics and underlaying by a Triassic complex of metasediments and intrusions. Copper is found predominantly in oxide species dominated by atacamite, chrysocolla and both secondary and primary chalcocite. Hole SMR-01 was drilled approximately 400m north of the northern margin if the known deposit at Pampa Medina. SMR-01 was collared at Azimuth 270, Dip -60 and drilled to a total depth of 650m. High grade copper oxide mineralization was intersected from 272m-462m downhole depth in an upper unit of sandstones and volcaniclastics and an underlying black shale unit. A rhyolitic tuff was intersected below the sediments from 462m to 556m, and below that a metasediments and dioritic unit from 556m to 650m where the hole was terminated. Mineralization transitioned to primary chalcopyrite and bornite mineralization at 550m, with increasing intensity grade and bornite content at depth. The hole was terminated at 650m due to operational challenges encountered at such depth with RC drilling. Sediment-hosted oxide mineralization encountered in SMR-01 is interpreted as the extension of the sediment-hosted manto deposits of Pampa Medina main (see Figure 2). Historical drilling at Pampa Medina was generally limited to a depth of 400m, potentially too shallow to intersect the chalcopyrite-bornite dominant manto mineralization found in SMR-01 in the lower tuff and metasediments & diorite unit. Marimaca will consider deeper diamond drilling for 2025 for infilling the gap zone, extending Pampa Medina at depth, and testing further step-outs to the north. Of the additional 3 step-out drill holes with assays pending at Pampa Medina, two were drilled to the west, and one to the north (see Figure 3). Overview of Pias Scout Drilling Program The Pias scout drilling program focused on shallow drilling following up on a large-scale geochemical anomaly identified in the 2024 field program (see Figure 4). Drilling encountered shallow, low to mid-grade copper oxide mineralization hosted in dominantly andesitic volcanics. Pias remains a core target within Marimacas exploration pipeline and will be considered as part of the 2025 exploration strategy. Significant results are reported in Table 3. Figure 1: Regional Map Marimaca and Sierra de Medina Figure 2 Sierra de Medina Property Block Figure 3 Southern Sierra de Medina Pampa Medina Deposit and Step-out Drilling Locations Figure 4 Drone Image of SMR-01 Drilling Location Figure 5 Long Section Looking West Pampa Medina and Pampa Medina Norte Figure 6 Pias Target Scout Drilling Locations Hole Total Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Intersection (m) % CuT SMR-01 650 250 650 400 0.49 Including 250 466 216 0.70 Including 250 352 102 1.20 Including 276 352 76 1.57 Including 296 352 56 2.05 Including 320 338 18 5.11 And 618 650 32 0.62 Including 648 650 2 3.43 Table 1: Table of Intersections (Pampa Medina Norte) Hole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Inclination Depth SMR-01 407062.81 7441273.71 1270.17 270 -60 650 Table 2: Drill Collar (Pampa Medina Norte) Hole Total Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Intersection (m) % CuT PIR-01 300 18 36 18 0.25 76 94 18 0.27 PIR-02 150 36 50 14 0.39 PIR-03 500 72 80 8 0.24 204 240 36 0.21 270 356 86 0.18 PIR-04 400 24 36 12 0.20 138 148 10 0.30 224 234 10 0.27 346 352 6 0.46 PIR-05 400 96 124 28 0.42 342 394 52 0.21 PIR-06 400 176 190 14 0.22 270 314 44 0.40 PIR-07 350 82 106 24 0.21 328 228 10 0.34 PIR-08 300 28 46 18 0.31 PIR-09 200 136 170 34 0.18 PIR-10 280 2 20 18 0.22 140 150 10 0.26 188 108 20 0.21 Table 3: Table of Intersections (Pias) Hole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Inclination Depth PIR-01 399,250.10 7,448,427.67 1,373.29 310 -60 300 PIR-02 399,033.56 7,448,212.51 1,362.22 310 -60 150 PIR-03 399,646.58 7,448,627.50 1,387.99 310 -60 500 PIR-04 399,497.16 7,448,487.20 1,379.44 310 -60 400 PIR-05 399,826.35 7,448,741.74 1,392.43 310 -60 400 PIR-06 400,069.46 7,449,159.50 1,393.94 310 -60 400 PIR-07 400,146.63 7,449,577.95 1,392.74 310 -60 350 PIR-08 400,486.62 7,449,884.04 1,399.06 310 -60 300 PIR-09 400,683.80 7,450,103.67 1,408.30 310 -60 200 PIR-10 399,557.64 7,448,744.29 1,378.93 310 -60 280 Table 4: Drill Collar (Pias) Sampling and Assay Protocols True widths cannot be determined with the information available at this time. RC holes were sampled on a 2m continuous basis, with dry samples riffle split on site and one quarter sent to the Andes Analytical Assay preparation laboratory in Copiapo and the pulps then sent to the same company laboratory in Santiago for assaying. A second quarter was stored on site for reference. Samples were prepared using the following standard protocol: drying; crushing to better than 85% passing -10#; homogenizing; splitting; pulverizing a 500-700g subsample to 95% passing -150#; and a 125g split of this sent for assaying. All samples were assayed for %CuT (total copper) and %CuS (acid soluble copper) by AAS. A full QA/QC program, involving insertion of appropriate blanks, standards and duplicates was employed with acceptable results. Pulps and sample rejects are stored by Marimaca Copper for future reference. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release, including the information that relates to geology, drilling and mineralization was prepared under the supervision of, or has been reviewed by Sergio Rivera, Vice President of Exploration, Marimaca Copper Corp, a geologist with more than 40 years of experience and a member of the Colegio de Geologos de Chile and of the Institute of Mining Engineers of Chile, and who is the Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 responsible for the design and execution of the drilling program. The QP confirms he has visited the project area, has reviewed relevant project information, is responsible for the information contained in this news release, and consents to its publication. Contact Information For further information please visit www.marimaca.com or contact: Tavistock +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Emily Moss / Ruairi Millar marimaca@tavistock.co.uk Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including, without limitation, statements regarding the development of activities at Pampa Medina and Pias, the potential growth of the SdM area, and the discoverys potential to complement the MOD. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Marimaca Copper, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks that the development activities at Pampa Medina and Pias will not progress as anticipated, or at all, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, uncertainties relating to regulatory procedure and timing for permitting submissions and reviews, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future as well as those factors disclosed in the annual information form of the Company dated March 26, 2024 and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedar.com). Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Marimaca Copper undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Neither the TSX nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ddb4e5a2-689c-4421-85db-9fc487a1122d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08b50a32-76c8-438a-ace0-dd38b689f034 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc832995-28a9-4a5f-9856-4a8ffd5c611b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3dd80ce5-76af-461e-9006-6b75f69a7f75 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d295da54-be6a-4bfa-b88b-0f31c1e2dd62 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/146650ad-3234-4565-baae-f63c4625d21f TORONTO, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altus Group Limited (Altus Group) (TSX: AIF), a leading provider of asset and fund intelligence for commercial real estate (CRE), today announced the expiration of the regulatory waiting periods in connection with the previously announced sale of Altus Groups global Property Tax business to Ryan, LLC. The parties expect the transaction to close on or about January 1, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. About Altus Group Altus Group delivers intelligence as a service to our global client base through a connected platform of industry-leading technology, advanced analytics, and advisory services. Trusted by the largest CRE leaders, our capabilities help commercial real estate investors, developers, lenders, and advisors manage risks and improve performance returns throughout the asset and fund lifecycle. Altus Group is a global company headquartered in Toronto with employees across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. For more information about Altus Group (TSX: AIF) please visit altusgroup.com. Forward-looking Information Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All information contained in this press release, other than statements of current and historical fact, is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes information that relates to closing of the transaction. The forward-looking information in this press release is qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, opinions and assumptions (including with respect to closing conditions) that, while considered reasonable by Altus Group at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors that may cause actual events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Camilla Bartosiewicz Chief Communications Officer, Altus Group (416) 641-9773 Camilla.Bartosiewicz@altusgroup.com Dublin, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market by Service Type, Sourcing Type, Application, End-User - Global Forecast 2025-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market grew from USD 21.73 billion in 2023 to USD 23.22 billion in 2024. It is expected to continue growing at a CAGR of 6.95%, reaching USD 34.80 billion by 2030. The market is driven by the increasing demand for vehicle safety, the evolution of automotive technologies, regulatory mandates for emissions and safety standards, and the trend towards autonomous and electric vehicles. Potential growth opportunities lie in emerging markets, the rising demand for sustainable and electric vehicles, advancements in inspection technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence and IoT in inspection processes. However, the market faces challenges such as varying regulatory frameworks across regions, high costs associated with advanced inspection systems, and the constant need for technological updates and skilled workforce. Opportunities for innovation are profound in areas like automated inspection technologies, real-time data analytics for predictive maintenance, and adaptive certification processes for novel vehicle technologies. Research into integrating blockchain for secure certification processes could also prove transformative. Despite the promising growth prospects, companies must navigate challenges like regulatory divergence and technological obsolescence. Strategic partnerships, investment in R&D, and a keen focus on regional market dynamics are recommended to capitalize on market opportunities. The market's competitive nature, driven by continuous technological advancements and shifting regulatory landscapes, demands adaptability and proactive strategy adjustments for sustainable business growth and insightful market positioning. Understanding Market Dynamics in the Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market The Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market is rapidly evolving, shaped by dynamic supply and demand trends. These insights provide companies with actionable intelligence to drive investments, develop strategies, and seize emerging opportunities. A comprehensive understanding of market dynamics also helps organizations mitigate political, geographical, technical, social, and economic risks while offering a clearer view of consumer behavior and its effects on manufacturing costs and purchasing decisions. Market Drivers Growing automobile production worldwide Rising outsourcing technical inspection & certification services Increasing awareness within consumers related to product quality and safety Market Restraints Limited availability of skilled Workforce Market Opportunities Emergence of electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles Government norms mandating Periodic Technical Inspection (PTI) of vehicles especially across developed economies Market Challenges Changing environment regulations across regions Key Company Profiles The report delves into recent significant developments in the Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market, highlighting leading vendors and their innovative profiles. These include Applus Services, S.A., BSI Group, Bureau Veritas S.A., DEKRA SE, Element Materials Technology, Eurofins Scientific SE, Intertek Group PLC, MISTRAS Group, Inc., Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll, NSF International, RINA S.p.A, SGS SA, TUV SUD, TUV Nord Group, and TUV Rheinland Group. Market Segmentation & Coverage This research report categorizes the Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market to forecast the revenues and analyze trends in each of the following sub-markets: Service Type Certification Services Inspection Services Testing Services Sourcing Type In-House Outsourced Application ADAS & Safety Controller Adaptive Cruise Control Auto Emergency Braking Automatic Parking Automotive Night Vision Blind Spot Detection Driver Drowsiness Detection Lane Departure Warning System Pedestrian Warning or Protection System Tire Pressure Monitoring System Traffic Sign Recognition Chassis & Body Controller Cockpit Controller Heads-Up Display Human-Machine Interface Functional Safety End-User Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Electric Vehicles & Battery Systems Electrical Systems & Components Fuels, Fluids & Lubricants Homologation Testing Interior & Exterior Materials & Components Telematics Vehicle Inspection Services The report provides a detailed overview of the market, exploring several key areas: Market Penetration: A thorough examination of the current market landscape, featuring comprehensive data from leading industry players and analyzing their reach and influence across the market. Market Development: The report identifies significant growth opportunities in emerging markets and assesses expansion potential within established segments, providing a roadmap for future development. Market Diversification: In-depth coverage of recent product launches, untapped geographic regions, significant industry developments, and strategic investments reshaping the market landscape. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: A detailed analysis of the competitive landscape, covering market share, business strategies, product portfolios, certifications, regulatory approvals, patent trends, technological advancements, and innovations in manufacturing by key market players. Product Development & Innovation: Insight into groundbreaking technologies, R&D efforts, and product innovations that will drive the market in future. Additionally, the report addresses key questions to assist stakeholders in making informed decisions: What is the current size of the market, and how is it expected to grow? Which products, segments, and regions present the most attractive investment opportunities? What are the prevailing technology trends and regulatory factors influencing the market? How do top vendors rank regarding market share and competitive positioning? What revenue sources and strategic opportunities guide vendors' market entry or exit decisions? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 189 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $23.22 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $34.8 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.9% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Research Methodology 3. Executive Summary 4. Market Overview 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.2. Market Segmentation Analysis 5.3. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 5.4. PESTLE Analysis 6. Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market, by Service Type 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Certification Services 6.3. Inspection Services 6.4. Testing Services 7. Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market, by Sourcing Type 7.1. Introduction 7.2. In-House 7.3. Outsourced 8. Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market, by Application 8.1. Introduction 8.2. ADAS & Safety Controller 8.2.1. Adaptive Cruise Control 8.2.2. Auto Emergency Braking 8.2.3. Automatic Parking 8.2.4. Automotive Night Vision 8.2.5. Blind Spot Detection 8.2.6. Driver Drowsiness Detection 8.2.7. Lane Departure Warning System 8.2.8. Pedestrian Warning or Protection System 8.2.9. Tire Pressure Monitoring System 8.2.10. Traffic Sign Recognition 8.3. Chassis & Body Controller 8.4. Cockpit Controller 8.4.1. Heads-Up Display 8.4.2. Human-Machine Interface 8.5. Functional Safety 9. Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market, by End-User 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Electric Vehicles & Battery Systems 9.3. Electrical Systems & Components 9.4. Fuels, Fluids & Lubricants 9.5. Homologation Testing 9.6. Interior & Exterior Materials & Components 9.7. Telematics 9.8. Vehicle Inspection Services 10. Americas Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market 11. Asia-Pacific Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market 12. Europe, Middle East & Africa Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services Market 13. Competitive Landscape 13.1. Market Share Analysis, 2023 13.2. FPNV Positioning Matrix, 2023 13.3. Competitive Scenario Analysis 13.4. Strategy Analysis & Recommendation Companies Featured The leading players in the Automotive Technical Inspection & Certification Services market, which are profiled in this report, include: Applus Services, S.A. BSI Group Bureau Veritas S.A. DEKRA SE Element Materials Technology Eurofins Scientific SE Intertek Group PLC MISTRAS Group, Inc. Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll NSF International RINA S.p.A SGS SA TUV SUD TUV Nord Group TUV Rheinland Group For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/eghn25 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment RAD to advance the clinical development of Lantheus innovative radiopharmaceuticals in Australia Initial collaboration will focus on a Phase 1 imaging trial Financial incentives to be paid to RAD upon meeting clinical milestone targets SYDNEY, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radiopharm Theranostics (ASX:RAD, Radiopharm or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative oncology radiopharmaceuticals for areas of high unmet medical need, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a strategic co-development partnership with Lantheus to advance the clinical development of innovative radiopharmaceuticals in Australia. Under the agreement, Radiopharm will lead clinical development efforts in Australia, leveraging its extensive experience and infrastructure to drive advancements in the field. The collaboration includes plans for a basket clinical trial targeting multiple solid tumors, underscoring both companies' commitment to addressing unmet medical needs in oncology. As part of the partnership, Lantheus will cover all clinical development costs associated with the program. Additionally, Radiopharm will receive up to USD 2 million as milestone payments upon achieving key clinical development objectives, including ethics committee approval, first patient dosing, and completion of patient enrolment, for the first imaging trial subject to this agreement. Lantheus CEO Brian Markison commented, This partnership is an important step forward in our purpose to advance our best-in-class radiopharmaceutical therapies. Radiopharms deep expertise and capabilities in Australia make them an ideal collaborator for this endeavor. Riccardo Canevari, CEO of Radiopharm, stated, We are thrilled to collaborate with Lantheus, a global leader in radiopharmaceuticals. This partnership strengthens our ability to bring innovative treatments to patients in need and demonstrates the power of combining our expertise and resources. About Radiopharm Theranostics Radiopharm Theranostics is a clinical stage radiotherapeutics company developing a world-class platform of innovative radiopharmaceutical products for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in areas of high unmet medical need. Radiopharm has been listed on ASX (RAD) since November 2021. The company has a pipeline of six distinct and highly differentiated platform technologies spanning peptides, small molecules and monoclonal antibodies for use in cancer, in pre-clinical and clinical stages of development from some of the worlds leading universities and institutes. The pipeline has been built based on the potential to be first-to-market or best-in-class. The clinical program includes one Phase II and two Phase I trials in a variety of solid tumour cancers including lung, pancreas, and brain. Learn more at radiopharmtheranostics.com. Authorized on behalf of the Radiopharm Theranostics Board of Directors by Executive Chairman Paul Hopper. For more information: Riccardo Canevari CEO & Managing Director P: +1 862 309 0293 E: rc@radiopharmtheranostics.com Matt Wright NWR Communications P: +61 451 896 420 E: matt@nwrcommunications.com.au Follow Radiopharm Theranostics: Website https://radiopharmtheranostics.com/ Twitter https://twitter.com/TeamRadiopharm Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/radiopharm-theranostics/ InvestorHub https://investorhub.radiopharmtheranostics.com/ This press release was published by a CLEAR Verified individual. MIAMI, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VITAS Healthcare joins the Carter family and all Americans in mourning the death of former President Jimmy Carter, 39th president of the United States. As a champion for healthcare and humanitarian causes, President Carter leaves a legacy of compassion, integrity and service that will encourage future generations. The Carter familys decision to publicly announce their election for hospice care raised awareness about its benefits and the importance of accessing end-of-life care early in a serious illness. In 2023 alone, more than 1.7 million Medicare beneficiaries nationwide chose hospice for compassionate, dignified care, according to MedPAC. President Carters journey with hospice over the last 22 months has been an inspiration to American households, said Nick Westfall, VITAS chairman and chief executive officer. His familys transparency has sparked dialogue across the country about what hospice is and what it can be, encouraging more families to discuss their care preferences openly and seek earlier referrals to hospice when appropriate. Key lessons learned from President Carters end-of-life journey: Hospice is a choice, and advance care planning is a gift. Discussing and documenting goals and wishes allows patients to articulate care preferences, easing the burden on loved ones. Discussing and documenting goals and wishes allows patients to articulate care preferences, easing the burden on loved ones. Hospice is not only for the final days. It focuses on comfort, symptom management and support for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, regardless of timeframe. It focuses on comfort, symptom management and support for patients with a life expectancy of six months or less, regardless of timeframe. Choosing hospice does not mean giving up hope. It shifts focus from curative treatment to comfort, tailored to maintain quality of life care. It shifts focus from curative treatment to comfort, tailored to maintain quality of life care. The hospice journey is unique. Each patients needs and symptoms differ, and lengths of stay vary significantly. President Carters early enrollment in hospice care allowed him to fully benefit from the comprehensive support and services for nearly two years. By identifying his end-of-life goals and wishes well in advance, he demonstrated that hospice can provide months of comfort, symptom management and family support, maximizing quality of life. Research by NORC at the University of Chicago shows that longer hospice stays lead to better outcomes, including higher patient satisfaction, better pain control and fewer hospitalizations. Patients receive holistic care from an interdisciplinary team trained in comfort, symptom relief and emotional support, ensuring dignity during lifes final chapter. The hospice community is grateful for President Carters advocacy and his efforts to improve healthcare access for all Americans. To learn more about advance care planning, download the free Thinking About Hospice discussion guide for families. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. About VITAS Healthcare Established in 1978, VITAS Healthcare is a pioneer and leader in the American hospice movement. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) operates 55 hospice programs in 15 states (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. VITAS employs 11,679 professionals who care for patients with advanced illness, primarily in the patients homes, and also in the companys 27 inpatient hospice units as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities/residential care facilities for the elderly. At the conclusion of the third quarter of 2024, VITAS reported an average daily census of 21,977. Visit www.vitas.com. Media inquiries contact: media@vitas.com, 877-848-2701 SAN DIEGO, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE: ZETA) securities between February 27, 2024 and November 13, 2024, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), have until Tuesday, January 21, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Zeta Global class action lawsuit. Captioned Davoodi v. Zeta Global Holdings Corp., No. 24-cv-08961 (S.D.N.Y.), the Zeta Global class action lawsuit charges Zeta Global as well as certain of Zeta Globals top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Zeta Global class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-zeta-global-holdings-corp-class-action-lawsuit-zeta.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 info@rgrdlaw.com. CASE ALLEGATIONS: Zeta Global is a marketing technology company. The Zeta Global class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Zeta Global used two-way contracts to artificially inflate financial results; (ii) Zeta Global engaged in round trip transactions to artificially inflate financial results; (iii) Zeta Global utilized predatory consent farms to collect user data; and (iv) these consent farms have driven almost the entirety of Zeta Globals growth. The Zeta Global class action lawsuit further alleges that on November 13, 2024 Culper Research published a report entitled Zeta Global Holdings Corp (ZETA): Shams, Scams, and Spam. On this news, the price of Zeta Globals stock fell by more than 37%. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Zeta Global securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Zeta Global 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 Zeta Global class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Zeta Global class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Zeta Global class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds 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 Firms 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 info@rgrdlaw.com PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SquareX, an industry-first Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution, leads the way in browser security. About a week ago, SquareX reported large-scale attacks targeting Chrome Extension developers aimed at taking over the Chrome Extension from the Chrome Store. On December 25th, 2024, a malicious version of Cyberhavens browser extension was published on the Chrome Store that allowed the attacker to hijack authenticated sessions and exfiltrate confidential information. The malicious extension was available for download for more than 30 hours before being removed by Cyberhaven. The data loss prevention company declined to comment on the extent of the impact when approached by the press, but the extension had over 400,000 users on the Chrome Store at the time of the attack. Unfortunately, the attack took place as SquareX's researchers had identified a similar attack with a video demonstrating the entire attack pathway just a week before the Cyberhaven breach. The attack begins with a phishing email impersonating Chrome Store containing a supposed violation of the platforms Developer Agreement, urging the receiver to accept the policies to prevent their extension from being removed from Chrome Store. Upon clicking on the policy button, the user gets prompted to connect their Google account to a Privacy Policy Extension, which grants the attacker access to edit, update and publish extensions on the developers account. Fake Privacy Policy Extension requesting access to edit, update or publish the developers extension Extensions have become an increasingly popular way for attackers to gain initial access. This is because most organizations have limited purview on what browser extensions their employees are using. Even the most rigorous security teams typically do not monitor subsequent updates once an extension is whitelisted. SquareX has conducted extensive research and demonstrated at DEFCON 32, how MV3-compliant extensions can be used to steal video stream feeds, add a silent GitHub collaborator, and steal session cookies, among others. Attackers can create a seemingly harmless extension and later convert it into a malicious one post-installation or, as demonstrated in the attack above, deceive the developers behind a trusted extension to gain access to one that already has hundreds of thousands of users. In Cyberhavens case, attackers were able to steal company credentials across multiple websites and web apps through the malicious version of the extension. Given that developer emails are publicly listed on Chrome Store, it is easy for attackers to target thousands of extension developers at once. These emails are typically used for bug reporting. Thus, even support emails listed for extensions from larger companies are usually routed to developers who may not have the level of security awareness required to find suspicion in such an attack. As per SquareXs attack disclosure and the Cyberhaven breach that occurred within the span of less than two weeks, the company has strong reason to believe that many other browser extension providers are being attacked in the same way. SquareX urges companies and individuals alike to conduct a careful inspection before installing or updating any browser extensions. SquareX team understands that it can be non-trivial to evaluate and monitor every single browser extension in the workforce amidst all the competing security priorities, especially when it comes to zero-day attacks. As demonstrated in the video, the fake privacy policy app involved in Cyberhavens breach was not even detected by any popular threat feeds. SquareXs Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution takes this complexity off security teams by: Blocking OAuth interactions to unauthorized websites to prevent employees from accidentally giving attackers unauthorized access to your Chrome Store account Blocking and/or flagging any suspicious extension updates containing new, risky permissions Blocking and/or flagging any suspicious extensions with a surge of negative reviews Blocking and/or flagging installations of sideloaded extensions Streamline all requests for extension installations outside the authorized list for quick approval based on company policy Full visibility on all extensions installed and used by employees across the organization SquareXs founder Vivek Ramachandran warns: Identity attacks targeting browser extensions similar to this OAuth attack will only become more prevalent as employees rely on more browser-based tools to be productive at work. Similar variants of these attacks have been used in the past to steal cloud data from apps like Google Drive and One Drive and we will only see attackers get more creative in exploiting browser extensions. Companies need to remain vigilant and minimize their supply chain risk without hampering employee productivity by equipping them with the right browser native tools. About SquareX: SquareX helps organizations detect, mitigate, and threat-hunt client-side web attacks happening against their users in real-time. SquareX's industry-first Browser Detection and Response (BDR) solution, takes an attack-focused approach to browser security, ensuring enterprise users are protected against advanced threats like malicious QR Codes, Browser-in-the-Browser phishing, macro-based malware, and other web attacks encompassing malicious files, websites, scripts, and compromised networks. With SquareX, enterprises can provide contractors and remote workers with secure access to internal applications, and enterprise SaaS, and convert the browsers on BYOD / unmanaged devices into trusted browsing sessions. Contact Head of PR Junice Liew SquareX junice@sqrx.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c70ea64-f0ca-4fc4-9039-6f5b15a0adf2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/19691fe3-f330-4faf-ad88-7d0cb8a6359c BONN, Germany, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investmentaktiengesellschaft fur langfristige Investoren TGV (IFL) today announced the transfer on December 27, 2024 of certain of its investment funds to a capital management company unrelated to IFL (Transfer), including 601,155 shares of Tucows Inc. (Tucows) representing 5.46% of Tucows outstanding Common Shares. IFL also announced that by way of a redemption in kind, an IFL investment fund today distributed to Mr Norman Rentrop the remaining 1,413,439 Tucows shares held by IFL representing 12.84% of the outstanding Tucows shares. As a result of the redemption in kind, IFL holds no Tucows shares and Mr Rentrop has publicly reported his holding of the 12.84% Common Share position formerly held by IFL. IFL transferred Common Shares of Tucows for a deemed consideration of CA$ 33,131,010.16 representing the market value of the Shares based on the December 27 closing market price of the Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange. IFL effected the Transfer and redemption in kind in connection with its decision to terminate the investment funds managed by IFL. IFL has no plans or future intentions with respect to Tucows. To obtain a copy of the report filed by IFL pursuant to Canadian securities law, contact: Investmentaktiengesellschaft fur langfristige Investoren TGV Waldemar Lokotsch Rungsdorfer Str. 2e DE-53173 Bonn Germany +49 228 368840 WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, a coalition of conservative agriculture organizations including the Institute for Legislative Analysis Center to Protect Ranchers, Farm and Ranch Loss Assessment Group, LLC, Competitive Markets Action, the Organization for Competitive Markets, and Competitive Markets PAC, Founders PAC, called for an investigation into Xcel Energy a Fortune 500 utility company operating across 8 states. The coalition is demanding answers for why countless landowners, ranchers, and farmers many of whom are now facing insolvency and bankruptcy have still not been compensated for the enormous losses they sustained from the Smokehouse Creek Wildfire Complex, which devastated large portions of the Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma. Xcel has since taken responsibility for the wildfire, the largest in Texas history and the fifth-largest fire in the U.S. since 1871. Additionally, the coalition is calling for an investigation into Xcels radical woke Environmental, Social, and Governance(ESG) policies and wildfire resiliency efforts. A mere three years before the Texas fire, Xcel triggered the Marshall fire the largest wildfire in Colorado history. After having personally surveyed the massive destruction across the panhandle and heard the stories from dozens of landowners, ranchers, and farmers, it is difficult to put into words what these folks have lost, the adversity that they have endured, and the suffering that continues today, said Bram Browder, Director of the Institute for Legislative Analysis Center to Protect Ranchers. When someone is forced to watch their homes, ranches, local businesses, and the animals they have raised all go up in flames in mere minutes, it is apparent why a suicide hotline dedicated to ranchers and farmers was urgently established immediately following the devastating wildfire. But unfortunately, that was just the beginning of their suffering. Now, 10 months later, many of these ranchers still have not had their claims paid by Xcel and are trying to hold on for dear life financially. Ranchers cant continue to take the heat for big woke energy utilities that put laughable ESG policies before the actual safety of the ecosystem, production models, and the best interest of those of us who put food on American plates, said Taylor Haynes, a cattle rancher in Wyoming and President at the Organization at Competitive Markets. We call on the State of Texas and the incoming Trump Administration to swiftly investigate the actions that led to these dire circumstances. We stand strong beside the American ranchers and family farmers whose animals borne the brunt end of Xcels apparent negligence that continues to decimate livestock producers, and land owners in the Texas panhandle and across these great United States, said Marty Irby, President & CEO at Competitive Markets Action. Once again, big business and consolidated interests in the utility and agriculture spheres are creating unnecessary disasters that lead to producer loss and animal welfare issues in large populations of livestock another threat to food safety and security in the U.S." According to S. Smith, one of the Texas ranchers who continues to suffer from the aftermath of the fire, At one point there was a glimmer of hope for many of us within the community after Xcel took responsibility and made assurances they were going to pay out our claims. However, that hope has turned into despair since we have had no communication from Xcel for months. Plus, we have now learned Xcel has turned over the claims process to some 200-year-old New York litigation firm. The coalition urges swift action to ensure justice for the ranchers, farmers, and landowners impacted by Xcels actions. Their continued resilience in the face of devastating losses underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and meaningful reforms in the utility and agricultural sectors. With the incoming administration and state leaders, the coalition remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for those who feed America and safeguard our nations food security. The Center to Protect Ranchers (CPR) is a project of the Institute for Legislative Analysis (ILA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Washington, D.C. As the only conservative organization dedicated solely to the ranching industry, the CPR works to strengthen transparency and accountability across four major issue areas impacting ranchers. The ILA is a national policy and research organization that serves as a data hub for a multitude of conservative and right-of-center organizations. https://limitedgov.org The Organization for Competitive Markets (OCM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The foundation of the Organization for Competitive Markets is to fight for competitive markets in agriculture for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. True competition reduces the need for economic regulation. Our mission and duty are to define and advocate the proper role of government in the agricultural economy as a regulator and enforcer of rules necessary for markets that are fair, honest, accessible, and competitive for all citizens. https://competitivemarkets.com/ Competitive Markets Action (CMA) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit based in Washington, D.C., that was formed with the mission of shaping policy to promote more regenerative and sustainable agriculture, and competitive markets in the U.S., and to defend against attacks on states rights by the federal government. CMA works to raise awareness of the harm caused by multinational conglomerates to the American family farmer, the consumer, and our U.S. economy to bring about legislative and regulatory reforms. https://www.competitivemarketsaction.org/ Attachment La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, December 30, 2024 As one of Mexicos most captivating destinations, La Paz, Baja California Sur, offers travelers a unique escape into a world of natural wonders and rich cultural experiences. Located along the picturesque Sea of Cortez, La Paz combines pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and a lively arts scene, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and immersion in local culture. A Natural Wonderland La Paz is renowned for its stunning landscapes, from the crystal-clear waters of its beaches to the rugged beauty of the surrounding desert. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sea of Cortez often referred to as the worlds aquarium is home to an abundance of marine life, making it a premier destination for diving, snorkeling, and whale watching. Visitors can take boat tours to Isla Espiritu Santo, a protected island sanctuary known for its dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and vibrant wildlife. For those visiting between December and April, La Paz is also one of the best places in the world for whale watching, as gray whales migrate through the region. Whether you are diving with schools of tropical fish or swimming alongside gentle whale sharks, La Paz offers a unique opportunity to connect with the oceans most magnificent creatures. Vibrant Culture and Rich History La Paz is more than just a natural paradise. It also offers a vibrant cultural scene that blends indigenous traditions with contemporary influences. The citys historic center is home to charming streets, and lively public squares, where visitors can enjoy local music, dance, and delicious Baja California cuisine. The bustling boardwalk, a waterfront promenade, serves as the heart of the citys cultural life, offering stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and a wide array of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. An Unforgettable Experience Awaits Whether you're chasing adventure or seeking tranquility, La Paz offers an unforgettable escape. From kayaking through serene bays to hiking the rugged Sierra de la Laguna mountains or exploring the vast desert landscapes on an ATV, La Paz provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature. With its perfect blend of year-round sunshine, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural heritage, La Paz is quickly becoming one of Mexicos must-see destinations. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a culture seeker, or someone simply looking to unwind in paradise, La Paz guarantees an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. For more information on La Paz and to plan your next adventure, visit www.golapaz.com About La Paz, Baja California Sur La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur in Mexico is a coastal paradise nestled between the Sea of Cortez and the desert landscape. With its rich cultural tapestry, diverse marine life, and commitment to sustainable tourism, La Paz invites travelers to explore, connect, and experience the true essence of Baja California Sur. For more information about La Paz and to plan your sustainable adventure, visit: https://golapaz.com/ Connect with Us #GoLaPaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golapaz Twitter: https://twitter.com/golapaz Attachments Washington, DC, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We deeply mourn the passing of our nations 39th President, Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a true advocate for higher education and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). He was the first U.S. president to issue an executive order focusing on historically Black colleges and universities. Executive Order 12232 directed the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to implement a federal initiative designed to achieve a significant increase in the I participation by historically Black colleges and universities in federally sponsored programs. The order specified that initiative shall seek to identify, reduce and eliminate barriers which may have unfairly resulted in reduced participation in, and reduced benefits from, federally sponsored programs. Every president has followed with an executive order on HBCUs since President Carter issued his in 1980. During his presidency, President Carter established the White House Initiative on HBCUs. This initiative aimed to increase federal funding and support for HBCUs, as well as improve their visibility and recognition. It also sought to address the unique challenges faced by HBCUs, such as financial constraints and limited resources. President Carter's policies helped HBCUs enhance their academic programs, infrastructure and research capabilities. This support played a crucial role in expanding access to higher education for African American students, fostering educational opportunities, and promoting diversity in the higher education system. Furthermore, Carter's administration emphasized the importance of equal educational opportunities for all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity. His commitment to civil rights and equality aligned with the mission and values of UNCF and HBCUs, making his policies particularly significant to these institutions. Under President Carter's leadership, the United States witnessed progress and advancements in the support and recognition of HBCUs. His unwavering support will forever be remembered and appreciated by UNCF and the entire HBCU community. As we reflect on President Carter's legacy, let us honor his memory by continuing to advocate for the importance of HBCUs and their role in creating a more equitable, inclusive and progressive society. Peace and blessings to the Carter Family as we salute President Carter for his dedicated service to provide better futures for all. ### About UNCF UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nations largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelors degrees, 5% of masters degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark is, A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on X (formerly Twitter) at @UNCF. Rouyn-Noranda, Dec. 30, 2024 - Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSXV: RDS) (OTCQB: RMRDF) ("Radisson" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has received total gross proceeds of C$782,264.25 from the exercise of 2,897,275 class A shares purchase warrants (the "Warrants") at a price of $0.27 per warrant. The Warrants were issued in relation to a private placement completed in June 2023 and had an expiry of December 30, 2024. They were exercised in full. Matt Manson, President and CEO, commented: "We are grateful for the continuing support of our shareholders with the exercise of these warrants. We are closing 2024 with a robust treasury and a solid record of achievement during the year. Central to our work has been completing one of the largest drill programs ever undertaken at the O'Brien Gold Project ("O'Brien" or the "Project"). Results from this program will continue to be published into 2025, but we ended the year strongly with multiple high-grade intercepts highlighting the significant exploration potential of O'Brien at depth. These included results from the deepest hole ever drilled at the Project, and the first hole ever drilled below O'Brien's historic workings, which returned an intercept of 242.0 g/t gold over 1.0 metre within a mineralized interval averaging 31.24 g/t gold over 8.0 metres. This was achieved a full 500 metres below the original mine and the base of our current mineral resources. We also saw the potential re-discovery of the famous O'Brien "Jewellery Box" stope, with an intercept grading 1,345 g/t gold over 1.0 metre at shallow depth. These "top and bottom" hits will guide our exploration planning for 2025, which is focussed on bringing out both the resource upside potential of the Project at depth and its very high-grade characteristics." Matt Manson continued: "During 2024 we also commenced work under the auspices of a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with IAMGold Corp. to assess the design criteria for processing mined material from O'Brien at the nearby Doyon gold mill, part of IAMGOLD's Doyon-Westwood mine complex. This development approach assumes that O'Brien would become a component of the type of hub-and-spoke mining and milling arrangement characteristic of gold mining in Quebec's Abitibi region. Work under the MOU has progressed well, and has included metallurgical studies, flow sheet review, and a tailings assessment. We expect this work to be completed early in the new year. With these Project development studies and our ongoing exploration program, fully funded from a robust financial position, we are looking forward to a consequential year in 2025 for Radisson and the O'Brien Gold Project." Qualified Person Disclosure of a scientific or technical nature in this news release was prepared under the supervision of Mr. Richard Nieminen, P.Geo, (QC), a geological consultant for Radisson and a Qualified Person for purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Nieminen is independent of Radisson and the O'Brien Gold Project. Radisson Mining Resources Inc. Radisson is a gold exploration company focused on its 100% owned O'Brien Gold Project, located in the Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp along the world-renowned Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break in Abitibi, Quebec. The Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp has produced over 25 million ounces of gold over the last 100 years. The Project hosts the former O'Brien Mine, considered to have been Quebec's highest-grade gold producer during its production. Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated at 0.50 million ounces (1.52 million tonnes at 10.26 g/t Au), with additional Inferred Mineral Resources estimated at 0.45 million ounces (1.60 million tonnes at 8.66 g/t Au). Please see the NI 43-101 "Technical Report on the O'Brien Project, Northwestern Quebec, Canada" effective March 2, 2023, Radisson's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com for further details and assumptions relating to the O'Brien Gold Project. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements including, but are not limited to, statements with respect to planned and ongoing drilling, the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, the ability to incorporate new drilling in an updated technical report and resource modelling, the Company's ability to grow the O'Brien project and the ability to convert inferred mineral resources to indicated mineral resources. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements Forward-looking information is based on estimates of management of the Company, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the drill results at O'Brien; the significance of drill results; the ability of drill results to accurately predict mineralization; the ability of any material to be mined in a matter that is economic. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. The Company believes that this forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Montreal, December 30, 2024 - Beauce Gold Fields (Champs D'Or en Beauce) (TSX Venture: "BGF"), referred to as "BGF" or the "Company," is closing a non-brokered private placement of 4,285,714 flow-through shares at $0.035 per share for gross proceeds of $150,000. Each flow-through share issued under the placement is subject to a mandatory four-month-and-one-day hold period, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The placement is subject to standard regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The proceeds of the placement will be used to finance exploration work. No more than 10% of the proceeds of the placement can be used for Investor Relations Activities. None amount of the proceeds of the placement is for payments to Non-Arm's length parties of the company nor for payments to persons conducting Investor Relations Activities. In connection with the placement, the company will pay as finder's fees of $10,500.70 to Glores Securities Inc of Stouffville, Ontario. The company will also issue 300,000 warrants to Glores Securities Inc.. Those warrants will entitle the agent to purchase one common share of the capital stock of the company at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing of the placement. Each share issued on exercise of the warrants will have a mandatory four-month-and-one-day hold period from the date of closing of the placement. About Beauce Gold Fields Beauce Gold Fields is focused on exploring and developing the largest placer gold district in eastern North America. The Company's objective is the trace old placer gold workings back to a bedrock source to uncover economic lode gold deposits. The Company's flagship property is the St-Simon-les-Mines Gold project, site of Canada's first gold rush that pre-dates the Yukon Klondike. The Beauce region hosted some of the largest historical placer gold mines in Eastern North America that were active from 1860s to the 1960s It produced some of the largest gold nuggets in Canadian mining history (50oz to 71oz). (Source Sedar: 43-101 Report - Beauce July 4th 2018, , Author B. Violette) Beauce Gold Fields is currently exploring recently discovered antiform systems that could have contributed to the development of extensive auriferous placer deposits in Beauce. The Company's geological model suggests that placer gold within the Beauce Gold paleochannel, including the renowned large nuggets from the 19th century, formed in stressed quartz pockets within layered domed Axis of Antiforms, exemplified by Saddle Reef formations. Notable global Saddle Reef formations include the Bendigo gold fields in Australia (over 60 million ounces) and the high-grade Dufferin deposit in Nova Scotia. Beauce Gold Fields website www.beaucegold.com Disclaimers: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding mineral exploration. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's on-going filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information contact Patrick Levasseur, President and CEO Tel: (514) 262-9239 www.beaucegold.com Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Calgary, December 30, 2024 - Record Resources Inc. (TSXV: REC) reports that is has closed its previously announced financing (November 21, 28, 2024 news releases). Record has closed a $330,000 LIFE Offering and $107,000 first tranche of a Private Placement. The combined Offering raised totals proceeds of $437,000 through the issuance of 14,566,665 Units. Each Unit, priced at $0.03, consisted of one common share and one half-share purchase warrant of the company. Each whole warrant is exercisable at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Offering. In connection with the offering, the company paid a finder's fee and issued finder shares and finder warrants to EMD Financial Inc., as well as any other registrants participating in the offering, consisting of: (i) cash finder's fees of 8% of the gross proceeds of the Offering; (ii) finder shares in an amount equal of 4% of the number of Units issued pursuant to the Offering; and (iii) finder warrants in an amount equal of 4% of the number of Units issued pursuant to the Offering, exercisable at a price of $0.05 per common share for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Offering. Completion of the offering is subject to certain conditions including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the TSX Venture Exchange. The company reports that, following the close of this financing, it will have 103,637,659 shares outstanding. In other news, the company announces that it is not moving forward with the following option agreements: an option agreement on the La Sarre copper property (July 17, 2024 news release); an option agreement on uranium properties, which included Malborne, Church North and Ferguson Lake properties (May 17, 2024, April 8, 2024, April 9, 2024 news releases). The company has also abandoned option agreements on the following lithium and uranium properties: White Mud River, O'Malley, Rope Lake properties (December 19, 2024 news release); the Doran lithium property (December 19, 2022 news release); and the Doran-South lithium property (January 10, 2023 news release). Website: www.recordgoldcorp.com Cautionary Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes", an or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would" , "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: approval of the Private Placement and obtaining a full revocation order. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the market acceptance of the Private Placement; the ability of the Company to obtain a full revocation order and the receipt of all required approvals in connection with the foregoing. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market price for securities; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, court or regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Units and the securities comprising the Units have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor shall there be any sale of securities in the Unites States, or any other jurisdiction, in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235519 Beloved by Chinese churches worldwide, the worship ministry Stream of Praise (SOP) will mark its 30th anniversary next year. In a heartfelt public address, founder Pastor Sandy Yu expressed profound gratitude for Gods grace and the support of believers, while calling on the global faith community to continue supporting this ministry through prayer and giving. Reflecting on SOPs journey, Pastor Yu credited Gods faithfulness and the unity of believers for sustaining the ministry. Over the past three decades, SOP has focused on creating worship songs and hosting training events, blessing countless Chinese churches and raising a new generation of worshipers. Their ministry has reached North America, Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe, spreading the gospel through worship music across the globe. Pastor Yu noted that SOP operates without the backing of a large church or institution, relying solely on faith in God. Every album, every tour, has been accomplished by faith in Gods provision, she shared gratefully. While celebrating SOPs milestones, Pastor Yu acknowledged ongoing financial needs and urged believers to take tangible steps to support the ministry. She invited the faith community to join as Friends of Stream of Praise, contributing through prayer and financial offerings to ensure the continued creation of high-quality worship music and videos that bless Chinese churches. Looking ahead to SOPs 30th anniversary, Pastor Yu expressed great anticipation. The ministry plans to host worship events, either online or in person, in 2025 to unite believers worldwide in praising God. Concluding her message, Pastor Yu extended warm holiday blessings: We look forward to partnering with you in the days ahead, witnessing even more spiritual breakthroughs together. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! New bidder enters South African GP race Reacting quickly to the Rwandan presidents announcement his country has now made a formal bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the near future, the South African government has put together a new committee that will evaluate all the potential bids to become the home of their own Grand Prix before putting its full backing behind the best one. Red Bull While for many years it was believed Kyalami, in the outskirts of Johanesburg, was the only serious bidder to host the future South African Grand Prix, plans to have the race close to Cape Town have now been ressurrected and there is now talk of a brand new circuit being build north of that city, with a new company making its own formal announcement on Tuesday. The Langa Lethu South Afrucan Grand Prix Bid Group has stated that is has aquired a significant site on the West Coast, and is preparing to make a formal announcement of its plans, shortly after the New Year. The statement was very short of details but the Langa Lethu Group has revealed that, it will construct a Grade 1 FIA spec, state-of-the-art Grand Prix racetrack with the Table Mountain and Robben Island as a backdrop. According to sources from South Africa, such details indicate the circuit will be built a few kilometers north of Cape Town, close to Milnerton, in the vicinity to an industrial park. That will have the advantage, compared to Kyalami, of being located close to the Cape Town International Airport and fed by main roads and public transport for easy access for over the expected daily 100.000 spectators. The group, however, has not yet announced who are the individuals or companies behind this project, as well as who will design and build the circuit. All the statement added was that, its team has proven expertise and wherewithal in promoting and running Grand Prix motor races. In a couple of days it should be possible to know how many bids the South African government is accepting for this tender, as theres a new sense of urgency at the top level, given that Rwanda seems to have the money and clearly has the political will to get its own Grand Prix into the calendar as soon as possible. Stella praises Management Support for success Andrea Stella is clearly the face of McLarens amazing turnaround of form in the last couple of years, but the Italian continuesto refuse to take all the credit for the improved performance of the historic British team, pointing out that the new culture that has made the papaya orange cars into winning machines, comes all the way from the top, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown embracing a new way of motivating his staff. McLaren F1 team, Abu Dhabi GP 2024 McLaren Recognizing theres a new mentality in place at McLaren, the Italian made it clear that, the unlocking the peoples not only my contribution. Ive often alked about the management and this is extremely important because you cannot do anything if you are a one-man show. Even if you are Team Principal, you need the support of your CEO, you need the support of the Chairman, you need the support of the shareholders, because we all need to go aligned, otherwise you don't create a culture. The former Head of Race Engineering added that, As Team Principal I've always felt great support. We often have walking the factory as Zak walks the factory with me very, very often and we have several conversations witgh our staff.. Ultimately it is the accumulation of these numerous and numerous conversations that change the culture, build the trust in an organization and you see that. As a Team Principal, as a CEO, we made sure people in the factory, working in the background, are one of us, and thanks to our conversations with them, we build the way we want to be as a group. And then we will be the guarantee that the way we want to be, as a group, will be implemented. For Stella, that's where you really make a difference as a Team Principal or a CEO. Not because you bring new staff into the team, but because what we agree, all together, will be guaranteed, we are responsible to make sure that this is brought to life. Why Bottas feels betrayed ny Audi Valtteri Bottas has never been known for venting his anger or settling problems in public, the former Sauber driver being a typical Finn, who keeps himself to himself, even if his wicked sense of humor has progressively come to the surface since he left Mercedes and felt free to express himself in his own, unique, way. Valtteri Bottas, Abu Dhabi GP 2024 Sauber However, with the conclusion of his three years with Sauber and the certainty he wont be at on the grid in next years Australian Grand Prix, Bottas decided it was time to settle a couple of scores. The Finn wanted explain why, being the best experienced driver on the grid, after Williams opted to take Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon in the next couple of years, he ended up without a seat, with newcomers Antonelli, Doohan, Bortoletto and Bearman and very likely Hadjar - all getting permanent drives in 2025. One of Bottas statements that made the headlines was his admission that, signing with Sauber three years ago was a mistake. A statement that upset the fans of the Swiss team, but that makes complete sense when you get the Finns explanation for it. After all, when he left Mercedes at the end of 2021, he accepted the contract offered by his old GP3 boss Frederic Vasseur and had full confidence the Frenchman was the right man to bring Sauber back to the front of the midfield. That much he explained when he pointed out that, Fred was a big part of me signing with the team, as I used to work with him before. There was a clear plan and target for the three years I signed for and how to get there, but those plans went into the bin when he left. As the Frenchmans deal to join Ferrari came very late in December of 2022, Bottas admitted that, I did have an option that if Fred goes, I can go, but by then it was too late to find another seat. Nevertheless, Bottas doesnt blame his former boss for moving to Ferrari, because, as a Team Principal or a driver, if you get the chance to go to Ferrari, everyone is going to take it and Fred did what was right for him and is showing what he can do with a top team too. What really upset Bottas, though, was that he was given false promised by Andreas Seidl, first, and Mattia Binotto, later, as he explained: Once Audi confirmed they're joining, I was always told that I'd be the pillar for the project, and that didn't happen. The Finn had previously explained that, until the end of April, Andreas was in contact with me, assuring me that I would be getting a long term contract with Audi but from the moment he signed Hulkenberg and I was only told Nico was coming about 30 minutes before the announcement - he suddenly almost stopped all contact. Then, with Seidl fired and Binotto replacing the German, we reopened negotiations, as Sainz had opted to go to Williams, and, again, I was told he wanted me but the Board of Directors needed to be convinced they shouldnt put a young driver in the car for 2025 and 2026, as they needed as much experience as they could possibly get to make quick progress. But we all know how that ended too Thats why the Finn concluded that, knowing what I know now, I wouldnt have signed with Sauber back then, but no one could guess Fred was going to leave 12 months later and that his enire vision for transforming the team would have gone straight into the bin Featured Daddy Lumba, Ambolley to receive National Honours Kweku Zurek Showbiz News Dec - 30 - 2024 , 12:05 2 minutes read Musicians Charles Kwadwo Fosu, popularly known as Daddy Lumba, and Gyedu-Blay Ambolley will today be honoured at the National Honours and Awards 2024 for their remarkable contributions to Ghana's creative arts industry. The ceremony, which is set to take place at the Accra International Conference Centre, will see the two legends receive the Grand Medal for their faithful and loyal service to the nation. Joining them in the Creative Arts category is actress and filmmaker Juliet Yaa Asantewaa Asante. Renowned filmmaker Kwaw Paintsil Ansah will also be honoured with the prestigious Order of the Volta (Member). About the National Honours and Awards Advertisement The National Honours and Awards ceremony was established in 1960 to recognise individuals and institutions who have made distinguished contributions to Ghana's development. The initiative, first introduced under the leadership of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, continues to celebrate creativity, excellence, and hard work in various fields of endeavour. This years event also highlights the recently introduced Presidential Honours and Awards for Distinguished Service, created by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2023. This new category acknowledges extraordinary contributions made during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Akufo-Addo has praised the resilience and collaboration displayed by citizens, institutions, and international partners in safeguarding lives and mobilising resources during the crisis. The honours, spanning several categories, include the Grand Medal, the Order of the Volta (Member and Companion), and the Order of the Star of Ghana (Member and Officer), among others. Today's ceremony is expected to shine a spotlight on the enduring dedication and accomplishments of those who have served Ghana with distinction. Read also: Ghana National Honours: See list of 2024 award winners including Bawumia, Napo, Hawa Koomson and others Featured I can't rise because of your mafia tactics Kelvyn Boy tells Stonebwoy Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Dec - 30 - 2024 , 15:54 2 minutes read Ghanaian musician and Down flat hit-maker, Kelvyn Boy has publicly expressed his frustration and disappointment with his former boss, Stonebwoy, accusing him of using "mafia tactics" to hinder his growth and success in the music industry. In an outburst on X(twitter) today, Kelvyn Boy claimed that Stonebwoy's actions have turned Ghanaians against him, making it difficult for him to rise to the heights he desires but grace was speaking for him. What exactly do you want from me nigga? You have defamed me, turned majority of Ghanaians against me because youre a saint and you can never do no wrong. I no dey fit rise to the heights I for dey mainly because of your mafia tactics but Grace dey speak for me regardless he posted. Advertisement Kelvyns post follows an insinuation by Stonebwoy that his life was at risk working with Kelvyn Boy on his Burniton Music label in 2018, causing their split. Even though Stonebwoy hasnt realty opened up about their rift since 2019, his recent comments of his life being under threat during an interview with MC Portfolio has perhaps enraged Kelvyn. History Kelvyn and Stonebwoys feud Kelvynboy's music career was set on a smooth sail in 2018 when he joined Stonebwoy's Burniton Music Group (BMG), bringing his unique Afrobeat style to complement Stonebwoy's reggae/dancehall dominance. The partnership seemed promising, with Kelvynboy becoming one of Ghana's fastest-rising stars. However, rumours of tension began circulating in mid-2019. Kelvynboy faced accusations of being ungrateful and disrespectful toward Stonebwoy. Insiders claimed that Kelvynboy felt overshadowed and undervalued by his label boss. The speculation culminated in September 2019, when BMG announced the termination of Kelvynboy's contract, citing "structural challenges." The split marked the end of their professional relationship, but the animosity lingered. Both artists occasionally exchanged subtle jabs on social media, with Stonebwoy hinting at betrayal and Kelvynboy expressing frustration over being misunderstood and undervalued. In 2020, tensions escalated when Kelvynboy was reportedly attacked during an event in Ashaiman. Although Stonebwoy publicly denied any involvement, fans speculated that his team might have been responsible, given the location and timing. The incident further strained the already fractured relationship between the two musicians. Despite the years of separation, Kelvyn Boy has made efforts to mend their relationship, often using media platforms to reach out. At one point, he even publicly knelt and begged Stonebwoy to let go of the past and reconcile. However, with his recent post, it doesnt seem hes ready for reconciliation. See post below: Next article: I can't rise because of your mafia tactics Kelvyn Boy tells Stonebwoy Featured Renowned Ghanaian photographer Steve Ababio has died Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Dec - 30 - 2024 , 16:46 2 minutes read The photography community is mourning the loss of renowned international travel and adventure photographer and filmmaker Steve Ababio, who passed away on Sunday, December 29, after a brief illness, according to family sources. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. The family has announced that they will receive friends and loved ones at the First Love Church, adjacent to Trinity Bible Seminarythe Vineyard of Engeddi, and not his residence on specified dates to pay their respects and offer condolences. In an official statement today, the family expressed their deep sorrow and grief over the loss of their beloved Steve Ababio. Advertisement It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing to glory of Mr Steve Ababio on Sunday 29th Dec 2024. We will miss him more than words can express. The family of Steve Ababio will be receiving family, friends and loved ones who wish to sit with them and express their condolences on his passing. Prior to the familys official statement, some friends and members of the photography shared tributes in his memory on social media. In the words of Mawuko Afadzinu, My heart hurts! Tears keep dripping. Yesterday, I told Nana I must see you. Now I know why. You were on the way to the Father. Thank you for over 50 years of an amazing 'little brother/big brother" role swap. From Kokomlemle, through Uni to adulthood. You were always there for me no matter when and what. Rest well in the bosom of our Lord (sic). Photographer Kobby Blay simply posted, heartbroken with emojis. Profile Steve Ababio was a trailblazing travel and adventure photographer celebrated globally for his captivating destination stories of Africa, uniquely told from an African perspective. Born on May 17, 1968, Steve attended Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC) in Accra and the College of Art at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he honed his craft and developed his distinctive visual voice. Chinese doctors offer free clinic services to over 200 people in Tanzania's Zanzibar Xinhua) 09:29, December 30, 2024 DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 people, including children, on Pemba Island in Tanzania's Zanzibar, received free medical services on Friday provided by three Chinese medical teams operating in the East African nation. The joint free medical services were organized by a Chinese medical team stationed in Zanzibar, another on the Tanzanian mainland, and a schistosomiasis control team in Zanzibar. A total of 16 medical experts from the teams performed health examinations, offered free clinic services and distributed urgently needed medicines to residents in the Mbuzini community. Meanwhile, the teams educated residents about the prevention of common infectious diseases and encouraged them to receive timely vaccinations. Masoud Mohd Sleiman, a local health official on Pemba Island, expressed gratitude to the Chinese medical experts for their work, noting the importance of strengthening cooperation with China in the medical and healthcare fields to jointly promote the development of local health services. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) MBABANE It will be easier and cheaper to start and run a business in the country, according to the Fiscal Management and Competitiveness Development Policy Financing. For ordinary entrepreneurs in Eswatini, the World Banks Fiscal Management and Competitiveness Development Policy Financing (DPF) promises tangible improvements to the business environment. One of the key focuses of the DPF is to make it easier and cheaper to start and run a business. This translates to several direct benefits: Reduced red tape: The DPF aims to significantly reduce the number of days it takes to register a new company. This means aspiring business owners can get their ventures up and running faster, saving valuable time and resources. Lower Costs: By streamlining processes and potentially reducing fees, the DPF aims to lower the overall cost of starting a business. This is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited capital. Easier cross-border trade: The DPF also focuses on reducing the costs associated with trading across borders. This will open up new markets for Eswatini businesses, allowing them to expand their customer base and increase their revenue. Improved digital payments: The strengthening of the National Payment System and the operationalisation of the National Payments Switch will facilitate easier and more secure digital transactions. This is crucial for businesses looking to embrace e-commerce and reach a wider audience. These reforms are expected to create a more dynamic and competitive business environment, empowering Eswatini entrepreneurs to thrive. Previous article: 2024 WASSCE: Why WAEC cancelled over 4,500 results in Ghana Featured WAEC releases provisional results for 2024 WASSCE, 4108 subject results cancelled Enoch Darfah Frimpong Education Dec - 30 - 2024 , 13:15 3 minutes read Provisional results for the 2024 WASSCE for School Candidates has been released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). According to WAEC it has cancelled Subject Results of 4,108 candidates for bringing foreign material like prepared notes, text books, and printed material into the examination halls. Again the entire results of 483 candidates have also been cancelled for possession of mobile phones in the examination halls, WAEC has also withheld the Subject Results of 781 and the Entire Results of 209 candidates for various suspected offences. Advertisement Attached below is a statement from WAEC on the release of the results RELEASE OF PROVISIONAL RESULTS FOR THE WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION WASSCE FOR SCHOOL CANDIDATES 2024 The West African Examinations Council wishes to inform its numerous publics that it has released provisional results of candidates who sat for the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2024 (Ghana Only Version). The Council will make available login details to heads of school to enable them access the results of their candidates. The results have been hosted online and candidates who so desire may access their results at the Council's website www.waecgh.org. The Council would like to caution all its stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for a fee. Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated using its results verification system. The WAEC QR code can be downloaded and used to verify results. PERFORMANCE STATISTICS A total number of 460,611 candidates made up of 212,954 males and 247,657 females from 1003 schools entered for the examination. This figure is 2.66% higher than the 2023 entry figure of 448,674. A total number of 4,609 {1.0%) were absent from the examination. The performance of candidates with respect to the four core subjects is shown in the tables below: EXAMINATION IRREGULARITIES Following completion of investigations into some of the cases of irregularity reported during the conduct of the examination, the 37th Meeting of the Ghana Examinations Committee, held on Wednesday, December 16, 2024 approved as follows: (1) Cancellation of Subject Results of 4,108 candidates for bringing foreign material like prepared notes, text books, and printed material into the examination halls; (2) Cancellation of Entire Results of 483 candidates for possession of mobile phones in the examination halls; (3) Withholding of Subject Results of 781 and the Entire Results of 209 candidates for various suspected offences. Yet still, some subject results of candidates from 319 schools have been withheld for alleged collusion. These cases are still under investigation. The withheld results of these candidates may be released or cancelled depending on the outcome of investigations. CONCLUSION The Council expresses its sincerest gratitude to stakeholders especially the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, the Security Agencies Featured Mahama meets Kenyan President Ruto and pledges to deepen Ghana-Kenya relations Mohammed Ali Dec - 30 - 2024 , 02:57 2 minutes read President-elect John Dramani Mahama and Kenyan President William Ruto have pledged to deepen ties, focusing on trade, investment, and regional integration. Meeting in Narok County, Kenya, on December 28, 2024, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in key sectors and advancing intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The two leaders emphasised the importance of collaboration to promote economic growth and strengthen bilateral relations. "Kenya will enhance her relations with Ghana to include more sectors in trade and investment, agriculture, mining, tourism, oil and gas. This will broaden opportunities for the people of the two countries and ensure our shared prosperity," President Ruto stated. Advertisement Discussions centred on AfCFTAs potential to boost trade across Africa, with Mr Mahama highlighting his commitment to regional trade integration. President Ruto reaffirmed Kenyas dedication to enhancing ties with Ghana and expanding opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, and tourism. "It was a valuable opportunity to discuss our efforts toward regional integration, continental security, and how we can collectively enhance the benefits of the AfCFTA," Mr Mahama said. "As a former Chair of the African Union's high-level committee on trade, I am committed to expanding trade between our countries under the framework of the AfCFTA. We will work to strengthen relations between Kenya and Ghana," he added. President Ruto also expressed gratitude to Mahama for supporting Raila Odingas candidacy for the African Union Commission chairmanship, calling it a significant gesture of solidarity within the region. Mr Mahama invited President Ruto to attend his swearing-in ceremony on January 7, 2025, in Accra, which President Ruto accepted. Next article: Ghana National Honours: See list of 2024 award winners including Bawumia, Napo, Hawa Koomson and others Featured National Honours and Awards 2024: President Akufo-Addo urges honourees to aspire to greater heights Kweku Zurek Dec - 30 - 2024 , 12:36 2 minutes read President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged recipients of this years National Honours and Awards and Presidential Honours for Distinguished Service to use their recognition as a catalyst for further accomplishments. Speaking at the Accra International Conference Centre, he described the honourees as symbols of triumph over adversity, service over self, and hope over despair. To our honourees, let this recognition inspire you to reach even greater heights. Your contributions have catalysed and transformed our society, and you embody the very best of Ghana, the President remarked. He highlighted the outstanding contributions of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whose leadership in digital transformation has modernised Ghanas economy and strengthened its resilience. Other individuals recognised included Dr Ernest Addison for his role in steering the financial sector during challenging times, Professor Atuisu for his impact on education, and creatives like COVID, who have showcased Ghanas cultural richness on the global stage. Advertisement The President also paid tribute to posthumous awardees, including Marcus Garvey, whose Pan-African ideals continue to inspire unity and self-determination among Africans worldwide. Today is not just about the honourees; it is about what they represent. Their stories remind us of the values that make us strong as a peoplefortitude, integrity, and unity, President Akufo-Addo stated. The ceremony also recognised institutions such as the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, whose teamwork and dedication reflect the nations collective spirit. Looking to the future, the President called on all Ghanaians to contribute towards building a nation where every child has a future, every worker has dignity, and every citizen has a voice. He stressed that the achievements celebrated today serve as the foundation for Ghanas ambitious reforms in governance, education, and industry, as the country progresses towards self-reliance. Together, we can build a nation that stands as a beacon of hope for Africa and the world, the President concluded. Previous article: Ghana National Honours: See list of 2024 award winners including Bawumia, Napo, Hawa Koomson and others Featured National honours to be conferred on individuals today Enoch Darfah Frimpong Dec - 30 - 2024 , 06:47 1 minute read Some Ghanaians who have excelled in their various fields of national endeavour over the years will today receive national honours and presented with awards for their meritorious services, hard work, sacrifices and contribution to national development. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will personally present the National Honours at the Awards ceremony to be held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). It is going to be one of his final acts as he bows out of office, to celebrate the exceptional contributions and selfless service of individuals to the nation. A letter notifying award winners and signed by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare asked nominees to be seated by 11am. Advertisement The dress code for the occasion is formal or traditional attire, including Kente, Fugu, or suits. Nominees are to attend the event with up to two family members. Next article: 2024 WASSCE results show a decline in three key subjects compared to 2023 - WAEC Featured President Akufo-Addo pays tribute to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Mohammed Ali Dec - 30 - 2024 , 20:33 2 minutes read President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has paid glowing tribute to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, describing him as a statesman, humanitarian, and advocate for democracy and human rights. In a statement issued Monday [December 30, 2024] President Akufo-Addo lauded Carters lifelong commitment to compassion, humility, and his efforts to make the world a better place. The world has, indeed, lost a good man with his passing, Akufo-Addo said, highlighting Carters empathy and humanitarian efforts that transcended borders, including significant contributions to Ghana. Through the Carter Center, the former U.S. President led efforts to eradicate guinea worm disease, bringing immense relief to countless communities in the country. President Akufo-Addo also noted Carters devotion to democracy and human rights, emphasizing how these values resonated deeply with Ghana and its people. Advertisement He described Carter as a tireless champion for the underprivileged and a peacemaker whose legacy will endure for generations. On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, President Akufo-Addo extended condolences to the Carter family, U.S. President Joe Biden, and the American people. He ended his tribute with a prayer for Carters peaceful rest, saying, May his soul rest in perfect peace in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was renowned for his humanitarian work and advocacy for global health, peace, and democracy. His death has been met with tributes from leaders and communities worldwide. Featured Indonesia Consulate congratulates Prez-elect Mahama, calls for enhanced Ghana-Indonesia relations Kweku Zurek Politics Dec - 30 - 2024 , 09:11 2 minutes read The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Ghana has extended warm congratulations to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the 2024 Ghanaian general elections. The Consulate praised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the people of Ghana for their steadfast commitment to democratic principles and peaceful governance. In a statement issued today, the Consulate described President-elect Mahamas election as a testament to the trust and confidence the Ghanaian populace has in his vision and leadership. It expressed optimism that his presidency would usher in new opportunities for Ghana and affirmed Indonesias readiness to collaborate in advancing Ghanas national development agenda. Advertisement Highlighting the robust bilateral relations between Indonesia and Ghana, the Consulate emphasized the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture, energy, trade, tourism, education, and technology. It noted that Indonesias expertise in agricultural innovation could help enhance Ghanas agricultural value chain, improving productivity, food security, and job creation. It also pointed to Indonesia's advancements in renewable energy and sustainable mining practices as key areas that could support Ghanas energy transition and infrastructure development. The statement stressed the importance of expanding trade relations to open Ghanas access to Indonesias market of over 270 million people. The Consulate pledged to facilitate business delegations and joint ventures to promote exports and attract investments. It further highlighted the potential for cultural exchange programs to promote tourism and foster stronger people-to-people connections. In education and technology, the Consulate underscored the opportunity for Ghanaian students and professionals to benefit from Indonesian scholarships, exchange programs, and technical training, which would advance human capital development and strengthen the bonds between the two nations. The Honorary Consul of Indonesia in Ghana, His Excellency Paskal A.B. Rois, reaffirmed his commitment to driving collaboration between Ghanaian and Indonesian entities. He expressed the Consulates eagerness, in coordination with the Embassy of Indonesia in Abuja, to facilitate a state visit by President-elect Mahama to Indonesia following his inauguration. Such a visit, he noted, would further strengthen the foundation of Ghana-Indonesia relations and establish a strategic roadmap for partnerships aimed at fostering Ghanas sustainable development. The Consulate concluded by reiterating its dedication to cultivating a dynamic and prosperous partnership between Indonesia and Ghana, emphasizing its steadfast commitment to advancing shared goals and achieving mutual benefits. NDC's election victory is a sign of resilience - Bagbin Gertrude Ankah Politics Dec - 30 - 2024 , 08:18 2 minutes read The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has described the National Democratic Congress (NDC) election 2024 victory as a testament to the resilience and confidence of Ghanaians in the partys ability to deliver on its promises. Addressing a ceremony organised by the Professional Forum of the NDC to honour him, Speaker Bagbin said the win was not just a political triumph but a mandate for change and progress. We celebrate more than just an election result. We celebrate the resilience and perseverance of our democracy after eight difficult years in opposition, he said, referencing what he described as a period marked by shocking one-man rule. Mr Bagbin highlighted the NDCs absolute majority in the upcoming parliament, asserting that it reflects the Ghanaian people's trust in the partys vision to reset the country. Advertisement The absolute majority we now possess does not merely reflect confidence in the party; it underscores a yearning for change, progress, and a collective effort to reset Ghana, he noted. Resetting Ghana beyond four years The Speaker acknowledged the economic and institutional challenges inherited from the outgoing administration, calling for a long-term commitment to addressing these issues. We must reset. We cannot do that just in four years. We will make tremendous gains, but we need more than that, he stressed, urging the party to remain focused and united in its approach. Mr Bagbin also called on professionals to play a crucial role in this transformation. Your insights, professionalism, dedication, and ability to mobilise support will be critical as we work together to breathe new life into our economy and institutions, particularly the judiciary, he stated. At the event, Sam Pee Yalley, President of the Professional Forum of the NDC, advocated for Bagbins re-election as Speaker of Parliament. He said Bagbins leadership would be vital in the ninth Parliament, which will be dominated by the NDC. We want to be the first to say that our Members of Parliament should not dare make any mistake in changing you (Bagbin). We are not just making a political call; we have researchers among us who know what the ordinary man and woman feel, Yalley stated. He added, We believe you can live above board because of our firm belief that, for you, it is Ghana first. Next article: See full list of phones that will no longer be able to use WhatsApp in 2025 Previous article: LIST: See what the world Googled the most in 2024 Featured Man who imported Tesla Cybertruck into UK is having a nightmare as it is not yet road legal in UK Graphic.com.gh Technology Dec - 30 - 2024 , 07:52 2 minutes read The man with the UKs first ever Cybertruck may never be able to drive it again as he cant get it registered because there are several issues with it. For the time being, theres no way to fix the problem. The man who imported the first Tesla Cybertruck in the UK is having a nightmare because he still cant make it road legal. Hes facing all kinds of hurdles in getting it registered. Theres a very long list of issues with the truck. Advertisement To make matters worse, hes given himself an extremely tight deadline. What you have to do to make a Tesla Cybertruck road legal in the UK Yianni Charalambous, the first Tesla Cybertruck owner in the UK, is documenting his predicament on his Yiannimize YouTube channel. He said he wanted to get it road ready before Christmas, but it doesnt look like thats going to happen. Yianni shared the list of modifications required, and its the stuff of nightmares. The Cybertrucks indicators flash up red, when the legal requirement in the UK is that they are amber. This is to distinguish it from the brake light, which is also red. Indicators would also be needed on the wing mirrors, and fog lights need to be different. So were looking at four separate problems, and thats just for the way the trucks lights work. Then theres the fact that Cybertruck has really sharp angles, which wouldnt pass the required tests for pedestrian safety. You would also need a custom adapter, because UK ones are different. The list goes on. Is Cybertruck ever coming to Europe/UK? One year after the unveil, Cybertruck is still not officially available in Europe, and it looks like thats not going to change in the near future. And its easy to see why. There have been calls for an international version but, so far, European drivers have only been able to see the Cybertruck in person during the world tour that Tesla did earlier this year. At the time of writing, there are several road legal Cybertrucks available for sale in the European continent, but theyre all imported privately, and they all cost a fortune. Translated, depending on where you live, you might be able to buy a Cybertruck in Europe, and maybe even get it registered, if your bank account has enough zeros in it. But it doesnt look like Cybertruck will be available as anything other than an overpriced, overcomplicated import in the near future. Redmi just confirmed the launch date for its Turbo 4 in China. The device is confirmed to debut on Thursday, January 2, meaning it will be the first smartphone from the Xiaomi brand to launch in 2025. We also got confirmation that the Turbo 4 is already available for early reservation from Xiaomis channels, and it will go on open sale on the same day as the launch. As per the latest rumors, Redmi Turbo 4 will be rebranded as the Poco X7 Pro for markets outside of China. The official Redmi Weibo profile shared images of the Turbo 4 in its Lucky Cloud White color. We can see the device will feature flat sides with a subtle curvature on the back and a red accent line along the back. We also get confirmation that the main camera on the back will be a 50MP shooter while the secondary module is expected to be an 8MP ultrawide. Redmi Turbo 4 in its Lucky Cloud White color Redmi Turbo 4 will be the first phone to launch with MediaTeks new Dimensity 8400 and its all-big core CPU configuration. As per leaked specs, the device will also feature a 6.67-inch LTPS OLED (FHD+ 120Hz), 12GB RAM and a 6,550 mAh battery with 90W charging. Source (in Chinese) MBABANE The shortage of medication in government hospitals has placed the victims of the Oshoek accident at the mercy of good Samaritans for assistance. Two Saturdays ago, an accident at the Oshoek Border Gate, located on the South African side of the border connecting Eswatini and South Africa, resulted in the involvement of 12 passengers. Reports indicated that a truck lost control, leading to a pile-up involving multiple vehicles, including a kombi. Eyewitness accounts suggest that all 12 accident victims were rapidly transported to Mbabane Government Hospital, where five remain hospitalised. Sources disclosed that several patients are enduring excruciating pain and have been forced to rely on assistance from the truck owner to obtain medication, which has reportedly run out. They mentioned that since their arrival at the health facility nearly a week ago, they have had to purchase various medications from private clinics. The medication required includes injections, bandages and intravenous therapy (IV therapy) to administrate fluids, medications and nutrients directly into their veins. It was gathered that patients had been struggling to procure some of the necessary medical supplies and had been issued prescription letters instead. Reports indicate that the management of the truck involved in the accident has extended help by providing the necessary medication. Ntobeko Dlamini, the Manager of the involved courier and freight company, confirmed that they have been assisting the patients with medical supplies. Dlamini stated that since the accident, up until the previous Friday, they had spent E4 300 on medicines and other supplies. This amount is not exhaustive. On Saturday, we had to purchase additional injections for one of the patients, who was experiencing complications, and we will be procuring more today, as we have been informed that additional supplies are required, she said. Meanwhile, some individuals connected to this publication revealed that they had attempted to transfer to a private hospital to access all necessary medications. However, this effort was thwarted when they were informed that an advance payment of E20 000 was required. One individual said: We were told that the E20 000 did not cover the costs of tests or any operations that might be necessary. The sources indicated that the patients had been transferred to a local public health facility due to its proximity to the accident scene. However, they lamented that this move has hindered their recovery process, as they have not had access to adequate medical care, which would typically be covered by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) in South Africa. The Road Accident Fund is a juristic entity established through the Road Accident Fund Act of 1996, responsible for providing timely support to all road users within South Africas borders. Its primary objectives include rehabilitating and compensating individuals injured as a result of motor vehicle accidents and promoting safe road usage throughout the country. According to Section 3 of the RAF Act, the fund is mandated to provide compensation for loss or damage caused wrongfully by the operation of a motor vehicle. Victims The RAFs website reveals that its client base includes not only the South African public, but also foreign nationals within the country. The fund offers two types of coverage: Personal cover for accident victims or their families and indemnity cover for wrongdoers. In contrast, the ongoing medication shortage in the country has been well-documented, with a forensic investigation recently uncovering significant challenges within the health sector. The investigation indicated issues such as the theft of certain medication supplies and the delivery of some medical provisions to the Central Medical Stores (CMS) close to their expiration dates. Furthermore, it was discovered that some medications were supplied without being ordered at all. Despite the reports submission and subsequent adoption by Parliament in February 2024, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has yet to subpoena or arrest any individuals connected to these issues. Guam joins the rest of the world in mourning the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at age 100, with local officials and the Democratic Party of Guam pointing to Carters brokering of peace between Israel and Egypt, his Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, and his 1978 transmission of Guams proposed constitution to Congress that showed his support for the islands political development. On behalf of the people of Guam, we mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the American people who grieve the loss of an extraordinary leader, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in a statement on the passing of the 39th president, who was a Democrat. The governor ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for Carter. As the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter served with a deep moral conviction and a commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights. His leadership during a time of great challenges reflected his belief in the power of diplomacy, compassion, and service to bridge divides and bring about meaningful change, the governor said. Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio said Carters lifelong dedication to finding peaceful solutions to conflict and uplifting underserved communities earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition of a legacy that resonates strongly in todays world, where the values he championed are needed more than ever. Guam joins the nation and the world in honoring his remarkable contributions. May we continue to draw inspiration from his vision for a better, fairer, and more peaceful world, Tenorio said. Carter died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, Dec. 29. Thats Monday, Guam time. The Democratic Party of Guam, in a statement, said Carters tenure from 1977 to 1981 was marked by significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords and a steadfast commitment to human rights. His post-presidential years further exemplified his dedication to humanitarian efforts, notably through the establishment of the Carter Center, which has made substantial contributions to global health and democracy, the Democratic Party of Guam said. In 1978, Carter transmitted Guams proposed constitution to Congress, underscoring his support for the islands political development, the Democratic Party of Guam said. Additionally, in the 1980 U.S. presidential straw poll on Guam, Carter received significant support, securing over 55% of the vote, reflecting the islands favorable view of his leadership, the party said. President Carters legacy is one of integrity, compassion, and unwavering service to humanity. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the world, and he will be deeply missed, the Democratic Party of Guam added. Guam Del. James Moylan, a Republican, extended his condolences to Carters family in a statement. President Carter will forever be known as one of the greatest advocates for human rights in the modern era, he said. He was a fighter for global democracy and a champion of economic and social development in many foreign countries. Carters most significant achievement as commander in chief was brokering peace between Israel and Egypt during the Camp David Accords, Moylan added. He said Carters post-presidency efforts in undertaking peace negotiations, campaigning for human rights, and working for social welfare earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carters wife, the late First Lady Rosalyn Carter, founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit institution. Together, the Carters advocated for mental health, caregiving, early childhood immunization, human rights, and conflict resolution through the Carter Center, Moylan added. Their work will live on, Moylan added. Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. After three years of Bella Wings Aviations signature light-up drone show ringing in the New Year for Guam, the event will not take place to welcome 2025. The Guam Visitors Bureau said it decided to not renew the contract with Bella Wings Aviation. Former GVB General Manager Carl Gutierrez chose not to renew the contract six months ago, leading to the cancellation of the drone show, according to acting GVB General Manager Gerry Perez. While Perez said he could not speak for Gutierrez, he believes the primary reason may be budget-related. Keep in mind, we have limited funding, Perez said. If I were to be a betting man, I think thats probably the reason why he didnt. Perez said the decision was made six months in advance. However, Charlie Hermosa, CEO and co-founder of Bella Wings Aviation LLC, said he didnt receive notification of the cancellation until just before the Thanksgiving holiday in November, after following up with GVB about its New Years Eve plans. There was a yearly contract that was signed, and when we noticed we didnt get Liberation, we didnt have any drones for Liberation, we figured it was just a budgetary thing, Hermosa said. Then when I followed up to see what was going to happen for New Years, they said the contract had expired, and GVB is not looking to renew it. Hermosa said he didnt receive a reason when he asked for one. We never really got a reply back, and thats pretty much where it ended, he said. Before this, Hermosa said he had a good relationship with GVB and his team was looking forward to the upcoming year. He received inquiries from people eager to see the show but had to break the news to them. People loved the shows. We had so many calls, even up to this morning, of people asking where the great spot was going to be to have their family out, and were like, Hey, listen, Im so sorry, but were not going to have the show, Hermosa said. Weve told the community that we stand to serve in whatever we do, but at this point, were not doing any drone light shows. Hermosa expressed disappointment that his team would not participate in the New Years celebration this year. I was very disappointed, not only for us but for the community, Hermosa said. Because the community loves them, they look forward to our designs, and all that, right to kind of kick into New Years. And so I think a lot of people have been disappointed. He added that his team and volunteers were also unhappy with the news. Everybody was pretty bummedI mean, thats probably the best way to describe it, Hermosa said. We actually hired a lot of volunteers during that time last year because we do take quite a bit of manpower. He noted that the volunteers played a huge role in helping with the show. We fortunately let them know that were not going to be doing anything this year, he said. So its disappointing, but its a decision that GVB has taken, and were just going to have to live with that. Hermosa added that he would have appreciated at least a response from GVB, whatever the reason for the decision. I would have loved, if they were taking a professional decision and they werent going to do it, that would have been a good gesture to just say, Listen, thank you. We really, truly enjoyed your services. We dont have any budget, you dont have any money, we dont like your showsomething constructive, whether it was negative or positive," he said. Pacific Daily News reached out to Gutierrez for comment. There will be fireworks Despite the cancellation, fireworks will still take place. Jeff Sanchez and his team from ShowPro Pyrotechnics, a subsidiary of JamzMedia Productions, will conduct the fireworks display, which will be shot from a barge in Tumon Bay and a treatment plant in Hagatna Bay to ring in the New Year. The year was rife with tragic homicides, some of which remain unsolved. It was marked with two robbery-murders to start the year, just a month apart. On Jan. 4, a Korean couple walking back to their hotel in Tumon was robbed at gunpoint, and Hea Jun Hwang, 60, was shot and later died. The couple was visiting Guam to celebrate retirement. The suspects fled the scene with the womans purse, triggering a five-day manhunt for the suspects and raised concerns about the impact on Guams still sluggish tourism. Korea is Guams largest visitor market. On Jan. 9, police held an 11 p.m. news conference to announce the arrest of Stefan Keanu Camacho. Police said he spoke of his role as the getaway driver. That evening, police converged on a residence after obtaining a warrant where the main suspects vehicle was parked. As police approached the vehicle, they heard a single gunshot. Police said the second suspect, Keoki Santos, was dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. According to court documents, Camacho and Santos were looking for someone to rob to recover from a $100 gambling loss. They each took $75 from the robbery. About a month later, on Feb. 16, Sumittra Lairopi, 53, died from injuries she sustained during a robbery two days earlier in Tamuning. Four days later, police made two arrests: Domingo Chargualaf Mendiola and Jenna Rose Calinagan Manibusan. Mendiola faces aggravated murder, first-degree robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, while Manibusan faces charges of complicity in committing aggravated murder, complicity in committing first-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit robberyeach as first-degree felonies. Other homicides in 2024 MALINDZA The influx of Mozambican refugees into Eswatini has resulted in the overwhelming majority of them being without shelter at the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre. By 4pm yesterday, many were found in groups outside the reception centre, having completed the registration process. The reception centre is reportedly now full. Distressed and traumatised by the violence that engulfed their homes and businesses burnt to ashes, and the brutal gunfire they narrowly escaped, these refugees have undergone a gruelling journey to find safety. Many crossed the Lomahasha Border Gate or entered through informal crossings, where they registered their names at the Lomahasha Police Station, before being transported to the centre by various vehicles from both Eswatini and Mozambique. Commission The violence in Mozambique has escalated since the electoral commission announced that the ruling FRELIMO party had retained power, with its candidate declared the winner of the presidency. FRELIMO has denied accusations of electoral fraud by the opposition, but the decision by Mozambiques Constitutional Council to validate the election results this week sparked further protests. According to the monitoring group Plataforma Decide, the death toll has reached 125 since the courts decision and 252 since late October. This violence has forced thousands of Mozambicans to flee to neighbouring countries, including Malawi, South Africa and Eswatini. It has been reported that in Malawi alone, more than 2 000 Mozambican families sought refuge this past week, as dozens were reportedly killed in the unrest over the disputed election results. Decrease A visit by this publication to the Lomahasha Border Gate revealed a decrease in activity, with fewer people travelling from the Mozambique side. An immigration officer shared that only a few Mozambicans with passports and vehicles had crossed through the formal border gate, while others entered through informal crossings. Refugees arriving via these crossings were transported in a convoy to the Malindza camp, where they registered first at the border and then at the police station, where their fingerprints were also taken. At the refugee centre, a long queue of refugees was seen waiting to be settled. Women, children, including infants and men of all ages stood in line, their faces etched with trauma and uncertainty. The camp was scattered with luggage comprising of blankets, clothes and other belongings, abandoned in the rush to escape. Some women shared their grief, recounting how they had left behind their husbands and partners in the chaos of the violence. Young men, determined to stay strong, kept a watchful eye on their siblings.Meanwhile, the children, many of whom had witnessed gunshots and firebombs, appeared dazed and distant, their faces numb from the horrors they had witnessed. However, some younger children seemed oblivious to their sudden loss of a stable home and future, playing joyfully as if nothing had changed. A Rwandan businesswoman, who had owned shops in Mozambique, shared her ordeal. She, along with her six children, had not yet been allocated accommodation by 4:10pm. Despite the trauma of losing everything, she was determined to remain strong. Everything happened so quick; we didnt even have time to pack. We just grabbed what we could and fled. We had to come straight to Eswatini, and now were here, she narrated. Surprisingly, she said she did not feel traumatised. I cant afford to be traumatised. This has happened to so many people; I am not special. Whats important is survival right now, she stated. Another family, also fleeing violence, arrived at the camp exhausted and anxious, hoping for shelter. With no space available, they were forced to camp outside one of the structures. The mother clung to her two young children, trying to comfort them despite the deep fear she felt. Her husband stood vigil, his gaze fixed on the camp authorities, praying for a miracle. She disclosed that in the midst of the chaos, they held onto a fragile hope that a place would soon be found for them. An officer at the centre, when approached for an interview, referred this reporter to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which she said is the relevant authority. In response, Mlandvo Dlamini, the Communications Officer at Home Affairs, stated that the Malindza Centre serves as a reception for refugees, rather than a refugee camp, as previously articulated by Minister Princess Lindiwe. Dlamini explained that the Ndzevane Refugee Camp is currently being prepared. He pointed out that this camp was originally established as a refugee camp many years ago. He noted: In a space of a week, it will be ready to accommodate about 200 refugees. This is an ongoing process, and we will endeavour to update you in a timely manner. Haiti - Security : The first phase of the Dominican border wall is 84% complete The first phase of the border wall with Haiti that the Dominican Republic is building in the neighboring provinces of Montecristi, Dajabon, Elias Pina, Independencia and Pedernales is 84% complete and its delivery is scheduled for February 2025, reported last week the Minister of the Presidency, Jose Ignacio Paliza during a tour with the Commander General of the Dominican Army, Major General Carlos Antonio Fernandez Onofre, to see the progress of the work carried out at a cost of 32 million dollars of the planned 39.5 million (excluding technological equipment). It should be added that this wall, in addition to the permanent presence of soldiers, will have a state-of-the-art surveillance system, including other devices : radar, motion detector, high-definition cameras with night vision and infrared, in addition to a squadron of surveillance drones. All information will be transmitted in real time to central control posts. Paliza announced that a call for tenders will be launched for the second phase of construction of approximately 110 km. The final wall will include a total of 170 watchtowers (surveillance towers) and checkpoints, in addition to some 71 controlled access gates. The fence will be double in the most critical areas. With this smart wall between the two countries, whose construction began in 2021, the Dominican Republic seeks to stop irregular immigration and control drug, arms and merchandise trafficking as well as ensure the security of Dominican territory. It should be noted that the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which share the island of Hispaniola, which have a border of 391 kilometers, 654 meters and 46 centimeters, have historically had a tense and complex relationship. SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Consulate of Haiti in Atlanta closed The Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta informs that its offices will be closed from Monday, December 30, 2024 to January 3, 2025 for the holiday season. Activities will resume on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. IOM : Training on the management of displaced persons sites The International Organization for Migration (IOM) continues to organize trainings for local authorities, including the Councils of Administration of Communal Sections (CASEC) and Administration of Communal Sections (ASEC) as well as agents of the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC), on the management of displaced persons sites. This capacity building, through the Humanitarian Assistance Office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), ensures better coordination and improved services for displaced persons and host communities. Japanese visit to the Haitian Chancellery On Friday, December 27, 2024, the Charge daffaires a.i. of the Embassy of Japan in Haiti, Kazuhiko Nishiuchi, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste. During their meeting, they discussed in particular Japans support for the restoration of security in Haiti; the organization of the upcoming elections in Haiti; Japanese food aid and the issue of mass deportations of our compatriots. Excursion to the ecological reserve "Wynne Farm" The Platform of Haitian Human Rights Organizations (POHDH) organized for its team a session at the ecological reserve Wynne Farm in the commune of Kenscoff https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27670-haiti-environment-the-ecological-reserve-of-wynne-farm-in-the-kenscoff-mountains-declared-protected-area.html . The team took the opportunity to participate in stretching exercises led by Professor Irdele Lubin. It was also an opportunity for the team to learn about the activities of Wynne Farm which is an ecological initiative committed to the defense of environmental rights, an area in which the POHDH pays particular attention. Environment : call for collective awareness The Ministry of the Environment, through its Directorate of Forests and Renewable Energy (DFER), calls for collective awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy soils to ensure sustainable management of natural resources. The Ministry intends to promote innovative soil management practices and encourage broader public involvement in their preservation. Thanks from FAES The Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) thanks all its partners who contributed to the success of its programs during the year 2024. This unwavering support, coupled with the institution's will and sense of organization, has made it possible to offer well-being to thousands of Haitians in difficulty. HL/ HaitiLibre The Chinese AI model Deepseek V3 is said to be able to keep up with the best models from OpenAI and Google in numerous benchmarks. The model is open source and is said to outperform other freely available models. According to the provider, the development and training of Deepseek V3 cost significantly less than other large models. The problem is that Deepseek V3, like other models from China, censors content and answers. This can be circumvented with tricks, but you have to know when this is necessary i.e. what a censored answer was that needs to be circumvented. Anzeige Deepseek V3 is basically a mixture of experts and comes with a chatbot that you can already try out. Deepseek V3 can also be integrated via API. Mixture-of-experts means that only individual experts who are suitable for the task are addressed when responding. The model is based on 671 billion parameters. According to the provider on Github, only 2.788 million GPU hours on Nvidia's H800 GPUs were required for training. This already includes fine-tuning and further rounds of reinforcement learning. A model learns through confirmation. The predecessor was called Deepseek R1 and specialized in reasoning. Similar to OpenAI's o1, the AI responds in loops, i.e. it rethinks its own response. According to AI expert Andrej Karpathy, Meta's free model Llama 3 required around 30.8 million GPU hours for 405 billion parameters. He describes the budget for Deepseek V3 as a "joke" at around six million US dollars. This sum has not been confirmed by Deepseek. It is also unclear where the training data comes from. There are speculations that it is based on responses from ChatGPT. Deepseek V3 occasionally responds by claiming to be ChatGPT itself. Good benchmarks and censored responses Deepseek V3 performs almost as well or even better than other free models in numerous benchmarks. In the Math-500 math test, Deepseek V3 achieves 90.2 percent while GPT-4o only achieves 74.6 percent. Unsurprisingly, the Chinese model is also particularly good at speaking and understanding Chinese. However, its ability to speak German, for example, is not known. The choice of training material is also decisive for language skills. If a model has been trained primarily with English texts, as was initially the case with the major providers, they will struggle with other languages and possibly other cultures . Deepseek V3 has published the benchmark results on its own website. They are therefore not independently verified figures. In addition, such tests are not very meaningful in terms of how useful and helpful models are in everyday life. Anzeige It is also problematic that Deepseek V3 answers some questions in the interests of the Chinese government. For example, there is no criticism of the government. Events on Tiananmen Square are also concealed by the AI. Protests by a democracy movement were bloodily ended there in 1989. The usual AI tricks are used to get the model to write about the massacre. But if you don't know that something is being concealed, it's difficult to use tricks because you don't even know that something is missing. Nevertheless, Yann LeCun, AI expert and head of Meta, also says that Deepseek V3 is "excellent". (emw) Things are not going well with electric cars. At least that's what you keep hearing in public and published opinion. The actual situation, regardless of personal attitudes and political positions, is shown by the registration figures: In the pan-European view from the 27 EU states, the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, 14.8 percent of new cars were electric from January to October inclusive. This is according to statistics from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). This proportion will increase significantly in 2025: The average of several forecasts is 25 percent. A quarter of new registrations in the EU will be electric. The main drivers of this development are the stricter CO fleet limits, sharply falling battery prices and a large number of attractive premieres. Anzeige Let's first look at the analysis for 2024: in Germany, there has been a significant dip in the market share of electric cars. This was caused by the planned abolition of purchase premiums for commercially registered vehicles on September 1, 2023, plus the surprisingly short-notice abolition of purchase premiums for private customers at the turn of the year. The money should actually have continued to be paid for several months. As a result, Germany is below the European average in the period from January to October inclusive with 13.3 percent electric cars. Recently there has been an increase again: in October it was 15.3 percent. Conservatives in the EU and UK have adopted CO targets The European Union's CO fleet limits require the car industry to reduce emissions by 15 percent by 2025. The starting point is the 95 grams of carbon dioxide according to the abolished New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), which was valid from 2021 to 2024. Now it is 15 percent less. This stricter limit will remain constant until 2029; in 2030, the reduction must be 55 percent compared to the same period from 2021 to 2024. More is also possible: in the UK, the ZEV mandate requires 80(!) percent of new cars sold in 2030 to be locally emission-free. One driver for the ramp-up of e-mobility is EU legislation: CO fleet emissions must fall by 15 percent by 2025. The most cost-effective way to achieve this is with electric cars. (Image: EU) There is a striking political parallel between the EU fleet limits and the ZEV mandate in the UK: Both were enacted by Conservative majorities. In Brussels, the decisions in Parliament and in the Council were clear, as it were, in the national chamber , although Conservatives had a majority in both chambers. The situation was similar in London, where the Tories under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak passed the ZEV mandate. It is remarkable that loud protests can now be heard from these party families. Radical cost reduction for battery cells There is no explicit ban on combustion engines in the European Union. However, the fact is that it is easiest for the car industry to meet the targets by producing more and more electric cars and it is the cheapest. The cost of battery cells is falling and falling. A current source worth listening to is the Geladen Batteriepodcast from the Helmholtz Institute Ulm (HIU) and the Cluster of Excellence Post-Lithium-Storage (PoLiS) at the Ulm and Karlsruhe sites. The guest, Professor Dirk Uwe Sauer from RWTH Aachen University, reports that lithium cells with NMC chemistry are traded for 80 US dollars and those with LFP cells for 50 US dollars (around 76 and 48 euros). The key message that Sauer and other industry representatives report: The market has turned around in the last 18 months. The supply of battery cells is so large that the buyers within the automotive industry are in a better position than the producers. Anzeige Forecasts of 22 to 28 percent market share There are different scenarios for forecasting the share of electric cars in the European Union. The International Council on Clean Transportaion (ICCT) has chosen a deliberately pessimistic calculation model: If there is absolutely no progress in combustion engines and plug-in hybrids, 28 percent of new cars would have to be electric. At the other end of the forecast scale is Schmidt Automotive Research, which assumes 22.2 percent. Roughly speaking, that is around a quarter. Over the course of the year up to and including October, electric cars accounted for a good 14% of the new car market in the 27 EU member states. If the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are included, the figure is 14.8 percent. In Germany, there was a temporary dip due to the abolition of purchase subsidies. (Image: ACEA) The automotive industry has been aware of the targets for a long time and has aligned its model policy accordingly. More vehicles in the A, B and C segments will have to be offered in order to achieve sufficient numbers for the fleet limits. This is good news for all potential buyers who cannot afford to pay 50,000 or more euros or the associated leasing rates. New models in the 25,000 to 35,000 euro segment In excerpts: The Hyundai Group is launching the Hyundai Inster and the Kia EV3. Stellantis is launching the Citroen e-C3 Aircross and the Fiat Grande Panda. Renault is selling the pragmatic R4 in addition to the R5. At the BMW Group, the Mini Aceman is in the showroom. Skoda has added the Elroq, an attractive electric car, to its range. The 25,000 to 35,000 euro segment is becoming more extensive. Volkswagen will not deliver the ID.2 and its derivatives Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq until 2026. It is therefore to be expected that the basic version of the ID.3 will continue to be offered at an entry-level price of less than 30,000 euros. Even Toyota, the world market leader temporarily liberated by hybrid drives, will bring the urban SUV a kind of electric Yaris Cross onto the road. There is every indication that this is the beginning of another continuous ramp-up. Even if national or European politicians decide to soften or abolish regulations, this will not change the reality of falling battery prices: It will get even better. (nij) Apple has intervened in the ongoing antitrust proceedings brought by the US Department of Justice and individual US states against Google. The company's lawyers drafted a so-called Motion to Intervene, a declaration in which Apple's Head of Services Eddy Cue provides more details on the multi-billion dollar search deal between Google and the iPhone manufacturer. Among other things, it states that Apple does not see itself in competition with Google in the search business because the company is not planning to launch its own search engine for various reasons. Anzeige 20 billion US dollars from Google in one year Among other things, the declaration confirms that Apple received "around 20 billion US dollars" in 2022 for placing Google as the default search engine on Apple devices in the Safari browser. As part of the antitrust proceedings, the plaintiffs now want Apple to receive no share of Google's advertising revenue in Safari for the next ten years and also a ban on Apple and Google concluding further deals, for example in the field of artificial intelligence. Cue is opposed to this. Among other things, he says that it is out of the question for Apple to invest "billions of dollars" in building its own search engine. The process could also take years and divert employees and investments from other growth areas. In addition, advertising is not a core business for Apple and this is the only way a profitable search business would be possible. Such advertising marketing also goes against Apple's "long-standing promise to protect privacy", according to Cue. The company also lacks the necessary employees and infrastructure for a search engine. Cue's conclusion: Apple's only concern when working with other companies is to offer users the best. And according to Apple's view, this is exactly what Google apparently does as a search partner. "Two unacceptable options" "If the court prohibits Google from sharing revenue from the distribution of search results [with us], Apple would have only two unacceptable options: It could still allow users in the United States to choose Google as their search engine for Safari, but Apple could receive no share of the resulting revenue, giving Google valuable access to Apple's users for free," Cue writes. "Or Apple could remove Google search as a choice in Safari. But since customers prefer Google, removing Google search as an option would hurt both Apple and its customers." Apple now hopes that Cue's testimony will help the court to find "a fair solution". The company has also declared its willingness to continue to participate in the proceedings as part of the court's schedule. Observers expect that the proceedings , including the appeal , could continue for years. It also deals with various other areas of Google's business. Anzeige Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden (bsc) Eveliina Tuovinen , an on-duty meteorologist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), stated to the daily newspaper yesterday evening that the weather will become brighter and colder after the subsiding of overnight showers. After [the showers] the weather will start getting colder, and well be seeing the sun for the first time in a while. Well get a bit more wintery feel, she said. Tuovinen added that the sun should make its long-awaited reappearance at around noon today around the same time as temperatures are expected to start dropping. While the mercury is today expected to drop no more than a degree below the freezing point, the next night could already be notably colder. Were gradually moving toward sub-zero temperatures, she said. On New Years Eve, weather in the capital region should be bright and wintery, with the mercury staying a couple of degrees below the freezing point. The night will be more cloudy, but the clouds are so high that they shouldnt prevent you from seeing the fireworks. Early on Wednesday, a low-pressure system is expected to arrive in the region, possibly leaving behind it a snow cover in Helsinki. Tuovinen added that although the forecast is associated with uncertainty, it is currently looking very likely that snowfall will commemorate the first day of the new year. The snow should also stay on the ground as current forecasts show no end to sub-zero temperatures. Tuovinen told Helsingin Sanomat that temperatures could drop below 10C also in southern parts of the country at the end of the first week of January. Aleksi Teivainen HT The tanker is believed to be part of the so-called shadow fleet of Russia. THE NATIONAL BUREAU of Investigation (KRP) has continued to carry out forensic examinations on Eagle S, a Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker that is suspected of damaging a submarine power cable between Finland and Estonia on 25 December. Sami Paila, the detective chief inspector in charge of the pre-trial investigation at KRP, told YLE on Sunday that investigators have successfully located the drag marks left behind by the tankers anchor on the seabed. The drag marks stop where the vessel upped the anchor chain. There are several dozens of kilometres, if not almost a hundred kilometres, of [drag marks] east of that point, he commented. The investigators, he added, have managed to develop a preliminary understanding of the sequence of events at sea as the transmission link was disconnected, at about 12.30pm on 25 December. The primary focus is presently on interrogating the crew, as forensic procedures on the vessel and at the site of the incident have been complicated by heavy winds. Eagle S was moored outside Porkkala until Saturday, when it was taken near Kilpilahti Port in Porvoo, Southern Finland. Paila declined to comment on whether the investigation has yielded any indications that the link was damaged deliberately, saying the question of intent is one central dimension of the investigation. KRP has also expanded its pre-trial investigation to include a second potential offence alongside aggravated criminal mischief, aggravated interference with communications, according to the public broadcasting company. Finnish Customs, meanwhile, is conducting a provisional inquiry into aggravated regulation offence over the purported links to the shadow fleet of Russia, a fleet of vessels that has helped the country to transport embargoed oil products and circumvent price caps on oil. Finnish authorities succeeding in bringing the tanker to Finnish territorial waters was a key success, as it guaranteed authorities access to a broader range of measures, including a possible seizure, Henrik Ringbom, a professor of marine law at Abo Akademi University, stated to Helsingin Sanomat on Friday. The important thing here is that they managed to catch the vessel, given that they want to know what this was about. At the same time they showed other vessels that this kind of activity is not tolerated. Now you can really look into what has happened, he said. Aleksi Teivainen HT (JNS) U.S. President Joe Biden on Dec. 16 reiterated his commitment to bring the remaining 100 hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza home, as he enters the final month of his presidency. I will not stop until I get every single one of them out, said Biden at his final White House Chanukah party. The remarks come amid reports of an imminent deal with Hamas for the release of hostages before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office on Jan. 20. President Biden added that he was inspired by the power of the Jewish peoples hope and optimistic spirit, both in his own life and in the life of... (JNS) Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, formerly of Fox News, provides the leading platform for Jew-hatred, according to Amichai Chikli, the Israeli diaspora affairs minister. Congratulations to Tucker Carlson for becoming the leading platform for fringe Holocaust deniers, conspiracy theorists and blood libel enthusiasts who oppose the State of Israel, Chikli wrote on Tuesday. Carlson, with whom Fox News agreed to part ways on April 24, 2023, hosts an eponymous show on social media, where he has 15 million followers. Chiklis criticism came shortly after Carlson ran a two-hour i... Remarkably, in a city in East Africa that is home to two million people, as of 2018 there were no streetlights. In 2019, we installed solar-powered streetlights at the city's 'bus station'-a name that doesn't quite fit, as it was essentially a dirt field in the center of town. When I visited after the lights were installed, the impact was immediately visible. Nearby stores stayed open later, crime in the area decreased, and, most unexpectedly, young children gathered under the lights to do their homework, as they didn't have reliable lighting at home. It was a powerful reminder of how somethin... Chabad of South Orlando will host the annual Grand Car Menorah Parade on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. The parade will start at the Chabad Center of Jewish Life, 7347 W. Sand Lake Rd. with a police escort and finish at the Menorah lighting celebration, 5135 International Drive. To participate in the parade, arrive at the Chabad Center by 5:30 p.m.... By Menachem Wecker (JNS) At a Chanukah celebration at the Israeli embassy in Washington on Wednesday night, getting choked up while talking about the plight of the hostages was a bipartisan experience. Both Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and John Kirby, the White House national security communications advisor, paused to compose themselves as they addressed the audience. For millions of Jewish men, women and children across the entire world, Chanukah is a sacred time. One where they can reflect on the ideals of Judaism and rededicate... (JNS) Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Tuesday that any entity threatening Israels security would face dire consequences. Speaking at a naval base in Haifa, Katz revealed that Israeli forces had destroyed Syrias navy, as part of a broader campaign to neutralize strategic threats that could later pose a danger to Israel. The IDF has acted in recent days to attack and destroy strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel, Katz stated, cautioning rebels that whoever follows [ousted president Bashar] al-Assads footsteps will end up like Assad did. He emphasized Is... Instaglatt, a new kosher meat and poultry company, officially launched in Central Florida on December 18 and is now taking orders for delivery to the greater Orlando area. The company is the brainchild of founder William Branca, who explains his motivation on the website, instaglatt.com: "InstaGlatt was born out of a personal journey and a recognized need in the Orlando Jewish community." Branca shares that he returned to his Jewish roots in 2024 and became more observant. During this time, he realized that keeping kosher made him feel healthier, both physically and spiritually-but he struggle... By Rossella Tercatin (JTA) In April, when a group of pro-Palestinian activists pressured Florences city hall to have the local honorary Israeli consul resign, they also took aim at a politician, Sara Funaro, who was running for mayor. Were sorry that we havent heard one word of condemnation of the Israeli governments behavior from Marco Carrai, the honorary consul, the activists said. Just as striking is the silence of Councilor Funaro, who has actually wished this person well in his work. Funaro didnt respond and doesnt appear to have publicly addressed the statement at all. Two... Islamabad, Dec 30 (UNI) At least eight people were killed and 13, including civilians, injured on the Afghan side during clashes, which continued till late Saturday night, media reports said on Monday. The two sides have been exchanging fire since Pakistani fighter jets bombed alleged camps of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistans eastern Paktika province on Tuesday, the Dawn reported. According to sources, one Frontier Corps soldier was killed, while 11 others were injured in fresh clashes, which began after a failed bid by militants on the Afghan side to infiltrate into Pakistan. Militants attempted to infiltrate the border on Friday night, but their attempt was thwarted by security forces. After their infiltration attempt was thwarted, the militants joined Afghan forces and fired on Pakistani posts using light and heavy weapons on Saturday morning, the report said. Afghan forces and militants engaged in daylong clashes targeting border posts in the Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha, and Tari Mengal areas. Sources claim that Pakistani security forces suffered significant losses in retaliatory fire, forcing them to abandon their border posts. Pakistan has repeatedly shared its concerns with Kabul over the use of its soil by militants for cross-border terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked the Afghan government to take action against the TTP and said attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil were a red line for the country. He said Islamabad was ready to hold talks with Kabul on the issue, but dialogues and attacks cant go together. According to sources, the Afghan Taliban had been continuously supporting TTP terrorists based on their side of the border. The strikes on Tuesday came the same day that a Pakistani delegation, led by Special Representative Muhammad Sadiq, met interim interior minister Sirajudddin Haqqani and foreign minister Amir Muttaqi in Kabul to resume diplomatic dialogue after a year-long hiatus. According to reports, the Afghan government lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over the airstrikes and claimed that at least 46 people, mainly women and children, were killed. Pakistan conducted strikes following a terrorist attack on a checkpoint in Makeen, South Waziristan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the deaths of 16 soldiers. UNI ARN (JTA) A ballistic missile fired from Yemen severely damaged a Tel Aviv-area school early Thursday morning, in some of the most significant damage yet in an ongoing barrage from Houthi rebels based there. No children were present at the school in the suburb of Ramat Gan, which officials said would be rebuilt, and would reopen in another already constructed building within weeks. The rocket, which Israel partially intercepted, was fired as Israeli fighter jets were on their way to Yemen to target Houthi positions there. Dozens of jets targeted sites in two cities, including the capital of Sana... (JNS) The Biden administration has privately asked Israel to approve an urgent request for U.S. military aid to Palestinian Authority forces, Palestinian, American and Israeli officials told Axios. The request comes after the P.A. launched a rare counter-terror raid in Jenin, where Ramallah for years refused to act against Iranian-backed terrorist groups, in violation of its commitments under the Oslo Accords. Ramallah launched its operation, dubbed Defense of the Homeland, following the Dec. 5 seizure by Hamas and Islamic Jihad of a P.A. vehicle and amid fears that terrorists in the Samar... NYC Israeli shawarma spot makes NYTs Best New Restaurants list By Adi Nirman (JNS) Spice Brothers, the Mediterranean restaurant operated by Israeli chef Lior Lev Sercarz, has earned a spot on The New York Timess New Yorks 14 Best New Restaurants of 2024 list. Sercarz, born in northern Israel, met David Malbequi, the restaurants former co-owner, while working together for renowned chef Daniel Boulud. They opened Spice Brothers in September 2023, but the two eventually parted ways and Lev Sercarz remained to manage the restaurant. The restaurant, located at St. Marks Place, focuses on... (JNS) The gunman who shot two Christian kindergarteners in Oroville, Calif., earlier this month wrote a note stating that his actions were in response to Americas perceived role in the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This is a stark reminder of how unchecked hatred can spread and mutate, striking innocent victims across religious lines. This tragedy, coupled with the tragic shooting this week at a Christian school in Madison, Wis., demands our immediate attention and action. When left unchecked, hatred becomes a contagion that knows no boundaries. These shootings are not isolated incidents but... (JNS) Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving prime minister, finds himself at the center of a prosecution that borders on absurdity. Amid a war for more than a year now that has placed Israel under fire from multiple fronts, he is being targeted for alleged corruption involving champagne and cigars. The very notion of prosecuting Israels most formidable and successful wartime leader over such trivial matters not only undermines his leadership but also raises serious questions about the priorities of the Israeli legal and political system. At the core of the charges against Netanyahu l... (JNS) In the past year, we have witnessed Hezbollah become obliterated, Hamas destroyed and the Assad regime in Syria collapse. Even Iran has become significantly weakened. These entities have been exposed as the paper tigers that they are. Their economies are propped up, their people are oppressed, and there is no freedom. What makes them paper tigers is that their societies are built on lies. Similarly, the forces in the West that protest, riot and attack in support of Hamas and Hezbollah will be exposed as the paper tiger that they are. They do not deal in truth or play by the rules of fa... (JNS) Following revolutions, we Americans have a touching inclination to ask: Are the new leaders like us? Are they moderates who believe in tolerance and peaceful coexistence? Generally, the answer is no. Take the revolution that just occurred in Syria. It was led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, better known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammad al-Julani. He runs Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group with roots in both Al Qaeda and Islamic State. He and HTS have been officially designated as terrorists by the U.S. government. Al-Julani is no moderate. Could he be a pragmatist? Its not impossible that, a... (JNS) I am writing these lines from the United States, where I am nearing the end of my latest speaking tour. Ive been to New York, Toronto, Detroit, Philadelphia, and now Miami. Coming from South Africa, where we suffer one of the highest murder rates in the worldmore than 70 people per day are killed throughout the countryI was nevertheless shocked by the most recent school shooting here in the land of the free and the home of the brave. In what is stated by CNN to be the 83rd school shooting in the USA this year, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow opened fire at a private Christian school... (JNS) Obituaries for journalist Lance Morrow, who passed on Nov. 29 at the age of 85, heaped praise on his elegance and beautifully constructed essays. They neglected to mention the antisemitic essay he once wroteand the award it received from a prominent liberal Jewish organization. Morrow was part of the wave of American journalists and columnists in the 1980s who specialized in accusing Israel of having lost its soul and betrayed its moral obligations. From his longtime, self-righteous perch at TIME magazine, he frequently lectured the Israelis on how awful they had become, how unlik... Monday December 30, 2024 Burundian troops board a plane in Mogadishu as part of the second phase of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) drawdown, marking the end of their deployment after 17 years of service in stabilizing Somalia. Photo Credit: TARRIFA Mogadishu (HOL) Burundi, a major contributor to African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia for 17 years, announced on Sunday that it will not participate in the upcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), citing disagreements over troop deployment numbers with the Somali government.The Somali government on Sunday expressed deep gratitude to Burundian peacekeeping forces for their contributions to security and counterterrorism efforts. Somalias Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi lauded the bravery and sacrifices of Burundian troops, describing their role as pivotal in combating al-Shabab and stabilizing the country. We deeply honour the Burundian forces of AMISOM/ATMIS for their sacrifices in supporting Somalias security and revival and fighting terrorism. Their bravery is etched in history, and Somalia remains forever grateful for their enduring legacy. Fiqi wrote in a social media post. In a statement issued by the Burundian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Burundis Permanent Representative to the African Union, Willy Nyamitwe, revealed that he held a phone call with Djiboutis Permanent Representative to the AU, Eybe Abdi, who chairs the AU Peace and Security Council for December 2024, to communicate Burundis unfortunate non-participation and discuss possible ways forward.On Friday, the United Nations Security Council authorized AUSSOM to replace ATMIS, which concludes its mandate at the end of December 2024. AUSSOM will deploy up to 12,626 personnel, including 1,040 police officers, to support Somali-led operations against al-Shabaab, strengthen stabilization efforts, and facilitate humanitarian assistance.Somalia has framed the transition as an opportunity to assert greater sovereignty, securing bilateral agreements to deploy 11,000 troops. However, it faces logistical and financial challenges, including reliance on a hybrid funding model that splits costs between UN-assessed contributions (75%) and the African Union and other partners (25%).While Burundi steps away from the mission, Ethiopias participation in AUSSOM remains uncertain due to simmering tensions with Somalia. Disputes stem from Ethiopias agreement with Somaliland over Red Sea port access, which Somalia views as a violation of its territorial integrity. Recent clashes in Jubaland and allegations of Ethiopian arms smuggling have exacerbated mistrust.Although Turkey brokered the Ankara Declaration in December, aimed at resolving disputes, recent clashes in Jubaland and allegations of Ethiopian arms smuggling have deepened mistrust. Somali officials have suggested that Ethiopian troops might be excluded from AUSSOM, with their roles potentially filled by forces from other countries such as Egypt.The backdrop to these regional dynamics is Somalias relentless battle with al-Shabaab , a group that continues to launch deadly attacks across the region. AUSSOMs success hinges on maintaining momentum in counterterrorism efforts, bolstered by international partnerships and Somali-led initiatives.To mitigate these risks, Somalia said it had secured bilateral agreements ensuring the deployment of 11,000 troops for AUSSOM deployment. This commitment addresses potential security vacuums while sustaining progress in the fight against al-Shabaab, Somalias Deputy UN Envoy Mohamed Yusuf told the UN Security Council. Tourist killed in shark attack in Marsa Alam: Egyptian Ministry Cairo, Dec 29 (UNI) A tourist was killed and another was injured in a shark attack in the Red Sea, off the coast of the Egyptian resort town of Marsa Alam, the Egyptian Environment Ministry said on Sunday. "The Ministry of Environment received a report that two foreigners were attacked by a shark in the north of Marsa Alam, leaving one of them injured and the other dead," the statement read. The attack occurred outside of the jetty, the ministry said. by Jerry Cayford America, by Paul Simon, from Simon and Garfunkels 1968 album, Bookends, speaks to our moment. What it says to me is a bit different from what I am reading about it from other people, but I dont think Im idiosyncratic. The key, as I see it, is to realize that the song is about America, not about Paul and his girlfriend Kathy taking a bus trip. For those who dont know this song or havent heard it in decades, here is the studio recording. Spend three worthwhile minutes. America opens with deceptive gentleness: Let us be lovers, well marry our fortunes together. The gentleness primes us for the impact of the songs climax. But the opening is also odd, the phrasing archaic. Nobody says, Let us be lovers. The verb marry is intransitive now; we dont even say, Well marry our children together. And we dont speak of our fortunes except as money. Since the rest of the song is completely naturalisticanachronism is not its stylethe oddness makes the phrases memorable, and marks them for study. We hear a pop song many times on the radio (or wherever), then buy it and listen to it repeatedly. Soon, we know the lyrics by heart. We force our parents to listen to it. The whole song is present to us as a single concept, more than as a narrative arc. In this way, a three-minute pop song is more like a three-second slogan than like a thirty-minute show or a short story. I see America as answering a slogan like Make America Great Again. If we think Make America Great Again is the wrong concept, but dont know how to counter it, perhaps we didnt listen well enough when Simon and Garfunkel sang of America fifty years before. Theres something happening here. 1968 was one of the angriest years in American history. Of course, thats hard to prove. What anger could compete with the Civil War? Then, the years following Reconstruction; the violent labor strikes of the 1890s and after; the Great Depression and all it meant; 9/11; today. America has had so many, many angry years. Still, 1968 has always stood out. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Then Bobby Kennedy. It was the year of maximum casualties in Vietnam. (American deaths in Vietnam in 1968 alone were more than double all twenty years in Iraq and Afghanistan put together, including 9/11.) The Chicago police rioted at the Democratic National Convention protests. We forced a sitting president not to run, then elected an unconvicted crook who was worse. Simon wrote America before 1968 startedthough plenty was already happening, for civil rights (and against them) and against the Vietnam War (and for it)and America only became a single in 1972, after Simon and Garfunkels Greatest Hits came out (three days before the Watergate break-in). The era vibrated with tension. The My Lai massacre in 1968 was covered up, then uncovered in 1969. The Manson murders were that August. In May of 1970, National Guard members killed four students and wounded nine at Kent State antiwar protests. People were angry at the war; other people were angry at them for being angry. The country was divided. The lyrics of America continue gentle, and odd. Ive got some real estate here in my bag. It seems like a whimsical joke, but what is real estate in a bag? I take it to mean America is a lot of real estate, and America is a lot of people, too; so I am a piece of America, a piece I bring with me to our search. Like its in my bag. The joke tells us this song is about people, not real estate, that the songs America is not the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters. Other than one moment, its landscape is entirely human built. So we bought a pack of cigarettes, and Mrs. Wagners pies, And walked off to look for America. Our narrator here is not a scholar or a crusader, not an explorer or a detective. The two of them may be on a quest, but it is the most ordinary quest in the world, and their provisions are the indulgences of ordinary life. Their conveyance, too, is the most ordinary. Kathy, I said, as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh, Michigan seems like a dream to me now. It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw. Ive come to look for America. The song maintains its gentleness and whimsy throughout, even at its climax, as though studiously avoiding the anger of its time. But there is a hint of anger in the subtext here. Four days to hitchhike a short trip is the song telling us that people are growing hostile and wary. America was a powder keg, and we should not let our own distance from 1968 blind us to that context. Simons is not the only use of hitchhiking as a measure of Americas temperature. Ken Kesey wrote a eulogy on the death of John Lennon in 1980. He tells the story of hearing about Lennons murder on television, in the company of a scruffy and unwelcome visitor to his farm. The next morning, he drops his guest at the freeway to hitchhike (hitchhiking is far out of fashion by 1980): He said not to worry, hed get a ride easy, today. And I saw somebody stop for him before Id got back over the overpass. On the way home, I heard a report on Switchboard, our local community access program: there was no need to call in to try to scam rides today, that everybody was picking up everybody today, everywhere. For a day, anyway, America is, as Kesey says of himself and his formerly-unwelcome guest, united in sudden hurt by the news of a mutual heros death. In both pieces, hitchhiking is used as a telltale of the state of America, and that state is not good when it takes four days to hitchhike from Saginaw to Pittsburgh. Ive been everywhere, man. I dont invest much meaning in the songs progression from Saginaw, Michigan to Pittsburgh to New Jersey. These choices matter more for what they are not than for what they are: they are not strongly identified with specific cultural meanings. Michigan is the American heartland. If it is a dream to the narrator, perhaps he dreams of a childhood before America concerned him, an idyll in which everybody picked up everybody hitchhiking. But the important thing is the present, the road trip through America. Saginaw could be any town; Pittsburgh is just a city. I believe this theme of anonymity continues into the next verse. Laughing on the bus, playing games with the faces, She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy. I said, Be careful, his bowtie is really a camera. What strikes me most about these bus games is how generic they are. Their sense of humor is not distinctive. They give us no insight into the characters. And I think thats the point: the narrator is Everyman; these are any two people taking a road trip anywhere in America. (If I had to read meaning into these lines, it would be that a gabardine suit is somewhat expensive, so placing such a man on a Greyhound bus is a deliberate expansion of the songs cast of characters to different economic classes, continuing the inclusiveness of its message.) The story in America is of Everyman and Everygirlfriend on every road trip. In the early 1980s, I had a work friend who had traveled the country at the time Paul Simon did. She married young, and she and her husband had three children while living in a VW bus. One day, she told me a story of her youngest daughter coming to her saying, Mom! Mom! Youve got to hear this song! She remembered once saying exactly the same thing, then playing Little Richards Tutti Frutti for her mother, who was shocked. My friend told me, I thought to myself, Nice try, missy, but Ive played that game. You wont shock me! My fresh-faced, virginal, 15-year-old, darling daughter then played me Too Drunk to Fuck by The Dead Kennedys. And I was shocked! Toss me a cigarette, I think theres one in my raincoat. We smoked the last one an hour ago. So I looked at the scenery, she read her magazine, And the moon rose over an open field. The provisions theyve brought are casually used up, not even tracked. This quest for America, whatever it may be, is hardly a precision campaign. Rather, it is pursued the way we live our lives, all of us amateurs, even when everything is on the line. And when the fleeting fun with faces ends, each one is alone again. We see the characters heart-breakingly vulnerable and ill-prepared for what is coming in the next lines. But the song does not reproach them. Our abilities and preparations are just the facts of life, and the song is for everyone. The last line of the stanza, the last thought before the songs crisis, creates a moment of stillness. The rising moon is the only appearance of nature anywhere in the song, and it is pointedly non-American. There is a larger universe, this moment seems to say, larger than the narrators troubles or even than the America he is searching for. Take comfort before we plunge ahead. The moonrise is an image of universal endurance, of faithfulness that will never fail, even if the very, very worst that threatens our characters and our country should befall them and us. Even if what comes to America is todays threatened climate-change hellscape or violent 1968s threatened nuclear apocalypse, the moon will rise over an open field, and it will be beautiful. Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? And so we come to the awakening, the narrators recognition of his own alienation, immediately broadened to the America for which he was searching. Kathy, Im lost, I said, though I knew she was sleeping. Im empty and aching and I dont know why. Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike, Theyve all come to look for America. It is a striking image: America on the move; America stuck in place; all of us together in our common pain and puzzlement. The narrators search, begun so casually, has turned out deeply serious. He is disconnected from himself and from his girlfriend, and the America he finds cannot help him. This final image of the failure of community is so apt, all of us isolated in our cars, looking at each other through windows. And so the song ends. Could this endingand the prospects for Americabe more bleak? With this image in your head of countless cars on the turnpike, filled with people from all walks of America, all empty, all aching, all searching for the answer, you lift the needle and set it back to the beginning of the track, or you click the Replay icon, or call down the stairs, Mom! Mom! Youve got to hear this song! and the song starts over again: Let us be lovers, well marry our fortunes together. From downbeat closing to upbeat opening we now begin to hear the song whole. Our narrators quest will not end with warm and fuzzy belonging in a dream America but alienated on the New Jersey Turnpike. And that turnpike image, like a perverse bit of black humor, echoes the opening: stuck in traffic, you experience the cold, hard fact of life that our fortunes are truly married together! That sobering hint fits a revision of the narrators search. The songs real quest for America does not move from jaunty confidence armed with snacks and cigarettes to empty and aching despair. No, it moves from an individual search to a universal one: weve all come to look for America; angry and divided but dependent on each other, we share the same problem and the same quest for community in an America that works. The hanging question of how to make that happen brings us back around to the opening words: Let us be lovers. These words are not a fact of life but an exhortation, to us, the listeners, to America in 1968, and still in 2025. The exhortation Let us be lovers says that the marriage of our fortunes may be inescapable, but what we do about it is very much a choice. And love is what it takes to make peace with bonds we did not choose. Love is the way our interdependence becomes strength. Obviously, this is not an original thesis. Simons thesis here is very old, and has been dramatized many times, though seldom as well as it is in America. Ten years earlier, The Defiant Ones told the story of an angry black man (played by Sidney Poitier) and a white racist (played by Tony Curtis) who escape from a prison chain gang chained to one another. Their fortunes are literally chained together, so they must overcome anger and hatred toward each other to cooperate for survival and freedom. Its a familiar theme. If the lesson of America, though, is a familiar truism and literary trope, that does not make it any less profound; it remains a lesson as difficult to grasp and to accept as it always was, a fact demonstrated over and over again in American politics. In 2016, Democrats suffered a shocking defeat. We might have been lovers and seen the election of Trump as a cry for help from empty and aching fellow Americans who dont know why their lives arent working. But we didnt. There was little love in our calling their votes racist and ignorant, our dismissing their anger as baseless. The subtext of our obsession with Russian interference was that you Republican voters had no right to listen to the wrong people (or bots); your bad choices invalidate your right to be heard. Our response was no more loving than the loopy Republican claim that Democrats hate America and want to destroy it. But the working class has had genuine grievances since America was first written. And our fortunes are married together. 2024 brought a replay defeat. How we respond is again up to us. So far, many have been saying, Let us be warriors! But the gentleness of America calls out our anger as cover for a deeper ache, and a trap that keeps us from a better response. Paul Simon will turn 84 this year. As recently as a few years ago, he was still singing America in concert. This song from angry and violent 1968 is so gentle with its characters and with us because anger does not come first. Love comes first, and then the anger goes. Let us be lovers. Innovation in China | Explore drone delivery with an American host People's Daily Online) 09:45, December 30, 2024 What is it like ordering take-out on the Great Wall? Check out this video and follow American host Michael Kurtagh to explore the wonders of drone powered delivery! Experience the innovative development of China's drone industry in multiple application scenarios such as logistics distribution, emergency rescue, and Great Wall protection, and look forward to a smarter, greener, and more interconnected world. Our journey begins at the Badaling section of the Great Wall in China's capital Beijing. There, a drone delivery service can provide food and refreshments for Great Wall visitors with just a few clicks on their phones. The mix of one of the world's most important historical landmarks with such innovative cutting-edge technology creates a truly one-of-a-kind combination. After enjoying our drone-delivered snack, a visit to the Beijing UAV Science and Technology Museum is in order. There we explore a great deal more about the Chinese drone industry, and get to see many models of different drones while learning about all their different uses. We even get to try flying a drone! Finally, we end our experience with a visit to the Badaling Airport to check out something a little bit bigger than a drone. Drones are only part of China's innovative technologies focusing on the low-altitude economy, and we would be remiss to miss out on one of the most exciting ones: helicopters! Watch as we take to the sky to explore how the low-altitude economy can offer many more opportunities in industries like tourism. Chinese innovation in drones and the low-altitude economy is already making a positive impact on the lives of regular people today, and we will certainly wait with excitement and anticipation to see what continued innovation in this sector will bring to the world. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Du Mingming) Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), is "ready to make a call" to back a new initiative by the Turkish government to end decades of conflict, Turkey's pro-Kurd party said Sunday. Two lawmakers from the DEM party made a rare visit to Ocalan on Saturday on his prison island, the first by the party in almost a decade, amid signs of easing tensions between the Turkish government and the PKK. On Friday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government approved DEM's request to visit the founder of the PKK, which is designated a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies. Ocalan has been serving a life sentence on the island of Imrali south of Istanbul since 1999. The government's approval of the visit comes two months after the head of Turkey's nationalist MHP party, Devlet Bahceli, extended Ocalan a shock olive branch, inviting him to parliament to renounce terror and disband his group, a move backed by Erdogan. "I have the competence and determination to make a positive contribution to the new paradigm started by Mr Bahceli and Mr Erdogan," Ocalan said, according to a DEM statement Sunday. Ocalan said the visiting delegation would share his approach with both the state and political circles. "In light of this, I am ready to take the necessary positive steps and make the call." The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, claiming tens of thousands of lives. A peace process between the PKK and the government collapsed in 2015, unleashing violence especially in the Kurdish-majority southeast. The new initiative launched in October by Bahceli, who has been fiercely hostile to the PKK, sparked a public debate, with Erdogan hailing it as a "historic window of opportunity". But a deadly terror attack in October on a Turkish defence company in the capital Ankara, for which PKK militants claimed responsibility, put those hopes on hold. Turkey launched strikes on Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria after the attack, which killed five people. "Re-strengthening the Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood is not only a historical responsibility but also... an urgency for all peoples," Ocalan said, according to the DEM statement. He said all the efforts would "take the country to the level it deserves" and become a "very valuable guide for a democratic transformation". "It's time for Turkey and the region for peace, democracy and brotherhood". The new outreach by both sides comes as Islamist rebels consolidate their control in neighbouring Syria after toppling its strongman president Bashar al-Assad. Turkey hopes Syria's new leaders will address the issue of Kurdish forces in the country, which Ankara sees as a terror group affiliated to the PKK. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his US counterpart Antony Blinken in a phone call on Saturday that Kurdish fighters "cannot be allowed to take shelter in Syria", according to the ministry spokesman. According to the DEM statement, Ocalan said developments in Syria had shown that outside interference would only complicate the problem, and a solution could no longer be postponed. 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." Innovation in China | Spanish host and his robot friends People's Daily Online) 09:47, December 30, 2024 Today, let's follow Spaniard Alvaro Lago as he introduces us to some special "artificial intelligence" friends. We'll see how they execute commands and showcase their skills in diverse environments, such as supermarkets and households, experiencing the pulse of technological development through human-robot interaction. Our journey begins at a robotics innovation center where we meet Tien Kung, an agile and precise robot. With just a simple command, Tien Kung hands over an orange, showcasing its accuracy and dexterity. But that's just the beginning! The robot also demonstrates its ability to navigate complex terrain using its joint sensors, highlighting its potential for logistics, power inspections, and beyond. Next, we learn how robots are being used in industrial settings like supermarket packaging. Our host even gets hands-on experience controlling a robot using an exoskeleton suit, marveling at how seamlessly it mimics his movements. The exploration doesn't stop there. We are introduced to Tongtong, the world's first general-purpose humanoid robot with the cognitive framework of a 3 to 4-year-old child. Tongtong can clean up a messy room, assist "mom" when needed, and continuously learn and evolve through motion capture and voice interaction. By the end of the day, our host is awestruck by the rapid advancements in Chinese robotics. From industrial efficiency to human-robot collaboration, these innovations are paving the way for a smarter and more efficient future. As technology continues to evolve, it promises to bring even more positive changes to our daily lives. China's robotics revolution is just getting started, and we can't wait to see what comes next! (Web editor: Tian Yi, Du Mingming) In the heart of Zululand, South Africa, lies Babanango Game Reserve, a once cattle-farmed landscape that now stands as a true testament to the power of environmental renewal. This reserve recently underwent one of South Africas most ambitious rewilding projects, reintroducing the Big 5 after nearly 150 years. The land, which is rich with history, culture, and natural beauty, has undergone an extraordinary transformation, and Luxury Frontiers had the honor of playing a key role in its incredible rebirth. Our design work at Madwaleni River Lodge, located within the reserve, embodies the essence of sustainability, cultural heritage, and community upliftment. At its core, Luxury Frontiers believes in designing with purpose. Our approach to Madwaleni River Lodge was not only about creating a luxurious destination but also about contributing to the larger narrative of conservation, cultural preservation, and community involvement. Each design decision we made was rooted in respect for the lands past, as well as a deep understanding of the cultural context, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The lodges 12 tented accommodation units, designed to immerse guests in the wilderness, boast canvas roofs inspired by the traditional Zulu shield. Photo by Luxury Frontiers Celebrating Rewilding Through Architecture Madwaleni River Lodge sits along the snaking White Umfolozi River, offering guests beautiful expansive views of the natural surroundings and a deep connection to the rich Zulu history. Our brief was to design a lodge that honored Babanangos rewilding journey while paying homage to its fascinating historical and cultural layers. The lodges 12 tented accommodation units, designed to immerse guests in the wilderness, each boast canvas roofs inspired by the traditional Zulu shield. This design not only creates a striking visual impact but also reflects our dedication to being champions for the local culture. The stretched fabric membrane and earth-toned canvas body of the roofs are supported by a 72-foot curved timber beam, which gives the structures their spear-like form. This subtle yet thoughtful architectural detail ensures that the lodge fits seamlessly into its environment while also making a bold statement. Sustainability was at the forefront of the design process, as with all of our projects. The units incorporate natural ventilation zones between the flysheet and roof, allowing for passive cooling of the rooms without relying on energy-intensive systems. Privacy screens surrounding each of the units were crafted from upcycled timber poles featuring natural patterns caused by termite damage, transforming what would otherwise be discarded into pure art. Sustainable bamboo decking connects the interior and exterior spaces, and timber, leather, and wicker furniture inside the units reflects African craftsmanship while maintaining a light ecological footprint. The central gathering area, spanning over 16,000 square feet, serves as the social heart of Madwaleni River Lodge. This communal space includes a reception area, restaurant, library, pool, eco-friendly gym, wine cellar, and indoor and outdoor lounges. The buildings echo the spear-shaped form of the accommodation units, with cementitious canvas roofs pigmented in a way that they blend into the natural environment. Stone and timber elements paired with canvas cladding, roll-ups, and leather accents further root the lodge in its surroundings, while balustrades mimic traditional Zulu basket-weaving patterns, providing a cultural touch. The Boma, an innovative dining and stargazing area, exemplifies how Luxury Frontiers blends sustainability with cultural integrity. Photo by Luxury Frontiers The Boma: A Design That Celebrates Culture and Nature The Boma, an innovative dining and stargazing area, exemplifies how Luxury Frontiers blends sustainability with cultural integrity within our designs. Located some distance from the main lodge and set against the natural wilderness backdrop of the White Umfolozi River, The Boma offers guests a unique and memorable under-the-stars dining experience. Its round shape and curved walls are inspired by traditional Zulu beehive huts and principles of sacred geometry, symbolizing fluidity and harmony with nature. The design of The Boma was guided by the goal of creating a structure that not only complements the natural surroundings but also enhances them in a meaningful way. The curved walls were woven from felled black wattle saplings, an invasive species that has plagued the reserves natural grasslands. By repurposing these saplings, Luxury Frontiers actively contributed to the reserves land rehabilitation efforts while involving the local community in the construction process. Local artisans were commissioned to weave the saplings into a steel framework using traditional Zulu basket-weaving techniques. This design decision not only supports conservation but also keeps cultural traditions alive, fostering pride and providing ongoing employment for community members. The woven walls are intentionally designed to decay over time, requiring continuous reweavinga cyclical process that invites guests to witness and engage with the communitys craftsmanship during their stay. The natural textures and colors of the woven walls, which change character depending on the light, are complemented by other curved walls finished with plaster made with local cow-dung. This traditional building technique blends seamlessly with the rustic natural environment, ensuring The Boma remains a harmonious part of the landscape. The interior of The Boma features practical amenities such as storage and bathroom facilities, while moveable fire pits, tables, and chairs make the space versatile and adaptable for different events. The serving counter is clad in recycled timber, and the floor is finished with crushed stone aggregate, ensuring that we keep the aesthetic as close to nature as possible. Local artisans were commissioned to weave the saplings into a steel framework on the Boma, using traditional Zulu basket-weaving techniques. Photo by Luxury Frontiers Sustainability and Empowering The Local Community At Luxury Frontiers, we believe that sustainability in design goes beyond the physical environmentit also includes cultural preservation and community development. Throughout the design and construction of Madwaleni River Lodge, we prioritized methods that would minimize environmental impact and maximize benefits for the local community. The lodge was constructed using prefabricated components and manual labor rather than heavy machinery, reducing the carbon footprint of the building process and creating numerous job opportunities. Fifty-five workers from fifteen nearby communities were employed during the project, many of whom gained valuable skills that will serve them long after the lodge was completed. This approach was not just about completing a project but about creating a lasting impact on the people who live in the area. Our design for The Boma relied heavily on local artisanship. The involvement of local women in weaving the black wattle saplings into the steel framework not only provided income but also helped to preserve a traditional craft that has deep cultural significance to the local community. The ongoing maintenance of The Bomas woven walls will ensure that this craft continues to provide employment opportunities for the community well into the future. This approach of building structures designed to fail and require regular maintenance fosters a sustainable economic cycle, intrinsically connecting the lodges day to day operations with the local communitys livelihoods. Local Artisanship and Cultural Preservation The integration of local arts and crafts into Madwaleni River Lodges design is a testament to Luxury Frontiers commitment to celebrating and sustaining important community traditions. We collaborated with Africa Ignite, a multi-award winning rural development agency, to commission local artisans for handmade decorative items that align with their skills in weaving, beadwork, woodwork, and pottery. These items are on display throughout the lodges interiors, adding a personal and culturally rich touch to the guest experience. Each decorative piece tells a story, not only of the artisans who crafted them but of the larger cultural narrative that they represent. These commissions provided income for the artisans while also offering them skills and training that will serve them in future projects. This holistic approach to community involvement ensures that our impact extends beyond the physical design of the lodge and contributes to long-term cultural and economic resilience in the region. Luxury Frontiers collaborated with a rural development agency, to commission local artisans for handmade decorative items that align with their skills in weaving, beadwork, woodwork, and pottery. Photo by Luxury Frontiers A Holistic Approach to Conservation Babanango Game Reserves conservation efforts go hand in hand with the design ethos of Madwaleni River Lodge. The reserves rewilding project, which has brought back the Big 5 to the area after nearly 150 years, is a central theme in the lodges design. The architectural elements, materials, and craftsmanship all reflect the lands rebirth, creating a seamless connection between the reserves conservation mission and the guest experience. Our efforts also extended to a significant partnership with Moso, a leader in creating sustainable bamboo products. By specifying bamboo decking and flooring throughout the lodge, we not only reduced our environmental impact but also contributed to the African Habitat Conservancy Foundation (AHCF) through a sizable donation. AHCF plays a crucial role in conservation and community support around Babanango Game Reserve, and our partnership with them underscores our commitment to the long-term health of the regions ecosystems. Design With Purpose Madwaleni River Lodge is a prime example of how Luxury Frontiers approaches each project we take on with a sense of purpose and responsibility. Through conscious design, we were able to create a lodge that elevates the guest experience while promoting sustainability, cultural preservation, and community development. Our work at Babanango Game Reserve not only celebrates the lands rewilding journey but also strengthens the bond between nature, culture, and the people who call this special region home. By blending luxury with environmental and cultural stewardship, were proud to have created a destination that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks towards a sustainable future. Madwaleni River Lodge is not just a place to stayits a testament to the power of conscious design and the positive impact it can have on the world. Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from www.HotelExecutive.com. Tucker Associates Joins William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty LENOX, Mass. Tucker Associates has announced its decision to join William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty. Founded in 1957, Tucker Associates has been a long-standing presence in the Berkshire real estate community, recognized for its focus on personalized service and knowledge of the local market. Through its alignment with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, Tucker Associates now has access to a global network, advanced marketing tools, and an extensive referral system. "This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Tucker Associates," said Matthew Jarck, Owner of Tucker Associates. "For over six decades, we have been committed to serving our clients with integrity and expertise. Joining forces with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty allows us to elevate our services while staying true to the values that have defined us since 1957." Stephanie McNair, Regional Brokerage Manager for William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, shared her enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to welcome Tucker Associates into our family. Their legacy of excellence and commitment to their clients aligns perfectly with our mission. This union will strengthen our presence in the Berkshires and provide unmatched resources to clients seeking to buy or sell homes in this beautiful region." Bousquet Offers Adult Ski Race League PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Bousquet Mountain will offer an adult racing league on Tuesday nights from Jan. 7 to Feb. 11. No racing experience is required to participate in the 18-and-over league. Teams of five will compete in races that begin at 6:30 p.m., following a 6 p.m. course inspection. The cost for the season is $119 for Bousquet season passholders or $159 for non-passholders and includes skiing from 5 p.m. to closing on the night of races. Public Meeting to Review Woods Pond Remediation Plans BOSTON The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled a virtual public meeting on the Reach 6 (Woods Pond area) Remedial Design/Remedial Action (RD/RA) at the GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site for Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, from 6:30 8:30 PM on Zoom. The meeting will be completely virtual out of an abundance of caution for weather and any residual illnesses continuing from the holidays, and it will be recorded and posted to the website. The link to the meeting is here and on the GE website: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/ 1613982552?pwd= zlTgzqk0PpViqu6iHNHaEP9dSgPp0i .1 Meeting ID: 161 398 2552 Passcode: 30052177 GE will be presenting its remedial design for Reach 6 (including Woods Pond and Valley Mill Pond) followed by a question-and-answer period. GE will be removing sediment in Woods Pond up to 6 feet below the crest of Woods Pond Dam regardless of PCB levels, and an engineered cap comprised of an erosion protection layer, geotechnical filter layer, and chemical isolation layer will be placed to isolate any remaining contamination. The primary human health risk drivers for the Rest of River cleanup are consumption of fish and direct contact with some floodplain soil along with ecological risk drivers. The proposed cleanup will also improve Woods Pond by increasing total water column depth allowing for greater community access and recreation. Sunday 29 December 2024, 22:18 - Last updated: 31 December, 11:28 Jimmy Carter, the former President of the United States, has passed away. He was the longest-lived U.S. president in history, having turned 100 years old this past October. Carter died today at his home in Plains, Georgia, according to a statement from his son. He was elected President of the United States in 1976, becoming the 39th president. In 1978, he achieved the seemingly impossible with the historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. Who Was Jimmy Carter? A peanut farmer by trade, Carter was elected governor of Georgia in 1971 and served until 1975. The following year, he became the 39th President of the United States. His presidency lasted only one term, from 1977 to 1981, and was defined by two major events: the Camp David Accords in 1978 between Egypt and Israel, and the Iranian hostage crisis, which contributed to his defeat in the 1980 presidential election. His Career After losing the 1980 presidential race to Ronald Reagan, Carter devoted himself to the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982. The center focuses on health, democracy, and other issues. His post-presidential work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Illness In 2015, Carter announced that he had been diagnosed with liver cancer, which had spread to other parts of his body, and he underwent several surgeries as part of his treatment. Last August, Carter told his son Chip that his primary thought was defeating Donald Trump and that he hoped to live long enough to vote for Kamala Harris. Early voting in Georgia, where Carter lived, was set to begin on October 15. Family Carters wife, Rosalynn, passed away on November 19, 2023, at the age of 96. The Carters had been married for over 77 years, making it the longest presidential marriage in U.S. history. The last public appearance of the former president was at Rosalynns funeral in Plains, where he sat in the front row in a wheelchair. The final photo of him was taken outside his home with family and friends as he watched a flyover on October 1, celebrating his 100th birthday. Biden Orders State Funeral Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, said U.S. President Joe Biden, commenting on Carters death. Biden praised Carter for his efforts to eradicate diseases, forge peace, promote civil and human rights, support free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always defend the most vulnerable." He called Carter "a man of great character and courage, hope, and optimism, and highlighted the love between Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. Biden urged young people in this nation and anyone seeking to understand what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning to study Carter's example, describing him as a man of principles, faith, and humility. He emphasized that Carter showed the world that the United States is a great nation because we are a good, honest, honorable, courageous, compassionate, humble, and strong people. To honor the late president, Biden announced that a state funeral would be held in Washington, D.C. for James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, U.S. Navy lieutenant, U.S. Naval Academy graduate, and beloved son of Plains, Georgia, who dedicated his entire life to serving God and his country. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Babygirl director Halina Reijn has admitted her erotic thrillers sensual milk scene was inspired by an experience in her own life. The newly released film stars Nicole Kidman as a high-powered CEO who risks her family and career to begin a torrid love affair with a much younger intern (played by Harris Dickinson). Early on in the movie, when Dickinsons Samuel is courting Kidmans Romy, the two attend after-work drinks. As Romy speaks to a group of colleagues a waiter comes by and sets a glass of milk down on the table. Confused at first, Romy then looks up and locks eyes with Samuel realizing he ordered the drink for her before downing the beverage. Speaking about the scene in a recent interview with W Magazine, Reijn, 49, revealed that it had actually happened to her years ago. Sometime in her 30s, the director and actor recalled going out for drinks after one of her stage performances. From across the bar, a famous Belgian actor, who was way, way younger than her sent her a glass of milk. I drank it, and he just walked out, she said. I thought, How does this guy get the courage? I did think it was a very sensual thing to do. And I thought it was very funny. Nicole Kidman stars in Babygirl as a high-powered CEO who begins a torrid love affair with a much younger intern ( Miss Gabler Productions LLC; Miss Gabler Rights LLC ) Elsewhere in the interview, Reijn discussed the importance of flipping the script on age-gap relationships, which typically feature a much older male with a younger female partner. If we see a movie where the male actor is the same age as the female actor, we find that odd. Which is insane. It should completely be normalized that the age gaps switch and that women have different relationships, she explained. Were not trapped in a box anymore. We internalize the male gaze, we internalize patriarchy, and we need to free ourselves from it. Its really hard. Earlier this month, 58-year-old Kidman, whos been nominated for a Golden Globe for her role as Romy, told The Hollywood Reporter that a lot of times women are discarded at a certain period of their career as a sexual being. So, it was really beautiful to be seen in this way, she said, adding that from the minute she read the script, I was like, Yeah, this is a voice I havent seen, this is a place that I havent been, I dont think audiences have been. Babygirl is out in U.S. theaters now. It will be released in the U.K. on January 10, 2025. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Broadway legend Linda Lavin, who also became known for her role as a paper-hat-wearing waiter on the TV sitcom Alice, has died at the age of 87. Lavin died in Los Angeles on Sunday (December 29) of complications from recently discovered lung cancer, her representative, Bill Veloric, confirmed in an email to The Associated Press. Following her success on Broadway, Lavin moved to Hollywood in the mid-1970s to try her hand at screen acting. She was cast to star in a new CBS sitcom based on Martin Scorseses hit 1974 rom-com Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore, which won Ellen Burstyn an Oscar for her role as the titular waiter. The title was shortened to Alice and Lavin became a role model for working moms as Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother with a 12-year-old son working in a roadside diner outside Phoenix. The show, with Lavin singing the theme song Theres a New Girl in Town, ran from 1976 to 1985. The show turned Kiss my grits into a catchphrase and co-starred Polly Holliday as waiter Flo and Vic Tayback as the gruff owner and head chef of Mels Diner. The series bounced around the CBS schedule during its first two seasons but became a hit leading into All in the Family on Sunday nights in October 1977. It was among primetimes top 10 series in four of the next five seasons. Lavin soon went on to win a Tony for Best Actress in a play for Neil Simons Broadway Bound in 1987. open image in gallery The Alice star died of complications from recently discovered lung cancer ( Invision ) She was working as recently as this month promoting Netflixs new comedy No Good Deed, in which she appears, as well as filming for a forthcoming Hulu series, Mid-Century Modern. The Netflix series creator/executive producer Liz Feldman paid tribute to Lavin on Instagram, writing: Getting to work with you once was an honor and a joy. I loved writing for you on 9JKL all those years ago. I just loved YOU. Being around you. In your magnetic orbit. That we got to collaborate again on No Good Deed was simply a gift. You were, as always, incredibly gracious, totally hilarious and pitch perfect. Ready to play and full of life. Your warmth and kindness was unparalleled. I just loved you. We all did. Im so glad I got to see you a few weeks ago at the premiere and introduce you to my parents. They were thrilled to meet you. And my father made it very clear to me that you were his favorite part of No Good Deed. He wasnt the only one who felt that way. Thank you for letting me into your stunning orbit. And for allowing me to spin with you for a while. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Lavin grew up in Portland, Maine, and moved to New York City after graduating from the College of William and Mary. She sang in nightclubs and in ensembles of shows. Iconic producer and director Hal Prince gave Lavin her first big break while directing the Broadway musical Its a Bird ... Its a Plane ... Its Superman. She went on to earn a Tony nomination in Simon's Last of the Red Hot Lovers in 1969 before winning 18 years later for another Simon play, Broadway Bound. After her success in Hollywood, she returned to Broadway and starred in Paul Rudnick's comedy The New Century, had a concert show called Songs & Confessions of a One-Time Waitress and earned a Tony nomination in Donald Margulies Collected Stories. Lavin basked in a burst of renewed attention in her 70s, earning a Tony nomination for Nicky Silvers The Lyons. She also starred in Other Desert Cities and a revival of Follies before they transferred to Broadway. She also appeared in the film Wanderlust with Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, and released her first CD, Possibilities. She played Jennifer Lopezs grandmother in The Back-Up Plan. When asked for guidance from up-and-coming actors, Lavin stressed one thing. I say that what happened for me was that work brings work. As long as it wasn't morally reprehensible to me, I did it, she told the AP in 2011. She and Steve Bakunas, an artist, musician and her third husband, converted an old automotive garage into the 50-seat Red Barn Studio Theatre in Wilmington, North Carolina. It opened in 2007, and their productions included Doubt by John Patrick Shanley, Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet, Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife by Charles Busch, in which Lavin also starred on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination. She returned to TV in 2013s one-season Sean Saves the World, starring Will & Graces Sean Hayes. Lavin also made appearances on Mom and 9JKL. Additional reporting from The Associated Press Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Scrubs creator Bill Lawrence has revealed his reasons for being always hesitant about a reboot, which is now in development. The hit US sitcom, which first premiered on ABC in 2001, follows a group of interns and their journey to becoming doctors. Its nine-season run ended in 2010, leaving fans hopeful for a reboot. Set in the fictional Sacred Heart Hospital, the show centres around medical newbie JD (Zach Braff), as he navigates the ups and downs of modern healthcare while desperately trying to win the approval of his ruthless higher-up Dr Cox (John C McGinley). If I thought it was a bad idea, I wouldnt do it. Im not chasing commerce and without being self-aggrandising, I dont need to, he told the Los Angeles Times. Creatively, if somebody said, Do you want to pick Scrubs up right back in the same hospital with the same people on a normal day, everythings back to normal? No, that would be disingenuous to the story. Am I curious and can I think of a bunch of stories about where some of these characters are years later, not being kid interns anymore, and having new young people around them, with the way the medical world has changed yeah, without a shadow of a doubt. That creative answer was easy. open image in gallery Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, and Zach Braff on Scrubs ( ABC ) Earlier this year, it was revealed that while the cast and creators were enthusiastic about the reboot, Lawrences contractual obligations were proving to be an obstacle. Lawrence is under an exclusive deal with Warner Bros TV while Scrubs is produced by Disneys 20th Television. However, earlier in December, reports suggested that the Emmy winner was developing the show with ABC Studios, according to Variety. Although Lawrence remained under his deal with Warner Bros TV, the studio appeared to be carving out room for him to work with his former Scrubs partners. The complicated thing, and why I was always hesitant, was I dont work for Disney anymore. I work here [Warner Bros.], and its not really, business-wise, a show I was allowed to go do. Its not jerky for Warner Brothers to say, Were not employing you to go do a Disney show, Lawrence said. The thing that changed is the cast are all tight in real life and as a lot of us do, at this point in our lives, covet that experience. So [theres] the amount of friends that [say], Man, it would be fun to have that experience again because we all really loved each other. And you connect that directly to a time in Hollywood that not only are we not making a ton of stuff, but people that I really care about and love, both in front of and behind the camera, theyre scrambling, hustling to find work. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Actors Donald Faison and Zach Braff, and executive producer Bill Lawrence of Scrubs in 2008 ( Getty Images ) The best thing for the show is a sad state of affairs, which there are amazing writers that are available. Its not going to be a mailed-in cash grab. There will be a bunch of the original Scrubs writers on the show; there will also be a bunch of new writers. Someone was like, I hope this doesnt happen. That made me incredulous. Like, why the f*** would you care if it happened? Hes like, I just love the show so much, it would tarnish it. I dont think thats true. Shows that I care about have had reboots. This is my attitude: If its a show I love, Im gonna watch it. If its great, Im gonna be super happy. If its good, whatever, at least it didnt offend me. And if it sucks, Im gonna be super happy to badmouth how much it sucks to my friends. Not on the internet. But thats how I watch TV. To me, thats a no-lose. Whats the big deal? Not to get way too deep on you, Ive got my own stuff to work through. You hinted at it before and I would probably, without telling anybody the reasons, just say: Im doing this just because its something thats important to me for my own stuff. Ill live with the consequences. open image in gallery Left to right: Judy Reyes, John C McGinley, Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke and Ken Jenkins ( Getty ) Lawrence confirmed that a deal with a new showrunner was being made as we speak, and that writing would begin on the reboot as soon as it is finalised. In October, Lawrence detailed what he envisioned the new show to look like, with it serving as a combination of a revival (providing updates on original characters after nearly 15 years off screen), and a reboot in which new characters are introduced. Close Moment Jeju Air plane skids along South Korea runway before crash For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy All but two of the 181 passengers and crew on a Jeju Air flight have been killed after the plane crash-landed and skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport and hit a concrete perimeter fence, bursting into flames. The countrys fire service has said that two crew were rescued from the wreckage, but it is the worst aviation disaster ever in South Korea. Here is everything we know so far: What happened? The Jeju Air flight from Bangkok crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea on Sunday morning. Footage showed the Boeing 737-800 belly landing without landing gear and sliding at high speed along the runway before hitting the wall. Local TV stations aired footage showing thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the plane, which was engulfed in flames. Witnesses reported hearing loud bang noises before the aircraft struck the wall. open image in gallery Firefighters and rescue team work at the wreckage of the passenger plane ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery People watch the news regarding the plane crash, at Seoul station ( Getty Images ) What was the cause of the plane crash? The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. Local broadcaster MBC aired footage that appears to show a bird strike incident as the plane was descending. Officials have also said weather conditions may have played a role. The crashed plane's black box has been retrieved, according to a senior Transport Ministry official. Transport Ministry officials have said their early assessment of communications records show the airport control tower issued a bird strike warning to the plane shortly before it intended to land. The flight had reportedly attempted one landing before being forced to go around when the landing gear failed to lower normally. Jeju Air CEO Kim Yi-bae said later they had found no issues when the plane was inspected prior to the crash. The question about whether the landing gear was working properly or not is related to the accident investigation, he said. You will hear the result when it comes out. 8.57am local time: Muan International Airports control tower issued a warning over possible bird strikes. 8.58am: The pilot sent a Mayday distress signal. 9am: The plane attempted to land on the runway but failed to deploy its landing gear. 9.03am: the aircraft crash-landed on its fuselage, collided with the airport fence, and erupted into flames. Experts said the bird strike report and the way the aircraft attempted to land raised more questions than answers. "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. According to the transport ministry, investigators have recovered both black boxes from the wreckage: the cockpit voice recorder at 11.30am and the flight data recorder at 2.24pm. Eight aircraft accident investigators and nine aviation safety inspectors were conducting initial investigations at the scene. open image in gallery South Korean soldiers search for missing passengers ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage ( AFP via Getty Images ) Who survived? The only two survivors so far are two of the six crew members. Media reports indicate that they were near the rear emergency exit. Its believed they escaped after the tail section detached during the crash. They were pulled from the wreckage and taken to hospital. One of the survivors was being treated for fractures to his ribs, shoulder blade and upper spine, said Ju Woong, director of the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital. Mr Ju said the 33-year-old man, called Lee in local media, told doctors he "woke up to find [himself] rescued." The other survivor is believed to be a 25-year-old woman. Who else was on board? Among the 175 passengers aboard the flight, 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. There were also two Thai women aged 22 and 45, according to the Thai government. The rest of the passengers were South Korea nationals. Hours after the crash, family members gathered in the airport's arrival area, some crying and hugging as Red Cross volunteers handed out blankets. Families screamed and wept loudly as a medic announced the names of 22 victims identified by their fingerprints. Papers were circulated for families to write down their contact details. Mortuary vehicles lined up outside to take bodies away, and authorities said a temporary morgue had been established. open image in gallery Smoke from the fire ( AP ) What have Jeju Air and Boeing said? In a televised news conference, Kim E-bae, Jeju Airs president, bowed with other senior company officials as he apologised to bereaved families and said he takes full responsibility for the incident. Mr 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. The crash was not due to "any maintenance issues", the head of Jeju Air's management team added later. According to the Yonhap news agency, Song Kyung-hoon told a press briefing: "There are areas we have to investigate further by determining the exact cause of the crash." He added that there is a schedule for maintenance checks and that they leave "no stone unturned" regarding maintenance work ahead of take-offs. The official also said that the company's insurance plan should be able to support the victims and their families. A separate statement from the airline expressed a deep apology over the crash and said it will do its utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident. 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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 For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Taliban have said they will shut down all national and foreign NGOs in Afghanistan that employ women, escalating the clampdown against women and aid agencies. In a letter published on X on Sunday night, the countrys economy ministry warned that any NGO failing to comply with the directive to stop employing women will lose its licence to operate. In case of lack of cooperation, all activities of that institution will be canceled, and the activity license of that institution, granted by the ministry, will also be canceled, the letter read. The Taliban government ordered NGOs two years ago to stop employing Afghan women, claiming they were not adhering to the mandated dress code, including the wearing of headscarves. The latest announcement comes amid reports that female Afghan humanitarian workers are being prevented from carrying out their duties, despite widespread recognition of the critical need for aid in the country. The Taliban deny allegations of obstructing aid agencies or interfering with relief operations. Afghan women have already been barred from most jobs, excluded from public spaces, and prohibited from accessing education beyond the sixth grade. The Taliban recently passed orders restricting women from getting paramedical and midwifery training. In a separate decree, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered property owners to obscure windows overlooking areas where women might sit or stand, such as yards or kitchens. The directive applies to both new and existing buildings, requiring walls, fences, or screens to block such views. The decree, also published on X, instructed municipalities to ensure that future constructions adhere to the order. The Talibans tightening restrictions on women and NGOs have drawn widespread international condemnation. The latest decree targeting NGOs comes as Afghanistan remains dependent on humanitarian aid, with millions of Afghans facing food insecurity and other crises. The Talibans policies have repeatedly disrupted aid delivery and created logistical challenges for international organisations operating in the country. The UN and other humanitarian agencies have warned that excluding women from NGO roles could cripple efforts to provide essential services in the already struggling nation. Additional reporting by agencies. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Emma Heming Willis has shared an emotional tribute to her husband Bruce Willis on their 17th anniversary, as he lives with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The 46-year-old model took to Instagram on Sunday (December 29) to share a throwback picture of her and her husband smiling in the ocean, while on a trip to Turks and Caicos. In the caption, she acknowledged that its been 17 years since she and the Die Hard star, 69, started dating and shared her candid feelings about their anniversary. Anniversaries used to bring excitement now, if Im honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach, she wrote, before describing the pain she feels amid her husbands health condition. I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the why him, why us, to feel the anger and grief, she added. Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is is unconditional love. Heming Willis went on to acknowledge how grateful she is for her relationship with her partner, adding: I feel blessed to know it, and its because of him. Id do it all over again and again in a heartbeat. In March 2022, Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain damage that can lead to difficulties comprehending, speaking, reading, or writing. However, in 2023, the Pulp Fiction stars family issued a statement with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration to reveal they had a clearer diagnosis: FTD. After calling the condition a cruel disease, they also said that FTD is the most common form of dementia. In addition, because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruces condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research, they wrote. Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. The statement was signed by Heming Willis and her husbands two children, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10. It was also signed by Willis ex-wife, Demi Moore, and their three adult children: Rumer, 36, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 30. Heming Willis has since continued to open up about her relationship with her husband and his health condition. While celebrating her 15th wedding anniversary on Instagram in March, she expressed how she had a choice for how she wanted to commemorate her marriage, following Willis FTD diagnosis. I can wallow in sorrow or I can celebrate it. I call this the remarkable reframe. What I know is there is so much to celebrate, she wrote in the caption of her post, which showed a snap of Willis kissing her on the cheek. Our union and connection is probably stronger than ever. Emma Heming Willis opens up about unconditional love for Bruce Willis in anniversay emotional post ( Getty Images for Film at Lincoln ) We have two bright, fun and healthy daughters. We have a family unit that is built on mutual respect and admiration, she added. And simply, I just love and adore the man I married. Im so proud of what we have and continue to create. Earlier this month, Willis was also spotted in a rare photo with his family, shared by his daughter Tallulah. In the snap, the actor was seen smiling at his daughter Scout, as they sat together on the sofa, while Tallulah looked up at him from where she was seated on the floor. In a second picture, Willis is seen touching noses with Scout while holding a plaque that reads Best Dad Ever. Meanwhile, Demi Moore gave an update on her ex-husbands health condition during an interview with CNN, which aired on December 5. Given the givens, hes in a very stable place at the moment, The Substance star said. Ive shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely, its so important for anybody whos dealing with this to really meet them where theyre at, and from that place, there is such loving and joy. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Bravo stars Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover have officially called it quits on their relationship after three years. The 32-year-old Summer House star went public with their breakup on her podcast, Giggly Squad, with Hannah Berner on Monday (December 30). Craig and I have decided to no longer be together, she said during the episode. I love him. I think he loves me. I think we will remain friends, DeSorbo continued. No one did anything. It wasnt a bad thing. I think we both were just being really mature and saying what we want and what we didnt want, and I think thats extremely powerful to be able to voice how youre feeling in real-time and what you want for your future. DeSorbo said it felt weird to talk about their breakup publicly even though a lot of their relationship was aired on several Bravo shows. The two reportedly got together in 2021 while filming Winter House, which sees stars from the Bravoverse vacation in various wintery locations for two weeks. DeSorbo said she and Conover, 35, have grown a lot in the last few transformative years, especially as shed spent most of it living in Manhattan away from him in Charleston, South Carolina. Bravo stars Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover reportedly started dating while filming Winter House in 2021 ( Getty Images for MTV ) I have so much love and respect for Craig. I think he is one of the best people Ive met in my entire life, she noted. I will remain the biggest fan for him and want the best for him, and he truly will get the best because he is the best. But, with that said, I think it is the right decision for both of us. Fan speculation about their breakup stirred after the upcoming Summer House season trailer was released earlier this month. Me and Craig are gonna break up, and everything I have will, like, go away. Its just a lot, DeSorbo says in the preview. However, the reality star debunked rumors that she and Conover had separated months ago and were waiting to make the official announcement on TV. She said on the podcast: The network has power, but they dont have that much power. So, that was not a real thing. Rumors of us breaking up months ago again, also not a real thing. Hes definitely the best boyfriend Ive ever had. Like, I can truly say that, DeSorbo said of Conover. He was a great boyfriend, and he did everything correctly, and he never made me feel insecure or anything like that, so it almost is harder when no ones done anything to be mad about, and thats hard. Conover has yet to comment publicly on the breakup. The two were last seen spending Thanksgiving together in upstate New York with DeSorbos family. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Perhaps someone you know has recently left the UK in favour of a sunnier and possibly happier life in Australia. They wouldnt be the only ones: a record number of young travellers flocking to Australia has turned the country into the worlds most desired destination for foreign working tourists. Young people from the UK are leading the surge in Australias growing population of working travellers. According to new statistics, those from the UK have risen to almost 50,000, up from 31,000 in the year to last December and 21,000 the year before. It comes after restrictions were eased on the working holiday visa, which now allows people up to the age of 35 to explore the country and work for three years. The agreement, which came into effect in 2023, raised the age of UK applicants from 30 to 35, and allowed them to arrive without any specified work requirements lifting the long-held rule that meant British working holidaymakers had to complete 88 days of agricultural labour for every year they wished to stay on. According to The Times, there were a record number of 213,400 people on working holidaymaker visas in Australia at the end of November, which is 43,000 more than last Christmas and 72,300 more than the pre-Covid level of 141,100 in 2019. Two young Britons, aged 25 and 29, told the publication they had moved to Australia and found their income tripled, felt more appreciated at work and were leading a better quality of life. In 2023, two of Australias major cities Melbourne and Sydney were named among the top five best cities in the world for quality of life. open image in gallery The influx of working tourists has spawned several online trends, such as #vanlife ( Getty Images ) The influx of working tourists has spawned several online trends, such as #vanlife, a lifestyle that sees young people transform vans into mobile homes to see the sights of Australia on the go. While the influx of working tourists has eased labour shortages across the country, polls have suggested that resident voters are concerned about housing shortages, as well as rising pressures on schools and other public services. open image in gallery Young tourists from the UK are leading the surge in Australias growing population of working travellers ( Getty Images ) However, skilled foreign workers remain in high demand in part due to their contribution to local economies. Abul Rizvi, a former deputy secretary at the Department of Immigration recently told the Sydney Morning Herald that the working travellers provide a easy source of cheap labour but also contribute to the economy like a tourist. Theyre an easy source of cheap labour in places where its hard to attract labour and then they go spend all that money, often in local economies, said Rizvi. In the evening, theyre a bartender. In the morning, they might go for a snorkelling trip in the Barrier Reef. Theyre a boon. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou arrived Monday in the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte to unveil a recovery plan three weeks after Cyclone Chido brought devastation. Bayrou, recently appointed as prime minister, also updated the death toll to 39 but urged caution, saying the final number could range from a few dozen to a few hundred. Days after the cyclone, Mayottes prefect, Francois-Xavier Bieuville, had warned of the possibility of several hundred or even a few thousand deaths. Bayrous visit follows that of French President Emmanuel Macron as some Mayotte residents have alleged that the French government had long neglected them. The prime minister said a draft emergency law aiming to rebuild Mayotte within two years will be submitted to parliament in January. And he said local authorities agreed to ban the rebuilding of informal settlements, home to an unknown number of migrants from African nations in the region who hope to make their way to Europe. Many of the makeshift homes were torn apart by the storm. Bayrou outlined plans to restore electricity to all homes by late January, supported by 200 workers and emergency generators. Water production is expected to reach pre-cyclone levels by Jan. 6, with upgrades to the distribution network set for completion by mid-2025. He also announced the deployment of 200 Starlink antennas for emergency communications. Education also faces disruption, with many schools destroyed. Classes will resume Jan. 13, with special provisions for exam students. Temporary schooling in mainland France is also being considered. In Mozambique, also hit by Cyclone Chido, the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management said Sunday that 94 people had been killed. Malawis presidential office said the death toll there had risen to 13. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Mexico's president has said that prosecutors are investigating a town where a sign was posted thanking a drug lord for holiday season gifts for children. In the past, drug cartels in Mexico have often handed out gifts or bags of food to local people around the holidays, to try to improve their image or build local support. The cartels often want local people to warn them of army raids, but at the same time the gangs usually extort protection money from local residents. Videos posted on social media last week from the town of Coalcoman, in the western state of Michoacan, showed a sign at a Christmas fair thanking Jalisco cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, better known by his nickname El Mencho, for the gifts. The children of Coalcoman thank Mr. Nemesio Oseguera and his sons, 2, 3, and Delta 1, for their noble gesture. Thank for your gifts, the sign read. open image in gallery People clean debris after a 7.7-earthquake in Coalcoman, Michoacan, Mexico, on 20 September 2022 ( EPA ) A person speaking over a loudspeaker repeated that message, but it was unclear how much local officials were involved in or aware of the message, or whether they had approved of it. Such fairs are often in part organized by civic, neighborhood or other groups. President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that local officials were being investigated for any possible links to the sign. Obviously we condemn these signs," she said. A criminal group cannot hold a public event to promote the acceptance of violence. A map of Coalcoman: Sheinbaum said federal prosecutors were investigating whether the town's mayor has ties to criminal groups, or who put this this sign up. In areas of Michoacan along the border with Michoacan that are dominated by the powerful Jalisco cartel, it is not unusual to see signs of the gang's control. The cartel set up checkpoints on roads in the area, and attacked their rivals with roadside bombs and bomb-dropping drones, while at the same time donating trampolines for the children of local residents. The cartels have also obliged some local residents to join demonstrations against army operations. The Mexican government's policy of not confronting the cartels has often left local officials in the uncomfortable position of having to deal with the local gangs, and even in some cases, hand over part of the municipal budget to them. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 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. 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. open image in gallery Firefighters and recovery teams work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed ( AFP via Getty Images ) 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. 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. open image in gallery ( AFP via Getty Images ) 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Ukraine is pledging support for the new authorities in Syria who ousted Bashar Assad, a key Russian ally in the Mideast. The Ukrainian foreign minister met with Syrias de facto leader on Monday during a visit to Damascus. In the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Monday that recent hostilities in and around hospitals have obliterated the health care system in northern Gaza. Israels nearly 3-month-old military offensive in northern Gaza has largely isolated the area, with little medical or other aid allowed to reach hospitals there. Heres the latest: Wounded Palestinians describe harsh treatment by Israeli soldiers who expelled them from a hospital GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Wounded Palestinians who Israeli soldiers expelled from a northern Gaza hospital over the weekend described harrowing conditions where they were forced to strip down to their underwear in cold winter weather for hours. They surrounded the hospital at 4 a.m. and burned all the buildings around the hospital, said Wissam Warsh, a 45-year-old father of five who spent almost a week at Kamal Adwan Hospital receiving treatment. He said soldiers made the hospital director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, bring all the patients outside before detaining him. They told him over the loudspeaker that he had 10 minutes to evacuate them, and they began firing shells around the hospital as a pressure tactic, Warsh said. He and other patients were recuperating at Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where he spoke to The Associated Press from a hospital bed on Sunday. Israels military says its troops entered the hospital because Hamas militants were using it as a base, and said over 240 militants were detained, including Abu Safiya. Hospital officials have denied those claims. Other patients said the Israeli army refused to provide them with food or water. The most difficult thing was that we were in the cold and winter and we could not find clothes, in addition to the moments of insults. All the moments were difficult, said Ramadan al-Aswad, who was a patient at the hospital. Staff at Kamal Adwan Hospital say it has been hit multiple times over the past three months as Israeli forces wage an offensive against Hamas fighters, who the army says have regrouped in northern Gaza. Israel has virtually sealed off the areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya from food or medical aid. Syrias new rulers crack down on alleged Assad loyalist militias ADRA, Syria Syrias new government said it deployed dozens of soldiers in the Damascus suburb of Adra on Monday in search of alleged militiamen loyal to ousted President Bashar Assad, with military police vehicles seen transporting detainees. A security campaign was carried out in Adra town which led to the arrest of the militia leaders in the area, said Abu Yaarub, a security official who did not give his full name in accordance with regulations. He added that five top militiamen were detained. Clashes erupted last week in several cities across Syria between Assad supporters and the new government, which is led by Islamist rebels. Since Assads fall, dozens of Syrians have been killed in acts of revenge, according to activists and monitors, the vast majority of them from the minority Alawite community, an offshoot of Shiite Islam to which Assad belongs. ___ By Leo Correa and Ghaith AlSayed. Gaza hospital director's family pleads for his release JERUSALEM The family of a hospital director in northern Gaza is pleading with the international community and the Israeli military for his release, after soldiers detained Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya over the weekend. Abu Safiya's family says he's being denied medical care and kept in the freezing cold in Sde Teiman, an Israeli detention center that been sharply criticized for its inhuman conditions. Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said Abu Safiya is currently being questioned regarding his potential involvement in terrorist activity. Over the weekend, Israeli soldiers expelled staff and patients from Kamal Adwan Hospital, where it detained 240 people who it said were militants and took them for interrogation in Israel. The military said some militants attempted to pose as patients and hid in ambulances, without providing evidence. Israel alleged that Hamas had been using the facility, which hospital officials have denied. Israels latest military offensive in northern Gaza has largely isolated the area, with little medical or other aid allowed to reach hospitals there. On Monday, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Israeli operations have obliterated the health care system in northern Gaza, noting that Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals are now completely inoperable. Ukraines foreign chief pledges support for a new Syria on a trip to Damascus DAMASCUS, Syria Ukraines foreign minister met with Syrias de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus on Monday, days after Kyiv announced the delivery of a large shipment of wheat flour to the country following the ouster of Bashar Assad, Russia's ally. Syria is gradually shifting away from Iran and Russia and rekindling ties with Western and Gulf Arab nations that had opposed Assads rule, as well as Turkey, which backed opposition forces during the civil war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine will send 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria through the U.N. World Food Program to help improve the countrys food security and economic crisis. About 90% of Syrians live in poverty, while over half dont know where their next meal will come from, according to the U.N. "The Ukrainian delegation held important talks with the Syrian administration, leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa and ministers. We support the Syrian people in overcoming decades of dictatorial rule and restoring stability, security, and normal life in Syria, Zelenskyy wrote on X. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he hopes that a new Syria would become a country that respects international law." He said Ukraine is ready to share its experience in gathering evidence and conducting investigations to hold war criminals accountable. "The Russian and Assad regimes supported each other because their foundation is violence and torture, he said. Syria appoints first female interim Central Bank governor BEIRUT Syria on Monday appointed its first female interim Central Bank governor, as the country navigates through recovering its battered economy after the downfall of the Assad dynastys rule. Maysaa Sabreen is the second woman appointed in a leadership role under Ahmad al-Sharaa and his Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led Assad's ouster in an offensive in early December. Sabreen had served as the Central Bank's first deputy governor. She inherits a dire financial crisis following a decade of civil war, mismanagement and sanctions, which has led to the Syrian pound drastically losing its value against the U.S. dollar. The United Nations estimates that some 90% of Syrians live in poverty. Turkey ready to export electricity to Syria and Lebanon ANKARA, Turkey Turkey is prepared to export electricity to Syria and Lebanon to assist them in addressing power shortages, Turkeys energy minister said, adding that a Turkish delegation was already in Damascus to evaluate Syrias energy infrastructure. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also said Monday that the Turkish delegation included experts who would be assessing how Syrias oil and natural gas could be used to improve the economy. We can see the picture a little more clearly after seeing the situation of the transmission network, the state-run Anadolu Agency quoted Bayraktar as saying. He said Syria's electricity capacity had dropped significantly due to the civil war. The vast majority of the people meet their electricity needs through generators, he said. There is a serious need for electricity. Turkey has backed insurgents who ousted President Bashar Assad and has expressed readiness to support the new administration. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Mayor of London has issued a warning over ticket scams for the capitals New Years Eve firework display as police prepare for an exceptionally busy night in London. Sadiq Khan said Ticketmaster is the only place to buy and resell tickets for the annual event, which sees thousands flock to the South Bank and Victoria Embankment, after fake tickets sparked chaos last year. Some New Years revellers complained of long queues, poor signage and not being allowed into the allocated viewing areas at last years display. Ticketmaster is the only place to buy resale tickets - watch out for scammers claiming to sell tickets online or offline. If you have tickets, please remember to bring ID, Khan posted on X. open image in gallery Preparations are under way for the New Year's Eve fireworks display in central London ( Jonathan Brady/PA Wire ) The Metropolitan Police warned anyone trying to force entry to the sold-out display without valid tickets could face arrest or prosecution. It comes as hundreds of police officers prepare for New Years celebrations across the capital. Setting out their policing plans, the force said they have dedicated resources in central London and there will be a highly visible police presence. Commander Nick John, who is leading the New Years Eve policing operation, said: We have been working with our partners for many months in preparation for tomorrow. New Years Eve is always a night where demand is greater and I want to acknowledge the efforts of Met officers, staff, volunteers and Special Constables - as well as our colleagues in the other emergency services - who will be away from their families working hard to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night. London is expected to be exceptionally busy, particularly in the West End and surrounding areas. Please plan your evening ahead of time, including your journey home. Where possible, we would encourage people to attend organised events. Anyone planning to come into the centre of London should be aware that the main fireworks display on the Embankment is a fully ticketed event and is sold out. Regrettably in recent years we have seen an increase in incidents where a minority have tried to illegally force entry into ticketed events, putting everyones safety at risk. Anyone trying to gain entry in this way tomorrow could be arrested and could face prosecution. open image in gallery The Met expect London to be exceptionally busy on New Years Eve and warned people to be vigilant ( PA Archive ) He added: Finally I would encourage everyone to be vigilant, to keep their eyes and ears open and to report anything suspicious either by speaking to an officer or by dialling 999. On behalf of the Met, I wish all Londoners, and those visiting our city to celebrate, a very Happy New Year. In addition, a team from non-profit organisation Safer Spaces will be providing a safe space in Waterloo station providing help or support for anyone concerned about violence against women and girls, domestic or sexual violence. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Six people were killed in e-scooter crashes last year, and hundreds more were injured, sparking calls for a change in the law. Families of victims, police chiefs and MPs are calling on the government to urgently update legislation on the use of private e-scooters on public roads as new figures showed dozens of people are hurt in incidents every week. Last year there were 1,387 injuries involving e-scooters, according to police force figures published by the Department for Transport (DfT). Of the reported casualties last year, six died, while 416 were seriously injured. open image in gallery Six people died in e-scooter crashes in the UK last year as campaigners call on Labour for urgent regulation on the devices ( PA Wire ) Currently, privately owned e-scooters, deemed as motorised vehicles, cannot be legally ridden on roads or pavements. There are government-backed trial schemes for 15.5mph-capped rental scooters in 20 areas across the country however, the latest figures on ownership show there were more than one million privately owned devices in the UK. Matthew Barber, Thames Valley police and crime commissioner, said the lack of registration on the devices meant they were attractive for criminal gangs wanting to move around without detection from police. I share the concerns of many residents about the dangerous and reckless riding of e-bikes and e-scooters, said Mr Barber, who highlighted a woman recently suffering serious head injuries when hit by an e-scooter in Milton Keynes. We need to look at regulation so we can ensure these devices are ridden safely and not at some crazy speed that poses serious risks to the public. Newport East MP Jessica Morden said she received complaints of e-scooter masked riders showing no due care and attention to other drivers and pedestrians. The problem is that because they are unregulated [and] there are no limits on speed, with some for sale online capable of being tampered with and reaching up to 60 mph, she told the Commons earlier this month. open image in gallery Jessica Morden brought a Bill to the House of Commons last month to urgently review the legislation on e-scooters ( Parliamentary TV ) There is no requirement for them to have lights, sound or any audible alert system; there is no requirement for people to wear helmets; there is no available insurance or requirements around their maintenance; and there are no restrictions on their weight, with some e-scooters reported to weigh up to 70kg. These are clearly not toys, and when collisions occur, victims can face serious injuries. Ms Morden called for a motion to review the current legislation with a move towards regulating the e-scooters. In 2021, 20-year-old Shakur Pinnock died after suffering multiple injuries including a fractured skull when his e-scooter collided with a car in Wolverhampton. His mother, Celine Fraser-Pinnock, wants greater safety measures brought in on the usage. She wants wearing a helmet to be made compulsory and for police to clamp down on illegal usage, such as private e-scooters on pavements and roads. open image in gallery Shakur Pinnock, pictured with his mother Celine, died after suffering multiple injuries including a fractured skull when his e-scooter collided with a car in Wolverhampton ( Celine Fraser-Pinnock ) Through her former MP Jane Stevenson, who lost her Wolverhampton North East seat this year, she sent a letter with her recommendations to the Tory government but pressures on the legislative timetable meant no changes were made before Labour came into power. Ms Fraser-Pinnock said: A change of law is needed to improve the safety of e-scooter riders and to avoid more deaths. Mohit Singraur, 40, was killed after coming off his e-scooter while on his way to get his son from school in Wollaton, Nottinghamshire. His wife, Nitika, said laws on riding the devices needed to be promoted. open image in gallery Mohit Singraur was on his way to collect his son from school when he lost control of the e-scooter he was riding ( Nottinghamshire Police ) She said: We dont want anyone else, any other families, to go through the pain and grief we have gone through so were urging people to wear a helmet and to fully understand the safety risks and laws if they are riding on an e-scooter. The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety described the current legal situation over e-scooters as unsatisfactory. It claims that data on casualties from e-scooter crashes are under-recorded but will not commit to calling for legalisation of the devices. Instead, it wants the DfT to raise awareness over legal boundaries for riding an e-scooter, and for action to be taken against retailers who fail to properly inform customers about the rules. Margaret Winchcomb, deputy executive director of the group, told The Independent: Legislation should not be rushed before sufficient evidence is available to support decisions on regulations. open image in gallery Margaret Winchcomb said legalisation of private e-scooters should not be rushed ( Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety ) Last month, former transport secretary Louise Haigh indicated that the government intended to regulate e-scooters through legislation. She told a Commons transport select committee: Its clearly required. Its not good enough that its been left in this situation for too long. But since her resignation this month, its unclear what new secretary Heidi Alexanders position is. In Avon and Somerset, where there were more than 100 injuries recorded last year, traffic management supervisor Heather Lindsey said policing the issue was stretching resources in time and money. Were having to strike that balance between pursuing someone on an e-scooter and that persons safety, others and what other priorities we have going on, she told The Independent. We need some form of legislation which can make it easier for us to police and everyone to understand. A DfT spokesperson said: We are assessing the existing trials of rental e-scooters to inform options on how e-scooters can be used responsibly and safely on our roads in future. In the meantime, private e-scooters remain illegal to use on public roads and those who are found riding them illegally can face fines and criminal prosecution. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Millions of people living in the UK will see their physical immigration documents expire in the new year as the Home Office transfers to a digital system. From 1 January 2025, foreign nationals will have to rely on digital records of their status to travel to the UK, prove their right to work, or rent a flat. Airline carriers, ferry and international train operators will be able to automatically access the immigration status of their passengers when they present their travel documents. Migrants rights charities and experts have raised concerns that previous glitches with Home Office systems, such as merging of peoples identities, could hit the new digital roll-out in the new year. But government ministers have promised a smooth transition with a three-month grace period for expired documents. How will my visa change on 31 December? Visas issued by the UK Home Office are being switched to digital systems in the new year. This means that most government-issued documents that confirm a persons immigration status will expire at midnight on 31 December 2024. From 1 January 2025, people will have to prove their immigration status by using the government website, View and Prove. This will show that they have an eVisa and give the user a share code, which they can give to others to prove their status. Foreign nationals should set up a UKVI account to access their eVisa before the 31 December deadline. Their online account will then be linked to their physical travel documents, such as a passport, to allow travel providers to run checks. open image in gallery Most government-issued documents that confirm a persons immigration status will expire at midnight on 31 December ( Simon Calder ) Dr Kuba Jablonowski, digital sociology lecturer at the University of Bristol, explained the changes, saying: Its not really that the documents are being switched over, its like theyre being switched off. Its like switching from vinyl to Spotify. You can still listen to music, but it is very different in lots of ways. For example, if Spotify stops working you lose access to all the music that you have. Essentially with Spotify you dont have any music, you rely on Spotify streaming the music to you. This is essentially what is happening with peoples immigration status. Will it affect my ability to travel internationally? Airline carriers will be relying on automated status checks as part of their check-in procedures. If these checks fail then they can also use the View and Prove website to check someone has the right to enter the country. Ferry and international train operators should also be able to access the immigration status of their passengers. Travellers need to have connected their travel documents to their UK Visas and Immigration account. How many people are affected? As of early December, 3.1 million had switched from physical documents to an eVisa already, according to the Home Office. open image in gallery There will be a grace period where physical documents can still be used up to 31 March ( Getty Images ) The government has not provided statistics for how many more people need to make the move, however more than four million people in total are thought to need to change to eVisas. That leaves nearly a million who had not yet made the switch by early December. Is there a grace period for expired documents? Yes, the Home Office announced in December that there would be a grace period where physical documents can still be used up to 31 March. This extension is to ease transition and address concerns with the system, officials have said. Airlines and other carriers will be allowed to accept expired biometric residence permits and cards for UK visa holders travelling back to Britain up to 31 March. The Home Office says that anyone with indefinite leave to remain who uses an ink stamp or vignette in a passport to prove their rights will be able to continue to use these documents as they do today. Will there be any problems with the switch to eVisas? Refugee charities and experts have raised concerns about how the switch to digital will work, given past complications with the Home Offices digital systems. The Home Office has already faced issues with an immigration database that saw thousands of people being listed with incorrect names, photographs or immigration status. Part of the problems involved merged identities, where two or more people had their biographical and biometric details linked incorrectly. Separately some people who are legally in the UK and have the right to work here, but who are waiting on visa renewals, dont have any documentation that they can use to prove their rights. This status is known as 3C leave, and despite a High Court judge telling the Home Office to provide these people with digital documents, this has not happened for many people. open image in gallery Refugee charities and experts have raised concerns about how the switch to digital will work ( Getty Images ) Nick Beales, at refugee charity Ramfel, warned people who could not prove their immigration status would see their livelihoods threatened, adding many people werent even being issued e-visas while they waited years for the government to process visa applications. Dr Jablonowski described the groups of people who might come across problems: You have people who havent made the switch at all - who dont have an online UKVI account. They may not know about it or havent been able to get one. They will have to hope that people who are boarding them when they travel will know that they have the right to come to the UK. Even if you have made the transition there could be problems with merged identities, which we have seen before with Home Office systems. The biggest concern is that the carriers will agree with the changes but the personnel might not be up to speed with those changes, which will create a lot of friction. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Workplaces should have formal policies to help staff undergoing fertility treatments, experts have warned. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has said employers risk losing valued staff without adopting measures to support those having difficulty conceiving. These could include flexible working, paid time off to attend appointments or compassionate leave. Currently, only 19 per cent of 1,000 managers surveyed by the CMI said their organisations had a formal policy concerning fertility treatment for employees, according to reports. A further 35 per cent of those polled revealed there were no plans to introduce one, despite six in ten considering these policies to be important. CMI chief executive Ann Francke told the Guardian: Fertility treatment is often a very private and unpredictable experience for employees, presenting numerous challenges such as balancing work pressures with last-minute hospital appointments. Without skilled management support, the significant stresses of fertility treatment can lead to increased sick leave and retention issues if staff feel they have no other choice but to quit or decrease their responsibilities in order to cope with the impact of treatment. Employers risk losing good people because they are not addressing what is a growing issue affecting more and more of our workforce every year. The poll comes after a separate report, published last year, found one in five employees quit their job due to their treatment by employers while undergoing fertility treatment such as IVF. The study by Totaljobs and the Fawcett Society found a further third considered leaving. Around one in seven couples have difficulty conceiving, according to NHS data. However almost six in ten people undergoing fertility treatment have kept it a secret from senior colleagues, the 2023 study found. With more than 90 per cent needing time off for their treatment, this means it is often logged as sick leave or unpaid leave. A white paper submitted to the government this year from the Workplace Fertility Campaign Group warned that a lack of formal rights is leaving workplace protections largely at the discretion of individual employers, despite the impact of treatment being described as gruelling physically, logistically, psychologically, socially, and financially. It argues the UK should follow Malta, Korea and Japan and explore developing bespoke employment legislation around fertility treatments. Sharon Martin, of Fertility Network UK, which contributed to the white paper, helps to provide advice to employers on building their fertility policies. With a policy in place, employees know immediately what help is available without having to disclose their infertility or treatment if they dont wish to, she said. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of MPs have signed a petition urging the British government to pressure Iran into ending its use of the death penalty. The cross-bench movement, carrying more than 250 signatures, including former government ministers, comes amid reports that Irans use of the death penalty has spiked in the months following the election of new president Masoud Pezeshkian in July. He campaigned on promises to moderate Irans conservative outlook and reset ties with the West, though analysts remained sceptical about his influence while the country remains under the tight control of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At least 93 individuals were executed in August, twice as many as the 45 killed in July, according to United Nations experts, taking the total for the year to more than 400. In 2023, Iran was responsible for 853 executions, amounting to 74 per cent of all recorded executions worldwide that year. Half of the executions in August were over drugs charges. Many more are believed to have been political. That includes Reza Rasaei, a Kurdish man arrested during the nationwide 2022 Women, Life, Freedom protests that followed the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the countrys brutal morality police. Tehran said he was guilty of killing a senior military officer but human rights groups, including Amnesty, allege that his confession was coerced. They say his execution is proof that Iran is killing political dissenters. He was the tenth protester of that movement to be executed. Executions in Iran are political in nature, as the ruling theocracy uses the death penalty to instill fear and terror to prevent future popular uprisings, said a statement signed by the more than 250 MPs. The international communitys failure to address these atrocities has fostered a culture of impunity in Iran emboldening the regime to intensify state repression and crackdown. Co-president of the British Committee for Iran Freedom (BCFIF), Prof. Lord Alton of Liverpool, urged the government to hold Tehran accountable for these human rights abuses. The time to act is now to prevent further atrocities and support the Iranian peoples fight for justice and freedom, he wrote. We urge the UK Government to prioritise human rights, justice, and accountability in its 2025 Iran policy. The UK must lead an international coalition to end this alarming trend by referring [Iran] to the UN Security Council, facilitating the prosecution of its leaders in an international tribunal or under existing mechanisms. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A British teenager sentenced to one year in a Dubai jail over a holiday romance with a 17-year-old girl has handed himself in to begin his sentence. Marcus Fakana, 18, was convicted of having sex with a 17-year-old while on holiday. He began a secretive romance with the girl who is now 18 in September while both were on holiday with their families. Mr Fakana was led away from his family to his cell in the general wing of Al Awir prison. Before being taken away, he said: Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my fight. open image in gallery Al Awir prison is notorious ( AFP/Getty ) Its been a long fight but nothing is hard with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ guiding me. Im grateful for all the people who helped by donating to me and my family of faith for supporting me. According to campaign group Detained in Dubai, who has been representing Mr Fakana throughout his trial, it is alleged that after returning to the UK and seeing pictures and chats, the girl's mother reported the relationship to Dubai police, who then arrested Mr Fakana at his hotel. Mr Fakana, from Tottenham, north London, claims he did not know the girl was months younger than him when they met. open image in gallery Marcus Fakana met a fellow Londoner at his familys Dubai hotel ( PA Archive ) We had a wonderful time together. We really liked each other but she was secretive with her family because they were strict. My parents knew about our relationship but she couldnt tell hers. She had to meet me without telling them it was to see a boy, Mr Fakana previously said. When she left, I couldnt wait to see her again when I got home. Then suddenly, police knocked on our hotel door. They said they were taking me in for questioning but wouldnt tell me why. I couldnt imagine what for. I was frightened and my parents were terrified. Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, told The Independent: He is being brave and wanted to make sure his thank you message was sent. He was messaging me from the police station as he was separated from his family and taken. He is now focused on getting home as soon as possible. In Dubai, if an adult has a sexual relationship with a person under 18, they can be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor. Mr Fakana has called on the British government and Dubais ruler Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum to be allowed home and avoid prison. Mr Stirling expressed his concern over Mr Fakanas time in prison. He will be held in the general area of Al Awir prison for adults... The prisons are overcrowded... and prisoners have complained of violence, he said. We are concerned for Marcus and hope he is treated well, Mr Stirling added. We will continue to push the UK and UAE governments to commute his sentence... We hope they will see sense and let Marcus come home. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: "We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family." Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at Elon Musks claim that very few businesses want to invest in Britain under Labour pointing to billions of pounds worth of money that have come into the UK since he became prime minister. No 10 also said the government would continue to take an unashamedly pro-growth and pro-business approach. The tycoon and close ally of Donald Trump claimed on his platform X, formerly Twitter, that the current administration was responsible for stopping cash coming into the UK. He was responding to a call from a Scottish politician asking Tesla, his car company, to open a gigafactory in the country. In response, Downing Street said: If you look at whats happened since the election, youve seen 63bn of traditional investment from an investment summit the PM held in October. Sir Keirs official spokesperson added: Business investment in the third quarter this year is estimated to increase 4.5 per cent compared to this time last year. I think youve seen reports out today suggesting that the vast majority of UK businesses expect their turnover to increase next year, up on last year. They added that the government is taking an unashamedly pro-growth and pro-business approach. Elon Musk has been catapulted to the very centre of US president-elect Donald Trumps inner circle as a key adviser ( PA Archive ) Sir Keir had clashed with Mr Musk in August after the billionaire entrepreneur claimed in a post on X that civil war was "inevitable" in Britain. Mr Musk also hit out at the prime minister, calling him #twotierkeir, using the language of a right-wing conspiracy theory, which claims different types of protesters are treated differently by the police. Nigel Farage met Mr Musk at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago mansion recently, amid rumours the tech billionaire is preparing to donate up to $100m to Reform UK. The money would be by far the largest donation in British electoral history. According to The Sunday Times, leading businessmen and Conservative Party officials believe that Mr Musk could hand over the cash as a f*** you Starmer payment as part of his feud with the prime minister. The first buddy of Mr Trump even shared a post on X, claiming that Reform UK will win the next general election, captioning his repost with the word Yes. Asked by ITV about the reports of the massive donation, Mr Musk denied he was planning to give $100m, but his response did not rule out another amount. Asked if he was planning to give the upstart party 80m, Mr Musk who has been appointed by Mr Trump to lead a new government efficiency commission in the US replied No. Mr Farage has previously described Mr Musk as very supportive. He thinks that if Reform do well in the UK, we can bring about the same kind of change that he intends to do with Donald Trump in America, the party leader said. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has led a host of tributes from UK politicians to former US president Jimmy Carter, who has died aged 100. Sir Keir said Mr Carter who was the longest-living former American president will be remembered for the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, as well as his decades of selfless public service. Praising a lifelong dedication to peace that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Sir Keir added: 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 joined in paying tribute to the 39th president by other leaders including the King, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey and former PM Tony Blair. The King remembered former US president Jimmy Carters 1977 visit to the UK with great fondness and praised his dedication and humility. open image in gallery 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) ( PA Archive ) In a message to Mr Biden and the American people, Charles said: 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. 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. Former Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair said former US president Jimmy Carter fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need. open image in gallery Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, US President Jimmy Carter and Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace ( PA Wire ) Jimmy Carters life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years, the former British prime minister said in a statement. I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Carter will be remembered for generations. Jimmy Carter was an inspiration, Mr Davey wrote on X. He led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who loved him. He will be remembered for generations. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Keir Starmer has defended his controversial policy of imposing VAT on private schools by arguing it will benefit the middle classes. On Monday, days before it takes effect, Downing Street insisted the tax will deliver more funds for state schools and so drive up standards for the majority who cannot afford surging fees in the independent sector. Described by No 10 as the right thing to do for the state sector, the 20 per cent levy on fees will be imposed from 1 January. Over the weekend, education secretary Bridget Phillipson called tax exemptions for private schools a luxury we cannot afford, arguing that middle-class parents priced out of the independent sector supported Labours policy. The prime ministers official spokesperson told The Times: [Fees have] gone up by something like 75 per cent in real terms since 2000. The average fee has reached something like 18,000 a year, which is clearly out of reach for the majority of parents in our country. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has defended his controversial policy of imposing VAT on private schools by arguing it will benefit the middles classes ( Getty Images ) When asked if only the rich were able to afford such surging costs, he said: Middle-class people in good professional jobs with housing costs cant afford that level of fees. Insisting that the tax commands the support of the majority of the public, the spokesman continued: The additional investment that were able to make into our state schools will drive up standards in our state schools. He added: By ending this VAT break for private schools, it means an additional 1.7 billion of investment into our state schools where 94 per cent of this countrys children are educated. Its the right thing to do. It means more teachers. It means higher standards. 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. open image in gallery Over the weekend, education secretary Bridget Phillipson called tax exemptions for private schools a luxury we cannot afford ( PA Wire ) The amount raised by the move will increase to 1.7bn each year by 2029/30, it added on Sunday. However, 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. But Downing Street argued the additional tax on fees will only involve a very, very small number of pupils switching schools. Attacking the policy again on Monday, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: The state is already struggling to support children with special needs. Labour should not punish those parents who choose not to rely on government. Its the politics of envy and will result in all of us being worse off. open image in gallery Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch attacked Labours private schools VAT policy again on Monday ( PA Wire ) But Sir Keirs spokesman rejected claims the tax would lead to children with disabilities and special educational needs losing out, arguing state schools provided the vast majority with the education they needed. He said: If a child can only be supported in a private school, then the local authority will fund that childs place and the local authority can reclaim the VAT that they pay, so they wont be affected in those circumstances by this change. However, the Independent Schools Council still warned VAT will hit families who feel the state sector does not meet their childs needs. Julie Robinson, its chief executive, said: For the families who choose our schools most of whom are dual-income households independent education is not a luxury; it is a necessity for their childs education and wellbeing. We remain concerned about low-fee faith schools, specialist arts education, single-sex and SEND [special educational needs and disabilities] provision across the state and independent sectors. This government represents 100 per cent of children it should not be undermining any parents right to choose their childs education. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 71 people were killed after a truck full of passengers plunged into a river in southern Ethiopia over the weekend. The truck fell into a river on Sunday evening in the Bona district of Sidama state, around 300km south of the capital Addis Ababa, the regional communication bureau said. Five passengers were admitted to hospital in a critical state and were under treatment, according to Wosenyeleh Simion, spokesperson for the Sidama regional government. At least three women were among those killed in the accident, he told Reuters. Some of the passengers were returning from a wedding ceremony, Mr Simion said, adding that traffic police in the area had reported the truck was overloaded, which likely caused the accident. Police said the truck missed a bridge on a road with many bends and fell into the river. open image in gallery People try to pull the submerged vehicle out of water ( Sidama National Regional State Health Bureau/Facebook ) Authorities did not reveal how many people were on the truck or provide details about the victims. But it was reported that multiple members of some families were killed. Pictures shared by the Sidama Regional Health Bureau on Facebook showed a crowd of people trying to pull out the vehicle with the help of ropes. One picture showed the dead bodies lying on the ground covered in blue tarpaulin. Deadly traffic accidents are common in Ethiopia, where driving standards are poor and many vehicles badly maintained. At least 38 people, mostly students, were killed in 2018 when a bus plunged into a ravine in Ethiopia's mountainous north. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy This year has been the deadliest for aviation accidents since 2018 after a commercial aircraft smashed into a concrete wall on Sunday morning in South Korea, killing 179 out of 181 people on board. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 plane collided with a barrier before erupting in flames at the Muan International Airport. The flight had departed from Bangkok, Thailand around 2 a.m. on Sunday. Only two people, who were both crew members, survived the catastrophe. An international group of investigators is now working to determine the cause of the deadly incident. Passenger plane fatalities jumped this year after the Jeju Air crash and an Azerbaijan Airlines jet was downed on Christmas Day in Kazakhstan after it flew into Russian airspace. Thirty-eight out of 67 people on board died in the incident. In August, a regional commercial aircraft crashed in Brazil, killing all 62 people on the aircraft. open image in gallery A satellite image shows South Korea's Muan airport before the Jeju Air crash ( via REUTERS ) A total of 318 people died in plane fatalities this year, according to data from the Aviation Safety Network. This marks the deadliest year in aviation since 2018, when 557 people died on commercial flights. That year, a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max aircraft crashed into the Java Sea after departing from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board. This year is the first time since 2018 that flight fatalities have exceeded 300 people. In 2023, flight fatalities hit a recent low of 120, the safest year in air travel since 2017, when 58 deaths were reported. In a statement following the Jeju Air crash, Boeing said it was in contact with the airline and stood by ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and our thoughts remain with the passengers and the crew, the company said. Boeing is one of two major commercial airplane manufacturers, with the second being Airbus, the companys European competitor. Boeing shares fell four percent in premarket trading on Monday. The National Transportation Safety Board, the leading U.S. investigative agency following transportation disasters, will lead a team of U.S. investigators to assist Korean officials with the probe. Any forthcoming information will be released by the South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, the federal agency said. On Monday, South Korean authorities ordered the grounding of all Boeing 737-800 planes used by the countrys airlines after a second Jeju Air plane experienced a landing gear issue. Officials will inspect the planes before returning them to the skies. open image in gallery A Jeju Air official (C) bows his head and apologises to the bereaved families of passengers of the Jeju Air passenger plane. ( YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images ) The Federal Aviation Administration ordered all Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft to cease operations after a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines flight nearly a year ago. The agency required all 171 planes to be inspected before they could return to transporting customers. Its not clear what caused Sundays crash, but investigators suspect a bird strike or a landing gear failure may have played a role, although the former rarely causes such catastrophic incidents. The landing gear had not been deployed when the plane hit the tarmac. Despite the deadly collisions, fatal airplane crashes remain rare and typically occur during landing and takeoff. Sundays fatal crash marked the first for Jeju Air. Investigators will likely work to determine the cause of the incident to prevent similar ones from happening in the future. Officials will analyze data obtained from the cockpit voice recorder and black box to find out what caused the crash. Preventative measures are normally enacted after catastrophic incidents. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A deadly swell struck Perus northern coastline triggering tsunami-like waves that ravaged local communities and forced 75 percent of the nations ports to close, potentially devastating local economies. The over 13-feet waves crashed onto the shores of Lobitos, Mancora, and Cabo Blanco 700 miles north of Perus capital Lima Friday from around midday, according to local reports. The extreme weather phenomenon coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami which struck India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia, among other nations, in 2004 killing more than 230,000 people. Two people were reported to have died in Ecuador's southwestern Manta region and a 30-year-old man was found dead at a beach in Chile no deaths have been reported in Peru, according to AFP. The extreme weather phenomenon came the day after Peru declared an environmental emergency following a shipment from state oil firm Petroperu on December 21 that sent 10,000 square meters of crude oil spilling into the sea, reported Reuters. open image in gallery The huge waves have caused significant damage to several beaches in northern Peru ( Handout/Samantha Watson ) According to the agency, a vessel that had been carrying out pre-shipment maneuvers caused the crude spill at a terminal in the Talara refinery just a few miles from the small town of Lobitos. Petroperu has not yet declared exactly how much oil was spilled. Enrique Varea, the chief of Hydrography and Navigation for Perus Navy, said that three-quarters of all ports in Peru have closed as a result of the forceful waves. In videos taken by Peruvian locals, huge waves can be seen crashing against Muelle de Lobitos a fishing pier rattling local fishing boats as the waves hurl towards the shore. open image in gallery Peru declared an environmental emergency Thursday following a crude oil spill in Talara on December 21 ( Mateo Lazo ) Another video shows a huge set of waves broaching a pier on the nearby beach of Cabo Blanco. The gigantic waves were reportedly triggered by an extreme event, according to Ecuador's secretary for risk management Jorge Carillo. Carillo warned that possibly more disastrous weather events were to come. Sebastian Sulca Cordova, 25, told The Independent that locals were alerted to the deadly waves while many had been listening in at a meeting to discuss the disastrous oil spill. Suddenly, a megaphone announcement called out stating: Please all fishermen approaching the dock, boats are sinking and friends are drifting away. As waves struck and shook the pier, people were knocked down and others were spotted fleeing back to land. open image in gallery A video captured the moment waves crashed into the roof of the fishing pier Friday ( Handout/Samantha Watson ) The houses are not damaged, but the boats are. There are boats that are tied together and lost. We are trying to help find and track what is submerged and get the engines out, which is the most important thing. There are entire boats underwater. Yesterday we turned over three boats and took out two engines. Even the water is contaminated with oil and we do what we can and what is within our reach." open image in gallery Local wildlife in the area was found drenched in crude (pictured) along the shores of Lobitos ( Mateo Lazo ) Cordova added that locals remain on high alert: We are awake in case something happens at the dock and they want our help we are ready at any time. Videos taken by locals and NGOs operating in Lobitos showed the despairing consequences of the spill with sealife left smothered in crude and typically pristine sandy beaches tarred black. The environment ministry declared that at least seven beaches and local wildlife had been affected, according to Reuters. The Independent contacted the Peruvian Navy Coast Guard, the US Embassy in Peru, and Petroperu for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. 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. 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. 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. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least four people are dead after tornadoes tore across the southern U.S. over the weekend, knocking out power for tens of thousands and destroying dozens of homes. In Brazoria County, an area of Texas southwest of Houston, at least 40 homes and buildings were significantly damaged. It happened in seconds, Stafnie Brown, a Brazoria resident, told KPRC 2. The second alert hit and (the tornado) hit right after that, I had no time to hunker down or anything. Her wife, 48-year-old Jamie Brown, was killed after an EF-2 tornado touched down near their home. The pair, who were married for six years, have eight children together. I just took off running. I started screaming her name. I went through the rubble and I was not finding her, Stafnie recalled. I looked over and I could see her face down in a puddle of water. Four people in the county were reported with non-critical injuries from the storm. At least five twisters struck to the north and south of the major metro on Saturday, before the storm system headed east. open image in gallery People clear a street after trees fell following storms near Houston, Texas, on Saturday. The severe weather brought deadly tornadoes to the Lone Star State and other parts of the South ( (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via AP) ) In Mississippi, more than 32,000 customers remained without power on Monday, according to tracker PowerOutage.US. Strong winds that could fell trees and upend vehicles were still expected, forecasters warned. Photos from emergency officials showed that trees had already been tossed around streets and yards in Rankin County. Tate Reeves, the states governor, announced that there had been two fatalities due to the severe weather, as well as multiple injuries. One person lost their life in Adams County and another in Lowndes County, which are located to the south and north of Jackson, respectively. In Adams County, a tree fell on a house at about 7:30 p.m. CT, killing 18-year-old cheer captain TyKeria Rogers and injuring two others, WAPT reported. open image in gallery TyKeria Rogers is seen with her family in this GoFundMe photo. Rogers was slated to graduate from Natchez High School in May ( GoFundMe ) Our hearts are broken this morning over the loss of TyKeria Rogers, an outstanding 18-year-old in our community who touched many hearts and who left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Our prayers are with her family and friends, Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson wrote on social media. Rogers high-school teacher wrote that her mother and siblings had been left without a place to live and that a GoFundMe had been set up to help the family. Tykeria was a vibrant, loving soul, whose warmth touched everyone she met, Anna Douglas, whose son was Rogers brother, wrote. Now, [her mother] finds herself grappling with profound loss while trying to care for TyKerias two youngest siblings, who are equally devastated. The family has not only lost their cherished loved one but also their home, forcing them into temporary hotel accommodations. In Lowndes County, a 68-year-old woman who was on home oxygen died after she lost power, according to WLBT. After calling 911 early Sunday morning, she was found unresponsive outside of her vehicle. Her identity was not made public. open image in gallery A snapped tree is seen on a roof in Rankin County, Mississippi. There were two fatalities in the state and multiple injuries reported by Governor Tate Reeves ( Rankin County Emergency Operations ) Preliminary damage assessments indicated that 14 Mississippi counties had impacts from the storms. The storms also caused some delays at major U.S. airports during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. There were at least 45 reports of tornado damage across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. A fatality was also reported in North Carolina. A 70-year-old man identified as Matthew Teeple was killed traveling north of Charlotte when a tree landed on his pickup truck. Police said they believe he died instantly. open image in gallery Destruction from the storm is seen in Athens, Alabama, on Sunday as a man walks through the areas. There were multiple reports of damage in the state ( (AP Photo/Lance George) ) The storms closed some roads in western North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene had struck months earlier. Alabama also saw some destruction. I stepped out on my porch and I could hear it roar, Holly Hollman, spokeswoman for the city of Athens, Alabama, told The Associated Press. 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. With reporting from The Associated Press Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Elon Musk has been branded a national security risk by a former U.S. army general, who cited his concerns over the tech billionaires close ties with the Chinese government. Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, who retired in 2008, highlighted Musks history of appeasing and praising the Chinese Communist Party and his multiple business deals with the party, particularly in the modern space race. In a scathing op-ed, published in The New York Times, Honore noted that Musk and his company SpaceX already face federal reviews for failing to provide details of meetings with foreign leaders, but said that such infractions were just the beginning of my worries. Musk has previously borrowed at least $1.4 billion from banks controlled by the Chinese government to help build a gigafactory in Shanghai for Tesla. The factory was responsible for more than half of Teslas global deliveries in the third quarter of 2024. open image in gallery The Tesla boss was responding to calls to build a new plant for his electric cars in Scotland (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) ( PA Archive ) China does not tend to give things away, Honore wrote. The countrys laws stipulate that the Communist Party can demand intelligence from any company doing business in China, in exchange for participating in the countrys markets. This means Mr. Musks business dealings in China could require him to hand over sensitive classified information, learned either through his business interests or his proximity to President-elect Donald Trump. The close relationship between Musk and Trump has already raised eyebrows in Washington, with many on both sides of the aisle questioning the amount of influence the tech boss has been allowed. open image in gallery The close relationship between Musk and President-elect Trump has already raised eyebrows in Washington, with concerns raised over the tech boss levels of influence ( AP ) The pair recently joined forces online to tank a bipartisan congressional spending bill, allegedly because it did not have Musks stamp of approval. Along with former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk will head up the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Even Ramaswamy has raised concerns about potential national security concerns surrounding Musk and China. In May 2023, Ramaswamy publicly stated, I have no reason to think Elon wont jump like a circus monkey when [Chinese leader] Xi Jinping calls in the hour of need. The U.S. needs leaders who arent in Chinas pocket, he wrote in a separate post on X, although he did not name Musk. In his op-ed, Honore also noted SpaceXs near monopoly on U.S. rocket launches. The last thing the United States needs is for China to potentially have an easier way of obtaining classified intelligence and national security information, he said. open image in gallery Vivek Ramaswamy, with whom Musk is set to head up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has also previously raised concerns about the billionaires close ties with China ( Getty Images ) The former general also highlighted the federal reviews faced by Musk and SpaceX over his meetings with foreign leaders the details of many have not been disclosed and other potential violations of national-security rules. His concern, he wrote, was whether the Trump administration would take such potential threats seriously. The fact that Mr. Musk spent a quarter of a billion dollars to help re-elect Mr. Trump does not give the incoming White House the license to look the other way at the national security risks he may pose, Honore wrote. If Mr. Trump and his appointees mean what they say about getting tough on Americas adversaries, then they will act on this matter without delay. There is too much at stake to ignore whats right in front of them. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After carefully tip-toeing around the growing tensions that have rocked the GOP in recent days, Fox News appears to have finally found a narrative it can sell right-wing viewers on the MAGA civil war over immigrant visas. According to the conservative cable giant, infighting is how politics ought to work, and Democrats who were giddy over the right tearing itself apart over highly skilled immigrant workers are the real losers now that MAGA is having a civilized debate over the issue. Over the past week, America First hardliners have been enraged at the Silicon Valley tech bro wing of the Republican Party, specifically DOGE co-chairs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The schism began after President-elect Donald Trump named internet entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as a senior policy adviser on artificial intelligence. Far-right activists such as proud IslamophobeLaura Loomer pointed out that Krishnan, who is Indian-American, has expressed support for eliminating the country caps on green cards, which would allow the tech industry to import more engineers and skilled laborers from India and other foreign countries. Loomer and other MAGA acolytes, including the groyper followers of notorious white supremacist Nick Fuentes, would soon launch a series of racist and offensive attacks on Indians while arguing that this is not why they voted for Trump. Fox & Friends argues that gleeful Democrats hoping for a permanent schism in the GOP are the real losers in the MAGA civil war over H-1B visas. ( Fox News ) Things only went downhill after Musk and Ramaswamy doubled down on the need to import foreign workers, which of course runs counter to MAGAs anti-immigration position. Ramaswamy made matters infinitely worse when he argued that skilled immigrants were necessary because American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long while blaming 1990s sitcoms for the lack of American engineers. Musk, meanwhile, initially refused to back down amid the backlash. Not only did he endorse a social media post bashing r*tarded American workers, but the X (formerly Twitter) owner also profanely told his MAGA critics to f*** yourself in the face, prompting former Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon to label the Tesla CEO a toddler. The worlds richest man, who recently endorsed an extremist German political party, urged the hateful repentant racists criticizing his H-1B stance to be removed from the GOP. At the same time, Loomer and other far-right Musk critics accused the mega-billionaire of removing their verification badges on X as punishment. After staying silent on the matter, Trump finally weighed in over the weekend. Seemingly siding with Musk and Ramaswamy, the incoming president said hes always liked the H-1B visas, despite restricting them during his first term and calling the program very bad when he first ran for office in 2016. With Trump coming out and saying he was a believer in the green card program, Fox News finally covered the nasty MAGA feud over immigration after largely ignoring it for the past week. Attempting to navigate the difficult political terrain, Fox & Friends Weekend acknowledged that Trumps backing of H-1B visas left a lot of people confused while rationalizing the president-elects support for the program. While Bannon took issue with Fox News attempt to both-sides the issue, telling them to stop the tip-toe, the right-wing network took a different tack on Monday especially with Musk seemingly looking to soften his rhetoric and patch things up with MAGA. In an op-ed for Fox News digital site, conservative columnist David Marcus insisted that the MAGA civil war over the visas is exactly how politics is supposed to work and that the Republican party was already in a better place because of the debate. The battle of the H-1B turned out not to be a crisis in MAGAland, but rather a roadmap for compromise and competent governance, Marcus argued. Additionally, he claimed that it was the left who ended up on the losing end when it was all said and done. The only real losers in the wake of this kerfuffle are the Democrats and liberal talking heads who hoped that they were watching MAGA tear itself apart, Marcus wrote. As Republicans work out their differences, instead of munching on popcorn, the left is eating crow. He added: There are some lessons to take from the recent unpleasantness. At one point, some in the pro H-1B crowd, and some on the left, accused those in opposition of anti-South Asian racism, a terrible lie and an even worse message. Thankfully, this did not last long. Marcus column was discussed extensively on Fox & Friends on Monday morning, including Marcus sitting down for a segment. Prior to his interview, the hosts devoted a 10-minute discussion to the merits of the columnists arguments, concluding that gleeful Democrats were left disappointed by the substantive debate taking place on the right. Maybe its a little foreign these days to folks on the debate based on substance as opposed to just a bunch of identity fingerprinting and name-calling, co-host Guy Benson stated. On the existence of the debate, we have learned the power of projection from the left, Will Cain added. I think it is an instinctual tool of the left. He concluded: I dont even know if it is a calculated tool I think its kind of inside to project onto others your own sins. There was a projection that the right and MAGA is groupthink and cult following. And this is such proof that it is not. That it is full of independent thought and vigorous debate. Editors Note: This article was amended on January 2, 2025. It originally stated that Krishnan has advocated for raising country caps on H-1B visas, but that was incorrect. He has advocated for raising country caps on green cards and has not yet weighed in on H-1B visas specifically. Close Jimmy Carters remains carried to hearse at Phoebe Sumter Medical Centre Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States, was not an extravagant man. He lived on a property in Plains, Georgia where he died on December 29 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. 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. While Carter had not publicly stated where his inheritance would go after his death, he and his wife were known for their donations and philanthropic work. open image in gallery Jimmy Carter (left) pictured with his wife Rosalynn Carter (right) outside their Plains, Georgia home in 1988. The Carters lived in a home valued at just $167,000 after they left the White House, the Washington Post reports ( AFP via Getty Images ) Heres what we know about Jimmy Carters wealth and how he spent it throughout his life: How much did Jimmy Carter make? Carters exact net worth is not clear however, we do know some information about how much he made from various income sources. As all U.S. presidents do, Carter received a $221,400 annual pension. The federal government also provides former presidents with allowances for amenities such as travel and office space. He lived in a two-bedroom home in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, valued at $167,000, according to The Washington Post, making his abode worth roughly one-third the average US house price. The former president was also a prolific author who wrote more than 30 books in his lifetime. While many of his works did not reach the level of fame other presidents books did, his 1985 effort Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East is described as a national bestseller. open image in gallery Jimmy Carters hometown of Plains, Georgia, pictured in 2023, is where he retired after leaving the White House in 1981 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Carter reportedly rejected many speaking engagements as well, which is a typical source of income for former presidents. In 1989, he said he would never accept an extravagant payment for an appearance his comments came after Ronald Reagan accepted $2 million for a speaking engagement in Japan. Ive never criticized what Presidents Nixon, Ford or Reagan do with their post-White House years, Carter toldThe Los Angeles Times. But thats not what I want out of life. Given these factors, Carters wealth portfolio may be much less than other presidents. For instance, former president Barack Obama retired from the White House to an $8 million mansion in Washington, D.C., before buying another $12 million property in Marthas Vineyard. Donald Trump, meanwhile, has his Mar-a-Lago estate that could be valued anywhere between $420 million to $1.5 billion. Both the former president and president-elect have earned money through speaking engagements. Meanwhile, Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, reportedly received a $65 million joint book advance in 2017. open image in gallery Jimmy Carter did not spend money on extravagant properties such as Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate, pictured in 2022 ( Getty Images ) How did Jimmy Carter spend his money? Carter and his wife did not spend their money on the usual post-presidential luxuries. The two of them flew commercial rather than private, avoided joining corporate boards like many former presidents, and ate their Saturday night dinner on paper plates, The Washington Post reports. The federal government pays former presidents to maintain their offices and his, The Carter Foundation, is the least expensive to run, according to the Post. Carter did not even take federal retirement benefits or healthcare because he did not meet the five-year employment minimum to qualify after serving only one term as president. The Carters were also prolific philanthropists. In 1984, they launched the first inaugural Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity, a housing nonprofit. Every year since, the organization has hosted a Carter Work week to build housing throughout the world. open image in gallery Jimmy Carter (right) and Rosalynn Carter (left) pictured building a home during the 2003 Carter Work Project with Habitat for Humanity. The Carter Foundations mission is to raise funds to promote public health and peace ( Getty Images ) Meanwhile, the Carter Foundation lists roughly 100 charities and organizations on their website that they partner with to advance peace and health in more than 80 countries. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden issued a statement paying tribute to Carter and his wife Rosalynn, who died in November of 2023. The president and first lady were friends through successive presidential administrations with the Carter family; Joe, during his time as US senator from Delaware, was an early supporter of Carters presidential run in 1976. 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. He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism, wrote the first couple. 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. Then-senator Joe Biden and former President Jimmy Carter are seen at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Aug. 26, 2008 ( AP ) We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts. President-elect Donald Trump also added his own thoughts in a statement. 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 added. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Trump later added: President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family! Barack Obama tweeted out a statement from him and former first lady Michelle Obama. President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service, it read. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. Former president George W. Bush and former first lady Laura 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. 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. Another former president, Bill Clinton, joined wife Hillary Clinton in praising how Carter lived to serve othersuntil the very end. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Democrat on Capitol Hill, said: President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity. His Republican counterpart Mitch McConnell wrote: 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. 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. Carters legacy extended around the world and global leaders joined Americans in mourning the nations 39th president. Carters work in support of a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories found a resurgence of interest in the last year of his life as hostilities erupted between the two sides following the October 7 attack on Israel. The Democratic president was one of the first US leaders to take an active role in the peace process. Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace, wrote French president Emmanuel Macron. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. 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. open image in gallery 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. 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. 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. 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. open image in gallery 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. 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. open image in gallery Joe and Jill Biden leave after visiting the Carters at their home in 2021 ( AFP via Getty Images ) 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. open image in gallery 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. 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former Illinois Representative Joe Walsh left an MSNBC panel in fits of laughter after suggesting that he could see Donald Trump and the Republican Party getting behind Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker. The lower chamber will convene to select its new leader on Friday and, with the GOP holding a slim 219 to 215 majority, embattled Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford one party defection to keep the job. Joining several Republicans voicing opposition to Johnson after Congress passed a bill cementing the extension of the debt ceiling earlier this month, Walsh threw his weight behind former Speaker McCarthy to return to the role after he was ousted by the hard-right in October last year. Opening the segment on Sundays episode of The Weekend, co-host Symone Sanders claimed that Johnsons prospects of keeping the role are bleak. So hes got some real issues. But Michael puts the real question on the table. If not Mike Johnson, then who?, she said. Kevin McCarthy, Walsh chimed in without hesitation leaving the panel of five in silence before co-host Michael Steele placed his head in his hands, unable to contain his laughter. open image in gallery Former GOP congressman Joe Walsh left an MSNBC panel in stitches after suggesting that Kevin McCarthy could return as House Speaker ( MSNBC/YouTube ) Walsh suggested that the president-elect may also back McCarthys return to lead the House. 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, he continued. But Kevin McCarthy. I could see Donald Trump getting behind Kevin McCarthy. What a wonderful turn that would be. Im just saying! Political contributor April Ryan shared her disdain, retorting: How many votes were there to oust Kevin McCarthy? Do we want to go through that again? Walshs comments come amidst Republican infighting after Trump and Johnson failed to secure a spending bill in Congress earlier this month. The Senate voted to pass a stopgap funding bill on December 21 that didnt include a debt ceiling increase a key demand from the president-elect and of his key MAGA allies. open image in gallery Former Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, was attacked by Trump on Sunday over his 2023 debt extension deal ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) On Sunday, Trump said that the debt ceiling extension agreed by McCarthy and President Joe Biden in 2023 will go down as one of the dumbest political decisions made in years. The extension of the Debt Ceiling by a previous Speaker of the House, a good man and a friend of mine ... will go down as one of the dumbest political decisions made in years, he wrote on Truth Social. The Democrats must be forced to take a vote on this treacherous issue NOW, during the Biden Administration, and not in June. They should be blamed for this potential disaster, not the Republicans! Despite the controversy, New York Representative Mike Lawler argued that Johnson should be reelected after inheriting a disaster. The fact is that 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, he said on Sunday on ABC Newss This Week. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A federal appeals court upheld a ruling against Donald Trump after he challenged a jurys verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming a former magazine writer. Mondays decision from a three-judge panel with New Yorks 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals follows a May 2023 verdict awarding E Jean Carroll $5m for the former presidents ongoing defamation by denying claims that he sexually assaulted her in a department store in 1996. In January, a second jury in a separate trial ordered Trump to pay Carroll more than $83m in damages for his defamatory statements about the former Elle magazine writer. Trump argued the verdict from the 2023 judgment should be tossed out on his claims that the trial judge should not have let jurors hear testimony from two other women who accused him of sexual misconduct. One of those women, Jessica Leeds, testified that Trump groped her on a plane in the late 1970s. Another woman, former People magazine writer Natasha Stoynoff, said Trump forcibly kissed her at Mar-a-Lago in 2005. Trumps lawyers also said jurors should not have listened to his comments on the so-called Access Hollywood tape, on which the president-elect brags about grabbing womens genitals. open image in gallery A federal appeals court has upheld a jurys verdict against Donald Trump finding him liable for sexually abusing and then defaming the writer E Jean Carroll ( Gettys for Equality Now ) Jurors could reasonably infer from their testimony and the contents of the Access Hollywood tape that Trump engaged in similar conduct with other women a pattern of abrupt, nonconsensual, and physical advances on women, the judges wrote. Appellate judges denied Trumps demand for a new trial. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings, and Trump has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial, they wrote. The jury made its assessment of the facts and claims on a properly developed record, according to Mondays decision. Even if the trial judge somehow erred in some of these evidentiary rulings a proposition that we have rejected taking the record as a whole and considering the strength of Ms Carrolls case, we are not persuaded that any claimed error or combination of errors in the district courts evidentiary rulings affected Mr Trumps substantial rights, the judges wrote. Both E Jean Carroll and I are gratified by todays decision, Carrolls attorney Roberta Kaplan said in a statement to The Independent. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties arguments. Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing while insisting he never met Carroll, whom he has branded a liar. He has called the case a hoax. After attending brief oral arguments in September in his appeal, Trump held a rambling press conference in Trump Tower, detailing the allegations against him in two defamation cases he lost and stating he was very disappointed in his legal team as several of his attorneys stood beside him. He also repeated allegedly defamatory statements that have landed verdicts against him. Ive never met the woman other than this picture, which could have been AI-generated, said Trump, referencing a photograph included in a 2019 New York magazine article that shows Carroll laughing beside Trump with his then-wife Ivana Trump in 1987. Asked at the time whether Carroll will raise those claims in court or file additional defamation complaints, her attorney Roberta Kaplan told The Independent: Ive said before and Ill say it again: all options are on the table. Trump also brought up allegations from Leeds, saying, What are the chances of that happening? She would not have been the chosen one, he said. On December 28, the president-elect shared an image to his Truth Social account showing him and Carroll with the all-caps caption: SHOULD A WOMAN GO TO JAIL FOR FALSELY ACCUSING A MAN OF RAPE? RETRUTH IF YOU WANT JUSTICE FOR TRUMP, the message added. open image in gallery After attending brief appeals court arguments in September, Trump held a press conference at his Trump Tower to deny the allegations against him ( Getty ) Earlier this month, ABC and anchor George Stephanopoulos agreed to settle Trumps defamation suit against the network for Stephanopouloss on-air statements about the jurys findings in the first Carroll case. Stephanopoulos incorrectly said the jury found Trump liable for rape rather than sexual abuse, though the trial judge overseeing the initial Carroll case explained that the difference is largely a semantic one. The finding that Ms Carroll failed to prove that she was raped within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr Trump raped her as many people commonly understand the word rape, District Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote at the time. Indeed, as the evidence at trial makes clear, the jury found that Mr Trump in fact did exactly that. A jurys unanimous verdict was almost entirely in her favor, but of the only point on which Ms Carroll did not prevail was whether she had proved that Mr Trump had raped her within the narrow, technical meaning of a particular section of the New York Penal Law, Kaplan added. But the judge overseeing Trumps defamation suit disagreed that Stephanopouloss statements were substantially true teeing up what would become a protracted legal battle if it went to trial. The parties agreed to settle for $15m in the form of a donation to Trumps presidential library. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump has endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson for another term. The Republican congressman is a good, hard working, religious man, Trump wrote at the end of a lengthy statement on Truth Social celebrating his landslide victory and denigrating his opponent Kamala Harris for picking up endorsements from Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey and Al Sharpton. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN, Trump wrote Monday. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!! The president-elects key endorsement ahead of Fridays vote to determine who wields the gavel sends a clear signal to House Republicans to line up behind Johnson, who has faced some resistance from the GOPs far-right flank after Elon Musk and inter-party chaos nearly derailed a must-pass spending bill hours before a government shutdown. Thank you, President Trump! Im honored and humbled by your support, as always, Johnson wrote in response to Trumps announcement. Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America. The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Lets get to work! Johnson, if he survives a vote to remain speaker of the House of Representatives, will be tasked with navigating the slimmest of Republican majorities while Trump, his allies and a fired-up base will demand swift passage of the incoming presidents agenda in Congress. The congressman from Louisiana can only afford to lose two Republican votes in the speaker election, with all Democratic representatives expected to maintain their opposition. Republican congressman Thomas Massie said that while he respects Trump, his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan. Weve seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget, Massie said. House Speaker Mike Johnson received Trumps endorsement for another term leading the Republican-controlled House in 2025 ( Getty Images ) Another Republican representative, Victoria Spartz, said in a statement before Trumps announcement that she wanted the next speaker to COMMIT PUBLICLY to right-wing spending demands. I havent publicly or privately committed yet, Republican congressman Andy Biggs told Fox News Monday. I do want to speak with the speaker just to see what his plans are, because there are some issues that I think need to be worked out. Republican congressman Chip Roy is also reportedly fielding other potential candidates if Johnson is not able to secure the votes. Musk, meanwhile, is backing Johnson. You have my full support, he wrote on X in response to Johnsons statement. A bill to fund the government through mid-March passed by House lawmakers just before a midnight deadline on the Friday before Christmas marked a third attempt within two days to avert a shutdown, after Trump and the worlds wealthiest man commanded Congress to ditch the original bipartisan framework, leaving congressional Democrats and even some Republicans exhausted with Musks growing political influence. Johnson told reporters after the December 20 vote that he remained in constant contact with Trump and spoke with Musk an hour before the vote. He knew exactly what we were doing and why, and this is a good outcome for the country, he said of his conversations with Trump. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The co-hosts of Fox & Friends Weekend were faced with a tricky job on Sunday morning navigating the feud that has broken out amongst supporters of President-elect Donald Trump over H-1B visas for highly skilled immigrants, which significantly escalated on Saturday. America First acolytes on the far-right want stricter, draconian immigration measures applied to both illegal and legal migrants when Trump takes office in January. Among the loudest voices pushing this argument are far-right activist Laura Loomer, and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon. In contrast, the Silicon Valley tech bro contingent led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, which backed his election, wants better legal immigration routes such as the H-1B program to fill skills gaps in key sectors such as engineering, science, and technology. open image in gallery Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts Will Cain, Rachel Campos-Duffy, and Charlie Hurt discuss Donald Trumps support for H-1B visas ( Fox News ) Yesterday afternoon, the president-elect came out in support of Musk and the latter argument, saying he had always been a believer in the program and had employees at his properties in the country on H-1B visas. During the campaign and in his first term he had been against it, so the about-face has confused some of his core supporters. This schism in MAGAworld, before Trump even re-enters the White House, is awkward leaving Fox News tip-toeing through something of a minefield, as Mediaite reported. Co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy noted that the president-elect coming out in favor of the H-1B visa left a lot of people confused. open image in gallery Elon Musk and Donald Trump ( AP ) Trying to rationalize support for skilled worker visas, her colleague Charlie Hurt remarked: 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. 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. Will Cain, who co-hosted with the two, added: Were not an algorithm. Were not a company. We are a country. Were a nation. We are a people. And that purpose of that nation is to serve Americans. Campos-Duffy then suggested that tech CEOs such as Musk might have to pay American tech workers more attractive wages and pay themselves a little less if the talent pool was smaller through a more restrictive immigration policy. If you limit those visas and only bring in the Elon Musks and the really exceptional people, 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, she 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. Sounding remarkably Campos-Duffy added that the federal government should invest in educational opportunities in underserved communities to train the next generation to take the jobs currently being filled by skilled immigrants. As deft as the presenters might have tried to be in tackling what is a thorny issue, Steve Bannon was having none of it. The former Trump adviser and host of the WarRoom podcast took to the social media platform Gettr, and referencing the Mediaite article, wrote: Stop with the Tip-Toe Choose a Side: Either Stand with American Citizen Workers or with Globalist Elitist Tech Oligarchs Who Feast on Foreign Indentured Servants Simple. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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. 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. open image in gallery 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. 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. open image in gallery 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. 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 open image in gallery 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. 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. open image in gallery 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 ) 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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 For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A youth pastor was killed in a shark attack while spearfishing in the waters of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Luke Walford, 40, a chaplain at the Cathedral of Praise Church in central Queensland, was fishing with his family members on Saturday when a shark attacked him, Queensland police said. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene just before 6pm local time despite repeated attempts by paramedics to revive him. A rescue helicopter was called to the Humpy Island camping area in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park, about 18km off the mainland, after the pastor was attacked at around 4.30pm local time, the police said. A Queensland ambulance spokesperson told AFP Walford suffered a "life-threatening wound to his neck" following the shark attack. Family friend Doug Webber said he watched the rescue helicopter fly over his house towards the island. I always say a little tribute for whoever it may be, but to find out it was Luke was a very sad day," he told state broadcaster ABC. Walford's church paid tribute in a Facebook post saying he was attacked by a shark while doing something he loved spearfishing, a passion that was passed down to him by his father". "He was truly a beloved figure, especially among our young people, children, and the entire congregation. Our prayers are with Lukes family, especially his wife, his mother, and all his relatives. Local MP Donna Kirkland expressed shock and said Walford was a friend to her and "countless others". "My prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his beautiful family and indeed the many who will be devastated, as I am, at this news," she said. This was the second shark attack in central Queensland in December. A man was rushed to hospital after he was attacked by a shark off Curtis Island earlier in the month. Last month, a new study showed a new light system developed by Australian scientists to mimic ocean camouflage could deter Great White Shark attacks. Marine predators like sharks locate prey by looking for silhouettes illuminated by sunlight from above. Such silhouettes from surfers when seen from below may confuse hunters like the Great White Shark, which may mistake them for seals or other prey. Taking inspiration from smaller species emitting light from their undersides as a camouflage strategy, the scientists tested a similar strategy by fitting LED lights on seal decoys. The scientists assessed if different brightness levels of the lights would impact predator attacks. They found that the sharks were much more likely to interact with seal decoys that did not have LED lights attached. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Catholic priest in Belarus on Monday was convicted on charges of high treason for criticizing the government and handed an 11-year sentence, in the first case of politically-driven charges against Catholic clergy since Belarus became independent in the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. The conviction and sentencing of Rev. Henrykh Akalatovich comes as Belarusian authorities have intensified their sweeping crackdown on dissent ahead of the Jan. 26 presidential election that is all but certain to hand authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko a seventh term in office. The Viasna Human Rights Center said Akalatovich, 64, rejected the treason charges. The group has listed him among 1,265 political prisoners in the country. For the first time since the fall of the Communist regime, a Catholic priest in Belarus was convicted on criminal charges that are leveled against political prisoners, said Viasna's representative Pavel Sapelka. The harsh sentence is intended to intimidate and silence hundreds of other priests ahead of January's presidential election. Akalatovich, who has been in custody since November 2023, was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery just before his arrest. The priest from the town of Valozhyn in western Belarus, who was critical of the government in his sermons, has been held incommunicado, with prison officials turning down warm clothing and food sent to him. Arkatovich is among dozens of clergy Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant who have been jailed, silenced or forced into exile for protesting the 2020 election that gave Lukashenko a sixth term. The disputed vote that the opposition and the West said was marred with fraud triggered mass protests, to which the authorities responded with a sweeping crackdown that saw more than 65,000 arrested and thousands beaten by police. Catholic and Protestant clergy who supported the protests and sheltered demonstrators at their churches were particularly targeted by repressions. Belarusian authorities openly seek to bring the clergy into line, repeatedly summoning them for preventive political talks, checking websites and social media, and having security services monitor sermons. While Orthodox Christians make up about 80% of the population, just under 14% are Catholic and 2% are Protestants. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for nearly 30 years and describes himself as an Orthodox atheist, lashed out at dissident clergy during the 2020 protests, urging them to do their jobs, and not fuel unrest. Lukashenko is one of Russian President Vladimir Putins closest allies, allowing Russia to use his countrys territory to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022 and to deploy some of its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The ex-husband of Gisele Pelicot will not appeal his prison sentence for drugging and raping her and allowing dozens of other men to also rape her while she was unconscious, his lawyer said Monday. Dominique Pelicot was jailed for 20-years after the trial that shocked the world. His lawyer Beatrice Zavarro claimed Pelicot wants to spare his ex-wife the ordeal of another trial. She said in a TV interview that 17 of the 50 other men found guilty this month after a trial that lasted more than three months have decided to appeal their sentences. Pelicot, who was given a prison sentence of 20 years, spent almost 10 years tracking down strangers he invited inside the family home to rape his wife while she was heavily drugged with sleeping pills. The 72-year-old was found guilty of rape, while his 50 co-defendants were also found guilty of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault. The court in the southern French city of Avignon handed down sentences ranging from three to 15 years' imprisonment for the 50 men found guilty of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault on Gisele Pelicot in a nearly decade-long period. Dominique Pelicot ( Handout ) The court found Dominique Pelicot guilty of rape and all other charges against him and sentenced him to 20 years in prison, which was the maximum possible. At age 72, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. He wont be eligible to request early release until hes served at least two-thirds of the sentence. Charly Arbo, a 30-year-old vineyard worker, is one of the men reported to be launching an appeal. Arbo went to Pelicots home on six different occasions and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. He was also accused of raping her on the night of her 66th birthday. Video evidence showed him talking about drugging and raping his own mother with Dominique Pelicot. Gisele, who has been applauded around the world for her bravery, chose to relinquish her anonymity and shine a light on the trial in a bid to make shame swap sides from the victim to the rapist. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 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. 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. open image in gallery LGBTQ+ activists wave flags at a rally in Moscow ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) 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. Meanwhile, on Saturday Putin apologised to Azerbaijans 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 Wednesdays 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. open image in gallery Pilots carry a coffin during the funeral of Captain Igor Kshnyakin, co-pilot Alexander Kalyaninov and flight attendant Hokuma Aliyeva, crew members of Azerbaijan Airlines ( Reuters ) Four sources with knowledge of the preliminary findings of Azerbaijans 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. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A country in Europe is trying to find more land to bury its dead in the event of war. Burial associations in Sweden are looking to acquire enough land for something they hope they'll never have to do: bury thousands of people killed in war. The search follows recommendations from the Church of Swedens national secretariat, which reflect crisis preparedness guidelines from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Swedish Armed Forces. The preparedness guidelines have been put in a new light by Sweden's decision to join NATO and tensions with Russia in the Baltic Sea region. According to the Church of Sweden provisions, supported by legal paragraphs in Swedens Burial Act, burial associations are responsible for ensuring the availability of enough land to bury roughly 5 percent of the population within a parish, if needed. open image in gallery Jan-Olof Olsson, Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) expert at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) holds a yellow crisis preparedness brochure titled "In case of crisis or war", which was distributed to all Swedish households, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Karlstad, Sweden The Goteborg Burial Association, which operates in Swedens second-largest city, is currently trying to navigate the challenge of acquiring at least 10 acres (40,470 square meters) of land to ensure it can handle urgent casket burials for some 30,000 dead in case of war. That is in addition to another 15 acres (60,700 square meters) of land needed for building graveyards for regular use in Goteborg. The (recommendations) mean that we need more land for burial grounds and this is a phenomenon in the big cities, and a problem in the big cities, where land resources are scarce to begin with and not always sufficient to meet burial ground needs even in times of calm and peace, said Katarina Evenseth, senior advisor at the Goteborg Burial Association. Together with the local municipality, which has a monopoly in making decisions about land usage in Goteborg, the burial association has identified a vast area appropriate for building a large-scale cemetery for the intended purpose. But a lengthy approval and building process means it could take approximately 10 years to complete, posing further challenges in uncertain times. Meanwhile, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) continues to stress the importance of crisis preparedness and highlights the efforts of the Church of Sweden. Already back in 2015 the Government assigned various authorities to once again start engaging in civil defense planning, and many organizations have started planning, with the Church of Sweden being at the forefront of that planning, said Jan-Olof Olsson, Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) expert at MSB. Unfortunately it is the case that we are reminded to a greater degree that war could happen and that we simply need to be prepared for that, Olsson said. open image in gallery A view of the entrance sign at Ostra Kyrkogarden, one of the largest cemeteries in Gothenburg Sweden pursued a policy of neutrality from the early 19th Century, including during World War II. But public opinion shifted sharply in 2022 after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to Sweden and Finland applying to join the transatlantic alliance out of concern about the threat from their newly aggressive Russian neighbor across the Baltic Sea. Sweden and Finland sent out updated civil preparedness guides in November with instructions on how to survive in war. The guides are similar to those in Denmark and Norway, though they don't mention Russia by name. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The World Health Organization has called for an end to attacks on Gazas hospitals after Israeli forces struck a medical facility and raided another over the weekend. Noting that hospitals in the besieged Palestinian territory have once again become battlegrounds, WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access to healthcare for the Palestinian people. The health system is under severe threat. We repeat: stop attacks on hospitals, he said on Monday. People in Gaza need access to health care. Humanitarians need access to provide health aid. Ceasefire! The WHO chiefs remarks came after Israeli forces struck Gaza Citys Al-Wafa hospital on Sunday, killing seven people, according to the Palestinian civil defence. The Israeli forces claimed the strike targeted Hamas militants operating a command centre within the hospital. Earlier, on Friday, Israeli forces raided the Kamal Adwan hospital, one of the last remaining health facilities in northern Gaza, and detained patients and medical staff, according to Gazas health authorities. The military claimed they interrogated 950 people during the raid and found 240 to be militants. The hospitals director, Hussam Abu Safiya, was detained for questioning as he was suspected of being a Hamas operative, the military alleged. The Israeli raid rendered the hospital non-operational and left northern Gaza with a solitary functioning medical facility. Israeli forces, meanwhile, ordered the remaining residents of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza to leave, triggering a fresh wave of displacement. The area, under Israeli siege since October, is now almost entirely depopulated, with 325,000 people having fled south in recent months. The WHO said it delivered emergency supplies to the Indonesian Hospital in north Gaza and moved 10 critically ill patients to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Four patients were detained by the Israeli military during the transfer, the WHO chief said and urged Israel to uphold their healthcare needs and rights. Seven patients along with 15 caregivers and health workers remain at the severely damaged Indonesian Hospital, which has no ability to provide care, he added. The Israeli war on Gaza has left its healthcare system and humanitarian infrastructure in a state of near-total collapse. Freezing winter conditions have worsened the situation for the 2.3 million people of the Palestinian territory, most of whom are displaced and living in squalid conditions. At least 45,514 Palestinians have been killed and over 108,000 wounded since Israel launched its military assault on Gaza following a Hamas attack that killed over 1,150 Israelis last October, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Gazas officials accuse Israel of deliberately blocking aid deliveries, an accusation Israel denies. Israel continues to insist its military actions are necessary to target Hamas militants and prevent them from regrouping. Palestinian authorities and international human rights organisations say Israel is enforcing a surrender or starve campaign aimed at depopulating northern Gaza. The WHO chiefs call for a ceasefire has since been echoed by several global leaders and humanitarian groups that have warned of the devastating consequences of continued violence in Gaza. The scientific evidence of the lethal toll this conflict is taking on people and planet is incontrovertible, he said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A tourist has been killed and another injured in a shark attack at an Egyptian Red Sea resort, officials have said. The incident happened in deep waters outside a designated swimming area in Marsa Alam, Egypts Ministry of Environment said. There are sharks in the sea inlet of the Indian Ocean, but encounters with them are relatively rare. The tourists nationalities have not been disclosed by the ministry - although news agency AFP is reporting that the man killed was a 48-year-old Italian. 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. Marsa Alam is an Egyptian coastal town known for its coral reefs, marine life and beaches. Marsa Alam is an Egyptian coastal town known for its coral reefs and marine life ( AFP/Getty ) The last similar incident was in June 2023 when a tiger shark killed a Russian national in Hurghada, another coastal resort north of Marsa Alam. Last month a tourist boat also capsized in the same area, leaving four dead and seven missing. Sea Story was carrying 44 people and sank after being hit by a wave in the Red Sea at around 5.30am local time on 25 November. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy British Airways has revealed comprehensive changes to its loyalty programme, which will mean access to its top tiers will be aligned with high spending on the airline and its holiday operation. After 43 years, the BA Executive Club is to be renamed The British Airways Club from 1 April 2025. Benefits will continue to depend on the travellers status. Elite status is achieved by acquiring a certain number of tier points; these are separate from Avios, the frequent-flyer currency used by BA and other members of the IAG conglomerate, as well as Finnair and Qatar Airways. At present, tier points are earned according to the number of miles flown (though those of us who go for cheaper economy tickets find our stake reduced by up to 75 per cent). In future, status will depend solely on the amount spent, at a rate of one tier point per 1. Entry level Blue is open to all. It confers free wifi messaging on board and the ability to earn Avios points. Higher status comes at a progressively higher price in terms of tier points and therefore, spend. Bronze (3,500 tier points): seat selection from a week ahead of travel, preferential check-in and priority boarding. Silver (7,500 tier points): Club lounge access, free choice of seats at the time of booking and additional baggage allowance with a weight limit of 32kg per checked bag. Gold (20,000 tier points): access to First lounges; exclusive access to seats 1A and 1K when travelling in First, dedicated phone line. The Independent has learnt that spending 550,000 on BA tickets and holidays will allow a traveller to go from zero tier points to lifetime Gold membership of The British Airways Club. There is an even higher category, Gold Guest List, which requires 65,000 points as a new member or 40,000 on renewal. Colm Lacy, British Airways chief commercial officer, said the transformation is based on our members' feedback and better rewards their loyalty. He said: The changes we have announced today underline our continued investment in our loyalty programme and in our customers. I particularly wanted to highlight better rewarding our customers who book through British Airways Holidays and making this a permanent part of our proposition, removing the limit on earning. One leading loyalty expert described the changes as BA washing its hands of the leisure market and going all-in to attract the dwindling band of full-fare business travellers. Rob Burgess, founder of the frequent-flyer website Head for Points, said: With a Gold card now available for just over one-and-a-half 12,000 fully flexible Club World return flights to New York, it is clear who the target market now is. Realistically, it will now be impossible to earn Gold for small business travellers, economy travellers or self-funded leisure travellers. Even Silver will be a major stretch. The British Airways Club, of course, is not the only game in town for earning oneworld status. I suspect that most people will now find it easier to earn Silver or Gold-equivalent BA status by crediting their BA flights to another oneworld airline. Head for Points gives the example of oneworld member Royal Jordanian offering BA Bronze-equivalent status for just $49 (40) for travellers with even modest hotel or airline elite status elsewhere. But Gilbert Ott, writing in God Save The Points, welcomed the opportunity to secure status from spending on British Airways Holidays, including the portion for hotels or car rental. When you can earn unlimited tier points based on the cost of an entire holiday package, this is a no-brainer way to hit status faster, he wrote. Someone who spent a lot on one trip previously had virtually no chance of earning any elite status now they do. Hotels are an expensive part of every trip, and by showing increased loyalty to BA by booking the entire holiday through British Airways Holidays, a single trip could get someone well on their way. On a test booking made by The Independent, a couple booking a week all-inclusive at the Waves Hotel in Barbados, including Club World flights from Heathrow, could go from zero to Silver status with a spend of 7,817 each. Travellers can earn additional tier points with a British Airways Premium Plus American Express credit card, and by buying sustainable aviation fuel credits. Listen to Simon Calders podcast on the new BA arrangements Bereaved families of the deadly plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 people have urged officials to recover the bodies of their loved ones. The Boeing 737-800, operated by Jeju Air, skidded off a runway at Muan International Airport and burst into flames after colliding with a fence. Only two people survived of the 181 aboard. It is the countrys worst aviation disaster in decades. Park Han Shin, who lost a family member in the crash, represents the victims families. At a press conference in Muan on Monday, 30 December, he asked the government to send more experts to help recover the victims remains. Sky Atlantics five-part series Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is too broad, the dialogue is too mawkish, and the jumpy timeline doesnt help This should have been something special. The story of Dr Jim Swire, a man who has dedicated years of his life to uncovering the truth behind the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, should make for unmissable television. All the necessary elements are in place for a poignant, powerful drama. A devastating real-life tragedy; a grieving central figure, determined to find answers to impossible questions; slippery politicians and no-nonsense journalists the list goes on, and Lockerbie: A Search for Truth (Sky Atlantic, January 2) also comes with an Oscar-winning lead (the usually reliable Colin Firth). Colin Firth in Lockerbie: A Search for Truth Why, then, is David Harrowers limited five-part series so full of flaws, and what could have been done to make it better? There are no easy answers. We begin, of course, with the bombing: December 21, 1988, and a young British medical student named Flora Swire (Rosanna Adams) is preparing for her first Christmas away from home. Mum Jane (Catherine McCormack) says her goodbyes; dad Jim (Colin Firth) tells her shes packed too much. Its an emotional time for everyone involved, but this is a happy family these are happy exchanges and Flora promises to bring gifts back from New York, where her boyfriend lives. Sadly, her flight will never make it there. Colin Firth as Dr Jim Swire in 'Lockerbie: A Search for Truth'. Photo: Graeme Hunter, SKY/Carnival Lockerbie: A Search For Truth | Official Trailer | Peacock Original Roughly 38 minutes after Pan Am Flight 103 took off from Heathrow, the airplane exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie. The bombing killed all 243 passengers and 16 crew members on board. Sections of the aircraft crashed in the streets below, and on a nearby farm, and 11 Lockerbie residents lost their lives that night. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history, and Lockerbie: A Search for Truth examines the messy aftermath, during which Jim Swire, a respected GP from Windsor, Berkshire, became an official spokesman for the UK victims families. Harrowers series start well and handles the bombing aspect with both delicacy and respect. Its after the attack, then after the victims families come together and start asking questions that the problems begin. Catherine McCormack as Jane Swire. Photo: Graeme Hunter, SKY/Carnival Swires campaign for justice, were told, commences following a quiet exchange with a freelance Scottish journalist (Sam Troughtons Murray Guthrie) at a memorial service. Guthrie is a good man who takes his work very seriously, but hes also the sort of hackneyed newspaper journo who exists only in flashy, contrived melodramas and clunky, cartoonish crime sagas. You know the type: oddball loners who are always sneaking around, always speaking in riddles and constantly chasing the next big scoop. Indeed, Troughtons salty performance is so over the top, so out of place, its practically a comical turn. Its also a spectacular misstep for a drama that otherwise strives for authenticity. Guthrie is Swires right-hand man here, and hes the first to inform the good doctor of a terrorist threat that was made in the run-up to Christmas 1988. Pan Am transatlantic flights were targeted in these threats, but did the British government inform the public? They did not, and Swire is understandably enraged. Incredible stuff, but a good tale is useless if you tell it badly and Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is surprisingly scrambled in places Incredible stuff, but a good tale is useless if you tell it badly and Lockerbie: A Search for Truth is surprisingly scrambled in places. It also adapts the this happened-that happened approach to TV storytelling. This is the bit where Swire travels to New York with a fake bomb in his suitcase, to highlight the incompetency of security officials. This is the bit where the other families nominate him as a spokesperson. This is the bit where Swire meets with the former Libyan intelligence officer, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, who was jailed for life for his connection in the bombing. On and on it goes, without ever finding its groove or its shape. The drama is too broad; the dialogue is too mawkish, and the jumpy timeline doesnt help. Swire, meanwhile, is a bit of a mystery: thinly drawn and difficult to read. Firth does his best, but hes only as good as the material allows him to be, and Im not entirely convinced hes the right actor for this job. McCormack struggles, too. Elsewhere, accompanying archive materials serve only to highlight the route best taken with these kinds of stories, and youll wonder why we didnt get a documentary instead. An extraordinary disappointment. Rating: Two stars Farmers and herdsmen are trading beef cattle at a wholesale market for agricultural and livestock products in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China, on December 8, 2023. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) China is starting a probe into beef imports to decide if a surge in shipments from overseas has hurt the domestic industry, the Ministry of Commerce said Friday. The investigation, launched at the request of domestic industry associations, is likely to end within eight months, but may be extended under special circumstances, according to a statement on the ministry's website. Any safeguard measures taken by the world's biggest beef buyer may hurt top exporters, such as Brazil, Argentina and Australia. Shares of Brazil's biggest meat packers, including JBS SA, Marfrig Global Foods SA and Minerva SA, fell on the news. Imports surged between 2019 and mid-2024, dealing a blow to the domestic industry, groups representing the animal husbandry sector from several top producing regions said in their petitions. China's beef producers are struggling with huge losses after local prices plunged to multi-year year lows due to oversupply and sluggish consumption. The latest investigation and any likely action could potentially hurt farmers and producers in Brazil, which accounts for almost half of China's total beef imports. Even though Brazil has embraced closer ties with Beijing, it has also pushed back against a perceived deluge of cheap exports from China. Brazil imposed new tariffs on various products from China and other Asian nations in October, including a duty increase on fiber optics and cables, and iron and steel products. On Friday, the Brazilian Association of Beef Exporters said it was "closely following" the investigation and that it was committed to cooperating with authorities. Brazil's Agriculture Ministry, Trade Ministry and Foreign Relations Ministry said in a joint statement that the country will seek to demonstrate that its beef exports don't cause any kind of damage to the Chinese industry, and simply complement local production. The US Meat Export Federation said it's aware of the investigation and will be monitoring its progress. Miguel Schiariti, head of Argentine beef industry group Ciccra, said the nation is a much smaller exporter and therefore less likely to be targeted by any potential tariffs from China. JBS shares fell as much as 2.9% in Sao Paulo, as Marfrig tumbled 7.5% and Minerva 3.1%. China is the biggest market for Brazilian and Argentine beef, the fourth-largest for the US. Some earlier probes by China against other countries resulted in hefty taxes. It slapped anti-dumping duties in 2020 on Australian barley as diplomatic tensions escalated between the two trading partners. Bloomberg. British farmers converged on Parliament Square in hundreds of tractors for the second time in a month to protest against the government's inheritance tax rises which significantly increases taxes for the agricultural community. (Photo by Lab Ky Mo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) British 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 has reported. 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 Labours Rachel Reeves in the Autumn budget. The Chancellor placed a 20 per cent inheritance tax on British 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. 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-Januaury, 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 2 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. 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 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 last 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. 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. Telegraph.co.uk Bank of Ireland chair Howard Kilroy said what Mr Reynolds (pictured) had claimed was not 'warranted or accurate' A war of words erupted between taoiseach Albert Reynolds and Irish banking chiefs over claims they were not supporting small Irish businesses in the mid-1990s. Confidential files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives reveal Mr Reynolds took a very dim view in 1994 of what he believed was the lack of support shown by banks for small and medium enterprises. Mr Reynolds had wanted to create a regular meeting between the government and Irish banks to discuss economic and business matters. Confidential files revealed some banking chiefs took exception to remarks by Mr Reynolds on the approach of Irish financial institutions to business lending, particularly to smaller firms. Bank of Ireland chair Howard Kilroy was noted in May 1994 to have concerns over what the taoiseach had alleged. He expressed regret over what Mr Reynolds had said and warned it was not warranted or accurate. Mr Kilroy noted that the taoiseachs comments had generated international reaction and had effectively served as a platform for anti-bank sentiment in Ireland. Other 1994 records revealed that bankers felt annoyed at the criticisms from the government which they insisted was undeserved. Bank of Ireland chief executive Pat Molloy expressed strong reservations about participating in a forum with other banks. Instead, he argued that the government should instead conduct a series of meetings with individual banks. Mr Molloy said Bank of Ireland regarded its lending policy and practice as a competitive issue which would make open discussion in the presence of other banks impossible. He warned that the forum would treat banks as a single entity. (It) perpetuates the view that the banks act in concert with one another a view which has no basis and which we are anxious to dispel. The Irish Bankers Federation indicated they were anxious that the forum would provide occasions where detailed policies were endorsed and would not to be used for public speeches which would reflect badly on their practices. However, a senior Department of Finance official warned it was unacceptable for any Irish bank to attempt to lay down preconditions for discussions on a matter of key importance to the government. Government secretary Paddy Teahon said he believed Irish banks were not as involved in economic development matters as banks in other countries. He said countries like Japan and Germany showed there was a strong case for banks taking a greater role in the development of small business. The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians? Eamon Ryan has experienced personal attacks on social media since going into government. Photo: PA Eamon Ryan has said future governments should provide more funding for journalism to counteract the deluge of false information online. The outgoing Climate, Environment and Communications Minister said it would not be possible to bring social media companies to heel over the disinformation their platforms carried by regulation alone. Strong journalism acted as an arbiter against disinformation and that required investment in media, he said. That ultimately is the best way of addressing this issue, he added. Mr Ryan said he was very supportive of steps taken by outgoing Media Minister Catherine Martin to establish funding schemes for journalism projects, but more was needed. One of the regrets I have, I think we should have made a stronger decision around the future funding of media, he said. Thats going to be an ongoing issue. Mr Ryan said social media companies needed to improve but the sector was so fluid and platforms so easily created that it was hard to regulate their content. There is a large space in politics which has very strong views, which is very sceptical on climate, sceptical on vaccines, sceptical on migration, sceptical even on the State, and that constituency has become very active and organised in some of these social media spaces, he said. They really do dominate it. You can try to ignore it but it does poison the well of public thinking. Thats what it is designed to do and I think it is a real issue. Yes, you can look at the social media companies and their responsibility but I think the best antidote is to make sure that there are alternative spaces that have the traditional qualities of verified, responsible journalism. Mr Ryan said polarisation of views was a major threat and that trend had increased after people emerged from Covid angry with the State. He expressed concern that the European Peoples Party (EPP) the largest political grouping in the European Parliament, of which Fine Gael is a member had been influenced by this and pulled right. Mr Ryan has been subjected to vicious personal attacks on social media since leading the Green Party into the Coalition in 2020. He said he noticed an organised campaign as soon as he went into government. I would post something and suddenly within seconds you would have 200 comments, utterly vile and very consistent in its messaging, he said. He said he largely ignored it, blocking only one troll who made derogatory comments about his late father who had just died. Trying to tackle individual trolls would be like battling the orcs in the Lord of the Rings doing nothing but fight, fight, fight, he said. I liked being on Twitter. I like the ability to self-publish. And you can be very creative on Instagram, he added. They are very useful tools and potentially very democratic because theyre open to everyone. He said he hoped the public would get tired of the kind of nasty, polarised exchanges perpetuated by some social media sites. I think platforms that maybe have a more respectful place will be more durable, he said. When it comes to sleeveen politics, the Green Party isnt shy of pulling its own strokes. Fianna Fail was always the master of being both government and opposition over the years, decrying a lack of progress on an issue its own ministers were in charge of. Take Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and the phenomenon of the ghost buses. At the start of the year, the minister ardently rejected the claim by RTEs Miriam OCallaghan that the bus network was full of buses that never show up. These are not to be confused with zombie buses, which just move incredibly slowly through traffic. Its not full of ghost buses, Ryan said. The numbers in public transport last year went up 25pc in one year. We halved the fares for those under 26 and people are flocking to public transport. The Sinn Fein representative will continue in his MLA and ministerial roles until the election in the spring Sinn Fein Northern Ireland Assembly member Conor Murphy is to contest the upcoming elections to Seanad Eireann. Party president Mary Lou McDonald said the Newry and Armagh representative will continue in his roles as MLA and economy minister until the election, which is set to take place early next year. Ms McDonald said Mr Murphys candidacy showed Sinn Feins commitment to representing the entire island of Ireland. "Our goal is to ensure the voices of ordinary people across Ireland are heard in Leinster House, she said. "We will continue to have the backs of families, workers, and communities on critical issues, not least the housing crisis. Representation from the entire island of Ireland is also essential, and I am delighted that Conor Murphy will contest the Seanad election. The Economy Minister has been in politics for more than 30 years, serving as a councillor, MP and MLA as well as holding Ministerial roles for Regional Development, Finance and Economy. Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald Ms McDonald said Mr Murphy had been a consistent champion for the All-Ireland economy, infrastructure and connectivity. "Conor played a key role in the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement and has been central to every major political negotiation and delivery since, she said. "As Sinn Feins chief negotiator, he has decades of experience working with both the Irish and British governments and engaging with political unionism, and key sectors north and south. "Conor Murphys candidacy underscores Sinn Feins commitment to representing the entire island of Ireland, promoting the All-Ireland economy and advancing the Irish unity debate in the Oireachtas. "As we prepare and plan for constitutional change, Sinn Fein is committed to mature, inclusive dialogue across the island and in Britain. "Our proposals and the work of the Sinn Fein Commission on the future of Ireland reflect our dedication to achieving reunification and a peaceful, prosperous, and shared future for everyone who shares this island. Greg Lynch suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a car at Poolboy Bridge at Flowerhill in Navan Marion Morgan, who died after being struck by a car in Co Carlow The funeral of a woman who was killed when she was struck by a car in Co Carlow on Friday is to take place on New Years Day. Marian Morgan died after being struck by a car at about 6.30pm on Friday. She was among eight people killed on Irish roads over Christmas week. Ms Morgan, who was in her 70s, died in an incident on the N80 in the townland of Rathcrogue. She retired several years ago after a career in corporate services for Carlow County Council. The driver of the car, a man aged in his 20s, was not hurt. Ms Morgan is survived by her husband Jim, her children Jennifer, Peter and Kate, and siblings Tom, Pat, Bernie, Morgan, Kevin, Laz, Paddy, Breda, Noleen, Gerry, Pauline, Angela, Damien and Nick. Her funeral mass will take place at 11am on Wednesday, New Year's Day, at St Josephs Church in Tinryland, followed by a private cremation at a later date. Friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to Ms Morgan, saying she was such a beautiful person, always a pleasure to meet, a lovely woman and a gentle soul. Marian was always kind, gentle and considerate to everyone she met in whatever circumstance, one person said. Another person wrote: Marian was the essence of a lady and it was always such a pleasure to chat with her. Always a lovely lady and enjoyed many a chat with her over the years, a different person added. Sinn Fein councillor for Tullow, Jim Deane, said the local community is in shock and sadness following the tragic accident. It was terrible for news to get, particularly for her family. She comes from a big local family, Mr Deane told the Irish Independent. The whole place is actually devastated for her family and for the loss of Marian. Mr Deane paid tribute to Ms Morgan, describing her as a really lovely lady. "She was very well regarded within the local authority in Carlow. She was a really nice person, and the whole community is in shock and sadness after this tragedy. I'd be very sorry for her husband, Jimmy Morgan, and Marians family, and the extended family, who are from Rathcrogue. She has quite a lot of siblings, and they're all very, very well respected in this area, and it's a terrible loss, he added. A Fianna Fail councillor John Pender said he had known Ms Morgan for a long time. "I've known Marian and her family for a long number of years. Very well respected and well-known in the community, he said. It was my pleasure to work a lot with Marian when she was a member of the County Council staff. "She was always the most efficient, kind, caring, very conscientious and hard-working member of the council staff. It's a huge blow to the community. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Marian's loved ones at this sad time, he added. Fine Gael councillor and Cathaoirleach for Tullow, Brian ODonoghue, said Ms Morgan was a mother figure to him when he first became the councillor. "I knew her very well, not just as a colleague in the council, he said. "When you were a new councillor going into Carlow back in 2014, she was like a mother figure to a number of us, especially myself. She was just a stunningly nice person and extremely professional and very, very caring and dedicated. "It was just devastating to hear the news because she was just such a wonderful person and extremely dedicated public servant. She was irreplaceable as a member of staff. "Im just extremely sad. Our thoughts are with Jennifer, Kate and Peter and all her extended family. "I was genuinely stopped in my tracks and shocked to hear the news, he added. Tributes have also been paid to a man who died after being struck by a car in Navan, Co Meath. Greg Lynch (57) from St Marys Park in Navan died after the incident at Flowerhill in the town at about 10.40pm on Friday. The driver of the car, a man also aged in his 60s, was not injured. Mr Lynch is predeceased by his mother Brenda and is survived by his father Pat, and sisters Joan, Karen and Gillian. Funeral arrangements will be announced later, Mr Lynchs family said on RIP.ie. Sinn Fein councillor Edward Fennessy, the Cathaoirleach for Navan Municipal District, described Mr Lynch as a gentleman". "News of last night's tragic accident was met with sadness and shock this morning, he told the Irish Independent. "Greg Lynch was a gentleman. He was a great character who was well-known and very well-liked around Navan. His poor family must be devastated. I offer deepest heartfelt condolences from the people of Navan. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers. "A number of pedestrians have lost their lives on our roads over the past few days. It's frightening. "I ask motorists to drive with extreme caution, especially at night and particularly in built-up urban areas," he added. Tributes have been paid to Mr Lynch, with his friends and family describing him as a light of life in town of Navan. I have great memories with Greg for over 20 years. He was a gentleman and a good friend, one person said. Totally shocked at the news as Greg gone through the door of eternity as very young man, another person said. A light of life in town of Navan that has gone out too soon, so generous and helpful, always going out of his way. "Will be missed by many. Greg man of truth, pure energy, exceptional hard worker, the very, very, very best of the best, enjoyed a sense of humour, always positive, they added. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to either collision to contact them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station on 059 913 6620, Navan Garda Station on 046 907 9930, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Taoiseach Albert Reynolds issued an open invitation to Nelson Mandela to visit Ireland before the African National Congress (ANC) leader was inaugurated as South Africas first post-apartheid leader. Confidential files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archive revealed Mr Reynolds was eager for Mr Mandela to visit Ireland and issued an invite even before President Mary Robinson had travelled to Pretoria to attend the inauguration. A schoolgirl is escorted by riot police and Fr Aidan Troy (right) as she walks to the Holy Cross primary school in September 2001. Photo: Reuters The Irish government offered to provide temporary accommodation for Fr Aidan Troy at the height of the Holy Cross school stand-off in Northern Ireland after it emerged a shadowy loyalist group had threatened to kill him. Secret files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives revealed just how seriously the Irish authorities took the death threat. Loyalist protesters began picketing Holy Cross school in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast, claiming that Catholics were regularly attacking their homes. The area is largely Protestant. Protests soon escalated to harassment, which ranged from sectarian taunting to the use of stones, bricks, fireworks and blast bombs after the school holidays. Fr Troy walked with the parents and children into school daily for three months and became a target for loyalist paramilitaries. A note dated January 13, 2003, from the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast outlined the nature of the threat to Wicklow-born Fr Troy. I met with Fr Troy on Saturday regarding a death threat which he received from a group calling themselves the Orange Volunteers, it said. He informed me that the first indication he had of a threat against him was on Wednesday when he was informed by a BBC journalist that they had received a coded warning threatening him and the board of management of Holy Cross School. A schoolgirl is escorted by riot police and Fr Aidan Troy (right) as she walks to the Holy Cross primary school in September 2001. Photo: Reuters State Papers: 1994 The note advised that a second warning was then received by the Samaritans in Belfast. The coded warning issued to the Samaritans added that the life of the Passionist Order cleric would be at risk unless Holy Cross School immediately closed. Fr Troy then received a briefing from PSNI members that indicated his life was under threat. They had intelligence that to the effect that his life was in danger from loyalist paramilitaries and that he was to be shot before Monday. The police offered him full security and advised that he avoid Ardoyne and that he take special precautions. Irish officials were deeply concerned at the threat and had discussed what to do. I made an offer to provide him with temporary accommodation in one of the apartments, which the department has leased in Belfast, to afford him the opportunity to move away temporarily from Ardoyne while still remaining in contact with his congregation, an Irish civil servant noted. Irish officials also made contact with British counterparts over the loyalist threat. Fr Troy ultimately declined the Irish accommodation offer. He said that he was very appreciative, but that for the present he felt that he might be better residing in the monastery in Ardoyne. Fr Troy was reassigned by his order to Paris in 2008. He published a deeply moving book in 2009, Out of the Shadow, which detailed the aftermath of suicides in the Ardoyne area in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Former taoiseach John Bruton was suspicious not only of Sinn Fein and the SDLP but even his own Department of Foreign Affairs. Secret files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives revealed Mr Bruton who was taoiseach from 1994-97 was wary of the views of both parties on what nationalists truly wanted in Northern Ireland. Remarkably, he was equally as wary of officials in his own Department of Foreign Affairs amid concerns it was sharing key assessments with both the SDLP and Sinn Fein. Mr Brutons replacement of Albert Reynolds as taoiseach in late 1994 following the collapse of the Fianna Fail-Labour coalition had caused concern within Sinn Fein circles. There were fears that Mr Bruton may not be as sympathetic to nationalist issues as his predecessor. However, one file noted that the then-Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, in the weeks before the first negotiations involving Mr Bruton, believed the peace process would continue regardless. He was personally confident the peace process would continue, one document noted. However, it wasnt long before Mr Adams was voicing his concerns. In particular, he was worried about the IRA ceasefire and the failure to deliver on the key issues that had underpinned the ceasefire. Mr Adams, one file noted, believed the IRA ceasefire had been delivered on the basis of three pieces of the jigsaw. These three pieces were Irish-American support from the US, the support of the Fianna Fail-Labour government and the relationship built up with then-SDLP leader John Hume. Mr Adams complained months into the emergence of the so-called Rainbow Coalition between Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left that , of the three pieces of the jigsaw, only the relationship with Mr Hume had lived up to expectations and remained in place. Sinn Feins Mitchell McLaughlin, in a remark believed to have been referring to Mr Bruton, warned the government at high political level may not fully appreciate the need to keep the nationalist strategy going. The taoiseach, for his part, was wary of not just Mr Adams, but also Mr Hume. In September 1995, Mr Bruton warned that he wanted to know precisely what position the SDLP leader was taking. We need to clarify John Humes personal position on the peace process, he told civil servants. The Fine Gael leader, in particular, wanted to know the position of Mr Hume and the SDLP on decommissioning of weapons and precisely when this should take place. Dublin had been inclined to the view that, as a gesture of goodwill and faith in the process, some arms decommissioning by the IRA should take place during the talks process. As John Hume will be seen by many as the expert on the peace process, his interpretation and answers on these points should be known to us at the earliest possible stage. We should not be travelling blind, he warned. Mr Bruton also believed the Department of Foreign Affairs shared the same position as both the SDLP and Sinn Fein and might need persuading to more closely align with his own views. We need to stress to the SDLP, SF, DFA and all others, how definite the unionists were on Paragraph 10 of the Downing Street declaration r e action to show commitment and the vital necessity for nationalists to come up with new thinking, he noted. Mr Bruton also personally believed that clarity was needed on precisely what ordinary nationalists in Northern Ireland wanted. He said there were a huge variety of options involved, ranging from a united Ireland through to North-South bodies, which would indicate a much slower timescale towards integration on the island. Do their demands focus on sovereignty issues (as in their parties official policy) or on respect and dignity issues (as I suspect is the case)? In the absence of a clear understanding of irreducible Northern nationalist demands, there is a danger that the Irish government will be drawn into writing a blank cheque in the talks. Sophie Toscan du Plantier (left) and her parents Marguierite and Georges Bouniol (right) The elderly father of tragic Sophie Toscan du Plantier has died in Paris, without ever seeing justice done by Ireland for the murder of his daughter. Georges Bouniol was aged 98 and died within a week of Sophies 28th anniversary with a Garda cold case review, ordered more than two and a half years ago, ongoing. Sophie Toscan du Plantier A Garda officer was quoted recently as saying that it was expected to take many months yet before its work is concluded. Ms Toscan du Plantier was found battered to death in the driveway of her holiday home at Toormore, Schull, on December 23, 1996. Sophie's parents Marguerite and Georges Bouniol, and her aunt, Madeline Opelka (hat) laying a wreath at the scene of their daughter's murder in Toormore, West Cork The only prominent suspect in her murder, twice-arrested Englishman Ian Bailey, also died this year, on January 21 last. The Irish law enforcement and legal system did not to bring any charges against him. Ian Bailey. Photo: PA Georges was born on July 29, 1926 in Paris. Sophie was born on July 28 in 1957, the day before his own 31st birthday. He always referred to her as his special gift. Sophies father was a dentist by profession and remained at that work for more than 40 years. He is survived by his wife Marguerite, Sophies mother, who turned 93 last June. Georges, who had been taken ill as his daughters anniversary approached, had been hospitalised in Paris. He died surrounded by his family. Sophies son, Pierre-Louis, has thus lost a grandfather in addition to his mother, the latter when he was 15-years-old. Sophie Toscan du Plantier (left) and her parents Marguierite and Georges Bouniol (right) The Murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier Funeral arrangements are awaited and it is unclear whether Georges will be buried with Sophie in the family plot in his native Lozere. Sophies body was exhumed in 2008 from its original resting place in Ambax by French authorities determined to get to the bottom of the crime after years of official inaction in Ireland and no charge laid. Her remains were subjected to a second post mortem which corroborated the findings of the original autopsy, carried out by former State Pathologist Dr John Harbison, who has since died. Tanaiste Micheal Martin has described the Sophie case as a stain on Irish society and gave his opinion last September that murder charges should have been brought against Bailey. Earlier this month, the Southern Star newspaper carried an advert placed by Sophies family calling for persons still concealing aspects of the terrible crime to come forward now. The notice, which carried a photo of Sophie, was signed by her son Pierre-Louis, brother Bertrand and uncle Jean-Pierre Gazeau. We urge any person, or persons, concealing the truth to take heart and come forward to reveal the facts to Garda detectives, they wrote. For the sake of Sophies family and friends let us know the truth even at this late date. The notice was also signed by local campaigners, including Bill Hogan, who knew Sophie well. He said at the time that Sophies parents, Georges and Marguerite, deserved to get a modicum of justice, even at this late date. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) was slated by Sinn Fein for conducting what it called black propaganda against Republicans via the claim it had discovered a cache of heavy spiked metal weapons hidden on rooftops ahead of the July 12 parades in Northern Ireland. Secret files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives revealed the 2002 clash as a review of the Good Friday Agreement was under way. The PSNI claimed it had uncovered a large quantity of weapons hidden on rooftops near parade routes. The cache included heavy spiked weapons, some made from metal. Irish civil servant Tom Lynch briefed Dublin on the row on July 16, 2002. Mr Lynch said the then-assistant chief constable Alan McQuillan had claimed the PSNI had information that Republican paramilitaries were planning a large-scale attack on the parade as it passed the Ardoyne shops at the Crumlin Road/Ardoyne Road intersection. The police claimed to have discovered an array of weapons, including 20ft-long iron pipes and 80 spiked metal missiles on shop roofs. PSNI officers said it also found several crates of bottles, which it believed were to be used as petrol bombs. Then-chief inspector Colin Taylor said the missiles seized in the area would probably have been used by Republicans in an attack on the police. It appears that these items had been stashed there for an attack on the police, army and possibly the general public, he advised. There are things there that have been specifically made for nothing other than to injure members of the security forces. The discovery of the spiked metal implements is especially sinister. However, the Irish official noted that Sinn Fein flatly rejected the PSNI version of events and accused the force of engaging in propaganda. Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said the PSNI claims amounted to nothing more than black propaganda. Mr Lynch noted Mr Kelly gave him photographs purportedly showing members of the British army at 5am on July 12 dismantling anti-theft security barriers on the shop roofs. Mr Kelly said there were no spiked metal weapons and that the items cited were in fact anti-theft barriers. At the time, in the absence of any details of the weapons which the PSNI were claiming to have discovered, I was of the view that the photographs of themselves were not conclusive, Mr Lynch wrote. However, photographs appeared in yesterdays Irish News which show Inspector Colin Taylor displaying the weapons discovered by the PSNI on the roofs of the Ardoyne shops. Mr Lynch said the weapons in the photos were clearly the same iron pipes the British Army was seen dismantling from the roofs of the shops. He commented that the photos appeared to support Mr Kellys stance and that no such weapons had been stashed there for an attack. Robbery was listed among the sources of criminal income identified. Stock image Republican paramilitaries were far ahead of loyalists in terms of racketeering and criminality. The revelation came in secret files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archive. Irish and British experts examined the level of criminality involved in both republican and loyalist groups. One Irish assessment was that republicans were far ahead of their loyalist rivals in terms of the sophistication of criminal enterprises. These ranged from protection rackets to thefts, extortion, fraud and the sale of black market goods such as video tapes. One file from 1993 revealed Irish officials had been told by their British counterparts that a high-tech new computer system would offer enormous advantages in helping crack down on criminality within paramilitary groups. The Terrorist Finance Unit (TFU) had, Irish officials were assured, the best computer in the UK and this was being used to monitor criminal activity by paramilitary groups on both sides of the sectarian divide. Irish officials were also informed that Britains TFU now had a staff of 26 and would double to more than 50 within months as London moved to tackle the funding sources for terrorist groups. Another document revealed that Irish civil servants were aware of just how deep the racketeering operations ran for both republicans and loyalists. Two loyalist paramilitaries were having a drink in the Crown Bar in 2000 and the subject of racketeering came up. Racketeering is just a fact of life in Belfast, one man said to the other. However, the conversation was reported back to Irish officials, who noted that the UDP, the political wing of the UDA, had members who were involved in the drugs trade. Irish officials noted a conversation where the UDP members said their rival, the UVF, was also involved in the drugs trade. In some cases, the involvement was through drug dealers being allowed to operate only if they paid a tax or protection fee to the local paramilitary group. Irish officials noted that while republican groups had been very sophisticated in terms of identifying sources of illegal funding, loyalists had taken note and were copying them. Among the sources of criminal income identified were gaming machines, taxis, social clubs, robberies, commercial opportunities, fraud, overseas contributions, extortion, the construction industry, smuggling and video piracy. A number of social clubs had been identified as mere fronts for loyalist terror groups and had their licence renewals objected to as a result. The TFU noted that 15 such social clubs were shut down, while another 15 were allowed to remain open. The latter were subjected to strict monitoring where their income and finances were assessed to ensure nothing was going to paramilitary groups. Despite this, British experts believed social clubs around Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland were declaring only about 20pc of their income with the rest being hidden to cover payments to paramilitaries. The TFU had particularly targeted republican social clubs amid concerns they were helping finance paramilitary activities to the tune of Stg3m a year. Fuel smuggling was a particularly lucrative activity, especially for republican groups who had links to the Republic. One fuel operation in Armagh received Stg6m worth of fuel, none of which was distributed in Northern Ireland, with officials believing that the bulk of it had been smuggled across the Border. Files were critical to reducing the outcry in the US over the British determination to execute him Roger Casement in the dock in 1916. Photo: Corbis via Getty Irish patriot Roger Casement had insisted that the Black Diaries, used by the British to undermine international sympathy for him in 1916 and reduce opposition to a death sentence, were fakes. The diaries which detailed Casements sexual encounters in Africa and South America were critical to reducing the outcry in the US over the British determination to execute Casement for his role in the Easter Rising. Secret files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives revealed Casement told his defence team that the diaries were forgeries. However, it emerged copies of the diaries were sent by Britain to the US with a top Royal Navy commander, escorted by four Royal Marines, to persuade the American authorities that they were genuine and to sideline any objections by Washington to Casement being hanged. Casement was landed by a German U-boat in Kerry in advance of the Easter Rising. However, he was captured shortly after arriving. Roger Casement in the dock in 1916. Photo: Corbis via Getty British authorities also intercepted a shipment of guns sent by Germany to Ireland to assist the rebellion. The campaign for Casement to be excused the death penalty mounted amid the global reaction to the immediate execution of all 1916 Rising leaders in Dublin. Casement who had become a global figure for his exposure of the appalling colonial abuses by Belgium in the Congo was put on trial for high treason at the Old Bailey in London. He was convicted, but the British authorities were determined to see the death penalty imposed. The Black Diaries were used by the Crown to defuse the mounting global campaign for Casement to be shown clemency. Almost four decades after his execution, the Black Diaries again caused controversy when they were published by British firm Sidgwick & Jackson. US lawyer Michael Francis Doyle wrote a letter to the publisher and author. But they vociferously declared in 1916 that the diaries had been examined and they touched the lowest depths that human degradation has ever touched. Doyle was a prominent Philadelphia lawyer who sailed to Britain in 1916 to defend Casement. He frankly denied to me that he ever wrote such a diary. I believe him and still do He represented Casement along with George Gavan Duffy, a barrister and future signatory of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Doyle stated that during the trial he spent more time with Casement than anyone else. Several times during the trial and afterwards, Gavan Duffy and I demanded to see this diary, but without success, he stated. He [Casement] frankly denied to me that he ever wrote such a diary. I believe him and still do. Efforts have been made by numerous persons since his execution to see this alleged diary from the officials of the Home Office, which has never been granted. The obvious reason is because it did not exist. There was no reference to the Black Diaries during the treason trial. However, they were secretly used by Britain to ensure that opposition to Casements execution was quelled. Captain Colpoys Cleland Walcott, a former Royal Navy captain, was assigned a duty to brief the US authorities on the diaries and their contents. In 2002, forensic scientist Dr Audrey Giles ruled from a painstaking handwriting analysis that the diaries were genuine throughout and not forgeries. Casement was buried in the yard of Pentonville Prison in London after his execution. About 245,000 people accessed the free contraception scheme at least once during the first nine months of this year, new figures show. The scheme, which is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary was introduced in September 2022, initially for those aged between 17 and 25. It was expanded later in the year to include 26 to 30-year-olds and then further expanded to include women aged 31 last January and to those aged between 32 and 35 in July. It was projected to reach 320,000 women by the end of the year. This compares with just under 189,000 women who accessed the scheme last year. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said he was very pleased by the strong uptake in the scheme. We introduced the free contraception scheme in recognition of the barriers that many women faced in accessing contraception affordably. No one should have to bear disproportionate financial costs because of their gender, he said. The scheme is providing women with financial freedom when making choices about their reproductive health. Since its launch in September 2022, we have expanded it rapidly in response to clear demand. Its one of many developments in womens health in recent years that reflect our ongoing efforts to provide a quality, accessible and equitable health service for all, regardless of ability to pay. Women who have had coils, IUDs, IUSs or implants inserted while eligible for the scheme will remain eligible for follow-up care related to their devices after their 36th birthday to ensure continuity of care. The provision of this service was supported by an additional 4m in funding through the Womens Health Fund under the Womens Health Action Plan 2024-2025. A total of 48m was allocated to the scheme this year and almost 2,400 GPs and 2,050 pharmacies are providing services under the scheme. The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, family planning, student health and primary care centres, and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the Health Service Executive (HSE) Re-Imbursement List. Prescriptions are dispensed at a local pharmacy free of charge to the patient. Secret papers revealed Irish and British officials were at loggerheads over claims by Dublin that two rare 16th-century bronze cannons had been unlawfully removed from an Irish shipwreck and brought to the UK. The cannons, which were cast for King Henry VIII, were allegedly smuggled from a shipwreck off the Waterford coast, transported to the UK and then sold to the Tower of London. Secret files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archive revealed that Irish officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Chief State Solicitors Office and the National Museum of Ireland were researching the Irish provenance of the cannons and demanding that they be returned. The two nine-foot-six bronze barge cannons were removed in the early 1970s from a shipwreck near the Metal Man at Tramore Bay on the Waterford coast. They were later sold to the Royal Armouries in the Tower of London, where they were put on display as a tourist attraction. Irish officials felt insult was added to injury by the fact there was no reference to Ireland in the cannon display. The cannons were made in the 1540s by the Owen Brothers for King Henry VIII, and are two of only 10 examples of these types of cannon known to have survived the centuries with a price tag in the early 1990s of at least Stg30,000 each. After reports in 1992 in the Sunday Press and Times of London that alleged the cannons were smuggled out of Irish waters by a gang of British treasure hunters before being transported and sold in an Essex scrap garage at a knock down price of Stg3,250 to a senior Tower official who did not ask where they originated, Irish authorities began investigating the case. The Tower of London. Photo: Getty State Papers: 1994 On June 17, 1993, then acting keeper of Irish antiquities of the National Museum of Ireland, Eamon P Kelly, travelled to the Tower of London to complete an extensive report on the allegations by examining the Towers own files. His report said the cannons are known as sakers, bore the Tudor rose, and are two of only 10 examples of cannon cast by the Owen brothers known to exist. Mr Kellys report said Tower records confirmed that in 1974, the keeper of antiquities at the Ulster Museum, a distinguished scholar called Laurence Flanagan, was of the view the guns had been removed from Irish waters in doubtful circumstances. He said Maurice Craig of the Maritime Institute of Ireland had also raised concerns at this time, saying he advised [the Tower] that both Irish and English law had been broken [during the acquisition of the items] by the failure to report the cannon to the Receiver of Wreck, an official body that records when and where potentially important items have been found. However, Mr Kellys report said at this point in 1974, Tower officials including then keeper of firearms at the Royal Armouries, Howard Blackmore, became defensive, claiming there was no evidence the cannons had been removed recently from the sea bed, that they may have been found off the Sussex coast, and that the original story of Irish provenance was spread as a cover. Mr Kellys report further noted that Mr Blackmore and other Tower officials later wrongly claimed Irish authorities were happy the cannons were at the Tower, by re-interpreting Mr Flanagans comment that the only good to come of the issue is that the cannons were safe and had not been scrapped. Mr Kelly wrote that separate records in Ireland showed a number of years later, on May 20, 1987, the National Museum of Ireland received a phone call about the controversy anonymously, at which point they referred it to garda headquarters and an investigation was undertaken by detective superintendent Brendan Burne. By January 15, 1992, Mr Kellys report said after further correspondence between officials, the Receiver of Wreck in Britain formally confirmed the two cannons in the Tower of London were never reported to his office when they were found, leading to fresh demands from National Museum of Ireland officials for the cannons to be returned to Ireland. Mr Kellys report said on October 22 1992, Royal Armouries official Graeme Rimer wrote back to say the Royal Armouries wished to resolve the controversy. Mr Rimer said this was due in part to the continuing adverse publicity in the British and Irish press by the Times of London and Sunday Press over the situation, before linking the earlier controversy with a bomb attack carried out by the IRA, which resulted in loss of life, and expressed fear further publicity would again target the Tower, or its officials. However, while Mr Kellys report noted Mr Rimer and other British officials were sympathetic to the Irish claim, Mr Rimer still pointed out that public funds were expended on the acquisition of the cannon and that the Royal Armouries would need to be satisfied that the Irish authorities had a valid case before they would concede. After receiving Mr Kellys report on June 17, 1993, and his conclusion that it seems clear British officials were aware the guns had been found off the Irish coast meaning they were Irish state property under Irish law, Irelands embassy to the UK wrote to Britains foreign and commonwealth office seeking immediate return of the cannons. On June 29, 1993, Irelands then deputy chief state solicitor J M Windle wrote to Raphael Siev of the Department of Foreign Affairs legal division to say after reading Mr Kellys confidential report, I have been instructed to say that the museum is not willing to pay to the British authorities anything towards the cost of the purchase by them of the cannon, saying the cannons must be returned. On July 15, 1993, Mr Siev relayed the view to the then Irish ambassador to the UK, J Small, saying the cannons were illegally removed from Ireland, that Ireland may also be seeking the return of a third cannon and that he would be grateful to hear the UKs response. The National Archives of Ireland records show that a year earlier, in July 1992, then minister of state at the Department of the Taoiseach, Tom Kitt, publicly raised concerns over the cannons, telling Irish radio: These objects are on display in the Tower of London. They are Irish as far as I am concerned. They are most definitely the property of the Irish State. Following the original publication of this article, a spokesperson for the Royal Armouries made contact to say: The Royal Armouries records show that after a full review of the case and much discussion, the two bronze cannon barrels were transferred to the ownership of the National Museum of Ireland in January 2003. "One of the gun barrels remained at the Royal Armouries site at Fort Nelson, near Portsmouth, on long term loan from the National Museum of Ireland. The other gun barrel was, at that time, already on loan to another museum, and became the responsibility of the National Museum of Ireland to manage. This article was updated on January 6, 2025, to reflect the response of the Royal Armouries regarding the current status of the cannons. Irish officials were taken aback that John F Kennedy was lukewarm over the question of partition in Ireland Irish officials were taken aback that John F Kennedy, before he launched the political career that brought him to the White House, was lukewarm over the question of partition in Ireland. The revelation came in confidential files released as part of the State Papers by the National Archives. The head of the Irish Legation in Washington, Robert Brennan, had made a point of dining with the 29-year-old scion of the most famous Irish-American family in late 1945. John F Kennedy had just returned to the US after World War II. He had served in the navy and became a hero after his exploits in the Pacific theatre. The young American had briefly visited the UK and Ireland before his return to the US. He was the son of former US ambassador to the UK Joe Kennedy. Mr Kennedys older brother Joseph Jr died in the war during a trial of a remotely detonated flying bomb aircraft in Europe. Mr Brennan was taken aback by the attitude of the young Bostonian having expected him to be quite firm in his opinions of partition in Ireland. I was somewhat surprised to discover that Mr Kennedy was quite apathetic towards the question and was inclined to belittle our cause, he wrote in a note to the Department of External Affairs (Foreign Affairs). Mr Brennan said that Mr Kennedy advised that Ireland had not been too badly off and that he could not see any reason why the US might get involved in the issue given that it might mean another war. Further, in a not-so-subtle reference to Irish neutrality during World War II, Mr Kennedy noted that, if a united Ireland came into being and Northern Ireland became part of the Republic, key military bases in the North may no longer be available to the US military. In other words, he asked what has the United States to gain from backing Irelands point of view on this partition question and antagonising Great Britain with whom her interests are so closely aligned for the present and, indeed, may be more closely connected in the future, Mr Brennan said. Mr Kennedy was also blunt with the Irish diplomat in stressing that the US would always consider its own interests. He said that the US would not act out of altruistic motives in respect of the partition of Ireland. Mr Kennedy admitted he knew little about Irish history at that stage. However, he revealed he was studying the life of John Boyle OReilly, an old Fenian who had escaped from a Western Australian prison camp and fetched up in Boston, where he became a prominent journalist and activist in the Irish community there. Years later, Mr Kennedy would become an avid reader of Irish poetry and literature. His visit to Ireland as US president in 1963 was, his family later insisted, one of the highlights of his presidency. He was visibly moved by the reception he received in Ireland and, in particular, in Wexford where his family hailed from. Mr Brennan assessed Mr Kennedy as a very earnest young man, and noted that he was open about his lack of knowledge about Ireland and had asked for a list of books that might assist him. He noted the young politician was a wealthy bachelor much in demand with matchmaking mammas even by the Beacon Hill type who otherwise reject his entire family as Irish Catholics. Mr Kennedy later gave a speech at the Eire Club in Boston where his knowledge of Ireland and Irish affairs was impressive. He had met taoiseach Eamon de Valera, Fine Gael leader James Dillon and General Richard Mulcahy. Mr de Valera had a unique hold on the hearts of the Irish people who had supported his policy of neutrality. There is no compromise in de Valeras firm aesthetic face, Mr Kennedy noted. He has a passionate intensity and single-mindedness in the course of talking that brooks no opposition. A great crowd scales the flanks of Mushera in aid of both CRITICAL and the Irish Cancer Society Denis and Donagh Corkery along with Jerry from Millstreet at the Mushera Mountain Climb. Picture John Tarrant Willing volunteers kept up a long tradition by supporting the annual Christmas morning Mushera climb and raising money for worthy charities. Temperatures remained relatively mild for big numbers drawn from North and Mid Cork in the Aubane Social Club promoted event. Proceeds from the 2024 climb supported support CRITICAL (Critical Emergency Response) and the Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses which provides end of life care for cancer patients. Likewise CRITICAL is an invaluable service to local communities and public funds are vital in order to maintain and grow the network of volunteer responders, fundraising events help provide the equipment our volunteers need to be able to respond quickly and potentially save lives as indicated by Fundraising Support Officer Donie Lucey. Our volunteers can be at the scene in minutes providing vital treatment to a patient before the ambulance arrives. The training that our volunteers receive is fantastic, the biggest reward for us is knowing that weve helped save the life of someone in our community, whether that be a friend, family or neighbour, said Donie. Always a popular event, the Mushera Climb is eagerly looked forward to on each December 25 and organizers helped by Aubane Social Club were highly pleased with the support. At times, underfoot conditions were wet and slippery, it failed to deter willing participants with some fog greeting those at the summit. I really enjoyed the climb, it was a great start to Christmas Day, the staging supports worthy causes, said participant Michael Cashman. The leader of the Fine Gael party in Cork County Council Cllr Michael Hegarty urged the five new Cork TDs to wear the Cork jersey in Dail Eireann. Five outgoing councillors were recently elected to Dail Eireann following the general election with three of them having represented the Northern Division. The successful former councillors include John Paul OShea (Fine Gael) who was elected in the Cork North West constituency. Mallow native Eoghan Kenny (Labour Party) who was elected in the Cork North Central constituency and Noel McCarthy (Fine Gael) who was elected in the Cork East constituency. The other former Cork County Councillors are Seamus McGrath (Fianna Fail) and Liam Quaide (Social Democrats). Speaking at a recent Full Council meeting Cllr Michael Hegarty congratulated the new Cork TDs and wished them well in Leinster House. To the departed councillors who are now Dail deputies well done to each and everyone of you. I wish you all the very best. You served your apprenticeship here. It is a great learning pad for everyone. The new TDs from Cork County were present at County Hall to witness the five new councillors Aileen Browne (FG), Ronan Sheehan (Labour Party), Kay Dawson (FG), Patrick Donovan (FF) and Eamonn Horgan (SD) co-opted to Cork County Council. Cllr Hegarty availed of the opportunity to remind the new Cork TDs to always wear the Cork jersey in Dail Eireann. I would ask ye all that when you are up there in Dublin that you wear the Cork jersey. Whatever is required for the Cork County or the region that you back it 100%. You are all aware of the difficulties and challenges that we face on a daily basis in trying to make the county a better place for all our citizens. There is a lot of changes coming down the line. It is important that you fight tooth and nail for the county, he added. Tributes have been paid to Newmarket Pipe Band founding member Dermot Jones, who passed away on St Stephens Day. Mr Jones, from Brookdale, Rossacon, Newmarket, died peacefully at Kanturk Community Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret and family David, Dermy, Kenneth and Gayle (McGrath), grandchildren Colleen, Evan, Ashlyn, Ryan, Aidan, Jenna, Averie and Maeva, son-in-law Seamus, daughters-in-law Holly, Maura and Mary, nieces, nephews and many relatives and friends. He was the father of the late Michael, formerly of Pound Hill and The Line in Meelin. Mr Jones, who along with the late Pat OMahony founded of Newmarket Pipe Band, has been remembered fondly for his contributions to the group for over six decades. Newmarket Pipe Band said Mr Jones, who released a book on the bands remarkable history in 2009, was an outstanding member. Dermot was one of the founding members of the band in 1963. He has always shown great dedication to the band and what Newmarket Pipe Band stand for. Hell be sadly missed, the pipe band stated. Mr Jones was remembered as a loyal member of Newmarket Pipe Band since its foundation by the Munster Branch of the Irish Pipe Band Association. Dermot was a former pipe major of Newmarket Pipe Band. Unfortunately his career was cut short prematurely, nevertheless he remained a stalwart member of the band until his demise, the group stated. We in the Munster Branch will remember Dermot as a kindly gentleman with a constant , greeting and warm personality, our treasurer and literally the voice of the branch in his role as MC. Dermot you will be sadly missed. One person who knew Mr Jones, commenting under the Munster Branchs statement on Facebook, said that Mr Jones was a true gentleman and dedicated volunteer. I had the pleasure of playing with Newmarket Pipe Band when Dermot was Pipe Major several years back. May he rest in peace, they commented. The tribute was one of many positive recollections of Mr Jones issued on social media and RIP.ie over the weekend. Newmarket Pipe Band held a guard of honour for the deceased from OReillys Funeral Home to St Marys Church in Newmarket on Sunday evening. A Requiem Mass will be held for Mr Jones on Monday, December 30 at 12 noon at St Marys Church. The mass will be livestreamed on the Newmarket and Taur Parish Facebook page. A funeral will be held afterwards at Clonfert Cemetery. View of site of facility from N73 road. Image: Planning documents Dairygold Co-operative Society in Mitchelstown has received conditional planning permission to construct a new biomass plant for the generation of steam. The plant, at Castlefarm Road in Mitchelstown, will be built as part of the decarbonisation road map for the business. It will consist of the construction of a single storey woodchip boiler building (1120sqm) with a parapet height of 16.2m above ground level and a maximum stack height of 24.7m above ground level. A yard extension and associated site works will also be carried out as part of the development. Cork County Council received the application on April 5. Planning was approved for the development on December 23, subject to 32 conditions. Liam Smith, Mary Smith, Julie Smith, Dan Smith, Matthew Smith, John and James Kenny pictured before setting off on the annual Stephen's Day 5k road race in Farranfore. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Michelle Knee, Linda Kelliher, Patrick McDonagh, Ciara Curtain and Breda Kelliher pictured before setting off on the annual Stephen's Day 5k road race in Farranfore. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Ronan O'Mahony, Nora O'Mahony, Maureen Dillon, Mary Kennedy, Tommy Sheehy, Bernie Sheehy, Evelyn Finnegan, Louise Power and Fred O'Sullivan pictured getting ready to take part in the annual Stephen's Day 5k road race in Farranfore. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Benny and Donnacha Cassidy pictured before setting off on the annual Stephen's Day 5k road race in Farranfore. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Eoin Howard and Mike Henderson pictured before setting off on the annual Stephen's Day 5k road race in Farranfore. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Peter Ryan and Maurice Fehan getting ready to take part in the annual Farranfore/Maine Valley St Stephen's Day 5k road race on Thursday. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. No festive season in Kerry is complete without the staging of the annual Farranfore-Maine Valley AC St Stephens Day 5k Run which took place once more this past Thursday, extending a tradition that is now nearly 65 years old. The run, which can boast the title of being one of the oldest road races in Ireland, takes place every St. Stephens day and has been run along the same route since way back in 1961. The race sees contenders travel five kilometres on a round trip towards Firies, before returning to Farranfore. Billed as a way of burning off those excess Christmas calories and clearing away that awful sluggish feeling, the event always proves very popular with families and friends who meet up over Christmas and who enjoy the spirit of competing before some well earned post race hospitality. This years run which is one of the main sources of fundraising for the Farranfore-Maine Valley AC attracted 435 runners and walkers at this years event. On the male side, Oisin Murray was the first man home. He crossed the finish line in 15:02 while another Oisin, Oisin Spillane, was just mere seconds behind him, crossing the line in 15:07. In third place was Karol Makarewicz who came home in 15:50. On the female side of the race, Shona Heaslip was the first female finisher. She crossed the finish line in 16:04. She was closely followed by Niamh OMahony (17:13) and Niamh Clifford (18:11) in second and third place respectively. The full set of results can be found here: https://www.sportsplits.com/races/farronfore-maine-valley-ac-5km-2024 Trainer Gordon Elliott is interviewed after Brighterdaysahead's win at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival. Photo: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile Trainer Gordon Elliott gave a reassuring nod to his injured stable jockey Jack Kennedy after Brighterdaysaheads scintillating 30 length win in The Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday. With Kennedy side-lined after breaking his leg in a fall at Fairyhouse on November 30, the talented Sam Ewing is deputising for the Dingle man. Ewing rode five winners for Elliott over the Christmas period including wins on the rising novice chaser Croke Park and the mare Brighterdaysahead, who now looks primed to take on Constitution Hill at Cheltenham in March. I just want to give a word to Jack Kennedy, shes Jacks mare. As soon as hes back hell be back riding all these horses, Elliott told RTE after the race. Sam [Ewing] is doing a brilliant job but Jack is first jockey and as soon as hes back, they are all here for him, he added. Elliott admitted to feeling nervous watching the race given how highly regarded the mare is at Cullentra House Stables. I was nervous and wondering were they going too fast. We said wed go out and go a test and see what happens, he said. King of Kingsfield made a mistake at the second last down the back and I said, oh my God, hes going to fall in front of us. Weve always thought the world of her and were going to enjoy today, Elliott said. Sunday proved a memorable day for Elliott as Brighterdaysahead was his 100th Grade One winner, while The Enablers win earlier in the card brought Elliott's tally of race wins in Ireland to 2,000. The performance of Brighterdaysahead has blown the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March wide open as it now looks like Constitution Hill has a genuine challenger. Despite Gigginstown House owner Michael OLeary saying his preference is for Brighterdaysahead to contest the mares hurdle, this seems unlikely given she has now accounted for State Man in consecutive races. Brighterdaysahead is a best priced 11/2 for the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle. Former Mayor of Kerry Jim Finucane and former Mayor of Tralee Cllr Terry O'Brien at the plaque unveiling. Alannah O'Sullivan reading a poem at the unveiling of the plaque to the victims of St Joseph's Industrial School. Cllr Terry O'Brien is in the background. St Joseph's Industrial School resident Michael Clemenger speaking at the plaque unveiling along with Cllr Terry O'Brien. All photos by Mark O'Sullivan. April saw an historic event unfold in Tralee as a large crowd gathered at the site of the former St Josephs Industrial School to remember one of the bleakest episodes in the towns past. A plaque was unveiled by Kerry County Council acknowledging the suffering of hundreds of boys who passed through St Josephs from 1871 to 1970. The plaque was crafted and kindly donated by local stone mason, Billy Leen. The occasion was made all the more poignant by the attendance of victims and their families. Michael Clemenger was incarcerated in St Josephs between 1959 and 1969 during which time he suffered terrible abuse. He proudly unveiled the plaque after years of campaigning that helps to close the circle of suffering for many. As a child, Michael spoke of being reminded by the Christian Brothers that he was illegitimate and to remain on his knees and never aspire to anything in life but menial tasks. I decided no. I would fight the system and go on and make a life for myself, Michael told the crowd. I was most fortunate to meet my wife [Mary] when I was 21. Ever since that day I am what I am today. I went on to achieve a full academic career and was very successful in life, relatively speaking, he said. I want to thank all the people that made the final decision in making this plaque possible. I am indebted to one and all and may God be good to them. May further generations also recognise their bravery in times of great difficulty, Michael said. Mayor of Tralee Terry OBrien said it was necessary - after so long - to finally acknowledge the torment of the victims. Sadly, many of those who went to St Josephs have died before this day. We remember all those who suffered, he said. He explained how the industrial school system remains a deep scar and an appalling blight on the history of Ireland. It condemned thousands of innocent children to isolation, humiliation, abuse, and internmentfor too long it was a feature of a society in which children were cast aside into the hands of a system that often facilitated and covered up physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, Cllr OBrien said. It was fitting that the occasion should conclude with the person who started the campaign for a memorial plaque. While still a student, Alannah OSullivan made it her ambition that such a monument would be brought to fruition for victims of St Josephs and nearby Nazareth House. Alannah recited Michael Clemengers poem Chiselled in Stone: Your families and the common man and woman/They all turned their minds away/All that is left is this memorial/To remind future generations chiselled in granite stone. Kyran Durnin has not been seen in more than two years. Photo: An Garda Siochana/PA Gardai are expecting to make further arrests in the New Year in relation to the disappearance and presumed murder of young Kyran Durnin, it is understood. The Director of Public Prosecutions is understood to be in regular discussions with senior gardai involved in the investigation. There has been two arrests so far in relation to the presumed murder of the Drogheda boy. A woman in her mid-20s was arrested and subsequently released without charge, and has since returned to the UK, where she now lives. 36-year-old Anthony Maguire was also arrested and questioned in relation to the case and took his own life within days of his release. Its understood that the woman arrested in relation to the case denied any responsibility for the disappearance of Kyran, who would be eight-years-old if he was alive today. She told gardai that if Kyran was alive, he was with Maguire at the time he went missing, but Maguire totally denied this in his interview with detectives, it is understood. Gardai are repeating their appeal to the public to step forward with any information that may help them in their search for Kyran. Its understood that detectives have been frustrated by misinformation given to them by a number of key witnesses in the case and are anxious that the public do not presume they have all the information they need to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion. Detectives believe that Kyran was killed in June of 2022, a month later than previously thought. There has not been any confirmed sightings of Kyran since that date. The Forthill Community History, Art and Mens Group members have expressed their delight to see the Green Fort interpretation panel installed on Connaughton Road by Sligo County Council. This panel replaces an earlier version of the panel that the group had contributed to as part of the Hidden Histories project some years ago. However, that panel had been positioned at an inaccessible height within the grounds of OBoyle Park close to where the fort is located and had fallen into disrepair since it was first installed. A new version of the original panel was produced that is easier to read, is positioned at an accessible height and is located on Connaughton Road where members of the general public can easily spot it. Volunteer facilitator, Martina Butler, assisted the Mens group to produce this updated version of the Green Fort Panel. The members of the Forthill Community History, Art and Mens Group hope that this version of the panel, in this new location, will enable the general public and tourists alike to become aware of the forts existence and its wonderful architecture and history during 2025. They also hope the panel will encourage the public to visit and enjoy this national monument in the beautiful yet underutilised O'Boyle Park in the middle of our city. The panel is located close to the junction of Connaughton Road and the lane along the City View Apartments. The lane leads into the main entrance to OBoyle Public Park where the Green Fort is to be found. Once inside the OBoyle Park gates, visitors need to turn to their right and walk up the gently sloping hill towards the low, grassy walls of the earthen fort. Visitors intending to access the fort are advised to use the sloped entrance path to the far right-hand side of the Green Fort to avoid further damage to the forts remaining ramparts and bastions. From the top of the fort, visitors will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the city, mountains, and sea. Visitors will also appreciate how well-positioned the fort was to act as Sligos main defence as far back as the end of the 1500s, together with its now long-lost, protective earthen walls that once encircled all of the old town. Throughout last year, the members of the Mens group had also been working closely with a group of young students from Our Lady of Mercy Primary School with the aid of Martina and their teacher, Claire Campbell. These students declared themselves to be The Green Fort Guardians , and their mission; to generate greater public awareness of the fort's natural and historical heritage. With the assistance of the Burren Beo Trust's Heritage Keepers programme, and Sligo BID, the students were assisted to publish an information booklet titled; Our Green Fort. The children also took part in a professional tour guiding course, supported by Sligo Tidy Towns, and under the tuition of local historian and tour guide; Melissa Melanephy. Upon completing this course, the senior students acted as Green Fort tour guides of the other children in their school. The Forthill Men's group and the young Green Fort Guardians, look forward to seeing more and more people discover and enjoy the fort and its surroundings during 2025 not only because of the instillation of the interpretive panel but also due to the exciting excavations that are scheduled to take place at the Green Fort in June of this year in association with the ATU Sligo and the California State University. They hope these excavations will not only shed new light on the fort in terms of gaining more knowledge about its history but also as a way to direct public attention towards the Green Fort so that it is no longer a hidden part of Sligos rich history and heritage. A Sligo man who was before Sligo Circuit Court charged with 13 counts of theft from his friends bank account, where he stole a total of 8,160 was told by Judge Keenan Johnson he must immediately repay 50 a week to the victim. Baby Rian Delaney who was born in Wexford General Hospital on Christmas Day with midwife Aine Stafford. Pic: Jim Campbell Baby Rian with his parents who welcomed him to the world on Christmas day. The first baby born in the county on Christmas day, 2024, brought lots of excitement to the maternity ward in Wexford General Hospital. This baby boy had his destiny set out for him to be born on Christmas day, as first-time parents Chloe Kavanagh and Dylan Delaney already had his name picked out for him, which is indeed, very fitting. Rian is the name we had picked even prior to me being pregnant, but it also means little king in Irish, which is nice for Christmas, explained Rians doting mammy, Chloe. The New Ross couple became a family-of-three as Rian arrived at 7:24 p.m., weighing in as a bundle of joy at 8 lb 1 oz. Were very excited to bring Rian home to spend time with his grandparents, Margaret and Kieran Delaney, and Loretta Power, said Chloe. "Id like to thank them for all their help in the few days of madness, and Id also like to thank the staff at Wexford General Hospital who were very good us. A challenge on technical grounds to a drink drive conviction imposed on Ferns man Gerard Daly was taken in vain. Daly address given as Killabeg, Ferns was intercepted at a checkpoint at St Senans Road in Enniscorthy on December 27, 20022. Garda John Cashman told the Circuit Court that the defendant was at the wheel of a 2017 Dublin registered Volvo S40 that night. The accused was asked to pull his car off the road and on to the forecourt of the nearby Circle K petrol station. There the garda noticed that his motions were slow and deliberate. Daly was arrested after failing a breathalyser test and brought to the barracks where a blood sample was taken. Laboratory analysis returned an alcohol reading over the legal limit at 188 mgs per 100 millilitres of blood. Defending barrister Martin Dully questioned lawfulness of the arrest. The garda should have invoked the relevant section of the Road Traffic Act before requiring his client to move his car on to the forecourt, counsel maintained. This line of argument was not accepted by Judge James McCourt. The court ruled that the mandatory two year ban should take effect two weeks from the appeal hearing. There was no rest for Wicklows mountain rescue teams over the festive break as they carried out a number of callouts, including one incident on Christmas Day. The Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue were involved in three separate callouts from Christmas Day to Friday, December 27, meaning they have replied to a total of 110 callouts so far in 2024, making it one of the busiest years in recent history. As everyone was preparing to sit down for Christmas dinner, volunteer members of both Wicklows mountain rescue teams were tasked with aiding a person who had lost their way near Prince William Seat, on the border between the Wicklow and Dublin Mountains. Nearby team members drove a track system and deployed onto the hill as they located the lost person and ensured they made it back to their car safe and sound. Team members were back in action on St Stephens Day as they headed north to Carlingford, part of their operational area, to assist a person who had become lost in deteriorating conditions on Slieve Foye. Alongside the local coast guard unit, mountain rescue located and assessed the person before escorting them off the hill and safely back to Carlingford. On Friday, both Wicklow teams were tasked with assisting two people possibly lost on Lugnaquilla. After the teams deployed, it emerged that the pair had descended a different route and managed to secure a lift back to their car at Fentons. China, Iran agree to further implement comprehensive cooperation plan Xinhua) 09:54, December 30, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in Beijing on Saturday, agreeing to further promote the implementation of the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the successful meeting between the two heads of state during the 16th BRICS Summit provided strategic guidance for deepening China-Iran relations. Noting the time-honored China-Iran relations and the traditional friendship between the two peoples, Wang said that enhanced coordination and cooperation between China and Iran will not only benefit the two peoples, but also contribute to regional and world peace, stability and development. The two sides should continue to support each other on issues concerning their core interests, steadily promote practical cooperation and enhance cooperation in multilateral fields, Wang said. He called for closer coordination and cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) framework and for the upgrading and strengthening of BRICS cooperation, to better safeguard the common interests of the Global South. In the face of instability and uncertainty in today's world, Wang said China and Iran must stay focused and strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly advocate and practice genuine multilateralism, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system. Araghchi said that developing and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Iran and China is the priority of Iran's foreign policy, and Iran attaches great importance to China's important role in upholding justice in international affairs. Iran abides by the one-China principle and firmly supports China's legitimate position on issues concerning China's core interests such as Xinjiang, Xizang and human rights, Araghchi said. He said that Iran looks forward to closer high-level exchanges with China, deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthening communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the SCO and BRICS, and safeguarding common interests. The two sides agreed to further promote the implementation of the China-Iran comprehensive cooperation plan, strengthen the exchange of experience in governance in the fields of politics and diplomacy, legislative bodies, law enforcement and justice, economy and trade. They also agreed to increase cooperation in youth, education, sports, science and technology, culture, tourism, ecological and environmental protection, health, radio and television, and deepen people-to-people, sub-national and sister-city exchanges. On the Iranian nuclear issue, Wang stressed that China always stands for a political and diplomatic resolution and upholds the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), opposes sanctions and pressure at every turn and firmly supports Iran in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. He also called on all relevant parties to play a constructive role in resuming dialogue and negotiation. Araghchi expressed appreciation for China's important role in promoting and maintaining the JCPOA and a willingness to maintain close communication with China. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Elon Musk has rowed back on his defence of skilled worker visas in an apparent bid to patch up divisions in the Republican Party. The Tesla billionaire admitted that H1-B visas are broken and proposed potential reform, as he sought to quell a brewing civil war with Donald Trumps Maga base over the immigration scheme which permits highly-educated foreigners to work in the US for up to six years. Sawal zindagi thi tum jawaab hogaye ho! Pakistani drama Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is all set to return to TV after high public demand. The drama which starred Hania Aamir and Fahad Mustafa got a lot of love from fans across the world because of its storyline, characters and more. People were sad when it ended in November and wanted it back on their TV screens. So amid this, makers decided to bring your favourite show back! All you need to know about Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum return Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is all set to return to ARY Digital. The episodes will start airing from 31st December 2024 at 10 PM. The announcement was made by the makers with the caption, KABHI MAIN KABHI TUM is back on public demand! Watch the spellbinding tale of love, passion, and emotions. Reacting to it people expressed that while they would love to see these episodes again, they really want a new season to be out soon. One wrote, Ye sab to theek hai, lekin season 2 kahan hai? Another added, Me ye dekh ke sach me bahut khush huui ki Mtlb ye episodes aage aayenge iskeeee. A third went on to add, Ye me koi khwab to nhi dekh rhi. About Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum is about how two people named Sharjeena and Mustafa fall in love with each other after a million things go wrong. From their struggle to separation and more, a lot of ups and downs make up the dramas plot. Emmad Irfani, Hania Aamir, and Fahad Mustafa are the show's main actors. This year, Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum debuted on July 2 and ran through November 5 For more news and updates frm the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Govindas daughter Tina Ahuja has found herself at the centre of a heated online debate (once again) after revealing some personal details about her fathers obsession with her weight during her teenage years. In a recent interview with Hauterrfly, Tina shared how Govinda was very particular about her figure and weight which has made the internet scratch its head. Govindas remark on daughters increasing weight Tina Ahuja recalled how her father would constantly comment on her body, telling her things like, "Lose your weight, your stomach is growing out." She also remembered a trip to Switzerland for a shoot where her love for milk and hot chocolate caused her to gain weight. By the time they travelled to London, her pants no longer fit, and Govinda was quick to comment on it. Tina mentioned that her father believed "girls should look beautiful and have their weight in check." As Tina struggled with health problems that led to significant weight gain, she said that her father helped her by advising her to take small steps to lose weight. Despite her best efforts to explain the situation in a subtle tone, her comments about her fathers actions are now the subject of intense scrutiny. Also Read: Low IQ at its finest, Govindas daughter Tina Ahuja's period pain is not real remark sparks massive uproar Reddit finds Tina Ahujas confession distasteful The internet has not taken kindly to Tina Ahujas revelations, with many users expressing discomfort over her father's obsession with her weight and figure. One user wrote, A father who has trouble with his daughter's body weight and figure when she isn't morbidly obese or unhealthy is a bit..... Bizarre and eerie to me. Instagram Im sorry but GOVINDA is saying this? Are you serious? obsessing over your daughters looks like this unhealthy, and frankly, very weird behaviour, another one said. Many users also voiced concerns over the idea of a father placing so much importance on his daughters physical appearance, calling it unsettling and damaging. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. School Holidays Calendar 2025: School holidays are something students in India eagerly wait for as they give a break from studies and allow time for relaxation, celebrations, and family bonding. The School Holiday Calendar 2025 is a helpful guide for parents and students to plan their activities throughout the year. From nationwide events like Republic Day to regional festivities like Onam and Durga Puja, these holidays showcase Indias cultural richness. Heres a detailed look at the School Holidays in 2025, including important dates and events. Complete List of School Holidays 2025 Here is a detailed list of School Holidays 2025 by month: School Holidays Calendar 2025: Complete List of Dates and Events Month Holiday Date January Guru Gobind Singhs Birthday 17th January, 2025 January Republic Day 26th January, 2025 February Basant Panchami 2nd February, 2025 February Guru Ravi Dass Birthday 24th February, 2025 February Maha Shivratri 26th February, 2025 March Holi/Dolyatra 14th March, 2025 March Good Friday 18th March, 2025 March Eid-ul-Fitr 31st March, 2025 April Ram Navami 6th April, 2025 April Mahaveer Jayanti 10th April, 2025 May Buddha Purnima 12th May, 2025 June Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) 7th June, 2025 July Muharram 27th July, 2025 August Independence Day 15th August, 2025 August Raksha Bandhan 9th August, 2025 August Janmashtami (Vaishnava) 16th August, 2025 August Ganesh Chaturthi 27th August, 2025 September Onam 5th September, 2025 September Milad-un-Nabi 5th September, 2025 October Mahatma Gandhis Birthday 2nd October, 2025 October Dussehra 2nd October, 2025 October Maharishi Valmikis Birthday 7th October, 2025 October Diwali 21st October, 2025 October Goverdhan Pooja 22nd October, 2025 November Guru Nanaks Birthday 15th November, 2025 December Christmas 25th December, 2025 Importance of School Holidays 2025 School holidays are not just a pause in academics but also a chance for students to recharge, connect with traditions, and spend meaningful time with loved ones. In 2025, holidays will include extended breaks like summer vacations and shorter breaks during festivals such as Diwali and Christmas. What Affects School Holidays in 2025? The dates for School Holidays in 2025 differ across India due to the countrys vast cultural and geographical diversity. Local festivals, traditional practices, and weather conditions all influence holiday schedules. For instance: Northern states celebrate festivals like Chhat Puja and Basant Panchami. Southern states enjoy festivals such as Pongal and Onam. Eastern regions highlight major events like Durga Puja. To know the exact dates, students and parents should refer to their schools official calendar. Government-Declared Holidays in 2025 The Central Government has issued an official list of gazetted and restricted holidays for 2025. This list helps public and private organisations, as well as schools, plan their yearly schedule. Gazetted Holidays: These are compulsory holidays, including Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. These are compulsory holidays, including Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. Restricted Holidays: These are optional holidays and may vary depending on individual or local preferences. For 2025, the government has announced 17 gazetted holidays and 34 restricted holidays. How to Plan for School Holidays 2025 Check the School Calendar: Schools may follow slightly different schedules, so its best to consult the official calendar. Schools may follow slightly different schedules, so its best to consult the official calendar. Use Holidays Wisely: Plan trips and activities during long breaks such as summer and winter holidays. Plan trips and activities during long breaks such as summer and winter holidays. Celebrate Regional Festivals: Engage children in local traditions to help them understand cultural values. The School Holidays 2025 calendar includes a variety of national and regional holidays, giving students plenty of chances to unwind, celebrate, and explore Indian traditions. Use this guide to plan your year effectively and make the most of these breaks. (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. Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who served as the 39th President of the United States, died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was one hundred. Carter lived longer than any other US president and, after leaving the White House, established himself as a dedicated humanitarian. During his single time in the White House from 1977 to 1981, Carter dealt with a terrible economy and the Iran hostage crisis, but he also mediated peace between Israel and Egypt and pioneered renewable energy as a less expensive alternative to foreign oil. However, he became the first Democratic president since 1888 to lose reelection. Carter was widely regarded as a better past president than he was as a president, a fact he readily admitted. His decades of dedication to worldwide humanitarian work after leaving the White House earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He lived a simple life and was best known for his early emphasis on climate change and concerns about the country's increasing divisions. Here are some facts about life that may surprise you. The first US President born in a hospital James Earl Carter Jr., the first US president born in a hospital, was born on October 1, 1924, in a Plains hospital with 60 beds. His parents were Lillian, a registered nurse, and James Earl, a farmer. The occasion, which may appear routine, was momentous, as Carter went on to become the first US president to be born in a hospital, as practically all childbirths were still performed at home at the time. Carter was exposed to nuclear radiation When a partial meltdown of Ontario's Chalk River Nuclear Power Plant occurred in 1952, one of the 150 Americans brought in to help dismantle the parts of the reactor was Jimmy Carter. He was lowered into the reactor in 90 second shifts, which was enough time to remove one bolt. pic.twitter.com/VACEx7KF2G Craig Baird - Canadian History Ehx (@CraigBaird) December 29, 2024 Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer turned multi-role public servant, began his public life in the United States Naval Academy, where he served in nuclear-powered submarines. Carter entered the Brigade of Midshipmen following a year of study in Georgia Tech's NROTC program and graduated from the Academy in the top tenth of his class in 1946. When a nuclear reactor exploded in Ontario, Canada, in 1952, the US Navy sent a team that included Carter, then a 28-year-old lieutenant who had helped develop the first nuclear submarine, to help Canadian authorities dismantle its partially melted core, according to a Washington Post report. Lt Carter, dressed in protective gear, reportedly entered the reactor with two other specialists, exposing himself in 89 seconds to the same amount of radiation as the normal population gets in one year. He then stated that his urine continued to test positive for radiation for six months. First US President to be inaugurated with a nickname Carter took the oath of office in 1977, using his nickname 'Jimmy' rather than his first name 'James', which he rarely used. He was the first American president to do so. Later presidents, such as Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, used nicknames at the White House, but they chose to be sworn in using their full names. Appointed a diverse range of races and genders Navy officer, businessman, peanut farmer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world. Jimmy Carter led America with principles, faith and humility and redefined post-White House life as a global humanitarian. Rest in Peace, President Carter. pic.twitter.com/MGoLe2Zwfw John Digles (@JohnDigles) December 29, 2024 During his one-term presidency, Jimmy Carter appointed 57 minority judges and 41 female judges to the federal courts. According to the Carter Centre, the diversity of nominations exceeded that of all prior presidents combined. He is known for choosing Patricia Roberts Harris, the first Black woman to serve in a presidential Cabinet. Accused of kissing the Queen Mother on the lips The infamous State Dinner where Jimmy Carter kissed the Queen Mother on the lips. The Queen Mother later delivered an anti-toast saying, 'He is the only man, since my dear husband died, to have had the effrontery to kiss me on the lips'. pic.twitter.com/AtEzq5W0X9 (@crk5) September 7, 2024 Following his inauguration as the 37th president of the United States, Carter paid a visit to Buckingham Palace in 1977. Two years after his visit, reports circulated in the British press that he kissed the Queen Mother on her lips. The British media described this as a "scandalous" invasion of the Queen Mother's personal space. However, in his memoir, Carter categorically refuted the claim, insisting that his goodnight kiss was delivered lightly and on the Queen Mother's cheek. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Jimmy Carter, the former US President who died at the age of 100 on Sunday night, had a special link to India. He visited a village in Haryana called 'Carterpuri', which is named after him. On January 3, 1978, Carter and the then-First Lady Rosalynn Carter drove to Daulatpur Nasirabad, a village in Haryana about an hour from Delhi. Haryana village 'Carterpuri' named after Jimmy Carter #WATCH | Former US President Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States, passes away at the age of 100 Archive visuals of 'Carterpuri,' a village in Haryana which was renamed in honour of former US President Jimmy Carter following his visit to India in pic.twitter.com/MpV6X9IiXc ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024 The Carter Centre, an NGO created by Carter, reports that the visit was so successful that people dubbed the region 'Carterpuri' in honour of the president. They also maintained communication with the White House for the remainder of Carter's term. January 3 has been declared a holiday in 'Carterpuri' since then. When Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, the villagers organised a great celebration in his honour. The former US President's visit occurred just a year after the Janata Party won the election and the Emergency was lifted. During his stay in India, he also addressed parliament. RIP #PresidentCarter. We fondly remember you. Tributes. We even have a village named after you (Carterpuri), the same village your mother late Lillian Carter, who was a nurse, lived in, in sixties as a Peace Corps Volunteer. pic.twitter.com/fw5hDcNc2b -- (@MM87689255) December 30, 2024 Carter's mother Lillian worked in India as a Peace Corps health volunteer in the late 1960s Carter also had a personal connection to India because his mother, Lillian, worked there as a Peace Corps health volunteer in the late 1960s. Since the Carter administration, the United States and India have collaborated closely on energy, humanitarian aid, technology, space cooperation, maritime security, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism. Beginning of a historic 100-year run: Baby Jimmy Carter held by mother, Lillian Carter. pic.twitter.com/jI2DBkvmhx Cosmic Curiosities (@TheCosmicCurios) December 29, 2024 The two countries signed a major deal in the mid-2000s to strive towards full civil nuclear cooperation, and bilateral trade has since increased dramatically, according to the Carter Centre. Carterpuri Something that is remembered even today. He visited the Village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, Haryana. The name was changed to Carterpuri to honor him. His mother had worked thr as a social worker. pic.twitter.com/SgizVXQYRh Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 30, 2024 Jimmy Carter, the longest-living US President and Nobel Peace Laureate, died at the age of 100. He had been under hospice care since mid-February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he was born and formerly owned a peanut farm before becoming Georgia's governor. Also read: Jimmy Carter, former US president, dies at 100: Know 5 habits that contributed to his long and healthy life To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Suchir Balaji, a former employee at ChatGPTowned by OpenAIwas found dead in his San Francisco apartment in California on November 26. Officials had ruled his death a suicide. Amid all this going on, Suchir Balajis mother, Poornima Ramarao, on December 29, 2024, claimed foul play in her sons death on X (formerly called Twitter). Seeing the post, the tech billionaire, Elon Musk, backed Mr. Balajis mother, Poornima Ramarao's, claims on X. The former employee of ChatGPT reportedly accused the artificial intelligence company of violating copyright law before his death. According to the medical officer, the case had no evidence of foul play, and nothing regarding the same was found during the initial investigation. However, the mother of the 26-year-old Indian-origin techie has called for an FBI investigation, casting doubts on the polices findings and conclusion that her son died by suicide. Elon Musks reaction to the post by Suchir Balajis mother The death of the 26-year-old has sent shockwaves across the world. On Sunday the Indian-origins mother took to X and shared that they have hired a private investigator and they have conducted a second autopsy to throw light on the cause of death since the private autopsy didnt confirm the reason behind his death. She further mentioned that Suchirs apartment was ransacked, there was a sign of struggle in the bathroom, and it seemed as if someone had hit the bathroom, as there were blood spots in there. Its a cold-blooded mu*d*r declared by authorities as suicide, the post further says. Update on @suchirbalaji We hired private investigator and did second autopsy to throw light on cause of death. Private autopsy doesnt confirm cause of death stated by police. Suchirs apartment was ransacked , sign of struggle in the bathroom and looks like some one hit him Poornima Rao (@RaoPoornima) December 29, 2024 To which Elon Musk reacted to her post and wrote, "This doesn't seem like a suicide." This doesnt seem like a suicide Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 29, 2024 Suchir Balajis claims about OpenAI In an earlier interview, Balajis mother said that Suchir felt that AI was harmful to humanity, and she also recalled how her sons optimism for AI turned into scepticism. Suchir Balaji had alleged that OpenAI's AI models were trained on copyrighted material scraped from the internet without authorisation, which, according to him, was harmful, reported NDTV. In an earlier interview with the New York Times in 2024, Balaji said, "If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company." To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Jimmy Carter, the former US president and Nobel Peace laureate, died at the age of 100 on Sunday, December 29, 2024. The former Georgia governor was the president from 1977 to 1981 and remained involved in world politics afterwards. A statement released by the Carter Centre on Sunday noted that Carter died 'peacefully' at his home in Plains and was surrounded by his family. Carter, a Georgia Democrat, was the longest-lived president in the history of the United States; however, back in 2015, the Southern Democrat revealed that he had brain cancer. He only served one term in the White House and was beaten by Ronald Reagan in 1980. But after that, Carter spent decades focusing on international relations and human rights, and his efforts helped him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Former President Jimmy Carter has been an icon of personality and an icon of service and kindness. According to data from the University of California, Berkeley, the life expectancy for a male born in 1924 was 58 years. Secrets behind Jimmy Carter's longevity The long-lived former US President Jimmy Carter's legacy suggests that there could be a connection between his extraordinary selflessness and longevity. According to the Healthy Reader's Digest, Jimmy Crater's health habits promoted not just a long life but also a rich one. Here are 5 secrets to his healthy and long life Carter believed in having a purpose: Carter famously defined his purpose in life and believed that he had one life and one chance to make it count for something. According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2018, people who felt that they had a purpose in life reported excelling in both physical and mental health. Purpose-driven individuals are less likely to be depressed or have chronic diseases like disability and obesity. Healthily managing stress: Being a president, Jimmy Carter's life wasn't an easy one. Throughout his political career, he faced political as well as personal challenges, but he always believed in being happy and smiling. This attitude helped him healthily deal with immense stress. Carter loved hiking and hunting: Carter loved spending enough time outdoors. He used to love hunting, fishing, and hiking; the habit of spending time outdoors is a very healthy habit to cultivate. It boosts sleep and improves bone and heart health. Stay active: President Carter had always been dedicated towards physical activities and exercise. He regularly used to jog, cycle, and swim, which helped him keep his heart and bones healthy. Carter enjoyed eating nuts: One of the secrets behind Jimmy Carter's longevity was his love for nuts. Before entering into politics, Carter was a peanut farmer, and his family still owns a peanut farm in Georgia. Peanuts are considered healthy as they are rich in fat-soluble vitamins, fibre, minerals, magnesium, and folate that boost gut and heart health. For more on lifestyle, astrology and health from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle. A 33-year-old American woman who suffered a fatal hiking accident in Preveli, Crete, has given the gift of life through organ donation. Despite their immense grief, her family made the selfless decision to honor her wishes as a registered organ donor in the US. The woman was critically injured on December 23rd after a fall while hiking, sustaining severe head and chest trauma. Tragically, she also lost the baby she was carrying. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, she passed away, leaving her family devastated. In a remarkable act of compassion, her family chose to donate her organs, offering hope to those awaiting transplants. Medical teams from Athens collaborated with the Greek National Transplant Organization to perform the organ retrieval. The hospital administration expressed their condolences to the family and praised their "magnanimity and humanitarian spirit" during this difficult time. This act of generosity underscores the transformative power of organ donation, bringing hope and healing to others even in the face of immense tragedy. iefimerida.gr The Greek government is set to announce a comprehensive plan today aimed at protecting children and teenagers from the potential harms of social media. The initiative will focus on enhancing parental controls and implementing measures to mitigate the psychological and social risks associated with excessive social media use. This announcement comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people. Dr. Theodora Psaltopoulou, a professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, highlighted the widespread use of social media among teenagers, noting that over 90% of teens in the US engage with these platforms. She pointed to research from the World Health Organization indicating a rise in problematic social media use among adolescents in Europe, with associated risks including addiction, exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and disruptions to education and family life. Dr. Psaltopoulou stressed the importance of parental involvement in addressing these issues. She encouraged families to set clear boundaries for social media use, utilize technology to monitor online activity, and educate teenagers about online safety. The Greek government's plan is expected to align with recommendations from the World Health Organization, which include integrating digital literacy programs in schools, enhancing mental health services, and holding social media platforms accountable for protecting young users. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the growing concerns about the impact of digital technology on youth. It signals a collaborative approach involving parents, educators, health professionals, and policymakers to promote responsible social media use and protect young people from online harms. iefimerida.gr A series of small earthquakes jolted residents of Attica awake early this morning, causing concern despite their low magnitude. The tremors, centered in the northeastern suburbs of Halandri, Pallini, and Agia Paraskevi, were felt widely across the region due to their shallow depths. The first quake, measuring 2.7 on the Richter scale , struck at 3:20 AM, followed by three more tremors ranging from 1.8 to 2.0 magnitude throughout the morning. While not powerful enough to cause damage, the frequency and shallow epicenters of the quakes sparked anxiety among residents. Experts have moved to reassure the public, explaining that the faults responsible for these tremors are small and unlikely to produce stronger seismic events. Professor Efthymios Lekkas, a specialist in tectonics and applied geology, noted that these minor quakes help release accumulated tectonic energy, which is actually a positive sign for the region. Athanasios Ganas, Research Director at the Geodynamic Institute, attributed the activity to fluid movements in the Earth's upper crust and emphasized the robust seismic design of buildings in Attica, which can withstand much stronger earthquakes. This seismic activity follows a pattern observed in northeastern Attica since December 13th, with all quakes remaining below a 3.0 magnitude. While unsettling, these tremors are not considered precursors to more significant seismic events. Minor tremors were also recorded in the underwater area between Kasos and Crete, but their distance from populated areas minimized their impact. Seismologists continue to monitor these events closely, assuring the public that there is no immediate danger. iefimerida.gr The 6 division of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has said that its officers have destroyed 20,000 illegal refining sites and recovered 90,000 stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta region. In a statement on Sunday, Jonah Danjuma, the divisions assistant director of public relations, said that the military also arrested several suspects. He added that the raids were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies in Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. Advertisement READ MORE: Weapons Recovered As Troops Repel IPOB/ESN Attack In Imo The statement partly reads: Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have sustained the onslaught against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region. Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have sustained the onslaught against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta region. This effort led to the dismantling of 20 illegal refining sites, the arrest of eight suspected oil thieves, and the deactivation of 21 boats used in criminal activities. Additionally, over 90,000 litres of stolen products were recovered during the ongoing anti-bunkering operations in the region. At the Ogajiama axis of the Buguma/Bakana general area, also in Asari-Toru LGA, troops engaged in a gun duel with criminal elements who fled due to superior firepower. An illegal refining site, one large pot, and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined dual-purpose kerosene were appropriately dismantled. This was in addition to three locally made boats intercepted while attempting to load crude from an abandoned wellhead. Three suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operations. In a related development, around the Krakrama Community in Degema LGA, troops intercepted two illegal refining sites, four fibre boats, three wooden boats, and approximately 2,000 litres of stolen crude. At Gbede in Omoku, one illegal refining site, 27 locally made ovens, and 31 sacks containing over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated. Further operations at Odagwa-Imo Riverside in Etche LGA of Rivers State led to the recovery of one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat, and over 3,500 litres of stolen products. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has berated former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili, over his statement amid political rift between him amd his successor, Sim Fubara. Wike on Sunday, described Odili as a rent seeker and an ingrate for siding with incumbent Governor Fubara. Recall that Mr. Odili had said that Fubara stopped him (Wike) from turning Rivers into his private estate. Advertisement Speaking at a Special Thanksgiving Service, at Oro-Igwe/Eliogbolo Archdeaconry Church of the Holy Spirit, Eliozu Parish, Port Harcourt, Wike described Odili as an ingrate, narrated how he built a house for the former governor. He added that the former governor also had some of his family members occupying positions in the Rivers State government, turning Rivers into his personal estate. Wike said: Must you be a trader all the time? As governor for eight years, what else are you looking for? You know, I didnt want to say anything. But somebody called me last night, and told me what someone said in the social media. I said until I read it myself. This morning, I read in the newspapers, what our former Governor, Sir Dr Peter Odili said. What did he say? He said that the present governor has been able to stop one man who wanted to convert Rivers State to his personal estate. Between him and myself, who has turned Rivers State to his personal estate? His wife is a Chairman of Governing Council, his daughter is a commissioner, his other daughter is a judge and he is the general overseer. Who has now turned Rivers State to his private estate? I am sure if care is not taken, if there is a chance, he can even arrange a marriage for the governor. In 2007 after he left office, he couldnt come near power in the State because Amaechi was the governor then. He was gone! Like somebody said that God will use someone to lift up someone. READ MORE: Ive Achieved More Than You In Rivers Wike Slams Secondus, Ex-Gov Amid Rift With Fubara When I came in as governor in 2015, I wont use the word resurrected, but I brought him back to life. All of you here remember when I was governor, this same Odili praised me to high heaven. In fact, he said then that all past governors in Rivers State combined did not do better than me. Now, because you have organized a Christmas Carol for the governor, I didnt say you should not do your Christmas Carol. But why reduce yourself to such a laughing stock. People will still see it on television how he was telling the whole world then how God used me to bring him back to life politically. A 32-year-old man named Ezekiel Elijah has been taken into custody by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old girl with physical disabilities in Aviara, Isoko region of the state. SP Edafe Bright, the public relations officer for the state police command, confirmed the arrest in a video broadcast on Sunday via X, claiming that the culprit reportedly enticed the victim into his home and committed the offence. He deceived this girl, took her into his house, locked her inside, and sexually molested her, Bright said during the suspects interrogation. Advertisement The police spokesperson emphasized that the victims vulnerability made the case particularly troubling, further adding that, Shes someone that needs a guardian someone that needs assistance. READ MORE: Troops Neutralize 148 Terrorists, Arrest 256 Suspects, Recover Weapons In One Week DHQ Elijah said during questioning that he was unaware of the victims age. However, SP Bright stressed that ignorance is not a valid defence. Whether she agrees or not is immaterial she has not gotten to that age where she can decide for herself, the police spokesperson said. In his statement to the police, Elijah explained that he initially called out to two individuals passing by, and the victim later returned alone. The suspect, a native of Adjara in the Isoko region, is set to be charged in court for defilement. Bright emphasised that cases of defilement are handled with extreme seriousness under the law. The offence of defilement is a very clear one. Provided shes not of an age where she can give consent; consent is immaterial and will be treated as defilement, he stated. He stated that the case has been handed over to the courts for further legal action. Nigerian comedian and media personality, Lolo1, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for sparing her life after a car accident earlier in the year. Taking to Instagram on Monday, she recounted the harrowing experience and the overwhelming challenges she faced in its aftermath. According to Lolo1, the incident occurred when she attended Kenny Blaqs event at Eko Hotel. Advertisement While her driver went to park the car, an unexpected turn of events led to the vehicle colliding with five other cars, causing significant damage. READ MORE: Dr Enenche, Wife Support 540 Widows With Christmas Food Donations In Abuja She revealed that the accident also involved hitting a pedestrian and resulted in hefty repair costs and hospital bills. She wrote, God saved me from an accident this year I went to eko hotel for kennyblaqs event and the driver was just to go and park my partner was in the car and suddenly .. he ran into 5 cars causing damages i had to pay for plus hospital bills, hit a mallam and the Gbese nearly finished me but God ! He raised people to help me I am truly grateful oooooh! The comedians testimony resonated with her followers, who flooded her comment section with prayers, well wishes, and words of encouragement. SEE POST: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEMVi62Mcyo/?igsh=MTlzNmZrajIyZ2QzdA== Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has lambasted his predecessor, Peter Odili, for allegedly betraying him despite his kindness. He revealed that he built a mansion for Odili in Port Harcourt, which the latter would often show off to visitors, saying come and see what Wike has done for me. Wike has shown me love. Wike made the assertion on Sunday while speaking at a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule in Port Harcourt. Advertisement His comments were in response to Odilis claim that the current Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, had prevented Wike from turning the State into his personal property. Wike countered, saying while he was serving as Governor of the state, he personally called Julius Berger to build a mansion for Odili to live in. READ ALSO: Wike Wouldve Turned Rivers To His Private Estate But For Fubara Odili Commends Governor He (Odili) was calling everyone to the house then, telling them, come and see what Wike has done for me. Wike has shown me love. He was taking them round the house, he claimed. Wike further revealed that his pictures were once prominently displayed in Odilis house, including in the toilet, but had since been removed. My pictures were everywhere in his house, sitting room, bedroom, kitchen, even in the toilet, my picture was everywhere. But today, all the pictures have been removed, the FCT Minister said. He questioned the kind of advice one could get from an elder statesman like Odili, who this moment you are saying something, the next moment you are saying something else. The World Bank has disbursed a $1.5 billion loan to Nigeria to support the Federal Governments efforts to implement fuel subsidy removal and tax reforms. The loan is part of the Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing initiative, which was approved in June 2024. According to a document by the World Bank, the loan was structured in two tranches with different maturity periods. Advertisement The first tranche is a $750 million credit from the International Development Association, with a 12-year maturity and a six-year grace period. The second tranche is a $750 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with a 24-year repayment period and an 11-year grace period. The World Bank noted that Nigeria has surpassed the conditions for the loan approval by implementing sweeping reforms, including subsidy removal, exchange rate harmonisation, and tax policies. READ ALSO: World Bank, IMF Sabotaging Public Universities In Nigeria ASUU Chair The bank also commended the Federal Government for submitting a comprehensive package of tax reforms to the National Assembly, which aims to reform the Value Added Tax regime, simplify tax policy laws, and improve tax administration. The loan disbursement has been tied to the implementation of specific economic reform conditions, which Nigeria has fulfilled. The World Bank document states, The borrower has prepared and submitted to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, a comprehensive package of tax reforms, which not only reform the VAT regime but also simplify tax policy laws and tax administration. Information Nigeria reports that while some have praised the governments efforts to reform the economy, others have criticized the policies, citing their impact on the cost of living for Nigerians. The government has introduced palliatives, such as the disbursement of N25,000 to households, but only less than two million households have benefited so far. The Nigerian Senate has disclosed that the passage of the N49.7 trillion budget for the 2025 fiscal year will not happen before January 31. This comes after President Bola Tinubu presented the budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, urging lawmakers to expedite the passage of the appropriation bill. According to Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, budget defense by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government will commence on January 7. Advertisement READ ALSO: Finance Ministry Tops 2025 Budget Allocations As Over N1trn Goes To 10 Ministries Each The joint committees of the House of Representatives and Senate on Appropriations will then present the final report of the budget on January 31. Senator Adaramodu confirmed to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday saying , Joint Committees of Senate and House of Representatives will start meeting with MDAs on January 7. Final report will be laid on 31st January. The appropriation bill has already scaled second reading at both chambers of the National Assembly. The presidency has urged Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State to focus on resolving the developmental and poverty challenges in his State rather than issuing threats against President Bola Tinubu. This comes after Governor Mohammed described the Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Tinubus administration as anti-North and a threat to the unity of Nigeria. In a statement on Monday, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, cautioned Governor Mohammed against making inflammatory statements, saying they are unbecoming of his office and public status. Advertisement It bears noting that Bauchi State has received N144 billion (State and LGA) in federal allocations under the current administration a significant increase from previous disbursements. Yet his state continues to grapple with serious developmental challenges and high poverty rates. Rather than issuing threats, his energy might be better directed toward implementing effective poverty alleviation programs and ensuring transparent utilization of these federal resources, he said. READ ALSO: No One Will Stop Me Bala Mohammed Undecided On 2027 Presidential Bid Dare emphasized that the Governors statements do not represent the position of the Northern region, which seeks collaborative governance and constructive engagement with the Federal Government. The presidency highlighted the significant benefits of the proposed tax reforms, including federal allocation benefits and development opportunities. These benefits, he noted, include streamlined taxation systems, enhanced revenue collection efficiency, and protection of informal sector workers. The reforms also create frameworks for attracting investments through tax incentives and capacity building for state revenue services. The Presidency however urged Governor Mohammed to retract his confrontational remarks and redirect his focus toward productive dialogue with the Federal Government. Nigerias journey toward prosperity demands unity of purpose, not divisive rhetoric. The path forward lies not in confrontation but in collaboration, not in threats but in thoughtful engagement, and certainly not in divisive statements but in unified action toward our shared goals of development and progress, the statement said. Three abducted victims have been rescued by the Nasarawa State police on Saturday following a raid on the kidnappers hideout. In a statement on Sunday, by the commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed that police operatives from the Gitata Division in Karu Local Council conducted a raid on the kidnappers hideout and rescued three victims: Abdulsalam Shuaibu, Sani Shuaibu, and Blessing Okorie. He stated that the police division received information about an attack on a Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with three occupants traveling along the Kaduna-Keffi highway, after which the victims were abducted and taken to an unknown location. Advertisement READ MORE: Nasarawa Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Rustled Cows Upon receipt of the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area, SP Zaks Wambai, swiftly mobilised his men to the scene and combed the vicinity. The kidnappers hideout was invaded, and they were dislodged, paving the way for the rescue of the victims unhurt, he said. The states Commissioner of Police, Shettima Mohammed, commented on the situation, praising the police for their efforts and urging them to continue the fight against criminals. President Bola Tinubu has commended the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Monday, Tinubu described the development as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians hope in his administration. The former governor of Lagos State also praised Mele Kyari-led management of the NNPCL for working hard to restore Nigerias glory and pride as a major oil-producing country. Advertisement The statement reads: Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Limited restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November. READ MORE: 20 Illegal Refinery Sites Destroyed, 90,000 Litres Of Fuel Recovered Nigeria Army With Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) going into operation after several years of inactivity, President Tinubu has once again expressed his administrations determination to ramp up local refining capacity and make Nigeria a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa. The All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari awarded the contract for the complete rehabilitation and overhaul of the four state-owned refineries. The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future than we promised. This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition. I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa. I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa. Social media activist VeryDarkMan has shared a significant update regarding the hacking of his non governmental organisation website, revealing that 78 million has been recovered from the breach. The activist had previously alleged that 160 million had been stolen from the site, causing a wave of public outrage. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, VeryDarkMan confirmed the partial recovery of the stolen funds, but also disclosed that an accomplice, who holds the remaining funds, has fled to Ghana. Advertisement The individual arrested in connection with the theft reportedly confessed to the role of the accomplice, further complicating the case. VeryDarkMan expressed his plans to travel to Ghana soon in an effort to track down the fugitive and reclaim the remaining funds. READ MORE: You Found Your Voices; You Couldnt Be Silenced Farotimi Acknowledges Nigerians Solidarity On His Release From Detention He also provided further details on the investigation, revealing that an analysis of the website uncovered a wide range of threats from various countries. According to the findings, the countries with the highest number of cyberattacks on the site were the USA, Nigeria, Moldova, Singapore, and Israel. In his video, VeryDarkMan thanked supporters who reached out to him following the incident. He partly said, First of all, I really want to say thank you to all the people who have reached out to me since this incident happened. Even people I didnt expect have called to check on me, and Im really grateful. Thankfully, weve recovered 78 million, though the arrested suspect admitted his accomplice has fled to Ghana. Hopefully, well head to Ghana soon. When the website analysis was conducted, heres what we found: Top threat regions and countries: USA (614 threats) Nigeria (58) Moldova (4) Singapore (3) Israel (3). See some reactions below to the post @Inkandfeather2: If truly the other suspect is at large in Ghana, isnt it unwise for him to disclose that publicly as he may attempt to change location again? @ndictmedia: The sucess so far, I thought it was just a joke. @Aare_SA01: See the way I they laugh Money wey no commot for . VDM dey whyn us. @gurny_uy: Nah vdm go later kiiiii alll this people wey no get shingba in ngo. @PiusEmm: Make this guy better give e life to Christ. In an era when cars need much less maintenance than they once did, it can be easy to forget the role tires play in a smooth, safe ride. When theyre in good shape, your treads help you avoid skids in the rain or ice, improve your gas mileage, and make driving more pleasant. Its time to replace your tires when they wear down to 1/16 inch of tread. Theyve reached this level when tire tread is even with the wear bars built into the tread. You can also measure the tread with a penny: Insert it Lincoln-head-first in a tread groove; if the treads dont cover part of Abes head, they are worn down too far. Advertisement If you dont drive often, you might need to replace your tires before their tread is worn. Tires dry out with time, reducing performance and safety. Many manufacturers recommend replacing tires after six years, no matter the tread wear. Regardless of tread wear or age, replace a tire if you see a bulge or blister on the sidewall; and if you see cuts or cracking, have an expert inspect it. You can buy a fresh set from tire specialty outlets, online sources, independent shops, and car dealers. But where can you get the most for your money? Undercover shoppers for nonprofit Delaware Valley Consumers Checkbook collected prices on popular name-brand tires from local and online operators, and found it pays to shop around you can save hundreds for the effort. To fuel your search, Checkbook is giving Inquirer readers free access to its full report on tire stores, plus all of Checkbooks ratings and advice, until Feb. 5. Heres what Checkbooks shoppers found. Major price differences Prices for a set of four Goodyear Assurance MaxLife tires for a Honda Civic ranged from $692 at Sams Club to $1,317 at Piazza Honda of Philadelphia a difference of $625. Overall, Ardmore Tire, BJs, Costco, and Sams Club had the lowest prices, but Checkbooks shoppers also found deals at Tires Etc., Tires Plus, Firestone Complete Auto Care, and some independent tire dealers and repair shops. Low tire prices online Online-only sellers also offered consistently low prices with vast selection. These retailers ship tires to your home or to a local shop for installation. Among them, prices at SimpleTire.com and Tirerack.com were the lowest. But factoring in installation costs, the average prices offered by all internet-only sellers were higher than prices at Ardmore Tire, BJs, Costco, or Sams Club. Know what youre looking for When shopping for price, specify exactly what you want. If you want mounting, balancing, and valve stems to be included, make that clear. And because there are so many tire models, many with very similar names and specifications, cite the tire model precisely, preferably by the parts number. You can still get great installation service if you buy online One way to get a good price on tires and quality installation is to order tires from a low-priced online seller (for the four models of tires Checkbook shopped, SimpleTire.com and Tirerack.com offered very low prices), and have them shipped to a top-rated auto repair shop. Not all repair shops install tires, but many do. Avoid pricey extras While shopping for tires, you may be offered road-hazard coverage. Some stores, including Costco, provide this type of coverage for free, but many charge an extra $50 to $200 to cover a set of four tires. The protection covers damage to tires due to road hazards during normal driving. If you get a flat caused by a nail, glass, or other road debris, the company promises to repair or, if necessary, replace the tire. But if you get a flat from accidentally running over a curb or other driver-caused errors, you get nothing. And these plans never pay for failure from worn tread; that type of problem is poorly covered under the manufacturers warranty. Unless theyre free, these plans arent good deals. If a nail flattens your tire, a shop will charge only $25 to $50 to plug it. Just as you cant predict when or where youll have a flat, you cant predict which tire will get one, so youll have to buy the plan for all four. So youre paying $100 or so to protect yourself against having to pay $25 or so for each tire repair and you may never need it. As with any type of protection plan pushed by big-ticket sellers, what youre really being offered is insurance that is highly profitable for the seller but provides little benefit to the buyer. If the roadside-assistance element of one of these plans is of value to you, consider joining AAA, which offers various membership benefits in addition to roadside help. Delaware Valley Consumers Checkbook magazine and Checkbook.org is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help consumers get the best service and lowest prices. We are supported by consumers and take no money from the service providers we evaluate. Emily Wilson of the University of Pennsylvania is the first woman to translate "The Odyssey" into English. Read more Penn classics professor Emily Wilson is back in the spotlight this month, thanks in part to Christopher Nolan. The Oppenheimer director recently announced an adaptation of The Odyssey as his next project, prompting a deluge of reactions on social media, from newcomers googling the ancient Greek text to literature nerds disparaging anyone unfamiliar with it (and simultaneously decrying the state of English education). Advertisement Considered one of the most significant works in Western literature, Homers Odyssey follows King Odysseus on his dangerous, long journey home after the Trojan War to reclaim his kingdom. The epic poem dates to the eighth century BC and its English translations have been a staple for classical and literature courses for decades. Thats where Wilsons groundbreaking contribution comes in: In 2017, she became the first woman to publish a translation of The Odyssey some 2,700 years after Homer wrote the original with a wholly fresh take that renewed contemporary interest in the ancient story. The Oxford and Yale grad has taught at Penn since 2002. Amid the reactions to Nolans forthcoming film, one librarian on X suggested Wilsons work as a good starting point, writing, Oh, youve never read The Odyssey??? Your timing is perfect. Emily Wilsons translation is the best one in literally ages, has that sweet iambic pentameter to give it a bouncy feel, & makes dudebros cry that the classic has gone woke. After the librarians tweet went viral, the internet has been debating Wilsons translation, reigniting conversations around her interpretations of female characters and comparing her verses to previous translators like Robert Fagles and T.E. Lawrence. Classics experts have praised Wilsons work, including her translation of The Odysseys prequel, The Iliad, and in 2019 she was named a MacArthur Foundation Genius Award winner. I wanted to bring out the potential [in The Odyssey], Wilson told The Inquirer that year. Theres more than one voice. Theres more than one character. Each of the characters is vivid, well-rounded, and has their own different perspective in the narrative. Its not as Odysseus-centric as some translations might make you think. Now that Nolan will adapt the epic poem for the screen, many hope that Wilsons much-lauded interpretation will serve as a reference point for his and his partner-collaborator Emma Thomas screenplay. Film production is scheduled to begin in 2025 with an estimated release date of July 17, 2026. So far a star-studded cast has been announced, including Matt Damon, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyongo, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Tom Holland. Matthew Gaudreau, who starred at Boston College and later played professionally, was killed in August after being hit by an alleged drunk driver. Read more Madeline Gaudreau, the widow of Matthew Gaudreau, announced Sunday on Instagram that she gave birth to their son, Tripp Matthew. Matthew and his brother, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, were killed on Aug. 29 after the two while bike riding were hit by an alleged drunk driver, Sean Higgins, in Oldmans Township, Salem County. Both Madeline and Johnnys widow, Meredith, were pregnant at the time, and both brothers were scheduled to be groomsmen in their sisters wedding the following day. Advertisement READ MORE: Family, NHL community provide moving send-off for Gaudreau brothers: To know both of them was to truly love them He was born to be a dad, Madeline said about Matthew at the memorial service in September. The moment we found out about our son Tripp, it consumed his every day. He was downloading apps, ordering books, finding the best diaper brand, making sure I had the best vitamins, and asking for tips from John. I will never forget the tears he had in his eyes when he first heard Tripps heartbeat. Matthew and Johnny grew up playing for the Little Flyers in South Jersey, and later at Gloucester Catholic. Matthew also played for the Flyers ECHL affiliate, the Reading Royals. Higgins was indicted on Dec. 11 by a Salem County grand jury on two counts of second-degree reckless vehicular homicide, two counts of first-degree aggravated manslaughter, one count of fourth-degree tampering with physical evidence, and one count of second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The Flyers honored the Gaudreau brothers on Dec. 21 before hosting the Blue Jackets, inviting the Gaudreau family to drop the ceremonial puck pregame. In early December, when Chance Anies, 33, the chef and owner of Tabachoy in Bella Vista, went shopping at Hung Vuong Market on Washington Avenue for bagoong, the Filipino shrimp paste, he noticed an alarming absence. He went to First Oriental, then other Asian markets in Philly, and then to several Asian pantry wholesalers. No luck. Tabachoys bagoong caesar is their most popular dish, to the tune of roughly 110 salads a week. Craig LaBan named it one of the best dishes he had in 2023 . But the crucial ingredient is bagoong, which gives the dressing its distinctive funk. Anies normally has a stockpile of bagoong at the restaurant, and similarly, bottles of Jufran banana ketchup, which he uses at home and in summer at Tabachoy, to pair with Filipino barbecued meats. When his stash of both condiments wound down to the last few, he went shopping and came up empty handed. A perfunctory Google search confirmed Anies greatest fears: It wasnt just a Philly problem. It was everywhere. When I googled them, I saw jars of bagoong on eBay for a lot of money. Walmart was selling a single jar for $49.99. I normally pay $3.49, he said. Advertisement Filipino ingredients were disappearing off the shelves of grocery stores across the country. Filipinos were panic-buying bagoong, banana ketchup , lechon sauce, and other ingredients, due to an FDA-imposed DWPE (Detention Without Physical Examination) import alert which automatically stops high-risk items from getting past the border. The primary ingredient that set off import alert 99-45 on Oct. 25, in regards to these Filipino pantry items, is a food additive called potassium iodate. (This alert affects imports coming from many countries, not solely the Philippines, and other food additives were also flagged.) Its a dough strengthener that can interfere with thyroid function in large doses. Other ingredients flagged included benzoate, which can negatively affect the gut microbiome, and BHA, a potentially carcinogenic additive. Potassium iodate was banned in the EU in 1990, but it is actually required in the Philippines. This is due to the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN), or Republic Act No. 8172, which was enacted in 1995. The ASIN law requires that all salt used for human and animal consumption be iodized to help prevent iodine deficiency disorders and improve the health and nutrition of the Filipino population, reads the policy statement of the Philippines FDA. Other shrimp paste, like those from Vietnam and Thailand, just arent the same. The stuff we use is bagoong alamang, which has a very pink hue that I love. It brings color to the bicol express. Its essentially poached tiny shrimp in a crazy pink sauce; its sweeter than other shrimp pastes. A lot of them, like the Vietnamese ones, are smoother in texture. You can see the exoskeletons in bagoong alamang which gives it a different texture, and its more funky, Anies said. At Tabachoy, I tasted a version of the bagoong caesar made without bagoong, substituting the ingredients with dried bonito flakes, and while satisfying, it was a mere shadow of its funky original. Anies had considered making his own, but it posed real obstacles. First, the timeline. Bagoong requires months long fermentation, not a simple project. And if something goes wrong, theres the risk of botulism. If youre the health department reading this, I am not doing that, on the record. I am not making my own fermented shrimp paste! said Anies. And if something goes wrong, theres the risk of botulism. If youre the health department reading this, I am not doing that, on the record. I am not making my own fermented shrimp paste! Chance Anies Just making fish sauce can take four to six months. Another option is to purchase Filipino ingredients made in America. But its expensive. Fila Manila, a Virginia-based company that started manufacturing Filipino pantry items during the pandemic, makes adobo sauce, kare-kare sauce, and banana ketchup. Before the alert went out on Oct. 25, affecting Filipino imports, owner Jack Deleon was selling about 5,000 bottles of his banana ketchup (which doesnt use potassium iodate) per month. Since the alert, he has seen a three times increase in sales. At one point, we were one of the top-selling ketchups on Amazon and that put us in league with Heinz, Hunts, and Frenchs, said Deleon. But he doesnt sell bagoong, and the product has a higher price point, which can be difficult for restaurants with narrow margins. A 10-ounce bottle of Fila Manilas banana ketchup retails for $9.50, in contrast to $4.95 for a 12-ounce bottle of Jufran banana ketchup. Filipino ingredients are slowly trickling back onto shelves. Filipino news outlets have reported that NutriAsia has reformulated their sauces in recognition of the FDA alert . This doesnt mean theyre safe forever. The FDA is also weighing a ban on food coloring Red #3 , which is sourced from petroleum and is a carcinogen. This will also affect imported banana ketchup and bagoong, though it is also found in many American-made foods such as candy corn, Hot Tamales, the cherries in fruit cocktail, and MorningStar veggie bacon. And as for Tabachoys bagoong caesar, its still on the menu. Anies snagged a cartful of jars at Hung Vuong right before Christmas. Firefighters outside of the hospital after fire and flooding prompt evacuations at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Delaware County, on Thursday. Read more A second electrical fire in less than a week broke out at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Delaware County on Monday morning, according to health and fire officials. No injuries were reported, the hospital said. Fire crews responded to an electrical fire in the 300-bed hospitals mechanical room shortly before noon, according to Upland Fire Marshal Dan Smith. Advertisement In a statement, Crozer Medical described as the incident as a smoke condition that began during maintenance on a transformer. Fire crews gave the situation an all clear by 1:15 p.m. No patient care areas were impacted and there was no disruption in services, the hospitals statement said. The fire at the Upland facility on Monday broke out days after an electrical fire in the same part of the hospital on Thursday evening led to the evacuation of 38 patients, disruptions throughout the hospital, and a heavy, multi-department response from fire crews. That blaze began after the hospital experienced a small flood that resulted in a fire, according to a statement that evening from Crozer Health CEO Tony Esposito. READ MORE: Fire at Crozer-Chester Medical Center prompts patient evacuations Critical care patients were evacuated from the facility to safe areas and we have been working with the county [to] ensure their safety, Esposito said. No injuries have been reported. The fires at Crozer Medical mark the latest obstacle for the embattled hospital system. Years of financial and leadership turmoil led Pennsylvanias attorney general to petition for state control of the facility this fall, with the office citing recent threats from Prospect Medial Holdings Inc., Crozers for-profit owner, to shut down key services lines including maternity services and the countys only trauma unit. Since being acquired by Prospect in 2016, two of Crozers four hospitals have closed, and the system has endured numerous rounds of layoffs and service disruptions including the abrupt closure of Crozer-Chesters emergency department for several hours earlier this month. Meanwhile, state health inspectors this year flagged two of Crozers hospitals for broken cardiac care equipment and providing inadequate care for cardiac and behavioral health patients. When Jimmy Carter was hospitalized after he fell and hit his forehead on a sharp edge at his Georgia home in 2019, there was immediate concern for the health of the longest-living former president. But as Carter emphasized the next day in Nashville, he had homes to build. More than a dozen stitches, a black eye and a large bandage on the 95-year-olds head did not stop him or his wife, Rosalynn, from building new porches for 21 homes in the city as part of their volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization focused on affordable housing. Video of Habitat for Humanitys Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project that week showed the former president focused as he drilled nails into boards and helped build one of the thousands of homes worldwide that he and his wife had worked on for more than 35 years. Advertisement They took 14 stitches in my forehead and my eye is black, as youve noticed, he told reporters in October 2019. But I had a No. 1 priority and that was to come to Nashville and build houses. In the decades since he left the White House, Carter used his own hammer and tool belt to help build, renovate or repair 4,390 homes in 14 countries for Habitat for Humanity, the organization said. In the process, Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100, made his volunteer work building affordable and decent housing a significant part of his legacy. When we left the White House, we could have done anything, Carter once said, according to Habitat for Humanity. But our choice was to volunteer as Habitat workers, and thats been a life-changing experience for us. Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan T.M. Reckford told The Washington Post that while Carter did not found or run the organization, in many ways he put us on the map. Reckford said its hard to separate the former president from the growth of Habitat for Humanity, which went from helping a few thousand people a year when Carter started working with the group to helping 7.1 million people in 2022. READ MORE: Jimmy Carter, tireless humanitarian admired as model ex-president, has died at 100 All around the world, people heard about Habitat and leaders got involved because of his example, Reckford said. That model of serving done in the image of a former president of the United States grabbed people in a powerful way that they hadnt seen before. Habitat for Humanity had been around for only a few years before Carters involvement brought worldwide attention to the nonprofit. Its origin story began in 1965, when Millard and Linda Fuller were on their way to New York and made a stop at Koinonia Farm, a small, interracial, Christian farming community in Sumter County, Ga. They worked with biblical scholar Clarence Jordan to develop the concept of partnership housing, in which volunteers and people in need of shelter worked together to build housing at no profit. That idea was at the core of Habitat for Humanity, which the Fullers founded in 1976. It did not take long for the Carters to support Habitat, which is based only a few miles from their home in Americus, Ga. But it wasnt until 1984, when Carter had a speaking engagement at a New York church, that the family became even more hands-on. Carter remembered that when he jogged by a Habitat build on Manhattans Lower East Side, which was the organizations first project in a large city, he thought to himself, Rosalynn and I should come up and give them a hand, according to the nonprofit. Carter visited the six-story redbrick building at 742 East Sixth Street on April 1, 1984, and saw that the tenement had spray-painted windows and a fire-blackened room that was knee-deep in garbage, reported the New York Times. Well, I can see youve got some work to do, Carter said to the volunteer workers. Five months later, in September 1984, the Carters led dozens of volunteers on a 27-hour bus ride from Georgia to New York to work on a Lower East Side tenement known as Mascot Flats. The Carters and the rest of the volunteers slept in the basement of Metro Baptist Church during their week of work. While Rosalynn Carter who died on Nov. 19 at the age of 96 told her husband she was going to help with the food and was not going to do hammering, the former first lady quickly went back on her vow. Jimmy asked me and some other women to pry up some linoleum from the floor, she told Habitat for Humanity. Just before we finished, somebody brought some boards for us to nail down. The first day, I was hammering. READ MORE: How cowriting a book threatened Jimmy and Rosalynn Carters marriage During that first build in New York, the former president recalled to reporters how he had seen an elderly woman cooking food over a trash fire that she built between two bricks, and realized what affordable housing could mean to the neighborhood and others like it. Ive learned more about the needy than I ever did as a governor, as a candidate or as a president, Carter told The Washington Post in 1992. The sacrifice I thought I would be making turned out to be one of the greatest blessings of my life. We have become small players in an exciting global effort to alleviate the curse of homelessness. In the years that followed, Habitat for Humanity became synonymous with Carters postpresidential life. Through the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, an annual home-building blitz, the Carters have worked alongside an estimated 104,000 volunteers across multiple continents, according to the nonprofit. Images and videos of the couple working on homes around the world were broadcast on TV and widely shared on social media. After the Carter Center announced that the former president would receive hospice care, people living in homes Carter helped build started thanking him for his work. In North Texas, Benita Luna said her big kitchen was her favorite part of the home that was constructed for her and her family during a 2014 build by the Carters. Going to help all these families out so they can have their own home, thats just something awesome, she told WFAA in Dallas-Fort Worth. Donald Kao, who has lived in New Yorks Mascot Flats building since it was renovated, recalled to WNBC how Carter and the residents tirelessly worked to make the tenement a place of pride. The Lower East Side was once an undesirable location, but apartments there now sometimes sell for millions of dollars. When the Carters returned to East Sixth Street in 2013, the citys Habitat for Humanity chapter said that almost 100 percent of the children in the building graduated from high school and went on to study at a community college or university. We were in a way privileged by the influence Jimmy Carter had, Kao told the TV station in February. There is no shortage of stories about Carter, who famously had a no-nonsense work ethic on build sites, Reckford told The Post. The CEO recalled a 1999 project in the Philippines in which Carter and a group of 14,000 volunteers were building 293 houses at six sites in the largest-ever Carter Work Project. Realizing they were falling behind schedule, Carter did what he could to help speed things up. He walks into a volunteers home and he goes, I see youre a little behind, do you have your toilet in? Reckford recalled. He goes, If I show you how to do it, then can you go next door and help your son? This is Jimmy Carter telling someone how to install a toilet in the sweltering heat. You could see how deeply meaningful it was to him. Reckford said Carter regularly pushed for Habitat to capitalize on his name to promote the organizations message. Hed take photos with volunteers after the project was finished, but the work always came first, Carter told the New York Times in 1984. As he smiled and waved at New Yorkers, who were in awe that a former president was spending his time building housing, Carter stressed the reason he was there and would be at Habitat sites for decades to come. I just hope people let me do my work, he said. Brandon Graham carries jello shots during the Jason Kelce Beach Bash in support of the Eagles Autism Foundation at Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City, N.J., on June 26, 2024. Kelce and other NFL players bartend for charity at the annual event. Read more MARGATE, N.J. The Shore felt especially Jersey this year, maybe more so than most years. Despite rising prices tempting comparisons to upscale destinations like the Hamptons or even Europe and efforts to redefine more affordable mainland towns as part of the Shore the southern part of the Jersey Shore held on to its most precious asset: It will never be confused with anywhere else. Here are the five Jersey-est Jersey Shore stories of 2024: Kylie Kelce drama Its just so very Jersey, and Philly, for the Eagles players to head down the Shore every year to meet their fans and pour them shots. But that doesnt even begin to get at the way the Kelces have remade the Shore in their image. Advertisement What could be more Jersey than a memorable lets charitably call it direct exchange with an annoying person in the parking lot of a crowded Shore restaurant, particularly one in Margate? Enter Kylie Kelce to show us how its done. Eye to eye. Without hesitation. With a vaguely embarrassed but supportive husband looking on. With nothing but vindication after the fact. All hail the Queen. End days of Wonderland Pier and ensuing freakout Wonderland Pier itself, of course, was a very Jersey attraction: stubbornly retro, losing money, arguably more in peoples memories than their current itineraries, and then, after its demise was announced, heralded as the most beloved thing at the Shore, how dare it close. But things close. And now, even with plans for a luxury hotel resort that would preserve the carousel, Ferris wheel, and beloved kiddie boat ride, and incorporate a nostalgic seashore aesthetic, opposition remains strong. Dont fret though, in the most Jersey thing of all, every last relic of Wonderland, all its lovingly oddball coal miner and fairy tale figurines that were hand crafted by staff artist Wayne Seddon, were carted off in trucks to be sold from a place on Route 130 in Burlington known as Obnoxious Antiques. Say less. State shuts down Remedee Coffee Theres nothing more Jersey than the state having rules that stop a thing that nobody objects to. And so our Atlantic City beach-block heroes, Amanda and Colie Escobar, of Remedee Coffee, had their lovely small-batch coffee-roasting business on Bartram Avenue shut down because they dared to sell some iced coffee in the summer. With a local blueberry shot to flavor it (nonalcoholic). And, like the still-missed food truck Fish Heads before it, also shut down by the state, there was nothing anybody could do about it. I do, however, believe Remedee will rise again in a different place in different form, so stay tuned. Watch the tram car, please woman gets litigious Decades of feel-good stories about the woman behind the Watch the tram car, please, announcement devolved into a feel-kinda-bad-for-her story after Floss Stingel came to the boardwalk with, who else, her Philly lawyer, and announced shed never really been compensated for doing her boyfriend a favor and recording the voice that has become synonymous with the Jersey Shore Wildwood in particular. Atlantic Citys perennial mayoral indictments, only more depressing Hate to be a downer, but indictments of Atlantic City mayors could be the most Jersey thing of all about the Jersey Shore. But oh for a good-old-fashioned petty corruption sting, or misuse of funds meant for a nonprofit. No, this years edition was more personal: Mayor Marty Small Sr. and his wife, Superintendent of Schools LaQuetta Small, are both charged in connection with the alleged abuse of their teenage daughter, an allegation they say is politically motivated and stemmed from nothing more than the challenges commonly associated with raising teenagers. Small joins Jim Usry, Michael Matthews, Frank Gilliam, and Bob Levy in the A.C. mayoral hall of (alleged) indictment infamy. The looming indictments havent stopped either Small from dismissing suggestions they step down from their powerful posts or from Mayor Small declaring every day a great day in Atlantic City. Another court appearance is scheduled for January. Honorable mentions: The Alitos using their home on Long Beach Island to fly their insurrection-adjacent flag during a summer when political flags marked territory all along the Shore; Shirley MacLaine, 90, finding a lot to love on one block of Arctic Avenue in A.C.s Ducktown neighborhood, and a proposal at Tonys Baltimore Grill turning sour after bartenders said they couldnt access surveillance footage as a keepsake to the happy couple (the internet sided with the bartenders). Keep it moving, lovebirds! On the upside, 2024 was a year that brought numerous sightings of bald eagles, monarch butterflies, and breaching whales and dolphin close to Shore. And, of course, there were/are those drones, hovering over the coast and elsewhere, sure to make 2025s list of ... yet to be determined. A view from the Hopewell Fire Tower at French Creek State Park in Elverson, Pa. A guided hike around Hopewell Lake is one of the First Day hikes planned in the region. Read more Looking for a different, healthier way to welcome 2025? Take a 2.5-mile guided hike Jan. 1 around Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park in Chester County. Or try a 3-mile nature walk through the woods at Belleplain State Forest in South Jersey and learn about Pine Barrens lore and tree identification. Advertisement Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey are offering a range of free First Day guided hikes to bring in the new year. Some require reservations and fill up quickly as the walks have soared in popularity, though you can always map out your own. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is hosting 70 hikes in 46 state parks and one forest district. Last year, 3,000 hikers participated. And New Jersey is offering 30 hikes, from beginners to advanced. Last year, 2,000 joined the walks. A mild forecast New Years Day will be unseasonably warm for a January hike, with a forecast of partly sunny skies and a high near 50. However, it will be breezy with a slight chance of rain. The higher than normal temperature could prompt more hikers to sign up, officials say. Hikes are designed to meet the needs of beginners and the more advanced. When the weather is mild and moderate, and people can get outside, we get good attendance, said Wesley Robinson, a DCNR spokesperson. First Day Hikes were first organized by the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) in 2012. Nationwide, there are more than 1,000 hikes available in state parks around the county. First Day Hikes offer a meaningful way to begin the new year with purpose, reflection, and a connection to nature, Lewis Ledford, president and CEO of the NASPD, wrote in an email Monday to The Inquirer. In Pennsylvania, DCNR staff and volunteers lead the hikes, usually about one or two miles long. Some can be longer, or more difficult than others, depending on terrain. Some of the parks have seen upgrades given that Pennsylvanias 2023-24 budget included $112 million for state park and forest infrastructure. They are pretty popular, Robinson said. He explained that the hikes became particularly popular during the pandemic when people yearned to get outside. That enthusiasm for New Years Day hikes hasnt waned, he said. In addition, thousands and thousands plan their own treks with family and friends. Robinson said Jan. 1 hikes have gained traction from people looking for something different from New Years Eve celebrations associated with heavy drinking. However, he also noted that while there are early morning hikes, some are scheduled for late morning or early afternoon for those who stay up late. Robinson also said the hikes are drawing more diverse crowds through the departments outreach for equity. We spent a lot of this year talking about equity and the efforts make people aware of how easy it is to get outside and start. John Cecil, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections assistant commissioner for state parks, forests, and historic sites, said the First Day Hikes provide the opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate, and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey offer online trail planning maps. To find a guided First Day hike in Pennsylvania, you can go to events.dcnr.pa.gov/search/events?search=First+Day+Hike, or in New Jersey, to www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/firstdayhikes/ Some local First Day hikes An easy 2.5-mile walk along the Hopewell Lake Loop. Runs 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and meets at the Hopewell Boat Launch at Hopewell lake, 785 Park Rd., Elverson, Pa. No registration is required. This 3.5-mile loop along the Equestrian Trail offers views of the creek and a stop at the historic hilltop Russell Cemetery. Hike runs 10 a.m. to noon, starting at the parking lot behind Pavilion 8. Register by email to Gary at muddyboots@comcast.net. Park address is 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd., Media. Women in the Wild hike runs 10 a.m. to noon and meets at Strickersville Parking Lot, 344 Strickersville Rd., Landenberg, Pa. This is one of Pennsylvanias newest state parks. This short, naturalist guided hike, between 1 to 2 miles, runs 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. It meets at the stone barn across the parking lot from the Johnson Ferry House, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd., Titusville, N.J. Limited to 25 hikers. Register here. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this 2.2-mile hike explores Wharton State Forests newest trail, the Atsion Family Camp Trail, offering views of views of Atsion Lake, mountain laurel, and Atlantic white cedars. Register by submitting this online form. Meet at Atsion Family Campground, Shamong, N.J. (GPS: 39.745972, -74.743974) Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Hi, Philly. Get ready to end 2024 with an umbrella: New Years Eve tomorrow will be a wet one, but fireworks at the Delaware River waterfront are still on. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel has spent his first year trying to bring change to a stubborn department. Our lead story digs into his tenure so far, which has brought both a striking decline in gun violence and battles with age-old issues. Advertisement And the Shore felt especially Jersey this year, as described in our rundown of the most memorable beach-adjacent stories of 2024. Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. In his first year as top cop, Commissioner Bethel has had change in mind more than 300 changes, actually. Thats how many to-do items were on the list he made at the start of his tenure as head of a long-challenged police department. I want to shake it up. I want to try different things, Bethel, who oversees 5,600 officers and a $900 million annual budget, told The Inquirer. And so Im pushing the department probably harder than theyve had in a long time. Still, change doesnt always follow a clear path. Gun violence is down dramatically, but thats true across the country, and theres no easy reason why. Homicide and nonfatal shooting cases in Philly were solved at higher rates this year partly because there were fewer. And then theres the formidable quest to raise community trust. Reporters Chris Palmer, Ryan Briggs, and Ellie Rushing examine Bethels impact, one year in. What you should know today Ah, the Jersey Shore. A serene place filled with demure beachgoers and politicians who have never been accused of wrongdoing. Just kidding! This year was as dramatic and memorable as ever. Among the standout moments: A Margate fan got into it with Kylie Kelce, and lost. The woman who voiced Watch the tram car, please is suing Wildwood. The beloved Wonderland Pier shut down to be replaced by a luxury hotel resort. Reporter Amy S. Rosenberg has the full rundown of the Jersey-est Shore stories of 2024. Trivia time Baldwins, operating out of a cavernous, centuries-old barn in West Chester, may be the United States largest what? A) Used book shop B) Meadery C) Milking house D) Christmas decor store Think you know? Check your answer. What were... Reviewing: The year in Philadelphia sports, from Jason Kelces retirement to several playoff flops. Rewatching: Phillys biggest film moments of 2024. Reserving: Rooms at these seven great restaurants for group dining in the burbs. Re-energized by: What these Philadelphians hope 2025 brings. Unscramble the anagram Hint: This 30-year-old Muppet created by a Bucks County native is now going viral via TikTok meme. KNIGHT PEPPER ANEW Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Russell Woessner, who solved Sundays anagram: Immanuel Wilkins. The jazz saxophonist landed a spot in Dan DeLucas top albums released by Philly artists in 2024. Photo of the day Your only in Philly story Think back to the night that changed your life that could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if youre not a lifer, something that made you fall in love with Philly all over again or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter. This only in Philly story comes from reader Jocelynn Wiernicki, who describes teenage mischief on an iconic commercial strip: I am a lifelong resident of the Philly suburbs in Bucks County. When I was in high school in the mid-80s, South Street was THE destination for all of the cool teenagers. My fondest South Street memory is the day my friends and I skipped school and walked to the train station and took the SEPTA train to Center City. From there, we proceeded on foot to South Street. We stopped at all the coolest stores: Skinz, Zipperhead, Tower Records, to name a few. Theater of the Living Arts TLA as it was known was another great destination to see the latest punk band shows such as Dead Milkmen or Violent Femmes. The day we ditched school for South Street was truly sublime. We returned home in the afternoon on the SEPTA train and our parents were none the wiser! Unfortunately for us, a teacher driving to school that morning saw us walking to the train station that morning. Busted! And we ended up with one day of in-school suspension. But it was well worth it for the iconic Philly day we had on South Street! See you back here tomorrow morning. Til then, be well. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. A nurse administers a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in May 2021. Vaccines not only work, but they are largely responsible for our ability to reopen our economy, writes Walter Tsou. Read more We are lucky to live in an age when scientific research was able to create a highly effective vaccine within a year of the COVID-19 virus entering America, one that helped prevent serious hospitalizations and death. Vaccines not only work, but they were largely responsible for our ability to reopen our economy as the pandemic abated. The ability to stop person-to-person transmission of a deadly airborne respiratory illness should be among the highest priorities of a nation, regardless of who sits in the White House. After all, viruses are nonpartisan, and vaccines are our best defenses. Advertisement We must not forget how frightening it was when literally hundreds were crowding our emergency rooms trying to breathe. Nor should we forget that as the pandemic struck, the chronic underfunding of public health departments left most unable to do basic public health practices like contact tracing, immunization programs, or tracking the virus spread. In frustration, many county leaders fired their public health directors rather than being willing to hear their recommendations. Over 1.2 million Americans are estimated to have already died from COVID-19, and the virus is unfortunately still evolving into other potentially deadly variants. The work of protecting the publics health requires experienced leaders who understand disease processes, appreciate medical research, prioritize prevention and outreach to the most vulnerable, and believe in basic public health practices like vaccination and fluoridation. As a former health commissioner of Philadelphia, I have concerns about the announced efforts to downsize the federal workforce. For too long, our country has treated the public health workforce like seasonal workers in a department store, rather than recognizing that the work of keeping the air clean, water pure, food nutritious, and surveilling disease threats is a full-time, 24/7 activity. Public health and prevention are the foundation upon which we build our health system, and decimating public health will risk more environmental catastrophes or disease outbreaks with far greater costs to our economy and American lives. It is wise for the incoming administration to focus on chronic diseases and risk factors. Much scientific research has shown a direct link between chronic diseases and major risk factors such as smoking, sugar-sweetened beverages, and environmental and toxic pollution. In Philadelphia, too many lives have been lost or permanently disabled because of the absence of gun regulations. The risk factors for chronic diseases also extend to how we raise our children and adverse childhood experiences, especially child and sexual abuse. Dismissing or dismantling the lessons learned from these risk factors could create its own epidemic of very expensive chronic diseases or needless disabilities. Our life expectancy is far worse than that of other developed nations, despite spending far more on the treatment end of health care rather than public health and prevention. We need leadership and funding to change our direction. Critics of public health professionals complain that we seem to be always saying the world is on fire. OK, but compared with how much we spend on health care as a nation, is it not worth asking ourselves if we couldnt do a better job of getting bang for our buck? Every other country with better health statistics spends less money per patient than we do. If our new health leaders want to disrupt the apple cart, they would do well to learn lessons from other countries health-care systems and take their best ideas. None of us want to live through another pandemic, but another one is very likely to occur in our lifetime. As the Trump administration chooses who will lead our national health efforts, it is essential it understands and values public health. Just as we value other public safety investments like our national defense or, more locally, police and fire departments, our public health workforce and medical research need to be fully supported. The cost of being unprepared to face another public health emergency is unacceptable. Walter Tsou is a former health commissioner of Philadelphia. Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, in 2019. Read more As Russia viciously bombed Ukrainian cities over Christmas and shot down an Azeri airliner with antiaircraft fire, it was hard to ignore the message from Moscow. A new foreign policy era has begun even before Donald Trump takes office. It will be quickly defined by how the president-elect deals with Moscows war on Ukraine. Advertisement The post-Cold War era of America as sole superpower has evolved into a multipolar world where the U.S. confronts an alliance of autocracies that believe liberal democracy is a dying political system even as many Americans have lost faith in their institutions. Joe Biden will be the last U.S. president who came of age under the idealistic aegis of John F. Kennedys, Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Trump, meanwhile, has given every signal that he finds the strongman system of governance far more appealing. That is why his pledge to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours will define the new era. If Trump cuts off U.S. aid to Ukraine and rewards Vladimir Putin for his aggression, it will signal American weakness. That would encourage a new period of aggression by Russia, China, North Korea, and a nuclear-capable Iran, in which America and Trump will be the losers. If, on the other hand, Trump pursues peace through strength, meaning a fair and secure peace for Ukraine, then the new era will start with a win for the president and America. READ MORE: How you can make a difference in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria | Trudy Rubin Here are seven reasons why Trumps bet on Putin is a losing strategy, and how betting on Ukraine would be a win. 1) Forget the bromance. Putins mocking attitude toward Trump was on display shortly after the election, when he allowed state-controlled Russian TV to troll the president-elect by showing nude photos of first lady Melania Trump in her modeling days. The TV host snickered. And despite Trumps warning to Putin not to escalate the war, Putin has been intensifying his missile strikes on Ukraines civilian infrastructure since November. 2) Trumps overeagerness for a quick deal has already convinced Putin hes in the drivers seat in any negotiations, so he keeps upping the ante. Trumps special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, has called for a cease-fire and a negotiated agreement that would let Putin keep territory already seized, without formal Ukrainian recognition. But it would supposedly ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a cease-fire or peace agreement. Instead, Putin still insists Ukraine has no right to exist as an independent state. He has stated publicly that Ukraine must dramatically limit the size of its army, leaving it open to future invasion. He would no doubt soon return to trying to wreck Ukraine by force or by sabotage. Trump would go down in history as the leader who lost Ukraine. 3) Trumps and Kelloggs ideas on how to secure Ukraine against future attacks are feckless. According to Kellogg, Ukraine would have to remain neutral and agree not to join NATO for decades. Meantime, Trump is unlikely to send further U.S. military aid and calls on Europeans to police a buffer zone along the cease-fire line. Yet, Putin has demonstrated in the past that buffer zones mean nothing to him. A few hundred Europeans separate from NATO would not be able to block a Russian attack. Moreover, Putin has announced he wont ever accept NATO membership for Kyiv, and Trump agrees. This means any forced Ukraine deal will collapse during Trumps presidency, labeling him a loser. Just like what he calls Biden over the withdrawal from Afghanistan. 4) Putin has also let it be known that his real goal in negotiations is much bigger than Ukraine. He wants to negotiate directly with Trump to divide Eurasia into U.S. and Russian spheres of influence like the post-World War II Yalta accord between Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin. In other words, diminish NATO and consign all the former Soviet republics and Warsaw Pact states to Russian dominance. That betrayal would convince the world that a blundering Trump had surrendered global power to U.S. adversaries. READ MORE: Trumps picks for key posts show he values revenge more than national security | Trudy Rubin 5) Trump kids himself that his negotiating skills will enable him to split Russia from China. Im going to have to un-unite them, and I think I can do that, he boasted to Tucker Carlson in October. This is a fantasy. A weak Russia needs China as a crucial market for oil and gas and as a partner in its effort to undermine the West. If Trump abandons Kyiv, he will convince both Putin and Xi Jinping that their partnership brings results. 6) While Putin is a present and future loser unable to beat much smaller Ukraine in three years and recently driven out of Syria Kyiv is a potential future winner. At a time when the U.S. and China are competing for key resources, Ukraine is a mineral superpower, with some of the largest reserves of 117 of the 120 most used minerals in the world, according to the Washington Post, including 22 of the 50 strategic minerals the U.S. considers crucial to its national security. Ukraine is also the breadbasket of Europe and Africa when Russia is not shelling its remaining ports. Will Trump give up the chance for great deals? 7) Ukraine is also a tech superpower that already shares innovative information with the U.S. military. Its experts have developed advanced drones and other military tools that are cheaper and quicker to produce than comparable U.S. weapons. The Ukrainian military is now the most skilled in Europe, and expanding its own weapons production. Although Europe gives Kyiv more aid, it cannot produce many of the weapons Ukraine needs. To sum up, Trumps treatment of Ukraine will be a signal to the world of whether the president has conceded global leadership to Russia and China, whose goal is to undermine the United States. As the Carnegie Endowment for International Peaces savvy Russia analyst, Alexander Baunov, recently wrote in Foreign Affairs, In Putins schema, Ukraine has become a tipping point in a global struggle between the Western elite and a new, Russian-led order. Trump still can tip the balance of the global struggle back toward the West. But that would require the president-elect to recognize that Putin is a liar who is far weaker than his pretenses. It would also require a steady flow of arms to Ukraine and an invitation to NATO both necessary to convince Putin that Trump will only support peace through strength. The City of Philadelphia still owns the land The Parker is built on. Read more At the northwest corner of 13th and Bainbridge, The Parker apartment complex opened in October with a third of its 45 units earmarked for affordable housing. Thanks to a unique agreement between the city and the development firm, it could be the start of a new method of bringing affordable rental housing to Philadelphia without stretching the citys limited resources. The project was developed by Benchmark Real Estate Partners, a small private firm, which built these affordable units with no government aid beyond the cheap land that the City of Philadelphia provided. The units are also supported by rents from the majority of apartments where tenants pay the market rate. Advertisement It maintains affordability in a neighborhood that is going to get more rich and more exclusive, said Kenneth Penn, president of Benchmark. We have people making anywhere from $38,000 a year to people making $180,000 and theyre living in the same building. Five of the units are reserved for residents making 50% of area median income (AMI), or about $38,000 a year. Nine units are reserved for those making less than 60% or an income of around $50,000. The city still holds a ground lease on the land The Parker is built on, which allows it to intervene if the developer does not hold up their end of the deal. Its an innovative twist that allows for permanently affordable housing, unlike many federal programs where subsidies often expire after a few decades as was recently seen with the University City Townhomes. This sounds very similar to what were seeing cities and housing authorities do across the country, said Paul Williams, executive director of the Brooklyn-based Center for Public Enterprise. By using public resources more creatively many cities have managed to build new kinds of mixed-income housing without scarce federal government aid. It is a similar idea to a community land trust a popular idea where a nonprofit like a community development corporation owns the land but in this case backstopped by a city agency, the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC). Philadelphia has seen some examples where community groups that own land for affordable housing fade away. Large municipal institutions have more staying power. When you are talking about perpetuity, a great deal of skill and expertise is required, said John Kromer, Phillys director of housing in the 1990s. Both the Housing Authority and [the city housing agencies] currently have the capability to play a land trust kind of role as illustrated in [The Parker]. More power to them. For some policy experts, The Parker is a prime example of what Philadelphia should be doing with its vacant land in areas like Hawthorne, where city-owned property sits in the midst of a hot real estate market. Its an alternative to using city-owned land for home ownership or just selling it off. But Penn warns that the city doesnt own many other properties of this size in neighborhoods where the rents from market rate units would be high enough to subsidize the affordable units. You need to really be in a market where the land is very expensive, said Penn. 19147 is probably one of the richest zip codes you can have, so it makes that easy. If youre trying to do this in North Philadelphia, its not going to work. Vacant for decades The land at 13th and Bainbridge has a long history. It was among the parcels seized by the city through eminent domain in the late 1990s. A long neglected public housing high rise had recently been demolished in the area, and policymakers sought to remake the neighborhood with mixed-income housing. National affordable housing developer Pennrose and South Phillys Universal Companies obtained the rights to develop the property at 13th and Bainbridge in 2005, but the plans floundered. The land was part of the 2020 federal indictment of Council President Kenyatta Johnson whose district covers the area when prosecutors accused him of helping Universal Companies to retain control of the land in 2014 after years of inaction from the nonprofit (where Johnsons wife worked at the time). The Johnsons were acquitted of all charges by a federal jury. In the midst of that controversy, the land reverted back to municipal control. Thats when PHDC requested proposals for a mixed-income project with permanently affordable housing on land the city would still control. The development process included community engagement with some skeptical neighbors who critiqued an earlier version that included no parking. Now, 13 vehicle spaces are included in an interior courtyard on the first floor, and an additional half fourth floor was added so no residential units were lost. The building is named for KeVen Parker, the late owner of Ms. Tootsies restaurant that once occupied the 1300 block of South Street. Council President Johnson attended the ribbon cutting for the project in October, and praised it in an Instagram video as a model for future affordable housing projects. This high-quality project has a mixture of affordable and market rate for both longtime and new residents, Johnson wrote. This new way of creating affordable development projects makes for a great and equitable future for the city of Philadelphia. Will Mayor Parker embrace the concept? Policymakers could have the chance to emulate The Parkers success next year. In 2025, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker is expected to unveil the details of her housing plan, which she has said she will use to build and repair 30,000 units of housing over her first term. Parker is a major proponent of Turn The Key, a program that also utilizes city owned land but incentivizes developers to build single family homes for more affordable ownership. While that program is expected to feature prominently in her housing proposal, Penn says the city could also seek to replicate the success of The Parker if it can find other publicly-owned properties in high rent neighborhoods The city needs to decide if this is something that they want to do going forward, said Penn. Personally, I would like to see these types of deals more but they have to be in the right location. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said it has seized more than 20,000 counterfeit Pennsylvania vehicle inspection stickers that were shipped from Israel to an address in Philadelphia. Customs officers found the stickers in two different shipments that arrived on two different days, Nov. 26 and Dec. 9, and confirmed with Pennsylvania authorities that the stickers were counterfeit, the agency said. The agency did not say in a Thursday statement who sent the stickers, who was to receive them or what purpose the stickers were going to serve. The agency said it made no arrests. Had they been real, the 22,000 stickers would have a value of $1.4 million, the agency said. Selling fake vehicle inspection stickers is illegal and a persistent problem for law enforcement, although at a much smaller scale. Pennsylvania requires that motor vehicles be inspected annually to ensure they meet minimum mechanical, safety and emissions standards. Punishment for using a counterfeit inspection sticker can mean a penalty of up to $500 and jail time, the agency said. Photo: This photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency shows counterfeit Pennsylvania vehicle inspection stickers. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency via AP) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Agencies Auto Atos SE said a ransomware group called Space Bears claimed on Saturday to have compromised an Atos database.The French technology company, whose activities include cybersecurity as well as cloud and high-performance computing, said theres no evidence so far that its systems were affected, and no ransom demand has been received. Atos said its cybersecurity team is actively investigating. The announcement comes nine days after Atos said it completed a financial restructuring, with its creditors taking control of the company. (Editors note: Paris-based Atos provided an official security statement on Dec. 29, which is available here). Photograph: The Atos SE headquarters in the Bezons suburb of Paris, France, on Friday, March 22, 2024. Photo credit: Anita Pouchard Serra/Bloomberg Topics Cyber Claims Hackers targeted around ten official websites in Italy on Saturday, including the websites of the Foreign Ministry and Milans two airports, putting them out of action temporarily, the countrys cyber security agency said. The pro-Russian hacker group Noname057(16) claimed the cyber attack on Telegram, saying Italys Russophobes get a well deserved cyber response. A spokesperson for Italys cyber security agency said it was plausible that the so-called Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack could be linked to the pro-Russian group. In such attacks, hackers attempt to flood a network with unusually high volumes of data traffic in order to paralyze it. The spokesperson said the agency provided quick assistance to the institutions and firms targeted and that the attacks impact was mitigated in less than two hours. The cyber attack has not caused any disruptions to flights at Milans Linate and Malpensa airports, a spokesperson for SEA, the company which manages them, said. While the websites were inaccessible, the airports mobile apps continued to function, the SEA spokesperson added. (Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari. Editing by Jane Merriman) Topics Cyber Aviation Russia South Koreas acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered on Monday an emergency safety inspection of the countrys entire airline operation as investigators worked to identify victims and find out what caused the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil. All 175 passengers and four of the six crew were killed when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway at Muan International Airport, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall. Two crew members were pulled out alive. The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul. Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families, he said. The aviation insurance industry could be looking at a claim for about $15 million to $20 million under the airline hull insurance policy, and total passenger liability claims of $120 million to $180 million due to the crash, according to Marcos Alvarez, managing director of global insurance ratings at Morningstar DBRS. As soon as the accident recovery is conducted, the transport ministry is requested to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the entire aircraft operation system to prevent recurrence of aircraft accidents, he said. As a first step, the transport ministry announced plans to conduct a special inspection of all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airliners beginning on Monday, focusing on the maintenance record of key components. The 737-800 is one of the worlds most flown aircraft with a generally strong safety record. It was developed well before the MAX variant involved in a recent Boeing safety crisis. Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from the Thai capital Bangkok, was trying to land shortly after 9 a.m. (0000 GMT) on Sunday at the airport in the south of the country. Investigators are examining bird strikes, whether any of the aircrafts control systems were disabled, and the apparent rush by the pilots to attempt a landing soon after declaring an emergency as possible factors in the crash, fire and transportation officials have said. Experts say many questions remain, including why the plane, powered by two CFM 56-7B26 engines, appeared to be traveling so fast and why its landing gear did not appear to be down when it skidded down the runway and into a concrete embankment. I cant think of any reason for being forced to make a landing like this, said aviation safety expert John Nance, a former military and commercial pilot who flew 737s for Alaska Airlines. The plane landed at high speed, and based on video, the pilots did not or could not take steps to slow it down, Nance said. CFM International is a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Frances Safran. On Monday, transport ministry officials said that as the pilots made a scheduled approach they told air traffic control the aircraft had suffered a bird strike, shortly after the control tower gave them a warning birds were spotted in the vicinity. The pilots then issued a Mayday warning and signaled their intention to abandon the landing and to go around and try again. Shortly afterwards, the aircraft came down on the runway in a belly landing, touching down about 1,200 meters (1,310 yards) along the 2,800 meter (3,062 yard) runway and sliding into the embankment at the end of the landing strip. You Dont Have a Wall Officials are investigating what role the localiser antenna, located at the end of the runway to help in landing, played in the crash, including the concrete embankment on which it was standing, transport ministry officials told a media briefing. Normally, on an airport with a runway at the end, you dont have a wall, said Christian Beckert, a flight safety expert and Lufthansa pilot based in Munich. You more have maybe an engineered material arresting system, which lets the airplane sink into the ground a little bit and brakes (it). The crash killed mostly local residents who were returning from holidays in Thailand, while two Thai nationals also died. I can only accept it, make peace with it, said Boonchuay Duangmanee, 77, the father of one of the Thai victims. When I think about it, I remind myself that it was an accident. Its something that can happen to anyone. So, Ive come to terms with it because no matter what I do, my daughter wont come back. On Monday morning, investigators were trying to identify some of the more than two dozen remaining victims, as anguished families waited inside the Muan airport terminal. Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash, said he was told by authorities that his brother had been identified but he has not been able to see his body. Park called on victims families to unite in responding to the disaster, citing a 2014 ferry sinking that killed more than 300 people. Many relatives of the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster complained it took authorities too long to identify those killed and the cause of that accident. Transportation ministry officials said the jets flight data recorder was recovered but appeared to have sustained some damage on the outside and it was not yet clear whether the data was sufficiently intact to be analyzed. The recorder has been transported to Seoul and an analysis will begin when a team of U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing officials arrive in the country late on Monday, the officials told reporters. Muan International Airport remains closed through Wednesday but the rest of South Koreas international and regional airports including the main Incheon International Airport were operating as scheduled. Shares of Jeju Air hit their lowest level on record on Monday, trading as much as 15.7% lower. Boeings shares fell about 2%. The 15-year-old planes workmanship and design are unlikely to be factors in the accident, but the crash underscores the headline risk to shares of airplane makers, Wolfe Research analyst Myles Walton wrote in a note. Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the NTSB since the plane was designed and built in the United States. A large memorial has been set up in a county gym about 9 km (5 miles) from the crash site, where people including acting President Choi came to pay respects. Choi, who is overseeing recovery efforts and the investigation, became acting leader just three days ago after the countrys president and prime minister were impeached over the imposition of a short-lived martial law. The aviation insurance industry could be looking at a claim for about $15 million to $20 million under the airline hull insurance policy, and total passenger liability claims of $120 million to $180 million due to the crash, according to Marcos Alvarez, managing director of global insurance ratings at Morningstar DBRS. (Reporting by Ju-min Park, Hongji Kim, Dogyun Kim in Muan, Jihoon Lee, Hyunsu Yim, Joyce Lee in Seoul and Hyonhee Shin in Sejong; additional reporting by Napat Wesshasartar in Bangkok, Carolyn Cohn in London, Dan Catchpole in Seattle, Abhijith Ganapavaram and Dave Graham, Aatreyee Dasgupta in Bengaluru; writing by Jack Kim; editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Michael Perry, Ros Russell, Susan Fenton and Rod Nickel) The three largest insurance brokers each announced or closed multi-billion-dollar acquisitions in 2024. The topic was one of many in which readers of Insurance Journal kept a close eye this year. Also the last 12 months saw difficulties in the personal auto insurance line of business give way to problems within homeowners insurance, leading some carriers to make dramatic adjustments to books of business and leading a perennial leader of personal insurance to post some historically bad financial results. Readers of the National section also regularly clicked on stories related to layoffs, Trumps appeal bond from Chubb, hurricanes, and litigation. The Top National Insurance Journal Stories for 2024 The Big Get Bigger Marsh McLennan, Aon, Gallagher With Significant Acquisitions Arthur J. Gallagher most recently made headlines with its agreement to acquire AssuredPartners for $13.45 billion cash to expand its reach in the U.S. middle-market, but it was the third of the three big brokers to announce or wrap up large acquisitions in 2024. AssuredPartners ranked No. 5 in Insurance Journals 2024 Top 100 Independent P/C Agencies list based on P/C revenue. AM Bests ranking of the worlds biggest insurance brokers put AssuredPartners in 14th based on 2023 total revenue. Arthur J. Gallagher ranked third on the AM Bests list, behind March McLennan and Aon who each also made headlines by completing buys of McGriff Insurance Services and NFP, respectively. In November, Marsh McLennan completed the purchase of McGriff Insurance Services for $7.75 billion. In April, Aon completed a $13 billion acquisition of middle-market P/C broker NFP. Bad Results for the Good Neighbor State Farms brand recognition is so broad, so it is no surprise to see the popularity of stories regarding its historical financial troubles. It isnt every day a 100-year-old insurer, especially of State Farms stature, records its worst underwriting loss ever. State Farm did just that in 2022 and 2023. Results for 2024 are upcoming. AM Best in April downgraded the financial strength rating of State Farm General. The insurance industry rating firm has its eye on the homeowners insurance line, which has caused headaches for many more insurers than State Farm. AM Best recently switched its personal lines outlook from negative to stable, but that had more to do with improvements in auto insurance results. The homeowners line remains volatile. However, Allstate sees an opportunity. During its third quarter earnings call, Allstate said it is ready to grow homeowners. Top East Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top Midwest Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top South Central Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top Southeast Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top West Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top International Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 What were the top stories in each region? Glad you asked. Double-Digit Rate Increases From the Largest Auto Insurers Well, its not the only reason for the turnaround in auto insurance, but its a big one: Rate increases. Stories concerning auto insurers battle to turn a profit were the most read a year ago, and this year what insurers did about it were as popular including this one about S&P Global Market Intelligences report that all of the top 10 U.S. auto insurers raised rates double digits. A better regulatory environment and accelerated technology adoption also helped get insurers back on track. Rate increases were certainly a part of the improvement plans of Allstate and Progressive. Strategies and timing were a bit different, but the earnings of these insurers who count on agents were clicked on regularly. Progressive to End Landlord Insurance Speaking of Progressive, its decision this year to stop offering dwelling fire insurance was widely read. Dwelling fire, often dubbed landlord insurance and aimed at non-primary residences and rental properties, represented 3.6% of the insurers property policies as of Sept. 30. Progressives overall plan is aggressive. And getting rid of unprofitable business is part of the strategy. A year ago it got started by dropping more than 100,000 homeowners and landlord policies in Florida. Trump Posts $91.6M Bond From Chubb This one had a bunch of obvious ingredients for reader-heavy content. Chubbs Federal Insurance Co. issued a surety bond to Donald Trump. It allowed the now president-elect to appeal an $83.3 million verdict against him in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case. Based on the subject matter and the lack of understanding regarding appeal bonds, Chubb found itself in more than insurance trade-publication headlines, leading CEO Evan Greenberg to issue a letter to brokers, clients, and investors. More Unfortunate Industry Layoffs As in 2023, 2024 had its share of news on layoffs within the insurance industry. During the year, pink slips were handed out at Liberty Mutual, USAA, and Nationwide. Insurers Shed Lines of Business Remember that bit above about the homeowners line? The headwinds in homeowners, or a rethinking of personal lines business entirely, led some insurers this year to change appetites. Among the most popular stories was American Nationals exit in homeowners. The insurer started leaving the homeowners insurance business behind in nine states including California and Louisiana. Then it exited the line in all states. Main Street America Insurance said last summer it will stop offering personal lines insurance in favor of a commercial lines strategy. After Tens of Billions in Insured Losses, Record-Breaking Hurricane Season Ends The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season packed a punch, set some records, and may have been one of the costliest hurricane seasons to the insurance industry when all is said and tallied. Five hurricanes (Debby, Beryl, Francine, Helene, and Milton) made U.S. landfall in 2024, and two (Helene and Milton) were major hurricanes. Total estimated insured losses from the hurricanes could approach $70 billion. Industry Critiques Trumps Auto Insurance Rate Data, Promise to Cut Premiums A September social media post by Trump may have inadvertently pointed out why industry trade associations spend so much time trying to educate our leaders and lawmakers. Your Automobile Insurance is up 73% VOTE FOR TRUMP, ILL CUT THAT NUMBER IN HALF!, he said. Trumps reference to a 73% increase in auto insurance rates seems to have no basis in fact said economist Robert Hartwig, a professor in the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, and former president of the Insurance Information Institute. AIG Sues Newly Launched Dellwood Insurance and Its Founders Three gentlemen left AIG to start a new insurance company. AIG didnt like the way they did that one bit. Therefore, shortly after Dellwood Insurance launched, it was sued by AIG. Dellwood said AIGs claims are ginned up. AIG called Dellwoods arguments to dismiss the suit, quixotic. To be continued. Other well-read stories of 2024: Heres a video discussing popular National articles, produced by Wells Media Group editors and our new-media team. AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. acknowledged that theyd been hit by the China-linked Salt Typhoon hacking operation but that their networks were now clear from the intrusion. The hackers attempted to gain information about foreign intelligence, Dallas-based AT&T said Saturday in a statement. New York City-based Verizon said in a separate statement that a small number of high-profile customers in government and politics had been targeted. We have not detected threat actor activity in Verizons 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 Chief Legal Officer Vandana Venkatesh said the statement. An independent cybersecurity firm confirmed the containment of the threat, Verizon said. Both carriers said they are cooperating with authorities and notifying parties whose information may have been compromised. We detect no activity by nation-state actors in our networks at this time, AT&T said. Based on our current investigation of this attack, the Peoples Republic of China targeted a small number of individuals of foreign intelligence interest. In the relatively few instances in which an individuals information was impacted, we have complied with our notification obligations in cooperation with law enforcement. The Wall Street Journal reported in October that telecom carriers including AT&T and Verizon were hit by the Salt Typhoon network intrusions, and the hackers potentially accessed systems the federal government uses for court-authorized network wiretapping requests. Since then, information about whats going on inside the carriers hasnt been shared widely. T-Mobile USA Inc. disclosed that it caught suspicious behavior on network-level routers that appeared consistent with Salt Typhoon, but it booted the attackers before they accessed any customer data. The White House confirmed Friday that nine telecom companies were breached in the intrusion, nicknamed Salt Typhoon by Microsoft Corp. threat researchers, but US officials didnt name the affected companies. US officials have said they still dont know exactly how many Americans were targeted and that its impossible to predict how long it will take to eradicate the threat across the country. China has repeatedly denied involvement. The Biden administration recently called telecom industry leaders to a closed-door session in which industry and government representatives discussed how to address the vast vulnerabilities. The attendees included AT&T Chief Executive Officer John Stankey. Photo: Photographer: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Cyber Readers of Insurance Journal were drawn to South Central headlines detailing the complexities facing the insurance industry, from legal and regulatory issues to the evolving landscape of cyber threats and natural disasters. Other popular topics include insurance fraud and unscrupulous lawyers and contractors. Top 10 Insurance Journal South Central Stories of 2024 Houston Hire A Dick Attorney Faces Another Six Figure Sanctions Order Houston plaintiffs attorney Eric B. Dick was ordered in January to reimburse an insurer over $100,000 for the second time in three months. A Galveston County judge found that a lawsuit Dick filed against Standard Casualty Co. was frivolous, groundless, and made solely for the purpose of harassment due to a lack of evidence. This follows a similar sanction in Harris County for a lawsuit against the same insurer. Both courts criticized Dicks practice of designating expert witnesses without proper investigation or retention. Dick has a history of aggressive litigation tactics and has faced accusations of campaign finance violations. Louisiana Insurance Producer Arrested for Fraud, Theft Louisiana State Police arrested Albert Frederick Peterson III, a Baton Rouge insurance producer, for insurance fraud and theft. An investigation revealed that Peterson fraudulently obtained and misappropriated over $30,000 in premiums and insurance refunds intended for members of the Baton Rouge Police Union between 2019 and 2021. Peterson was arrested on March 18, 2024, and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Southwest Wins Appeal in Cyber Excess Coverage Dispute With Liberty The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Southwest Airlines can continue to seek reimbursement from Liberty Mutual for costs incurred during a 2016 computer failure. The court disagreed with the lower courts ruling that Southwests costs were discretionary and not covered by the insurance policy. The case centered on a massive computer failure that disrupted Southwests flight schedule for three days in 2016. Southwest incurred significant losses, including costs for customer reimbursements, travel vouchers, and advertising. Liberty Mutual denied Southwests claim, arguing that these costs were not covered by the insurance policy. The appeals court found that the district court erred in concluding that Southwests costs were entirely discretionary. The court stated that these costs may be recoverable if they were incurred to mitigate the impact of the computer failure. However, the court emphasized that Southwest would need to demonstrate that these costs were necessary and did not put the airline in a better position than it would have been without the interruption. The case was remanded back to the district court for further proceedings consistent with the appeals courts ruling. Top National Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top East Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top Midwest Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top Southeast Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top West Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top International Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 What were the top stories in each region? Glad you asked. Louisiana Contractor Charged for Allegedly Damaging Homeowners Roof This story details a case where a roofing contractor, Zechariah Moore, allegedly defrauded homeowners by intentionally damaging their roof and then falsely claiming the damage was caused by wind, in order to file an insurance claim. After inspecting the roof, Moore presented the homeowners with a costly repair estimate and encouraged them to file an insurance claim, promising that their out-of-pocket costs would be minimal. However, a subsequent inspection by another contractor revealed the damage to be manmade. Moore was arrested and charged with felony damage to property with intent to defraud. The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued a cease and desist order against Moore and his company, highlighting the detrimental impact of such fraudulent activities on homeowners and the insurance market. Stray Dogs Cause Over $350,000 in Damages at Houston Car Dealership Two stray dogs were captured after causing over $350,000 in damage to vehicles at a Houston car dealership. Surveillance footage showed the dogs scratching paint and tearing bumpers off the cars, likely while chasing stray cats. The dealership contacted animal control, and both dogs are now in their care. The first dog has been deemed adoptable, while the second is still being evaluated. This incident follows a similar case in Italy where a dog with gum disease was found to be responsible for damaging multiple parked cars. Oklahoma Manufacturer Sued for Firing Employees Over COVID Vaccine Exemptions The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against AG Equipment Company, an Oklahoma-based manufacturer, alleging that the company violated federal law by firing 10 employees who refused to receive a COVID-19 vaccination due to religious beliefs or medical restrictions. Despite receiving requests for religious and medical exemptions, the company mandated vaccinations without considering any exceptions and terminated the 10 employees, along with 77 others who were unvaccinated. This alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibit discrimination based on religion and disability. Houston Windstorm Causes Preliminary Economic Loss of $5-7B: AccuWeather A powerful windstorm that swept through southeast Texas in May caused widespread damage, leaving at least seven people dead and hundreds of thousands without power. The storm, characterized by straight-line winds exceeding 80 mph, caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in the Houston area. Preliminary estimates by AccuWeather suggest the total economic impact of the storm could reach $5-7 billion, including both insured and uninsured losses. The damage was so severe that AccuWeather likened the event to a brief mini-hurricane, emphasizing its historical significance as one of the most damaging non-hurricane storms in Houstons history. Louisiana Lawmakers Pass Auto Insurance Reform Bills to Boost Market Competition Louisiana lawmakers passed auto insurance reform bills aimed at improving market competition and reducing excessive payouts. These bills, supported by Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, include provisions like limiting direct action lawsuits, capping damages to actual medical expenses, implementing an offer of judgment rule, and establishing a prescription period for property damage claims. These reforms are expected to make Louisiana a more attractive market for insurance companies by reducing the risk of costly litigation, ultimately improving the availability and affordability of auto insurance for residents. Wife of Ex-Texas Trucking Magnate Sentenced in $9M Work Comp Fraud Scheme Frances Hall, the wife of a former San Antonio trucking magnate, was sentenced in July for her involvement in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme. Hall, a former co-owner of Bill Hall Jr. Trucking, manipulated payroll information to avoid paying $9 million in workers compensation premiums to Texas Mutual Insurance Company. This deception involved underreporting payroll and concealing crucial financial documents to obtain lower insurance rates for their gravel hauling business. Hall entered a plea agreement in May, resulting in a 10-year deferred adjudication sentence. As part of the agreement, she is required to pay $150,000 in restitution and undergo treatment recommended by the probation department. Texas Supreme Court Rules to Cut Out Attorneys Fees in First-Party Appraisals The Texas Supreme Court ruled that insurance companies are not liable for attorneys fees in weather-related property cases if they fully pay the appraisal award plus any statutory interest. This ruling stems from a dispute between a homeowner and Safeco Insurance, where the homeowner sued after receiving a payment but sought additional funds. The court found that since the insurer fulfilled its obligations under the policy, no money judgment was awarded to the homeowner, making attorneys fees unavailable under state law. While insurance defense attorneys praised the ruling, arguing it discourages the use of appraisal as a litigation tactic, policyholder attorneys expressed concerns about potential unfair practices by insurance companies and called for legislative action to address the issue. Heres a video discussing the top 10 South Central articles, produced by Wells Media Group editors and our new-media team. A genetic analysis suggests the bird flu virus mutated inside a Louisiana patient who contracted the nations first severe case of the illness, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week. Scientists believe the mutations may allow the virus to better bind to receptors in the upper airways of humans something they say is concerning but not a cause for alarm. Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher, likened this binding interaction to a lock and key. To enter a cell, the virus needs to have a key that turns the lock, and this finding means the virus may be changing to have a key that might work. Is this an indication that we may be closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus between people? No, Osterholm said. Right now, this is a key that sits in the lock, but it doesnt open the door. The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly mild illnesses in people in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms. The Louisiana patient was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms from bird flu after coming in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. The person, who has not been identified, is older than 65 and has underlying medical problems, officials said earlier this month. The CDC stressed there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else. The agency said its findings about the mutations were concerning, but the risk to the general public from the outbreak has not changed and remains low. Still, Osterholm said, scientists should continue to follow whats happening with mutations carefully. There will be additional influenza pandemics and they could be much worse than we saw with COVID, he said. We know that the pandemic clock is ticking. We just dont know what time it is. ______ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Louisiana Two Florida-based insurance companies are expanding their product lines, another sign that insurers are making more if limited moves into a warming market in the state. Amelia Underwriters, a wholesale and surplus lines broker based in Fernandina Beach, is now offering a broader range of lines of business through the Florida Association of Insurance Agents Independent Marketing Solutions. Amelia, which offers commercial property, general liability, trucking, homeowners and canine liability coverage, also recently began writing artisan contractors general liability in Florida through Cimarron Insurance, the company and FAIA said in recent postings. Meanwhile, Security First Insurance Co., headquartered in Ormond Beach, announced it will offer an HO-5 turnkey program through homebuilders, to be managed by Embark MGA, a managing general agency. The product, which Embark called an embedded program, can be included in the final cost at closing for new-home buyers. An HO-5 can often provide a higher limit on indemnity, more comprehensive coverage on a property and its contents, and replacement value on a home and its belongings. Such a policy often comes with higher premiums, though, explained Scott Johnson, a Florida insurance consultant and educator. But with the lower risk that comes with new homes with new roofs, the premiums on the policies could actually be 20% to 30% lower than those for a comparable HO-3 policy, said Security First President Melissa Burt DeVriese. New homes built to new building codes make it easier to predict risk, she noted. New homes havent had any losses, and a lot of new homes have a higher replacement cost, she said. Security First has not put a target on the number of policies it expects to sell under the program. This is another way to get our policies in the hands of consumers, she said. This is a convenience to the consumer, but the consumer still has every option to go through an agent and secure their own property insurance. The carrier in October filed for approval with the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. But when the office did not move swiftly to review, Security First withdrew the filing in mid-December. The OIR staff may be short-handed following the unexpected death of longtime actuary Robert Lee in early December, delaying rate filing reviews, DeVriese said. The company will refile soon as a use-and-file, allowing it to take effect before regulatory approval, she said. The October filing shows a wide range of rates for a house with a $150,000 replacement value. But DeVriese said that actual quotes on three homes give a better idea of the premiums: A masonry home in Winter Garden (Orange county) with a shingle roof and a coverage A of $355,000 would have an annual premium of $1,151; A frame home in Port St. Lucie (Saint Lucie County) with a shingle roof and coverage A of $350,000 would be about $3,868; A masonry home in Nokomis (Sarasota County) with a tile roof and coverage A of $350,000 would be $2,128. A few other carriers, including American Integrity, Tower Hill Insurance, Chubb and others, have offered similar HO-5 programs in recent years. For Security First, the move can be seen as another adjustment in an evolving Florida market: The carrier announced in May that it would reduce HO-3 rates by an average of 5.2%, thanks in part to legislative reforms in 2022 that are credited with significantly reducing claims lawsuits and litigation expenses for property insurers. In the last few years, Security First, like several Florida property insurers, has shed policies, going from about 166,000 policies in force in 2022 to about 135,000 this year, according to OIR quarterly reports. That approach could change, if only slightly, with the new HO-5 program: Despite news articles and studies suggesting that Floridas housing market is facing major headwinds from higher costs, including insurance rates and a construction labor shortage if immigrant construction workers are deported, DeVriese said the market is still seeing plenty of new homes built, statewide. She pointed to a Florida Economic Estimating Conference in July that predicted more than 111,000 private housing starts in 2025. That report, by the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research, however, suggests that the pace of home building in 2025 will be slower than this years pace and significantly less than the peak of 141,000 home starts in 2022. Over the next decade, home building rates will see almost no growth, the conference noted. Security Firsts HO-5 new-home program will offer open peril policies, with a broader range of coverage than standard HO-3 policies, including coverage of personal belongings and incidents, such as service line and equipment breakdowns, the carrier said in a statement. The policies will cover some roofs that have solar panels. Pulte Homes, a major U.S. builder, is one home-construction firm that has shown an interest in the program, DeVriese said. Security First also plans to streamline the claims-handling process by keeping it all in-house, not with a third-party claims management firm, DeVriese said. Embark MGA is based in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Bill Caldwell is CEO. This article was updated Monday, Dec. 30 with new information about premiums on homes covered by the Security First HO-5 program. Topics Florida Underwriting From insurance lawsuits resulting from a murderous South Carolina lawyer and his family, to relentless Florida storm claims, a tight mobile home market and body-shop fraud charges, news stories gave Insurance Journal readers in the Southeast plenty to digest in 2024. Here are the top 10 best-read articles for the year. The Top Insurance Journal Southeast Stories for 2024 With American Mobile Cancellations, Florida Mobile Home Market Has Fallen Apart Reinsurance in Floridas long-stressed property insurance market was supposed to have stabilized this year with moderate rate increases and more availability. But those calmer waters apparently have not reached the mobile home market, and Florida insurance agents are now reporting that higher reinsurance costs have forced at least one carrier to cancel coverage for mobile homes and manufactured homes. Agents said they can find very little available coverage, especially for mobile homes that are more than two years old. One of our niches has been manufactured homes and mobile homes. But now the market has absolutely fallen apart in Florida, said John Gardner, of Fort Myers, principal at Lee County Insurance agency, one of the larger agencies in the area. Coverage Needed: Hundreds of Thousands in SE Now in Flood Zones With New Maps Many more properties, including hundreds of thousands of homes across Florida and other parts of the Southeast, were required to purchase flood insurance after July 31, due to revisions in federal flood maps. For some of the most exposed and populous parts of the region, in south Florida, the changes mean about 138,800 more structures in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward counties are now considered to be in the special flood hazard area, a significant increase from previous flood maps, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. For properties with mortgages, most owners will be required to buy flood coverage, bringing opportunity to insurance agents and private flood insurers, but more costs for insureds. Top National Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top East Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top Midwest Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top South Central Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top West Region Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 Top International Insurance Journal Stories of 2024 What were the top stories in each region? Glad you asked. Floridas Heritage Stock Price Drops After 60 Minutes Report on Adjusters Just as Florida property insurers faced another round of storm claims, CBS News in October raised questions about alleged insurer fraud stemming from claims incurred in the last major storm Hurricane Ian, which hit much of southwest Florida two years ago. CBS 60 Minutes, known as the longest-running investigative news show, aired a segment Sunday night that reiterated claims made by several independent claims adjusters. The adjusters have maintained that multiple insurance companies altered their repair estimates on homes damaged in Ian, in a way that lowballs and misleads insureds. Heritage officials said the 60 Minutes report is in error and the carrier had revised many estimates upward, paying insureds more than the initial adjusters had called for. The TV report appears to have had an impact, though. It received more than 610,000 views on YouTube and more than 3,200 comments. The share price of Heritage stock dropped sharply, as soon as exchanges opened the Monday morning following the report. The price had been holding steady at around $16 a share in recent weeks but dropped to about $12 that day. Florida CFO Bars Insurers From Altering Adjusters Reports Without Explanation A few days after the 60 Minutes report, and almost two years after a group of independent claims adjusters alleged that insurers had deceptively altered their damage estimates and low-balled policyholders, Floridas chief financial officer issued an emergency rule barring similar actions in Hurricane Milton claims. Any move in a positive direction is a good thing, said Mark Vinson, one of the whistleblowing independent adjusters who made the charges at a Florida legislative hearing in late 2022. The rule, posted Oct. 9, just as Hurricane Miltons eyewall made landfall near Tampa, prohibits desk adjusters from modifying field adjusters initial damage estimates unless the revised report indicates all changes, provides a detailed explanation of why the changes were made, and includes the identity of the desk adjuster responsible for the revisions. Another of the Florida adjusters who spoke up about the alleged insurer practices said the new rule is a partial victory but more needs to be done. Fannie Mae Guidelines Raise Concerns, Could Bar ACV Coverage for Homes A revised Selling Guide from Fannie Mae, a government-backed mortgage purchaser, created a stir in May when it appeared to require home insurance policies to provide replacement value for most homes with mortgages. That cut against the grain of a move by many insurers to provide actual cash value for more homes and condominiums, as storm and other losses have mounted. Freddie Mac, which mostly buys loans from smaller lenders, has also had its replacement-cost requirements in place for years, but early this year reiterated the stand in updated guidelines. A few days later, though, after some outcry by insurance groups, the mortgage giants decided to hold off on the plan. Fannie and Freddie officials suggested that the industry concerns were overwrought, anyway: The replacement-coverage guidelines have been in place for years, and the recent bulletins simply clarified things. Some insurance advocates, though, were worried. They have said that the mortgage-buying corporations have rarely enforced anti-ACV rules through the years, and the updates seemed to signal a new crackdown. Farmers Adjusters Cry Foul Over Workloads, Claims Handling in Letter to Regulators Farmers Insurance officials said in June that they have spoken with employees after receiving an anonymous letter, apparently from a group of in-house adjusters, accusing the insurer of understaffing and overworking claims professionals. Farmers Insurance has always been a leader in customer focus, professionalism, and integrity; however, the current work environment and conditions deeply contradict these core values, reads the anonymous letter, sent May 14 to Farmers and to insurance regulators in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. The letter said Farmers, a subsidiary of Zurich Insurance Group and headquartered in Los Angeles, was guilty of improperly managing claims due to the severe staffing problems. Although we as a group request to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, we feel we have an obligatory duty to report on the current working conditions and overall failure of compliant claims management taking place daily, the letter reads. Inadequate staffing and resources have resulted in unachievable expectations imposed on us, and in the best interest of our customers and policyholders as well as ourselves who are responsible for servicing their claims, its critical these issues are addressed. The Murdaugh Drama in SC Continues: Store That Sold Beer Now Suing its Insurers The saga of the Murdaugh family in South Carolina continued in 2024, with a convenience store company suing its liability insurers for failing to defend it against a second lawsuit stemming from the sale of beer to an underage Paul Murdaugh on a fateful night in 2019. The lawsuit in federal court in Georgia could add to the simmering debate over the high cost of liability insurance for establishments that sell alcohol in South Carolina, a cost that has driven a number of restaurants, bars and venues to close in the last two years. In the complaint, Parkers Corp. and its principal officers charge that Amerisure Insurance Co. and Utica Mutual Insurance breached the insurance contract by denying coverage for a lawsuit filed by the estate of a young woman killed in a boat crash a boat reportedly driven by the underage and intoxicated son of Alex Murdaugh. The elder Murdaugh is a former well-known South Carolina attorney who was convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife and his son, Paul, in 2021. Florida Agents Will Soon Need Three Appointments Before Selling Citizens Starting July 1, Florida insurance agents were required to have at least three appointments with authorized carriers before they can sell policies for the state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp. That was the mandate laid down by Florida House Bill 1503, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Previous law had required only one appointment for agents. Agents who are unable to, or choose not to obtain the required appointments will lose the ability to write, service, or renew business in that line of authority, the bulletin notes. The logic behind the law is not disputed: More appointments give agents and insureds more choices when seeking or renewing coverage, agents have pointed out. If an agent is appointed only with one or two carriers, and one of those is Citizens, its more likely that the policyholder will end up with the corporation that was created to be something of an insurer of last resort for the state. Its not a bad thing for consumers, said Karen Roeling, a commercial lines producer with Seibert Insurance Agency in Tampa. It gives more options. NC Body Shop Owner Charged With Using Used Parts, Billing for New A North Carolina body shop owner in April was charged with fraud in connection with the use of used auto parts, instead of new parts that the insurer had paid for. The state Insurance Commissioners office said that Christopher Mark Rogers, 51, of Dallas, North Carolina, had failed to use new parts in repairs. National General Insurance Co. had paid him for new parts in May of 2023, the office said. Rogers is the owner of CRM Collision, in Mooresville, which has been in business for 20 years, the Iredell Free Press reported. The alleged fraud would be considered a felony, NCDOI noted. Florida OIR Approves Another 54,000 Citizens Takeouts. More on the Way Takeout offers of policies from Citizens, Floridas state-created property insurer, became a regular event in 2024, as more primary insurers embraced a warming Florida market. In March, Floridas insurance commissioner approved a round of takeouts from the state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp., with assumption dates in May. That brings the total takeouts with 2024 assumptions to more than 354,134, the Office of Insurance Regulation reported. The takeouts, mostly for personal residential policies, support Citizens long-stated depopulation plan. As of late March, the corporation remained at more than 1.16 million policies in force, down slightly from late last year and keeping it as the largest property insurer in the state. By the end of 2024, Citizens policy count had dropped to 988,000. If 2023s numbers are any indication, the number of takeouts accepted by policyholders may be low. For the 646,600 takeout offers made in 2023, only about 130,400 policies were removed from Citizens a rate of 20%, OIR reports show. Heres a video discussing popular Southeast articles, produced by Wells Media Group editors and our new-media team. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Monday announced what he is calling the final step in his efforts to help the states ailing homeowners insurance market with the Net Cost of Reinsurance in Ratemaking Regulation, which enables reinsurance as a ratemaking factor and requires insurers to increase coverage in high-risk areas. The step, which the California Department of Insurance said will create more insurance coverage options for Californians while limiting the costs passed on to consumers, is designed to work with other reforms underway. The new regulations come as the state has seen broad insurance carrier pullback from the wildfire prone state. They also began requesting steep rate increases. State Farm applied for large rate increases in California, a year after the carrier got rate approvals of 7% and 20%. The insurer, the largest in California, insures nearly one-in-five homes in the state. It recently requested a 30% rate increase for its homeowners line, a 52% rate increase for renters and 36% rate increase for condo coverage. Allstate, which stopped issuing new California homeowners insurance policies in 2022, is seeking an increase in its California homeowners insurance premiums by an average of 34%. It would be the largest rate increase this year and would impact more than 350,000 policyholders. All other states except California allow for costs of reinsurance as a ratemaking factor. According to the CDI, reinsurance is the primary strategy most carriers use to continue to write and expand coverage in higher risk parts of California. The American Property Casualty Insurance Association, the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers said the reform is critically needed. Incorporating reinsurance into ratemaking is one of several critically needed reforms to stabilize Californias insurance market, Laura Curtis, APCIA assistant vice president of state government relations, said in a statement. California is the only state that does not allow reinsurance in ratemaking. We appreciate Commissioner Lara for taking this step as a part of his Sustainable Insurance Strategy. We look forward to carefully reviewing the regulation and working with the Department to ensure it effectively improves access and availability to insurance for all Californians. Consumer Watchdog warned that the new regulation would allow carriers to drive up home insurance rates by 40% to 50% without offering a substantive expansion in wildfire coverage. This plan could drive the price of home insurance up by 40% stated Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog. Tellingly the commissioner did not do a cost impact analysis of his plan on consumers. Thats because this plan is of the insurance industry, by the insurance industry, and for the industry. The Commissioner has left no opportunity for public comment on the regulation before it is final by issuing it on an emergency basis. Its the worst type of power grab. Under the plan, insurance companies must increase coverage in wildfire-prone regions, ensuring they write policies for at least 85% of their statewide market share, with annual increases until the threshold is met. The regulation treats reinsurance like other expenses allowed under Proposition 103, such as claims handling or agent commissions, by establishing a standard cost of reinsurance and capping the amount of reinsurance costs that can be charged to consumers. Companies spending more than the industry standard cannot pass these costs onto their policyholders, according to the CDI. The new regulation is the final element of the largest insurance reform to Prop. 103 for California. Lara on Dec. 13 announced he had finalized a wildfire catastrophe modeling regulation with a requirement for insurers to increase their policy offerings in underserved areas of the state as a condition of incorporating catastrophe modeling into ratemaking. These two regulations are designed to work together, with other Sustainable Insurance Strategy reforms, to increase the availability of homeowners and commercial insurance policies in wildfire distressed areas. Some carriers have already responded favorably to the new regulations being rolled out. Farmers Insurance said it will resume offering coverage for multiple lines of insurance in California to new customers. The company cited among its reasons for the decision regulatory steps taken by the states insurance commissioner and other stakeholders. Topics California Legislation Reinsurance December 30, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) An analysis conducted by CS2 experts CSDB.gg has revealed the top ten states spending the most on their gaming setups. The research analyzed Google search volumes for gaming-related terms over the past 12 months across all states, focusing on products such as gaming laptops, PCs, and accessories. A 2.1% conversion rate was applied to these search volumes to estimate what each state spends on gaming gear every month. The ranking is adjusted for population size, so while some states may have higher overall spending, this list highlights how much is spent on gaming setups per capita. In first place is Nevada, where gamers spend an estimated $1,037,362 per month on their gaming setups. Nevada's average monthly Google search volume for gaming products is 80,125 searches, with a high demand for gaming laptops, PCs, and monitors. When adjusted for population, Nevada's gaming spend per 100 people is $32.48 per month, which is 21% above the national average of $26.90. This puts Nevada at the top spot for gaming enthusiasts, with just over 3.2 million people residing in the state. Coming in second is Georgia, where residents spend an estimated $3,525,704 on their gaming setups each month. The state's monthly gaming spend per 100 people is $31.97, which is 19% above the national average. Texas ranks third, with an estimated $9,369,318 in monthly spending. While Texas has one of the highest figures for total spending, its large population means the state's monthly spending per 100 people is $30.72. This is 14% above the national average-slightly lower compared to other states like Nevada and Georgia. In fourth place is Illinois, with an estimated monthly spend of $3,776,107. The state's monthly spend per 100 people is $30.09, which is 12% above the national average. Finally, New York ranks fifth, where residents spend an estimated $5,879,892 on their gaming gear and setups each month. This translates to $30.04 per 100 people, which is 12% above the average. Top 10 States Spending Most on Gaming Setups On the other hand, some states are spending far less on their gaming gear. These states have a lower number of Google searches for gaming-related products and relatively low estimated monthly spending. Vermont residents are the least interested in investing in their gaming setups, with a monthly spend of $20.60 per 100 people-23% below the national average. With only 9,818 Google searches per month and an estimated $133,362 spent, Vermont shows much lower investment in gaming compared to other states. Next is Montana, where residents spend an estimated $237,604 per month on gaming equipment and accessories. This puts Montana's monthly spend per 100 people at $20.97, which is 22% below the national average. Hawaii follows closely, spending an estimated $307,479 per month on gaming-related products. This results in a monthly spend of $21.43 per 100 people-20% below the national average. South Dakota and Idaho complete the bottom five. South Dakota has a monthly spend of $22.16 per 100 people, which is 18% below the average. Idaho's total monthly spend is $436,127, which puts its monthly spend per 100 people at $22.20-17% below the national average. Top 10 States Spending Least on Gaming Setups Corey Sims, Head of Content at CSDB.gg, commented on the findings, "It's fascinating to see the huge geographical differences across the United States when it comes to spending on gaming equipment. "It's revealed some interesting patterns. For example, many of the states with the highest interest in spending on their gaming setups have densely populated urban areas. "On the other hand, states with lower interest in buying gaming gear tend to be more rural. Perhaps access to high-speed internet may play a role in these differences. "There could also be socioeconomic factors at play. Gaming is a leisure activity for most people, so it's possible that households with higher disposable incomes are more likely to invest in top-of-the-line gaming equipment. "This data might be of particular interest to businesses in the gaming industry, as it highlights potential markets for targeting their advertising and marketing." Credit to CSDB.gg Methodology Monthly search volume data from Google Keyword Planner (September 2023 to August 2024) was analyzed to reveal rankings by average monthly searches per 100k population. Google searches for products like gaming laptops, PCs, monitors, and accessories were examined, and a 2.1% conversion rate was applied to estimate monthly spending per state. Average costs for products were sourced from Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and Walmart. The ranking was adjusted for population size, with spend per 100 people calculated to reflect gaming interest relative to each state's More Info: Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. 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Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp January 2025 sees the launch of the Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network (FarmBioNet) Project. The project, led by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is funded by the European Union under the 93.5bn Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation. FarmBioNet aims to identify biodiversity-friendly farming practices and help farmers to provide habitats that will offer food, safety and shelter for biodiversity on their farms. It will establish Farming and Biodiversity National Networks, consisting of farmers, foresters, researchers, NGOs, advisors, and other relevant Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). FarmBioNet will use these national networks to gather and disseminate knowledge and information. The networks will use biodiversity-friendly case-study areas to promote exchange of traditional and evidence-based actions that benefit farm biodiversity, through a co-creation and cross-fertilisation process. The project will conduct a cost-benefit analysis, showing how biodiversity can benefit sustainable food production. It will also develop practical decision-making tools to promote biodiversity with farmers, foresters and policymakers. The three-year FarmBioNet project will enable all farmers to understand how biodiversity-friendly their farm is, and what simple, low-cost actions they can take to work towards improving their whole farm for biodiversity without negatively impacting on productivity. Andrew Bergin, Farming for Nature Ambassador and Executive Committee member explained: Every farm has scope to significantly improve biodiversity before it starts to cost anything. Farmers and scientists working together can identify where this slack lies and target measures to take advantage of it. It's such an easy win." Project Coordinator and Research Officer in Teagasc, Dr Saorla Kavanagh added: This project will use a multi-actor approach to come up with solutions to protect biodiversity. "I believe that by working together, we can generate practical and measurable actions that will help our biodiversity and farmers. In taking action to protect biodiversity, we start a chain reaction that has positive benefits for the general health of the environment, as well as our own wellbeing and that of future generations. When director John Crowley attended the Irish premiere of his new film We Live in Time at the Everyman theatre for Cork International Film Festival in November, it brought back happy memories. The last time the 55-year-old had been in that MacCurtain Street venue was for a viewing of Dirty Dancing in 1987. Back then, the Douglas teenager would jump on the bus to take regular trips to the various cinemas that were dotted around his home city. Later, he'd broaden his horizons with artier offerings at Triskel, and annual visits to the citys film festival, which introduced him to the likes of David Lynch and Jane Campion. Crowley wouldnt have described himself as film buff in those years, and would soon take a major detour into theatre, but that formative time on Leeside helped lay the foundations for an impressive career. He has gone on to helm such widely-praised movies as Intermission (2003), Boy A (2007) and Brooklyn (2015), as well as the less-well-received adaptation of Donna Tartts novel The Goldfinch (2019). We Live in Time stars Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in a time-jumping tale of particularly eventful instalments in a couples relationship. Dont let its billing as a romantic comedy fool you. The film does have romance, and some laugh-out-loud moments but there is so much more going on that gives We Live In Time extra weight and an appeal beyond the traditional romcom audience. John Crowley on the set of We Live In Time, with Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. While its Crowleys first time working with Pugh, the Corkman was delighted to reunite with Garfield, the actor for whom he had provided a breakthrough role in Boy A. They had kept in touch since that Channel 4-financed film about a young murderer trying to put his life back together following his release from prison. Wed talked about doing other things along the way, and none of them sort of worked out. And then with this script, I really felt like it plays to a lot of his strengths, says Crowley. Garfield didnt take much persuasion, and his female co-star signed up soon after. Before any announcements were made about We Live In Time, the pair had already set social media ablaze with their chummy banter while announcing two Academy Awards at the 2023 ceremony. Twitter went mad, going Youve got to find a film for them, recalls Crowley. And I was like, Hang on, we're going to start shooting one in about five weeks time! The instincts of both Crowley and the Twitterati have been proved right by the finished version of We Live In Time. The easy rapport Garfield and Pugh portrayed at the Oscars had obviously evolved into a full-blown chemistry by the time it got to making some of the heart-melting scenes in the film. We Live In Time, with Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. Because both actors are in such demand, Crowley and co had a tight schedule for the shoot, so the director was happy to see his stars quickly click into the roles able to make intense scenes work in just a few takes. You just sort of create the right space for the two of them, clear all the stuff out of their island, all the crap out of the way, so that every day they would walk onto that set, and the only thing to do would be to fall into the scene, he explains. One of the other talking points of the film will be the non-linear story-telling as the action switches between three different timelines. This approach keeps an audience on their toes in terms of engagement, and must surely create challenges for the filmmakers too. Crowley was hands-on with the early drafts of the film with writer Nick Payne and was happy to put the extra work in to ensure the various strands would come together for an audience. It felt like the shuttling of the time was not just a gimmick, that it was true to the nature of their relationship and the way in which they're trying to figure out their relationship to time, says Crowley. An early test screening led to some more tweaks before the final edit, and the director also points to the importance of how the music is used in the film to provide aural clues to the audience. Crowley enlisted the help of Bryce Dessner for this process. The Cincinnati musician is best known as part of The National with his twin brother Aaron, but is also an accomplished composer of film scores, and even has a Cork connection through his work on the southern citys biennial Sounds From A Safe Harbour festival. Bryce came and sat in the edit room in London with me, with his guitar and with his sampler, recalls Crowley. He literally played along to the film at times and shaped certain cues around the actual cut as it was. So it was a very happy, very organic process. The result is an impressive mix of Dessners original compositions, and some well-placed other tunes, most notably a powerful moment featuring Everything I Am Is Yours by Irish group Villagers. John Crowley with Boy A star Andrew Garfield in 2007 Early reaction to We Live In Time has largely been positive. This must come as a relief considering Crowleys previous project, The Goldfinch, is remembered as a box-office bomb that was widely panned by critics and reportedly lost tens of millions for the studio. Hes sanguine about that unpleasant experience. I've woken up the morning after opening films in the Toronto Film Festival to both sides of the reviewing experience, he explains. Once you survive both, you think, Well, you're fine. Keep going, get on with it and do what you want to do, rather than I better do this, because it's expected. At the very least, Crowley was delighted at the reaction to the Everyman premiere, when the hometown audience laughed in all the right places, and regular sniffles could be heard during the more-emotional scenes. Perhaps thats the real measure of success. We Live In Time is in cinemas from Wednesday, January 1 Who is John Crowley? Family: Raised in Douglas, Crowley was the youngest of the four children of Mary (nee McGowan) and William (who worked with Corks fire service). He has two sisters, Marie and Deirdre, and a brother Bob. He is married to Fiona Weir, a casting director, and the couple have a son Billy, 13, and two adult children, Joe and Matilda, from Fionas previous marriage. Education: Primary school at St Anthonys in Ballinlough (a few years ahead of Cillian Murphy, an actor hed later direct in Intermission). Crowley then attended secondary school at both Rochestown, and Christian Brothers in Cork city. He went on to get a BA in English and Philosophy from UCC, as well as a masters degree in Philosophy from the same university. A picture from 1999 of Bob and John Crowley. The brother: Bob Crowley, 72, is a renowned in the international theatre world for his costume and set designs, and John has long acknowledged the influence his older brother has had on him through the decades. Early trips to London to visit Bob fostered an interest in theatre, and his time at UCC helped unleash his creative side with a heavy involvement in the colleges dramatic society. Path to success: After college, Crowley moved to Dublin where his star continued to climb in the Irish theatre world, and he moved to London where he became involved in the Donmar Warehouse and later the National Theatre. His film feature debut Intermission starring Cillian Murphy and Colin Farrell in a Mark ORowe screenplay was warmly received in 2003, and Boy A (2007) brought increased international recognition. Brooklyn (2015) starred Saoirse Ronan in his most acclaimed film thus far. TV credits: Black Mirror episode Beyond the Sea (2023); and two episodes from season two of True Detective. Future projects: Crowley has two major projects in the pipeline at the moment. One is an American psychological thriller, Five, produced by Adam McKay. Hes also working on an adaptation with Dublin-based Element Pictures of Anne Enrights 2020 novel Actress. The Department of Enterprise and Employment held the firm view that 40m sought by Irish Steel in government supports in 1994 to save the troubled Cork-based steel manufacturing plant could be put to better use for employment creation". State papers released under the 30-year rule show the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Ruairi Quinn, remained unconvinced by a survival plan proposed by the company to save 350 jobs at the facility in Haulbowline in Cork Harbour. Irish Steel had sought 30m in equity from the Government plus a further 10m in loan guarantees to save the ailing steel firm but Mr Quinn believed that a 40m rescue package was not a prudent use of scarce capital". However, he observed that once the Government had made a decision in September 1994 that the closure of Irish Steel was to be prevented that there is no way in which this level of financial exposure could be avoided". The plant at Haulbowline had already survived for over a decade through cost-cutting programmes with the assistance of injections of millions of pounds from the Government but often against the advice of various ministers. By 1994, Irish Steel had already survived for over a decade through cost-cutting programmes and injections of millions of pounds from the Government, often against the advice of ministers. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive In a memo for the Government in October 1994, Mr Quinn assessed Irish Steels latest request for financial support and noted the rescue plan contained production and sales volumes that had never been attained before". The minister noted that Irish Steel previously had a workforce of around 600 people compared to its then staffing level of 350 and the estimated 310 staff that would be employed when the new investments would be made. The business plan, which carried projections up to June 1998, has assumed capital investment of almost 32m. State papers show the company had already been forced to revise elements of the plan after a preliminary screening of the proposal by EU officials showed they did not believe it would make Irish Steel viable. Mr Quinn also observed that although the rescue plan needed to be re-submitted to the European Commission as a matter of urgency, it had not yet been adopted by the board of Irish Steel. Under the plan, production was forecast to increase from 278,000 tonnes in 1994 to 350,000 tonnes by 1998. Mr Quinn remarked that the ambitious efficiencies were also matched by an optimistic view on steel prices which were predicted would increase from 219 to 241 per tonne over the same period. Based on the figures, the minister remarked that the prospect of viability remains uncertain and that Irish Steel without an investment partner would remain a very marginal and uncertain enterprise". Irish Steel was eventually sold by the State to Indian tycoon Lakshmi Mittal for 1 in 1996. Picture: Denis Scannell On the basis of the companys projections, there could be no purely commercial basis for the State investment of IR30m, said Mr Quinn. He added that his department believed the funds could be put to better use for employment creation, if they could be used to support other alternative projects". Mr Quinn recorded that an assessment of the business plan concluded that Irish Steel even with State investment was very marginal even if projected sales targets were realised. However, the minister said the Government should ensure that each item contained in the business plan should make a contribution that more than recovers its own cost if it did decide to provide the requested funding. He also warned that the projections could be greviously upset by another cyclical downturn in the market for steel. To limit the Governments financial exposure, Mr Quinn recommended that it should set a series of yardsticks and milestones that needed to be attained by Irish Steel. In seeking approval for the State investment for Irish Steel from the European Commission, he suggested that the Government should use the leverage it had over a similar issue with a German steel firm needing state aid. Plans by the German government to provide financial assistance to Eko Stahl required approval from all EU member states including Ireland. Documents in a briefing note for the Minister for Finance, Bertie Ahern, show his department supported the approach recommended by his cabinet colleague but said it was alarming that the cost of the rescue package had increased from an estimated 25m just three months earlier to 40m. The Department of Finance noted that the average cost per job created in recent years had been approximately 13,000 but the proposed assistance for Irish Steel worked out at 116,000 per job. It pointed out that the Government had already contributed 100m to keeping the plant open over the previous decade. By any standards, the burden on the taxpayer of keeping Irish Steel open has already gone well beyond reasonable expectations, said the Department of Finance. It claimed no assurance had been provided that a further injection of 40m would secure the future of the Haulbowline facility. In another memo to the government in October 1994, Mr Quinn was pessimistic that the Government could secure approval from the European Commission as he anticipated there would be opposition from other countries anxious to protect their own struggling steel industries. The minister said the only way the Government could provide funding to Irish Steel in a way in which the investment would not be regarded as state aid would be if it was made under terms which a private investor would find acceptable". Irish Steel was eventually sold by the State to Indian tycoon Lakshmi Mittal for 1 in 1996. The plant, operating under a re-branded name, Ispat, finally closed its doors permanently in June 2001 with the loss of 450 jobs. A new public facility, Haulbowline Island Recreational Park, was opened on the site of the former steel plant in 2021. A group of 30 Irish drivers will ring in the new year with a 2,000km road trip from Tanzania to Uganda, delivering emergency vehicles and raising vital funds for hospice care in Africa. The convoy, which includes members of An Garda Siochana, will deliver ten ambulances and five fire engines gifted by Japan to the Ugandan government. The group is also aiming to raise awareness and funds for Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) with the trip from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kampala in Uganda. HAU is a charity with strong Irish ties that has been providing care to critically ill people in Uganda for over three decades. So far, the group has raised 75,000 for HAU, with a goal to reach 100,000 by the time they arrive in Kampala on January 8. Carlow native John OKelly, a steel engineer based in Dubai, is one of those leading the convoy. He previously organised a similar mission delivering emergency vehicles to Uganda five years ago. His involvement with the campaign began through his friend Willy Ngoya, who runs an import-export business in Japan. Willy asked me to gather a group of volunteers to deliver vehicles to Uganda just before covid-19, Mr OKelly said. One of those on that trip was a dear friend, Ambrose Blaine from Co Mayo, who tragically died in a road accident three years ago. "This journey is dedicated to his memory. Founded 31 years ago by Dr Anne Merriman, HAU has provided pain relief and palliative care to nearly 40,000 patients, many suffering from undiagnosed cancers. Supported by Hospice Africa Ireland, HAU has become a beacon of hope for patients and a training hub for healthcare workers across Africa through its Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa. Ambrose Blaine was a passionate supporter of HAU and of Dr Merriman, according to Mr OKelly. So we decided to raise funds for this incredible cause. Fellow organiser Tom Doyle from Tullamore, Co Offaly, said the trip is not without it challenges. Many of our team are first-timers to Africa. "Its an incredible undertaking, uniting people from diverse backgrounds to deliver life-saving vehicles and support a cause that transforms lives. Malahide-based Detective Garda Ken McGreevy said: This adventure is as much about the mission as the journey. "Delivering these vehicles and supporting Hospice Africa Ugandas inspiring work is deeply fulfilling for all involved. Dr Merriman said the support is a game-changer for HAU. It will allow us to expand our outreach services and help more patients in need." "In Uganda, over 90% of cancer patients never access treatment due to cost or remoteness." Donations can be made at: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11553102 A Catholic priest caught in the middle of a loyalist protest at a north Belfast school turned down an offer of accommodation from the Irish Government after receiving a death threat. Father Aidan Troy received multiple loyalist death threats in January 2003 over his role in the pickets at Holy Cross school in Belfast. The dispute in 2001 made headlines around the world as loyalist residents staged protests against Catholic families walking their children to a school. Amid jeers and missiles from a loyalist mob, parents and children including Alice-Lee Bunting, 5, are escorted to Holy Cross school in north Belfast on the second day of school, September 4, 2001. Paul Faith/PA Some of the protests became violent, and police in riot gear were deployed to protect the schoolgirls as they made their way to and from the school. Fr Troy was the chairman of the board of governors of the school. In newly-released National Archives documents, he told the Department of Foreign Affairs that he had been subjected to death threats in January 2003, a year after most of the hostilities had ceased, but days after a pipe bomb had been left at the school. The device was safely defused. Fr Troy told officials on January 12 that he first became aware of a threat against him on January 9 when he was informed by a BBC journalist that they had received a coded warning threatening him and the board of management at the school. A second coded warning was received by the Samaritans on January 10, where Fr Troy was informed that the charity had received a call threatening his life unless the school was closed. The next day, police told him they had intelligence that his life was in danger from loyalist paramilitaries and that he was to be shot before Monday. A mother comforts her child after a suspected blast bomb was thrown as they were making their way along Ardoyne Rd in north Belfast towards Holy Cross Primary School. Picture: Paul Faith/PA Fr Troy was offered full security, advised to avoid Ardoyne, and to take special precautions. He told the department that while he was concerned about the threats, he did not know how to respond to them. He said he did not wish to leave Ardoyne nor draw attention to the threat against him, because of the effect it may have on the children of the school. Tom Lynch, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, said that he told Fr Troy to take the threat seriously. He offered Fr Troy temporary accommodation in one of the apartments which the department was leasing in Belfast. However, Mr Lynch wrote: Having considered our offer, he said he was very appreciative but that for the present he felt that he might be better residing in the monastery in Ardoyne. Fr Troy said that if he needed to move urgently he would contact the department. Mr Lynch said he contacted British officials who made arrangements with the police to respond promptly to any security requests from the priest. Fr Troy later said he was threatened again, telling the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin that police had told him of another threat against his life. On January 22, he said: The most recent threat relayed to me by the PSNI told me I would be killed within two days. Father Troy also said the planting of a device earlier that month at the school gate had a devastating effect on pupils, with some dropping out of class and others regressing in terms of the therapy they received. He added: "I do not blame the people of the [loyalist] Glenbryn area for these messages. "It takes only one sick mind or a perverted person to create fear, intimidation, and a form of terrorism." He paid tribute to his "wonderful staff of dedicated teachers", and he insisted: "There are no plans to close the school. "To force it to close as a result of intimidation would be an absolute tragedy." The Defence Forces is to buy four new attack helicopters that can be adapted to carry machine guns able to fire up to 6,000 rounds of ammunition per minute. According to the Department of Defence, they will replace helicopters being used by gardai and the Irish Air Corps. The Airbus H145M is used by the German Armed Forces and the German Luftwaffe as a light combat helicopter for training, reconnaissance, and special forces operations. The Department of Defence said in a statement the H145Ms represent a vast modernisation and expansion of light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps. It stated their multi-role capability means the H145Ms will be equipped to satisfy "a wide range of missions", including maritime security, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance, and light attack missions. Their uses will also include pilot training to support Defence Forces operations and the Garda Air Support Unit. According to The Defence Post, the H145Ms twin turboshaft engines allow it to reach a cruise speed of 246kmh with a range of up to 680km. It can be fitted with retractable general purpose 7.62mm machine guns or M134 miniguns, the US-made Nato six-barrel rotary machine gun which can fire 2,000 to 6,000 rounds per minute. They also have infrared sensors, and an electronic warfare self-protection system. The H145M can also be integrated with anti-armour weapons by adding Israeli-made so-called fire and forget anti-tank missiles. Ireland's H145Ms will have enhanced electro-optical and thermal imagery features not available in the current Rotary Wing fleet. They will replace the Airbus H135s, formerly known as the Eurocopter EC-135, and which have reached the end of their useful service life. The first ones used by the Irish Air Corps were delivered in 2005. The 91.7m, excluding Vat, contract for the new helicopters has been awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK and it is anticipated that delivery will begin in the first quarter of 2027. Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin said: These helicopters will not only significantly boost the capacity of the Defence Forces pilot training programmes, but also enhance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and light combat capabilities of our Air Corps. This investment is further evidence of the governments commitment to enhancing our Air Corps, illustrated by the delivery of two C295 maritime patrol aircraft over the last 18 months, and the expected delivery of a C295 military transport aircraft next year. These significant additions to the Air Corps capability will also be complemented by the acquisition of the new Falcon 6X multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft, the contract for which was signed earlier this month. An Irishman leading global calls for a four-day work week has said that burnout, the use of AI and companies pressuring employees to return to the office may fuel momentum behind the campaign. Behavioural scientist Dr Dale Whelehan said 2025 is the year where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can radically experiment with a four-day week in order to attract and retain employees. The 28-year-old is the chief executive of 4 Day Week Global, an advocacy group that now offers services to companies looking to make the switch. Dr Whelehan was named on the Time100 Most Influential People In Health and the Forbes 30 Under 30 in the social impact category, capping off an incredible year for the Kildare man. When I was named on this Time100 list in particular, I saw a sentence which said the youngest person on this list is Dr Dale Whelehan, and the oldest person is Jimmy Carter. I thought, Im never gonna see that sentence or anything like it again, he told the PA news agency. Theres theres something so humbling about the whole thing as well, because Ive had a really cool year, and Ive got to go to some very cool places. I got to speak at the Wall Street Journals CEO Summit speaking about a four-day week and go to New York to the Fast Company Most Innovative Companies Summit, and meet the direct creative director of Mattel, these really multi-millionaire, super successful people, and Im here in the countryside in Kildare with grass growing down the middle of the lane. So the four-day work week is actually here, it's just buried under a lot of unproductive time Dr Whelehan began his career as a pretty shoddy physio, where he said he was not very good at biology and physiology, but had a real interest in peoples wellbeing and mental health. I went and I did a PhD after that looking at sleep deprivation in surgeons and that changed my career, he said. Dr Whelehan moved to look at merging behavioural science and wellbeing. A four-day week was emerging as this idea that at the beginning of my PhD, Ireland had just launched its first pilot of the concept with the Four Day Week Ireland campaign, and so I was volunteering with that at the time, and got more and more interested in it, saw the benefits of it, not just for people but for businesses, for society, for our planet, and ultimately, then joined as CEO of the organisation two years ago. The idea of a four-day week is rooted in allowing the brain to recover fully before going back to work. He said that in 1911, when people were working a six-day week, analysis was done of every task of factory workers in Pennsylvania to try to improve their efficiency. This led to a huge surge in productivity during the industrial revolution, but also to worker fatigue and errors that led to people becoming injured and losing limbs. The five-day work week gave the time for a very physical workforce to recover. When we think of people who work hard, we typically mean people who work long hours, but we don't necessarily delve deeper and understanding what is the level of quality output by those people Dr Whelehan notes: Human attention is much more limited than physical muscle, so we know that actually you probably only get about three-and-a-half to four hours of good work done any given day. So the four-day work week is actually here, its just buried under a lot of unproductive time. He said the switch to a four-day work week is not as simple as just removing a days work, but instead changing the work you do to become very deliberate and outcome-based. This involves looking at the tasks you want completed by the end of the year and working backwards from that, organising tasks during the week in order to achieve it. When we think of people who work hard, we typically mean people who work long hours, but we dont necessarily delve deeper and understanding what is the level of quality output by those people, Dr Whelehan said. He said that staff of a company shifting to a four-day week can go through a series of emotions, as with any change: from the huge excitement at the start to the realisation that it is not as simple as clocking off on Thursday evenings and a shift in work habits that can be exhausting. You must be cognisant of if you are implementing it in one area, what are the ramifications of that if youre not introducing it in another area? Or similarly, if youre introducing different types of reduced working hour schedules, so your frontline staff are actually going to be working five shorter days, versus your back in staff working four days. That might cause some tension if not communicated and managed properly. So really there is a huge responsibility on humans now to figure out what is our unique selling point in the world of AI, and if we're burned out and exhausted, we're never going to have a fighting chance of figuring out what that is A shift towards trying a four-day work week might be fuelled by the need to address burnout, by companies wanting employees to return to the office post-pandemic, and by the advent of AI. This December, the city of Tokyo announced it was introducing a four-day week in an attempt to tackle low birth rates. Dr Whelehan said: That was from a conversation that I had with the Japanese Ministry two years ago they called me just when the UK results (of a pilot of 60 companies) came out. He added: There is a real risk with a lot of these tech billionaires, its in their inherent interest to reduce overheads and they will naturally use AI over humans in order to achieve that. So really there is a huge responsibility on humans now to figure out what is our unique selling point in the world of AI, and if were burned out and exhausted, were never going to have a fighting chance of figuring out what that is. The number of children using the school transport scheme has increased by 6%. The Department of Education described the total number using the scheme this year as having reached a record high of 172,000 pupils, up 6% on the 163,800 total in the 2023/24 school year. The department said in the current 2024/25 school year, there were 172,000 children travelling daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes to primary and post-primary schools across the country. (The scheme) allows children to reach school safely, frees up parents to go directly to work and reduces traffic on the roads These daily trips covered more than 100,000,000 kilometres, the equivalent of nearly 2,500 journeys around the world. The children being transported on the scheme included more than 143,700 pupils travelling on primary and post-primary services, 21,500 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who had arrived to Ireland from Ukraine. Minister for Education Norma Foley said: Im delighted to see the increasing number of children availing of the school transport scheme because I know how important it is. It allows children to reach school safely, frees up parents to go directly to work and reduces traffic on the roads. Since I became Minister of Education, the number of pupils travelling on the scheme is up from 117,500 in 2019 to 172,000 now and investment in the scheme has increased by over 100%, rising from 219 million euro in 2019 to 450 million euro in 2024. The school transport scheme is managed by Bus Eireann on behalf of the department. A man accused of hit-and-run and dangerous driving causing the deaths of a husband and wife who died after being struck by a car in Dublin on St Stephen's Day has been remanded in custody. John Halpin, aged 45, of Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, made no application for bail when he appeared before Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court on Monday. Anthony Hogg, aged 40, and his wife Georgina Hogg Moore, aged 39, were struck while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at around 5.45pm. The couple, married with children, lived in the Whitestown area nearby. Georgina Hogg Moore was pronounced dead at the scene while her husband Anthony was rushed to hospital but passed away that night. The accused presented himself at Blanchardstown Garda station about four hours after the crash and was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, for questioning. He was charged on Sunday with two offences of dangerous driving, causing the deaths of Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg Moore, and two counts of hit-and-run and failing to offer assistance at the scene, at Blanchardstown Road South on December 26. Dressed in a black hooded top, dark tracksuit trousers and runners, Mr Halpin sat silently at the side of the court during the brief hearing. It was also attended by relatives of the deceased who watched the proceedings from the public gallery. Garda Alan Murphy said that the accused was initially arrested on Thursday at 10.01 pm, and he was charged at 01.04 am on Sunday. Garda Murphy told Judge Finan that Mr Halpin was cautioned in his usual manner and "made no reply" when charged before he was handed copies of the charges. Defence solicitor Damien Coffey said that there was no bail application. Judge Finan remanded Mr Halpin in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on Friday pending directions from the DPP and a possible bail hearing. She cautioned the defence to notify gardai in a timely manner and give 48 hours' notice if they intend to move a bail application on the next date. Legal aid was granted after the judge was furnished with a statement of Mr Halpin's means, and she also noted there was no Garda objection. The accused has yet to indicate a plea. A woman was also arrested during the Garda investigation but has since been released without charge. A large crowd gathered at the scene near Whitestown on Friday evening, 24 hours after the tragic incident, and a GoFundMe appeal has been set up to assist the deceased couple's children, which has raised close to 40,000 so far. "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." As a mission statement, you must admit, it knocks the hell out of the usual guff about striving for excellence. A super copywriter was at work when that motto associated with the US Postal Service was dreamed up. In fact, the American mail service doesnt own the mission statement at all. It was written at least 2,500 years ago and the delivery heroes to whom it refers were the Persian postal couriers who reliably kept delivery services going throughout a lengthy war with Greece. The architects of a New York post office nicked it and engraved it on the wall of the building they had created, figuring, correctly, that the Persian copyright might be past its sell-by date and, as a consequence, being sued might not be a real and present danger. Curious, the contrasting positions postal services hold in different national cultures. The US service, effectively set up by George Washington in 1792, has mostly held a place of pride and appreciation in American culture. The United States Postal Service has mostly held a place of pride and appreciation in American culture. Picture: David Zalubowski/AP Photo In her recent book of essays about growing up poor in rural America, Bone of the Bone, Scribner 2024, Sarah Smarsh writes of her reverence for the United States Postal Services going right back to her teens. I was deeply aware of my familys vulnerability working in remote fields, construction sites, and factories without adequate pay, health insurance, retirement funds, or sense of belonging to some official institution. "Postal work, while physical, difficult, and sometimes perilous, appear to come with all those basic benefits plus I know most of my closest family members had suffered major work injuries toiling for industries that placed little value on their lives. "The Postal Service, though, seemed a protective force when a college friend dropped other career pursuits and became a postwoman in Wichita, I felt somehow proud to know her and even a little pain of envy. Not a lot of that pride and reverence has ever prevailed in Ireland. The attitude is perhaps best summed up by a line I had to say as a toothless old postmistress in a Peacock Theatre review in the early seventies. I would bounce onto the stage and hand another performer an envelope, announcing, Here is a letter for you from America. Which I read. It was one of those cracks that was assured of audience laughter 50 years ago and would leave an audience today mystified. The stereotype of the local post mistress spying on customers died somewhere along the line. Today, post mistresses and postmasters are bankers, parcel managers, retailers, and social servants. The great thing is under David McRedmond they are also part of an enterprise that is as modern as any the vans that deliver the parcels are electric and the post offices themselves tend to be as physically improved as modern Garda stations, although neither profession might be pleased by the comparison. Meanwhile, Britains Royal Mail has managed to destroy postmasters and postmistresses, not just in reputation terms but in some cases contributing to them taking their own lives. In order to protect the providers of a flawed software, management moved against their own people, right across Britain, accusing them of being crooked when their figures didnt align with those generated by the computers. It took nearly a decade, and boundless courage and self-belief on the part of some of those accused of wrongdoing, to force the system and the top management in that system to reveal the reality. In the last year, Royal Mail reputation-reversal has been uniquely complete, with local postal staff vindicated and the national top bods forced to resign. Britains Royal Mail has managed to destroy postmasters and postmistresses, not just in reputation terms but in some cases contributing to them taking their own lives. You might think, looking at the Royal Mail, that, having caused itself such massive brand damage, it would concentrate on doing everything by the book from that point on. But no. The latest news, emerging the day before Christmas Eve, is that deliverers say they were instructed by management to falsify records. Postal workers claimed they have been told to record some parcel deliveries as inaccessible even if they never attempted to deliver the item, Britains Daily Telegraph newspaper reported. That means customer operations managers would still receive their mid-year bonuses, understood to be based in part on hitting targets for the number of parcels that leave Royal Mail depots. The immediate outcome of this was some customers didnt get their parcels in time for Christmas. Instead, notification came that the delivery service had tried and failed to get a response when they knocked on the door or buzzed the bell. This, despite, in many cases, the customer being at home at the time it was claimed that delivery had been attempted and more than willing to respond to a door knock or bell buzz. This, in turn, meant that the bright red Royal Mail vans often returned to their depot carrying in excess of 30 packages each, which packages local managers had decided to describe as impossible to deliver because the recipient was inaccessible. If we want to go posh, we could describe this as a cultural or brand failure. But lets not talk culture or brand. Lets just imagine youre one of this bunch of managers and your potential bonus severely outweighs your cultural commitment or brand loyalty. A bird in the hand can be more tempting than commitment to a noble, if somewhat tainted brand. So you share with your peers your clever system. Or they share theirs with you. So far, so crooked. But as the previous Royal Mail scandal revealed when management within that system buy into badness, they keep their mouths shut, not least because they have a vested interest in silent complicity. Same with the managers in this latest scandal, who might be a bit lower down but who could pretty much be relied on to keep their beaks buttoned in the interest of bonus-preservation. Whats wrong with this picture, though? Right. The lower orders. Not to insult them, but the delivery guys in what might look like a conspiracy are shy on one crucial incentive. They have no vested interest. They dont get rich through not doing their job. Even more irritating, they know that the middle managers to whom they report are being enriched by it. Resentment and envy can be powerful stimuli for whistleblowing. As can a sense of forced disloyalty to an employer who hasnt treated you badly. To do something like that, as it is dishonest and the customer is expecting their parcel, one deliverer told the Telegraph. I dont feel comfortable doing it. There is a culture of greed from the managers, and they just care about their bonuses. So the frontline guys blew the whistle and the British government minister in charge has asked the Royal Mail to investigate. He has asked the entity accused to investigate itself. Barking. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe South Korea Requests Arrest Warrant for Yoon in Connection with Martial Law Investigators looking into South Koreas Yoon Suk Yeol regarding his brief declaration of martial law have announced their intention to secure an arrest warrant for the suspended president after he failed to show up for questioning. This month, Mr. Yoon temporarily suspended civilian governance, resulting in South Koreas most severe political crisis in decades. Parliament has removed him from his presidential responsibilities because of this act, though a constitutional court ruling is forthcoming to determine whether the impeachment will be upheld. The conservative leader is also facing criminal charges of insurrection, which could lead to life in prison or potentially the death penalty. Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in an unannounced televised address on 3 December The Joint Investigation Headquarters has submitted an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol to the Seoul Western District Court, the investigation team stated in an announcement. This request from investigators represents the first instance in the nations history where a president is sought to be forcibly detained prior to the completion of the impeachment process. Mr. Yoon is under investigation by prosecutors along with a joint task force that includes police, the defense ministry, and anti-corruption officials. A 10-page report from prosecutors, reviewed by AFP, indicated that Mr. Yoon authorized military action to use weapons if necessary to gain access to parliament during his unsuccessful attempt at martial law. Mr. Yoons lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, has rebutted the prosecutors findings, describing it as a one-sided narrative that does not align with objective facts or common sense. Yoon Suk Yeol is being investigated by prosecutors as well as a joint team comprising police, defence ministry, and anti-corruption officials Drag them out On 3 December, Mr. Yoon declared martial law without prior notice during a televised address, claiming it was intended to eradicate anti-state elements. In response, politicians hurried to parliament within moments to vote against the declaration. Simultaneously, armed troops invaded the building, scaling fences, shattering windows, and landing via helicopter. The prosecutions indictment report revealed that Mr. Yoon instructed the chief of the capital defense command, Lee Jin-woo, that military personnel could use firearms if needed to enter the National Assembly. Have you still not gotten in? What are you doing? Break down the door and drag them out, even if it means shooting, Mr. Yoon allegedly told Mr. Lee, according to the report. Additionally, he purportedly instructed General Kwak Jong-keun, head of the Defence Counterintelligence Command, to quickly enter the National Assembly as the quorum to lift the martial law declaration had not been met. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken over as the new acting president So swiftly get inside the National Assembly and bring out the individuals in the chamber, and if necessary, break down the doors with an axe and drag everyone out, the report attributes to Mr. Yoon at the time. The report further suggested that Mr. Yoon had been contemplating the martial law declaration with senior military leaders as early as March. As the investigations against Mr. Yoon commenced, attempts by prosecutors to search his offices were obstructed by the presidential security personnel. Last week, South Koreas political instability escalated when Mr. Yoons successor, Han Duck-soo, was also impeached by parliament for failing to approve bills related to investigations into Mr. Yoon. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has stepped in as the new acting president, immediately confronting a crisis with the Jeju Air plane crash that resulted in 179 fatalities. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) On the occasion of former President Jimmy Carters death, I am reprinting this column with some updates. The guinea worm may be the second major human disease after smallpox to be completely eradicated. It is a parasite that you get from drinking water with small fleas in it. The larvae of the worm are in the fleas, and they migrate into your muscles. After growing there for a year, as a long thread gathered in a bump, the worm works its way out over two or three days, which is extremely painful and potentially debilitating. The disease mainly existed in Central Africa, and especially in South Sudan. At its height it afflicted 3.5 million people in 21 countries. The technical name for the disease is dracunculiasis. The Carter Center is reporting that in 2024, only 7 human cases were reported worldwide! Carter had wanted to outlive the disease and he came very close. After he left the White House, Jimmy Carter did a lot of traveling for his foundation. In Africa, he saw those suffering from the guinea worm, and asked what could be done about it. He was told that the flea that carries the larvae is big enough so that even just filtering water through cloth would get rid of it. From 1986, Carter put together a coalition of the World Health Organization and health ministries in the afflicted countries (which then included Pakistan) to get the word out to people about the need for water filtration. Jimmy Carter, Digital, ChatGPT, 2024 He even at one point in the mid-1990s helped negotiate a ceasefire between the north and the south in Sudan so that his activists could reach affected villagers and teach them how to filter the water! The Garter Center thus spearheaded this effort, though it became an international movement with many participants. The CDC says, Since 1986, WHO has certified 200 countries, areas, and territories as dracunculiasis-free. Five countries with ongoing endemic dracunculiasis (Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan), plus Sudan, which has not yet completed its dossier and follow-up visit, have not been certified by WHO. Carter showed what a determined person can accomplish through single-minded purpose driven by compassion, and the pursuit of strategic partnerships and cooperation. He brought a debilitating diseases toll down from 3.5 million people over nearly two dozen countries to almost zero. The former president has given the world a model that should be deployed to solve other pressing problems. He was one of the worlds few true heroes. ( RFE/RL ) New Syrian de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa told the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television channel that he wants relations with Iran and Russia, but he insisted any ties must be based on mutual respect. Russia and Iran were major allies of Syria under the regime of President Bashar al-Assad until the totalitarian leader was ousted by rebels in early December. The West is closely watching the new rulers actions, including the depth of any future ties with Tehran and Moscow. Syria cannot continue without relations with an important regional country like Iran, Sharaa told Al Arabiya in a wide-ranging interview on December 29. But relations must be based on respect for the sovereignty of both countries and noninterference in the affairs of both countries, he added. Sharaa urged Tehran to rethink its regional policies and interventions and pointed out that opposition forces protected Iranian positions during the fighting to oust Assad, even though rebels knew Iran was a major backer of the president. Sharaa said he had expected positive overtures from Iran following these actions but said they have not been forthcoming. Sharaa, previously known by the nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, said that while he expects Moscow to withdraw its forces from Syria, he also spoke of deep strategic interests with the second most powerful country in the world. Ahmad al-Shara, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3/ Clip2Comic, 2024 We dont want Russia to exit Syria in a way that undermines its relationship with our country, he told Al-Arabiya, without providing details. All of Syrias arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts. We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish, he said. According to flight data analyzed by RFE/RL, Russia is reducing its military footprint in Syria and shifting some of its assets from the Middle Eastern country to Africa. To offset the potential loss of its air base in Hmeimim and naval base in Tartus, Russia appears to be increasing its presence in Libya, Mali, and Sudan, although experts say the loss of Syrian bases is a major blow to the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Sharaa also said that organizing elections in the country could take up to four years and that a new constitution could require three years to be finalized. The leader expressed hope that the new U.S. administration under Donald Trump set to take office on January 20 would lift sanctions on his country. We hope the incoming Trump administration will not follow the policy of its predecessor, Sharaa said. The rebels who ousted Assad were led by Sharaas Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamist group, a U.S. and EU-designated terrorist organization. Sharaa has publicly pledged to adopt moderate policies regarding womens rights, national reconciliation, and relations with the international community, although world leaders say they remain wary of the new rulers pending concrete actions. RFE/RL Copyright (c)2024 RFE/RL, Inc. Used with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty VANCOUVER, December 29, 2024 - China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (TSX: CGG; HKEX: 2099) (China Gold International Resources or the Company) is pleased to provide its preliminary full year production results for 2024 as well as an outline of the long-term development plan for the Jiama Copper-Gold Polymetallic Mine (the Jiama Mine). 2024 Preliminary Production Results Based on the Company's production as of December 29, 2024, the annual output at the Jiama Mine is expected to exceed the annual production guidance disclosed on March 28, 2024, and that of the CSH Gold Mine (the CSH Mine) is in line with the annual production guidance disclosed on March 28, 2024: The Jiama MineApproximately 102 million pounds (46,336 tonnes) of copper and 53,370 ounces (1.66 tonnes) of gold; The CSH Mine: Approximately 107,737 ounces (3.351tonnes) of gold. The above figures are preliminary production results which represent a preliminary assessment based on the information currently available to the Company. The definitive annual production data will be disclosed in the Company's 2024 audited Financial Statements in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements and could be different from those set out above. Shareholders of the Company and potential investors are advised to refer to the Companys Financial Statements, Notes to the Financial Statements and Managements Discussion and Analysis which will be released by March 2025. Outline of the Long-Term Development Plan for the Jiama Mine The Company will provide production guidance for 2025 in due course. However, the Company wishes to provide an update with respect to operations at its Jiama Mine. In 2024, the Company successfully restored stable operation at the Jiama Mine. In addition, the Company continued to focus its efforts on optimizing resource utilization plan, integrating the identified high-grade underground resources, and accelerating the exploration work at high potential zones. The long-term development plan for the Jiama Mine consists of three phases: Prior to the completion of the construction of the new tailings storage facility (the Youlongbu tailings storage facility), the Jiama Mine Phase II processing plant will maintain and operate at its current processing capacity of 34,000 tons per day to match the Guolanggous storage capacity (the operation of Phase I processing plant has been suspended since May 2024). The Youlongbu tailings storage facility is scheduled to commence operation in 2027, allowing a further increase in the Jiama Mines production capacity. Over the next two years, as part of the underground resource integration plan, the Company plans to apply to increase the permitted capacity on its mining license for the Jiama Mine, subject to compliance with the relevant safety requirements. Currently, the permitted capacity on the mining license of the Jiama Mine is 14.4 million tonnes per year (approximately 44,000 tonnes per day based on 330 operating days per year). Subject to the government approval of an increased annual mining rate, and following the commissioning of Youlongbu tailings storage facility, the Jiama Mines ore processing volume will return to the level of 50,000 tonnes per day, in line with the designed processing capacity of the processing plants. In addition, endeavors are underway so that the production levels at the Jiama Mine will restore to those before the Guolanggou tailings overflow through blending of high-grade underground ores. The Company is also working to delineate new resources at satellite deposits near the Jiama Mine. The Company has been actively conducting geological exploration work in two areas: the Bayi Ranch and the Zegulang North, both of which have shown significant resource potential. The Company will provide an update on the exploration progress and results in due course. Subject to the final exploration outcomes and feasibility studies on resource development, the Company will formulate a comprehensive expansion plan for the Jiama Mine area. This study has already been initiated at a preliminary stage. The Companys Chairman and CEO, Mr. Chenguang Hou, said, With a rigorous and scientific approach, the Company plans to drive further growth in its resource and reserve and to advance the associated mine expansion projects to turn its potentials and advantages into strong momentum for sustainable operation. We will consistently and responsibly optimize resource utilization efficiency, and as the Companys core objectives, maximize shareholder value, and protect ecological system. About China Gold International Resources China Gold International Resources is a gold and base metal mining company incorporated in BC, Canada and operates two mines, the CSH Gold Mine in Inner Mongolia, China and the Jiama Copper-Gold Polymetallic Mine in Tibet, China. The Companys objective is to build shareholder value through growing production at its current mining operations, expanding its resource base, and acquiring and developing new projects internationally. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGG) and the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEX: 2099). For further information on the Company, please refer to SEDARs website at www.sedar.com, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limiteds website at www.hkex.com.hk, the Company's website at www.chinagoldintl.com, or call the Company at +1-604-609-0598 and email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding China Gold International Resources contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although China Gold International Resources believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. China Gold International Resources cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what China Gold International Resources currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and subject to change after that date. Monday, December 30, 2024 - A delivery guy went to the home of a wealthy Kenyan in the leafy suburbs of Nairobi and found dogs watching cartoons. The unidentified rich Kenyan has mounted TV screens in the cages where the dogs watch cartoons. Sharing the video on his X account, the delivery guy who hails from Kampala, Uganda said he was shocked to see how some Kenyans are living lavish lifestyles. Kenya Has Shocked me been Making Xmass Deliveries to clients in Nairobi on top of finding a Client with a Helicopter in their Backyard this ones Dogs Watch TV kaii in this life have Money, he tweeted. Watch the video. kenya Has Shocked me been Making Xmass Deliveries to clients in Nairobi ontop of finding a Client with a Helicopter in their Backyard this ones Dogs Watch TV kaii in this life have Money . pic.twitter.com/0FSMz9L8ha Oscar Kampala (@Oscarkampala) December 28, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Monday, December 30, 2024 - Chepalungu Member of Parliament, Victor Mandazi, has dismissed claims that he was slapped by President William Rutos powerful aide, Farouk Kibet, when the head of state toured Bomet County on Sunday. In a statement shared on his social media pages on Sunday, Mandazi denied allegations of being slapped, dismissing the circulating claims as false and fabricated. My attention has been drawn to a fake, malicious, and entirely fabricated letter making rounds on social media, falsely alleging that there was a scuffle reported at Koiwa during President Ruto's function," Mandazi's statement read in part. The first-term MP also distanced himself from a circulating press statement purportedly responding to allegations of him being slapped He further clarified that the unsigned and improperly addressed document circulating online was a baseless attempt to tarnish his reputation, labeling it as a tactic by his competitors to mislead the public. "These allegations are not only false but also a calculated effort by my competitors to undermine and distract me from my public service. "I strongly condemn the use of fake news to manipulate public perception and instigate discord," Mandazi added. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 30, 2024 NARC-Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua has finally rebranded her party in readiness for the 2027 General Election. In a gazette notice, Karuas party announced a sweep of changes within its organs that will see the political outfit change its name, party symbol, party colours, and party symbol. In exercise of the power conferred by section 20 (1) (d) of the Political Parties Act (Cap. 7D), the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that National Rainbow Coalition-Kenya (NARC-Kenya) intends to change as follows: change of party name, change of party slogan, change of party colours, the notice read in part. As per the gazette notice, the party will change its name from NARC-Kenya to the Peoples Liberation Party (PLP). Further, the notice indicated that the party intended to change its party colours from luminous, red, and white to lilac, white, and purple. In the complete rebrand, the partys symbol would change to a purple rose from a rose flower. The changes would also see the party rewrite its slogan to 'Unite, Liberate' from 'One Kenya, One Nation, One People'. The transformation of the party follows an earlier announcement by Karua that it was set for major changes in the aftermath of her exit from the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition as a co-principal. NARC-Kenyas remodeling came after party delegates approved the partys exit from the Azimio coalition after a difference in ideology that led to conflicts. The new developments at the party came as it geared up for the upcoming 2027 General Elections where Karua has expressed her ambition to run for Presidency. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 30, 2024 Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed how he forced President William Ruto to admit the widespread abductions of Kenyans, especially the Gen Zs. Speaking in Kakamega yesterday, Gachagua intimated that Ruto only admitted to the abductions (which many believe to be state-sponsored) after his (Gachagua's) scathing expose that he felt brought to light an unnamed building in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) where the victims of abductions were supposedly being held. According to Gachagua, it was only after he disclosed that the building with over 21 floors and an individual named Abel, related to a very influential person in government, as the main figures in the abduction menace in Kenya, that Ruto broke his silence over the matter. I have a feeling, I dont know, I am not quite sure that the decision by the President to admit that there are abductions and that he will stop them are quite informed by what I said because we are getting nearer to the truth, Gachagua stated. The former DP added that before his revelation on December 28 where he claimed that a secret police unit under Abels leadership was behind the forced disappearance of Kenyans, Ruto had repeatedly stated that no abductions were happening in the country. They said there were no abductions. The President (Ruto) said more than five times that there were no abductions. He seems to have changed his mind and said that he is going to stop the abductions," he noted. Ruto communicated the government's commitment to end abductions in an address during the Homa Bay Governor's Cup on December 27 that was also graced by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Gachagua seemingly stated that the U-turn pointed out the deceptive nature of the administration. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 30, 2024 - Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichungwah has announced his intention to contest for the Deputy President position after President William Ruto retires in 2032 Speaking in Bungoma County on Sunday, Ichungwah, who also serves as the National Assembly Majority Leader, announced that he plans to be Speaker Moses Wetangulas running mate in the 2032 elections. Ichungwah suggested that Wetangula would be a strong candidate to succeed President William Ruto after completing his 10-year term. "During the period in which the honourable speaker served in the National Assembly, the only person who seemed to be better than him was the late president, Mwai Kibaki," Ichung'wah said. He urged Wetangula to consider him as a running mate when he runs for the presidency. Ichungwah assured that he would serve the country effectively, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the needs of the entire nation rather than focusing solely on Mt. Kenya, to avoid the risk of being ousted from office The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 30, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed allegations suggesting that he was among the beneficiaries of the Gen Z protests that swept across the country in June and July Speaking on Friday, Raila termed the allegations as useless and that they are made up by the media. I am not a beneficiary of the Gen Z protests. These have been useless allegations made in the media. I've not benefited, he told Citizen TV He explained that President William Ruto wanted to form a broad-based government after he dissolved his cabinet and requested individuals from the opposition party, Azimio Raila said he consulted his Azimio coalition partners, and while some people agreed to the idea, others refused, and that is when his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), decided to second some of its members. He further explained that no negotiations for a coalition were made and that members of the ODM in Cabinet were given the jobs on merit. He insisted that while they relinquished the positions they held in the party hierarchy, they remain members of ODM to date. What happened is that President Ruto said he wanted to involve a larger society in governance and asked if we could give him people from our party, and I consulted other colleagues in the Azimio coalition, and some were ready and some were not, and then we basically seconded some of our people to the government to work, but it was not like forming a pact. It was not a coalition because we did not sit down and negotiate. "These people were just hired on their merit and had to relinquish their positions in the party but remain members of the party, Raila said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, December 30, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned President William Ruto to desist from tying the Kenyan parents to the ongoing abductions. This is after Ruto asked the parents to take responsibility for their children's behavior to protect them from abduction. According to Ruto, the abductions emanate from moral decadence among the youth, which culminate in social media posts that ridicule leaders. He, therefore, called on parents to step up and mold their children into responsible citizens. However, giving his perspective, Gachagua said nothing would warrant the abductions. In a statement yesterday, Gachagua restated that it is the responsibility of the government to protect the citizenry, adding that the question of morality among the youth should not be an issue to be dangled as an excuse for the state's excesses against civilians. Gachagua told the president to focus on the mandate given to him by Kenyans, focus on transforming the economy, and order the abduction networks to stop their operations, as he leaves parenting work to the parents. "The president just needs to address abductions. That is the work of government. He needs to leave it to parents to decide how they bring up their children and how they know it. We don't need too much government in people's lives. "Does he want to tell parents how to bring up their children? It is a lack of respect for the people of Kenya. "You were elected to work for Kenyans and mend the economy, not to tell us how to look after our children," he said. At the same time, Gachagua lauded the young citizenry for its activism and initiative to challenge bad governance. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, December 29, 2024 - On Sunday, President William Rutos security detail roughed up a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Member of Parliament for occupying a seat reserved for influential aide Farouk Kibet. In the photos doing rounds online, Chepalungu Member of Parliament Victor Kipngetich Koech was seen being frog-marched by Rutos security after sitting in the wrong chair. Following the mishandling of the MP, Rutos security claimed they were unaware he was a Member of Parliament and mistook him for a common mwananchi. Here are photos of the MP and Farouk Kibet following the embarrassing incident. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Feature: 13-year-old girl's Chinese language journey sparks interest in Kenya Xinhua) 10:26, December 30, 2024 NAIROBI, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Mirriam Wambui, a 13-year-old student, speaks Chinese with the confidence of a seasoned linguist despite having only two years of exposure to the language. Wambui's talent is evident. She won the national title in the Chinese Bridge competition in Kenya, ranked sixth in Africa, and placed in the top 30 globally at the 17th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students held in Tianjin, China, on Oct. 28. "I was thrilled to be announced the winner during the Chinese Bridge Kenya edition competition, especially since I only had two weeks to prepare after enrolling in the competition quite late," Wambui told Xinhua in a recent interview. Wambui's journey with the Chinese language began through her eldest brother, who traveled to China in 2015 to pursue a Master's degree in Chinese. When he returned to visit their family in Kahawa Sukari, northeast of Nairobi, in 2019, Wambui was captivated by his fluency in Chinese and intrigued by China's manufacturing prowess. "My brother came back with a cellphone I had never seen before, and everything he brought, including electronics, was made in China. I became curious about this country that seemed to produce so much," she said with a giggle. Inspired, Wambui enrolled in Chinese language classes at Sukari Presbyterian Junior Secondary School two years ago. In May 2024, she made a bold request to her Chinese teacher: she wanted to join the team representing her school in the Chinese Bridge competition. "My teacher was shocked because it was just two weeks until the competition. All along, I had been waiting to be chosen, but when it became clear that I wasn't, I decided to ask for the opportunity because I believed in myself," she recalled. Wambui's belief in herself paid off. She impressed the judges with her speech, essay and performance at the competition held at Kenyatta University, Kenya's second-oldest university. "I won a laptop, a trophy and a fully sponsored two-week trip to China. It was so exciting," she said. In October, Wambui traveled to China with her teacher, an experience she describes with delight. "I loved it. The people were so welcoming, everyone was so nice," she said. Her success has inspired other students at her school to take up Chinese. According to her teacher, Charity Atunga, Chinese is now the most popular of the three optional languages offered, with 90 out of 200 students choosing to learn it. Atunga, who has four years of experience teaching Chinese, said that the language's popularity is growing rapidly in Kenyan schools. "There's a lot of support from parents and the school administration, which makes the learning experience positive. The students also see the benefits, such as scholarships," said Atunga, who has accompanied two of her students to China. Atunga herself is a beneficiary of Chinese language scholarships. After studying in China, she worked for several Chinese businesses and educational institutions before becoming a teacher. Salome Nyambura, director of Kenyatta University's Confucius Institute, called Wambui's achievement a proud moment for Kenya. "It's a testament to the growing interest in Chinese culture and language in Kenya," Nyambura said, highlighting a new crash program at the university for teachers wanting to learn Chinese. "The classes are full, showing a strong desire to introduce Chinese programs in schools." Kenyatta University, partnered with Shandong Normal University, hosts the Chinese Bridge competition for high school students across the country. Through this partnership, more than 300 Kenyan students have traveled to China. "I want to become an ambassador in the future and learn more about Chinese language and culture," said Wambui, who has been awarded a six-month scholarship in China. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) 1 of 1 Furniture for Rent in Chennai: How to Style Your Home on a Budget khaskhabar.com : , 30 2024 1:04 PM Weather Alert ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 5 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHEAST AND CENTRAL MISSOURI AND FAR WEST-CENTRAL ILLINOIS... * AFFECTED AREA...In Illinois, Fire Weather Zone 095. In Missouri, Fire Weather Zones 018, 019, 026, 027, 034, 035, 041, 042, 047, 048, 049 and 050. * TIMING...From noon to 5 PM CDT today. * WINDS...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 23 percent. * IMPACTS...These conditions are conducive for the rapid spread and growth of uncontrolled wildfires. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and dry fuels can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 1 AM CDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon today to 1 AM CDT 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. && By Kwon Mee-yoo When artist Park Seo-bo died in November 2023, Korea lost one of its most influential modern art figures, widely known for pioneering the dansaekhwa (monochrome painting) movement. Some 30 of his final works are being exhibited for the public for the first time at the Park Seo-Bo: The Newspaper Ecritures, 202223 at White Cube New York through Jan. 11. Created shortly before his passing at 91, these pieces revisit his experiments with newspapers in the 1970s, offering a reflection on time, memory and impermanence. At the core of Park's Ecriture series, which began in the '60s, lies a meditative process inspired by Taoist and Buddhist philosophies. By incising repeated pencil lines into wet paint, he approached each canvas as a moment of introspection. In his final "Newspaper Ecriture works, Park retained this spiritual essence while adding a new dimension by using dated newspapers as a backdrop, amplifying the theme of times passage. Parks return to Newspaper Ecriture was shaped by his awareness of his own mortality. Advanced age and terminal illness led him to work on a smaller scale, focusing on pieces that could be completed in a single sitting. The series incorporates newsprint from publications such as The New York Times, Le Monde and Chosun Ilbo, with many French papers referencing his time in France. The newspapers are adhered to "hanji" (traditional Korean mulberry paper), then layered with white paint and incised with gestural pencil strokes. This technique allows faded mastheads and text to peek through, creating a contrast between the fleeting nature of news and the enduring presence of art. On the reverse of each piece, Park recorded the time and location of its creation. This combination of symbolic record and inscription led curator Hans Ulrich Obrist to describe Park's work as an "atlas" or "encyclopedia," reflecting the melding of the concepts of time and creativity in his art. In several works, the dates of publication hold special meaning. For example, Ecriture No. 221109" uses a February 1939 issue of Le Petit Provencal with a note on the back reading, This newspaper was published on the day my wife, YOUN MYEONG-SOUK, was born. Similarly, Ecriture No. 221125 incorporates a November 1931 edition of L'Ordre, annotated with This newspaper was published on the day I was born. The Newspaper Ecritures bring Parks early ideas full circle, serving as the culmination of his six-decade artistic journey. His legacy continues to grow through the PARKSEOBO FOUNDATION, which plans to open two dedicated museums in Seoul and on Jeju Island in 2025. Volatility in the country's financial and foreign exchange markets has increased following the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo last week, top financial officials noted Monday. The assessment was made during an emergency economic meeting after the opposition-controlled National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against then acting President Han on Friday. The officials highlighted the heightened market fluctuations and pledged to mobilize all available resources to stabilize the situation, the finance ministry said. They also underscored the importance of maintaining the government's 24-hour monitoring system to closely track economic developments, the ministry added. Han was suspended from his duties less than two weeks after assuming the role on Dec. 14, when President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for declaring martial law. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has since taken on the role of interim leader. The meeting, held regularly since the imposition of martial law on Dec. 3, was attended by First Vice Finance Minister Kim Beom-seok instead of Choi, the Bank of Korea governor and the heads of the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service. (Yonhap) The ceiling on bank deposits guaranteed in case of bankruptcies will be raised from 50 million won ($34,000) to 100 million won sometime next year, the financial regulator said Monday. Last week, the National Assembly passed a bill on doubling the ceiling of bank deposits protected by law, which has been in place since 2001, to better reflect the growth of the country's economy. The revision will take effect within one year of promulgation. An alternative trading system (ATS) is also expected to set sail during the first half of next year for greater efficiency and convenience in the trading of securities, according to the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Should the country's first ATS be put in place, the country's stock exchange sector may undergo an overhaul. Currently, the Korea Exchange, launched in 1956, is the country's only national operator of the stock market. The regulator plans to resume stock short selling on March 31 after establishing a platform to monitor short selling that can help identify illegal transactions. Korea imposed a temporary ban on stock short selling in November 2023 after a series of naked short selling allegations were detected at several global investment banks in the country. The ban was originally set to be lifted before the start of July but has been extended until March 30. Short selling has been a contentious political issue in Korea, with retail investors often blaming the practice for driving stocks lower. (Yonhap) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited a newly completed fish farm in the east coastal city of Sinpho and called for regional development to achieve regional economic self-reliance, state media reported Monday. Kim attended the inauguration ceremony of the Sinpho City Offshore Farm on Saturday, after he ordered the farm's creation during a meeting on regional economic development in July, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. Offshore farming "will renew the structure of our fishing industry," the North Korean leader noted, adding the offshore farms to be built in the future should be more advanced and suited to the regional characteristics to guarantee the development of the regional economy. "It is important to fully realize by practice that the key to self-reliance and self-sustenance is on them," he said, referring to Sinpho residents. Kim also urged other cities and counties to secure "the independence and driving force of the regional economic development by developing and utilizing the natural resources and favorable economic conditions in their regions." He then toured the fish farm, including a scallop processing facility, and inspected various seafood products, directing efforts to maximize the farm's profitability and effectiveness. This marks his third visit to the facility, following the initial inspection of the farm's construction site in July and the second visit in November during its construction. Koo Byoung-sam, the South Korean unification ministry's spokesperson, said that Kim's visit to the fish farm, shortly after a key party meeting last week, may be part of his efforts to demonstrate "visible results" from his regional development policy before the year's end. (Yonhap) The Korean government expressed deep condolences Monday over the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, saying his spirit and achievements in promoting peace will be remembered forever. Carter, the U.S. president from 1977-1981 and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate for his post-presidency efforts to promote peace, died at his home in Georgia on Sunday (U.S. time) at the age of 100. "Our government, together with our people, expresses deep condolences," Seoul's foreign ministry said. "Former President Carter dedicated his life to advancing universal human values, such as international peace, democracy and human rights, and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 in recognition of his contributions," it said. In particular, Carter had great interest in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and actively worked toward it, the ministry noted, adding, "Our government and people highly regard former President Carter's spirit and achievements and will remember him forever." (Yonhap) By Kim Hyun-bin The Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul said Monday that it will provide full support to the bereaved families of two Thai victims of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday morning, which claimed the lives of 179 passengers. Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat expressed condolences to the victims' families, offering his deepest sympathies and assuring necessary assistance. The Embassy has reported the tragedy to the Foreign Minister and (the Thai) MFA and coordinated closely with (the) Korean authorities concerned. Our Consular Department has informed families of the two Thai victims," Sangrat told The Korea Times on Monday. "Our Embassy has also worked closely with Jeju Air officials who reassured us that they would be responsible for the related costs of damages of the victims," he said. "Today the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul and Team Thailand offices have lowered the flag for seven days in mourning for the victims. We will continue to work with all local authorities and provide assistance to victims and their families." According to the Thai Embassy in Seoul, the Thai victims were a 45-year-old woman and a 22-year-old woman. The crash occurred at around 9:03 a.m. when the Boeing 737-800, attempting to land on the runway, was forced to make an emergency belly landing due to a landing gear failure. The aircraft collided with the outer edge of the runway, causing the fuselage to break apart and burst into flames. The 44-year-old victim's father, who was in Thailand, was devastated when he learned that his daughter had been on the flight. "I wish to see my daughters face one last time when her body returns to our hometown," he tearfully told local media. She had been living in Korea for several years and had been visiting her family in Thailand. The 22-year-old victim, a university student from Bangkok, was traveling to Korea to reunite with her mother, who had married a Korean man and moved to Korea. Her mother, who lives in Korea, was notified of the tragedy after the crash. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul extended his condolences Monday to the victims of the deadly plane crash at Muan International Airport and their families, including the two Thai victims. "The tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport has left us in utter shock and profound sadness," Cho wrote on X. "Our hearts are torn apart by the loss of so many precious lives, including those of the two Thai nationals who had been on board. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to all the victims and their families." Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also expressed his condolences, offering his support to the families of the victims and those injured. He instructed the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assist the victims' families promptly, ensuring they receive support during this difficult time. First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun asked Chinese Ambassador-designate to South Dai Bing on Monday to make efforts to help improve bilateral relations, Seoul's foreign ministry said. Kim made the call during his first in-person meeting with Dai, days after Dai arrived in Seoul to assume his new post that had been left vacant since his predecessor, Xing Haiming, departed in July. Kim expressed hope that the two countries would continue exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summits, which will be consecutively hosted by the two neighboring countries in the next two years. Korea is next year's APEC host and China will host the 2026 summit. Kim thanked China for its condolence message from Chinese President Xi Jinping over Sunday's deadly plane crash in Muan that killed 179 people. Dai, in turn, expressed thanks to the Seoul government for the warm welcome, vowing to closely work with Seoul to help further develop the bilateral relationship. Dai arrived in Seoul last Friday to take on his new role. He previously served as the deputy Chinese ambassador to the United Nations. Speaking to reporters prior to the meeting, Dai stressed that bilateral relations should continue to move forward despite it being a "difficult time" in Korea. "I know that it's a difficult time right now, but China will not intervene in (Korea's) state affairs," Dai said, as he entered the ministry building. "Although it's a difficult time, our relations cannot stop." On the same day, Dai presented a copy of his credentials to a senior Seoul foreign ministry official, a diplomatic procedure required by a foreign envoy before formally presenting the credence to the host country's leader. Once the letter of credence is received, the envoy is considered to have officially assumed office. The credentials submitted by Dai reportedly show Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as the recipient. Han has also been impeached and suspended from duties and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken over as the acting president. In light of Han's impeachment, China's foreign ministry on Monday expressed a willingness to actively engage with South Korea to deepen the bilateral relationship. "We are willing to make active efforts to deepen the bilateral friendly cooperation and strategic cooperative partnership with Korea, an important neighbor and a partner for cooperation," the ministry said. "China upholds the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and believes that the Korean people have the wisdom and ability to adequately resolve their domestic issues," it added. Also on Monday, working-level talks took place between Kang Young-shin, director general for Northeast and Central Asian affairs of the Korean foreign ministry, and Liu Jinsong, director general for Asian affairs at China's foreign ministry, the Seoul ministry said in a separate release. Discussions centered on bilateral relations and issues related to the Korean Peninsula, and ways to advance bilateral cooperation. Kang and Liu agreed to work together on the APEC hosting and continue strategic communication on peninsula issues, the ministry said. (Yonhap) By Jung Min-ho After the end of an experimental foreign nanny program in February 2025, Korean officials were going to expand it into a nationwide initiative, extending its availability beyond Seoul to include an additional 1,100 workers recruited from more partner nations. This ambitious project, originally initiated by Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, has been postponed indefinitely, with no clear timeline or confirmation on whether it will resume, an official familiar with the matter told The Korea Times recently. Officials need additional time to determine whether to expand it as a national project following the conclusion of the trial program, the official said. They plan to review the collected feedback, and based on the results, may consider increasing the number of Filipino caregivers and recruiting similar workers from other countries. The program, initially launched to help raise the countrys birthrate by easing childcare burdens for couples, particularly those in double-income households, was originally intended to expand to other cities and regions shortly after its six-month pilot phase. But regardless of whether the program is expanded, the 98 Filipino caregivers who have been working in the capital since August will be permitted to extend their E-9 visas for up to three years, the official said. In addition to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, some local administrative offices, such as those in Busan and Ulsan, have reportedly been evaluating whether to participate in the program. However, it remains uncertain whether sufficient demand exists to support an expansion. The issue of cost is at the heart of the concerns regarding demand. Originally, the program was designed to provide affordable care services for those balancing parenting and work in Seoul. Currently, the cost of hiring a full-time worker, including insurance fees, is 2.06 million won ($1,400) per month. This is regarded too expensive for most Korean households, which, on average, earn 5.44 million won a month. However, a plan to implement a different wage system for non-Korean care workers, lower than the minimum wage applied to Korean workers, has been stalled due to opposition from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, which holds a majority in the National Assembly. A joint investigation team said Monday it has sought an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, making him the first sitting president to face arrest. The team said it sought the warrant on insurrection and abuse of power charges after Yoon ignored three summonses to appear for questioning. The request was filed with the Seoul Western District Court at midnight Sunday, according to the team comprised of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the police and the defense ministry's investigation unit. Investigators say Yoon led an insurrection and abused his power when he declared martial law on Dec. 3 and allegedly ordered troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. Yoon has denied the charges, saying his declaration of martial law was an "act of governance" to warn the opposition party against what he described as its abuse of legislative power. Later in the day, Yoon's legal defense team submitted an opinion on the arrest warrant request to the court, claiming it should be dismissed because the CIO is not authorized to investigate insurrection charges. Yun Gap-geun, one of Yoon's legal representatives, said it is juristically wrong to argue that just because the CIO can investigate abuse of power charges, it can also investigate insurrection charges by association. Yun submitted a notice of attorney appointment to the court alongside lawyer Kim Hong-il. (Yonhap) Defense team claims investigators have no authority to arrest Yoon By Jung Da-hyun Investigators are seeking an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, making him the first sitting president in the nation's history to face arrest, a joint investigation team said Monday. The team, consisting of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the National Police Agency and the investigation unit of the Ministry of National Defense, requested the Seoul Western District Court to issue an arrest warrant at midnight on Sunday. Yoon is being charged with insurrection and abuse of power. The CIO had previously summoned Yoon three times for questioning, identifying him as the leader of the alleged insurrection and a suspect in abuse of authority. However, Yoon did not comply with any of the summonses. He refused to accept the requests, submit a power of attorney, or engage in discussions to adjust the schedule. The presidents failure to comply with a third summons on Sunday, following earlier summonses on Dec. 18 and 25, prompted investigators to pursue measures for his forced detention. A third summons is typically the final step before requesting an arrest warrant. Under the Criminal Procedure Act, an investigative agency can request an arrest warrant from the court if a suspect repeatedly refuses to cooperate without justifiable reasons. This allows authorities to detain the individual by force. Along with the arrest warrant, the joint investigation team also requested a search warrant for the presidents residence. It remains uncertain whether the arrest will proceed, as it depends on factors such as the courts decision to issue the warrant and potential conflicts with the Presidential Security Service during its execution. Investigators said they are preparing for the possibility of resistance from the Presidential Security Service in carrying out the warrant. The legal community has also noted that a refusal or obstruction by the security service in executing a court-issued arrest warrant could amount to obstruction of official duties, which is a punishable offense. In response to the arrest warrant request, Yun Gap-geun, a legal representative for the president, said he submitted a statement of opinions to the court later in the day regarding the warrant request and the appointment of lawyers, along with Kim Hong-il, former head of the Korea Communications Commission and the chief representative of Yoons legal team. In a statement, Yun argued that the CIO lacks the authority to request an arrest warrant, claiming that the request is unlawful and should be dismissed. He also criticized the charges, saying, "Treason is an exceptionally grave offense compared to abuse of power, and linking such a minor charge to treason lacks legal validity." According to Yoon's defense, there is no evidence of intent to disrupt constitutional order or incite treason, which makes the allegations lack sufficient legal merit. He also asserted that the imposition of martial law falls within the presidents constitutional authority. Addressing Yoons failure to comply with three summonses, Yun asserted that it was not a refusal but a result of legitimate concerns. He cited overlapping investigations, repeated summons within a short period and a lack of coordination on safety and security measures for the sitting president as reasons for Yoons refusal to appear before investigators. Yoon's side has maintained that the president will not comply with the investigation at this time, emphasizing that the Constitutional Courts impeachment trial takes precedence. A Jeju Air flight that took off in South Korea on Monday returned to the airport of departure due to the same landing gear issue that was found in a deadly crash involving a separate aircraft of the same model the previous day, the company said. Jeju Air Flight 7C101, which departed from Gimpo International Airport for Jeju at 6:37 a.m., detected an issue with its landing gear shortly after takeoff. The airline informed the 161 passengers about the mechanical defect caused by the landing gear issue and subsequently returned the flight to Gimpo at 7:25 a.m. The passengers were transferred to an alternative unit of the same Boeing B737-800 model, which departed for Jeju at 8:30 a.m. However, 21 passengers opted not to board over safety concerns. According to Song Kyung-hoon, head of Jeju Air's management support office, the captain of the flight contacted the ground control center after detecting a signal indicating an issue with the landing gear. "While the landing gear was confirmed to be functioning normally after additional measures, the captain decided to return to the airport for a safety check," Song said at a press briefing. Landing gear is an essential device directly related to flight safety, ensuring safe takeoffs and landings while mitigating impact during emergency landings. In Sunday's Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives in the southwestern county of Muan, it is believed that all three landing gears had failed to operate properly. The aircraft involved in the return flight was the same model as the one involved in the disaster the previous day. Jeju Air operates 39 B737-800 units out of its fleet of 41 aircraft. (Yonhap) Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country's entire airline operation system once the recovery work on the Jeju Air crash is finished. Korea's deadliest air accident ever 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. The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors for which no available resources should be spared, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul. "Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families," he said. "As soon as the accident recovery is conducted, the Transport Ministry is requested to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the entire aircraft operation system to prevent recurrence of aircraft accidents," he said. 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. on Sunday at the airport in the south of the country. Two crew members survived and were being treated for injuries. Investigators are examining bird strikes and weather conditions as possible factors in the crash, fire officials have said. Experts say many questions remain, including why the plane was going so fast and why its landing gear was not down when it skidded down the runway and into a wall. (Reuters) World leaders sent condolences to Korea on Sunday after the country suffered its deadliest airplane 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. Chinese President Xi Jinping said he was "shocked" to learn of the crash, in a message to 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 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 Francis, who visited Korea a decade ago, told worshipers at the Vatican that he joins "in prayer for the survivors and the dead." "My thoughts are with the many families in Korea who are mourning today following the dramatic plane crash," Francis said. France's foreign ministry said that Paris learned "with great emotion the terrible toll" and sends condolences to the affected families. 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. "Profoundly saddened by the tragic incident", Greece's foreign affairs ministry said on X, sending condolences "during this difficult time." 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." Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was "deeply saddened to hear about the tragic crash in Korea" and offered his condolences to the families of the victims. "Israel stands in solidarity with Korea during this difficult hour," said Saar on X. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the "sincere condolences and sympathy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the friendly Republic of Korea," it said in a statement. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is "deeply saddened" and expressed "his solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Korea during this difficult time," his spokesperson said in a statement. "The Secretary-General also wishes a swift and full recovery to those injured in this tragic event," said the spokesperson. "We are shocked and saddened by the accident involving Jeju Air flight 7C2216. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers and crew on the flight and their loved ones," the International Air Transport Association, which represents some 340 airlines that comprise 80 percent of air traffic, said in a statement. Spain's foreign ministry said that Madrid was "profoundly shocked by the terrible accident," sending condolences and "all our solidarity" to those affected. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred at Muan International Airport in our friend, the Republic of Korea," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a post on X. "As we watch with disbelief the horrific scenes from the crash site, our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives," President Aleksandar Vucic wrote on X, adding that he was "deeply shaken." (AFP) The government said Monday it plans to conduct a safety inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines following a Jeju Air plane crash that claimed 179 lives the previous day. In Sunday's Jeju Air crash in the southwestern county of Muan, it is believed that all three landing gears had failed to operate properly. The aircraft involved in the accident was a Boeing B737-800. A transport ministry official said the government plans to thoroughly examine whether various regulations of the Boeing model are being properly followed by airlines, which would check their aircraft utilization rates, flight inspections and maintenance records. The Boeing 737-800 is widely operated by domestic low-cost carriers. Jeju Air operates the largest number of this model, with 39 aircraft in its fleet. Other operators include T'way Air with 27 aircraft, Jin Air with 19 and Eastar Jet with 10. The ministry, in particular, plans to conduct rigorous safety inspections of Jeju Air following repeated landing gear issues. Earlier in the day, a separate Jeju Air flight of the same aircraft model made a return after taking off from Gimpo International Airport due to a landing gear issue that was found similarly in Sunday's crash. It was of the same Boeing B737-800 model involved in the accident. "We plan to implement rigorous aviation safety inspections in response to the (landing gear) incidents," Joo Jong-wan, aviation policy chief at the transport ministry, said during a briefing at the Sejong government complex. Joo noted that Jeju Air was known for its high aircraft utilization rate, which some observers have pointed to as a possible factor in Sunday's crash. Following the landing gear issue reported on Monday, the ministry dispatched safety inspectors to the company to investigate the latest case. Meanwhile, one of the two flight recording devices recovered from the crash site has been found with external damage, according to Joo. It has been transported to Gimpo International Airport for further analysis. The ministry official also said the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board will participate in the investigation into the crash. Boeing and engine manufacturer CFM International have also been approached for cooperation. (Yonhap) Kim Soo-han, who served as the speaker of the National Assembly from 1996 to 1998, died Monday. He was 96. Kim, a six-term lawmaker, was first elected to office in 1967 before serving as assembly speaker during his final term. He took on various roles in his decadeslong political career, serving as the chief of an advisory group to the ruling People Power Party and the head of the Korea-Japan Friendship Association. A funeral altar for Kim will be set up at Severance Hospital in western Seoul. (Yonhap) B737 flew four countries in a day, with one-hour turnarounds allowing just 28 minutes for checks By KTimes The Jeju Air flight 2216, which crashed in the catastrophic tragedy, completed its pre-departure maintenance in just 28 minutes, the official minimum time mandated for B737 aircraft by the Korean government. The tight maintenance schedule has raised concerns over whether the low-cost carrier (LCC) prioritized operational efficiency over safety, as the plane underwent an intense itinerary the day before the accident, connecting four international cities without significant downtime. The ill-fated aircraft operated flights between Muan and Kota Kinabalu, Nagasaki, Taipei and Bangkok, executing a total of eight departures within a single day, multiple sources said Monday. According to industry standards, planes require time for maintenance, cleaning and refueling between flights. However, on Nov. 27, the flight spent just 62 minutes on the ground at Muan International Airport before departing for Kota Kinabalu, suggesting that only 28 to 30 minutes were allocated for maintenance. One veteran mechanic with over a decade of experience working with B737 aircraft at LCCs said, The 28-minute maintenance time is barely enough to check for cockpit warning lights and visually inspect the exterior for obvious damage. Its essentially a walkthrough, not a detailed inspection. LCCs often don't spend more time than the government-mandated minimum to maximize profits, as every additional flight segment contributes significantly to revenue. A mechanic working for another LCC said, Limiting preparation times to about one hour, including maintenance, allows carriers to execute ambitious schedules, like flying to three Southeast Asian cities and one Japanese city in a single day. The tragedy has reignited debates over whether the governments mandated minimum maintenance times are sufficient to ensure safety. Critics argue that the 28-minute standard leaves no room for identifying potential issues. A former maintenance chief at a major airline said, The 28-minute check is like applying a band-aid. It doesnt account for potential hidden faults. The industrys approach to safety should be proactive, not reactive. Landing gear defect raises red flags The accident is believed to involve a landing gear malfunction, sparking further questions about the adequacy of maintenance. Alarmingly, just one day after the crash, another Jeju Air B737 experienced a landing gear issue and was forced to return to the airport immediately after takeoff. The fact that another aircraft of the same model from the same airline encountered similar problems highlights systemic issues, an aviation expert said. There are growing calls within the aviation industry to extend the mandated maintenance times and overhaul LCC flight schedules. Thorough maintenance requires more time. Airlines might need to sacrifice one flight segment or dedicate additional resources to inspections, the former maintenance chief said. Jeju Air, however, has defended its practices. We strictly adhere to planned schedules and carry out thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections, Song Kyung-hoon, the airlines head of management support, said during a press briefing on Nov. 28. Our operations cannot be categorized as excessive or rushed, he added. Despite Jeju Airs defense, questions linger over whether its operational strategy prioritizes profit at the expense of safety. Aviation regulators and industry stakeholders are now under pressure to reassess existing guidelines, particularly the minimum maintenance time required for aircraft, to prevent future tragedies. A race against the clock A mechanic working in the industry described the high-stress environment of LCC maintenance schedules: Were racing against the clock. A 28-minute check barely allows time to ensure the plane is airworthy. Anything more detailed simply doesnt fit into the timeline. In light of the crash, experts are urging a shift in priorities. Its time to put safety ahead of profit. The bare minimum is not enough when lives are at stake, the former maintenance chief said. The investigation into the crash continues, with the aviation community bracing for significant changes in maintenance and operational practices in the wake of the tragedy. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times. By KTimes Under the dark skies of Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, firefighter A lowered his head in anguish on the night of Dec. 29. He had been working tirelessly to recover the victims of the Jeju Air flight 2216 crash, where all 179 passengers perished, except for two rescued crew members. A grim expression overtook As face as he recalled a tragedy from a decade ago. In April 2014, he had been dispatched to the Sewol ferry disaster, where 304 people, including high school students, lost their lives in the icy waters off Jindos Maenggol Strait. Even with years of experience in responding to catastrophes, the veteran firefighter struggled to contain his emotional pain as he encountered another harrowing scene. Its truly unbearable, he said, bowing his head. Firefighters who spoke to the Hankook Ilbo on Dec. 29 and 30 described the crash site as overwhelmingly grim. The collision and subsequent fire left the victims remains severely damaged. Theres no way to describe it except as utterly horrific, said A. It was impossible to identify the victims by their faces or even their locations. We had to go through the passenger list and painstakingly match any fingerprints we could find. He said that DNA sampling was also necessary for many victims due to the unrecognizable state of the remains. The aircraft had attempted a belly landing after its landing gear failed to deploy. Losing control of its speed, it collided with a structure at the runways end, igniting in flames. The impact and fire reduced the plane to ashes, with only the tail section remaining somewhat intact. All the seats were destroyed in the blaze. Lee Jin-cheol, head of the Busan Regional Aviation Administration, said during a 3 a.m. briefing on Dec. 30, There are hardly any intact bodies. The physical damage is so extensive that identification is extremely difficult. Unrelenting efforts despite emotional toll Over 500 firefighters from nearby stations were deployed to the site, arriving around 9:30 a.m. Most worked for over 10 hours, recovering remains and searching the wreckage. We couldnt rest or even eat properly, A said. The scene wouldnt allow for it. Another firefighter, B, described the scene in a cracked voice. The wreckage of the plane and the personal belongings, all burned and tangled together, created an unimaginably tragic sight, he said. Adding to the emotional weight, many firefighters knew the victims personally. Many of the passengers were local families on group tours, B said. Most of the firefighters here are from nearby towns like Mokpo. Some lost neighbors or acquaintances, but theyre doing their best to suppress their grief and carry out the recovery efforts. As the country grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, the sacrifices and emotional toll on first responders once again highlight the need for reflection and systemic changes to prevent such disasters. For veterans like firefighter A, the haunting memories of past and present tragedies remain heavy, yet they continue their work with quiet resilience. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times. Jeju Air, Boeing aircraft under intensive safety probe By Lee Hae-rin Aviation authorities launched an investigation, Monday, into the deadly crash of a Jeju Air plane, which claimed 179 lives the previous day, focusing on both the carrier and the aircraft model. The investigation comes after rescue authorities recovered the bodies of all the victims from the accident site at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Jeolla Province, the previous night. Of the 181 people aboard the flight from Bangkok to Muan, only two survived. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it will conduct special inspections on all B737-800 aircraft operated by Korean carriers. The decision follows the discovery that the planes landing gears malfunctioned, presumably due to a bird strike, along with suspicions of a potential engine problem. The possibility of technical issues intensified after another plane of the same model, operated by the same carrier, experienced a landing gear issue on Monday morning and returned to its departure point. Korean carriers operate 101 planes of this model and we are planning to conduct special inspections on them, Joo Jong-wan, head of the ministrys aviation policy, said in a media briefing at the Government Complex Sejong. Well examine their utilization rates and check if carriers are following various relevant regulations such as checkup and maintenance before and after operation. The model is operated by low-cost carriers here. Jeju Air has 39 B737-800 planes, followed by Tway Air with 27, Jin Air with 19, Eastar Jet with 10, Air Incheon with four, and Korean Air with two. The ministry said it will also conduct a safety inspection of Jeju Air to ensure the airline has complied with regulations. It is backed by data that Jeju Air has a higher utilization rate of aircraft than others, Joo said. An intensive safety inspection will be carried out. The flight data recorder (FDR) and the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) were retrieved from the scene of the crash and the ministry plans to transfer them to an analysis center in Seoul. The ministry noted that the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, will participate in the investigation, while CFMI, which made the CFM 56-7B26 engines, is in talks to take part. Meanwhile, the ministry explained that the concrete wall facility near the runway, which has been pointed out as a factor that increased the damage when the plane collided with it, is also installed at other domestic airports. "Muan airport has a localizer installed about 251 meters away from the end of the runway," Joo said. The structure is designed to guide aircraft during their landing on the runway. The structure typically has concrete foundations, with antennas standing atop earthen hills. In response to claims that the structure at Muan Airport violated regulations regarding the materials used to build it, the ministry plans to review the facilitys installation regulations and assess their connection to the accident. Regarding the accident, Koreas acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered an emergency safety inspection of the countrys entire airline operation system. The government is doing its utmost to establish cooperation between related agencies, Choi said during a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters at the Government Complex Seoul. He asked the ministry and the National Police Agency to conduct a strict investigation into the cause of the accident. Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families, he said. "As soon as the accident recovery is finished, the transport ministry will conduct an emergency safety inspection of the entire aircraft operation system to prevent a recurrence of airplane accidents," he said. Meanwhile, the rescue authorities identified more than 140 of the 179 victims after an overnight investigation. Eleven out of 179 victims were elementary, middle, and high school students, according to the Ministry of Education. The bereaved families formed a coalition to respond to the disaster and recovery efforts, similar to the family groups organized after the 2014 Sewol ferry sinking, which killed more than 300 people, and the 2022 Itaewon disaster, which claimed 159 lives. The group announced the suspension of all funeral procedures until both the recovery and identification of the bodies are completed. Memorial altars have been set up at dozens of locations across the country to mourn the victims. The government designated a national mourning period through Saturday midnight. Police said Monday they have summoned Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to appear for a second round of questioning over his alleged role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched imposition of martial law. A special investigation team handling the martial law probe decided to send the summons Saturday and likely sent it on Monday, a police official told reporters. Han was questioned once before over his attendance at a Cabinet meeting Yoon held shortly before he declared martial law on Dec. 3. He is the first of the Cabinet members who were at the meeting to be summoned twice. Police will likely ask about the exact time he learned of Yoon's plan to impose martial law, amid claims by former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun's legal representatives that Kim reported the plan to Han before he suggested it to the president. The prime minister's office countered that Han had heard nothing about the martial law plan before Yoon disclosed it during the Cabinet meeting. Han is currently suspended from duty after the opposition-controlled National Assembly impeached him last week over his refusal to exercise his presidential powers as then acting president to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court. (Yonhap) By William Pesek Yoon Suk Yeol doesnt reference Donald Trump when he spins theories about election interference to the South Korean masses. But the U.S. president-elects obsession with voter fraud seems written between the lines in bold font. Newly impeached Yoon is struggling to explain his baffling Dec. 3 martial law decree. So much so that he is serving up scenarios of Cold War era intrigue ripped from the pages of Tom Clancy and John le Carre novels. Yoon claims he acted out of deep concern about the integrity of Koreas voting system. Part of the urgency, he claims, stemmed from the National Intelligence Services cybersecurity checkup conducted last year. The report, Yoon asserts, uncovered signs that the National Election Commissions (NEC) platforms are vulnerable to cyberattacks and hacking attempts. This, he says, means the NECs capability of managing elections is questionable. Fair enough. Name a democracy anywhere that doesnt live in constant fear of election meddling, be it domestic or foreign. But whats really questionable is the reckless manner in which Yoon and his supporters are going about it. The martial law stunt was so wildly over the top that it has credit rating companies scrutinizing Korea. Troops being dispatched to election facilities is the stuff of Vladimir Putins Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogans Turkey, not a proud paragon of democratic principles. You dont restore trust in elections with a bizarre power grab that taints the credibility of an entire governmental system. And if you have proof real evidence that vote tabulations are suspect, show it. Trafficking in conspiracy theories and vague chatter about anti-state forces sympathetic to foreign governments, and North Korea perhaps, helps no one. Least of all Yoon, whos looking more like a hapless villain in a Robert Ludlum spy novel than a truth-teller. Yoon is also looking more Trumpian than many Koreans might want to admit. Full disclosure: I write these words with a tinge of sheepishness, given the anti-democratic upheaval shocking my native U.S. The same goes for the last 20-plus years Ive spent living in Asia, writing about illiberal turns by governments around the region. Ive covered Indonesias evolution from military-led basket case to thriving investment destination and innovative upstart. Ive chronicled Thailands coups, Malaysias struggles to dismantle a kleptomaniac system stymying competitiveness and Indias ricocheting back and forth from socialism and capitalism. And the Philippines ordeal with family dynasties squandering its future. It never occurred to me that the U.S. could find itself faced with all these threats at once and others for which we Americans lack the imagination even before Trumps second term begins on Jan. 20. The conspiracy-packed Trump 1.0 era from 2017 to 2021 left American voters deeply distrustful of governing institutions, even before COVID-19 and his Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on Capitol Hill. A Trumpian haze of misinformation and disinformation began right after Trump first took office. Though Trump staged a technical Electoral College win, he lost the popular vote in 2016 by nearly 3 million. Embarrassed, Trump cried fraud and set up a commission to prove he won more votes than Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton. Even though the effort failed, Trump stuck to his stolen election talking points, setting the stage for the violence to come in 2021. Believing Trumps election fantasies, millions of Americans were ready to believe Joe Biden had rigged the November 2020 election. That primed thousands to attack the Capitol building in Washington two months later. Trumps superpower is creating his own reality apart from facts. For four years, Trump failed to offer evidence that paper ballots had been manipulated in 2020. Or that voting machines had been tampered with in ways that might have altered the national vote. Or that the deep state at home or state actors abroad conspired to defeat him. Nor did Trump need it. The absence of proof was overwhelmed by Trumps megaphone, amplified by right-wing media platforms, social media algorithms and sycophantic Republican lawmakers placing tribalism over the good of the nation. Unfortunately, Trumps gambit went global. In January 2023, Brazils Jair Bolsonaro tried to repeat Trumps rigged election playbook only to face federal and state charges. The other way its gone international is by trashing Americas reputation as a stable, rule-of-law-based economy protected by robust checks and balances against political corruption. Many worry even the oldest democracy might fail as Trump 2.0 does its worst to distort the lines between fact and fiction. Korea must learn from these mistakes. The cost of Yoons election fraud theories could be the loss of Koreans confidence in their government and global investors belief the economy deserves an upgrade to developed nation status. What Yoon did on Dec. 3 was put Korea in league with other modern-day martial law declarers like Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand. To be sure, few in Seoul are colored in glory here. The NEC has done itself no favors by appearing to silence valid questions about cracks in its cybersecurity capabilities. If theres nothing to hide, top NEC officials should be bending over backward not just to answer questions but to reassure a perplexed nation. The U.S., for all its problems, had Robert Muellers investigation into the Trump campaign's alleged ties to Russia. As U.S. special counsel, Mueller, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation director, looked into foreign influence in the 2016 election. A similar probe, endowed with expansive investigative powers, is needed in Korea. This would make it harder for the NEC and National Assembly to avoid scrutiny. It would be difficult to deflect questions about everything from fraud to cyber readiness. At the same time, its a useful way to dispense with conspiracy theories. Korea can devise its own mechanism to shine daylight on Yoons talk of shadowy plots and vague schemes to undermine his People Power Party. It should do so urgently, transparently and credibly to ensure Korea emerges from this political nightmare with its national reputation somewhat intact. So far, Yoon has failed to put country over base politics. No one likes losing an election, whether its a presidential or National Assembly contest. But unless theres clear evidence something is amiss, accept your comeuppance from voters and try harder next time. With his approval ratings under 20 percent even before Dec. 3, its quite possible that Yoon just isnt very good at this president thing. Since then, Yoon, with his election interference talk and selfish actions, continues to prove it, a bit more each day. William Pesek is a longtime Asia opinion writer, based in Tokyo. He is a former columnist for Bloomberg and Barrons and author of "Japanization: What the World Can Learn from Japans Lost Decades." By Gwynne Dyer Six months ago, at the end of Irans presidential election, I finished an article by speculating that the long-lived theocratic dictatorship in Iran may be a lot closer to its end than its beginning: If you can plausibly say This cannot go on forever,' you are also saying Some day this will come to an end.' That observation was triggered by the fact that the "reformist" presidential candidate, Masoud Pezeshkian, unexpectedly won the July election. The previous president had been killed in a helicopter crash, and the regime had fumbled in setting up a snap election to replace him. Pezeshkian was the only token "moderate" in a field of four candidates, but he managed to make it into the last two for the second round and then, in the run-off vote, something remarkable happened. Fewer than half the voters had bothered to show up for the first round of voting because they assumed that the fix was in. Suddenly, however, the moderate candidate had a chance of winning and seven million extra voters showed up for the second round and carried the reformist to victory. It was only a small victory because Pezeshkian is very timid (otherwise, he wouldnt have been allowed even to run), but more importantly, because the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been the real and absolute ruler of Iran ever since Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini died in 1989. It just showed that the public would prefer somebody else. That doesnt count for much in a theocracy. It just allowed for a bit of speculation about the long-term future of the country. But a lot has happened in the Middle East since last July, and none of it has been good news for the Iranian regime. First, the vaunted "axis of resistance" that Iran had created to keep Israel on the defensive and boost its own power has been largely dismantled in the past six months. Hamas in the Gaza Strip has been mostly destroyed, the Hezbollah organization that dominated Lebanon is disabled, and the recent overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria has eliminated Irans strongest supporter in the region. Irans aged Supreme Leader, 85, has blamed all these disasters on the United States and Israel There should be no doubt that what happened in Syria was the result of a joint American-Zionist plot, he said but neither of those countries had anything to do with the key change in Syria. That was a homegrown revolt by Sunni Islamists backed by Turkey, and its part of a broader decline of Shia power in the regions politics. Shia Iran no longer has any allies in the Arab countries that border Israel, and there is little chance that it can win them back. Worse yet for Tehran, the tit-for-tat missile strikes between Iran and Israel over the past few months showed that Irans missiles for the most part cannot get through, while the Israeli air force could and did destroy most of Irans air defenses. The country is virtually naked militarily. Even more dangerous for the regime is the accelerating decline of the economy. It was undermined by decades of overspending abroad to spread its radical religious message but equally by under-investment at home since Irans attempts to sponsor revolutions elsewhere led to stringent international sanctions against it. The damage has been extreme. Irans per capita gross domestic product in 1976, a couple of years before the Islamist takeover, was $7,600. Now, it is only $5,700 despite all the oil and gas. Per capita GDP in next-door Turkey, similar in size, resources and population but with little oil or gas, was only $1,270 in 1976. It is now $13,000. Which one would you prefer? Most Iranians dont know those exact numbers, but they do know roughly what happened and why and the result, now unfolding for all to see, is a ruined economy. Iran has the world's second-largest natural gas reserves and third-largest oil reserves, but the rot has gone so deep that it cannot even keep the lights and the heat on. There were frequent brief power outages last summer, but the electricity is going off for days at a time this winter. Factories, steel plants and the like are shutting down; schools and universities are teaching remotely. A lot of people are unhappy or downright angry, and they know who to blame. There have been three episodes of prolonged mass protests against the regime (2009, 2019 and 2022), and despite the cold winter weather, another one could be on the way now. Or not; these things are unpredictable. But we can probably now say with some confidence, Some day soon, this will come to an end. Gwynne Dyers new book is "Intervention Earth: Life-Saving Ideas from the Worlds Climate Engineers." Parties must end conflict and address aviation disaster It was heartbreaking to learn that Jeju Air's passenger plane, carrying 181 people including crew, crashed at Muan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of all but two passengers, who were rescued Sunday. Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which departed from Bangkok, made an unsuccessful belly-landing at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. The plane then overran the runway and exploded upon colliding with a concrete wall. The plane was destroyed beyond recognition, underscoring the severity of the crash and the tragic loss of life on the final Sunday of 2024. Many of the passengers were families, primarily from the region, returning from year-end trips. The victims ranged in age from young children to the elderly, and among them were two Thai nationals. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families who have lost loved ones in this devastating tragedy. As authorities work to determine the exact cause of the crash, the nation braces for what is expected to be one of the worst aviation disasters since the Korean Air crash in Guam in 1997, which claimed at least 200 lives, and the Asiana Airlines accident at San Francisco airport in 2013, which resulted in three fatalities. The investigation is expected to take time, but a bird strike and malfunctioning landing gear are being cautiously considered as possible causes of the crash. Some experts have noted that the runway length at Muan International Airport, at 2.8 kilometers, is shorter than those at other international airports. With the plane's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder now secured, authorities must conduct a transparent and credible investigation into the cause of the accident. This will not only help prevent future incidents but also provide some closure for the victims' families. Additionally, the government has appropriately ordered a comprehensive review of the safety and maintenance status of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which is predominantly used by the nations budget carriers. The aviation disaster comes at a time when Korea is grappling with significant political turmoil following the brief emergency martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol on Dec. 3. While Yoon awaits the Constitutional Court's decision on an impeachment motion passed against him by the National Assembly, acting President Han Duck-soo, the prime minister, was also impeached on Friday by the National Assembly for refusing to appoint three members to fill three vacant seats on the nine-member adjudicating court. The main opposition and ruling parties must set aside partisan conflicts and work together on the government's relief efforts, ensuring that transparent and credible investigations can proceed. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, should honor his statement that "there can be no difference between the government and the parties," emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing this tragedy. The swift response of acting President Choi Sang-mok, who is also deputy prime minister and finance minister, by showing up at the crash site, along with the designation of Muan as a special disaster zone eligible for state support, should provide some relief to the families of the victims. The response also reassures the public that the government is capable of effectively handling such crises. Jeju Air, recognized as a leading budget carrier, also expressed deep apologies and pledged to do its utmost to address the aftermath of the crash. Several key government positions, including the interior minister and chief of the Korean National Police Agency, remain vacant due to ongoing investigations into insurrection and abuse of power allegations following the Dec. 3 martial law debacle and the subsequent impeachments. As the year comes to a close, political parties, regardless of their affiliations, must put aside their differences and support both government and private efforts to help the families and the nation recover. TMON, WeMakePrice wallow in doldrums By Ko Dong-hwan This year, Coupang solidified its position as a leader in Korea's e-commerce industry, achieving profitability in the third quarter and posting record-breaking quarterly sales. At the same time, Chinese platforms are quickly gaining popularity among local consumers, drawing attention with prices that are significantly more competitive than those offered by their Korean rivals. In contrast, other players in the industry faced considerable challenges, struggling with cost-cutting measures and legal disputes over unpaid dues to tenant vendors. Industry analysts anticipate that the competitive landscape will become even more polarized and sharply defined in the year ahead. Coupang, known for its fast Rocket Delivery service, reported sales of 10.6 trillion won ($7.22 billion) in the third quarter, according to its holding companys November disclosure. Operating profit for the same period reached 148 billion won, marking a significant turnaround from a 34.2 billion won deficit in the previous quarter. In 2023, Coupang set a new annual sales record, surpassing 31.8 trillion won, while operating profit reached 617 billion won. This year, the company is expected to exceed 40 trillion won in sales. Its immense popularity is evident throughout Seoul, where Coupangs insulated delivery boxes are a common sight in front of residential doorsteps. The company has also announced plans to invest 3 trillion won by 2026 to expand its "Rocket Delivery" service, ensuring that online orders can be delivered nationwide by the next day. This ambitious strategy is expected to further solidify Coupang's position as the leader in Korea's e-commerce market. This year, Chinese e-commerce platforms like AliExpress and Temu have made a significant impact on the market. Initially, there were concerns about the quality of products on these Chinese e-commerce platforms, with fears that some items might be defective or pose health risks to consumers. However, the main appeal of Chese e-commerce platforms the affordability of products helped ease these concerns, enabling them to keep growing and expanding their market shares. According to smartphone app data analysis firm Wiseapp, AliExpress became the second most popular online shopping platform during the first 10 months of this year. The platform's rising popularity aligns with the overall increase in market prices across the country's retail sectors this year, which has driven consumers to seek more affordable products. AliExpress last week also made headlines saying it formed a partnership with Shinsegae Group to upgrade the Korean retail conglomerates e-commerce platform called Gmarket. Using the Chinese companys global distribution network reaching 200 countries, the Korean platform will be able to connect its tenant vendors with global consumers, Shinsegae said. The partnership indicates that Chinese e-commerce companies, which previously prompted the Korean government to hold emergency meetings to curb their growing market influence in Korea, are now also willing to support their Korean counterparts. Less popular e-commerce platforms like SSG.com, Lotte ON and 11th street are reducing costs and restructuring themselves to survive the market. SSG.com, another e-commerce platform under Shinsegae Group, appointed a new CEO in June and downsized its four divisions to two. Meanwhile, Lotte ON began encouraging employees to voluntarily resign earlier this year amid declining sales. 11st Street relocated from downtown Seoul to Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, in order to reduce office rental costs. The industry experienced some of its worst fallout this year, with TMON and WeMakePrice facing major difficulties. Due to dwindling sales, both companies repeatedly delayed payments to their tenant vendors, leading many to go bankrupt. According to prosecutors investigating the companies parent firm, Qoo10, the financial damage amounted to approximately 1.85 trillion won, affecting around 330,000 vendors and consumers. The authorities accused the three companies of embezzling around 100 billion won in corporate funds and causing loss of 72.7 billion won in losses to TMON, WeMakePrice, and another affiliate, Interpark Commerce, through unfair intergroup transactions. Land ministry launches investigation into Boeing 737-800 By Lee Min-hyung A fatal crash of a Jeju Air passenger jet has sparked controversy over whether greater responsibility lies with the low-cost carrier (LCC) or Boeing, the manufacturer of the ill-fated 737-800 aircraft. The jetliner, carrying 181 passengers and crew, crashed into a concrete wall on Sunday morning while making an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province due to a landing gear malfunction. The deadly incident claimed 179 lives, leaving only two survivors both crew members. Even though an investigation is still underway to determine the exact cause of the accident, all eyes are focused on assigning accountability for what is now the deadliest aviation disaster in Korea's history. Adding to the controversy, just one day after the tragedy, another Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air, which had departed from Gimpo International Airport, was forced to return due to the same landing gear issue. This incident has intensified speculation that the airline's poor maintenance may have played a role in the earlier accident. However, Jeju Air rejected the allegations of inadequate aircraft maintenance, insisting that it places the utmost priority on ensuring the safety of its aircraft. We cannot agree with any argument that our maintenance environment remains poor, Song Kyung-hoon, head of the airlines management support office, told reporters on Sunday afternoon. Jeju Air has never skipped any procedures on maintenance, nor did we make light of safety. Addressing the Monday incident, Song stated, We identified the landing gear malfunction after takeoff, but the plane returned to normal operation shortly thereafter. However, the captain decided to return to ensure safety. In 2022, a Jeju Air aircraft, which departed from Kansai International Airport in Japan, had to return shortly after takeoff due to an engine failure caused by a bird strike. However, a post on Blind, an anonymous community app for office workers in Korea, written by someone claiming to be a Jeju Air employee, sparked controversy by alleging that the carrier had covered up the engine failure as a bird strike. However, Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae said the two aircraft malfunctions were not related. On the other hand, some argue that Boeing is to blame for the latest incident, pointing to repeated reports of malfunctions involving the aircraft model around the world. Another Boeing 737-800 passenger jet, operated by KLM, made an emergency landing after experiencing a hydraulic failure on its flight from Oslo, Norway to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Sunday (local time). The 737-800 has also faced similar landing gear issues in India and the United Kingdom. The aircraft is one of the best-selling models for Boeing. Most LCCs here, such as Jeju Air, Tway Air, Jin Air and Eastar Air, operate the aircraft. There are a total of 101 737-800s in operation in Korea: 39 by Jeju Air, 27 by T'way Air, 19 by Jin Air, 10 by Eastar Jet, four by Air Incheon, and two by Korean Air. In response to the concerns, Korean authorities initiated a special inspection of local carriers to determine whether they are adhering to maintenance regulations for the 737-800 model. We will conduct comprehensive safety inspections on the models maintenance reports and scrutinize whether each carrier complies with aviation maintenance regulations, an official from the transport ministry said. Hit by the involvement in the deadly crash, Jeju Air suffered a steep fall in its stock value. Shares of the LCC plummeted more than 15 percent on Monday morning. A surge in cancellations of travel deals and airline tickets was reported Monday as concerns over aviation safety mounted following a deadly airliner crash that claimed 179 lives, according to industry sources. Jeju Air revealed that 68,000 flight reservations had been canceled as of 1 p.m. Of the canceled tickets, over 33,000 were for domestic flights, while 34,000 were for international routes. The airline noted that most of the cancellations occurred after 9 a.m. on Sunday, when its flight 7C2216, carrying 181 people, crashed at Muan International Airport in the southwestern county of Muan. Local travel agencies also reported a spike in cancellations of tour packages in the aftermath of the tragedy. Many of them have suspended their TV and online advertisements and promotional campaigns. "We had about 40 inquiries regarding travel cancellations on Sunday alone," said a travel agent who requested anonymity. "We saw about double the usual amount of cancellations and a 50 percent decrease in bookings." Industry sources said the travel industry is closely monitoring the situation, anticipating continued impact as public anxiety over aviation safety continues to grow. (Yonhap) U.S. President Joe Biden said Sunday that he and first lady Jill Biden are "deeply saddened" to learn of the loss of life in a deadly plane crash in Korea, while pledging to provide any necessary assistance. Biden issued a statement after the Jeju Air plane carrying 181 people belly-landed and exploded at an airport in the country's southwestern county of Muan on Sunday morning (Korea time), killing 179 with two others having been rescued. "Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident in Muan, Republic of Korea," the president said in a statement. "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," he added. The deadliest aviation accident ever on South Korean soil happened when the Jeju Air plane, 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 kilometers southwest of Seoul. The plane skidded along the ground without its landing gear deployed, crashing into a concrete wall before bursting into flames with a deafening explosion. (Yonhap) Transportation safety authorities of the United States plan to help their Korean counterparts with a probe into the cause of a deadly Jeju Air plane crash that claimed 179 lives, according to a U.S. official Monday. The accident took place early Sunday, when Jeju Air flight 7C2216 veered off the runway while belly-landing and collided with a fence at the Muan International Airport in Muan County, about 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul. The crash of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft killed 179 people, with two others having been rescued. In an email statement sent to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has formed a team with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to support Korean authorities with the investigation. "The NTSB is leading a team of U.S. investigators, that includes the FAA and Boeing, to assist the Republic of Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) with their investigation into the Dec. 29 Jeju Air crash," Donnell Evans, a communications official at the FAA, said. The Korean government also confirmed the participation of U.S. authorities. "In relation to the accident investigation, the U.S. NTSB has decided to participate, and discussions are under way regarding the participation of Boeing and the engine manufacturer CFM International," Joo Jong-wan, head of the aviation policy bureau at the Korean transport ministry, said during a press briefing. An official at Korea's ARAIB, operated under the country's transport ministry, said earlier the flight data recorder recovered from the aircraft has been damaged. "If we have difficulty decoding it here, then we may have to send it to the NTSB," the official said. "They have cases from all over the world to analyze, so it could take quite a bit of time." The accident marked the deadliest aviation disaster in the country since 1997, when a Korean Air plane crashed in Guam, killing 225. (Yonhap) 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 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. 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 past year's repeated troubles have been damaging. The company's stock price is down more than 30 percent 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. 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 percent 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. (AP) Jimmy Carter's memorial journey will end at his house in the tiny town of Plains, Georgia, where he grew up on a peanut farm. That is where his wife, Rosalynn , was laid to rest last year in a burial plot that they chose years ago. But before Carter reaches his humble final destination, there will be an interstate choreography of grief, ceremony and logistics that is characteristic of state funerals. Ever since the nations founding, America has bid farewell to former presidents with an intricate series of events weaving together longstanding traditions and personal touches. Funerals often are planned by the presidents themselves, who usually have years after leaving the White House to ponder how they want to be memorialized. They are very much involved in the planning process, and the decisions that they make tell us a lot about who they are, how they see the presidency, and how they want to be remembered by the American people, said Matthew Costello, senior historian for the White House Historical Association, who co-wrote a book called Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture. Carter had more time to plan than most. He lived for 43 years after his presidency ended, the longest post-presidency in U.S. history, before dying Sunday at 100. Many details of his funeral remain under wraps, at the discretion of the family and military units that are responsible for carrying out the plans. Most presidents lie in state in the U.S. Capitol, and there is usually a service at Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden let slip last year that Carter had asked him to give a eulogy. (Excuse me, I shouldnt say that, Biden admitted.) Biden said Sunday his team is working with Carter's family and others to see to it that he is remembered appropriately, here in the United States and around the world. Carters son Chip is his main point of contact, though Biden said he has spoken with all the Carter children. He described a process underway that will take a little time but will result in a major service in Washington, D.C. for Carter, which Biden scheduled for Jan. 9. Sometimes former presidents help with even the smallest details. Jeffrey Engel, director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, recalled meeting with George H.W. Bush shortly after the former president revised the seating chart for his funeral. And I said, Is that weird? You know, its your own death, Engel recalled. And he said, You know, you do it every three months. You kind of get used to it. President Dwight Eisenhower, who commanded Allied troops during World War II before becoming a politician, wanted to be buried in an $80 government-issued casket. Apart from a glass seal that was added to the design, it was indistinguishable from the casket of any other solider. Details of the processions also can reflect aspects of a presidents life. Ronald Reagans casket was carried up the west steps of the U.S. Capitol, which face his home state of California. When Gerald Ford died, his casket was brought through the House side of the building, a nod to his years as a lawmaker. The job of carrying out presidential funerals falls to the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region , which includes 4,000 military and civilian personnel. The unit said in a statement that it is privileged to provide this support on behalf of the nation. Presidential funerals can leave lasting marks on the American consciousness. One of the most memorable descriptions of George Washington first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen came from a eulogy that was widely reprinted when the countrys first leader died. After John F. Kennedy was assassinated, his son John Jr. was photographed saluting the casket. Kennedy's casket was transported down Pennsylvania Avenue on the same caisson that carried Abraham Lincoln after he was assassinated a century earlier, and a riderless horse was included in the procession. Kennedys was the first presidential funeral to be widely televised. Technology has made mourning in a way more accessible, more democratic. More people have the opportunity to take a moment and reflect upon what this person meant, Costello said. And I think it also opens the door to more people being involved in the grieving process. In many democratic countries, the head of state and the head of government are two different people. The United States combines both roles, ceremonial and chief executive, into the office of the presidency. Since we have no national figure other than the president, weve essentially taken all the traditional weight and civic emotion that is put on to the death or the birth or a wedding for a sovereign or a king and placed it on the heads of the presidents, Engel said. And there arent that many of them, to be honest. So whenever one of them passes, its unusual and a big deal. He described funerals as a moment to remember that were all in this together and this man was the president for all of us, whether youre a Republican or a Democrat." However, in todays divided politics, state funerals can produce awkward, even tense, moments. During George H.W. Bushs funeral in 2018, the audience included President Donald Trump. He shook hands with former President Barack Obama, his predecessor, but did not interact with Hillary Clinton, who he defeated in the 2016 election, or her husband, former President Bill Clinton. These funerals are always political, Engel said. Whatever happens in the Carter funeral is going to be political, frankly, whether people around the Carter family want it to be or not. (AP) The United States announced Monday a $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump's November election victory has cast doubt on the future of American support for Ukraine, providing a limited window for billions of dollars in already authorized assistance to be disbursed before he is sworn in next month. Monday's aid includes a $1.25 billion military "drawdown package," which allows the Pentagon to take weapons from US stocks and send them quickly to the battlefield. An additional $1.22 billion will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners. "Today, I am proud to announce nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression," President Joe Biden said in a statement. The drawdowns from the defense department shelves will involve drones, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), optically guided missiles, anti-tank weapons systems, air-to-ground munitions and spare parts, according to a separate statement from the US State Department. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russia's aggression," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov hailed the fresh aid package in a post on social media. "The US is a key ally of Ukraine, providing us with invaluable assistance. Together, we will win!" he wrote. The latest assistance for Ukraine follows an announcement at the beginning of the month of a nearly $1 billion tranche of drones, ammunition and equipment. The outgoing Biden administration is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump who has repeatedly criticized US assistance for Kyiv and claimed he could secure a ceasefire within hours takes over in January. (AFP) The German government on Monday sought to downplay efforts by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to get involved in the country's general election campaign by again endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party. Musk caused uproar over the weekend after backing the AfD in an opinion piece in a major newspaper, leading to the resignation of the papers opinion editor in protest. "Freedom of expression also includes the greatest nonsense," government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said, adding that should wouldn't comment further on Musk's statements. She did, however, say that it is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statement." In that context, Hoffmann also pointed out that the AfD is being monitored by Germany's domestic intelligence service on suspicion of being right-wing extremist and that it has already been recognized as such in some individual German states. 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. Musks guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he had supported AfD. 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. 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! 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. The newspaper was attacked by politicians and other media for offering Musk, a foreigner, a platform. Musks opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag was accompanied by a critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, who wrote that while some of Musk's diagnoses of Germany's problems may be correct his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong. (AP) The HSE Dublin and Midlands wishes to advise that all acute hospitals within this region are experiencing a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, such as Influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Hospitals affected are Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Naas General Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, Regional Hospital Mullingar and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. In order to reduce the spread of these illnesses in the healthcare setting some of the hospitals are implementing visiting restrictions. These measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow. Certain exceptions will be made by contacting ward staff in advance. For up-to-date guidelines on visiting patients, please visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions/ The HSE Dublin and Midlands REO Kate Killeen White, Hospitals are implementing visiting restrictions. In some cases there is only visiting on compassionate grounds or visiting is limited to 1/2 person per patient during normal visiting times. We are asking people to only visit patients at the hospital or other health care residential setting, like nursing homes, if you are symptom free from flu or other respiratory illness. Please visit the HSE website for specific information and regular updates. While hospitals are busy, staff are caring for many seriously ill patients all over the Christmas. We would ask patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service. She said, there are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including visiting your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. Find out more at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/ It also advises that if you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact the local GP Out of Hours service https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/ PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 30: The year 2024 has marked a transformative period for India's real estate sector, with impressive growth across office spaces, residential markets, and investment flows. The industry's resilience and adaptability have once again demonstrated why it continues to be a cornerstone of India's economic strength. Also Read | Redmi Turbo 4 Launch Will Take Place on January 2, 2025 in China; Check Expected Specifications and Features. India's office real estate market has experienced an exceptional performance, with 53.3 million sq. ft. of leasing activity recorded between January and September. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune were the frontrunners, accounting for an impressive 66% of the total supply. A key driver of this demand has been the growing presence of Global Capability Centers (GCCs), which now represent 38% of the leasing activity. The dream of homeownership continued to thrive as over 225,000 units were sold in the first nine months of 2024, driven by 215,000 new launches. What's truly exciting is the growing appetite for premium and luxury housing, which now makes up 16% of all sales, a significant leap from just 6% in 2019. Also Read | Santosh Trophy 2024: Kerala Register Emphatic 5-1 Win Over Manipur, Will Face West Bengal in Final. Big money has been flowing into India's real estate, with equity capital reaching record levels. The Delhi-NCR region emerged as a hotspot for investors, while 70% of the inflows targeted land development and office spaces, reaffirming the sector's long-term potential. In a landmark move, the Maharashtra government has mandated the inclusion of broker names in sale deeds. This step not only ensures transparency but also recognizes the critical role brokers play in making property transactions smooth and successful. Companies like Palladian Partners advisory Pvt Ltd, one of the RE giants from Mumbai, has set a benchmark in broker support this year, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the real estate industry. With an extensive network of over 16,000 brokers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the company ensures unparalleled market reach and personalized service for clients. Demonstrating its commitment to fostering trust and efficiency, Palladian has processed some of broker payouts within just one week of a sale, setting a standard that few can match. Additionally, the organization invests heavily in its brokers' professional growth, offering regular training programs that equip them with the latest market insights, regulatory updates, and advanced sales strategies. These initiatives underscore Palladian's dedication to empowering its broker network, ensuring they remain an integral part of the company's continued success. India's real estate journey in 2024 is a testament to collaboration and innovation. Developers, brokers, and policymakers are working together to shape a sector that's not just growing but thriving. With initiatives like those by Palladian Partners, the focus on brokers ensures a future where everyone in the ecosystem benefits. 2024 is proof that when the real estate community comes together, the possibilities are endless. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], December 30 (ANI): ABVP workers protested outside Tamil Nadu House in Delhi on Monday over the alleged sexual harassment incident at Chennai's Anna University. The protesters demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister and demanded strict action against the university. Also Read | Income Tax Relief for Salaried Employees: Will Nirmala Sitharaman Cut Tax Rates for Those Earning up to INR 15 Lakh in Union Budget 2025?. One of the protesters said, "The DMK government should step down in shame. As protectors of the people, it's appalling that a student who leaves home to study in a college under government protection falls victim to harm. If such incidents occur even in institutions under government purview, the government must take responsibility and resign." Another protester said, "If such an incident happens, whether it is a member of the DMK or a close associate of Udhayanidhi Stalin, strict action should be taken against the officers who have leaked a very sensitive document to that private person. Action should be taken against them and the situation of women's students in Tamil Nadu needs to be strengthened by providing safety to them." Also Read | Delhi Assembly Elections 2025: AAP, BJP Spar Over Rohingya Settlement, Hardeep Singh Puri Says 'Arvind Kejriwal Tampering With India's Security by Supporting Rohingyas'. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) dispatched a two-member fact-finding committee to Chennai to investigate the alleged sexual assault of a 19- 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). 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. 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) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 30 (ANI): Special Task Force (STF) of Assam police apprehended another terrorist in Kokrajhar district on Monday, officials said. The apprehended person was identified as 35-year-old Gazi Rahman of Bhodeyaguri area in Kokrajhar district. Also Read | What Is SpaDeX or Space Docking Experiment? Know All About ISRO's Final Mission in 2024. Notably, the STF, Assam has so far arrested 12 Jihadi cadres of ABT and AQIS from Assam, West Bengal and Kerala. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, IGP (STF) told ANI that, as part of Operation Praghat, launched by the STF, a significant breakthrough has been achieved in the ongoing investigation of STF Police Station. Also Read | Eclipses in 2025: Know Dates of Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan), Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) and Other Celestial Events Set To Occur in New Year. "The absconding prime accused, Gazi Rahman of Kokrajhar district, was apprehended by a team of the Special Task Force (STF), Assam, with the assistance of Kokrajhar police. "Necessary legal action is being initiated in this matter. The STF remains committed to ensuring justice and continuing its efforts to apprehend all individuals connected to this case. Further investigation in the case is continuing," Dr Mahanta said. Earlier on December 27, STF Assam apprehended one terrorist identified as 36-year-old Shahinur Islam from Dhubri district. "The operation against Jihadi, namely "PRAGHAT", is being operated throughout the state. In connection with that an ongoing investigation under STF Police Station Case No. 21/2024, the Special Task Force (STF) Assam conducted a successful raid on December 27 at Bandhabpara, Bilasipara under Dhubri district. During the operation, a wanted anti-national Jihadi was apprehended and various incriminating items were recovered. The apprehended Jihadi was identified as Shahinur Islam (36 years old). During the raid, we recovered one book titled Nuriliza (written in Urdu, containing pages 1 to 829), one book titled Jana Wazib (written by Sheikh Nazibullah Hakkani, containing pages 1 to 47), one PAN Card, one Aadhaar Card, one Passport, one mobile phone," IGP Mahanta added. He further said that, the STF remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the state by taking decisive action against anti-national activities. Earlier, on December 24 night, the STF Assam carried out a raid and search operation with the help of Kokrajhar district police at Namapara under the Kokrajhar police station area and achieved a huge success in averting a possible major terror act by fundamentalist/Jihadi elements of a Global Terrorist Organisation (GTO) and apprehended two persons who identified as Abdul Zaher Sheikh and Sabbir Mirdha. The STF team recovered 4 numbers of handmade rifles, that are made to look like AKs, 34 rounds of live ammunition, 24 rounds of blank cartridges, one pair of live un-primed IEDs with cortex, one handmade grenade with explosives, one Circuit of detonators made out of agricultural equipment, 14 numbers of electronic switches, three iron cases used for making of IEDs with 20 iron pieces and plates for causing maximum damage, huge numbers of switches and wires with explosives used in fire crackers along with other incriminating items. The operation successfully averted a major act of terror planned by the Bangladesh based handlers of the arrested members of the terror outfit. The operation was carried out under direct supervision of STF Assam Chief. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna, Dec 30 (PTI) The Bihar government has extended the deadline for completing the ongoing statewide land survey by a year in a bid to minimise the inconveniences being faced by the people on account of the exercise, a top official said Monday. Talking to reporters here, Dipak Kumar Singh, additional chief secretary (ACS) of the Bihar revenue and land reforms department, said, "The department has decided to extend the July 2025 deadline for completion of the survey and settlement of land across the state by another year. Now, the exercise will be completed by July 2026. The decision has been taken to ensure that people don't face any inconveniences and also transparency in the exercise." Also Read | Badaun Shocker: Depressed Over Cancelled Wedding, Woman Dies by Suicide in Uttar Pradesh; Names Neighbour in Note. The objective of the entire exercise is to help the genuine people with digitised land records to end disputes once and for all, the ACS said. Besides, the exercise will also let the government have a clear idea about its own land spread across the state, he said, adding, "The government needs land to give it to the landless and also for several infrastructure projects." Also Read | Tech Job 2025: Indian IT Ecosystems Projected To See 20% Surge in Job Roles Next Year, GenAI Industry Alone To Witness More Jobs Numbers, Highest Salaries. "Out of a total 38 districts, the land survey exercise is almost in its last stage in 20 districts (covering 5,657 villages). The exercise in the remaining 18 districts (which will cover 37,384 villages) will start soon. Earlier, more than 60 per cent of crime-related incidents in the state used to occur mainly because of land-related disputes. It has come down to 46.69 per cent," he said. Land survey has been on the agenda of the Nitish Kumar government for a long time, as land disputes had emerged as the biggest law and order challenge in the state. The state government is undertaking a special land survey to update land records in the state. The last cadastral survey in the state was conducted in 1911 during British rule. The central government is also launching a new programme, 'National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA)' for the creation of land records in urban areas, he said, adding that the state government has recommended six 'urban local bodies' Sonepur, Buxar, Rajgir, Tarapur, Banka, and Dehri for the exercise. "The digitally updated and transparent land records of urban areas will facilitate optimisation of the land resources and sharing of information with various agencies for assisting in policy and planning," he added. The state government has also initiated the process of identifying land donated during 'Bhoodan Andolan,' a campaign to donate land initiated by Gandhian Vinoba Bhave, in the state. "The three-member commission that was set up by the Bihar government in 2017 to ascertain the genuineness of the land donated during the Bhoodan Andolan, submitted its report to the government last year. Copies of the report of the commission have been sent to all districts concerned to locate the land. Once identified, these lands will be distributed among the landless people by the government," Singh said. Headed by former chief secretary Ashok Kumar Choudhary, the panel in its report had said, "The state government has so far distributed 2,56,664.88 acres, out of total 6,48,593.14 acres donated during the Bhoodan Andolan. Around 1,04,958.7 acres, donated during the movement, has been found fit for distribution among the landless people." On the complete takeover by the Bihar government of about 15,358 acres belonging to the erstwhile princely estate of Bettiah Raj, one of the largest zamindaris of the state, the ACS said, "The 'Vesting of Bettiah Raj Properties Act' 2024's gazette notification has been issued. Now, the board of revenue of the state government has framed the draft rules of the Act. The draft rules have been sent to the department concerned for their opinion. After that, it will go before the Cabinet... once the rules of the Act are framed and passed by the Cabinet, the department will initiate the process of taking over the 15,358 acres of land belonging to the erstwhile princely estate of Bettiah Raj." (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna, December 30: Bihar Police has registered an FIR against 600-700 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, for unauthorized gathering, instigating people and creating law and order issues in Gandhi Maidan. This came after Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore and the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants protested at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Sunday, demanding a re-examination for the 70th BPSC prelims. "Jan Suraaj Party was denied permission to organize Chhatra Sansad in front of the Gandhi statue. However, a crowd gathered at the Gandhi statue and created a 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," Patna Administration said in a statement. BPSC Aspirants Protest in Bihar: Students Continue Their Protest in Patna's Gandhi Maidan (Watch Videos). "An FIR has been registered in Gandhi Maidan police station against 600-700 people including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore on charges of unauthorized gathering of crowd, instigating people and creating law and order problems," Patna Administration added. On Sunday, speaking to the media, Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor said that his party would support students if injustice is done to them. "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," Prashant Kishor said. BPSC Aspirants Protest in Patna: Bihar Police Uses Mild-Lathi Charge, Water Cannon To Disperse Students Protesting in Gandhi Maidan (Watch Video). "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," Jan Suraaj Chief said. 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. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Nizamabad (Telangana) [India], December 30 (ANI): Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha on Monday hit out at the Congress government in Telangana over the 'increase' in crimes against women. She said that the state government has failed to give attention to the safety of women since there was a 10 per cent increase in the crime rate. There is a rape case every third hour and there is a kidnapping case every fifth hour, the BRS MLC said, adding that this was never the situation in Telangana. Also Read | Adani Enterprise Shares Increase 4.97% in Morning Trade to INR 2,529 Price Per Share, Adani Ports Among Top Gainers. "Congress government has not given any attention to the safety of women. We have been highlighting this fact. Unfortunately, there is a 10% increase in crime rate. In Telangana today, every third hour there is a rape case and every fifth hour, there is a kidnap case happening. This is really unfortunate. This was never the situation," Kavitha told ANI. She further said that they had created a 'She team' that works towards preventing petty crimes against women, which would further stop heinous crimes. However, this government doesn't seem to care about women, Kavitha added. Also Read | India's Smartphone Market Grows 3% YoY in Volume, 12% in Value in Q3 2024 As 5G Models Total Shipments Dominates: Counterpoint Report. "In the last one year, we have ensured that there is peace in Telangana and there is safety for women. We had created 'She' teams, which take care of petty crimes against women and it will prevent major and heinous crimes from happening. However, this government does not seem to care about women at all. They have forgotten all the promises they have made for women. We demand that the Chief Minister should intervene and conduct a proper review of the women's safety in the state," Kavitha said. Earlier, Kavitha launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for neglecting the development of Nizamabad region, where she returned after a gap of 10 months. Nizamabad remains her constituency. "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. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, Dec 30 (PTI) Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday strongly criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government for its alleged mishandling of the ongoing farmers' agitation. Bajwa, who is Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, accused the AAP government "of betraying Punjab's agrarian community and colluding with the BJP to undermine the state's proud legacy". Also Read | Badaun Shocker: Depressed Over Cancelled Wedding, Woman Dies by Suicide in Uttar Pradesh; Names Neighbour in Note. Referring to Monday's Punjab bandh, call for which had been given by two farmers' forums spearheading the ongoing protest, Bajwa said that "the farmers of Punjab have once again demonstrated their unity and resolve by making today's bandh a historic success". "This movement underscores the legitimacy of their demands and the failure of both the AAP-led Punjab government and the BJP-led central government to address their concerns. Farmers are, and will always be, the backbone of our nation," he said in a statement. Also Read | Tech Job 2025: Indian IT Ecosystems Projected To See 20% Surge in Job Roles Next Year, GenAI Industry Alone To Witness More Jobs Numbers, Highest Salaries. Bajwa expressed grave concern over the ongoing indefinite hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, which has now entered its 35th day. He underscored the farmers' key demand for an assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, calling it essential to protect their livelihoods. Bajwa accused the AAP government of ignoring this critical issue and "instead working with the BJP to undermine the farmers' peaceful agitation". "Reports of a significant police force being deployed at Patiala Police Lines are deeply troubling," Bajwa said. "Why has such a force been assembled? Is this preparation to intimidate or harm peaceful protesters? Let me be clear... if the Punjab Police uses any force and farmers are injured or harmed in any way, the responsibility will lie squarely on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This will be an unforgivable act of betrayal against the very people who elected him," he said. Bajwa also posted on X, saying "Reports of heavy police deployment at Patiala Police Lines are deeply concerning..." Farmers at the Khanauri protest site have stepped up security, apprehending that the Punjab government could force him to take medical aid. Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers' demands. The apex court recently 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. The Congress leader also questioned Mann's inaction at the national level. "Why hasn't Bhagwant Mann sought time from the Prime Minister or the Home Minister to resolve this urgent matter? Why is he leaving it to bureaucrats and police officials instead of taking the lead? Farmers' demands, especially for MSP, are not just state issues'?they require national-level intervention," he added. "Punjab's farmers and their demands for MSP cannot be ignored or suppressed. The people of Punjab will not tolerate betrayal, whether from the BJP or the AAP government. Both parties must understand that Punjab's voice and its farmers' rights cannot be silenced," he said. Bajwa urged the government to immediately meet the farmers' demands, refrain from using force against peaceful protesters and protect Punjab's honour and its agrarian community at all costs. 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' demands include a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kochi (Kerala) [India], December 30 (ANI): The shocking incident of Congress MLA Uma Thomas falling from the VIP Gallery at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi prompted an investigation by the Forensic team, police officers, and Fire and Rescue officials, who inspected the stadium for any safety lapses. Earlier, Palarivattom Police registered a case against the event organizers. The owner of the event management company, Krishnakumar, who was part of the organizing committee, has been taken into police custody for questioning. Also Read | Maha kumbh Mela 2025: Entry and Exit Routes Announced for All Stations Under the Prayagraj Railway Division; Check Details Here. Meanwhile, Mridanga Vision has approached the High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the incident. Congress leader and MLA, Depthy Mary Varghese, blamed the security failure for the incident, saying, "This is a security failure from the side of the police and Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). It's a real security lapse from the side of the authorities and also from the side of the police authorities. Even the minister is participating in this program. So while it's a VIP program, there should be a security check from the side of the police." Also Read | Ganga Sagar Mela 2025: 13,000 Cops To Be Deployed at Sagar Islands in West Bengal's Coastal South 24 Parganas District in Apprehension of Terror Threat. The fall of the MLA has raised serious questions about the safety protocols during public events, especially when VIPs are present, highlighting the need for stricter security measures at such gatherings. After the incident, Uma was immediately rushed to Renai Medicity Hospital in Kochi, where she was receiving treatment in the ICU. Meanwhile, Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan informed that Congress MLA Uma Thomas is being monitored after sustaining a head injury during a fall. The Congress MLA fell from the VIP Gallery of JN Stadium in Kochi while attending the Mridanga Naadam, Bharatanatyam Programme. "She has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures. She needs to be monitored for the next 24 hours. We are providing all the medical help," Satheesan told ANI on Sunday night. "At the beginning, we thought it was a grave situation," he added. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ranchi, Dec 30 (PTI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday conducted searches at three locations in Chatra district of Jharkhand to probe extortion and money laundering by a naxal group, according to an official statement. During the searches, several mobile phones, SIM cards etc. were seized, it said. Also Read | ISRO SpaDeX Mission Launched: Indian Space Agency Launches PSLV-C60 With Space Docking Experiment and Innovative Payloads (Watch Video). The searches conducted on Monday were part of NIA's investigation in the case "relating to extortion, levy collection and money laundering by members of TSPC, a splinter group of the proscribed CPI (Maoist) terror organisation", said the statement issued by the NIA. The searches were conducted at the premises of suspects and overground workers (OGWs) associated with top cadres of TSPC (Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee), it added. Also Read | Digital Arrest in 2024: Bihar Reported 301 Digital Arrest Cases, Citizens Lose INR 10 Crore in Frauds. The case was originally registered by the Tandwa police in January 2016 and the investigation was taken over by NIA in February 2018. NIA has so far chargesheeted 21 accused persons in the case, in which investigations are continuing. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mhow (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 30 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday pointed out 'unconventional methods' of warfare as new challenges before the country, in Mhow. He was addressing senior Army officers at Army War College. "Many unconventional methods like information warfare, AI based warfare, proxy warfare, electro-magnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks are now posing a challenge to us. The dominance of different countries on the availability of electronic chips is also problematic. Monopoly on rare earth materials also indicates a big challenge. Hybrid warfare and Greyzone warfare are adding to our challenges," said Singh. Also Read | Adani Enterprise Shares Increase 4.97% in Morning Trade to INR 2,529 Price Per Share, Adani Ports Among Top Gainers. In this challenging situation, it becomes necessary that Indian army should remain well-trained and equipped for all such situations. It is great to see that the training centres of Mhow are playing a very important role in these efforts. This place has been known for its military valour for more than 200 years, he added. This was the first visit by a Defence Minister to the Army War College, Mhow in last 24 years. Also Read | India's Smartphone Market Grows 3% YoY in Volume, 12% in Value in Q3 2024 As 5G Models Total Shipments Dominates: Counterpoint Report. "Our government is constantly making efforts to increase integration and jointness among the three forces. Because in the future, we will face such challenges which our services will be able to face better together. I am very happy to see that high-level training is provided to officers of all wings in Mhow Cantonment," he said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of making the country a developed nation by 2047. And he sees the current time as a transition period. India is constantly moving on the path of development, he added. "And from a military perspective, we are constantly getting equipped with modern weapons. We are not only equipping our armies but also sending equipment made in the country to other countries," he further added. The Defene minister was on a two-day 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. On Sunday, 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) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chinese firm participates holiday gift-giving campaign in Serbia Xinhua) 10:32, December 30, 2024 BELGRADE, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- A traditional holiday gift-giving campaign in Serbia's western city of Uzice brought joy to around 80 children on Friday. The event benefited children without parental care, those from foster families, and children from low-income households. Held at the Uzice City Cultural Center, the event was organized by the city's non-profit "Teta Mrazice" (Aunt Santas) in collaboration with the Center for Social Work, the Red Cross of Uzice, and local donors. For the first time, Chinese firm PowerChina joined the event. The company, currently responsible for constructing the Uzice bypass, contributed gifts in the festivities. Wu Shiguang, a manager at PowerChina, extended wishes to the children for good health and happiness. "Through this collaboration, we hope to bring warmth and happiness to children during the holiday season," Wu said, emphasizing the company's dedication to social responsibility. Uzice city officials expressed their commitments to the initiative in the coming years, with plans to expand support to more families. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Hyderabad, Dec 30 (PTI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday called on Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella at his residence here and sought the IT major's support to develop a strong ecosystem so that Hyderabad is recognised as a leading city in the world in the technology domain. The CM thanked Nadella for Microsoft's regular investments and growth in the city and state, an official release said. Also Read | Uma Thomas Health Update: Kerala Congress MLA Critical After Falling From VIP Gallery of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Police Book Organisers for Safety Lapses. Reddy and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu discussed various technology imperatives that Telangana is focusing on, including AI, Gen AI, and cloud, and sought Microsoft's support, it said. The CM also explained his plans for infrastructure development in the state, including the Regional Ring Road, radial roads, Future City, the development of new manufacturing clusters, and how the government is proposing to create a vast pool of industry-ready talent through institutions like the Young India Skills University. Also Read | Badaun Shocker: Depressed Over Cancelled Wedding, Woman Dies by Suicide in Uttar Pradesh; Names Neighbour in Note. The Microsoft CEO reiterated the tech giant's commitment to partnering with the state government on all its initiatives. He appreciated the chief minister's vision of enhancing skills and improving infrastructure to the next level and opined that only these two factors can position Hyderabad among the top 50 cities in the world for creating economic growth. Microsoft is one of the earliest technology companies in Hyderabad and has grown to a workforce of 10,000 over the years. It has also invested in a 600 MW data centre capacity in the state. The CM was accompanied by Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Special Chief Secretary for IT and Industries Jayesh Ranjan, and Special Secretary to the CM Ajith Reddy, the release added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna (Bihar) [India], December 30 (ANI): Purnia member of Parliament, Pappu Yadav, met with Bihar Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar on Monday. He discusses the ongoing BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) protest. Yadav condemned the actions of individuals involved in the disturbance, calling them "hooligans" who exploited students for personal gain. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, "First of all, congratulations to the governor for the New Year and swift to the incident involving the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). He stated that Bihar Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar said, "Come, I'll talk." While addressing several concerns, including the actions of the district magistrate and police officers. Also Read | Maharashtra Government Holiday List 2025: State Govt Announces Dates for All Holidays on Account of Festivities and Observances, Check Complete Details. Yadav highlights that Governor Arlekar will call the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent Police (SP) to enquire on what basis they used sticks and file a case against the aspirants. He said that he would talk to the Chief Minister personally about the ongoing BPSC protest. Yadav also questioned the discrepancy in the exam process, asking why 12,000 candidates were selected while 4 lakh aspirants were excluded. Also Read | Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana: Arvind Kejriwal Makes Another Big Announcement, Promises INR 18,000 per Month to Priests of Temples and Gurdwaras Ahead of Delhi Assembly Elections 2025 (Video). Yadav further stated that Governor Arlekar said, "There will be a complete investigation on both the issues of the BPSC and the benches, as in other states there are two or three benches, but here there is only one. Referring to the BPSC incident as one requiring top-to-bottom scrutiny." The Governor instructed that the Chairman of the BPSC be questioned, referring to the entire situation as "wrong" and demanding a complete inquiry. "Muscle power sold this movement with the money; they used the children. By going at 3 o'clock in the night, they committed hooliganism with the children. They abused them and asked, What is your position? Who these leaders are calling our children, they don't know what the students of Bangladesh did?", Yadav told ANI. Yadav further added, "When the student in the world boils, the world ends. This is a student satyagraha. No one can stop students." 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) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jammu, Dec 30 (PTI) A terror associate was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) on Monday for providing logistical support to the terrorist groups and operating in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, officials said. Acting firmly against terror supporters in the district, the police launched an operation and detained a hardcore terror associate under the PSA, said a police spokesperson. Also Read | Uma Thomas Health Update: Kerala Congress MLA Critical After Falling From VIP Gallery of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Police Book Organisers for Safety Lapses. The accused, identified as Mohmmad Rafiq, is a resident of Balota Chigla in Basantgarh. He was sent to jail. Rafiq is involved in multiple terror cases and was working as active guide and facilitator for the terrorist organisations till his arrest. Also Read | Mahakumbhnagar Central Hospital Welcomes First Baby Girl Ganga Ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Keeping in view the activities of the accused, he was ordered to be detained under the Public Safety Act. With his arrest, the number of terror associates has gone upto to five. (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, Dec 30 (PTI) There should be no controversy surrounding the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Abhijit Mukherjee, son of former president Pranab Mukherjee, said on Monday. The remarks come after his sister Sharmistha Mukherjee said she felt bad when no CWC meeting was convened after her father's demise. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) is the highest decision-making body of the party. Also Read | Police Lathi Charge on BPSC Protest: 'Double-Engine BJP Government in Bihar Become Symbol of Atrocity on Youth', Says Congress Leader Priyanka Gandhi. "There should be absolutely no controversy surrounding the death of someone like Dr Manmohan Singh. He was an economist and a personality about whom no amount of praise would ever be enough. "In my father's language, a perfect gentleman, I have never seen him (Manmohan Singh) get angry. Whenever I met him, he was smiling, a soothing personality and a father figure," Abhijit Mukherjee told PTI videos. Also Read | New Year 2025 Celebrations in Mumbai: BEST To Run Heritage Tours and Extra Buses to Popular Seaside Spots. "He stabilized the Indian economy when it was in doldrums, he laid the foundation of Indian economy. A reformer like Dr Manmohan Singh will likely never come again," he said. Sharmistha Mukherjee, in an interview with PTI Videos, said 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. She 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 CWC meeting was convened after her father's death and a resolution passed. "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. Sharmistha Mukherjee also pitched for a memorial for Manmohan Singh and said Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, should also be conferred on the former prime minister posthumously. Singh passed away at the AIIMS here on December 26. He was 92. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala (Tripura) [India], December 30 (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. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: Woman Gives Birth to Child at Makeshift Hospital in Mahakumbh Nagar (See Pics). 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. Also Read | Akash Sagar, Social Media Influencer, Will Be Arrested Soon for Chanting 'Siya Ram Jai Jai Ram' Inside Church in East Khasi Hills, Say Meghalaya Police (Watch Video). 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) (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, Dec 30 (PTI) Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) on Monday said its CEO Amit Singh will step down from his position and take charge as CEO of International Energy Business of the Adani Group from April 1, 2025. Ashish Khanna, who is the CEO of the International Energy Business, will take charge as AGEL CEO from April 1 next year, the Adani group company said in a statement. Also Read | What Are H-1B Visa New Rules? What Changes Have Been Made in Form I-129? Here's All You Need To Know. "Amit Singh, the current CEO of AGEL, will step down from his position as CEO of the Company, effective 31 March 2025 and will transition to his new role as CEO of International Energy Business of the Adani Group," the statement said. In alignment with the Adani Group's routine internal leadership transitions and planning, and to continue fostering sustainable growth and an ever-evolving leadership development consistent with the broader group and company objectives, a leadership transition has been undertaken, AGEL said. Also Read | What Is the Generation Beta? Who Will Be Gen Beta's Parents? All About the Successors to Gen Alpha and Gen Z, Set To Arrive in 2025. Adani International Energy Business CEO Ashish Khanna is appointed as AGEL's new CEO, effective 1 April 2025, it stated. Khanna has over three decades of experience in areas of renewables, infrastructure, project management and contracts management in both India and abroad. Amit Singh is an energy industry strategist and a leader in energy transition with extensive global experience with SLB (formerly Schlumberger). He has worked in over a dozen countries and has held positions such as Managing Director and Country Chair, Qatar and subsequently Director Corporate Strategy & Marketing, Digital and Integration division based out of London. As Adani Group now wishes to expand its business territory to international geographies, especially where growth paradigms are formidable such as MENA, Amit's leadership will further strengthen Group and align Group's goals, it stated. AGEL is India's largest and one of the leading renewable energy companies in the world enabling the clean energy transition. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [Pakistan], December 30 (ANI): At least eight individuals were killed and 13, including civilians, were injured on the Afghan side during ongoing clashes at the border, which continued late into Saturday night, according to security officials, Dawn reported. The intense exchange of fire followed an escalation in tensions after Pakistani fighter jets targeted alleged camps of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province earlier this week. Also Read | New Years Eve Ball Drop 2024 Live Streaming From New Yorks Times Square: Know Date, Timing and Where To Watch Live Telecast of Times Square Ball Drop Celebrations. The clashes erupted after a failed attempt by militants on the Afghan side to infiltrate Pakistan, triggering fresh fighting on Saturday. One Frontier Corps soldier was martyred, and 11 others sustained injuries in the renewed violence. Security sources confirmed that on Friday night, militants attempted to breach the border, but their efforts were thwarted by Pakistani forces. Following the failed infiltration attempt, the militants joined Afghan forces and launched an attack on Pakistani posts with both light and heavy weapons on Saturday morning. Also Read | S Jaishankar To Visit Doha Today: External Affairs Minister Set To Embark on 3-Day Official Tour to Qatar, Will Hold Meet With PM Sheikh Mohammed. The Afghan forces, in coordination with militants, targeted several Pakistani border posts in areas including Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha, and Tari Mengal. The clashes lasted throughout the day. Pakistani forces responded with retaliatory fire, inflicting significant losses on the Afghan side, and forcing the attackers to abandon their border posts, sources claimed as per Dawn. Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns over the use of Afghan soil by militants for cross-border attacks, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the issue last week, urging the Afghan government to take decisive action against the TTP, emphasising that attacks from Afghan soil were a "red line" for Pakistan. He also stated that while Pakistan is willing to engage in talks with Kabul, dialogue cannot occur alongside ongoing attacks. On the same day as the airstrikes, a Pakistani delegation, led by Special Representative Muhammad Sadiq, met with Afghan leaders in Kabul to resume diplomatic dialogue after a year-long hiatus, Dawn reported. The Afghan government lodged a protest over the airstrikes, claiming that at least 46 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed. The strikes followed an attack in South Waziristan last week, which resulted in the martyrdom of 16 Pakistani soldiers. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Karachi [Pakistan], December 30 (ANI): Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab advised the Majlis-e-Wahdatul-Muslimeen (MWM) to stage a protest in front of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ARY News reported on Monday. Karachi's Mayor was commenting on roadblocks by the MWM at key thoroughfares in Karachi, as per ARY News. Also Read | 'Obscene Acts': Taliban Morality Police Bans Afghan Women From Looking out of Windows. "Karachiites are suffering from a situation not related to them," Wahab said, adding, "Protesting MWM has been an ally of the PTI, which has a government in KP province," he commented. He said, "We are trying to resolve the issue with talks". He further added that the people going to workplaces were facing difficulties, ARY News reported. Also Read | PUBG-Inspired Sting Operation? Thailand Cop Camouflages As Foliage To Arrest Absconding Sex Offender in Chachoengsao Province. Protests by Majlis-e-Wahdatul-Muslimeen (MWM) have brought parts of Karachi to a standstill, with multiple key roads closed due to demonstrations, ARY News reported on Monday. The MWM had called for nationwide protests to show solidarity with the people of Parachinar, who have been staging their sit-in for six days demanding justice and peace, as reported by Dawn. According to the traffic police," Karachi Traffic Police, the following roads are currently blocked due to sit-ins. MA Jinnah Road, Numaish Chowrangi, and Kamran Chowrangi are completely blocked from all directions due to MWM protests, as per ARY News. The protesters have blocked both roads from Johar Mor to Johar Chowrangi. Professor Ghufran Ahmad Road between Block 19 and Block 20 in Gulistan-e-Johar is closed. According to ARY News, the road near Noor-e-Elahi Hotel at Saffora Chowrangi, as well as the route leading to Rim Jhim Tower, is blocked by protesters setting up tents on the main road. Additionally, Abu Al-Hasan Isfahani Road and the Super Highway near Abbas Town are also closed to traffic. Other affected areas include Five Star Chowrangi, University Road heading towards Samama Shopping Centre, and NIPA Road, all of which are blocked. Traffic is also restricted on Shams-ud-Din Azimi Road near DHA Flats, Surjani Road, and the Incholi Shahrah-e-Pakistan route towards Sohraab Goth. Nawab Sadiq Ali Khan Road, stretching from Nazimabad No. 1 to Nazimabad No. 2, is similarly closed. (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, Dec 30 (PTI) Security forces in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed 270 terrorists in 2024, including high-profile militants with bounties on their heads, according to an official report released on Monday. The provincial police arrested 802 suspects during operations, with the conviction rate in terrorism cases rising significantly from 13 per cent last year to 38 per cent, according to the report of the Police Department issued by the provincial Directorate of Information. Also Read | PUBG-Inspired Sting Operation? Thailand Cop Camouflages As Foliage To Arrest Absconding Sex Offender in Chachoengsao Province. Of the 270 terrorists arrested, 32 were individuals with bounties on their heads. The report also highlighted the heavy toll on security personnel, with 149 police officers killed, and 232 injured in the line of duty this year. Also Read | NoName057 DDoS: Pro-Russian Hackers Target Italian Foreign Ministry, Milan Airports and Transport Websites in 'Retaliatory' Cyberattack, Say Reports. A total of 211,828 FIRs were registered in the year, leading to the arrest of 221,470 suspects. Of these, police arrested 132 suspects involved in extortion, 13 kidnappers and 19,481 proclaimed offenders. Under the National Action Plan, security forces conducted 12,601 search and strike operations in the northwestern province, resulting in the arrest of 67,983 suspects. High-profile terrorist groups were targeted in these operations, leading to the elimination or capture of key commanders. Enhanced intelligence-led operations and stricter law enforcement measures resulted in a decrease in major crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and illegal arms trafficking. The authorities also recovered and returned stolen property worth over PKR 1.12 billion to its rightful owners. During anti-narcotics operations, 28,097 kilograms of various drugs were seized, including 3,240 kilograms of crystal meth, 1,695 kilograms of heroin, and 22,575 kilograms of hashish. Inspector-General of Police Akhtar Hayat Gandapur commended the efforts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in tackling terrorism and maintaining law and order, pledging continued efforts to eliminate threats and ensure safety. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Balochistan [Pakistan], December 30 (ANI): Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has condemned the abduction and extrajudicial killing of Zareef Baloch, as well as the denial of justice to his grieving family, the Balochistan Post reported. In a post on X, Paank stated, "We condemn the abduction, torture, and extrajudicial killing of Zareef Baloch, as well as the subsequent denial of justice to his family. Reports suggest that Pakistan's forces have prevented the grieving family from taking Zareef Baloch's body to Turbat for conducting a post-mortem examination and protests are deeply troubling and amount to a blatant violation of basic human rights." Also Read | South Korea Plane Crash: Jeju Air See Spike in Ticket Cancellations From Passengers After Deadly Crash. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1872952523197161647 According to The Balochistan Post, the family has accused Pakistani security forces of committing this inhuman act and has appealed for justice during a press conference. Also Read | Australia: 2 Men Dead After Drowning in 2 Separate Incidents in Queensland. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) also condemned the killing, stating, "Zareef Baloch was subjected to horrific torture, with his tongue cut out while he was still alive. This barbaric act appears to be a deliberate attempt to silence and suppress Baloch voices while concealing decades-long atrocities against the Baloch people." The BYC further highlighted, "When the family resisted this inhumanity, they took Zareef's body for a postmortem and demanded justice for his cold-blooded murder. However, the family and residents of Tump were barred from moving towards Turbat by the Frontier Corps (FC) at Kolaoh, near Hasia Abad. The forces detained the family and confiscated Zareef's body. Since last night, the family has been hosting a sit-in protest, which continues now." Paank lamented that such actions not only compound the family's anguish but also reflect a deliberate effort to suppress opposition and demands for justice, reported The Balochistan Post. Highlighting the threat of abducting Zareef Baloch's children, Paank noted it underscores "the pervasive climate of fear and impunity that enables such serious violations to persist." The organisation has urged Pakistan's authorities to allow the family to grieve and protest peacefully without disruption. It called for a fair and transparent investigation into the abduction, torture, and killing of Zareef Baloch, ensuring that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Taipei [Taiwan], December 30 (ANI): A recent survey reveals that the overwhelming majority of adults in Taiwan identify as Taiwanese, with only a small minority considering themselves Chinese. The poll, conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF), highlights a stable trend in national identity that has been consistent for several months, Taiwan News reported. The nationwide survey, carried out between December 9 and 11, asked respondents, "Do you identify as Taiwanese or Chinese, or do you have a different view?" Also Read | Eclipses in 2025: Know Dates of Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan), Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) and Other Celestial Events Set To Occur in New Year. The results showed that 76.1 per cent of those surveyed identify as Taiwanese, while only 10.1 per cent consider themselves Chinese. Another 9 per cent said they identify as both Taiwanese and Chinese, while 4.5 per cent had no opinion on the matter, and 0.4 per cent refused to answer. The survey, which included 1,083 participants aged 20 and above, used a combination of landline (70 per cent) and mobile phone (30 per cent) interviews. The margin of error for the survey is +-2.98 per cent, with a 95 per cent confidence level. Also Read | CES 2025: Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, SK Hynix To Showcase Advanced AI Technologies at Consumer Electronics and IT Trade Show in Las Vegas Next Week. Comparing this latest poll to one conducted in June, the results show little change in public sentiment. Although there was a slight decrease in those identifying exclusively as Taiwanese (down 0.7 per cent) and a small increase in those identifying as Chinese (up 3.5 per cent), the overall pattern of Taiwanese identity dominance remains unchanged, reported Taiwan News. In further breakdowns, the survey found that 54.5 per cent of Taiwanese adults strongly identify as Taiwanese, while 21.6 per cent moderately identify as such. Only 3.5 per cent strongly identify as Chinese, with 6.6 per cent identifying moderately as Chinese. The data also shows that the trend towards identifying as Taiwanese is consistent across age groups, particularly for those aged 25-54, where more than 80 per cent consider themselves Taiwanese. Ethnic background also plays a role in national identity. Among the Hoklo ethnic group, 81.8 per cent identify as Taiwanese, while 67.6 per cent of Hakka respondents share the same view. Even among people from other Chinese provinces, 46.9 per cent identify as Taiwanese. Educational background has minimal impact on identity, with 76 per cent of those with a college education identifying as Taiwanese, mirroring similar figures across all educational levels. Political party affiliation strongly influences national identity as well. Among supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), 96.8 per cent identify as Taiwanese, while just 0.9 per cent consider themselves Chinese. Conversely, in the Kuomintang (KMT), 48.2 per cent identify as Taiwanese, 26.7 per cent as Chinese, and 20.6 per cent with dual identity. Voters from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and neutral voters also show a strong preference for Taiwanese identity, Taiwan News reported. TPOF pollster Yinglong You, who designed the questionnaire, noted that the survey's data was weighted by region, gender, age, and education level to ensure accurate representation of Taiwan's population. The data also draws from the latest demographic information from Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Abu Dhabi [UAE], December 30 (ANI/WAM): The UAE's media sector solidified its role and influence in 2024 in producing constructive content, empowering media professionals, and shaping the future of the industry through a series of decisions, initiatives, and regional and local events. The year kicked off with strategies and decisions that marked a fresh start to the country's media landscape, with the National Media Office (NMO) boosting the UAE's media presence both locally and regionally. This was achieved through multiple forums and participations, reflecting the country's global status. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine War: US President Joe Biden Announces USD 1.25 Billion to Ukraine for Critical Security, Defence. The UAE continued to build on its media achievements by hosting events that helped empower the sector, address global changes, and anticipate its future. These included the "'Media and National Responsibility Forum" and a forum for Emirati media pioneers, both organised by the National Media Office. The office, led by Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, also participated in several regional meetings. Also Read | ISRO SpaDeX Mission Launched: Indian Space Agency Launches PSLV-C60 With Space Docking Experiment and Innovative Payloads (Watch Video). The Global Media Congress, held under the theme "Vision, Empowerment, Interaction," was organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) a significant event shaping the future of media. Attracting 25,567 visitors, it included 96 panel discussions on key media trends and four major keynote sessions from global experts. The National Media Office also partnered with Trends Research & Advisory to release a study on the role of media regulators in the age of AI, examining the challenges and opportunities AI presents to the media industry. The UAE also participated in the extraordinary session of the Islamic Conference of Information Ministers held by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Turkiye, led by NMO Chairman Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, emphasising the need for international cooperation to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. In May, the UAE contributed key proposals at the 27th GCC Information Ministers Meeting in Doha, Qatar, including the establishment of a unified information database for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and a comprehensive study on AI's future impact on the media sector. In December, the UAE hosted the 20th session of the Executive Office of the Arab Information Ministers Council, focusing on regional media cooperation amid current political and economic challenges. It was attended by Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, and Salman Al-Dosari, Saudi Minister of Media and Chairman of the Executive Office, along with media ministers from other Arab countries The "1 Billion Followers Summit" in 2024 was a standout event, gathering over 7,000 participants, including more than 3,000 content creators with over 1.6 billion followers, from 95 countries. Over 300 million social media interactions were generated, alongside numerous partnerships forged between creators and over 200 production companies. The summit featured over 100 activities and launched an AED150 million fund to support content creators. In March, the UAE hosted the ninth edition of the Emirati Media Forum (EMF), focusing on media's relationship with the economy. Dubai Media Incorporated also launched the "Dubai Media Academy" aimed at fostering skills of young media professionals and guiding them towards fulfilling media careers, while the Dubai Media Council introduced the "Emirati Media Talent Pledge" initiative to develop promising national media talent in partnership with the private sector. The Dubai Press Club also alunched the "Arab Podcast Programme", the first initiative of its kind in the region that seeks to foster the growth of audio content creation and nurture the skillsets of content creators across the Arab world. In parallel, the Sharjah hosted the 13th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024), bringing together over 250 world-renowned experts, and the 7th edition of the Dubai International Content Market attracted over 800 professionals from 50 countries and featured 87 exhibitors from significant media institutions and global distribution companies. (ANI/WAM) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kyiv [Ukraine], December 30 (ANI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep appreciation on Monday for the United States' steadfast support following President Joe Biden's announcement of USD 2.5 billion in military aid for Ukraine before leaving office next month. Further, Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of this support, particularly as Russia intensifies its attacks, including the involvement of North Korean soldiers and ongoing weapons supplies from North Korea and Iran. Also Read | ISRO SpaDeX Mission Launched: Indian Space Agency Launches PSLV-C60 With Space Docking Experiment and Innovative Payloads (Watch Video). In a post on X, he said, "Ukraine deeply appreciates the United States' steadfast support, especially as we approach the end of this challenging year. The nearly USD 2.5 billion in security assistance is a crucial contribution that will strengthen our defenders on the frontlines." "This support comes at a critical moment, as Russia intensifies its assaults, even resorting to involving North Korean soldiers and continuing to receive weapons from North Korea and Iran. Every act of solidarity from our partners saves lives, strengthens our independence, and reinforces our resilience. It also demonstrates that democracies are stronger than autocratic aggressors," he added. Also Read | World Population Will Be 8.09 Billion on New Years Day After a 71 Million Increase in 2024. Further, Zelenskyy extended gratitude to Biden, members of Congress, and the American people for their unwavering support since the onset of Russia's invasion in 2022. "We extend our gratitude to President Biden @POTUS, leaders and members of both parties in Congress, and all American people for their unwavering support of Ukraine," he said. "From the very first days of Russia's aggression in 2022, the assistance of America and other partners, combined with the heroism, bravery, and determination of the Ukrainian people, has played a key role in enabling Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, liberate significant territories from Putin's criminal forces, and restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea," he added. Zelenskyy further emphasized the importance of continued unity against Russia's aggression and war crimes. "Russia and its evil axis accomplices speak the language of war crimes and intimidation," he stated. "Together with the US and other partners who share our values, we must respond with strength, dignity and an unshakable commitment to freedom." Looking ahead, Zelenskyy reiterated the need to work toward peace through strength, with the shared goal of achieving peace by 2025. "We must continue moving toward peace through strength to achieve our common goal of peace in 2025--a goal shared by Ukraine and all its partners. Ukraine, which defends itself from brutal daily attacks, counts on our strategic friends," he said. "Today, I am proud to announce nearly USD 2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression," as per White House statement. Today's announcement--which includes an additional USD 1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a USD 1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package--builds on this effort and will provide Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington DC, December 30: World leaders have expressed condolences following the death of former US President James Earl Carter Jr, who passed away at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. The tributes highlighted his lifelong commitment to peace, democracy, and humanitarian efforts. UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tributes to Carter's decades of "selfless public service" and highlighted Carter's "lifelong dedication to peace". French President Emmanuel Macron said, "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter was a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people." Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese underlined how Carter rose from humble beginnings and remarked that his legacy is "best measured in lives changed, saved, and uplifted." Jimmy Carter Dies: Former US President Passes Away at the Age of 100 in Georgia. Calling him a "lifelong humanitarian", Canadian President Justin said, "My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people". Earlier, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden had also expressed their condolences on the demise of Jimmy Carter. They called him a "man of great character and courage". The White House statement noted that an official state funeral will be held in Washington DC for James Earl Carter Jr, "who gave his full life in service to God and country." Jimmy Carter, the 39th US President, Has Died at 100. Former US President James Earl Carter Jr 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. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad, December 30: The Telangana Assembly on Monday unanimously resolved to recommend Bharat Ratna for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh who passed away recently. A resolution moved by Chief Minister A. Revant Reddy was unanimously adopted by the Assembly to confer India's highest civilian honour on Dr. Manmohan Singh, The special session of the Assembly paid tributes to the former Prime Minister, expressing condolences over his demise and acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the nation's progress and the formation of the state of Telangana. The Assembly approved a proposal to install a statue of Dr. Manmohan Singh in Hyderabad to commemorate him as a great leader who fulfilled the 60-year aspirations of the Telangana people. The Assembly expressed deep condolences to Dr. Manmohan Singhs family, recognizing him as an internationally acclaimed economist who served the country in various capacities, including Chief Economic Advisor, RBI Governor, Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Commission, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister. It noted that his tenure as Finance Minister (19911996) marked a turning point in Indias economic history, with key reforms in liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Demands Bharat Ratna for Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. As Prime Minister (20042014), he initiated transformative social programs such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Information Act, the National Rural Health Mission, and the Aadhaar program. He introduced significant amendments to the Land Acquisition Act in 2013 to protect displaced individuals and revised the Forest Rights Act in 2006 to support tribal communities. The Assembly also took note of the fact that Dr. Manmohan Singh was instrumental in the creation of Telangana state. During his tenure as Prime Minister, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014 was passed in Parliament, fulfilling a decades-long aspiration of the people. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that Telangana owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Manmohan Singh for his pivotal role in the state's formation. He highlighted the late former Prime Minister's vision and leadership in elevating India's global stature, emphasising the importance of honoring him as a guiding figure for future generations. Members cutting across party lines paid rich tributes to Manmohan Singh and recalled his close association with Telangana. Main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) fully supported the demand for conferring Bharat Ratna on Manmohan Singh. BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao said they believe that the late leader deserves the highest honour. The Chief Minister also suggested that a statue of the late Prime Minister be installed in the Financial District in Hyderabad to honour his memory and in recognition of the close association he had with Telangana. The Chief Minister said installing the statue at a prominent place will enable people to pay tributes to the late leader on his birth and death anniversaries and take inspiration from him. Dr Manmohan Singh Laid to Rest: Nation Bids Farewell to Architect of Indias Economic Reforms With Full State Honours (Video). Terming Manmohan Singh's demise a great loss for the country, Revanth Reddy said his services to the country can never be forgotten. Revanth Reddy recalled that it was at Mahabubnagar that, as the Prime Minister, he had launched Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for 100 days of assured employment in a year. KTR recalled that when the son of Telangana P.V. Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister, he brought Manmohan Singh into the government through lateral entry. Manmohan Singh, who had served in the Reserve Bank of India, was made the finance minister. Terming the late leader a great economist, the BRS leader said in his very first Budget speech in 1991, Manmohan Singh had stated that the entire world would hear about India. The BRS leader said Manmohan Singh was another name for simple living-high thinking. Stating that loyalty and commitment are rare in today's politics, KTR said Manmohan Singh was a great leader who remained loyal to Congress, which had given him an opportunity. Ministers, members of Congress and members of BRS, BJP, AIMIM and CPI also paid tributes to Manmohan Singh. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 05:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Mumbai, December 30: In a shocking incident in Maharashtra, a seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man from her neighbourhood Raigad recently. The alleged incident occurred on Friday, December 27, at a beach in Korlai village of Raigad's Murud taluka. The accused, identified as Aaryan Kotkar, was arrested on Sunday, December 29, after being on the run for two days. Minor Girl Lured to Fishing Boat by Accused According to a report in The Times of India, the victim along with her younger brother and sister, had visited the beach in the afternoon on December 27. During the outing, the girl was on her way to answer nature's call when the accused allegedly lured her to a fishing boat. Post which, Kotkar allegedly raped the minor girl. After raping the victim, the accused threatened her with dire consequences if she revealed the incident to anyone. Maharashtra Shocker: 54-Year-Old Cook Arrested for Killing 2 Minor Sisters After Sexual Assault in Pune City. Accused Arrested After Being on Run for 2 Days However, the victim, who sustained multiple injuries, narrated her ordeal to her mother, following which her father approached the police and filed a complaint. The police booked the accused under relevant sections of BNS and Pocso Act. Acting on the complaint, the police formed five teams to nab the accused, who was on the run. Finally, Kotkar was caught on Sunday. Maharashtra Shocker: Man Kidnaps Lovers Son From School, Kills and Throws Body in Abandoned Well in Sangamner; Later Dies by Suicide. During the preliminary investigation, cops found that the accused is a resident of the same village and stays about 200 metres away from the survivor's house. He will be produced in court today. A police officer also said that the accused was arrested in the past in a physical assault case. Women and Child Helpline Numbers: Childline India 1098; Missing Child and Women 1094; Womens Helpline 181; National Commission for Women Helpline 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline 1091/1291. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 09:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, December 30: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to embark on a three-day official visit to the State of Qatar from December 30, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday. The MEA in an official statement said that during his visit, the 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 said. EAM Jaishankar will depart from Qatar on January 1. 'Deeply Saddened by Tragic Airplane Crash': Jaishankar Offers Condolences to South Korea. 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 EAM 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 MEA in a press statement. India Can Never Permit Others to Have Veto on Its Choices, Says EAM S Jaishankar. Earlier, on September 9, EAM 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. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Bhadohi, December 30: A man, his father and elder brother have been booked for allegedly demanding a dowry of Rs 10 lakh, following a court order, police said on Monday. The accused have been identified as -- Brijesh Kumar Mishra, his father Om Prakash Mishra (57) and elder brother Akhilesh -- residents of Kanwal village, officials said. They allegedly refused to proceed with the wedding procession unless the dowry demand was met, leaving the bride's family distressed, the police said. Agra: Newlywed Bride Attacked with Sharp Weapon and Murdered 13 Days After Wedding, Husband and In-Laws Accused of Dowry Killing. According to police Brijesh was set to marry the bride, Pragya Dubey, daughter of Ravi Kant Dubey (51) from Matiyari village in Mirzapur district on April 18, 2024. However, shortly before the wedding the groom's family allegedly demanded an additional Rs 10 lakh in dowry, threatening to cancel the marriage if their demand was not fulfilled, a police officer said. The bride's father filed a petition in court on March 7, 2024, after attempts to resolve the matter with local police yielded no results, he said. Bengaluru: 5-Month Pregnant Woman Dies by Suicide at Home After Alleged Dowry Harassment, Leaves Note Blaming In-Laws; Husband Arrested. On December 29, the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Women Harassment) Harkiran Kaur directed the registration of a case under the Dowry Prohibition Act against the accused, he added. Station House Officer (SHO) Arun Kumar Dubey said that a case has been registered following the court's order. The wedding was arranged with mutual consent and the ceremonial rituals were completed on December 15, 2023, with the participation from both families, the SHO said. The situation escalated as the wedding day approached and the groom's family allegedly made the dowry demand, he said. New Delhi, December 30: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the death of a Dalit youth in police custody at Dewas in Madhya Pradesh and said they it is not possible without the support of the government there. He claimed that the Congress will not tolerate "shameful and highly condemnable" incidents. The party will continue to fight for the rights of "Bahujans" and get justice for them. "On one hand, a Dalit youth was killed in police custody in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, tribal women were tied to trees and beaten in Balasore, Odisha," he claimed in a post in Hindi on X. "Both these incidents are sad, shameful and highly condemnable. Due to the Manuvadi thinking of the BJP, such incidents are happening one after another in the states ruled by them - this is not possible without the support of the government," Gandhi said. Parbhani Dalit Mans Death in Judicial Custody: Rahul Gandhi To Visit Maharashtra To Meet Family of Youth Died Under Mysterious Circumstances. "Such barbarism against the Bahujans of the country will not be tolerated at any cost. We are with them, we will fight with full force for their constitutional rights and to get them justice," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said in his post. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also alleged that the "insult of Babasaheb Ambedkar and oppression on weaker sections is the basic mantra of BJP's rule". The death of a Dalit youth in police custody in Dewas is extremely serious, she noted. "The family alleges that the youth died due to police brutality. Earlier, there was news of atrocities on Dalit families and the death of a Dalit youth in police custody from Parbhani, Maharashtra. "It seems that under the BJP rule, the police have got a free hand to oppress the weaker sections like Dalits, Adivasis and the deprived," Vadra claimed. The death of the 35-year-old Dalit man inside a police station triggered protests from his kin who alleged murder. Rahul Gandhi Has Left for Vietnam To Celebrate New Year 2025 As India Mourns Dr Manmohan Singhs Demise, Claims BJPs Amit Malviya; Congress Hits Back. The opposition Congress in the state has slammed the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government for "jungle raj" in the state. Mukesh Longre died on Saturday after being called to Satwas police station here for questioning in a complaint submitted against him by a woman on December 26, Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlot said. The police said a judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) is conducting an inquiry into the death. They claimed that the inspector of the concerned police station has been suspended. elhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has advised the city's AAP government to increase the stipend of ASHA workers and release at the earliest the pending salaries of Anganwadi supervisors, Raj Niwas officials said on Monday. En espanol With the holiday season approaching, many people are already planning their New Year's Eve celebrations. A recent WalletHub report highlights cities in the U.S. offering the best New Year's Eve experiences without breaking the bank. Read more: Belinda Announces Release Date for More Music and Other Plans for 2025 Analysts evaluated 100 major cities based on 26 key metrics, including fireworks regulations, dining, and lodging options. The top 5 U.S. cities for New Year's Eve: New York, NY: Famous for the Times Square ball drop, it remains the ultimate celebration destination. Orlando, FL: Perfect for families, featuring fireworks and events at theme parks. @stephanieinorlando Christmas event in Orlando inside a Garden One more year I am present at this stunning event! Get ready to live a unique experience at Dazzling Nights - the biggest and brightest Christmas event in a Garden in Orlando! From November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025, on select nights, Harry P. Leu Gardens will be transformed into a true paradise of lights, with over a million twinkling lights, enchanted forests, magical sculptures and lots of music for the whole family! It's 1.2 km of enchantment, with an interactive walk full of new attractions, such as: In addition, the event features Christmas delights, special drinks (including for adults) and lots of live music to liven up your night even more! When: November 29, 2024 to January 5, 2025 Where: Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, FL Tickets: From $22 for adults and $19 for children (over 3 years old). Children up to 2 years old enter for free! Parking available on site for a small fee. Buy your tickets in advance at www.dazzlingorlando.com and guarantee the best experience! Follow me for more tips on the best things to do in Orlando and the holiday season! #thingstodoinorlando #stufftodoinorlando #orlandofl It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas - Michael Buble San Diego, CA: With mild weather, it's ideal for outdoor parties. Las Vegas, NV: The "city of sin" is known for extravagant shows and parties on New Year's. Chicago, IL: Offers vibrant nightlife and unique events. Other notable cities include Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Denver, Los Angeles, Buffalo, Virginia Beach, Anaheim, Reno, Louisville, Birmingham, Boston, and Philadelphia. International destinations Outside of the U.S., several global cities also deliver unforgettable celebrations: Paris: Fireworks light up the Eiffel Tower at midnight. Berlin: Hosts a massive party at the Brandenburg Gate to ring in the new year. Rio de Janeiro: Features tropical beach festivities at Copacabana. This year, over 128 million Americans are expected to travel during New Year's, with 65% driving to their destinations. Additionally, 54% plan to celebrate with family or friends. The average cost for a couple to enjoy dinner and a show in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago is approximately $807. Budget-Friendly Tips: Book early: Claire Stewart, associate professor at CUNY, advises early reservations to save money. Avoid peak travel days: Joshua A. Roe, Ph.D., from West Virginia University, suggests traveling a day before or after New Year's Eve to cut costs. Opt for affordable lodging: Traditional B&Bs or Airbnb rentals often offer better rates than large hotels. Enjoy local activities: Instead of pricey all-inclusive events, consider bars or clubs for budget-friendly fun. Use public transportation: Karin Curran from Nichols College warns against driving on New Year's Eve, recommending public transit or hosting celebrations at home instead. Personal preferences matter Harold S. Lee, Ph.D., from the University of North Texas, encourages choosing celebrations that align with your interests, whether lively or laid-back. The key is to welcome the new year joyfully without overspending or stressing over crowds. Prepare to ring in the new year with style and financial savvy. Happy New Year! A decline in foot traffic and a greater presence at a major regional shopping destination has led to the closure of an Easton business aimed at artistry and creativity. SmARTivities Showcase, 60 Centre Square, closed permanently Sunday in the citys downtown after six years in operation. Founder and owner April Tennille Khalil of Easton told lehighvalleylive.com her goal is to focus on her newly-launched 3,527-square-foot space at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. SmARTivities on Dec. 12 celebrated a grand opening at the Promenade space, which formerly occupied Peeps & Co. and most recently housed Nissley Vineyards, a pop-up retailer last holiday season. It is bittersweet but a necessary decision for our growth, Khalil said. I really wanted to stay and have both locations, but the holidays didnt pan out. SmARTivities launched in 2018 at the Centre Square site, next to The Carmelcorn Shop. The name is short for Show Me ART Activities. Khalil previously said she wanted to expand, then launched the second site at the Promenade. Signs posted on the front windows of the Centre Square site announce the Upper Saucon relocation. Khalil said there are some fixtures in the closed shop for sale. Other items are being donated. She expects to put out some selections on the Easton locations front sidewalk this coming weekend, weather permitting. Additionally, new artist vendors, as well as some existing vendors, are moving to the shops Promenade site. Khlalil envisions a larger pottery studio in Upper Saucon, as well as continuing classes for beginners, offering studio time and hosting walk-in activities. Maker Showcase allows guests to browse a collection of handmade items and artwork on display and for sale. Khalil plans to feature the work of over 50 small businesses at any given time. Selections will include candles, crocheted products, paintings, wooden crafts, pottery, photography and cork bags. Creation Station at the Promenade includes all the make-and-take projects, such as paint-your-own-pottery selections. Khalil has more than three decades experience working as a self-taught, skilled artist. Her niche had always been crafting custom pieces from small items to large murals. A Marietta, Georgia, native, Khalil moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1999. She previously traveled the East Coast, participating in various professional arts and craft shows. She later also spent some time working as a medical administrative assistant after obtaining an associates degree from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township. As a side business, Khalil in 2014 launched April Khalil Artistry, when she traveled to birthday parties, area festivals and special events, hosting arts and crafts workshops, offering face painting and teaching art. Khalils goal was always to create a space for others to allow their imaginations to take flight, she said. Thats when she launched smARTivities with the idea for both novices and advanced artists to have space to be creative while other area artists could showcase and sell their work, Khalil said. Hours for SmARTivities Showcase at Promenade Saucon Valley are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. SmARTivities Showcase founder and owner April Tennille Khalil on Dec. 12, opened the new 3,527-square-foot space at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township. She closed the Easton site after six years in operation on Dec. 29.Courtesy photo Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Easton attorney Ronnie Creazzo had his law license temporarily suspended Monday by court order. Creazzo, 60, of Bushkill Township, is accused of yelling at an investigator from the Pennsylvania disciplinary counsels office who showed up at his home on June 21, according to a criminal complaint. He then sent the investigator a threatening email, the complaint says. Jimmy Carter described himself as an optimist when speaking about the prospects of peace to an audience of 3,000 assembled outside on Lafayette Colleges quad more than a decade ago. Carter, who at 100 was the longest-living U.S. president in history, died Sunday at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia. The nations 39th president visited the Lehigh Valley during his 1976 campaign, speaking at what was then Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton Airport and shaking hands in the Christmas City. His most recent local appearance was in April 2013. His address on the Lafayette quad in Easton kicked off the colleges lecture series on international affairs. He called America the greatest nation on Earth but was critical of U.S. policies like prisoner detention at Guantanamo Bay, the use of drones and the lack of environmental leadership. Almost constantly since World War II, our nation has been at war, Carter, a Democrat, said in the Lafayette address. I would like our country in the future to have a reputation for peace. I think thats a characteristic of a superpower. He was also self-deprecating, noting the work of The Carter Center to combat waterborne disease in Africa by installing millions of latrines. Im known as the No. 1 latrine builder, he said. Jimmy Carter, the only president inaugurated using his nickname, was born in Plains, where he will also be buried. Carters White House term left landmarks, including the Israel-Egypt peace accord he engineered in personal negotiations at Camp David in 1978. He won the beginnings of an energy conservation policy. He gained ratification of the treaties that yielded U.S. control of the Panama Canal. He opened full diplomatic relations with China. The departments of energy and education were created under his watch. His ordered military rescue of American hostages in Iran in 1980 resulted in the deaths of eight of the hostages. His reelection effort was subsequently trounced by Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter stayed active as an ex-president, striving to resolve conflicts and promote democracy and speak out on numerous issues. I think we could have peace in the long term, he told that audience at Lafayette. Im an optimist. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is 101 yards away from Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards with one game remaining.AP The Chief of Police for Phillipsburg Robert Stettner will enter into retirement on Jan. 1, officials announced on Monday morning. Stettner was named acting chief of police in 2016, and appointed to the role of permanent chief later by former Mayor Stephen Ellis, following the retirement for former Police Chief James Faulborn. After 25 years of service, including his 12 years as chief, Stettner is stepping down, marking the end of an important chapter for the Phillipsburg Police Department, a spokesperson for the police department said. His leadership has been a significant part of the departments history, the spokesperson said. Stettners tenure saw notable accomplishments, including securing accreditation from the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police, a milestone for both the department and the community. He helped the department partner with New Jerseys Prevention is Key LEAD program, which is dedicated to reducing recidivism and arrest rates in the town. Stettners decision has weighed on the minds of many, but most heavily on his own, he told a reporter in November. At the time, rumors about his possible retirement had begun to circulate. This is a deeply personal matter, he said at the time, When the time comes, I will make my decision with careful consideration for my family, the department, and the town. I will continue to support both the department and the town just as I have for the past 24 and a half years. The town of Phillipsburg announced that James McDonald, 44, will be named Interim Chief of Police. McDonald has a 20-year track record of proven leadership experience. He is already employed by the Phillipsburg Police Department where he fields investigations. McDonald is the son of Warren Countys Sheriff James McDonald Sr. The elder McDonald retired nearly a decade ago after 30 years in policing. He worked as a police officer, and then as police chief in Washington Township. McDonald brings a fresh perspective and vision to the department. The Town of Phillipsburg is eager to work alongside Interim Chief McDonald to build on the departments progress, strengthen community partnerships, and address the challenges and opportunities of the future, said Mayor Randy Piazza. Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on X (formerly known as Twitter.com), Facebook and Threads. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe to lehighvalleylive.com today. Laois shoppers will still have to travel to shop in one of the big B&Q stores after confirmation that at the soon to close Homebase store in Portlaoise is not part of a multi-million euro deal to expand the brand in Ireland. It emerged over Christmas that the owners of B&Q Kingfisher reached agreements to buy three Homebase stores in Ireland for around 3.2 million. The company said the new sites in Letterkenny, Navan and Waterford will complement B&Q Irelands existing network of eight stores in the country. The nearest store to Laois is in Naas. A factor in the decision not to take over Homebase in Portlaoise could be that Kingfisher also owns Screwfix in the town. Graham Bell, chief executive of B&Q, said: Were delighted to be adding these three stores to our fantastic store network. Were determined to give home improvers the choice and convenience they deserve, and these locations need a home improvement store that fulfils their need." The High Court appointed provisional liquidators to the company behind the Homebase chain of DIY stores in Ireland in November. In the UK administrators immediately sold up to 70 stores, as well as the brand and its intellectual property to The Range owner CDS. It subsequently emerged that The Range chain would take over the operation of some Irish stores including the Portlaoise store on Timahoe Road. MORE BELOW PICTURE. The interior of one of The Range stores. The Range is also a UK-based homewares outlet similar to Homebase. It already had some shops in Ireland prior to taking over the Homebase stores. A liquidation sale has been underway in Portlaoise since the November announcement with The Range set to take over in 2025. Details have yet to be announced. The late Queen Elizabeth II made an unforgettable remark in 1992 when reflecting on a year that culminated in the separation of her son Charles from Princess Dianna. The year included several scandals involving her family and a terrible fire in Windsor Castle, one of the Queen's official residences. 1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an annus horribilis, said the late queen in a speech in November of a year that marked her Ruby Jubilee on the throne. No Sinn Fein leader would take easily to being compared with the utterances of a British monarch. However, Mary Lou McDonald would find it difficult to argue against a conclusion that 2024 has been an annus horribilis or horrible year for the party she leads in Laois. The year started with the party in an ambitious mood in a county where it has had a TD since 2011 and a councillor since 1999. Brian Stanleys election to the Dail in 2011 was one of the big wins for the party around the country. The partys political poster boy had won a seat in a constituency where Brian Cowen had recently been Taoiseach. He unseated Fianna Fails Laois TD John Moloney who was a close ally of the former Taoiseach. His victory was a cause of Sinn Fein delight for other reasons. It was a win in rural Ireland for a politician with potential to remain a long term Sinn Fein TD. This expectation was primarily based on a big reputation for constituency work. His win also showed the party what could be done in other constituencies where voters are slow to change. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Brian Stanley watches his then party leader Gerry Adams being interviewed on RTE at the 2011 Laois Offaly General Election County Centre in Tullamore. Pic: Alf Harvey And so it proved for Sinn Fein in Laois and elsewhere. Dep Stanley comfortably retained his Dail seat in 2016 when Laois was split from Offaly for the first time. He was seen to have been instrumental in helping the now independent Carol Nolan spring a surprise for the party in Offaly in the same General Election. The party also made gains in other rural constituencies. The Laois TD was a front bench member for the party while in the Dail after his first two election wins. The biggest triumph in the Brian Stanley / Sinn Fein success story came in 2020 when he topped the poll for the party in the reunited Laois Offaly constituency. Carol Nolan kept her seat albeit as an independent. The result raised the TDs standing in his party and led to Mary Lou McDonald picking him for one of the plum jobs that an opposition TD can hold in Leinster House. Dep Stanley was appointed to chair the Dails Public Accounts Committee. Its always one of the highest profile jobs in the Dail as it inevitably deals with high profile money wastage topics. In Dep Stanleys case, the RTE / Ryan Tubridy controversy ensured that he was one of the most recognisable names in the last Dail. It was a job that he arguably was fortunate to hold onto. He had hardly taken up the role in 2020 when some social media tweets about IRA killings led to calls for his resignation. However, Ms McDonald stood by him in the Dail when he made a speech to clarify his position. Pictured: Brian Stanley and Mary Lou McDonald in Portlaoise when they were both in Sinn Fein. Sinn Fein is normally a party that puts its brand before individual politicians. This gives them the freedom to chop and change safe in the knowledge that it can retain its Dail and council seats regardless of the candidate. For some reason the party did not take a ruthless approach to its operations in Laois. The Sinn Fein and Brian Stanley brand were inseparable and unbreakable. Arguably, this has proved to be a bad mistake culminating in its 2024 imposion. Brian Stanleys Dail electoral success never materialised into major success at the crucial county council level. He was the only Sinn Fein county councillor in Laois when he won the seat in Leinster House back in 2011. He was succeeded in County Hall by his wife Caroline Dwane Stanley. With Sinn Fein leaving Laois to the Stanley machine, his wife easily retained her seat in the Portlaoise area at the 2014, 2019 and 2024 local elections. However, in more than a decade of having a TD in Laois, the party never made a significant breakthrough at council level. Cllr Dwane Stanley and Portarlington-based Aidan Mullins were the only Sinn Fein representatives returned at local elections in 2016, 2019 and 2024. Both were shunned by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and found themselves frustrated in largely powerless technical groupings after each poll. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Brian Stanley celebrates the 2024 local election victory of his wife Caroline at the Count Centre in Portlaoise with supporters. Pic: Alf Harvey All big parties run into big constituency problems sooner or later. However, most are overcome by the safety nets of having solid local organisations and sitting councillors. In the case of Sinn Fein in Laois, the reliance on Stanley meant that there was no local structure to respond to a crisis if he wasnt around. So along comes 2024 when the proverbial manure hits the Sinn Fein fan in Laois. Unbeknownst to many the problems date back to October 2023 when Brian Stanley had an interaction with a female Sinn Fein member in Dublin. That incident represented the falling of the domino that would see the party with no representation in Laois for the first time in a quarter of a century as Brian Stanley was elected to the Portlaoise Town Commission in 1999. The party had big ambitions in 2024 in Laois. It ran its biggest Laois team of candidates in the local elections. The campaign fell flat in June when just two candidates were returned to County Hall. The others were well down the field in their Municipal District races. None of their new or repeat candidates benefited from having a TD in the county or running alongside Cllr Mullins and Cllr Dwane Stanley who were both comfortably returned. The bad day for Sinn Fein nationally at the June local elections masked a deeper malaise for the party in Laois which would explode in the second half of the year. The first big blow to the party came in August. Cllr Mullins resigned from the party after being suspended by HQ over social media posts that led to complaints about him within the party. A member since the 1970s when Sinn Fein and Republicans were a pariah, he said the party was out of touch. Losing a councillor is a blow but losing a TD was a disaster for a party going into a General Election that was shaping up to be a bad one for Sinn Fein. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Aidan Mullins celebrates victory in the 2024 local elections in Portlaoise with supporters including Brian Stanley when both were in Sinn Fein. Pic:Alf Harvey Brian Stanleys resignation in October was one of a series of controversies engulfing the party in the run into national poll. He didnt go quietly, accusing Sinn Fein of operating a kangaroo court of which he was the victim. His departure was the subject of national headlines plunging Sinn Fein and its leader Mary Lou McDonald into a crisis. He left with the intention of running in the General Election as a self-declared independent Republican in the new Laois constituency. His resignation was followed by the departure of the Laois Sinn Fein branch chairperson and other rank and file members. The controversy rumbled on further in the run-up to the national poll with the woman who made a complaint about Dep Stanley giving interviews to the national media. While Sinn Fein found in her favour in the provisional outcome of its inquiry, she was also critical of the partys handling of the complaint. Roll on the General Election and barbs were exchanged between Dep Stanley and Sinn Fein, especially its leader Mary Lou McDonald. She called on him to 'man up' in one of her two visits to Laois during the General Election campaign. Sinn Fein did manage to regroup. Maria McCormack was selected as its candidate despite having polled just over 200 first preference votes in the Portlaoise area the the local elections. Party organisers from Northern Ireland were drafted in to help local members to mount a campaign. Ms McDonald came to Portlaoise for a well-attended selection convention which was chaired by one of its Northern MPs. The campaign was helped by the endorsement of Cllr Aidan Mullins but he remained outside the party. However, while Cllr Dwane Stanley did not resign from the party, she was not at the Convention. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Mary Lou McDonald speaks at the Laois General Election Covention to select Maria McCormack, seated, as Sinn Fein's candidate. Pic: Leinster Express. Its not clear the extent to which Cllr Dwane Stanley canvassed for her husband but she was nowhere near Sinn Feins efforts to retain the seat. Her support for her husband and anger with Sinn Fein was quite apparent at the start of December when her husband was about to be deemed elected to the Dail. The Portlaoise woman cut loose in her scathing criticism of Sinn Fein over their election campaign and treatment of her husband. She stopped short of announcing her resignation from the party saying more questions have to be answered. These stringent comments were a precursor to an inevitable split from Sinn Fein which materialised just after Christmas with the decision to quit the party. In some ways, Mary Lou McDonald will be relieved as it saved her party from having to instigate what would have been another messy disciplinary process that likely would have seen her suspended or expelled. So, Sinn Fein begins 2025 with no public representative in Laois. It cant be other than a political disaster for the party especially since there is no local or General Election in sight to regain lost ground quickly. While Ms McCormack fared well for Sinn Fein, Ms McDonald and local members are facing an extremely uphill battle to win back the support and trust of voters in Laois where voting patterns tend to be slow to change. While the Sinn Fein leader might be relieved that her horrible year in Laois is finally over, a horror spell on the political sidelines lies ahead. Its clear that the party has lost a lot in Laois in 2024 but there are no real winners. Brian Stanley will have less clout in Leinster House where Sinn Fein has more TDs than Fine Gael. The former Laois Sinn Fein councillors will also have to ply their trade without the backup of a national head office. Ultimately, the biggest losers are the thousands of voters who cast their votes for Sinn Fein in the local, European and General elections will have no representative in Laois. Portlaoise hospital's manager has pleaded with people to seek alternatives to A&E as hundreds sought emergency department care in just four days as the HSE says the flu and Covid-19 are causing high attendances at hospitals in Laois, Naas, Tullamore, Mullingar and Tallaght. The HSE confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that 537 people attended the Emergency Department (ED/A&E) from December 26 to 29. The HSE's Urgent and Emergency Care - Hospital Status report as of 8am Monday, December 30 showed that nine patients were on trollies in the ED. No trollies were deployed on wards. The figure corresponds with INOU figures for Monday. The HSE data also shows that an extra 23 inpatient beds were in operation temporarily to meet demand at 2 pm. There were five delayed transfers of people who no longer required care in the Laois hospital. One patient aged 75 or over was waiting more than 24 hours for a bed. John Joyce is General Manager at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. The hospital has been extremely busy and staff have been working very hard to prioritise those most in need of care. Unfortunately, some patients are waiting long periods to be seen and we would like to apologise to those people. We would also ask people to consider alternative care options, going to your local pharmacy for minor illnesses, GPs in normal working hours or out-of-hours GPs where additional capacity has been added for patient care, he said. He added that there is a wide range of information on managing common illnesses like cold and flu available on www.undertheweather.ie He said Injury Units in Nenagh, Naas and Mullingar can treat injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains and strains, minor burns and scalds for all patients. He added that all units have access to x-ray and basic diagnostic services with more information at www.hse.ie/injuryunits The situation in Portlaoise is mirrored at its sister hospitals in Dublin, Kildare, Offaly and Westmeath. The HSE Dublin and Midlands backed up the appeal advising that all acute hospitals within this region are experiencing a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, such as influenza, RSV and Covid-19. Apart from Portlaoise it says the hospitals affected are Naas General Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, Regional Hospital Mullingar and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. To reduce the spread of these illnesses, the HSE says some of the hospitals are implementing visiting restrictions. Just one visitor is allowed per patient at Portlaoise hospital. The HSE says these measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow. Certain exceptions will be made by contacting ward staff in advance. For up-to-date guidelines on visiting patients, please visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions/ The HSE Dublin and Midlands REO Kate Killeen White: Hospitals are implementing visiting restrictions. In some cases there is only visiting on compassionate grounds or visiting is limited to 1/2 person per patient during normal visiting times. We are asking people to only visit patients at the hospital or other health care residential setting, like nursing homes, if you are symptom free from flu or other respiratory illness. Please visit the HSE website for specific information and regular updates. "While hospitals are busy, staff are caring for many seriously ill patients all over the Christmas. We would ask patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service, she said. MORE BELOW PICTURE. She added that there are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including visiting your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. The HSE asked people to find out more at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/ It also advises that if you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact the local GP Out of Hours service https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/ Scoil Bhride National School, Kilcullen and Scoil Bhride Lackagh have been named Junior and Senior County Winners respectively of the prestigious national art competition, Someone Like Me. The achievement secures them a place at the national awards ceremony to be held at Dublin City Hall on Tuesday, January 28, where they will join 50 other schools to compete for the much sought-after national senior and junior titles. Now in its ninth year, the Someone Like Me art competition, which is organised by the National Disability Authority, attracted 2,783 entries from national schools across the length and breadth of the country. The competition was created as part of the National Disability Authoritys work to nurture more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. To date, it has seen more than 25,000 children take part in lesson plans and pupil activities designed to help them develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities, drawing on their own personal experiences of disability in a bid to help create a more inclusive society. Congratulating Scoil Bhride National School, Kilcullen and Scoil Bhride Lackagh on being named County Winners, Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said that the number of entries this year is a tribute to the commitment of Irelands primary school teachers, who continue to play an important part helping to create an ever-more inclusive Ireland. This years competition is set against the backdrop of a new Autism Innovation Strategy and work ongoing to develop a new National Disability Strategy. These provide the building blocks for a more inclusive society, where disabled people have equality of opportunity when it comes to participating in cultural, social and economic life and where positive attitudes prevail.. The Someone Like Me art competition is an important way of building an acceptance and understanding of all disabilities amongst the primary school community, and developing an autism affirming society. Selecting the county winners was not an easy task for the judges and choosing an overall senior and junior winner will be an even harder job. And, while I know it will be an anxious wait for the pupils and teachers to hear which of the 52 county winners will be awarded the national titles, every pupil should be congratulated for their entries and for coming up with ways to include all people within society. Scoil Bhride National School, Kilcullen and Scoil Bhride Lackagh will now go on to compete with 50 other schools from around the country for the overall Someone Like Me junior and senior awards which will be announced at the national awards ceremony to held at Dublin City Hall on Tuesday, January 28. The competition, which offers a range of prizes, including 500 each for the senior and junior winning schools, was open to all primary school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and more. Entries ranged from posters and collages to large sculptural installations and videos. A leading paediatric cardiologist has warned Irish parents about red flags to look out for in childrens cardiac health. Speaking to Dr Afif El Khuffash on The Baby Tribe podcast, paediatric cardiologist Professor Orla Franklin gave advice to parents of children and teenagers about common symptoms experienced by this cohort that may indicate heart disease. She says: The most common one we see in boys is chest pain. Chest pain and growing teenagers is super common. Cardiac chest pain (angina) is very rare, even in children that we know have heart disease. As kids grow and stretch, what you find is that sometimes children and teenagers will develop short, sharp central chest pain that's not provoked by exercise. It's really sharp and then it's gone. It's gone as soon as it comes. "There's excellent data now from multiple surveys involving tens of thousands of kids that these boys will be fine. But of course, the kids who come in are often super sporty, super active. They come from families who are very invested in maintaining their children's long term cardiac health. And so we see them, we see them, we do the screening and we make sure that there's nothing else going on. And we know from all of our own data, and from the worldwide literature that there's something else going on in less than 2% of these kids. READ NEXT: Holiday and honeymoon warning as major Irish travel agency closes suddenly "The girls, and also to a lesser extent, the boys tend to experience problems with fainting. So we know as you go through puberty, 1 in 6 teenagers will faint. We know the peak ages for fainting is around 15. We see a lot of kids like this again, to screen for heart disease and make sure it's not there, which by and large it isn't. By and large, the complex stuff that we see in kids, they're born with, for children with symptoms of fainting, chest pain, they're by and large a healthy group. When asked about other red flags to watch out for, Professor Franklin explained: We don't like any events relating to swimming or cold water immersion. We don't like it when we hear that a child was running and then they dropped. Most kids run, feel a bit unwell, look white in the face, get to the edge of the pitch and then they drop. That's a more benign phenomenon. We can be worried if we hear that this occurs in the context of a family history. "The dynamic is changing a little bit. There used to be a lot of issues in relation to exercise, but now we realise that some of that is adrenaline release. And so now, for example, there are certain arrhythmias that are well described in boys playing video games, tragically and suddenly, a boy who has been invested and excited about a video game may drop, may have a sinkable event, anything like that. We need to see this child. We need to go through this with a fine tooth comb and try to find those kids and preserve their health." Professor Franklin also speaks about the worry parents have about sudden death in children: Every single parent in Ireland is completely worried, and rightly so, about the risk of sudden death. It's something that we all really worry about. We've all stood at the side lines watching our kids get very flushed in the face, or come off a pitch looking white because they've given it their all and we think could there be something happening here? "And, you know, finding those kids who have that risk because of heart muscle disease, because of inherited rhythm problems, that's something in the teenage group that we are super invested in doing. There's very good screening available for that. Should you have any red flags at all in your history where you think you might need to come in and for us to have a second look, we will look and hopefully our objective will be to get you back on the pitch. That's where we want you to be. We want to do the testing, reassure you and get you back out there with confidence. In this interview, Professor Franklin also shares her journey to becoming a paediatric cardiologist. Her stories from the corridors of prestigious hospitals to the realities of healthcare in Ireland show the importance of early intervention in children's cardiovascular health and the societal factors childrens hearts. This episode provides a unique perspective on prevalent heart conditions, recent advances in paediatric cardiology, and the challenges of dealing with congenital heart defects. You can listen here. A lucky local shop has been revealed as the store that sold the jackpot-winning ticket worth over 5 million in Saturday's Lotto draw. Carey's of Belmullet, Co Mayo have struck again with their seventh big win in their 42-year history, bringing in a total over a whopping 22 million for the small village. No strangers to winning ways, the family-run store has celebrated many high-profile wins over the years, including a cool 13.8 million in 2016 and a Daily Million top prize of 1 million in 2017. The National Lottery is urging all Lotto players who purchased a Quick Pick ticket for Saturday nights Lotto draw in Careys, Main Street, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, on December 28 to check their tickets very carefully as they now have a ticket worth 5,419,866. The winning numbers in last nights (Saturday, December 28) main Lotto draw were: 2, 4, 5, 10, 16, 17 and the bonus was 23. Shop owner, Lorraine OConnor Carey, was thrilled, although not entirely shocked, to get the call from the National Lottery to confirm the win: Our shop has been a cornerstone in Belmullet for over 40 years, and its safe to say, weve had our fair share of National Lottery wins and are well-known for our successes. We were due a big win, so I wasnt entirely shocked when I got the call. Lorraine added: We have many regular local customers, so it's exciting to think that one of them might have had a life-changing win! We hope they're already enjoying their amazing news, and what an incredible way to kickstart the new year. Across the National Lotterys history, Careys has celebrated the following amazing wins: 1991 Lotto Jackpot of 710,422 2012 Lotto + 1 top prize of 350,000 2015 EuroMillions Plus top prize of 500,000 2016 Lotto Jackpot of 13.8 million 2017 Daily Million top prize of 1 million 2017 Lotto (match 5 + bonus) of 370,312 The Mayo player becomes the 11th Lotto Jackpot winner of 2024, joining the ranks of ten other big winners from across the country, including Dublin (5), Limerick (2), Louth, Wexford, and most recently, Galway. However, this isnt Mayos only recent high-tier prize winner, as earlier this month, a Mayo player claimed the top prize of the EuroMillions Plus of 500,000. Brazil Potash (NYSE American: GRO) Converts Its Water Extraction Installation Licenses Into Full Operational Permits at Its Autazes Potash Project Located in the Amazonas State of Brazil Water operations supported and approved by IPAAM, the Amazonas State Environmental Protection Institute Fresh water wells located at future processing plant site cover all potable water needs during construction and operations MANAUS, Brazil, Dec. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brazil Potash Corp. ("Brazil Potash" or the "Company") (NYSE American: GRO), a company developing and constructing the largest potash fertilizer project in Brazil, the Autazes Potash Project (the "Project"), announces that its wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, Potassio do Brasil, has received two water resource operating licenses ("Outorga de uso de recurso hidrico") from the Amazon State Environmental Protection Institute (IPAAM) for the Project. These licenses authorize the Company to operate two deep water wells that will provide potable water for both construction and operational phases of the Project and advance the previously granted Installation Licenses for construction. These wells will supply sufficient fresh potable water for the processing plant needs. These permits mark the first phase of operations for the Project. The water resource operating permits cover the Project's comprehensive water supply system, which is strategically divided between the processing plant area and port facilities located approximately 8 kilometers away. The deep wells, located within the plant site boundaries, are designed to meet all drinking quality (potable) water requirements during the construction phase and for future operations. "Securing these water resource operating permits represents a key advancement in our construction," said Matt Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of Brazil Potash. "Independent testing has confirmed both water quality and quantity meet all regulatory requirements, including sustainable usage parameters. Having dedicated, high-quality water sources within our project boundaries enhances our operational planning and demonstrates our commitment to sustainable resource management." Mr. Simpson continued, "we continue to advance the Project, with strong support from all levels of government who recognize the urgent need to establish domestic potash production for Brazilian farmers. This license represents another step forward in our mission to provide Brazilian farming communities with a secure, domestic source of potash." About Brazil Potash Brazil Potash (NYSE-American: GRO) (www.brazilpotash.com) is developing Brazil's largest potash project that will supply sustainable fertilizers to one of the world's largest agricultural exporters. Brazil is critical for global food security as the country has amongst the highest amounts of fresh water, arable land, and an ideal climate for year-round crop growth but is vulnerable as it imports over 95% of its potash fertilizer despite having what is anticipated to be one of the world's largest undeveloped potash basins in its own backyard. The potash produced will be transported primarily using low-cost river barges on an inland river system in partnership with Amaggi (www.amaggi.com.br), one of the largest farmers and logistical operators of agricultural products in Brazil. With initial planned annual potash production of 2.4 million tons per year, Brazil Potash will supply ~17% of the growing potash demand in Brazil with future plans to double output. 100% of Brazil Potash's production will be sold domestically to reduce Brazil's reliance on potash imports while concurrently mitigating ~1.4 million tons per year of GHG emissions. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are statements that are not historical facts. Words such as "expects", "anticipates" and "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including statements relating to securing two water resource operating licenses, are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's registration statement on Form F-1, as amended, for the IPO filed with the SEC and the supplemented PREP prospectus filed in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, other than Quebec. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based, unless required by law. Contact: Brazil Potash Investor Relations [email protected] 30 december 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: Battery X Metals Announces Grant of Stock Options NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Battery X Metals Inc. (CSE:BATX)(OTCQB:BATXF)(FSE:R0W, WKN:A3EMJB) ("Battery X Metals" or the "Company") announces that it has granted stock options ("Stock Options") to certain directors, officers, and consultants of the Company, effective December 30, 2024 (the "Grant Date"), in accordance with its Equity Incentive Plan dated May 7, 2024. The Company has granted a total of 2,755,000 Stock Options to eligible recipients at an exercise price of $0.10 per share. The Stock Options vest immediately on the Grant Date and have a two-year term, expiring on December 30, 2026. All securities are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the Grant Date, in compliance with applicable stock exchange policies. The stock option grants to Massimo Bellini Bressi, Dallas Pretty, Martino Ciambrelli, and Howard Blank (the "Insider Stock Option Grants") are "related party transactions" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Insider Stock Option Grants are exempt from the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemptions contained in section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the Company's common shares are not listed on a specified market and from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the Insider Stock Option Grants do not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. As the material change report disclosing the Insider Stock Option Grants is being filed less than 21 days before the transaction, there is a requirement under MI 61?101 to explain why the shorter period was reasonable or necessary in the circumstances. In the view of the Company, it is necessary to immediately close the Insider Stock Option Grants and therefore, such shorter period is reasonable and necessary in the circumstances to improve the Company's financial position. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws. About Battery X Metals Inc. Battery X Metals (CSE:BATX) (OTCQB:BATXF) (FSE:R0W, WKN:A3EMJB) is committed to advancing the global clean energy transition through the development of proprietary technologies and domestic battery and critical metal resource exploration. The Company focuses on extending the lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, through its portfolio company, LIBRT1, recovering battery grade metals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, and the acquisition and exploration of battery and critical metals resources. For more information, visit batteryxmetals.com. 1 49% owned Portfolio Company On Behalf of the Board of Directors Massimo Bellini Bressi, Director For further information, please contact: Massimo Bellini Bressi Chief Executive Officer Email: [email protected] Tel: (604) 741-0444 Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's objectives, business strategies, and future plans, including the granting of stock options, the vesting and expiry of such stock options, and compliance with securities laws. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Risks include, but are not limited to, changes in market conditions, regulatory risks, the inability to achieve regulatory compliance or approvals, reliance on key personnel, and the risk factors set forth in the Company's filings on SEDAR+. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and Battery X Metals disclaims any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Battery X Metals 30 december 2024 at 07:00 View the original press release on accesswire.comNews published onand distributed by: Embraer announces a firm order for six A-29 Super Tucanos from an undisclosed customer SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer (B3: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ) announced today a firm order for six light attack and advanced trainer A-29 Super Tucanos placed by an undisclosed customer. This order will be included in the 4Q24 backlog and deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2026. These aircraft will be equipped with enhanced capabilities to perform missions such as battlefield air interdiction, close air support, maritime patrol, maritime strike and other territorial defense operations. "We are thrilled to announce new sales of the A-29 Super Tucano, as we see this aircraft as the right fit for many nations around the world," said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "The A-29 is the global leader in its category because it's a proven, reliable and well advanced aircraft." As a multi-mission aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano provides air forces with versatility for armed reconnaissance, close air support, light attack, and advanced training missions on a single platform, which exponentially increases the aircraft's availability and operational flexibility. Its robust airframe allows the aircraft to operate from unpaved runways in austere environments. The A-29 Super Tucano is the global leader in its category, with over 290 orders and more than 570,000 flight hours, including 60,000 in combat. In 2024, Embraer announced new sales of the Super Tucano to the Portuguese Air Force (A-29N), the Uruguayan Air Force and the Paraguayan Air Force. Images: https://embraer.bynder.com/share/D5A0A52C-2A99-41E8-A026F1135F414981/?viewType=grid Follow us on X: @Embraer About Embraer A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales. Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 150 million passengers a year. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high- value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. SOURCE Embraer S.A. 30 december 2024 at 08:03 News published onand distributed by: Qolab Secures over $16.0 Million in Series A Financing Qolab, Inc. a leader in superconducting quantum computing, announced today that it secured over $16.0 million to date in its Series A financing round, led by Octave Ventures with co-investment from the Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ), Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), and Phoenix Venture Partners. This investment represents a significant step in Qolab's mission to develop utility-scale quantum computing technology by advancing scalability in quantum systems. "Qolab is well-positioned to leverage both domestic and international support in advancing its technology," said Alan Ho, CEO of Qolab. "The combined backing from Octave Ventures and DBJ is a testament to Qolab's role as a global innovator in quantum technology and aligns with Japan's strategic goals in fostering cutting-edge advancements." Michael S. Kim, Founder of Octave Ventures, remarked, "Qolab is led by a team of visionary leaders who are focused on shaping the future of quantum computing. Through collaboration with strategic partnerships across the semiconductor industry, QoLab is turning quantum computing into a practical, real-world technology that will redefine industries and unlock unprecedented possibilities." Yuki Takemori, General Manager of Innovation Promotion Office at the Development Bank of Japan, added, "Qolab's focus on precision and quality in quantum computing is impressive. Their ability to leverage partnerships and push the boundaries of qubit design is exceptional. DBJ is excited to be part of their journey as they continue to make groundbreaking advancements in this field." Dr. John Martinis, CTO and cofounder of Qolab, shared his perspective on the investment: "This support from DBJ and Octave Ventures allows us to accelerate the development of our superconducting quantum systems, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in scalable quantum technology. It's a pivotal moment for us as we continue to advance our mission of bringing practical quantum solutions to market." Dr. Robert McDermott, Head of Hardware and cofounder, emphasized the importance of the funding for Qolab's hardware advancements: "At Qolab, we are developing a new generation of high-coherence qubits that will overcome the limitations of current technologies. This funding is a critical step forward in scaling our hardware capabilities and delivering reliable, high-performance quantum processors to meet growing demand." The Series A funding will enable Qolab to expand its team of quantum scientists and engineers, accelerate development cycles, and scale its superconducting quantum processors. Additionally, the company plans to deepen its semiconductor partnerships to bring scalable quantum computing technology to market. About Qolab, Inc. Qolab, Inc. is a pioneering quantum computing company dedicated to developing utility-scale superconducting quantum computers. By leveraging cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication tools and processes, proprietary qubit designs, and innovative scaling techniques, Qolab aims to push the boundaries of quantum technology and deliver reliable, high-performance systems. Qolab combines a physics-driven approach with a focus on qubit quality and practical hardware solutions. Close collaborations with semiconductor industry leaders and academic institutions are central to the Qolab mission. For more information, visit www.qolab.ai. About Octave Ventures Octave Ventures is a global venture capital firm specializing in deep tech investments. Octave Ventures invests in companies at various stages of development, including seed, early, and later stages. The firm is committed to leveraging its experience and knowledge to partner with founders, fostering growth and the development of advanced technologies. About the Development Bank of Japan Inc. The Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) is a financial institution committed to supporting businesses that drive Japan's economic growth and innovation. With a focus on fostering advancements in technology and industry, DBJ provides financing and strategic support to leading companies across various sectors, promoting sustainable economic development and global competitiveness. About Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is dedicated to transforming pioneering research from the University of Wisconsin?Madison into real-world applications. WARF's mission is to support research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, commercializing scientific discoveries and technologies, and ensuring that groundbreaking innovations move beyond academia and into the marketplace. By securing patents and licensing technologies, WARF helps bridge the gap between research and industry, making university inventions accessible to businesses and fostering the growth of new industries. Learn more at www.warf.org. About Phoenix Venture Partners Phoenix Venture Partners (PVP) is a venture capital firm dedicated to transforming cutting-edge technologies into market-ready innovations. Specializing in advanced materials, novel devices, manufacturing processes, and state-of-the-art tools, PVP focuses on breakthroughs that redefine markets, catalyze new product waves, and drive sustainability. With a hands-on approach, PVP supports entrepreneurs in business development, IP strategy, financing, recruitment, and exit planning, leveraging a global network of Strategic Partners to accelerate success. 30 december 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: Scotia Global Asset Management announces final year-end reinvested distributions for the Scotia ETFs TORONTO, Dec. 30, 2024 /CNW/ - Scotia Global Asset Management today announced the final year-end reinvested distributions for the Scotia ETFs listed on Cboe Canada for the 2024 tax year. Unitholders of record on December 30, 2024 will receive the reinvested distributions for the respective Scotia ETFs on January 7, 2025. These are final year-end distributions which will be reinvested in additional units of the respective Scotia ETFs and do not include any cash distribution amounts for December. The additional units will be immediately consolidated so that the number of units outstanding following the distribution will equal the number of units outstanding prior to the distribution. The actual taxable amounts of reinvested distributions for 2024, including the tax characteristics of the distributions, will be reported to CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. in early 2025. Securityholders can contact their brokerage firm for this information. The final reinvested distribution amounts per unit are: Scotia ETF name Ticker symbol Final reinvested distribution per unit ($) Scotia Canadian Bond Index Tracker ETF SITB 0.00000 Scotia Canadian Large Cap Equity Index Tracker ETF SITC 0.00000 Scotia Emerging Markets Equity Index Tracker ETF SITE 0.00000 Scotia International Equity Index Tracker ETF SITI 0.00000 Scotia Responsible Investing Canadian Bond Index ETF SRIB 0.00000 Scotia Responsible Investing Canadian Equity Index ETF SRIC 0.32520 Scotia Responsible Investing International Equity Index ETF SRII 0.44060 Scotia Responsible Investing U.S. Equity Index ETF SRIU 1.62150 Scotia U.S. Equity Index Tracker ETF SITU 0.00000 For more information about the Scotia ETFs, please visit the Scotia Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) website. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may be associated with mutual fund investments, including ETFs. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds and ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. About Scotia Global Asset Management Scotia Global Asset Management includes 1832 Asset Management L.P., a limited partnership, the general partner of which is wholly owned by Scotiabank. Scotia Global Asset Management offers a range of wealth management solutions, including mutual funds, ETFs, and investment solutions for private clients, institutions and managed asset programs. For more information, please visit www.scotiagam.com. About Scotiabank Scotiabank's vision is to be our clients' most trusted financial partner and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. Guided by our purpose: "for every future," we help our clients, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With assets of approximately $1.4 trillion (as at October 31, 2024), Scotiabank is one of the largest banks in North America by assets, and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on X @Scotiabank. SOURCE Scotiabank 30 december 2024 at 09:00 News published onand distributed by: Ecopetrol announces the agreement to purchase Repsol's 45% stake in block CPO 09 BOGOTA, Colombia, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) (the "Company") announces that on Sunday, December 29, 2024, Ecopetrol successfully concluded negotiations with Repsol to acquire the remaining 45% of its stake in block CPO-09, located in the Meta department. With this transaction, Ecopetrol becomes the sole owner of this strategic asset in the Piedemonte Llanero. This block is located in the municipalities of Villavicencio, Acacias, Guamal, Castilla La Nueva, San Martin, Lejanias, El Dorado, El Castillo, and Granada. The transaction was carried out under the right of first refusal granted to Ecopetrol within the framework of the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) and is the result of the previously announced transaction between Repsol and Geopark on November 29. With this acquisition, Ecopetrol expect to add approximately 41 million barrels to its reserves and estimates an increase in its daily production by approximately 7,000 barrels of oil. This operation strengthens Ecopetrol's position in the exploitation of the Llanos Orientales basin and consolidates its presence in the region. To complete this transaction, it will be necessary to carry out the corresponding procedures before the National Hydrocarbons Agency and the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce, which we expect to undertake in the coming days. Ecopetrol reaffirms its commitment to the country's energy future, highlighting the importance of hydrocarbons as a key resource for energy sustainability, while steadily advancing towards a fair and responsible energy transition. Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. For more information, please contact: Head of Corporate Communications Angela Maria De la Pava Londono Email: [email protected] Head of Press Juan Pablo Pacavita Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. 30 december 2024 at 14:30 News published onand distributed by: You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close DR NEASA Ni Chuaig has been appointed as the new Head of the Department of Language and Literacy Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), bringing "a wealth of experience to her new role". Neasa has been with MIC since 2017 with the Faculty of Education as a lecturer in Education with expertise in Irish. Prior to this, she taught in the University of Galway, as well as Dublin City University, Maynooth University, and St Marys University, Nova Scotia, Canada. Neasa received her undergraduate degree in Irish and Legal Science from the University of Galway and went on to receive a Masters in Modern Irish in the same University, having grown up in the Galway Gaeltacht. READ ALSO: New councillor co-opted in following the election of Conor Sheehan TD to Dail Eireann She also completed teaching qualifications in the University, including a Professional Diploma in Education and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. She went on to complete her doctorate in Dublin City University under the supervision of Professor Padraig O Duibhir and Dr Eithne Kennedy. On completion of her PhD, she began working with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment as an Education Officer, where her main role was the development of the Primary Language Curriculum from Third to Sixth class. Speaking about her appointment to the role, she said: I am delighted with this new role and proud to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues to develop opportunities and tackle the challenges associated with the work of our department. Ta me thar a bheith sasta faoin rol nua seo agus broduil as an deis a fhail a bheith ag obair le mo chuid comhghleacaithe chun tabhairt faoi na dushlain agus na deiseanna a thapu a theann leis an obair seo. Dr Angela Canny, Acting Dean of Education at MIC added: We are delighted to welcome Neasa as our new Head of the Language and Literacy Department in the Faculty of Education. Neasa has been a valued member of our Faculty for a number of years and she brings a wealth of experience to this role. She is passionate about the Irish language, and broader language and literacy education. I look forward to working with her to progress and develop educational opportunities and initiatives that will ultimately be of benefit to our education students and the teaching profession more generally. IFA DEPUTY president Alice Doyle has described the current level of illegal activities such as lurching, illegal hunting and trespass as outrageous. Reports coming in from all over the country have indicated a rise in these activities, she said. Farmers and landowners are deeply concerned and worried about their personal safety as a result of threats and assaults, said Ms Doyle. READ MORE: Limerick's Cathal among new graduates to drive dairy farming forward The deputy president said that despite arrests and court appearances in some parts of the country, the number of groups and individuals going onto farms and lands has increased. She welcomed the joint approach by the gardai and National Parks and Wildlife Services in carrying out operations, but she stressed that this needs to be done on a structured and ongoing basis. IFA and other farming bodies are united in their approach in calling for a clamp down on these unlawful practices and for realistic fines and sentences for the crimes committed. We are calling for a dedicated campaign by relevant state bodies such as An Garda Siochana and the National Parks and Wildlife Service to tackle the gangs who act with apparent impunity, and for collaboration between various Rural Community Groups such as the members of the National Rural Safety Forum to come out to support the state agencies, she said. RACISM in all forms is unacceptable in Limerick, said Cllr Dan McSweeney at the start of a solidarity walk. The priomh comhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council led the three bridges walk from the front doors of council offices at Merchant's Quay, to mark International Human Rights Day. The event was part of the Limerick United Against Racism (LUAR) campaign #DiversityIsStrengthLK. The campaign is an initiative of the Migrant Integration Steering Group (MISG), which is a network of statutory agencies, community and voluntary organisations and migrant representative and support groups. Cllr McSweeney was joined on the three bridges walk by staff of agencies, organisations and service providers who support migrant integration or promote human rights in Limerick. It was a public demonstration of solidarity with all people who experience racism or xenophobia. At the commencement of the walk, Cllr McSweeney commented: The Limerick United Against Racism campaign sends a strong and clear message of solidarity with people who have experienced racism in Limerick. The council is committed to and strongly supports this campaign, which seeks to foster a sense of belonging between all residents of Limerick irrespective of colour, creed or culture. Chair of the MISGs Anti-Racism Subgroup, Mr. Eugene Quinn added: Unfortunately, there has been a significant growth in anti-migrant sentiment and racist incidents nationally over the past year. "Each of us has a role to play in ensuring racism is not tolerated in Limerick. He said the solidarity walk and the Limerick United Against Racism campaign are an opportunity for public leadership to demonstrate there is zero-tolerance for racism in the region. READ MORE: New councillor co-opted in following the election of Conor Sheehan TD to Dail Eireann All communities in Limerick, local and migrant, are equally valued and their fundamental human rights must be respected. The campaign's online resource www.limerickunitedagainstracism.ie provides accessible information about the different types of racism, the impact of racism on victims and guidelines on how and when to report racism, and how to prepare for a conversation about diversity and racism, concluded Mr Quinn. A notorious criminal who waged terror on a Buncrana housing estate was found dead in his prison cell on Christmas Day. Carl Ryan, originally from Ballyfermot in Dublin, was once dubbed a neighbour from hell after causing havoc at the Burwood estate over several years. Ryan was found dead in his cell at Wheatfield Prison on Christmas Day. Ryan was said to have been in poor health lately and sources suggest that his death was of natural causes. A death notice for Ryan described his passing as occurring unexpectedly. In 2023, Ryan was jailed for threatening to burn his neighbours children and nail them to the floorboards. Ryan had 44 previous convictions when he was sentenced to 14 months in prison by Judge Eiteain Cunningham at Letterkenny District Court. Ryan was charged with a series of vicious threats in Buncrana over a 13-month period in 2019 and 2020. 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 that 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, knee cap them and nail them to the floorboards. Ryan also threatened to burn Mr McLaughlins house down. This was one of several incidents outlined to the court, including that he shouted abuse at Gardai on one occasion and attempting to gain entry to a property, putting a woman, with a 12-month-old baby, in fear. 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. Mr Rory OBrien, solicitor for Ryan, said there was an element of tit-for-tat in some but not all of the incidents. In some cases, he reacted incorrectly and wrongly, Mr OBrien said, adding that his clients health deteriorated and that he had to have a leg amputated. In May 2022, Ryan was given a five-and-a-half year sentence when he appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court. Ryan was found guilty of assaulting 67-year-old neighbour Peter Deeney following a two-day trial. He then admitted demanding money with menaces from the landlord of the house he was renting telling him he wanted 1,000 to move out or he would burn down the house. The court was played a twelve minute audio message of a telephone conversation between Ryan and the landlord. Ryan was heard saying that he would leave if he was given 1,000 but if he didnt receive the funds he would burn the house down and also threatened to torch the home of the landlord. He said: You're going to have no house. I'm going to burn it down. I'm going to burn this house and your house. I hope you have that on tape. I'm f***ing genuine. A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service confirmed that there was a death of a person in custody on Christmas Day. The spokesperson, adding condolences to Ryans family and friends, said: 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. An Irishman leading global calls for a four-day work week has said that burnout, the use of AI and companies pressuring employees to return to the office may fuel momentum behind the campaign. Behavioural scientist Dr Dale Whelehan said 2025 is the year where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can radically experiment with a four-day week in order to attract and retain employees. The 28-year-old is the chief executive of 4 Day Week Global, an advocacy group that now offers services to companies looking to make the switch. Dr Whelehan was named on the Time100 Most Influential People In Health and the Forbes 30 Under 30 in the social impact category, capping off an incredible year for the Kildare man. When I was named on this Time100 list in particular, I saw a sentence which said the youngest person on this list is Dr Dale Whelehan, and the oldest person is Jimmy Carter. I thought, Im never gonna see that sentence or anything like it again, he told the PA news agency. Theres theres something so humbling about the whole thing as well, because Ive had a really cool year, and Ive got to go to some very cool places. I got to speak at the Wall Street Journals CEO Summit speaking about a four-day week and go to New York to the Fast Company Most Innovative Companies Summit, and meet the direct creative director of Mattel, these really multi-millionaire, super successful people, and Im here in the countryside in Kildare with grass growing down the middle of the lane. Dr Whelehan began his career as a pretty shoddy physio, where he said he was not very good at biology and physiology, but had a real interest in peoples wellbeing and mental health. I went and I did a PhD after that looking at sleep deprivation in surgeons and that changed my career, he said. Dr Whelehan moved to look at merging behavioural science and wellbeing. A four-day week was emerging as this idea that at the beginning of my PhD, Ireland had just launched its first pilot of the concept with the Four Day Week Ireland campaign, and so I was volunteering with that at the time, and got more and more interested in it, saw the benefits of it, not just for people but for businesses, for society, for our planet, and ultimately, then joined as CEO of the organisation two years ago. The idea of a four-day week is rooted in allowing the brain to recover fully before going back to work. He said that in 1911, when people were working a six-day week, analysis was done of every task of factory workers in Pennsylvania to try to improve their efficiency. This led to a huge surge in productivity during the industrial revolution, but also to worker fatigue and errors that led to people becoming injured and losing limbs. The five-day work week gave the time for a very physical workforce to recover. Dr Whelehan notes: Human attention is much more limited than physical muscle, so we know that actually you probably only get about three-and-a-half to four hours of good work done any given day. So the four-day work week is actually here, its just buried under a lot of unproductive time. He said the switch to a four-day work week is not as simple as just removing a days work, but instead changing the work you do to become very deliberate and outcome-based. This involves looking at the tasks you want completed by the end of the year and working backwards from that, organising tasks during the week in order to achieve it. When we think of people who work hard, we typically mean people who work long hours, but we dont necessarily delve deeper and understanding what is the level of quality output by those people, Dr Whelehan said. He said that staff of a company shifting to a four-day week can go through a series of emotions, as with any change: from the huge excitement at the start to the realisation that it is not as simple as clocking off on Thursday evenings and a shift in work habits that can be exhausting. You must be cognisant of if you are implementing it in one area, what are the ramifications of that if youre not introducing it in another area? Or similarly, if youre introducing different types of reduced working hour schedules, so your frontline staff are actually going to be working five shorter days, versus your back in staff working four days. That might cause some tension if not communicated and managed properly. A shift towards trying a four-day work week might be fuelled by the need to address burnout, by companies wanting employees to return to the office post-pandemic, and by the advent of AI. This December, the city of Tokyo announced it was introducing a four-day week in an attempt to tackle low birth rates. Dr Whelehan said: That was from a conversation that I had with the Japanese Ministry two years ago they called me just when the UK results (of a pilot of 60 companies) came out. He added: There is a real risk with a lot of these tech billionaires, its in their inherent interest to reduce overheads and they will naturally use AI over humans in order to achieve that. So really there is a huge responsibility on humans now to figure out what is our unique selling point in the world of AI, and if were burned out and exhausted, were never going to have a fighting chance of figuring out what that is. Consideration was given to recruiting women into Northern Irelands new police force on a 50:50 basis with men to address their severe under-representation, declassified files have revealed. However, legal advice was that a policy that half of new recruits to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) should be women was not viable, a memo from 2002 said. Stormont officials did seek legal advice that year on whether the new forces policy of recruiting 50% of all officers from the Catholic community could be challenged as discriminatory towards ethnic minorities. Details are contained in documents held at the Public Record Office in Belfast. Hundreds of the files are being opened for public viewing under the 30/20 year rule. The majority of the files deal with events in 2003, although some are from earlier years. The PSNI replaced the RUC in 2001 following a number of reforms proposed by Lord Patten. Catholics had been under-represented in the RUC, so a 50:50 recruitment policy ran for the first decade, meaning one Catholic recruit for every one person from a Protestant or other background. A file shows an exchange of emails between civil servants in the Office of the First Minister/Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) following a PSNI human rights conference hosted in October 2002. One of the emails was seeking further information on comments at the conference about recruiting people from ethnic minorities to the force. A responding email said: Its all about the Patten formula of 50/50 recruitment: 50% Roman Catholic and 50% Protestant and Others. Minority Ethnics fall into the Others. The issue, at present, is that most applicants still fall into the latter category (around 65% from memory) so this increases the competition within this grouping and makes the candidate less likely to be successful this could therefore disadvantage Minority Ethnics. Joe (Stewart) suggested that options could be to move Minority Ethnics to the Roman Catholic Category or alternatively create a 3rd category, say of 2%. The issue needs further consideration including how any requirement for change could be progressed. Another email adds: When the Race Directive was being negotiated, we drew NIOs (Northern Ireland Office) attention to the 50/50 recruitment policy and suggested they might want to take this up as we thought it could potentially be discriminatory on the grounds of race (likely to be proportionally more non-RC ethnic minorities than RC). NIO did not not pursue. Within the file there are clippings from media reports at the time where concern is being raised about the impact of 50:50 recruitment on police numbers after then PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde announced he was axing the forces band due to resource pressures. Another internal email was then sent on December 12 under the title 50/50 Recruitment and Race. It says: Consideration was also given to including women on a 50-50 basis but legal advice at the time was that this was not viable despite their severe under-representation in the police force. It says the 50:50 split Catholic/non-Catholic has recently survived a legal challenge. The email continues: There may still be a point (although unpopular to argue) that the percentage ethnic minority is too small to claim disadvantage/indirect discrimination ironically the higher the percentage population of ethnic minorities, the stronger would be the claim for advantage/indirect discrimination because the lower the chance of recruitment to the PSNI (ie because the larger the share of the non-Catholic pool). Interestingly, a stronger challenge could be brought by a young person for age discrimination whom statistics consistently show is more likely to be not religious and so in the non Catholic pool. Politically, there could be difficulties because there is a high profile agenda in GB at present to recruit ethnic minorities into the police service post-Macpherson/Lawrence. There is also a draft note seeking legal advice on the issue which states that the 50:50 recruitment policy would seem to be incompatible with the implementation of the (Race) Directive. Mumbai: Several large investors of Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL) have criticized the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an investor that led the Madhya Pradesh High Court to indefinitely stay the company's upcoming annual general meeting. The investors disputed the premise of the writ petition filed by the individual named Vijayant Mishra, who argued that a takeover of Religare by the Burman family will concentrate the ownership of the company in the hands of a few, which is against the interests of minority shareholders. Mint spoke with multiple investors, who collectively control about a tenth of Religare's total share capital. This is a mockery of shareholders rights and shareholders democracy," said Umeshkumar Mehta, chief investment officer, Samco Mutual Fund. Holding of the AGM has got nothing to do with RBI approval or open offer. AGM is an independent business matter," he said, adding that he was speaking on behalf of Samco fund house and not its promoters. Samco Special Opportunities Funds holds a 1.37% stake in Religare. Separately, Samcos promoter Modi family owns an 8.19% stake in the company through two holding companiesChandrakanta and Quick Trading and Investment Advisors LLP. Concentrated shareholding Today also the shareholding is concentrated with the Burman family. If they make an open offer, minority investors can always say no to selling their shares. If such arguments are made then no takeovers can happen in India," said a senior executive at one of the large institutional investors of Religare, asking not to be named as they are not allowed to speak to the media on matters related to any specific security. I am disappointed that I was not allowed to vote (at the AGM)," this executive said. The Burman family, the promoters of consumer goods maker Dabur India Ltd, control 25.12% stake in Religare through four holding companies. Due to the PIL, the AGM has been delayed. This is not a good thing for shareholders; the share price has also fallen," said Sanjay Kaul, director at FE Securities Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based brokerage which owns just over 0.02% of the company. Kaul argued that a takeover could be good for the company. It is good to have a strong promoter. It could be anyone. Today, there is no shareholder director on the companys board," he said. It is odd for a high court to pass such an order against Sebi and RBI regulations. The order itself didn't have any compelling logic on why an AGM, that is outlined by the Companies Act, needed to be withheld," said Shriram Subramanian, the managing director of proxy advisory firm InGovern. HC's stay order A division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain of the Madhya Pradesh High Court stayed Religares AGM till further notice in an interim order passed on 18 December. The AGM was scheduled for 31 December. On the agenda was a resolution seeking Rashmi Saluja's reappointment as a director on the companys board, which would decide her future at the firm. Two leading proxy advisory firms have asked investors to vote against a fresh term for Saluja, arguing, among other things, that the takeover battle could distract the companys board. The AGM was originally scheduled for September, but was deferred by three months earlier this year after the company approached the Registrar of Companies seeking a postponement. The deferment was challenged by the Burmans in the Delhi High Court. Also read | Struggling PSU insurers may get a helping hand from the finance minister Samcos Mehta said the investment firm will write to relevant regulators to take appropriate steps in the interest of minority shareholders. The episode makes a case for further strengthening of the takeover regulations in India, he said. All options are open; we will discuss in our board meeting and take appropriate steps if there are inordinate delays in normalization of the functioning of REL," he said. Religare Enterprises and the Burman family did not respond to queries. Mint could not reach Vijayant Mishra for comment. The takeover battle Religares management, led by chairperson Saluja and the Burman family, the companys largest shareholders, are at loggerheads after the latter made a takeover bid for the company. The Religare board, which initially supported the takeover, has since rejected the open offer citing low valuation and calling the Burman family not fit and proper to run a financial services firm. The Burmans had announced their open offer on 25 September 2023 at 235 per share, which was at a discount to the stocks previous closing prices of 272.45 back then. The two sides exchanged allegations and filed multiple lawsuits over the past 15 months as the takeover battle turned bitter. Also read | Religare upsets investors by delaying AGM A fourth executive, representing a family office that is among the largest investors of Religare, said that if the board was against the takeover, they shouldnt have initially supported it in September 2023. We took it as a positive sign and bought into the company," this executive said, requesting not to be named. Now everybody is thinking about themselves and neglecting the company." RBI, Sebi green light Earlier this month, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) separately gave their nods to the Burman family to make an open offer for acquiring an additional 26% stake in Religare, clearing the path for their takeover of the company. Earlier, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the stock exchanges also approved the open offer. However, in his petition, Mishra argued that if the open offer was allowed to go ahead, it will concentrate the control in the hands of 399 persons, defeating the interests of 73,623 minority investors holding shares worth up to 2 lakh, as per the courts interim order. This category owns 10.38% of the company. Also read | SAT gives Religare time to comply with Sebi order in Burman open offer case Mishra has requested the court to set up an independent commission of enquiry to oversee and acquisition. The case is expected to be listed again on 17 January. It is odd for a high court to pass such an order against Sebi and RBI regulations. The order itself didn't have any compelling logic on why an AGM, that is outlined by the Companies Act, needed to be withheld," said Shriram Subramanian, the managing director of proxy advisory firm InGovern. Any acquisition will have one or two acquirers and the consolidation of shareholders, that's how the market works." Going against the trend of building from scratch, a far longer process, Samhi Hotels Ltd in November took an empty office building on a long-term lease in the Hitech City area of Hyderabad to convert it into a 170-175-room hotel under the W Hotel brand, to be managed by Marriott International. The property will metamorphose into a luxury hotel and will be launched by FY27. Ashish Jakhanwala, chairman, managing director and CEO of the Gurugram-based hospitality company, claimed that this will be the first-ever initiative of converting an office building into a hotel in the country. "No company has done office building conversion to hotel before in India. This shows that we dont always need to rely on converting existing hotels into newer ones. It also creates incremental growth opportunities for us. We think we'll be able to secure two or three more such office conversions to hotels on long leases, where very little capital needs to be put up front. It is a much more efficient way to invest in and own a hotel. This has been done before in the US, and it has also been done extensively in China," he told Mint. The company has 35 hotels that it owns and leases, including three under development, in 13 cities in India. Eight of its hotels are in the upper-upscale or five-star category, running under brands like Westin, Sheraton, and Hyatt Regency, while a majority of the portfolio is in the upscale segment, under the Fairfield by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton brands. The remaining are in the mid-scale segment, running primarily as Holiday Inn Express hotels. Jakhanwala said that over the next five years, the hospitality industry is expected to witness significant development. Luxury and leisure hotels are expected to perform exceptionally well in India, while core business hotels in major cities are also likely to thrive due to a growing demand for rooms that will outstrip the incoming supply. Other segments, however, could see less predictable trends. "The combination of large cities and business hotels is seen as a strong growth story. Rising disposable incomes in India are expected to drive these trends. Weekday occupancies for city business hotels in our portfolio, for instance, is already in the range of 75%, and as Indians spend more on experiences such as concerts and events in other cities and with the rise in urban tourism, weekend occupancies are also expected to improve. In tier-2 and 3 cities, while opportunities exist, faster hotel supply growth compared to the demand for rooms may become challenging," he said. Samhi went public a little over a year ago in September 2023 and raised 1,370 crore. It primarily used the proceeds to retire a large part of its debt of about 2,400 crore, including shareholder debt. Stock of the company closed 1.2% higher at 199.75 on the BSE on Monday. Last year, Samhi acquired 9 hotels from Kuwait's Asiya Capital Investments Company that also had about 300 crore of debt. The company used 1,000 crore to retire its debt which now stands at around 1,900 crore. "Since September of last year, we have made sure that we've created a very healthy growth pipeline, which gives us non-same store growth or incremental growth from new hotels for the next 3-4 years as well. The ACIC portfolio will take two years to integrate into SAMHI," Jakhanwala said. "As we integrate these hotels into our portfolio, the upside will be quite strong. Within this portfolio, we had identified two hotels, one in Pune and one in Jaipur, which will be rebranded. For these, we have signed contracts with Marriott to convert them from Four Points by Sheraton to Courtyard by Marriott and one under the Tribute Portfolio by Marriott, respectively," he said. Adding new rooms to existing hotels The company has also identified various opportunities to increase inventory in its existing portfolio like adding rooms in Sheraton Hyderabad, Hyatt Regency Pune, and Holiday Inn Express in Bengaluru, Whitefield. This fiscal year, the company will open its first hotel in Kolkata, under the Holiday Inn Express brand. It has also launched another Holiday Inn Express in Greater Noida. In October, it acquired a 142-room, 4-star hotel in Bengalurus Whitefield area for 205 crore, which was formerly managed by ITC under the Fortune brand. The property is now called Trinity Hotel. This, too, will become another Tribute Portfolio. Samhi is also building another 220-hotel room project right next to this hotel, which will be branded as a Westin, which will make it a 360-room complex. The company has another six existing hotels in Bengaluru. "We have outlined a solid growth plan till FY29. In the coming weeks in FY25, we will open our Kolkata hotel," he said. The company will add rooms in its Whitefield property and launch new rooms in Pune, and Hyderabad next year. At present, it has 4,900 rooms and will grow to 5,600 rooms. Within this growth, its five-star hotel inventory will double from 1,100 to about 2,000 rooms in the coming years. At present, its revenue per available room (a metric hoteliers use to calculate how much money each room makes) is 8,100. Samhi's market capitalization as of 25 December was 4,313 crore. It competes with companies like Chalet Hotels, Juniper Hotels and others such as EIH Hotels, Bharat Hotels, and Lemon Tree Hotels, which own as well as manage other owners' hotels. For the six months ended September, Samhi recorded a revenue of 515.4 crore and a net profit of 15.6 crore. A recent report titled Indian Hospitality Trends & Opportunities by hospitality consultancy Hotelivate highlighted a significant growth trend in the country's hospitality sector over the past decade. From 2014-15 to 2023-24, the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for hotel room demand reached 10.3%, surpassing the 8.92% growth rate for supply during the same period. Simply put, the demand for hotel accommodations has been growing faster than the addition of new rooms. Such a gap suggests increasing pressure on the available inventory, which could lead to higher room rates and occupancy levels. It also reflects a strong demand driven by factors like rising domestic and international travel, economic growth, and a growing preference for experiences such as leisure and business stays. New Delhi: Budget carrier SpiceJet Ltd. aims to operationalize 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, grounded due to reasons ranging from payment default to lessors and component shortages, in the next 12-15 months as it seeks to increase its operations. Speaking at the company's annual general meeting on Monday, chairman and managing director Ajay Singh also hinted at resuming talks with aircraft manufacturer Boeing for pending deliveries. The airline had placed an order for 200 B737 MAX aircraft with the American company in 2017. Singh said, We will restart our talks with Boeing, we received 13 aircraft, we will talk with the company to restart deliveries, hopefully we can do this in the upcoming months. India needs to have more airlines to prevent the market from becoming a duopoly, Singh said. The airline aims to have a fleet of 100 aircraft by the end of 2026, from the current 28 operational aircraft. India's aviation market is dominated by IndiGo, the country's largest airline, and the Tata Group-owned Air India. Also read: SpiceJet insolvency claims: Are creditors leveraging IBC forum for settlements? Experts see SpiceJets announcement on ungrounding and restarting delivery talks with Boeing as a welcome step for the market. Sanjay Lazar, CEO of Avialaz Consultants, said, The announcement by the CMD is a bold move in the strangled Indian aviation market. The current duopoly needs to be challenged by both SpiceJet and Akasa and more newcomers. The addition of fresh capacity and accelerated deliveries by Boeing would mean a significant uptick in SpiceJet's flying portfolio. It could also bring about a cooling of airfares for the passengers and add more frequencies on demand-hungry sectors." Lazar feels that there is a need to have a stronger operations team to regain its position in the skies. He added, While ramping capacity, at the same time if SpiceJet can improve passenger services and tighten up OTP (on-time performance), they will rebuild consumer confidence with the brand. Earlier this year, the cash-strapped airline raised 3,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement to operationalize its grounded planes, and expand into new markets. Singh also mentioned that at this point, the purpose of the secured funding is to strengthen the airline and investors need to have patience on interim dividend. Singh hopes that the shareholders will be rewarded with a higher share price in the future as the airline rebuilds itself. FOR DECADES China has put foreign capital to work. Officials encouraged Western firms to trade technology for access to its vast market, helping to build up Chinese competitors that were often better and always cheaper. They began shipping goods westwards. The resulting China shock" is often blamed for causing economic dislocation and despair in Americas industrial heartlands. Now, however, it is Chinas turn to worry about offshoring. Its manufacturers are taking flight. In the year to June Chinese firms invested a record $177bn in non-financial assets abroad. More than four-fifths is likely to have been ploughed into greenfield" projects, in which assets are built rather than bought, mostly in emerging markets. The total flow is roughly equivalent to 1% of Chinas GDP, about as much as Japanese conglomerates spent offshoring their low-value manufacturing each year in the mid-1980s. That earlier wave of outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) remade global manufacturing, helping countries in South-East Asia climb up the value chain. View Full Image (The Economist) Chinese FDI, by contrast, is causing anxiety both abroad and at home. Chinas firms have so far resisted hiring local workers, buying from local suppliers or sharing technology, leading recipient countries in Asia and Europe to press for more tech transfer. Chinas policymakers, meanwhile, are weighing the advantages of going overseas against the fear of hollowing out" domestic industry. The investment spree is a consequence of American and Chinese policy. Tariffs introduced by Donald Trump during his first term as president encouraged Chinese firms to move production in order to change their goods country of origin and thereby skirt duties. At the same time, operating in China became harder. Labour costs soared, shrinking margins on low-value goods. Weak consumer spending and a huge state-sponsored expansion in loans to manufacturers dragged producers into price wars and pushed them to look for new markets. As a result, Chinese firms are pouring cash into factories in emerging markets, including those making higher-value-added goods such as electric vehicles (EVs) and computer chips. That is a shift from a surge of Chinese investment in 2014-16, when the government encouraged companies to go out". Investors bought trophy assets in the West that were safe places to store cash, like the Waldorf Astoria hotel, notes Thilo Hanemann of Rhodium Group, a research provider. In 2016 rich countries received 80% of Chinas outbound investment. The share was just 30% in 2023. According to the IMF, the beneficiaries this time have been countries that act as connectors", through which China can retain access to Western markets. Many of these are in South-East Asia. Vietnam receives investments related to low-value-added goods production, and Indonesia gets investment for critical minerals. Malaysia and Thailand are home to EV projects. Considering that all these countries want to make more advanced goods, such flows should be welcome. Capital invested in factories or data centres is less flighty than the money that trades emerging-market debt. Moreover, shovels in the ground have larger multiplier effects on the local economy than acquisitions of existing businesses. And foreign investment brings valuable spillovers, as technology and skills are shared with local workers and suppliers. The problem is that Chinas splurge brings few of these benefits. For a start, Chinese firms prefer to import their own workers. Chinese recruitment platforms posted more than 418,000 new vacancies for positions involving overseas travel between January and November. Even in Germany, where skilled labour should be readily available, one-fifth of the workforce at CATLs battery-making plant are Chinese nationals. Local workers rarely make up more than half" of the workforce on Chinese-owned projects, says Ong Kian Ming, Malaysias former deputy minister of investment. A rule that projects should have an 80:20 split of local to foreign workers could never be enforced, a Malaysian official sheepishly admits. View Full Image (The Economist) Moreover, Chinas officials are keen to keep technology at home. The commerce ministry has told EV firms that their core technology is not to leave the country, lest it give others a competitive edge. In December the government began requiring firms to obtain licences to export sensitive technologies. Regulators have sought to limit overseas operations to screw-driver" plants, in which workers assemble parts made in China rather than buying them locally. The reliance on Chinese imports is reflected in gaping trade imbalances. The ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ran a deficit of $144bn with China in the first ten months of 2024, 38% higher than in the same period in 2023. To make matters worse, Chinese firms are crushing their local rivals. With a factory comes market access. Chinese carmakers doubled their market share in Thailand, home to a new BYD plant, to 11% in 2023, squeezing not only competitors but also smaller, local firms that make parts. Suzuki, a Japanese carmaker, was among the 2,000 producers to shut factories in Thailand in the year to June 2024, a 40% increase in closures from 2022-23. A leading Thai auto-parts maker has warned that upstream suppliers may be wiped out. View Full Image (The Economist) This is sowing dissatisfaction among countries that receive investment. Chinese investors, says an official in Kuala Lumpur, cannot just use our land without hiring our people or buying our products". Malaysia will begin taxing firms in 2025 based on how many foreigners they employ. ASEAN is also wrapping up a new free-trade agreement with China that is said to include commitments by China to share technology. Some are hoping that Mr Trump takes a harder line on the rebadging of Chinese-made products when he returns to the White House. Faced with these pressures, Chinese investors would perhaps in time localise their operations. A representative at CATLs plant in Thuringia, Germany, recently boasted that its canteen now serves local food, alongside Chinese dishes. ASEAN-country officials are optimistic that entrants will establish new supply chains. But Chinese companies must also contend with politics at home. The more localised overseas production becomes, the more Chinese policymakers see it as a threat to the domestic economy. Worries about the consequences of offshoring are building in China. In the short term, the impact of industrial relocation on Chinas overall exports is limited," wrote Luo Zhiheng, a leading private economist, in September, but longer-term risks of industries being hollowed out, macroeconomic fluctuation, and higher unemployment", need attention. Although some economists think relocating low-value production will free China to focus on higher-value manufacturing, local governments want to hold on even to such low-value exports. An official in Jinjiang, the zipper capital" of China, told state media that migrating firms will fail to replicate the citys supply chains. Officials in Jiaxing, a steel town in the east, have quizzed firms on their offshoring intentions, cautioning against the risks to economic stability from disorderly outbound investments". Because state planners push firms to buy from suppliers in the same city or province, some scholars are concerned that outward investment by local champions will hurt nearby suppliers, resulting in a concentrated shock to local employment. Economists at a state think-tank have urged officials to keep the main part of leading enterprises in China as much as possible" and to prevent the clustered outward transfer of capital". Policymakers find themselves in more of a bind than in 2016, when they last fretted about hollowing out. Then they were quick to throttle outbound capital flows, says David Lubin of Chatham House, a think-tank. The government introduced foreign-exchange caps and a traffic-light system to limit and prohibit some overseas investment, reducing flows by 35% within a year. This time, however, China benefits from skirting American tariffs, notes Mr Lubin. Nonetheless, the Communist Party is starting to acknowledge that strains from changes in [Chinas] external environment" have worsened. At an annual economic-policy meeting in December party leaders identified employment, and its effects on social stability, as a priority for 2025. Xi Jinping, Chinas leader, has repeatedly called for supply chains to be self-determined and self-controlled" (meaning by China). He would prefer low-value industry to move to poorer parts of Chinas interior, to preserve the countrys grip on supply chains. The National Development and Reform Commission, the central economic planner, praised the southern and western regions of Yunnan and Chongqing in May for attracting firms from richer, eastern parts. Against the backdrop of the accelerated reconstruction of the global industrial chain", wrote the planning department, China should leverage the economic depth of a big country and retain the roots of the manufacturing industry." Politics caused firms to take flight. It could yet summon them home. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com A light breeze drifted through a small creative agency in Mumbais Dadar district one summer morning. The design team, huddled around their laptops, felt the pressure mounting: a major client had just announced a nationwide campaign rollout, with deadlines looming. Miles away in a Delhi high-rise, a senior brand manager scrolled through social media feedback, worried their latest ad push wasnt connecting outside metro cities. Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, an e-commerce startup was about to launch a new fashion line but struggled to craft messaging that appealed both to cosmopolitan millennials and more conservative families. Three different corners of India, three distinct advertising challenges, yet one transformative solutionartificial intelligence (AI)-driven storytelling. Once considered futuristic, AI is now rapidly reshaping the nations advertising landscape. From bridging linguistic divides to crafting laser-focused personalization, AI has evolved from buzzword to essential creative partner. The human touchamplified Unlike traditional automation tools, generative AI models like ChatGPT do more than just speed up repetitive tasks. They tap into vast datasetsranging from pop culture references to local dialectsand produce creative outputs. When a Bengaluru-based fashion retailer tested AI-generated ad copy, the variety of taglines in English, Kannada and colloquial Hinglish was impressive. After feeding the AI a few prompts about the brands vibrant identity, the marketing team was flooded with punchy lines that mixed local phrases with pop culture references. But human creativity remained essential. Marketers shortlisted the best lines, refined the tone and added finishing touches that gave the copy its unique personality. The campaigns success showed how technology and a human touch can combine to create something genuinely engaging. Personalization at scale Indias cultural and linguistic diversity is both a treasure trove and a major hurdle for advertisers. A national fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company in Delhi embraced AI-driven storytelling for a tea promotion and segmented its audience by region, language and age. Using AI, the brand generated video scripts and social media captions in multiple languages, each infused with local cultural referencesPunjabs robust chai traditions, Assams proud tea heritage and more. This approach was not only faster but also more effective: engagement and brand recall skyrocketed, validating the power of personalized, localized content. Yet, as Sreeraman Thiagarajan, chief executive officer (CEO) at Agrahyah Technologies, notes, marketers should look beyond tactical AI uses like ad copy generation and think bigger. The real power of AI lies in weaving it into every touchpoint with the consumer, not just in isolated tasks." Meanwhile, Yesudas S. Pillai, founder of Y&A Transformation and strategic advisor at Channel Factory, believes AI can address Indias diversity head-on. AIs ability to craft hyper-personalized messages is a game-changer, especially in a market like India, where diversity in language, culture and preferences poses significant challenges. AI can help create campaigns that are rooted in relevant languages and contextual narratives for different sets of consumers." Multiple angles, one unified message A media house in Mumbai used AI to maintain narrative consistency across platformsfrom print ads to social posts to radio jingles. Creative directors, copywriters and scriptwriters fed a core brand story into the AI, complete with emotional undertones and character sketches. The AI then spun multiple versions, each tailored to a specific channel. For instance, the radio jingle was short and catchy, while the social posts captured a fun, quippy brand tone. Print ads used more formal language. Also read: Artificial intelligence is the latest opium of the masses In todays hyper-competitive market, cohesive multi-channel experiences are crucial. AIs ability to preserve a brands spirit while adapting to different formats has helped unify campaigns like never before. Breaking language barriers The rise of regional over-the-top (OTT) platforms, vernacular news portals and local YouTube channels shows how deeply Indians value content in their mother tongues. AI models trained on extensive linguistic datasets can easily switch between Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and more, ensuring brand messages stay culturally relevant. Mandar Natekar, co-founder and CEO of VisualDub.Ai, observes that Indian social culture is moving toward language and cultural pride," making it more important than ever for brands to speak consumers languages authentically. For the longest time, ad films were shot in Hindi and then dubbed for regional audiences, but that risked losing authenticity. With GenAI (generative AI), brands can connect with consumers in their own language quickly and at a lower cost." A Hyderabad ad agency recently proved this by using AI to craft Telugu-specific campaigns for a cookware brand. The AI not only provided accurate translations but also added references to popular local dishes and cooking traditions. The resulting ads felt far more intimate than a straightforward English translation ever could, boosting sales and sparking social media praise for their heartfelt tone. Insights beyond creation Part of AIs appeal lies in its ability to analyze the impact of content, not just create it. Marketers gain real-time insights into which scripts or visuals drive higher engagement or lead to more sales. At a startup in Gurugram, the marketing team ran two AI-created campaignsone comedic, one inspirationalfor a mobile app launch. Within hours, analytics showed the inspirational tone resonated far more with the target audience. Budgets and creative focus were swiftly adjusted, improving efficiency and impact. According to Pillai, AI-driven storytelling can transform data into impactful engagement opportunities," but he cautions against sacrificing genuine human experiences for last-click ambitions. I hope we dont devolve into transactional, stereotypical representations." Enhancing user experiences AI also powers personalized recommendations on OTT platforms, ride-sharing apps and e-commerce sites. Thiagarajan notes that these platforms can leverage real-time demand and supply data to deliver near-seamless user experiences. Whether its suggesting a new movie or providing a faster cab route, AI can help tailor each interaction to a users preferences. That said, Pillai emphasizes the importance of training GenAI models on diverse datasets to respect cultural nuances. Agencies should see AI as a creative collaborator rather than a threat to originality. They act as creative partners, generating ideas and even scripting ads, allowing agencies more time for strategic thinking and refining insights." Preserving authenticity and trust In a market as diverse as India, authenticity is everything. An AI might misinterpret subtle cultural references or miss sensitive issues, so human oversight remains vital. At the same time, data privacy and ethical considerations loom large. As AI mines vast user information to personalize campaigns, brands must be transparent and responsible in their data usage. A future of infinite possibilities As Indias digital ecosystem continues to grow, AI-driven storytelling is poised to become even more integral to advertising, be it in streamlining online ads or revitalizing traditional media with localized content. The most exciting possibility might be how AI can elevate niche stories and voices across Indias myriad communities. Ultimately, the goal isnt to replace human imagination with cold algorithms, but to harness AI to amplify creativity, speed and relevance. In a land as dynamic and diverse as India, that meaningful connection is more crucial than ever. And AI, when balanced with human insight, just might be the key to forging it. The recent murder of the head of a prominent health insurer in the US, allegedly fuelled by resentment toward the industry's practices, has cast a harsh spotlight on claims policies that have left many policyholders dissatisfied. While the act itself was an extreme and tragic anomaly, it has reignited discussions on the contentious practices within the health insurance sectoran issue that resonates globally, including in India. Read this | Your rights in life and health insurance claims: Unpacking the moratorium clause In India, health insurance has emerged as a critical financial tool for managing healthcare expenses, with its coverage expanding rapidly. In 2021-22, health insurance surpassed motor insurance to become the largest segment by premiums among Indian non-life insurers. Over the past decade (2013-14 to 2023-24), health premiums collected by non-life insurers grew at an average annual rate of 18.7%, outpacing motor insurance (10.5%) and other segments (14.1%). Consequently, health insurance's share of total non-life premiums surged from 25% to 38%. However, this growth has been accompanied by a surge in policyholder complaints. Issues such as claim rejections, partial or delayed payments, and exclusions that were not clearly understood have fuelled dissatisfaction. Among the top 10 insurers by health premiums, most settled claims on only four out of five policies on which claims were raised in 2022-23. Yet, except for public sector insurers, most paid significantly less than the amounts claimed. Read this | Why GST Council cannot ignore the health insurance row This gap is particularly stark among insurers that exclusively operate in the health segment. For instance, Star Health, the second-largest health insurer by premiums, paid just 55% of the total amount claimed, leaving many policyholders frustrated and seeking redress through the insurance ombudsman. Complaint desk In 2023-24, policyholders filed 31,490 complaints related to their health insurance policies with the 17 insurance ombudsman centres across India. The majority of these grievances were linked to claims. Post-pandemic, there has been a heightened awareness of the need for health insurance, and insurers have been quick to capitalize on this opportunity. Many have ramped up marketing efforts targeted at individuals, shifting focus from group health plans traditionally sold to companies and organizations. As of March 2024, approximately 23 million individual health policies were active, providing coverage to about 56 million individuals. Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, the number of lives covered via individual plans increased at an average annual rate of 6.6%. Average premiums increased at twice that rate. And complaints filed by policyholdersprimarily individualsalso rose significantly, increasing by 31.5%. This surge can be attributed to several factors: increased awareness of ombudsman services as a redressal mechanism, a rise in the number of policies, and the inherent tension between insurers dual objectives of covering health contingencies and pursuing profitability. Ombudsman rulings In 2019-20, the number of health insurance complaints filed with the ombudsman amounted to six per 10,000 policies. In 2023-24, this figure doubled to 13.6 complaints per 10,000 policies. Of these, about 60% related to health policies of three standalone health insurers, namely Star Health, Care Health, and Niva Bupa. Insurer-wise data on the number of policies issued is not available, but these three companies had a combined share of about 25% of health premiums. Read this | Insurance ombudsman doesn't allow third party help: A dilemma for policyholders Legally, while ombudsman awards are directives to insurers, companies tend to abide by them. Should they choose not to, the next step of redress for policyholders is courts. In 2023-24, of the complaints disposed of by the insurance ombudsman, about 21% were awards in favour of policyholders. Another 35% were interventions of mediation, where the ombudsman asked the two sides to reach a settlement. The remaining were ruled in favour of the insurer (14%) or withdrawn (7%) or deemed not entertainable (23%). Individuals matter In 2023-24, the three standalone health insurers mentioned above paid claims that amounted to 55-68% of the premiums they collected. This is called the incurred claims ratio. A lower incurred claims ratio typically indicates that the insurer has effectively managed its risk profile, either by attracting a smaller share of claim-filing policyholders or by rejecting a significant portion of claims. In the last five years, excluding the peak Covid year of 2021-22, the incurred claims of the industry has ranged between 88% and 94% of premiums collected. Within this, group policiessold to companies and other organizationsaccount for 52% of premiums. Thanks to their large ticket sizes and risk pooling, the balance of power in such policies typically favours the buyer. Also read | Star Health vs Manipal Cigna vs SBI General: Which health insurer stands out? In contrast, individual health policies, which currently account for 39% of health premiums, present a different dynamic. For insurers, this segment is the most profitable, with an incurred claims ratio of 75% in 2023-24. However, it also requires careful management of policyholder expectations and the implementation of robust checks and balances. www.howindialives.com is a database and search engine for public data. KEI Industries Ltd is preparing to carry out its enhanced capital expenditure (capex) guidance. The cable and wire company recently completed a fundraise of 2,000 crore through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) at 3,800 a share. These funds are expected to help its balance sheet and support its greenfield expansion at Sanand in Gujarat, where it has plans for 1,800-1,900 crore of capex (in phases) to increase its cable capacity. This increased capacity is expected to generate additional revenue of 5,000 crore by FY28. In the half year to September (H1FY25), the company expanded its cable & wire capacities meaningfully across many facilities. Its cable capacity increased about 36% and wires capacity 27% in H1FY25 compared to FY24-end capacity," said a Motilal Oswal Financial Services report dated 27 December. Also read: Beware the excitement on cement price hike KEI commissioned brownfield facilities at Chinchpada and Pathredi in H1FY25, which it believes will facilitate revenue growth of 16-17% for FY25. This is in keeping with its 17% year-on-year revenue growth in FY24. Motilal Oswal expects KEIs cumulative capex to outpace its cumulative operating cash flow over FY25-27 and estimates free cash outflow of 630 crore and 21.6 crore in FY25 and FY26, respectively, with free cashflow of 170 crore in FY27. Also read: JSW Energys O2 Power acquisition tells us buying is better than building assets Meanwhile, volatile copper prices adversely impacted the Ebitda margin in Q2FY25, which contracted about 70 basis points year-on-year to 9.7%. Ebitda is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. Still, management retained its Ebitda margin guidance of about 10.5-11% for FY25 in the Q2 earnings call. Robust long-term outlook As such, the long-term outlook is robust thanks to public and private capex on overall infrastructure development. The companys retail business appears promising, contributing about 54% of sales in H1FY25, aided by a strong distribution network. Amid this, KEIs shares are up 33% so far in 2024. The stock trades at 46 times estimated FY26 earnings, showed Bloomberg data, which leaves little room for sharp near-term upside. While robust demand in the sector augurs well, sharp volatility in copper prices and a delay in capex are key threats. Also read: Escorts Kubota's ride is bumpy amid demand concerns, rich valuations Revival in extra-high-voltage cable and exports (Q2 revenue down 51% and up 7% year-on-year, respectively) are key monitorables in H2FY25," said a report by Systematix Institutional Equities dated 24 December. Adjusting to enhanced equity share capital (around 6% dilution) and the revised capex plans, Systematix expects a 18% and 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue and Ebitda over FY24-27E (FY19-24: 14% and 14% CAGR). Interesting" election results in three major world powers. Continued economic uncertainty in another one. And continued geopolitical tensions in yet another. To cut rates or not, the constant question. The threat and opportunities posed by the two letters, AI. In all this, 13%+ returns on the NIFTY 100 and 24%+ on the mid-cap index. Sitting at the beginning of 2024, this is perhaps not the obvious outcome and a reminder of the lines from Anand: Zindagi kaisi hai paheli hai. Kabhi yeh hasaye, kabhi yeh rulaye." For all we attempt to predict, economic events remain unpredictable, the market reaction to event outcomes even more unpredictable (remember 4th June!), and traditional relationships between macro variables and markets dont always hold true. In case you thought markets were the only ones delivering pahelis, spare a thought for the movies: The highest-grossing Hindi language film was a so-called small-budget horror comedy sequel,Stree 2, and the highest-grossing Hindi film in aggregate was a dubbed Southern film, Pupsha 2. Here is 2024 personal finance, with a touch of help from film quotes: In Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Abhay Deol encourages a hesitant Hrithik Roshan to take a leap of faith and jump out of a plane during their skydiving adventure. "Jab tak tum dare nahi, tum jeete nahi." Indian investors are truly overcoming their fear of equities as mutual funds and demat accounts soared, and traditional fixed return investments lagged in 2024. Mutual funds, as a percentage of bank deposits, are nearly 30%. Risk-taking appetite and equity market confidence are rising. The average Indian is more aspirational, more aware, and thanks to digital mediums, has more access. The Fight Club may be as old as 1999, but Edward Nortons conversation with Brad Pitt about the impact of materialism has aged well. Do you remember: The things you own end up owning you?" Once a symbol of convenience and financial freedom, easy access has taken credit cards to a tipping point, with outstandings and defaults rising. Young Indians, pushed by a culture to live, eat and dress like their role models on social media, risk being stuck in a credit card trap that has got everyone, including the Reserve Bank of India, rightly watching. Speaking of lures, nothing lures like an exotic fund. In The Devil Wears Prada, the iconic Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) reminds a young intern, You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choos." This year, investors were searching for the Pradas and Jimmy Choos and Guccis in the boring dal-chawal world of funds. Exotic themes like defence and electric vehicles became mainstream, with sectoral funds as a category growing larger than a core giant like flexicap. Sona kabhi purana nahi hota." Indeed. Ram told Leela this in Goliyon ki Ras Leela: Ram Leela in the context of love, and an old 90s favorite song, Sona kitna sona hai" made a popular comeback in this years heist film Crew. Investors returned to gold, which, at 21% returns, beat the Nifty and S&P500. Interestingly, while an old favourite got investor love, the once futuristic store of value, cryptocurrency, had a hard year with regulatory uncertainty and challenges with multiple crypto exchanges. One of the best tweets I read this year said, I met a wise fund manager who said: Just stay invested, markets are going up every day. At the same event, I met another wise fund manager who said: Just sit in cash, markets are too expensive." The conundrum has been real. For all the enthusiasm, there have been warnings, exit calls on mid caps and small caps, cash calls in funds. And yet, stocks at 50 PE became 100 PE six months later. Balancing sanity while delivering returns in an environment of flush liquidity has made fund management harder and harder. As the lines in Rangeela go, Kya karein, kya na karen, yeh kaisi mushkil hai". Also Read: Understanding impact of Budget on personal finance My advice for 2025: Dont forecast. Be bi-focal: Know the potential of long-term returns in this decade in India, and accept the reality of the short-term drama. Portfolios should remain like a good thalimulti-asset in nature, with good simple products that are liquid, in quantities that your risk appetite can digest. Forecasting both Nifty returns and box-office outcomes in the short term is futile, so enjoy the show as it unfolds. Happy New Year and happy investing. The views are personal. Radhika Gupta is the managing director and chief executive at Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd. Rising tensions with China are prompting Washington to revisit Americas roots as a trading nation of the seas. Protecting merchant sailors and their cargo was what compelled Congress to commission the U.S. Navys first new warships. That was in 1794, targeting North African Barbary pirates. The young republics seaborne traders, a linchpin of economic growth, were vital to national security. The Navy became a mighty global fighting force. Americas commercial cargo fleet has withered almost to nonexistence. Now politicians are once again linking national security to a vibrant maritime sectornonmilitary aspects of the seasand the benefits it brings to everything from shipbuilding to logistics chains. Washington is seeking ways to reverse its collapse by tapping examples from other industries, encouraging links with shipbuilding allies and plumbing the writings of Americas greatest sea strategist. No nation has ever successfully ranked as a world naval power without also being a global maritime power. Countries that tried but failed to project seaborne might without robust commercial sea networks include the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany and Spain before the Spanish-American War. Not long ago, America led the world in sea freight. At the end of World War II, the U.S. commercial marine fleet accounted for about half of the worlds cargo-shipping capacity. An American entrepreneur in the 1950s pioneered the shipping container, which revolutionized international commerce. The Navy today expends vast resources from the Red Sea to the South China Sea defending the freedom of navigation, but few ships being protected fly the American flag. U.S. commercial ships today account for less than 1% of the world fleet. U.S. ports are wracked by strikes and battles over the type of automation that has supercharged expansion of container terminals across the globe. The Navy struggles to find commercial vessels to support its far-flung operations. China, meanwhile, dominates both shipping and shipbuilding. Beijing heavily subsidizes its maritime sector, in turn boosting the efficiency of its breakneck naval shipbuilding campaign. President-elect Donald Trump recently expressed a desire to regain control of the Panama Canal, pointing to Chinaa top user of the waterwayas part of his thinking. U.S. private shippers succumbed to economic forces of globalization after the Cold War, when government support shrank. Now calls are increasing for Washington to help resurrect U.S. commercial shipbuilding and freight hauling. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has advocated a focus on maritime statecraft," stressing commercial shippings importance to the Navy in tasks including refueling ships and carrying vital military supplies. He has pushed to support American shipyards that build not just warships but also commercial vessels. And he has championed expanding the U.S. Merchant Marine, a corps of commercial sailors who can assist the Navy in wartime and whose ranks have plunged over recent decades. Government and industry officials estimate the U.S. now has fewer than 10,000 merchant mariners, compared with roughly 50,000 in 1960. Im not foolish enough to think its going to be easy," said Del Toro in an interview aboard a Navy cargo ship. But weve got to start somewhere." That start, Navy and industry officials hope, is a piece of legislation recently introduced by Sens. Mark Kelly (D., Ariz.) and Todd Young (R., Ind.) and two House members, the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act. If passed, it would be the first major piece of maritime legislation since 1936. The SHIPS Act, as it is known, aims to revitalize shipbuilding and shipping over more than a decade while rebuilding the merchant marine. It calls for resources and White House-level involvement comparable to policies on energy, semiconductors and aviation. Del Toro, whose term ends with the Biden administration, and his advisers helped shape the legislation. Dozens of other government offices and trade groups also weighed in. Trumps nominee for Navy secretary, John Phelan, a newcomer to naval issues, hasnt commented on the bill. Kelly, a Navy veteran and the first graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to serve in Congress, said he was motivated by what he sees as a dangerous imbalance: China has more than 5,500 oceangoing merchant vessels in international trade while the U.S. has 80. Its a major problem for us, especially if we wound up in a conflict or we wind up in a situation where China decides for whatever reason that they want to, you know, stop our economy and put brakes on it in a big way," Kelly said in an interview. They have the ability to do that." The bills prospects in a fractious Congress are uncertain. Supporters say its sponsorship from both parties and both houses is a positive. A sign that it may win favor from the incoming Trump administration is that Kellys early partner in drafting the bill was Rep. Mike Waltz (R., Fla.), whom Trump has nominated as his national security adviser. Waltz, in a September discussion of maritime strategy alongside Kelly, said that China is expanding its navy on the back of massive investment in commercial shipbuilding. So a shipyard that can produce one of the worlds largest containerships can then pretty easily flip and produce an aircraft carrier, and do it at scale with the workforce, the steel, the aluminum, and the know-how that has been invested and paid for by their commercial shipbuilding industry," he said. Since the Cold War, most official U.S. thinking about presence on the seas focused on warships and what military strategists call force projection," or the ability to act militarily far from home. During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and smaller conflicts, Navy ships played a critical role. Chinas rise as a military rival to the U.S. prompted a push to modernize and expand the Navy. In late 2020, at the end of Trumps first term, his administration called for a surge in Navy shipbuilding. The Biden administration has followed its own plans toward similar objectives. Del Toro, while working to improve the Navys fighting capacity, has encouraged South Korea and Japan to invest in the U.S. maritime sector. South Korean conglomerate Hanwha on Dec. 19 closed a $100 million takeover of the Philly Shipyard, one of the countrys last producers of commercial ships, from Norwegian investors. Commercial shippings importance to national security gained renewed attention during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the U.S. and allies faced shortages of necessities as basic as surgical masks. Alarm grew in Western capitals about Chinas domination of the sea-freight business, ports and obscure specialties such as tracking cargo data. Navy Secretary Del Toro, in a 2023 speech at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government, presented his vision of maritime statecraft, which he said should be based on more than a strong Navy and Marine Corps. It should also be equally strong on engagement in areas of economic development, trade and climate diplomacy to enable us to compete more successfully on a global scale," he said. Del Toro cited the writings of Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval strategist who died in 1914 and whose work is drawing fresh attention. Mahan argued that naval power begets maritime commercial power, and control of maritime commerce begets greater naval power," Del Toro said. Chinas leadership, he said, has read and studied Mahans theory, and their actions show it." Mahan died just as the U.S. was becoming a great naval power. President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907 had sent 16 destroyers, dubbed the Great White Fleet, on a two-year, round-the-world show of force. America was then already a great maritime power. In the 1830s, East Coast shipwrights had developed clippers, speedy ships that let their users grab business by delivering cargo faster than rivals could. To showcase U.S. shipbuilding prowess in 1851, the newly formed New York Yacht Club entered an English race attended by Queen Victoria, the Hundred Guinea Cup. The clubs innovation-packed yacht, America, blew past competitors from the eras greatest naval power. The Americas owners took their trophy home and renamed it the Americas Cup. Nearly a century later, during World War II, shipyards sprouted around the U.S. to make not just warships but also cargo carriers, known as Liberty Ships, designed to be built quickly. Rivalry among yards slashed production time from over seven months per ship to around six weeks. At wars end, the U.S. had roughly 4,500 commercial cargo ships and 75,000 merchant mariners. Those numbers shrank as ships grew in size and efficiency while international competition increased. Decisions by the Reagan administration in the 1980s to end subsidies for shipping and shipbuilding, in part to focus shipyards on a Navy expansion, accelerated the domestic industrys decline. Today the U.S. is the worlds leading exporter of liquefied natural gas, but doesnt have a single LNG ship in its fleet, notes Carleen Lyden Walker, who leads a maritime trade group and this year helped draft a plan to support the sector, titled Zero Point Four, referring to the percentage of the world fleet of oceangoing cargo ships in U.S. hands. Our nation suffers from sea blindness," said Lyden Walker, who works to promote high-paying but unfilled marine jobs. She said audiences she addresses have no idea that clothes, cellphones, fuel and fruit move by ship. Advocates of maritime-industry support say quick action is vital because progress would be slow. One of the hardest things to do in this country is recreate a heavy industry," said James Watson, a retired U.S. Coast Guard rear admiral who works with Lyden Walker and sees renewed attention to the sector as past due. Not thinking of the maritime industry as an important part of your economy, thats kind of crazy," he said. Write to Daniel Michaels at Dan.Michaels@wsj.com How will I be judged by history? Would this question have crossed Manmohan Singhs mind? Maybe. That was why he once said, History would judge me more kindly." He was right. Look at the newspaper headlines of the last three days. They are all filled with praise for him. Social media is replete with posts and videos related to him. For a society quick to forget even its greatest luminaries, such respect for a person who faded into political oblivion a decade ago is rare. The society will continue to respect the late former prime ministers work. Ill give you a few examples to prove my point. One instance is from a time the Manmohan Singh government was considering a nuclear deal with the US. The leftist parties, whose support was vital to the governments survival then, opposed the deal. They threatened to withdraw support if the government went ahead with the deal. And the PM seemed to concede when he told the media: Not all our wishes need to be realized, at times we have to step back for the greater good." But in reality, Singhs withdrawal was tactical. His party, the Congress, had been in secret talks with Mulayam Singh Yadav, whose Samajwadi Party had enough members in parliament to save the government from falling even if the Left withdrew support. The government also held hectic parleys with the US to finalize the deal. Singh revealed his intentions during a flight to Japan. We asked him if he would discuss the nuclear deal with the president of the US when he met him in Japan. He said, Sure." We then asked him what would happen if the Left stood firm on withdrawing its support to government. Singh said that at times risks had to be taken in the interest of the nation and that it was up to the Left to stay with the government or not. The Left parties withdrew their support as was expected. Samajwadi Party stepped in to keep the government from falling. And not only did his government complete its term, but also went on to win the next general election. Singh was a soft-spoken man of few words. Loudmouth politicians spent their energies trying to prove he was weak. But was he? Absolutely not. This incident during another Japan trip proves this. I had requested Sanjay Baru, his media adviser, for a meeting with Singh. After lunch on board, while all were resting, Baru signalled to me that the PM was ready to meet me. During my meeting with Singh, I told him that he should go for the election campaign in Punjab. Besides addressing public rallies, he should stay for a night in Amritsar and visit the Golden Temple. It may not win him the elections, but as he was the first Sikh PM of the country his actions will help assuage the hurt nursed by the Sikh community after Operation Bluestar and the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. Along with Punjab, I suggested that he should visit Sikh-dominated areas in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand where elections were due in a couple of months as it would help the party. Baru later came to me smiling and told me I had increased his workload: The PM had ordered him to schedule a visit to Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Those days reports were appearing in newspapers that the Congress hadnt invited Singh to address any election rally. Let me give you another example of his resolve. We were in the beautiful Russian city of Yekaterinburg. This is the same place where Czar Nicholas and his entire family were murdered in a church after the Bolshevik Revolution. During the visit, a photo shoot was organized for him with Pakistans then president Asif Ali Zardari. At such events, international leaders generally keep quiet, or utter generalities. The global media was watching when the two met. Singh knew the event was being telecast live. Before Zardari could smile, Singh dropped a verbal bomb. He said, Mr President my country hasnt elected me twice to tolerate anyone exporting terror on our soil." Zardari wasnt prepared for this assault. Before a stunned Zardari could recover, the photo session was over. Can a weak person act so boldly? Coming generations will remember him as one of Indias prime ministers who not only dreamt of a developed India in the 21st century but paved its path in the 20th century as he was a matchless visionary. Manmohan Singh, you will always be fondly remembered. Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. Views are personal. The C-suites and boardrooms of America Inc should be on high alert entering 2025. They are facing geopolitical turmoil, the uncertainty of a second Trump administration, an increasingly polarized country and a public thats lost its faith in big business. Existential questions loom over the role of the countrys biggest companies during such a tumultuous momentand who is best to lead them through it. These intersecting questions will drive the business worlds biggest stories next year. Heres what Ill be watching: CEOs versus Trump: CEOs were willing to act as a moral counterweight during the first Trump presidency, speaking out against actions that went against their purported values, such as the travel ban from Muslim-majority countries and the January 6 riots. Expect things to look different during Trump 2.0. Most CEOs stayed silent during the campaign season, while some courted Trump behind the scenes and rushed to publicly congratulate him after his victory. Now the likes of Meta Platforms and Amazon.com are taking things a step further by donating to Trumps inaugural fund. But I suspect the back-slapping and ego-stroking wont last four years. The questions will be: Where does Big Business draw its red lines, and how will it respond when Trump inevitably crosses them. The great DEI rollback: America Inc has continued to walk back its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, pushed by right-wing activist Robby Starbuck, whose latest and biggest victory is Walmart. And with the incoming Trump administration set to target and punish companies it considers woke," expect to see more companies publicly throw their DEI promises on the bonfire. There is some evidence that employers are still investing in DEIjust quietly and without using the now-taboo acronym. But the failure to publicly stand up for the importance of diversity will have real consequences. We already have seen a slowdown in progress for women in business, for example. Its now expected to take five years longer than previously estimated for women to reach parity in the C-suite, while fewer boardroom roles are being filled by women and African-American directors. Theres likely to be more backsliding for underrepresented groups in the year ahead. A crisis of trust: After the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in early December, C-suites around the country were caught off guard by anger directed at the company rather than the killer. At its core, the vitriol is a symptom of the ongoing erosion of trust in big business. Will the breakdown continue in 2025? Or will companies and executives work to restore it, rather than just doubling-down on their own security? The C-Suite in the Age of Urgency: This was a tough year to be a CEO, with an unprecedented number forced out of the job, according to Bloomberg News. It all comes down to a word much-beloved word by Wall Street: urgency. Shareholders are increasingly impatient and corporate boards are giving their CEOs less time to get things doneor if needed, to turn the business around. And new CEOs are mostly expected to hit the ground running, which is making the once-standard 90-day listening tour a thing of the past. Despite the turnover, a consensus has yet to develop on the best model for CEO succession for this era. This year we saw big companies go with insiders (CVS Health Corp), outsiders (Starbucks Corp., Boeing) and boomerang executives (Nike ). The job of a CEO wont get any easier or less complex in 2025, so boards will continue to grapple with how much time to give leaders to execute their strategies and who is best to replace them when they pull the plug. Disney, Starbucks and who else?: These two companies were a bellwether for some of the most zeitgeisty corporate narratives in 2024: CEO succession and compensation, labour organizing, corporate governance, return to office and the DEI and woke backlash. Their next chapters will unfold in 2025: Can Walt Disney Company find a capable replacement for longtime CEO Bob Iger in one of the business worlds most closely watched succession dramas? Will new Starbucks chief Brian Niccol turn around the coffee giant and prove hes worth his enormous pay package? And even as these sagas play out, some other company (or companies) will likely emerge as the big, juicy corporate story for the coming year. If I had to bet, Id put my money on Intel and its shaky future, Boeing and its continuing crisis, and any number of healthcare businesses that are facing increased public and political scrutiny. But Id be interested to hear what you thinkany guesses? Bloomberg In the long sweep of global history, will Indias 1991 reforms, led by Manmohan Singh (1932-2024) as finance minister under the Narasimha Rao government, mark a turning point as impactful as Britains 1846 repeal of corn laws and Chinas 1978 embrace of private property? Both the earlier moves were in favour of a freer market. So was Indias opening up. That remix of our mixed economy marked a reduced role of the state, designed to let resources be allocated more efficiently, directed less by the Centre and more by free interactions of demand and supply. It also opened our borders to capital and trade, exposing India Inc to global rivalry. These would combine to spell the idea whose time had come: the rapid rise of our economy. For those familiar with Singhs academic work and advocacy of export-led growth, a big hint of it was dropped ahead of his 1991-92 budget in the rupees two-step devaluation, done to re-price exports. While internal liberalization yielded quick results, globalization, alas, has not panned out satisfactorily. But then, across the world, economists struggle to explain the virtues of free trade to others. In 2009, when Singh as prime minister reprised Keynes for the G20 to fend off a financial crisis, rich-world leaders were all ears. In 2025, a fitting tribute to Singhs legacy would be for us to convince the globe to reverse its rising trade barriers. The basic rationale of world trade rests on elementary economics. As with Adam Smiths imaginary pin factory, where much more is produced if workers do what each is best at, it works to everyones benefit if producers specialize and then exchange. The part thats not so obvious is that trade partners can make mutual gains even if one of them is better at everything. In theory, its win-win if each partner focuses on its comparative advantageby specializing in what it does best, thereby gaining a sharper market edge. Signs of such trade patterns go back to Harappan times in history, and the math that backs this theory still holds up. So, why does trade theory fail to survive its first contact with the real world so often? At home, politics: the imperative of jobs can overcome the prospect of distant gains. Globally, geopolitics: a barrier-free planet needs mutual trust as a basis. Here, we all face a tragedy of commons: all must play fair for it to work. And make it work, we must. As China and the US face off in Cold War II, globalization going awry would expose not just prosperity but also world peace to risk. Recall the role that tariff battles played in the run-up to World War II. Also read: India should rethink its stance on trade policy barriers Indias own effort to globalize, with export optimism the post-91 bet, has faced headwinds that threaten to worsen now. We achieved foreign-exchange sufficiency long ago, and with trial and error, we got our macro balances broadly right. But our partially afloat rupee rises and falls on flows of capital more than trade, which warps global price signals. Plus, India Incs exposure to foreign competition has been patchy. Today, our share of world trade remains tiny and an asymmetry of the autarky era still persists. If what we export is broadly more price-elastic than the bulk of what we import (think crude oil), then pain tends to loom larger than gain, making it harder to align policy knobs for an export thrust. Should we sign bloc or bilateral deals? Its up for debate. Whats clear is that 1991 was a historic inflexion point for our economy. It reset policy and set the stage for Viksit Bharat. To get there, we need trade peacenot war. In Manmohan Singhs honour, New Delhi should play peacemaker. I sat down to write this piece on Dr. Manmohan Singh immediately after attending the cremation ceremony at Nigambodh Ghat. I have known Dr. Singh for more then 50 years, during which period he was for me a role model, mentor and friend. It is not easy to compress in an oped all that I would like to say about him, but much that needs to be said has already been said in the press coverage of the last two days. The reforms of 1991, which he introduced as finance minister in the P.V. Narasimha Rao government, are undoubtedly the most important part of his legacy. They brought about a decisive change in Indias economic policies and performance, and it is now widely recognized that this change of direction set the stage for Indias emergence as one of the worlds fastest-growing emerging economies. While economists and businessmen know that the reforms were truly transformational, I do worry that two-thirds of our population was born after 1991 and even the young adults among them have only a vague idea of the damaging policies they replaced. As the world re-arranges its views on protectionism and greater government intervention gains popularity around the world, there is a real danger of some of the earlier discredited policies creeping back. One reason why this may happen is that the reforms were not made into a politically compelling narrative. While the Rao government backed the reforms, it did not speak loudly enough about the reforms or make them into a winning political slogan. Prime minister Narasimha Rao once said to me: The trouble with you fellows is that you havent come up with a good word in Hindi for economic liberalization." He was right. Aarthik sudhaar had none of the connotation of freedom that should be associated with liberalization. Someone suggested chhoot as an alternative, but this conjured up images of loss of control rather than liberty. As a result, the younger generation today does not really understand the importance of freedom from controls as an essential element of the ease of doing business, especially for smaller and new firms. A common criticism in the earlier stages of the reforms was that we were moving too slowly. Dr. Singh was not an advocate of the sort of big bang reforms that were championed by US academics for Russia and East Europe. The Deng Tsiao Peng formula of gradualismcrossing the river while feeling the stones"was more appropriate for India, and that was the course we adopted. However, while gradualism should permit the stretching of a time-table to make change more palatable, it should be accompanied by a clear vision of what the destination will be, with steady steps towards it. This is precisely what Dr. Singh achieved as finance minister. He set up external expert committees on tax reforms (chaired by Raja Chelliah) and banking sector reforms (chaired by M. Narasimham). Both panels included outside experts and former government officials and made recommendations on the changes needed. The reports were published to elicit public comments. Subjecting proposals to public debate increases transparency in decision-making and helps stimulate public discussion. It may seem onerous for those in government, but it helps generate a true buy in for a change in policy direction. This approach was not followed by all ministries. The process of liberalization in industrial licensing and import licensing of consumer goods was fitful, with no clear time-table. For example, import restrictions on consumer goods were removed only in 2003 and reservation for small-scale industries was phased out far too slowly, a mistake in my view, since these were the areas where we had a comparative advantage in exports. In my book Backstage, I have said this is not gradualism" but opportunistic liberalisation." It amounts to giving a policy signal in terms of direction, but making changes only when an appropriate opportunity arises. This is clearly sub-optimal. The process of rationalizing GST that has been ongoing for some time provides a good example. Finance ministry spokespersons have repeatedly stated that the number of GST rates will be reduced to two, with a third higher rate for luxury goods. Would it not be a good idea to produce a paper making specific proposals and use public discussion to build opinion in favour of the change? It may become necessary to modify the proposals based on feedback received, but some progress would be better than none. Similar issues arise with respect to income tax and customs duty reforms. It has been stated that these issues have been referred to an internal committee. It would have been much better if they had been referred to external expert committees, which could include former income tax and customs officials. As it is, we have to wait until the budget to see what comes out of this internal exercise. The trouble is, once the ministry has put something in the budget after full consideration, it becomes very resistant to change it in the light of ex-post criticism. The need for greater clarity on how we move forward is especially important today as we try to achieve the objective of Viksit Bharat. There is no doubt that Indias economy is doing well, at a time when most countries are performing poorly because of the difficult global situation. However, our growth rate at present is somewhere between 6.5% and 7%, whereas Viksit Bharat needs 8% and possibly more. And, we must maintain this over the next 25 years! We did grow at over 8% for four years from 2005 to 2008, and we may be able to achieve that again, but to do so over a 25-year stretch will be difficult. It will certainly not happen if we continue on a business-as-usual path. The challenges before us are well known. We need a revival of private investment, for which we need to identify concrete measures. And these measures must be implemented on a well-defined time-table. We need much better export performance in goods. Much store was put in concluding free trade agreements, but they have yet to fructify. More recently, government spokesmen have suggested that we need to reconsider joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This would be a major signal and should be done quickly. The agenda for the future must also include initiatives in health and education. These need to be spelt out. And we need initiatives to combat climate change. In all these areas, careful design of the plan of action is essential and that requires advance consultation. Dr. Singhs personality explains a great deal of his success and we can learn from it for the future. He was internationally acclaimed as an econocrat par excellence, and this reflected the combined effect of his technical skill as an economist and his experience as a civil servant and politician. Yet, he never used his standing to assert pre-eminence . He was always willing to engage with those who disagreed with him, encouraging them to express their views, relying on persuasion rather than bluster to bring them around. I saw this first-hand in G20 summit meetings in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. He was one of the most respected voices in the room. This is what led president Barack Obama to state: When the Prime Minister speaks, the world listens." Finally, I must mention his firm belief that in a country of Indias immense size and staggering diversity, differences are bound to arise and they needed to addressed sensitively. He had a deep conviction that sincere efforts to understand the constraints that make others take a different view would help find a way of overcoming differences. On one occasion, in an internal meeting of the Planning Commission, someone said the problem was that policies laid out in the Plan were not implemented on the ground. Dr. Singh responded: We must remember that in India, planning must be seen as the art of persuasion." I believe he felt much the same about politics. Funerals are supposed to bring closure and the official funeral did just that for me, bringing closure to a long relationship. Manmohan Singh is no longer with us, and that is a great loss to those of us who were close to him personally. But I hope India will preserve his legacy of deliberative, transparent, yet decisive and clear-headed policymaking. Keeping that legacy alive would be the finest tribute to this great son of India. The author is former deputy chairman, Planning Commission, and currently distinguished fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress. Drama-filled Local Election in Longford The success of Colmcille's mighty Cllr Garry Murtagh, was one of the outstanding stories of the drama-filled 2024 Longford Local Elections in June, which produced three recounts, six new faces and saw three outgoing councillors lose their seats. Fine Gael stalwart Murtagh captured 1,450 first preference votes in Granard Municipal District making him the highest vote getter of the 39 candidates that contested the Local Elections across county Longford. Cllr Murtagh is pictured below left being hoisted shoulder high by his jubilant supporters in the Count Centre in Edgeworthstown. Meanwhile, there was no real significant shake up in the makeup of Longford County Council as the two parties who dominated the local authority, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael fielded four and three candidates respectively and all seven were elected in convincing fashion. The successful candidates were Gerry Hagan (FG), Martin Monaghan (FF), Seamus Butler (FF) and Peggy Nolan (FG), all of whom exceeded the 854 quota on the first count. They were joined by Niall Gannon (FG), Uruemu Adejinmi (FF) and Kevin Hussey (FF). A shaky start for Fianna Fail in Granard MD ended with a glorious triumph for David Cassidy. Also elected in Granard MD were FG's Garry Murtagh, Padraic Brady and Padraig McNamara, along with Independent Turlough McGovern. Fine Gael lost strong outgoing County Council Cathaoirleach, Colm Murray,who was co-opted in 2013 to take the late Paddy Belton's seat, in Ballymahon MD where the six elected candidates were Paul Ross and Martin Skelly (Fine Gael), Pat O'Toole, Mick Cahill and Seanie Mimnagh (Fianna Fail) and Mark Casey (Independent). Farmers under threat The Longford IFA chair John Sheridan warned in June that EU nature restoration laws have the potential to destabilise food security and threaten the livelihood of many Longford farmers. This will have a massive effect in Longford, the Ballinalee-based local agri representative said of the move by member state environment ministers to oppose the policy. Nationally the IFA said the Irish government was wrong to support the introduction of this law "without the completion of an impact assessment " or "a dedicated budget". CEO Scanlon resigns Derek Scanlon announced he had stepped down as CEO of Longford disability service provider St Christophers Services in June. Mr Scanlon stated he had decided to step away from his role as he I had fought for proper funding for the service for the past seven years and that battle needs new energy. He said he would miss each and every service User. Mr Scanlon had served as CEO of the organisation since July 2017. Center Parcs invests Center Parcs Longford Forest announced in June that they were pressing ahead with a major investment in their only Irish resort, near Ballymahon. They said three hundred jobs would be created during the construction of the major 100 million development, with 250 permanent jobs once operational and 198 additional lodges, Over 130 jobs set to go at local company Longford was hit by a severe jobs blow in July, with the news that Masterlink Logistics was set to let 130 staff go. The firm has been a strong employer in Longford town in recent years. The transport company, which has been one of the country's leading transportation providers for over a decade, operates 10 locations nationwide with a major distribution facility located in Ballyminnion on the Athlone Road. It is understood that Masterlink had lost a major contract with Dunnes Stores, leading to the significant job losses. Local Fianna Fail TD Joe Flaherty expressed his disappointment when speaking to the Leader. The decision by Dunnes Stores has had a major knock on effect on the workers in Masterlink , he stated. This is particularly disappointing, given that Masterlink was looking to expand in recent times. They have developed a fantastic facility, the Fianna Fail TD added . Deputy Flaherty said he was hopeful that the company would fulfil all of their obligations as regards entitlements for the departing workers. He stated, The consultation process has commenced. The company has a responsibility with regards to Human Resources obligations. However, he went on to say that the industry is very competitive and there are good opportunities for the Masterlink workers. "There are jobs out there in the industry. The company has given workers the option of relocating but that won't be feasible for all workers," he stated. "Our thoughts are with the workers and that they secure alternative employment," Deputy Flaherty added. Trio tragically killed Gardai appealed to road users in July to exercise extreme caution and stay safe after three separate fatal crashes and the deaths of Damian Machnowski, Marcin Nowosielski and Joe Luis Marroquin . Mr Machnowski, in his 30s, died on July 9 when his vehicle struck a wall on the N55 between Ballymahon and Edgeworthstown. Mr Nowosielski (47) was found dead in his vehicle in a ditch off the R395, while Mr Marroquin was killed in a two-vehicle collision on the Castlepollard to Mullingar road on July 3. N4 plan consultation A public consultation process on the preferred route for the upgrade of the N4 is took place in early-July. The third non-statutory public consultation for the much delayed N4 Mullingar to Longford (Rooskey) upgrade began on July 2. The consultation team hosted these events based on the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor (EPRC). Earlier this year, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) announced 1.4 million in funding for the N4 project. That sum has funded this stage of the project. Tributes to Damien Colleagues paid tribute to Longford father and garda Damien Sharkey, formerly of Templemichael Terrace, who passed away suddenly on July 20. Mr Sharkey who lived in Nenagh and worked at the Garda College Templemore passed away suddenly at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by wife Joan and kids Abbey, Polly and Mia. 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." Longford County Council and Mide Arts Group are delighted to announce the appointment of the artistic team creating Longford Lights 2025. The festival returns to Longford Town and is extended across four days from Thursday, 20 to Sunday, 23 February. Caroline Conway once again takes the helm as artistic director for the 2025 festival. Caroline, who comes from Birr in County Offaly was the artistic director for the 2024 festival which saw over 11,000 people come to Longford. Speaking on the announcement of her reinstatement as artistic director, Caroline said I love working in Longford. There is such a great energy and enthusiasm here. The artists and community groups are really interested in getting involved I think it is what makes Longford Lights so special. Also Read: ALERT: Gardai issue urgent appeal for help in locating man reported missing in Dublin As the festival is increasing the scope and ambition, the artistic team behind the festival is similarly increasing with Tommy Casby becoming assistant artistic director. A lead artist in Macnas, Galways internationally renowned spectacle theatre company, Tommys over 20 years experience will be an asset to Longford Lights 2025. Tommy will be designing artworks, as well as mentoring local artists, makers and volunteers who will be helping to bring the festival to life. Tommy talked of his love of working in Longford. There is a wealth of untapped talent in County Longford. There is also a growing number of local artists that are well on their way to becoming talented spectacle and street artists. What they produced for the Halloween Dead of Night festival in October just gone was amazing. I cant wait to see what they design for Longford Lights 2025. The artistic teams third member is artist and director Ana Ortega. Ana hails from Bilbao in Spain and is co-creator of Cal y Canto Teatro who specialise in street theatre. People will remember Cal y Canto from the 2024 festival as their performances filled with kites and dance drew in the crowds. Speaking ahead of the festival Ana said, I live in a small town outside Bilbao, similar to Longford. Its wonderful to see such ambitious imaginative work taking place outside big cities. Last year the people of Longford were so friendly and welcoming to us. This year we come back to develop a new piece for the festival with many Irish artists and with Caroline. It is going to be. How do you say in Longford? Classits going to be class! Looking forward to the festival, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey said, It is great to welcome back Caroline and be in a position to now have Tommy and Ana join her in creating a larger team to make something that will live up to the ambitions of the festival. I know this work is in their capable hands. It is great to see Longford Lights attracting such nationally and internationally recognised artists to Longford to share their experience and talent. Also Read: Jailed 'neighbour from hell' who waged terror on estate found dead in Irish prison cell Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added The appointment of the 2025 Longford Lights artistic team is great to see as planning is progressing. Our local community groups, schools and local artistic will benefit greatly from working with Caroline and her team. The Council is proud to support this festival and we cannot wait to see their creations in February. The newly appointed Longford Lights 2025 artistic team are busy preparing the festival and contacting local community groups and schools interested in getting involved. For those interested in finding out more about the festival or booking tickets visit LongfordLights.ie. For updates, follow Longford County Council on social media and visit Longfordcoco.ie. A Catholic priest caught in the middle of a loyalist protest at a north Belfast school turned down an offer of accommodation from the Irish Government after receiving a death threat. Father Aidan Troy received multiple loyalist death threats in January 2003 over his role in the Holy Cross dispute in Belfast. The dispute in 2001 made headlines around the world as loyalist residents staged protests against Catholic families walking their children to a school in the area. Some of the protests became violent and police in riot gear were deployed to protect the schoolgirls as they made their way to and from the school. Fr Troy was the chairman of the board of governors of the school. In newly released documents from the Irish National Archives, he told the Department of Foreign Affairs that he had been subjected to death threats in January 2003 a year after most of the hostilities had ceased but days after a pipe bomb had been left at the school. The device was safely diffused. Fr Troy told officials on January 12 that he first became aware of a threat against him on January 9 when he was informed by a BBC journalist that they had received a coded warning threatening him and the board of management at the school. A second coded warning was received by the Samaritans on January 10, where Fr Troy was informed that the charity had received a call threatening his life unless the school was closed. The next day, police told him they had intelligence that his life was in danger from loyalist paramilitaries and that he was to be shot before Monday. Fr Troy was offered full security, advised to avoid Ardoyne and to take special precautions. He told the department that while he was concerned about the threats, he did not know how to respond to them. He said he did not wish to leave Ardoyne nor draw attention to the threat against him because of the effect it may have on the children of the school. Tom Lynch, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, said he told Fr Troy to take the threat seriously. He offered Fr Troy temporary accommodation in one of the apartments which the department was leasing in Belfast. However, Mr Lynch wrote: Having considered our offer he said he was very appreciative but that for the present he felt that he might be better residing in the monastery in Ardoyne. Fr Troy said if he needed to move urgently he would contact the department. Mr Lynch said he contacted British officials who made arrangements with the police to respond promptly to any security requests from the priest. Fr Troy later said he was threatened again, telling the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin that police officers had told him of another threat against his life. On January 22, he said: The most recent threat relayed to me by the PSNI told me I would be killed within two days. Father Troy also said the planting of a device earlier that month at the school gate had a devastating effect on pupils, with some dropping out of class and others regressing in terms of the therapy they received. He added: I do not blame the people of the (loyalist) Glenbryn area for these messages. It takes only one sick mind or a perverted person to create fear, intimidation and a form of terrorism. He paid tribute to his wonderful staff of dedicated teachers, and he insisted: There are no plans to close the school. To force it to close as a result of intimidation would be an absolute tragedy. This article is based on documents in 2024/130/6 Tanaiste Micheal Martin has announced a deal for four new light-utility helicopters to boost Air Corps capabilities. The Department of Defence recently signed contracts for delivery of the new Airbus H145M helicopters, which will be used for pilot training to support Defence Forces operations and Garda Air Support Unit. Mr Martin said: These helicopters will not only significantly boost the capacity of the Defence Forces pilot training programmes, but also enhance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and light combat capabilities of our Air Corps. This investment is further evidence of the governments commitment to enhancing our Air Corps, illustrated by the delivery of two C295 maritime patrol aircraft over the last 18 months, and the expected delivery of a C295 military transport aircraft next year. These significant additions to the Air Corps capability will also be complemented by the acquisition of the new Falcon 6X multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft, the contract for which was signed earlier this month. Mr Martin said the H145Ms will be equipped to satisfy a wide range of missions including maritime security missions, utility missions, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) and light attack missions. They will also have enhanced electro-optical and thermal imagery features not available in the current rotary wing fleet. The contract for the new helicopters has been awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd. The value of the contract is 91.7 million euro. It is anticipated that delivery will begin early in 2027. Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy added: The procurement of the Airbus H145M helicopter platform is another important step on the journey of transformative change of our Defence Forces. These new light multi-role helicopters, proven in their service in other militaries, will not only enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability but will also serve as a critical enabler to the Army, Naval Service and Special Operations Forces. It is projected that 320,000 women in Ireland will have accessed an expanded free contraception scheme in 2024, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said. The minister highlighted the uptake of the scheme, with data from January to September this year showing that approximately 245,000 people accessed it at least once. This compares to just under 189,000 women who accessed the scheme in 2023, when it was available to women aged 1730. In January, it was extended to women aged 31, and was further expanded in July to include women aged 32 to 35. Mr Donnelly said: We introduced the free contraception scheme in recognition of the barriers that many women faced in accessing contraception affordably. No-one should have to bear disproportionate financial costs because of their gender. Im very pleased by the strong uptake in the scheme, which is providing women with financial freedom when making choices about their reproductive health. Since its launch in September 2022 we have expanded it rapidly in response to clear demand. Its one of many developments in womens health in recent years that reflect our ongoing efforts to provide a quality, accessible and equitable health service for all, regardless of ability to pay. The scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary, who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and for whom prescription contraception is deemed suitable by their doctors. Almost 2,400 GPs and 2,050 pharmacies are providing services under the scheme. The UK Government was warned that a save David campaign for UUP leader Lord Trimble would ruin progress made under the Good Friday Agreement. Extensive confidential documents in the lead-up to the collapse of Northern Irelands institutions in 2002 have been made available to the public as part of annual releases from the Irish National Archives. They reveal that the Irish Government wanted to appeal to the UK side against manipulating every scenario for favourable election results in Northern Ireland, in an effort to protect the peace process. In the years after the landmark 1998 Good Friday Agreement, a number of outstanding issues left the political environment fraught with tension and disagreement. Mr Trimble, who won a Nobel Peace Prize with SDLP leader John Hume for their work on the Agreement, was keen to gain wins for the UUP on policing, ceasefire audits and paramilitary disarmament but also to present his party as firmer on these matters amid swipes from its Unionist rival, the DUP. These issues were at the front of his mind as he tried to steer his party into Assembly elections planned for May 2003 and continue in his role as the Executives first minister despite increasing political pressure. The documents reveal the extent to which the British and Irish Governments were trying to delicately resolve the contentious negotiations, conscious that moves seen as concessions to one group could provoke anger on the other side. In June 2002, representatives of the SDLP reported to Irish officials on a recent meeting between Mr Humes successor Mark Durkan and Prime Minister Tony Blair on policing and security. Mr Blair is said to have suggested that the SDLP and UUP were among those who both supported and took responsibility for the Good Friday Agreement. The confidential report of the meeting says that Mr Durkan, the deputy First Minister, was not sure that Mr Trimble had been correctly categorised. The Prime Minister asked if the SDLP could work more closely with the UUP ahead of the elections. Mr Durkan argued that Mr Trimble was not only not saleable to nationalists, but also not saleable to half of the UUP to which Mr Blair and Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid are said to have laughed in agreement. The SDLP leader further warned that pursuing a save David campaign would ruin all they had worked for. Damien McAteer, an adviser for the SDLP, was recorded as briefing Irish officials on September 10 that it was his view that Mr Trimble was intent on collapsing the institutions in 2003 over expected fallout for Sinn Fein in the wake of the Colombia Three trial, where men linked to the party were charged with training Farc rebels but predicted the UUP leader would be in the toilet by January, when an Ulster Unionist Council (UUC) meeting was due to take place. A week later in mid September, Mr Trimble assured Irish premier Bertie Ahern that the next UUC meeting to take place in two days time would be okay but not great and insisted he was not planning to play any big game. It was at that meeting that he made the bombshell announcement that the UUP would pull out of the Executive if the IRA had not disbanded by January 18. The move came as a surprise to the Irish officials who, along with their UK counterparts, did not see the deadline as realistic. Sinn Fein described the resolution as a wreckers charter. Doubts were raised that there would be any progress on substantive issues as parties would not be engaged in pre-election skirmishing. As that could lead to a UUP walkout and the resulting suspension of the institutions, the prospect of delaying the elections was raised while bringing forward the vote was ruled out. Therefore, the two Governments stressed the need to cooperate as a stabilising force to protect the Agreement despite not being sure how that process would survive through the January 18 deadline. The Irish officials became worried that the British side did not share their view that Mr Trimble was not salvageable and that the fundamental dynamic in the UUP was now Agreement scepticism, the confidential documents state. In a meeting days after the UUC announcements, Mr Reid is recorded in the documents as saying that as infuriating as it was, Mr Trimble was at that moment the most enlightened Unionist we have. The Secretary said he would explore what the UUP leader needed to survive the period between January 18 and the election, believing a significant prize could avoid him being massacred. Such planning went out the window just weeks later, when hundreds of PSNI officers were involved in raids of several buildings including Sinn Feins offices in Stormont. The resulting Stormontgate spy-ring scandal accelerated the collapse of powersharing, with the UUP pulling out of the institutions and the Secretary of State suspending the Assembly and Executive on October 14. For his part, Irish officials were briefed that Mr Reid was said to be gung ho about the prospect of exercising direct rule reportedly making no mention of the Irish Government in a meeting with Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan on that day. The Northern Ireland Secretary was given a new role and Paul Murphy was appointed as his successor. A note on speaking points for a meeting with Mr Murphy in April showed that the Irish side believed the May elections should go ahead: At a certain stage the political process has to stand on its own feet. The Governments cannot be manipulating and finessing every scenario to engineer the right result. We have to start treating the parties and the people as mature and trusting that they have the discernment to make the right choices. However, the elections planned for May did not materialise, instead delayed until November. Mr Trimble would go on to lose his Westminster seat and stewardship of the UUP in 2005. The November election saw the DUP emerge as the largest parties but direct rule continued as Ian Paisleys refused to share power with Sinn Fein, which Martin McGuinness colleagues. The parties eventually agreed to work together following further elections in 2007. This article is based on documents in 2024/130/5, 2024/130/6, 2024/130/15 Crime By Chris Boyle Published: December 30 2024 James Jayshaun Edwards sold 10 weapons outside of his of Long Beach apartment in broad daylight; two guns traced to multiple shootings in Queens and Nassau. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Long Beach man pleaded guilty today to criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree for selling 10 illegal guns, including assault weapons and a ghost gun, in broad daylight in front of his apartment between April and July 2024. Two of the weapons were traced to multiple shootings in Queens and Nassau County that occurred as early as 2021. James Jayshaun Edwards, 33, pleaded guilty before Judge Robert Schwartz to Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree (a B violent felony) and Criminal Possession of a Firearm (an E felony). The defendant is expected to be sentenced to seven years in prison with five years of post-release supervision on February 14, 2025. NCDA recommended a sentence of 13 years in prison. Todays guilty plea underscores the strength of this case built by the work of my prosecutors and our law enforcement partners. The overwhelming evidence against him forced this defendant to take accountability for selling nearly a dozen dangerous ghost guns right in front of his home in broad daylight, said DA Donnelly. Our investigation continues into locating the source of the guns this defendant was selling on the streets of Long Beach. We will not tolerate the illegal sale of untraceable weapons in our communities that can put the lives of Nassau County residents at risk. DA Donnelly said that in April 2024, NCDA began working together with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force (ATF), the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), on an investigation into Edwards after receiving a tip that the defendant was selling illegal weapons. Between April 2024 and July 2024, the defendant sold a total of 10 illegal firearms, including an assault pistol, an AR-15 style ghost gun, and multiple pistols and loaded firearms in front of his home on Birch Court in Long Beach. Nearly all the weapons were loaded, and the defendant sold hundreds of rounds of extra ammunition with the weapons. Three additional firearms were recovered after a search warrant was executed at the defendants home on August 22, 2024. Ballistics comparisons performed by the ATF on the guns purchased from the defendant showed that two weapons had also been used in multiple shootings in Queens, New York, Roosevelt, Westbury, and Long Beach that took place between August 2021 and June 2022. The defendant was arrested on August 22, 2024, in Long Beach by members of the LBPD, ATF, and NYPD. NCDA thanks the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force, the New York City Police Department, the Long Beach Police Department, the Nassau County Police Department, and the New York State Police for their partnership in this investigation and prosecution. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: December 30 2024 The stunning New York City skyline provides a breathtaking backdrop for holiday festivities; guests will love the iconic views of the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and more. When it comes to celebrating the holiday season in style amid the backdrop of Manhattans iconic and breathtaking skyline, Skyline Cruises can assure any reveler that the experience is an unforgettable one for them and their friends and loved ones. Skyline Cruises was founded in 1994 by Pete Serro, who not only serves as the companys president, but also as one of the able captains of the companys flagship vessel, the Skyline Princess. The stunning New York City skyline provides a breathtaking backdrop for holiday festivities; guests will love the iconic views of the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and more, and Skyline Cruises offers a variety of options to suit any need, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations. The Skyline Princess itself is essentially a floating 120-foot-long restaurant and catering/event center, able to accommodate up to 450 people. With that capacity, the ship can accommodate groups of any size, large or small. The boat's interior is cozy and climate-controlled, so guests can relax in comfort while taking in the stunning views. However, as there will be brief outdoor moments such as getting that memorable picture with the Statue of Liberty where it's advisable to dress and bring a warm jacket similar to what you'd wear for a December outing. Skyline Cruises holiday cruise is 4 hours with 30 minutes for boarding, sailing from the World's Fair Marina in Flushing, Queens located in Flushing Meadows Park directly across from the Citi Field Stadium to the Statue of Liberty and back on the East River; free parking is available. Skyline offers a longer cruise than Manhattan boat companies, giving an extended tour of the New York Harbor and offering great value for the experience. With over 30 years in the business, Skyline Cruises has built a reputation for outstanding service and value, making them a trusted choice for many events. However, for a truly exclusive and personalized experience, consider Skylines 60-foot Hatteras yacht called the Great Escape. This classic vessel, certified to accommodate up to 12 guests, offers a spacious and comfortable layout. Guests can feel free to bring their own food and beverages that suit their taste, but also have the option to have it professionally catered as well. Regardless of your choice, Skylines experienced captain and two mates will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey while you relax and soak in the stunning New York City skyline. Cruise the iconic NYC skyline or explore the serene Western Long Island Sound and its historic lighthouses, picturesque Gold Coast, and vibrant marinas. Skyline also offers corporate bookings as well, perfect to celebrate the end of the year holiday party, a successful season, team building, a company anniversary, a product launch, and much more. One of the highlights of Skyline Cruises corporate holiday parties is the exquisite culinary experience; their talented onboard chefs are ready to craft a customized menu to suit any preference. Skyline Cruises offers a traditional buffet-style menu featuring an array of buffet-style entrees including a cocktail hour and dessert. If a more interactive and modern approach is preferred, however, a cocktail reception with small plates and appetizers is the perfect choice. This menu offers passed hors d'oeuvres, a bistro and charcuterie board, pasta stations, carving stations, and a fun specialty station of your choice. The night finishes off with dessert. No matter your preference, our onboard chef will ensure your guests are treated to a culinary experience that is both delicious and memorable. In addition to being able to host any occasion or holiday season event, the Skyline Princess being an all-weather vessel can also welcome guests at any time of the year as well. The interior is climate controlled so you don't have to worry about rain, cold, or heat, and the rooftop deck has a roof and removable windows that they take out during the summer, so the Skyline Princess can sail at any time of the year, and in any type of weather. The employees and crew of Skyline Cruises are looking forward to many more years of treating people to the astonishing sights and sounds of the Manhattan skyline from the safety and comfort of the Skyline Princess. All one needs to do is listen to the many thanks they receive and read the many great reviews on social media to know that Skyline Cruises is the only way to experience the fun and excitement of the seas surrounding New York City. To find out more about Skyline Cruises and book a cruise, please visit their website at https://skylinecruises.com. An Israeli commander speaks on a radio as troops battle terrorists in Jabaliya. (IDF) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) eliminated dozens of terrorists in the northern Gaza area of Jabaliya overnight between December 29 and December 30. The militants were killed in ambushes. The discovery of so many terrorists is a rare occurrence in Jabaliya, where the IDF has been fighting since early October. The nearly three-month battle has primarily been a slow, grinding campaign against the remnants of Hamas and other groups in this portion of northern Gaza. The elimination of so many terrorists in one night could signify a significant defeat for what remains of Hamas and other groups near Jabaliya. However, it also illustrates the challenges the IDF has faced in this area. Jabaliya included a densely populated area that was originally a Palestinian refugee camp founded after 1948. When the IDF entered the area in October 2024, it was at least the third raid into Jabaliya since Hamass attack in October 2023. Around 70,000 civilians had to be evacuated before the IDF could confront the thousands of suspected terrorists who had mixed among them. By early December, the IDF estimated it had eliminated and captured around 2,000 terrorists. The Givati Infantry Brigade, 401st Armored Brigade, and other units were part of the campaign led by the 162nd Division. As part of the campaign in Jabaliya, the IDF also fanned out to other parts of northern Gaza. This effort included the recent raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital, where an estimated 240 terrorists were detained, and battles in Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. Jabaliya illustrates how long it takes to clear portions of Gaza of terrorists. The IDF said on December 30 that the forces are continuing to operate in the area to locate weapons, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, tunnel shafts, and military structures. Jabaliya is only one large neighborhood, however, and Hamas continues to control other parts of Gaza City and central Gaza. In central Gaza, Hamas still controls areas that are built around four historic refugee camps, including Nuseirat, Maghazi, Bureij, and Deir al Balah. Thus, the challenges in Jabaliya could be replicated in other parts of Gaza where the IDF never initially cleared Hamas forces or where the group was only temporarily defeated. On December 30, the IDF released footage filmed by Hamas in which terrorists can be seen planting explosives at a distance of approximately 45 meters from the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. This is yet another example of Hamas cynical use of Gazas civilians and civilian establishments for terrorist activity and a gross violation of international law, stated the IDF. Hamas has routinely sought to exploit hospitals in Gaza to carry out operations. The IDF completed its operational efforts in the area of the Indonesian Hospital last week. Givati Brigade troops under the command of the 162nd Brigade operated to eliminate terrorists who attempted to flee the hospital, apprehended tens of additional terrorists and neutralized the areas adjacent to the hospital that were rigged with explosives, the Israeli military added on December 30. These ongoing battles have inflicted casualties on the Israeli military. On December 30, the IDF announced that one soldier from the Netzah Yehuda Battalion was killed in northern Gaza. Three other soldiers from the same unit were also wounded. In another incident, an officer in the Givati Infantry Brigade was severely injured in northern Gaza. Terrorist groups also continue to target Israeli communities with rocket fire. On December 30, one projectile was fired toward Kissufim on the Gaza border. Other threats targeting areas around Zikim Beach on the coast near northern Gaza were also detected over the last few days. 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). Pollensa will no longer form part of the network of The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain, which stand out for their beauty, authenticity and exceptional heritage, from January 1. With its departure, a decision which has been taken by the current local council, Pollensa will lose all the rights and benefits associated with its membership of the association. As of next year, Pollensa will no longer have the right to use the The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain brand in its tourism promotion, advertising and any other area. The municipality will no longer benefit from access to key technological data and analyses that have contributed to the optimisation and management of its tourist activity, and will no longer form part of the agreements established by the Association with entities such as Endesa X, ONCE and other organisations, which have promoted initiatives related to sustainability, accessibility and modernisation of infrastructures. As in France, Pollensa will no longer appear on the exclusive Michelin Map of member municipalities and will leave the International Federation of the World's Most Beautiful Villages, as well as losing its presence on key tourism promotion platforms, such as the web at tourism fairs like FITUR and the Turespana portal. The association says that it regrets the decision taken by Pollensa Town Hall and has made it clear that it will continue working to certify more villages in the Balearics in the coming months, to value architectural heritage, beauty and intangible heritage. According to its website, the criteria for the admission of a new village are set out in the association's quality charter. In order to join the association, the village must first seek the agreement of the municipal authorities or local governing body. Once the request has been received by the association, the application process is set in motion, taking into account the following criteria: Villages must have a population of less than 15,000 inhabitants (villages with a population greater than 5,000 inhabitants, will only be considered if their historic centre is in perfect condition) They must also have a certified architectural or natural heritage. If these two criteria are fulfilled, the village is inspected by the association's quality commission to assess the various aspects specified in the Quality Charter. It will be necessary to exceed the minimum quality criteria for cleanliness, conservation of the facades, traffic circulation, parking arrangements, flowers and green areas, presentation of advertising and posters, etc. The inspection results in a verdict which may be positive, positive conditional on improvements to certain important aspects, or negative. If the verdict is positive, the village will be labelled at its corresponding entry points as "One of the Most Beautiful in Spain" together with the association logo, and from that moment on it will have the right to use the seal "The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain" in accordance with the values of the association. A village may be re-inspected in the years following its accession so as to verify that it continues to honour values such as the preservation and promotion of its heritage and refurbishment of facades, etc. A village can lose the "One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain" label if it stops complying with the initial values of the association or its quality charter. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, is not only known for his political career and humanitarian activism, but also for his humble approach to personal wealth. Despite holding one of the most powerful positions in the world, Carter maintained a simple lifestyle away from excess. Part of her wealth comes from the publication of multiple books, including memoirs and texts on politics, faith and human rights. Wildfires force mass evacuations in Los Angeles area In addition to income from his books, Carter has received a presidential pension and benefits associated with his time in office. However, his lifestyle does not reflect extravagant spending, but rather a commitment to moderation and simplicity. Beyond the White House After leaving the White House in 1981, Carter returned to his home in Plains, Georgia, where he lived in a modest residence that contrasts with the luxurious properties of other former presidents. This approach reflects his commitment to the values of simplicity and public service. The Carter Center, founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, has also been an important part of their legacy. Although much of the money raised by the center goes to humanitarian programs, its work has also been a means for Carter to remain actively engaged in the promotion of peace and human rights. Together, Carter's example inspires leaders and citizens around the world to prioritize values over material gain. His life and legacy continue to be a testament to how public service can coexist with humility and a commitment to the common good. What was Jimmy Carter's net worth? Jimmy Carter's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure reflects both the income accumulated over his lifetime and his prudent financial management practices. Former President Jimmy Carter on his 5th wedding anniversary on Saturday, July 10, 2021 in Plains, Georgia Former President Jimmy Carter on his 5th wedding anniversary on Saturday, July 10, 2021 in Plains, Georgia LAPRESSE Former President Jimmy Carter, a man celebrated more for his humanitarian work than his time in the Oval Office, passed away this Sunday at the age of 100. After nearly two years in hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, Carter's passing marked the end of an extraordinary life. Known for his humility and unwavering dedication to public service, he left a legacy that extended far beyond his presidency. Trump stuns with bold new look Jimmy Carter's life dedicated to service Born on a peanut farm in Plains, Georgia, Carter's early years instilled in him a strong work ethic. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving in the Navy during and after World War II, Carter became a pioneer in nuclear submarine technology. However, his father's death in 1953 prompted him to return home, where he successfully managed the family's peanut farm alongside his wife, Rosalynn. This return to Plains marked the beginning of his foray into politics, where he gained a reputation as a reformer during his two terms in the Georgia state Senate. Carter's presidency, from 1977 to 1981, was a time of significant global and domestic challenges. While he brokered the historic Camp David Accords and reestablished diplomatic ties with China, his administration struggled with economic instability, energy crises, and foreign policy setbacks, such as the failed rescue of American hostages in Iran. After losing his reelection bid to Ronald Reagan in 1980, Carter transitioned to a role that would redefine the potential of a former president. Jimmy Carter's post-presidency humanitarianism The years following his presidency were where Carter truly shined. Together with Rosalynn, he founded The Carter Center, an organization committed to promoting peace, human rights, and health initiatives worldwide. Carter also worked hands-on with Habitat for Humanity, helping build affordable homes for low-income families well into his 90s. As an unofficial diplomat, Carter played pivotal roles in negotiating peace deals, overseeing elections in developing nations, and advocating for nuclear nonproliferation. His efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, a recognition of his tireless commitment to humanitarian causes. Jimmy Carter's final years Carter's health had been in decline for years, marked by a cancer diagnosis in 2015 and other challenges that included brain surgery. In February 2023, he announced his decision to forgo medical treatment and transition to hospice care, a move his family described as reflective of his deep faith. His grandson, Jason Carter, noted that this period allowed Carter to find peace and reflect on his extraordinary life. His final public appearance was in November 2023, shortly after the passing of Rosalynn, his wife of 77 years. Together, they shared a life that spanned decades of service, faith, and love-a partnership that became the longest marriage of any U.S. presidential couple. Carter is survived by his four children and countless admirers who celebrate his enduring contributions to the world. His passing not only marks the end of a remarkable life but also leaves a legacy of humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to bettering humanity. Jimmy Carter died last Sunday 29th of december at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States, who served a single term from 1977 to 1981, will be remembered for his enduring commitment to philanthropy and his unrelenting humanitarian work. Great tributes can therefore be expected to honor his memory. Elon Musk shares shocking video of wildfire devastation near Los Angeles coast What happens when a president dies in the US? Presidential funerals usually take years to plan and the details are generally kept secret between close family members and the US Army Military District of Washington. "To honor a great American, I will order an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C., for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th president of the United States, 76th governor of Georgia, lieutenant in the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his entire life to the service of God and country," Biden said in a statement. The protocol also dictates that flags will fly at half-mast for a period of 30 days following the death of a US president The acting president is also responsible for issuing an executive order authorizing the closure of federal offices and buildings during a national day of mourning. Jimmy Carter's Funeral Services Schedule The nation will bid farewell to former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, with an extensive series of events honoring his life and legacy. The funeral services span six days, from Saturday, January 4, 2025, to Thursday, January 9, 2025, providing the public and dignitaries multiple opportunities to pay their respects. Saturday, January 4, 2025 10:15 AM: The funeral begins as President Carter's remains are transferred to a hearse at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Americus, Georgia. Special agents from the United States Secret Service accompany the motorcade to Plains. 10:50 AM: The motorcade pauses at President Carter's boyhood farm in Plains. The National Park Service rings the historic farm bell 39 times in tribute. 10:55 AM: Departure from Plains for Atlanta. 3:00 PM: Moment of silence at the Georgia State Capitol, led by Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and other officials. 3:45 PM: Arrival ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center. 4:00 PM: Private service in the lobby of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. 7:00 PM: Public visitation begins. The former president lies in repose at the Carter Presidential Center, open continuously until 6:00 AM on Tuesday, January 7. Sunday, January 5, 2025 - Monday, January 6, 2025 Public visitation continues at the Carter Presidential Center. Visitors can pay their respects at any time. Tuesday, January 7, 2025 6:00 AM: Public visitation ends. 9:30 AM: Departure ceremony at the Carter Presidential Center. The family escorts President Carter's remains to Dobbins Air Reserve Base. 10:40 AM: Special Air Mission 39 departs Atlanta for Washington, D.C. 12:45 PM: Arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, followed by a ceremonial transfer to a hearse. 2:00 PM: Funeral procession to the U.S. Capitol begins, with the casket carried by a horse-drawn caisson. 3:00 PM: Service in the Capitol Rotunda attended by members of Congress. 7:00 PM - Midnight: Lying in state continues with military honors. The public is invited to pay respects. Wednesday, January 8, 2025 7:00 AM: Public visitation continues as President Carter lies in state at the U.S. Capitol. Thursday, January 9, 2025 7:00 AM: Lying in state concludes. 9:30 AM: Arrival ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral. 10:00 AM: National Funeral Service at Washington National Cathedral. 11:45 AM: President Carter's remains depart for Georgia via Special Air Mission 39. 2:00 PM: Arrival at Lawson Army Airfield on Fort Moore, Georgia, followed by a motorcade to Plains. 3:45 PM: Private funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains. 5:20 PM: Final interment ceremony at the Carter residence, featuring a U.S. Navy "Missing Man" flyover. The Carter family warmly invites the public to join in honoring President Carter by attending public viewings, the funeral procession in Washington, or lining the motorcade routes in Georgia and Washington. These opportunities ensure everyone can share in celebrating the life of one of America's most beloved leaders. How to watch Jimmy Carter's state funeral? Here's how to watch the state funeral on January 9. (All times Eastern.) ABC News : Special coverage led by David Muir, featuring a team of reporters and analysts. : Special coverage led by David Muir, featuring a team of reporters and analysts. BBC News Channel : Live coverage from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Sumi Somaskanda and Caitriona Perry. : Live coverage from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Sumi Somaskanda and Caitriona Perry. Bloomberg : Starts at 9 a.m. from their D.C. studio with anchors providing updates. : Starts at 9 a.m. from their D.C. studio with anchors providing updates. C-SPAN : Full live broadcast of the state funeral. : Full live broadcast of the state funeral. CBS News : Norah O'Donnell anchors coverage, including special afternoon reports. : Norah O'Donnell anchors coverage, including special afternoon reports. CNN : Coverage begins at 8 a.m., led by Wolf Blitzer and a team of correspondents. : Coverage begins at 8 a.m., led by Wolf Blitzer and a team of correspondents. Fox News : Starts at 9 a.m. with Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino leading coverage. : Starts at 9 a.m. with Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino leading coverage. MSNBC: Morning Joe kicks off coverage, followed by updates from Andrea Mitchell and others. NBC News : Anchored by Lester Holt and Savannah Guthrie with on-ground reporting. : Anchored by Lester Holt and Savannah Guthrie with on-ground reporting. NewsNation : Special broadcast from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with additional updates. : Special broadcast from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with additional updates. PBS News : Coverage begins at 9 a.m. with Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennet. : Coverage begins at 9 a.m. with Amna Nawaz and Geoff Bennet. Scripps News : Morning coverage from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by an evening special. : Morning coverage from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by an evening special. Spectrum News : Anchored by Errol Louis with team updates from D.C. and beyond. : Anchored by Errol Louis with team updates from D.C. and beyond. Telemundo & Univision: Both networks begin early with bilingual coverage starting at 7 a.m. Check your preferred network for full broadcast details. As Boston prepares to celebrate the arrival of 2025 with its 49th annual First Night festivities, city officials have outlined public safety plans for the event. Ringing in the new year, in community, starts with keeping ourselves and one another safe, said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in a press conference about First Night public safety on Monday morning. The free, family-friendly event will kick off at City Hall Plaza on Tuesday, Dec. 31, after it was moved last year from Copley Square due to construction. New programs at the 12-hour event include indoor performances at Boston Public Market and new faces on the main stage at City Hall Plaza. Attendees can also expect food, fireworks, a parade, ice sculptures and more. While Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox reassured there are no known credible threats to public safety during First Night, he, the mayor and other city officials Monday discussed prohibited items, public transportation and what to expect for law enforcement presence. What you cant bring to First Night First Night attendees are expected to keep in accordance with the family-friendly aspects of the event and are not allowed to bring some items to the public spaces, Wu and Cox said. This is a family-friendly event. Why would you want to bring anything that would hurt or harm anyone? said Cox. He also encouraged, If you see something, say something. The following items were listed as prohibited by city officials: Fireworks Drones Alcohol, marijuana or other drugs/substances Weapons were also implied as prohibited by officials in keeping with the family-friendly tone of the event. Officials reminded attendees it is illegal and dangerous to possess, use or sell fireworks. In addition, drones are not allowed in the area of First Night. Cox said drones have become more of an issue now, because it seems like more people have them and theyre using them inappropriately, and reminded the public of the airports proximity. And while alcohol is traditionally a part of New Years celebrations, officials have asked for no public consumption, including of marijuana and other substances. First Night MBTA and transportation All New Years Eve revelers are encouraged to utilize public transportation instead of driving, Wu said. The MBTA will stop collecting fares at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. This means the T service will be free for everyone celebrating the holiday to get home safely without any extra concerns, Wu said. Train service will extend for one hour until 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, and there will be an increase in subway services starting at 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, said MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green. All modes of transportation will run on a regular weekday schedule on Tuesday, New Years Eve. Read more: Boston First Night 2025 schedule We ask our riders to please act responsibly and be respectful to one another, to include being respectful to MBTA personnel. I also want to remind everyone that the consumption of alcohol and/or unruly behavior will not be tolerated on the MBTA, Green said. Additionally, there will be more transit officers in both plain clothes and uniformed assigned for the event to ensure that everybody has a safe and enjoyable travel on the MBTA transportation system, Green said. Police and medical presence at First Night Boston Police, MBTA and Boston Fire officials plan to boost its presence in the city for First Night. We have a comprehensive safety plan in place that will support this family-friendly event for all participants, visitors and spectators, said Cox. Boston police officers will be stationed in and around First Night areas and throughout the city for the duration of the event, Cox said. We ask people if they hear of or see disruptive and loud parties, that they, if they see something, say something, and certainly call us and use 911, Cox said. There will be additional ambulances on duty, paramedics on bicycles and on ATV vehicles for First Night attendees, said Jim Hooley, Boston EMS chief of department. Hooley recommends weather-appropriate clothes. According to AccuWeather, some rain at night may dampen New Years Eve festivities in Boston with a 95% chance of precipitation and a low of 41 degrees. Hooley also advised people to look out for each others mental health, especially while drinking. He also said to be a good host and to be a good wingman by looking out for your guests drinking at parties and your friends out in public. Dont let your buddy go off on their own... Get them back home, someplace safe. A lot of that would just avoid a lot of unnecessary trips to a hospital, Hooley cautioned. Chinese Film Night kicks off in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Xinhua) 10:36, December 30, 2024 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) A teenager was arrested over the weekend in connection with a shooting that happened in Worcester on Dec. 23, authorities said. Police initially responded to a ShotSpotter activation on Mt. Vernon Street around 6:20 p.m., the Worcester Police Department said. Afterward, police were told that a 25-year-old man with a gunshot wound arrived at an area hospital. After an investigation by detectives, police said they developed probable cause for the arrest of a 14-year-old boy. The teenager was arrested and charged on Dec. 28 with armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (firearm), carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling. Editors Note: Shortly after the publishing of this story, a contract agreement was reached between Point32Health and Tenet. As the clock ticks down on 2024, thousands of people are slated to lose in-network health insurance coverage at two major Central Massachusetts hospitals unless a last-minute deal is made. A fundraiser for a Massachusetts firefighter and his family has raised over $136,000 after his wife and newborn twin babies died last week. Ciara Sullivan, 30, the wife of Rutland firefighter Patrick Sullivan, and their almost-2-week-old twin babies James Michael and Elizabeth Joanne, were taken off life support on Friday night. Tonight has been horrible I cant explain the total and utter devastation, anger, rage and loss I feel that this unnecessary tragedy has brought me, Patrick Sullivan wrote in a Facebook post early Saturday morning. The mother was pregnant with twins when she experienced a severe medical emergency and was rushed to the hospital on Dec. 16. Rutland Regional Emergency Communication Center continuously posted updates about the family on its Facebook page as they fought for their lives. Elizabeth and James Sullivan were delivered prematurely and put on ventilators, and Ciara Sullivan was intubated, according to a fundraiser by the Professional Firefighters Of Massachusetts Charitable Trust on Classy. Alternative donation locations have been set up at the following businesses, according to a Rutland Regional Emergency Communication Center Facebook post: In his post on Saturday, Patrick Sullivan said he felt truly blessed by the amount of outpouring support he has received, including from the Rutland Fire Department. Ciara Sullivan served as an emergency management specialist for FEMA and previously worked as a 911 dispatcher, the Rutland Fire Department said. Patrick Sullivan has served Rutland as a dispatch supervisor and firefighter/EMT for more than 13 years, according to a Rutland Regional Emergency Communication Center Facebook post. It wasnt a Who down in Whoville who stopped the Grinch in Massachusetts but West Bridgewater Police Officer Brian C. Smith Jr. A Brockton man broke into multiple cars and stole peoples credit cards throughout the month of December, according to the Stoughton Police Department. He then used one of those cards at a CVS while wearing green Grinch pajamas. Police released a photo of the man walking into CVS earlier this month. On Christmas Eve, Stoughton Police obtained an arrest warrant for Elvis Andrade, 32. He was charged with larceny over $1,200, improper use of a credit card over $1,200, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, breaking and entering into a vehicle during the daytime with intent to commit a felony (eight counts), larceny under $1,200 (four counts), improper use of a credit card under $1,200 (two counts) and malicious destruction of property under $1,200, police said. However, it wasnt until Sunday that Andrade was arrested. Smith ran the license plate of a car stopped at a red light and it returned as stolen. He stopped the car at 31 South Main St. and requested backup. The driver repeatedly refused to provide his real identity, police said. Eventually, police identified the driver as Andrade. During a search, police located a screwdriver and paperwork in various peoples names, including passports, debit and credit cards and IDs. He had five active arrest warrants when he was arrested. Andrade is expected to be arraigned Monday in Brockton District Court. Nearly one year after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, King Charles IIIs treatment is progressing well and will continue into next year, Reuters reported. A Buckingham Palace source told the outlet the kings treatment was progressing and there has been no change in Charles' health. Charles was diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 and began treatment shortly after, Buckingham Palace said earlier this year. While the exact form of cancer was not disclosed, the palace said in February the cancer was not related to a prostate condition Charles was treated for in January. The cancer was, however, identified in January while Charles was undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate, a source from the palace told the Associated Press. In April, Buckingham Palace said the 75-year-old monarch would resume his public duties in early May after a three-month hiatus. Read more: King Charles will resume public duties after months of battling cancer During that time, the king focused on his pretreatment and recuperation, the Associated Press reported. At that time, the palace said the kings doctors were very encouraged by his progress, though it was too early to say how long his treatment would last. A judge set a $5 million bond on Monday for the man charged with killing a 20-year-old Springfield mother and her 4-month-old son during a drive-by shooting last month, according to a news report. The judge set the bond during a court hearing in Hartford with 40% to be paid in cash, as reported by the Connecticut news outlet Republican American. Lance Macho Morales, 23, of Waterbury, Connecticut, faces several charges, including two murder charges in connection with the deaths of Jessiah Mercado, 20, and her son, Messiah Diaz. A third person was also injured during the drive-by shooting. Morales appeared in the state Superior Court in Hartford after being extradited from Puerto Rico over the weekend. Authorities say the attack was related to a dispute over a vehicle Mercado rented from Morales, according to a warrant obtained by the Republican American. Mercado was renting a 2024 Mazda CX-50 from Morales for $100 a day but fell behind on payments, the outlet reported. She owed $400. The pair were previously in some sort of relationship and [he] was ... consistently trying to contact her, however, she kept ignoring him, the outlet quoted from the warrant. Moraless other charges include first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault and murder with special circumstances. Hartford police previously said they responded to Hartford Hospital around 2:45 p.m. on Nov. 19 after receiving a call about a vehicle dropping off several people who had been shot. Mercado and Diaz were pronounced dead at the hospital. The shooting occurred near 380 New Britain Ave. Police said a dispute over a vehicle preceded the violent incident. Police said an unidentified man in his 20s was also hurt by gunfire, police said. The driver of the vehicle was unharmed. Investigators identified Morales as the suspected gunman soon after the shooting and issued a warrant for his arrest. After learning he had fled to Puerto Rico, authorities alerted a Marshals Service task force on the island, who found and arrested Morales at a home in Fajardo, 20 miles east of San Juan. He was brought to the local police department and charged as a fugitive from justice, the U.S. Marshals Service previously said. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families confirmed to MassLive that Diaz was in the states foster care system. The department said it was investigating this tragic situation and working in collaboration with law enforcement. At a press conference after the shooting, Interim Hartford Police Chief Kenny Howell described the shooting as a horrific crime. You have taken the life, the lives, of an infant and his mother, he said, speaking to the suspect. We do not tolerate that in this city. Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday. He was 100. And even though it was the news we all knew someday would come, it was, somehow, no less shocking in its enormity. The Georgian was the oldest of the living former presidents and one of the few remaining ties to a nation that, in fundamental ways, no longer exists. For millions of Americans, the 1970s, when Carter sat in the Oval Office, are now as far distant as the 1920s were to people of that time. The era of disco, gas lines, a hostage crisis and the last echoes of Watergate live on in the history books, even as they recede from living memory. Tributes on Sunday poured in, right on schedule. In a statement, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, D-3rd District, hailed Carters dedication to public service and his deep devotion to his faith. But, she added, Carter will be remembered for who he was a good man who always saw the best in others." In a post to X, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., said the nations 39th chief executive led with compassion, integrity, & [a] heroic determination to lift humanitys spirit. The post included a photo of a far younger and smiling Markey, shaking hands with Carter. In a post to X, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., reflected on Carters legacy, writing that he was a true public servant and peacemaker. Our country is a better place because of him. My thoughts are with his family. State Democratic Party Chairman Steve Kerrigan described Carter as a true servant leader whose impact on the world and the lives he touched can never be fully measured. ... In the days to come, many memories will be shared about President Carter, and I hope that we can use them as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the difference one person can make, Kerrigan continued. And on Sunday night, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healeys office released a statement ordering the U.S. and state flags over the State House in Boston lowered to half-staff until Jan. 28 to honor Carters life and legacy. President Jimmy Carter is interviewed in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Jan. 24, 1977. (AP Photo, File)AP Taken together, they were a reminder that Carter was more warmly regarded after he left office than when he was in it. Thats despite the signal achievement of the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Israel and Egypt that lasts to this day. He also won U.S. Senate approval of the treaty returning control of the Panama Canal to Panama now the topic of some discussion by President-elect Donald Trump. But it was not enough to overcome gas lines and a sluggish economy, nor the trauma of the Iran Hostage Crisis, which took up the final 444 days of Carters tenure, The New York Times reported in a story published soon after news of his passing became public. Carter was turned out of office in 1980 after just one term, as former California Gov. Ronald Reagan romped to victory, taking 489 electoral votes to Carters 49, according to Brittanica. And that was only after Carter fended off a damaging intra-party challenge from the late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. Carter left office in 1981 as one of the most unpopular presidents in modern memory, the Times noted. Reflecting popular opinion, Carter was a very good man and a patriot, Central Connecticut University political science professor Jerold Duquette told MassLive on Sunday night. But Carters inability to [modify] his moralistic progressive approach to politics and public administration ... hastened the rise of the ideologically charged politics of the 1980s, Duquette said. The Democrat was humanitarian, sincere, and focused on the details of policy, UMass Amherst political science professor Ray La Raja also offered. In a contemporary interview with the journalist Dan Rather, Carter was remarkably clear-eyed about his tenure. He gave himself a B or C-plus on foreign policy before settling on a B-minus, Rather wrote Sunday. He also was unsparing with his performance on domestic policy. Under the circumstances, I think about a B, the actual results may be a C, he told Rather during that 60 Minutes interview. I dont want to be held on account of those scores, Carter said, according to Rather. Ill see what the American people say. They decided in 1980 to go with Reagan. But in the intervening decades, that appraisal has improved, but not enough to catapult Carter into the front ranks of the nations greatest leaders. Most citizens will concede that he had an admirable post-presidential life filled with good works, but they quickly add that his presidency was a failure, author Kai Bird told the Times. Historians in recent years would disagree. His presidency was, in fact, quite consequential. That included the foundation of the U.S. Depts. of Education and Energy, the Times reported. Trump, his successor decades later, has vowed to scrap the Education Department. Carters charitable work, notably with Habitat for Humanity, also helped burnish his post-White House image. Carter, and his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, worked with nearly 103,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,331 homes, ABC News reported, citing the nonprofit. His standing continued to rise through the years, with 45% of Americans in a 2021 YouGov poll holding a favorable opinion of Carter, compared to 32% who had an unfavorable opinion of him, the Times further reported. He finished ahead of Trump, along with President George W. Bush, the only living former Republican chief executive, but behind Democratic Presidents Barack Obama (54% favorable); Joe Biden (47% favorable), and Bill Clinton (35% favorable) in that 2021 canvass. In his 1977 inaugural address, with the nation still reeling from former President Richard Nixons resignation, Carter thanked former President Gerald Ford, whom hed defeated the year before, for all he has done to heal our land. In that same speech, Carter offered a vision for the nation that would later reflect the warmth and humanity of his life after the White House, hoping that, among other things, ... we had torn down the barriers that separated those of different race and region and religion, and where there had been mistrust, built unity, with a respect for diversity. " ... I would hope that the nations of the world might say that we had built a lasting peace, built not on weapons of war but on international policies which reflect our own most precious values," Carter continued. These are not just my goals, and they will not be my accomplishments, but the affirmation of our Nations continuing moral strength and our belief in an undiminished, ever-expanding American dream, he concluded. Forty-seven years later, Carter saw some of those goals realized. Others remain a work in progress. HOLYOKE As a 30-year educator, Linda Gillens passion for books was only seconded by her love of children and her goal of teaching all students the joy of reading. So, when her family learned the Curtis Blake Day School at Positive Regard Network was lacking books, it seemed like the best way to continue Gillens mission after her death. Months before the 1976 campaign for the White House took shape, Jimmy Carter made a campaign swing through Western Massachusetts, talking for 45 minutes with a young, inexperienced and then-Republican Pittsfield Mayor Evan S. Dobelle. He was taking the time to meet people, Dobelle said Monday as the world reacted to Carters death at age 100. You didnt hear a lot of Is in his conversations. No I did this, I did that. That was not his character. The nurses' union at Worcesters Saint Vincent Hospital claims issues with patient care such as inadequate staffing and restrictions to IV fluids are putting patients' lives in danger and even resulted in two deaths this fall. The hospital, however, admonished the claims as disrespectful negotiating tactics. In a formal 18-page complaint filed on Dec. 3 to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Joint Commission, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the states Board of Registration in Nursing, nurses at Saint Vincent and the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) allege the current conditions at the hospital are continuing to deteriorate and are compromising patient safety, according to a press release Monday from the MNA. by Tanya Gazdik , December 29, 2024 Costco is sending a strong message to the National Center for Public Policy Research, which is pushing the company away from diversity, equity and inclusion. "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, according to The Hill. 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. Costcos board of directors unanimously recommended that its shareholders vote against the proposal. The message was sent ahead of Costco's annual meeting of shareholders scheduled for Jan. 23. advertisement advertisement Costco said its DEI efforts help the company attract and retain a wide range of employees and improve merchandise and services in stores, according to CNN Business. Costco also said its members want to interact with a diverse employee base. Among other things, a diverse group of employees helps bring originality and creativity to our merchandise offerings, promoting the treasure hunt that our customers value, Costco said in its proxy statement to investors. We believe (and member feedback shows) that many of our members like to see themselves reflected in the people in our warehouses with whom they interact. The moves come after companies such as Walmart, John Deere, Tractor Supply and Harley Davidson are changing or walking away from DEI goals and programs. A guiding principle around inclusion is ensuring that leaders walk the talk, which essentially means ensuring alignment between leader language, behaviors, and actions; otherwise, it can appear disingenuous, notes Forbes. Costco has done so and shown commitment to inclusion in the workplace in several ways. There is clear leadership buy-in for DEI as a priority. Costco's site messaging includes a quote directly from the CEO about the value of appreciation for inclusion. Costco has a chief diversity officer and a supplier program that focuses on expanding to small and diverse businesses. It also donates to organizations like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund that serve minorities and underrepresented groups. The National Center for Public Policy Research decried that Costco's renamed program still openly expresses a 'commitment to equity,' which it argues means equality of outcome, not opportunity, according to Fox Business News. The company has a supplier diversity program that picks suppliers based on their race and sex, still appears to factor in race and sex in hiring and promotion and still contributes shareholder money to organizations that advance the discriminatory agenda of DEI." Costco's board of directors responds that its DEI practices "are legally appropriate, and nothing in the proposal demonstrates otherwise." by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, December 30, 2024 As Korean beauty products continue rebounding, LOreal Group is buying Dr.G, a skincare line best known for hit products like R.E.D Blemish Clear Soothing Cream. Dr.G, a dermatologist-founded brand owned by Gowoonsesang Cosmetics Co., is currently owned by Migros, a Swiss retail group. LOreal says the acquisition, which will become part of the companys consumer products division, will help the beauty giant meet both the growing demand for K-Beauty and effective yet affordable skincare solutions. Founded by Dr. Gun Young Ahn in 2003, Dr.G emerged as a leader in the exploding K-Beauty category over the last ten years, with targeted and affordable product lines that have made it one of the top three mass-market and dermo-cosmetic skincare brands in South Korea. advertisement advertisement K-Beauty products have been global powerhouses for years now, first vaulting into superstardom when elaborate 10-step skincare routines took hold in the early days of Instagram. The popularity of the products, many of them marketed with elaborate scientific claims, helped propel retailers like Olive Young and such brands as Cosrx, Innisfree, Laneige and Dr. Jart+ (the latter owned by Estee Lauder), to international fandom. And despite a recent lull in sales, particularly in China, K-beauty has come roaring back with the glass skin trend, featuring endless social-media posts about skin so perfectly dewy and hydrated it might be made of glass. As a result, the U.S. is now the second-biggest market, following China, with K-beauty brands booming in Japan, as well. And there are signs of a recovery in the Chinese market, too. Dr.G perfectly complements our existing skincare portfolio, says Alexis Perakis-Valat, global president of L'Oreal's consumer products division, in the announcement. We have been following the brand and its success for many years, and we look forward to accelerating its growth in South Korea and the rest of the world, staying true to our mission to democratize and premiumize beauty by bringing the best of Korean skincare to consumers everywhere. South Korea is fast becoming a popular tourist destination for K-drama and K-pop fans. If you've ever caught yourself swooning over a romantic scene set against Seouls glittering skyline or dreamt of visiting K-pop idols' hangout spots to your bucket list, this guide is for you. Here are the 13 best places to visit in South Korea that every K-drama and K-pop fan must explore, blending iconic filming locations with the soulful charm of Korean culture. In this extensive list, we will cover three major locations Seoul, Busan and Jeju Island. Take a look at the best places to visit in South Korea across all three locations. Seoul When it comes to places to visit in South Korea, Seoul is the epicenter of K-pop and K-dramas. With its vibrant culture, exciting nightlife, and endless landmarks, its the ultimate playground for Hallyu fans. 1. Namsan Seoul Tower tvN Hit shows like Business Proposal, Love Next Door, True Beauty and My Love from the Star were shot at the Namsan Seoul Tower, also known as N-Seoul Tower. Perched atop Namsan Mountain, this romantic spot offers breathtaking views of Seoul. Dont forget to bring a love lock and leave it behind as a tribute to your favourite K-drama couple. It is truly one of the best places to visit in South Korea for creating your own love story. 2. Lotte World Netflix This indoor amusement park is a recurring star in K-dramas like Stairway to Heaven, Business Proposal and Hyde Jekyll, Me. From romantic carousel rides to dreamy ice-skating scenes, Lotte World is one of the most magical places to visit in South Korea for K-drama fans looking to recreate their favourite moments. 3. Bukchon Hanok Village iStock Step back in time with Bukchon Hanok Village, a stunning neighborhood filled with traditional Korean houses. Popular in K-dramas dramas like Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, Goblin and Love Next Door, its a picturesque escape in the heart of modern Seoul. 4. Cheonggyecheon Stream Netflix This serene stream runs through the bustling city, offering a peaceful retreat. Its a favourite filming location for countless K-dramas, including Lovestruck in the City, Queen of Tears, Heartbeat and See You in My 19th Life. This is one of the best places to visit in South Korea as it blends nature with modern architecture in a beautiful way. 5. Nami Island iStock A 1.5 hour bus ride away from Seoul, Nami Island is every romantic's dream. Featured in the classic K-drama Winter Sonata, its tree-lined pathways are perfect for dreamy strolls. The islands changing seasons, from vibrant autumn foliage to snow-covered wonderlands, make it one of the most versatile places to visit in South Korea. 6. Petite France and Italian Village SBS TV Nestled near Nami Island, Petite France and Italian Village is a European-inspired tourist spot that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Fans of K-dramas like My Love From the Star and Beethoven Virus will recognise it instantly, as its where pivotal scenes were filmed. Its colourful buildings and European charm make it a delightful addition to your South Korean itinerary. Busan Busan is more than just a coastal city. Its a treasure trove of places to visit in South Korea for K-drama and K-pop enthusiasts. Here are some of the must-visit attractions. 7. Haeundae Beach tvN Haeundae Beach is not just a beautiful seaside destination but also a star in dramas like No Gain, No Love and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. Whether youre soaking up the sun or reminiscing about your favourite scenes, this beach is one of the most unforgettable places to visit in South Korea. 8. Cafe ZM-Illennial Instagram/ZMillennial Owned by BTS Jimins family, this was formerly known as Cafe Magnate but changed its name recently. It's a must visit place in South Korea for K-pop fans, especially fans of BTS. Jimin and Jungkook were born in Busan so the city holds a lot of significance for the BTS Army. 9. Gamcheon Cultural Village iStock Known as the Santorini of Korea, Gamcheon Culture Village is an artistic haven with colourful murals and quirky installations. Its a visual treat that has appeared in dramas like Fight For My Way. BTSs Jimin and Jungkook often talk about their love for Busan, their hometown, and youll find their murals across the walls of this cultural village. 10. Gopchang Salon X/@trinhers Owned by Jungkooks family friend, Gopchang Salon offers a glimpse into the life of BTS royalty. While the cafe might be shutting down soon, its still worth visiting for its charm and star-studded history. ARMYs around the world make it a pilgrimage spot, cementing it as one of the top places to visit in South Korea for fans. Jeju Island Jeju Island is a paradise for nature lovers and one of the most breathtaking places to visit in South Korea, especially for fans of Welcome to Samdal-ri, Legend of the Blue Sea and Castaway Diva. 11. Jeju Olle Trail iStock This series of walking paths showcases Jejus natural beauty, from coastal cliffs to lush forests. Its a great way to explore the island and feel like youre living out your own K-drama adventure. K dramas like Crash Landing on You and Welcome to Samdal-ri. 12. Seongsan Ilchulbong iStock Also known as Sunrise Peak, this volcanic crater offers stunning views and is featured in Legend of the Blue Sea. Climbing to the top is both rewarding and cinematic, making it one of the most memorable places to visit in South Korea. 13. Hwanguchi Coast The year 2024 seemed great for Malayalam cinema, at least in the first half when it delivered not only the biggest hits of this year but also of all time. These all-time blockbusters included Manjummel Boys, Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life, Aavesham, Premalu and Bramayugam among others. Later half of the year also saw some surprise successes like ARM, Kishkindha Kaandam, Marco and Sookshmadarshini. Parava Films Despite all these blockbusters and hits, it turns out the year wasnt profitable for the Malayalam film industry. According to Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), a total of 199 new films and five remastered versions of old films released in theatres in 2024 from Malayalam film industry and only 26 out of them managed to turn profitable. These films saw investment of over Rs 1000 crore, However, 26 films made a profit of Rs 300-350 crore, the rest suffered a loss of Rs 650-700 crore, said B Rakesh, KFPA secretary. There were only about 26 films that can be categorised as superhits, hits or average hits. The rest were not even noticed by the audience, he added. Pointing out that even in 2023, the industry was in losses, he said, In 2023 too, 200 films were released and the industry faced losses. Sharing his take on the situations, theatre owner and producer Liberty Basheer said, The year proved that audience interests and behaviour cannot be gauged. Films that performed well Kishkindha Kaandam, Aavesham, Sookshmadarshini and others were of different genres and made on a small budget. Yet they brought people to theatres. This shows Mollywood needs more diverse content to please the audience. Visual Romance He also pointed out that Tamil superstars like Vijay and Rajinikanth too failed to attract audiences with their releases, Vettaiyan and GOAT were much-anticipated Tamil films starring big names. Yet they failed in Kerala theatres. This shows the audience is not bothered about big names, and wants quality content. On the other hand, Saji Nanthyattu, the general secretary of Film Chamber, Kerala, claimed that the industry suffered losses of Rs 1250 crore in 2024. He said, An industry like Mollywood does not need 200 or more films every year. Last year, 222 films were released, but only 12 were hits. We dont need many films. Most of the time, the audience does not even know the films that are released in a week. It's down to the wire for beneficiaries in the Tricare West Region to provide their payment information to ensure they continue their health benefits under the Defense Department's new contract with TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Tricare patients in the West Region or those who live in six states that will transfer to the region and who pay for their health premiums via credit card or bank transfer must set up their payment information online or have mailed an automatic payment authorization form to TriWest by the end of the year. According to the Defense Health Agency, 40% of those who pay by bank or credit card had updated their information as of Dec. 26, with a "10% increase just in the last week" that DHA officials said is "trending in the right direction," according to a statement provided to Military.com. Read Next: Army Green Beret Killed in Hunting Accident Remembered as Compassionate Warrior by Family In October, Defense Health Agency officials announced that TriWest would send letters or emails to beneficiaries announcing the payment update requirement and telling recipients how to do it. "Adding your payment method now will help make sure you don't lose health coverage in 2025," Tricare Health Plan enrollment analyst Lina Blas said in a news release at the time. TriWest will not charge for the recurring payment before Jan. 1 but needs the information on file by Tuesday to provide health coverage, according to the Defense Department. The information was not part of the transfer of information from Health Net Federal Services or Humana Military, which currently manage the contracts for the affected areas. The Defense Health Agency also said beneficiaries will not need to cancel their recurring payments to Health Net Federal Services after they set up new payments. They will stop after the December payment. The change does not apply to those who pay for health benefits by military allotment. It also does not apply to those who will remain in the East Region, have Tricare for Life, the U.S. Family Health Plan or an overseas Tricare plan. Customers also may call TriWest Customer Service at 1-888-874-9378 to update their information. The Defense Department awarded the new Tricare contract for the West Region to TriWest in December 2022, prompting a series of bid protests and a lawsuit from Health Net, the company that has managed the West Region contract since 2018. The change affects 4.5 million Tricare beneficiaries, including eight states -- or portions of those states -- that will shift to the West Region from the East. They include Arkansas, with the exception of certain ZIP codes in eight counties; Illinois; Louisiana; Oklahoma; Texas; and Wisconsin, with the exception of certain ZIP codes in Florence County. Certain ZIP codes in five Indiana counties will switch to the West Region, while the remainder will stay in the East, and portions of five counties in Missouri also will stay in the East. More information on these "carve-out" areas, which were created because they are located near a military treatment facility or clinic where Tricare Prime is available, can be found on Tricare's website. Beneficiaries on social media -- largely Facebook -- have reported problems with the online registration system and the phone number. Tricare officials have acknowledged the issues and are responding to complaints through direct messaging. Patients and providers also have expressed concern over the potential loss of their network providers under Health Net, although TriWest officials said earlier this month that they continue to add new providers to their rolls daily. On Dec. 24, Children's Hospital Colorado, which serves military families across the state, announced it reached an agreement with TriWest to remain in the Tricare network. Related: Tricare Patients Fear Losing Preferred Health Care Providers Amid Contract Transition TOKYO -- Japan and the United States will communicate regarding Washington's possible use of nuclear weapons in the event of a contingency, the two governments have stipulated in their first-ever guidelines for so-called extended deterrence, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. According to Japanese government sources, Japan will convey its requests to the United States via the Alliance Coordination Mechanism (ACM), through which the Self-Defense Forces and U.S. forces maintain contact with each other. Establishing such an operational framework is aimed at strengthening the U.S. nuclear umbrella that protects Japan and enhancing its deterrence capabilities against North Korea and China. The Foreign Ministry announced the formulation of the guidelines Friday but had not disclosed the details, as they contain classified military intelligence. The U.S. president, who is also the commander in chief of U.S. forces, has the sole authority to authorize a nuclear attack. Before the completion of the guidelines, no written statement existed that said Japan was allowed to pass on its views to the United States regarding Washington's possible use of nuclear weapons. Extended deterrence is a security policy aimed at preventing a third country from attacking an ally by demonstrating a commitment to retaliate not only in the event of an armed attack on one's own country, but also in the event of an attack on an ally. Responding to North Korea's nuclear development program and China's military buildup, the Japanese and U.S. governments in 2010 began holding working-level consultations in which their foreign and defense officials meet regularly to discuss nuclear deterrence and other issues. Japan has expressed its stance on the use of nuclear weapons in the meetings. The two countries will exchange views on Washington's use of nuclear weapons also in the framework of the ACM, which was set up in normal times under the revised Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation in 2015. Under the ACM, discussions are designed to take place both by the Alliance Coordination Group, comprising director general-level officials of the diplomatic and defense authorities, and by the Bilateral Operations Coordination Center, involving senior officials of the SDF and U.S. forces. If necessary, high-level discussions involving Cabinet members are also expected to be held. This system will enable Japan to convey its views to the United States on Washington's potential use of nuclear weapons at all stages, from normal times to contingencies. The environment surrounding nuclear weapons is deteriorating. Russia has hinted at the possibility of using nuclear weapons in its ongoing aggression against Ukraine. In East Asia, North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test in 2017 and has greatly improved its ballistic missile capabilities. China is expected to possess more than 1,000 operational nuclear warheads by 2030. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at a plenary session of the House of Councillors on Dec. 3 that he had instructed relevant secretariats to strengthen even further the credibility of the extended U.S. deterrence. Under the newly formulated guidelines, Washington still holds the final decision on the use of nuclear weapons. However, a senior Foreign Ministry official said that the guidelines "have great significance as a message of strengthening deterrence." 2024 Asia News Network. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC 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 in the islands. The Navy's environmental impact statement (EIS), 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 or -- in some cases -- use 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 training -- using dummy mines -- include the Kalohi Channel between Molokai and Lanai; Pailolo Channel between Molokai and Maui; Alalakeiki Channel between Maui and Kahoolawe; the waters around Kahoolawe; and Kauai's 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. "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." 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 sonar -- including geographic and seasonal restrictions on its use around Hawaii -- and 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. "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 Navy's Pacific mine training has been near California. "We've traditionally done it more in California since that's where a lot of the mine warfare forces are, but we're doing it more in Hawaii," Stone said. "We're 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." 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 Institute's magazine Proceedings in May, Estonian navy Cmdr. Ott Laanemets argued that since the 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." 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 Beijing's 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. 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 system -- or MEDUSA -- which 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. Public meetings on the Navy's 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 4-7 p.m., presentation and comment session at 5 p.m. Lihue: Jan. 16, Kauai Veterans Center; open house from 4-7 p.m., presentation and comment session at 5 p.m. Virtual public meeting: Jan. 22, 3-4 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. (c) 2024 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Visit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Anthony Santander has been linked to multiple teams this winter, and Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press adds two new names to that list in the Angels and Tigers. Interestingly, Petzold describes the Angels and Blue Jays as the frontrunners to sign Santander, while the Tigers view the switch-hitting outfielder as something of a backup plan if they cant sign Alex Bregman. With Juan Soto and now Teoscar Hernandez off the market, Santander stands out as the top free agent option remaining for teams in need of outfield help. He was reportedly looking for a five-year contract even before Hernandez re-signed with the Dodgers, and with the Yankees and Red Sox joining the Blue Jays, Angels, and Tigers as known suitors, there might enough interest for Santander to land that longer commitment even though hes entering his age-30 season. Santander has hit .245/.312/.476 with 134 home runs in 2571 plate appearances since Opening Day 2020, translating to a 119 wRC+. Santander saved his most overall productive season (3.3 fWAR) for his walk year, as he hit a career-best 44 homers along with a .235/.308/.506 slash line in 665 PA for the Orioles. He had relatively even splits from both sides of the plate, and posted above-average numbers in terms of barrel, hard-hit ball, strikeout, and walk rates. This production earned Santander his first All-Star and Silver Slugger nods, and he even received a bit of down-ballot support in AL MVP voting. There also some clear minuses, as Santander isnt much of a defender or baserunner, and his offense is largely tied to his power production. That doesnt necessarily bode well for hitting in such homer-suppressing ballparks as Angel Stadium or Comerica Park, which creates a Catch-22 for the Angels and Tigers as they seek out some much-needed pop for their lineups. The Angels emergence as a possible favorite for Santander isnt necessarily a surprise, given how the Halos have been aggressively scouring the market for hitting help. Los Angeles has already brought Jorge Soler to town in a trade with the Braves, and added the likes of Travis dArnaud, Scott Kingery, and Kevin Newman to the bench mix. On the pitching end, Yusei Kikuchi and Kyle Hendricks were signed to free agent deals. Santander would require a bigger commitment than any of this group. MLB Trade Rumors ranked Santander ninth on our list of the offseasons top 50 free agents, and projected him for a four-year, $80MM pact. RosterResource estimates the Angels 2025 payroll to sit at just under the $190MM mark, so a $20MM average annual value for Santander would still bring the Halos under their $214.7MM payroll for the 2023 season. This would fit with owner Arte Morenos claim from October that the Angels would be increasing spending this winter, if not in excess of their 2023 expenditures. If Santander was signed to presumably take on his usual right field role, hed join Mike Trout and Taylor Ward as the starting outfielders, with Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak moving to backup duty. There has been some reports that the Angels are exploring trading from this outfield group, which could perhaps subtract Adell or Moniak, or left field could be opened up if Ward was dealt. Trout could conceivably be shifted to left field as a way to reduce the wear-and-tear on his body as the Halos attempt to keep their star healthy. Since the Angels starting lineup is mostly full of right-handed hitters, Santanders switch-hitting ability adds some balance. Amusingly, Santander would also balance out a Tigers lineup that leans in the opposite direction. Detroits abundance of left-handed hitting has made the addition of at least one big righty bat a clear priority this winter. As Petzold observed, the signing of Gleyber Torres didnt really address the lineup imbalance, as Torres will essentially replace another righty hitter in Spencer Torkelson (as Colt Keith will move to first base to accommodate Torres at second base). In Detroit, Santanders move into right field would shift Kerry Carpenter into DH duty against right-handed pitchers, with Torkelson or Matt Vierling then likely acting as the right-handed side of that DH platoon. Vierling might also serve as the regular third baseman in this scenario where the Tigers signed Santander and not Bregman, depending on how third base prospect Jace Jung adjusts to big league pitching in his first full MLB season. The Tigers payroll situation is pretty clear over the long term, and signing a big bat like Santander to a long-term deal would be the type of win-now move many expected from Detroit after the team reached the ALDS last season. Conceivably, the team could sign both Bregman and Santander, yet it seems more likely that theyd just aim for one of the two players. Bregmans expected contract is more than double what Santander is projected to receive, yet the Tigers may be more willing to pay his steeper price tag. While a gap remains between Detroits preferred offer and Bregmans reported goal of a $200MM deal, Petzold writes that the Tigers appear to be all-in on Bregman. Because the Tigers are a revenue-sharing recipient, they would pay a lesser penalty to sign a player like Santander who rejected the qualifying offer Detroit would have to give up its third-highest pick in the 2025 draft. Since the Angels arent a revenue-sharing team and they didnt cross the luxury tax line last season, theyd have to give up their second-highest pick in the 2025 draft as well as $500K in international bonus pool money. The Blue Jays would pay the same penalty as the Angels, and Toronto might well have even more incentive than either the Halos or Tigers to splurge for a proven bat like Santander. The Jays have thus far come up short on all of their major free agent pursuits this offseason, and are sorely in need of offensive help for what might be Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichettes last season in Toronto. Left-handed pitcher Roenis Elias has reportedly signed a contract for the 2025 season with the Fubon Guardians of the CPBL in Taiwan. TSNA (h/t to CPBL Stats) was the first to report the news (Chinese language link), which Francys Romero later confirmed. The southpaw will earn a guaranteed $500K USD salary. Elias, 36, spent time with the Mariners, Red Sox, and Nationals throughout parts of seven MLB seasons. His best year was his rookie campaign with Seattle in 2014, when he pitched 163 2/3 innings over 29 starts with a 3.85 ERA and 3.96 SIERA. Unfortunately, he struggled to ever replicate that success. From 2015-22, he pitched 232 big league innings over 104 games (25 starts), putting up a 4.03 ERA and 4.49 SIERA. Although he signed a minor league deal with the Cubs ahead of the 2023 season, Elias made only four starts for Triple-A Iowa before the organization released him to pursue a career overseas. He inked a $540K contract with the KBOs SSG Landers in May and pitched to a 3.70 ERA in 131 1/3 innings over the rest of the year. That ERA was well below the 4.14 league average, as was his 6.0% walk rate. Those numbers were enough to earn him another season (and a raise) from the Landers, who re-signed him to a one-year, $1MM deal for the 2024 campaign. Unfortunately, the 2024 season wasnt quite as kind to Elias. He missed time with an oblique injury and finished with a 4.08 ERA in 123 2/3 innings. However, its worth pointing out that his ERA was actually better compared to the league average in 2024 than it was in 2023. He also increased his strikeout rate from 17.0% to 19.8% while slightly reducing his walk rate. Nevertheless, it seems as if the Landers opted not to bring him back for a third year with the club. Instead, Elias will take a pay cut and try to establish himself in a new foreign league. CANTON, MI -- A 30-year-old Chinese man has been charged in connection with the attempted fraud of an elderly Canton woman. Police say Li Biao -- who police described as an illegal foreign national -- contacted the woman in mid-December posing as a senior fraud officer from the womans bank. After convincing the 84-year-old woman he was legitimately with the bank, Biao arranged for the woman to withdraw large sums of money which would be picked up by a co-worker of Biaos. The scheme took place over the course of four days and involved two different pickups. Before a third pickup was arranged, the victims family noticed the unusual bank activity and contacted police. When Biao arrived to collect the money for a third time, police arrested him on Dec. 17. Biao is charged with one count each of fraudulent false pretenses between $20,000 - $50,000 and assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer. This is a tragic example of elder exploitation financial abuse, with the suspect(s) defrauding and stealing from the victim by taking advantage of her vulnerability due to age, said Support Services Captain Joseph Bialy. Biao was arraigned on the charges where bond was set at $100,000 cash. If released from jail, Biao is ordered to wear a GPS tether. We encourage family members, friends and caregivers of the elderly to watch out for warning signs that can include a sudden change in financial habits, missing funds, unexplained large withdrawals, new beneficiaries on accounts, or a new individual with excessive control over an elderly persons financesand report any findings to their local police department, Bialy said. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI A prisoner at the Milan Federal Correctional Institution in Washtenaw County is facing a new set of federal charges for crimes he is accused of committing while incarcerated. A complaint was filed Dec. 19 against David Verner charging him with making threatening communications, stalking and possession of contraband, according to the criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan. The complaint alleges Verner, 43, staked and attempted to extort the family of another prisoner who Verner claimed owed him thousands of dollars, records show. The FBI began investigating Verner after the victim, a prisoner at the facility not named in the indictment, reported to prison staff on Feb. 15 he owed Verner $3,500 and needed to be placed in protective custody, court records show. The $3,500 debt was from activity prior to his incarceration and was passed to Verner, the prisoner said. Verner found out the prisoner was serving time for white-collar offenses and sought to contact the victims family to force them to either pay the debt or cooperate in a scheme to create fraudulent checks for Verner and his associates outside of the prison, records show. Two members of the victims family on March 20 contacted the federal prison to report Verner contacted them. They provided Facebook Messenger chats with him, court records show. In the first message, dated Feb. 16, Verner told the victims family he was owed money and tells them to send him the debt via Cash App, records show. The victims family refused and after some back and forth, they asked Verner to send them a photo of himself. He sent two photos, which the FBI verified were images of Verner, court records show. Verner continued to contact the family for the next few days demanding money until Feb. 26 when his messages became sexual. He demanded lewd photos while describing sexual acts he would do to them, court records show. He then threatened to harm the victim if he didnt get the money soon, according to court records. This is harassment please leave me alone. I really dont have money and dont know what (the victim) did with it, but this is between you and him. Have a nice day, the victims family wrote. Verner continued to berate the family with threats and sexual advances until March when the victim was placed in protective custody, court records show. The FBI determined Verner was contacting the family with a cellphone smuggled into the facility, according to the affidavit. No future court dates have been scheduled. Verner is in prison after being convicted of aiding and abetting a conspiracy to sell more than 100 grams of heroin in Minnesota, court records show. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. FLINT, MI A variety of New Years Eve events will be taking place throughout Flint this week as the holiday season and 2024 come to a close. From live music and champagne toasts to crafts and a balloon drop, these events have something to offer for anyone looking for a special way to ring in the new year. Here are seven events taking place on New Years Day and New Years Eve in Flint this year: Ironsnake Masquerade Ball 80s hair metal fans can celebrate the new year with live music from tribute band Ironsnake at The Machine Shop Concert Lounge, located at 3539 S. Dort Highway in Flint, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 7 p.m. Attendees must be at least 18 years old and have an ID to take part in the event. Tickets to the show cost $15 and can be purchased in advance at etix.com. New Years Eve at Our Lady of Lebanon Residents will be able to dance to live music at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, located at 4133 Calkins Road in Flint, during its New Years Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 7 p.m. The event will feature performances by DJ Abe Matta and Ivan Khair who will be joined by keyboardist Abe Diab. Appetizers and dinner will be served during the event, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own alcohol for a midnight toast. Tickets to the event cost $100 for adults and $50 for children between 6 and 12 years old. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of the event. Scooters NYE Party with Code Blue Scooters Bar & Grill will be hosting a New Years Eve party this year that will feature food, drinks, and a live performance by the band Code Blue. The event will be held at the bar and grill, located at 6004 Torrey Road in Mundy Township, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. Scooters Bar & Grills menu can be found on its website. Flint Eagles New Years Party with Magic5 Flint Eagles 629 will be ringing in the new year with a party featuring live music from Magic5. The event will be held at Flint Eagles 629, located at 2149 N. Dort Highway in Flint, from 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, to midnight. Attendees are encouraged to wear semi-formal attire to the event, and professional photographs will be taken from 6-7 p.m. for $15. A dinner consisting of salad, sides, dessert, and a choice of prime rib or baked chicken will be served from 7-8 p.m. At midnight, there will be a champagne toast, and snacks will be available for attendees. One ticket to the event cost $40, and two tickets cost $75. Tickets can be purchased at Flint Eagles 629s bar. Roaring 20s New Years Eve Gala Residents looking to take part in an old-fashioned New Years celebration can attend the Whaley Historic House Museums Roaring 20s New Years Eve Gala being held at the museum, located at 624 E. Kearsley St. in Flint, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 9 p.m. During the formal and adult-only event, attendees will be able to dance in the Whaley Historic Houses music room. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920s themed black-tie attire and masks. A cash bar and an hors doeuvres buffet will be available for attendees during the event. Tickets to the event cost $35 per individual and $60 per couple. For museum members, tickets cost $30 per individual and $50 per couple. Tickets can be purchased online. New Years Celebration Prayer Residents are invited to join the Lighthouse Spirit of God Church as it celebrates the new year with an evening consisting of prayer, worship. The celebration will be held at the church, located at 1657 Mabel Ave. in Flint, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 9 p.m. The church asks attendees to bring some type of finger food to the event. Noon Years Eve Anyone who doesnt plan to stay up until midnight on New Years Day can still take part in the holidays festivities at the Flint Childrens Museum, located at 1602 University Ave. in Flint, which will be hosting its Noon Years Day on Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Noon Years Day will include firework art, soda geysers, and a balloon drop signifying the transition to the new year. Attendees will also be able to create noisemakers and party crowns during the event. Tickets to Noon Years Day cost $8 per person and can be purchased at the event. Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter. FLINT, MI -- On the day before he was elected president in 1976, Jimmy Carter could have gone anywhere for a final get-out-the-vote rally after a grueling national campaign against Republican Gerald R. Ford. Carter, who died on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 100 years old, chose Flint, cementing a bond with the city he ultimately visited at least six times before, during and after his one term in office. It was a packed house ... pretty extraordinary, said U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Twp., who helped set up for the event and later reminisced about it with Carter when both attended the funeral of the late George H.W. Bush. Carter remembered every detail of the rally, which was attended by thousands at the old IMA auditorium, more than 40 years later, Kildee said. Carter lost Michigan during that campaign but won enough other states to win election as the countrys 39th president. Two years after his election, Carter returned to the IMA, telling a crowd that Flint people were the epitome of what it means to be an honest, decent, hard-working American, according to an archive of his remarks published on the website of The American Presidency Project. And its not an accident that Ive come here, Carter said at the time. There are tens of thousands of places in the United States, as you know, that I could have chosen to come for this town hall meeting ... And I particularly wanted to come here ... because of all the cities that have been hurt by the changes that have taken place in the automobile industry, with excessive imports and too slow a change to new models, Flint has been hurt the most. As president, my heart goes out to those who suffer, and I know that the people in Flint, Michigan, have been suffering, Carter said. And I came here to let you know that (Im working) to put Flint, Michigan, back on its feet economically and to provide jobs for you workers. Thats why I came. Carter had visited Flint prior to election eve in 1976. Months earlier, he led his upstart campaign to a stop in the downtown area where he was captured in an award-winning Flint Journal photograph, waving as he jumped to see the depth of a gathering crowd. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, who was working as a reporter for radio station WFDF, was standing just a few feet away when photographer Lloyd E. Moe Moebius snapped the shot that earned awards from both a national ``Campaign 76 contest and the Michigan Press Photographers Association. Kildee said Carters connection to Flint came about in part because the state was considered winnable by Republicans and Democrats and because of the number of voters who lived along the I-75 corridor. It was also a time when the price of OPEC oil, unemployment and Japanese auto imports were top-shelf issues with many voters here and other industrial cities. Carter campaigned for re-election in Flint in 1980, coming to Flint Northern High School on his birthday on Oct. 1, saying he intended to be the president when a constant stream of American ships filled with American-built automobiles are unloading every week and every month in Tokyo and Yokohama ... Carter would go on to lose the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan in a landslide. Reagan also visited Flint in 1980 to hold the administration flatly responsible for the state of the economy. Kildee said despite serving a single term, Carter showed himself willing to talk about stubborn issues with long-lasting consequences, including human rights, energy conservation, and the environment. In a lot of ways, hes been an outlier ..., he said. He was willing to tell people things they didnt want to hear. KENT COUNTY, MI Residents in a Wyoming neighborhood were evacuated Sunday, Dec. 29, after a man turned on the natural gas inside a house and threatened an explosion, police said. The man surrendered several hours after DTE Energy and Wyoming firefighters shut off gas to the residence on Maplelawn Street SW near Buchanan Avenue, police said. Wyoming police responded to a domestic situation in which the man, following an argument, threatened to cause an explosion by turning on the gas. Nearby residents were evacuated out of an abundance of caution, police said. Police said there was of significant misinformation in social-media reports and that there was no hostage-taking. JACKSON COUNTY, MI Lloyd Gantons love for Jackson-made cars started in the 1970s when he stumbled upon a Fuller automobile inside a bar. Ganton purchased the car, produced in 1908 in Jackson, and restored it, he said. Jackson-made cars quickly became a hobby, which snowballed into the Ye Ole Carriage Shop, a nonprofit museum on Henderson Road showcasing his collections. The 89-year-olds dedication to educating others about Jackson history led to the Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award. Ganton received the honor Dec. 5 during the Jackson County Michigan Historical Societys 4th Annual Banquet. I really appreciate the recognition and consider it a real honor, Ganton said. The historical societys President Maurice Imhoff presented the award, the highest honor of the Presidents Volunteer Service Awards program, on behalf of President Joe Biden. It is presented to those who have dedicated over 4,000 hours of volunteer service and recognizes Gantons 6,500 hours of volunteer work to preserve Jacksons auto history, Imhoff said. For over 45 years, Ganton, who lives in Spring Arbor, has researched, preserved and educated the community about Jackson and the cars manufactured there. Hes collected 18 Jackson-made models including Argo, Briscoe, Buick, Cartercar, Cutting, Earl, Fuller, Imperial, Jaxon and Kaiser Darrin, Ganton said. Jackson was home to 25 car manufacturers from 1901 to 1954. Other than the Buick, none of the models produced here survive anywhere today, but many can be viewed at the museum. Related: Peek Through Time: Made in Jackson appeared on 25 models of automobiles from 1901 to 1954 As I collected, I became more interested and I became kind of affected by the history and how it impacted the Jackson community, Ganton said. We get people from all over the Midwest that come and view the museum. The Spring Arbor museum allows people to step back in time, his wife Judi Ganton said. Visitors can experience when steering wheels were on the right side for the car and how they evolved over the years. The museum also features Coca-Cola collectables, motorcycles, kids peddle cars, Spring Arbor University memorabilia and items from Jacobsons department store, which came to Jackson in 1904 and closed in 1997. Without Ganton, this part of Jacksons history could be lost forever, Imhoff said. He could be putting his time into something far different, but he has chosen to spend countless hours building something for the Jackson community, not just for himself, Imhoff said. Its nice for him to be recognized for his work, Judi said. While he doesnt collect or rebuild cars anymore, he keeps the museum around for generations to see. Ganton enjoys sharing his collection and regularly gives tours to school children and senior groups, Judi said. I feel after working with the community all my life, its a real tribute to receive that (the award), Ganton said. Im honored and I hope I can continue for a few more years. Ganton owns Lloyd Ganton Retirement Centers, which operates 11 facilities in the Jackson County-area. Additionally, Ganton and Judi have served on a variety of boards and contributed to many organizations, including the Salvation Army, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, United Way, Cascades Humane Society and Spring Arbor University. Ganton receiving a national award helps put Jackson on the map, Imhoff said. Id say it shows the spirit of the Jackson community, Imhoff said. That we in Jackson are standing up to volunteer and get involved in our community to make it a better place. Ye Ole Carriage Shop, 3538 Henderson Road in Spring Arbor, is open by appointment. People can call Judi at 517-414-1773 to schedule a tour. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Polls, policy and policing: How elections, budget, SEBI, RBI all influenced the Indian stock market in 2024 Zoya Springwala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Close kin of judges for HC judgeship: SC collegium may consider idea against it 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Decimated NCP: Can Sharad Pawar pull his party out of crisis? These are the 3 options before him J. Kumar is an author, journalist and a political commentator based in in Mumbai who writes on crime and Maharashtra politics. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept I am proud of being Dravidian stock, TN CM Stalin says at 'Pudhumai Penn' scheme expansion Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Siang project not just for generating power but mitigating flood risks posed by China: Arunachal CM Pema Kahandu Siddharth Chakravorty USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept In this editing of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: Indian banks gearing for change in new year, how the trading cycle will fare in 2024... In death, Manmohan Singh has managed what he couldnt in life a fair appraisal in the media USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Influencer dies after chugging two bottles of whiskey for Rs 75,000 bet in Thailand Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Ankita Sengupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Manjiri Patil USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept How Mossad found out about ex-Hezbollah commander's 4 mistresses and his desperate plan to marry them Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Year 2025 to witness four eclipses, but only one visible in India: Know dates and details Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Danish Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Debangana Ghosh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Nosferatu evokes the days when vampires werent cute or sexy, just scary and thirsty Aero Fire closure on Highway 4 View Photo At the end of December 2024, we take a look back at the most popular news stories of the year. This year the Aero Fire in June threatened Copperopolis and evacuated the area pushing it to the top most viewed of all our news stories. The Aero fire burned 5,351 acres. In July there was the Pedro Fire eventually burning 3,815 acres near Lake Don Pedro. There was also the 80 acre Canyon Fire near Tuolumne on August 9 that put the entire neighborhood of Ponderosa Hills under an evacuation order. In January our Californias new laws in 2024 summary entitled A tax increase LGBTQ+ youth protections and more sick leave highlight CA new laws in 2024 was at the top most viewed. The January train derailment in Downtown Sonora led to several news stories that all ranked among the top news stories of 2024. The road is now fully repaired from the train derailment and the sinkhole nearby the train tracks, and the photos and video of the incident attest to how impressive it was that no one was injured. At the beginning of the year an Easter Weekend Winter Storm Warning was issued raising concerns but fortunately the impact was minimal at lower elevations. There was a low elevation snow storm in April, April spring snowstorm blankets Mother Lode details some of the disruptions it caused. Our local webcams were a popular way to survey the situation. Other law enforcement stories in the top most read news stories this year are: New Beginnings for Former Sonora Burger King Site (California Burrito is now open) In March the news story Statewide Prop 1 Narrowly Passing detailed how the measure almost failed. The overhaul of the Mental Health Services Act, opposed by the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, did pass. Election stories, Clarke Broadcasting hosted candidate forums in March and again in November. Our elections page reflected the live on-air updates all evening on both election days in 2024. In May there was a Mountain Lion Sighting news story. While the wild animal is expected in this area, it is still good to let neighbors know when one is near suburban areas. Mountain Lion Sighting In Tuttletown Area In August a jogger in Long Barn was attacked by a bear and he was injured. The jogger accidentally came upon a cub, all the details are here. Other news stories about the Chicken Ranch Casino Resort opening made the top stories including video of the ribbon cutting here and the story with 35 photos Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in July. Major traffic incidents and other sad news Update: Fatality In Crash On Tuolumne Road 89-year old Natividad Deanda of Sonora was not wearing a seatbelt. The remains of missing hiker Michael Moore were reported located. Two Killed in Calaveras in Head-On Crash was followed up with the sad details. Calaveras man dies in Mokelumne Hill also happened. The fatalities resulted in the CHP releasing a warning detailed here. A Fresno man wanted on child sex crimes skipped his court hearing and was last seen heading out of town on a motorcycle, possibly heading to the Mother Lode. 54-year-old Steven Carl Schapansky was reported as missing on September 13 and has not been reported as found. Our news story Suspect Facing Child Sex Charges is on the Run. Other popular non local news stories Senate Rep. Oust Dem. Incumbent for first time since 1980 Newsom executive order to fix states insurance crisis released 5.2 Magnitude Tremor Hits Northern Greece Gunmen kill 6 people including a local chief of paramilitary rev. guard in Iran 15 killed after a landslide illegal gold mine Indonesia Sumatra 2024 was an eventful year and we at Clarke Broadcasting look forward to bringing you local news in 2025. President Joe Biden has issued a Statement regarding the death of former President Jimmy Carter. Biden was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here is the Statement: TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES: It is my solemn duty to announce officially the death of James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States, on December 29, 2024. President Carter was a man of character, courage, and compassion, whose lifetime of service defined him as one of the most influential statesmen in our history. He embodied the very best of America: A humble servant of God and the people. A heroic champion of global peace and human rights, and an honorable leader whose moral clarity and hopeful vision lifted our Nation and changed our world. The son of a farmer and a nurse, President Carters remarkable career in public service began in 1943 as a cadet at the United States Naval Academy. He later served in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets before becoming a decorated lieutenant and being selected to join the elite nuclear submarine program. After his father died, he shifted from active duty to the Navy Reserve and returned home to Plains, Georgia, to help manage his familys peanut farm. He worked hard stewarding the land while leading his community as a church deacon, Sunday school teacher, and board member of a hospital and library. His deep faith inspired a passion for public service that led him to be elected State Senator, Georgias 76th Governor, and ultimately President of the United States. As President, he understood that Government must be as good as its people and his faith in the people was boundless just as his belief in America was limitless and his hope for our common future was perennial. With President Carters leadership, the modern Department of Education and the Department of Energy were created. He championed conservation, and his commitment to a more just world was at the heart of his foreign policy, leading on nuclear nonproliferation, signing the Panama Canal treaties, and mediating the historic 1978 Camp David Accords. His partnership with Vice President Walter Mondale is one that future administrations strived to achieve. Following his Presidency, President Carter advanced an agenda that elevated the least among us. Guided by an unwavering belief in the power of human goodness and the Godgiven dignity of every human being, he worked tirelessly around the globe to broker peace; eradicate disease; house the homeless; and protect human rights, freedom, and democracy. Through his extraordinary moral leadership, President Carter lived a noble life full of meaning and purpose. And as a trusted spiritual leader, he shepherded people through seasons of pain and joy, inspiring them through the power of his example and healing them through the power of his guidance. As we mourn the loss of President Carter, we hold the memory of his beloved Rosalynn, his wife of over 77 years, close in our hearts. Exemplifying hope, warmth, and service, she and her husband inspired the Nation. The love Rosalynn and President Carter shared is the definition of partnership, and their devotion to public service is the definition of patriotism. May President Carters memory continue to be a light pointing us forward. May we continue to be guided by his spirit in our Nation and in our world. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr., and as an expression of public sorrow, do hereby direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions for a period of 30 days from the day of his death. I also direct that, for the same length of time, the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall make similar arrangements for the display of the flag at halfstaff over their embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. I hereby order that suitable honors be rendered by units of the Armed Forces under orders of the Secretary of Defense. I do further appoint January 9, 2025, as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States. I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. A tragedy unfolded on Christmas Day at the Harare residence of Supreme Court Justice Felistus Chatukuta, leaving behind a cloud of unanswered questions and a community in mourning. Agreement Ndhlera, a 27-year-old prison officer assigned to guard duty at the judges Mt Pleasant home, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. While police are treating the death as a suicide, the circumstances surrounding the event remain shrouded in uncertainty. The incident, which occurred around 5:45 AM on December 25th, involved Ndhlera and a fellow officer, Co1 Dziripi, who were on duty together. An internal memo from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the shooting. On December 25, at about 0600hrs a telephone report was received by Chief Supt Mukombachoto to the effect that on the same day about 0545hrs at Justice Chatukutas place of residence2939614G Co1 Ndhlera Agreement of CPU section took his life using AK 47 rifle whilst he was on guard duty in the company of 2939175E co1 Dziripi E also of CPU section at Justice Chatukutas place of residence in Marlborough, the memo states. According to the memo, Ndhlera allegedly retrieved an AK-47 rifle from the guard room, moved approximately 15-20 metres away, and cocked the weapon. Witnessing this, Co1 Dziripi fled the scene, seeking safety. According to the memo, it is alleged that Co1 Ndhlela was on guard duty in the company of co1 Dziripi at Chatukutas place of residence in Marlborough, whilst they were sitted in the guard room. At around 0545hrs co1 Ndhlera grabbed AK rifle which was on the table in the guard room and run out of the guard room due north inside the security wall about 15 to 20m from the guard room. He stopped and corked the AK rifle with his leg, seeing this action co1 Dziripi ran away and jumped the wall to the next house taking cover. All of sudden he heard a gun shoot and Co1 Dziripi also jumped the wall from the next house where he took cover going outside into Lower Humpden Street. He checked from outside what had happened to co1 Ndhlera over the wall and saw him lying on the ground under a tree. He then advised his superiors. The memo continues, describing how Dziripi, after hearing the gunshot, observed Ndhlera lying on the ground and subsequently informed their superiors. The matter was reported to ZRP Marlborough under RRB 6264217. While police have classified the death as a suicide, the details paint a complex picture. The ZPCS memo, while providing a chronological account, doesnt offer insight into the underlying motivations for Ndhleras actions. Close sources, while confirming the events as described in the memo, remain shocked and express uncertainty about the reasons behind the tragedy. Close sources confirmed the incident that they are still shocked and the reasons for his suicide are still unknown. Adding to the uncertainty, a separate report emerged earlier, stating that Ndhlera was found dead at Justice Chatukutas home around 7 PM on December 24th, with a gunshot wound to the head. This report also cites a family dispute as a potential contributing factor to Ndhleras state of mind. The discrepancy in the time of death requires further clarification. However, ZimLive reported that Agreement Ndhlera, 27, was found dead at Justice Felistus Chatukutas home in Mt Pleasant with a gunshot wound to the head at around 7PM on December 24. According to Zimlive, the incident happened on 24 December at around 7pm, while according to other sources, the incident took place on Christmas day in the morning. Nonetheless, Police are treating his death as a suicide. Ndhlera was allegedly in turmoil over a family dispute, a law enforcement source said. It is unclear if Justice Chatukuta, appointed to the bench in October 2005, was home at the time. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Pin Share Share 0 Shares Zimbabwes education system is poised for a significant overhaul, with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education set to implement a new curriculum framework starting next term. This follows the discontinuation of the Continuous Assessment Learning Activities (CALAs), which were in place from 2021 until earlier this year. The new framework, dubbed the Heritage-Based Curriculum, aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Mr Taungana Ndoro, the Ministrys communications and advocacy director, explained the rationale behind the shift. In 2025, a new curriculum framework, the Heritage-Based Curriculum, will be implemented for subsequent cohorts. This new framework addresses current educational needs and trends, ensuring that students are better prepared for future challenges, Mr Ndoro stated. The Heritage-Based Curriculum represents a departure from the previous 2015-2022 framework, under which the current Grade Seven, Form Four, and Form Six students completed their education. This means these students completed their education under the guidelines established in that framework, which has been in place for several years, Mr Ndoro clarified. He emphasised that the 2024 cohort will be the last to follow the older framework. A key component of the new curriculum is the introduction of School-Based Projects (SBPs) as a method of continuous assessment. This replaces the discontinued CALAs, providing a practical, hands-on approach to evaluating student learning. The mention of school-based projects for continuous assessment is under the Heritage-Based Curriculum and indicates that, while the CALA has been phased out, students will still engage in practical projects that contribute to their overall assessment, Mr Ndoro explained. SBPs are designed to evaluate students learning and skills in a more hands-on, practical manner, aligning with the educational goals of fostering critical thinking and creativity. The transition to the Heritage-Based Curriculum will involve more than just a change in assessment methods. The Ministry anticipates updates to teaching methodologies and learning outcomes to ensure alignment with the new frameworks objectives. The transition to this new curriculum may include updated teaching methodologies, assessment strategies and learning outcomes. Its part of a broader effort to enhance educational quality and relevance, Mr Ndoro said. The emphasis on practical skills development within the SBPs reflects a recognition of the importance of preparing students for the demands of a digital age. These skills, Mr Ndoro added, will equip learners to seamlessly adapt to the evolving technological landscape. These skills, he added, will help the learners to easily adapt in a digital world. The Ministrys decision to implement the Heritage-Based Curriculum signals a commitment to modernising Zimbabwes education system. The shift away from CALAs and the introduction of SBPs represent a significant change, aimed at fostering a more engaging and relevant learning experience for students. The focus on practical skills and critical thinking is expected to better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Pin Share Share 0 Shares I had planned to write one of those year-end reviews for today on what Europe lost over the past year in its ongoing self-immolation against Russia, but that will have to wait for a later date. Thats because while much of the attention these days is on the upcoming closure of the final gas pipeline running from Russia to Europe through Ukraine, the EU also has the shovels out and is digging itself a hole with another of its big LNG suppliers in Qatar. The EU Threatens to Cut Itself Off From Another Supplier The EU is targeting Qatar with its new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, which requires larger companies operating in the bloc to check whether their supply chains use forced labour or cause environmental damage. On its face, that sounds great, but it could further limit Europes energy options following its decision to restrict supplies from Russia, which has caused widespread economic devastation in the bloc. Failure to take enough action on the EUs corporate sustainability items in the eyes of Brussels can result in penalties, including fines of up to five percent of global turnover. Qatar simply says it will end all liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales to the EU rather than pay any penalties. If the case is that I lose 5% of my generated revenue by going to Europe, I will not go to Europe. Im not bluffing, Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times in an interview published on Dec. 22. He added that five percent of generated revenue of QatarEnergy means five percent of generated revenue of the Qatar state. This is the peoples money, so I cannot lose that kind of money and nobody would accept losing that kind of money. Now its entirely possible if not likely that the EU backs down on corporate sustainability demands of Qatar. Maybe this is just a threat so that some palms can be greased in Brussels. Then again, who would have believed that the EU would voluntarily cut off Russian pipeline gas and destroy its own industry over the course of the past three years? The Consequences Qatar is the worlds third largest exporter of LNG after the US and Australia. And since the EU cut itself off from Russian pipeline gas, Qatar has provided between 12-14 percent of Europes LNG needs, which puts it alongside the US and Russia as one of the top LNG suppliers to the bloc. Any supply constraints from Qatar would be a major blow. Qatar is one of the worlds largest LNG exporters. The EU is increasingly reliant on its LNG due to reduced natural gas supplies from Russia. A disruption in Qatari LNG shipments would likely exacerbate supply constraints, especially during winter months when demand peaks, James Willn, partner at global law company Reed Smiths energy and natural resources group, told The National. As we can see from the above chart, its especially bad news for Europes second largest industrial center in Italy, which gets about 50 percent of its LNG from the US, while around 39 percent was arriving from Qatar. As a result of the Red Sea chaos driven by the Wests support for genocide in Gaza and Yemens efforts to put an end to it shipments are being cancelled or delayed, but Italian energy company Edison is still in the middle of a 25-year contract with QatarEnergy for about 6.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) per year of LNG, and Italian energy giant Eni signed a 27-year deal in 2023. Those deliveries might not be completely cut off, but Kaabi, Qatars energy minister, said Doha will explore legal avenues if it faces penalties and would rule out shipping any new supplies. The EU is already dealing with demand destruction and could be looking at even more should it begin to face problems with the supply of Qatari LNG. In 2022, EU gas consumption dropped by 13.5 percent compared to the prior years levels, its steepest drop in history. The decline is the equivalent to the amount of gas needed to supply over 40 million homes, but it was factories rather than homes making up the biggest chunk of that drop: the EUs industrial sector accounted for approximately 45% of the demand decrease. Its struggled to recover, and theres probably not a lot the EU can do at this point to fix the problem as the hardest hit industries have not recovered and many operations have either closed or relocated. Brussels could, however, make the problem even worse, which issues with Qatari LNG could do. Thats because one of the biggest components of the blocs strategy to deal with the loss of Russian pipeline gas is more reliance on LNG. Twelve new LNG terminals and six expansion projects of existing terminals were commissioned between 2022 and 2024, which are increasing the EUs LNG import capacity by 70 bcm to 284 bcm. That strategy has its own problems, namely it is more expensive and less reliable, but it becomes even more unworkable if the EU starts excluding the worlds third largest LNG producer. A brief look at the current situation shows how little room the EU has to mess around. The industrial gas demand drop in the bloc has not resulted in significant fuel switching, but instead in lower industrial output, largely due to the loss of competitiveness. Its easy to see why. From the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia: Import substitution in some energy-intensive sectorsand broader macroeconomic headwinds for manufacturing activityhave prolonged the weakness of gas-consuming industries, especially in 2023. These headwinds are unlikely to subside soon. As of March 2024, the forward curve for the TTF benchmark still indicated price levels of around 2530/MWh through 2028, markedly higher than the historical average of 1520/MWh observed over 201519. Even if European gas prices returned to those historical levels, energy-intensive industries across the EU would still face immense pressures from overseas competitors in North America (where the Henry Hub benchmark was trading at well under the equivalent of 10/MWh in early March 2024) and from other producers benefiting from artificially low regulated gas prices, including those in the Middle East and North Africa. The EU likes to tout its growing renewables energy, but that has not made up the difference of gas reduction and is largely unhelpful for energy-intensive industries. We can see the effect on the EUs two largest industrial centers, Italy and Germany: Italys industrial output has contracted for 18 consecutive months and is already dealing with recent gas supply issues due to the cutoffs of Russian gas that was still flowing via pipeline through Ukraine to Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. Austrian company Osterreichische Mineralolverwaltung or Austrian Mineral Oil Administration was already forced by a European court ruling to stop buying from Russia; now Ukrainian emperor Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the last remaining pipeline transit through Ukraine can only continue on the condition that Moscow does not receive payment until after the war. Despite efforts by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, it appears as though a deal is not in the cards. This is a blow to Italy as Rome had been buying from Vienna increasing amounts from Vienna due to Red Sea shipment problems and as grand plans to source more gas from North Africa largely fell through. At first, I could not believe my eyes. But digging, data is revealing an unpleasant truth. Italy still relies on Russian gas more than what could appear. In March, Italy imports from Austria ballooned year-on-year and month-on-month. Francesco Sassi (@Frank_Stones) April 23, 2024 Doing no better than Italy is Germany, which is entering global financial crisis or pandemic-level-decline territory: Berlin is calling for the sustainability directive to be postponed by two years. Why Is the Fight with Qatar Now? The stated reason is thats what the directive on corporate sustainability due diligence passed in July 2024 requires. Heres the overview from the European Commission: The core elements of this duty are identifying and addressing potential and actual adverse human rights and environmental impacts in the companys own operations, their subsidiaries and, where related to their value chain(s), those of their business partners. In addition, the Directive sets out an obligation for large companies to adopt and put into effect, through best efforts, a transition plan for climate change mitigation aligned with the 2050 climate neutrality objective of the Paris Agreement as well as intermediate targets under the European Climate Law. The directive requires EU countries to impose fines for non-compliance with a maximum limit of not less than five percent of the companys annual global revenue. Qatar still has time to adhere to the requirements. Countries have to adopt the EU-mandated rules into national law by 2026 and in 2027 the rules will start to apply to companies, but theyre already starting to call into question the long-term viability of Qatar as an LNG supplier to the EU. Well have to wait and see exactly how the rules are applied and if US companies face the same scrutiny. The EUs track record there isnt great as its human rights and environmental concerns are often wielded as a geopolitical tool. We dont have to look far for evidence. While the EU is super worried about Uyghurs in China and the plight of Iranians, it somehow never utters a word about the nearly 700,000 Americans (a number that is likely higher) who are homeless or the US carceral state, which leads the world and coincidentally gives the US a labor advantage at a time when the EU is facing a competitiveness crisis. Brussels can lecture China and others on climate change action while ignoring the fact that the US LNG it increasingly relies on is worse for the environment than coal. Thats because the production of shale gas, as well as liquefaction to make LNG and transport it by tanker, is energy-intensive. And it looks set to rely even more on those LNG exports from Washington. Trump plans to remove any barriers to more drilling, and the EU wants to buy all it can in an effort to charm Trump and prevent tariffs on imports to the US from the EU. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, doing her best to prove her worth to the incoming administration, came up with a plan to buy even more gas from the US, which would shoot the EU in both feet. This would increase dependence on the US while simultaneously doing even more to wreck the economies of EU states. Heres Politico with the details: Stressing that the EU still buys significant amounts of energy from Russia, von der Leyen asked: Why not replace it by American LNG, which is cheaper for us and brings down our energy prices? Its something where we can get into a discussion, also [where] our trade deficit is concerned. During the first Trump term, Juncker avoided more tariffs by assuring the U.S. president that Europe would facilitate more imports of liquefied natural gas (and more American soybeans.) In fact, the European Commission has no real power in determining European companies purchases of LNG and soybeans, but Trump was happy to accept the political theater of parading data that European purchases were going up. There is no evidence that American LNG is cheaper, as von der Leyen is quoted as saying. Its actually a lot more expensive than the pipeline Russian gas Europe used to get. Theres also the fact that the European Commission doesnt have the power to dictate who member states buy gas from. It can remove some options via sanctions, however. It could also utilize its new Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive to make business with certain countries say Qatar more unattractive while simultaneously making US exports more appealing. Willn, the partner at global law company Reed Smiths energy and natural resources group told The National the following: Qatar could redirect its LNG exports to other markets, such as China, Japan or South Korea, which are major LNG importers and less likely to impose similar sustainability laws. The EU would need to seek alternative suppliers, such as the US, Australia or African nations, potentially at higher costs. The directive was one of many new powers added to Ursulas toolbox during her first five-year term in response to the crisis brought on by the blocs war against Russia. They include the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, International Procurement Instrument, an Anti-Coercion Instrument, and the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. Most are being put to good use for the benefit of US geopolitical goals and the bottom lines of American companies. The same looks likely with the sustainability directive. By Joe Fassler, a writer and journalist whose work on climate and technology appears in outlets like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Wired. Originally published at DeSmog. Since winning the U.S. election, president-elect Donald Trump has been filling his cabinet with conservative ideologues that could set back progress on fighting climate change and shifting to cleaner forms of energy for years if not decades. Many of Trumps picks arent necessarily household names, but theyre backed by major players in the world of climate obstruction. They include fracking billionaires and powerful conservative organizations that for decades have sought to block climate solutions and confuse the American public about climate science. These anti-climate networks and fossil fuel executives are loudly expressing their support for Trumps cabinet selections and in some cases actively lobbied for them. Here are the top six power players behind the scenes you should be paying attention to. America First Policy Institute (AFPI) Trumps cabinet picks so far have more direct links to AFPI than any other organization. And thats no surprise. Founded in 2021 by members of the former presidents cabinet, AFPI has been viewed as a hotspot for long-time allies vying for their place in a second Trump term what some have called a White House in waiting. AFPIs policy agenda looks a lot like Project 2025, the controversial conservative wishlist catalyzed by the Heritage Foundation that was attacked by top Democrats and others during the U.S. election. However, it lacks the Heritage-backed efforts brand recognition and political baggage. In addition to advocating for vast cuts to the federal government workforce and broad deregulation of industry, AFPI calls for dramatic expansion of domestic oil and gas production despite broad scientific consensus that doing so would be incompatible with a livable future. Its promoted the myth that renewable energy is unreliable and weather-dependent, and that only fossil fuels can provide power consistently, a bad faith assertion with no basis in fact. And its called for a halt to new policies that would disproportionately target one sector at the expense of another a stance that would hobble the clean energy transition. At least 11 Trump cabinet nominees have ties to AFPI, including some of his top posts. Former Republican Congressman Lee Zeldin (Environmental Protection Agency) is currently a chair at AFPI and a board member at its lobbying arm, America First Works, which publicly congratulated him on the nomination. Former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi (Attorney General of the U.S.) is chair at AFPIs Center for Litigation. Linda McMahon (Department of Education) is the chair of AFPIs board. Brooke Rollins (Department of Agriculture) is currently AFPIs President and CEO. Economist Kevin Hassett (National Economic Council) serves as chair of AFPIs Board of Academic Advisors. Former Republican congressman Doug Collins (Veterans Affairs) is chair of AFPIs Georgia chapter. Former Trump director of national security John Ratcliffe (Central Intelligence Agency) is co-chair of AFPIs Center for American Security, where Kash Patel (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is a senior fellow. Former acting U.S. Attorney General Matthew Whitaker (NATO chief) is co-chair of AFPIs Center for Law and Justice. Project 2025 Heritage Foundation Texas Public Policy Foundation Project 2025 generated plenty of controversy during the 2024 election cycle, and was quickly disavowed by Trump despite his numerous close ties to the effort. But the organizations that co-signed or contributed to the 900-page Mandate for Leadership blueprint for reshaping the federal government, a massive white paper overseen by the Heritage Foundation, are still well-represented among Trumps pending appointees. The most prominent links are to the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), a think tank that routinely downplays the dangers of anthropogenic climate change and calls clean energy policies catastrophic. Its been heavily funded over the years by the network of foundations linked to oil and gas billionaires Charles Koch and his later brother David, according to DeSmogs review of financial disclosure forms. Five other family fortunes have funneled over $120 million into Project 2025 advisory groups since 2020, a DeSmog analysis earlier this year found. At least twelve Trump cabinet nominees have ties to groups that signed on to the Project 2025 Mandate for Leadership document, or were involved with the initiative directly. Rollins (Department of Agriculture) spent 15 years running the Texas Public Policy Institute, which itself has been a feeder organization for the Heritage Foundation; TPPFs past president, Kevin Roberts, went on to lead Heritage. Wright (Department of Energy) spoke at a Texas Public Policy Foundation event in 2022, and was congratulated on his nomination by Kevin Roberts. Florida GOP Sen. Marco Rubio (Secretary of State) was also praised for his nomination by the Heritage Foundation. Russel Vought (Office of Management and Budget) wrote Project 2025s chapter on reconfiguring the executive branch. James Braid (legislative affairs) a legislative director for incoming vice president J. D. Vance, is an advisor to Project 2025 nonprofit American Moment, and also appeared in an instructional video for the Heritage-backed effort. Karoline Leavitt (Press Secretary) also made one of the training videos, according to ProPublica. Federal Communications Commission commissioner Brendan Carr, whom Trump seeks to promote to chair the agency, wrote Project 2025s section on his employer. Former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan (border czar), a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, was listed as a contributor to the Mandate for Leadership document. Michigan Republican party chair Pete Hoekstra (Ambassador to Canada) was also listed as a contributor, as was Ratcliffe (Central Intelligence Agency). Tim Dunn Dunn, the Texas oil and gas billionaire and pastor who was one of the Trump campaigns biggest donors in 2024, has numerous links to recently announced cabinet nominees starting with the fact that he sits on the America First Policy Institutes board and reportedly helped found the organization. But hes also a director of Convention of States, a focused, well-funded effort to rewrite the U.S. constitution in ways that would limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and shift the country towards his vision of a theocratic petrostate. Critics call it a conservative Christian Nationalist plan for America. In addition to pushing for policy that would hamper the federal governments ability to respond proactively to environmental crises, Convention of States has published blog posts that call climate change a hoax and a source of irrational hysteria. At least two Project 2025 organizations also have close ties to the Convention of States effort supported by Dunn. Mark Meckler, co-founder of Project 2025 signee Tea Party Patriots, currently serves as president of the efforts lobbying arm, Convention of States Action. And Michael Farris, who co-founded Convention of States with Meckler, recently left to lead Alliance Defending Freedom, another Project 2025 signee. Its effort to force a constitutional convention has been supported by the American Legislative Exchange Council, an organization that works with corporations like ExxonMobil and Koch Industries to supply lawmakers with templates for legislation. In addition to those linked to him through AFPI, four other cabinet nominees have connections to Dunn. Pharmaceutical billionaire and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (Department of Government Efficiency) has endorsed the Convention of States, as has Trump campaign press chief Leavitt (Press Secretary). Fox News host Pete Hegseth (Department of Defense), whose nomination is embattled after sexual assault allegations and questions about relevant military experience, is also a long-time endorser of the Convention of States. Harold Hamm Harold Hamm, who made billions drilling for oil in North Dakotas Bakken Formation, gave more than $1.6 million to Trumps re-election campaign this year. The company he founded, Continental Resources, where he currently sits as executive chair, donated another $2 million to the campaign. Hamm, who has downplayed the threat posed by climate change in numerous past statements, advocates for opening up more federal lands to drilling, easing the Endangered Species Act, and curbing numerous regulations at the Environmental Protection Agency, according to The Washington Post. He reportedly gave at least $1 million as a part of the donor network run by Charles Koch and his late brother David Koch, a key actor in the funding and dissemination of climate disinformation. At least two Trump cabinet appointees were directly endorsed by Hamm: Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright (Department of Energy) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (Department of Interior). Alliance for Responsible Citizenship The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC), launched by conservative influencer Jordan Peterson in 2023, includes several individuals on its advisory board who deny or downplay the threat of anthropogenic climate change. These include Center for African Prosperity director Magatte Wade, whose organization is a project of the Atlas Network coalition of free-market think tanks with a decades-long history of promoting climate denial; Bjorn Lomberg, a political scientist and activist who argues against climate alarmism in his writings; Michael Shellenberger, Breakthrough Institute co-founder and political hopeful, who called focusing on the dangers of climate change a form of crying wolf; and Peterson himself, who has likened climate activism to a mostly baseless psuedo-religion that is really about imposing socialist control on society. Other anti-climate activists affiliated with ARC events include fossil fuel evangelist Alex Epstein, former BP scientist Steve Koonin and Dennis Prager, founder of the rightwing media outlet PragerU. Epstein has enthusiastically backed Wright as Trumps pick for Department of Energy, saying that he was thrilled about the nomination, while both Koonin and Prager have previously engaged with or promoted the fossil fuel executive. In addition, Wright (Department of Energy) has called both Bjorn Lomborg and Magatte Wade his friends, and taped a panel discussion for ARC earlier this year. Ramaswamy (Department of Government Efficiency) is also on ARCs advisory board. CO2 Coalition Many of the organizations in DeSmogs Climate Disinformation Database simply downplay the threat of climate change. The CO2 Coalition, a 501(c)(3) established in 2015, actually embraces it. In materials ranging from white papers to childrens books, the Coalition argues that planet-warming emissions only serve to make plants healthier, the world more livable, and people more prosperous. Life-giving CO2 should be valued, not demonized, a staffer argued, in an indicative blog post. Over the years, the CO2 Coalition has been funded by donors working to obstruct progress on climate change, including the 85 Fund, the Charles Koch Institute, and the Mercer Family Foundation. At least one Trump cabinet appointee has been shown to have links to the CO2 Coalition, according to DeSmogs previous reporting: Wright (Department of Energy), who has received the organizations endorsement. I had a chance to sit down one-on-one with Chris in 2022 in his Denver office and was impressed with his knowledge and views on energy philosophy, which aligned closely with those of the CO2 Coalition, wrote Gregory Wrightstone, the groups executive director. The main thing that [Wright] and I and the CO2 Coalition agree on is that increasing CO2 is a net benefit, Wrightstone told DeSmog in a recent interview. Its not the demon molecule, its the miracle molecule. Taken together, these cabinet nominees suggest a disturbing pattern for how the new administration plans to govern: At a time when scientific and policy experts broadly agree that climate action is urgently needed, Trumps picks are backed by some of the most reactionary obstructionists in American politics. Apex predator at large: Burmese pythons that can devour whole deer and alligators INVADING the Florida Everglades Massive invasive Burmese pythons, native to Southeast Asia, have established a stronghold in the Florida Everglades, decimating native wildlife populations. These apex predators can swallow prey six times their size, including deer, foxes, bobcats, raccoons and even alligators, disrupting the delicate ecosystem. Recent studies reveal pythons are driving native species to extinction, with some consuming migratory birds that travel thousands of miles to the Everglades. Pythons were introduced to Florida in the 1970s and 1980s as exotic pets, but many were released into the wild as they grew too large for owners to handle. Today, tens of thousands of pythons inhabit the Everglades, with their population growing unchecked. Conservation groups, like the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, have removed hundreds of pythons and tracked them with radio tags, but these efforts are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Urgent measures are needed, including increased python removal efforts, stricter regulations on exotic pet ownership and international collaboration to address the crisis. Failure to act risks mass extinctions and long-term damage to the Everglades, a critical habitat for diverse wildlife and migratory birds. The Florida Everglades, a vast and unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife, is facing an unprecedented threat from an invasive predator: the Burmese python. These massive snakes, capable of swallowing prey six times their size, have established a stronghold in the Everglades, and their voracious appetites are driving native animal populations to the brink of extinction. Biologists are now sounding the alarm, warning that urgent action is needed to control the python population before its too late. The Burmese pythons deadly appetite Burmese pythons are no ordinary predators. These snakes, native to Southeast Asia, have adapted remarkably well to the Florida environment, and their hunting capabilities are nothing short of astonishing. A recent study by scientists from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida revealed that a single 115-pound female python is able to consume a 77-pound white-tailed deer a feat that challenges the limits of what scientists previously thought pythons were capable of. The video footage of the snakes jaw unhinging to engulf the deers entire torso is both mesmerizing and terrifying. But deer are just the beginning. Pythons have been documented eating foxes, bobcats, raccoons and even alligators. In one shocking case, a team of researchers discovered an 18-foot python that had swallowed a five-foot long alligator whole. These snakes are true apex predators, with the ability to take down prey several times larger than themselves. Their lower jawbones are not fused, allowing their mouths to open to an incredible 10.2 inches in diameter wide enough to swallow animals six times their size. Their elastic skin further aids in this process, enabling them to stretch around large preys. (Related: Experts discover terror beast fossils in Greenland that are over half a BILLION years old.) The catastrophic impact of pythons on Florida's native wildlife The consequences of this predation are dire. The Everglades is home to a diverse array of wildlife, from small mammals and birds to larger species like deer and alligators. But the arrival of the Burmese python has thrown this delicate ecosystem into chaos. Native species that have coexisted for millennia are now being hunted to extinction by an invasive predator that they have no natural defenses against. One of the most alarming findings from recent research is that Burmese pythons are not just eating local wildlife theyre consuming birds that migrate thousands of miles to reach the Everglades. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida revealed that pythons have been feasting on birds that traveled as far as Canada before meeting their end in the Florida wetlands. This discovery underscores the far-reaching impact of the python invasion, highlighting the need for a coordinated, multi-agency response to address the problem. The story of how Burmese pythons came to dominate the Everglades is a cautionary tale about the dangers of exotic pet ownership. These snakes were first introduced to Florida in the late 1970s and early 1980s when they were popular pets in the exotic animal trade. However, as the pythons grew larger some reaching lengths of 20 feet and weights of over 200 pounds many owners found themselves unable to care for them. Rather than finding responsible solutions, some released their pets into the wild, where they quickly established breeding populations. Today, its estimated that tens of thousands of Burmese pythons inhabit the Greater Everglades, with their numbers continuing to grow unchecked. Efforts to control the population have been underway for over a decade, but the scale of the problem is overwhelming. The Conservancy of Southwest Floridas research team has tagged 120 pythons with radio trackers and removed 770 adult snakes from a 150-square-mile area, but these efforts are only a drop in the bucket compared to the total population. The cost of inaction The ecological cost of failing to control the Burmese python population is staggering. If each of the 770 pythons removed by the Conservancys team had eaten just one deer, that would amount to over 13,000 pounds of prey a figure that puts the scale of the problem into perspective. Native species in Florida like foxes, raccoons and deer are disappearing at an alarming rate, and the ripple effects are being felt throughout the ecosystem. Bird populations, in particular, are suffering. The Everglades is a critical stopover for migratory birds, and the loss of these species could have far-reaching consequences for bird populations across North America. This underscores the urgent need for a coordinated response that goes beyond state and national borders. To prevent mass extinctions, immediate and sustained action is needed. This includes increased efforts to remove pythons from the wild, stricter regulations on the exotic pet trade and greater collaboration between state, federal and international agencies. The problem of Burmese pythons is not just a Florida issue its a global one, and it requires a global solution. "This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of their impact on prey populations," said Bruce Jayne, a professor at the University of Cincinnati. The time to act is now, before the Everglades loses more of its precious wildlife to the insatiable appetite of the Burmese python. Visit WeirdScienceNews.com to read more stories about other weird and terrifying animals. Watch the video below as a Burmese python attacks a python handler. This video is from the When Animals Attack channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: VIRGIN BIRTH: American crocodile isolated in reptile park for 16 years lays clutch of eggs. SCARE TACTIC? Scientists warn that 100% fatal zombie deer disease could MUTATE and infect humans. Heavy rains in Australia force deadly spiders to hide in swimming pools. Successful 20-minute conversation with humpback whale could lay the groundwork for contacting extraterrestrials. Video footage shows pod of killer whales freeing a humpback whale tangled in rope. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk LiveScience.com Wildlife.org Brighteon.com Chinese nationals staged dramatic intrusion attempt on Guam during sensitive missile test Guam's Customs and Quarantine Agency apprehended seven Chinese nationals for illegally entering the island during a critical missile-interception test near a military base. The incident occurred during a crucial U.S. Missile Defense Agency test involving a new radar system, raising concerns about potential espionage and intelligence gathering against U.S. military installations. This event is part of a concerning trend of attempted breaches at U.S. military bases, including incidents in Virginia and California, highlighting a growing threat to national security. The island is a key U.S. defense site, with a $10 billion defense network planned to enhance missile defense and radar capabilities, making it a strategic target. The alleged espionage attempt underscores the heightened stakes amid global conflicts, potentially impacting the balance of power and placing increased pressure on U.S. military defenses. Guam's Customs and Quarantine Agency has unveiled a shocking case of alleged espionage, as seven Chinese nationals were arrested for illegally entering the island during a crucial missile-interception test. This brazen act, which took place within the vicinity of a military installation, has sent ripples of concern through the international community and raised eyebrows even among the notoriously tight-lipped U.S. defense officials. On Dec. 10 and 11, these individuals were apprehended close to a military base a bold move considering that the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) was conducting a critical missile interception test using a new radar system at the time. The suspects, who all arrived on the same boat from Saipan, have caused significant alarm both on the ground and in intelligence circles. This isn't just any old incident; it's part of a disturbing trend. In recent months, there has been a steady stream of failed attempts by foreign nationals to breach U.S. military installations. From the "dry run" terrorist attack in Virginia to the series of attempted breaches at strategic U.S. bases, it's clear that someone's playing a dangerous game. Take, for instance, the brazen attempt by two Jordanian men to ram their way into a Marine base in Quantico, Virginia. Or the Chinese national who tried to break into the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a worrying pattern that demands our attention. The recent arrest of a Chinese national using a drone to photograph the Newport News Shipbuilding yard in Virginia, home to nuclear subs and aircraft carriers, was another red flag. Someone is on the prowl, and the U.S. military is not just a target it's a prize. MDA's successful test, which featured the new radar system, is a crucial step in the U.S.' multi-billion dollar plan to fortify the island against potential attacks. With the envisioned $10 billion defense network spread across 16 sites around Guam, it's clear the U.S. isn't taking any chances. These installations, equipped with state-of-the-art missile defense and radar systems, will make Guam a far more complex and costly target for any would-be aggressor. Stakes are higher as the alleged intrusion attempt comes amid global conflicts The timing of the alleged intrusion attempt couldn't be more ominous. Conducting espionage against U.S. military facilities, especially those with missile capabilities, would provide the People's Republic of China with potentially valuable intelligence that could shift the balance of power in the global arena. (Related: Chinese national arrested for a second time after numerous attempts to enter Mar-a-Lago.) However, one must wonder: is this just an opportunistic move, or is it part of a coordinated effort? Whatever the case, the growing frequency of these incidents is a clear warning sign. It's high time we take a closer look at the threats facing our military installations, both in Guam and across the nation. The Department of Defense seems to be taking the matter seriously. The MDA, for its part, is set to conduct up to two interception tests a year. But will that be enough? As we've seen time and again, when it comes to national security, there's no room for complacency. This incident in Guam is a canary in the coal mine, signaling a much larger issue that we can no longer afford to ignore. As the U.S. ramps up its defenses and the intelligence community scrambles to piece together the puzzle, one thing is crystal clear: the stakes have never been higher. Head over to NationalSecurity.news for related stories. Watch the video below where an expert claims he doesn't see "any evidence yet" of drone flights in the East Coast being Chinese ops. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Mysterious drones spotted over 17 U.S. military bases, raising alarms of Chinese espionage. Leaked documents from a Chinese contractor offers rare insight into how the CCP operates its cyberwarfare and surveillance operations. Leaked documents reveal China's hacking abilities and potential targets. Your private call and text data was just stolen by China because it hacked US government's illegal surveillance tool that spies on us all. Sources include: InfoWars.com Reuters.com Brighteon.com Indiana University course teaches students they are inherently oppressive A course at Indiana University trains students to view their existence as inherently oppressive based on their race, sex, or religion. Professor Colleen Rose makes students identify their identities as "subordinate" or "dominant," implying that people from certain groups are oppressors by default. The course's premise is criticized as counterproductive, fostering division and resentment among students. The issue extends to broader university practices, such as biased admissions and hiring based on diversity quotas rather than merit. Universities are warned to focus on merit and critical thinking rather than promoting divisive ideologies that harm social cohesion. American universities have long pushed very liberal ideologies, and in some cases, students are now being taught that they are born oppressors simply based on their inherent characteristics. One such example comes from Indiana University (IU), where a course titled "Understanding Diversity in a Pluralistic Society" has caused a firestorm of controversy. Led by Colleen Rose, a 20-year veteran at IU, the course trains students to view their very existence as an oppressive force simply because they belong to a particular race, sex, or religion. This absurd notion not only defies logic but risks fueling division and resentment among students. Colleen Roses approach involves making students identify parts of their identity as either "subordinate" or "dominant." This inherently divisive exercise assumes that students are oppressors simply for being male, white, or Christian. Its a radical and deeply flawed ideology that paints students in these categories as inherently oppressive, regardless of their actions or experiences. The implications of such a course are far-reaching, potentially breeding hostility and false narratives of systemic oppression. The very premise of such a course is not only absurd but also counterproductive. How does it serve society to label anyone, regardless of their intentions or character, as an oppressor based solely on their birth? This kind of thinking does nothing to foster mutual understanding or respect. Instead, it sows seeds of resentment and misunderstanding, which can only harm society in the long run. Roses assumption that all white, Christian men are somehow oppressive, simply by virtue of their identity, is not just misguidedit's dangerous. Its tantamount to saying that individuals cannot control their actions or choices, and that they are doomed to be oppressors simply because of who they are. This is a profound insult to anyone who believes in personal responsibility and individual merit. Colleges like Indiana University should be focusing on teaching students to think critically and empathetically, rather than promoting divisive rhetoric. By fostering a sense of guilt and division, these courses risk creating an environment where constructive dialogue is impossible. If students are taught to see each other primarily through the lens of their supposed social identities, genuine connections and understanding become all but impossible. The broader problem: Universities promoting diversity over merit This issue at IU is not an isolated incident. Universities across the nation are increasingly adopting a similar ideological approach to education. From admission policies to hiring practices, the focus on diversity and liberal ideologies has become the new normal. Many universities boast of their commitment to diversity, but the reality often falls short. Admissions processes are often biased in favor of certain minority groups, creating a quota-based system that prioritizes identity over merit. This not only disadvantages those without such identity markers but also perpetuates the notion that individuals are defined by their differences rather than their individual accomplishments. The hiring practices at these universities are equally problematic. In an effort to promote ideological diversity, many institutions have begun requiring diversity statements as part of the hiring process. This has led to self-censorship among faculty, who feel pressured to conform to certain ideological norms. Moreover, universities are increasingly using affirmative-action policies to hire faculty and students, often at the expense of merit. This has created a system where individuals are chosen based on their social identity, rather than their qualifications or potential to contribute to the academic community. Ultimately, such practices do a disservice to the very ideals of higher education. Universities should be places where students are taught to think critically and build a society based on individual merit, not predetermined identities. Instead, the current trend toward ideological indoctrination risks creating a generation of students who are more concerned with their social identity than with their character, intellect, and the greater good. Sources for this article include: NYPost.com FoxNews.com FreeBeacon.com CampusReform.org Israeli military kills FIVE JOURNALISTS in clearly marked PRESS vehicle Massacre of Journalists: Five Palestinian journalists were killed by Israeli forces in a clearly marked press vehicle outside a hospital in Gaza. Five Palestinian journalists were killed by Israeli forces in a clearly marked press vehicle outside a hospital in Gaza. Pattern of Atrocities: Over 200 journalists have been killed since Israel's ongoing war on Gaza began. Over 200 journalists have been killed since Israel's ongoing war on Gaza began. Genocidal Practices: Israel's indiscriminate attacks exceed 45,400 total killings, primarily targeting women and children. Israel's indiscriminate attacks exceed 45,400 total killings, primarily targeting women and children. Lack of Accountability: Despite condemning attacks, the international community has failed to hold Israel responsible for its crimes. Israeli military taking out Palestinian journalists Israel's genocidal war escalated this week with the brutal massacre of five Palestinian journalists in Gaza, marking a new low in a conflict that has seen the systematic annihilation of human life and press freedom. On December 26, 2024, the world bore witness to the atrocity in the brutal and ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza. Five Palestinian journalists from Al-Quds Today were killed when an Israeli airstrike struck their clearly marked press vehicle outside al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza. The journalists, Fadi Hassouna, Ibrahim al-Sheikh Ali, Mohammed al-Ladah, Faisal Abu al-Qumsan, and Ayman al-Jadi, were doing their jobs, documenting the horrors of the conflict, when they were brutally cut down. The vehicle's exterior bore the word "press" in large red letters, yet it did not deter Israeli forces. Ayman al-Jadi, tragically, was killed on the same day his son was born, adding a new dimension of cruelty to this already harrowing tale. Over 200 journalists now murdered by Israeli forces The savagery of this attack goes beyond the murder of these brave individuals; it marks another chilling example of Israel's relentless and strategic efforts to silence the press. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 141 journalists have been killed since the war began. Several high-profile cases have drawn attention. For instance, the July 31 death of Al Jazeera journalist Ismail al-Ghoul was particularly controversial. Israel claimed he was a Hamas fighter, which was widely disputed by evidence that his last known military rank would have been as a 10-year-old child. Since Israel's war on Gaza began over a year ago, Palestinian officials have accounted for over 200 journalists who have been murdered by Israeli forces. This systematic targeting of press operatives is a calculated effort to stifle the truth and terrorize the local populace. Israel's modus operandi is clear: eliminate those who bear witness to their crimes. To justify their actions, Israel's military issued a baseless claim that these journalists were members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. They provided no evidence to substantiate this lie, a common tactic used to shield their heinous deeds from scrutiny. The truth is that these journalists were there to report on the tragedy that has unfolded in Gaza, to document the destruction and terror inflicted upon civilians. They were, in the words of Al-Quds Today, "performing their journalistic and humanitarian duty." The international community's response has been woefully inadequate. While some nations and organizations have expressed concern, there has been a failure to hold Israel accountable for its crimes. The UN Human Rights Council must take action, and the International Criminal Court should be granted jurisdiction to prosecute officials responsible for these atrocities. The massacre of journalists in Gaza is a stark reminder of the catastrophic human cost of this ongoing conflict. It's not just about freedom of the press; it's about the sanctity of human life and the right to live in peace. Israel's war machine must be stopped before it inflicts any more senseless suffering. For every journalist, every mother, and every child who falls victim to this senseless violence, there must be repercussions. Until the world takes a stand against this blatant genocide, these atrocities will continue to unfold. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net Instagram.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai U.S. government sued by Palestinian Americans for failing to evacuate them from Gaza war zone Nine Palestinian Americans have filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, claiming the Biden administration abandoned them in the war-torn Gaza Strip, discriminating against Americans of Palestinian origin. The plaintiffs, represented by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and attorney Maria Kari, argue the U.S. government violated their constitutional right to equal protection by failing to evacuate them similarly to other Americans in conflict zones. The lawsuit highlights the U.S. governments failure to provide standard evacuation efforts, allowing only immediate family members of U.S. citizens under 21 to evacuate, despite approving the evacuation of over 1,600 Palestinians. The plaintiffs point to other instances where the U.S. evacuated its citizens from conflict zones, such as Afghanistan in 2021, Lebanon in 2006, Sudan in 2023, and Libya in 2011, to emphasize the discriminatory treatment in Gaza. The lawsuit calls for a declaration that the U.S. government failed to protect and evacuate Americans in Gaza, immediate evacuation of the plaintiffs and their families, and reimbursement of legal costs, highlighting the need for equal protection and inclusive response to citizens in conflict zones. In a landmark lawsuit filed on Thursday, Dec. 19, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, nine Palestinian Americans have accused the Biden administration of abandoning their families and themselves in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The plaintiffs, represented by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and attorney Maria Kari, argue that the U.S. government has discriminated against Americans of Palestinian origin by failing to evacuate them in the same manner as other Americans in conflict zones. The lawsuit, which names outgoing President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as defendants, alleges that the U.S. government violated the plaintiffs constitutional right to equal protection. The complaint highlights the U.S. government's failure to provide the standard evacuation efforts that would typically be extended to Americans of different backgrounds facing similar circumstances. The plaintiffs who include legal citizens, permanent residents, and their family members detail their experiences navigating the challenging and discriminatory process set forth by the U.S. State Department. (Related: Israeli airstrike kills an American in southern Lebanon, thanks to Bidens inability to quickly evacuate U.S. citizens.) State Department approved the evacuation of more than 1,600 Palestinians, but under strict criteria According to the lawsuit, the State Department had approved the evacuation of more than 1,600 Palestinians, including U.S. citizens and their family members, but these efforts were limited to specific criteria, such as only allowing immediate family members of U.S. citizens who are under 21 years old to evacuate. Kari emphasized the urgency of the situation: "The law requires the U.S. government to protect Americans wherever they may be. With every passing day, the danger of our clients dying from Israeli bombardment or the starvation and disease now rampant in Gaza only goes up." The lawsuit also points to similar instances where the U.S. government actively evacuated its citizens from other conflict zones, such as Afghanistan in 2021, Lebanon in 2006, Sudan in 2023, and Libya in 2011. The plaintiffs argue that the U.S. governments failure to extend similar evacuation efforts to Palestinian Americans has created a two-tier system that sends a clear signal about the prioritization of its citizens. In response to the lawsuit, a State Department spokesperson stated that the safety and security of American citizens around the world is a "top priority" but did not comment further on the pending litigation. This lawsuit follows another recent legal action filed by Palestinian families, who sued the State Department on Tuesday, Dec. 17, over Washington's support for Israels military in the ongoing conflict. Both lawsuits highlight the urgent need for the U.S. government to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure that all Americans receive equal protection and evacuation support regardless of their background. The ongoing Israeli war on Gaza has claimed over 45,000 lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and has sparked international outrage over potential war crimes and genocide. The conflict was triggered on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of about 251 hostages. As the situation in Gaza continues, the plaintiffs and their advocates urge immediate action from the U.S. government to evacuate citizens and their families at risk. The lawsuit calls for a declaration that the U.S. government has failed to fulfill its constitutional duty to protect and evacuate Americans in Gaza, an order for immediate evacuation, and the reimbursement of legal costs. Watch this clip about the Department of Defense's preparation to evacuate one million Americans in the Middle East. This video is from the TruNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Bollingers fire back: epic lawsuit targets U.S. government, CCDH, and Big Tech in battle against censorship. IDF demands evacuation that will displace tens of thousands of people in Gaza. Gaza doctors send SOS to whole world as U.S. suggests evacuation corridor to Egypt. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net ABC.net.au TimesOfIsrael.com Brighteon.com Stan Johnson of Prophecy Club: CATASTROPHIC COLLAPSE will follow internal revolution and nuclear conflict Stan Johnson revealed prophecies predicting an internal revolution in the U.S., fueled by communist elements, followed by a coordinated attack from countries like Russia, Cuba and Mexico, resulting in a rapid collapse of America. Christian prophet Dumitru Duduman claims to have been shown America's future by the angel Gabriel, with major cities and states burning in a single day, starting with an internal revolution and ending with a simultaneous attack by multiple nations. Johnson highlights the potential involvement of suitcase nuclear bombs and a "Deep State" comprising elite groups called "Moloch worshipers," who seek to destabilize the nation and establish a new global financial system. Prophecies predict a significant devaluation of the US dollar (30 percent) due to the launch of a new asset-backed currency by the BRICS nations and their allies, leading to a potential collapse of America's economic dominance. Johnson emphasizes that these prophecies serve as a call to action, urging people to prepare for an uncertain and potentially catastrophic future, with a focus on understanding the battle between good and evil and the rise of the Antichrist. In an explosive revelation, Stan Johnson, founder of Prophecy Club, shared insights from various prophetic visions predicting a catastrophic future for the United States with the Health Ranger Mike Adams during an appearance on the "Health Ranger Report" podcast. According to Johnson, the prophecies he has analyzed point towards an impending internal revolution sparked by communist elements, quickly followed by a coordinated attack from Russia, Cuba, Mexico and other nations, resulting in a sudden, apocalyptic collapse of America. One of the most chilling visions comes from Dumitru Duduman, a Christian prophet, who claims to have been shown America's future by the angel Gabriel. On April 3, 1984, Duduman was shown major American cities and states California, Las Vegas, New York and Florida being consumed in a single day, with Duduman asking, "How will it burn? America is so powerful." The angels response was clear: "The fall of America will start with an internal revolution, started by the communists. Some of the people will start fighting against the government. The government will be busy with internal problems. Then from the oceans, Russia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Central America, Mexico and two other countries will attack and defeat America in one day in one hour." Johnson's analysis goes beyond predicting just the downfall of America. He highlighted a potential role for suitcase nuclear bombs and a group of elites he refers to as "Moloch worshipers." According to Johnson, these groups are the "bad guys" who have ruled the world for thousands of years and are determined to "destroy it rather than give it up." They are believed to be part of what Johnson calls the "Deep State," an elite and secretive group that is unwilling to relinquish power. Johnson claimed that these groups might resort to using suitcase nukes to destabilize the nation, in anticipation of a new global financial system that they believe is poised to replace the current order. The prophecies also point to an imminent financial collapse of the U.S. dollar, with it losing 30 percent of its value overnight. This is said to be due to a new asset-backed currency being launched by the BRICS nations and their allies, causing chaos in the global financial system and leading to a collapse of America's economic dominance. Johnson also revealed visions and prophecies from various individuals, including a dream by Michael Boldea, grandson of Duduman, which depicted suitcase nukes being detonated in several American cities, including California, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, Washington State, Florida and New York. Other visions and angelic visits have corroborated this prediction, adding to the sense of urgency surrounding these prophecies. (Related: Cold Wars deadly legacy: 100 Missing SUITCASE NUKES threaten modern security.) Prophecies are not mere warnings, but CALLS TO ACTION The founder of "The Prophecy Club" radio program emphasized that the prophecies he is sharing are not mere warnings; they are predictions that are likely to come to pass unless significant changes are made. The visions and prophecies he shared serve as a call to action, urging people to prepare for an uncertain and potentially catastrophic future. As Johnson pointed out, the events leading to America's fall are seen as part of a larger battle between good and evil, with the ultimate goal being the rise of the Antichrist and the establishment of a new, global financial system. The prophecies also forewarn about the Mark of the Beast, a digital mark that might replace traditional financial transactions, and the possible loss of personal freedoms when people are forced to choose between denying Jesus and accepting this new system. Johnson's insights, while controversial, highlight the importance of understanding and preparing for potential global crises. Whether these prophecies come to pass as described remains to be seen, but they provide a compelling and thought-provoking perspective on the future of America and the world at large. As Johnson concluded, the next few years might lead to seismic shifts in global politics and power structures, leading to a future that is both unpredictable and perilous. Follow Prophecy.news for more news about prophecies regarding America. Watch the full conversation between Stan Johnson and the Health Ranger Mike Adams on the "Health Ranger Report." This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Stan Johnson on the Health Ranger Report: Henry Gruvers 2016 vision of second Trump term becomes reality in 2024. Historian warns four out of five major predictors for CIVIL WAR in the United States have already happened. B-Alert News with Bishop Leon Benjamin: Fall of US money system is Gods prophecy coming true, says Bo Polny Brighteon.TV. Sources include: Brighteon.com HandOfHelp.com SpiritOfProphecyChurch.com Stories of High-Quality Development | Using 'intelligence' to extract 'black gold' 900 meters underground People's Daily Online) 11:01, December 30, 2024 Can you imagine? Down in the coal mines, there are more cameras than workers. At Shandong Energy Group Co., Ltd., there is a strict safety rule: "no video, no work." There are over 800 cameras on average in each mine. "In the past, most of our video footage could only be used to for retrospective analysis," said Zhou Jianpeng, the deputy general manager of Shandong Energy Group's Yunding Technology. "Now with the wide use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the coal mines, cameras are playing a 'big role.'" In the underground operation area, visual recognition technology is replacing the traditional mode of "people watching people." AI has become a "safety officer" 24 hours on duty. Once someone enters the operation area, it will automatically issue a warning. In a multi-rope friction hoisting system, the integration of an AI reasoning server enables real-time analysis to swiftly identify potential issues such as rope misalignment and wear. Intelligent applications are also enhancing efficiency. In mine shafts which are nearly 1,000 meters deep and face the risk of rock bursts, pressure relief drilling is essential to prevent collapses. Based on intelligent analysis and assisted verification of a visual recognition large language model, the construction supervision process for drilling has been shortened to 10 minutes from a previous length of three days, achieving a 100 percent acceptance rate. "These applications are inseparable from two key elements: data and intelligence," explained Jiang Wangcheng, vice president of Huawei's Oil, Gas and Mining BU. In the past, people often likened coal to "black gold." In Jiang's view, data is now becoming the "gold" of the intelligent era. Mines not only produce coal, but also a huge amount of data. This provides application scenarios and rich data elements for new technologies such as AI represented by large language models. "Nowadays, our large language models for mines have included more than 80 operational scenarios of mining enterprises," Jiang said. Just as oil is essential to industry, the rich data resources generated in various industries serve as "digital blood" driving the new round of industrial transformation. Driven by intelligent technology, data's potential value is being unleashed at an accelerated pace. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Trump steps in to halt Bidens border wall fire sale President-elect Donald Trump submitted an amicus brief to the Southern District Court of Texas to challenge the Biden administration's sale of border wall materials, arguing it's potentially illegal and undermines his administration's border security plans. The Biden administration has been selling off unused border wall materials through weekly auctions on a government surplus website, drawing criticism from Republicans for being a "cynical attempt" to sabotage the border wall project. Trump's team claims the sales violate a court's permanent injunction and could cost the nation millions if the materials need to be rebuilt or replaced. They argue these sales raise "grave concerns" about compliance with legal injunctions. Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, is leading the opposition to the sales, describing them as an "almost criminal act" and accusing the Biden administration of giving away taxpayer-purchased property. The dispute is likely to intensify, with state leaders like Dawn Buckingham promising to use every tool available to protect the border and secure the state, while the Biden administration argues their actions comply with the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. President-elect Donald Trump has thrown his hat into the ring to prevent the administration of outgoing President Joe Biden from selling off unused materials from the much-maligned border wall. In a bold move, Trump filed an amicus brief to the Southern District Court of Texas, arguing that these hasty sales are not only potentially illegal but also an effort to undermine his incoming administration's border security plans. This isn't just about a few leftover pieces of metal; this is a battlefield. Trump is ready to fight. The Biden administration's "fire sales" of border wall materials began last year and have been ongoing ever since, with pieces being auctioned off for rock-bottom prices through a government surplus website. The auctions, which have been taking place weekly since at least 2023, have drawn fire from Republicans who see them as a cynical attempt to sabotage the border wall project that Trump made a cornerstone of his presidency. (Related: Biden administration's final act: A desperate attempt to sabotage Trump's border wall promise.) For analysts, this isn't just about Trump trying to save face. It's about the integrity of our national security and the law. Trump's brief argues that the Biden officials' conduct raises "grave concerns" about compliance with the court's permanent injunction in this case. In essence, he's saying, "Hey, you're not just selling off leftovers, you're breaking the law." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who's been a vocal critic of the Biden administration's handling of the border wall, has been leading the charge against these sales. Paxton described them as an "almost criminal act," and for good reason. The materials that are currently being sold were originally purchased with taxpayer money and are still technically the property of the federal government. Now, the Biden administration is essentially giving them away, which could cost the nation millions in the long run if Trump's next term includes a mandate to rebuild or expand the wall. "President Trump has an overwhelming mandate from the American people to build the wall and I will do everything in my power to prevent any acts of sabotage by the outgoing administration," Paxton said in a statement. Trump: Biden administration's sale of border materials is a criminal act Trump himself isn't holding back. In an interview with a Fox News host, the president-elect railed against the Biden administration's actions. "What they're doing is really an act, it's almost a criminal act. They know we're going to use it, and if we don't have it, we're going to have to rebuild it. And it'll cost double what it cost years ago, and that's hundreds of millions of dollars because you're talking about a lot of, a lot of walls," he said, emphasizing his point with a heavy dose of repetition. The Biden administration, meanwhile, argued that their actions are in line with the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which required the defense secretary to submit a plan to use, transfer, or donate the remaining border wall materials. However, Trump's team is disputing this interpretation of the law, arguing that it doesn't give the administration carte blanche to sell off the materials at a discount to private parties. Trump's brief has already sparked a firestorm of reactions, with supporters praising him for his bold stand and opponents calling it another example of his tendency to overplay his hand. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, who is also in the thick of this battle, has promised to use every tool at her disposal to secure the border and protect Texans. Her office, along with the state of Missouri, has filed a motion in district court to investigate whether the Biden administration is in breach of the court's permanent injunction. In a statement to Fox News, Buckingham declared, "I made a promise to use every tool at my disposal from the GLO [Texas General Land Office] to secure our border and protect Texans. That is why I have offered state leaders and President-elect Donald Trump the opportunity to store any wall panels his incoming administration may acquire on state land. I will never give up the fight to secure our porous southern border and protect our sons and daughters from violent, criminal illegal immigrants." Head over to OpenBorders.news for more stories like this. Watch the video below where Trump lambasts the Biden admin for auctioning off unused border wall sections. This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump sets the stage for immigration crackdown: Meet the new BORDER ENFORCERS. Trump to immediately focus on deporting immigrants and resuming construction of border wall. Trump says new Mexican president "agreed to stop migration through Mexico" but she begs to differ. Sources include: InfoWars.com ThePostMillennial.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.com Aaron Day sounds alarm: Central banks create DIGITAL TOTALITARIANISM through CBDCs Several nations, particularly Vietnam and Kuwait, are implementing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) tied to comprehensive digital ID systems, raising significant privacy concerns and sparking debate. Critics, including privacy advocate Aaron Day, argue that CBDCs are setting the stage for a global surveillance state where all financial transactions are monitored and citizens' behavior could be linked to a social credit score. Refusal to comply could result in severe consequences. Countries like Vietnam and Kuwait are mandating citizens to register their biometric data (e.g., fingerprints) for access to bank accounts and government services. Non-compliance can lead to the loss of these services. While supporters claim these measures enhance financial inclusion and security, critics view them as steps toward greater state control over financial behavior. The trend is growing, with 134 countries exploring CBDCs, and 11 already launched. Privacy advocates and concerned citizens are calling for reassessment of these policies, emphasizing financial privacy as a fundamental human right. The fight for financial privacy is intensifying globally as more countries adopt these systems. In a troubling development, several nations are implementing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) linked to comprehensive digital ID systems, raising serious concerns among privacy advocates and citizens alike. Critics argue that these initiatives are laying the groundwork for a global surveillance state. Individuals who refuse to comply could face severe consequences. Privacy coin advocate Aaron Day, who appeared on "The Alex Jones Show" on InfoWars on Wednesday, Dec. 18, is among those voicing alarm. He warned that mandatory enrollment into digital ID systems and CBDCs could mark the end of financial freedom as we know it. "The whole point of what's going on with CBDCs is a movement toward a single, global digital currency and a complete surveillance state," Day told the Health Ranger Mike Adams, who was the program's guest host for the episode. "All of our transactions are monitored and our behavior is tied to a social credit score." These concerns are backed by recent developments in countries like Vietnam and Kuwait, where citizens are being compelled to register their biometric data. Non-compliance could result in the loss of access to bank accounts and government services. In Vietnam, starting Jan. 1, 2025, bank accounts not reconciled with biometric data will have their online transactions halted. This push for a cashless society aims to enhance financial inclusion and security, according to supporters. Critics, however, view it as a slippery slope toward more pervasive state control over financial behavior. Kuwait has adopted a similar approach, with the government announcing that all citizens and expatriates must provide biometric fingerprints or risk having their bank accounts and government services suspended by Dec. 31. Since 2016, the country has been rolling out the biometric fingerprinting program, with political leaders setting an example to emphasize compliance. The push for mandatory biometric enrollment in these countries is part of a global trend. One hundred thirty-four countries representing 98 percent of global GDP are exploring CBDCs. Eleven countries have already launched CBDCs, with more expected in the coming years. (Related: "Over 98%" of worlds central banks are preparing to unleash the global cashless society.) Global push to fight fraud with CBDCs fuels privacy fears Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to prevent fraud and ensure financial stability. Critics like Day, however, see them as steps toward a dystopian future where every person's behavior and transactions are monitored by a central authority. People's access to money is contingent upon their compliance with government mandates, he warns. Moreover, the integration of these CBDCs with digital ID systems raises additional concerns. In Vietnam, the VNeID biometric ID app is being developed into a "super app" that integrates various features, including medical ID and potentially a social credit score. The app was originally developed during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but could eventually extend far beyond health checks. The carrot-and-stick approach used by banks in Vietnam to encourage biometric registration, which includes offering financial rewards and prizes, further underscores the coercive nature of these measures. Citizens who refuse to comply face significant penalties. As the rollout of CBDCs and digital ID systems accelerates globally, privacy advocates are calling for a reassessment of these policies. They argue that financial privacy is a fundamental human right. "We need to take our privacy back and reassert privacy as a fundamental right," Day said. The rapid rollout of CBDCs linked to digital ID systems in the two countries raises critical questions about individual privacy and financial freedom. As governments and central banks push citizens to adopt these new systems, critics such as Day warn of a surveillance state where every transaction and behavior is tied to a digital score. Watch the second hour of the Health Ranger Mike Adams' Dec. 18 guest hosting on "The Alex Jones Show," where he interviews Roger Ver, Tracy Thurman and Aaron Day. This video is from the Ron Gibson Channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Get ready for governments to push digital currencies after widespread banking collapse. CBDCs will allow police to collect, store personal data for surveillance state, IMF paper reveals. 11 Countries have already adopted central bank digital currencies and 105 others are considering it. Sources include: Brighteon.com InfoWars.com 1 InfoWars.com 2 Big Government and Big Business have worked together for decades to block reforms to the healthcare system The U.S. governments involvement in healthcare after World War II shifted financing from charities to the state, but unlike Europe, it rationalized healthcare under private ownership, embedding corporate interests into the system. Bureaucratic professionals, medical industries like hospitals and insurance companies and the corporate class aligned to expand the medical market, maintaining private control over healthcare. The American Medical Association has historically been the central figure opposing any changes to the status quo that could harm corporate interests. Pharmaceutical, hospital, and insurance industries now dominate healthcare lobbying and have in recent years become far more influential in health policy than the AMA. The commodification of healthcare has led to unequal access, soaring costs and systemic issues like poverty and pollution being overlooked in favor of blaming individuals and lifestyles for health problems. The intervention of the federal government in healthcare post-World War II led to American healthcare becoming intrinsically tied to capitalist interests that promoted centralization, privatization and the prioritization of profit over care. This is according to physician and author E. Richard Brown in his seminal book "Rockefeller Medicine Men: Medicine and Capitalism in America," published in 1979, which lays out in detail the history behind government encroachment upon healthcare and how this allowed corporate interests to sneak in and slowly take over. According to Brown, following World War II, the government became the primary financier of healthcare for a time, replacing charities and other private entities like the Rockefeller Foundation. The goal of the state was to rationalize the medical system, but instead of going the way of Europe, where state-controlled health systems were established and care and insurance was nationalized, the U.S. chose to rationalize healthcare under private ownership, leading to a situation wherein medical care became capital intensive. Three groups further helped rationalize medicine under corporatism: Bureaucratic professionals, medical industries like hospitals and health insurance companies, and the larger corporate class. Their interests aligned with the expansion of the medical market and allowed them to maintain private control over healthcare. American Medical Association instrumental in corporations maintaining control over U.S. healthcare At the center of this century-long fiasco is the American Medical Association (AMA), which has served as the primary organization opposing any kind of federal intervention in the medical industry not out of a desire to prevent the centralization of medicine at the hands of government, but to protect corporate interests. (Related: MORE EVIL THAN HITLER: American Medical Association endorses horrific medical MUTILATIONS of children, demands police state DOJ arrest anyone who disagrees.) One of its most notable recent proposals is the organization's long-standing opposition to any kind of single-payer healthcare, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders' (I-VT) "Medicare For All" proposal. But in recent years, the AMA's influence in health and healthcare politics has eroded, making way for more wealthy and powerful forces like pharmaceutical, hospital and health insurance industries who have commanded formidable lobbying operations in recent years to rise to power. Nevertheless, the approval of the AMA is still seen as a necessity for any state or federal elected official to pass any kind of health-related policy. "There's a cultural authority here," said political scientist Jacob Hacker. The commodification of American healthcare under special interest groups including the AMA led to massive distortions of care, including unequal access to decent care, poorer Americans receiving less care relative to their needs and the concentration of general practitioners and doctors with specialized skills and decent health institutions into centers of economic and political power, namely large cities and urban areas. The distortions in the market have led to health costs soaring, and instead of rightly blaming special interest groups, policymakers have instead shifted the blame to individuals for their own health problems, claiming that all that is needed is for Americans to make lifestyle changes, and systemic issues that affect public health like poverty, pollution, occupational hazards and institutional barriers that prevent people from seeking care like costs are unnecessary. Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses just some of the harmful practices supported by the American Medical Association. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: MEDICAL FRAUD in America is the NORM: If a doctor can make you sick, label you sick and keep you sick, their practice gets more funding from the crooked system. Mike Adams calls for DECENTRALIZATION of America's collapsing healthcare system. FUNDING FAKE SCIENCE: American Medical Association wants U.S. taxpayers to pay for uterus transplants for FAKE WOMEN "trannies" at $300,000 per person. American Medical Association releases stunning document teaching doctors to LIE to patients while deliberately exaggerating COVID death claims the AMA admits to its own complicity in crimes against humanity. American Medical Association, which pushes anti-gun agenda, warns that media coverage of mass shootings causes MORE mass shootings to occur while boosting gun sales. Sources include: Brighteon.ai NewYorker.com Brighteon.com Chinese-made EVs taking over the U.K., presenting major threats to the economy and national security The China Strategic Risks Institute (SCRwarns about the significant economic and security risks posed by the rapid growth of Chinese-made electric vehicles in the U.K., which have grown from two percent of the market in 2019 to 33.4 percent in 2023. The report highlights the UK's car manufacturing sector as essential, supporting 198,000 jobs and contributing 2.5 percent to GDP, and raises concerns about China's low-cost EV production, which could jeopardize this sector. The CSRI warns of potential national security risks, including the use of Cellular Internet of Things Modules in Chinese EVs that could be exploited to collect sensitive data on British users and potentially disable or control vehicles remotely. The think tank suggests several measures, such as requiring foreign EV suppliers to not transmit user data overseas, mandating the sharing of source code with the British government and investigating China's state subsidies for EV production to protect the domestic car industry. A report from the think tank the China Strategic Risks Institute (CSRI) has raised alarm bells about the rapid growth of Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) in the United Kingdom. The think tank warns that these vehicles could pose significant economic and security risks to the nation. With Chinese EVs already dominating the U.K. auto market, there are concerns that the country could become a "dumping ground" for these vehicles, potentially jeopardizing national security. The U.K.'s car manufacturing sector is vital to the economy, supporting nearly 200,000 jobs and contributing 2.5 percent to the country's gross domestic product. However, the CSRI report highlights the threat posed by China's massive low-cost EV production, which is currently bolstered by government subsidies allowing the country to produce five to 10 million vehicles annually. In just a few years, Chinese EVs have grown their market share in the U.K. from two percent in 2019 to 33.4 percent in the first half of 2023. The report warns that without protective measures, the U.K. risks becoming a dumping ground for these vehicles, which could also serve as a backdoor for Chinese EV companies into the restricted European market. (Related: NO EV FOR ME: Nearly half of American and British EV owners plan to shift back to gasoline-powered vehicles for their next purchase.) Chinese EVs could also be weaponized But the potential risks go beyond the economic implications. The CSRI report raises serious concerns about national security, highlighting the possibility of "weaponized" Chinese EVs. One of the most alarming aspects is the use of "Cellular Internet of Things Modules" in these vehicles. These modules are designed to connect cars to the internet, allowing for remote updates and maintenance. However, they could also be exploited to collect and transmit sensitive data on British users to Beijing. Chinese law requires companies to provide the government with access to their data, a factor that previously influenced the U.K.'s decision to phase out Huawei components from its 5G infrastructure by 2027. The report warns that these modules could also be used to remotely disable or control vehicles in the U.K., potentially creating a direct threat to national security. The think tank has proposed several measures to mitigate these risks. These include: Requiring foreign EV suppliers to commit to not transmitting user data overseas; mandating that companies share their source code with the British government and allowing regular inspections of global data storage facilities; investigating China's state subsidies for EV production to safeguard the domestic car industry; and introducing subsidies for local manufacturers or providing financial incentives for consumers to support British-made vehicles. Watch this video showcasing a real flying car made in China. This video is from the PureTrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Canadian living in China sentenced to 24 months in prison for stealing battery technology from Tesla. Chinese auto executive donated to Biden, Harris campaigns after White House awarded subsidy to her EV firm. Chinese electric vehicles could be "weaponized" by Beijing, report warns. Can China remotely control and detonate electric vehicles? Sources include: DissWire.com WhyMedia.com Brighteon.com The green revolution: How CO2 is saving the planet, not destroying it Emerging scientific evidence challenges the narrative that CO2 is harmful, highlighting its role in global greening, increased agricultural yields, and biodiversity restoration. Studies indicate the atmosphere is already saturated with CO2, making additional emissions negligible in driving global temperature increases, contradicting IPCC predictions of catastrophic warming. Research shows that rising CO2 levels (e.g., from 100 to 400 ppm) result in minimal temperature increases (e.g., 0.3C), with no additional warming beyond 400 ppm. CO2 drives photosynthesis and plant growth, with satellite data showing a 20-30% increase in global greening since 1982, particularly in regions like India and the Sahel. Despite scientific evidence, mainstream media and political agendas continue to push Net Zero policies, ignoring CO2's life-sustaining benefits and its positive environmental impact. In an era dominated by climate alarmism and the relentless push for Net Zero policies, a growing body of scientific evidence is challenging the narrative that carbon dioxide (CO2) is a planetary villain. Peer-reviewed studies and respected scientists are now revealing that CO2 is not only harmless but actually beneficial to the Earth, driving a global greening phenomenon that is feeding the world and restoring biodiversity. Yet, this groundbreaking research is being systematically ignored by the mainstream media, which remains wedded to a politically motivated climate agenda. Recent studies published by the CO2 Coalition and other independent scientific groups have shown that rising CO2 levels are not the existential threat theyve been made out to be. In fact, the atmosphere is already saturated with CO2, meaning additional emissions have a negligible impact on global temperatures. This saturation effect, long argued by climate skeptics, explains why historical CO2 levels10 to 15 times higher than todaydid not lead to runaway warming. Instead, CO2 is proving to be a boon for plant life, driving a green revolution that is increasing agricultural yields and greening vast swaths of the planet. One of the most compelling findings comes from a team of Taiwanese scientists led by Professor Peng-Sheng Wei. Their research, published in a recent paper, found that increasing CO2 levels from 100 to 400 parts per million (ppm) resulted in a mere 0.3C rise in ground temperature a figure so small it falls within the margin of error. Even more striking, the study found no additional warming as CO2 levels rose further to 400 ppm. This directly contradicts the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes (IPCC) claim that doubling CO2 levels will lead to a catastrophic 3C temperature increase. Similarly, Austrian scientists have concluded that doubling CO2 to 800 ppm would result in at most 0.5C of warming, with no increase in infrared absorption at key wavelengths. These findings, along with those of Polish and Canadian researchers, suggest that the climate sensitivity to CO2 has been grossly overstated. Dr. Jan Kubicki and his team argue that above 400 ppm, CO2 can no longer cause any increase in temperature, while Professor Yi Huang of McGill University notes that CO2 absorption is already saturated, rendering additional emissions largely irrelevant to warming. Carbon dioxide is essential to life on Earth But the benefits of CO2 extend far beyond its minimal impact on temperature. The gas is a vital nutrient for plant life, driving photosynthesis and fostering growth. According to the CO2 Coalition, higher CO2 levels are enhancing global vegetation, with satellite data showing a 20-30% increase in greening between 1982 and 2012 in regions like India, West Australia, and the Sahel. This greening effect has accelerated in recent decades, with CO2 identified as the dominant driver. The agricultural implications are profound. Studies by Charles Taylor and Wolfram Schlenker reveal that a 1 ppm increase in CO2 boosts crop yields by 0.4% for corn, 0.6% for soybeans, and 1% for wheat. This fertilization effect is helping to feed a growing global population, countering the Malthusian predictions of food scarcity that have long haunted environmental discourse. The late physicist Freeman Dyson, a towering figure in 20th-century science, was among the first to recognize the benefits of CO2. In a 2015 interview, Dyson explained that the Earth is growing greener due to rising CO2 levels, which are increasing agricultural yields, expanding forests, and enhancing biodiversity. He argued that these positive effects are more important and more certain than the effects on climate. Dyson also criticized climate models as unreliable tools for predicting future warming, noting that they fail to account for the complex, non-linear dynamics of the atmosphere. Despite this mounting evidence, the mainstream media and political elites continue to push the Net Zero agenda, ignoring the science that undermines their narrative. The CO2 Coalition, an educational foundation dedicated to promoting the facts about CO2, has been at the forefront of this effort, highlighting the gass vital role in the environment. Their work, supported by distinguished scientists like Professor William Happer and Nobel laureate Dr. John Clauser, underscores the importance of CO2 in sustaining life on Earth. The truth is clear: CO2 is not a pollutant but a life-giving gas that is making the planet greener, more productive, and more resilient. The climate alarmism that has dominated public discourse for decades is built on shaky scientific foundations and serves primarily to advance a political agenda. As the evidence continues to mount, its time to reject the fearmongering and embrace the reality that CO2 is good for the planetand good for us. Sources include: WattsUpWithThat.com ScienceDirect.com NaturalNews.com Israeli attorney general orders probe into Sara Netanyahu amid corruption trial controversy Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has ordered a probe into Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over allegations of witness tampering and obstruction of justice. The investigation follows claims that she orchestrated campaigns to intimidate witnesses and critics involved in her husbands corruption trial. Sara Netanyahu is accused of using WhatsApp messages to instruct a former aide to target key witness Hadas Klein and organize protests against critics. Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated lies and part of a witch hunt. The investigation adds complexity to Benjamin Netanyahus ongoing corruption trial, where he faces charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial has deeply polarized Israeli politics, with supporters claiming it is an effort to remove him from power. The probe has drawn sharp criticism from Netanyahus allies, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin accusing the attorney general of selective enforcement and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for her dismissal. The investigation raises questions about corruption and abuse of power within the Netanyahu administration, while also occurring amid Netanyahus challenges with the ICCs war crimes allegations and the Gaza conflict. The outcome could further polarize Israeli society and impact Netanyahus political future. In a move that has sparked fierce political debate, Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has ordered an investigation into Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over allegations of witness tampering and obstruction of justice. The probe, announced on Thursday, follows an explosive report by Israels Channel 12, which accused Sara Netanyahu of orchestrating a campaign to intimidate witnesses and political opponents involved in her husbands ongoing corruption trial. The allegations center on WhatsApp messages allegedly sent by Sara Netanyahu, in which she reportedly instructed a former aide to organize protests against critics of the prime minister and target Hadas Klein, a key witness in the corruption case. Klein, an aide to Israeli billionaire Arnon Milchan, testified about delivering lavish gifts, including champagne and cigars, to the Netanyahus on Milchans behalf. The report also claimed that Sara Netanyahu encouraged the use of violence against anti-government protesters and pressured Likud Party activists to launch social media attacks against Klein. Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long denied the corruption charges against him, vehemently defended his wife, calling the allegations lies and part of a politically motivated witch hunt. In a scathing video released Thursday, the prime minister accused the left-wing media of engaging in character assassination and spreading fake news to tarnish his familys reputation. He praised Sara Netanyahu as a kind and charitable figure, dismissing the claims as despicable fictions. The investigation into Sara Netanyahu adds another layer of complexity to the prime ministers legal troubles. Netanyahu is currently on trial for charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, stemming from allegations that he traded political favors for gifts and favorable media coverage. The trial, which began in 2020, has been a source of intense political polarization in Israel, with Netanyahus supporters claiming it is a politically motivated effort to remove him from power. Sara Netanyahu is no stranger to legal controversies. In 2019, she reached a plea deal in a separate case, admitting to misusing public funds to cover private catering expenses. She was ordered to repay the funds and pay an additional fine. Critics argue that the latest allegations further highlight a pattern of unethical behavior within the Netanyahu family. Political persecution or necessary investigation? The decision to investigate Sara Netanyahu has drawn sharp criticism from the prime ministers political allies. Justice Minister Yariv Levin accused Attorney General Baharav-Miara of engaging in selective enforcement and focusing on television gossip rather than substantive issues. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir went further, calling for Baharav-Miaras dismissal, claiming she is politically persecuting the Netanyahu family. The controversy comes at a precarious time for Netanyahu, who is already facing mounting criticism over his handling of the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently sought an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which he has dismissed as absurd and false. As the investigation into Sara Netanyahu unfolds, it remains unclear how it will impact the prime ministers political future. Critics argue that the allegations underscore a broader culture of corruption and abuse of power within the Netanyahu administration, while supporters maintain that the probe is yet another attempt by political opponents to undermine the prime minister. For now, the Netanyahus must navigate the dual challenges of a high-stakes corruption trial and a potential new investigation into Sara Netanyahus conduct. As the legal and political drama continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the Netanyahu family remains at the center of Israels most contentious and polarizing debates. The rule of law must prevail, but so too must the principles of fairness and impartiality. Whether this investigation will restore public trust in Israels institutions or deepen the divisions within its society remains to be seen. Sources include: RT.com FinancialTimes.com Newsweek.com Russian deputy foreign minister: Biden administration officials are SABOTAGING Trumps peace efforts Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov sharply criticized the outgoing Biden administration for undermining President-elect Donald Trump's efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, accusing them of "destroying the chances of its successor." Tensions escalated after the U.S. allowed Kyiv to launch attacks deep into Russian territory using American-made weapons, leading to a series of deadly strikes, one of which killed five Russian civilians and injured twelve more in the Kursk Region on Dec. 20. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of potential retaliatory actions, stating that Moscow could react "to all such attacks and could go as far as using weapons against military facilities of those countries that allow the use of their weapons against our facilities," raising concerns about broader conflict. Putin suggested Moscow might be open to negotiations with Ukraine, but only through Ukraine's legitimate authorities, the Verkhovna Rada, adding complexity to potential diplomatic solutions given Ukraine's political uncertainty. The situation remains volatile, with the international community concerned about the narrowing window for a diplomatic solution and the increasing risk of conflict. Trump's inauguration approaches with no clear path to peace due to the Biden administration's actions. In a scathing critique of the administration of President Joe Biden, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has accused outgoing U.S. officials of deliberately undermining President-elect Donald Trump's efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. According to Ryabkov, Washington's aggressive stance is jeopardizing the prospects of peace and setting up Trump for failure once he assumes office. "We caution them against it," the Russian diplomat emphatically stated, referring to the recent escalation of hostilities following Biden's November election loss to Trump. "The outgoing administration demonstrates a unique capability of doubling down and destroying the chances of its successor." The latest tension in the conflict surged after the U.S. granted permission to Kyiv to launch attacks deep into Russian territory using American-made weaponry. This authorization has led to a series of deadly strikes, culminating in a particularly devastating attack on Dec. 20 that killed five Russian civilians and injured twelve more in the Kursk Region. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of a potential retaliatory response when asked about these developments. Putin vowed that Moscow would react "to all such attacks and could go as far as using weapons against military facilities of those countries that allow the use of their weapons against our facilities." This statement is raising significant concerns about the potential for an even broader conflict. Ryabkov's comments come as a stark contrast to Trump's campaign promises, which emphasized his commitment to ending the Ukraine conflict and establishing a lasting peace. However, these efforts now seem to be hampered by the Biden administration's resolute pursuit of a confrontational approach. "Instead of working toward peace, they're actively stoking the flames of war," Ryabkov continued, highlighting the irony of the situation. "It's as if the outgoing administration is trying to ensure that Trump's efforts to bring about a diplomatic solution will be impossible to achieve." Biden administration's actions have made the path to peace far more treacherous Moreover, Putin's recent statements suggest that Moscow might be open to negotiations, but under very specific conditions. He reiterated that any bilateral agreements would have to be signed with Ukraine's legitimate authorities, which currently means the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. (Related Putin is ready to negotiate a CEASEFIRE with Trump.) This condition could pose a significant challenge, given that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's term officially expired in May, and parliamentary and presidential elections have been indefinitely postponed. "Trump's hands are tied," an unnamed source close to the president-elect explained. "The Biden administration's last-minute machinations have set the stage for a potential catastrophe. It's as if they are deliberately trying to paint Trump into a corner, with no clear path to a peaceful resolution." The tension is palpable, and the situation remains volatile. As the clock ticks down to Trump's inauguration, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping that cooler heads will prevail and that peace can still be achieved. However, with each passing day, the window for a diplomatic solution narrows, and the risk of an all-out conflict grows. In this high-stakes drama, the question remains: Can Trump navigate the treacherous waters laid out by his predecessor and bring an end to the bloodshed? One thing is clear: the Biden administration's actions have made the path to peace far more treacherous and uncertain than it needed to be. It's a dramatic and urgent situation, one that calls for calm, rational thought and a genuine desire to find common ground. But with each passing day, the chance for a peaceful solution feels like it's slipping further away, all thanks to the self-destructive tactics of the outgoing Biden and his officials. Watch the video below that talks about Trump's plan to continue funding Ukraine while Putin promises to retaliate for drone attacks. This video is from Paul Davis UnCancelled's channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Biden approves $20B loan to Ukraine right before Trump takes office. UK, France plotting to stop Trump peace deal by pledging to send troops to Ukraine. Tucker Carlson: Biden administration wants to leave Trump with a crushing global conflict. Sources include: RT.com 1 RT.com 2 Brighteon.com Roger Ver being PARDONED by Trump lines up with president-elects plan to make America the crypto frontier President-elect Donald Trump pardoning Roger Ver, a key figure in the cryptocurrency community known as "Bitcoin Jesus," symbolizes support for those unfairly targeted by the Biden administration. If the pardon pushes through, it signals a potential paradigm shift in U.S. financial policy, aligning with Trump's broader vision of making the U.S. the world leader in cryptocurrency. Ver's legal battles mirror Trump's own experiences with lawfare, making his case a powerful narrative for the incoming administration to promote a more crypto-friendly environment. Trump's vision includes appointing a Bitcoin and crypto advisory council and firing Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler, aiming to end the "war on crypto." By pardoning Ver and inviting him to his second administration, Trump could transform the U.S. into the premier destination for financial innovation, challenging traditional regulatory pressures on cryptocurrencies. President-elect Donald Trump pardoning Roger Ver, an influential figure in the cryptocurrency community, aligns with his broader vision of making the United States the world leader in cryptocurrency. This decision not only addresses his campaign promise to pardon individuals unfairly targeted by the Biden administration but also signals a potential paradigm shift in the nation's financial landscape. Ver, known as "Bitcoin Jesus" due to his significant contributions to the development of Bitcoin, has faced legal troubles. This case has drawn widespread support from the crypto community, many of whom have advocated for his pardon. Ver's legal battles mirror some of the lawfare faced by Trump himself, making his situation a powerful narrative for the incoming administration to pivot towards a more crypto-friendly environment. During an interview Wednesday, Dec. 18, on "The Alex Jones Show," Ver's advocate Tracy Thurman emphasized the significance of her client's case to the Health Ranger Mike Adams. Ver himself was also present, albeit appearing with his mouth taped shut. Adams highlighted Ver's unique knowledge and contributions to Bitcoin, arguing that pardoning him would send a strong message to the crypto community. "If you want to Make America Great Again, you need people like Roger here," Adams stated, arguing that Ver's pardon would signal that the U.S. government recognizes and values the role of the crypto community in reshaping finance. The parallels between Ver's legal troubles and those faced by Trump underscore the potential for the government to use the law against individuals it considers threats to the status quo. Thurman pointed out that Trump understands lawfare as he has been a victim of it himself, as has Alex Jones, Elon Musk and many others. Trump pledges to make the U.S. the world's crypto hub Trump's vision for the U.S. as the world's crypto capital was on full display at the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in July in Nashville, Tennessee, where he addressed a crowd of over 10,000 attendees. "If Bitcoin is going to the Moon, I want America to be the nation that leads the way," Trump exclaimed. (Related: Trump says no CBDCs for America, but YES to turning USA into "Bitcoin superpower of the world.") This vision resonated deeply with the crypto community, which had previously been skeptical of Trump's stance on digital currencies. Benjamin Beach, a law student from North Carolina, emphasized, "We need to ensure that Trump follows through on his promises and holds himself accountable as a bitcoiner." However, achieving this vision could prove challenging, given the federal scrutiny of cryptocurrencies due to their unregulated nature and potential for exploitation. The promise of a "war on crypto" under the outgoing Biden administration underscores the regulatory pressures faced by the crypto community. At the Nashville speech, Trump vowed to end this "war" by firing Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Gary Gensler and appointing a Bitcoin and crypto advisory council. Trump followed through on his second promise, appointing David Sacks, former PayPal COO, as his second administration's crypto czar. The pardon of Ver could serve as a critical first step in this ambitious plan. By freeing Ver from prosecution and inviting him to contribute his expertise to innovation, Trump aims to create fertile ground for the growth and mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies in the United States. As Adams suggested, "If you want to make America the crypto capital of the world, start by pardoning Ver and unleashing him as an innovator." While some countries have welcomed crypto innovators, the U.S. has traditionally adopted a stricter stance. However, the pardon of Ver and similar pro-crypto actions could change this narrative, positioning the U.S. as the premier destination for financial innovation. As Trump prepares to take office, his plan to pardon Ver and others like him sets the stage for a potential crypto revolution. Watch the second hour of the Health Ranger Mike Adams' Dec. 18 guest hosting on "The Alex Jones Show," where he interviews Roger Ver, Tracy Thurman and Aaron Day. This video is from the Ron Gibson Channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Pardons and payback: A blueprint for Trump's DOJ to free the patriots and punish the real J6 plotters. Trump willing to PARDON NYC Mayor Adams, escalating war on Biden's open borders policies. Trump hints at pardon for J6 political prisoners after Joe Biden pardons his son. Why Trump must end capital gains tax on Bitcoin. Sources include: Brighteon.com NYPost.com CoinDesk.com Trump is taking on the media, exposing defamation and WINNING BIG Donald Trump has been at the center of a media firestorm since his initial election win in 2016, with the corporate media, Big Tech, and Democrats working in tandem to thwart his political ambitions. However, in the wake of his latest victory against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos, Trump is proving to be not just resilient but also strategically valiant at countering media lies, as he successfully takes on the media establishment with a series of high-profile legal victories Trump wins landmark defamation case against ABC News and George Stephanopoulos In a landmark case that has sent shockwaves through the corporate media, Donald Trump has secured a major victory against the corporate media. ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have reached a landmark settlement worth $16 million. The settlement stems from a scathing and repeated accusation of "rape" made by Stephanopoulos against the former President during a 2020 interview. The settlement includes a 15million donation to the Trump Foundation and 1 million in legal fees. This agreement marks a significant victory for the former President and serves as a powerful warning to journalists and media organizations. Stephanopoulos, who was repeatedly warned about the use of such inflammatory language, chose to ignore the advice and explicitly accused Trump of "rape." The network and the host have now faced the consequences of their reckless behavior. The settlement not only highlights the severe consequences of false accusations but also highlights the growing power and influence of Trump in the media landscape. Trump, now emboldened by the ABC victory, is working to stop defamation across the media landscape The ABC settlement has sent ripples of fear throughout the media industry. Sources close to ABC News have reported that Stephanopoulos was forced to accept a significant pay cut and was granted a new multi-year contract, but this is seen as a compromise to avoid the public fallout of firing him. The network's decision reflects a broader trend in the media industry, where the risks of crossing Trump have become increasingly apparent. The Trump administration, now emboldened, has launched a series of legal actions against other media outlets. One of the most significant of these actions is a lawsuit filed against the Des Moines Register, alleging defamation and abuse of power. This suit come as part of a broader legal strategy to challenge what Trump views as the media's biased and unfair treatment of him and his supporters. The fallout from these legal battles extends beyond individual cases and is reshaping the media landscape. CNN, for example, has seen its ratings plummet to all-time lows, particularly among the coveted 25-to-54-year-old demographic. The network's decline is not just a reflection of Trump's popularity but also highlights the broader shift in viewer sentiment away from more left-leaning networks. Meanwhile, Fox News, long seen as the counterbalance to the liberal media, has continued to thrive. The conservative network's primetime viewership has grown by 7% since the election, and it continues to dominate in total viewership and the key demographics. This resurgence of conservative media, coupled with the legal setbacks faced by left-leaning networks, points to a significant shift in the balance of media power. The legal victories and the broader media landscape are just part of a wider trend that signals a fundamental change in the political and cultural landscape of the United States. As Trump prepares for his return to the White House, his influence extends far beyond the Oval Office, reaching into the very institutions that once sought to undermine him. The media settlement and the subsequent legal battles are not just about defending Trump's reputation; they are about challenging the very foundations of the media establishment and its long-standing practice of unchecked defamation against political rivals. Sources include: ActivistPost.com Youtube.com NYPost.com Yemen attempts to hold Israel accountable for genocide in Gaza, conducts hyper-sonic missile strike on Tel Aviv airport Hyper-sonic missile strikes: Yemen launches hypersonic missiles targeting Tel Aviv airport, forcing Israeli lockdown. Yemen launches hypersonic missiles targeting Tel Aviv airport, forcing Israeli lockdown. US and UK airstrikes: American and British warplanes bomb Yemen, intensifying regional conflicts. American and British warplanes bomb Yemen, intensifying regional conflicts. Escalating tensions: Multiple countries are now retaliating, marking a dangerous new phase in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Multiple countries are now retaliating, marking a dangerous new phase in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Yemen persistent support of Gaza: Yemen government vows to continue missile strikes, if Israel continues to bomb Gaza. Yemens hyper-sonic strikes ignite Middle East tensions as retaliatory attacks multiply The Middle East is teetering on the brink of a full-scale regional conflict as Yemen launches devastating hypersonic missile strikes on Israeli territories, followed by retaliatory airstrikes from the US and UK. This escalating cycle of violence, spearheaded by Israels military retaliation, has left at least 27,948 people dead in Gaza and has drawn multiple enemies into the fray. To counter Israel's aggression and genocidal acts, Yemens armed forces launched a hypersonic missile on Tel Avivs Ben Gurion airport on Friday. While Israels highly touted Iron Dome defense system was unsuccessful in intercepting the projectile, air raid sirens blared across the country, causing panic among settlers. The attack forced half of Israel into lockdown, bringing the nations economy and daily life to a near standstill. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a spokesman for Yemens armed forces, confirmed that their attacks were a retaliation for Israeli strikes on Sanaa and Hudaydah last week. The Yemenis have vowed to continue their campaign until Israeli aggression in Gaza ceases. Notably, the United States and United Kingdom have entered the fray by conducting airstrikes on Yemens infrastructure. US and UK warplanes targeted the Bahis area in the Midi district of Hajjah and launched fresh attacks on Sanaas 1st Armor Division. These strikes, which followed a pattern of earlier attacks, have heightened tensions and garnered widespread condemnation from Yemeni civilians. Yemen threatens more attacks until Israel stops bombing Gaza In Sanaa, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets to denounce the Israeli attacks and express solidarity with Palestinians. The Ansarullah movement, which has been a staunch ally of Iran, stated that Yemens attacks against Israel will only intensify. Nasr al-Din Amer, an official from the movement, emphasized that the only solution to ending the retaliatory cycle is for Israel to halt its attacks on Gaza. The situation has devolved into a multi-front conflict, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. On Saturday, Yemen launched another missile attack on Israeli territories, setting off sirens in dozens of towns and cities in the Al-Quds area and the southern Negev. The attack caused minimal harm but underscored the growing capabilities of Yemeni forces and their determination to strike at Israel. With the United States and Britain joining the conflict on Israels side, the complexity of the situation continues to grow. Yemen has declared its support for Palestine and its willingness to continue attacks until the Israeli offensive in Gaza ends. In response, Israeli media has been quick to deny collusion with Washington and London, but the reality remains that a coalition of forces is mounting pressure on Yemen. As the death toll in Gaza surpasses 27,948, with over 67,459 individuals injured, the international community is forced to confront the humanitarian disaster and the escalating military confrontation that shows no signs of abating. The potential for a regional war is becoming increasingly real, with Yemens actions highlighting the deep-seated grievances and the willingness to engage in asymmetric warfare. With multiple enemies in the Middle East now retaliating against Israels actions, the coming days and weeks may either lead to a rapid escalation or a desperate search for diplomatic solutions to avert a catastrophic conflict. Sources include: En.mehrnews.com En.mehrnews.com En.mehrnews.com Fatehabad, December 29 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur on Sunday criticised the Congress over former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's demise and cremation and accused the party of trying to "play politics" over the late veteran's passing away. "I feel sad about the fact that Congress tried to play politics on the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh. Will the Nehru-Gandhi family stoop so low that they play politics in the name of Dr Manmohan Singh and his death? Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation," said Anurag Thakur. "In 2013, it was the UPA govt, you only decided where the funeral would take place but when the Modi govt called a cabinet meeting, permission was given to build a statue where his funeral took place," he said. Earlier in the day, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also 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 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. Gurugram, December 29 : 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. Abu Dhabi, December 29 : 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) Kolkata, December 29 : A tigress Zeenat who escaped from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha was successfully rescued by forest officials from Bankura in West Bengal on Sunday. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated the forest officials of West Bengal for the remarkable feat. In a post on X CM Mamata Banerjee said, "My heartiest congratulations to the forest officials of West Bengal on the successful rescue of the tigress- Zeenat. My sincere gratitude to the district administration, police, panchayat functionaries and the local people for their invaluable support and collaboration in this remarkable effort." "This rescue is a shining example of teamwork and dedication toward wildlife conservation. Your combined efforts have not only saved a majestic creature that strayed out of its habitat but also reinforced the importance of protecting our natural heritage. Thank you for your outstanding work!" she added. Debal Roy Chief Wildlife Warden West Bengal from the forest department said that the tigress escaped from Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha. "The tranquilising team today sedated the tigress after 4.10 pm. After sedation the vitals were tested and it was transported in a cage. The tigress roamed in three districts in Bengal. Jhargram, Purulia and Bankura. Now it will be kept under observation at the veterinary hospital of Alipore Zoo. The tigress is 3-years-old. It was brought to Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha from Tadoba National Park. It was among the 2 tigress that was brought," Deba Roy said. He further said that the tigress escaped as in the initial days they have nature to wander more. "It escaped to Jharkhand from Odisha and then it entered Bengal and it was caught," he added. Kochi, December 30 : Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan informed that Congress MLA Uma Thomas is being monitored after sustaining a head injury during a fall. The Congress MLA fell from the VIP Gallery of JN Stadium in Kochi while attending the Mridanga Naadam, Bharatanatyam Programme. "She has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures. She needs to be monitored for the next 24 hours. We are providing all the medical help," Satheesan told ANI on Sunday night. "At the beginning, we thought it was a grave situation," he added. Kerala Minister P Rajeev informed that Thomas is under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after the fall. The Kerala Minister said that experts from different departments would come and consult with the doctors to decide on the next course of action. Speaking to ANI 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." Washington, Dec 30 : Former US President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. He was the oldest living President of all time and was the third US President to visit India. Carter died at home in Plains, Georgia. He had been suffering from an aggressive form of melanoma, a skin cancer, with tumours that had spread to his liver and brain. He had stopped medical treatment and was under hospice care at home. His death was announced by the Carter Centre in Atlanta. "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. "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 honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs." President Carter, a Democrat, had served one term from 1977 to 1981 and was voted out of office despite such accomplishments as the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, which proved to be insufficient to overcome the disappointment over a slumping economy at home and the Iran crisis abroad. He went on to carve out an extraordinary post-presidency life and won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2002 for, the prize citation said, "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". His wife of 77 years, Rosalyn Carter died in November 2023, at 96. Carter was the third US President to visit India, after Dwight Eisenhower in 1959 and Richard Nixon in 1969. He was accompanied on this visit in 1978 by the first lady. Carter had met then President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and Prime Minister Morarji Desai and addressed the Parliament. A village he had visited then in Gurugram (then Gurgaon) was named Carterpuri and retains that name. "The atmosphere throughout the visit was friendly, and the President's reception by the Indian public was enthusiastic," the US Embassy in New Delhi had reported to the State Department in a telegram published by the US Office of the Historian. "It is clear that the President established an excellent personal rapport with the Prime Minister. The editorial comment, in the wake of the visit, while generally reflecting the atmosphere described above, also expressed some reservations. For the most part, these focused on the differences in the nuclear field." Carter's mother, Lilian Carter, had however visited India much before he did. She went to India as a member of the Peace Corps at the age of 68 and returned in 1977 to represent the US at the funeral of President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. "My mother, who loves this nation and its people very deeply, has told me of the warmth and friendship of the Indian people," President Carter had said in his remarks to Indian lawmakers. "She experienced it in her years of service here and, again, a few months ago in a time of sorrow when she represented me as President and the people of the US at the funeral of your former President." New Delhi, December 30 : Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin posted a couple of cryptic posts amid the struggle of the skipper Rohit Sharma and the Indian side on Day 5 of the fourth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Melbourne. Rohit, who has been struggling for form, did all the hard work but eventually returned to the dressing room with nothing to show for it. Instead of going all guns blazing, Rohit adopted a defensive stance and mustered up nine runs after facing 40 deliveries. After effectively dealing with the pace threat, he decided to take on his counterpart Pat Cummins. His attempt to flick the ball away resulted in a thick outside edge, which carried to Mitchell Marsh at gully. With his head and shoulders slumped, Rohit returned to the dugout and left the floodgates open. In the same over, KL Rahul walked back for a five-ball duck after being caught in two minds. Virat Kohli was next to join them after giving an edge while attempting to drive the ball. After India found itself in turmoil, Ashwin took to X to drop a cryptic post about "good leaders" which read, "Good leaders emerge when they show resolve for a scrap." https://x.com/ashwinravi99/status/1873584664931369023 A couple of minutes later, he went on to repost his comment by adding, "This tweet isn't for people who own fan clubs." https://x.com/ashwinravi99/status/1873585212334194808 In the second session, India mounted a comeback, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant forging a stand to ensure the visitors remained unscathed. In the third session, Australia made a sensational comeback to push India back against the wall. Pat Cummins made a gamble by introducing Travis Head, and it instantly paid off. Pant tried to take on the part-timer but only found Mitchell Marsh, who completed a stunning catch to send the southpaw back to the pavilion. Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy were quick to return to the dressing room as Australia reigned supreme at the MCG. Johannesburg, Dec 30 : South Africa has stepped up law enforcement efforts along its border with Mozambique amid post-election protests in the neighbouring country. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the South African government expressed its concern over the ongoing protests in parts of Mozambique and reports of individuals escaping from a maximum-security prison during this period of unrest, Xinhua news agency reported. "These developments have understandably raised apprehensions among South African citizens regarding the potential cross-border implications," the GCIS said. On Monday, Mozambique's Constitutional Council declared Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate of the ruling party Frelimo, as the winner of the general elections held on October 9. According to local media reports, more than 100 civilians have died in the post-election chaos, and hundreds have been injured. In the GCIS statement, the South African government said it remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and upholding regional stability. "To this end, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has intensified its operations along the South Africa-Mozambique border. These measures aim to prevent and combat any opportunistic crimes that may arise as a result of the unrest, both during and after the protests," said the statement. NATJOINTS, which comprises various government departments led by the State Security Agency, South African Police Service, and South African National Defense Force, is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the country. In the statement, the South African government said it is taking measures as a country and region to end the impasse in Mozambique. "The government of South Africa is actively engaging the government of Mozambique at a bilateral level to address these concerns and explore sustainable solutions." "The government recognises the interconnected nature of regional security and is determined to uphold its responsibilities in fostering peace and stability in southern Africa," it said, adding that South Africa reaffirms its commitment to support Mozambique in restoring peace and stability to ensure the safety of everyone. The South African government also urged its citizens to remain calm and to refrain from spreading unverified information that may lead to unnecessary panic. "The relevant authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will provide timely updates as new information becomes available." Khartoum, Dec 30 : Sudan rejected a report by an international organisation indicating the spread of famine in the country. The Sudanese government described the report, recently issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global hunger monitor, as based on inaccurate standards and speculative results. "The report depended on outdated information, distant communications, and secondary sources, thereby raising concerns about its reliability," said a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The Sudanese government reiterates its unwavering commitment and keenness to alleviate the suffering of its people, enhance food security, and address the root causes of the humanitarian crisis," the statement added. In the report released earlier this week, the IPC said that famine is present in at least five areas of Sudan, including the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur and parts of the Western Nuba Mountains. The report also noted that 17 other areas in Sudan are at risk of famine. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023, which claimed more than 29,680 lives and displaced over 14 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organisations, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on December 25, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was alarmed by the rapidly worsening food security situation in Sudan and called for the parties to facilitate access to humanitarian assistance, his spokesperson said in a statement. After over 20 months of conflict, more than 24.6 million people in Sudan over half the population faced high levels of acute food insecurity, the statement said, citing the latest UN-backed assessment. In a report released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global hunger monitor, famine was confirmed to be present in at least five areas of Sudan, including North Darfur's Zamzam camp and parts of the Western Nuba Mountains. The crisis was projected to expand further, with five additional areas expected to face famine between December 2024 and May 2025. The statement said that the United Nations and its partners were scaling up the delivery of food assistance and other essential support for the most vulnerable, but ongoing fighting and restrictions on the movement of relief supplies and personnel continued to imperil aid operations. Guterres reiterated his call for the parties to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained access so that humanitarian assistance and staff could reach people in need. The UN chief also underscored the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and to prevent the crisis in Sudan and its impact on neighbouring countries from escalating even further in 2025. Kyiv, December 30 : Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his support for Syria's efforts to overcome the impact of decades of dictatorial rule and restore stability and also highlighted the 500 tonnes of wheat flour aid for Syria's recovery. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1873695127367004440 "We support the Syrian people in overcoming decades of dictatorial rule and restoring stability, security, and normal life in Syria," Zelenskyy said. Following the visit of Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to Damascus, Zelenskyy shared a post on X and stated, "Upon my directions, Ukraine's Foreign Minister @Andrii_Sybiha paid a visit to Damascus together with Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food @vkoval8. The Ukrainian delegation held important talks with the Syrian administration, leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa and ministers." Highlighting Ukraine's ongoing efforts to aid Syria's recovery and improve relations between the two countries, he affirmed, "As we promised, the first 500 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat flour are planned to arrive tomorrow. And there will be more deliveries, as well as more mutually beneficial cooperation in many areas." "We truly value the chance to restore normal and stable life in Syria and stand ready to develop long-term, strategic relations. I anticipate ministers Sybiha and Koval to provide me with their reports on the visit's results upon their return to Ukraine," he added. Recently, Sybiha visited Damascus and met with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and his counterpart Asaad Hassan al-Shaybanio on Monday. Syria hopes for "strategic partnerships" with Ukraine, its newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, told his Ukrainian counterpart Sybiha, Al Jazeera reported. "Certainly the Syrian people and the Ukrainian people have the same experience and the same suffering that we endured over 14 years," he added, drawing parallels between Syria's 2011-2024 war and Russia's seizure of Ukrainian territory in 2014 and culminating in its full-scale 2022 invasion. In response, Sybiha said at a news conference after the met with Syrian leaders, "We look forward to mutual recognition of the sovereignty of the two countries so that we can complete diplomatic representation in Syria." "We believe Ukrainian-Syrian relations will witness great development," he added. The meeting marks one of the most consequential visits since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Kannada cinema superstar Yash, who is known for the KGF franchise, has urged his fans to prioritise their safety and mindfulness during his birthday celebrations. The actor said that his happiness lies in knowing that his fans are thriving and pursuing their goals. On Monday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a note in Kannada language and English in which he urged his fans to refrain from extravagant celebrations. He reflected on the unfortunate incidents that occurred during his birthday celebrations in the past, tragically resulting in the loss of lives. He wrote, As the new year dawns, it's a time for reflection, resolutions, and charting a new course. The love you all have showered on me over the years has been nothing short of phenomenal. But, there have been some unfortunate incidents too. It's time for us to change our language of love, especially when it comes to the celebration of my birthday. The expression of your love should not be in grand gestures and gatherings. The greatest gift for me is knowing you are safe, setting positive examples, achieving your goals, and spreading joy. He further mentioned, I will be busy shooting and will not be in town on my birthday. However, the warmth of your wishes will always reach me and be my constant companion, fueling my spirit and inspiring me. Stay safe, and I wish you all a very happy 2025. Earlier, on his last birthday, three of his fans in the Gadag district of Karnataka lost their lives while erecting a large birthday cutout. The actor had immediately traveled to meet the bereaved families, offering support and condolences. After this tragic event, Yash urged his fans to refrain from hanging banners, engaging in dangerous bike chases, and taking reckless selfies. Meanwhile, the actor is currently filming for 'Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-ups. The film, jointly produced by Venkat K Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, is directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film promises to be a massy entertainer. New Delhi, Dec 30 : As the world powers including US and European nations struggle to gather steam to foster sustainable growth and attain financial stability despite strong headwinds, India has been steadily manoeuvring through the challenges, making its mark on many global indicators and also setting an example for other developing economies to follow course. Having been described as a bright spot in the past by leading economists, India has proven time and again that its huge manpower and the economy in an upswing will show the way to the world. Today, India is the world's fifth largest economy and is on the way to becoming the world's third-largest economy soon. Its remarkable improvements in various global rankings over the past decade is a testament of its growing prowess. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the country has taken substantial strides in sectors ranging from logistics to innovation, security, and cyber security. These achievements over the last ten years have not just improved the country's global rankings but reimagined Indias role in the global order. India took a leap of 42 ranks in the Ease of Doing Business Index from 2015 to 2018 by cutting down the red tape and unshackling the industry from multiple bureaucratic hurdles. This turned the country into an investor-friendly destination. In 2018 again, India jumped from 71st to 29th spot on Global Competitiveness Index. Again in 2022, the country's aviation industry safety oversight mechanism jumped from 102nd rank to 48th spot, leaving countries like Denmark, Israel and China. These milestones are a testament to Indias consistent efforts to strengthen its global standing and competitiveness. In 2024, India's meteoric rise on the global stage has been nothing short of remarkable, with key rankings and achievements showcasing its growing influence. From securing a spot among the top four nations with the largest foreign exchange reserves to climbing the ranks in the Global Innovation Index, Indias progress under PM Modis leadership has been transformative. Economic Growth & Foreign Reserves India's economic growth trajectory under the leadership of PM Modi has been spectacular. In the Logistics Performance Index 2023, India took a leap of 16 spots and became 38th out of 139 countries on the trade efficiency indicator. This jump underscores India's growing strength in trade and infrastructure. Also, India has surpassed many developed nations in terms of ship-turnaround time becoming a major centre of global trade. There has been an increase in port capacity, investment in port infrastructure, and improved connectivity of ports under the Sagarmala Project. Adding to this, India crossed an extraordinary milestone as its foreign exchange reserves surged past $700 billion, placing the nation at the 4th position globally, just behind China, Japan, and Switzerland. In another impressive achievement, India's rise in the Global Competitiveness Index 2024 to 39th position highlights the government's relentless focus on economic reforms, making India a formidable player in the global market. In the past one decade of PM Modi-led government, the total FDI inflows have risen to $709.84 billion, accounting for 68.69 per cent of the overall FDI inflow in the past 24 years. In 2024, India became the world's second-largest producer of crude steel, after China. It also secured the second position globally in mobile phone production, solidifying its status as a major manufacturing hub. Emerging as an Innovation Leader The Global Innovation Index 2024 is a clear reflection of this progress, as India surged to the 39th position, up from 81st in 2015, showcasing the country's transformation into a global hub for innovation. Further enhancing its technological stature, India climbed 11 spots in the Network Readiness Index 2024, now ranking among the Top 50 countries. India was ranked 1st in AI talent and ICT services exports, 1st in AI scientific publications, 2nd in FTTH subscriptions and mobile Internet traffic, and 3rd in domestic market scale. This leap underscores the government's efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure. India secured position in top 10 countries in Patents, Trademarks, and Industrial Designs: WIPO 2024 Report, reaffirming the nation's growing leadership in intellectual property and its pivotal role in driving technological advancements. Gender Equality India's remarkable progress in gender equality is evident in the 2022 Gender Inequality Index, where the country moved up 14 places, improving from 122nd in 2021 to 108th. This progress reflects PM Modi-led government's strong commitment to women's empowerment through initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which focuses on education, healthcare, and women's safety. As of 2023-2024, India continues to make strides, with more women participating in the workforce and political leadership roles. A Flourishing Tourism Sector India's tourism sector has flourished, ranking 39th in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024. Initiatives like Incredible India and Dekho Apna Desh have boosted both domestic and international tourism, showcasing Indias rich cultural and natural heritage. In 2024, PM Modi inaugurated 52 tourism sector projects valued at Rs 1,400 crore under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Scheme. India has risen to 3rd place in the Asia Power Index 2024, surpassing Japan. This reflects India's growing regional influence, driven by strategies like the Act East Policy and active leadership in global forums. Under PM Modis leadership, Indias presence and power on the global stage continues to strengthen. Stocks To Watch: Ola Electric, Vodafone Idea, Tata Motors, Adani Ent, UltraTech, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 07:47 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Ola Electric, Vodafone Idea, Tata Motors, Adani Ent, UltraTech, and others will be in focus on Monday's trade Stocks To Watch: Check Latest Market Trend On December 30 Stocks To Watch On December 30: The markets experienced consolidation last week, with trading sentiment remaining subdued due to continued selling by FIIs and muted global cues, as the year-end festive season took hold. In todays session, stocks of IOL Chemicals, Alkyl Amines, Ola Electric, JSW Energy, and Hero MotoCorp will be in focus, driven by various company developments. AstraZeneca India: AstraZenecas Indian arm has reportedly laid off over 125 employees from its biopharmaceutical business unit. related stories SJVN: SJVN has appointed Sanjay Kumar as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective January 1, 2025. Ola Electric: Ola Electric has seen the resignation of Anshul Khandelwal, Chief Marketing Officer, and Suvonil Chatterjee, Chief Technology and Product Officer, both effective December 27. CAMS: Pullakurthi Srinivasa Reddy has resigned as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of CAMS, effective December 27. IOL Chemicals: The Board of IOL Chemicals has approved a stock split in the ratio of 1:5, meaning each share will be divided into five shares for investors. JSW Energy: JSW Neo Energy, a subsidiary of JSW Energy, has entered into an agreement to acquire O2 Power Midco Holdings Pte and O2 Energy SG Pte for $1.47 billion. Vodafone Idea: Vodafone Idea has been granted a waiver for the bank guarantee related to spectrum auctions held in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2021, provided certain conditions are met, including that the pro-rated value of the spectrum used does not exceed the payment made by the company. Adani Green Energy: Adani Green Energy has set up a new wholly owned subsidiary, Adani Green Energy Sixty Eight Limited (AGE68L), with an authorized and paid-up capital of Rs 1,00,000. The subsidiary will focus on generating and distributing energy from renewable sources. Tata Motors: Tata Motors, the leader in the electric vehicle (EV) market in India, has emphasized the importance of range to stay competitive. Its new EV models will offer a range of at least 500 km on a single charge, according to Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. Adani Enterprises: Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the Adani Group, is expected to see consolidated revenue grow at a CAGR of 17.5%, and net earnings increase by 45.8% from FY24 to FY27, according to a report. Reliance Industries: Reliance Industries has acquired Karkinos Healthcare, a technology-driven oncology healthcare platform, for Rs 375 crore through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Reliance Strategic Business Ventures (RSBVL). Zydus Wellness: Zydus Wellness has received a GST demand of Rs 56.33 crore, along with interest and penalties, from the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence, Surat Zonal Unit. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all UltraTech Cement: UltraTech Cement will invest Rs 851 crore to acquire an 8.6% stake in Star Cement, a Meghalaya-based company with a 7.7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity in East India. UltraTechs board approved the acquisition of up to 37 million shares at a price not exceeding Rs 235 each, excluding taxes. Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. First Published: December 30, 2024, 07:47 IST BPSC Exam Protest: Students Call For Bihar Bandh Demanding Cancellation Of 70th CCE Exam Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 11:20 IST BPSC Exam Protest in Bihar: Students have called for a statewide bandh (shutdown) on Monday after police in Patna used water cannons and mild force to disperse protesting students last night. Police use lathi charge and water cannons to disperse protesting BPSC aspirants in Patna. (Image: PTI) BPSC Exam Protest in Bihar: Bihar students have called for a statewide bandh (shutdown) on Monday to protest against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). Their anger stems from the exam held on December 13, which they are demanding be cancelled. However, the BPSC has refused to cancel the exam. Meanwhile, some students will be heading to the Raj Bhavan from Gardani Bagh shortly, as they seek to meet the Governor. related stories There has been no official announcement about what will be open or closed during the Bihar shutdown. However, public transport, including trains and buses, may be disrupted as protesters might target major transportation areas. Emergency services like hospitals and ambulances will continue to operate. The government has not yet issued orders to close banks or government offices, so they are expected to stay open on Monday. FIR Against Prashant Kishore, 700 People For Organising Protest Without Permission A police case was registered against poll strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishore on Sunday after he joined student protesters demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exams. Police used water cannons and mild force to disperse protesting students. The protesters, joined earlier in the day by Prashant Kishore at Gandhi Maidan, attempted to march toward the Chief Ministers residence in the evening. This prompted the police to take action, District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh said. He further added that the protesters also tried to jump over barricades while marching from Gandhi Maidan to JP Golumber. The protesters gathered at Gandhi Maidan despite the administrations warning that any demonstration there would be considered unauthorised. The district police have 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 the denial of permission by the authorities", the DM told PTI. Prashant Kishore, who arrived in the afternoon and stayed for about an hour, criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for going to Delhi on a private visit but having no time for the youth of his own state." He also suggested that students begin a relay fast" to reduce the number of people putting their health at risk for the cause. ALSO READ: Bihar Students, Police Clash In Patna Over BPSC Exam Row, Case Against Prashant Kishor | News18 What Bihar Police Said? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all SP City Sweety Sahrawat said that the police asked the protesting students to leave as their representative was not present. She clarified that the police only used a water cannon, not a lathi charge, despite videos showing officers beating people. We requested the students to vacate the area, but they didnt listen to us. We also told them they could present their demands, as we were ready to listen. However, they pushed us, which led to the use of water cannons," she said. First Published: December 30, 2024, 10:49 IST DU To Propose Removing Muslim Student Quota From MSc Course, Check Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 14:57 IST Admission to the MSc course in Mathematics Education Programme is done through CUET PG. A seat reservation policy is followed during admission The MSc course in Mathematics Education Programme was introduced in 2013. (File Photo) Delhi Universitys Cluster Innovation Center (CIC) has decided to end the reservation given to Muslims in the MSc course in Mathematics Education Programme. This course is offered jointly with Jamia Millia Islamia under the Meta University concept. The matter will be placed before the CIC Governing Body meeting today, December 30, reported the Indian Express. The MSc course in Mathematics Education Programme was introduced in 2013. Admission to the MSc course in Mathematics Education Programme is done through CUET PG. A seat reservation policy is followed during admission. There are a total of 30 seats in this course. Of these, 12 seats are for the unreserved category, while six seats are for OBC-NCL, four for Muslim general, three for Economically Weaker Sections, two seats for SC and ST, and one seat each for Muslim OBC and Muslim women. related stories A senior DU official said religious reservation does not align with the universitys policies. The whole idea is that there should be no reservation based on religion in any course in the university, the report added. The MSc in Mathematics Education programme falls under the Meta University concept. According to its official website, its primary objective is to bring together resources and experts from multiple institutions and create synergies. The CIC administratively manages the programme. Despite its inter-university nature, the CIC believes DU policies should be prioritised. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Delhi University To Introduce One-Year PG Degree From 2026, Details Here Meanwhile, Delhi University is planning to introduce a PhD programme in Hindu Studies from the 2025-26 academic session. The Governing Body of the Centre for Hindu Studies has recommended that the PhD programme be introduced in 2025-26. Initially, the Centre for Hindu Studies may offer 10 seats, including those under applicable reservation and supernumerary categories. The seats may increase in the future depending on the Centres infrastructure and academic requirements, the proposal states. First Published: December 30, 2024, 14:50 IST From Southampton Universitys India Campus To Drop In US Visa, Top International News In Education Sector In 2024 Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 31, 2024, 16:53 IST As the year comes to an end, here are some of the top changes we saw in the Education sector for international students In 2024, the education system has undergone significant changes, affecting student mobility, skill development, educational options and jobs for the youngsters. Indian students navigating these changes have encountered both obstacles and prospects, as several countries adapt to meet the demands of a changing workforce. As the year comes to an end, here are some of the top changes we saw in the Education sector for international students: related stories Australias new job programme for young Indians: In December 2024, Australia launched a new scheme to allow talented young people from India to work in their country. Named, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) offers Indian university graduates and early-career professionals the opportunity to work in Australia for two years. To apply for the scheme, Indian nationals must not be over 30 years of age (at the time of application, have proficient English language skills (IELTS Score of at least 6), hold a Bachelors degree in renewable energy, mining, engineering, Information Communications Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (FinTech). Additionally, there is no requirement for sponsorship by an Australian employer in order to apply for a visa as part of MATES. University of Southamptons first campus in India The University of Southampton, which is among the top educational institutes, based in the United Kingdom, announced to establish its first campus in Gurugram, India this year. However, the academic programme at the institute is expected to begin in July 2025. Courses that will be offered at the institute include business and management, computing, law, engineering, art and design, biosciences and life sciences. Notably, the degrees awarded by the Indian campus will be the same as the UK one. This could come as a big opportunity for Indian students to get a world-class education. Canada ended fast-track study permit for Foreign students Earlier this year, Canada discontinued the popular Student Direct Stream (SDS), which effectively eliminated the fast-track study permit process that has helped thousands of overseas students obtain quick visas. Initially, it was launched to help legal residents of countries like India, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Pakistan, Peru, Morocco, Philippines and Vietnam among others. With the project being stopped, students from India and other countries will have to go through a lengthy visa application process. Australia announced restrictions on new students Australia imposed new restrictions on international student enrolment, limiting the number of overseas students to 2,70,000 by 2025. This limit applies to both higher education and vocational courses, as well as new overseas students who will begin their studies in Australia for the first time in 2025. The country has imposed a limit of 1,45,000 new international students for public universities in 2025, based on the percentage of international students on campus. Private universities and non-higher education institutions will be limited to 30,000 new students. As per the guidelines, the vocational education industry can only accept 95,000 new overseas students. This news came as a big shock to the Indian students planning to move to Australia for higher education. UK Government Raising Financial Savings Requirement for International Students From 2025, students planning to study in the UK need to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the country for up to nine months. As per the new guidelines, which apply from January 2025, for those studying in London, the required amount will increase to 1,483 per month (Approx INR 1.60 Lakhs), up from the current 1,334 (INR 1.44 Lakhs). According to UK Visa and Immigration, students studying outside London will be required to show 1,136 per month (INR 1.23 Lakhs), which is a significant rise from the previous 1,023 (INR 1.10 Lakhs). This change is designed to reflect the rising cost of living in the United Kingdom. This means those planning to study in London for nine months or more must include evidence of at least 13,348 (INR 14.40 Lakhs) in savings in their visa application. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Drop in US Visa for Indian students According to US State Department data, the number of F-1 student visas given to Indian students fell by 38 per cent in the first nine months of 2024. This is the most substantial reduction in the post-pandemic era since the same time the previous year. While other countries have seen a minor decrease in student visas, the number issued to Indian students has remained significantly higher. There are reports that US visa regulations, already rather stringent, might become even stricter under Donald Trumps administration. First Published: December 30, 2024, 17:31 IST JKBOSE Class 11 Exam 2025 Date Sheet Released, To Commence On February 2 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 20:19 IST JKBOSE Class 11 Date Sheet 2025: According to the schedule, the exams for Science, Arts, and Commerce streams will begin on February 2, 2025, and conclude on March 18, 2025 JKBOSE class 11 exam 2025 schedule now available at jkbose.nic.in (Representative/File) JKBOSE Class 11 Date Sheet 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has released the class 11 annual examination 2025 date sheet. Students who are set to appear for the exams can access and download the schedule for science, commerce, and arts streams from the official website at jkbose.nic.in. According to the schedule, the exams for Science, Arts, and Commerce streams will begin on February 2, 2025, and conclude on March 18, 2025. The exams will commence at 10 AM. related stories JKBOSE Class 11 Date Sheet 2025: JKBOSE Class 11 Date Sheet 2025: How To Check? Step 1. Visit the official website of the Jammu and Kashmir board at jkbose.nic.in. Step 2. Click on the Student Corner" link on the homepage Step 3: Click on the class 11 date sheet link. Step 4. The JKBOSE Class 11th Datesheet 2025 will be displayed on your screen as a PDF. Step 5. Download and save the page. Take a print out for further use. ALSO READ | Winter Vacation In UP 2024: Schools Closed Across Several Districts Before Scheduled Winter Break To pass the JKBOSE Class 11 exams 2024, students must score a minimum of 33 per cent marks in each subject and a 30 per cent aggregate in the theory exam. In addition, students must obtain at least 40 per cent marks in practical exams. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Jammu and Kashmir Board announced the Class 11 results 2024 on July 14. A total of 72 per cent of the students who took the exam passed. Over 12 lakh students took the exam of which more than 8 lakh passed. Girls outperformed boys as 75 per cent of girls and 69 per cent of boys successfully qualified for the exam. As many as 32163 students received distinction while 31174 have to re-appear for the exam. This year, the JKBOSE Class 11 board exam 2024 for soft zones was held between April 22 and May 26 for all three streams and from April 2 to May 1 in hard zone areas. First Published: December 30, 2024, 20:06 IST 'Another Trick': BJP Questions AAP On Kejriwal's Rs 18,000 Per Month Honorarium To Priests Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 13:55 IST AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal announced that his government in Delhi will give Rs 18,000 per month to the priests in temples (pujaris) and Gurudwaras (Granthi) in the city. BJP hit out at AAP after Kejriwal announced a monthly honorarium for pujaris and granthis in Delhi. (Image: PTI) Why now, asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal announcement that his government in Delhi will give Rs 18,000 per month to the priests in temples (pujaris) and Gurudwaras (Granthi) in the city. Calling it another trick, Shehzad Poonawalla, National Spokesperson, BJP, questioned, Why are you making the announcements now? You were in power for the last ten years but havent paid anything to pujaris or granthis. You spent thousands of crores on waqfs When someone can damage their own vote bank, then what will they do to those who do not consider vote banks?" related stories BJP leader Parvesh Sahib Singh posted on X, saying, I have been saying for years that temple priests and granthis of all gurudwaras should be given salaries. But for the last 10 years, Arvind Kejriwal has been paying salaries to the maulvis and their associates of all the mosques in Delhi. Now as elections come he is remembering priests and glands. This is called a thug." Kejriwals Samman Rashi For Priests Addressing the media on Monday, Kejriwal said priests are the bridge between society and god. He said they have been the protectors of our culture and rituals generation after generations. They have a big contribution towards society but no party or society gives attention to their needsThis scheme will be called Pujari, Granthi Samman Yojana. Under this scheme, pujaris and granthis will be given monthly samman rashi (honorarium)," Kejriwal said. He went on to say that these people are a part of our everyday life, be it a happy occasion or sad. He explained that this amount is not called salary but honorarium. On being re-elected, our government will give Rs 18,000 per month to Pujari, Granthi. This is the first time such a step is being taken in the country," he added. The registration for the scheme will start from Tuesday from Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place. Kejriwal will start the registration process by registering the temple priests there. Our MLAs, candidates and workers will later start the registration process across the city. I request the BJP to not stop or hamper the scheme," he said. It is important to note that the announcement came as the salary of imams and muazzins were allegedly not being released by the Delhi government. Last week, scores of imams and muazzins associated with the Delhi Waqf Board gathered outside the residence of Kejriwal demanding salaries. They alleged their salaries were pending for the last 17 months. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It is also important to note that West Bengal has a similar scheme for poor Hindu priests. Ahead of the last assembly polls, Mamata Banerjee in September 2020 had announced a monthly honorarium of Rs 1,000 for them. In August 2023, she increased the amount by Rs 500 per month. This is the third big poll promise from Kejriwal after announcing a monthly financial assistant worth Rs 2,100 to each woman in Delhi every month. He has also promised that if he is re-elected, he will provide free medical treatment to all senior citizens in Delhi in both public and private institutions. First Published: December 30, 2024, 13:55 IST Arvind Kejriwal's New 'Yojana' Promises Rs 18k A Month To Priests Amid Women's Scheme Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 13:12 IST Arvind Kejriwal's latest announcement comes weeks ahead of Delhi Assembly polls in which he is seeking another term. The BJP has reacted sharply to the new scheme, calling it "deception". Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (PTI Image) Delhi Polls: Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana under which the priests of temples and the granthis of the Gurudwara will be paid a monthly honorarium of nearly Rs 18,000. Kejriwals latest announcement comes as Delhi goes to Assembly polls in nearly two months. The new Yojana was announced as a scheme row struck AAP in Delhi ahead of the 2025 elections over Mahila Samman Yojana, an initiative vowing to give a monthly allowance of Rs 2,100 to eligible women. related stories What Is Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana? Addressing a press conference, the former Delhi CM said that the AAP government will give an honorarium to temples priests and Gurudwaras granthis. The name of the scheme is Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. Under this, there is a provision to give an honorarium to the priests of temples and the granthis of the Gurudwara. They will be given an honorarium of about Rs 18,000 per month," he said. 18,000 BJP https://t.co/rJZcOxV8PR Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 30, 2024 This is happening for the first time in the country. The priest is a class that has carried forward the rituals from generation to generation. They never paid attention to their family and we never paid attention to them," the AAP chief added. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia thanked Kejriwal for the announcement of the scheme and said that the scheme will be implemented after the formation of the new government. When the Aam Aadmi Party government is formed, the priests of temples and the granthis of Gurudwara Sahib will be given their rights by giving them an honorarium of 18,000 per month. Respect for the culture and religious institutions of Delhi has always been Kejriwals priority," he tweeted. Deception: BJP On Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana BJP leader Parvesh Sahib Singh reacted sharply to Kejriwals announcement calling it a deception", and said that the BJP has been demanding for a long time salaries be given to priests, however, Kejriwal government only paid salaries to maulvis in mosques". I have been saying for years that temple priests and all gurdwara granthis should also be given salaries. However, for the past 10 years, @ArvindKejriwal has been paying salaries only to the maulvis and their associates in Delhis mosques. Now, with elections approaching, he suddenly remembers the priests and granthis. This is what you call deception," he posted on X in Hindi. What Is Mahila Samman Yojana Row? Last week, Delhi LG VK Saxena ordered a probe into the allegations over AAPs schemes, based on complaints by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit. The allegations included fraudulent collection of personal data under the pretext of AAPs Mahila Samman Yojana, the presence of Punjab intelligence officers near the homes of Congress candidates, and allegations of cash transfers from Punjab to Delhi aimed at influencing the elections. The Congress leader also raised concerns about the Mahila Samman Yojana. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The AAP has claimed that over 22 lakh women in Delhi have already registered for the Mahila Samman Yojana, which Kejriwal alleged, has made the BJP nervous". First, they sent their goons, then the police came and dismantled the registration camp. Now, theyve announced a sham investigation. What is there to investigate? We simply made an election promise that we would implement this if we won," Kejriwal earlier said. First Published: December 30, 2024, 12:24 IST Delhi Elections 2025: Why Kejriwal Has Alleged Operation Lotus By BJP, Whats The Row Over Voter List? Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 17:05 IST AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has claimed that the BJP is deleting valid and existing voters, whereas Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva has pointed out an increase in new voters, mostly aged 30-80. He also said voter IDs are being issued to individuals who are dead... Read More Noting that there are 1.06 lakh voters in the New Delhi seat, Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the BJP was trying to delete 5% of the electorate and add 7.5% new voters. (PTI Image) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was trying to fiddle with the voter list for the 2025 state assembly elections. Kejriwal accused the BJP of using unfair" means to win the election, with AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh claiming that the ruling party at the Centre was trying to get his wifes name removed from the electoral roll. related stories BJP wants to win this election somehow by using dishonest means. But the people of Delhi wont let this happen. We wont let them win by using the tactics they are said to have used in Maharashtra and Haryana," Kejriwal said while addressing to the media on December 29. What Are The AAPs Allegations? At the press conference, Kejriwal also claimed that BJPs Operation Lotus began in his New Delhi constituency on December 15. In just 15 days, they submitted nearly 5,000 applications for vote deletions and 7,500 applications for new additions," Kejriwal told media. He also claimed that when the AAP verified 500 of the 5,000 applications for deletions, they found that 408 of those voters had been living at their addresses for the last 20 to 30 years. This means valid, existing voters are being deleted. Deleting a legitimate citizens vote effectively strips them of their citizenship," he said. He pointed out that in one house 47 votes were added, and in another, 22 votes. During the inspection, it was found that these houses were non-existent and this shows that it is a clear case of fraud, he added. Noting that there are 1.06 lakh voters in the New Delhi constituency, Kejriwal claimed that the BJP was trying to delete 5% of the electorate and add 7.5% new voters. This would amount to tampering with 12% of the votes. If 12% of the votes are manipulated, theres no point in holding elections as the process loses all fairness," he added. Whats The BJPs Saying? Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva has accused the AAP of manipulation" of the electoral roll. In Narela alone, over 2,000 people applied for new voter registrations on December 24. Similar applications have been observed in various constituencies on December 25, 26, and 27. This is not mere coincidence but evidence of Arvind Kejriwals manipulation plan affecting 70 constituencies," he said, as quoted by The Hindu. Sachdeva presented testimonies from Hindu homeowners in Delhis Tughlakabad constituency who revealed that several Muslim names had been added to their addresses in the voters list without their knowledge. Sachdeva stated that the Election Commission filed an FIR at Shaheen Bagh police station against four accused involved in voter fraud: Jameel Alam, Kishunik, Mohammed Naeem, and Shabana Khatoon. He also pointed out that before the 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, 14 lakh voters were added to the list in just eight months. The figure increased from 1.19 crore in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to 1.33 crore in the 2015 Assembly elections. Similarly, the list saw an increase of 9 lakh voters before the 2020 Assembly elections. He also raised concern over voter IDs being issued to individuals who are dead or have left the city or never resided in Delhi. Its clear that theres widespread forgery in the creation of fake voter IDs," Sachdeva said, holding up a list of names of newly enrolled voters, many of whom were aged between 38 and 80, with no apparent legitimacy. Surprisingly, none of the applications belong to 18 to 20-year-olds, Sachdeva pointed out. This is the true face of Kejriwal. We will not let him manipulate the system. We want the Election Commission to conduct an investigation," he added. Where Does The Election Commission Stand In The Matter? The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified that updating the electoral roll was a continuous process. It said the draft electoral roll was published on October 29 and all objections to the same were disposed of by December 24. The Special Summary Revision with respect to the qualifying date, January 1, 2025, is being done as per the Election Commissions letter dated August 7, 2024," the chief electoral officer said 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 final electoral roll will be published on January 6, 2025. The Special Summary Revision with respect to the qualifying date, January 1, 2025, is being done as per the Election Commissions letter dated August 7, 2024. During the pre-revision period, that is from August 20, 2024 to October 18, 2024, the BLOs conducted a house-to-house verification to identify the unenrolled eligible citizens and prospective electors, permanently shifted electors/dead electors/ multiple entries," the Delhi Chief Election Officer (CEO) said in a tweet. Facts About 2025 Delhi Elections The Election Commission of India is yet to announce the exact dates, but the elections are expected to be held in early 2025. In the 2020 Assembly elections in Delhi, the AAP secured a resounding victory, winning 62 out of 70 seats. The BJP won 8 seats, while Congress failed to secure a single constituency. On November 21, 2024, the AAP announced its first list of 11 candidates for the upcoming elections. The list covers key constituencies, including Chhatarpur, Laxmi Nagar, Seelampur, Seemapuri, Ghonda and Badarpur. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reports suggest that the BJP will share the final list of candidates for the Delhi Assembly polls in the next couple of days, after Prime Minister Narendra Modis mega rally scheduled for first week of January at Delhi s Japanese Park. The BJP has been out of power in Delhi since 1998, and has pulled all the stops to win the polls and replace AAP which has been dominating since 2013. First Published: December 30, 2024, 16:56 IST How Did A Bird Strike Contribute To South Korean Plane Crash? Other Factors Explained Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 13:42 IST The fire department of the Muan Airport in South Korea said bird strike and bad weather may have caused the accident. But experts have pointed to the absence of landing gear and the timing of belly landing as chief reasons behind the crash Video footages show the plane touching down without using its wheels or any other landing gear. (Photo: AP) More than 170 passengers have died in a deadly plane crash in South Korea on Sunday morning, with authorities indicating that a bird strike and bad weather could have led to the accident. Although experts are also pointing to other factors such as absence of landing gear, the timing of the twin-engine Boeing 737-800s belly landing at Muan International Airport. related stories In harrowing videos shared online, the single-aisle aircraft, carrying passengers from Bangkok in Thailand, was seen skidding down the runway with no landing gear deployed before hitting a wall in an explosion of flames and debris. How Can A Bird Strike Contribute To A Crash? The flight, 7C2216, was operated by Jeju Air, Koreas most popular budget airline. The plane arrived in Muan at about 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT). According to a South Korean transport official, the plane had been attempting to land but was forced to hold off after air traffic control gave a bird strike warning an alert about the risk of a collision with birds. Within two minutes, the pilot called in a Mayday and air traffic command gave permission for the plane to land from the opposite direction, the official added. Video footages shared online show the plane touching down without using its wheels or any other landing gear. A witness told the South Korean news agency Yonhap that they heard a loud bang" followed by a series of explosions". Lee Jeong-hyun, the chief of the Muan Airport fire department, said the bird strike and bad weather may have caused the crash, but the exact cause is still being investigated. The flight and voice recorders from the plane have been recovered, but the Yonhap news agency reported that the former was damaged. The head of Jeju Airs management said the crash was not due to any maintenance issues", Yonhap reported. The South Korean transport department said the head pilot on the flight had held the role since 2019 and had more than 6,800 hours of flight experience. What Is A Bird Strike? A bird strike is a collision between a plane in flight and a bird. As many as 500 incidents of bird hits involving aircraft have been reported in India in 2023. In 2019, the Ahmedabad airport saw 11 wildlife strike events every 10,000 flights. The key reason was the disposal of a large garbage dump in Ahmedabad that was located almost directly in the trajectory of flights approaching the airport, a move that has caused the birds circling the landfill to disperse. The best-known bird strike occurred in 2009, when an Airbus plane made an emergency landing on New Yorks Hudson River after colliding with a flock of geese. All 155 passengers and crew survived. According to Professor Dough Drury, who teaches aviation at CQ University Australia, wrote in an article for The Conversation, Boeing planes have turbofan engines, which can be severely damaged in a bird strike. Pilots are trained to be especially vigilant during the early morning or at sunset, when birds are most active, he explained. What Causes A Bird Strike? The presence of birds around an airfield multiples the chances of a bird strike. In monsoons, as water puddles emerge in open grounds attracting insects to breed, it also increases the presence of birds in these regions. Bird hits happen at higher altitudes when a plane is cruising. These are more dangerous than the low-altitude strikes, given that they can cause rapid depressurisation of cabins. Other reasons for bird activity around an airfield could be the presence of landfills or waste disposal sites that attract a large number of birds. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recognised wildlife strikes, including bird and animal hits, to aircraft as one of the State Safety Priority", and the aviation regulator regularly carries out aerodrome inspections that are considered critical with regard to wildlife strikes. Aviation authorities, along with local agencies, work on reducing wildlife presence around airports from time to time. DGCA has issued regulations and guidelines for the management of potential wildlife hazards at licensed airports. Rule 91 of The Aircraft Rule 1937 prohibits dumping of garbage and slaughter of animals that may attract wildlife within 10 km of Aerodrome Reference Point. Aerodrome Advisory Circular AD AC 06 of 2017 has been issued to aerodrome operator for implementing an effective wildlife control mechanism for their aerodrome to control wildlife strikes. What Could Be Other Factors Leading To The Crash? Experts have cited other reasons, besides the bird strike, that may have contributed to the fatal crash. 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. He pointed out 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, as per a report in Reuters. Another Australian aviation consultant Trevor Jensen said fire and emergency services would normally be ready for a belly landing, so this appears to be unplanned". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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, quoted by Reuters. But the consequences are much too big for that to be the direct cause of the accident." 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. First Published: December 30, 2024, 13:38 IST Snowfall, Mercury Drop On New Year's Eve: What Is A Cold Wave, And IMD Warning For 2025? Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 12:12 IST Cold wave conditions occur mainly due to western disturbances impacting the western Himalayan region and a strong subtropical westerly jet stream. Another reason behind early cold wave conditions is prolonged dry weather over the last two months, especially in Punjab and Haryana The IMD forecast that cold wave conditions are 'very likely' in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana during December 31 and January 2, and over Rajasthan during December 30-January 2. (PTI Photo) Looks like North India will witness intense winter during the New Year, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of cold wave and fog, with the temperature dropping three-four degrees in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan. The IMD forecast that cold wave conditions are very likely" in isolated pockets" of Punjab and Haryana during December 31 and January 2, and over Rajasthan during December 30-January 2. It also issued dense fog and cold wave warnings for January 1 as well. related stories Uttar Pradesh is also likely to feel colder by 4 to 6 degree Celsius over the next five days. Later, western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from January 6, causing rainfall and snowfall over the western Himalayan region. Let us understand whats the reason behind this sudden change in weather, what is a cold wave, what is a western disturbance? Why Is The Weather In Delhi Suddenly Colder? Cold wave conditions have hit north India early. This is mainly due to western disturbances impacting the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains on December 8, and have moved eastward from December 9. Additionally, a strong subtropical westerly jet stream with winds up to 278 km/h has prevailed over northwest India, which has significantly impacted atmospheric conditions. Another reason behind early cold wave conditions is prolonged dry weather over the last two months, especially in Punjab and Haryana, which received only a fraction of their required rainfall, with Punjab recording just 18% of normal rainfall and Haryana only 4%. Thus, the lack of rainfall reduced soil moisture, intensifying the cooling effect during clear nights. Early and heavy snowfall in the hills has also aggravated cold, as frigid air move downwards to the plains. Experts said such weather anomalies may become more common due to climate change. What Is A Cold Wave? A cold wave (also known as a cold snap, cold spell, or Arctic Snap in some areas) is a weather phenomenon characterised by a cooling of the air. It is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to the human body when exposed". A cold wave, as defined by the United States National Weather Service, is a rapid drop in temperature over a 24-hour period that necessitates significantly increased protection for agriculture, industry, commerce, and social activities. The precise criteria for a cold wave are the rate of temperature drop and the minimum temperature drop. The minimum temperature varies according to geographical region and time of year. In the plains, the IMD defines a cold wave as the minimum temperature being equal to or less than 10C at a weather station or 4.5C to 6.4C below the normal temperature for that period. A cold wave may also be recorded when the minimum temperature is less than or equal to 4C. For mountains, apart from the deviation from normal, a cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature is less than or equal to 0C. A severe cold wave is declared when the minimum temperature falls below 2C or is recorded as more than 6.5C below normal for that period, for plains. What Causes A Cold Wave? A cold wave can be caused by a number of factors. Pressure Differences: A prolonged area of relatively high atmospheric pressure" in the jet stream in northwest Asia, according to the National Disaster Management Agency, can cause a cold wave. Jet streams form because the Earth is unevenly heated, and pressure differences in different areas cause wind to blow from one to the other. Cloud Cover: A lack of cloud cover can also cause a cold wave. Clouds trap infrared radiation from the Earth, and as cloud cover decreases, more heat escapes from the Earths surface, resulting in a cooler surface and lower temperatures. La Nina: A weather phenomenon that occurs in the Pacific Ocean in which warm water floats on top of cold water. La Nina is a weather disturbance that causes these warm waters to be blown towards Indonesia. This causes cold water to rise to the surface. The rise in cold surface water has a cooling effect. Non-Monsoon Rainfall: Another major cause of cold waves is non-monsoon rainfall. The unpredictability of precipitation has been only increasing as a result of climate change. This results in less monsoonal rainfall (which benefits agriculture in India) and more off-season rainfall. One of the many consequences of this is an increase in cold waves during the winter. What Is A Western Disturbance? A western disturbance is an extratropical storm that forms in the Mediterranean region and brings heavy winter rain to the northern Indian subcontinent, extending as far east as northern Bangladesh and south-eastern Nepal. The westerlies are driving a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern. The moisture in these storms typically originates over the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Black Seas. Extratropical storms are a global phenomenon that carry moisture in the upper atmosphere, as opposed to tropical storms, which carry moisture in the lower atmosphere. When a storm system encounters the Himalayas, moisture is sometimes shed as rain on the Indian subcontinent. During the winter, western disturbances become more frequent and stronger. What Is La Nina? Specific to La Nina, which is Spanish for the girl", it is winds above Pacific Ocean that see a change that have a spillover impact in wide parts of the world. As the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) points out, in normal times, winds above the Pacific Ocean gently push warm water west, from the west coast of South America towards Indonesia. As the warm water moves, cold water from the bottom of the ocean rises up to take its place. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But La Nina and the its opposite weather phenomenon known as El Nino (Spanish for little boy"), break these normal conditions". La Nina which is the cooling phase of the phenomenon termed El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) whips up winds above the Pacific Ocean to be stronger than usual, so much so that more warm ocean water than normal are pushed west toward Indonesia, which in turn leads to more cold water rising to the surface near South America. But this small change in ocean temperatures is enough to drive a global change in the weather with one of the effects being below-normal temperatures in the northern hemisphere. La Nina can spur an increase in the amount of moisture over the Indian subcontinent, leading to excess snowfall and rainfall. First Published: December 30, 2024, 10:43 IST BPSC Exam Row: NDA Ally Chirag Paswan Supports Protesting Students, Condemns Lathi-Charge Action Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 18:43 IST Chirag Paswan, whose Lok Janshati Party (LJP) is a part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar and Centre, said that states Chief Secretary interacted with the students and soon the matter would be resolved. Union Minister Chirag Paswan. (Image: PTI/File) Union minister Chirag Paswan on Monday came in support of students and aspirants protesting over the alleged Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) question paper leak, and appealed to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to intervene and resolve the impasse with the students. Paswan, whose Lok Janshati Party (LJP) is a part of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar and Centre, said that states Chief Secretary interacted with the students and soon the matter would be resolved. related stories In a long post on X, Paswan said, Being a key supporter of the #NDA government on the issues of the youth and #BPSC candidates of Bihar, I have appealed to the Bihar government and the Honble Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar ji for immediate intervention, as a result of which the Chief Secretary (who is the highest official of the government) on behalf of the government has started the process of dialogue with the candidates and students. Soon the fruitful results of this initiative will be seen. This is the result of our governments positive thinking and sensitivity towards the students." While taking a veiled dig at political strategist and Jan Suraaj chief Prashnat Kishor, the union minister further appealed to the students to present their issues before the government without under any influence of any political leader. He emphasised that his party and the state government is trying to help the students in every possible way. I also appeal to the candidates to present their issues before the government in a peaceful and constructive manner and avoid getting influenced by any political persons. This issue is completely related to the future of the youth and the development of Bihar, which should be resolved by keeping politics above politics. Our party stands with the youth at every step. Some political persons and parties are trying to mislead the students, this is wrong. It is not right to use students for political gain. The honorable Chief Minister himself is aware of this matter, the government is trying to help the students in every possible way," he added. Action Against Cops Paswan also demanded a strict action against the cops who lathi charged and used water canons on the students. He said that he has never been a supporter of brutal action against the students. I have never been a supporter of the lathicharge and use of water cannon on students in Patna yesterday. The police should exercise restraint. If students have come out on the streets with their demands, efforts should be made to solve their problems by explaining them in a peaceful manner, and not to use lathicharge and water cannon. I have also told the Chief Minister that legal action should also be taken against those police officers who are found involved in such activities," he said on X. Baton Charge On Students Late on Sunday, a lathi charge and water cannon action by the Patna Police left many candidates injured. Police used water cannons and mild force to disperse protesting students. The protesters, joined earlier in the day by Prashant Kishore at Gandhi Maidan, attempted to march toward the Chief Ministers residence in the evening. This prompted the police to take action, District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh said. In a statement, the Patna authorities later said a case had been filed against Prashant Kishor on charges of unauthorised gathering of crowd, instigating people and creating law and order problems. This came after Prashant Kishor joined the students and said that a five-member student delegation would meet the Bihar Government Secretary over the ongoing issue. He appealed to protesters to halt the agitation and said that if the protestors are not satisfied with the governments response, a decision would be made on the further protest. Students Call For Bihar Bandh top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bihar students have called for a statewide bandh (shutdown) on Monday to protest against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). The BPSC candidates have been protesting for more than a week seeking the cancellation of the Preliminary Examination conducted by the BPSC over allegations of question paper leak. First Published: December 30, 2024, 18:43 IST Digi Yatra Passengers' Data Not Shared With Tax Authorities, Centre Clarifies Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 21:02 IST Earlier in the day, the I-T Department refuted reports that Digi Yatra data will be used to crack down on tax evaders. Based on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), Digi Yatra provides for contactless, seamless movement of passengers at various check points at airports (File) The civil aviation ministry on Monday said data of passengers who use Digi Yatra are not shared with the Indian tax authorities. Earlier in the day, the I-T Department refuted reports that Digi Yatra data will be used to crack down on tax evaders. related stories Based on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT), Digi Yatra provides for contactless, seamless movement of passengers at various check points at airports. The data shared by a passenger for Digi Yatra is stored in an encrypted format. To avail the service, a passenger has to register his or her details on the Digi Yatra app using Aadhaar-based validation and a self-image capture. In the next step, the boarding pass has to be scanned and the credentials are shared with the airport. In a post on X, the ministry said there is no sharing of Digi Yatra passengers data with Indian tax authorities. "The Digi Yatra app follows the Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) model, where Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and travel credentials are stored exclusively on the users device, not on any central repository. Furthermore, if a user uninstalls the Digi Yatra app, the data is deleted entirely," the ministry said in a post on X. Further, the ministry said airport systems automatically purge passenger data within 24 hours of the flights departure. The I-T Department, in a post on X, refuted reports which stated that Digi Yatra data will be used to crack down on tax evaders. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all "In this connection, it is clarified that as on date there is no such move by the @IncomeTaxIndia department," it said. Digi Yatra is managed by the Digi Yatra Foundation. Its shareholders are Airport Authority of India (AAI), Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL), Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (HIAL) and Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL). First Published: December 30, 2024, 21:02 IST Farmers Observe Bandh Across Punjab; Roads Blocked, Toll Plaza In Amritsar Shut Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 11:39 IST Farmers in Punjab held a statewide bandh on Monday, blocking roads and disrupting traffic to demand a legal guarantee of MSP for crops and other issues. Amritsar: Farmers raise slogans as they block a road during the statewide 'bandh' called as part their ongoing protest (Photo: PTI) As part of their Punjab bandh, farmers on Monday blocked roads at many places across the state, crippling commuter traffic. A call for a shutdown was given last week by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha over the Centre not accepting the demands of protesting farmers. related stories The farmers will continue their bandh until 4 pm today. VIDEO | Punjab: Farmers sit on protest in #Mohali amid day-long shutdown in the state.Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.#FarmersProtest #PunjabBandh (Full video pic.twitter.com/Vkpy8pEOuk Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 30, 2024 Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. According to the details, farmers today observed a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza which affected vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. At Amritsars Golden Gate, farmers started to assemble near the citys entry point while in Bathindas Rampura Phul, they blocked roads. Amritsar, Punjab: During the Punjab bandh, farmers shut down the Kathu Nangal toll plaza in Amritsar. No one is being allowed to pass through the toll plaza pic.twitter.com/lfdEXPox4I IANS (@ians_india) December 30, 2024 On Sunday, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that though there will be a complete bandh, emergency services will be allowed to operate. The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm. However, emergency services will remain operational. Anyone travelling to the airport to catch a flight or anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needs to attend a wedding all these things have been kept out of our bandh call," he said. Meanwhile, 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewals hunger strike entered its 35th day on Monday. Dallewal has so far refused medical treatment. Dallewal had earlier said he would not break his fast until the government agreed to the farmers demands. The apex court has given 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. 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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. Besides the MSP, farmers are also demanding a debt waiver, pension, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. First Published: December 30, 2024, 11:17 IST For Petty Crumbs...: Pranab Mukherjees Daughter Lashes Out At Brother For Defending Congress Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 31, 2024, 00:07 IST The controversy began when Sharmistha Mukherjee claimed Congress did not bother for a CWC meeting after Pranab Mukherjee's death in 2020. Her brother Abhijit said COVID-19 curbs were in place. A feud has developed between Sharmistha and Abhijit Mukherjee over Congress denying CWC meet for their father and ex-President Pranab Mukherjee. (Agencies) Pranab Mukherjees daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee made a sharp comment towards her brother Abhijit Mukherjee for defending Congress, igniting a family feud in connection with ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs memorial. The controversy began after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a separate memorial for Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 on December 26. related stories Sharmistha Mukherjee claimed that when her father and former Indian President died in 2020, the Congress did not bother to convene a condolence meeting by the Congress Working Committee. According to her, a senior leader of the Congress told her that it is not for Indian Presidents. When baba passed away, Congress didnt even bother 2 call CWC 4 condolence meeting. A senior leader told me its not done 4 Presidents. Thats utter rubbish as I learned later from babas diaries that on KR Narayanans death, CWC was called & condolence msg was drafted by baba only https://t.co/nbYCF7NsMB Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) December 27, 2024 However, her brother Abhijit Mukherjee had a remarkably different reaction to the issue, who asserted that COVID-19 curbs were in place during Pranab Mukherjees demise in 2020. Pranab Mukherjee had passed away at the age of 84 after testing positive for COVID-19. ALSO READ: Congress Pushes Its Own Away, BJP More Inclusive: Pranab Mukherjees Daughter Sharmishtha To News18 Speaking to news agency ANI, Abhijit Mukherjee defended the Congress by saying, When my father died, it was COVID-19 time. There were a lot of restrictions in place which is why people could not gather. Even (Then-Delhi CM Arvind) Kejriwals administration did not allow even family members to visit. Only 20 family and friends were present there." Congress wanted to take out a rally but they could not (due to COVID-19) but they came and visited. Even PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi and senior leaders came," he said. I think what she (Sharmistha) is referring to is that there was a CWC meeting when they missed a proper obituary, or there was no separate CWC meeting for his obituary. But later on, they corrected this course of action and did it regularly." Reacting sharply to her brothers remarks, Sharmistha took to X and said, Shame is on the person who, for some petty crumbs, wants to rejoin a party whose followers abuse his father day-in & day-out in the most vilest manner." Shame is on the person who, for some petty crumbs, wants to rejoin a party whose followers abuse his father day-in & day-out in the most vilest manner. He is truly dented-painted. SICK! https://t.co/nIAvbSilAp pic.twitter.com/FiR5cUN7mB Sharmistha Mukherjee (@Sharmistha_GK) December 30, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He is truly dented-painted. SICK!", she commented, referring to Abhijits controversial dented and painted" remarks aimed towards protests over the Nirbhaya gangrape case in 2012, which sparked widespread outrage. Sharmistha also attached screenshots, where Abhijit had reportedly claimed earlier that his father was humiliated" by the Congress. Sharing his mind over the controversy surrounding Manmohan Singhs cremation, Mukherjee said, I dont think there should be a controversy. We want a memorial (for him). I appeal to the government and fully endorse Congress President Mallikarjuns appeal to the govt, they should think about it." First Published: December 31, 2024, 00:07 IST From Long-Range Hypersonic Missile To Indigenous Antibiotic: India's Historic Firsts In 2024 Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 16:51 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership is reflected in these milestones while also highlighting a narrative of progress India successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic missile from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha in November. (Image: ANI/File) The year 2024 was one of groundbreaking achievements for India, marked by a series of firsts", which underscore the countrys growing global influence. Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership is reflected in these milestones while also highlighting a narrative of progress. GLOBAL EVENTS related stories National Creators Award (NCA): For the first time, India launched the National Creators Award (NCA) first of a kind in the world to honour digital content creators who have made significant contributions across various platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the inaugural award at Bharat Mandapam, highlighting the central governments emphasis on embracing technology and digital platforms that have been instrumental in fostering an ecosystem of creators. UNs First International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure: The United Nations First International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure was held under Indias leadership to harness the technology to propel sustainable development goals (SDG) and foster inclusivity. It was held in April, prominently featuring Indias Citizen Stack initiative inspired by India Stack. 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee: This year marked the first time that India played host to the World Heritage Committee meeting. The 46th session of this prestigious gathering took place in July at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The inclusion of Assams moidams, the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty, was Indias 42nd entry. In the last decade, 13 heritage sites have been listed in India. First International Conference of All India Institute of Ayurveda: In October, India hosted the first-ever international conference of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), titled AROHA-2024, in New Delhi. The event enhanced global recognition of ayurveda as a legitimate and effective system of medicine. ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024: In another milestone, in November, India hosted the Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly for the first time in the 130-year history of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). This historic event, held under the leadership of Modi, reflects Indias growing influence in the global cooperative movement and its commitment to fostering inclusive development. First Asian Buddhist Summit: In November, India hosted the First Asian Buddhist Summit with participation from 32 countries and more than 160 international delegates. SPACE AND DEFENCE RESEARCH First X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite: Adding a new chapter in Indias ambitious space journey, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its first X-ray polarimeter satellite (XPoSat) in January. This mission marked a significant step towards unravelling the mysteries of black holes and the extreme phenomena in space. With this launch, India is poised to become only the second country, after the United States, to have a dedicated observatory to investigate black holes. First Private Sector Military Aircraft Plant: In a historic move underscoring Indias growth in defence manufacturing, the prime minister inaugurated the Tata Aircraft Complex in October, which will manufacture the C-295 aircraft. This is Indias first private-sector military aircraft plant and this landmark development is a significant step towards enhancing self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Antariksha Abhyas, First Military Space Exercise: In another landmark event, India conducted its first-ever military space exercise in November. Antariksha Abhyas 2024 was organised by the Defence Space Agency to enhance strategic readiness in space warfare. This exercise marked a crucial step in strengthening Indias space-based operational capabilities and enhancing tri-services integration for space security. First Long Range Hypersonic Missile: In a significant development, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) test-fired Indias first long-range hypersonic missile in November. This can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads and flies over five times the speed of sound. INFRASTRUCTURE First National Highway Steel Slag Road Section: In a significant development, Indias first national highway steel slag road section on NH-66, connecting Mumbai to Goa, was inaugurated in January. The construction process involved converting approximately 80,000 tonnes of CONARC steel slag into processed steel slag aggregates at the JSW Steel Dolvi plant in Raigad. The initiative not only reduces industrial waste but also enhances road strength, durability, and sustainability. J&Ks First Electric Train: In February, Modi flagged off Jammu and Kashmirs first electric train. This achievement highlights the Centres commitment to enhancing sustainable transportation while improving connectivity in the region. It has taken decades to materialise and is more than just a transportation upgrade, symbolising a long-overdue integration of the region with Indias broader developmental goals. First-ever Floating Solar Plant of Indian Railways: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Central Railway installed a floating solar plant of 10 MWp capacity in the Igatpuri lake located in the Western Ghats in June. The plant is committed to leveraging renewable energy sources, using solar power, and installing wind-energy resources, providing adequate passenger amenities and significantly contributing towards the goal of a green" Earth. Delhi Metros First Make in India Driverless Train: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) received its first train set integrated with driverless technology in September, marking a major milestone under the Make in India initiative. The driverless trains are equipped with state-of-the-art automation and safety systems, ensuring efficient and seamless operations. First Vande Metro (Namo Bharat Rapid Rail): The much-awaited first Vande Metro, a revolutionary urban transit system designed for short-distance travel, was launched in Ahmedabad in September. The Metro is also named Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, which will run between Ahmedabad and Bhuj. It reflects the PMs vision of modernising Indias infrastructure while making it sustainable and accessible. Samarthak, First Indigenous Multipurpose Vessel: In October, the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the launch of Samarthak, the first vessel under the two multi-purpose vessel (MPV) project. This highlights Indias progress in indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. First Vertical Lift Rail Sea Bridge: The new Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadus Rameswaram, hailed as a modern engineering marvel, is Indias first vertical lift railway bridge. The successful trial on the bridge was completed in November, and it replaces the 105-year-old bridge decommissioned due to corrosion. A modern blend of innovation and resilience, it reflects Indias progress in infrastructure development and promises to strengthen tourism and pilgrimage in the region. First Modern, Self-sufficient Gaushala: In November 2024, Modi inaugurated a 100 TPD (tonnes per day) cattle dung-based compressed biogas (CBG) plant in Gwalior. This marked a significant milestone in Indias journey toward sustainable development under the Waste to Wealth initiative. This state-of-the-art plant, integrated within a self-sufficient modern gaushala, is the first of its kind in India showcasing innovative use of cattle dung to produce clean energy. GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMY First-ever Survey on Snow Leopards: In January, the first-ever survey on snow leopards showed that an estimated population of 718 of these big cats existed in the wild. This breakthrough came after a rigorous four-year exercise marking a critical step toward understanding and protecting one of the most elusive and endangered big cats in the world. Electricity to 3 Villages for the First Time: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed unprecedented development, bringing even the remotest corners of the region into the fold of progress. In January, two remote villages along the Line of Control (LoC) on the Keran sector were electrified for the first time in 75 years of independence. Chhutwahi village in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district, which was previously inaccessible by road and under Maoist control, also got electricity for the first time in November. Foreign Reserves Crossed US$700 Bn for the First Time: In a significant achievement, Indias forex reserves crossed the milestone of US$700 billion for the first time in history in September. This remarkable feat places India as the fourth-largest holder of foreign exchange reserves globally. New Historic Records in Digital Transactions: In October, unified payments interface (UPI) achieved a historic milestone by processing 16.58 billion financial transactions in a single month, underscoring its pivotal role in Indias digital transformation. First Constitution Day Celebration in J&K: On November 26, for the first time since 1950, Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Samvidhan Diwas. This celebration is a direct reflection of Modis governance, which stresses on inclusivity, integration, and the strengthening of democratic values across all regions of India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all HEALTHCARE First Indigenous Antibiotic: Indias launched its first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, a breakthrough in medical science and a critical step toward self-reliance in healthcare. This antibiotic is for resistant infections and 10 times more effective than azithromycin while achieving comparable outcomes with just a three-day regimen. Modis focus on fostering research and innovation has paved the way for such groundbreaking achievements. First Published: December 30, 2024, 16:51 IST From PM Modi's Historic Russia, Ukraine Visits To Highest Honours: How 2024 Fared For Indian Diplomacy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 14:09 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on several overseas visits this year, including to Russia and Ukraine where he met Putin and Zelenskyy respectively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI Image) Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre navigated a fruitful 2024 with continued diplomatic achievements this year despite nationwide general elections in the midway. Starting from French President Emmanuel Macrons India visit on Republic Day celebrations this January, to his historic Ukraine and African nations the year has been one of milestones for PM Modi and India. The year also saw several international awards bestowed upon the Prime Minister, including Russias highest civilian honour which he received upon his visit to the country in July. related stories PM Modi visited Italy for G7 Summit, soon after assuming office for the third consecutive term in June this year. India participated in the 50th G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, as an Outreach Country, marking PM Modis first overseas trip in his third term. How 2024 Fared For Indian Diplomacy? French President Attends Republic Day: French President was the chief guest at Indias 75th Republic Day celebrations. This was built on the previous invitation by France to India, with PM Modi attending Bastille Day in July 2023. French President was the chief guest at Indias 75th Republic Day celebrations. This was built on the previous invitation by France to India, with PM Modi attending Bastille Day in July 2023. Qatar Released 8 Indian Navy Veterans: A significant diplomatic win came when, due to the personal intervention of PM Modi, Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel facing death sentences. This followed direct communication between PM Modi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, leading to a Qatari court commuting the death sentences to prison terms ranging from three to 25 years. The release of the veterans came just a day ahead of Prime Minister Modis February 13-14 visit to the UAE to inaugurate the countrys first Hindu temple, BAPS Mandir, in Abu Dhabi. A significant diplomatic win came when, due to the personal intervention of PM Modi, Qatar released eight former Indian Navy personnel facing death sentences. This followed direct communication between PM Modi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, leading to a Qatari court commuting the death sentences to prison terms ranging from three to 25 years. The release of the veterans came just a day ahead of Prime Minister Modis February 13-14 visit to the UAE to inaugurate the countrys first Hindu temple, BAPS Mandir, in Abu Dhabi. Halting Of Ravi Water To Pakistan: India has completed the Shahpur Kandi Barrage on the Ravi River, effectively halting excess water flow to Pakistan. This milestone marks a significant strategic shift in Indias water management efforts. India has completed the Shahpur Kandi Barrage on the Ravi River, effectively halting excess water flow to Pakistan. This milestone marks a significant strategic shift in Indias water management efforts. India-China Agreement On LAC: The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 marked a major escalation in hostilities, prompting India to intensify troop deployments and accelerate infrastructure development along the border. After a four-year military standoff, India and China reached a pivotal agreement this year to disengage and resume patrolling in the Depsang Plains and Demchok areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), restoring the pre-May 2020 status quo. This agreement represents a significant step toward de-escalation and the withdrawal of troops from key border areas, particularly the strategically vital Depsang Plains. The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 marked a major escalation in hostilities, prompting India to intensify troop deployments and accelerate infrastructure development along the border. After a four-year military standoff, India and China reached a pivotal agreement this year to disengage and resume patrolling in the Depsang Plains and Demchok areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), restoring the pre-May 2020 status quo. This agreement represents a significant step toward de-escalation and the withdrawal of troops from key border areas, particularly the strategically vital Depsang Plains. PM Modi As Peacemaker In Ukraine: India has emerged as a potential peacemaker in the protracted Russia-Ukraine war. President Vladimir Putin has suggested that India could serve as a mediator in the conflict, a sentiment echoed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who recognized Indias potential role in fostering a resolution. In mid-2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Russia included direct talks with President Putin, emphasizing the urgency of initiating peace negotiations. Shortly after, Modi visited Ukraine, reaffirming Indias commitment to actively contributing to the restoration of peace. India has emerged as a potential peacemaker in the protracted Russia-Ukraine war. President Vladimir Putin has suggested that India could serve as a mediator in the conflict, a sentiment echoed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who recognized Indias potential role in fostering a resolution. In mid-2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Russia included direct talks with President Putin, emphasizing the urgency of initiating peace negotiations. Shortly after, Modi visited Ukraine, reaffirming Indias commitment to actively contributing to the restoration of peace. G7 Meeting In Italy: PM Modi was invited to the G7 even before winning the 2024 general elections, and it was the first global forum he attended after his victory. PM Modi was invited to the G7 even before winning the 2024 general elections, and it was the first global forum he attended after his victory. Rescue/Humanitarian Operations: India launched Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. India launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. On December 10, 2024, India successfully evacuated 75 nationals from Syria. India launched Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. India launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam. On December 10, 2024, India successfully evacuated 75 nationals from Syria. India-Middle East Corridor: In February 2024, India and the UAE signed the first formal agreement on the development of the IMEC corridor. During PM Modis visit to Greece in the same month, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that while the turmoil in Gaza and the Middle East is destabilizing, it should not undermine the strong logic behind IMEC. In February 2024, India and the UAE signed the first formal agreement on the development of the IMEC corridor. During PM Modis visit to Greece in the same month, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized that while the turmoil in Gaza and the Middle East is destabilizing, it should not undermine the strong logic behind IMEC. Indias Takeover Of Chabahar Port: The development of Chabahar Port is viewed as a strategic counter to Chinas influence in the region, particularly concerning Pakistans Gwadar Port. On May 13, 2024, India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) signed a long-term contract with Irans Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) for the development and operation of the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar Port. India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran for the enabling and development of the Shahid Beheshti Port Terminal at Chabahar Port. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Awards To PM Modi In 2024 During his visit to Bhutan, PM Modi was conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, the highest civilian honour in Bhutan. Russia conferred PM Modi with their highest civilian honour the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle in 2019. He received the award during his visit to Moscow in July 2024. Dominica honoured PM Modi with the Dominica Award of Honour. It was presented to PM Modi by President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica during the Prime Ministers visit to Guyana in November 2024. Nigeria honoured PM Modi with The Grand Commander of The Order of the Niger during his visit in November 2024. It was presented to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria. Guyana honoured PM Modi with the The Order of Excellence during the Prime Ministers visit in November 2024. It was presented to him by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. M Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados announced her governments decision to honour PM Modi with the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados Award during the Prime Ministers visit to Guyana in November 2024. First Published: December 30, 2024, 13:41 IST Jimmy Carter's India Ties: When Haryana Village Was Renamed As 'Carterpuri' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 11:34 IST Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away at 100 on Sunday. He shared a deep India connection due to which a village in Haryana was named after him as 'Carterpuri'. Former US President Jimmy Carter (Reuters Image) Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States, who died at 100 on Sunday in Georgia shared a unique connection with India where a village in Haryana was renamed in his honour to Carterpuri after his visit to the country in 1978. Carter became the first US leader to visit India after the Emergency and Janata Partys win in 1977. He addressed the Indian Parliament on January 2, 1978, and upheld democracy and freedom and rejected authoritarianism. related stories Carter On Indian Democracy Indias successes decisively refute the theory that a developing country must accept authoritarian or totalitarian rule to achieve economic and social progress," Carter had said. He had lauded Indian electoral democracy and said, The largest electorate on earth freely and wisely chose its leaders at the polls. Democracy itself was the victor". The next day, Carter and then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai had signed Delhi Declaration, bringing two nations closer and solidifying the ties between India and the US. Speaking at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the then-US President underlined the shared values of democracy and human rights. Haryana Village Named After Jimmy Carter Carters connection to India grew stronger during a visit to the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, near Delhi. Accompanied by his wife, Rosalynn, he received a warm welcome from the villagers, who later renamed their village Carterpuri" in his honour. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The bond remained strong over the years, with residents celebrating his Nobel Peace Prize win in 2002 and marking January 3 as a local holiday. This visit held more than symbolic value. Carters mother, Lillian Carter, had served in India as a Peace Corps volunteer in the 1960s, giving his ties to the country a personal touch. The Carter Center later noted that this visit helped build a lasting partnership between India and the US, founded on mutual respect and shared values. First Published: December 30, 2024, 11:34 IST Karnataka Govt To Challenge Bail To Kannada Actor Darshan In Renukaswamy Murder Case Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 22:12 IST Darshan was granted bail on December 13 in connection with the murder of his fan Renukaswamy, who allegedly sent lewd messages to his partner Pavithra Gowda. Darshan Thoogudeepa was arrested by the Bengaluru police from Mysuru on June 11, 2024. The Karnataka government has decided to challenge the High Courts decision on granting bail to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and others accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. Government sources said the state has sanctioned the filing of a special leave petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court. The petition aims to contest the high courts December decision on granting bail to the accused. related stories Siddarth Luthra, a senior advocate, has been appointed as a special counsel to represent the state in the case. The order also instructed the state public prosecutor to prepare the necessary documents for the SLP. Darshan was initially released on interim bail on October 30, citing medical reasons, after spending 131 days in custody. The high court later granted him and Pavithra Gowda, the prime accused, regular bail on December 13. All other individuals named in the case have also been released on bail. In September, Bengaluru police filed a comprehensive 3,991-page chargesheet in connection with the case. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Apart from Darshan (accused number two) and Gowda, the chargesheet includes several others: Pawan K (29), Raghavendra (43), Nandish (28), Jagadish (36), Anukumar (25), Ravi Shankar (32), Dhanraj D (27), Vinay V (38), Nagaraju (41), Laxman (54), Deepak (39), Pradosh (40), Karthik (27), Keshavamurthy (27), and Nikhil Nayak (21). The charges stem from the murder of Renukaswamy, who was reportedly a fan of Darshan. He was murdered on June 9 for allegedly sending lewd messages to Gowda. First Published: December 30, 2024, 22:12 IST Karnataka Man Blows Himself Up In Front Of Girlfriends House Following 'Rejection' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 21:32 IST Ramachandra, a resident of a nearby village in Nagamangala taluk, was reportedly angered by the girl's family's rejection. he incident occurred at Kalenahalli village of Mandya district on early Sunday morning.(Representative image) In a shocking and tragic incident, a 21-year-old man died after he allegedly blew himself up with a gelatin stick in front of his girlfriends house after the latters family rejected his marriage proposal. The incident took place at Kalenahalli village on Sunday morning. The deceased has been identified as Ramachandra (21), a native of Nagamangala area of Karnatakas Mandya city. related stories According to police, Ramachandra was in relationship with a minor girl. Last year, he was booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act after he eloped with the girl. He was arrested in the case and spent three months in jail as an under-trial, according to news agency PTI. Following his release from jail after three months, Ramachandra reportedly reconciled with the girls family, and the legal case against him was dismissed. However, the two continued their relationship in secret. Apparently, the girls family was planning to get the girl married to someone else once she attained the legal age, a senior police officer said. Ramachandra, reportedly angered by the girls familys rejection, appeared in front of the minor girls house and triggered the gelatin stick he had with him, causing an explosion that instantly claimed his life. Based on the complaint from the deceased persons family, calling it suspicious death, a case has been registered, police said. His family was in quarrying business and thats how he got access to gelatin stick, police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This news piece may be triggering. If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) (With inputs from PTI) Location : Mandya, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 21:32 IST Kerala Lottery Results Today: Win Win W-802 WINNERS For December 30, 2024; Full List Here! Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 03, 2025, 09:02 IST Kerala Lottery Results: Here's FULL LIST of winning numbers for Win Win W-802 lucky draw for Monday, December 30. Kerala Lottery Win Win W-802 Results: The first prize winner of Win Win W-802 will get Rs 75 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock) KERALA LOTTERY WIN WIN W-802 RESULT ON MONDAY, 30.12.2024, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Win-Win W-802 lottery for Monday, December 30. The lucky winner of the grand prize will receive a cash reward of Rs. 75 lakh, while the second and third-prize winners will be awarded Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh, respectively. Check the Full List of Winning Numbers below. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Results: Nirmal NR-413 WINNERS for January 3, 2025; First Prize Rs 70 Lakh! related stories FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR WIN WIN W-802 LOTTERY WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE WA 655342 WB 655342 WC 655342 WD 655342 WE 655342 WF 655342 WG 655342 WH 655342 WJ 655342 WK 655342 WL 655342 WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 75 LAKH IS WM 655342 (CHITTUR) Agent Name: P A SANTHOSH Agency No.: P 2609 WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKH IS WK 184493 (KOLLAM) Agent Name: ANIL KUMAR R Agency No.: Q 8310 WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE WA 617342 WB 895802 WC 693822 WD 133265 WE 811864 WF 496624 WG 182804 WH 552285 WJ 633640 WK 587935 WL 697846 WM 328290 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE 0136 0875 0885 1300 1908 2221 2792 3205 4141 4798 5880 6013 6198 6784 6854 7982 9263 9863 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 2,000 ARE 0149 3424 3846 4038 5193 7128 7312 7456 9181 9468 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE 1161 1263 1546 3156 5104 5541 6081 6415 6970 7197 7462 7633 7759 8087 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE 0013 0019 0037 0276 0383 0650 0837 1016 1017 1108 1197 1214 1361 1522 1587 2059 2068 2137 2158 2784 3210 3284 3505 3798 3927 3937 4100 4738 4844 4894 4911 5005 5056 5106 5138 5348 5358 5430 5504 5643 6059 6158 6235 6455 6521 6564 6700 7294 7319 7893 7901 7930 7932 7965 8215 8518 8696 8713 8769 8771 9105 9318 9395 9442 9465 9479 9617 9655 9686 9807 9820 9964 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE 0026 0038 0070 0336 0337 0350 0387 0452 0463 0471 0511 0674 0730 0923 1008 1103 1112 1330 1339 1393 1591 1637 1663 1725 1736 1814 2019 2078 2130 2197 2327 2329 2510 2586 2776 2829 2880 2905 3069 3082 3297 3324 3443 3450 3510 3529 3743 3885 3923 3969 4093 4258 4333 4464 4466 4476 4575 4631 4752 4764 4854 4925 4957 4978 5182 5190 5225 5320 5668 5724 5813 5955 5987 6291 6347 6442 6574 6576 6586 6610 6783 6792 7014 7025 7054 7087 7244 7526 7546 7592 7736 7764 7850 7910 7940 8046 8086 8106 8157 8168 8206 8255 8280 8478 8613 8682 8744 8961 9028 9049 9082 9128 9159 9170 9188 9266 9315 9515 9536 9622 9705 9707 9729 9786 9815 9950 WIN WIN W-802 LOTTERY: PRIZE STRUCTURE 1st Prize: Rs 75 Lakh 2nd Prize: Rs. 5 Lakh 3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh 4th Prize: Rs. 5,000 5th Prize: Rs. 2,000 6th Prize: Rs. 1,000 7th Prize: Rs. 500 8th Prize: Rs 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 HOW TO CHECK THE WIN-WIN W- 802 RESULTS? The results for the Win-Win W-802 lottery will be available on the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department, keralalottery.info. Alternatively, you can also verify the outcomes in person at the Kerala Government Gazette office. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE MONEY? Compare your ticket number with the results published in the Kerala Government Gazette to check if you have won. If the number on your ticket corresponds with the winning number, you may be the lucky winner. Winners must claim their prize at the Kerala Lottery headquarters in Gorky Bhavan within 30 days of the announcement of the results. When picking up your prize, make sure to bring your winning ticket along with a valid photo ID for verification. DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY? A self-signed duplicate of the winning ticket certified by a Gazette official, along with passport-sized photos on either side. A signed copy of the participants PAN card. Fill out the online form for the award money receipt and submit it with an attached revenue stamp. Provide identification verification documents, including ration cards, voter IDs, PAN cards, and Aadhaar cards. HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS? Visit keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net, the official site of the Kerala Lottery Department. Find the results for the Win-Win W-802 lottery by clicking on the relevant link. The winning numbers from the draw will be shown on the results page. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Look for the option to download the results on the website. To access and examine the lottery results in PDF format, click on the available link. Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India First Published: December 30, 2024, 09:00 IST Number Of Hindus Entering From Bangladesh Sees Uptick Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 11:11 IST There are issues of fencing in this wide stretch of the Indo-Bangla border, and there has been a political blame game on this. A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stands guard at the India-Bangladesh border checkpost, at Hili in Dakshin Dinajpur district. (Image: PTI) West Bengal and Bangladesh share over 2,000 km of border, and therefore the present situation in Bangladesh is a cause for concern for India. News18 has accessed data from BSF sources for South Bengal, which shows Hindus entering India in the backdrop of rising incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. There have been several instances of violence against Hindus in several areas of Bangladesh since August 5, 2024, when Sheikh Hasina was ousted as the Prime Minister of the neighbouring country. related stories Apprehension data of Bangladeshi nationals (South Bengal): From August 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 Hindu 114 Muslim 298 Total 412 From August 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 Hindu 203 Muslim 449 Total 652 From August 1, 2024 to December 24, 2024 Hindu 301 Muslim 415 Total 716 Note: The data of apprehension for the whole calendar year doesnt show significant change in the pattern. The marginal increase is noticed in Hindus. The data also makes it clear that the infiltration rate has increased, and a considerable number of Hindus are coming to India from Bangladesh. There are issues of fencing in this wide stretch of border, and there has been a political blame game on this. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) claims that BSF fails to keep vigil, thats why infiltration has increased. DGP Bengal, Rajiv Kumar, too, on Sunday, said there had been lapses at the border, and therefore infiltration is taking place. Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP, on the other hand, has launched a scathing attack on DGP Bengal and the Mamata Banerjee government. He claimed that the Bengal government is not providing land to BSF, and thats why there are still areas where fencing is not there, which is increasing infiltration. Mr DGP WB Police, Rajeev Kumar (IPS), you have said that your efficient Police Force is combating Right Wing Extremism. I dare you to name the organisations 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. You seem to be peddling propaganda against the Nationalist Sanatani Organisations just like your counterparts across the border in Bangladesh are falsely accusing the Sanatani Community there. Its your department that has completely failed to identify and nab the infiltrators and even helped them to obtain Indian passports and other documents by carrying out a botched-up verification process," Adhikari wrote on X. 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 the 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 added. Tomorrow, I would be holding a Press Conference, where I would share data regarding the border fencing issue and the deliberate lack of coordination between the Police and BSF. If you are interested in getting informed about the matter, ask your good office to listen to the Press Conference tomorrow," the BJP leader said. 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 There have been three instances in North Bengal where Hindus crossed the border from the other side, taking illegal routes just to save their lives. One minor girl in Chopra, one man from Rajgunj, and another person from Cooch Behar have said they crossed the border because of fear. On the other hand, a major passport racket is running in Bengal. Kolkata Police have now cracked down on this, and about eight people have been arrested. As Kolkata Police are investigating this, various lacunae have come up in the system, say sources. Both Bengal Police and Kolkata Police have now planned to change the dynamism of passport verification. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar, on Sunday, said he had written to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), urging a total overhauling of the verification and distribution of new passports to combat misuse. The Bengal police have referred to one notification of MEA where the role of the police is restricted. Kumar has assured that SP and DCs will personally monitor the passport situation. First Published: December 30, 2024, 11:11 IST 'Indefinite Strike From Jan 2': Prashant Kishor After Lathi Charge On BPSC Candidates In Patna Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 12:30 IST Prashant Kishor has joined BPSC candidates protesting the alleged exam paper leak and announced an indefinite strike from January 2 unless their demands are met. Prashant Kishor (Photo: PTI) Hours after Prashant Kishor and his associates were accused of threatening Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) candidates during a protest in Patnas Gardanibagh, the political strategist-turned-politician on Monday said he would sit on an indefinite strike from January 2, until the demands of the students are met. He also demanded action against the officials who ordered a baton charge on the students protesting over the BPSC exam paper leak row. related stories Late on Sunday, a lathi charge and water cannon action by the Patna Police left many candidates injured. In a statement, the Patna authorities later said a case had been filed against Prashant Kishor on charges of unauthorised gathering of crowd, instigating people and creating law and order problems. VIDEO | Heres what Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) said as he joined BPSC aspirants during their protest at Gandhi Maidan in Patna.They (govt officials) have ensured us that the govt has agreed to discuss the demands of the aspirants and the pic.twitter.com/TvK1brlYSp Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 29, 2024 This came after Prashant Kishor joined the students and said that a five-member student delegation would meet the Bihar Government Secretary over the ongoing issue. He appealed to protesters to halt the agitation and said that if the protestors are not satisfied with the governments response, a decision would be made on the further protest. A video, widely being shared over the internet, later showed Kishor allegedly leaving the protest site amidst the police action. Protesters claimed this perceived abandonment has eroded their trust in his support. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier today, he had called urged 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. The BPSC candidates have been protesting for more than a week seeking the cancellation of the Preliminary Examination conducted by the BPSC over allegations of question paper leak. First Published: December 30, 2024, 12:30 IST Shivaji Statue At Pangong Lake Sparks Row, Local Residents, Army Veterans Divided Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 21:55 IST But, some defended the decision to install the Shivaji statue citing not just the Maratha warrior kings valour but also the beliefs of the army unit deployed in the area The Shivaji statue in Ladakh was inaugurated on the banks of Pangong Lake on December 26, as announced by the 14 Corps. (Image: Indian Army) The recent installation of a statue of Maratha warrior king Shivaji, on the banks of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh has sparked a debate among army veterans and local residents on social media. The Chushul councillor along with other local voices questioned the relevance" of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said it was erected without consulting those living in the area. Several veterans also raised concerns, asking if the Indian Army could have chosen a local figure or leader instead. related stories But, some defended the decision citing not just Shivajis valour but also the beliefs of the army unit deployed in the area. As a local resident, I must voice my concerns about the Shivaji statue at Pangong. It was erected without local input, and I question its relevance to our unique environment and wildlife. Lets prioritise projects that truly reflect and respect our community and nature," wrote Konchok Stanzin, councillor of Chushul, on social media platform X. Similarly, a veteran, Col Sanjay Pande (Retd), said Dogra general Zorawar Singh fought for the region. He died fighting in Tibet. Leh Fort is called Zorawar Fort. Why is Shivajis statue there? I am Maharashtrian from a (pure) Dogra unit, the first unit of Maharaja Gulab Singh. Why not another Shivaji statue in Lal Chowk Srinagar? Or in Dras? Or in Kargil? Zorawar Singh fought wars 180 years back in the same weather conditions as today. He deserves to be there," he wrote. Social media users criticised the army for imposing its beliefs rather than considering local preferences. Defence sources, however, provided reasoning for the installation. Senior defence officials said the statue had not been installed under orders from headquarters or any policy, but by the army unit deployed in the area. A Maratha unit deployed in the region decided to install the statue of the much-celebrated Maratha ruler. People should not have a problem with it as they contributed to the statue and chose a place within their area of responsibility," the official said. Questioning the relevance of Shivaji at Pangong Tso, several veterans and others suggested that Zorawar Singh would have been an apt choice. Sajjad Kargili, a political activist who contested for Parliament from Ladakh in 2019, said Shivaji has no cultural or historical relevance in Ladakh. While we respect his legacy, imposing such cultural symbols here is misplaced. We would appreciate the installation of statues honouring local historical figures like Khree Sultan Cho or Ali Sher Khan Anchen and Seenge Namgyal. However, even these should not be placed in environmentally sensitive areas like Pangong, which require careful preservation," he wrote on X. This is not the first instance. In November 2023, a 10.5-foot-tall Shivaji statue was unveiled by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district. The statue, which was transported from Mumbai, was installed at the headquarters of 41 Rashtriya Rifles (Maratha Light Infantry). We have units following different beliefs and traditions. Every time a unit arrives in an area, they establish temples or statues according to their beliefs and traditions. It is also a source of motivation. Controversies over paintings and statues should not be given importance," the official said. In infantry units, where hand-to-hand combat chances are more, heroes associated with the units are given a high pedestal by commanders to boost morale. Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji by a Maratha unit on the banks of Pangong Tso is a step in that direction," wrote Brig (Retd) Hardeep Singh Sohi on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The statue in Ladakh was inaugurated on the banks of Pangong Lake on December 26. This is located at an altitude of 14,300 feet (above sea level), as announced by the armys 14 Corps. The towering symbol of valour, vision, and unwavering justice was inaugurated by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Fire and Fury Corps and Colonel of the Maratha Light Infantry. The event celebrates the unwavering spirit of the Indian ruler, whose legacy remains a source of inspiration for generations," the army said on X. First Published: December 30, 2024, 21:55 IST Gal Gadot Reveals Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Diagnosis During Her Fourth Pregnancy; Details Inside Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 21:04 IST Gal Gadot revealed that she was diagnosed with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) during her fourth pregnancy. Here's all that you need to know about this condition which causes blood clots in the brain. Gal Gadot revealed that she was diagnosed with a blood clot in her brain during her fourth pregnancy. Best known for her role as Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot welcomed her fourth daughter Ori earlier this year. The actor recently took to her social media account to share a heartfelt post where she revealed that welcoming her daughter into the world was not an easy job. She revealed that she was diagnosed with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT), a rare but serious condition where an individual forms a blood clot in the brain. Taking to her Instagram, Gal Gadot shared a picture from the hospital where she was breast-feeding Ori while she was on the hospital bed in her scrubs. She wrote, In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain. 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." related stories Talking about CVT, she continued, Awareness matters. I had no idea that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30s+ age group are diagnosed with CVT (develop a blood clot in the brain). 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. Sharing this is not meant to frighten anyone but to empower." What Is Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT)? Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) is a rare but serious condition that occurs when a blood clot (thrombosis) forms in the venous sinuses of the brain, which are responsible for draining blood from the brain. This clot can obstruct normal blood flow, leading to increased pressure within the brain and potential damage to brain tissue. What Are Its Symptoms? Headache Seizures Vision problems Confusion or changes in mental status such as trouble concentrating Nausea and vomiting Swelling or bulging of the fontanelles top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How Is It Diagnosed And Treated? To diagnose CVT, doctors typically use MRI, CT Scan, blood tests, and neurological examination. CVT can be treated by anticoagulation therapy, thrombolysis, and surgical intervention. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 21:04 IST New Year's Eve: Google Doodle Marks Last Day Of 2024 With 2025 Countdown Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 31, 2024, 09:11 IST Google's New Years Eve 2024 Doodle features an animated clock ticking down to midnight, marking the countdown to 2025 with festive excitement. Google Doodle On New Years Eve 2024: Counting down to 2025! Google's New Years Eve 2024 Doodle celebrates the final moments of 2024 with a festive animated clock. (Screenshot: Google.com) GOOGLE DOODLE ON NEW YEARS EVE 2024: Google Doodle is celebrating New Years Eve today on December 31, 2024 with a festive, animated design that features the word Google" in bold letters against a dark sky backdrop, with the central O replaced by a ticking clock counting down to midnight. The moment the clock strikes twelve, we will officially ring in 2025, a fresh start filled with new opportunities and adventures. This Doodle captures the excitement of the occasion, adding sparkle and shine to the celebration. related stories NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATIONS In the Gregorian calendar, New Years Eve, also known as Old Years Day or Saint Sylvesters Day in many countries, marks the last day of the year, December 31. This day is a time for reflection, celebration, and looking forward to whats to come. ALSO READ: Happy New Year 2025: Best Wishes, Quotes, Images, And Messages To Celebrate New Beginnings! New Years Eve is typically celebrated with parties, events, dancing, eating, drinking, and of course, watching spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky in cities like New York, Sydney, and London. Around the world, people gather to welcome the beginning of the New Year, which officially starts at midnight on January 1, 2025. As the year winds down, many people make New Years resolutions, set new goals, and gather with loved ones to celebrate the end of one chapter and the start of another. Whether its reflecting on the past or making plans for the future, New Years Eve is a moment of hope and excitement. HOW TO CELEBRATE NEW YEARS EVE 2024 Countdown with loved ones: Whether its a small gathering with close friends or a big family celebration, sharing the countdown with loved ones adds a special touch. Party the night away: Dance the night away to your favourite music, enjoy delicious food, and raise a toast to the new year. Attend a fireworks display: Witness the dazzling spectacle of fireworks illuminating the night sky. Travel to a new destination: Ring in the new year in a new and exciting location, experiencing different cultures and traditions. Volunteer your time: Give back to your community by volunteering at a local shelter or charity event. Spend time in nature: Enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature with a quiet hike or a stargazing session. WHAT IS GOOGLE DOODLE? Google Doodles are the fun, surprising, and sometimes spontaneous changes that are made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists, pioneers, and scientists. The tradition of doodling the Google logo began in 1998 when the founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, playfully sketched stick figures on the O"s of the Google logo to indicate their attendance at the Burning Man festival. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Since then, Google Doodles have evolved from simple sketches to interactive experiences, animations, and even playable games. They have become a beloved part of the Google experience, bringing joy and creativity to users around the world. As 2024s clock ticks closer to midnight, this Doodle brings a bit of magic and anticipation for a bright new year. Its a reminder to celebrate the past, embrace the future, and enjoy the countdown to 2025! First Published: December 31, 2024, 01:36 IST This Is Worlds Only 10-Star Hotel, A Single Night Here Can Cost You Rs 10 Lakh Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 14:42 IST Guests arriving at this extraordinary hotel are treated like royalty, with helicopter transfers and Rolls-Royce limousines. The cost of a single night at the Burj Al Arab can reach upwards of Rs 10 lakh during peak seasons Dubai, a city known for its extravagant lifestyle and iconic landmarks, is home to a hospitality gem that defies conventional luxury the Burj Al Arab. Considered the worlds only 10-star hotel, this architectural marvel offers an experience like no other. But this unmatched opulence comes with a price tag that might leave you speechless staying here could cost you your property. Opened in 1999 on an artificial island off the coast of Dubai, the Burj Al Arab is a symbol of unparalleled luxury and sophistication. With a staggering construction cost of over $1 billion, the hotel has been designed to offer an experience that redefines the concept of indulgence. Despite its iconic status, an intriguing fact remains: nearly 40% of its rooms remain unoccupied at any given time, underscoring the exclusivity of this remarkable property. related stories The cost of a single night at the Burj Al Arab can reach upwards of Rs 10 lakh during peak seasons, a sum that only a few can afford. Guests arriving at this extraordinary destination are treated like royalty, with helicopter transfers and Rolls-Royce limousines transporting them to their temporary home in the sky. The hotels unique structure, designed to resemble the sail of a dhow, stands as a testament to Dubais penchant for creating awe-inspiring attractions. From the moment you step inside, the Burj Al Arab offers a sensory overload of luxury. The rooms, which range from lavish suites to opulent penthouses, feature floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Inside, cutting-edge amenities such as high-definition televisions, premium sound systems, and state-of-the-art lighting systems contribute to a setting of pure extravagance. For food enthusiasts, the hotel boasts eight world-class restaurants, offering everything from gourmet fine dining to innovative international cuisine. The crown jewel of these dining experiences is the Al Mahara, an underwater restaurant where diners can enjoy their meals while watching marine life through a massive aquarium window. The Burj Al Arab also features two swimming pools, a lavish spa, and a rooftop bar. However, the most breathtaking aspect of this hotel is its Sky View Bar, located a staggering 656 feet above the ground. Here, guests can enjoy a cocktail while soaking in the sweeping views of the Dubai coastline and the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For those seeking the ultimate in exclusive luxury, the Burj Al Arab offers a helicopter landing pad atop its towering structure, adding to the sense of extravagance. This hotel isnt just a place to stay its a world unto itself, where every detail is meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable experience. As the worlds only 10-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab transcends the limits of what we understand as luxury. Staying here isnt simply about enjoying lavish surroundings; its about immersing yourself in a level of service and experience that is, quite literally, out of this world. First Published: December 30, 2024, 14:42 IST Azerbaijan Emerges As The Top Searched Destination Among Indians: 5 Things To Do In The Culturally Rich Country Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 20:15 IST A latest report has revealed that Azerbaijan emerged as the top searched international destination among Indian tourists. Azerbaijan offers a blend of history and modern attractions. Travel in 2024 was on the rise for Indian tourists. As the year comes to an end, a latest report has shared insights on how Indians travelled this year. The report, by Booking.com, one of the worlds leading digital travel companies, shares insights into the top destinations Indians searched for in 2024. Indians explored offbeat destinations that were earlier not on the travellers radar and emerged as popular choices. Shahdag in Azerbaijan emerged as the top searched international destination based on accommodation searches in 2024. related stories Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com said, As we step into the new year, it is interesting to see how travel preferences have evolved. With the popularity of destinations like Shahdag and Baku in Azerbaijan or Gaudauri 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." Top searched international destinations according to accommodation searches by Indian travellers travelling between 1 January, 2024 and 30 November, 2024 Shahdag, Azerbaijan Landore, United Kingdom Karachi, Pakistan Gudauri, Georgia Gabala, Azerbaijan Genova, Italy Plan, Spain Stepantsminda, Georgia Baku, Azerbaijan Tromso, Norway In case you are planning to visit Azerbaijan, here are five things that you must do. Explore the Old City (Icherisheher) in Baku Bakus Old City, also known as Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into the countrys ancient past. Wander through its narrow, winding streets, visit the iconic Maiden Tower, and explore the ancient mosques, caravanserais, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The Old City is a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture. Visit the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape Located just outside Baku, the Gobustan National Park is famous for its prehistoric petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and ancient rock art that dates back over 5,000 years. The Gobustan Rock Art is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it offers a fascinating insight into the early civilizations of Azerbaijan. Relax at the Caspian Sea The Caspian Sea is the largest inland body of water in the world and offers a great place to relax and enjoy the beach. The coastal region near Baku, including destinations like the beaches of Mardakan and Nabran, provides a mix of sandy shores, resorts, and places for water sports. Visit the Khinalug Village in the Caucasus Mountains For nature lovers, a trip to Khinalug, one of the highest mountain villages in the Caucasus, is a must. The stunning landscapes and the unique way of life in this remote village offer a different side of Azerbaijan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tour the Flame Towers and Heydar Aliyev Center Bakus skyline is marked by the iconic Flame Towers, which are beautifully lit at night, symbolizing Azerbaijans rich history with fire and its modern development. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid, to marvel at its futuristic architecture and explore the cultural exhibits within. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 20:15 IST Year-Ender 2024: Ananya Panday Owning Her Style In 2024 Written By : News18.com Edited By: Snigdha Oreya Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 14:15 IST Year-Ender 2024: From red carpets to runways, heres a look back at Ananya Pandays stylish moments in 2024. Year Ender 2024: Ananya Pandays style was a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary styles. From walking her first international runway at Paris Haute Couture Week to turning muse for the late Rohit Bal Grand Finale showcase, 2024 was the year of the Ananya Panday supremacy. Actor Ananya Panday bagged the Breakthrough Performance of the Year Award for her film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan at the News18 Showsha Reel Awards in March 2024. When you look back at her style journey in 2024, you witness a glamorous amalgamation of traditional and contemporary silhouettes winning hearts on the fashion meter. related stories Here are 5 fashionable moments that Ananya Panday rocked in 2024 The Runway Rose Ananya began 2024 with an iconic international runway debut at Paris Haute Couture Week for Rahul Mishra. She later walked again for Rahuls show at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI grand finale in March 2024. As Lakmes brand ambassador, Ananya has always brought her A-game to the runway. One show that will live in everyones hearts forever, has to be the Rohit Bal showcase in October 2024. Ananya turned muse for Rohit Bal and walked in one of his iconic pieces from the collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe. The Bae Promotions Ananyas moodboard for the much-talked-about series, Baes promotions was a perfect blend of glamour and elegance. We could see that Ananya was having fun with what she was styled in. The Chanel Muse Ananya Panday exuded vintage glam in Look 9, from Chanels Cruise 2024/25 collection, which was showcased at the MAMO, Centre dart de la Cite radieuse in Marseille in May 2024. Ananya attended the Chanel SS 25 runway show in the ensemble featuring a tweed jacket with matching shorts. The iconic style was further enhanced with bejewelled pins adding a hint of sparkle to the coordinated set. Saree, Not Sorry The upcycled Banarasi saree designed by Amit Aggarwal was a perfect blend of cultural legacy and contemporary elegance. A vision in every fold, the custom pre-loved Banarasi was crafted through the brands signature techniques. Ananya looked radiant in the timeless and innovative piece of art. Styled in brazen blazers and pantsuits, Ananya Panday definitely meant business with these looks. In CTRL top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Apart from the traditional allure, the corporate core style was something Ananya experimented with a lot this year. From blazers to pantsuits, every silhouette exuded a sense of power and glam to Ananyas style. 2024 is just the beginning of a promising future filled with breakthrough performances and fashion moments. While Ananya nailed every look she was styled by renowned celebrity stylists including Ami Patel, Priyanka Kapadia, and Meagan Concessio, we look forward to 2025 and what she has in store in the fashion department. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 14:15 IST Kangana Ranaut Says She Showed Her 'Dictatorship' In Bigg Boss 18 House: 'Bade Naatak Kiye Logon Ne' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 22:24 IST After a series of delays, Kangana announced the new release date for Emergency as January 17, 2025. Kangana Ranaut with Bharti Singh on the sets of Bigg Boss 18. Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, gearing up for the release of her political drama Emergency, recently visited the sets of Bigg Boss 18 to promote her film. The actress was also spotted outside the shows house in Film City, Mumbai, where she engaged with paparazzi. In a viral video shared on social media, Kangana was seen interacting with photographers while heading to her vanity van. When asked, Emergency task hua ki nahi?" Kangana quipped, Bade naatak kiye in logon ne. Bade utpaat machaaye." She added with a smile, Maine andar jaa kar dictatorship dikhaayi hai." related stories For the promotional event, Kangana embraced a vintage vibe with her outfit. She wore a retro-inspired golden co-ord set and styled her hair in a high ponytail. This isnt Kanganas first appearance on Bigg Boss. Last year, she featured on Bigg Boss 17 as a celebrity guest during the Weekend Ka Vaar episode to promote her film Tejas. Her stint included dancing with host Salman Khan and mimicking his iconic style on stage, which left fans delighted. Kanganas upcoming film Emergency is a biopic in which she portrays former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The movie, her second directorial venture after Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, delves into one of the most controversial periods in Indian history. Recently, the film received clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after the filmmakers agreed to implement three edits and substantiate controversial historical claims with credible sources. After a series of delays, Kangana announced the new release date for Emergency as January 17, 2025. Sharing the news on Instagram, she wrote, 17th January 2025 The epic saga of the nations most powerful woman and the moment that altered Indias destiny. #Emergency Unveils Only in cinemas!" Fans eagerly await the film, which promises to be an insightful portrayal of a transformative chapter in Indias history, brought to life through Kanganas powerful performance and direction. First Published: December 30, 2024, 22:24 IST Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Sobhita Dhulipala Thank PM Modi For Heartfelt Tribute to Akkineni Nageswara Rao Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 09:08 IST Nagarjuna expressed his gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for paying homage to his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao on his centenary year. Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala also thanked him. Nagarjuna expresses his gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for paying homage to his father Akkineni Nageswara Rao Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to legendary personalities from the Indian film fraternity, whose centenaries are being celebrated in 2024, during the 117th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat. He paid tribute to Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and credited him for elevating Telugu cinema. Nagarjuna has now thanked PM Modi for honouring his father on his centenary year. Meanwhile, Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya also shared a statement, expressing gratitude to PM Modi. Sharing a clip featuring PM Modis tribute to Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nagarjuna wrote on X (previously Twitter), Thank you, Honble Prime Minister shri @narendramodi ji, for honoring my father, ANR Garu, on his centenary year alongside such iconic legends. His vision and contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations, and this recognition means the world to our family and countless admirers of his work (flower bouquet emoji). #ANRLivesON #IndianCinema." related stories Thank you, Honble Prime Minister shri @narendramodi ji, for honoring my father, ANR Garu, on his centenary year alongside such iconic legends.His vision and contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire generations, and this recognition means the world to our family and https://t.co/PK0kah9gHT pic.twitter.com/Yh5QSYm4cA Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) December 29, 2024 Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya are immensely grateful to PM Modi Meanwhile, Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya shared a post on Instagram, expressing their gratitude to PM Modi for his heartfelt tribute. Thank you, Shri Modi ji, for your wonderful words about Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garus artistic merit and his efforts that have played a key role in shaping the brilliant Telugu film industry as we know it today. It is truly special coming from a stalwart like you! Immensely grateful (folded hands emoji)," they wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sobhita (@sobhitad) PM Modis Tribute To Legendary Film Personalities On Sunday, PM Narendra Modi remembered legendary personalities from the film industry, and said, Raj Kapoor ji introduced the world to Indias soft power through films. Mohammad Rafi Sahabs magical voice continues to captivate the younger generation even today. Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garu elevated Telugu cinema, showcasing Indian traditions and values. Tapan Sinha jis films offered new societal perspectives while promoting social consciousness and national unity." He said that these legendary personalities are an inspiration for our entire film industry, and that their timeless art and dedication have earned Indian cinema global recognition. About Akkineni Nageswara Rao Akkineni Nageswara Rao, also known as ANR, was an actor and film producer, primarily known for his work in the Telugu cinema. In his career span of over seven decades, he starred in several films such as Vipra Narayana, Tenali Ramakrishna, Mahakavi Kalidasu, Bhakta Tukaram among many others. He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 2011, Padma Bhushan in 1988 and Padma Shri in 1968 by the Government of India for his immense contributions to art and cinema. First Published: December 30, 2024, 09:08 IST Opinion | Indias Next Big Export: UPI Set To Lead Global Digital Payments Revolution Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 13:22 IST In just a few years, UPI has evolved from a groundbreaking domestic initiative into a globally admired digital payments system, poised to become one of Indias most significant exports The UPI platform has achieved remarkable success over the years, shattering records across India. (Representative image) The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform has achieved remarkable success over the years, shattering records across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modis drive to promote a cashless economy has proven to be one of the most transformative and strategic initiatives of his tenure, significantly reshaping Indias financial landscape. This revolution has been fuelled by a combination of efforts emphasising digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, and enhanced internet connectivity, fundamentally changing how Indians conduct transactions and expanding the user base. The UPI has revolutionised digital transactions and banking in India. Lets take a look at some numbers first: In 2024, UPI is estimated to have crossed 171 billion transactions, marking a 45 per cent increase from last year, when the platform recorded 117 billion transactions. The platform clocks around 16 billion transactions in a month on average while the value of such transactions is around Rs 22 lakh crore. Today, almost 85 per cent of all digital transactions in India are facilitated by the UPI. related stories The launch of the BHIM app on December 30, 2016, laid the foundation stone of Indias UPI revolution. BHIM, which stands for Bharat Interface for Money, provides a fast, secure, and reliable medium for making digital payments through your mobile phone using UPI. What started in 2016 has gone on to change the face of financial transactions in India. Now, New Delhi is pushing for UPI to transform the way the world transacts. UPI: Indias Next Big Export To The World The UPI revolution has found global admirers, with the UAE, France, Singapore, Bhutan, Mauritius, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka opening up to the payment system and allowing its use in varying forms. Discussions and partnerships are in progress to bring UPI to several other nations, such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which manages UPI within the country, has established an international division called NIPL to drive UPIs global expansion. NIPLs main objective is to assist other nations in developing their own digital payment systems, inspired by the UPI framework. Recently, NIPL partnered with the Ministry of Digital Transformation in Trinidad and Tobago to establish a comprehensive digital payments system. Earlier this year, it signed similar agreements with Peru and Namibia, marking UPIs initial forays into Latin America and Africa. Besides, New Delhi is also said to be in talks with Rwanda for exporting its digital stack. The world especially countries in the Global South is highly impressed with UPIs potential to not just transform digital transactions, but also catalyse financial inclusion of citizens at a mass scale. In India, for example, UPI has not only simplified financial transactions but has also been instrumental in advancing financial inclusion and boosting GDP growth. It has significantly contributed to integrating over 300 million people into the formal financial system. Indias UPI has already surpassed the worlds leading digital payments platforms. According to a report by Paysecure, UPI processed nearly Rs 81 lakh crore transactions between April and July 2024. Effectively, this helped UPI beat Paypal, Chinas Alipay and Brazils PIX. In fact, according to Paysecures analysis of global payment methods, India is at the forefront of digital transactions worldwide, with over 40 per cent of payments conducted digitally, the majority of which are powered by UPI. Read More: How Modi Government Plans to Fortify UPI and Unleash its Global Potential The expanding global foothold of UPI is good news for Indian travellers who are habituated to the convenience of UPI and often find difficulties in making payments abroad. It is also an enabler for greater remittances. As one of the worlds leading recipients of remittances, totalling $125 billion in 2023considerably surpassing China and Mexico ranked second and third respectivelyIndia has adopted a strategy since 2020 to internationalise UPI. This aims to lower the expenses associated with cross-border transactions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In just a few years, UPI has evolved from a groundbreaking domestic initiative into a globally admired digital payment system, poised to become one of Indias most significant exports. By seamlessly integrating convenience, inclusivity, and innovation, UPI has not only reshaped Indias financial ecosystem but also demonstrated its potential to revolutionise global payment systems, particularly in the Global South. As partnerships and collaborations continue to expand across continents, UPI is setting the stage for a new era of digital transactions worldwide. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: December 30, 2024, 13:22 IST Opinion | Manmohan Singh: Great Achievements, Lost Opportunities Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 29, 2024, 20:06 IST Former PM Manmohan Singh's legacy is a story of two halves, marked by both triumphs and failures Congress leader Dr Manmohan Singh, who died on December 26, was the most educationally accomplished Prime Minister India ever had. (Image: PTI/File) Dr Manmohan Singh (19322024), who died on December 26, served as Indias Prime Minister for two full terms between 2004 and 2014. This was no mean achievement for a Prime Minister who was not even the leader of the House in the Lok Sabha. Dr Singh remained a member of the Rajya Sabha throughout his parliamentary career. The only time he attempted to enter the Lok Sabha, unsuccessfully, was when he contested the elections from the South Delhi parliamentary constituency in 1999. Neither was he the President of the Congress Party, nor the Chairperson of the then ruling United Progressive Alliance, as both positions were retained by Sonia Gandhi. He described himself as an accidental prime minister," a phrase that inspired the title of the PMO memoir penned by Sanjaya Baru, Dr Singhs Press Secretary (200408). related stories Dr Singh assumed office with immense goodwill, even from opposition parties. His educational achievements, modesty, and clean image endeared him to everyone. L.K. Advani remarked that he was proud to have Dr Singh as the Prime Minister of India after the BJP expressed relief at Sonia Gandhi stepping back from her claim to the post. Yet, the fact that the Prime Minister was not a mass leader had repercussions for his government. He was never entirely the master of the ship, even within his own party, the Congress, let alone among the coalition partners. He was also not an effective orator compared with his predecessor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, or his successor, Narendra Modi. My silence is better than a thousand answers," he remarked when UPA-II was beset by a barrage of accusations of corruption and non-performance. A 20-member panel called the National Advisory Council (NAC), also chaired by Sonia Gandhi and attached to the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), was created during Dr Singhs tenure a move unprecedented in the history of independent India. Although the NAC spearheaded several key legislations that became hallmarks of the UPA government, such as the Right to Information Act, the Right to Education Act, MNREGA, and the Food Security Act, it also became controversial for proposing the Prevention of Communal Violence (Access to Justice and Reparations) Bill, 2014, which the government ultimately felt compelled to drop. The NAC aimed to establish a rights-based approach" framework for governance, though it was often criticised for seemingly elevating itself to the status of a super cabinet. In his memoir The Accidental Prime Minister: The Making and Unmaking of Manmohan Singh (2014), Sanjaya Baru recounts that Pulok Chatterjee, an IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, was inducted into the Prime Ministers Office at the behest of Sonia Gandhi, and almost daily briefed her on the key policy issues of the day and obtained her instructions on important files to be cleared by the PM. Another unusual feature of Dr Manmohan Singhs government was the extensive use of Groups of Ministers (GoM) and Empowered Groups of Ministers (EGoM) to oversee various aspects of governance. Many of these GoMs were led by Pranab Mukherjee, the most experienced minister of the cabinet, until he became President of India in July 2012. There were reportedly nine EGoMs and 21 GoMs, all of which were dissolved by Dr Singhs successor, Narendra Modi, upon assuming office in May 2014. II Dr Manmohan Singh was the most educationally accomplished Prime Minister India ever had. He completed his D.Phil. in Economics from Nuffield College, Oxford University, in 1962. His book Indias Export Trends and Prospects of Self-sustained Growth (Clarendon Press, 1964) is regarded as an early critique of Indias inward-oriented trade policy. He made a lateral entry into government by joining as Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Commerce in 1971, before being appointed Chief Economic Advisor the following year (197276). He went on to serve as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (198285), and Secretary General of the South Commission in Geneva between 1987 and 1990. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, Indias second-highest civilian honour, in 1987. Dr Singh became Indias Finance Minister (199196) in the Narasimha Rao government, during which he was instrumental in ushering in the liberalisation of the economy. The economy Dr Manmohan Singh inherited is best described in his own words, delivered during a speech in the Lok Sabha on 18 December 1991 under Rule 193, which allows discussions on issues of urgent public importance: I can say in all truthfulness, you would have seen in this country a total breakdown of the economic system. It was not merely a foreign exchange crisis; it was a crisis of the total economic system of our country, of the countrys treasury, which was nearly bankrupt; a country which was not able to import even the most essential things of life; a country from which the non-resident Indians were taking money out at the rate of nearly 350 million dollars a week; and a country which had reserves equal to no more than two weeks of imports." It was in his Budget Speech for 199192, delivered in the Lok Sabha on 24 July 1991, that Dr Singh laid out the blueprint for a new economic order. He stated: After four decades of planning and industrialisation, we have now reached a stage of development where we should welcome, rather than fear, foreign investment. Our entrepreneurs are second to none. Our industry has come of age. Direct foreign investment would provide access to capital, technology, and markets. It would expose our industrial sector to competition from abroad in a phased manner. Cost, efficiency, and quality would begin to receive the attention they deserve. We have therefore decided to liberalise the policy regime for direct foreign investment" On the same day, the Ministry of Industry, under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, announced the Statement of Industrial Policy, often referred to as the New Industrial Policy. The 28-page policy document introduced transformative changes in industrial licensing, foreign investment, foreign technology agreements, public sector policy, and the MRTP Act, among others. The Narasimha Rao-Manmohan Singh duo launched India into a new orbit of economic growth. Although this new economic regime initially faced criticism, history vindicated their approach. Critics, such as the BJP, when coming to power at the turn of the millennium, advanced the policies of liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation with even greater enthusiasm. The liberalisation policy championed by Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh not only reshaped Indias economy but also redefined its aspirations, morals, and values. III Dr Manmohan Singhs legacy as Finance Minister (199196) remained a constant point of reference during his tenure as Prime Minister (20042014). The economic backdrop, however, was markedly different. In 2004, he inherited a robust macroeconomic situation from the previous Vajpayee government, which placed his administration in an advantageous position to experiment with social projects such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA). Building on the closer Indo-US ties initiated under the Vajpayee government, he could seal the Indo-US nuclear deal. He dared the Left parties to withdraw their support over the issue and managed to survive the setback with assistance from the Samajwadi Party. The commendable economic achievements of the UPA-I era, however, came under intense strain during its later years due to the global financial meltdown and abnormally high crude oil prices, among other factors. It was really a challenge to manage the economy under such conditions. Despite his return to the South Block following the 15th Lok Sabha elections in 2009, UPA-II marked the beginning of Dr Manmohan Singhs unravelling. A series of adverse Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in 201011 on 2G spectrum allocation, the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG), coal block allocations, and hydrocarbon explorations placed his government under intense scrutiny. Criminal cases were filed against individuals ranging from bureaucrats to ministers. The situation became even more volatile in April 2011, when Anna Hazare, supported by the India Against Corruption movement, undertook a four-day fast at Jantar Mantar, urging the government to pass the Lokpal Bill. In June 2011, a midnight crackdown by Delhi Police on Baba Ramdevs peaceful protest at Ramlila Maidan, demanding the repatriation of alleged Indian black money stashed abroad, created a massive controversy, leading to a breakdown in talks between the government and India Against Corruption activists. Later that year, Anna Hazare embarked on an indefinite fast lasting 14 days, which attracted global attention. Dr Singhs government was in turmoil. The 2013 CAG report on the acquisition of helicopters for VVIPs from M/s AgustaWestland International Ltd, UK, proved to be the proverbial last straw that broke the back of the camel. IV Dr Manmohan Singh was hamstrung from the outset by the compulsions of a coalition government dependent on the support of the Left parties. Between 2004 and 2008, the Left sought to reshape education policies. In response, the government promptly set up a committee under historian Hari Vasudevan (19522020) to detoxify" NCERT textbooks, particularly history books introduced during the Vajpayee government. The speed with which the government acted overshadowed its predecessor, the Vajpayee administration, and especially its successor, the Modi government, which has not acted on history textbooks at all. His two-term government witnessed significant successes and notable failures. The successes helped the UPA retain power in the 15th Lok Sabha elections in 2009, while the failures led to the Congress partys worst defeat in history in the 16th Lok Sabha elections in 2014. Notable achievements included the RTI Act (2005), MNREGA, Aadhaar, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and the Food Security Act (2013), all of which reshaped Indias policy discourse. Indias space programme also gained prominence with the launch of Chandrayaan-I (2008) and the Mars Orbiter Mission (2013). Additionally, Indias first digital libraries were quietly launched online in 2006. This columnist took up RTI activism in 2010 to expose irregularities in the Nalanda University project, an endeavour that had been shrouded in opacity. The project exemplified outsourcing governance," as the mentor group chaired by Prof. Amartya Sen was entrusted with the universitys development. The group was criticised for holding extravagant meetings in cities like New York, Tokyo, and Singapore without visiting Rajgir, submitting a report, or creating a university website. While the matter never became a political issue, still the indictment of the project by the CAG audit proved how things were left to drift in Dr Singhs government. Incidents of Islamic and Maoist terrorism saw a significant increase during UPA-I. The nation faced serial blasts in New Delhi in 2005 and 2008, the Varanasi blast in 2006, the Samjhauta Express blast in 2007, and the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008, all of which posed severe challenges to national security. However, to balance perceptions, Home Minister P. Chidambaram introduced the narrative of saffron terrorism," under which individuals like Sadhvi Pragya, Swami Aseemananda, and Lt. Col Shrikant Purohit were arrested. Regarding Left-wing insurgency, which Dr Singh had described as the single biggest security threat to the nation, the Congress appeared deeply divided. The firm stance adopted by then Home Minister P. Chidambaram was undermined by criticism from leaders such as K. Keshava Rao, who seemed to act under Sonia Gandhis influence. Sonia Gandhi herself acknowledged that Maoism was against democracy" only after a Maoist attack in Sukma district on 25 May 2013 claimed the lives of several key Congress leaders from Chhattisgarh. V However, its pronounced pro-Muslim tilt appears to have been the biggest drawback of Dr Singhs government. The Congress had to forfeit the sympathies of Hindu society at large, as admitted by the A.K. Antony Committee after the partys poll debacle in 2014. It might be recalled that the Hindu middle class had identified itself with the Congress since its inception in 1885. Although the rise of BJP and regional caste-based parties had undercut the Congress dominance, it was only under Dr Singhs government that mainstream Hindu society decisively turned away from the Congress. The Congress could not win even 50 seats in the 16th Lok Sabha elections of 2014. His government appointed the Justice Sachar Committee and the Justice Ranganath Misra Committee, established a Ministry of Minority Affairs, etc. Even the chairmanship of the National Commission for Linguistic Minorities went to a professor of Islamic Studies, Akhtarul Wasey. The consolidation of nationalist" Hindu opinion against Dr Singhs government began over the issue of the Sethusamudram Project in 200607. Although the feasibility study for this shipping canal project, which would have cut through the chain of limestone shoals associated with the Ramayana, was entrusted to the Nagpur-based NEERI during the Vajpayee government in May 2002 (vide Lok Sabha Unstarred Question 2238 dated 12 December 2003), it was during UPA-I that the issue gained momentum. Dr Subramaniam Swamy filed a PIL on the matter, which became a rallying point for the VHP. When the Centre (in 2007) told the Supreme Court that there was no historical proof of Lord Ram, it became a national issue. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This nationalist Hindu consolidation found expression in the formation of think tanks such as the Vivekananda International Foundation (headed by Ajit Doval, now the NSA), the India Policy Foundation, the India Foundation, etc. Even as Dr Singhs government entered a downward spiral, it was an exciting time for nationalists and transparency activists. A nation challenged to its core always rises up. Figuratively speaking, these individuals have been pensioned off following the advent of the Modi government. (The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) First Published: December 29, 2024, 20:06 IST Right Word | China Might Not Get Greater Leverage Than India Under New Sri Lankan Regime Written By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 10:42 IST During his India visit, Dissanayake emphasised commitment to bolster ties in both depth and breadth, ushering in optimism for regional security and prosperity President Dissanayake thanked PM Modi for Indias prompt multi-pronged financial assistance worth $4 billion after the 2022 sovereign default. (X/@anuradisanayake) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayakes visit to New Delhi from 15 to 17 December 2024, which also marked his first international trip after assuming office in September, concluded with a promise of intensified bilateral cooperation in an array of sectors. Although the joint statement titled Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future underscored a qualitative continuity in the engagement between the two neighbours, the outcomes of the visit certainly settled some anxieties and doubts that were the result of the new Presidents ideological inclinations and electoral rhetoric. Dissanayake, popularly known as AKD, had been painted as anti-India and pro-China for a few reasons, including the historic opposition of his party, the JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna), to what it saw as Indian expansionism in the island-nation as well as to the 13th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution which was an outcome of the 1987 India-Sri Lanka Accord. The JVP has also opposed proposals for the strengthening of bilateral engagement between the two countries such as the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement). Additionally, AKD, during his election campaign, had pledged to shelve the 484 MW wind power projects in the northeastern regions of Mannar and Pooneryn undertaken by Indias Adani Green Energy which was to invest over $440 million over a period of 20 years for the same. related stories The reasons cited were the lack of transparency during the bidding process, environmental concerns, and issues of the island nations energy sovereignty. Therefore, some observers had anticipated an uncertain future for India-Sri Lanka relations post AKDs victory, especially with regards to the geopolitical tussle between India and China in the Indian Ocean. There were concerns within some Indian quarters, aggravated by the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh, who was a key Indian ally in the region. This is also the reason why the Indian government, sensing his growing on-ground popularity, had begun to make overtures to AKD and his party way before he ascended to power, reflected in his visit to New Delhi in February 2024. However, it seems that those concerns have turned out to be false alarms as the new president, in keeping with Sri Lankas diplomatic tradition, chose India for his first state visit and expressed commitment to deepening ties with India. President Dissanayake thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Indias prompt multi-pronged financial assistance worth $4 billion after the catastrophic 2022 sovereign default. Driven by its Neighbourhood First policy, India not only extended significant financial help in the form of both credit lines and grants, but also became the first creditor nation to assist Sri Lanka with debt restructuring. The joint statement reveals an intended strategic shift from debt-oriented backing to investment-led partnerships for a more sustainable economic future for the island. The Economic and Technological Cooperation (ETCA) Agreement for which 14 rounds of negotiations have taken place was highlighted too. India emphasized its conviction of helping Sri Lanka in the domains of agriculture and digital infrastructure, and the two sides discussed the target of enhanced connectivity, including the resumption of passenger ferry services between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar and the rehabilitation of the Kankesanthurai port. As the island looks to diversify its energy sources, many proposals for energy cooperation were discussed such as the execution of the solar power project in Sampur, supply for LNG from India to Sri Lanka, setting up of a high-capacity power grid interconnection between the two countries, and establishment of a multi-product pipeline which would also entail cooperation from the UAE, among others. Importantly, when it comes to regional security, the visit promises meaningful cooperation between the neighbours. While speaking to the media with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House, President Dissanayake declared, Sri Lanka will not let its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability". This is significant as the temporary one-year moratorium placed by Sri Lanka on all foreign research vessels berthing at its ports nears its deadline in January 2025. India had often expressed its objections to Chinese ships docking at the islands ports. Only a day after AKDs visit, the Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Qin Boyong met him to convey Chinese expectations of revocation of the ban. It remains to be seen now whether President Dissanayake makes good on his claimed intention of respecting Indias strategic and security concerns with respect to Chinese ingresses in the Indian Ocean region. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while briefing the media, expressed Indias offer of conducting maritime research for Sri Lanka, upholding Indias SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Despite the promising optics and substance of President Dissanayakes visit to India, some sticking points remain that dont seem to show much progress. For instance, the fishermen issue between the two countries and the implementation of the 13th Amendment seems to have just been addressed tangentially in favour of building confidence, trust, and reliance on matters of economic and security cooperation. Besides, some quarters within Sri Lanka appear to have taken some aspects of the bilateral talks negatively, such as the reference to the ETCA. The Frontline Socialist Party, which broke off from the JVP, claims that the ETCA will disproportionately benefit Indian economic interests, at the cost of the local workforce in Sri Lanka. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It must be mentioned that Dissanayake himself had bitterly opposed the ETCA in the past. Nevertheless, a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes of the Sri Lankan Presidents visit points to a net positive for the two neighbours. Dissanayake emphasised commitment to bolster ties in both depth and breadth, ushering in optimism for regional security and prosperity. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: December 30, 2024, 10:42 IST Lack Of Gesture Angers People: Pawan Kalyan Says Allu Arjun Shouldve Met Stampede Victims Kin Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 17:11 IST Pawan Kalyan said that absence of gesture, in this case Allu Arjun or his team not visiting the victims kin, stokes peoples anger. Pawan Kalyan, Andhra deputy CM, also praised Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for handling the developments post-stampede well. (IMAGE: X) Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said someone from Allu Arjuns team should have visited the victims family who was killed in a stampede on December 4 while trying to catch a glimpse of the actor who had come to the Sandhya Theatre to watch Pushpa 2, a film in which he was the lead, in Hyderabad. A 35-year-old woman died and her eight-year-old son was injured when fans jostled to have a glimpse of the actor at the premiere of Pushpa 2 movie. related stories Following the incident, the city police registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under different sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint lodged by the deceased womans family. The actor, who was arrested, is currently out on interim bail. He said that the actor should have visited the family of the woman who was killed in the stampede. He said that Allu Arjun or someone from his team should have visited the victims family earlier. It would have been better if someone had visited the victims family earlier, on behalf of Allu Arjun. They turned what was already lost into an even greater tragedy. We should have conveyed earlier that we are all here to support the family. There should have been a sense of regret for the mistake, even if it happened without their direct involvement," he further added. He said there was a clear lack of humanity in this matter" and that every one should have gone to Revathis house to offer reassurance and condolences". The peoples anger stems from the absence of such a gesture," he said. He, however, said it is unfair that Arjun be held solely responsible for the incident. He also refrained from criticizing Telangana Police for their handling of the theatre stampede incident involving actor Allu Arjun. He said that the law applies equally to everyone and law enforcement must prioritize security measures while speaking to reporters at Mangalagiri, broadcaster NDTV said in a report. The law is equal for all, and I do not blame the police in such incidents, they act with public safety in mind. That said, the theater staff should have informed Allu Arjun earlier about any issues. Once he sat in the seat, they should have instructed him to vacate it if necessary," Kalyan, who is related to Allu Arjun, was quoted as saying by NDTV. Arjuns aunt Surekha is married to Chiranjeevi, Pawan Kalyans elder brother and a celebrated actor. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During his interaction with the media, Kalyan, leader of Janasena Party, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally, also praised Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy as a great leader", the broadcaster said. He praised Reddy for responding appropriately" to the developments following the tragedy. Reddy, in his capacity as Chief Minister, responded appropriately to the developments following the stampede. He is a man who has risen from humble beginnings," he said. Location : Amaravati, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 17:06 IST Doesnt Take Away Rights Of States, Keeps Federal Structure Same: Meghwal On One Nation, One Election Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 21:24 IST Arjun Ram Meghwal while speaking to News18 said the bill is now with a joint parliamentary committee that will come together in January for their first meeting. Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal pictured after an all-party meeting ahead of the Winter session of Parliament, in New Delhi. (IMAGE: PTI) Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the One Nation One Election bill does not take any rights away from the states and keeps the federal structure same". No rights from the states will be taken away by this bill. (The) federal structure will remain (the) same," Meghwal told News18. related stories He said the bill is now with a joint parliamentary committee for wider consultations with various stakeholders. The proposed legislation seeks to align elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has long been a strong supporter of this idea. It was such a big reform bill that was introduced under the leadership of PM Modi," the minister said. Currently, elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies are conducted separately, either at the end of their five-year term or when a government is dissolved due to specific circumstances. The minister said elections have been held simultaneously in the past as well and it should not be politicised. Simultaneous elections began with Indias first general elections in 1951-52, held alongside Vidhan Sabha polls. This practice continued until 1967, when the emergence of hung assemblies interrupted the cycle. One Nation One Election is being done constitutionally. We have not brought the bill in haste. The bill was introduced in the parliament after long consideration. The first joint parliamentary committee will meet on January 8th for their first meeting," he added. Congress has claimed that the bill goes against the guarantees of federalism on several occasions. It said that it imposes uniformity across states challenging the federal framework of government. We Have Members In Parliament The minister also said the government has enough numbers in the parliament to pass the One Nation One Election bill passed in the Parliament. We have the members in the parliament to get the One Nation One Election Bill passed," Meghwal told News18. It is a historic, electoral-reform bill," the Union Law Minister said, adding that only a few political parties are opposing it". He also said the government is open to considering suggestions from the public as well. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who chaired a high-level committee on the One Nation, One Election proposal, revealed in October that 32 political parties expressed support for the initiative, while 15 opposed it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On December 17, the Union Cabinet gave its nod to bills aimed at implementing the proposal. The Opposition INDIA alliance raised strong objections to the Bill, arguing that the government lacked the two-thirds majority needed for such constitutional changes. However, parliamentary rules suggest that a special majority might not be required to introduce Constitutional Amendment Bills. It tabled the One Nation, One Election Bill in the Lok Sabha after a division vote, with 269 members in favor and 198 against the proposal. First Published: December 30, 2024, 20:52 IST 'Flown To Vietnam': BJP Vs Congress In New War Of Words Over Rahul Gandhi's Foreign Trip Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 14:30 IST BJP slammed Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the Congress MP had "flown to Vietnam for New Year" celebrations while the nation is mourning Manmohan Singh's death. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi (PTI Image) BJP launched a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi, claiming that the Congress MP had flown to Vietnam for New Year celebrations" while the nation was mourning the former PM Manmohan Singhs death. As a mark of respect to former PM Manmohan Singh, who died on December 26, 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. related stories Stoking a political row on Monday, BJP IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya said, While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singhs demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year". Malviya accused Rahul Gandhi of politicising the former PMs death, saying The Gandhis and the Congress hate the Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib." While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singhs demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year.Rahul Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr Singhs death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable. The Gandhis and the Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 30, 2024 It comes a day after the BJP slammed the Congress party and the Gandhi family, accusing them of not showing up to collect the remains of Manmohan Singh, which was immersed in the Yamuna river in Delhi on Saturday. The BJP and Congress also had fiery exchanges over the latters demand that Singh be cremated at a site designated for his memorial. While the Congress slammed BJP for insulting" Dr Singh, the ruling party hit back by accusing the grand old party of engaging in cheap politics." Congress Responds To BJP Charge Meanwhile, the Congress party reacted sharply to the BJPs charge, saying that Rahul Gandhi went on a private trip to the foreign and that nobody should have any problem with matters concerning someones privacy. When will the Sanghis stop this Take Diversion politics? The way Modi denied Dr. Saheb a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and how his ministers cornered Dr. Sahebs family is shameful. If Mr Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you? Get well in the New Year," said Congress MP Manickam Tagore. When will the Sanghis stop this Take Diversion politics?The way Modi denied Dr. Saheb a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and how his ministers cornered Dr. Sahebs family is shameful.If Mr Gandhi travel privately, why does it bother you?Get well in New year . https://t.co/PFSOTc2F7P pic.twitter.com/7E7nfHOqrr Manickam Tagore .B . (@manickamtagore) December 30, 2024 BJP Mounts Attack Speaking on the same lines as Malviya, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonwalla called out Rahul Gandhi for allegedly embarking on a foreign trip when the entire country is in grief over the demise of Dr Singh. Rahul Gandhi has changed the meaning of LoP from Leader of Opposition to Leader of pariyatan (tourism) and party. At a time, when the entire country is in grief over the demise of former PM Manmohan, as expected, Rahul Gandhi has left for a tour, as per media reports," Poonwalla said. He further accused Rahul Gandhi of partying" all night when the deadly 26/11 attack unfolded in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is not at all concerned about the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh," he added. VIDEO | BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla (@Shehzad_Ind) says, Rahul Gandhi has changed the meaning of LoP from Leader of Opposition to Leader of pariyatan (tourism) and party. At a time, when the entire country is in grief over the demise of former PM Manmohan, as expected, pic.twitter.com/NHMhKzVN2C Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 30, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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" He received full State Honours during the final rites held at Nigambodh Ghat on November 28, with several dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. First Published: December 30, 2024, 14:06 IST How PM Modi Secured Historic Third Term In 2024, Defying Global Anti-Incumbency Wave Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 18:05 IST Narendra Modi's third-term victory defied global anti-incumbency trends and went on to show India's stability amidst international political turbulence. PM Modis leadership ensured India's steady rise as a global power, driven by reforms and innovation. (IMAGE: PTI FILE) Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic third win in the 2024 elections not only reinforces his personal legacy but also reflects the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) dominance in Indian polity. It shows that today PM Modi has become the symbol of stability for India while BJP has emerged as a party synonymous with good governance. In 2024, a global wave of anti-incumbency swept through major democracies, with incumbents facing significant defeats. In the United States, Democrats lost the presidency and control of both houses of Congress. The UK saw the Conservative Party (Tories) decisively ousted from power. Similarly, in France, South Korea, and Poland, ruling parties were unseated. Contrasting this global trend, Narendra Modi in India not only retained power but did so with a historic third term. Following his clear victories in 2014 and 2019, the Indian electorate once again gave Modi a strong mandate, showcasing a remarkable exception to the international anti-incumbency wave. related stories The year 2024 marked some of BJPs biggest victories under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. PM Modi secured a historic third term. This achievement is significant in Indias political history, as no other leader has won a third consecutive term since 1962. Stable Leadership in an Unstable World Since 2014, India has stood out as a beacon of political stability under the leadership of Narendra Modi, who has remained in power for over a decade. This continuity is notable, especially when compared to the political turbulence experienced by other democracies during the same period. Modis tenure has been marked by a cohesive government that has implemented far-reaching economic, social, and foreign policy initiatives, contributing to Indias rise as a global power. In contrast, the United States has witnessed a series of dramatic political shifts. Starting with Barack Obamas presidency until 2017, the baton then passed to Donald Trump, who introduced starkly different policies and a more isolationist stance. In 2021, Joe Biden reversed many of Trumps key policies, emphasizing multilateralism and domestic investment. The return of Donald Trump to power has brought about another pivot in governance, reflecting deep partisan divides and policy volatility. The United Kingdom has endured significant political instability since 2014. Under the Conservative Party, leadership changed frequently, with David Cameron resigning post-Brexit referendum, followed by Theresa May, who grappled with Brexit negotiations. Boris Johnson then assumed power, leading during the COVID-19 pandemic but eventually resigning amid scandals. Liz Trusss brief and tumultuous tenure was followed by Rishi Sunak, who sought to stabilize the economy and party. Recently, Keir Starmer of the Labour Party became Prime Minister, marking a shift in governance, though challenges remain, including internal party disagreements and an electorate weary of political strife. Australia has also seen a rapid turnover in leadership, reflecting its historically volatile political culture. Beginning with Tony Abbott in 2014, the prime ministership passed to Malcolm Turnbull, then Scott Morrison, and now Anthony Albanese. Each transition has brought shifts in priorities, with Albanese focusing on climate action and social policies after a more conservative approach under his predecessors. Italys political scene has been equally dynamic, with successive governments often collapsing before completing their terms. Matteo Renzis reform-driven tenure gave way to Paolo Gentiloni, followed by Giuseppe Contes coalition government, Mario Draghis technocratic leadership, and now Giorgia Meloni, Italys first female prime minister. Despite Melonis historic win, Italy continues to grapple with political fragmentation and economic challenges. Pakistan, in particular, exemplifies political instability, with a pattern of frequent leadership changes often marred by accusations of corruption and electoral fraud. Since 2014, the country has seen transitions from Nawaz Sharif to Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, followed by Imran Khan, and now Shehbaz Sharif. Each leaders tenure has been marked by a contentious relationship with their predecessors, often culminating in legal battles and imprisonment. This volatile political environment has stymied Pakistans ability to achieve consistent governance and economic progress. Israel has experienced significant political turbulence, particularly due to its fractured coalition system. Since 2014, the country has seen Benjamin Netanyahu lose power to Naftali Bennett, followed by a brief tenure of Yair Lapid, only for Netanyahu to return as prime minister. Since 2014, Israel has conducted six national elections for the Knesset, the countrys parliament. These elections took place in 2015, April 2019, September 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. While Japan is known for relative political stability, its leadership changes in recent years have raised eyebrows. Shinzo Abe, who served as prime minister until 2020, resigned unexpectedly due to health reasons. He was succeeded by Yoshihide Suga, who stepped down after just a year in office, and Fumio Kishida who was Prime Minister for just 3 years amidst great uncertainty and has now been succeeded by Shigeru Ishiba Since 2014, Brazil has faced political upheaval driven by economic crises, corruption scandals, and polarized elections. Dilma Rousseff was impeached in 2016, paving the way for Michel Temer, who served a controversial term. Jair Bolsonaro then came to power, adopting a far-right populist stance. Recently, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva returned to office after a polarizing election. In South Korea, Park Geun-hye was impeached in 2017 amid massive corruption allegations. Her successor, Moon Jae-in, struggled with economic challenges and diplomatic tensions. Yoon Suk-yeol is the current president, recently declared martial law unsuccessfully and is in the process of being impeached by the parliament of South Korea. Argentina since 2014 has seen notable changes, with leadership shifting from Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to Mauricio Macri, followed by Alberto Fernandez, and now Javier Milei. Each leader has adopted markedly different economic and social policies, contributing to a landscape of uncertainty and frequent political realignments. What Makes Indian General Elections 2024 Historic? The 2024 election showcased India as a resilient democracy, marked by robust voter engagement and civil conduct. Despite motivated attacks on EVMs, and extreme heat, people displayed great enthusiasm by turning out to vote in large numbers. From first-time voters to senior citizens, people of all ages, and from all walks of life have participated in the democratic process with great zeal. Kashmir also recorded the highest poll participation for the first time in the last 3 decades since 1996 at 38%. Indian politics saw greater inclusivity as more women contested and won elections, strengthening gender representation. Youth participation also increased significantly, bringing fresh perspectives to the nations political landscape. The 2024 elections showcased Indias democratic maturity, highlighting how citizens are increasingly aware of their priorities and expectations from their leaders. People stood solidly behind the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. For the first time the largest-ever group of international delegates experienced Indias General Elections firsthand this year. They were impressed by what they saw. Some praised the transparency of the process, while others found the Election Commissions initiatives, like the Green Polling Stations, truly inspiring. The use of technology, such as the randomization of EVM-VVPATs, also received a lot of appreciation. This mandate was for Development, Diversity & Decisiveness. People have out rightly rejected the politics of Deception, Deceit and Division. India has demonstrated that it is mature democracy and placed PM Modi among a select group of global leaders who have successfully secured three consecutive terms in office. Apart from this, 2024 also saw state-level successes showing that they are part of a broader shift in Indias political landscape that began in 2014. Under PM Modis leadership, the BJP has expanded its influence, bringing cohesive governance to regions like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtraareas where the BJP had struggled to gain traction in the past. Lets look at some of the decisive BJP wins in the year 2024 and what makes them unique: Lord Jagannaths Odisha Goes the Saffron Way Under Prime Minister Modis leadership, the BJP secured a historic victory in Odisha, defeating the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). For the first time in Odishas history, the BJD has lost its dominance in the Lok Sabha elections, with the BJP increasing its seats from just 1 to 6. This marks a significant shift from 2019, where the BJD won 12 seats and the BJP 8. In addition to its success in the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP also made significant strides in the Odisha Assembly elections. The party won 14 seats and was leading in 66 other constituencies. Andhra Pradesh Chooses NDA Decisively In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite Andhra Pradeshs strong regional political identity, the National Democratic Alliance made significant strides, leading in 20 out of the 25 parliamentary constituencies. This remarkable achievement reflects the growing support for the NDAs vision and policies. PM Modis leadership has been pivotal in this success, with his focus on infrastructure development, economic reforms, and social welfare programs resonating with voters across the state. Haryana Rings a Surprise for BJP The 2024 Haryana Assembly election results have marked a significant milestone for the Bharatiya Janata Party, as they secured a historic third consecutive term in office. BJP has become the first political party in Haryana to achieve this hat-trick, a testament to its growing influence and stronghold in the state. Despite facing fierce opposition from the Congress and other political parties, the BJP managed to effectively defeat Congress in direct contests, securing 48 seats. Opposition, despite their best efforts, simply could not match the scale and momentum that the BJP brought to the table. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Maharashtras Massive Victory Shuts Opposition Agenda In a historic victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party secured its third consecutive term in Maharashtra, marking the first time a leader had led the state to such a triumph. The BJP, along with its allies including the NCP won over 131 seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was left with just 51 seats. The ruling alliance led in more than 230 seats, reflecting the peoples strong trust in Prime Minister Modis leadership. With 132 out of 288 seats, the BJP achieved its best-ever performance in the state, securing a seat share of 45% . This victory marks the largest seat share for any party in Maharashtras assembly elections, consolidating the BJPs dominance and effectively shutting down the oppositions agenda in the state. First Published: December 30, 2024, 18:05 IST 'I Was Hurt': In Letter To Atishi, Delhi LG Flags Kejriwal's 'Temporary CM' Remark; She Reacts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 31, 2024, 08:09 IST In a letter, Delhi L-G VK Saxena praised CM Atishi while expressing concern that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal had labelled her a "temporary chief minister" Delhi Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Atishi (File) Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday hit back at Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena saying she was running the government on path shown by Arvind Kejriwal", after he expressed concern over the AAP chief labelling her a temporary chief minister". Alleging Saxenas office was working as a BJP proxy", Atishi said he should focus on betterment of Delhi" instead of indulging in petty politics. Instead of doing dirty politics, focus on the betterment of Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal ji worked for the betterment of Delhi for nine and a half years. I am running the government following the path shown by Arvind Kejriwal ji," she said, asserting that Kejriwal was Delhis tallest leader" as the people had repeatedly elected him. related stories In a letter, Saxena praised Atishi while expressing concern that Kejriwal had labelled her a temporary chief minister". He also called it a flagrant disregard for the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution". In reply, Atishi also mentioned that she was personally hurt as a woman" by his interference in the Mahila Samman Yojana. Obstruction of the Mahila Samman Yojana is a clear testimony of politicisation of the lieutenant governors office. As a woman, I am personally anguished by your recent steps to malign and create hurdles for this scheme," she said. She said it was disheartening to note that Saxenas letter focused on criticism rather than constructive cooperation", pointing out that his responsibility was to maintain law and order and keep the people of Delhi safe. Its the one job that you are directly responsible for and mandated to do. Unfortunately, you have miserably failed in keeping this city safe. A former MP is distributing money to lure voters right under your nose but you illegally gave him police protection," she alleged, in a reference to BJP leader Parvesh Verma. WHAT DID THE L-G SAY IN HIS LETTER? Earlier in the day, Delhi L-G VK Saxena expressed his objection to AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwals comment on his successor Atishi being a temporary-makeshift chief minister". In his letter to Atishi, he said: I found it very objectionable and hurt when a few days ago, your predecessor Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal publicly declared you as a temporary-makeshift Chief Minister in the media." Saxena said by such words, Kejriwal had insulted the President of India who appointed the two of them Atishi and himself and administered the oath to her. This was not only an insult to you, but also an insult to your employer Her Excellency the President of India and to me as her representative. The public interpretation of temporary or makeshift Chief Minister given by Kejriwal has no constitutional provision and it is also a reprehensible disregard of the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," he said in his letter," he said. In a letter to Delhi CM Atishi, LG VK Saxena expressed objection to AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal calling Atishi a temporary Chief MinisterI found this very objectionable and I was hurt by it. It was not only an insult to you, but also to your appointee, the pic.twitter.com/8Gf5gmlso7 ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024 He further said he was writing the letter in a personal capacity; however, he opened his letter to the chief minister with much praise for her work and taking charge of the department unlike her predecessor, who does not hold a government department and did not sign files. On the occasion of swearing in you as the Chief Minister, I had also congratulated you wholeheartedly and wished you and in the period from then till now, for the first time in my two and a half years of tenure, I saw a person holding the post of Chief Minister doing the work of the Chief Minister. Where your predecessor Chief Minister did not have a single department of the government and neither did he sign files, you took charge of many departments and tried to work on various issues of administration," he wrote. The Delhi L-G highlighted several issues concerning previous governance, pointing out warnings issued by government departments about schemes promoted by Kejriwal, which were reportedly non-existent. He raised the issue of the former CM claiming that Atishi will be arrested in a fake case pertaining to the transport department, a charge denied by the department. He further voiced his disappointment over the negative portrayal of Atishi, stressing that such narratives could have adverse effects on her role as a full-time CM. He had earlier offered words of praise for Atishi, calling her a thousands times better" than her predecessor, with whom he had several run-ins on legal, administrative, and governance issues over the past months. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Atishi took oath as the CM in September after Kejriwal resigned following his imprisonment in the Delhi liquor policy case. The AAP convener resigned after he walked out of Tihar Jail, where he was lodged for five months. (With PTI inputs) First Published: December 30, 2024, 18:25 IST Nitesh Ranes Mini Pakistan Remark On Kerala Sparks Political Controversy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 12:18 IST Rane referred to Kerala as a Mini Pakistan and alleged that terrorists are the ones voting for Rahul Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi. This is not the first time Nitesh Rane has been at the centre of controversy due to his provocative statements. (Image: PTI) Maharashtras newly appointed minister, Nitesh Rane, has ignited a political firestorm with his recent comments about Kerala and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. During an event in Saswad, Pune, commemorating Shiv Pratap Din, Rane referred to Kerala as a Mini Pakistan" and alleged that terrorists are the ones voting for Rahul Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi. Ranes statements were made during a celebration marking the historical defeat of Afzal Khan by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In his speech, Rane praised Hindu activists from Kerala, stating, Our friends from Kerala deserve appreciation. They saved the lives of 12,000 Hindu girls. Ask us Hindutva activists how much effort it takes to rescue even one sister. Yet, these people from Kerala achieved this feat." related stories However, his subsequent remarks have drawn significant criticism. Rane said, Kerala is nothing short of a Mini Pakistan. Thats why Rahul Gandhi and his sister get elected from there. All the terrorists are the ones voting for them. I am speaking the truth. These people become MPs only with the support of terrorists." Rane further commented on religious processions, asserting that Hindu festivals should be allowed the same liberties as those of other religions. If our processions can go on until 10 PM, so should theirs. We are not just talkers but doers. If anyone illegal needs to be taught a lesson, a single phone call will show them how the government works," he stated. Addressing Hindutva workers directly, Rane assured them of governmental support. You are not alone. We are with you as the government. The state has a saffron-clad Chief Minister. Hindutva activists need not fear anything. If anyone acts illegally against Hindus or the religion, we will not spare them," he emphasised. Rane acknowledged the responsibilities that come with his ministerial position, noting, As a minister, I now have certain responsibilities and limitations. But the work of Hindutva must continue with full strength." These comments have elicited strong reactions from opposition parties. Congress leaders have accused Rane of spreading hatred and making unfounded allegations. Congress leader Atul Londhe Patil reacted strongly to Maharashtra Rane calling Kerala mini Pakistan. What else can we expect from him. But I have to ask PM Modi, Devendra Fadnavis, how can somebody after calling our own state Pakistan remain in the cabinet? We take the pledge of unity I expect from both of them, who give patriotic talks, to ensure such people are not in cabinet." Political analysts suggest that such statements could exacerbate tensions between the BJP-led government and the opposition in Maharashtra, further intensifying the states already charged political atmosphere. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is not the first time Nitesh Rane has been at the centre of controversy due to his provocative statements. In the past, he has faced criticism for making inflammatory remarks against minority communities. For instance, earlier this year, Rane was booked for allegedly threatening to harm Muslims, leading to accusations that the BJP was attempting to incite communal tensions ahead of state assembly elections. The controversy surrounding Ranes comments is expected to continue, with calls from various quarters for accountability and a re-examination of the responsibilities that come with public office. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how this will influence the political landscape in Maharashtra and beyond. First Published: December 30, 2024, 12:18 IST OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy S25 And More: Big Phone Launches Coming In January 2025 Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 13:25 IST OnePlus 13 is going to be one of the big launches coming in January 2025 but there's a lot more to expect for the techies. OnePlus 13, Samsung Galaxy 25 and Xiaomi will be making their new launches The year 2025 is just a few days away and the tech world is already ready with some big ticket launches for the year. Youve got the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicking things off for the year, but there are a lot more headlines making launches that are going to be presented from brands like OnePlus, Samsung and Xiaomi over the next four weeks. Heres a quick round-up of the big phone launches that people can expect in January 2025. Big Phone Launches In January 2025 related stories OnePlus 13 OnePlus will be bringing its new flagship phones to the Indian market in January. The OnePlus 13 and 13R launch in India is confirmed for January 7 which is just a week away. OnePlus has already unveiled the phone in China, so it is not like we dont know anything about it, in fact, we know quite a bit about the new model from the company. It will be coming with the OxygenOS 15 version in the Indian market and you will get it in multiple colourways. The OnePlus 13 now looks less-curvier thanks to the flat frame. The camera module now sits away from the edge along with a metal strip where you will see the new H logo for the Hasselblad branding. The company has upgraded the display to an X2 OLED panel with adaptive refresh rate and the new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The phone also gets IP69 rating which makes it safer in front of the water, even when the pressure is high. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage. Xiaomi Pad 7 And Redmi 14C Redmi 14C and Xiaomi Pad 7 will be the first set of products from the company in 2025. The new affordable 5G phone is tipped to support dual-SIM 5G networks and expected to come with a 50MP rear camera. Xiaomi recently launched the Redmi A4, and this sounds like another budget 5G phone in its lineup for the buyers. Xiaomi will also bring the Pad 7 tablet to the Indian market next month, giving buyers more Android tablet options. The product is already available in China, and is likely to be the same model for the Indian market as well. The device is expected to look similar to the Pad 6 series that was launched in 2024. Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Samsung will also have a big say in the flagship battle with the 2025 Galaxy S25 series launch. The January 2025 edition of Galaxy Unpacked will have some important products coming to the market. The company is facing a tough fight in the Ai race and the premium Galaxy S25 and the S25 Ultra models will be spearheading the charge. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Poco X7 Series Poco is bringing its power-packed X-series on January 9, which has been officially confirmed by the brand. The Poco X7 series will have people excited, mostly because of their focus on performance for value and the success of the X6 series tells you everything about the lineup from the brand. We could see the X7 and the X7 Pro models coming to the market. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 13:25 IST WhatsApp Is Ready To Help You Identify Fake Images Using Google: Heres How Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 08:30 IST WhatsApp is now testing the web version of the reverse image search through Google and should be rolling out soon for everyone. Google could make it easy to search for fake content and images. WhatsApp is using Googles help to tackle the big fake news and misinformation menace. The messaging app has been testing the ability to reverse search images on Google for Android users, and now it is being tested with the web WhatsApp version as well. WhatsApp allows you to forward content, images and videos that go unchecked, which means they could be fake and alarmingly dangerous to share. Using this tool you can easily identify the fake content or images and find their actual source. related stories WhatsApp Web Reverse Image Search How It Works The details about this tool come via WaBetaInfo which mentions WhatsApp has already started beta testing the feature on Android. The tipster also shares the steps to follow for the search on web tools to become effective for WhatsApp users. The post says, WhatsApp will offer a new option in the three-dot menu on the top-right of the chat screen. You click on any image, and then tap on search on the web option for Google to crawl through its search database for the original image. The feature will also inform the users that searching for more information with this tool will only upload this particular content/message to Google. The chat will not be shared or stored by WhatsApp. You can hit the Search button and find the answers to your doubts about the particular image that has been shared by friends or a close contact. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature that eliminates the need for users to switch to third-party apps to scan documents. This works similar to apps like Adobe Scan, CamScanner or even the default scanner through your phones camera. The feature is being gradually rolled out, and if you havent received it yet, you can expect it with the latest update in the coming weeks. This feature is especially useful for those who want to share files quickly while on the go or multitasking. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 08:30 IST Boss Called Me A**hole: Intern, 21, Opens Up About Toxic Workplace In India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 12:30 IST The intern claimed that his Indian boss frequently criticises him and his work, even going as far as threatening his job and undermining everything he does. An Indian boss recently abused a 21-year-old intern over a 'minor error' in a draft. (Representative image) A 21-year-old intern took to social media to share his experience of being bullied at the hands of his toxic boss over the smallest of errors in his work. In a Reddit post, he revealed that his boss recently called him an a**hole" over a minor error" he made in a draft. The intern, frustrated and unsure of what to do next, asked the Reddit community whether he should escalate the issue to his bosss boss the Vice President or simply endure it until he finds another job. related stories Im 21M, a fresh graduate who recently joined a corporate consultancy (Not the Big ones but Big) firm about a month and a half ago. Im completely new to this field and currently in my internship period, which is expected to last for the first three months here," the intern wrote on Reddits IndianWorkplace" community. Read| Mental Health Company Fires Employee for Liking Toxic Workplace Post on LinkedIn The post that carries the tag of workplace toxicity" further reads, Yesterday, while I was presenting a draft of my work to my boss, he pointed out a minor error and reacted harshly, saying: Which mth3r fck**g a$$hole did this?" He then shared what his boss said next: Im sorry for my language, but its really inefficient for me to repeat the work I used to do in my initial days, two decades ago." The Redditor, who goes by fuxk_veggies", called it a final straw. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. Im genuinely frustrated and this isnt the first time. He regularly takes jabs at me, and my work, even threatens my job and everything I do. But, this was the last straw." Would it be reasonable to ask to be assigned to a different team or perhaps a different branch? Or should I just endure it and wait it out till I jump companies?" he turned to the online community for advice, expressing concern over the potential consequences" of bringing up the issue with the VP. Also Read| Man Resigns on First Day After Indian Boss Expects Overtime Without Pay: Work-life Balance is Western Behaviour He further explained his worries, saying, The reason Im so worried is that I had the opportunity to join a wonderful university abroad, but I was eager to gain work experience and try for even better universities in the future. So, I had to convince my parents to let me come here and support me financially until I secure a permanent position here," adding that his boss has been threatening his job" and the ongoing toxic environment is making it even harder for him to cope. Going back home isnt an option for me I dont want to disappoint them [parents] or make them think I made the wrong decision," he concluded his Reddit post on an emotional note. Take a look at the entire post here: What did Reddit advise him? No, bro. Dont be quiet on this stuff. This is the kind of behaviour they get away with only because no one calls them out on it," said an individual. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another suggested, Complaint it to HR, If they dont listen, go a level higher. Even if they dont take any action go the legal route." When such things happen, handle it there, say that you did not like it and ask for an apology or not to use such language in future. Or start using such language on the floor and if anybody objects just say that your manager uses it. Point it as others pointed out, the office is full of such people. Learn to stand up for yourself, worst you get fired, takes 2 to 6 months max for another job," a third expressed. First Published: December 30, 2024, 12:24 IST Elon Musk On OpenAI Researcher Suchir Balajis Death: This Doesnt Seem Like Suicide Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 09:53 IST Suchir, a 26-year-old former OpenAI employee, was was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. Elon Musk has reacted to the post shared by Sudhirs mother on X. (Photo Credits: X) Elon Musk has showcased his support for Poornima Ramaraos claims of foul play in her son Suchir Balajis death. Suchir, a 26-year-old former OpenAI employee, was was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26. His mother Poornima Ramaro has now called for an FBI investigation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she claimed that a private autopsy didnt confirm the cause of the death stated by the police. We hired private investigator and did second autopsy to throw light on cause of death. Private autopsy doesnt confirm cause of death stated by police," she wrote. related stories Elon Musk has reacted to the post shared by Sudhirs mother on X. He said, This doesnt seem like a suicide." This doesnt seem like a suicide Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 29, 2024 To this, Poornima Ramarao replied, Please support me, Elon Musk." Poornima Ramarao, in her note, added, Suchirs apartment was ransacked, sign of struggle in the bathroom and looks like some one hit him in bathroom based on blood spots. Its a cold blooded murder declared by authorities as suicide. Lobbying in SF city doesnt stop us from getting justices. We demand FBI investigation." Update on @suchirbalaji We hired private investigator and did second autopsy to throw light on cause of death. Private autopsy doesnt confirm cause of death stated by police. Suchirs apartment was ransacked , sign of struggle in the bathroom and looks like some one hit him Poornima Rao (@RaoPoornima) December 29, 2024 In an interview with the New York Times, Suchir Bajaji had accused OpenAI of using copyrighted data. He said that the technologies like ChatGPT were damaging the Internet". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Suchir, who had worked at OpenAI and helped train the companys AI models, was concerned about the ethical implications of the companys practices. He even resigned from OpenAI in August 2024 after growing uncomfortable with the way the company was handling data. Meanwhile, Suchir Balajis father Balagi Ramamurthy said, I was the last person to talk to him. He was happy more, not depressed or anything. And it was his birthday week."His mother added, Suchir made plans to see us in January. That was the last phone conversation he had with anyone. He went into his apartment and never came out. And there was nobody else on the scene, that doesnt mean they can just come to conclusion. And we have seen the blood shots in the bathroom, signs of a fight in the bathroom." Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 09:14 IST Elon Musk Shares Vision For Mars Governance: I Recommend Direct Democracy Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 18:23 IST Elon Musk recently shared his thoughts on how the governance on the Red Planet could function after the colonisation, suggesting direct democracy. Do you think it's fair? (Photo Credits: X) Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk continues to share his vision for the future of Mars and how colonisation might unfold on the red planet. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), he shared his thoughts on how governance could function on Mars. Musk advocated for a direct democracy, saying, The Martians will decide how they are ruled. I recommend direct, rather than representative, democracy." Uncrewed Starships landing on Mars in ~2 years, perhaps with crewed versions passing near Mars, and crewed Starships heading there in ~4 years are all possible," the tech mogul wrote. related stories This came after a post from a user who asked how governance might work once Mars is colonised. Once we colonise Mars, how should governance work? Should it be an extension of Earths nations? e.g. each Earth nation has part of Mars? Something else? Theres a Mars transfer window in Dec 2028/Jan 2029 SpaceX could send humans crewed to Mars then the Future is coming fast," the user wrote. The Martians will decide how they are ruled. I recommend direct, rather than representative, democracy.Uncrewed Starships landing on Mars in ~2 years, perhaps with crewed versions passing near Mars, and crewed Starships heading there in ~4 years are all possible. https://t.co/ztvdoa1bKs Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 29, 2024 Musk also responded to concerns about the technical challenges surrounding SpaceXs missions to Mars. A person raised doubts about the reusability of the Starship heat tiles. He said, I believe the timeline you mentioned here is possible, but my only long-term concern about Starship are the heat tiles, they are far from being reusable." I believe the timeline you mentioned here is possible, but my only long term concern about Starship are the heat tiles, they are far from being reusable. Space Sudoer (@spacesudoer) December 29, 2024 Musk replied, I am confident that we will figure out a fully reusable (technically, a high multi-flight reusable) heat shield in 2025." I am confident that we will figure out a fully reusable (technically, a high multi-flight reusable) heat shield in 2025 Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 29, 2024 A few days ago, Musk had also expressed his desire to rename Mars. In a post on X, he said, Mars will be called the New World, just as America was in past centuries. Such an inspiring adventure!" He also shared an image of the Martian surface captured by the Curiosity rover. Mars will be called the New World", just as America was in past centuries. Such an inspiring adventure! https://t.co/k6n9fropNK Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 26, 2024 But not everyone agrees with Musks mission to colonise Mars. Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has criticised his plans, saying that Mars colonisation does not offer tangible returns on investment. He jokingly questioned Musks plans, saying, Elon, what do you want to do? Go to Mars. How much will it cost? 1 trillion dollars. Whats the return on investment? Nothing. Thats a 5-minute meeting." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Wow, they really dont get it. Mars is critical to the long-term survival of consciousness. Also, Im not going to ask any venture capitalists for money. I realize that it makes no sense as an investment. Thats why Im gathering resources. https://t.co/XVCpHKlusD Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 23, 2024 Musk responded to Tysons criticism, saying, Wow, they really dont get it. Mars is critical to the long-term survival of consciousness. Also, Im not going to ask any venture capitalists for money. I realize that it makes no sense as an investment. Thats why Im gathering resources." Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 18:23 IST Ex-Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai Slams IndiGo Over Bengaluru Incident: Left Without Air Conditioning Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 31, 2024, 08:36 IST IndiGo treats its passengers badly, said former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai after he was left waiting on the hot tarmac in Bengaluru without air conditioning. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai was travelling from Bengaluru to Coimbatore when the incident happened. Former Infosys Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Mohandas Pai recently flew with IndiGo and expressed his frustration over the airlines service. The 66-year-old alleged that passengers, including himself, were left waiting on the hot tarmac in Bengaluru without air conditioning. He took to social media to share his ordeal, stating that the aircrafts air conditioning was not operational while passengers were made to wait on the tarmac. Many flooded the comments section of his post with similar experiences. related stories Indigo treats its passengers badly," wrote Pai on X (formerly known as Twitter) who was travelling from Bengaluru to Coimbatore. He added, Sitting in 6E 7407 without AC on hot tarmac in Bengaluru. No way to treat passengers." Read| What Happened To Rules: Man Serves Chai Aboard IndiGo Flight, Sparks Mixed Reactions | Watch In his post, Pai revealed that only after passengers protested did the airline staff use a tarmac generator to power the air conditioning. He urged IndiGo to change their protocol" to prevent such incidents in the future. Pai also tagged Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and the official X handle of the Airports Authority of India, drawing their attention to the incident. Take a look at the post here: Indigo treats its passengers badly. Sitting in 6E 7407 without AC on hot tarmac in Bengaluru. No way to treat passengers. Only after protest staff using tarmac generator for AC. Pl change your protocol @IndiGo6E @RamMNK @AAI_Official Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) December 29, 2024 IndiGo replied to Pais post and wrote, Sir, thank you for taking the time to meet our airport team. At IndiGo, customer comfort is of utmost importance to us." Also Read| Over 100 IndiGo Flyers Stranded In Mumbai As Flight Delayed For 16 Hours, Airline Responds The Airline added, We assure you that your feedback is noted and we will share it with the concerned team for necessary review. We appreciate your patience and understanding." Heres how social media responded to this incident: They are very reluctant to switch on APU (auxiliary power unit) because of cost implications without any consideration to inconvenience to passengers. Elderly and babies can be seriously affected," said an individual. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another added, Recently my daughter was travelling from Bengaluru to Delhi PNR B4NKFN. Had a bad experience after landing in Delhi. She had to wait for an hour to get her baggage & none of the IndiGo officials at the airport were helping her. What will you call this?" We are senior citizens who booked a flight with IndiGo from Goa to Bengaluru on December 5, scheduled for 1 pm. It was rescheduled twice and was set to depart from Goa at 11:30 pm, reaching Bengaluru at 1 am. We had to cancel our ticket and lost 7,000 in the process. Kudos, IndiGo!" expressed a third. First Published: December 30, 2024, 14:28 IST 'Is There No Chance?' Families Of South Korean Plane Crash Victims Hold On To Hope Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 09:48 IST Lee Jeong-hyeon, chief of the Muan Fire Department, said, It is presumed that most of the 181 people on board the plane have died. Out of the 181 passengers on board, only 2 survived. (Photo Credits: Reuters) 179 passengers lost their lives when a Jeju Air plane crashed in South Korea while landing on December 29. According to initial reports, the flight coming from Bangkok faced a bird strike. Out of the 181 people on board, only 2 survived. Disturbing videos and photos from the crash are circulating online, with one capturing the plane skidding during landing before exploding into a fireball. Families of the victims of the ill-fated Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 are completely devastated. Several hours after the crash, Muan Fire Department Chief Lee Jeong-Hyeon informed, It is presumed that most of the 181 people on board the plane have died." The room, filled with the family members of the passengers, held a mix of hope and tears as they awaited updates. related stories Clinging to hope, a family member reportedly asked, Is there absolutely no chance of survival?" Unfortunately, breaking the devastating news, Chief Lee Jeong-Hyeon responded, Its unfortunate, but thats what were seeing." According to a local outlet, one of the women in the room also recounted, My sister was on that plane. She had always suffered, but now that her circumstances had improved, she went to have fun." Following the crash, Jeju Airs CEO Kim E-bae apologised and expressed condolences. He said, 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. 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." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, South Koreas Acting President Choi Sang-mok announced a 7-day national mourning. He said, We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in this unexpected tragedy." Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash marks the deadliest ever event in South Korea after the 1997 Korean Air Lines disaster, which claimed the lives of over 200 people. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 09:46 IST Jimmy Carters Haryana Connection: How A Village Honoured The Former US President Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 19:10 IST Jimmy Carter gifted the people of Daulatpur Nasirabad a television set and donated modern equipment to the local schools laboratory. His wife Rosalynn accompanied him on his trip to India in 1978. (Photo Credit: X) Former US President Jimmy Carter breathed his last on December 30. He was 100. During his stint in the White House, Carter travelled to many countries to strengthen international ties while promoting peace and human rights. In January 1978, during a visit to India, Carter greatly influenced the people of Daulatpur Nasirabad, a village in Haryana. Locals were so moved by his humility that they renamed the village to Carterpuri in his honour. Carter remained in touch with the villagers during his entire time in office. Jimmy Carters wife, Rosalynn, accompanied him during his India trip. The couple was welcomed warmly by the residents of Haryana and spent a few days there. The 39th US President also got a traditional Haryanvi pagdi (turban) at the village chaupal. related stories Rosalynn also tried Haryanvi outfits. She even used a dupatta to cover her face, just like the local woman. Carter also loved the attire as he playfully lifted the dupatta to see his wife, following the local tradition of newlyweds. During his visit to Daulatpur Nasirabad, Cartner suggested to the Indian government that they should adopt" the village. The then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai, however, opposed the idea. He might be against formal adoption but was ready to provide the villagers with the necessary help. Many residents felt it could be an opportunity to improve their lifestyle. They clicked pictures with Carter and his wife before they returned to the US. They also received several letters from the White House. Jimmy Carter gifted the villagers a television set and donated modern equipment to the local schools laboratory. It was the first time that the people of Daulatpur Nasirabad had the privilege to watch TV which was kept in the Panchayat Bhawan and every villager had access to it. Carters contribution to the school also had a huge impact on the educational development of the village. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As a tribute to Carter and his family, the villagers announced the date of their arrival (January 3) as a local holiday. They also celebrated emphatically when Carter was conferred with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carters mother Lillian worked as a nurse in Mumbai during the 1960s. She came to India as a health volunteer as part of the Peach Corps. Her mother supposedly influenced Carter to connect with Indians personally during his presidency. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 19:10 IST Man Pays Tribute To Late Son By Pursuing Modelling Career, Walks The Ramp Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 18:40 IST Last year during Holi, Naveenn Kaamboj, 55, lost his 18-year-old son in a car accident. A father walking the ramp in a video has moved and inspired millions. (Photo Credit: Instagram) A fathers affection for his children is frequently characterised as subtle yet deep. He is like a beacon of light, rarely verbally expressing his love or publicly commemorating each little accomplishment. He does, however, consistently provide his family with steadfast support. A touching tale of a father who fulfilled his late sons wish to become a model by losing weight is making people emotional as well as gaining popularity on social media. Last year during Holi, Naveenn Kaamboj, 55, lost his 18-year-old son in a car accident. Following a period of depression, the distraught father pulled himself together and decided to honour his departed son. Recently, he worked out to become a model, shed some pounds, and walked the ramp for a brand. related stories Expressing his desire to commemorate the memory of his late son by walking in our Ramp Show he also through sheer willpower pulled himself out of depression and underwent weight loss of many kgs," Dinesh Mohan, an actor and model captioned the video on Instagram. Hats off to you @naveennkaamboj for being brave and setting an example that grief is deep but love is deeper," he added in his post. Shared on December 28, the video has over 3 million views so far. Social media users hailed Kaamboj for his courage and confidence on the ramp. A user wrote, Oh my God. Hats off to this courageous man. May God Bless him." Another said, Loads of love and thousands of hugs to this man." Im so sorry to hear that," a user on Instagram commented. Dil pe pathar rakh ke itna confidence se ramp wark krneke liya dil se salut," another remarked. Kaamboj recently shared details regarding his modelling career and the death of his son on Instagram. He stated that his son died at the tender age of 18 in a tragic and unforeseen incident" while discussing his and his sons dreams. When Karan left us, it felt impossible to bring those dreams to life. For a year, I lived in the shadow of unbearable grief, trying to make sense of the void he left behind. But on his first death anniversary, I made myself a promise: to honour his memory by bringing his dreams to life, in my own way," Kaamboj wrote. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Additionally, Kaamboj discussed how he began his modelling career weighing 100 kg but he overcame the challenge to grant his youngest sons request with the support of his wife, daughter, and son. Moreover, he expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him during his modelling career. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 18:40 IST OpenAI Whistleblower Suchir Balajis Father Speaks Out: I Was The Last Person To Talk To Him Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 10:14 IST Speaking at a vigil for the 26-year-old, Suchir Balaji's father revealed that he was the last person to speak with his son, adding that the OpenAI whistleblower was happy and showed no signs of depression. OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji (left) and his father Balagi Ramamurthy (right). OpenAI whistleblower Suchir Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, just three months after he accused the company of violating copyright laws during ChatGPTs development. While the police have classified his death as a suicide, his parents have challenged this conclusion. The grieving family hired a private investigator and conducted a second autopsy, which they claim contradicts the polices version. Speaking at a vigil for the 26-year-old, his family said he was happy" and showed no signs of depression". They also highlighted troubling details, including blood stains in the bathroom and signs of a possible struggle. related stories A touching video of Balajis father and mother talking about their sons death has gone viral on social media. Read| Elon Musk On OpenAI Researcher Suchir Balajis Death: This Doesnt Seem Like Suicide In the video, Suchir Balajis father, Balagi Ramamurthy, says, I was the last person to talk to him. He was happy more, not depressed or anything. And it was his birthday week." His mother, Poornima Ramaro, then claims, He made plans to see us in January. That was the last phone conversation he had with anyone. He went into his apartment and never came out." Also Read| Mother Of OpenAI Researcher Suchir Balaji Opens Up On His Sudden Death: Not A Normal Situation There was no suicide note left and there was nobody else on the scene, that doesnt mean they can just come to a conclusion. And we have seen the blood shots in the bathroom, signs of a fight in the bathroom," she continues. NEW: Parents of OpenAI whistleblower hire private investigator after their son allegedly took his own life, suggest their son was killed.The parents of 26-year-old Suchir Balaji say their son had plans to see them in January, claim there were "signs of a fight." "I was the pic.twitter.com/QNAs6fiEjs Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 29, 2024 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The family has now called for an FBI investigation. In a detailed post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Balajis mother described her sons death as a cold-blooded murder" rather than a suicide, asserting that Suchirs apartment was ransacked" and that there were signs of a struggle in the bathroom", with blood spots reportedly found, suggesting he was attacked there. Elon Musk weighed in on the matter, stating that he also believed the circumstances didnt point to suicide. This doesnt seem like a suicide," Musk commented. First Published: December 30, 2024, 09:54 IST Owner Of UK's Oldest DVD Rental Store Shares Why His Business Is Still Going Strong Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 17:39 IST Initially, TVL Allstar used to lease video tapes to other shops but later shifted its focus to renting them. The DVD of Forest Gump has been rented over 2,000 times from the store. (Representative Image/Freepik) The owner of a DVD rental store in the United Kingdom has claimed that his business is still booming despite the popularity of online streaming services. It was in 1984 when Colin Richards opened his stop TVL Allstar Video in Haverhill, Suffolk. Initially, the company used to lease video tapes to other shops but later shifted its focus to renting films. Now, the store is home to 8,500 DVDs. TVL Allstar Video remains the oldest surviving DVD rental service in the UK. As per Richards, he has a loyal customer base which has helped his business grow even after 40 years. In terms of longevity, it has already beaten Americas popular DVD rental business Blockbuster which was shut down in 2013. related stories I thought the business would be a five-year thing. Then I thought we would transition. But that obviously didnt happen. When Netflix came about, I think we had already established ourselves in the marketplace as we had a huge membership. Sky and Netflix didnt worry us at all really," Richards told the New York Post. Once streaming platforms started to gain popularity, Richards decided to diversify his business into other things". Apart from renting DVDs, his store now also repairs damaged discs and runs a printing service as well. TVL Allstar has now become a go-to shop for many residents of Haverhill. Ive worked here for over 40 years and although I have retired, I still come in every day. Its something to get up for and it gives you a purpose as long as the business can support itself, then Im happy with that. So many people come in and see us every day, who have all sorts of challenges. We are still helping people out such as elderly people with paperwork," Richards explained. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The father-of-two further shared that many elderly people bring their grandchildren to his shop for the retro experience". About the new-generation streaming services, Richard said, Obviously people have streaming services at home, but the difference is when you come into the store and pick the movie, you make an effort to sit down and watch it. With streaming, you can easily be distracted." As revealed by the 71-year-old, Forest Gump remains the most popular film in his collection, having been rented over 2000 times. Currently, the store offers DVD rental for $2.50 (approximately Rs 210) a week. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 17:39 IST UP Man Sets Road On Fire To Make New Year Reel. Here's What Happened Next Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 11:10 IST Fatehpur Police confirmed, On receiving information in the case, the Kotwali police station arrested the accused and took necessary legal action. The dangerous stunt was supposedly performed to create New Year-themed content. (Photo Credits: X) People nowadays are ready to do anything and everything to gain attention on social media. In such a reckless act, a man was recently spotted setting the road on fire for the sake of an Instagram reel. The footage was captured on National Highway 2 in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh. The individual, identified as Sheikh Bilal, used petrol to write 2024" on the asphalt before igniting it while standing in front of a Mahindra Thar. The dangerous stunt was supposedly performed to create New Year-themed content. After the video went viral, Fatehpur Police reacted promptly and detained the digital crater for violating several safety laws. A user shared the footage on X (formerly Twitter) and asked UP Police to take cognisance". related stories The caption read, This man named Sheikh Bilal stood in front of a Thar vehicle on National Highway-2 and poured petrol on the highway in Fatehpur, UP and set the road on fire." Fatehpur Police responded to the post and replied, On receiving information in the case, the Kotwali police station arrested the accused and took necessary legal action." FATEHPUR POLICE (@fatehpurpolice) December 28, 2024 In a quest for social media popularity, a man from Meerut was recently seen doing a shocking stunt with his Mahindra Thar. Intezaar Ali, a resident of Mundali village, filled the roof of his SUV with mud and then drove the vehicle at a high speed to record the consequences. Once he started speeding the car down the road, mud was seen flying off its roof in all directions. After the video surfaced on the Internet, many raised questions regarding road safety while lashing out at the content creator for his irresponsible behaviour. Using the video, the Meerut Police was able to track Intezaar Ali and seize the Mahindra Thar SUV. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A man in #Meerut puts soil on roof of his #Thar in #Meerut & drives along the streets at high speed to spread the dust.#UttarPradesh #ViralVideo pic.twitter.com/okFjc2sjXY Backchod Indian (@IndianBackchod) November 30, 2024 In a similar incident, a social media influencer in Panipat, Haryana, wore a bra and pants and danced to create a reel in the Insar market. Women present at the scene reportedly felt uncomfortable with his obscene" behavior. Local residents and shopkeepers intervened and confronted the content creator, who later sought an apology and left the area. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 10:28 IST UP Teacher Watching Porn In Class Grabs Student By His Hair For Laughing At Him Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 15:48 IST The student sustained serious injuries, prompting his parents to file a police complaint against the teacher. The teacher has been taken into custody for interrogation. (Photo Credits: X) A shocking incident has emerged from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, where a school teacher, Kuldeep Yadav, was allegedly caught watching explicit videos on his mobile phone during class. The students reaction angered Mr Yadav, who then abused and brutally thrashed my son. He grabbed my son by his hair and slammed his head against the wall. He also thrashed him with a cane. My son sustained injuries, including in his ear. I have registered a police complaint against the teacher," the boys father, Jay Prakash told NDTV. The students reaction angered Mr Yadav, who then abused and brutally thrashed my son. He grabbed my son by his hair and slammed his head against the wall. He also thrashed him with a cane. My son sustained injuries, including in his ear. I have registered a police complaint against the teacher," the boys father, Jay Prakash told the outlet. related stories The teacher has been taken into custody for interrogation. Gopinath Soni, the Superintendent Of Police (Rural), has confirmed that they have already started investigating the matter. A case of assault in a school has come to light in which an 8-year-old child was beaten up by his class teacher. Based on the complaint by the boys father, we have detained the teacher," the SP said, as quoted by India Today. In a similar incident, back in September, an 11-year-old student was punished by a school teacher for not tucking in his shirt. The incident was captured on CCTV and the footage went viral on social media. The video shows a teacher entering the classroom and beating up a Class 6 student. The student had suffered bleeding from his nose and ears. The Swargate police have registered a case against this teacher. This incident took place at a school in the Maharshinagar area. The parents sought the help of the MNS Party and expressed their grievances," the Pune Mirror shared on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pune Times Mirror (@thepunemirror) top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The boy was taken to a nearby hospital where the doctors found out that his eardrum was damaged by the brutal assault, as reported by India Today. Ganesh Bhokare of MNS (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena) later went to the school, accompanied by some of his party workers and the parents of the student. They confronted the teacher in front of the police and asked the school authority to make sure that such incidents never happen. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 14:22 IST Watch: Hyderabad Street Vendor Speaks Fluent French With Foreigner Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 19:04 IST A pearl seller is seen effortlessly conversing with a Scottish tourist on a street in Hyderabad. The street vendor spoke English and French fluently. (Photo Credits: Instagram) Street vendors and shopkeepers worldwide often learn phrases in foreign languages to better connect with international tourists visiting their communities. Hearing a vendor confidently speak in English, French, or Spanish is not uncommon. Social media platforms are now flooded with heartwarming videos showcasing these vendors multilingual skills. Recently, another delightful example of cross-cultural exchange surfaced online, quickly gaining attention and winning hearts. In the video, a pearl seller is seen effortlessly conversing with a Scottish tourist on a street in Hyderabad. Titled Most Honest Man," the clip has garnered admiration globally, spreading smiles everywhere. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hyderabads bustling streets, the video captures the vendor showcasing his pearl necklaces while charming viewers with his sincerity and linguistic skills. related stories In the video, the seller approaches the tourist and provides details about the pearl necklaces he offers. When questioned about their authenticity, the vendor candidly admits that the pearls are not genuine but are an integral part of Hyderabads culture. To back his statement, he performs a quick demonstration, lighting the pearls to show their quality. He assures the tourist that while the pearls arent real, they are superior to plastic and wont melt. Adding to the appeal, he reveals the necklaces pricejust Rs 150. The vendors honesty left the tourist visibly impressed, earning him praise for his straightforward and sincere approach. This video, shot against the vibrant backdrop of Hyderabad, is a heartwarming reminder of cross-cultural connections and simple integrity. This isnt it. What truly captured the attention of viewers was the vendors fluency in English. The two conversed in English the entire time, and the vendor also asked the tourist where he was from. Upon hearing Scotland," he promptly responds with, Oh, UK!" If you think that was it. Then, let us give you another shocker. The conversation takes another surprising twist, and the vendor starts speaking French effortlessly, leaving both the tourist and viewers in amazement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hugh Abroad (@hugh.abroad) During the wholesome interaction, another vendor selling sunglasses joined the scene. He asked the tourist to try on a pair of black sunglasses. Upon this, when the tourist enquires about the price, the vendor quotes Rs 1,000, prompting the tourist to react, Oh, very expensive!" Hearing this, the pearl vendor smiled and exclaimed, Its tourist price," leaving the tourist even more impressed with his honesty. Delighted by the candour and humour, the tourist once again hailed the pearl vendor, saying, This man is very honest." Soon enough, the video went viral, amassing the attention of millions of users. Social media users bombarded the comments section of the posts praising the honesty of the seller. Well, thats not it. The Internet community was also in awe of the vendors multi-linguistic skills, with many expressing that the man must know more languages than them. A majority of users also chimed in, saying that the cute interaction has brought a smile to their faces. He deserves a gift for honesty," read a comment. Another wrote, I would buy something from the pearl guy because of his honesty." I like how he is setting a good example of our people. The smile is honest," expressed a user. An account remarked, Uncle speaks French too Do not ever underestimate the power of Indians." I think uncle knows more languages than me," tweaked a user. An individual said, Honesty & Hospitality in Indians (our) blood except very few." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all That honest man vibrates so much positivity. He brought an honestly happy smile to my face," posted another. Till now, the clip has been viewed by more than 6.7 million viewers and has garnered over 2,35,000 likes. Location : Delhi, India First Published: December 30, 2024, 18:27 IST Bangladesh Says in Touch with Myanmar Govt, Rebel Army Over Border Tensions Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 21:10 IST The development came after the rebel Arakan Army gained control over the 271-km border between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Bangladesh has reportedly mobilised additional forces in the area. Myanmar's rebel Arakan Army has has gained control over the 271-kilometre border shared with Bangladesh. (PTI) Bangladeshs interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said it was in touch with both the Myanmar government and the rebel Arakan Army (AA), which has gained control over the 271-kilometer border shared by the two countries. The entire 271-kilometre border is now under the control of the Arakan Army. On the other hand, the country is run by the Myanmar government," Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told reporters during a visit to Teknaf, a southeastern area bordering Myanmar. related stories So Bangladesh is in touch with both the sides over the border situation," he added. Chowdhury said that Bangladeshi security forces were performing their duties at the frontier with caution and had not faced any problems yet. All security forces, including the (paramilitary) Border Guard Bangladesh [BGB], are performing their duties with utmost caution. The focus is on ensuring that law and order remain stable at all times," he said. The adviser, however, acknowledged that occasional gunfire and mortar shells rocked the border. As a result, fishing in the Naf River is not currently safe. If the situation improves, decisions can be made regarding this matter," Chowdhury said. His comments came as media reports suggested Bangladesh mobilised additional forces on the borders as the AA drove out government troops from the region, virtually taking possession of Myanmars Rakhine region. Bangladesh offered makeshift refuge to over one million minority Rohingya community members in 2017 as they fled their homes in Rakhine amid a ruthless military crackdown, which the UN called a textbook example of ethnic cleansing". While Bangladeshi border forces closed the border to prevent fresh influxes, Chowdhury said of late, 50,000 to 60,000 Rohingyas entered Bangladesh territory illegally, evading the security vigils in the porous borders. A decision at the higher levels of government is needed in this regard," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all (But) the newly-arrived Rohingyas are faced with severe humanitarian issues, with many arriving badly injured, making it difficult to send them back. They are receiving food assistance through various channels," he added. Asked about the governments steps to tackle the influx of drugs through the border, the adviser said Teknaf and its adjacent areas were notorious for drug trading. Chowdhury urged residents of the border area to cooperate by sharing intelligence with law enforcement agencies to help manage the situation. Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh First Published: December 30, 2024, 21:10 IST Body Of Missing 22-Year-Old Kerala Student Found In Scotland River Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 16:10 IST Santra Saju from Kerala was enrolled at the Heriot-Watt University in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Police Scotland said in a statement over the weekend that they were made aware of a body in a river near Newbridge, a village near Edinburgh. The body of a 22-year-old Indian student missing since earlier this month has been found in a river in Scotland and her family has been informed while formal identification is awaited. Santra Saju from Kerala was enrolled at the Heriot-Watt University in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Police Scotland said in a statement over the weekend that they were made aware of a body in a river near Newbridge, a village near Edinburgh. related stories Around 11.55am on Friday, December 27, 2024, police were made aware of a body found in the water near to Newbridge," Police Scotland said. Formal identification has still to take place however the family of Santra Saju, 22, has been informed. The death is not believed to be suspicious," the police said. The statement added that a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal, Scotlands prosecution service and death investigation body. Saju was last caught on CCTV at an Asda supermarket store in Almondvale, Livingston, on December 6 evening. An urgent missing persons appeal was issued by the police, describing Saju as being around 5 feet 6 inches in height, of Indian ethnicity, slim build, with short black hair. She was wearing a black jacket with a fur-lined hood, beige furry earmuffs and a black facemask. Enquiries also revealed she had a black rucksack in her possession. The police appeal encouraged anyone who may recognise her to come forward with any information. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Inspector Alison Lawrie from Corstorphine Police Station said in a statement at the time: We now know that Santra picked up a black and white shopper style bag from an address in Burnvale on Friday evening, but she did not have it when she entered the supermarket. "The bag is distinctive and someone may remember seeing her carrying it. We are continuing to review CCTV footage and have released images of Santra from the supermarket in the hope that someone recognises her. Extensive enquiries are being carried out in an effort to trace her." Her friends and family had said the disappearance was out of character and had become very worried for her safety. Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: December 30, 2024, 16:10 IST Smash-And-Grab Thefts In Canada Jewellery Stores Raise Security Concerns | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 18:53 IST Earlier this month, two incidents were reported from Toronto and one from Kitchener in Ontario province while the latest was reported from Montreal, in which an Indian-origin man was robbed In the latest incident, thieves rammed a vehicle into a jewellery store's entrance in Canada's Montreal. (Image: News18/video grab) A series of smash-and-grab thefts at jewellery stores around Canada have left business owners shaken, with many saying they may leave the country if the attacks continue. Fearing a collapse of law and order, store owners in the Greater Toronto area, including Toronto, Brampton and Malton, have installed grills to protect their shops and jewellery. related stories Watch the video here: Earlier this month, two incidents were reported from Toronto and one from Kitchener in Ontario province while another was reported from Montreal, in which an Indian-origin man was looted. Many store owners claimed that they have handed over CCTV footage of the thefts to the police, but there has been no action. Some alleged that local media is also not reporting the incidents. In the latest incident, in a brazen move, thieves rammed a vehicle into a jewellery stores entrance in Montreal. The owner, an Indian-origin man, was hospitalised after the violent robbery. Police said three armed men broke into the store and were confronted by the owner. An employee was trapped under the debris, but was rescued without serious injuries. Watch the video here: The first incident was reported on December 5 from a jewellery store at a Toronto suburb mall. Thieves smashed the windows of the store and stole the jewellery on display in broad daylight. Watch the video here: A similar incident was reported from Centerpoint Mall in Toronto on December 7, followed by one in Conestoga Mall in Kitchener on December 19. Watch the video here: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Top central government sources told CNN-News18 that the Justin Trudeau-led governments lacklustre approach to managing law and order is responsible for these attacks. They said the Canadian prime minister has only focused on external issues, like attacking India without evidence. The sources further said this way he has created a situation worse than Pakistan. Businesses are key to peace and safety and if these were not safe, insecurity will persist, they added. Location : Canada First Published: December 30, 2024, 18:52 IST Chinese Teen Sentenced To Life For 'Vile' Murder Of Classmate, Another Gets 12-Year Term Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 22:43 IST Zhang and Li, both 13 years when the crime happened, conspired to kill their classmate Wang and bury his body in a greenhouse, while sharing his money between them. The shocking murder of the Chinese teenager triggered outrage and a debate on juvenile crime. (Representational Image) A Chinese court sentenced two teenagers over an especially vile" murder of their classmate in Hebei province. Zhang and Li, both 13 years old at the time of the crime, had reportedly conspired to kill their classmate Wang and split his money between them. The teenagers were sentenced to life imprisonment and 12 years in jail respectively, according to BBC. Wangs murder had ignited public outrage and furious debate on juvenile crime when it was reported in March, with many opining that the suspects should be punished harshly despite their age. related stories According to Wangs family and lawyer, he had long been bullied by three classmates, while the court noted on Monday that he had conflicts with Zhang and Li. The third teen, identified as Ma, was also detained but not handed any criminal punishment. The court said the methods used by Zhang and Li to murder Wang were especially cruel and circumstances especially vile." The sentencing was widely lauded by social media users in China, although some argued that it was too lenient. How Did The Murder Take Place? The incident occurred on March 3, when Zhang brought Wang to an abandoned vegetable greenhouse, while Li rode separately on a scooter with Ma, explaining to him the plan to kill Wang. When the four arrived at the greenhouse, Zhang attacked Wang with a shovel and Li assisted him. Upon witnessing the attack, Ma left the greenhouse. After killing Wang, Zhang and Li buried the victim and the three rode away from the scene. Zhang later used Wangs phone to transfer money from his WeChat account to Li and himself. Wangs father said before his death, the victim transferred 191 yuan (Rs 2,237) to one of the three classmates. Under questioning by authorities, Ma led them to the crime scene after they initially denied knowing about Wangs body. The court deemed Zhang as the main culprit of the crime as he had planned the entire act and persuaded others to join in, while Li was held as a colluder who participated actively in the murder and shared the money with Zhang. Meanwhile, Ma would undergo correction and education, a method commonly applied to minors in China who have committed crimes, according to authorities. All the three classmates had been bullying Wang for a long time, said the victims lawyer. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several netizens mourned Wangs death after the sentencing. As a parent, I really feel sorry for the kid," said an individual on Weibo, a heavily-controlled Chinese social media app. Its really heart-breaking." Others pointed towards a spate of mass killings in China and expressed concerns over the leniency given to the culprits. The one that only got 12 years will be a young man when he is released. Hope he doesnt take revenge on society when he is out," one commenter said on Weibo. Location : Beijing, China First Published: December 30, 2024, 22:43 IST 'Deference To Privacy': Congress On Why Gandhis Skipped Manmohan Singh's Ashes Immersion Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 21:43 IST Former PM Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26 at the age of 92 and his ashes were immersed in the Yamuna river on Sunday. Several BJP leaders criticised the Gandhi family for being absent. Manmohan Singh's ashes were immersed in the Yamuna river by his family on Sunday. (PTI) Amid a row over insult" to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after his demise, Congress on Monday clarified the absence of the Gandhi family during the ritual of ash immersion of the ex-PM, saying the decision was taken to respect the privacy of the family. 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". related stories He received full state honours during the final rites held at Nigambodh Ghat on November 28, with several dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance. His ashes were immersed in the Yamuna River on Sunday near the Majnu ka Tila Gurdwara by his family members, in accordance with Sikh rituals. Singhs wife Gursharan Kaur, their three daughters Upinder Singh, Daman Singh and Amrit Singh along with other relatives were present at the immersion site. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa lamented that there was no one from the Gandhi family at the ritual. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi In Vietnam During Mourning Period For Dr Manmohan Singh, PM Modi Cancelled Dec 27 Event Why Gandhi Family Was Not Present There? Congress explained that leaders wished to respect the privacy of the family. Senior Congress leaders did not accompany the family to gather and immerse the ashes of S Manmohan Singh ji out of our deference to the privacy of the family," said Congress leader Pawan Khera in a statement. After the cremation of our beloved departed leader, Sonia Gandhi ji and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra ji met the family at their residence. After discussing them, it was felt that since the family did not get any privacy at the time of the cremation and some extended family members could not reach the pyre site, it would be appropriate to give them some privacy for the Phool Chuanana and the immersion of ashes which is an emotionally painful and difficult ceremony for close family members," he added. Press Statement to put the record straight on the Asthi Chunana ceremony of late Dr Manmohan Singh ji. pic.twitter.com/8nqqC6eHqp Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) December 30, 2024 Other senior BJP leaders also targeted the Gandhi family for not being present at the immersion of Manmohan Singhs ashes. 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 ashes were immersed, our people were there and not the people from Congress," Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told news agency ANI. BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya also highlighted the matter. Very sad to see that not a single member of Congress or the Gandhi family showed up to collect the remains of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. For media attention and to politicise, Congress was present, but when it came to honouring him with dignity, they were absent. Truly shameful," he said. The BJP and Congress also had fiery exchanges over the latters demand that Singh be cremated at a site designated for his memorial. While the Congress slammed BJP for insulting" Dr Singh, the ruling party hit back by accusing the grand old party of engaging in cheap politics." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Manmohan Singhs family will hold an Akhand Path at his official residence on 3, Motilal Nehru Marg on January 1, as part of Sikh rituals. (with agency inputs) First Published: December 30, 2024, 21:41 IST Israel's Deep-Rooted Spy Network Found Out About Hezbollah Leader's 4 Mistresses: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 11:08 IST During the surveillance, Mossad learned that Fuad Shukr felt "guilty" of juggling four women at once and married them all this year to correct his feelings. Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr | File Image/AFP Israels spy network has infiltrated so deeply into all aspects of Hezbollahs leadership that the Jewish state knows about one of their senior commanders four mistresses whom he married desperately over the phone. Fuad Shukr, a co-founder of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, was a key figure in the terror groups command chain and Israels Mossad spent decades collecting information on him until agents could track his personal life too. related stories During the surveillance, Mossad learned that Fuad Shukr felt guilty" of juggling four women at once and married them all this year to correct his feelings, Israel and European officials aware of the matter told the New York Times. Shukr, a mastermind of the deadly 1983 bombings in Beirut that killed 241 American Marines, was among the hundreds of the Hezbollah commanders being tracked down by the Israeli intelligence forces since the end of the 2006 war. As Israel continued tracking down Shukr, intelligence teams got to know about his personal life- the extramarital affairs, which the Hezbollah commander kept hidden until he sought help in 2024 from the groups highest religious cleric, Hashem Safieddine, according to the report. It further revealed that Shukr asked Safieddine, killed in an airstrike in October, to marry him to his four mistresses. Safieddine gave him the advice and set up four separate over-the-phone wedding ceremonies for Shukr and each of his mistresses. Shukr became a prime target for Israel after a missile attack in Majdal Shams in July, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Israelis, including schoolchildren. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On July 30, Shukr allegedly received a phone call that lured him out of his hidden location in the southern Beirut neighbourhood of Dahiyeh. An Israeli missile struck the area, killing him. Lebanese officials confirmed that Shukr was killed along with one of his wives, two children, and two other women. Several Arabic media outlets reported that the wife who died was one of Shukrs mistresses. Location : Israel First Published: December 30, 2024, 11:08 IST Russia Opposes Western Peacekeepers In Ukraine: 'We Are Not Satisfied...' Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 16:46 IST This comes as Trump, who comes to power in three weeks, claimed he can strike a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from four eastern and southern regions. (AP/File) Russia is against the deployment of Western peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of any settlement to end the nearly three-year conflict, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. Talk of the possible stationing of foreign troops in Ukraine to enforce any peace deal is circulating in Western capitals, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk discussing the issue in a meeting in Warsaw this month. related stories In an interview published Monday by the Russian foreign ministry, Lavrov told the state-run TASS news agency that Moscow opposed that idea as well as others being proposed by US President-elect Donald Trump. Of course, we are not satisfied with the proposals being voiced by representatives of the president-elect to postpone Ukrainian NATO membership for 20 years and to send to Ukraine a peacekeeping contingent of British and European forces,'" Lavrov said. The Kremlin had previously said it was too early to talk about peacekeepers". Trump, who comes to power in three weeks, has claimed he can strike a peace deal in 24 hours and said he will use Washingtons multibillion-dollar financial and military support to Kyiv as leverage. He has yet to propose a concrete plan but members of his team have floated various ideas, including the deployment of European troops to monitor any ceasefire along the 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line and a lengthy delay on Kyivs ambitions to join the NATO military alliance. Both the Russian and Ukrainian presidents have ruled out direct talks with each other, and positions in Kyiv and Moscow appear far apart on what would be acceptable terms for a peace deal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Russian President Vladimir Putin previously demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from four eastern and southern regions Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk and Zaporizhzhia that Russia claims to have annexed, while Kyiv has repeatedly ruled out ceding territory to Moscow in exchange for peace. Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: December 30, 2024, 16:28 IST Shehbaz, Nawaz Sharif Slammed For Not Offering Condolences On Manmohan Singhs Demise Published By : PTI Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 19:48 IST While condolence messages poured in from around the world, neither Shehbaz nor Nawaz Sharif made any comment on Manmohan Singh's demise. Pakistan's official reaction was from FM Ishaq Dar. Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif were criticised for not offering any condolences over Manmohan Singh's demise. (PTI/File) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs decision of not offering condolences on the passing of former India premier Manmohan Singh was severely criticised on social media. Singh, who was born in Gah village in Chakwal district of Pakistans Punjab and served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, died in New Delhi last Thursday aged 92. related stories While condolence messages poured in from around the world, neither Shehbaz Sharif nor his elder brother and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif chose to offer any words on his demise. Ironically, only Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar offered his condolences. Contrary to this, Shehbaz Sharif and other top functionaries of the Pakistan government wasted no time to offer condolences on the passing of former US president Jimmy Carter. Saddened to learn of the passing away of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. I offer my sincere condolences to his family members and the American people. He will long be remembered for his humility and statesmanship as well as his advocacy for global peace and contribution to Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 30, 2024 They issued condolence messages on X, which is banned by the Shehbaz Sharif government to control dissenting voices of jailed former premier Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf: party on social media. Neither Shahbaz nor Nawaz Sharif have yet offered a public condolence on the loss of Manmohan Singh. There was a message from Ishaq Dar. Still, its perplexing. They were contemporaries, had some similar economic views, and shared a desire for better India-Pakistan relations," Wilson Centre South Asia Institute Director Michael Kugelman said on X on Sunday. Neither Shahbaz nor Nawaz Sharif have yet offered a public condolence on the loss of Manmohan Singh. There was a message from Ishaq Dar. Still, its perplexing. They were contemporaries, had some similar economic views, and shared a desire for better India-Pakistan relations. Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) December 29, 2024 He further said: " I really dont see so much at stake with India-Pak ties now that the Sharifs feel something could be lost if they upset Modi. Also not sure I see Modi being bothered if they do say something about Singh. Its all a bit odd!" Pakistani author and expert on military affairs Ayesha Siddiqa sarcastically said on X: Seems they the Sharif brothers dont want to annoy Modi, or maybe typical PMLN (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) that whoever is gone is gone and so done and dusted with." Pakistani journalist Ammara Ahmad said: It has never happened before. This means that Pakistan and India have no diplomatic ties. Though they negotiated the Kartarpur corridor again this year. I cant imagine what prompted this decision. I have yet to find a press release even. Very lowly and uncouth." Mona Farooq Ahmad, an overseas citizen of Pakistan, said on Monday: This level of pettiness is unprecedented. In the past, leaders have always set politics aside for such moments. Their silence is truly intriguing and disappointing. Its a missed chance to show humanity and statesmanship." Amer Mirza said on X: These individuals Shehbaz and Nawaz are neither serious politicians nor statesmen. We cannot hold any expectation of dignified conduct or due protocol. They are a family consumed with sustaining their ill-gotten privilege under the dark auspices of the military junta. They neither have time nor respect for the people. They are little men in big offices." Dar on Friday said he was saddened by the passing of Singh who played a notable role in improving India-Pakistan ties". Saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. Born in a village in Pakistans Chakwal district, Singh was a distinguished economist and political leader. He will be remembered for his wisdom and gentle demeanour," Dar said in a post on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Neither Shahbaz nor Nawaz Sharif have yet offered a public condolence on the loss of Manmohan Singh. There was a message from Ishaq Dar. Still, its perplexing. They were contemporaries, had some similar economic views, and shared a desire for better India-Pakistan relations. Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) December 29, 2024 Beyond his remarkable achievements in the field of economics, Dr. Singh demonstrated a commitment to promoting regional peace. His approach to regional issues reflected his belief that mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation were essential for collective progress. He played a notable role in improving Pakistan-India bilateral relations during his tenure as Prime Minister," Dar said. Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: December 30, 2024, 19:46 IST Taliban Bans Windows Overlooking Women's Spaces: 'Can Lead To Obscene...' Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 08:29 IST Municipal authorities would have to monitor construction sites to ensure it is not possible to see into neighbours' homes. Taliban security personnel | File image/AFP 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". related stories 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 : Afghanistan First Published: December 30, 2024, 08:28 IST Thai Influencer Dies After Chugging Two Bottles Of Whiskey In Rs 75,000 Challenge Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 19:30 IST Social media influencer Thanakarn Kanthee, 27, was hired to drink whiskey at a party, with 10,000 baht (Rs 25,000) for each bottle. After guzzling two bottles, he collapsed and later died. Thai influencer Thanakarn Kanthee collapsed after drinking two bottles of whiskey in 20 minutes as part of a bet. (Photo: X) In a tragic incident, a young Thai social media influencer with intellectual disabilities died after guzzling two bottles of whiskey within 10-20 minutes as part of a 30,000 baht (Rs 75,000) challenge. Thanakarn Kanthee, 27, also known as Bank Leicester", was pronounced dead at a hospital on Thursday after a party, where he was challenged to drink a 350 ml bottle of whiskey with a cash offer of 10,000 baht (Rs 25,000) per bottle. related stories According to a report by The Bangkok Post, Kanthee regularly took on such paid challenges in exchange for money to support his impoverished family. A garland seller who found fame online for performing improvised rap songs, Kanthee has been seen drinking hand sanitiser in one of his videos, which also involved him being beaten. A video showed Kanthee being challenged to drink whiskey at a birthday party in Tha Mai district of Chanthaburi on December 25. Kanthee, who was already drunk, accepted the challenge and chugged two bottles of whiskey in 10-20 minutes. However, the influencer soon collapsed and reportedly vomited before he was taken to hospital, where he allegedly died due to alcohol poisoning. His death sparked public outcry, with many condemning such dangerous challenges. One Arrested For Recklessness Police on Saturday arrested one person who allegedly hired Kanthee for the drinking challenge at his house that caused the latters death. Officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and local police in Chanthaburi raided the house of Ekkachart Meephrom, also known as Em Ekkachart". Cops seized a pistol, bank passbooks, mobile phones and SIM cards for examination to gain information on the accuseds links to a gambling website. Officers also informed him about an arrest warrant on the charge of recklessness for causing Kanthees death. Police later said that Ekkachart, 32, confessed to the offence and was soon taken into custody. A court denied him bail and noted the seriousness of his reckless behaviour", which carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to 20,000 baht. Public Outrage Over Kanthees Death The death of Kanthee, who was raised in a Bangkok slum by his grandmother after his parents separated when he was just two months old, sparked public sympathy online and outrage over such dangerous drinking challenges. Social media users also slammed partygoers for their visible lack of sympathy for the victim. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Many netizens condemned the challenge as rubbish content" and called on people to stop posting such content. Some sadly recalled one of Kanthees posts saying, I am willing to be bullied and insulted to just get scraps of money from the rich people in order to provide for my family." Meanwhile, activist Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet offered to advocate for Thanakarns family if they want to hold someone responsible for his death. People were quick to make content and have fun with it, but when it came to taking responsibility, not a single soul dared step up," he said. Location : Bangkok, Thailand First Published: December 30, 2024, 19:29 IST Want Protected, Autonomous Zones For Hindus: Global Bengali Hindu Coalition To Yunus Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 22:24 IST The Global Bengali Hindu Coalition said there is pro-jihadist regime in Dhaka and urged India to take note of the situation. Members of the Bengali Hindu Coalition list out their demands at a conference held in New Delhi. (IMAGE: SOURCED) A coalition of overseas Bangladeshi Hindu Bengalis, has called for setting up protected, autonomous zones within the country to protect lives of minority communities. The Global Bengali Hindu Coalition has demanded the establishment of autonomous zones within the country to protect the lives of minorities. Establish protected zones in Hindu-majority regions to ensure the safety and security of minorities," reads one of the coalitions five demands. related stories Bengali Hindus of Bangladesh have faced attacks from Islamists, who have risen following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina regime following the quota reform protests led by students earlier this year. 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. The coalition believes that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, has failed to protect Bengali Hindus and other minorities. Among other demands, the delegation has called for completing the unfinished population exchange from the 1947 Partition, which would facilitate the secure resettlement of displaced minorities. They have also urged a reassessment of peacekeeping contributions. Given the current hostile and pro-jihadist regime in Dhaka, we urge the Indian government to reconsider its strategy and align its contributions with democratic and humanitarian values," their statement said. Islamist groups have been emboldened to take to the streets after years of being suppressed, and have not only attacked Bengali Hindus, but have also attacked Bengali Christians, the nations hill tribes and the adivasi communities. Additionally, the coalition also called for UN sanctions based on compliance with UN standards of conduct. We demand immediate, decisive action from global and Indian leadership to protect endangered Hindus, other religious minorities, indigenous people, and tribal groups under the hostile and pro-jihadist illegal government in Bangladesh," they demanded. We (Hindus) have not been served justice in Bangladesh. Not even by the person who was considered the father of the nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We want justice, now," said an emotional Arun K. Dutta. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sitangshu Guha was more blunt, stating, India considers the Pakistani government hostile and deals with it accordingly. If India considers the Bangladeshi government hostile as well, it should deal with it in the same manner". The delegation included Sitangshu Guha from New York, Puspita Gupta from London, a member of the Labour Party and Dileep Karmarkar, a minority leader from Montreal, Canada, among others. First Published: December 30, 2024, 22:24 IST 1 dead as tornadoes hit southern U.S. Xinhua) 13:04, December 30, 2024 This photo shows storm-damaged facilities of Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin, Texas, the United States, Dec. 28, 2024. At least one person died after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in Texas and several other southern U.S. states on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua) HOUSTON, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- At least one person died after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in Texas and several other southern U.S. states 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 (NWS). From Houston to Dallas, hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed at Texas airports due to the severe storms. Besides Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi were also placed under a tornado watch by the NWS, which was upgraded to a rare "particularly dangerous situation." The warning cautioned of "numerous strong tornadoes" until 9 p.m. Central Standard Time (0300 GMT). In southwest Mississippi, a large wedge tornado touched down west of Brookhaven, leaving behind massive debris and injuries, according to a local report. At least one person was trapped in a house when a tree fell on it during a tornado, it added. Across eastern Louisiana, strong winds knocked down trees and power lines, with the highest speed reaching 81 mph (130.35 km/h) on Saturday afternoon. The severe storm threat is expected to weaken on Sunday, as it spreads to the Southeast, the East Coast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, said a CNN report, adding that 2024 has seen 1,783 tornado reports across the United States as of Friday. This photo shows a storm-damaged house near Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin, Texas, the United States, Dec. 28, 2024. At least one person died after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in Texas and several other southern U.S. states on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua) This photo shows a storm-damaged house near Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin, Texas, the United States, Dec. 28, 2024. At least one person died after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in Texas and several other southern U.S. states on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua) This photo shows storm-damaged facilities of Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin, Texas, the United States, Dec. 28, 2024. At least one person died after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in Texas and several other southern U.S. states on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua) This photo shows a view after storm in Alvin, Texas, the United States, Dec. 28, 2024. At least one person died after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in Texas and several other southern U.S. states on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua) This photo shows a storm-damaged house near Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin, Texas, the United States, Dec. 28, 2024. At least one person died after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in Texas and several other southern U.S. states on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua) A vehicle from an insurance company is parked outside a storm-damaged house near Walt Disney Elementary School in Alvin, Texas, the United States, Dec. 28, 2024. At least one person died after multiple tornadoes and severe storms ripped through the Greater Houston metropolitan area in Texas and several other southern U.S. states on Saturday afternoon, authorities said. (Photo by Chen Chen/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Which Plane Seat Is The Safest In A Crash And Who Has The Best Survival Chances? Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: December 30, 2024, 11:05 IST According to a study in case of a crash, the death rate for those seated at the rear seats of the plane was 32 per cent. In the middle seats, the death rate was 39 per cent, and in the front 38 per cent An aircraft travelling from Bangkok crashed while executing an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea. (AP File) Within a week, two tragic plane crashes shook the globe. On December 25, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The disaster claimed the lives of 38 of the 67 individuals on board. Videos from the crash site depict survivors crawling from the rear of the plane, which sustained comparatively less damage. On December 29, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 travelling from Bangkok crashed while executing an emergency landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea. Tragically, only two of the 181 passengers and crew members are reported to have survived. related stories The plane, reportedly experiencing landing gear failure, attempted a belly landing. During this emergency manoeuvre, the aircraft veered off the runway and collided with the airport perimeter wall. The two survivors were extracted from the rear section of the plane. This incident suggests a correlation between seating location and survival rates in aviation accidents, with the rear of the aircraft potentially offering a higher chance of survival. Is the back safer than the middle of the plane? Most passengers dislike sitting in the last row of a plane, particularly in a middle seat. A 2015 Time magazine study analysing 35 years of accident data might explain why. The study revealed that, in plane crashes, fewer fatalities occurred in the rear seats. The death rate for those seated at the back of the plane was 32 per cent, compared to 39 per cent in the middle and 38 per cent in the front. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Crash test dummies also yielded favourable results In April 2012, a team of television studios in Mexico simulated an aeroplane crash. A Boeing 727-200, equipped with crash test dummies and scientific equipment, was deliberately crashed. Results indicated that passengers seated near the front of the plane were most vulnerable. In contrast, those seated closer to the wings sustained survivable injuries. The test dummies near the tail section remained largely intact, suggesting a high probability of survival with minimal injuries for passengers in that area. First Published: December 30, 2024, 11:05 IST Hollywood is experiencing "shockwaves," as the Los Angeles Times puts it, over the damning texts Blake Lively managed to get access to despite the fact that she's so far only filed a complaint, not a lawsuit, against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. Typically, such discovery would take place only after a suit has been filed, according to "flummoxed" legal experts who spoke to the Times. In this case, Lively seems to have worked in tandem with Baldoni's former publicist, who is suing Baldoni herself (alleging he and one of the publicist's former employees are the ones who dreamed up the smear campaign against Lively) and appears to have been the source of the leaked text messages. See more of the ins and outs at the Times. More of the latest around the Lively-Baldoni scandal: In the Jobar suburb of Damascus, the ancient Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue, one of the world's oldest, stands partially in ruins after years of civil war. Recently, some of Syria's small Jewish population, now reduced to just nine individuals, have been able to return to this historic site. One such visitor, Bakhour Chamntoub, the 74-year-old head of the Jewish community, expressed being "frankly disturbed" by the damage but remains hopeful about reconstruction efforts, fueled by international offers of assistance. Once a significant Jewish center, Syria's community dwindled post-1948 following the creation of Israel and subsequent emigration waves. Although the Assad regime allowed religious liberties, travel outside Syria was restricted until the 1990s. Chamntoub, who chose to remain despite the exodus of his family, fondly remembers the synagogue's former splendorits Torahs, chandeliers, and tapestriesall likely stolen amid the conflict. Syria's new Islamist rulers, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, promise religious freedom, though remnants of the Jewish community now face challenges such as sourcing kosher food. Nonetheless, Chamntoub is optimistic that increased freedoms may come with Bashar Assad's fall. He observes Hanukkah alone, the city's synagogues remaining silent as the remaining community ages. In a changed Syria, Chamntoub continues to live with pride in his identity: "I am a Jew and I am proud of it." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP) Elon Musk on Saturday endorsed Germany's far-right AfD party for the second time in little more than a week, this time going further than his initial X post backing the party , which has links to neo-Nazis. In a guest opinion column for the Welt am Sonntag, a major German newspaper, Musk once again argued that the party is "the last spark of hope for this country," according to a translation cited by Politico , a sister publication. He argues Germany is on "the brink of economic and cultural collapse," and that "the traditional parties have failed." "The AfD, even though it is described as far-right, represents a political realism that resonates with many Germans who feel their concerns are ignored by the establishment," Musk writes. "Portraying the AfD as far-right is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party's leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you?" Following the publication of the column, the newspaper's opinion editor announced her resignation, the AP reports. Germany's elections are set for Feb. 23, and while a conservative alliance is expected to win, Weidel is unlikely to become chancellor due to other parties' refusal to work with AfD. The next chancellor is expected to be Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union. (More Elon Musk stories.) Jeff Bezos' newest rocket is now one step closer to liftoff. On Friday, the Federal Aviation Administration said it granted a commercial license to launch Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, the first step to be completed before the company can send up national security satellites, reports Reuters . The license, valid for five years, will give Blue Origin the ability to carry out orbital missions from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. After launch, and if all goes well, the company's reusable, first-stage New Glennnamed after astronaut John Glennwill touch down on a barge in the Atlantic. Blue Origin carried out a 24-second test fire of the rocket's engines on Friday evening, known as a "hot fire," per the New York Times, which called the event the "last big technical hurdle" before an actual launch. A date for said launch hasn't been announced, despite earlier reports predicting one before the end of the year. At this point, it looks like Jan. 6 might be the earliest possible date, at least according to a recent aviation industry advisory. "This is a monumental milestone and a glimpse of what's just around the corner for New Glenn's first launch," Jarrett Jones, a senior VP for Blue Origin, said in a statement, per Space.com. The 32-story-high New Glenn was originally set to take off in October, with a pair of NASA orbiters bound for Mars, but Blue Origin didn't look like it would be ready in time, so NASA ditched the collaboration. The first test flight will carry Blue Ring technology, which Blue Origin is developing to help maneuver other spacecraft in Earth's orbit. Blue Origin was selected in June, along with SpaceX and Boeing-Lockheed's United Launch Alliance, for coveted Pentagon rocket-launch contracts. (More Blue Origin stories.) The ex-husband of Gisele Pelicot won't appeal his 20-year prison sentence for drugging and raping her and allowing dozens of other men to also rape her while she was unconscious, in a case that revolted France, his lawyer said Monday. Dominique Pelicot wants to spare his ex-wife the ordeal of another trial, lawyer Beatrice Zavarro told France Info. Zavarro said 17 of the 50 other men also found guilty this month after a more than three-month trial that turned 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot into an icon against sexual violence have decided to appeal, per the AP . The court in Avignon handed down sentences ranging from three to 15 years behind bars for the 50 menfound guilty of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assaults. The court found Dominique Pelicot guilty of rape and all other charges against him and sentenced him to 20 years in prison, the maximum possible. At age 72, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. He won't be eligible to request early release until he's served at least two-thirds of the sentence. Zavarro, his lawyer, said: "He has decided not to appeal because he believes it would be a new ordeal and new confrontations for his [former] wife. ... He believes that the judicial page should be turned and that this chapter should be considered closed." (More Dominique Pelicot stories.) A new study out of Arizona State University finds that Americans have a tricky line to navigate when it comes to cars: Being able to get in one and drive somewhere tends to increase life satisfaction. But having to get in one too often can have the opposite effect. The survey of more than 2,000 Americans found what Oliver Milman of the Guardian sees as a "tipping point" when it comes to cars and happiness: Those who have to get behind the wheel for more than 50% of activities outside the home generally report a decrease in life satisfaction. That's especially true for those who drive more than 200 miles a week, writes Kea Wilson at StreetsBlog USA . "Car dependency has a threshold effectusing a car just sometimes increases life satisfaction but if you have to drive much more than this people start reporting lower levels of happiness," says lead author Rababe Saadaoui, an urban planning expert at ASU. "Extreme car dependence comes at a cost, to the point that the downsides outweigh the benefits." The researchers acknowledge that many Americans have no choice but to drive everywhere, given the way most municipalities have been designed. As Wilson puts it, "in car dependent contexts, trying to get around without one can be a miserable, deadly, and demoralizing undertakingand typically, only those who truly have no other choice even dare to try." And Milman of the Guardian brings a UK perspective to this, describing the US as "one of the most car-dependent countries in the world" because of "its enormous highways, sprawling suburbs and neglected public transport systems." What to do? Saadaoui emphasizes that the researchers aren't pushing an autos-are-evil message, but they do think city planners and designers can and should mitigate the problem. In study-speak, they advocate "multimodality and land use patterns that may help to reduce car dependence and its potential negative effect on subjective wellbeing." (More cars stories.) A pair of vessels that attracted the wrong kind of attention in Spain last week led to a hefty drug bust on a nearby farm. Officials from the nation's Civil Guard say their investigation began Friday when two speedboats were spotted at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, per CBS News and AFP. Police shadowed the boats to a rural farm in Coria del Rio, about 30 minutes outside of Seville, where they found 7 tons of cocaine hidden in cargo ship containers buried underground. The Civil Guard posted video of the unearthing of the alleged coke, pulled up package by package out of a hole in the ground. Cops also say they found a pair of stolen vehicles and three weapons, including an assault rifle. Three people have been arrested, and further arrests are possible, per the police agency. The Civil Guard says it's the biggest confiscation of cocaine ever smuggled into the southern part of the country by speedboat. CBS notes that Spain is "one of the main gateways" into Europe for international drug smugglers. This bust wasn't even the only one there of late: The Olive Press reports on another recent seizure, in the Spanish city of Guadalajara, in which more than 400 pounds of coke and 2 1/2 tons of hashish were found hidden in a shipment of frozen broccoli, bound for the UK. Nine Brits were arrested in that raid. (More Spain stories.) Boeing fell 2.3% after one of its jets skidded off a runway in South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 people aboard. South Korea is inspecting all 737-800 aircraft operated by airlines in the country. The disaster was yet another blow for Boeing following a machinists strike, further safety problems with its troubled top-selling aircraft, and a plunging stock price. Its shares have declined more than 30% this year. Airlines that fly Boeing jets wavered in the wake of the crash. United Airlines fell 1.5% and Delta Air Lines slipped 0.9%. The price of US crude oil rose 0.6% and natural gas prices jumped 12%. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market. The sector rose 0.2%, making it the only sector gaining ground within the S&P 500 index. Investors have very little corporate and economic news to review this week, which is shortened by the New Year holiday. Markets will be closed on Wednesday. On Thursday, investors will get an updated snapshot of US construction spending for the month of November. On Friday, Wall Street will receive an update on manufacturing for December. (More stock market stories.) TDT | Manama Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com Official data reveals a modest decrease in remittances sent by foreign workers in Bahrain during the first nine months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023. A total of BD 726.9 million (approximately US$1.9 billion) was remitted, marking a 1.1% decline from the BD 735 million recorded in 2023. Despite this slight drop, the figures remain stable, particularly given that the number of foreign workers in Bahrain exceeded 631,000 by the end of June. This stability is significant in light of Bahrains open policy regarding financial remittances. The government does not impose restrictions or taxes on these transfers and has consistently rejected proposals to introduce such measures. This policy, alongside favorable macroeconomic conditions, helps maintain a large portion of foreign currency reserves within the Kingdom. Bahrain's balance of payments has shown consistent improvements in recent years, largely driven by higher oil prices and the increased value of non-oil exports, particularly aluminum. This positive trend supports Bahrain's decision to peg its dinar to the US dollar. The current account surplus decreased to BD 609.4 million in the first nine months of 2024, a drop of BD 159.4 million (approximately 20.7%) from BD 768.8 million in 2023. Oil exports totaled BD 3.39 billion, slightly down from BD 3.43 billion in 2023, while non-oil exports remained steady at BD 3.46 billion. Oil imports saw a 5.8% decline to BD 1.93 billion, while non-oil imports rose by 1.1% to BD 3.92 billion. Net services saw a significant 12.1% increase, reaching BD 1,251.6 million. The slight decline in remittances, coupled with Bahrains overall positive economic performance, suggests that the Kingdom remains in a healthy financial position. The governments commitment to its open remittance policy will continue to play a key role in maintaining this stability. TORONTO, Dec. 30, 2024 /CNW/ - To wrap up 2024, Tim Hortons is revealing some of Canada's top orders from the past year, from the most-ordered Tims classics to new additions to the menu added since January. Tims kicked off 2024 by celebrating its 60th anniversary with a lineup of four Retro Donuts: the Blueberry Fritter, Cinnamon Sugar Twist, Dutchie, and Walnut Crunch. In most of the country, the Walnut Crunch narrowly edged out the Dutchie as the most popular Retro Donut but in Atlantic Canada, Tims guests bought almost three times as many Walnut Crunches compared to Dutchies. Tops at Tims in 2024: The Walnut Crunch was Canadas favourite Retro Donut, Pepperoni was the most ordered Flatbread Pizza, and the Apple Fritter was the top donut overall (CNW Group/Tim Hortons) The Apple Fritter held on to the title of the top Tim Hortons donut for another year, after unseating the Boston Cream as the top selling donut in Canada in 2023. However, the Boston Cream was No. 1 across the Maritimes, and in Quebec, the Honey Cruller continued to be the most beloved Tims donut of them all. In Quebec, the Honey Cruller is so iconic that they're affectionately nicknamed the "tractor wheel" by Tims fans in the province. In terms of Timbits, the Chocolate Glazed Timbit was the most popular Timbit across Canada. Tims Flatbread Pizzas launched across Canada in April and the Pepperoni was the most popular flavour, just ahead of Chicken Parmesan. Here's a look at some of the other top Tims orders from 2024: To no one's surprise, the Double Double coffee remained the most popular coffee order among Tims guests, while the top cold beverage was the Iced Capp, which celebrated its 25 th anniversary this year. anniversary this year. Tims launched Infusr energy beverages in July and the Blackberry Yuzu was the most popular flavour. Strawberry Watermelon was the top Quenchers cold beverage flavour. Tims brought back Omelette Bites in January to give guests another delicious breakfast option and the top pick was the Bacon and Cheese flavour. The Halloween Ghost Mug was the fastest selling Tims merchandise item of the year, both on TimShop.ca and in Tims restaurants. Tims guests were incredibly supportive of all the Tim Hortons charitable programs including the Special Olympics Donut, Smile Cookie, Camp Day, Orange Sprinkle Donut, and Holiday Smile Cookie and helped raise $44.1 million over the course of 2024. over the course of 2024. Tims Rewards is one of the most popular loyalty programs in Canada and members loved using their points and offers to get a little caffeine boost the most popular offer in the Tims app this year was for hot beverages and the most common points redemption was for a free coffee. and members loved using their points and offers to get a little caffeine boost the most popular offer in the Tims app this year was for hot beverages and the most common points redemption was for a free coffee. The most popular Tims Delivery order of the year was for four coffees. "2024 was a really special year for all of us at Tims as we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the brand and we'd like to thank our guests for making us a part of their lives day after day and year after year. I'd also like to thank Tims restaurant owners and their team members for being there for their guests every day and doing so much to support their communities," said Axel Schwan, president of Tim Hortons. "We have lots of exciting plans for 2025 and we can't wait to start revealing some fun surprises for guests in the weeks and months to come." SOURCE Tim Hortons [email protected] People worldwide gather each year to gaze at the Waterford crystal ball in Times Square, New York City, as it descends to mark the New Year. On Dec. 31, at 11:59 p.m. EST, the ball begins its descent as millions count down the final seconds to the new year, according to the official Times Square website. If you cant watch in person or dont have cable, you can stream it live for free. Most streaming services, including Peacock and FuboTV, will air the event. Here is what else you need to know about the ball that drops in Times Square every year, according to Times Square NYC: The New Years Eve ball in New York Citys Times Square has dropped every year since 1907, with the exception of 1942 and 1943 due to the dimout of lights customary during wartime. Crowds still gathered in New York Citys Times Square those two years and rung in the New Year with a minute of silence followed by the sound of chimes coming from trucks. The notion of a ball drop goes back in history before New Years Eve. The first ball drop was used to mark the passage of time at Englands Royal Observatory in Greenwich in 1833. The ball is covered in 2,688 Ever crystal triangles and is lit up by 32,256 LEDs. Each LED module contains 48 LEDs 12 red, 12 blue, 12 green, and 12 white for a total of 8,064 of each color, according to Times Square NYC. The ball is now a year-round attraction that sparkles above Times Square from January to December. The New Year Numerals 2-0-2-5 each stand 7 feet high in front of the crystal ball, use 620 9-watt energy efficient LED bulbs and together weigh about 1,200 pounds. For more history on the New Years Eve ball drop in Times Square, check out this video: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. A New Jersey home is set to be showcased on an upcoming episode of PBS This Old House. The popular home renovation show will focus on a colonial-style home in Ridgewood that was originally built in the 1930s. The Ridgewood-based episode, titled Ridgewood: Ridgewood Revival, will air on Thursday, Jan. 2. It can be viewed on PBS, Peacock, The Roku Channel and ThisOldHouse.com. This will be the ninth episode of the popular television shows 46th season which commenced in September. The Bergen County house is said to be in need of HVAC repairs and living space expansions. New owners of the home are looking to modernize the home that hasnt seen upgrades for almost 50 years. It is unclear how many episodes will be aired focused on the homes renovations. The Emmy-winning home renovation program is no stranger to New Jersey. This Old House most recently aired 10 Jersey-centric episodes from April throughout May as part of the 45th season. The ten episode block showcased the revitalization of a Victorian-style home in Glen Ridge. More entertainment news: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips The Liberty Science Center, Jersey City Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health are once again inviting volunteers to join them as judges for the largest science fair in the county, the 2024-2025 Hudson County STEM Showcase. The showcase will be held at Liberty Science Center on March 3, 2025, and will feature more than 400 projects from public, private and charter school students from grades 5 through 12. We are thrilled to invite distinguished professionals and experts to serve as judges for the 2025 Hudson County STEM Showcase, said Adrienne Austin, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Jersey City Medical Center. The expertise and insights from those with a science, technology and math background are critical to inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By joining us, youll have the unique opportunity to not only witness groundbreaking projects but also to mentor and encourage young minds eager to make a difference in our world. Austin will be joined by Ivory Williams, vice president of STEM Education at Liberty Science Center, to lead the 2025 STEM Showcase, representing Jersey City Medical Center, RWJBarnabas Health and Liberty Science Center. Liberty Science Center is honored to support the 2025 Hudson County STEM Showcase again this year, and we are seeking esteemed professionals to join us as judges and help inspire the young innovators who will shape the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, said Williams. Your expertise and dedication are invaluable in fostering the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders. Together, we can spark a lifelong passion for STEM and make a lasting impact on our community. The Hudson County STEM Showcase is held annually to celebrate the achievements and innovations of students in science and engineering. The event gives students the opportunity to present their original research projects to judges and compete for awards and scholarships. The annual showcase is also meant to inspire and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The organizers are looking for about 150 judges who have a bachelors or advanced degree in science, math, technology, engineering or education to evaluate the projects and provide constructive feedback to the students. Organizers will assign judges based on their level of education, field of study and professional experience. Judging will take place on March 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Judges will be provided with breakfast and lunch. The science project categories for the showcase are: Animal Sciences (ANIM) Chemistry (CHEM) Environmental Engineering (ENEV) Robotics and Intelligent Machines (ROBO) Behavioral and Social Sciences (BEHA) Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBIO) Materials Science (MATS) Systems Software (SOFT) Biochemistry (BCHM) Earth and Environmental Sciences (EAEV) Mathematics (MATH) Technology Enhances the Arts (TECA) Biomedical and Health Sciences (BMED) Embedded Systems (EBED) Microbiology (MCRO) Translational Medical Science (TMED) Biomedical Engineering (ENBM) Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design (EGSD) Physics and Astronomy (PHYS) Cellular and Molecular Biology (CELL) Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics (ETSD) Plant Sciences (PLNT) Those who wish to volunteer as a judge can sign up online at nj-hcss.zfairs.com/app/user/new/Judge. A pair of New Jersey State Police troopers injured in a standoff at a Sussex County motel in January were named the agencys Troopers of the Year earlier this month. Sgt. Marc Nietubyc and Sgt. Roy Rohel Jr. showed exceptional commitment and professionalism, as well as extraordinary bravery during the standoff, State Police officials said. Nietubyc and Rohel who are both members of the Technical Emergency and Mission Specialists Unit were among the officers assigned to conduct a well-being check on a man at a motel in Branchville on Jan. 30. The situation involved an individual experiencing a severe mental health crisis while making threats of self-harm and violence, State Police officials said in a statement. The man, later identified as 27-year-old Nicolas Martinez of Freehold Township, remained uncooperative and hostile as unit members attempted to reach him by phone and negotiate a surrender, police said. Troopers deployed drones, robots, chemical munitions, and a Long-Range Acoustic Device during the standoff, police said. Martinez shot a State Police drone with an air rifle during a 10-hour standoff before shooting one trooper in the mouth and another in the abdomen, law enforcement officials said at the time. Martinez was eventually taken into custody and charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, resisting arrest, terroristic threats and other weapons crimes. His trial is pending, according to court records. Both troopers displayed extraordinary bravery by leaving their positions of cover to attempt to subdue the suspect, fully aware of the risks involved, State Police said. Despite their injuries, they continued to demonstrate exceptional determination. While receiving treatment for his wounds, Sergeant Nietubyc demonstrated outstanding situational awareness and unwavering resolve. Recognizing a critical opportunity, he directed the arrest team to breach the suspects location, ultimately leading to the suspects apprehension, the statement said. As Troopers of the Year, Nietubyc and Rohel will each be awarded a red ribbon encased by a gold frame, to be worn on their Class A uniforms. The award is the highest honor a trooper can receive from within the division, State Police officials said. The awards come at the end of a tumultuous few weeks for the State Police. Earlier this month, state Attorney General Matt Platkin said he directed prosecutors to begin a criminal investigation into a protracted slowdown in traffic enforcement by the agency. The downturn in summonses and stops coincided with an almost immediate uptick in crashes, according to the New York Times, which first reported the slowdown and the attorney generals subsequent announcement. The slump began in July 2023, shortly after a study was published reflecting concerning racial and ethnic disparities in law enforcement on the roads. Earlier this month, a separate new investigation by the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller found police courtesy cards typically distributed by police labor associations were being show to State Police to help people get out of getting tickets. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. I agree with guest columnist Michael Noel (Happy Centennial to an iconic N.J. institution) that a Bell Labs museum is needed to to inspire new generations with the awesome legacy of this invention factory. Bell Labs 100th anniversary is on New Years Day. It moved from Manhattan to Murray Hill (Holmdel Township) in 1941, creating a multiple building campus. But, the labs post-AT&T-breakup owner is moving remaining operations to New Brunswick. It is not easy starting a museum. I know. I started working to create the InfoAge Science and History Museums in Wall Township in 1993. It took years and a tons of new friends. The museums at the Camp Evans complex there have many connections with Bell Labs. This includes funding the production of the transistor; application of solar cells on satellites, many models of radar, and many more innovations. Much of it was a contractor-to-subcontractor relationship. With proper outside funding, it would be appropriate and less costly to use a Camp Evans building for a Bell Labs museum. There are multiple 6,000 square foot empty buildings, plus the existing museums where we have a model of a Telstar satellite and a working telephone demo. About a year ago. I recommended that Holmdel Township reuse a Bell Labs building In the Crawfords Corner area also known as the Cosmic Microwave Background discovery property. Sadly, few Bell Labs veterans who know the labs as a national treasure thought it could be done. None stood up to push the idea. But the possibility at Camp Evans is a great fit! There are seven museums there already. Buses full of students already visit. Adding a Bell Labs museum at Camp Evans would add to these visitors experience and perpetuate the legacy. We have 37 acres and 16 major buildings to work with. Fred Carl, Wall The writer is the founder of the Camp Evans National Historic Landmark. Memories of the Idea Factory I had a long and wonderful career at working at Bell Labs. Although I am age 95, I still sometimes feel great nostalgia for those days when I was part of the idea factory. Thanks to Michael Noel for the interesting article, Happy Centennial to an iconic N.J. institution. Morton Panish, Freeport, Me. Do as I say, not as I do I found the recent column by the Washington Posts Eugene Robinson (We cannot abide Trumps wish for a compliant news media) amusing, to say the least. He wants the incoming administration to remember that journalists and the media work for the people. Where had he been for the last few years? After reading his biography, it was clear where he was. In addition to his Washington Post position, he is a political analyst for liberal-leaning MSNBC, with ties to its programs Morning Joe, PoliticsNation with the Rev. Al Sharpton and The Rachel Maddow Show. It makes me laugh that, all of a sudden, Robinson is calling for a respectable and responsible media. Eddie Hastie, Morris Plains This mourner-in-chief preferred While I am sad to hear of the death of the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, I am also glad that he passed away while President Joe Biden was still in office. The incoming president is the antithesis of Carter and the prospect of Donald Trump presiding over the national mourning for such a truly sincere and generous human being is unsettling. In Carters concession speech upon losing his bid for a second term, he reiterated that he would never lie to the American people. If only the incoming president could say the same thing. But, then, that would be a lie. Richard Verne, Somerset Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. A Gloucester County man died Sunday afternoon on a rural South Jersey road when his car ran a stop sign at an intersection, according to police. Luis Salcedo, 69, of Glassboro, was fatally injured when his car was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of Buck and Three Bridge roads in Upper Pittsgrove Township in Salem County, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron said. Salcedos car was approaching the intersection from Three Bridge Road when it missed a stop sign, colliding with pickup truck on Buck Road, Lebron said. The pickups driver was not injured in the crash. No other information was available, and an investigation was ongoing Sunday evening. 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. As New Years Eve approaches, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is sharing advice to help dog owners celebrate safely with their furry friends. While many households welcome the new year with parties, loud music, and fireworks, the charity reminds pet owners that these festivities can be overwhelming for dogs. With over a third of UK homes now sharing their space with a canine companion, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe has issued key tips to ensure four-legged family members stay safe and comfortable during the celebrations. Dr Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, said: Many dog owners consider their pets part of the family, so it's natural to want to include them in New Years celebrations. However, the festivities can be challenging for dogs, with extra people, changes to routines, and the noise of fireworks often causing anxiety. By taking a few simple steps to create a dog-friendly environment, you can help ensure a calm and enjoyable start to the year for everyone; your canine companions included. Top tips for a dog-friendly New Years Eve Create a retreat: Set up a quiet, comfortable space with your dogs favourite blanket and toys. Introduce this area in advance, so they associate it with security. Stick to routines: Maintain regular feeding, walking, and bedtime schedules to reduce stress. Avoid hazards: Keep alcohol, chocolate, and party foods out of reach, as they can be harmful to dogs. Decorations like balloons, tinsel, and confetti should also be kept away to prevent injuries. Fireworks precautions: Close windows, curtains, and doors to muffle loud noises. For dogs anxious about fireworks, consult your vet ahead of time about potential treatments or calming strategies. Manage guest interactions: Ask visitors to approach dogs calmly and supervise all interactions, especially with children. Update identification: Ensure your dogs ID tag and microchip information are up to date in case they become frightened and run off. Reassure them: Nervous dogs may benefit from extra comfort and attention during the countdown. For others, keeping them engaged with toys or activities might work best. Dogs Trusts advice aims to help pet owners and their canine companions start the year off on the right paw. For more information, visit the charitys website or contact their Ilfracombe branch. Nippon Steel pledged to invest $2.7 billion into U.S. Steel's operations, including nearly $1 billion in Gary Works. The Japan-based steelmaker promised to repair or reline four blast furnaces at U.S. Steel's flagship steel mill on Lake Michigan, around which the company town of Gary was built. The future of blast furnaces became a flash point of debate over the controversial $14.9 billion deal the Biden administration weighed whether to allow. U.S. Steel warned that, without new ownership and an infusion of capital investment, it could end up closing the older integrated steel mills that originally made it the world's largest steelmaker and were its bread-and-butter until it acquired Big River Steel in Arkansas a few years ago. Nippon Steel said it promised billions in investment in blast furnaces at integrated mills U.S. Steel was unlikely to make on its own. The United Steelworkers union however expressed concerns that Nippon Steel would just continue U.S. Steel's strategy of investing billions in non-union mini-mills in the south while neglecting its union-represented integrated mills in Northwest Indiana and Western Pennsylvania under the guise of a false "Best of Both" strategy. U.S. Steel has idled legacy facilities in East Chicago, Gary, Illinois and Michigan while pouring billions into new capacity in Arkansas. The union has asked for more long-term commitments to U.S. Steel's integrated mills like Gary Works, expressing fears it ultimately will disinvest in those facilities while shifting production to the south. Whether or not the deal goes through, older integrated mills like Gary Works are at a crossroads. Facilities like Blast Furnace #14, which Nippon Steel targeted for a $300 million reline, face the end of their current service campaigns. With more of the industry looking to slash their carbon emissions in the face of global regulatory pressures and increased consumer demands to tackle climate change, environmental groups are warning that big investments in blast furnaces rather than newer, greener technologies could end up dooming older integrated steel mills like Gary Works. Gary Advocates for Responsible Development or GARD is sounding the alarm that blast furnace relines instead of investments in more sustainable direct reduced iron-based production could just be a bridge to phase out blast furnace production in favor of electric arc furnace production at mini-mills, given U.S. Steel's long-term goals of cutting carbon emissions. "They're doubling down on blast furnaces, saving the future of Gary Works is the blast furnace and relining Blast Furnace #14 when there are better technologies available for reducing emissions," GARD Senior Adviser Jack Weinberg said. "They can't go on forever with blast furnaces in the United States. The main driver is economic rather than environmental. The only reason they want to continue investing in making iron at blast furnaces is to buy 10 to 15 years to build ironmaking and steelmaking capacity elsewhere. They will run Gary Works as an intermediate and build its replacement elsewhere. Their overarching interest is in shutting it down. Blast furnaces will eventually become obsolete, which has already been happening in Europe, Wineberg said. Government environment policies have played a role there. But in places like the United States, the big driver will be that natural gas has gotten much cheaper than coal. Companies will eventually find it more economical and competitive to invest in direct reduced iron that will initially be produced with natural gas and potentially later with hydrogen. "The last blast furnace in the United States was built before Ronald Reagan got elected," Weinberg said. "Since the 1980s, they've slowly been shutting them down. They've just been revamping the best of their old ones." But a big change in the building is that steelmakers that did not used to produce their own iron started investing in direct reduction, including a Nucor facility in Louisiana, an ArcelorMittal facility in Texas and a Cleveland-Cliffs facility in Toledo. Those steelmakers all have been producing iron for new steel at those facilities without using coke, the purified form of coal that accounts for much of the carbon emissions. "Blast furnaces still produce the highest quality, highest value steel that's especially used by the auto industry because of the chemical composition," Weinberg said. "But mini-mill steel made from recycled scrap has captured more and more of the market shares. Blast furnaces have just 20% of the market now. Direct reduction is cheaper and easier to run. You don't need the supply chain. You can operate on natural gas. You don't need iron ore pellets. You don't need coke. You don't need sinter plants. It just makes more economic sense." Steelmakers have pledged to decarbonize the industry by 2050. Cleveland-Cliffs has invested big in direct-reduced iron for integrated mills, while U.S. Steel has been pouring money into electric arc furnaces in Arkansas. "They haven't been investing in direct-reduced iron in Gary Works or Mon Valley," Weinberg said. "U.S. Steel seems to be interested in running Gary Works and Mon Valley as long as they have to until that can get out of there. Nippon is buying into that. GARD's view is that Gary Works is a perfectly good steel mill that could become a highly competitive steel mill with the right investments. You have sunk capital, a workforce and the economic connections. It could be modernized very easily." Northwest Indiana produces more than 20% of the nation's steel, including most of the nation's high-quality steel that's used in automaking. But it likely will not continue to indefinitely do that with century-old blast furnace, the oldest two of which date back to the 1910s. "Relines cost of a lot of money. They're big investments," Weinberg said. "The steelmakers that are going green are more motivated by economic rather than environmental considerations. It's business competition. Your competitors are moving that way and the auto industry is going to start looking at carbon intensity." U.S. Steel said in a statement that blast furnaces can be decarbonized. "Nippon Steel has had success in decarbonizing blast furnace operations, and plans to bring their innovation and expertise to U. S. Steel. The products produced by U. S. Steels blast furnace operations remain critical to our customers, and we work closely with them to help them meet their decarbonization goals," a U.S. Steel spokesperson said. "Gary Works also produces pig oron, an important feedstock for EAF facilities. U. S. Steel also opened a DR-Grade pellet facility at our Keetac Plant in Minnesota. Gary Works has multiple partnerships and collaborations to help us reach our net-zero by 2050 goal, including with CarbonFree." The United States used to have 80 blast furnaces in the 1980s. That number has shrunk to around 15, with about nine concentrated in Northwest Indiana. "It's a dying technology," he said. "There's every reason is the world direct reduction will replace it pretty rapidly." I found I was absolutely, completely at ease about death. Im going to live again. Jimmy Carter, on Death Jimmy Carter brought up death specifically, his own at what turned out to be the last Sunday school class he would teach at Maranatha Baptist Church. It was November 2019. Hed recently fallen and fractured his pelvis, a setback that followed a string of illnesses and injuries that reminded everyone around him and himself, it seems that despite his mental acuity and physical vigor, he was 95 and would not live forever. Mr. Carters death on Sunday at 100 has spurred an examination of a sprawling legacy: the successes and failures of his presidency; his work to eradicate diseases and bolster free and fair elections; his involvement with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity. Here is something else he left behind: In a culture where death as a subject is often taboo and engulfed in an aura of fear, he amassed over the years across writing, public comments and Sunday school lessons a compilation of observations that amounted to a candid, cleareyed, evolving exploration of the end. He wrote about death in books and he wrote more books than any other modern American president. He discussed it in speeches and in correspondence with friends. Those observations were a product of his Christian faith. His perspective also grew out of experience, a fluency with death that came from seeing many of his closest family members, including all of his younger siblings, die before him. His views were also shaped by his own advancing age. He described the sense of the inevitable looming over him and the health challenges that had piled up, including cancer that had spread to his brain. At Sunday school that morning in 2019, he said that he did not think he would survive for long after his cancer diagnosis in 2015. I assumed, naturally, I was going to die very quickly, he told the packed church. He lived nine more years. Mr. Carter atop his Shetland pony named Lady in 1928. By the time I was 12 or 13 years old, my anxiety about this became so intense that at the end of every prayer, until after I was an adult, before Amen I added the words And, God, please help me believe in the resurrection. Mr. Carter recalled the worries he had as a young person, stirred by learning in church about Jesus Christs crucifixion and resurrection and by the pastors sermons about how all believers, as he put it, would someday enjoy a similar resurrection. As I grew older, Mr. Carter wrote, I began to wonder whether this could be true. He was concerned as a boy that even an iota of doubt could lead him to a different fate, relegating him to an eternity separated from his family, particularly his parents. These two people were the core of my existence, he wrote, and I couldnt bear the idea that I would not be with them forever. Mr. Carter prayed before teaching a Sunday school in Plains, Ga. 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. As he matured, Mr. Carters faith firmed and came to define his approach to life and death. He considered himself a born-again Christian. In a 2012 interview with an influential evangelical theologian, Mr. Carter said his aim had been to pattern my life and my own fallible human ways after Jesuss life. Faith in something, he has written in several books, is an inducement not to dormancy but to action. Mr. Carter spoke to a Sunday school class at Maranatha Baptist Church. 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. In 2015, Mr. Carter said he was feeling unwell while monitoring elections in Guyana. When he returned to Georgia, doctors found a small mass on his liver, which turned out to be malignant. After the mass was removed, doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to his brain. The prognosis was grim, particularly given his age at the time, 90. But he began an aggressive treatment regimen for metastatic melanoma that included a drug that had been approved only months before he started on it. Four months later, he announced at Sunday school that scans showed he was free of the disease. Mr. Carter with his mother, Lillian Carter, in 1976. When other members of my family realized that they had a terminal illness, the finest medical care was available to them. But each chose to forgo elaborate artificial life-support systems and, with a few friends and family members at their bedside, they died peacefully. Mr. Carters understanding of mortality was anything but abstract. His father, brother and two sisters died of pancreatic cancer. His mother, Lillian Carter, died of breast cancer. She was 85 when she died, but Mr. Carter noted that the others had died at relatively young ages his father, James Carter Sr., was 59; his sister Gloria was 64; his sister Ruth was 54; and his brother, Billy, was 51. His grandson, Jeremy, died in 2015 of a heart attack at the age of 28. Mr. Carter recounted how his brother and mother kept their sense of humor, even as they suffered. He also admired the unflagging faith of his sister Ruth, an evangelist and spiritual healer. Mr. Carter, center, at a funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery in 1996. If our doctors tell us that we have a terminal illness and can expect to live only another year, or five years, how would we respond? In fact, we confront exactly the same question if we are still healthy and have a life expectancy of fifteen or twenty more years. In his final years, Mr. Carter had become a source of inspiration to many and of frustration and worry for those closest to him for the stubbornness in how he pressed ahead with his work, despite his illness and age. In 2019, he was bruised and bandaged with a black eye after a fall at home, yet hours after the fall, he was in Nashville, helping to assemble porches on homes being built by Habitat for Humanity. A few weeks later, after fracturing his pelvis in another fall, family members and aides were adamant that he should cancel his Sunday school lesson. He perched himself before the congregation and did it anyway. That resilience was apparent again after the Carter Center announced in February 2023 that he had entered hospice care. Many believed the end was rapidly approaching. Yet, once again, Mr. Carter defied others expectations. He celebrated another anniversary with his wife, Rosalynn, in July of that year, and his 99th birthday in October. When Mrs. Carter died in November 2023 at the age of 96, Mr. Carter attended her funeral services, which was a display of his frailty as well as the strength of his devotion to his wife and his resolve to be there for her. Mr. Carter at a prayer service at Washington National Cathedral in 1979. Perhaps the most troubling aspect of our later years is the need to face the inevitability of our own impending physical death. For some people, this fact becomes a cause of great distress, sometimes with attendant resentment against God or even those around us. Aging is difficult. Thats true even for a former president with access to the best medical care and the constant support of staff. Well into his 90s, Mr. Carter continued trotting around the world, teaching, writing and keeping up with his hobbies, including bird watching. But eventually, time caught up with him. The coronavirus pandemic pinned him down even more. He spent his final years with Mrs. Carter in the same modest home where hed lived for decades. In Plains, the tiny Georgia town where Mr. Carters house was just off the main road, his death was the cause of deep sadness. But there was a twinge of another sentiment, not quite relief but something close to it a feeling that after such a long, productive and varied life, he had earned his rest. His death created a void in the world, in his community, in his family, according to many who knew him and many others connected to him only through his legacy. Despite that, many in Plains also believed that his death was not an end but a transition to the eternal life that he remembered the pastor preaching about. The HSE has issued an urgent update amid a spike in flu cases with almost 800 people hospitalised with the virus over Christmas. There were 742 people hospitalised with flu as of Friday, December 27, as pressure increases on acute hospitals in the post-Christmas period, according to the HSE. While the HSE had expected and planned for a surge in hospitalisations at this time, the numbers so far are "at the upper end of what they had predicted," a spokesperson said. According to HSE CEO Bernard Gloster: The healthcare system and in particular our acute hospitals have been working well over the Christmas period, with senior clinical staff on site ensuring patients are discharged when possible, and ensuring efficient patient flow through Emergency Departments. "We expect pressure to continue over the coming days and we would urge the public to use alternative healthcare services for treatment such as GP, GP Out of Hours, injury units and pharmacies when appropriate. But if patients are very sick and in an emergency situation, they should of course come to their nearest Emergency Department. A HSE statement added: "Emergency Departments are always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first. People with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen. READ NEXT: Festive pillow stocked in Irish stores across the country recalled over choking hazard "Please also be aware of any hospital visiting restrictions due to circulating infections, and for infection prevention and control purposes, which can be found on the HSE website. "From today, additional Daytime GP expanded clinics are available from some practices and patients should check if their GP is participating in this arrangement. Additional supports for GP OOH services are also being provided. "Its still not too late to get vaccinated and flu and COVID-19 vaccination for target groups remains available - to see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist." Further healthcare information: - Visit your local pharmacy for treating the common cold. - Contact your family doctor as necessary. - The GP out-of-hours service is a high quality clinical service for urgent care. Know the Christmas opening arrangements. - Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Those with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen in Emergency Departments. However, injury units treat injuries that are unlikely to need hospital admission. For example, broken bones, dislocated limbs, sprains and minor burns. Find out what injury units can and cannot treat. - Patients who may need regular prescriptions are urged to get them filled by their own pharmacy. - People are advised to check their first aid boxes are well stocked to treat minor ailments at home e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen, calpol, neurofen, dioralyte and a thermometer. - People should also check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats - In terms of advanced care planning, if you are caring for someone that is terminally ill, please have medicines that are recommended by your Palliative Care team or GP for situations that could arise. - A lot of respiratory illnesses are likely to occur in children over the Christmas holidays, most of these illnesses can be managed at home with over-the-counter medications. Good advice on self-care is available from How to keep well in winter. - Most of the time you do not need to visit your GP. But trust your instincts. Bring your child to your GP if you are worried about them. On Sunday, December 29, Valentia Coast Guard requested Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist three people on a 18ft sailboat aground on a sand bank, a mile northeast of Dromineer. At 4.29pm Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Jean Spier launched with helm Eleanor Hooker, crew Joe ODonoghue, James Corballis and Paraic Slattery on board. Visibility was fair with mist and cloud and approaching dusk. At 4.30pm the lifeboat came alongside the casualty vessel. All three people on board were safe and unharmed. The casualty vessel was resting on a sandbank. READ MORE: Tipperary school choir goes viral on TikTok with over two million views on the platform Given the boats location, progressive nightfall and the possibility of initiating another emergency response should the vessel be left where it was, the helm made the decision to take the vessel off the sandbank and under an astern tow to safe water. Once in safe water, the skipper checked that the casualty vessel's outboard engine was working and then made way under their own power to the nearest safe haven at Dromineer Harbour. READ MORE: PICTURE: Much-loved Tipperary jewellers celebrates 45th birthday The lifeboat informed Valentia Coast Guard of this decision and stayed with the casualty vessel. At 4.54pm the casualty vessel was safely tied alongside in Dromineer Harbour. The lifeboat departed the scene and was back at station at 4.56pm Jeremy Freeman, Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users "that water levels in the lake are particularly low at the moment and to follow charted routes into harbour". He also advices that you "carry sufficient lifejackets for everyone on board and ensure everyone is wearing theirs correctly". The HSE Dublin and Midlands wishes to advise that all acute hospitals within this region are experiencing a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses, such as Influenza, RSV and Covid-19. Hospitals affected are Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, Naas General Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, Regional Hospital Mullingar and Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. In order to reduce the spread of these illnesses in the healthcare setting some of the hospitals are implementing visiting restrictions. These measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow. Certain exceptions will be made by contacting ward staff in advance. For up-to-date guidelines on visiting patients, please visit: https://www2.hse.ie/services/disruptions/ The HSE Dublin and Midlands REO Kate Killeen White, Hospitals are implementing visiting restrictions. In some cases there is only visiting on compassionate grounds or visiting is limited to 1/2 person per patient during normal visiting times. We are asking people to only visit patients at the hospital or other health care residential setting, like nursing homes, if you are symptom free from flu or other respiratory illness. Please visit the HSE website for specific information and regular updates. While hospitals are busy, staff are caring for many seriously ill patients all over the Christmas. We would ask patients with non-emergency conditions to seek assistance from other parts of the health service. She said, there are a range of care pathways available to patients who do not need emergency care including visiting your pharmacy for advice on common minor illnesses. Find out more at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/ It also advises that if you urgently need to see a GP outside of normal hours, contact the local GP Out of Hours service https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/ U.S. sees surging worker strikes in 2024 Xinhua) 13:08, December 30, 2024 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Idukki: Kerala's Minister for Irrigation, Roshy Augustine, said on Monday that the state government will step up measures to prevent wildlife attacks, such as installing fences. The minister visited the residence of Amar Ilahi, a 22-year-old from Mullaringadu, who was killed in a wild elephant attack on Sunday, reported PTI. Adequate measures would be taken to prevent such incidents, he told the media. "I have asked for a detailed report on the incident from the chief wildlife warden," he added. During Roshy Augustine's visit, residents expressed concerns about the increasing human-wildlife conflict in the region. They urged the minister to implement practical solutions, such as installing solar fences, to keep wild animals out of residential areas. "Steps will be taken to strengthen the fencing in the region to enhance security, even after the initiative is included in the Idukki special package," the minister said. Forest officials have also been directed to improve security in the area, he added. Forest Minister A K Saseendran announced that the government would provide Rs 10 lakh as compensation to Amar's family. Opposition leader V D Satheesan strongly criticised the state government and the forest department, accusing them of remaining passive as wildlife attacks persist. He warned that if the government continues to neglect its duty to protect lives and property, the UDF will mobilise the public and launch a protest. ADVERTISEMENT The forest department, which failed to act against wildlife encroachment, must take responsibility for the tragic death of Amar, he said. Despite repeated complaints from locals about the persistent elephant menace in the Mullaringadu area, he alleged the department had not taken any steps to dig trenches or install fencing along the forest boundary. The government informed the assembly that 968 people lost their lives in wildlife attacks between 2016 and June 2024, he said. The government, which has failed to take effective measures to protect citizens from wildlife attacks, is now pushing forward with the Forest Amendment Bill, granting excessive powers to forest department officials, he added. After the postmortem, Amar's body was brought to his residence, and his funeral was held on Monday morning at the Mullaringadu Juma Masjid. The victim, Amar Ilahi, a native of Mullaringadu, was attacked while untying his cattle at a teak plantation near the Kothamangalam forest range, just 300 metres from his home. The LDF, UDF and NDA declared a hartal in Idukki's Vannappuram panchayat and Ernakulam's Paingottoor panchayat following the incident. Schools may be closed for the holiday break, but theres a lot ahead for Oregons public education system in 2025. We asked three of the superintendents of Oregons largest public school districts Kimberlee Armstrong of Portland Public Schools, Gustavo Balderas from the Beaverton School District and Andrea Castaneda from Salem-Keizer Public Schools to join Beat Check this week for a roundtable discussion. Listen in to get the scoop on their thoughts about how the state funds education, and how that impacts urban school districts, which serve complex, high-needs communities, including families experiencing poverty and students who dont speak English as a first language. We also broke down the debate over greater accountability in Oregons school systems, what its like to be negotiating with teacher unions in the wake of Portlands impactful teacher strike and what classroom projects from language immersion to early literacy have them really jazzed about 2025. Read more: How shabby or shiny are your local schools? In Oregon, it depends on where you live. After Portland teachers strike and statewide budget cuts, Kotek backs significant changes to funding formula. In Albany, a teachers strike reverberates statewide Subscribe to Beat Check anywhere you listen to podcasts to get new episodes each week. You can support local journalism by becoming a subscriber to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Explore more of our podcasts and sign up to get newsletters for the latest news and top stories. Julia Silverman covers education for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her via email at jsilverman@oregonian.com. Whats better than starting the new year on a beautiful hike? The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is once again offering just that, with another slate of free, guided hikes on New Years Day. This year there will be 37 hikes across 30 different parks, the department announced Tuesday, from the coast to the Willamette Valley and into the high desert. All hikes will be free and open to the public, though some require advance registration. Additionally, the $5 (soon to be $10) parking fees charged at 25 parks across the state will be waived for the day one of the few fee-free holidays at Oregon State Parks. The First Day Hikes program isnt unique to Oregon parks. The national movement, now sponsored by Americas State Parks, began in Massachusetts in 1992. Oregon State Parks began participating in 2012. Heres a list of all 30 parks hosting First Day Hikes for the first day of 2025: --Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast. Reach him at 503-294-4077, jhale@oregonian.com or @HaleJamesB. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. 2024 was a brutal year for the Amazon rainforest, with rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaging large parts of a biome thats a critical counterweight to climate change. A warming climate fed drought that in turn fed the worst year for fires since 2005. And those fires contributed to deforestation, with authorities suspecting some fires were set to more easily clear land to run cattle. The Amazon is twice the size of India and sprawls across eight countries and one territory, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise warm the planet. It has about 20% of the worlds fresh water and astounding biodiversity, including 16,000 known tree species. But governments have historically viewed it as an area to be exploited, with little regard for sustainability or the rights of its Indigenous peoples, and experts say exploitation by individuals and organized crime is rising at alarming rates. The fires and drought experienced in 2024 across the Amazon rainforest could be ominous indicators that we are reaching the long-feared ecological tipping point, said Andrew Miller, advocacy director at Amazon Watch, an organization that works to protect the rainforest. Humanitys window of opportunity to reverse this trend is shrinking, but still open. There were some bright spots. The level of Amazonian forest loss fell in both Brazil and Colombia. And nations gathered for the annual United Nations conference on biodiversity agreed to give Indigenous peoples more say in nature conservation decisions. If the Amazon rainforest is to avoid the tipping point, Indigenous people will have been a determinant factor, Miller said. Forest loss in Brazils Amazon home to the largest swath of this rainforest dropped 30.6% compared to the previous year, the lowest level of destruction in nine years. The improvement under leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva contrasted with deforestation that hit a 15-year high under Lulas predecessor, far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, who prioritized agribusiness expansion over forest protection and weakened environmental agencies. In July, Colombia reported historic lows in deforestation in 2023, driven by a drop in environmental destruction. The countrys environment minister Susana Muhamad warned that 2024s figures may not be as promising as a significant rise in deforestation had already been recorded by July due to dry weather caused by El Nino, a weather phenomenon that warms the central Pacific. Illegal economies continue to drive deforestation in the Andean nation. Its impossible to overlook the threat posed by organized crime and the economies they control to Amazon conservation, said Bram Ebus, a consultant for Crisis Group in Latin America. Illegal gold mining is expanding rapidly, driven by soaring global prices, and the revenues of illicit economies often surpass state budgets allocated to combat them. In Brazil, large swaths of the rainforest were draped in smoke in August from fires raging across the Amazon, Cerrado savannah, Pantanal wetland and the state of Sao Paulo. Fires are traditionally used for deforestation and for managing pastures, and those man-made blazes were largely responsible for igniting the wildfires. For a second year, the Amazon River fell to desperate lows, leading some countries to declare a state of emergency and distribute food and water to struggling residents. The situation was most critical in Brazil, where one of the Amazon Rivers main tributaries dropped to its lowest level ever recorded. Cesar Ipenza, an environmental lawyer who lives in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, said he believes people are becoming increasingly aware of the Amazons fundamental role for the survival of society as a whole. But, like Miller, he worries about a point of no return of Amazon destruction. It was the worst year for Amazon fires since 2005, according to nonprofit Rainforest Foundation US. Between January and October, an area larger than the state of Iowa 37.42 million acres, or about 15.1 million hectares of Brazils Amazon burned. Bolivia had a record number of fires in the first ten months of the year. Forest fires have become a constant, especially in the summer months and require particular attention from the authorities who dont how to deal with or respond to them, Ipenza said. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana also saw a surge in fires this year. The United Nations conference on biodiversity this year known as COP16 was hosted by Colombia. The meetings put the Amazon in the spotlight and a historic agreement was made to give Indigenous groups more of a voice on nature conservation decisions, a development that builds on a growing movement to recognize Indigenous peoples role in protecting land and combating climate change. Both Ebus and Miller saw promise in the appointment of Martin von Hildebrand as the new secretary general for the Amazon Treaty Cooperation Organization, announced during COP16. As an expert on Amazon communities, he will need to align governments for joint conservation efforts. If the political will is there, international backers will step forward to finance new strategies to protect the worlds largest tropical rainforest, Ebus said. Ebus said Amazon countries need to cooperate more, whether in law enforcement, deploying joint emergency teams to combat forest fires, or providing health care in remote Amazon borderlands. But they need help from the wider world, he said. The well-being of the Amazon is a shared global responsibility, as consumer demand worldwide fuels the trade in commodities that finance violence and environmental destruction, he said. Next year marks a critical moment for the Amazon, as Belem do Para in northern Brazil hosts the first United Nations COP in the region that will focus on climate. Leaders from Amazon countries have a chance to showcase strategies and demand tangible support, Ebus said. -- The Associated Press Roughly 5,000 nurses, hospitalists and other frontline health workers at Providence hospitals and clinics across Oregon are set to go on an open-ended strike starting Jan. 10. The strike which would be the largest among health workers in Oregon history could hobble one of the states largest health care systems, and its impact could ripple across the region as patients seek care elsewhere. While Providence has weathered nurses strikes as recently as this summer, the impending strike would also be the first to include about 70 Providence St. Vincent Medical Center physicians from a rare and recently formed hospitalists union. The Oregon Nurses Association, which represents nurses and other health care professionals at the Catholic nonprofit health system, announced the strike plan Monday. Health workers are required to give 10 days notice before beginning a strike. The strike would include Providence Portland, Providence St. Vincent near Beaverton, Providence Milwaukie, Providence Willamette Falls in Oregon City, Providence Hood River, Providence Newberg, Providence Seaside, Providence Medford, and six Providence womens clinics. The union said the strike warning comes after workers and Providence failed to reach an agreement following months of bargaining. Most of the health care workers authorized a strike back in October and November, while nurses at Providence Seaside and Providence Medford gave their go-ahead earlier this month. Employees say concerns range from wage increases and staffing levels to overall working conditions. These issues grew especially urgent during the pandemic era, which underscored systemic challenges for frontline health care professionals statewide, and have remained prominent amid persistent staffing shortages. In a statement, Providence Oregon CEO Jennifer Burrows blamed the union for the lack of progress in bargaining talks, claiming union negotiators were unwilling to compromise and sent conflicting signals in response to the health systems proposals. We have been transparent with union leaders that in the event of a work stoppage, bargaining stops to support our priority of ensuring we continue to provide excellent patient care, Burrows said. Our leadership teams attention will turn to caring for our community during this work stoppage. Burrows stated that Providence has secured replacement workers and identified other strategies to help us care for our patients. She added that workers who choose not to strike are welcome to work and would receive guidance on how to report for their shifts. Replacement workers likely come at great expense to Providence. Hospitals in Oregon and across the nation have depended on traveling nurses to address a staff shortage, paying a premium that has been a drag on their financial performance. The participation of hospitalists and palliative care physicians at St. Vincent, as well as doctors at six Providence womens clinics, complicate the health care chains response, said Dr. Raymond Moreno, chief medical officer at Providence St. Vincent. Unlike with nursing, where theres experience with replacement workers, there is not a ready made replacement workforce for physicians, Moreno said. So weve been thinking how we can fill in if all our hospitalists dont come to work, and we have some contingency plans for that and will likely have to make some adjustments. Moreno said Providence might postpone some procedures or temporarily transfer some physicians from other Providence hospitals to work at St. Vincent and the womens clinics. He said Providence can also work with other hospitals in the region, including Oregon Health & Science University, Legacy Health and Kaiser Permanente, to transfer patients into their care if needed. Moreno said there were 456 patients at St. Vincent as of Monday and Providence is focused on preparing for how to care for those patients when the strike begins on Jan. 10. Union leaders say they remain open to further discussions and a strike could be averted if the two parties came to an agreement. Negotiators remain at odds over a number of issues, from pay and benefits to scheduling practices and staffing levels. Jay Formick, a registered nurse at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center in Oregon City, said nurses at his hospital, as well as at St. Vincent, Hood River, Milwaukie, Willamette Falls and Newberg, have been in negotiations with Providence since the fall of 2023. We have been struggling with Providence for over a year to find agreement on issues such as safe staffing, health coverage for nurses and coming to terms on a reasonable cost of living adjustment, said Formick, whos on the bargaining team for Providence Willamette Falls. All offers that have been made to my bargaining unit have kept nurses at a lower level of compensation, both in terms of salary and health benefits, lower than the top of the market. Formick said nurses have left Providence for other health systems in the area, like Oregon Health & Science University, Legacy Health and Kaiser Permanente. He said more nurses in recent years have also left the bedside to work in case management positions with health insurance companies, or as legal nurse consultants for law firms. Some 3,000 nurses from Portland-area Providence hospitals held a brief strike in June that ended without an agreement. A year earlier, over 1,300 nurses at Providence Portland and several hundred nurses at Providence Seaside held a five-day strike. While they secured a new contract agreement weeks later, with wage increases of 17% to 26% over two years and other concessions, the contracts expire Dec. 31. Meanwhile, the 70 St. Vincent hospitalists represented by the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association have been negotiating their first contract with Providence since January. They voted to unionize last year. -- Kristine de Leon covers consumer health, retail, small business and data enterprise stories. Reach her at kdeleon@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today. Oregon politicians paid tribute to Jimmy Carter in the wake of the 39th presidents death on Sunday. Gov. Tina Kotek, in a statement announcing her order that flags be lowered to half-staff at Oregon government buildings, said she deeply admired the former president. He exemplified optimism, an unshakable faith in the human spirit, and resolve to end suffering in his country and across the world. Carter, who died at 100 years old, was known as much for the work he did after leaving the White House as for his one-term presidency. Soon after losing his reelection bid in 1980, Carter founded The Carter Center, which devoted itself to promoting democracy, peace and public health as well as pushing for human rights. In 2002, Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize. Both of Oregons U.S. senators praised Carters life and work. My heart is with Jimmy Carters loved ones and family, Sen. Jeff Merkley wrote in a post on X. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of humanitarian work, fighting for civil rights, working to put a roof over everyones head and pursuing climate solutions his impact is profound. President Carter embodied what it means to be a public servant in both elected office and in his personal life by working to make our country and world a more peaceful, humane and democratic place, Sen. Ron Wyden wrote on X. May he now rest in peace with our gratitude for his service. Some of Oregons representatives in Congress also commemorated Carters long, impactful life. President Jimmy Carter led a life full of service, leaving a lasting legacy through his humanitarian work touching the lives of countless Americans and people around the world, Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Democrat representing the Sixth District, wrote on X. Rep. Val Hoyle said in an email that, as a child, she helped her parents campaign for Carter in 1976, when the former Georgia governor defeated President Gerald Ford for the presidency. What I loved about Jimmy Carter is that he lived his values and dedicated his life to public service right until the end, Hoyle wrote. His is a life to be celebrated and one to aspire to. 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. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com A Utah couple said that their health insurance company refused to cover the prosthetic arm of their nine-year-old daughter, saying it was "not medically necessary." This led the public to band together to raise funds to cover the robotic arm. Remi Bateman, 9, was born without a left hand, leading her to struggle with basic tasks such as tying her shoes. Her disability has also led her to be targeted by bullies in school. While she has used basic prosthetics, the arms were too stiff and the movements it allowed were too restricted, which prevented her from doing tasks requiring fine motor skills. To resolve this, Jami, the child's mother, applied for a "Hero Arm," which is a bionic robot arm that functions like a natural arm and hand from the company Open Bionics. The arm would allow Remi to do things such as lift a fork and knife. The Hero Arm go for $24,000---a cost that the family hoped Select Health, their health insurance company, would pay for. Why Did Select Health Deny Their Request for Coverage? The Batemans requested insurance coverage with Select Health, but they have been denied twice. "They sent us a letter saying it was not medically necessary for Remi to have a Hero Arm and that it was for cosmetic use only," Jami said, per The Washington Post. "We appealed twice and were again denied." The rejection comes even after the family provided Select Health with documentation from medical providers stating that the bionic arm would improve Remi's overall quality of life. Funding the Bionic Arm Following the denial of the requests, Jami launched a GoFundMe campaign for her daughter. Within days, the donations surpassed the family's goal of $24,000. When news of their predicament went viral, CrowdHealth CEO Andy Schoonover contacted the family. The firm said they wanted to cover the entire cost of Remi's bionic arm. With the cost for Remi's bionic arm now covered, the Batemans contacted Open Bionics and chose Tyraun "Taj" Johnson, also 9, to receive the donations from their GoFundMe campaign to fund his Hero Arm. Tyraun will get fitted for his bionic arm in January. A 15-year-old white teenager has pleaded guilty to attempting to drown a Black boy in the Goose Pond in Chatham, Massachusetts, in July 2023. John P. Sheeran, who was 14 during last year's attack, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. It was noted that the judge in the case charged him as a "youthful offender," which means they can sentence the 15-year-old as an adult, according to Cape Cod Times. The teen is accused of pushing a 15-year-old black boy underwater on July 19, throwing stones at him, and calling him racial slurs. Authorities previously said the attack was "racially motivated." Details of the Crime Sheeran and an accomplice---a White teen whose identity was not publicly released---allegedly met up with the Black victim at Goose Pond on July 19. The victim put on a life jacket before entering the water. Once there, the suspects allegedly grabbed the Black child's life jacket and repeatedly dunked him underwater. He is also accused of swimming underneath the victim and grabbing his feet in an attempt to pull him further into the water. Throughout the attack, Sheeran allegedly called the victim the n-word. Prosecutors said Sheeran's accomplice laughed at the victim while he was drowning. The accomplice also called him "George Floyd" when he could not breathe. George Floyd was a 46-year-old Black man who died after a White police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. During the incident, Floyd had repeatedly told the officer that he could not breathe. His death sparked widespread protests as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. Investigators said the attack continued until a witness, also a minor, swam into the pond to help the victim. The witness noted that Sheeran and his accomplice "were smirking" when he reached them. What Charges Will the Accomplice Face? It is unclear if Sheeran's accomplice will face any legal consequences for his role in the drowning incident. Sheeran's sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 5. It was noted by CBS News that Sheeran punched an Asian boy hours after the drowning incident after that person called him fat. Ive had a long and busy day today. Ive scarcely been home and its late, so I think that Im going to repost something that I originally put up several years ago. I still hold to it: There was considerable buzz back in 2014 about the results of a Facebook survey asking people which books had stayed with you. A writer for Salt Lake Citys Deseret News emphasized the fact that both the Bible (which came in sixth) and the Book of Mormon (which ranked thirty-fifth) made the top fifty out of the first hundred books yielded up by the survey. I confess that I myself was pleasantly surprised. Predictably, however, some critics of Mormonism, eager for any evidence, real or imagined, of its marginality and insignificance perhaps a rather ironic stance for them to assume, given the remarkable amount of time and attention that they themselves devote to the Church day in and day out rushed to note that fully thirty-four books ranked higher than the Book of Mormon on that list. But perhaps we should examine the list just a bit. Its a pretty good assembly of books that are worth reading. Quite interesting, really. One could do worse than to simply read through the hundred. Ahead of the Bible among the top twenty are J. K. Rowlings Harry Potter books, Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird, J. R. R. Tolkiens Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (listed separately), and Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice. With the exception of Ms. Rowlings books which I havent read (I may be the only person in North America who hasnt even seen the movies based on them) I can personally say that I really, really like them. I am, in fact, an unusually passionate fan of them, and have been for years. I can see why so many of those surveyed named them as having been influential in their lives and thinking. But it seems very odd to me that anybody would seriously want to conclude from these rankings that Harry Potter is more important than Genesis (or, even, than Pride and Prejudice), or that To Kill a Mockingbird is a more significant book than is, say, the gospel of Luke or of John. Critics guffawed over the fact that, in the list, such books as Lois Lowrys The Giver, and Khaled Hosseinis The Kite Runner, and Stephen Kings The Stand, and, even, Orson Scott Cards Enders Game outranked the Book of Mormon. (I can imagine Scott Cards reaction to the news.) Some of these books were simply currently popular. Fashionable. Even recently on screen. (A film based on The Giver was being shown nationally at about that time.) Would they, will they, last for decades, like Hemingways The Old Man and the Sea (#71)? For a century, like Tolstoys Anna Karenina (#83)? For millennia, like Homers Odyssey (#89)? Who knows? Who can predict? Yet they beat Hemingway, Tolstoy, and Homer. As, it should be pointed out, did the Book of Mormon. Those mocking what they chose to regard as the Book of Mormons relatively low ranking should have noted that it not only beat out Hemingway, Tolstoy, and Homer, but important volumes by Nobel laureates such as John Steinbeck and Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Hermann Hesse and Elie Wiesel, classics by Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo and Charles Dickens and Alice Walker and Sun Tzu and Oscar Wilde and Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Mark Twain, and bestsellers by such authors as Dan Brown and Anne Rice. If the ranking of the Book of Mormon showed it to be marginal and ridiculous, unworthy of serious attention, what of those books? And what of the many great classics that didnt make the list at all, such as Miltons Paradise Lost, Dantes Inferno, Chaucers Canterbury Tales, Darwins Origin of Species, Augustines Confessions, Goethes Faust, and Shakespeares King Lear, or, for that matter, any of the works of Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, or Kant? Did their failure to make the cut in this particular survey prove them insignificant and silly? And many of these particular critics, in my experience with them, are secularists either atheists or agnostics. So, one might ask, where on this list were the works of Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Victor Stenger. Or, even, those of Bertrand Russell? If the Book of Mormon was to be mocked because it only ranked thirty-fifth, shouldnt those authors be dismissed because they failed to make even the top one hundred? The fact is that this list, while interesting, was itself of no great cosmic significance. It didnt prove the Book of Mormon true, but it also didnt demonstrate the Book of Mormon to be ridiculous, silly, and marginal. If anything, the list was pretty good company to be in. What other books first published in America in 1830 are still read today? What other book first published in America around 1830 made the rankings? There are relatively few books on the list, as a matter of fact, that date to before 1900, and even fewer that were first published in the United States. But if there is any significance in the list it is, perhaps, this: The Book of Mormon is still widely read after nearly two centuries overwhelmingly, most books dont last anywhere near that long which is remarkable in itself. And it continues to be found meaningful by enough contemporary people that it ranked quite high among the relatively few books that they say have stayed with them. Thats real empirical testimony, broadly based, to real power in a book. And one wonders, by the way, where the New Testament would have ranked among contemporary books if such a survey had been conducted around AD 200. A Lancaster County judge this week sentenced a Palmyra man to a minimum of 40 months in prison for causing a crash last year that killed his mother, according to prosecutors. Gavin M. Kline, 21, could serve as much as ten years after pleading guilty to charges including homicide by DUI and aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI. Prosecutors say he was under the influence of multiple drugs when he crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle after trying to pass a tractor-trailer in a no-passing zone. The crash occurred at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 22 on Route 322 (W. 28th Division Highway) in Penn Township killing Klines passenger, his mother, Bethany Welch, 41. Prosecutors say Kline was driving westbound behind the tractor-trailer when he entered the eastbound lanes to pass it. Thats when he crashed head-on into a cargo van, seriously injuring the van driver who suffered broken bones in his back, ribs, foot and ankle. His life has been altered, because of the crash, according to Assistant District Attorney Kyle Linardo, who prosecuted the case. Kline told police he used medical marijuana earlier on the day of the crash. Blood tests showed the presence of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana in his blood. There is no acceptable level or threshold of THC a driver can have in their blood while driving in Pennsylvania under the current law for DUI, according to the Lancaster County District Attorneys office. THC is a Schedule I controlled substance. You cannot drive with any amount of a Schedule I controlled substance, or its metabolite, in your blood in Pennsylvania. Impairment is not an element for our per se DUI laws, according to Erik Yabor, the offices spokesman. He added: In a homicide by vehicle while DUI charge, we must show that the driver caused the death as a result of violating section 3802 (for driving under the influence.) In any case, evidence of drug consumption, or alcohol, coupled with indicators on Field Sobriety Tests or driving behaviors known to be exhibited by those under the influence of drugs/alcohol create a totality of the circumstances test that we apply on a case-by-case basis. Gal Gadot recently opened up about a pretty scary experience during her most recent pregnancy. In a Dec. 29 Instagram post, the Wonder Woman actress revealed that in February she was diagnosed with a massive blood clot. At the time, she was eight months pregnant. For weeks, I had endured excruciating headaches that confined me to bed until I finally underwent an MRI that revealed the terrifying truth, the post reads. In one moment, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be. Gadot explained that she was rushed to the hospital and, after a few hours, underwent surgery and gave birth to her fourth child. As the actress explained in her post, these uncertain times influenced her daughters name. My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear. Her name, meaning my light, wasnt chosen by chance, she wrote. Before the surgery, I told Jaron [Gadots husband] that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel. Gadot gave birth at the Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, which she thanked in her post as their extraordinary doctors and staff helped ensure both the surgery and her daughters birth were successful. In the second half of the post, the actress, 39, informed fans that she has fully healed. The journey has taught me so much. First, its vital to listen to our bodies and trust what its telling us, the post reads. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry deeper meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life saving. Second, awareness matters. I had no idea that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30s+ age group are diagnosed with CVT(develop a blood clot in the brain), the post reads. Its so important to identify early because its treatable. Gadot said she hopes to spread awareness by sharing her story. While rare, its a possibility, and knowing it exists is the first step to addressing it, the post reads. Sharing this is not meant to frighten anyone but to empower. If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it will have been worth sharing. Gadot is best known for her roles as Gisele Yashar in the Fast and Furious franchise and Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in the DC movies. Dunkin is giving customers in central Pa. more stops for doughnuts and coffee. A unit opened today at 6075 Allentown Blvd. in Lower Paxton Township at Paxton Square where Karns Foods operates. The former Santander bank was retrofitted. The restaurant follows Dunkins Next Gen format with a modern color scheme, equipment upgrades, coffee taps and drive-thru lane. Owners Michael and Marcela Casari said the location was appealing due to its proximity to Interstate 81. They operate Dunkins on Linglestown Road in Lower Paxton Township and Elizabethville. In recent years Dunkin has been expanding in central Pa. Restaurants opened this year in Newport, Perry County and Lower Swatara and Hampden townships. The new Dunkin is open 4:30 a.m.-10 p.m., daily. Central Pennsylvania diners said goodbye to more than a dozen restaurants in 2024. Some longstanding favorites, including Cafe Magnolia in Lower Allen Township and Neato Burrito in Swatara Township, were hit hard. Of course, plenty of new establishments arrived on the scene, adding to the ever-evolving restaurant landscape. Here are some of the most notable closings: Friendlys in Camp Hill After four decades, the Friendlys restaurant at 3125 Market St. in Camp Hill closed in September. Attention Friends, We are sad to say that this location will be closing its doors this Sunday for the final time, read a message posted on the restaurants door. It was a blast while it lasted and we will miss you all very much. The restaurant, built in the late 1980s, was one of a handful that operated in the region. In recent years, several of the restaurants, including those in Lower Paxton Township and Derry Township, closed. By next year, a Turning Point Restaurant franchise will open at the location. The chain serves breakfast, brunch and lunch and operates under the motto, where friends and family gather. Fyre Lounge & Bar closed this fall at the Colonial Park Mall in Lower Paxton Township.Sue Gleiter Fyre Lounge Fyre Lounge & Bar at the Colonial Park Mall in Lower Paxton Township shut down on Nov 2. The venue opened in fall 2023 at the former Buffalo Wild Wings. Its menu fused Nepali, Indian and American flavors, and the venue had a chill vibe, with a big screen television, bar and dance floor. A half dozen partners were behind the concept, including brothers Rick and Kamal Collotia, former owners of Lucky 7 Tavern in Harrisburg. The brothers brought in four partners, all refugees from Nepal, who influenced Fyre Lounges menu. Rick Collotia said they closed to focus on their other businesses and are looking for a new owner to take over the restaurants lease and liquor license. Little Johns Diner Little Johns Diner at 146 Sheraton Drive in Fairview Township off Interstate 83 in York County closed in November. According to a Facebook message, the restaurants lease ended in late December and the landlord found a new tenant. (The new tenant, Steve and Nicole Tawadrouse, opened Beacon Hill Diner in November.) After 15 years proudly serving the central Pennsylvania community we will be sadly closing our doors on November 6th, Little Johns owners shared in the message. Our family would like to thank everyone for their love and support for helping make our dream a reality these past 15 years. We will miss everyone! Redds BBQ (Hampden) Redds Smokehouse BBQ scaled back operations in November and closed its Hampden Township restaurant at 4890 Carlisle Pike. Co-owner Nick Mauldin said hes expanding catering operations and focusing on the Redds restaurant in Carlisle. He said his partner, Brent Burger, left the business and it was a daunting task juggling two locations. Mauldins wife, Mckenna Mauldin, stepped up as co-owner. The couple posted the news Nov. 6 on Facebook, saying, Redds has made a bittersweet decision. We are doing so with the mindset of how to continue providing the best possible service to our customers, they added. Diners pictured in March 2006 ahead of the opening of Neato Burrito at the Scottsdale Plaza in Swatara Township. File photo by Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.comSean Simmers Neato Burrito (Swatara Township) Cowboy Crunch burritos became a thing of the past at Neato Burrito in Swatara Township. The restaurant at 3370 Paxton St. at the Scottsdale Plaza closed at the end of July due to the state seizing the property for their highway expansion project. We opened the shop in March 2006 and appreciate all the support from the community over the past 18 years, stated a message posted inside the restaurant. Neato Burrito is one of dozens of businesses and residential properties the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is acquiring through eminent domain as part of the $1 billion I-83 Capital Beltway Project. Yak N Yeti Yak n Yeti at 49 W. High St. in Carlisle, which introduced central Pennsylvania to flavorful Himalayan cuisine, is closing on Dec. 29. Calling it a difficult decision, owner Tenzin Norbu shared, It has been a bittersweet decision and its one we didnt make lightly. The restaurant was a spinoff of Norbus first Yak n Yeti in New Cumberland. It quickly became a favorite spot among Harrisburg-area diners for its cuisine representing Nepal and Bhutan. Hops & Barleys In a message posted on Facebook, owner Jason Melhorn announced the closing of the restaurant and pub at 398 N. York St. in Mechanicsburg on Nov. 8. Its been an honor serving the community for the past 5 years. It is with great sadness to announce - Friday, November 8th will be our last day of operation, he shared. Melhorn also operates Hops & Barleys restaurants in Middletown and Lower Paxton Township and The Beerded Goat Brewing Co. and Benaiahs Wood Fired Kitchen in Lower Paxton Township. Hannas Ice Cream Shoppe A New Cumberland ice cream parlor with a 1950s theme closed in August. Hannas Ice Cream Shoppe at 321 Bridge St. announced on Facebook the business is being sold. To our valued Hannas patrons: We wanted to give you an update on what has been going on with Hannas over the last several weeks, read the message. Chef Tonys Bistro Chef Tonys Bistro at 5948 Linglestown Road in Lower Paxton Township closed on Sept. 20, according to a Facebook post. This decision has been bittersweet and we will deeply miss our Linglestown location. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts to each one of you who supported us during this chapter of our journey, reads the message. Executive chef Tony Glass opened the restaurant in a former church in October 2023. Cafe Magnolia The restaurant at 4700 Old Gettysburg Road in Lower Allen Township abruptly closed in February. The BYOB cafe was known for its quaint atmosphere and menu featuring sandwiches, salads and dinner entrees. It was a popular spot for events such as wedding showers and birthday parties. This decision comes with great sadness as we cherish the moments shared with our loyal patrons and the community, said owner Jackie Duval. Duval, who took over ownership in 2019, cited lingering effects from the pandemic and economic shifts as the reason behind the closure. By fall, new owners opened Bacco Trattoria & Wine Bar at the site. Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant An Italian restaurant in Cumberland County with a loyal following closed in the spring. Regulars raved about the charming atmosphere in a former home, the service and the Italian food. Owners Mario and Maria Lubrano left Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant at 1509 Market St. in Camp Hill, said Nino Basic, the property owner. Basic, who operates Carpe Diem restaurant in New Cumberland, said hes not sure why the Lubranos decided to depart the business. Hickory Ridge Restaurant A family-style comfort food restaurant in Cumberland County closed in February. Hickory Ridge Restaurant at 1400 Harrisburg Pike in Middlesex Township announced on a Facebook post that the property has been sold. We would like to offer our sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude to all the friends we have made over the last 5 years! the post said. In addition to all our wonderful customers wed like to thank the amazing team that made it all possible! The facility moved its catering operations to Hickory Ridges Chambersburg location, which remains open. Honey Bees Cafe and Bake Shoppe Honey Bees Cafe and Bake Shoppe at 620 N. Second St. closed in March. As heartbreaking as it is for us, we simply have no other options. We are beyond thankful for all the friends weve made and your support of our small business, shared the owners. Honey Bees opened in February 2023. Owner Melissa Laughlin transitioned to restaurant ownership after her family closed The Kitchen Table catering business in Lower Paxton Township in late 2022. Hosss Steak & Sea House restaurant at 9009 Bridge Road, off Route 322 in Swatara Township, closed earlier this year. File photo by Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.comDan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Hosss Steak and Sea House Hosss Steak and Sea House in Swatara Township off Route 322 closed in February. Wawa is under contract to buy the building at 9009 Bridge Road. Last year, the convenience store chain submitted plans to Swatara Township for consideration to build a store with gas pumps at the location. We would like to thank the wonderful community for supporting us for so long, it was truly our pleasure to serve you, said Billie Jo Walls, Hosss president. Hosss opened in 1992 and at least once experienced devastating damage related to flooding. Kondu The Japanese fast-casual restaurant in Swatara Township closed in January. The closing of the restaurant, which specialized in build-your-own sushi burritos and bowls, and teppanyaki was related to the redevelopment of the Harrisburg Mall. Owners St. John Properties are redeveloping the 60-acre property into Swatara Exchange, a mixed-use development. Its not the prettiest of foods but on New Years Day in central Pennsylvania, pork and sauerkraut rules. Eating the homestyle dish made with fermented cabbage promises good luck in the new year. The pig roots forward so if your first meal includes pork, youll move ahead all year, according to Pennsylvania German folklore. The swelling of the sauerkraut symbolizes bounty. Of course, you can prepare your own pork and sauerkraut at home following one of these recipes. But if youd rather buy a meal, here are some places in the Harrisburg region to go: Campbelltown Volunteer Fire Company, 2818 Horseshoe Pike, Palmyra The fire company will be hosting a dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with pork and sauerkraut, hot dogs, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, bread, drinks and dessert. Price is $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Takeout is available. Chambers Hill Fire Co., 6400 Chambers Hill Road, Swatara Township The fire company in Swatara Township is holding its annual all you can eat pork and sauerkraut dinner fundraiser. It will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the firehouse. Dinners will include pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, beverage and dessert. Cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 and under. Eat-in or takeout available. Proceeds will benefit this all-volunteer fire company. Eckels Ice Cream Fountain, 36 E. Main St., Mechanicsburg Pork and sauerkraut dinner will be served starting at 11 a.m. at Buhrigs Gathering Place. Dine in or take out. All proceeds benefit Feed My Starving Children. Flinchys, 1833 Hummel Ave., Lower Allen Township The restaurant will open at 11 a.m. with a New Years Day buffet featuring pork and sauerkraut. Cost is $15 with proceeds benefitting Speranza Animal Rescue. Front Street Diner, 4003 N. Front St., Susquehanna Township The diner is open regular hours and will serve pork and sauerkraut meals starting around 10:30 a.m. Middlesex Diner, 1803 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle The diner is open regular hours from 6 a.m. to midnight. Pork and sauerkraut will be available starting at 11 a.m. Mount Holly Church of God, 602 McLand Drive, Mount Holly Springs The church is hosting a pork and sauerkraut dinner starting at 11 a.m. until gone. Wooden Nickel, 219 Market St., Millersburg, 717-692-3003 The restaurant will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with traditional roasted pork and sauerkraut with mashed potatoes and applesauce. Diners also can order off of the restaurants regular menu. By John Hanna, The Associated Press TOPEKA, Kan. Republicans made claims about illegal voting by noncitizens a centerpiece of their 2024 campaign messaging and plan to push legislation in the new Congress requiring voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Yet theres one place with a GOP supermajority where linking voting to citizenship appears to be a nonstarter: Kansas. Thats because the state has been there, done that, and all but a few Republicans would prefer not to go there again. Kansas imposed a proof-of-citizenship requirement over a decade ago that grew into one of the biggest political fiascos in the state in recent memory. The law, passed by the state Legislature in 2011 and implemented two years later, ended up blocking the voter registrations of more than 31,000 U.S. citizens who were otherwise eligible to vote. That was 12% of everyone seeking to register in Kansas for the first time. Federal courts ultimately declared the law an unconstitutional burden on voting rights, and it hasnt been enforced since 2018. Kansas provides a cautionary tale about how pursuing an election concern that in fact is extremely rare risks disenfranchising a far greater number of people who are legally entitled to vote. The states top elections official, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, championed the idea as a legislator and now says states and the federal government shouldnt touch it. Kansas did that 10 years ago, said Schwab, a Republican. It didnt work out so well. Steven Fish, a 45-year-old warehouse worker in eastern Kansas, said he understands the motivation behind the law. In his thinking, the state was like a store owner who fears getting robbed and installs locks. But in 2014, after the birth of his now 11-year-old son inspired him to be a little more responsible and follow politics, he didnt have an acceptable copy of his birth certificate to get registered to vote in Kansas. The locks didnt work, said Fish, one of nine Kansas residents who sued the state over the law. You caught a bunch of people who didnt do anything wrong. A small problem, but wide support for a fix Kansas' experience appeared to receive little if any attention outside the state as Republicans elsewhere pursued proof-of-citizenship requirements this year. Arizona enacted a requirement this year, applying it to voting for state and local elections but not for Congress or president. The Republican-led U.S. House passed a proof-of-citizenship requirement in the summer and plans to bring back similar legislation after the GOP won control of the Senate in November. In Ohio, the Republican secretary of state revised the form that poll workers use for voter eligibility challenges to require those not born in the U.S. to show naturalization papers to cast a regular ballot. A federal judge declined to block the practice days before the election. Also, sizable majorities of voters in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina and the presidential swing states of North Carolina and Wisconsin were inspired to amend their state constitutions' provisions on voting even though the changes were only symbolic. Provisions that previously declared that all U.S. citizens could vote now say that only U.S. citizens can vote a meaningless distinction with no practical effect on who is eligible. To be clear, voters already must attest to being U.S. citizens when they register to vote and noncitizens can face fines, prison and deportation if they lie and are caught. There is nothing unconstitutional about ensuring that only American citizens can vote in American elections, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, of Texas, the leading sponsor of the congressional proposal, said in an email statement to The Associated Press. Why the courts rejected the Kansas citizenship rule After Kansas residents challenged their states law, both a federal judge and federal appeals court concluded that it violated a law limiting states to collecting only the minimum information needed to determine whether someone is eligible to vote. Thats an issue Congress could resolve. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, a strong support of requiring new voters to provide proof of their U.S. citizenship when registering, answers questions during an interview with The Associated Press, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, in his office in Topeka, Kan. (AP Photo/John Hanna)AP The courts ruled that with scant evidence of an actual problem, Kansas couldnt justify a law that kept hundreds of eligible citizens from registering for every noncitizen who was improperly registered. A federal judge concluded that the states evidence showed that only 39 noncitizens had registered to vote from 1999 through 2012 an average of just three a year. In 2013, then-Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican who had built a national reputation advocating tough immigration laws, described the possibility of voting by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally as a serious threat. He was elected attorney general in 2022 and still strongly backs the idea, arguing that federal court rulings in the Kansas case almost certainly got it wrong. Kobach also said a key issue in the legal challenge people being unable to fix problems with their registrations within a 90-day window has probably been solved. The technological challenge of how quickly can you verify someones citizenship is getting easier, Kobach said. As time goes on, it will get even easier. Would the Kansas law stand today? The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the Kansas case in 2020. But in August, it split 5-4 in allowing Arizona to continue enforcing its law for voting in state and local elections while a legal challenge goes forward. Seeing the possibility of a different Supreme Court decision in the future, U.S. Rep.-elect Derek Schmidt says states and Congress should pursue proof-of-citizenship requirements. Schmidt was the Kansas attorney general when his states law was challenged. If the same matter arose now and was litigated, the facts would be different, he said in an interview. But voting rights advocates dismiss the idea that a legal challenge would turn out differently. Mark Johnson, one of the attorneys who fought the Kansas law, said opponents now have a template for a successful court fight. We know the people we can call, Johnson said. We know that weve got the expert witnesses. We know how to try things like this. He predicted a flurry a landslide of litigation against this. Born in Illinois but unable to register in Kansas Initially, the Kansas requirements impacts seemed to fall most heavily on politically unaffiliated and young voters. As of fall 2013, 57% of the voters blocked from registering were unaffiliated and 40% were under 30. But Fish was in his mid-30s, and six of the nine residents who sued over the Kansas law were 35 or older. Three even produced citizenship documents and still didnt get registered, according to court documents. There wasnt a single one of us that was actually an illegal or had misinterpreted or misrepresented any information or had done anything wrong, Fish said. He was supposed to produce his birth certificate when he sought to register in 2014 while renewing his Kansas drivers license at an office in a strip mall in Lawrence. A clerk wouldnt accept the copy Fish had of his birth certificate. He still doesnt know where to find the original, having been born on an Air Force base in Illinois that closed in the 1990s. Several of the people joining Fish in the lawsuit were veterans, all born in the U.S., and Fish said he was stunned that they could be prevented from registering. Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab gavels a meeting of the states presidential electors in the state Senate chamber to a close, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Schwab championed a proof-of-citizenship requirement for new voters as a legislator but now says states shouldnt enact one. (AP Photo/John Hanna)AP Liz Azore, a senior adviser to the nonpartisan Voting Rights Lab, said millions of Americans havent traveled outside the U.S. and dont have passports that might act as proof of citizenship, or dont have ready access to their birth certificates. She and other voting rights advocates are skeptical that there are administrative fixes that will make a proof-of-citizenship law run more smoothly today than it did in Kansas a decade ago. Its going to cover a lot of people from all walks of life, Avore said. Its going to be disenfranchising large swaths of the country. Associated Press writer Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. WASHINGTON (AP) Jimmy Carters memorial journey will end at his house in the tiny town of Plains, Georgia, where he grew up on a peanut farm. That is where his wife, Rosalynn, was laid to rest last year in a burial plot that they chose years ago. But before Carter reaches his humble final destination, there will be an interstate choreography of grief, ceremony and logistics that is characteristic of state funerals. Ever since the nations founding, America has bid farewell to former presidents with an intricate series of events weaving together longstanding traditions and personal touches. Funerals often are planned by the presidents themselves, who usually have years after leaving the White House to ponder how they want to be memorialized. They are very much involved in the planning process, and the decisions that they make tell us a lot about who they are, how they see the presidency, and how they want to be remembered by the American people, said Matthew Costello, senior historian for the White House Historical Association, who co-wrote a book called Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture. Carter had more time to plan than most. He lived for 43 years after his presidency ended, the longest post-presidency in U.S. history, before dying Sunday at 100. FILE - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter smiles during a meeting with Sudanese officials at the national elections commission in Khartoum, Sudan, April 9, 2010. Carter was in the country to help monitor the elections. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)AP Many details of his funeral remain under wraps, at the discretion of the family and military units that are responsible for carrying out the plans. Most presidents lie in state in the U.S. Capitol, and there is usually a service at Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden let slip last year that Carter had asked him to give a eulogy. (Excuse me, I shouldnt say that, Biden admitted.) Biden said Sunday his team is working with Carters family and others to see to it that he is remembered appropriately, here in the United States and around the world. Carters son Chip is his main point of contact, though Biden said he has spoken with all the Carter children. He described a process underway that will take a little time but will result in a major service in Washington, D.C. for Carter, which Biden scheduled for Jan. 9. Sometimes former presidents help with even the smallest details. Jeffrey Engel, director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, recalled meeting with George H.W. Bush shortly after the former president revised the seating chart for his funeral. And I said, Is that weird? You know, its your own death, Engel recalled. And he said, You know, you do it every three months. You kind of get used to it. FILE - The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard into a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool, File)AP President Dwight Eisenhower, who commanded Allied troops during World War II before becoming a politician, wanted to be buried in an $80 government-issued casket. Apart from a glass seal that was added to the design, it was indistinguishable from the casket of any other solider. Details of the processions also can reflect aspects of a presidents life. Ronald Reagans casket was carried up the west steps of the U.S. Capitol, which face his home state of California. When Gerald Ford died, his casket was brought through the House side of the building, a nod to his years as a lawmaker. The job of carrying out presidential funerals falls to the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, which includes 4,000 military and civilian personnel. The unit said in a statement that it is privileged to provide this support on behalf of the nation. FILE - President Richard Nixon, center, speaks from a podium in front of the casket of Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, March 30, 1969. From left, front: former first lady Mamie Eisenhower, the widow; son John Eisenhower and his wife, Barbara Eisenhower; first lady Pat Nixon and daughter Tricia. (AP Photo, File)AP Presidential funerals can leave lasting marks on the American consciousness. One of the most memorable descriptions of George Washington first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen came from a eulogy that was widely reprinted when the countrys first leader died. After John F. Kennedy was assassinated, his son John Jr. was photographed saluting the casket. Kennedys casket was transported down Pennsylvania Avenue on the same caisson that carried Abraham Lincoln after he was assassinated a century earlier, and a riderless horse was included in the procession. Kennedys was the first presidential funeral to be widely televised. Technology has made mourning in a way more accessible, more democratic. More people have the opportunity to take a moment and reflect upon what this person meant, Costello said. And I think it also opens the door to more people being involved in the grieving process. FILE - Members of the White House staff file past the body of John F. Kennedy, lying in repose in a closed, flag-draped coffin in the historic East Room of the Executive Mansion in Washington, Nov. 23, 1963. (AP Photo/Henry Burroughs, File)AP In many democratic countries, the head of state and the head of government are two different people. The United States combines both roles, ceremonial and chief executive, into the office of the presidency. Since we have no national figure other than the president, weve essentially taken all the traditional weight and civic emotion that is put on to the death or the birth or a wedding for a sovereign or a king and placed it on the heads of the presidents, Engel said. And there arent that many of them, to be honest. So whenever one of them passes, its unusual and a big deal. He described funerals as a moment to remember that were all in this together and this man was the president for all of us, whether youre a Republican or a Democrat. However, in todays divided politics, state funerals can produce awkward, even tense, moments. During George H.W. Bushs funeral in 2018, the audience included President Donald Trump. He shook hands with former President Barack Obama, his predecessor, but did not interact with Hillary Clinton, who he defeated in the 2016 election, or her husband, former President Bill Clinton. These funerals are always political, Engel said. Whatever happens in the Carter funeral is going to be political, frankly, whether people around the Carter family want it to be or not. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Authors: Nicole Hassoun, Binghamton University, State University of New York The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has set off soul-searching among many Americans. Part of that reflection is about the public reaction to Thompsons death and the sympathy the suspect received online, with some people critical of the insurance industry celebrating the assailantas a sort of folk hero. As many observers have pointed out, frustrations are no excuse for murder. But it has become a moment of wider reflection on health care in America, and why so many patients feel the system is broken. Philosopher Nicole Hassoun researches health care and human rights. The Conversation U.S. spoke with her about the deeper questions Americans should be asking when they discuss health care reform. Were seeing an outpouring of anger about health care in the United States. Your work deals with global health inequality and access can you help put the U.S. system in perspective? If we compare ourselves to other rich countries, we dont do very well. We spend much more money about double per patient, on average, compared with other OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries and get much less in return. In a study of 10 wealthy nations, including New Zealand, Sweden and Canada, The Commonwealth Fund a private foundation for health care research ranks the U.S. last overall. About 90% of Americans have some kind of health insurance. Still, 10% lack insurance entirely, and even some of those who are insured cant afford the co-pays or medication costs. And there is a great deal of inequality in the U.S.: both disparities in access to health care and disparities in outcomes. Black infants die at a rate nearly 2.5 times higher than white babies do, for example, and diabetes rates are 30% higher among Native Americans and Latinos than white Americans. People of color tend to have lower rates of coverage as well. Before the Affordable Care Act, the situation was really dire. Its likely many of us will get some terrible health condition like cancer during our lifetime, even when were relatively young. And what that meant before the ACA was that, if you got sick enough to lose your job and so, your health insurance new insurers could charge high rates because of your preexisting condition. Youve argued theres a universal right to health. What does that mean, and what would it look like? I think that people everywhere should have a legally enforced right to health and in many countries, such as Germany and Norway, they do. In about half the worlds countries, that right is spelled out in the constitution. But the United States has not ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which includes a right to health. Morally, I think that the U.S. ought to have signed on to that. People should be able to live minimally good lives, and health is really important to do that. Countries should protect their citizens human rights, and health is fundamental to other human rights, like the right to life. When I say people have a right to health, I mean they have a right to the socially controllable determinants of health. This includes a clean and safe environment, health care and adequate food, water and social support. I am not saying that they have a right to be healthy, because you cant guarantee that for anybody. What I mean is that society should do what it can so that everybody has health care at a reasonable cost. Good governments and their social support systems help everyone secure the health they need to contribute to society. The alternative is costly for everybody, not just people who are sick. Nearly half of the health problems in the U.S. stem from preventable diseases. As a wealthy country, we should have the resources to address those problems including steps as simple as making sure people have high blood-pressure medicine, or regular primary-care visits. Everybody should be getting that kind of care, because otherwise, people certainly end up in the emergency room. Even ER visits that do not result in hospitalization cost an immense amount of money, ratcheting up the costs for everyone in the system, and often patients still dont get the care that they need. According to a 2020 study published in The Lancet, a single-payer system could save the U.S. 13% savings in health care spending or US$450 billion each year. Its a matter of how we want to be as a country. We can make health a right, but that is a decision that the American population has to make. Were all in this together. Were all trying to make this country work. And its a lot harder to do that when youre sick. You mentioned an interesting phrase: the idea of the minimally good life. I just wrote a book on the minimally good life, and the main question it grapples with is this: What do we owe each other as a basic minimum? What kind of social safety net will suffice for everyone? I argue that respect for humanity requires people to help others live minimally good lives when that help does not sacrifice our own reasonably good quality of life. But how should we define that minimum? How should the country decide what kind of social welfare system to have? The basic idea is this: Put yourself in other peoples shoes and think, There but for the grace of God go I. What would I need to live a good-enough life as that person? What would I need if I were them? Maybe you dont have cancer right now, or heart disease, or anything else. But someday you might. Empathy lets us think about how we can create the kind of security that will help us all flourish and live good lives. Its also part of being a good-enough person. I think we live better lives when we help each other. When we think about what we want, what policies and laws we want to vote for, we have to put ourselves in others shoes and consider what would be good enough for all of us. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/the-moral-dimension-to-americas-flawed-health-care-system-245971. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has died at 100, the Carter Center announced on Sunday. He entered hospice care in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, in February 2023. Carter celebrated his 100th birthday in October. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died in November 2023 at age 96. When she passed, it was really hard for him, grandson Jason Carter said in spring 2024. He had this opportunity to say goodbye, and after that, he was just totally at peace with it, and it was an incredible thing after 77 years of marriage to watch that type of closure. He was ultimately really proud that he was with her until the end, Jason Carter said. Carter was the 39th U.S. president, serving from 1977 to 1981, after defeating Gerald Ford, Richard Nixons vice president, who served after Nixons resignation. Carters vice president was Walter Mondale. They served one term. Prior to and during his presidency, Carter made a number of trips to Pennsylvania. He campaigned in New Cumberland and Harrisburg in 1976. Carter also visited in the aftermath of the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979. On Nov. 4, 1979, Iranian demonstrators invaded the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, incited by their ayatollah to retaliate for the exiled former shahs admission into the United States for medical treatment. Fifty-two Americans were held hostage for more than a year. Carter tried to negotiate, and when that didnt work, he ordered a military rescue that failed in April 1980. Eight Americans were killed in the attempt. It was Carters bleakest hour. The hostage crisis shadowed and essentially crippled Carters re-election campaign. He lost to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter carried six states to Reagans 44. Minutes after Reagan was inaugurated on Jan. 20, 1981, the hostages were freed after 444 days in captivity. During his presidency, Carter engineered the Israel-Egypt peace accord during negotiations at Camp David in 1978. He won the beginnings of an energy conservation policy. He gained ratification of the treaties that yielded U.S. control of the Panama Canal. He opened full diplomatic relations with China. The departments of energy and education were created. After his presidency, Carter was known for his charitable works, including famously volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip) and Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff), and a daughter, Amy Lynn, who was a child when the Carters lived in the White House. Information from The Associated Press, the Carter Library and the White House. PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers do not expect to sit their starters against the Cincinnati Bengals even if the Baltimore Ravens clinch the AFC North with a win against the Cleveland Browns before their night game. Mike Tomlin was asked if there was ever any thought to sitting his starters, and he said he had never thought about that but could consider it later in the week. Either way, he does not think they will sit players because they need to get the stench of the last three losses off them. "I havent pondered that at all, to be quite honest with you, Tomlin said. That may be a thought for later in the week, but as I mentioned, I think its significant how we go into this tournament. So I doubt that Ill be in that mentality. The Steelers have lost their last three games by multiple scores, something the Steelers are not accepting without trying to fix those issues urgently. Tomlin called a meeting with the team on Thursday after the loss and cleared the air with the team. It was much-needed, as the Steelers have to look in the mirror and fix much of their self-inflicted ills. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form The fire department doesn't only put out fires, but also helps with the town people in Bushnell, Nebraska. The Bushnell Lions Club is also helping and looking out for their citizens. Times are rough especially during the holidays. There were sixteen people that received gifts from Santa Clause this Christmas. The Bushnell Volunteer Fire department along with Bushnell Lions Club gave baskets of food last Sunday for Christmas. The people that received the baskets are single and have not families. They received a ham and a basket full of food. Santa was played by Robert Early. The Shoemaker Ranch... CHEYENNE, Wyo. On Dec. 20, 2024, the Quilts of Valor Foundation hosted a ceremony at the Wyoming National Guard Joint Forces Readiness Center to honor four distinguished Army veterans from Cheyenne. The event highlighted the enduring mission of the Foundation: to provide comfort and healing to service members and veterans touched by war. Quilts of Valor is a national non-profit organization with over 600 groups across the country. Since its inception, the group has awarded more than 408,000 quilts, including 350 by the Cheyenne chapter since 2015. In October 2024, the Foundation received the... CHEYENNE, WY The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order on the evening of December 26th vacating the stay on a nationwide injunction enjoining the United States Government from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its Implementing Regulations. This December 26th order once again blocks the enforcement of the CTA and its associated reporting requirements. Secretary of State Chuck Gray issued the following statement applauding the order: Yesterday evenings order to block the enforcement of the CTA deadlines by reinstating the nationwide injunction of the CTA is a huge v... If you're visiting Charleston, you've likely already put most of your money toward a hotel stay and the dinners at restaurants or experiences like a carriage ride or ghost tour that you reserved weeks in advance. But if you've left the itinerary open and are ballin' on a budget, there are plenty of ways to still have fun in town while spending $100 or less in a day. It may not be easy if you're looking to dine out at some of the more acclaimed downtown restaurants that have helped put Charleston on the culinary map or the newest trendy spots, either. With a little compromise that will still satisfy, I've got some ideas on how you can keep your wallet happy while still enjoying what the Holy City has to offer. Oh, and this goes for locals looking to have a little Sunday Funday in their city as well! We're keeping things on the peninsula for this one, though of course plenty of free and cheap activities await outside of downtown, from beaches to parks to cafes. Breakfast/Coffee Kudu Coffee: Start off your day with a $4 Americano at Kudu Coffee & Craft Beer and enjoy this rare downtown courtyard, equipped with ivy walls, string lights and a fountain. Some cute birds also like to visit in search of your crumbs. Peruse the fresh pastry case, which includes muffins, quiches, bagels, croissants and assorted treats, and tack on a quick bite to eat as well that won't pull your purse strings too hard, all ringing in under $6. ($10-$15) Morning Activity Walk the Battery: Enjoy some outdoor time in Charleston at one of its most iconic views on the peninsula. You can stroll past Rainbow Row and nearby cobblestone streets, dip your toes in the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park and then stroll The Battery with its waterfront views, sailboats in the distance. Tack on an artistic experience as well by popping into the City Gallery at Waterfront Park, which offers free admission and features rotating exhibits. (Free) Kingstree, SC (29556) Today Sun and clouds mixed. High 77F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low around 50F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. The Carnival Sunshine will make its last home-ported voyage from Union Pier Terminal on Dec. 30, ending a nearly 15-year relationship with the State Ports Authority. Reporter Max White is a reporter for The Post and Courier Spartanburg primarily covering local government and business. He is a South Carolina native of Charleston and graduated from the University of South Carolina in December 2023. Despite increased spending for the education sector in 2024, much of the sectors challenges remain, with some of them becoming more pronounced. As the government moves to address some of the challenges, new ones have reared their heads. The major events that shaped the sector during the year include continuous fee hikes in Nigerian tertiary institutions, hike in electricity tariffs, introduction of student loans, and the lingering disputes between the government and university-based unions. Meanwhile, the basic and secondary education sub-sectors attracted lesser attention. Low budget In his first budget as president, Bola Tinubu allocated N1.59 trillion of the N28.77 trillion budget to education, representing 5.5 per cent of the total budget. The allocation is higher than the N1.08 trillion the education ministry received in the 2023 budget. But when measured in percentage, it is lower than the 2023 allocation which was 8.8 per cent. However, a review of the proposed budget for 2025 revealed that the government plans to spend around seven per cent of the budget on education, higher than 2024s 5.5 per cent. The proposed education budget for 2025, N3.5 trillion, is more than double the allocation for the sector in 2024. While Nigerias allocation to the sector has grown over the years, it has remained short of the 15 per cent threshold recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Fee hike continues Meanwhile, a trend among Nigerian universities that began in 2023 as a result of the need for more funding continued in 2024 and became a new normal. Almost all public universities increased their fees in 2023. More universities hiked their fees this year, ignoring protests by students. The fees now cost three times what they were two years ago. Institutions like the University of Ibadan increased their fees from between N20,000 and N30,000 to about N200,000 and N400,000 in 2024, sparking protests among its students. The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), an Oyo state-owned institution, also increased fees to N168,000 for indigenes and N204,000 for non-indigenes. The old fees were said to be N105,000 for indigenes and N127,000 for non-indigenes. Students loan In reaction to the fee hike, the federal government launched the student loan scheme, one of President Bola Tinubus flagship education policies, in February after shifting the launch date multiple times. When he assumed office, Mr Tinubu provided a swift assent to the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023, popularly known as the Students Loan Bill. The law provided the legal framework for the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NEFLUND), which manages and administers education loans to Nigerian students in public tertiary institutions. The bill faced criticisms from stakeholders in the education sector, most of whom accused the government of using the scheme to introduce tuition fees and raise costs in public tertiary institutions. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has always opposed the law since it was first introduced to the National Assembly in 2016, persisted in its opposition, insisting that the government was trying to take higher education out of the reach of poor Nigerians. Shortly after Mr Tinubu signed the bill into law in 2023, the then Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, David Adejoh, said the scheme was scheduled to take off in September 2023, but it did not. Later, Mr Tinubu announced at the National Economic Summit Group (NESG) conference that the implementation must begin in January. Still it did not. In March, the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, announced the postponement of the take-off because of the need to have all stakeholders fully aligned before the formal flag-off by President Bola Tinubu. The scheme, which finally took off in May, has disbursed over N110 billion in student loans across 281 public tertiary institutions. Blackout on campuses However, despite the increased fees payable by students, the universities still struggle with rising costs of managing their facilities as a result of low funds. This year, universities and teaching hospitals experienced days of blackout after electricity distribution companies (Discos) disconnected them from the electricity grid over their failure to pay the bills for the electricity they consumed. Some of the institutions affected include: Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and University of Benin (UNIBEN). Their woes began after the Discos operating in their domain migrated them to Band A, where the tariff is three times higher than for other electricity Bands. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) increased the tariff for Band A customers from N68 per kilowatt-hour to N225 in April. Meanwhile, the electricity distribution companies serially moved the institutions to Band A, ignoring their protests. This has left them struggling to pay. UNILAG, for instance, said its electricity bill rose from between N150 million and N180 million monthly to almost N300 million monthly since the migration to Band A. ASUU, SSANU other workers unions issues linger Though Nigerian universities experienced a peaceful industrial atmosphere, it was not all calm. The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) embarked on multiple protests and a strike action, insisting on payment of salaries withheld since 2022. The administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari had invoked a No Work, No Pay policy in 2022 when three university-based workers unions downed tools over the non-implementation of previous agreements with the government. The unions are the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and SSANU. While ASUUs strike extended through eight months from February to October 2022, the strike by the other unions lasted only four months. As a result of the No Work, No Pay policy, none of them received salaries for the period they were on strike. However, in October 2023, Mr Tinubu directed that four of the eight months withheld salaries be paid to the academic staff (ASUU). It was finally paid in February but the other unions SSANU and NASU were left out of this, sparking protests. SSANU and NASUs Joint Action Committee (JAC) wrote multiple letters to the Minister of Education, the presidency and the chief of staff to the president but received no satisfactory response for months. Both unions embarked on a nationwide protest in March and again in June when their demands were still not met. In October, they embarked on an indefinite strike and suspended the strike a week later after their members started receiving parts of the withheld salaries. Meanwhile, ASUU also threatened to embark on industrial action on multiple occasions. The union is protesting the non-implementation of the 2009 agreement between it and the Nigerian government. The agreement has been the major source of dispute between both parties for over a decade. In October, the government inaugurated a seven-man committee led by Yayale Ahmed, the Pro-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to renegotiate the contentious agreement. The committee has yet to complete negotiations with the unions, including ASUU, SSANU, NASU, and NAAT. Governing councils For 11 months, Nigerian tertiary institutions operated without governing councils, after Mr Tinubu dissolved the councils in June 2023. This threw the University of Abuja into a crisis in May as the tenure of the then vice-chancellor, Abdulrashee NaAllah, a professor, neared its end. In the absence of a council to recruit a vice-chancellor, the university, alongside the education ministry, rolled out a call for applications for the position of the vice-chancellor. But the institutions chapter of ASUU opposed the move as well as all recruitments and promotions done within the period when there was no council. The union also declared an indefinite strike over the matter. As this was going on, the national leadership of ASUU also issued a two-week ultimatum for the government to reinstate the dissolved university councils, describing their dissolution as illegal. Days after ASUUs threat, Mr Tinubu directed the reconstitution of the councils. However, the first list of members of governing councils was met with widespread criticism by stakeholders in the education sector. They accused the then Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, a professor, of populating the list with his associates. The list was reversed and another was released in June. The new list contained the names of politicians and prominent leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including its pioneer National Chairman and former Governor of Osun State, Adebisi Akande; its 2023 governorship candidate in Kano State, Nasir Gawuna, among others. Mr Mamman, then the education minister, inaugurated members of the governing council in July, warning them against extravagant spendings. Minimum age for admission At a policy meeting on admission into tertiary institutions organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), the immediate past Minister of Education, Mr Mamman, directed tertiary institutions not to admit candidates below the age of 18 years. Mr Mamman said the directive was a matter of law and policy and not a directive he made up. Our laws require students to be in school from six years Yes, there are those who do that from five, and remain in primary school for six years, basic education for three years, and secondary school for three years It doesnt require a statement of the minister we are only restating what is in the law, he had said. But the directive was met by ominous grumbling by university vice-chancellors, rectors of polytechnics and provosts of colleges of education present at the meeting. They argued that candidates had registered without the knowledge of the restriction. After a heated debate on the age limit, the meeting agreed to adopt 16 years as the minimum age for admissions for the admission year. The directive was, however, reversed in November after a new minister of education, Olatunji Alausa, assumed office in November. Mamman out, Alausa in In a cabinet reshuffle in October, President Tinubu removed Mr Mamman as education minister and reassigned the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. The president appointed Tunji Alausa as the new Minister of Education and Suwaiba Ahmad as the Minister of State for Education. The presidency did not give any reason for the removal of Mr Mamman or reassignment of Mr Sununu. Mr Alausa, the new education minister, is a successful medical doctor. Mr Alausa earned his Bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lagos in 1993. He practised as a Nephrologist in the United States for many years. He served as Chief Medical Resident at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. He was also an Assistant Professor at the Rush University Medical School. Mr Alausa was named one of Americas Best Physicians in 2007, 2012 and 2020. Before his latest appointment as education minister, he served as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. Mr Alausa, from Epe, Lagos State, is a personal physician to President Tinubu and has been involved in the decisions around the education sector behind the scenes since the new administration appointed him as the Minister of State for Health. Meanwhile, the new Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, is an associate professor of education, with extensive experience in the education sector. She earned her Bachelors degree in Education and Chemistry from Bayero University, Kano (BUK), in 2003 and her Master of Education in Curriculum Studies from the same university in 2009. Ms Ahmad also obtained her doctorate in Science Education from Ahmadu Bello University in 2014. She has worked as an academic staffer at the Bayero University Kano since 2004. She is also an associate of the Policy Practice, an organisation working on political economy analysis on governance, conflict and fragility, economic development and social development. She was the consultant for the state-level situation report for Jigawa State and part of Kano State on the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), a seven-year education programme funded by the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Ms Ahmad was also the consultant for Jigawa State for Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL) flagship, another FCDO-sponsored programme on core governance reforms and service delivery improvements in Nigeria. Basic education However, the nations basic education, regarded as the most important level of education, remained the weakest link of the education sector in 2024. Despite the provisions of free and compulsory education in the UBE Act of 2004, the government has made no progress in enforcing this. For close to a month, teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) downed tools over unresolved welfare issues with the chairpersons of the six area councils. The strike was only suspended after Minister of the FCT, Nyseom Wike, waded into the matter. Though there are projects like the World Bank-assisted Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, (AGILE), aimed at ensuring access to basic education and re-enrollment of children of school age, Nigeria still has a high number of out-of-school children and the actual figure remains unknown. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), however, estimates the figure to be at 20 million. A recent PREMIUM TIMES investigation reveals how over 60 basic education schools are now shut in Zamfara State as a result of insecurity, worsening access to education and throwing thousands more children out of school. The challenges of the sub-sector range from poor funding, dilapidated infrastructure, low quality assurance, lack of teachers among others. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, has said he initiated a foreign scholarship programme to address the backwardness of north-west Nigeria in education. Mr Jibrin stated this while sending off 70 students, and his foundation is sponsoring them to study artificial intelligence (AI) and forensic and robotics science. Addressing the beneficiaries at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, he said the initiative aims to address the gaps in the fields and fast-track the regions and the countrys development. One of the areas that we have a problem in educating our youth is the northwestern part of this country. We have a youth population, which is an asset to us, but our problem is that they are not well-educated. And I feel that our number one solution to our problems is educating our youth. READ ALSO: Governor Lawal approves 13th month salary for Zamfara workers And we understand the importance of human capital. Its key to the development of every nation. Its in this regard that I feel that the best thing to do is to begin to educate, help, or complement what the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is doing in terms of giving access to indigent students, our youth who do not have the wherewithal, whose parents do not have the wherewithal to train them educationally. For now, we are taking out about 70. But because of flight issues, this batch is going now. Then we are also going to increase. Its going to be a yearly kind of arrangement, Mr Jibrin stated. He said plans are in place to help the students to become self-reliant and start their businesses after their studies. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Jibrin also donated 200 dollars to each beneficiary 65 males and five females. Some persons in Jigawa posted photos of relatives in the programme while commending the lawmakers gesture. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Monday night marks the climax of an exhilarating journey as Fund It Forward Season 2 unveils its grand finale. A Channels TV Original, Fund It Forward combines business reality with social purpose, nurturing innovators dedicated to impacting their communities. After weeks of rigorous challenges, transformative learning, and inspiring breakthroughs, the final four Change Agents stand on the brink of greatness. Who will win the coveted 30 million grant and emerge as a true social impact leader? This season has showcased the bold resilience and innovative prowess of 12 dynamic entrepreneurs striving to redefine Nigerias socio-economic landscape. From sustainable agriculture to cutting-edge technology, our finalists have defied the odds to remain in the running. Speaking on this seasons goal, Executive Producer Zemmy Momoh said in a statement, One of the major goals of Fund It Forward is that our viewers are inspired by our wonderful change agents on the one hand and empowered through the tasks, masterclass gems, Consultant wisdom, and expert judge critiques on the other hand so that they too catch the social entrepreneurship bug. Ms Momoh said the change agents had surmounted challenging tasks over the last seven weeks, from enterprise pitch to supply-side validation to product improvement and branding. Fantastic Four: Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Favour Adeleke, 22 (Lagos), is the CEO of Qiqi Farms, which uses blockchain to connect farmers with markets and aims for a zero-waste agricultural ecosystem. Chioma Ukpabi, 28 (Abia): Leads SUWK, an edtech venture offering vocational training to tackle youth unemployment and improve skill-based job placements. Israel Kehinde, 24 (Lagos): Founder of an innovative eReading device tackling Africas textbook crisis, aspiring to deliver affordable education access continent-wide. Amidu Mohammed, 25 (Niger): Creator of EcoFeet Pro, eco-friendly footwear with health-tracking, repurposing scrap materials for sustainability. The grand finale promises more than tension and triumphits a night for inspiration, celebration, and a collective reminder of the boundless possibilities of entrepreneurship. Catch the grand finale airing on Monday at 7:00 PM on Channels TV. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The former US president, Jimmy Carter, has died at age 100. His death was confirmed on Sunday by the Carter Center in a post made on X, formerly Twitter. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia, the non-profit organisation, founded by the former president in 1980, wrote. The centre disclosed that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. The Carter Center also disclosed that he died 13 months after entering hospice care at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his late wife, Rosalynn, spent most of their lives. His son, James E. Carter III, has also confirmed his death, according to The Washington Post. In September 2023, Carters grandson, Jason Carter, had told PEOPLE that the former presidents unexpectedly long time in hospice care had surprised the entire family, describing it as a real blessing. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This is an important part of his faith journey, and its one that you dont 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 its been a really reflective time for him. At age 100, Mr Carter was the longest-living American president. His wife, Rosalynn had died at 96 in November 2023. Jimmy Carters presidency and service He was a Nobel Peace Prize-winning president who transformed his legacy from a one-term commander-in-chief to humanitarian service. Mr Carter served as the 39th president of the United States between 1977 and 1981. He was elected into the White House in 1976, in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the widespread unpopularity of President Gerald Fords decision to pardon his disgraced predecessor, Richard Nixon. Before his election, the former president held several positions. He was a nuclear scientist, a Navy submariner, a peanut farmer, and community organiser. He also served as the Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967 and as governor from 1971 to 1975. After defeating President Ford in the 1976 election, the Democrat became the first president from the Deep South since before the Civil War. Mr Carters presidency was defined by economic instability, soaring gas prices, political unrest, racial tensions, and growing signs of Americas declining influence abroad. One of his most notable achievements was brokering a historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, along with restoring full diplomatic relations with China. However, he made several clumsy missteps in public relations that caused his approval ratings to sharply decline. One of such was the launch of a rescue mission for American hostages in Iran that ended in a fiasco. He also introduced a controversial boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In 1980, Mr Carter lost his reelection bid to Ronald Reagan and transitioned to humanitarian service. He and his wife established The Carter Center to advance global peace and human rights. He also brokered a nuclear nonproliferation agreement with North Korea, served as an unofficial US diplomat in conflict zones, and contributed to building affordable housing for low-income families domestically and internationally. In 2002, Mr Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication to peace, democracy, and human rights. Mr Carter and Rosalynn are survived by four children: Jack, Chip, Jeff and Amy Carter. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Chinese military conducts combat readiness patrols over Huangyan Dao Xinhua) 13:09, December 30, 2024 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) President Joe Biden says former US President Jimmy Carter was an extraordinary statesman and humanitarian throughout his lifetime. During a televised address on Sunday night from his family holiday in the US Virgin Islands, the US President stated that Mr Carter embodied the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away. He also said that the world has lost a remarkable leader and a man for all time. The Carter Center announced the death of the 39th US President in a post made on X, formerly Twitter, stating that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia, the non-profit organisation said. Mr Carter, who is the longest-lived US president, passed away 13 months after beginning hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, the small town where he and his wife, Rosalynn, had lived. The Nobel Peace Prize winner died at the age of 100. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Bidens relationship with Carter Mr Carter served as the 39th president of the United States between 1977 and 1981. He was elected to the White House in 1976, and President Biden was said to be the first national figure to endorse Mr Carter when he ran for president. The two had formed an early alliance in the Senate, and Mr Carter served as Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967. Mr Carter is considered to be President Bidens first political ally. In his remark, the US President praised the former presidents character. He said his memories of Mr Carter boiled down to decency, decency, decency and Mr Carters belief that everybody deserved a shot. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needs something and just keeps walking? Can you imagine referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk? I cant, he said. Biden declares January 9 as mourning day The US President also announced a national day of mourning on 9 January to honour Mr Carter. He encouraged Americans to visit places of worship to pay homage to the late president. He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast at all public and military buildings for 30 days, a period that would include President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. 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, the president also said in a statement issued on his behalf by the White House. Trump reacts Meanwhile, Mr Trump, the incoming president, who will assume office on 20 January, commended Mr Carter for his unwavering efforts to enhance the well-being of the American people. In a statement issued on Sunday, he said, 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. The four living former US presidents and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have all mourned Mr Carters death. Foreign leaders pay tributes World leaders, too, have expressed their condolences and honoured Mr Carters legacy. Britains King Charles III 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. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Mr Carter for being driven by deep faith and principles. READ ALSO: Former US President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 He said, Carter was motivated by his strong faith and values, and he redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad. Similarly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Mr Carter a leader who has fought firmly for Ukraines freedom. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, also said he had been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. Nigerias President Bola Tinubu said Mr Carter was a faithful and dedicated friend of Nigeria before his death. As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and global statesman, President Carter devoted his post-presidential life to the causes of peace, democracy, and eradicating tropical diseases, the Nigerian leader said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has identified injustice as Nigerias primary challenge. Mr Akpabio stated on Sunday in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, during a thanksgiving service in honour of a judge, Festus Ntong, on his elevation to the Court of Appeal. Mr Ntongs elevation comes after a decade of service in the Akwa-Ibom State High Court. According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Anietie Ekong, the senate president blamed the nations security problem in different parts of the country on existing injustice, noting that no nation will attain peace if it is prevalent. The core of the problem of Nigeria is injustice. Where there is injustice, there can never be peace. May God continue to use our judicial officers as vessels for justice for this country and the global community, he said. Mr Akpabio urged judicial officers in the country to use their offices to facilitate justice for the oppressed. He described Mr Ntong as a courageous judge who has distinguished himself in the legal profession with justice. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He urged him to continue to uphold ethical standards. My Lord, you are a pride to Akwa Ibom State. You are a pride to the legal profession. And I urge you to continue to uphold this high ethical standard at the Court of Appeal, as Akwa Ibom is very proud of you, he said. My prayer for Akwa-Ibom granted Mr Akpabio said his prayer had been granted with Mr Ntongs elevation to the appellate court. After Justice Udo Udoma exited the Supreme Court as a governor, I was very worried because after his demise, no other person from Akwa Ibom State was at the apex court, yet we have brilliant brains in the legal profession. I prayed to God to grant me the one request that before the end of my tenure as governor, another Akwa Ibom son or daughter should be elevated to the apex court, and God granted me this request through the elevation of Justice Inyang Okoro to the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Justice Ntong, you are not going to be the only one. There will be many others after you so that Akwa Ibom State will continue to give justice to Nigeria, he added. In his speech, Mr Ntong said he appreciated the well-wishers who graced the event. He said their support has motivated him to continue his selfless service to his people and the nation. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 929 suspects and intercepted 2.6 tonnes of hard drugs in 2024. The state commander of the agency, Fatima Popoola, stated this at a media briefing in Ilorin on Monday. She said 839 of the suspects are male, while 90 are female. Mrs Popoola said the hard drugs recovered include cannabis, tramadol, diazepam, methamphetamine, cough syrup laced with codeine, and cocaine/crack. She said cannabis tops the list of seized drugs, totalling 1,455.529 kilogrammes. The NDLEA official said the agency mopped up 1.5 tonnes of cannabis from the streets. She noted that during a raid of a drug joint, the command arrested 185 drunk users who were counselled at the drug demand reduction unit and reintegrated with their family members. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later She said 22 clients were admitted into the rehabilitation facility while 17 others are non-residential, coming from their homes for counselling during the period under review. Mrs Popoola said the agency secured 133 convictions at the federal high court, with 14 vehicles and 12 motorcycles and money seized from convicts forfeited to the federal government. In collaboration with the state government, she said the command started a drug testing policy on 261 fresh students, the vice chancellor and Dean of Student Affairs of the Kwara State University (KWASU). Mrs Popoola commended the state government and other security agencies for supporting their activities. She advised parents and guardians to show interest in the activities of their children to prevent them from joining lousy gangs. She urged the state government to provide the agency with additional operational vehicles and help it complete its rehabilitation centre. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Lagos State Government has appealed to the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeals judgement acquitting medical doctor Femi Olaleye of raping a minor. The Lagos-based doctor was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court on two counts of defilement and sexual assault by penetration of his wifes 16-year-old niece. PREMIUM TIMES reports that Mr Olaleye, a medical director at Optimal Cancer Care, was arraigned in 2022 by the Lagos State Government at the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, in Ikeja, Lagos. In October 2023, the Lagos Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court convicted and sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, on 29 November, the Court of Appeal, Lagos division, discharged and acquitted the convict citing errors in the lower courts judgement. The appellate court described the evidence provided by the prosecution as tainted and unreliable. In response, civil rights groups petitioned the Lagos state Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urging him to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court to restore public trust in the justice system. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Appeal On 27 December, the Lagos State Government filed its notice of appeal at the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeals decision. In the filing signed by Babajide Martins, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lagos State of Ministry of Justice, the state government urged the court to set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal and affirm the conviction and sentences of Mr Olaleye by the trial court. The notice further stated that the Defendant/ Respondent is not in custody having been discharged and acquitted by the Court of Appeal from the conviction and sentence to life imprisonment by the High Court of Lagos State for the offences of Sexual Assault by penetration and Defilement of a Child. Grounds of appeal The state government gave three grounds of appeal against the lower courts decision. It argued that the judges of the Court of Appeal erred in law when they held in total disregard of Section 209 (2) of the Evidence Act, 2011 and the decision of the Apex Court in Dagaya V State (2006) LPELR 912 (SC) that sworn evidence of PW2, a child of above fourteen (14), requires corroboration. The appellant also argued that the Court of Appeal made a legal error by ruling that certain extrajudicial statements marked Exhibits H, H1, and H2 were improperly admitted as evidence because the trial court failed to conduct a trial within a trial to determine their admissibility. It maintained that the trial court rightly admitted the statements and that a trial-within-trial was not necessary, with the withdrawal of the objection to the confessional statement. The appellant also faulted the Court of Appeals decision that the prosecutions failure to call two key witnesses was fatal to the case of the prosecution. The Lagos government maintained that the prosecution was not bound by any law to call all proposed witnesses. It said, for instance, the absence of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Patricia Amadi, who was not the investigating police officer in the case, did not harm the prosecutions case. It said the evidence from the actual investigating officer, PW6, was sufficient. The government said the two witnesses did not detract from the prosecutions case, because the corroboration from the victim and other witnesses proved the necessary elements of the offence. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, and a former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, have expressed their condolences over the death of the 39th US President, Jimmy Carter. According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, President Tinubu described Mr Carter as an example of selfless service. He described Mr Carter as a leader who showed other world leaders the significant impact of commitment beyond the presidency. The former US president died at age 100 as the longest-lived American president. President Tinubu said that Mr Carter was a faithful and dedicated friend of Nigeria before his death. As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and global statesman, President Carter devoted his post-presidential life to the causes of peace, democracy, and eradicating tropical diseases. His unwavering commitment to these noble pursuits has left an indelible mark on the world, the statement read. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Obasanjo too In his reaction, former President Olusegun Obasanjo extended his sympathies to the government and people of the United States over Mr Carters death. Speaking on the Arise TV morning show on Monday, he praised Mr Carter as a humble leader who dedicated himself to public service long after leaving office. He said Mr Carter was an example that world leaders must strive to emulate. He said authentic leadership extends beyond the corridors of power and is more about possessing a strong sense of responsibility to use experiences and connections gained in office to advance humanity. Mr Obasanjo said the world is grappling with a severe leadership deficit, particularly in politics and across various sectors. Whether you spend two or ten years in office, you acquire certain experiences and build relationships that can be tapped into for the worlds good. He stayed active until he no longer had the strength, proving that leadership is a lifelong service to humanity, he noted. Carters death PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Carters death was confirmed on Sunday by the Carter Center. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia, the non-profit organisation, founded by the former president in 1980, wrote. The centre said that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Carters visit to Nigeria Highlighting his post-presidential initiatives, President Tinubu said that the former US president, through The Carter Center, impacted Nigeria by addressing diseases like Guinea worm and river blindness. President Carter showed us all how to remain relevant and impactful after leaving the esteemed position of President of the United States, Mr Tinubu said. READ ALSO: Former US President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 He tackled the challenges the developing world faced, from combating diseases to mediating conflicts and promoting democratic values. He exemplified grace, dignity, and a profound respect for humanity. He also reflected on Mr Carters historic visit to Nigeria, which was pivotal in enhancing US-Africa relations, with Nigeria taking centre stage. On 31 March 1978, Mr Carter became the first US president to pay a state visit to sub-Saharan Africa. The former US president was known as a champion of international human rights both during and after his White House tenure. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his lifetime dedication to that cause. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has denied being part of a purported agreement by opposition leaders to work together for the 2027 elections. Mr Kwankwaso said the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar told some northern religious and political leaders of an agreement involving him and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, to take turns at the presidency from 2027. In an interview with the Hausa Service of Radio France International (rfi), Mr Kwankwaso said it is unfortunate that people in their 80s are lying, describing such as the foundation of the problems of Nigeria. I was terrified about the information I got that the PDP are meeting clerics and other leaders and in their last meeting, which involved about 45 clerics, that we reached an agreement that Atiku (Abubakar) will serve one term, and myself will also serve one term and Peter Obi will serve two terms. This is a lie, I never took part in any agreement. I was deeply angered about the information. Elderly people aged 70 to 80 years will sit and lie, telling clerics and other leaders something that never happened. I am still alive and healthy, there is no way you can assemble over 40 people without me having two or three among them that will inform me of what transpired in the meeting. This is not good for personality to lie. In such incident, if a government is formed on the basis of lies, its like starting a foundation on a weak structure, Mr Kwankwaso said. READ ALSO: Kano governor offers employment to foreign scholarship graduates He described the PDP as a dead party looking for people and political parties to form a government. With this lies, we cant believe such people that they can only serve one term in office if you entrust them with leadership. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Kwankwaso added that such lies and deceit were why he, Mr Obi, Nyeson Wike, and others left the PDP. He said since leaving the PDP for the NNPP, he found peace of mind and distanced himself from a party that humiliated him and his supporters in their times of need. When contacted, Atikus spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said he had to listen to Mr Kwankwasos interview before considering a response. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print On Monday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State presented a N1.188 trillion 2025 budget proposal to the Rivers House of Assembly for approval. Meanwhile, the governor is waiting for a Supreme Court verdict on the validity of the 2024 budget. Most state lawmakers loyal to Mr Fubaras predecessor, Nyesom Wike, are challenging the validity of the 2024 budget that Mr Fubara presented to a four-member assembly. Mr Wike is now the FCT minister. He has been engaged in a protracted battle with Governor Fubara over the control of the political structure in Rivers State. Mr Fubara had appealed to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the pro-Wike lawmakers over the validity of the states 2024 budget. Notwithstanding the anticipated Supreme Court verdict, Mr Fubara has presented a new budget premised on achieving sustainable economic growth, accelerating the development of the State, and improving the living standards of the people. This is contained in a budget speech presented by Mr Fubara to a three-member faction of the state assembly loyal to him. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later On Monday, Mr Fubaras spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi, sent the budget speech to PREMIUM TIMES. The budget has a recurrent/capital expenditures ratio of 44:56 per cent. Funding statistics The governor told lawmakers that the budget is premised on the assumptions of an oil price benchmark of $80 per barrel and an oil production capacity of 1.8 million per day. Other revenue sources to finance the budget include the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) of N50 billion, Internally generated revenue of N264.4 billion, Statutory allocation of N18 billion, Mineral funds of N132.2 billion, Value Added Tax of N204.3 billion, N20 billion from Excess Crude Account and N27 billion refunds from bank charges while N250 billion is proposed as loans/bonds for the 2025 fiscal year. Giving a review of the 2024 budget performance, Mr Fubara told the lawmakers that of the N800 billion proposed for the year, the state government has received N340 billion as FAAC revenue, which is N57.5 billion higher than what it proposed as of November this year. Similarly, within the same period, the oil-rich Rivers internally generated N282 billion, over N51 billion more than the N231 billion budgetary provisions. Hon. Speaker, besides aligning with our fiscal reality, the 2025 budget prioritises the fundamental objectives of building a secure, prosperous and resilient State with inclusive economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards for everyone, the governor said. The governor promised to invest in healthcare development, infrastructure and education. With this, we shall complete more of the numerous ongoing road projects and initiate the construction of new ones across the State, including the rural areas as proposed in the budget details. Mr Speaker, Rivers State is ripe for the introduction of a modern, secure, comfortable, effective and efficient multi-modal transportation, Mr Fubara told lawmakers. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State inaugurated a mission hospital remodelled at a cost of N300 million on 29 December 2024 in IheShikeaguma Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the hospital, Mother of Mercy Hospital, was remodelled by members of the Ihe Development Initiative, a group of entrepreneurs, academics, and servicemen from the community. The Catholic Diocese of Enugu established the hospital in 1976 with the assistance of the late Dennis Nweke Chukwu, the former traditional ruler of Ihe-Shikeguma. It is now managed by the Catholic Diocese of Awgu, which was carved out of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. Speaking at the event, Mr Mbah, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Emmanuel Obi, said the project aligned with his administrations plan to bring healthcare delivery closer to people in rural areas. The governor said it is an honour to see how the Ihe Development Initiative and the Ihe community have joined in supporting his administrations innovative push with the development project. It is very commendable because it aligns with policies of the Enugu State Government, which include a move to push the poverty index of the state to zero. What they have done is to refurbish and bring a new face to healthcare delivery to Ihe and its environs, Mr Mbah said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The governor, however, called for a stronger partnership between the community and the Catholic Diocese of Awgu to sustain the hospitals facelift. Since it is a mission hospital, we will partner with them when they write officially to us, he said. Catholic bishop speaks The Bishop of the diocese, John Okoye, expressed happiness with the intervention in the hospital. I say congratulations to them (Ihe Development Initiative). I encourage them to look to other areas where people suffer to provide help. He pledged to look into the claimed that the hospital was understaffed, adding that the diocese would partner with the community to sustain the hospital by providing the needed manpower. The bishop urged community members and others to patronise the hospital for better healthcare delivery. Also, the event chairperson, Chiemeka Ozoemena, a retired air commodore, lauded the teamwork in transforming the hospital. I urge all sons and daughters of Ihe, the Catholic Diocese of Awgu as well as workers in this facility to always remember that this accomplishment belongs to all of us and to take care of it. Earlier, Madueke Ekoh, the president of the Ihe Development Initiative, said they remodelled the hospital to help their people and improve their lives. He said before the intervention, the hospital was a ghost area, completely dilapidated with non-functional facilities. Based on that, we were tasked with developing modalities to effectively and efficiently galvanise support to initiate a rescue mission. Ihe Development Initiative was able to raise some resources through ourselves, well-wishers and friends both home and abroad. We raised about N300 million to do all these things. We rebuilt the main building, refurbished the general ward, and purchased new hospital beds with accessories, new maternity labour beds, high-quality office chairs and a table. READ ALSO: Enugu governor signs N971 billion 2025 budget into law We rebuilt staff quarters, built a fence with new rails and gate and solar powered borehole with full reticulation to all areas of the hospital. We also installed high capacity 10KVA solar power, established drainage systems, refurbished hospital ambulance and performed general landscaping with asphalted pavements, Mr Ekoh said. He said the group would set up a Hospital Endowment Fund where people can donate to sustain the hospital. Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to distinguished members of the community, presentation of cash gifts to students of the community who excelled in their studies and others. Editors note: This report has been updated on 5 January 2025 to correct some errors in the previous copy. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Two Non-Governmental Organisations, the Community Initiative for Peace and Social Development (CIPSD) and Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) have come together to fight against the branding of people as witches in Cross River communities. Charles Itu, the programme director of CIPSD, said this on Monday during an interview with journalists in Calabar on the coalitions activities. Mr Itu said the stigmatisation of individuals, particularly aged persons and children, as witches was becoming worrisome and should be tackled. Attacks and killings of people accused of witchcraft have remained a major social issue in Cross River. In the past months, some elderly people in some communities in the state have been beaten and lynched, while children have been abandoned or sent away from their homes on accusations of being witches. The programme director, Mr Itu, who spoke about visiting different communities in Odukpani, Akamkpa and Yakurr Local Government Areas of Cross River, said such harmful cultural practices continued to erode social cohesion and violate human rights. According to him, local beliefs often attribute misfortunes, illnesses or deaths to supernatural causes, leading to branding vulnerable individuals as witches. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This harmful narrative is exacerbated by unregulated traditional healers and spiritualists who exploit these fears for personal gain. Aged parents are often ostracised, abused and stripped of the familial support they need mostly during their twilight years while even more heartbreaking is the plight of children accused of witchcraft, he said. Speaking further, he stated that such activities were responsible for creating a humanitarian crisis as the children who were left to fend for themselves were exposed to exploitation and deprived of basic education and care. READ ALSO: Widow initially banished over alleged witchcraft gets new apartment He said the practice was not only rooted in traditional beliefs but also fueled by modern evangelical movements that perpetuate fear of spiritual possession, thereby creating vulnerable groups and stalling community development. He said their campaigns aimed to educate residents about the adverse effects of stigmatisation and harmful traditions on social cohesion and development. During our capacity-building sessions, 60 persons across Akamkpa, Odukpani and Yakurr LGAs were trained to serve as peace advocates. Across the communities in the three LGAs, we were able to enlighten 744 participants in our three-day campaigns to take the message back to their families, he said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print An Abuja High Court on Monday, ordered the release of Bello Bodejo, president of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, by the State Service Service (SSS, also called DSS). Justice Mohammed Zubairu, in a ruling, described Mr Bodejos detention since 9 December without being charged to court as unlawful. Justice Zubairu made the order following an application moved against the respondents by Mr Bodejos lawyer, Reuben Atabo. The judge held that the application was meritorious having not been challenged by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the SSS DG, who are 1st and 2nd respondents. The applicant is hereby released from the 2nd respondents detention, he declared. Justice Zubairu, however, said that Mr Bodejos release from detention is not tantamount to an acquittal. He, therefore, ordered Mr Atabo, who appeared for him, to ensure that Bodejo is produced before the respondents should there be any reason to file charges against him. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He equally warned the respondents not to detain him beyond the constitutional provisions. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Bodejo, in an ex-parte motion marked: M/16976/2024, sued the AGF and SSS DG. Mr Bodejo, in the motion dated and filed on 19 December, prayed the court to order his release from the SSS detention pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application. He also sought an order granting him leave to apply for the order of habeas corpus subjiciendum against the respondents. NAN reports that habeas corpus subjiciendum is a Latin phrase and a legal term used to describe a writ that is directed to someone who is detaining another person to inquire into the legality of the detention. Justice Zubairu granted leave to Bodejos lawyer to apply for an order of habeas corpus. He also ordered that the substantive application be filed within 24 hours from the day the order was made for the purpose of determining the merit or otherwise of the application. The judge held that having found out that Mr Bodejo was yet to be arraigned before a court of law since his arrest, he made an order that he should be produced before the court today, 30 December, or admit him to an administrative bail. When the matter was called on Monday, Mr Atabo informed the court that Mr Bodejo was yet to be produced in court. He, however, said that the respondents lawyer told him that his client was within the court premises. He sought a stand down for him to be produced in court. When the court reconvened, Mr Bodejo, in the company of security agents, walked into the courtroom. Mr Atabo then informed the court that his client was in court and that he was ready to move their substantive motion, which was slated for todays hearing. He said the motion, dated 24 December, was filed pursuant to your lordship order that we should file within 24 hours. He said it was also brought pursuant to Order 47 of the Civil Procedure Rules of the court and in compliance with Sections 34, 35, 36 of the 1999 Constitution. We sought for your lordship order of habeas corpus subjiciendum commanding the respondents to produce the applicant from custody for the purpose of being released from detention and for such further order, he said. He said the application was supported by a 13-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Hauwa Bodejo, the applicants senior wife. According to Mr Atabo, before your lordship, there is no counter affidavit in opposition to the deposition of Hauwa Bodejo. Citing a previous case, the senior lawyer argued that where there is an affidavit and there is no opposition, it is deemed to be correct. We urge your lordship to deem the deposition of Hauwa Bodejo as the correct deposition, he said. The lawyer further said that Mr Bodejo had been in detention from 9 December and had not been charged to court. This is contrary to the provision of our constitution. We urge the court, in the interest of justice and respect for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to invoke your judicial power under Order 47 to release the applicant in custody, he prayed. Mr Atabo undertook to produce Mr Bodejo before the court in the event of prosecution by the state. Although the AGF was not represented in court, the SSS counsel, A.M. Danlami, told the court that they had not filed any counter affidavit in opposition to the applicants affidavit. Mr Danlami, who said he was not opposed to the application for Mr Bodejos release, urged the court to make an order that Mr Bodejo should be produced to the respondents in the event a charge is preferred against him. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The acting chief executive of the local South Australian council told Yahoo News that holidaymakers must be aware of their vehicle's capabilities. A local who lent a hand to rescue the EV told Yahoo the car was possibly a rental. Source: Facebook They're certainly not the first to do it, but they might just be the first EV driver to get stuck on the sand at the infamous Goolwa Beach in a Tesla sedan. Aussies have mocked the misguided holiday adventure of a tourist who needed to be rescued by other beachgoers, while locals have shared concern incidents like this will see stricter rules enforced at the popular 4WD beach, known for its chaotic scenes at this time of year. Video shared from the South Australian hotspot over the weekend shows a Tesla bogged in the sand, with the man who shared the video helpfully pointing out the Tesla vehicle was "not a 4x4". Others on the beach soon came to the rescue with a 4WD needed to later drag the electric car out of the beach and back to the road. ADVERTISEMENT One of the men who helped drag the Tesla to safety had initially headed down to the beach for a swim before ultimately lending his recovery gear to extricate the car from the sand. The Adelaide resident who helped out told Yahoo News the driver was "definitely a tourist". "[They] could hardly speak English. And the Tesla had Victorian number plates so could have potentially been a rental," he said. "Was quite rushed to get it out the ramp to avoid bigger issues as people get pretty impatient so didnt have much time to talk to them," he added. The local council has flagged new changes to improve driver access to the beach in the future. Source: Facebook Tourist blasted for 'crazy' beach effort in Tesla Online, overwhelmingly Aussies were shocked at the decision by the Tesla driver to tackle the sand. "Wow some people never seem to amaze me," commented one person. "WTF this is crazy," another agreed. ADVERTISEMENT "Deserves to be left there for trying in that car," one Aussie joked. This time last year, Goolwa Beach turned from heaven to hell for thousands of holidaymakers after a collision on the entrance ramp caused a standstill both on the sand and along the main road entering the beach. At the time, the backlog sparked concerns the high traffic load would soften the sand and lead to vehicles getting bogged, so heavy machinery was brought in to shift and pack down sand as cars sat idle. The beach is one of the busiest in the state and a favourite of 4WD enthusiasts but has come under increased scrutiny in recent years over driver behaviour amid a rise in popularity. "I was driving out when it was stuck and just shook my head," one local remarked online about the Tesla driver's fail. "The council needs to put a camera up at the entrance and fine everyone who drives onto the ramp in a non 4WD, past the sign that says 4WD only," another said. "This is going to get the beach closed. It's already under the microscope and it's only a matter of time before the council says 'no more'." Changes to come for popular 4WD beach, but tourists warned to pay attention Authorities and the local councils say irresponsible drivers including those without 4WD capabilities put beachgoers at risk and damaged delicate sand dunes. ADVERTISEMENT Speaking to Yahoo News, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the local Alexandria Council, Tash Hunt, said it's the responsibility of tourists to know the capabilities of their vehicles, to pay attention to the signs and heed the relevant warnings. "Visitors should also be aware that the vehicle access track to the beach is open to 4WDs only and there are no recovery services for bogged vehicles," she said. "Despite the warning signage on entry, sometimes motorists without the correct vehicle, equipment or 4WD experience become stuck and block the track entirely, much to the frustration of other users." She also noted that tourists will need to be patient when accessing the popular spot as thousands continue to flock to the area, which is just over an hour from Adelaide. "There can be long queues for the beach access track at peak times," she warned. ADVERTISEMENT Alexandrina Council has admitted that "changes need to be made" to access the beach but they won't come in time for this holiday season. The council has spent the past year working with state agencies to come up with "alternative options" to manage vehicle access to the beach. "These organisations are not a point in our discussions where we can consult with the community about these proposed options, but we all recognise that changes need to be made," Hunt told Yahoo. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The public oil refinery in Warri, Delta State, is now working at 60 per cent capacity after several years of not producing any oil, President Bola Tinubu said on Monday. Mr Tinubu, in a message congratulating the state-owned oil company, NNPCL, said the reopening of the refinery was a remarkable achievement that has strengthened Nigerians hope in his administration. Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Limited restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November, Mr Tinubus spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, wrote in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES. This newspaper reported the recent restart of one of the two public refineries in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. However, while the Port Harcourt refinery has already started producing petrol, arguably its most important byproduct, the Warri refinery will for now not produce petrol, the president indicated. WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha, Mr Onanuga wrote. President Tinubu noted with confidence that with the 125,000 (bpd) Warri Refinery now operating at 60% capacity, his administrations comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is entirely on course. He praised the Mele Kyari-led management of the NNPCL for working hard to restore Nigerias glory and pride as a major oil-producing country. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Read the full statement below. PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS NNPCL OVER THE RE-OPENING OF WARRI REFINERY President Bola Tinubu has expressed his profound joy at the re-opening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, describing it as another remarkable achievement in 2024 that has strengthened Nigerians hope in his administration. Today, the Warri Refinery returned to operation weeks after NNPC Limited restarted the 60,000 Barrels per day at the Port Harcourt Refinery in November. With Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) going into operation after several years of inactivity, President Tinubu has once again expressed his administrations determination to ramp up local refining capacity and make Nigeria a hub for downstream industrial activities in Africa. The All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari awarded the contract for the complete rehabilitation and overhaul of the four state-owned refineries. President Tinubu noted with confidence that with the 125,000 (bpd) Warri Refinery now operating at 60% capacity, his administrations comprehensive plan to ensure energy efficiency and security is entirely on course. He praised the Mele Kyari-led management of the NNPCL for working hard to restore Nigerias glory and pride as a major oil-producing country. The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised. This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition. I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team at NNPCL for working hard to restore our national pride and make Nigeria a hub for crude oil refining in Africa, President Tinubu said. President Tinubu enjoined NNPCL to accelerate repair work on Kaduna Refinery and the 150,000 (bpd) second refinery in Port Harcourt to consolidate Nigerias position as a global energy provider. WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene (SRK), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and heavy and light Naphtha. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Due to the flexibility and lower-cost access to exclusive asset classes, contracts for difference or CFDs, for short, are without a doubt, among the most popular financial instruments. Seeing significant growth in recent years, the CFD trading market is projected to continue to expand at a 4.3% compound annual growth rate by 2028, according to data compiled by Global Market Estimates (GME). Emerging in the early 1990s, as a hedging investment vehicle, CFDs rapidly conquered the retail sector, becoming a widespread option amongst traders, thanks to the fairly low margin requirements, fees, and diversification they provide, across key sectors, such as energies, commodities, foreign exchange (Forex), and more. Perceived as a more cost-effective way to access the financial markets, CFDs allow anyone to join the excitement of buying and selling securities, without granting them ownership over the underlying assets. This accounts for the fairly low-cost access to opportunities and the highly speculative nature of CFD trading in equal measure. By setting the legal framework that online brokers providing CFD trading services must follow, regulation sets a standard of quality, transparency, and security. Regulation plays a vital role in ensuring the legitimacy of online trading, while safeguarding traders by establishing best practices and the mechanisms for dispute resolution. Understanding the role of regulation Strengthening confidence in financial services, platforms, and products, trading regulations help establish an environment which fosters economic development and wealth creation. Therefore, understanding trading regulations is crucial for every traders success. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Primarily consumer-focused, trading regulations help reduce the risk associated with market shifts, giving traders reassurance to trade and invest. Additionally, the role of trading regulations is to curb financial crime by airtightening the financial system against unruly practices. To maintain integrity, brokers such as HFM Group must adhere to the standards set forth by regulators. 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By being transparent, we present both the opportunities and risks associated with trading in a balanced way, the HFM spokesperson added. Data privacy, the next level of protection HFM Group takes traders security seriously. Having rigorous data protection policies in place, HFM handles all clients data in the strictest confidence and employs advanced encryption and data security protocols to prevent fraud and data theft. By fostering education, implementing robust safety measures, and adhering to strict compliance standards, regulation empowers traders and brokers to thrive in a dynamic financial landscape. Discover more about HFM, a trusted broker offering secure trading solutions. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In the sprawling arid lands of Gashuwa in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, Abdullahi Adamu, a 46-year-old man from Gombe State, spends his days mining gypsum, unaware of the revenue loss his work causes the Nigerian government. Like many other miners, Mr Adamu works long hours and earns a modest living from selling the mineral for N350 per 25kg. Although gypsum is primarily used in construction and agriculture, its industrial byproducts, like phosphogypsum from phosphate fertiliser production, contain trace amounts of rare earth elements (REEs). These REEs, critical for technologies in electric and hybrid vehicles, can potentially be extracted from phosphogypsum, making it a potential revenue source for Nigeria as the demand for energy transition minerals grows. On a good day, Mr Adamu mines 50 pans of gypsum. However, on less productive days, he manages to mine only 15 pans. When the gypsum is processed and cleaned, we sell each pan (about 25kg) for N850, but it goes through a tedious process to reach that level of quality, he explained. Mr Adamu believes the gypsum deposit is a blessing from God. He sees mining as his primary means of providing for his family, having travelled from Gombe to earn a living in Gashuas gypsum mines. This is a widely held belief by locals that natural resources like gypsum belong to everyone. What Mr Adamu does not realise is that the poorly regulated nature of the gypsum mining industry in the area is costing the Nigerian government millions in potential revenue. For decades, locals and businesses have mined the gypsum deposits in Gashuwa, largely unauthorised. The unauthorised activities not only rob the government of tax revenue but also create a chaotic industry lacking accountability, regulation, and safety protocols. Miners, such as Mr Adamu, are often unaware of tax obligations, and a significant portion of the gypsum extracted goes untaxed. Local sources indicate that approximately 300 trucks of gypsum have been mined in the past year in Gashuwa, but only about 100 trucks have paid the required taxes, leaving a massive revenue gap that undermines national development efforts. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Gypsum, a mineral critical for various industries like cement production and agriculture, plays an important role in Nigerias economy. However, the lack of proper oversight and rampant illegal mining has led to massive revenue losses. Community leaders, including Mohammed Ajiya from Fika, said the governments lax monitoring system allowed this problem to grow unchecked. The government must create a robust system to track how many trucks leave with gypsum and ensure the correct taxes are remitted, Mr Ajiya says. Gypsum is essential in industries, ranging from construction to agriculture. It is used in cement production, soil conditioning, and as a component in Plaster of Paris (POP). With these broad applications, the economic potential of gypsum mining is substantial. Yet, illegal operations and a lack of enforcement have left much of that potential untapped, with millions of naira slipping through the cracks. In Fika, the royalty fee for gypsum extraction recently increased from N9,000 to N19,000 per truck, based on a per-ton rate that doubled from N300 to N600. An average truck carries around 30 tonnes of gypsum, meaning this rate hike significantly increases the cost for legitimate miners. However, illegal miners who operate without permits or oversight continue to exploit the resource without paying these fees, further exacerbating the problem. Illegal mining activities in Fika have created an environment where rules are easily bypassed. The miners work without protective equipment, and there are no safety protocols in place. This leads to frequent accidents, health risks, and environmental degradation. As a result, miners like Mr Abdullahi face life-threatening dangers in their daily work. Locals interviewed estimated that one miner dies every month due to unsafe working conditions, with most fatalities caused by landslides, cave-ins, or falls in unmonitored pits. The illicit nature of the operations also contributes to environmental destruction. Mining pits are left unfilled, turning farmland into dangerous wastelands. During the rainy season, these pits fill with water, creating invisible traps that have led to countless accidents, including livestock deaths. For local herders and farmers, the consequences are bad. Farmers lose productive land, and herders often find their cattle drowned in waterlogged pits. Beyond its traditional uses, gypsum holds untapped potential for contributing to Nigerias energy transition efforts. Gypsum can be processed into rare earth minerals, essential for the development of renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines and electric vehicles, said Gbenga Okunlola, a professor of economic geology at the University of Ibadan. However, Mr Okunlola is pessimistic about Nigerias technical and financial capabilities to drive the transformation. (There is) lack of competency and technical capability for the separation of REE from gypsum, Mr Okunlola said. Umar Auwal, a gypsum dealer in Gashuwa, noted that while the minerals economic potential is vast, the industry remains underdeveloped. Gypsum plays a critical role in multiple industries, and with the right investment, it could be used to advance Nigerias energy goals. Illegal mining and a lack of regulation are holding us back from realising this potential, he said. Gashuwas landscape is scarred by abandoned mines and gaping craters created by miners using local equipment. Environmental damage is evident, with deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Mining pits dot farmlands, and mounds of waste from the gypsum extraction process scatter the landscape. During the rainy season, many of these pits become unusable, and they often remain useless even after the rains subside. Mining activities have encroached on other land uses, such as grazing and cultivation. A major issue is the lack of proper reclamation. Miners frequently fail to refill the pits as agreed, leading to conflicts with farmers and herders. Grazers often complain about losing their livestock to these open pits. Additionally, unfilled pits during the rainy season pose serious hazards, especially when they fill with water, making them difficult to spot and resulting in accidents. Mamma Abbo, a herder who has been grazing his familys cattle in Gashuwa for 10 years, expressed deep frustration over his animals dangerous encounters with the gypsum mining pits. If a calf falls into one of the pits, it drowns instantly, Mr Abbo lamented. He added that Sometimes, when an adult cow falls in, it breaks its legs before we can rescue it, but most of the time, they drown and die. We have lost several cattle to these incidents. The unregulated mining operations have not only caused environmental damage but have also severely impacted the livelihoods of local herders. Farmers in Gashuwa have also felt the negative impacts of gypsum mining on their agricultural activities. Large portions of land are dug up for mining, leaving fertile farmlands scarred and unusable. Many farmers complained that the mining activities led to a significant loss of arable land, making it difficult to grow crops and sustain their livelihoods. Mohammed Idris, a local farmer, explained how the mining has devastated his fields. Before the miners came, this land was fertile and productive. Now, with pits everywhere, its almost impossible to farm. The rain washes gypsum dust into our fields, which affects soil quality and stunts crop growth. He added that many farmers are forced to abandon parts of their land due to soil erosion and contamination caused by the mining. Additionally, farmers face the constant danger of their animals and even their own machinery falling into the uncovered abandoned pits. Beyond the environmental impact, unprofessional gypsum mining poses serious health risks to local miners and nearby communities. Miners often work without protective gear, exposing themselves to respiratory problems and other hazards like landslides. These fatalities are often caused by a combination of factors, including unsafe mining practices, lack of protective gear, and the constant risk of accidents such as landslides and cave-ins. Miners, who primarily use rudimentary tools like picks, shovels, and ropes, work in unstable pits, and without proper safety protocols, are exposed to injuries and fatalities. Explaining the risks involved, some miners said that injuries and accidents are common due to the dangerous and unstable conditions. Labourers are susceptible to sudden collapses and landslides because they dont use safety equipment. The walls of the pits are frequently unstable, and heavy rains can cause sections to cave in, trapping miners beneath the debris, one of the miners said. Mamman Gada, the youngest gypsum mining lead, further described that When cave-ins occur, miners can be trapped for hours or even days, with limited chances of rescue due to the lack of proper equipment and emergency response systems. The combination of poorly maintained pits, insufficient safety measures, and the lack of training creates a perilous environment where injuries and entrapments are all too common. In some cases, miners fall into the deep, narrow pits while attempting to extract gypsum, leading to broken bones, head injuries, or worse. Also, those working at night, often using only torchlights for visibility, are particularly vulnerable to accidents, as they can easily misstep or lose their balance in the darkness. Children from the community, often used as cheap labour, continue to fall victim to these preventable deaths. Exposed to the dangers of gypsum mining at a young age, they face constant risks, not only from accidents but also from long-term health hazards. The lack of protective measures leaves the children vulnerable to respiratory issues, physical injuries, and other serious health complications. Their early involvement in such dangerous work highlights the exploitation of children in the mining industry and the urgent need for stronger enforcement of child labour laws and safety regulations to protect these vulnerable young lives. Zakaria Musa, a 43-year-old gypsum miner, spoke candidly about the health problems he has faced since working at the mining site. Having been in the trade for about 15 years, Mr Musa revealed that he has suffered from chronic cough and persistent headaches, both of which remain untreated. Ive had these issues ever since I started mining, he said. But I cant quit because this is how I make a living. I rely on traditional medicine to manage my illness and keep going. Despite the health risks, Mr Musa, like many other miners, feels trapped in the dangerous work due to a lack of alternatives for earning a livelihood. Despite significant tax losses from illegal mining operations in Fika, local communities are now calling for a fairer share of the resources extracted from their lands. Since the mining is taking place within our local government area, the local community deserves its rightful share of the resources generated from the minerals being mined, said Muhammed, a former chairman of Fika local government area of Yobe State. He emphasised that a fair distribution of resources would drive social and infrastructural development at both the state and local levels. The three tiers of government should each receive an equitable portion of the resources extracted, he added. According to Saidu Baba, a professor at the Department of Geology at the University of Maiduguri, gypsum is one of Nigerias most valuable industrial minerals. The gypsum deposits found in Fika, Yobe State, are of particularly high quality, with petrological and geochemical analysis showing a purity level of about 80 per cent, he said. Despite the potential of these rich deposits, Mr Baba says Nigeria imports over 70 per cent of the gypsum used in its industries, with only 20-30 per cent produced locally from states such as Yobe, Sokoto, Kogi, and Adamawa. Mr Baba emphasised that illegal mining significantly undermines the economic benefits that could come from gypsum mining. He pointed out that illegal mining results in tax evasion, improper extraction practices, and environmental degradation. Illegal mining deprives the government of substantial revenue through underreporting and failure to pay royalties, Mr Baba explained. The Nigerian Ministry of Mines and Steel Development estimates that the country loses up to 8 trillion in revenue from illegal mining activities across various mineral sectors, not just gypsum. Mr Baba further shed light on a lesser explored opportunity, the association of rare earth minerals with gypsum deposits. He clarified that while gypsum does not contain rare earth elements, it is sometimes associated with rare earth-bearing minerals like monazite, which contain critical elements such as perium and uranium. These rare earth minerals are essential for producing technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries, which are crucial for Nigerias energy transition. However, the professor highlighted that Nigeria lacks the necessary infrastructure and research facilities to determine whether the gypsum deposits in Fika contain such valuable minerals. We need geological mapping and chemical analysis to establish whether Fikas gypsum is associated with rare earth elements, he noted. He advocated for collaboration between experts, investors, and the government to explore this potential, stressing that if Nigeria can harness these resources, it would play a critical role in boosting the countrys capacity for renewable energy production. Mr Baba concluded by emphasising that tapping into this potential would require significant investment in research centres and infrastructure development, as well as partnerships with international stakeholders. With global demand for rare earth elements estimated at 134,000 tons annually, Nigerias potential currently estimated at 10,000 tonscould be a game-changer for the countrys push towards sustainable energy. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has explained that he attended an event organised by a labour party legislator from the state because politics is not enmity. Mr Nwifuru said this on Monday at Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, during the empowerment programme of Nkemkanma Kama, a member representing Ohaoazara/ Onicha/ Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. The governor said he attended the event because politics should be about collaboration in the overall interest of the state and country. Kama is supposed to be my enemy as he belongs to another party but has turned out to be my friend. After election comes governance. That is why I came with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, including its chairman, he said. He said Mr Kama had aligned with this ideology by also identifying with his administration. Any time I am engaged in any activity, even a child naming ceremony, Kama is always there. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later I advise him to join APC before the door is closed as I will campaign for the candidate of my party during elections. He should also ensure that these items get to APC members so that they would speak good of him when he eventually joins, he said. In his remarks, Mr Kama thanked Mr Nwifuru and all the states leaders who attended the programme, saying that the governor takes him as a brother and friend. I also thank the leadership of the House of Representatives and stakeholders of the constituency as their selflessness and commitment testify to the communal spirit in us, he said. The lawmaker said the items he was giving out included tricycles, motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, and knapsacks. These items are designed to support our constituents in their various endeavours, whether in local transportation, commerce or personal development, among others. We selected the beneficiaries based on the state governors detribalised approach of inclusivity and fairness, irrespective of political affiliation. The beneficiaries are advised to use the items for intended purposes while those yet to benefit are assured of being captured in subsequent batches, he said. Nnenna Okoroafor, a beneficiary, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and called for more assistance from political leaders. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that former Senate President Pius Anyim and Minister of Works David Umahi attended the event. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Anglican bishop who was abducted in Akoko, Ondo State, on Saturday, has been freed. Canon Olowolagba was released along with his wife and two daughters, according to the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun), Adetunji Adeleye. The cleric was kidnapped by gunmen along Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in Akoko North-East Local Government Area. PREMIUM TIMES reports that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N75 million but later reduced the sum. The pastor and family have been released, Mr Adeleye said in a short message on Sunday. The cleric was said to have been travelling from Ipesi with his wife, their 16-year-old daughter and a nine-year-old girl staying with them, when they were kidnapped. The Amotekun commander did not give details on how the victims were released. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He had earlier promised that efforts would be made to secure their release when the matter was reported to the agency. The police also refused to comment on the incident saying the matter was not reported to them. Kidnap for ransom is common in Ondo and several Nigerian states. It is carried out by various armed groups. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has signed the N1.054 trillion 2025 State Appropriation Bill into law. The signing, which took place at the Governors Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was witnessed by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, principal officers of the House, the deputy governor, and members of the states executive council. Speaking after receiving the clean copies of the Bill, Governor Abiodun announced that his administration would, in the coming month, sign the partnership agreement with potential partners for the development of the Olokola Sea Port. He said the Ogun government would also focus on the provision of more basic infrastructure with the signing of more Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with private corporate bodies in renewable energy, agriculture, and other sectors that would boost the States economy. Governor Abiodun said: It is my pleasure to announce to you that in the coming month, we will be signing the partnership agreement with potential partners in our port development. The Olokola Port is back on track. In the coming year, you will see us signing more Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with private players in the areas of renewable energy, energy transition, and agriculture, particularly animal husbandry. We intend to join the league of those producing beef and pork, not just for domestic consumption, but for export. We will continue to provide more infrastructure, particularly roads, in every local government in the State. We will continue in our stride to provide the right infrastructure and the right situation to ensure that students in Ogun State learn in a conducive environment. We will continue to pursue our healthcare program in primary health care, secondary, and tertiary, and of course, our policy on grow what you eat and eat what you grow. We are going to be more aggressive in the area of agriculture. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later While noting that his administration would be relentless in the pursuit of infrastructure that would engender more socio-economic development, the Ogun governor revealed that emphasis on arterial roads like the Ijebu-Ode-Epe, Sagamu-Abeokuta, Atan-Lusada-Agbara, Ota-Abeokuta, and Ilaro-Owode roads had played important roles as they had helped to improve the states Internally Generated Revenue through the influx of more people and industries. He acknowledged the difficulties people are going through due to the bold policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration to pull the country out of the woods but maintained that his administration had risen to the occasion by providing needed palliatives to cushion the effects and help the people navigate the period. I want to assure you that we can only hope for more wins in the future. It has been a very difficult year for us all, not just as a state but as a country. Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, started his tenure with very bold reforms that have resulted in some unintended consequences that we must all endure so that we can have a country that is solvent, he added. Governor Abiodun appreciated members of the Assembly for the speedy passage of the Bill after due diligence and commended their high level of commitment to their constituents and the state, noting that their collaboration with the executive arm had led to the state growing in leaps and bounds. Speaking earlier, the speaker of the Ogun State of House, Oludaisi Elemide, noted that the speedy passage of the Bill was in keeping with the promise made to the governor when he presented the Bill to the assembly on the 4th of December this year, adding that no budget bill had been passed before Christmas in the past. While appreciating Governor Abiodun for the facelift given to the Assembly Complex, Mr Elemide said his colleagues worked tirelessly to ensure that the budget was passed on time so as to keep the wheels of the states progress moving. He assured that the Assembly would continue collaborating with the other arms of government to ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print CHICAGO, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) is grateful to receive support from the Adtalem Global Education Foundation for the Next Gen Scholars for Equity in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. The Foundation supports programs and partners like AAHPM that strengthen the healthcare workforce, expand access to quality education and address healthcare disparities. The Foundation's sole member is Adtalem Global Education, the number one provider of healthcare education in the U.S. In May 2023, led by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, AAHPM launched the inaugural Next Gen Scholars for Equity in Hospice and Palliative Medicine Program. This program was initiated as a response to the growing demand for HPM practitioners and the need to increase representation in the field. Data suggests that a lack of culturally effective hospice and palliative care services in communities that have been marginalized and underserved contributes to inequities in care and disparities in outcomes. Data further suggests that health outcomes and patient satisfaction are significantly better when physicians are representative of the populations they serve, yet African American and Hispanic physicians represent less than 5% and 8% of hospice and palliative medicine fellows, respectively. Increasing representation is an important step in addressing disparities. The Next Gen Scholars Program supports post-graduate medical residents and fellows from underrepresented communities in the profession's workforce and leadership and who are interested in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM). The scholars who graduate from the program will be essential as the HPM professional community works together towards centering the needs of those currently underrepresented in HPM. The Academy's program and the Adtalem Foundation's funding initiative aligns with the shared goals of strengthening the pipeline of underrepresented minorities to careers in the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare disparities, and promoting growth through career and leadership training. "The Next Gen Scholars for Equity in Hospice and Palliative Medicine program is such an important part of ensuring both increasing representation of diverse practitioners and in building a robust pipeline for the future workforce of HPM," said Kimberly Angelia Curseen MD FAAHPM, Emory University. "As the chair of the Next Gen Scholars committee, I'm thrilled and grateful that the Adtalem Global Education Foundation is joining us in this effort by providing a generous grant to support the program and the impact." Program Activities - Each scholar is matched with a sponsor who is considered a leader and expert in the field of HPM. The sponsor functions as an advocate and mentor. Both scholars and sponsors commit to a two-year relationship, communicating a minimum of once a month. Scholars will work with their sponsors to produce a final project. Examples of projects include case studies, bench or clinical research, patient safety and quality, educational projects, and projects related to equity. Scholars are provided travel stipends to meet with their mentor and travel to the AAHPM Annual Assembly to build their professional network within the HPM Community. Applications open in spring of each year with a new cohort beginning in January 2024. AAHPM invites institutions to help identify eligible candidates. Interested institutions, applicants, and sponsors can learn more by visiting AAHPM's website or contacting Linda Sterling, DEI and Membership Engagement Manager ([email protected]). About American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) is the professional organization for physicians specializing in hospice and palliative medicine (HPM), as well as nurses, social workers, and other health and spiritual care practitioners committed to improving quality of life for seriously ill patients and their families. For more than 30 years, AAHPM has been dedicated to expanding access to high quality palliative care, and advancing the discipline of HPM, through professional education and training, development of a specialist workforce, support for clinical practice standards, research and public policy. AAHPM is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors and managed by a full-time staff along with additional support provided by Association Management Center (AMC) based in Chicago, IL. About Adtalem Global Education Foundation Founded in 2010, the Adtalem Global Education Foundation is organized to support charitable, educational and research purposes. The Foundation's sole member is Adtalem Global Education. The Foundation's activities reflect a commitment to supporting causes and programs that aim to expand the healthcare workforce pipeline and address disparities in the industry. Visit the Adtalem Global Education Foundation for more information. About Adtalem Global Education Adtalem Global Education is the leading provider of healthcare education in the U.S., shaping the future of healthcare by preparing a diverse workforce with high-quality academic programs. We innovate education pathways, align with industry needs and empower individuals to reach their full potential. Our commitment to excellence and inclusivity is reflected in our expansive network of institutions, serving over 83,000 students and supported by a strong community of approximately 350,000 alumni and over 10,000 dedicated employees. Visit Adtalem.com for more information and follow us on LinkedIn , Instagram and Facebook. SOURCE American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine CHICAGO, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, today announced its U.S. equities and options exchanges, along with Cboe Futures Exchange, will close on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in observance of the National Day of Mourning to honor former President Jimmy Carter. In addition, Cboe observed a one-minute moment of silence on its Chicago trading floor at 8:20 a.m. Central Time (CT) today, in remembrance of the former President. Cboe equities exchanges closed for trading during all sessions (early, regular, and after hours) on January 9 include Cboe BYX Exchange, BZX Exchange, EDGA Exchange, and EDGX Exchange. Cboe options exchanges closed for trading during Regular Trading Hours on January 9 include Cboe Options Exchange, BZX Options Exchange, C2 Options Exchange, and EDGX Options Exchange. Global Trading Hours for Cboe Options Exchange will be open. Cboe Futures Exchange (CFE) will be closed for trading during Regular Trading Hours on January 9, while Global Trading Hours will be open. Cboe Digital Exchange will be open for trading and operate as normal on January 9. About Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE), the world's leading derivatives and securities exchange network, delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing and investment solutions to people around the world. Cboe provides trading solutions and products in multiple asset classes, including equities, derivatives, and FX, across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Above all, we are committed to building a trusted, inclusive global marketplace that enables people to pursue a sustainable financial future. To learn more about the Exchange for the World Stage, visit www.cboe.com. CBOE-C Cboe and Cboe Global Markets are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CIH (Central Indiana Hardware), a leading provider of commercial door and security solutions, proudly announces the acquisition of Haley's Lock, Safe & Key Service, Inc., a trusted name in locksmith services and electronic security integration with locations in Lafayette and Crawfordsville, Indiana. This strategic partnership marks a significant step in CIH's commitment to delivering comprehensive security solutions and localized service excellence. Established in 1969, Haley's Lock, Safe & Key Service has been synonymous with quality and customer care for over five decades. With a strong foothold in commercial and residential locksmithing, electronic security systems, and safe services, Haley's expertise aligns seamlessly with CIH's mission to provide innovative, end-to-end security solutions to a growing client base. Haley's legacy of service, market leadership, and culture provides a perfect strategic fit for our company. Post this Ron Couch, President and CEO of CIH, shared his enthusiasm about the acquisition: "We are honored to have the Haley's team as part of our organization. Their legacy of service, market leadership, and culture provides a perfect strategic fit for our company. We are confident in their leadership and look forward to supporting their ongoing success." The acquisition is designed to maintain the Haley's brand name, locations, and operational independence while providing additional opportunities for business growth and market expansion. This move ensures that Haley's customers will continue to receive the personalized, high-quality service they expect, now enhanced by CIH's resources, expanded service capabilities, and robust support infrastructure. Rick and Jeff Oliver, Owners of Haley's Lock, Safe & Key Service, expressed their confidence: "Jeff, myself and our team are very excited to join the CIH / APTURA family. This will only enhance our ability to continue four generations of excellent service to our customers." The acquisition also supports CIH's broader mission under its parent company, APTURA Group, a 100% employee-owned holding company. This shared commitment to employee ownership and excellence in service ensures that both CIH and Haley's teams are invested in long-term success and customer satisfaction. For more information about CIH and its comprehensive range of security solutions, please visit https://cih-inc.com/. To learn more about Haley's Lock, Safe & Key Service, visit https://www.haleyslock.com/. For more information about APTURA Group, visit https://apturagroup.com/. SOURCE CIH LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (NYSE:GBX) invites shareholders and other interested parties to listen to its Virtual Shareholders Meeting. What: The Greenbrier Companies' Virtual Annual Shareholders Meeting When: Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. PST To attend virtually, please go www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/GBX2025 to log in 15 minutes prior to the start of the meeting. Shareholders will need the control number from your proxy card to participate. Otherwise, you can log in as a "Guest." If you log in through a brokerage firm's website, you can gain access to the meeting by logging into your brokerage firm's website 15 minutes prior to the meeting start. Then, select the shareholder communications mailbox to connect to the meeting and the control number will automatically populate. About Greenbrier Greenbrier, headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is a leading international supplier of equipment and services to global freight transportation markets. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures, Greenbrier designs, builds and markets freight railcars in North America, Europe and Brazil. We are a leading provider of freight railcar wheel services, parts, maintenance and retrofitting services in North America through our maintenance services business unit. Greenbrier owns a lease fleet of approximately 15,500 railcars that originate primarily from Greenbrier's manufacturing operations. Greenbrier offers railcar management, regulatory compliance services and leasing services to railroads and other railcar owners in North America. Learn more about Greenbrier at www.gbrx.com. SOURCE The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. ATLANTA, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity joins the world in mourning the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. A champion for affordable and decent housing, he and Rosalynn Carter donated their time and leadership each year to build and improve homes with Habitat around the world. President Carter died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. "We are deeply saddened by President Carter's passing, and our prayers are with the Carter family," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago, and soon brought worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing. We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world." After leaving the White House, the Carters sought out meaningful ways to continue their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, near their home of Plains, in March 1984. Later that same year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers in New York City's Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. That trip marked Habitat for Humanity's first Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project). Each year since then until 2019, the Carters volunteered with Habitat to build or improve houses alongside homeowners in communities across the United States and around the world. President Carter also served as a member of the organization's board of directors from 1984-1987. "I think every human being has within himself or herself a desire to reach out to others and to share some of our blessings with those who are in need," President Carter has said. "What's opened up that avenue for me and my wife and hundreds and thousands of others is Habitat for Humanity. It makes it easy for us to reach out and work side by side with the homeowner who's never had a decent house, perhaps. I haven't been on a Habitat project that I wasn't thrilled and inspired and wept." Over the last three decades, the Carter Work Project has touched lives around the world by inspiring more than 108,000 volunteers across the U.S. and in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,447 Habitat homes. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has served more than 62 million people around the world. In 2016, Habitat named President and Mrs. Carter as the inaugural Habitat Humanitarians for their extraordinary dedication to service in alignment with Habitat's vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity will be celebrating President Carter's life of service with local observances. To learn more or to share a tribute, visit habitat.org. For photos and videos of President and Mrs. Carter volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, visit habitat.ngo/cwpphotos. About Habitat for Humanity Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in south Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org. SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International SUZHOU, China, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hangzhou Sino-US Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Huadong Medicine"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd. (SZ.000963), and SynerK PharmaTech (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "SynerK") have reached a strategic cooperation. The two parties will jointly develop the small nucleic acid (siRNA) drug SNK-2726, targeting angiotensinogen (AGT) for the treatment of hypertension. Huadong Medicine has obtained the exclusive option, once exercised, for the right to develop, register, manufacture and commercialize the drug in Greater China. SynerK owns intellectual property rights of SNK-2726, which is currently in the IND filing preparation stage. According to the agreement, the two parties will jointly develop SNK-2726 to a certain stage. At the same time, Huadong Medicine obtains the exclusive option and may pay the exercise fee in the future to obtain the rights for exclusive development, registration, production and commercialization of SNK-2726 in Greater China. After Huadong Medicine exercises its rights, SynerK will also be entitled to receive subsequent R&D milestones and sales milestones, as well as tiered loyalties based on net sales after commercialization. Dr. Tao Lan, CEO of SynerK, said: "We are very excited about the opportunity to cooperate with Huadong Medicine. Huadong Medicine's corporate philosophy of 'scientific research-based and patient-centered' coincides with our mission of 'changing patients' lives.' This cooperation further demonstrates the potential of SynerK's GalNexus siRNA platform. Through this 1+1>2 collaborative effort, we expect to accelerate the development of SNK-2726 and bring new treatment options to patients." Lv Liang, chairman and general manager of Huadong Medicine, said: "We are very pleased to reach this strategic cooperation with SynerK to develop the innovative siRNA drug SNK-2726 together. SynerK has novel nucleic acid drug technology platforms with independent intellectual property rights. Huadong Medicine will use its deep accumulation in innovative drug research and development and rich experience in clinical and commercialization of drugs in the cardiovascular field. Through close cooperation with SynerK, we will jointly accelerate the development of SNK-2726 and benefit more hypertensive patients as soon as possible." About SNK-2726 SNK-2726, with independent intellectual property rights owned by SynerK, is a subcutaneous RNAi drug targeting angiotensinogen (AGT). It is being developed for the treatment of hypertension and is currently in the IND application preparation stage. AGT is the upstream precursor in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). AGT in the blood circulation is produced mainly by the liver. Inhibiting the production of AGT can effectively block the activity of the RAAS system and reduce blood pressure. Preclinical study results showed that SNK-2726 can potently inhibit the synthesis of AGT in the liver and has prolonged effects, which can lead to a stable and continuous decrease of AGT, and ultimately lower blood pressure. About SynerK SynerK is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of RNA-targeted therapies. It operates in the USA (Boston, MA) and China (Suzhou and Beijing). The cofounders are industry experts with rich experience in nucleic acid drug discovery and development. SynerK aims to build a world-class RNA-targeted therapeutic company by developing products that have the potential to be first-in-class or best-in-class treatments, targeting diseases that are difficult to cure with existing therapies. For more information, please visit: www.synerk.cn About Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd. Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd. (stock code: 000963.SZ) was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. The company adheres to the corporate philosophy of " scientific research-based and patient-centered." After more than 30 years of development, the company's business covers the entire pharmaceutical industry chain, with four major business segments: pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical business, aesthetic medicine, and industrial microbiology. It has developed into a listed, large-scale comprehensive pharmaceutical company integrating innovative pharmaceutical research and development, production, and distribution. In 2023, the company achieved operating income of 40.624 billion yuan, with more than 10,000 employees, and has extensive commercial coverage and marketing capabilities. For more information, please visit www.eastchinapharm.com SOURCE SynerK NEW YORK, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A Settlement has been reached with Cengage in a lawsuit known as Bernstein, et al., v. Cengage Learning, Inc., Case No. 19-cv-7541-ALC-SLC, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Your rights may be impacted. Plaintiffs allege that Cengage has calculated and paid royalties from sales of MindTap and subscriptions to Cengage Unlimited in breach of contract and in bad faith. Cengage has agreed to settle the case, but has done so with no admission of liability. You are included as a Settlement Class Member if you are an author of royalty-bearing work or works who entered into a publishing agreement with Cengage Learning, Inc., or one of its predecessors-in-interest, and whose royalty-bearing work or works have (a) been sold as a component of a MindTap product and have been assigned a Digital Royalty Allocation other than 100%, or (b) been available on Cengage Unlimited. This includes the heir(s) of any author who meets the foregoing criteria and/or the assignee of the contractual rights of any such author. For example, if your deceased parent was an author who, if still alive, would satisfy the criteria listed above, and you inherited her right to receive royalties, then you are a class member. Similarly, if you are a corporation or individual, and an author who satisfies the criteria listed above assigned her rights to you, then you are a class member. If the Settlement is approved and becomes final, it will provide money to Settlement Class Members. Cengage will fund a cash settlement fund in the amount of $20,990,000, plus any interest owed. The Settlement Fund will pay attorneys' fees and costs, costs of notice and administration, and service awards to Class Representatives, subject to approval by the Court. The remaining Net Settlement Fund will be distributed to Settlement Class Members. In addition, Cengage will release any and all claims against Settlement Class Members related to any alleged past overpayment of royalties to Settlement Class Members on MindTap sales or Cengage Unlimited subscription revenue. Your Rights and Options If you do nothing , you will be bound by the Settlement and the Court's decisions. Eligible Class Members will receive a cash payment if the Settlement is approved based on your total historical damages from sales of your work(s) (i) on MindTap and (ii) subscriptions to Cengage Unlimited relative to the aggregate damages of all Settlement Class Members. Each Class Member will receive a pro rata distribution from the Net Settlement Fund according to their individual damages, with a minimum payment of $25 assured. The amount of your payment will depend on your calculated damage amount relative to the aggregate damages of all Settlement Class Members, and the amount of money in the Net Settlement Fund. If you want to keep your right to sue Cengage yourself, you must exclude yourself from the Settlement by January 22, 2025. If you stay in the Settlement but do not agree with the terms, you may object to it by January 22, 2025. The Court will hold a telephonic hearing on February 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET, to consider whether to approve the Settlement, a request for attorney's fees of up to 33 1/3% of the Settlement Fund, reimbursement of expenses, and a service award of up to $16,500 for each of the Class Representatives. You or your own lawyer may appear at the hearing at your own expense, but you do not have to attend. Questions? Visit www.cengageroyaltiesclassaction.com or call 1-833-915-1142. Please do not contact the Court. SOURCE Susman Godfrey L.L.P. SINGAPORE, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Matrixdock, Asia's real-world asset (RWA) tokenization leader, announces the integration of its flagship gold token, XAUm, with Binance Wallet, one of the world's leading digital asset wallets. This development builds on previous integrations with centralized exchange Web3 wallets like OKX and crypto wallets like MetaMask, reinforcing Matrixdock's commitment to making gold investments more secure, efficient, and accessible for hundreds of millions of global users. At the core of this integration is XAUm, a token fully backed by London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)- accredited gold bars with a minimum fineness of 99.99%. Each XAUm token represents one troy ounce of gold. These gold reserves are securely stored in Brink's vaults in Hong Kong and Singapore, offering token holders the option to redeem XAUm for physical gold. Purpose-built for Web3 compatibility and the multi-chain ecosystem, XAUm seamlessly blends blockchain innovation with user-centric design. Its robust proof-of-reserve transparency, efficient multi-chain reserve management, and enhanced interoperability inspire trust and elevate gold from a static asset to a dynamic, multifunctional financial instrument in the digital economy. This integration with Binance Wallet builds on previous developments within Binance's ecosystem, including decentralized exchanges and lending platforms. The goal is to make XAUm a benchmark for modern gold investments, providing an efficient and trusted solution that redefines asset efficiency and financial equality. Binance Wallet enhances this vision by offering a secure and intuitive entry point to Web3. Users can manage digital assets, perform cross-chain token swaps, and earn yields effortlessly. With a simple setup process via the Binance app, the wallet eliminates the need for seed phrases or private keys, furthermore, it utilizes Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology to enhance secure transactions. Through this integration, individuals worldwide are able to buy, own, and trade gold conveniently with a mobile device. By leveraging Web3 technology and the multi-chain ecosystem, Matrixdock and Binance Wallet set a new standard for modern gold investments, driving financial equality and innovation. About Matrixdock Founded in February 2023 by Matrixport, Matrixdock is Asia's RWA leader that modernizes financial instruments through advanced tokenization technology. As the first in Asia to introduce a tokenized short-term treasury bill product, STBT, earned the Ecosystem Excellence TADS Award in 2023 for Trading & Liquidity Solutions. In 2024, it launched a one-of-a-kind Tokenized Gold token, XAUm, modernizing traditional gold investment into a dynamic, multifunctional digital asset. SOURCE Matrixdock LOS ANGELES , Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NetActuate has successfully completed a series of key upgrades to its Dubai data center, enhancing capacity for infrastructure services, including bare metal, colocation, and virtual machines (VMs), while increasing available low-latency IP bandwidth. NetActuate Completes Upgrades to Dubai Data Center Enhancing Network, Anycast, and Infrastructure Services These upgrades align with the Middle East's growing role as a global digital hub, fueled by hyperscaler investments, smart city projects, and a focus on sustainability. The region's strategic location, combined with enhanced connectivity and technological advancements, is attracting businesses looking to expand their presence across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. "Our customers rely on us to deliver low-latency, high-performance infrastructure and network services in every region we serve," said Mark Mahle, CEO and Cofounder, NetActuate. "These upgrades in Dubai strengthen our ability to help providers reach end users across the Middle East and Africa with reliability and speed." Located in the region's first carrier-neutral data center, NetActuate's Dubai facility serves as a critical hub for international business. The enterprise-class facility provides robust multi-factor security, redundant power and cooling systems, and direct connectivity to the UAE Internet Exchange (UAE-IX). It is certified compliant with ISO 27001, ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001, PCI DSS, SOC 1 Type 2, and SOC 2 Type 2 standards. Local technicians and NetActuate's 24x7 Network Operations Center (NOC) are available to provide expert support and remote hands. Providers can seamlessly deploy on NetActuate's anycast delivery platform, built on one of the world's largest IPv4 and IPv6 peered networks. Designed for maximum reliability and low latency, NetActuate's anycast platform is available from Dubai and over 40 global locations with simple, predictable monthly pricing. Customers can leverage this enhanced Dubai facility, alongside NetActuate's global footprint, to deploy hybrid environments across 40+ strategic locations worldwide. This enables businesses to reduce vendor complexity while accessing best-in-class infrastructure and low-latency network services. About NetActuate NetActuate is a leading provider of highly available, low latency custom network and infrastructure services that reach every major global market. From the datacenter to the last mile, we help providers take their products and services to the global edge faster. Our customers can rapidly scale without fear of high costs or devastating performance issues. We built one of the world's largest global networks by number of peers, and it serves as the foundation for our performance BGP anycast platform that powers over 25 billion transactions a day. To schedule a call with NetActuate engineers or learn more about our products and services, visit netactuate.com. To discover how anycast can boost reliability, reduce latency, and simplify architecture all at the network level, visit NetActuate's anycast resource site at anycast.com. SOURCE NetActuate, Inc More Than Half Plan to Increase Headcount OKLAHOMA CITY, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As 2024 comes to a close, 84% of U.S. hiring managers are positive about their company's hiring outlook for the first half of next year, with 52% feeling optimistic, 46% hopeful, 45% confident and 38% satisfied. This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. Hiring Predictions for the First Half of 2025 Hold Steady Most hiring managers (63%) anticipate increasing their workforce, with 19% planning significant increases and 44% expecting slight growth. Comparatively, in 2024, 63% of hiring managers also planned to increase their employee count, indicating consistent optimism over the past year. The primary drivers for increasing headcount include managing increased volumes of work (52%), filling newly created positions (46%) and addressing employee turnover (43%). Additionally, companies are looking to handle expansion into new categories or markets (33%), acquire expertise in new areas (30%), manage work caused by AI concerns (22%), rehire for positions that were previously cut (22%), manage work caused by cybersecurity concerns (20%) and adapt to changes resulting from new legislative or policy implementations (16%). Stable or Minimal Reductions in Workforce Thirty percent of U.S. hiring managers say their company plans to maintain current workforce levels in the first half of 2025, mirroring the 29% who reported similar intentions in 2024. Meanwhile, only 6% anticipate decreasing their workforce, consistent with the 7% of companies that planned to cut staff in 2024. The primary reasons for these workforce decreases include cost-cutting measures (68%), company restructuring (22%) and aligning with decreased demand (21%). Optimism Balanced with Persistent Challenges "There seems to be more optimism in the market after a slowdown from the crazy highs of COVID and post-pandemic activity," said Bill Sofio, an owner of Express and Specialized Recruiting Group franchises in North Carolina, about 2025 hiring predictions. "There was a year or two of settling down and it feels like a more normal business cycle is forthcoming." In New Hampshire, Express franchise owner John Roller agrees. His sales representative is hearing a lot more enthusiasm for hiring after the past few years of "uncertainty about government regulations, confidence in orders forecasted and a very tight labor market." However, despite the high optimism heading into 2025, both Sofio and Roller say businesses will still face challenges, including continued worker shortages, return-to-office mandates and pushback against offering slightly lower wages. "The positive sentiments among U.S. hiring managers highlight a resilient and forward-thinking workforce," said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. "Businesses are strategically positioning themselves for growth, addressing immediate needs like increased workloads and turnover, while also preparing for future challenges such as AI and cybersecurity. The outlook for 2025 is promising, driven by a workforce ready to innovate and adapt." Survey Methodology The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals Nov. 11 26, 2024, among 1,001 U.S. hiring decision-makers. For full survey methodologies, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR. If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact [email protected], Director of Corporate Communications & PR. About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment International. Founded in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing franchisor supports the Express Employment Professionals franchise and related brands. The Express franchise brand is an industry-leading, international staffing company with franchise locations in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, we're in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 492,000 people globally in 2023 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com. SOURCE Express Services dba Express Employment Professionals SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RLX Technology Inc. ("RLX Technology" or the "Company") (NYSE: RLX), a leading global branded e-vapor company, has recently achieved an "AA" rating in the MSCI ESG rating, upgraded from an "A" rating. RLX Technology has secured the top position in the global e-cigarette industry for three consecutive years and has achieved the highest MSCI ESG rating in the global tobacco industry. RLX Technology's MSCI ESG Rating Upgraded to "AA" MSCI ESG ratings aim to measure a company's management of financially relevant ESG risks and opportunities and rate over 8,500 companies every year. MSCI ESG ratings have become a key reference for international capital market participants. The "AA" rating is a significant recognition of RLX Technology's ESG governance structure, further solidifying its leadership position in the e-vapor sector. The Company is also expected to gain increasing opportunities for inclusion in various fund portfolios or gain larger asset allocations. Ms. Ying (Kate) Wang, Co-founder, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and Chief Executive Officer of RLX Technology, stated, "We understand that corporate success lies not only in operational profitability, but also in social and environmental responsibility. The Company has focused on optimizing its product portfolio, supply chains, and operations to enhance corporate value while positively impacting society and the environment." According to MSCI, RLX ranks best-in-class for risk management capabilities in product safety, quality, and chemical safety. It also ranks among the top 1% globally in risk management for accounting, business ethics, and tax transparency. Regarding supply chain labor standards, all assessments have met MSCI's "Top" standards. Since its inception, RLX Technology has integrated ESG in its corporate strategy to foster sustainable development. Following the implementation of national e-cigarettes standards and regulations in China, RLX Technology fully upgraded its R&D system, establishing eight laboratories and implementing stringent factory quality controls. This significantly enhanced product innovation capabilities and established a comprehensive product quality assurance system throughout the product lifecycle. The RLX Technology quality and safety laboratory was recognized by CNAS (China National Accreditation Service For Conformity Assessment) in July 2023 and passed expansion and modification assessment in June 2024. Currently, RLX Technology has established a comprehensive testing platform that can provide reliability, electrical performance, inhalation testing, and battery safety testing services for the e-vapor industry, and issue authoritative reports for export products according to international standards. Furthermore, the Company maintains strict internal standards, incorporating ESG criteria into its supplier selection process. RLX Technology annually conducts ESG assessments of its core suppliers, performing external audits based on the "RLX Business Partner Code of Conduct", SA8000 standards, and other ESG-related metrics. RLX Technology has always regarded ESG as one of its core competitive edges. It established an ESG committee at the Board level and has published ESG reports for four consecutive years. TUV Rheinland, a leading international verification agency, has independently verified the report in 2022 and 2023 according to the AA1000 Assurance Standard v3, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the substantive issues addressed. Looking ahead, RLX remains committed to steadfastly implementing its long-term ESG strategy, actively fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities, and continuously creating greater value for clients, shareholders, partners, employees, and society. About RLX Technology Inc. RLX Technology Inc. (NYSE: RLX) is a leading global branded e-vapor company. The Company leverages its strong in-house technology, product development capabilities and in-depth insights into adult smokers' needs to develop superior e-vapor products. For more information, please visit: http://ir.relxtech.com. SOURCE RLX Technology Inc. NEW YORK, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of Western Asset Management Company mutual fund investors resulting from allegations that Western Asset may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Western Asset mutual funds 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=31956 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 25, 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued a press release entitled "SEC Charges Ken Leech, Former Co-Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset Management Co., with Fraud." This press release stated that Leech had been charged with fraud "for engaging in a multi-year scheme to allocate favorable trades to certain portfolios, while allocating unfavorable trades to other portfolios, a practice known as cherry-picking." 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. Last of Three Voter-Approved Increases Takes Effect at Midnight Tuesday SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the new year beginning as Tuesday night turns into Wednesday morning, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) reminds drivers that tolls at the region's seven state-owned toll bridges will go up by $1 at 12 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025. This will be the third of the three $1 toll increases approved by the California Legislature in 2017 through state Senate Bill 595 and by voters through Regional Measure 3 in June 2018. The first of these toll hikes went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and the second on Jan. 1, 2022. BATA Logo (PRNewsfoto/Bay Area Toll Authority) Regular tolls for two-axle cars and trucks (as well as for motorcycles) at the San Francisco-Oakland Bay, Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges will rise to $8 from the current $7 on Jan. 1, 2025. Tolls for vehicles with three or more axles also will rise by $1 on Jan. 1, 2025, at all seven of the state-owned toll bridges: to $18 for three axles, $23 for four-axles, $28 for five axles, $33 for six axles, and $38 for combinations with seven or more axles. Regional Measure 3 continues the peak-period toll discount for motorcycles, qualifying carpools and qualifying clean-air vehicles crossing any of the state-owned toll bridges on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The discounted toll will rise to $4 on Jan. 1 from the current $3.50. To qualify for this discount, carpoolers, motorcyclists and drivers of clean-air vehicles must use FasTrak to pay their tolls electronically and must use a designated carpool lane at each toll plaza. Senate Bill 595 and Regional Measure 3 also established a 50-cent toll discount for two-axle vehicles crossing more than one of the state-owned toll bridges during weekday commute hours of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. To be eligible for the toll discount, which is to be applied to the second toll crossing of the day, motorists must pay their tolls electronically with FasTrak. Carpools, motorcycles and qualifying clean-air vehicles making a second peak-period toll crossing in a single day will qualify for an additional 25-cent discount off the already-discounted carpool toll. New FasTrak customers can obtain toll tags at Costco warehouse stores and select Walgreens stores around Northern California. A complete list of participating locations as well as an online enrollment and registration feature is available on the FasTrak Web site at bayareafastrak.org. Customers also may enroll in the FasTrak program by phone at 1-877-229-8655; by calling 511 and asking for "FasTrak" at the first prompt; or in person at the FasTrak customer service center at 375 Beale Street in San Francisco. FasTrak can be used in all lanes at all Bay Area toll plazas. Major projects in the Regional Measure 3 expenditure plan include improvements to State Route 37 in the North Bay, freeway interchange improvements in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties, the purchase of more new BART cars, extension of the BART system from Berryessa to downtown San Jose and Santa Clara, extension of the Caltrain corridor to the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco, expansion of Muni's transit vehicle fleet, expansion of San Francisco Bay Ferry service and more frequent transbay bus service, an improved connection between northbound U.S. 101 and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge in Marin County, upgrades to the Dumbarton Bridge corridor, and extension of the SMART rail system to Windsor and Healdsburg in Sonoma County. The Regional Measure 3 toll hike that takes effect next week is separate from the toll hike approved by BATA earlier this month, which will be phased in over five years, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, to pay for the maintenance, rehabilitation and operation of the seven state-owned toll bridges. BATA this month also approved updates to the policies for high-occupancy vehicles on approaches to the state-owned bridges, which will similarly go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. BATA, which is directed by the same policy board as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), administers toll revenues from the Bay Area's seven state-owned toll bridges. Toll revenues from the Golden Gate Bridge are administered by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, which joined with BATA to operate a single regional FasTrak customer service center in San Francisco. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission TAIPEI, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), businesses are racing to meet the demands of terminal AI applications to propel growth. The AI on Chip Industrial Cooperation Strategic Alliance aims to promote the industry by supporting member companies such as Etron Technology, Generalplus Technology and iCatch Technology to develop innovative products engineered for a range of industrial applications. Etron Technology has seamlessly integrated its RPC memory interface controller into voice control and driver monitoring systems in cars. The company has also unveiled the MemorAiLink platform, offering low-power, high-performance AI terminal solutions for the heterogeneous integration of various computing cores. Generalplus Technology excels in driver monitoring systems (DMS), which comply with EU and Chinese regulations. By collecting extensive data and conducting rigorous field tests, the systems ensure optimal performance in any scenario. iCatch Technology has recently launched the V2C multi-channel AI Internet of Vehicles (IoV) image analysis recorder, which has been available in the Japanese fleet market. The company's sensor fusion technology gives vehicles full perception capabilities, creating exciting new opportunities for applications in drones, robots and more. Etron Technology, Generalplus Technology and iCatch Technology are all committed to innovation, striving to meet customer expectations and exploring new technology applications. Together, they are creating more opportunities within Taiwan's AI industry and on the global stage. For more information on excellent Taiwanese manufacturers, please contact us at [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2587982/image_5018046_24472191.jpg INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement today concerning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: "President Carter was a Legionnaire, a distinguished Navy veteran and a devout Christian. His commitment to human rights and community service was respected worldwide. He lived longer than any president in American history and made the most of his post-presidential years by strongly advocating for world peace and improving the lives of the disadvantaged. His energy, integrity and humility were admired by people across the political spectrum. President Carter's wife, Rosalynn, was a leader in mental health awareness. They will both be missed. Our condolences to the entire Carter family and the many lives that they have touched, especially in their home state of Georgia." During an address to The American Legion's 1980 national convention, President Carter described his vision for America on the world stage. "We do not maintain our power in order to seize power from others. Our goal is to strengthen our own freedom and the freedom of others, to advance the dignity of the individual and the right of all people to justice, to a good life, and to a future secure from tyranny. In choosing our course in the world, America's strength serves American values," he said. About The American Legion The American Legion , the nation's largest veterans organization, is dedicated to the motto of "Veterans Strengthening America." Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to service members and veterans. It has made suicide prevention its top priority through its Be the One mission. Nearly 1.6 million members in more than 12,000 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness. Media contact: John Raughter, [email protected], 317.630.1350 SOURCE The American Legion NEW YORK, Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Princeton Review, one of the nation's leading education providers, today shared its annual look back at some of the company's key offerings over the past year and look ahead to projects in the works for the year ahead. In 2024, more than a million people turned to The Princeton Review for education-related information and resources. Students used the company's services and products to score their best on tests; tackle school assignments; improve their grades; research and gain admission to undergraduate, graduate, and medical schools; and maximize opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. Post-graduates used the company's resources to upskill for career advancement as well as prepare for professional licensing exams. Parents, teachers, counselors, advisors and members of the media reached out to The Princeton Review for information on everything from its survey findings and school rankings to trending topics in education. The Princeton Review's services and products in 2024 included: Test-prep Courses . Offered for dozens of tests and regularly updated to reflect changes in the tests, The Princeton Review courses are available in various formats from live online to in-person to self-paced. Some of the most popular courses carry The Princeton Review Better Scores Money Back Guarantee. Among its courses for tests taken by college applicantsthe SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, ACT, and AP subject teststhe company's SAT 1400+ course was the most popular in 2024. Among its courses for tests taken by applicants to graduate, law, business and medical schoolsthe GRE, LSAT, GMAT, and MCATthe company's LSAT 165+ and MCAT 515+ courses were among the most popular. The Princeton Review's courses for professional licensing and certification exams include its USMLE Test Pack for MD candidates taking the medical licensing exam, and its suite of resources for the NCLEX-RN exam which is required for licensing as a Registered Nurse. These include its NCLEX-RN LiveOnline and NCLEX Self-Paced course, and its Next Gen NCLEX-RN QBank. The company also offers courses for people preparing to take the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level I, Level II, and Level III exams. Through a marketing partnership with Surgent Accounting & Financial Education, The Princeton Review offers exclusive discounts on Surgent's exam reviews for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), and CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) exams. Tutoring . The company's more than 3,000 trusted tutors are available in 80+ subjects online and on demand, 24/7. They provide customized learning sessions for elementary school through college level students as well as for post-grads. At the company's Instant Homework Help hub, tutors help students tackle school assignments and improve their study habits. At the LiveOnline Academic Tutoring hub, tutors help students earn higher grades in school, prepare for tests and achieve academic goals. In 2024, the top subjects for which students requested help from the company's tutors were: Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Algebra-based Physics, and Physics. Admissions Counseling. The majority (80%) of students working with the company's college admissions counselors in 2024 gained admission to at least one of their top three "dream" schools including such highly selective institutions as Harvard, MIT, and the University of Chicago. Students working with the company's medical school admissions counselors gained admission to top medical schools in the U.S. (Duke, Harvard and Stanford among them) as well as outside of the U.S. (the University of Cambridge, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Toronto among them). Books. The Princeton Review's line of 150+ books, distributed by Penguin Random House, includes test-prep guides and college guides, many of which have been annually updated for more than three decades. Among those long-running titles published in 2024 were the 39th edition of The Princeton Review's primary guide to the SAT; the 36th edition of its primary guide to the ACT; and the 33rd edition of its flagship college guide, The Best 390 Colleges. Additionally, the 32nd edition of its book Paying for College holds the distinction of being the only annually updated guide to financial aid with guidance on completing the upcoming school year's FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), a form that all aid applicants must submit, and the College Board's CSS Profile which hundreds of selective colleges require. Other notable releases in 2024 included 575+ Practice Questions for the Digital PSAT/NMSQT and 800+ SAT Practice Questions. Popular Princeton Review guides also hit Amazon.com bestseller lists in 2024. Among them were Digital SAT Premium Prep and AP World History: Modern Premium Prep which were bestsellers in the College Entrance and Test Guides category, and AP Psychology Premium Prep which was #1 in the Amazon.com bestseller category Teen & Young Adult AP Study Aids New Releases. AI Tools. Students using The Princeton Review's award-winning generative AI-based tools AI College Admissions Essay Counseling and AI Homework Essay Feedback, which debuted in 2023, can upload essays they have written, andwithin secondsreceive feedback, evaluation, and recommendations of ways to make their essays even better. (Note: These products do not write the student's essays.) Designed with input from the company's college admission and tutoring experts, the tools provide feedback on coherence, conciseness, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and more. In 2024, The Princeton Review also: Reported school rankings in dozens of categories including its Top Undergrad and Grad Schools to Study Game Design (March) Best Value Colleges (June) Best Business Schools and Best Law Schools (July) Best Colleges (August) Top Green Colleges (October) and Top Undergrad and Grad Schools to Study Entrepreneurship (November). Conducted national education surveys including its College Hopes & Worries 2024 Survey. Now in its 22nd year, this survey polled 10,800 college applicants and their parents in February on their application perspectives, need for financial aid, "dream" college (the school they wished they (or their child) could attend if acceptance was a given and cost was not a concern), as well as other timely issues. Among the findings: 82% of respondents overall said financial aid would be very necessary to pay for college and 73% reported high stress about their college applications. The #1 dream college among surveyed students was Harvard. The #1 dream college among surveyed parents was MIT. College Administrator Summer 2024 Survey. Now in its 5th year, this survey polled administrators at 246 colleges in July on their fall enrollment forecasts, test policies, opinions about the revised FAFSA as well as the use of AI in college applications and admissions, and other issues. Among the findings: 75% of the administrators projected their fall 2024 enrollment to be on par with that of fall 2023; 89% reported their schools were test optional (7% said test blind; 4% said test scores were required); and 70% reported low or very low confidence that the release of the FAFSA for 2025-26 would be timely and smooth. Promoted mental health services on college campuses The Princeton Review Mental Health on College Campuses project, supported by a partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation, began with a survey of administrators at 2,000+ colleges about the availability of mental health services and resources at their schools. The company also surveyed college students about their awareness of such services and resources on their campuses. A report on The Princeton Review Campus Mental Health Survey findings is accessible here. In October, The Princeton Review uploaded information about schools' mental health services to 250 of its college profiles on PrincetonReview.com and named 16 schools to its Mental Health Services Honor Roll for 2025. The company also launched a content hub on its website dedicated to mental health resources. A short video on the project is viewable here. Provided free resources for students, parents, teachers, counselors and others From college-night talks to test-strategy sessions to career-related webinars, The Princeton Review hosted thousands of free events in 2024. Its education experts also created dozens of videos that were uploaded to its YouTube channel . The channel's 600+ videos feature updates on standardized tests and tips for scoring well on them as well as strategies for gaining admission to (and financial aid from) colleges and universities. In 2024, the videos that were most viewed on The Princeton Review YouTube channel were AP Exams Going Digital!, The New Digital SAT: 15 Must-Know Answers About the Test, and How to Make the Best College Decision by May 1st. Was referenced widely in media broadcasts and print and online features Each year, members of the media reach out to The Princeton Review for comment, advice, and information about education issues. In 2024, the company's Editor in Chief Rob Franek appeared on several national broadcasts including a segment on NBC TODAY on October 7th that was his 31st appearance on the show. It featured his advice for college applicants, reports on the company's recently reported college rankings, and comments on trending issues in education. Other media sourcing Rob included: CNBC, the BBC, Teen Kids News and Voice of America. In 2024, hundreds of regional, local and niche media reported on schools that earned various Princeton Review rankings and honors. Many schools are citing these accolades now in their 2024 end-of-year retrospectives. Received awards and recognition In November, two of the leading edtech publicationsCampus Technology and THE Journalhonored The Princeton Review along with its affiliate,Tutor.com, naming the company's AI-based tools for tutoring a Platinum Award-winner in their 2024 Product of the Year Awards. More information about the publications' awards program is here. In December, The Princeton Review reported that an effectiveness study has demonstrated that the company's institutional SAT Prep program meets Level II requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). An accompanying logic model demonstrated that the program is informed by high-quality research that satisfies Level IV requirements of the ESSA. The effectiveness study and logic model were completed by Instructure Research, a third-party research and evaluation group. The study and model were designed to assess student outcomes for an institutional program in which a K12 district partnered with The Princeton Review to provide test prep for its students. Welcomed new executive management In May, The Princeton Review announced that Robert (Bob) Batten, joined the company as Chief Executive Officer, and in June, it reported that Sarah Robinson, joined the company as Chief Product Officer. Projects The Princeton Review has in the works for 2025 include : Updates of its courses for standardized tests . Having updated its courses for many tests that underwent major revisions in 2024 (including the SAT, GMAT, GRE, and LSAT), the company is revising its courses for the ACT and the AP subject tests to align with significant changes in the tests in 2025. In April, the "Enhanced" ACT" will officially debut with a digital option and in a shorter format. Other changes in the test are forthcoming in September. In May 2025, 28 AP Exams will transition to digital versions. Updated editions of many of the company's books . The Princeton Review will publish significantly updated editions of its test-prep guides for exams referenced above that are undergoing major changes in 2025 as well as create additional resources to prepare for the new tests. The Best 391 Colleges, the 2026 edition of its annual college guide, will reveal the top colleges in 50 categories based on The Princeton Review's surveys of nearly 170,000 college students. The 2026 edition of Paying for College will provide guidance on completing the 202627 FAFSA as well as updates on changes in other financial aid forms and the methodologies by which aid awards are determined. "As The Princeton Review begins its 44th year, the mission that drove the company's founding in 1981 remains as vital and relevant today," said Bob Batten, Chief Executive Officer. "Our full team is dedicated to education and to helping students reach their academic and career goals. We look forward to serving even more students in 2025 and we join with all who care about them and their promising futures." About The Princeton Review The Princeton Review is a leading tutoring, test prep, and college admissions services company. Every year, it helps millions of college- and graduate schoolbound students as well as working professionals achieve their education and career goals through its many education services and products. These include online and in-person courses delivered by a network of more than 4,000 teachers and tutors; online resources; more than 150 print and digital books published by Penguin Random House; and dozens of categories of school rankings. Founded in 1981, The Princeton Review is now in its 44th year. The company's Tutor.com brand, now in its 24th year, is one of the largest online tutoring services in the U.S. It comprises a community of thousands of tutors who have delivered more than 27 million tutoring sessions. The Princeton Review is headquartered in New York, NY. The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University. For more information, visit PrincetonReview.com and the company's Media Center. Follow the company on X (formerly Twitter) @ThePrincetonRev and Instagram @theprincetonreview. All tests are registered trademarks of their respective owners. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with The Princeton Review. CFA Institute does not endorse, promote, or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products or services offered by The Princeton Review. CFA and Charted Financial Analyst are trademarks owned by CFA Institute. FAFSA is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education. LSAT is a trademark registered by Law School Admission Council (LSAC) which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, The Princeton Review. MCAT is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which are not affiliated with, and do not endorse, The Princeton Review or its offerings. SAT and AP are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, The Princeton Review or its offerings. WEBSITE: www.princetonreview.com SOURCE The Princeton Review Bloomberg's Ed Ludlow to interview the co-CEO about autonomous vehicle technology and future of mobility ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of CES, the world's most powerful tech event, announces Waymo co-CEO Tekedra N. Mawakana will keynote the CES 2025 Leaders in Technology (LIT) Dinner on Wednesday, January 8. This invitation-only event gathers technology industry luminaries, including policymakers, technologists, media, and entrepreneurs. Waymo co-CEO Tekedra N. Mawakana will keynote the CES 2025 Leaders in Technology (LIT) Dinner on Wednesday, January 8. Post this Tekedra N. Mawakana, co-CEO, Waymo Waymo Logo Ed Ludlow, co-host of Bloomberg Technology As co-CEO of Waymo, Mawakana leads the company's strategic vision, with a primary focus on revolutionizing mobility through the commercialization of Waymo Driver the world's most advanced autonomous driving technology. Under Mawakana's leadership, Waymo is pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving and reshaping how we think about transportation. "Our mission at Waymo is to be the world's most trusted driver and I'm excited to share with those at CES how we're transforming mobility to be safer, more sustainable, and more accessible," said Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO of Waymo. "We're proud to serve riders in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin with our fully autonomous ride-hail service, and I look forward to discussing our safety-guided path as we continue to grow into the new year." Ed Ludlow, co-host of Bloomberg Technology, the only daily news show focused exclusively on tech and innovation, will interview Mawakana about Waymo's role in sustainable transportation, roadway safety, and the future of mobility. Since joining Bloomberg in 2018, Ludlow has covered a wide range of topics from the automotive industry to consumer technology. "We are thrilled that Waymo chose CES to keynote and present their vision of the future," said CTA CEO Gary Shapiro. "Autonomous vehicles have immense potential from saving thousands of lives annually to introducing new travel options for seniors and people with disabilities. America's leadership of this technology depends on a federal framework to bring more autonomous vehicles to our roads. Pioneering U.S. companies like Waymo are driving this innovation forward." Visit Waymo at booth #5040 in the LVCC West Hall to learn about their real-world advancements in autonomous driving. Experience interactive demonstrations showcasing their technology, rider stories, and explore their latest vehicle platforms. The LIT program at CES 2025 includes government guests from around the globe who explore innovative consumer technology and discuss policy issues at the Innovation Policy Summit (IPS). IPS conference programming topics include artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, trade and tariffs, and cybersecurity. Waymo joins Panasonic Holdings, NVIDIA, Delta, SiriusXM, Accenture, and Volvo Group on the CES 2025 Keynote lineup . Register for CES 2025 here. About CES: CES is the most powerful tech event in the world the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social . About Consumer Technology Association (CTA): As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators from startups to global brands helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech . Follow us @CTAtech . Waymo: Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since our start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo DriverThe World's Most Experienced Driverto improve everyone's access to mobility while saving 40,000 of lives now lost to traffic crashes in the U.S. annually. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo One, a fully autonomous ride-hailing service providing over 150K trips each week across San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. In total, Waymo has served millions of rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving tens of millions of miles on public roads across 13+ U.S. states and tens of billions of miles in simulation. SOURCE Consumer Technology Association New Delhi, Dec 30 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday expressed grief and offered his condolences to the families of more than 170 people, who died in an airplane crash, at South Korea's Muan International Airport. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar 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 South Korea at this difficult time." Earlier, the South Korean authorities 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. "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 firefighting agency official said as quoted by Yonhap news agency. 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 $1 billion insurance plan. "Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO," Kim said. Seoul, Dec 30 : World leaders have expressed condolences and solidarity with South Korea after the tragic airplane crash in Muan claimed more than 170 lives. In a statement released by the White House, US President Joe Biden on Sunday expressed his grief over the accident and pledged support to South Korea. "Jill and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life that occurred as a result of the Jeju Airlines accident in Muan, South 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. The US stands ready to provide any necessary assistance," the White House statement said. Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru extended his sympathies to the bereaved families on behalf of the government and the people of Japan. "I am deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives due to the airplane accident that occurred in South Korea. On behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, I wish to express my sincere condolences for the loss of life and send my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families. My thoughts go out to all those who were injured, and I sincerely hope they will make a swift recovery," the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan said. India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also expressed deep sorrow over the airplane crash. David Lammy, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, and Penny Wong, Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, offered their condolences on the tragic accident. 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. In a statement late on December 29, a spokesperson for Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry said: "The Singapore Government is saddened by the news of the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 on December 29, 2024. We convey our deepest condolences to the government of South Korea and the families and loved ones of those who have perished. We wish the survivors a full recovery." "We are in contact with the South Korean authorities and there were no reports of Singaporeans on board the flight." 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 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," Pope Francis said. France's Foreign Ministry said that Paris learnt "with great emotion the terrible toll" and sends condolences to the affected families. Germany's 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. "Profoundly saddened by the tragic incident," Greece's Foreign Affairs Ministry said on X, sending condolences "during this difficult time". Earlier, the South Korean authorities 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. 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 $1 billion insurance plan. "Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as the CEO," Kim said. New Delhi, Dec 30 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to embark on a three-day official visit to the State of Qatar from December 30, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Sunday. The MEA in an official statement said that during his visit, the 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 said. EAM 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 EAM 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 MEA in a press statement. Earlier, on September 9, EAM 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. Washington, Dec 30 : US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden mourned the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, describing him as an "extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian" after the nation's 39th Commander-in-Chief died on Sunday. In a statement released by the White House, the Bidens said, "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." In a statement, the Bidens reflected on Carter's lifelong commitment to peace, civil rights, and humanitarian efforts, noting his global impact and his legacy of compassion and moral clarity. Biden said an official state funeral for Carter would be held in Washington D.C. "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", the statement added. In their statement, Joe and Jill Biden said that Jimmy Carter's life serves as an example for anyone searching for what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning. They said that Carter, "showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people -- decent and honourable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong." The statement from the White House also noted that an official state funeral will be held in Washington DC for James Earl Carter Jr, "who gave his full life in service to God and country." James Earl Carter Jr, 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 media, citing his son James E. Carter III. Carter's son confirmed his death but did not provide an immediate cause. According to a statement from the Carter Centre in 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 tumours that had spread to his liver and brain. Washington, Dec 30 : World leaders and US politicians have offered their condolences following the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday. Carter, who as president brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, has died at the age of 100. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what's 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." US Vice President Kamala Harris "President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith -- in God, in America, and in humanity. Jimmy Carter's life is a testament to the power of service -- as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion." US President-Elect Donald Trump "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." President George W. Bush "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 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." Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "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." Egypt President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi "In this moment of sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of former American President Jimmy Carter, as well as to the President and the people of the United States of America. His significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood. His enduring legacy ensures that he will be remembered as one of the world's most prominent leaders in service to humanity." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "Throughout decades of public service, President Carter embodied integrity, compassion, and a commitment to advancing the freedom, security, and welfare of others. He channelled that spirit into his foreign policy, from negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to its host nation to developing arms control agreements with the Soviet Union. And he brought it to his every exchange and conversation, from heads of state to ordinary citizens. President Carter also showed us what can be achieved through tireless and principled diplomacy, mediating a landmark deal with Israel and Egypt that helped forge peace between two nations that had spent decades at war. His efforts are an important reminder of what's possible, especially amidst renewed conflict and suffering in the region." Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "Jimmy Carter's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life -- and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones, and the American people who are mourning a former President and a lifelong humanitarian. May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come." Panama President Jose Raul Mulino "I offer my condolences to the family and the people and Government of the United States on the death of former President Jimmy Carter. His stint in the White House was marked by difficult times and were crucial for Panama in negotiating and signing the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, which transferred the (Panama) Canal into Panamanian hands and made our country truly sovereign. May his soul rest in peace." Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regrets the death of former President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter, and extends its most sincere condolences to his family and friends. Former President Carter was a man of proven commitment to peace and dialogue. His contributions to global politics and his dedication to peace have left an indelible mark on the world." French President Emmanuel Macron "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." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "President Carter rose from humble beginnings to leave a remarkable legacy. Beyond being elected to the Presidency or being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Jimmy Carter's legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted." Vice President-Elect JD Vance "Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving this country. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. May he Rest in Peace." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer "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. 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." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer "I was very sorry to hear of President Carter's passing and I would like to pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace Prize. 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." US Senator Mitch Mcconnell "Elaine and I join the Senate and the nation in mourning the passing of our 39th President, Jimmy Carter. 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." US House Speaker Mike Johnson "Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted on behalf of the Carter family. President Carter's story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the 39th President of the United States of America, James Earl 'Jimmy' Carter, Jr. I extend my deepest condolences to the Carter family and the government and people of the United States. President Carter's leadership contributed significantly to international peace and security, including the landmark Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal Treaties. President Carter's commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency. 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. His legacy as a peacemaker, human rights champion and humanitarian will endure." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "We express our heartfelt condolences to the American people and to the family of former US 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. We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression. He devoted his life to promoting peace in the world and defending human rights. Today, let us remember: peace matters, and the world must remain united in standing against those who threaten these values. May his memory be eternal." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban "The memory of President Jimmy Carter will always be cherished in Hungary. By returning the Holy Crown to the people of Hungary at the end of the 70's, he gave freedom-loving Hungarians hope in a hopeless time. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Carter family and the American people." Mumbai, Dec 30 : A massive fire broke out at two chemical factories in Boisar-Tarapur MIDC in Palghar district of Maharashtra, officials said. A senior police official of the Maharashtra Police confirmed the incident, saying that the fire erupted at the UK Aromatic and Chemicals located on Navapur Road in the Salwad Shivaji Nagar area of Palghar and quickly spread to the nearby Shree Chemicals. Several fire tenders were rushed to the spot and efforts were made by the firefighters to control the fire. Several fire engines and water tankers brought the blaze under control after almost five hours. A major disaster was averted as workers rushed out of the premises of the fire-ravaged UK Aromatic and Chemicals Factory, officials added. The cause of the blaze cannot be known immediately. A fire-fighting operation is underway to put out the flames, officials said on Sunday night, adding that no report has been received about any injuries. Visuals showed thick plumes of black smoke emanating from the burning industrial unit. The Palghar fire control room received a call about the incident around 6:20 p.m., following which a fire-fighting operation was launched immediately, a Fire Brigade official said. "The fire is under control. No injuries are reported," the official said around 11 p.m. Palghar Superintendent of Police Balasaheab Patil said the fire broke out around 5:20 p.m., and spread due to strong winds, destroying a chemical and a textile unit. A fire erupted on a hill slope in the Goregaon area of Mumbai shortly after midnight on Sunday, a fire official confirmed. No injuries were reported in the incident. The 'level-one' fire, which started at 12.14 a.m., was confined to dry leaves, shrubs, and trees over a 1.5-km stretch on the hill slope behind IT Park in Goregaon (East). Firefighting efforts successfully contained the blaze by 2.35 a.m. The cause of the fire has not been established yet. A 'level-1' fire broke out on Sunday morning at the Heera Panna Shopping Centre located on Pandit Madanmohan Malavia Marg near Haji Ali, Mumbai. The fire, which was reported at 9:09 a.m., was confined to two closed shops on the ground floor of the commercial complex, according to a report by the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). No injuries have been reported in the incident. Thick smoke filled the ground floor of the single-storey shopping centre, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Fire extinguishing efforts were initiated promptly using one small hose line and two high-pressure first aid lines connected to four motor pumps. Lucknow, Dec 30 : Amid the political barbs traded at each other regarding discussions over the Kumbh Mela arrangements, former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Dinesh Sharma, has criticised Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh 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 said. 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 organising 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, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took a dig at the 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 asked. Chandigarh, Dec 30 : Farmers have announced a 'Punjab Bandh' on Monday leading to the expected closure of all shops across the state and disruptions in road and rail services. However, emergency services will continue to operate. There will also be no supply of milk, fruits, and vegetables until the protest ends on Monday evening as several trade organisations lent their support to the bandh. "Farmer union leaders will enforce a chakka jam on roads and rail lines from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Government and private institutions are requested to stay closed. Only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, marriage vehicles, or anyone in a dire emergency, will be allowed to pass," reports quoted a senior farm leader as saying. The decision to give a call for a 'Punjab bandh' was taken last week by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM). Sarwan Singh Pandher -- who happens to be the coordinator of both forums -- said traders, transporters, employees unions, toll plaza workers, labour, ex-servicemen, Sarpanches and teachers' unions, social and other bodies, and some other sections have lent their support to the bandh. Farmers under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and KMM have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by security forces. 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. 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. Rail movement and road traffic will remain closed on Monday. In support of the farmers' Bandh call, bus services in Punjab will remain suspended on Monday. While the PRTC bus services will be shut for four hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the private bus operators have announced their full support, thus declaring the suspension of services across the state from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. Besides a legal guarantee on the MSP for crops, the farmers are demanding a debt waiver, pension for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in the electricity tariff, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013 and compensation to the families of the farmers who died during a previous agitation in 2020-21 are also part of their demands. This bandh, the farmer leader said, will force the Centre to accept the demands of farmers. He slammed the Union government for failing to accept the demands of farmers. Farmers under the banner of SKM (Non-Political) and KMM have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after security forces stopped their march to Delhi. A "jatha" (group) of 101 farmers made three attempts to enter Delhi on foot on December 6, December 8, and again on December 14. Security personnel in Haryana prevented them from proceeding. There will be a complete bandh on December 30, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said. However, emergency services will remain operational. Punjab farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the call for a 'Punjab bandh' on December 30 is getting good support from various sections. The decision to give a call for a 'Punjab bandh' was taken last week by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. To ensure the success of the bandh, SKM (Non-political) and KMM convened a meeting of transporters, employees, traders and others at the Khanauri protest site last Thursday. Seoul, Dec 30 : Transportation safety authorities of the United States plan to help their South Korean counterparts with a probe into the cause of a deadly Jeju Air plane crash that claimed 179 lives, according to a US official on Monday. The accident took place early Sunday, when Jeju Air flight 7C2216 veered off the runway while belly-landing and collided with a fence at the Muan International Airport in Muan County, about 290 kilometers southwest of Seoul. The crash of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft killed 179 people, with two others having been rescued, reports Yonhap news agency. In an email statement sent to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has formed a team with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to support South Korean authorities with the investigation. "The NTSB is leading a team of U.S. investigators, that includes the FAA and Boeing, to assist the Republic of Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) with their investigation into the Dec. 29 Jeju Air crash," Donnell Evans, a communications official at the FAA, said. The South Korean government also confirmed the participation of U.S. authorities. "In relation to the accident investigation, the U.S. NTSB has decided to participate, and discussions are under way regarding the participation of Boeing and the engine manufacturer CFM International," Joo Jong-wan, head of the aviation policy bureau at the South Korean transport ministry, said during a press briefing. An official at South Korea's ARAIB, operated under the country's transport ministry, said earlier the flight data recorder recovered from the aircraft has been damaged. "If we have difficulty decoding it here, then we may have to send it to the NTSB," the official said. "They have cases from all over the world to analyze, so it could take quite a bit of time." The accident marked the deadliest aviation disaster in the country since 1997, when a Korean Air plane crashed in Guam, killing 225. a"IANS na/ Srinagar/New Delhi, Dec 30 : When cultural heritage is sought to be safeguarded, the traditional values that instil catholicity and inclusiveness might be expected to be lighthouses standing amid rough waves-but quite the contrary nearly happened in Kashmir. The mere gesture spoke volumes and drew out voices loud and assertive. Srinagar/New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) When cultural heritage is sought to be safeguarded, the traditional values that instil catholicity and inclusiveness might be expected to be lighthouses standing amid rough wavesbut quite the contrary nearly happened in Kashmir. The mere gesture spoke volumes and drew out voices loud and assertive. When a school curriculum was altered, it was deemed "blue-pencilling" and "cultural terrorism." The omission of a chapter on Sheikh-ul-Alam from the English syllabus of class 9 was a vehemently opposed move. CPI-M MLA from south Kashmir's Kulgam, Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami found it "deeply troubling that an entire chapter on the revered Sufi saint Sheikh-ul-Alam has been dropped from the Class IX textbook." Pointing to the backdrop of this development, he posted on X: "This blue-pencilling, carried out prior to the Assembly polls, is unacceptable to a society rooted in rich Sufi traditions." Turning to the state to redress, he urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to "intervene and ensure that this crucial chapter is reinstated, thereby preserving and honouring our rich cultural and Sufi heritage." Who was Sheikh-ul-Alam? A Sufi saint by the name of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, said to have been born in 1377 in present day Kulgam, was a mystic, poet and Islamic preacher who wielded great influence over the masses. Counted as one of the founders of the Rishi order in Kashmir, he was bestowed the title of 'Sheikh-ul-Alam', meaning spiritual guide of the world. He continues to be known as Nund Rishi as well, as he was fondly called. "Nund means beautiful in Kashmiri," said G. N. Adfar, author of 'The Alchemy of Light', a trilogy compiling verses by the mystic poet translated in English, in conversation with IANS. "He lived 700 years ago. Kashmir has not produced another Nund Rishi," he said. "There is no home in Kashmirwhether Muslim or non-Muslimwhere people will not be aware of Nund Rishibecause his teachings are for humanity, not for a particular sect," he added. He explained that Rishis were people who lived in forests, away from society and devoted themselves entirely to the worship of God. With the advent of Sufism, a fundamental change of perception came along that the great wisdom that the sages held was meant for common people to practice for their relevance to be truly justified; and for that, the rishis must return to society and be open to interaction with the masses. So, the Rishi era was marked by the return of rishis to society to share their wisdom with commoners because wisdom is meant to be applied by people for the greater good of humanity. Though not out of alignment with mainstream belief system, the rishi's teachings were about transcending common religious practices guided by the clergy to the spiritual realm of faith. However, Kashmir has witnessed a host of epochal changes over the past seven centuries. Notwithstanding the sweeps of these changes, Adfar vouches for the relevance of this saint in contemporary times. "Great men are always great," he said. "His teachings are for humanity, and what was right for humanity at one point will always be right," he asserted. Sharing one of Nund Rishi's timeless messages, Adfar recounted that at the UN Conference on Human Environment in 1972, Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in her address drew from a verse of Nund Rishi that translates as "food is safe till forests are preserved." Spotlighting one's personal quality of being just to another human, the author explained the saint's teaching that believing in the Almighty and acting with the spirit of justice together is held higher than dutifully engaging in prayers. The international airport at Srinagar is named after this saint. In 2006, a year after the airport turned international, the defence airport was renamed Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport. In 2020, there was a proposal to rename the facility after Major Somnath Sharmahe had secured this airport with his life in November 1947, and stopped Pakistani militia from invading further into Indiathe first recipient of India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra. Stir over school book Sajad Gani Lone, a Jammu & Kashmir People's Conference legislator and a prominent voice of opposition, strongly rebuked J&K's Board of School Education (BOSE) for omitting the chapter on Kashmir's patron saint. Taking to X, Lone expressed: "BOSE has removed a chapter based on the saintly life of the greatly revered saint of Kashmir Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali, from text books of class 9." "We have all revered him, and people irrespective of religion hold him in highest esteem. This is pure cultural terrorism. It is an assault on our culture and ethos. I as a Kashmiri strongly condemn it," he asserted. Highlighting the significance of the Sufi saint and the indelible impression it has on Kashmiri culture, Lone said: "More than any time in the past, the current times are smudged with violence, greed and hatred. In these times our great Saint is a beacon of hope and role model for emulation. And for the BOSE removersOur great saint and his saintly ways were etched in our hearts and minds much before BOSE came into existence." IANS repeatedly tried reaching the concerned authority at BOSE, but in the absence of a credible voice, it remains unclear why such a decision was made at all and what led to its reversal. On the surface, what comes across as a mere alteration in the J&K state board's syllabus is seen as a much more serious thing with greater implications in the larger context of a sequence of events over the last few years, according to valley-based writer and activist Mushtaq Sikandar. He views it as a development akin to introducing changes in other parts of India where "Muslim history is being systematically erased from textbooks. It is alleged that the same policy is implemented in Kashmir." "It is also viewed as an attack on cultural identity," he said. However, chapters on Nund Rishi remain intact for Kashmiri and Urdu languages curricula for other classes. But the call to delete the said lesson for the English syllabus is seen as an attempt at "Hinduising Kashmiri society," as Sikandar said. "There is an apprehension among the masses that by bringing in demographic change planned for over a long period of time, the intent is Hinduisation of Kashmiri culture," he said, making a reference to certain landmark episodes in recent history such as Amarnath land row (2008) and abrogation of Article 370 (2019), along with systemic changes like giving land lease, hotel contracts in the famous tourist destination of Pahalgam, Srinagar smart city project contracts conspicuously to outsiders. Shedding light on general public perception, the critic said that the state institutions are at work to "deislamise" and create an environment of threat and fear for Muslims, "that's how the common Kashmiri sees it." "But the resistance does not show openly as the state agencies for the past years have been under the control of the Central government," Sikandar said, adding "The undercurrent of Right-wing Hindu ideology is rendering the Omar Abdullah government helpless." However, as announced by the Chief Minister after objections were raised from across party lines, that the chapter will be reinstated, it remains to be seen if the textbooks will have any surprises when the academic session resumes in March after the winter break. Until then, for a society so deeply in reverence of a saint, whose values are expected to be instilled in Kashmiri ethos irrespective of school curriculum or faith, how much does the symbolism of a chapter in a school book mean? "It is a matter of ethics to pass to the younger generations the knowledge of great people, our ancestors and forefathers so that they too live up to their teachings. So, it has a place in the curriculum, just as Gandhi ji is known to all irrespective of textbook chapters based on him," said senior scholar Adfar. (Kavya Dubey may be reached at kavya.d@ians.in) Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 27, EHang, a Chinese urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company, announced a strategic partnership with China Communications Information & Technology Group Co., Ltd. (CCIT) to develop the low-altitude economy and advanced air mobility ecosystem, according to a post on EHang's WeChat account. Photo credit: EHang CCIT is a specialized information and technology subsidiary of China Communications Construction Group (CCCG), a world's leading comprehensive service provider for extra-large infrastructure. CCIT's main business covers areas such as in-depth enterprise digitalization, information industry, system integration and project implementation, cybersecurity and operations, big data, and cloud services. With a comprehensive technical and commercial framework for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) data services, CCIT will work with various business sectors under CCCG, including China Communications Construction Co., Ltd. (CCCC), to join hands with EHang in areas such as digital infrastructure of aerial traffic and transportation hubs. This partnership aims to innovate UAV service scenarios and establish a commercial operation model and comprehensive support system for the low-altitude economy, driving innovative development of this sector. Under the cooperation, the duo will focus on key areas, including R&D, planning, and development of digital infrastructure for air mobility, as well as integration and innovation of low-altitude economic industries. Both parties will combine their expertise to explore the integration of advanced digital technologies such as 5G, 6G, satellite communication, high-precision navigation, and sensing technologies with the low-altitude aviation industry. These joint efforts are set to target the creation of an integrated "five-network" system encompassing air traffic infrastructure, air routes, communication and navigation systems, airspace management, and low-altitude service. Both parties will work with local governments to plan and construct essential infrastructure such as flight data centers, dedicated communication networks, and integrated takeoff and landing platforms, with EHang providing operational services. EHang and CCIT aim to create platforms of low-altitude economy for intelligent research and innovation, digital industry investment, digitalized joint operations, and ecosystem development. Additionally, both parties are committed to driving the global development of advanced air mobility and low-altitude economy industries, advancing China's "Belt and Road" initiative and the interconnected development of a four-dimension transportation network covering land, sea, air, and digital infrastructure. Photo credit: EHang This collaboration will foster partnerships with local governments and EHang's regional low-altitude business operators. It will deliver comprehensive industrial solutions for UAM infrastructure, ranging from planning and design to construction and operations. This collaboration will advance the rapid deployment and operation of low-altitude economy industries in major cities, coastal regions, and major economic zones across China. CCIT plans to introduce a comprehensive one-stop solution for low-altitude super IP projects that integrate "land + space + content", aiming to construct assemble-style and modular low-altitude flight terminals in places such as central parks and the rooftops of multi-level parking structures. EHang will work with CCIT in the planning and development of infrastructure that combines both parking and terminal functions within cities. Together, they aim to establish a standardized and replicable air traffic pilot program and drive the development of revolutionary and multi-level transportation hubs that will serve as a model for advanced traffic transfer systems. In the low-altitude tourism and UAM sectors, both parties plan to develop 100 intra-city and inter-city air mobility terminals, as well as 100 integrated low-altitude tourism hubs at national 5A scenic areas over the next three years, starting in 2025. These facilities will form the foundation of city-level low-altitude economic service systems, branded as E-Port Terminals. EHang will collaborate with CCCGs subsidiaries to operate these services, creating a comprehensive low-altitude economy pilot zone. Several cities in China have reached cooperation intentions with EHang and CCIT to participate in the construction of a comprehensive low-altitude service system centered around culture, tourism, transportation, and emergency services. EHang and CCIT will also jointly expand the aircraft sales and leasing market and explore integrated operations in the "transportation + tourism" industries. To foster the sustainable development of the low-altitude economy, both parties will explore the establishment of a dedicated fund, a research institute and a vocational training academy for the low-altitude economy industry. Together, they will also plan to set up and operate innovation service hubs in major cities across China, incubating upstream and downstream enterprises while cultivating a skilled talent pool. Damascus, Dec 30 : Syria's new interim authorities have detained around 300 people since the start of a crackdown on "remnants of Assad's militias", the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. 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 on Sunday, 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, Xinhua news agency reported. 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. 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. The new administration has since intensified efforts to consolidate power. 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 reorganised "after dissolving all branches." Beirut, Dec 30 : At least 45 people have been killed between November 27 and December 22 in Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, according to a source from the Lebanese army. During the period, the Israeli army also arrested 17 people from border towns, all of whom were civilians working in agriculture and livestock, the source said on condition of anonymity. According to the sources the violations include airstrikes, drone and airplane flights over eastern and southern Lebanon, artillery shelling, machine gun fire, incursions, bulldozing of roads and agricultural fields, erecting earthen barriers, as well as burning and crushing vehicles, Xinhua news agency reported . According to estimates by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, between November 27 and December 22, Israel launched over 816 land and air attacks against Lebanon, shelling border villages, booby-trapping homes, destroying residential neighborhoods, and blocking roads. Candice Ardell, deputy director of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) media office, said on Sunday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed its forces that the safety of peacekeepers cannot be guaranteed in the vicinity of the Taybeh area, and patrols must avoid this area. "The safety of the peacekeepers is a top priority, and we will not do anything to put them at unnecessary risk," Ardell stressed. "We remind the IDF of their obligations under Resolution 1701 to ensure the safety of the peacekeepers and ensure their freedom of movement throughout the UNIFIL area of operations in southern Lebanon," she added. In a statement on Saturday, the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture said the latest Israeli attacks destroyed and bulldozed the seed multiplication project built in Wadi al-Hujayr in 2020 with the support of the World Food Program and funding from the European Union. A ceasefire, brokered by the US and France, went into effect on November 27, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The terms of the ceasefire agreement include Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory within 60 days, with the Lebanese army deploying on the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the south, taking over security there, and banning any presence of weapons and militants. Despite the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, though at a significantly reduced intensity, with some attacks resulting in casualties in southern and eastern Lebanon. Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30 : The strained relationship between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and outgoing Governor Arif Mohammed Khan took a new low as neither Vijayan nor any of his cabinet colleagues turned up for Khan's farewell. BJP leader V. Muraleedharan termed it unbecoming in the manner in which Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues behaved to the head of the state. Khan completed his tenure as Kerala's Governor and departed the state on Sunday, traveling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi and then to Delhi, en route to Patna, where he is set to assume office as the new Governor of Bihar. Criticizing the Chief Ministeras absence, former Union Minister of State and BJP leader V. Muraleedharan termed it "unbecoming" of Vijayan and his cabinet to skip bidding farewell to the head of state. When the media asked about Vijayan and his team's absence, Khan, known for his amiable interactions with the press, deflected the question by saying that the nation was mourning the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. However, Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan and a junior colleague visited Khan's official residence to extend their wishes. A source close to Khan, who preferred to remain anonymous, described him as a "humanist to the core," emphasizing his generosity, his approachable nature who treated everyone equally. "Despite being a national figure and holding numerous high-ranking positions, the governor was known for his charity. Many months, his personal bank balance was zero because he gave generously to those who approached him from various parts of the country," said the source. The strained relationship between Vijayan and Khan has been evident over the years. Their differences often played out publicly, with the two barely exchanging glances at official functions. A major flashpoint was Khan's resistance to the Kerala government's attempts to influence the functioning of state universities. The tensions escalated when he refused to sign key ordinances and bills, prompting the state government to approach the Supreme Court for intervention. Khan also had confrontations with student activists from the CPI(M)-affiliated SFI, once stepping out of his car to directly confront protesting students. As Khan exits, the spotlight shifts to incoming Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, a seasoned politician from Goa and the Governor of Bihar. The big question now is whether Arlekar will continue Khan's confrontational stance or adopt a different approach to dealing with the resolute Vijayan. Maputo, Dec 30 : Mozambique government has instituted a commission of inquiry to investigate the mass escape of prisoners from two of its penitentiary facilities in the capital Maputo. The escape involved 1,534 prisoners from the Central Prison and the Maximum Security Prison of Machava, known as B.O., resulting in clashes with the National Penitentiary Service staff, in which at least 33 people were killed, Xinhua news agency reported quoting state news agency AIM. The commission, which has already started its work, aims to understand the circumstances of the escape, identify possible internal or external failures, and determine whether there was negligence on the part of those responsible for security, the report quoted Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs Filimao Suaze as saying. Suaze said the inquiry commission will also analyse the deaths that occurred during the ongoing operation to search for and capture the fugitives. According to the deputy minister, about 280 prisoners have already been recaptured, more than 100 of them on Friday, thanks to the cooperation of families and reports of escapes in the neighborhoods. Suaze emphasised that many of the fugitives returned voluntarily or were handed over by their relatives, who reported the escapes after noticing the irregularities. The deputy minister also denied allegations that the escape was part of a premeditated plan to eliminate the prisoners, as some information on social media suggested. He clarified that the fugitives, some of whom are considered terrorists, are being monitored and that the police are committed to recapturing them. Suaze called on the public to continue to cooperate with the authorities in locating the escaped prisoners, warning that the situation has caused panic in several neighborhoods in Maputo. The commission has not set deadlines for completion of its report, but the deputy minister said he expected significant progress in the investigation in the coming days. Kolkata, Dec 30 : Manoj Gupta, the agent associated with a fake passport racket in West Bengal and arrested by Kolkata Police, had plans to escape to neighbouring Bangladesh, said sources here. It was precisely with that motive, he had shifted to the rented accommodation at Gaighata in North 24 Parganas district which is close to the districtas international border with Bangladesh. Gupta was the seventh and last arrest made by the cops since December 15 for their involvement in the racket operating from the state and engaged in arranging fake Indian identity documents, including Indian passports, for the illegal infiltrators from neighbouring Bangladesh. Sources from the city police said that following the subsequent arrest in this connection, Gupta, who was associated with a fake travel agency operating from Behala in south Kolkata, became sceptical that his turn of being arrested might be the next one. Gupta, said a city police official, became even more apprehensive about his arrest after the city cops arrested Dipankar Das, another associate of the same fake travel agency. Thereafter he shifted to Gaighata in North 24 Parganas, which is not just very close to the international borders with Bangladesh but at the same time, a subsequent portion of the borders is unfenced and hence extremely porous. It had also come to the notice that Gupta did not rent the room at Gaighata directly from the owner of the house. The room where he was nabbed on Sunday was actually rented to a woman and Gupta hired the room unofficially from her paying some money. Following all these factors, sources said, the investigating officials are quite sure that Gupta was trying to escape to Bangladesh. 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. Bengaluru, Dec 30 : Karnataka BJP has slammed the Congress-led Karnataka government over pending dues of over Rs 622 crore to farmers and demanded immediate clearance. BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra stated on Monday, "Since June, the Karnataka government led by the Congress party has failed to release milk subsidies amounting to whopping Rs 622.54 crore, reflecting its indifference towards the welfare of farmers." This delay underscores the governmentas disregard for the backbone of our society -- the agricultural community, he charged. "While the CM Siddaramaiah-led Congress government appears quick to raise prices, impacting ordinary households, it has shown little resolve to clear dues owed to farmers. The government's reluctance to release subsidies harms both dairy farmers and those dependent on livestock farming, creating further challenges for their livelihoods. This apathetic approach towards farmers leaves the government with little moral standing to continue in power. By neglecting the concerns of dairy farmers who rely on milk production for their sustenance, the administration has failed to contribute meaningfully to their development or that of the broader farming community," he stated. "I strongly urge the immediate release of the pending milk subsidy to support the lakhs of farmers who depend on this assistance for their livelihood," Vijayendra demanded. The government gives Rs 5 subsidy for every litre of milk. From June to October, the government has not cleared Rs 606.69 crore for farmers belonging to general categories. For farmers hailing from Scheduled Castes, the government has to pay Rs 6.85 crore for the month of October and Rs 9 crore for the month of September. According to official statistics, more than 8 lakh farmers belong to general categories, over 51,000 hail from the Scheduled Castes and more than 31,000 are from Scheduled Tribes. The farmers who suffered worst during floods and famine in the last year and the current year are more dependent on dairy farming for their livelihood in the state. The government has assured on the floor of the House during the winter session in Belagavi that it would set aside Rs 200 crore towards clearing the dues for general category farmers. The farming organisations have demanded that the farmers never get the pending subsidy dues on time, and it is the duty of the government to address the issue immediately and release the pending dues. New Delhi, Dec 30 : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the SpaDeX mission aimed at achieving a historic space docking feat on Monday, the space agency said. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, will lift off aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, at 10:00:15 PM from Sriharikota on December 30. The SpaDeX mission aims to dock two satellites in space, a challenge only mastered by the US, Russia, and China, so far. "Launch Day is Here!," ISRO said in a post on social media platform X. "Tonight at precisely 10:00:15 PM, PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and innovative payloads are set for liftoff. "SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is a pioneering mission to establish India's capability in orbital docking, a key technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions," ISRO said. The PSLV will lift off two small spacecraft -- SDX01, the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target -- weighing about 220 kg each. The satellites will merge or join for docking in a low-Earth circular orbit. The indigenous technology used for this mission has been named the 'Bharatiya Docking System'. It includes a docking mechanism, a suite of four rendezvous and docking sensors, power transfer technology, indigenous novel autonomous rendezvous and docking strategy, and an inter-satellite communication link (ISL) for autonomous communication between spacecraft, incorporated with inbuilt intelligence to know the states of the other spacecraft, among others. Mastering the space docking technology may not only propel India into the elite club of spacefaring nations. It is also key for India's impending space missions including the Moon mission, setting up the Indian space station, and lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth. According to ISRO, it will also demonstrate "the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future applications such as in-space robotics -- composite spacecraft control, and payload operations after undocking". New Delhi, Dec 30 : BJP leader and former MP Parvesh Verma advocated for the opening of "Sheesh Mahal" for the public to show how the AAP government splurged the taxpayers' money on building a house for Arvind Kejriwal, which has no parallels anywhere in the world. In an interview with IANS, Verma slammed the AAP national convenor for making "false promises" to the people of Delhi and labelled it as his "political stunt." He also added that if the BJP wins the upcoming elections, the new Chief Minister must not reside in the "Sheesh Mahal," as it has been built by shattering the dreams of the people of Delhi. He also talked about AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh's allegations against the BJP regarding the vote cancellation, the rift in the INDIA bloc, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal's allegations against the party, and the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Excerpts of the interview: IANS: How many seats will the BJP win in Delhi this time? Will it be able to form the government? Parvesh Verma: The survey conducted by our party has shown that BJP is winning 50 seats. Additionally, we will surely form a government in Delhi. IANS: Are you ready to give Arvind Kejriwal a tough challenge? Parvesh Verma: Even though the dates are not yet announced, I am sure that with the blessings of God and the hardwork of our workers, history will be written in February, and Arvind Kejriwal will lose his security deposit in the elections. IANS: If the BJP comes to power, will the Chief Minister reside in the official residence, which you refer to as "Sheesh Mahal"? Parvesh Verma: This decision lies with the party. However, I believe that if the BJP government is formed, then whoever will be our Chief Minister should not reside in the Sheesh Mahal because it has been built by shattering the dreams of the people of Delhi. I want it to be opened for the people of Delhi, and they should be shown how Arvind Kejriwal can spend Rs 86 crore rupees of public money only on the renovation of a government house for his own comfort. To date, no Chief Minister in the world would have built such a house as Arvind Kejriwal has built. IANS: AAP MP Sanjay Singh has said that the BJP is trying to get his wife's name deleted from the voters list in Delhi. What do you have to say about this? Parvesh Verma: Just four days ago, I got to know that Sanjay Singh filled Form 6, not once but thrice, to get his own vote cancelled. He wanted to get his vote cancelled to set a narrative that if his vote as Rajya Sabha MP can be cancelled, then the same can be done with ordinary people of Delhi. However, I would like to congratulate the administration, which did a great job by going through the entire process of cancelling a vote and finding out that Sanjay Singh is a resident of Delhi. Hence, his vote was not cancelled, and their conspiracy was hatched. He filed Form 6 on behalf of his wife and tried to show that an attempt was being made to get his wife's vote cancelled. His aim was to mislead the people of Delhi. IANS: Arvind Kejriwal is adamant on the announcement of giving money to women. How will you counter it? Parvesh Verma: Three years ago, when elections were held in Punjab, they had promised to deposit Rs 1000 in the accounts of women. Women of Punjab check their accounts daily, let alone Rs 1000, and not even a penny has been deposited in their accounts. When they did not fulfil their promises there, then how can they fulfil their promise here? We have a government in Madhya Pradesh where Ladli Yojana has been running for the last two years; Rs 1500 has been deposited to the accounts of women. We fulfil the promises we have made, and Madhya Pradesh is an example of this. However, the AAP governments have not fulfilled any promises. Therefore, the promise of Delhi is also just a political stunt. They do not want to give a single penny to any woman in Delhi; instead, they are committing a very big cyber fraud. Women of Delhi are saying that through their mobile numbers and OTP, money has started being withdrawn from their accounts. So this is a very big fraud. IANS: Does Arvind Kejriwal's party want to oust Congress from the INDIA bloc? What do you think? Parvesh Verma: Arvind Kejriwal is the same person who, in 2012, abused all the people who are currently a part of the INDIA bloc, be it Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar or Lalu Yadav. He used to call them the most corrupt people in the world, and now he formed an alliance with them. This is an old habit of Arvind Kejriwal. First, if his plans don't work out, then he abuses them. And, if they lose the election, he blames the alliance partners. Now that he is able to foresee his defeat in Delhi, he has started preparing a base for it by abusing others. IANS: Will Arvind Kejriwal go to jail again? Parvesh Verma: Arvind Kejriwal is currently out of jail on bail, so the case is going on against him. The court order was that he cannot go to the office of the Chief Minister and cannot sign any file, so the court has taken away all the power of the Chief Minister from him, so he will not be able to become the Chief Minister. However, it is certain that he will go to jail. When our government is formed in Delhi, all the files will be opened, and all the corruption cases will be investigated, all his deeds will be investigated, and whatever corruption is found in it, not one but hundreds of cases will be filed against Arvind Kejriwal. IANS: What do you have to say on Swati Maliwal accusing the Aam Aadmi Party of corruption? Parvesh Verma: Swati Maliwal is a very senior worker of AAP. We all know that Arvind Kejriwal kicked out all the senior people in the AAP, and he did the same with Swati Maliwal. There was a time when Arvind Kejriwal used to praise her. Now, he doesn't just hurl abuses but also got her physically assaulted by his staff members in his Sheesh Mahal. IANS: Why do you think Arvind Kejriwal is silent on the issue of Tahir Hussain? Parvesh Verma: Tahir Hussain is the person who was throwing bombs on the people of Delhi from his house. He even killed people in Delhi during the Delhi riots. This is only vote bank politics because Arvind Kejriwal loves that vote bank, so he avoids saying anything about it. IANS: The issue of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas has intensified in Delhi politics. Why do you think the Bangladeshis are increasing here? Arvind Kejriwal is blaming the Centre for it. What do you think? Parvesh Verma: The Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are not voters of the BJP. They come from West Bengal and reach Delhi. When they conduct raids and identify them, the people of AAP clash with the Delhi Police, whether it is the Chief Minister or a minister or their worker. These people even get their ration cards made. They get all their ID cards made so that they can reside here. Because of them, crime in Delhi also increases. Arvind Kejriwal repeatedly works to save these people by tweeting and abusing Delhi Police and accusing Home Minister Amit Shah because Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are his vote bank. On the contrary, the priority of our government is to throw these Bangladeshis and Rohingyas out of our country. IANS: What will you do to ensure that votes do not go in AAP's favour in the elections? Parvesh Verma: We will go and present before the public the guarantee of all the failures and thefts of Arvind Kejriwal. We will present a record of the work he has not done. There is no need to tell the public about all this as they are already aware of it. They are receiving high electricity bills and contaminated water. In government hospitals, there are four patients in one bed; they are not getting treatment, and they have to pay for expensive medicines. The people of Delhi know that Arvind Kejriwal has not done any work for their development, and this time, the people of Delhi will not forgive him. IANS: Since the AAP is accusing you of distributing the money to people for votes, will you continue to do this? Parvesh Verma: Arvind Kejriwal had promised to honour the women of the New Delhi Assembly. However, in 11 years, he has not done a single thing for their development. When I have come forward and am doing all those works to honour the women, then these people are trying to defame me. However, I will keep honouring the women, keep fighting for them and will keep doing it not just once but again and again. New Delhi, Dec 30 : The All-India Imam Association on Monday escalated their demands for the release of pending salaries, warning of protests if their grievances remain unaddressed. A group of Imams gathered outside the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal to press for their demands. Speaking to IANS, Maulana Mahfooz Rehman said, "We had come on Thursday and were assured we would get an appointment with Kejriwal on Saturday, but that meeting never materialised. This is now our third attempt. If we are not allowed to meet him today, we will stage a dharna (sit-in protest) and will not leave until our salaries are released." The Imams cited two key issues -- the overdue salaries and the lack of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the Waqf Board. "There has been no response from Kejriwal or his office. We are not here for politics, we have real concerns. Without a CEO, even if funds are released, we will not receive our salaries. The CEO's immediate appointment is crucial," Maulana Mahfooz Rehman added. Gayyur Hassan, another Maulana, highlighted the severity of the situation. "We have not been paid for the last 17 months. Despite repeated visits and appeals, nothing has been resolved. We have now decided to initiate a protest," he told IANS. Mufti Narajul Haq Kasmi, who has served as an Imam under the Delhi Waqf Board since 1988, said, "If our demands are not addressed now, there will be no chance of resolution once the election notification is issued. Even with released funds, salaries cannot be disbursed without a functioning CEO. The appointment of a CEO is must." Several Imams said that their salary is too meagre, only Rs 18,000 and that, too, has not been paid for 17 months. They said they are facing a lot of difficulties due to non-payment of salaries. Earlier, the group had met Delhi Chief Minister Atishi to discuss the issues, but no concrete solutions were offered. As tensions rise, the Imams have made it clear that they are prepared to intensify their protests if their demands are not met promptly. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 27, EHang, a Chinese urban air mobility (UAM) technology platform company, announced the signing of a project cooperation agreement with the Management Committee of Shandong province's Weihai Torch High-tech Industrial Development Zone (Weihai High-Tech Zone) to establish a comprehensive industrial partnership in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) domain. Photo credit: EHang Under the cooperation, EHang has signed a procurement agreement with Weihai High-Tech Zone Cultural Tourism Industry Investment Co., Ltd. for the initial batch of 30 units of EH216-S unmanned passenger-carrying electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, with full payment for the order already received. As per the agreement, the duo will join hands to establish an R&D and manufacturing base for unmanned passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft in Shandong province, serving as the headquarters for EHang's smart UAV production in the province. Additionally, the partners will develop a low-altitude economy industrial park in the region, fostering the integrated growth of the local low-altitude economy and cultural tourism sectors and accelerating the clustering of low-altitude industries. In the realm of commercial operations, both parties plan to create an aerial tourism experience product that combines scenic sightseeing with technological interactions. They intend to launch comprehensive low-altitude tourism flight routes within the zone, integrating the low-altitude economy with local scenic spots, high-end hotels, commercial districts, leisure parks, and camping businesses. This initiative aims to create model applications such as passenger sightseeing and low-altitude transport while advancing the "low-altitude economy + cultural tourism consumption" concept. The duo plans to pioneer low-altitude sightseeing projects at local tourist attractions and support the local operator in areas such as personnel training, infrastructure planing, route planning, and trial flights. They will also prepare to apply for air operator certificate, expediting the commercial deployment of EH216-S in Weihai High-Tech Zone. The zone will provide support in favorable policies, application scenarios, manufacturing bases, and low-altitude infrastructure. In November this year, Shandong province issued the "Three-year Action Plan for High-Quality Development of Low-altitude Economy (2025-2027)," aiming to establish 400 digital low-altitude aircraft takeoff and landing platforms, over 10 benchmark low-altitude economy application scenarios, and more than 50 intra-city unmanned aerial vehicle flight routes. The plan also aims to achieve commercial flights of manned autonomous aircraft and reach a low-altitude economy scale of 100 billion yuan by 2027. Seoul, Dec 30 : South Korea's joint investigation team said on Monday that it has sought an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, making him the first sitting President to face arrest. The team said it sought the warrant on insurrection and abuse of power charges after Yoon ignored three summonses to appear for questioning. The request was filed with the Seoul Western District Court at midnight on Sunday, according to the team comprised of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the police and the Defence ministry's investigation unit. Investigators say Yoon led an insurrection and abused his power when he declared martial law on December 3 and allegedly ordered troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. Yoon has denied the charges, saying his declaration of martial law was an 'act of governance' to warn the opposition party against what he described as its abuse of legislative power. In response, Yun Gap-geun, one of Yoon's legal representatives, said they will submit a document of opinions to the court over the arrest warrant request and a notice of the appointment of lawyers later in the day, Yonhap news agency reported. Yun earlier vowed to take 'formal steps' in response to the CIO's move. "It's a request by an agency that does not have the authority to investigate (insurrection charges)," he told Yonhap News Agency, referring to the CIO. Earlier on December 26, South Korea's anti-corruption investigation body summoned President Yoon Suk Yeol to appear for questioning over his brief imposition of martial law. The CIO for high-ranking officials issued the summons, ordering Yoon to appear at its office in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul. This marked the CIO's third summons after Yoon ignored two previous summonses, including one for questioning on Christmas Day. The CIO had teamed up with the police and the Defence ministry's investigation unit to look into allegations that Yoon had incited an insurrection and abused his power when he declared martial law on December 3. Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon's political future hung in the balance as the Constitutional Court deliberated on his impeachment trial over his short-lived martial law declaration, raising concerns about a leadership vacuum amid economic and security challenges. Yoon faced an uphill legal battle after being impeached and subjected to widening probes into his failed attempt to impose military rule on the nation's democracy on December 3. The impeached President defended his imposition of martial law as an act of governance and denied charges of insurrection. Jaipur, Dec 30 : Three-year-old Chetna remained trapped in the borewell in Rajasthan's Kotputli even as the rescue operations entered the eighth day on Monday. Officials said the rescue teams have reached close to Chetna who was trapped in a 700-foot-deep borewell on December 23. The girl was trapped at a depth of approximately 170 ft. The officials overseeing the rescue operations expressed confidence that they would reach Chetna by noon. By 6:30 a.m. on Monday, NDRF personnel had managed to dig about 7 feet of a tunnel, leaving only 1.5 feet of hard rock to drill through. However, the rock's hardness is significantly slowing progress, with only 2-4 inches being drilled per hour. NDRF team member Mahavir Singh noted that as they dig deeper, the temperature inside the tunnel is rising, and the team is facing breathing difficulties due to dust. Despite these challenges, the personnel are proceeding with caution and focus. The tunnel is being dug at a challenging angle with extremely hard rock, according to the drilling team. NDRF in-charge Yogesh Kumar Meena stated that experts have been called in to ensure the tunnel's accuracy. Engineers from Hindustan Zinc Limited (Ajmer, Bhilwara, and Khetri Mines) and local construction professionals have been consulted to verify the alignment of the borewell and the tunnel. Additionally, personnel from the Air Force and BSF have been involved to confirm the direction. All assessments so far indicate the drilling is on the correct path. On December 23, around 2 p.m., Chetna fell into the borewell while playing. Despite multiple attempts using improvised methods, she was only raised by 30 feet. Since the fall, Chetna has had no access to water, and there have been no signs of movement from her since the evening of December 24. Officials have also refrained from sharing camera visuals or updates about her condition in recent days. The rescue operation continues, now entering its eighth day, as teams race against time to save Chetna. Officials remain tight-lipped about Chetna's condition, who has been trapped for eight days. District Collector Kalpana Agarwal described this as Rajasthan's most challenging rescue operation. On December 28, Chetna's family and villagers criticised the administration for alleged negligence in handling the situation. --IANS- arc/dpb Bangkok, Dec 30 : Three people were killed and seven others injured as a fire broke out at a hotel in the Thai capital Bangkok, the local fire department said on Monday. The fire broke out at a six-floor hotel building near Bangkok's popular backpacker area of Khao San Road, at about 9:21 p.m. local time (1421 GMT) on Sunday. The fire started from a room on the fifth floor, resulting in the immediate death of a woman tourist. Two male tourists later died from their injuries at different hospitals. Among the seven injured, there were two Thai men and five foreigners, as reported by the local fire department. The hotel has been ordered to close for a security inspection, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. Seventy-five people were staying at the hotel at the time of the fire. Seven people were injured, including two Thai nationals and five foreigners, Xinhua news agency reported. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasised the importance of safety following the incident, especially as New Year's Eve countdown festivities approach, with fireworks and other celebrations planned across the city. Earlier on December 14, three people were killed and 39 others were injured in a bomb explosion at an annual festival in Thailand's Tak province, authorities said. In a social media post, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured in the explosion. Paetongtarn had ordered the police and security agencies to swiftly investigate the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. She also instructed authorities to enhance security measures at all upcoming festivals to ensure public safety. Earlier on January 17, at least 17 people were killed in a fireworks factory explosion in central Thailand, local media reported. Local rescuers had been notified when the fireworks factory in Suphan Buri province caught fire and was later destroyed following the explosion. Images taken at the scene showed debris scattered in a paddy field more than 100 metres away from the explosion. Witnesses had told Thairath that over 20 staff were working in the factory at the time of the explosion. Amaravati, Dec 30 : The year 2024 was the year of political change in Andhra Pradesh with an overwhelming public mandate in favour of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led alliance. While the first half of the year witnessed a bitter fight with YSR Congress Party going all out to retain power, the second half saw reversal of fortunes as the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP stormed to power. Unprecedented floods in Vijayawada, resumption of state capital works in Amaravati, controversy over the sacred Tirumala laddu, attempts to attract investments were the other key developments of the year. The return of veteran politician Nara Chandrababu Naidu as the Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan taking over as the Deputy Chief Minister after finally proving his mettle as a politician have been the highlights of the stateas political story during the year. The 74-year-old Naidu turned emotional as he took oath as Chief Minister at a public event in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fighting a do-or-die battle of his political career, the TDP supremoas return was remarkable as riding on the anti-incumbency wave the three-party alliance made YSRCP bite the dust. In his 45-year-old career, Naidu rarely showed emotions but this was a defining moment for him after suffering humiliation in the Assembly and for the first time being jailed on allegations of corruption. He was so hurt over the humiliation he faced in the state Assembly in November 2021 that he publicly broke down and had vowed to return only after winning the election and becoming the Chief Minister. However, the biggest challenge for him came in September 2023 when he was arrested for alleged irregularities in the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation during his previous term as the chief minister (2014-19). After spending 52 days in Rajahmundry Jail, he stepped out on bail on October 31. While he was in jail, Jana Sena leader Pawan Kalyan announced his alliance with the TDP to take on the YSRCP. As the elections drew closer, the BJP also joined them. Jagan Mohan Reddyas bid for another term in power faced a challenge from within the family as his sister Y.S. Sharmila became president of the state unit of the Congress party. Sharmila and her cousin Y.S. Sunitha Reddy joined hands to add to Jaganas troubles as they accused him of shielding the murderer of his uncle and former minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy five years ago. While Sharmila failed to revive the political fortunes of the Congress, which once again drew a blank, the NDA dashed all hopes of the YSRCP to repeat its 2019 performance when it had bagged 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly and won 22 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats. The YSRCPas tally in the Assembly plunged to a mere 11 while it could retain only four Lok Sabha seats. The TDP bagged a whopping 135 Assembly seats, the Jana Sena won all 21 Assembly seats it contested while the BJP secured eight seats. By winning 16 Lok Sabha seats, the TDP also emerged as a key player at the Centre in propping the BJP, which failed to secure a majority on its own. Realising that he needs a helping hand from the Centre to put the stateas finances back on the rails to fulfill his poll promises, to execute his dream project Amaravati and complete the long-pending project Polavaram, Naidu decided to sail with the BJP. Naidu seems to be getting his pound of flesh. The Union Budget 2024-25 presented in July met most of his wish-list. The Centre promised to arrange Rs. 15,000 crore through multilateral development agencies in the current financial year. Naidu resumed works in the state capital that had come to a standstill in 2019 with the three capitals policy of the YSRCP government. Since assuming office, Naidu has approved infrastructure works worth Rs.47,972 crore in the capital region. He announced that the works will be completed in three years. Blaming the YSRCP for neglecting Polavaram, which is expected to be the lifeline of the state, Naidu started focussing on the mega irrigation project. The coalition government set the target of completing Polavaram by October 2026. As promised during elections, Naidu signed five files after taking charge to hike social security pensions, conduct a mega District Selection Committee to recruit teachers, withdraw the Land Titling Act, revive Anna Canteens and conduct the countryas first skill census. On November 1, Naidu launched a scheme for providing three free cooking gas cylinders to those living Below Poverty Line to fulfil one of the promises made in the aSuper Sixa announced in the elections. Facing flak from the Opposition for the delay in implementing aSuper Sixa, the government last week constituted a committee of group of ministers to evolve scheme for free bus travel for women. Living up to his pro-business and tech-savvy image, Naidu went aggressive to invite investments to the state by offering incentives to the industry in various sectors. Naidu claimed this month that the state attracted Rs.4 lakh crore investment which will create over four lakh jobs. Listing out the achievements of his government during the last six months, he revealed that pensions were being distributed to over 64 lakh beneficiaries by spending Rs 33,000 crore per annum while 40 lakh cooking gas cylinders have been supplied to poor families under the Deepam-2 scheme. Amaravati hosted the national drone summit, where the government unveiled its drone policy with the target of setting up at least 100 drone manufacturing units and attracting Rs 1,000 crore investment in the sector over the next five years. The policy is aimed at making Andhra Pradesh the global destination for drone technology. In October, the government announced six policies to turn the state into an industrial powerhouse by attracting investments in various sectors. The policies were announced for industrial development, MSME & entrepreneur development policy, food processing, electronics, private parks and, integrated clean energy. This was claimed as a significant step towards fulfilling the promise of creating 20 lakh jobs in five years. The industrial policy has the target of attracting Rs.30 lakh crore in the manufacturing sector during the next five years. It aims to operationalise investments worth Rs. 5 lakh crore during the policy period. The policy has set the target of attracting Foreign Direct Investment of Rs. 83,000 crore and creating five lakh jobs in manufacturing sectors. It was announced that the government will develop over 175 sector and cluster-focussed industrial parks. The policy also aimed to double exports to Rs 33,200 crore. The MSME & Entrepreneur Development Policy aims to attract Rs 50,000 crore in the manufacturing sector. The target is to have 22 lakh units both in manufacturing and services. The policy aims to create 5 lakh jobs in the manufacturing sector. The NPTC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) signed a joint venture with the New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP) to set up renewable energy projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the state. The joint venture is expected to create employment for 1,06,250 people with an estimated financial benefit of Rs 20,620 crore over a period of 25 years. In September, the new government faced its biggest challenge when unprecedented rains battered Vijayawada and its surroundings. The breach of Budameru Rivulet led to the worst floods in the city in the last 50 years. The deluge claimed 46 lives and affected more than 10 lakh people. Leading from the front in relief operations, Naidu camped in worst-hit Vijayawada for 10 days. The row over adulteration of sacred Tirumala laddu also rocked the state. It all started with Naiduas sensational allegation that ghee adulterated with animal fat was used for making sacred offering of the Tirumala temple when the YSR Congress was in power. This led to a bitter war of words between the ruling combine and the YSRCP as Jagan Mohan Reddy hit back at Naidu, accusing him of making false allegations and hurting the sentiments of devotees. The former chief minister had to cancel his visit to Tirumala temple after leaders of TDP, Jana Sena and BJP threatened to disrupt it. They wanted Jagan to sign an undertaking before entering the temple as per the temple rules for non-Hindus. While hearing the matter, the Supreme Court observed that Chandrababu Naidu should have akept the gods away from politicsa before rushing in to make public statements based on unsure facts that lard was used to prepare the laddus in the previous regime. The row also saw Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan projecting himself as a saviour of Sanatana Dharma with his aggressive stance and 11-day aPraschit Deekshaa, which ended with a visit to the Tirumala temple. Addis Ababa, Dec 30 : Over 60 people were killed on Sunday in a traffic accident in Ethiopia's Sidama region when a truck carrying passengers plunged into the Galana River while crossing a bridge, said the regional communication office. The survivors are being treated at hospitals nearby. Despite a low per capita car ownership rate, deadly traffic accidents are relatively common in Ethiopia. Poor road conditions, reckless driving, a flawed licensing system, and lax enforcement of safety regulations are among the main reasons, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on September 26, a total of 28 people were killed and 19 others were injured in a traffic accident in southern Ethiopia, the local media reported. The deadly accident had occurred when a bus traveling from Wolaita Sodo to Dawro Zone overturned, local media reported, citing officials. The injured had been receiving intensive medical treatment in nearby healthcare institutions, said the police, who warned that the death toll could increase. Despite a low per capita car ownership rate, deadly traffic accidents had been relatively common in Ethiopia due to poor road conditions, reckless driving, a flawed driving licence issuance system, and lax enforcement of safety regulations. Earlier on April 13, a traffic accident in Ethiopia's central region of Oromia had killed at least 15 people, a local official said. Kemal Aman, an official with the West Arsi Zone police department in the Oromia Region, had stated that the road accident occurred when a bus collided head-on with a truck traveling on the opposite side of the road, the state-affiliated media outlet Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported. The injured had been treated in two nearby hospitals. The official also said negligent driving was the cause of the fatal traffic accident. Although Ethiopia had one of the lowest per capita car ownership rates in the world, fatal traffic accidents were relatively common. The blame was often placed on bad roads, reckless driving, lax enforcement of safety rules, and a flawed system for issuing driving licences. Xinhua news agency reported on February 28 that at least 1,358 people had died in traffic accidents in Ethiopia during the past six-month period, the Ethiopian government disclosed. State Minister for Ethiopia Government Communication Service, Selamawit Kassa, had told reporters that deadly traffic accidents had caused serious concern in the East African country. In addition to the death toll during the first six months of the current 2023-2024 Ethiopian fiscal year, which had started on July 8, 2023, Kassa said that an additional 2,672 people had sustained serious injuries from accidents. The country had thereby incurred over 1.9 billion Ethiopian birr ($33 million) in damages. According to Kassa, studies had shown that drivers were to blame for more than 60 per cent of traffic accidents in the country. Reports indicated that, with a growing economy and a rising middle class, the East African nation had recorded steady growth in vehicle numbers for the past several years. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, who is known for 'The Kashmir Files', 'The Tashkent Files' and 'The Vaccine War', recently gave a peek into the making of his upcoming film, 'The Delhi Files'. Vivek took to his social media to share a behind-the-scenes (BTS) video, which has sparked excitement among his fans as they are eager to see what the director has to offer in his upcoming project. The director wrote in the caption, "Every frame, every story, every detail, crafted with passion, dedication and tireless effort by our team working day and night to tell the untold truth of the Hindu genocide. This is more than a film; it's a mission to give voice to the silenced. #TheDelhiFiles releasing on 15 August 2025". The clip offers a sneak peek into the intense atmosphere on set, featuring the director in action, actors immersed in their roles, and the crew working meticulously to bring the story to life. The amount of dedication, attention to detail which leads to perfection will be witnessed by the audiences once the film hits the big screen. The video shows him briefing his crew, handling the equipment, and designing the shots as they journey on the movie progresses forward. 'The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter' is helmed by Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri and Jointly produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi. The film went on floors in November, the director had shared the update with his fans back then. For the film, Vivek claims to have done extensive research. He travelled from Kerala to Kolkata to Delhi to gather the information for his film. Earlier, he visited Gandhi's Ashram, as he took to social media to share pictures from his visit to Gandhi's Ashram. He immersed himself in literature, reading over 100 books and more than 200 articles related to the historical events that form the backbone of his film. He and his team also travelled across 20 states for research, studying over 7000+ research pages and 1000 above archives articles were also studied other than books. The film, presented by Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha productions, and is set to release in theatres worldwide on August 15, 2025 on the occasion of Independence Day. Hyderabad, Dec 30 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday demanded India's highest civilian honour for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Hyderabad, Dec 30 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday demanded Indiaas highest civilian honour for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. He made the demand while moving a condolence motion to begin the special session convened to pay tributes to the late leader. The resolution expressed profound grief at the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh and conveyed a deep sense of sympathy to the members of the bereaved family. Members cutting across party lines paid rich tributes to Manmohan Singh and recalled his close association with Telangana. The main Opposition, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) fully supported the demand for conferring Bharat Ratna on Manmohan Singh. BRS leader K. T. Rama Rao said they believe that the late leader deserves the highest honour. The Chief Minister also suggested that a statue of the late Prime Minister be installed in the Financial District in Hyderabad to honour his memory and in recognition of the close association he had with Telangana. The Chief Minister said that installing the statue at a prominent place will enable people to pay tributes to the late leader on his birth and death anniversaries and take inspiration from him. Terming Manmohan Singhas demise a great loss for the country, Revanth Reddy said his services to the country can never be forgotten. The Chief Minister noted that Manmohan Singh served as an advisor to the Union Finance Ministry, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, the Finance Minister and then as Prime Minister. He noted that Manmohan Singh was very close to Telangana. The people of Telangana will always remember him as he fulfilled their 60-year-old dream of Telangana state. Revanth Reddy recalled that it was at Mahabubnagar that as Prime Minister, he had launched Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for 100 days of assured employment in a year. He said that Manmohan also launched the unique identity number Aadhaar which brought a social revolution in the country. It was Manmohan Singh who brought in legislations like Food Security and Right to Information. Manmohan Singh brought the Forest Rights Act in 2006, and enacted Land Acquisition law in 2013 for fair compensation to people losing their lands. The simplified policies introduced by him brought a transformation in the country. Revanth Reddy recalled that Manmohan Singh had joined the protest by the MPs for safeguarding democracy. He said that he would always remember those moments. KTR recalled that when son of Telangana, P. V. Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister, he brought Manmohan Singh into the government through lateral entry. Manmohan Singh, who had served in the Reserve Bank of India, was made the Finance Minister. Terming the late leader a great economist, the BRS leader said in his very first Budget speech in 1991, Manmohan Singh had stated that the entire world will hear about India. The BRS leader said that Manmohan Singh was another name for simple living, high thinking. Stating that loyalty and commitment are rare in todayas politics, KTR said that Manmohan Singh was a great leader who remained loyal to Congress which had given him an opportunity. Kochi, Dec 30 : The condition of Congress legislator Uma Thomas, who sustained serious injuries after falling 15 feet from a makeshift stage at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday evening, has slightly improved, according to medical reports. Meanwhile, a blame game has begun over the accident as authorities started investigating the incident. The mishap occurred during a Guinness World Record attempt for a mass dance performance in Kochi. Local police have registered cases against the event organizers and the company responsible for constructing the stage. The injured legislator was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors are treating injuries to her head and lungs. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), has also come under scrutiny. GCDA Chairman and veteran CPI-M leader Chandra Pillai attributed the accident to lapses in the construction of the temporary stage. A preliminary inspection by the Fire and Engineering departments confirmed negligence on the part of the organisers. Kerala Law Minister P. Rajeev, who visited Uma Thomas in the hospital, provided an update on her condition. "Her health has improved slightly. A special medical team has reviewed her case, and further examinations will follow. Authorities are probing possible lapses in the event's organisation, and appropriate action will be taken if any are found," Rajeev said. The incident took place when Uma Thomas, after greeting State Culture Minister Saji Cherian, tripped over a barricade near the VIP pavilion and fell down. Uma Thomas, the widow of late Congress veteran P.T. Thomas, represents the Thrikkakara Assembly constituency. She entered politics after her husband died in December 2021 and won a bypoll by a landslide margin of over 25,000 votes, defying predictions of a Left victory. The Left Front led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had launched a blistering campaign against her by fielding an interventional cardiologist Joe Joseph and had announced that the Congress bastion at Thrikkakara would be breached. Incidentally, P.T. Thomas had represented the Thrikkakara constituency from 2016 onwards and had won the 2021 polls too, but passed away in December 2021. A former student leader during her college years, Uma has made her mark in the Assembly with her polite demeanor and well-researched speeches. She is the only woman Congress legislator in the current Assembly, holding a symbolic and influential position within the party. As investigations continue, questions remain about the safety standards and accountability for the tragic incident that left a rising political figure injured. Sydney, Dec 30 : A man who had links to organised crime syndicates was shot dead in Sydney, police said on Monday. Emergency services were called to a street in Canley Heights, 25 km west of central Sydney, at about 6:50 p.m. local time on Sunday after residents reported gunshots being fired. Police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said a man in his 30s was treated for gunshot wounds by paramedics but died at the scene. The man, who was allegedly involved in 'illicit drug activity,' was shot outside his family residence, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty said. A short time after the shooting, emergency services were called to an abandoned car on fire in a neighbouring suburb, Xinhua news agency reported quoting public broadcaster ABC. "Investigations into the incidents, which are believed to be linked, are underway," NSW Police said. Earlier on August 26, a man was shot dead in Sydney's west. Police in Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement that emergency services had been called to a residence in Parramatta, a major suburb 20 km west of Sydney's central business district following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, ambulance crews found a man, believed to be 29 years old, with gunshot wounds. NSW Police said that paramedics treated the man, but he died at the scene. Shortly afterwards, emergency services were called to a car fire approximately five km from the shooting, where a sedan, which had been reported as stolen, was found engulfed in flames. Two men were reportedly seen leaving the scene in another vehicle. "As inquiries continued, it was not known if the two incidents were connected. However, the fire was being treated as suspicious," NSW Police said. Detectives had urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage or any information about either incident to come forward and contact police. New Delhi, Dec 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed condolences following the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "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-US ties leave a lasting legacy. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of the US," he added. Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100 at home in Plains, Georgia. He was the oldest living President of all time and was the third US President to visit India. He had been suffering from an aggressive form of melanoma, a skin cancer, with tumours that had spread to his liver and brain. He had stopped medical treatment and was under hospice care at home. President Carter, a Democrat, had served one term from 1977 to 1981 and was voted out of office despite such accomplishments as the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, which proved to be insufficient to overcome the disappointment over a slumping economy at home and the Iran crisis abroad. He went on to carve out an extraordinary post-presidency life and won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2002 for, the prize citation said, "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 the third US President to visit India, after Dwight Eisenhower in 1959 and Richard Nixon in 1969. He was accompanied on this visit in 1978 by the first lady, Rosalyn Carter, who later died in November 2023 at 96. Carter had met then President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy and Prime Minister Morarji Desai and addressed the Parliament. A village he had visited then in Gurugram (then Gurgaon) was named Carterpuri and retains that name. With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information. DEEPAL celebrates production milestone of 400,000th vehicle On December 30, Changan Auto's new energy vehicle brand DEEPAL rolled off its 400,000th vehicle, marking another achievement in its rapid growth after previously reaching 100,000, 200,000, and 300,000 units at record speed. Photo credit: DEEPAL New VOYAH DREAM MPV delivered to CATL chairman Zeng Yuqun Dongfeng Motor's premium new energy vehicle brand VOYAH recently delivered the new VOYAH DREAM Qiankun Edition MPV to Zeng Yuqun, chairman of CATL, during a ceremony at CATL's headquarters. This milestone highlights the vehicle's appeal and strengthens collaboration between the two companies. GAC Group sells shares in Greater Bay Technology for 1.331 billion yuan GAC Group announced the sale of its 18.82% stake in Greater Bay Technology to its controlling shareholder, Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group, for approximately 1.331 billion yuan, following fulfillment of preconditions. The terms align with previous disclosures. Electrical appliance retailer Gome forays into automotive market Chinese electrical appliance retailer Gome launched its automotive circulation brand, "Gome Auto Market" (name in translation), on December 28 in Beijing, which marked its official entry into the automotive sector. Black Sesame Technologies unveils Huashan A2000 chip platform for next-gen AI models On December 30, Black Sesame Technologies introduced its Huashan A2000 family, a high-performance chip platform designed for next-generation AI models. SAIC Motor partners with Mansour Group for MG vehicle local production in Egypt On December 29, Chinese automaker SAIC Motor signed a strategic technical cooperation agreement with Egypt's multinational conglomerate Mansour Group to launch local production and assembly of MG-branded vehicles in the country. NIO's 2,900th battery swapping station in China comes online On December 29, NIO announced the launch of its 2,900th battery swapping station in China, which is located in Sanmenxia city, Henan province, further expanding NIO's battery swapping network. Dongfeng Motor tops off global styling design center in Wuhan city Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor celebrated the topping-off ceremony of its global styling design center in Wuhan, Hubei province, on December 29, which marked a key milestone in advancing its design leadership strategy and high-quality development goals. MINIEYE to supply smart driving solutions to renowned global automaker's new platform Chinese intelligent driving and smart cockpit solutions provider MINIEYE received a contract to supply intelligent driving solutions for a new vehicle platform developed by a major global automaker, according to the company's WeChat post on Monday. Hesai Technology exceeds monthly LiDAR delivery mark of 100,000 units LiDAR manufacturer Hesai Technology announced today that its LiDAR deliveries surpassed 100,000 units in December 2024, making it the first company globally to achieve a six-digit monthly delivery milestone. GAC Trumpchi celebrates rollout of 4 millionth complete vehicle On December 27, GAC Trumpchi, a passenger vehicle maker formerly known as GAC Motor, marked a significant milestone as its 4 millionth complete vehicle rolled off the production line, according to a post on GAC Group's WeChat account. BYD launches 3-billion-yuan education charity fund to support scholarships, promote NEV tech On December 30, BYD officially launched a 3-billion-yuan education charity fund, marking the occasion with initial donations to 35 universities and 28 science and technology museums across China. SGMW rolls off Baojun Xiangjing's first mass-produced unit On December 29, 2024, SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) celebrated a milestone at its globally pioneering island-type lean intelligent manufacturing (LIM) facility, as the automaker's 800,000th new energy vehicle (NEV) of the year and the first mass-production unit of the Baojun Xiangjing (name in Chinese pinyin) rolled off the production line. eVTOL tech company VOLANT completes Pre-B financing round On December 30, 2024, eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) solution developer VOLANT Aerotech (VOLANT) announced the successful completion of its Pre-B financing in Shanghai, which raised for the company hundreds of millions of yuan. OnTime joins cross-city pilot intelligent connected vehicle program in Guangdong On December 27, four regions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong -Macao Greater Bay AreaNansha, Hengqin, Qianhai, and Bao'ansigned the Framework Agreement for Mutual Recognition of Intelligent and Connected Vehicle (ICV) Demonstration Applications. Guwahati, Dec 30 : The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police has arrested another member of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a Bangladesh-based terror group affiliated with Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), officials said on Monday. A spokesman of the Assam Police said that as part of 'Operation Praghat', launched by the STF, the absconding prime accused, Gazi Rahman (35) was arrested with the assistance of Kokrajhar Police. "Necessary legal action is being initiated in this matter. The STF continued its efforts to apprehend all individuals connected to this case," the spokesman said. With the latest arrest, the STF so far apprehended 12 associates of the ABT. On December 27, ABT cadre Shahinur Islam (36) was arrested from Bandhabpara in Dhubri District while on December 24 the STF arrested Abdul Zaher Sheikh and Sabbir Mirdha from Namapara in Kokrajhar district and a huge cache of arms and ammunition and other war-like items were recovered from the hideout of one of the arrested accused persons. The STF as part of Operation Praghat on the intervening night of December 17-18 had apprehended eight ABT operatives across Assam, West Bengal and Kerala. Among the eight, five were arrested in Assam's Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts, two in West Bengal, and one Bangladeshi national in Kerala. Of the eight arrests, Bangladeshi national Muhammad Sad Radi a.k.a. Md Shab Seikh (32), a resident of Rajshahi in Bangladesh, was apprehended from Kerala. After the interrogation of the eight detainees, the remaining four accused persons were arrested from Dhubri and Kokrajhar, bordering Bhutan and West Bengal. "With these 12 arrests, the STF achieved a huge success in averting a possible major terror act by fundamentalist/Jihadi elements of a Global Terrorist Organisation (GTO)," the spokesman said. Assam Police Special Director General Harmeet Singh earlier said the eight persons (arrested on the intervening night of December 17-18) were handlers in Pakistan and Bangladesh. They were working to form 'sleeper cells' in different parts of India and there were plans to assassinate leaders belonging to the Hindu community and RSS, besides undertaking violent and subversive activities in India, Singh had said. The Special DGP had said that Operation Praghat was launched in November after a detailed and prolonged examination of intelligence input regarding the clandestine anti-national activities being carried out by a group of individuals under the direction of Md Farhan Israk, a close associate of Jasimuddin Rahmani. Rahmani, according to the police officer, is the ABT Chief. The operation was launched under the direct supervision of STF Chief Partha Sarathi Mahanta. Earlier this month, the Assam Police STF also arrested five Pakistan-linked terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members from Kokrajhar and Dhubri. Four JeM operatives have been arrested from Kokrajhar district, while one JeM linkman was arrested from Dhubri district, a police officer said. Khartoum, Dec 30 : Sudan rejected a report by an international organisation indicating the spread of famine in the country. The Sudanese government described the report, recently issued by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a global hunger monitor, as based on inaccurate standards and speculative results. "The report depended on outdated information, distant communications, and secondary sources, thereby raising concerns about its reliability," said a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The Sudanese government reiterates its unwavering commitment and keenness to alleviate the suffering of its people, enhance food security, and address the root causes of the humanitarian crisis," the statement added. In the report released earlier this week, the IPC said that famine is present in at least five areas of Sudan, including the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur and parts of the Western Nuba Mountains. The report also noted that 17 other areas in Sudan are at risk of famine. Sudan has been gripped by a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023, which claimed more than 29,680 lives and displaced over 14 million people, either inside or outside Sudan, according to the latest estimates by international organisations, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on December 25, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was alarmed by the rapidly worsening food security situation in Sudan and called for the parties to facilitate access to humanitarian assistance, his spokesperson said in a statement. After over 20 months of conflict, more than 24.6 million people in Sudan a" over half the population a" faced high levels of acute food insecurity, the statement said, citing the latest UN-backed assessment. In a report released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the global hunger monitor, famine was confirmed to be present in at least five areas of Sudan, including North Darfur's Zamzam camp and parts of the Western Nuba Mountains. The crisis was projected to expand further, with five additional areas expected to face famine between December 2024 and May 2025. The statement said that the United Nations and its partners were scaling up the delivery of food assistance and other essential support for the most vulnerable, but ongoing fighting and restrictions on the movement of relief supplies and personnel continued to imperil aid operations. Guterres reiterated his call for the parties to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained access so that humanitarian assistance and staff could reach people in need. The UN chief also underscored the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and to prevent the crisis in Sudan and its impact on neighbouring countries from escalating even further in 2025. Bengaluru, Dec 30 : The Karnataka BJP has demanded handing over of a contractor's suicide case allegedly involving the close aide of Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or face a protest on January 4. Addressing a press conference on Monday in Bengaluru at the party office, BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra warned that if the state government fails to hand over the case to the CBI, the party would stage a massive protest in Kalaburagi on January 4. "We will also lay siege to the residence of Priyank Kharge at Kalaburagi," Vijayendra stated. "Mr. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, you don't fear that if action is taken against Priyank Kharge you will get a call from New Delhi and your position will be in danger. Do not fear and initiate action against Priyank Kharge. You claim yourself to be the champion of the Backward Classes. The contractor who committed suicide hails from the Backward Classes," he stated. "The contractor, Sachin had stated in his death note that killers were hired for executing the Andola seer and BJP leaders from Solapur in Maharashtra," Vijayendra claimed. "This is a serious matter. The BJP will wait till January 3. Let god give good sense to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to hand over the case to the CBI," he urged. "Ever since the Congress government came to power, the number of suicide cases have gone up. The state had never witnessed a series of deaths like it is now. The sisters of the deceased contractor had gone to the police seeking help. The police did not bother about them for 12 hours. Instead, the police had humiliated and insulted the sisters," Vijayendra alleged. "Police negligence is a crime as their action would have saved the life of the contractor," he said. "The accused, Raju Kapanuru, who allegedly threatened the deceased, is a close aide of Priyank Kharge and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. The accused is not an ordinary person and is highly influential. In this backdrop, the case should be handed over to the CBI," Vijayendra stated. Vijayendra also released photos of Raju Kapanuru with Priyanka Kharge, Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Vijayendra further stated that it was the demand of the family of the deceased Sachin that the case be handed over to the CBI. "Earlier, former BJP minister K.S. Eshwarappa had resigned following the suicide of a contractor. Minister for Power K.J. George had tendered his resignation following the suicide of Deputy SP Ganapathi during the rule of the earlier Congress government," he underlined. The government should immediately take the resignation of Minister Priyank Kharge and provide Rs 1 crore compensation to the family of the deceased contractor, he demanded. Sachin, a 26-year-old contractor on last Thursday committed suicide in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district following alleged threats to his life and extortion by an aide of Priyank Kharge. The deceased contractor has left a seven-page suicide note and alleged that Minister Kharge's aide and Kalaburagi City Corporation's former member Raju Kapanuru's atrocities led him to take the extreme step. Reacting to the demand by the BJP, Minister Priyank Kharge declared in Bengaluru on Monday that no matter what the BJP demands, he would not resign. "I have not denied that the accused Raju Kapanuru is my aide. I have demanded an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Raju was with the BJP earlier and he was the President of BJP ST Morcha," Minister Priyank charged. "If they have any documents let them show. Vijayendra is not the Supreme Court. There is a money laundering case against Vijayendra so why is he not tendering his resignation?" Priyank questioned. Talking about the protest in Kalaburagi, Priyank mocked, "Let the BJP convey how many people are gathering in Kalaburagi to protest against me. I will make arrangements for tea. Otherwise, you will protest that I did not even offer water." Islamabad, Dec 30 : At least 10 people were killed and over seven others injured when a passenger bus overturned in the Attock district of Pakistan's Punjab province on Monday, police officials said. The accident took place on the motorway near Fateh Jang area of the district when the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle due to a tyre burst, leading to the tragic crash, officials from National Highways and Motorway Police said. Women and children are among the victims of the unfortunate accident, the officials said, adding that the bus was on its way to the federal capital Islamabad from the eastern Bahawalpur district when it met the accident. Upon receiving the information, police, along with rescue workers, reached the site and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital, where two passengers were said to be in critical condition. Earlier on Monday morning, a passenger van and trailer collided with each other in Naushahro Feroze district of the country's southern Sindh province, leaving six people dead on the spot and at least 15 others wounded. Earlier on June 25, 2023, at least 10 people were killed and over 40 others were injured when two passenger buses collided in the Nawab Shah district of Sindh province, media reports said. The accident had occurred in the districtas Daur area when the two buses, travelling in opposite directions on a single-lane road, had overtaken two different vehicles at the same time, resulting in the crash. Passengers trapped in the bus were pulled out, and the injured were rushed to the local hospitals. One of the buses was reportedly travelling from Peshawar to Karachi, while the other one was heading towards Punjab province from Karachi. Similarly, on June 9, 2022, at least three people were killed and 10 others injured after a truck collided with a passenger bus in the Narowal district of Punjab province, the country's state media reported. According to the reports, the accident had taken place in Kartarpur town of the district due to overspeeding of the truck. The victims had been shifted to a local hospital, rescue workers told local media. Road accidents frequently happen in Pakistan, mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles, dilapidated roads, and negligence of road safety measures. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Maharashtra's newly-appointed BJP minister, Nitesh Rane, has landed in hot water following his "mini-Pakistan" remarks on Kerala. Speaking at a programme in Pune, Rane referred to Kerala as a "mini-Pakistan" and alleged that "only extremists in Kerala" vote for members of the Gandhi family, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Rane's statement has triggered a political storm, drawing severe criticism from Opposition parties, who accused him of "spreading hatred" and demanded immediate action against him. Speaking to IANS, Samajwadi Party MP Abu Azmi slammed Rane, saying, "He is such a small person. A cabinet of hatred should be formed for him as he always talks about hatred. Such baseless statements are made without any consequences. Even the Supreme Court has said that people who spread hatred should be punished, yet no action is taken against him." Azmi also defended Kerala, stating, "Calling a state 'mini-Pakistan' is completely wrong. Kerala is a state that does not align with hatred. That's what troubles him. Rahul Gandhi has been winning elections before as well. His father and grandmother sacrificed their lives for the nation, and his mother continues to struggle for the country." "People like Rane aim only to spread hatred towards Muslims, degrade them, and appease the majority to gain power. This must be why he was allotted his portfolio. Such statements expose their true intentions," he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey accused the BJP of benefiting politically from such divisive remarks. "Since the Prime Minister won from Banaras with just around one lakh votes, the BJP has been restless. The real blow came when Priyanka Gandhi won from Wayanad by lakhs of votes. Now they resort to defaming Kerala by calling it 'mini-Pakistan' and alleging terrorists live there," he told IANS. "These statements are made to spread poison and reap political benefits. Leaders like Rane are rewarded with ministerial posts, similar to Giriraj Singh and Himanta Biswa Sarma," he said. Former TMC MP Majeed Memon also lambasted Rane, stressing the constitutional responsibilities of a minister. "Kerala has the highest literacy rate. Calling it 'mini-Pakistan' and associating it with extremism is shameful. The Home Ministry, agencies, and the Centre must intervene, and serious action should be taken," he said. Speaking to IANS, Memon urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to act, stating, "If someone who has sworn to uphold the Constitution can claim that a part of the nation is part of Pakistan, how can they respect their oath? Such individuals should not remain in ministerial posts even for a minute. However, the Chief Minister will not take action as Rane is one of his favourites." Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera joined the criticism, questioning BJP's stance on Kerala elections. "Are they claiming Kerala is outside the Indian borders? Such unconstitutional statements reveal their desperation. They were unable to create history, so now they want to change geography," Khera told IANS. As Opposition leaders demand accountability, the controversy surrounding Rane's remarks has highlighted concerns over political discourse and the responsibilities of public officials in maintaining national unity. New Delhi, Dec 30 : In a bid to swiftly address citizen concerns, the centralised public grievance redress and monitoring system (CPGRAMS) has successfully resolved over 70 lakh grievances in the last three years (2022-2024), the government said on Monday. From 2022 to 2024, the system enabled the resolution of 70,03,533 grievances and mapped 1,03,183 Grievance Redressal Officers (GROs) as of October 31. CPGRAMS, developed and monitored by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), is an online platform available 24/7 that connects all ministries and departments across the country. The public grievance system now connects 92 central ministries, departments and organisations with 36 states/UTs, offering a seamless platform supported by over 73,000 active subordinate users. With 96,295 organisations registered, CPGRAMS has significantly improved citizen engagement and service delivery. Citizens can file complaints through the web portal, the mobile app on the Google Play Store, or the UMANG app. Each complaint receives a unique registration ID, allowing users to track its progress. Additionally, the aMy Grievancea app serves as an independent platform for filing and tracking complaints, according to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The government is prioritising a citizen-centric approach for a developed Bharat, ensuring active participation from citizens in the development process. At the third aBiennial Pan-Commonwealth Heads of Public Service Meetinga in April this year, the Commonwealth Secretariat highlighted it as a future-ready governance tool. The system has proven effective in addressing citizens' grievances with swift resolutions and improved public safety. Now, DARPG is developing the NextGen CPGRAMS platform to improve grievance redressal. Building on CPGRAMS 7.0, it will offer features like grievance filing via WhatsApp/Chatbot, voice-to-text lodging, instant alerts, and auto-escalation. Grievance Redressal Officers will benefit from machine learning-based auto-replies and auto-populated reports. Monitoring bodies can track grievances by grouping, sector and ministry. The aNextGen CPGRAMSa system is set to launch on July 1, 2025, further enhancing the grievance resolution process. New Delhi, December 30 : With artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping healthcare at an unprecedented pace, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi is investing more than Rs 300 crore in developing digital infrastructure, said Director Dr. M. Srinivas. He said this at a meeting held at the national capital deliberating the transformative potential of AI in revolutionising health awareness and patient education empowerment. Leaders in healthcare, technology, and policy shared insights into how AI is poised to bridge critical gaps in health communication, making information more accessible, reliable, and patient-centric. "AI is revolutionising everything from patient care to health communication," said Dr. M. Srinivas, Director of AIIMS. "We are investing over Rs 300 crore in digital infrastructure to ensure that every stakeholder -- patients, doctors, and researchers -- benefits from this innovation. By integrating AI, we can improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enable world-class research," he added. The experts at AIIMS also stressed the need to bridge the gap of misinformation by delivering accurate, easily understandable, and personalised healthcare information via AI to people across diverse demographics. Srinivas also emphasised that leveraging AI to simplify and disseminate health information will empower patients and improve their engagement with healthcare systems, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. "A good health system isn't reliant on individuals. AI can play a vital role in making healthcare more accurate, compassionate, and equitable," Dr. Kavita Narayan, Senior Technical Advisor, HRH for Health Systems at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. "To truly make a difference, we must integrate technology thoughtfully and ensure collaboration between policymakers, technologists, and healthcare providers," she added. The experts also caution against overdependence on technology at the expense of human connection. K.P. Kochhar, Professor and Head of the Physiology Department at AIIMS, stressed the importance of balancing innovation with empathy in healthcare. "While AI can enhance precision and efficiency, we must preserve the human touch in healthcare. Compassion and technology must work together to create systems that prioritise the well-being of patients," Kochhar said. Mumbai, Dec 30 : The Maha Vikas Aghadi on Monday slammed a Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minister, Nitesh N. Rane, for alleging that Kerala is a 'mini-Pakistan' and claiming that Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra get elected from there as terrorists vote for them. MVA leaders like the Congress' Pawan Khera, Atul Londhe, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Anand Dubey and Kishore Tiwari, besides Nationalist Congress Party (SP)'s Clyde Crasto, and more have termed Rane's utterances as 'unconstitutional' and arising out of an 'illiterate mind'. Rane, the son of former Chief Minister and ex-union minister Narayan Rane, drew the comparisons at an event last night in Pune to commemorate Shiv Pratap Din marking Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's killing of the Bijapur Sultanate's General Afzal Khan (1659) at Pratapgad Fort in Satara. While praising Hindu activists from Kerala, he said that they had saved the lives of 12,000 Hindu girls, a huge feat considering how difficult it was to rescue even one sister. "Kerala is nothing but a 'mini-Pakistan'. That is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister (Priyanka Vadra) get elected from there. All the terrorists are ones who vote for them. I am speaking the facts These persons (the Gandhi siblings) become MPs with support from the terrorists," claimed Rane. The references to the Gandhis was pertaining to Rahul Gandhi winning the Lok Sabha polls in Wayanad (Kerala), while losing Amethi (2019). However, in 2024, he won both Amethi and Wayanad, and later Priyanka Vadra won the Wayanad seat in 2024 Lok Sabha bypolls. "What else can be expected from him. But we have to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis how can somebody calling one of our own states 'mini-Pakistan' continue to be a Cabinet Minister? We take the pledge of unityI expected both (PM & CM), who give patriotic speeches, to ensure that such persons are not allowed to remain in the ministry," said Londhe sharply. Crasto dubbed Nitesh Rane as a "motormouth who needs to be controlled by the BJP" and who has insulted and demeaned an important state of India, which was a highly deplorable act. "Does the BJP endorse his opinions? What comes to the fore is that a mentally illiterate Nitesh Rane is shamelessly berating the most literate state of India. The BJP must answer to all," demanded Crasto. Tiwari said that with such irresponsible and shameless words, "Nitesh Rane is making blatant attempts to incite communities against each other in Kerala which has always rejected the BJP", and should be sacked for violating the oath of office. Khera bluntly said, "Ask BJP President J.P. Nadda whether his party will contest the next elections from Kerala or not. These unconstitutional statements by the BJP leaders made repeatedly are against the Constitution." "If what Rane claims is true, then why has the Kerala Governor, appointed by the President, not submitted a report to the Centre of how that state has become a 'mini-Pakistan'. "What are the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Fadnavis whose 'laadla' (favourite) Nitesh Raje is, doing in the matter," asked an irked Dubey. The NCP (SP) has called upon the state BJP to take cognisance of statements by Rane, known for stirring controversies in the past, and do the needful. The first-time Minister also assured the Hindutva workers that "you are not alone and we are with you as the government." "The state has a saffron-clad CM, Hindutva activists should not fear anything. If anyone acts illegally against Hindus or Hinduism, we will not spare them," warned Rane, adding that though he has ministerial responsibilities and constraints, the "work of Hindutva must continue in full steam." Present on the occasion at the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi in Saswad (Pune) organised through the Sarsenapati Hambirrao Mohite Gaushala, Gaurakshak Dal, were Vishwa Hindu Parishad Organising leader Dadaji Vedak, plus Prathish Vishwanath, Sanjay 'Kaka' Sharma who were given awards for various services. (Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: qnajmi@gmail.com) Mumbai, Dec 30 : The Mahayuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP hit the jackpot in 2024 reporting a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections after a dismal performance in the Lok Sabha polls. BJP not only succeeded in asserting its big brother role in the grand alliance but also getting the chief minister's post which it had sacrificed in June 2022 for Eknath Shinde after he staged a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) The Mahayuti comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP hit the jackpot in 2024 reporting a landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections after a dismal performance in the Lok Sabha polls. BJP not only succeeded in asserting its big brother role in the grand alliance but also getting the chief ministeras post which it had sacrificed in June 2022 for Eknath Shinde after he staged a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, which had outsmarted the MahaYuti in the Lok Sabha elections, met with a complete washout in the Assembly elections. MVA now faces an acid challenge to keep the alliance relevant and more importantly, its constituents -- Congress, Shiv Sena UBT and NCP(SP) -- to keep their respective flock together while pursuing efforts for revival in the next five years. Mahayuti not only weathered the anti-incumbency factor but also worked cohesively to turn odds into opportunity by putting up a massive show of unity. BJP after the dismal performance in the Lok Sabha elections, tweaked its strategy for the Assembly polls by making sure that with allies, Shiv Sena and NCP, it would regain power in Maharashtra which continues to be a leading state known for its vibrancy and leadership in political, financial and social sectors with a progressive and pragmatic status. RSS, which was silent during the general elections, swung into action and pulled out its organisational network to help the BJP not only emerge as the single largest party but also get a thumping win for the Mahayuti. BJP will make all efforts to achieve its ambitious 'Shat Pratishat (winning power on its own)' in the 2029 elections as already announced by Home Minister Amit Shah during the Assembly poll campaign. On the other hand, despite winning more seats in the Lok Sabha elections, the MVA failed to create the same magic in the Assembly elections majorly due to egos, internal disputes, lack of a formidable and convincing roadmap for the voters and above all failure to tweak its poll strategy considering the conflict among various castes and communities. Congress, despite loss in the Haryana Assembly elections after a humiliating defeat, failed to show maturity in working with allies, taking various castes and communities into confidence and leading from the front of the MVA against the mighty BJP and its allies. MVA thereby lost its opportunity to oust Mahayuti. Despite financial distress in agriculture, especially, due to the rising mismatch between the cost of production and market prices of cotton and soybean, burgeoning cases of farmers' suicides, unrest over reservations in the Maratha, OBC and Dhangar communities and spate of crimes against women and delicate state of Maharashtraas finances, MVA failed to score a victory over Mahayuti. On its part, Mahayuti played its cards well by launching a slew of welfare and development schemes, including the much-debated Ladki Bahin Yojana and implemented them through military-like precision planning. BJPas move to reach out to various castes and communities from OBC by organising over 350 meetings and also to take the Hindu Dalits into confidence, especially after the Supreme Courtas order which ruled that states are constitutionally empowered to make sub-classifications within the Scheduled Castes. BJP in particular succeeded in the consolidation of OBCs while reaffirming its commitment to the Maratha reservation. This is despite violent and strong protests by the activists pressing for the reservation for Marathas, OBCs and Dhangars. Pro-Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil factor had worked in favour of MVA in general elections but it did not come to MVAas help in the Assembly elections. Mahayuti still faces an acid test to address the contentious reservation issue as Jarange-Patil has already announced to launch a fresh protest while OBCs after the denial of ministerial berth to Chhagan Bhujbal are up in the arms declaring that they would not allow encroachment in their reservation quota. Mahayuti will have to trade its path cautiously. The rape and molestation of two minor girls in the private school in Badlapur from Thane district shook the state. Opposition and various organisations staged protests blaming the Mahayuti government for deteriorating law and order. The opposition also cried foul over the encounter of the main accused in the Badlapur rape incident, but the Mahayuti strongly defended the police action citing it was done after the accused had attacked the police party. Ironically, the crime against women did not get enough prominence during the poll campaign, especially after the then Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had promised stern action against those involved in such incidents. The Mahayuti government will have to ensure that it is committed to curbing crimes against women by strict implementation of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita in true letter and spirit, especially after the Centre has sought its opinion about the necessity of Shakti Act to deal with such crimes. The collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Malvan in the coastal Sindhudurg district gave ammunition to opposition to target the Mahayuti over alleged corruption and haste in awarding the contract. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not waste time but tendered an apology reiterating that Chhatrapati Shivaji is their ideal. Opposition failed to keep the issue alive during the poll campaign. Although Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray promised the construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji temple in every district, it did not click with the voters. Ironically, the opposition could not properly flag off Marathi Asmita (Martin Pride) with the voters. The Mahayutias freebies and populist slogans yielded positive results as the beneficiaries overwhelmingly extended their support. The Mahayuti despite the oppositionas criticism was able to successfully play up the welfare economics in tune with its political agenda. Although MVA had promised monthly aid of Rs 2,100 to eligible women and free rides in state transport buses, it did not work as 2.34 crore women beneficiaries had already received Rs 7,500 (Rs 1,500 per month) for July-November. To address the unemployment and lack of necessary skill sets among youth, the Mahayuti launched the training programme with a monthly stipend that also helped to win the young and first-time voters. MVA had promised a monthly allowance of RS 4,000 to the educated unemployed but it remained merely a promise while the youth had benefited from the Mahayutias training scheme. Even though the handouts and arevadisa have helped Mahayuti with its big victory, it has put up an added burden on the state economy. The fiscal deficit has already crossed Rs 2.30 lakh crore while the public debt is expected to be Rs 8 lakh crore plus leaving limited room for capital expenditure and raising funds from the markets. Opposition is claiming that some of the welfare schemes, including Ladki Bahin Yojana, will be either closed or the funding will be reduced. However, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his two deputies have reiterated that the state is quite capable of continuing these schemes, reassuring that the government will make all efforts to maintain fiscal management and fiscal prudence. Despite that, the state government will have to strive to mobilise additional resources while pursuing its ambition of Maharashtra achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2028. Despite a bumpy road ahead, Maharashtra continues to be the most favoured investment destination in the country. Maharashtra has topped in getting FDI in two consecutive years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The state topped the country in foreign direct investment with Rs 1,25,101 crore in 2023-24 and it again topped in the first two quarters, from April to September of this year 2024-25 with FDI of Rs1,13,236 crore, which is more than 90 per cent of last yearas total FDI. The state is a preferred destination for FDI. The government will have to actively pursue fast-track development of infrastructure, including roads, highways, sea links, metro and various other projects such as river linking and water grid of over Rs 5 lakh crore. Besides, it needs to take due steps for achieving the Mumbai Metropolitan Regionas turnover to become $300 billion by 2030 from the present level of $140 billion. However, amid rising competition from various states, the Mahayuti government will have to further improve the ease of doing business with strict implementation of the single window clearance by removing red tape and keeping the policy and regulatory continuity. As the state is ready to welcome 2025, the Mahayuti government is cornered by the opposition and various peopleas organisations over the brutal killing of a young sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district and the death of a Dalit youth Somnath Survanshi in Parbhani. Although CM Fadnavis has announced a zero-tolerance policy, it's time for the Mahayuti to walk the talk. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in) Pathanamthitta : , Dec 30 (IANS) With Kerala CPI-M's organisational polls currently underway, the prospect of the first party woman district Secretary failed to materialise on Monday amid speculations that state Health Minister Veena George might be named for Pathanamthitta district, but fearing a backlash, senior party leaders decided to appoint veteran former legislator Raju Abraham to the post instead. In the last six decades, the CPI-M in Kerala has had no woman Chief Minister, or a state chief, and and not a single woman leader has even served as party district Secretary in any of the present-day 14 district committees. Thus, it has been coming under fire over poor representation of women in the partyas internal framework. Journalist-turned-two-time CPI-M legislator George is a protege of the power Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and eyebrows were raised when after winning a second successive term, he opted for her as Health Minister and did not retain outgoing Minister K.K. Shailaja who had won accolades for her work during the Covid pandemic. On Monday when it came to selecting the new Pathanamthitta district secretary and a new district committee, even though Vijayan and the top party bosses preferred to bring in George, they, after getting a feel that if the move goes to the ballot, then she might lose, decided not to back her and Abraham was unanimously selected as the new Pathanamthitta district CPI-M Secretary. Abraham who has a huge following in the district and has been the legislator from the Ranni assembly constituency from 1996 till 2021, does not fall into the good books of Vijayan and that was one reason he was not given the chance to contest the April Lok Sabha elections from the Pathanamthitta Lok Sabha constituency. Earlier, veteran woman leader and former minister J. Mercykutty, who served in the 2016-21 Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet, was billed for the post of district Secretary in Kollam, but, at the last minute, this failed to happen when the decision came that the incumbent district secretary was chosen to continue for a second three-year term. After Mercykutty failed to enter the party record books, hopes were high that George would but now with that also failing to happen, all eyes are on the remaining district committee meetings to see if a woman will be named. It remains to be seen whether Shailaja, the popular legislator from Kannur, will get the chance to become the first woman district committee Secretary. At present, the 17-member state secretariat has only one woman, while in the Central Committee, there are two women from Kerala. A new Politburo is expected to be elected by the newly-formed Central Committee at the upcoming 24th Party Congress in Madurai in 2025. While the CPI-M, which speaks often about gender neutrality, is yet to appoint a woman to a top post in the state, the Congress in Kerala can take pride that they appointed Srikutty Malu Amma as state party President in 1952. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 27, four regions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong -Macao Greater Bay AreaNansha, Hengqin, Qianhai, and Bao'ansigned the Framework Agreement for Mutual Recognition of Intelligent and Connected Vehicle (ICV) Demonstration Applications. Signing ceremony; photo credit: OnTime The agreement aims to establish a mutual recognition mechanism for ICV pilot programs, enhancing interconnectivity and resource sharing across these regions. OnTime, GAC Group's mobility service platform, was named one of the first four participating companies and received official certification during the signing ceremony. Under the agreement, eligible ICV enterprises can leverage a "Three Systems, One Enhancement" framework: mutual recognition of qualifications, shared road access, coordinated regulatory systems, and improved operational oversight. Vehicles authorized in one region can be registered and operated in other participating areas, with plans to streamline application and approval processes across all four regions. OnTime Robotaxis; photo credit: OnTime This initiative will facilitate unified regulatory data platforms, enabling seamless oversight and data sharing among participating regions. The framework also aims to expand the mutual recognition network to more areas within the Greater Bay Area, setting a benchmark for city-cluster ICV applications nationwide. OnTime has long been committed to advancing autonomous driving technologies in the Greater Bay Area, including pioneering mixed Robotaxi and human-driven ride-hailing services in 2022. This agreement represents a significant milestone in scaling the commercial deployment of autonomous mobility solutions. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Actor Sonu Sood recently shared how his latest film, "Fateh," allowed him to discover his own inner superhero. In an exclusive interview with IANS, the actor explained how portraying the role of a common man with hidden strength and determination gave him a new perspective on personal growth and self-belief. Sonu shared, "I think Fateh was my dream role, one that I always wanted to play: a common man who has a superhero inside him. I believe every individual, every common man, has a superhero within them. You just need to discover that. I'm glad that with Fateh, I was able to discover that side of myself. And I hope that when people watch it, they not only get entertained by the script but also get inspired." When asked what "Fateh" means to him, the 'Simmba' actor stated, "I think when you can be someone's hope, it's not about how rich, famous, or influential you are. We are all those things, but sometimes, when someone becomes a hope, a person leaves their native village in Punjab or Uttar Pradesh with the belief that when they reach out to an individual, their life will change. I think that is true Fatehwhen you can change someone's life, that's what real Fateh is." Sonu Sood recently visited Amritsar to promote his upcoming movie, which also marks his directorial debut. Speaking about his visit to the Holy City, the actor mentioned, "Punjab is my homeland, and stepping into the role of a director, I knew this journey had to begin at the Golden Temple, where my film opens. Growing up here has shaped who I am, and every return fills me with gratitude and pride. As we prepare to present our film to the audience, seeking blessings at the Golden Temple and witnessing the parade at Wagah Border have been very calming and motivating. The patriotism that this soil instills are treasures I carry with me every step of the way." "Fateh" also stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Naseeruddin Shah, and Vijay Raaz. Produced by Umesh KR Bansal of Zee Studios and Sonali Sood of Shakti Sagar Productions, co-produced by Ajay Dhama, "Fateh", a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and the fight against cybercrime, is slated to release on January 10, 2025. New Delhi, Dec 30 : A 'fatwa' by All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ)'s national president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi to Muslims has been frowned upon left, right and centre with many leaders from within the community. Many Muslim leaders slammed the cleric for issuing a directive to the Muslims, asking them to abstain from celebrating the New Year. In a statement released in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly, he argued that New Year celebrations were not aligned with Islamic customs and practices, as it marks the beginning of the Christian calendar year. Maulana Shahabuddin stated, "It is not a matter of pride for young men and women to celebrate New Year or extend greetings on this day, as it signifies the start of the English year. Celebrating any non-religious or un-Islamic practices is strictly prohibited for Muslims. Young Muslims should avoid indulging in such festivities." The statement sparked reactions from political leaders across party lines, with sharp criticism and varied opinions. Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi dismissed the fatwa, saying, "A fraudulent fatwa factory is operating unchecked. These fatwas are issued as casually as vegetables are sold on carts. Such declarations are mere attempts to stir unrest. However, society is vigilant and aware of these disruptive tactics." Another BJP leader Danish Azad Ansari emphasised progress over controversies, stating, "We should focus on progress and development as a society. This should be our priority and thinking." Shiv Sena UBT leader Anand Dubey took a strong stance against the cleric's directive, stating, "Do these Maulanas even study or just claim to be knowledge holders? The entire world celebrates the New Year, yet they speak against it. Stopping any particular religion from celebrating is unwise. These Maulanas lack understanding and should be sent back to madrasas to boost their knowledge. Leaders like Giriraj Singh and some BJP members speak the same divisive language as these Maulanas, which is poisonous." SP leader Abu Azmi however expressed a different viewpoint, saying, "I do not celebrate New Year. I only pray for the welfare of India, for everyone to be happy, and for our economy to grow to a trillion dollars. Drinking, partying, and other un-Islamic activities are not something we support. This fatwa is directed at a specific committee, not the entire country, and it aligns with Islamic teachings." Mumbai, Dec 30 : Grammy-nominated music composer and vocalist Loire Cotler, who has crafted the track 'Call to Life' in the upcoming movie 'Fateh', has heaped praise on actor Sonu Sood, and has commended him for his ability to communicate his ideas. 'Fateh' marks the directorial debut of Sonu Sood. Loire shared that Sonu is exceptionally gifted in communicating the two layers of the spoken direction and the unspoken direction. She told IANS, "The creative collaboration begins with spoken direction and unspoken direction. The outer meaning and the inner meaning of the scene. Sonu has a special gift in communicating these two different layers in a way that stimulated my musical creativity". When asked how the collaboration with Sonu happened, she said that Sonu mentioned that he had heard Hans Zimmer speaking about her in an interview. He then called her to discuss 'Fateh'. She told IANS, "I was delighted to accept this opportunity. I have always had a passion for vocal rhythmic play. I discovered that the term Rhythm Vocalist best describes my hybridisation of vocal techniques. There are several main components to this style, including jazz scat, Konnakol (drum language from South India), as well as drum vocalizations, overtone singing and wordless traditions from around the globe". She further mentioned, "My vocal expressions are energized by the rhythmic power of the voice, and the result is like an interdimensional language that seeks to touch that part of one's heart that may remain hidden on an ordinary day". Loire works with the legendary music composer Hans Zimmer, who has composed the music for films like 'The Batman' trilogy, 'Interstellar', 'Dunkirk' and other projects. Talking about how the music composer has shaped her as an artist, she said, "I consider Hans a very important mentor in my evolution as a musician and composer, as well as beloved guide and friend on my personal journey. It is truly one of the greatest honors and blessings to know him and be part of his musical family. To be honest, my sentiments outweigh words here". She continued, "There really are no words adequate enough to describe how special Hans is to me, and how highly I hold him in my esteem and how deeply I cherish him in my heart". When asked how working on 'Fateh' helped her understand Indian culture and Indian music, she said, "My creative role in this project was very specifically attuned to the emotion and energy on specific cues". "I would have to say that working on 'Fateh' amplified how awesome the universal language of music can be in elevating the cinematic experience", she added. Produced by Sonali Sood of Shakti Sagar Productions, and Umesh KR Bansal of Zee Studios and co-produced by Ajay Dhama, 'Fateh' is set to release in cinemas on January 10, 2025. Seoul, Dec 30 : South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul extended his condolences on Monday to the victims of the deadly plane crash at Muan International Airport and their families, including two Thai victims. "The tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport has left us in utter shock and profound sadness," Cho wrote on the social media platform X. "Our hearts are torn apart by the loss of so many precious lives, including those of the two Thai nationals who had been on board," he said. "Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to all the victims and their families." The foreign ministry is working with the respective diplomatic missions of Thailand and South Korea to provide necessary support to the bereaved families, a ministry official said. Some family members of the two Thai victims killed in the accident were reportedly flying to Seoul on Monday. The Jeju Air flight, which departed from Bangkok, crashed into the outer wall of the Muan airport, located some 290 kilometres southwest of Seoul, the previous day while attempting a belly landing following a suspected bird strike. The accident killed all 181 people on board, except for two flight attendants who were in the tail section. The victims included two Thai nationals. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also expressed her condolences to the victims and their families on X, saying that she had directed the country's foreign ministry to assist the bereaved families, Yonhap news agency reported. Meanwhile, a surge in cancellations of travel deals and airline tickets was reported on Monday as concerns over aviation safety mounted following a deadly airliner crash that claimed 179 lives, according to industry sources. Jeju Air Co. revealed that 68,000 flight reservations had been canceled as of 1 p.m. Of the canceled tickets, over 33,000 were for domestic flights, while 34,000 were for international routes. The airline noted that most of the cancellations occurred after 9 a.m. on Sunday, when its flight 7C2216, carrying 181 people, crashed at Muan International Airport in the southwestern county of Muan. Local travel agencies also reported a spike in cancellations of tour packages in the aftermath of the tragedy. Many of them have suspended their TV and online advertisements and promotional campaigns. "We had about 40 enquiries regarding travel cancellations on Sunday alone. We saw about double the usual amount of cancellations and a 50 per cent decrease in bookings," said a travel agent who requested anonymity. Industry sources said the travel industry is closely monitoring the situation, anticipating continued impact as public anxiety over aviation safety continues to grow. Hyderabad, Dec 30 : The Telangana Assembly on Monday unanimously resolved to recommend Bharat Ratna for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh who passed away recently. A resolution moved by Chief Minister A. Revant Reddy was unanimously adopted by the Assembly to confer India's highest civilian honour on Dr. Manmohan Singh, The special session of the Assembly paid tributes to the former Prime Minister, expressing condolences over his demise and acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the nation's progress and the formation of the state of Telangana. The Assembly approved a proposal to install a statue of Dr. Manmohan Singh in Hyderabad to commemorate him as a great leader who fulfilled the 60-year aspirations of the Telangana people. The Assembly expressed deep condolences to Dr. Manmohan Singhas family, recognizing him as an internationally acclaimed economist who served the country in various capacities, including Chief Economic Advisor, RBI Governor, Deputy Chairperson of the Planning Commission, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister. It noted that his tenure as Finance Minister (1991a"1996) marked a turning point in Indiaas economic history, with key reforms in liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation. As Prime Minister (2004a"2014), he initiated transformative social programs such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Right to Information Act, the National Rural Health Mission, and the Aadhaar program. He introduced significant amendments to the Land Acquisition Act in 2013 to protect displaced individuals and revised the Forest Rights Act in 2006 to support tribal communities. The Assembly also took note of the fact that Dr. Manmohan Singh was instrumental in the creation of Telangana state. During his tenure as Prime Minister, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014 was passed in Parliament, fulfilling a decades-long aspiration of the people. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that Telangana owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Manmohan Singh for his pivotal role in the state's formation. He highlighted the late former Prime Minister's vision and leadership in elevating India's global stature, emphasising the importance of honoring him as a guiding figure for future generations. Members cutting across party lines paid rich tributes to Manmohan Singh and recalled his close association with Telangana. Main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) fully supported the demand for conferring Bharat Ratna on Manmohan Singh. BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao said they believe that the late leader deserves the highest honour. The Chief Minister also suggested that a statue of the late Prime Minister be installed in the Financial District in Hyderabad to honour his memory and in recognition of the close association he had with Telangana. The Chief Minister said installing the statue at a prominent place will enable people to pay tributes to the late leader on his birth and death anniversaries and take inspiration from him. Terming Manmohan Singh's demise a great loss for the country, Revanth Reddy said his services to the country can never be forgotten. Revanth Reddy recalled that it was at Mahabubnagar that, as the Prime Minister, he had launched Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for 100 days of assured employment in a year. KTR recalled that when the son of Telangana P.V. Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister, he brought Manmohan Singh into the government through lateral entry. Manmohan Singh, who had served in the Reserve Bank of India, was made the finance minister. Terming the late leader a great economist, the BRS leader said in his very first Budget speech in 1991, Manmohan Singh had stated that the entire world would hear about India. The BRS leader said Manmohan Singh was another name for simple living-high thinking. Stating that loyalty and commitment are rare in today's politics, KTR said Manmohan Singh was a great leader who remained loyal to Congress, which had given him an opportunity. Ministers, members of Congress and members of BRS, BJP, AIMIM and CPI also paid tributes to Manmohan Singh. New Delhi, Dec 30 : As a year of acerbic political rivalry and tumult in Delhi's power corridors draws to an end, the city's netas and residents would continue to remain in election mode which started with the parliamentary elections and will continue in 2025 with Assembly polls in February. Besides ushering in Modi 3.0, the year 2024 served as a perfect arena for the ruling AAP and the BJP to woo voters in the run-up to what could be Arvind Kejriwal 4.0 or BJP 2.0 after the Assembly elections. Though a fourth stint for the Congress in Delhi government is feasible on paper, it seems highly unlikely due to the party's organisational challenges. Narendra Modi's re-election as Prime Minister for a third successive term this year, with the BJP winning all seven parliamentary seats in Delhi, has given a leg up to the saffron party which is desperate to return to power in the national Capital after 26 years. The BJP has never won a majority in Delhi after coming to power in 1993. The year also saw 'Muffler Man' Kejriwal's release from jail twice first for a few weeks for campaigning in Lok Sabha elections and, finally, on bail due to poor progress by the ED in the case infusing fresh energy in the ruling AAP battling corruption charges. The release of Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain and Sanjay Singh, in money laundering cases related to the alleged liquor policy scam and other matters also brought with it the pivotal moment of Kejriwal's resignation as Chief Minister in September. New Chief Minister: While the national Capital got its second Chief Minister from the AAP in the form of Atishi, the development also threw up a new challenge for the AAP to justify the move. The party tried its best to extract voter sympathy from Kejriwal's forced exit from the CM's seat but rivals BJP and the Congress kept up the pressure by asking sharp questions on his tarnished image and alleged corrupt rule. The year also witnessed deepening political bitterness between the ruling AAP, BJP and the Congress over issues ranging from corruption and free welfare schemes or 'revadis' like free water, power, education, health and bus travel. Matters related to development, Yamuna pollution, toxic air, contaminated water supply, inflated power and water bills, blocked sewers, law and order, Bangladeshi infiltrators and alleged tampering with voter lists, removal of bus marshals meant for security of women and waterlogging during rains also kept the political pot boiling through the year. The drowning of three IAS aspirants in Old Rajinder Nagar in July also became a political flashpoint with the Opposition parties and the ruling AAP trading charges. The Constitution Day celebrations towards the fag end of 2024 also saw all three parties competing with each other to highlight the Dalit icon's achievements in a game of one-upmanship, targeting voters from the marginalised sections. The race to emerge as the well-wisher of Poorvanchali voters, who account for almost 30 per cent of the 1.5 crore total voters and live mostly in the 1,700 unauthorised colonies, saw leaders of the ruling AAP, BJP and Congress spending days in their colonies and celebrating Chhath Puja with them. Slum dwellers, an important vote bank as they also add up to about a third of the total voters, saw politicians pay special visits to their clusters around Dr Ambedkar's birth and death anniversaries in April and December. The Congress paid special attention to problems in the city's rural belt, especially in Jat-dominated areas. During the year, the AAP highlighted the positives in the election of its Dalit AAP candidate as Mayor in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Congress took heart from the party's student wing NSUI winning the president's post in DU students' union after seven years, seen as a revival of the Grand Old Party among young voters. Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav's Nyay Yatra modeled on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's nationwide march created the right optics for party supporters who are earnestly hoping that the party manages to turn the upcoming Assembly election into a close triangular battle. Corruption in 'Sheesh Mahal': Throughout the year, the BJP kept the corruption bogey alive against Kejriwal and the AAP while preparing to set up a PM Modi vs Arvind Kejriwal clash in the Assembly elections. 'Sheesh Mahal', a term coined by the BJP for the renovated official residence allegedly involving corruption of over Rs 52 crore, dominated the political discourse through the year. The year 2024, perhaps, will go down in the city's history as the one which saw the polluted Yamuna getting unprecedented attention. Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva even took a dip in the polluted river ahead of Chhath and reported sick, with skin allergies a political stunt which captured eyeballs. Air pollution in the city, following Diwali and stubble burning in neighbouring states, pushed the AAP on the back foot with rivals succeeding to build a narrative of the Delhi government's ineffective measures to tackle the crisis. Kejriwal's attacks on the BJP-led Central government over security of women and law and order were countered by the BJP by questioning the alleged assault on AAP Rajya Sabha MP, Swati Maliwal at the CM's residence. The AAP National Convenor's visits to victims of heinous crimes struck a chord with voters but the exercise had to be discontinued due to alleged attack on Kejriwal during his padyatras. The rising political temperature in the city also reflected in the hectic activity in courts in matters involving the AAP government and its rivals, besides the battle for power-sharing with Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena. Apart from the ED cases involving Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, the courts remained busy with issues related to air pollution and GRAP imposition, allegedly poor health services and introduction of Central-government funded Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY health insurance scheme and the tabling of controversial CAG reports detailing the AAP government's poor financial discipline in the Legislative Assembly. As curtains draw on an eventful year, the controversy over the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana served as a perfect final bout between the ruling AAP and its rivals. The scheme announced by CM Atishi and the AAP for offering Rs 2,100 per month to women was declared "illegal" by her government's own departments, an unprecedented situation which gave fresh ammunition to the BJP and the Congress. The New Year will bring a second election for Delhiites in a span of nine months. The BJP's success in recent Assembly elections in Haryana and Maharashtra have raised expectations of its supporters that 'Modi magic' would paint the city saffron, ending the party's forced exile from power corridors for 26 years. Also, the outcome of the Assembly election to pick a new 70-member House will decide the future of AAP at the national stage, especially in the INDIA bloc. As for the Congress, there is nothing to lose. The year 2024 was more of a phase for the party to regroup after the failed experiment of tying up with the AAP in parliamentary elections. New Delhi, Dec 30 : The BJP on Monday blasted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh over his claims that the BJP is attempting to delete his wife, Anita Singh's, name from the voters' list, questioning why her name is registered in two Assembly constituencies. During a press conference on Sunday, Singh, accompanied by his wife, had accused the BJP of targeting Purvanchali voters in Delhi by attempting to manipulate the voters' list. He alleged that two applications were filed on December 25 and 26 to remove his wife's name from the voters' list of the New Delhi Assembly constituency, represented by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal. Singh had claimed the BJP is trying to suppress the voting rights of Purvanchalis -- people hailing from eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who form a significant vote bank in Delhi. Kejriwal also joined the allegations, accusing the BJP of running 'Operation Lotus' since December 15 to delete votes in his New Delhi constituency. He cited a similar incident in the Shahdara constituency, where he alleged that the BJP sought the deletion of over 11,000 voters. Responding to the allegations, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari dismissed Singh's claims, stating, "One person is entitled to only one vote nationwide. If someone creates bogus votes by registering in multiple places, it is a crime and must be investigated." "The BJP firmly believes that illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas should not be allowed to vote. If someone enables their registration, those votes must be cancelled, and the responsible officers should be punished," he told IANS. Tiwari accused Kejriwal of supporting illegal voters, saying, "Kejriwal wants infiltrators' votes. He rushed to the Election Commission as soon as their votes were cancelled." He also challenged Singh to provide proof of any Purvanchali voter whose name the BJP sought to remove. Referring to Anita Singh, Tiwari claimed her name is registered in the Sultanpur constituency of Uttar Pradesh as per Sanjay Singh's election affidavit. He displayed a photograph showing Anita Singh with an inked finger after casting her vote in Delhi, suggesting possible electoral fraud. "If this is true, it is a serious crime, and Sanjay Singh's Rajya Sabha membership should be revoked. Our legal team will file a complaint soon," he added. BJP MP Ramveer Singh Bidhuri also questioned why Anita Singh's name is registered in two constituencies and called for appropriate action. "If Sanjay Singh has an issue, he should file a complaint with the Election Commission. Why does he avoid doing this?" he asked. Speaking to IANS, Bidhuri further alleged that the AAP had issued Aadhaar cards to illegal immigrants, enabling them to vote unlawfully. "If the administration is cancelling such illegal votes, what is wrong with that? If the AAP thinks otherwise, they should formally complain, but they never do because they know they are in the wrong," Bidhuri claimed. He concluded by asserting that the AAP is nervous about losing the upcoming Assembly elections and is resorting to these tactics to distract from its failures. New Delhi, Dec 30 : As 2024 nears its end, here are the key verdicts of the Supreme Court granting bail to influential politicians who were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on corruption or money laundering charges. Bail to Arvind Kejriwal In September this year, the Supreme Court directed former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to be released on bail in connection with the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam. While turning down his distinct plea challenging arrest by the CBI, Justice Surya Kant, heading a two-judge Bench, ordered Kejriwal's release on bail but restrained him from making any "public comments on merits of the case" pending trial before the court. "The terms and conditions imposed by the coordinate Bench in the ED matter shall apply in this case also. The appellant (Kejriwal) shall remain present before the trial court on each and every date of the hearing unless granted an exemption. He shall fully cooperate with the trial court for expeditious completion of trial proceedings," added the Justice Kant-led Bench. In a judgment passed on July 12, another bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna (now CJI) opined that former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal may be released on interim bail in the money laundering case, given the fact that the right to life and liberty is sacrosanct, and he has suffered incarceration of over 90 days. The 2-judge Bench, also comprising Justice Datta, referred to a larger bench Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the ED in the alleged liquor policy scam for an authoritative pronouncement on the questions of law involved. In the same judgment, the Justice Khanna-headed Bench had asked Kejriwal to take a call on stepping down from the CM post. "We are conscious that Arvind Kejriwal is an elected leader and the Chief Minister of Delhi, a post holding importance and influence. We have also referred to the allegations. While we do not give any direction, since we are doubtful whether the court can direct an elected leader to step down or not function as the Chief Minister or as a Minister, we leave it to Arvind Kejriwal to take a call," it said. Earlier, in view of the 2024 general polls, a bench headed by Justice Khanna had ordered then CM Kejriwal to be released on 21-day interim bail in the money laundering case and had asked him to surrender on June 2. Imposing a slew of conditions, Justice Khanna-led Bench asked Kejriwal to not visit his office or secretariat, while out on interim bail. It clarified that the grant of interim relief should not be treated as an expression of opinion on the merits of the case or the appeal pending before the apex court. As per the SC order, Kejriwal was prevented from signing official files unless it was required and necessary for obtaining clearance/approval from the Lt Governor. Bail to Manish Sisodia In August this year, the Supreme Court had granted bail to the senior AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, saying that he cannot be kept behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of a speedy completion of trial in the alleged excise policy case. Pronouncing the verdict on Sisodia's bail pleas, a Bench presided over by Justice BR Gavai Gavai had said: "In the present case, in ED as well as CBI matter, 493 witnesses have been named and the case involves thousands of pages of documents and over lakh pages of digitised documents." "It is thus clear that there is not even a remotest possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future. In our view, keeping the appellant behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of speedy completion of the trial would deprive him of the Fundamental Right of Liberty given under Article 21 of the Constitution." The Bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan, held that on account of a long period of incarceration running for around 17 months and the trial not having commenced, Sisodia had been deprived of his right to a speedy trial. Rejecting the contention that Sisodia, if granted bail, may tamper with the evidence, the Supreme Court had said that the prosecution case majorly stems from documentary evidence, which has already been seized by the CBI and the ED. The SC refused to accept Central agencies' submission that Sisodia should not be allowed to visit the Delhi Chief Minister's Office or Delhi Secretariat. "The appellant (Sisodia) shall surrender his passport with the Special Court. The appellant shall report to the Investigating Officer every Monday and Thursday between 10-11 a.m. and the appellant shall not make any attempt either to influence the witnesses or to tamper with the evidence," it said. In an earlier judgment delivered on October 30 last year, the top court had denied bail to the former Deputy Chief Minister but said that if the trial proceeds slowly in the next three months, he may apply for bail afresh. Recently, the top court allowed a plea filed by Sisodia seeking relaxation of the bail condition requiring him to report to the Investigating Officer semi-weekly. "We do not find the said condition is necessary and the same is therefore deleted. However, it is directed that the applicant (Sisodia) shall regularly attend the trial court," it ordered. Bail to Sanjay Singh In April this year, a bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna (now CJI) granted bail to AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh in connection with the money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. Noting that the ED had no objection to Singh being released on bail, the top court clarified that it has not made any comments on merits. "Concession shall not be cited as precedent. Sanjay Singh is entitled to continue with political activities," it said. The apex court added: "... we must record that concession made on behalf of ED has been made before commencement of arguments. We clarify we have not made any comments on merits." Bail to K Kavitha In August, the Supreme Court granted bail to BRS leader K. Kavitha in connection with the corruption and money laundering cases linked to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. A bench presided over by Justice B.R. Gavai directed Kavitha to regularly attend the trial proceedings and cooperate with the expeditious disposal of the trial. "The appellant is directed to be forthwith released on bail in both (CBI and ED) cases on furnishing bail bond of Rs 10 lakh each. She shall not make any attempt to tamper with evidence or influence the witnesses. The appellant shall deposit her passport with the trial court," ordered the Bench, also comprising Justice KV Viswanathan. The SC Bench clarified that it made no observations on merits while releasing Kavitha on bail and such observations will not prejudice the conduct of trial. Kavitha, the daughter of BRS chief and former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, was denied bail by the Delhi High Court on July 1. A bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma said that the material collected in the course of the investigation revealed that she was one of the chief conspirators in the entire conspiracy relating to the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped new excise policy. Bail to Senthil Balaji In September this year, the Supreme Court ordered senior DMK leader V Senthil Balaji to be enlarged on bail in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cash-for-jobs scam, considering that he has been incarcerated for more than 15 months, when the maximum sentence for alleged offences may extend up to 7 years. However, a bench headed by Justice Abhay S. Oka refused to accept the contention that the deposit of Rs 1.34 crore cash amount in his bank account was remuneration received as MLA and agriculture income. The Bench, also comprising Justice A.G. Masih, said, "It will be very difficult to hold that there is no prima facie case against the appellant (Balaji)" in the complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The apex court noted that in three scheduled offences, there are more than 2,000 accused and the number of witnesses proposed to be examined exceeds 600. It said that "even in ideal conditions, the possibility of the trial of scheduled offences concluding even within a reasonable time of three to four years appears to be completely ruled out." "Even if the trial of the case under the PMLA proceeds, it cannot be finally decided unless the trial of scheduled offences concludes. In the facts of the case, there is no possibility of the trial of the scheduled offences commencing in the near future. Therefore, we see no possibility of both trials concluding within a few years," it added. The Supreme Court recorded that the trial of the scheduled offences and the consequent PMLA offences are "not likely to be completed in three to four years or even more" and if Balaji's detention is continued, it will violate his fundamental right to speedy trial guaranteed under the Constitution. Recently, the top court raised eyebrows over the immediate induction of Balaji in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet headed by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin after he was granted bail. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and A.G. Masih was hearing an application seeking recall of its decision which had enlarged Balaji on bail on the ground that he may influence the case witnesses in his capacity as a minister in the CM Stalin-led Cabinet. Balaji, who walked out of jail after spending over 450 days behind bars, was sworn in as minister on September 29 and assigned the portfolios of Electricity, Excise and Prohibition in the Tamil Nadu government. New Delhi, Dec 30 : A record 917 female cadets are participating in this year's NCC Republic Day Camp-2025 which commenced at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, with Sarva Dharm Pooja on Monday. A total of 2,361 cadets from all 28 States and eight Union Territories are taking part in a month-long camp, said Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, DG NCC. The participants includes 114 cadets from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and 178 cadets from North East Region (NER) presenting a microcosm of "Mini India", said a statement. In addition, Cadets and Officers from 14 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) will be also participating in the camp as a part of Youth Exchange Programme (YEP). Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh welcomed the cadets by congratulating them on being selected for the most prestigious camp of the NCC. He advised the cadets to display the highest qualities of character, integrity, selfless service, comradeship and teamwork cutting across the barriers of religion, language, caste in spirit of Nation First. The Republic Day Camp holds the fundamental aim of instilling a sense of patriotism, discipline, and leadership qualities among the participating cadets. This annual event serves as a platform to offer cadets valuable opportunities for training, engaging in cultural activities, and participating in social service initiatives, thereby nurturing unity and pride. On November 24, the NCC, the largest uniformed youth organisation in the world raised in 1948, celebrated its 76th Raising Day. On that solemn occasion, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes on behalf of the entire NCC fraternity at National War Memorial, India Gate, New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Secretary said that NCC has made commendable efforts in increasing the strength of cadets by 3 lakh and will be touching the strength of 20 lakh in coming years. He emphasised the role of NCC in the Viksit Bharat Campaign, a pivotal initiative by the Government of India. He said, "NCC continues its relentless efforts, towards moulding the present day youth into responsible citizens of tomorrow in order to achieve the objective of 'Yuva Shakti Viksit Bharat'." New Delhi, Dec 30 : Tata Group Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran will address the NIT Trichy's Global Alumni Meet (GAM) 2025 scheduled to take place in Chennai on January 4, 2025, said Director G. Aghila on Monday. Spearheaded by RECAL, the institute's official alumni association, the event will unite National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, alumni from across the globe to celebrate the institute's legacy. Boasting a dynamic network of over 48,000 alumni, including 930-plus CEOs and 1,300-plus founders, NIT Trichy stands out as a powerhouse of talent and innovation. The previous edition of GAM was held in 2020. GAM 2025 will feature a stellar lineup of distinguished alumni, including Dr Palanivel Thiagarajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu; MGopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist for AI at Google; Dr P. Veeramuthuvel, Project Director of Chandrayaan 3 and T.V. Narendran, Managing Director, CEO, Tata Steels. These leaders, alongside numerous other notable alumni, will celebrate shared achievements, inspire collaborations, and forge impactful connections, the director said. NIT Trichy will unveil its vision for a 20-acre Research and Innovation Hub at GAM 2025, marking a significant step in its mission to foster entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary research. The facility will focus on emerging domains such as AgriTech, FinTech, SpaceTech, GreenTech, Quantum Computing, and AI/ML. The hub will involve an estimated investment of Rs 150 crore and aims to accelerate innovation in Tier-II cities. The institute's ongoing initiatives, including the Adopt-a-Student Programme, travel grants, and endowment funds, continue to support deserving students. Alumni-driven programmes like Rockfort Ventures, SCIENT Labs, and CEDI exemplify NIT Trichy's dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Plans to introduce Chair Professorships and enhance global research collaborations further demonstrate the institute's commitment to academic excellence and sustainable development, the director said. Dr Aghila said, "The Research and Innovation Hub will provide a formal platform for alumni-student mentorship, industry-led projects, and a thriving startup ecosystem. It's a step towards scaling research and nurturing entrepreneurship talent." K. Mahalingam, President of RECAL, adding, "Our vast and accomplished alumni network is a reservoir of mentorship, funding, and innovation. GAM 2025 underscores our collective commitment to supporting our alma mater." NIT Trichy, formerly Regional Engineering College (REC), is one of India's premier engineering institutions, consistently ranked among the top in the country. Offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across 17 disciplines, the institute continues to make significant contributions to global innovation and industry leadership. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 30, 2024, eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) solution developer VOLANT Aerotech (VOLANT) announced the successful completion of its Pre-B financing in Shanghai, which raised for the company hundreds of millions of yuan. Photo credit: VOLANT This marks the company's sixth funding round in the Pre-B Series since March this year, pushing its total financing to over $150 million. The new capital will accelerate the R&D of VOLANT's VE25 verification prototype aircraft, advance the certification and commercialization of the VE25-100, and strengthen VOLANT's leading position in the eVTOL segment of the low-altitude economy. The funding round attracted prominent investors, including C&D Emerging Industry Equity Investment, Vision Plus Capital, FIBONACCI VC, Zhangkeyaokun Fund, and China Internet Investment Fund. Some of the company's existing investors also participated. VOLANT is a high-tech company in China specializing in the development of advanced passenger eVTOL aircraft. Its flagship VE25-100 model can carry one pilot and five passengers, achieving a cruising speed of 235 km/h with a range of 200400 kilometers and a maximum takeoff weight of 2.5 tonnes. Notably, it is the first passenger eVTOL project accepted by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Eastern Regional Administration. The VE25-100's type certification process began in October 2024, and the company aims to secure the certificate in 2026. Chandigarh, Dec 30 : The nine-hour shutdown by farmer unions demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops was almost complete in Punjab on Monday, with commuters badly hit. Crowds were seen at railway stations and bus stands with the suspension of transportation services. Shops and business establishments were closed in almost the entire state. Amid the shutdown, farmers were seen serving tea to commuters stranded on their way amidst the chilly, foggy weather. There was no report of any major untoward incidents in the state, despite minor skirmishes, a senior police official told IANS here. The police were seen asking motorists to avoid travelling on certain routes to reach their destination. The impact of the shutdown call given by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) was also seen in the neighbouring states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, as roads leading to these states were closed in Punjab. Kisan Mazdoor Morcha leader Sarwan Singh Pandher thanked the people for the success of the shutdown. He claimed that the farmers staged sit-in protests at 175 places in the state. However, he said emergency services operated normally. Traders, transporters, employee unions, ex-servicemen, teachers, social and other bodies lent support to the shutdown, he claimed. A total of 200 trains, including luxuries like Vande Bharat and Shatabdi Express, were disrupted and started plying after the shutdown ended at 4 p.m. A cancer patient from Gujarat was stranded at the railway station in Ferozepur. His wife said they had to go to Himachal Pradesh to get some medicine, but the hampering of the train services left them stranded. Seventy-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose hunger strike entered its 35th day and refused medical treatment, asked the Central government to look into the demands by initiating a dialogue with the protesting farmers. He thanked the people for the success of the shutdown. Farmers fear the authorities might use force to remove Dallewal from the protest site and be admitted to a nearby hospital. The bandh call was given in support of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for more than a month seeking the implementation of farmers' demands. Farmers, comprising women and old, were on the streets, forcing shops to down shutters and motorists not to move ahead. Most of the national highways in several cities and towns remained shut, badly impacting the movement of daily commuters and office-goers. Reports of the shutdown of shops and business establishments were received from Mohali, Patiala, Ludhiana, Moga, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and other places. The impact of the shutdown was more effective in rural areas where farmers, carrying their outfit flags, closed almost all roads. With the private bus transporters joining the strike, most of the private buses were off roads in Punjab. Several schools and offices have announced a holiday in the wake of the shutdown call. In Chandigarh, the impact of the shutdown was not seen. The farmers have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri borders between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 in support of their long-pending demands. Besides the legal MSP for crops, they have been demanding loan waivers and reforms to improve conditions in the agricultural sector. Chandigarh, Dec 30 : Punjab's Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday slammed the AAP government in the state for mishandling the ongoing farmers' agitation, accusing it of betraying the agrarian community and colluding with the BJP to undermine the state's proud legacy. "The farmers of Punjab have once again demonstrated their unity and resolve by making today's bandh (shutdown) a historic success," Bajwa said in a statement. "This movement underscores the legitimacy of their demands and the failure of both the AAP-led Punjab government and the BJP-led Central government to address their concerns. Farmers are, and will always be the backbone of our nation," he said. Bajwa expressed concern over the ongoing hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, which has now entered its 35th day. He underscored the farmers' key demand for an assured minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, calling it essential to protect their livelihoods. The Congress legislator accused the AAP government of ignoring this critical issue and instead working with the BJP to undermine the farmers' peaceful agitation. "Reports of a significant police force being deployed at Patiala police lines are deeply troubling," Bajwa said. "Why has such a force been assembled? Is this preparation to intimidate or harm peaceful protesters? Let me be clear, if the Punjab Police uses any force and farmers are injured or harmed in any way, the responsibility will lie squarely on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This will be an unforgivable act of betrayal against the very people who elected him." Bajwa also questioned Mann's inaction at the national level. "Why hasn't Bhagwant Mann sought time from the Prime Minister or the Home Minister to resolve this urgent matter? Why is he leaving it to bureaucrats and police officials instead of taking the lead? Farmers' demands, especially for MSP, are not just state issues, they require national-level intervention," he added. Issuing a stern warning, he said, "Punjab's farmers and their demands for MSP cannot be ignored or suppressed. The people of Punjab will not tolerate betrayal, whether from the BJP or the AAP government. Both parties must understand that Punjab's voice and its farmers' rights cannot be silenced." Patna, Dec 30 : BPSC Chairman Ravi Manu Bhai Parmar met Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Monday to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding the BPSC examination. Parmar briefed the Governor on the issue but declined to speak to journalists after leaving Raj Bhavan. The BPSC has already clarified that the examination will neither be canceled nor will be conducted again. Earlier in the day, Member of Parliament Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, submitted a memorandum to the Governor regarding the concerns of the BPSC candidates. Following this, Chairman Parmar met with the Governor for about half an hour to provide details about the situation. In connection with the lathi-charge incident on protesting students, Raj Bhavan has also summoned the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the District Magistrate (DM) for an explanation. After submitting a memorandum to the Governor, MP Pappu Yadav revealed that the Governor assured him that he would discuss the issue with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. In a sharp and aggressive tone, Pappu Yadav indirectly referred to Prashant Kishor, convener of Jan Suraaj, as a "fraud Kishor." Without naming him directly, Yadav alleged, "This person is not from Jan Suraaj but represents the Daulat Swaraj Party." He further accused Kishor of creating unrest during Sunday's protests. "If anyone is responsible for the chaos that unfolded, it is that leader. The chaos was his doing. He has misled the students and conspired to undermine the movement. The students will never forgive him, and he must be driven out of Bihar," Yadav said. Responding to these accusations, Prashant Kishor dismissed Yadav's remarks, stating that he would not comment on the statements of leaders like Pappu Yadav. "He is a prominent leader, but he visits my doorstep seeking help. Now he's meeting the Governor -- why doesn't he resolve the ongoing BPSC protest issue himself? He merely visited the hospital for a photo op. Why isn't he taking responsibility for the students' treatment and medical expenses?" Kishor countered. --IANS. ajk/skp Jammu, Dec 30 : The protest against the proposed ropeway project in Mata Vaishno Devi shrine base camp town of Katra in Jammu & Kashmir continued for the sixth day on Monday. There is complete shutdown and protesting youths remain on hunger strike. The protesters are demanding cancelling of the proposed ropeway from Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat and the release of protesters detained by police. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti called for the shutdown on Wednesday asking for the suspension of all business activities in the Katra base camp town of the deity's shrine. Shivani Jamwal, wife of detained Samiti leader, Bhupinder Singh, joined the protestors and threatened to commit self-immolation if her husband and others were not released immediately. All shops, hotels, transport and other business establishments remained closed for the sixth consecutive day on Monday. The protest shutdown has adversely affected life in one of the busiest towns in the country as thousands of pilgrims arrive here daily to pay obeisance at the cave shrine. The number of devotees visiting the cave shrine has decreased in the aftermath of the shutdown. "The bandh will continue until the government shelves the ropeway project. It is a battle for survival and dignity, besides ensuring the continuance of the pilgrimage through Mata's traditional route," Sangharsh Samiti activists said. They alleged that the government is deliberately worsening the situation by refusing to release the detainees or engage in dialogue with the Samiti. Five youths have been on a hunger strike since Wednesday night, demanding the release of 18 members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti, who were detained during a protest march against the ropeway project in Katra. Several protesters, including two Samiti leaders, Bhupinder Singh and Sohan Chand were among those detained by the police during Wednesday's protest march. In November this year, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced plans to install a ropeway to facilitate access to the temple for senior citizens, children and others who find it challenging to climb the 13-km long track to the cave shrine. The proposed Rs 300 crore ropeway project would connect Tarakote Marg to Sanji Chhat, leading to the deity's shrine. New Delhi, Dec 30 : Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva on Monday accused AAP National Convenor and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal of conspiring to add bogus voters in Assembly constituencies bordering other states. Addressing a joint press conference with former MP Parvesh Sahib Singh, Sachdeva said that enlisting of fake voters is continuing blatantly by the ruling AAP and shared an address in the New Delhi Assembly seat's voter list where the house number is listed as "zero" and 144 votes are registered against it. Sachdeva said in the past four days, applications have been submitted to enlist 1,83 lakh new voters. In Narela 4,503, Burari 7,027, Badli 4,575, Rithala 4,197, Mundka 4,501, Kirari 6,255, Nangloi Jat 6,523, Badarpur 6,647, Okhla 4,601, Gokalpur 5,171, Mustafabad 5,502 and in Karawal Nagar, 7,087 applications have been received. He said that the BJP has always supported the removal of absentee, shifted and dead (ASD) voters but Kejriwal tries to protect these fake votes. Former MP Parvesh Sahib Singh said that Kejriwal is now clearly showing signs of frustration. Fearing defeat, he has started telling lies. In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, there were 1,46,000 voters in the New Delhi Assembly, and today, there are only 1,06,000 voters left, with 22,000 new additions, meaning that 61,000 voters have disappeared over the last five years. Every month, 1,000 voters are disappearing, but Kejriwal has never held a press conference to address this. The former MP said Kejriwal's team is targeting BJP voters and cutting votes. Sarojini Nagar area has traditionally been won by BJP, however, the most number of votes have been cut there. He pointed out that in house number "A," votes were removed, and at house number "Zero," where no house exists, 144 votes were registered. Moreover, several house addresses are missing, but they still have 87 votes. Who are these people, where do they live, and how is Kejriwal winning elections in his constituency? he asked, alleging misuse of power. The former MP challenged Kejriwal to visit the addresses he has mentioned and explain where these voters were. Kolkata, Dec 30 : In a joint operation by the cops of the special task force of the West Bengal Police and the Assam Police, a most-wanted associate of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a Bangladesh-based fundamentalist group, was arrested from Murshidabad district of West Bengal. A senior official of the state police informed that the arrested individual has been identified as Sajidul Islam and he has been arrested in a surprise raid early on Monday morning by a joint team of the West Bengal Police and the Assam Police. Islam has been arrested from a residence at Naoda in Murshidabad district. The state police said that Islam is also the cousin brother of another most-wanted ABT activist Shad Radi, also known as Shab Sheikh, who was arrested recently from Kerala. Radi had two EPIC (Elector's Photo Identity) cards issued in his name from two assembly constituencies in Murshidabad district -- one from Kandi and another from Hariharpara. The Assam Police had already started the process of taking Islam to the state on transit remand. Bengal Police sources said that Islam gave shelter to Radi, and also helped him get the EPIC card. There had been inputs from intelligence agencies, central and state, about ABT activists trying to be active in the two districts in West Bengal that have porous international borders with Bangladesh namely Murshidabad and Nadia. Inputs are also there that they are trying to brainwash youths in the bordering villages and induct them as sleeper cell members. Recently, the intelligence and security agencies have augmented the security and surveillance measures at the villages adjacent to the international border with Bangladesh, both land and coastal, in the wake of inputs that of late several outsiders have suddenly started residing in these border villages after taking rooms on rent there. The police have alerted the house owners in such villages to refrain from renting to outsiders without checking their credentials and also inform the local police stations about the individuals that they are letting out rooms. Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30 : Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly V.D. Satheesan on Monday slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also the Home Minister, for granting parole to Kodi Suni -- the prime accused in the TP Chandrasekharan murder case, "violating all rules". Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly V.D. Satheesan on Monday slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, also the Home Minister, for granting parole to Kodi Suni -- the prime accused in the TP Chandrasekharan murder case, "violating all rules". "This unlawful act has taken place due to the intervention of Vijayan and his office. When the authorities concerned opposed the parole of 30 days to the accused, it's only because of the intervention at the highest level in the CPI-M that he was allowed to walk out of the prison," said the Congress leader. Suni walked out of prison on parole on Saturday. "The ruling CPI-M is playing a dangerous game by violating all rules to help criminals. We all saw what happened in the twin murder case at Periya when the accused were all CPI-M activists and also protecting those responsible for the suicide of Kannur additional district magistrate Naveen Babu," added Satheesan. TP Chandrasekharan, 51, who launched the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP), was hacked to death on May 4, 2012, when he was returning to his hometown near Kozhikode on his motorcycle. In the case, a court sentenced 11 people to life imprisonment, of which three were middle-level CPI(M) leaders. TP Chandrasekharan was a popular CPI(M) leader in Kozhikode District but left the party in 2008 and formed his outfit RMP. In the 2021 Assembly polls, his wife K.K. Rema, with the support of the Congress-led UDF won a stellar victory from the Vadakara Assembly constituency, despite the CPI(M) trying their best to keep her at bay. Rema said it's really surprising how could an accused get parole for 30 days. "He got the parole for 30 days since his mother is ailing, but how can one get such a long release? His mother has every right to approach the State Human Rights Commission for relief, but what's the logic of giving 30 days when 10 days would have been enough? What's going to happen if such a criminal is given 30 days of parole? We need to get a clarification from the jail authorities on how this act took place," said Rema. New Delhi, Dec 30 : Undeterred by the storm over the Mahila Samman Yojana, AAP leader and former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced yet another financial assistance scheme, this time for temple and gurdwara priests who will get Rs 18,000 a month. The move invited criticism from the BJP and Congress which called it a desperate gimmick and a hollow promise of the ruling AAP ahead of Assembly elections which, they claimed, Kejriwal is set to lose. Announcing the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana", Kejriwal said that he will start registration for the scheme on Tuesday from the famous Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place by enlisting the beneficiary priests of the temple. Kejriwal's move to launch a new financial assistance scheme for priests comes close to the recent setback for his Mahila Samman Yojana for women and Sanjeevani health insurance scheme for the elderly. The registration process for these two schemes, launched through AAP volunteers, was declared illegal by Delhi government departments which issued warnings against them in public notices. Soon after Kejriwal's announcement of the scheme for priests, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva hit out at the AAP leader claiming that due to the fear of loss in Assembly elections, the former CM had started making daily populist announcements to stay in power. The Delhi BJP President said that no matter how many announcements Kejriwal makes, city voters will not believe him. He said after the deceptive Mahila Samman Scheme, Kejriwal has now announced the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. He said whether it's the women of Delhi, priests, or granthis, all are asking Kejriwal: "Is your Punjab government providing such allowances?" The Delhi BJP chief said wherever Kejriwal goes in Delhi, people ask him questions regarding the failed development, the corruption in the construction of the "Sheesh Mahal" (CM residence) and the excise policy scam infamous for schemes like "one bottle free with a bottle of alcohol". They also demand answers about the 62 deaths this year due to water-logging and electrocution during the monsoon. In this situation, a helpless Kejriwal is now attempting to deceive the common people by becoming a "dream merchant" once again. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee President Devender Yadav also slammed Kejriwal's desperate attempt to regain his lost ground by announcing various freebies to influence voters. He said Kejriwal's latest gimmick of promising a monthly salary of "Rs 18,000 for priests of temples and granthis of gurdwaras if Aam Aadmi Party comes back to power" is yet another of his hollow promises. He said that if his past track record was any indication, Kejriwal had always backtracked on his promises, which will be borne out of the betrayal he had meted out to autorickshaw drivers after using them for his election campaign with lofty promises but ignored them completely after capturing power in Delhi. Yadav said Kejriwal has been making promises to women, elderly, autorickshaw drivers, temple priests and granthis of gurdwaras though the Delhi Government departments issued public notices to clarify that the Rs 2,100 monthly freebie announced for women and health insurance for the elderly were not government schemes. Bengaluru, Dec 30 : Scams and scandals dominated Karnataka's political scenario in 2024. The sensational cases involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the family of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and former CM B.S. Yediyurappa himself, have kept the political cauldron boiling in the state. Bengaluru, Dec 30 (IANS) Scams and scandals dominated Karnatakaas political scenario in 2024. The sensational cases involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the family of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and former CM B.S. Yediyurappa himself, have kept the political cauldron boiling in the state. The already simmering political scenario has turned hostile with the alleged derogatory remark case involving BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar. With the Congress accused of an egg attack on BJP MLA N. Munirathna Naidu in Bengaluru at the fag end of the year, there are all possibilities of the hostile situation reaching a confrontational mode in the new year. The Opposition BJP and JD(S) got ammunition following the surfacing of allegations of alleged irregularities against CM Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Buoyed by the success of the BJP, JD(S) alliance in the Lok Sabha election, both the parties ran a spirited show against CM Siddaramaiah. A massive foot march was taken out by BJP leaders under state President B.Y. Vijayendra from Bengaluru to CM Siddaramaiah's native place in Mysuru. At present the Karnataka Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are probing the matter naming CM Siddaramaiah as the first accused, his wife as the second accused and his brother-in-law as the third accused. CM Siddaramaiah became the first Chief Minister in the history of Karnataka to attend a Lokayukta investigation as an accused. To add to the governmentas woes, the Tribal Welfare Development Board case allegedly involving misuse of funds reserved for the welfare of tribes resulted in the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra. Though, the Opposition is pointing fingers at Siddaramaiah as he holds the finance portfolio, the CM has out rightly denied his role. The aPakistan Zindabada slogans being raised in the premises of the Vidhana Soudha by supporters celebrating the victory of Rajya Sabha Member Syed Naseer Hussain was discussed at the national level. The BJP had also released the photos of the accused in the case with top national and state leaders leaving the ruling party red-faced. The brutal murder of a college student Neha Hiremath in the college campus by her jilted lover Fayaz Kondikoppa had taken the state by storm ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The Opposition and family of the victim alleged love jihad. However, the CM and Home Minister G. Parameshwara maintained that it was a case of a love affair gone wrong. Though they apologised to the family after pressure mounted on them, later, the charge sheet by the police in the case ruled out the love jihad angle. The Waqf row came to the forefront in Karnataka recently as the BJP claimed that thousands of acres of land owned by farmers and Hindu religious institutions was claimed by the Waqf Board. The Waqf row threatened to snowball into a crisis by taking a communal angle. However, the state government immediately plunged into damage control mode and declared that the notices to farmers would be withdrawn. It also pointed out that notices to farmers were also given during the BJPas tenure and it also assured that temple properties would not be touched. The Congress won the bypolls for three Assembly constituencies amid the controversy and claimed that the people had given a befitting answer to the BJP through the results, for its propaganda on the Waqf row. However, it was not just the ruling party that was beset with woes. The BJP and JD(S) were also mired in scandals and troubles of their own. The most prominent among them was the scandal involving the arrest of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's grandson and former JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna in a sexual assault and video case. The release of sexually explicit video clips allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna created a furore in the stateas political circles and across the nation. Prajwal was arrested in the wee hours of May 30 from the Bengaluru International Airport in connection with the sex video scam. Prajwal is facing charges of repeatedly raping women including party workers and a maid. He is also charged with videographing the private acts and blackmailing the victims to co-operate with him. Following the arrest of Prajwal, his father JD(S) MLA H.D. Revanna was also jailed in a kidnap case linked to the sex video scam. Prajwal's mother Bhavani Revanna obtained bail from the highest court and heaved a sigh of relief. Later MLA Revanna's son, JD(S) MLC Suraj Revanna was also arrested on charges of raping a male JD(S) party worker, giving another jolt to former PM Deve Gowdaas family. Another scandal that shook the Opposition was former CM and BJP leader Yediyurappa being charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and IPC's Sections 354(A) (sexual harassment), 204 (destroying document or electronic record) and 214 (offering bribe to another person to make them conceal an offence). The charge sheet mentioned that the incident had taken place when the complainant had gone to meet Yediyurappa at his residence to seek his help regarding a sexual assault on her 17-year-old daughter. It is alleged that Yediyurappa took the victim to a room and sexually assaulted her by touching her inappropriately. The charge sheet mentions that the girl resisted and came out of the room and afterwards, Yediyurappa had refused to help them. However, Yediyurappa had refuted the charges and said that he was ready to face any case. In more trouble for Yediyurappa, a report by the commission headed by High Court Justice John Michael DaCunha has found that the former CM and then Health Ministers B. Sriramulu and K. Sudhakar were allegedly guilty of misuse of funds during the Covid pandemic. The state government had formed a Cabinet subcommittee headed by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar to study the report and discuss the actions to be taken. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi slammed the report by Justice D'Cunha and called him a political agent. However, following the complaint by the Congress to the Governor, Joshi apologised to Justice D'Cunha. An FIR has been filed regarding the Covid scam in Karnataka recently. The latest in this political potboiler is the derogatory remark row involving BJP MLC C.T. Ravi and Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar, which created political high drama at the fag-end of the year. The political drama surrounding the incident is likely to continue in the state well into the next year. Meanwhile, Dy CM Shivakumar has declared that the Congress is all set to win the elections in 2028, and the BJP and JD(S) are accusing the ruling party of appeasement politics. Political experts say that the stage is all set for political high drama in 2025. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Kannada cinema superstar Yash, who is known for the 'KGF' franchise, has urged his fans to prioritise their safety and mindfulness during his birthday celebrations. The actor said that his happiness lies in knowing that his fans are thriving and pursuing their goals. On Monday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a note in Kannada language and English in which he urged his fans to refrain from extravagant celebrations. He reflected on the unfortunate incidents that occurred during his birthday celebrations in the past, tragically resulting in the loss of lives. He wrote, "As the new year dawns, it's a time for reflection, resolutions, and charting a new course. The love you all have showered on me over the years has been nothing short of phenomenal. But, there have been some unfortunate incidents too. It's time for us to change our language of love, especially when it comes to the celebration of my birthday. The expression of your love should not be in grand gestures and gatherings. The greatest gift for me is knowing you are safe, setting positive examples, achieving your goals, and spreading joy". He further mentioned, "I will be busy shooting and will not be in town on my birthday. However, the warmth of your wishes will always reach me and be my constant companion, fueling my spirit and inspiring me. Stay safe, and I wish you all a very happy 2025". Earlier, on his last birthday, three of his fans in the Gadag district of Karnataka lost their lives while erecting a large birthday cutout. The actor had immediately traveled to meet the bereaved families, offering support and condolences. After this tragic event, Yash urged his fans to refrain from hanging banners, engaging in dangerous bike chases, and taking reckless selfies. Meanwhile, the actor is currently filming for 'Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-ups'. The film, jointly produced by Venkat K Narayana and Yash under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, is directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film promises to be a massy entertainer. China's independently-developed deep-sea scientific research, archaeological vessel officially commissioned in Sanya Xinhua) 13:20, December 30, 2024 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 30, Black Sesame Technologies introduced its Huashan A2000 family, a high-performance chip platform designed for next-generation AI models. Photo credit: Black Sesame Technologies Huashan A2000 family The A2000 family includes three products: A2000 Lite, A2000, and A2000 Pro, catering to varying levels of autonomous driving needs. A2000 Lite focuses on urban intelligent driving, A2000 supports full-scenario general-purpose intelligent driving, and A2000 Pro is designed for advanced full-scenario applications. The Huashan A2000 family represents a significant leap in autonomous driving technology. These chips integrate industry-leading CPU, DSP, GPU, NPU, MCU, ISP, and CV units, achieving high integration and multi-tasking capabilities on a single chip. Advanced ISP technology with 4-frame exposure and 150dB HDR improves performance in tunnels and nighttime scenarios, enhancing image processing capabilities. Photo credit: Black Sesame Technologies The chips support seamless data processing, including desensitization, compression, encoding, and storage, ensuring smooth operation while advancing algorithm innovation. Offering up to four times the computing power of the company's current flagship chips, the A2000 family natively supports Transformer models and provides flexible scalability for multi-chip configurations, covering applications from NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) to Robotaxi. Beyond smart vehicles, the A2000 chips also excel in robotics and general computing. Notably, they meet the "small brain" and "large brain" demands of robots, facilitating the transition from prototype development to mass production. Jiushao NPU Black Sesame also introduced its proprietary NPU architecture, "Jiushao" (name in Chinese pinyin), designed as the computational core for high-performance AI chips. Supported by innovations such as the BaRT universal AI toolchain and BLink dual-die interconnect technology, Jiushao enables enhanced performance and scalability for the A2000 family. The Jiushao NPU features a cutting-edge large-core architecture, supporting real-time inference for AI large models, reducing latency, and prioritizing complex computational tasks. Black Sesame Technologies claims that it achieves the highest safety levels in the industry, preventing errors during inference and ensuring consistency in training and deployment for robust autonomous driving systems. Photo credit: Black Sesame Technologies Key features include support for INT8/FP8/FP16 mixed precision, hardware acceleration for fine quantization and Transformer models, and a three-layer memory architecture for low latency and high throughput. This architecture balances performance, bandwidth, and cost by reducing dependence on external storage bandwidth while optimizing efficiency and scalability. Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30 : Union Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi, who made history by becoming the first BJP MP from Kerala, after settling down in his new responsibility, on Monday returned to his original profession - acting - for the first time after becoming a Minister. He is playing the central character, a real-life one being moulded into reel-life in the film "Ottakomban". Gokulam Gopalanas Sree Gokulam Movies is producing the film, with V.C. Praveen and Baiju Gopalan as co-producers, and Krishnamoorthy serving as the executive producer. The film, planned since 2019, finally saw shooting beginning a few days back and Gopi, after getting the government clearance to don the grease paint again, arrived at the Central Prison compound in the state capital city on Monday. The shooting was earlier scheduled to begin in September and it got shifted to October but on both dates, it failed to start due to issues with those who are behind the project. This film also marks the 250th film of the National Award-winning actor. Gopi has, in a four-decade-old acting career, rode into the hearts of people by anchoring the Malayalam version of the "Kaun Banega Crorepati". Arriving without any fanfare, Gopi, with a very broad smile, greeted all who wished him and was taken to meet the crew, including the film director and others, who were waiting for him. In the film, directed by Mathews Thomas, Gopi plays the character of Kadavakkunnel Kuruvachan, a character believed to be a real-life figure in Kottayam district. "Ottakomban" also has Indrajith, Vijayaraghavan, Lalu Alex, Chemban Vinod, Johny Antony, Biju Pappan, Meghana Raj, Suchithra Nair, and Jibin Gopinath, among others. The film will, after its shooting here, will move to other locations in Kottayam. Incidentally, Gopi, after being named to be a MoS in the third Narendra Modi cabinet, had requested his party bosses to allow him to finish his film commitments and then he will take over as a Minister. But it was after a round of discussions that he decided to take up the post on the condition that he would be given time off to pursue his passion. New Delhi, Dec 30 : As the world powers including US and European nations struggle to gather steam to foster sustainable growth and attain financial stability despite strong headwinds, India has been steadily manoeuvring through the challenges, making its mark on many global indicators and also setting an example for other developing economies to follow course. Having been described as a bright spot in the past by leading economists, India has proven time and again that itas huge manpower and the economy in an upswing will show the way to the world. Today, India is the world's fifth largest economy and is on the way to becoming the world's third-largest economy soon. Its remarkable improvements in various global rankings over the past decade is a testament of its growing prowess. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the country has taken substantial strides in sectors ranging from logistics to innovation, security, and cyber security. These achievements over the last ten years have not just improved the country's global rankings but reimagined Indiaas role in the global order. India took a leap of 42 ranks in the Ease of Doing Business Index from 2015 to 2018 by cutting down the red tape and unshackling the industry from multiple bureaucratic hurdles. This turned the country into an investor-friendly destination. In 2018 again, India jumped from 71st to 29th spot on Global Competitiveness Index. Again in 2022, the country's aviation industry safety oversight mechanism jumped from 102nd rank to 48th spot, leaving countries like Denmark, Israel and China. These milestones are a testament to Indiaas consistent efforts to strengthen its global standing and competitiveness. In 2024, India's meteoric rise on the global stage has been nothing short of remarkable, with key rankings and achievements showcasing its growing influence. From securing a spot among the top four nations with the largest foreign exchange reserves to climbing the ranks in the Global Innovation Index, Indiaas progress under PM Modias leadership has been transformative. Economic Growth & Foreign Reserves India's economic growth trajectory under the leadership of PM Modi has been spectacular. In the Logistics Performance Index 2023, India took a leap of 16 spots and became 38th out of 139 countries on the trade efficiency indicator. This jump underscores India's growing strength in trade and infrastructure. Also, India has surpassed many developed nations in terms of ship-turnaround time becoming a major centre of global trade. There has been an increase in port capacity, investment in port infrastructure, and improved connectivity of ports under the Sagarmala Project. Adding to this, India crossed an extraordinary milestone as its foreign exchange reserves surged past $700 billion, placing the nation at the 4th position globally, just behind China, Japan, and Switzerland. In another impressive achievement, India's rise in the Global Competitiveness Index 2024 to 39th position highlights the government's relentless focus on economic reforms, making India a formidable player in the global market. In the past one decade of PM Modi-led government, the total FDI inflows have risen to $709.84 billion, accounting for 68.69 per cent of the overall FDI inflow in the past 24 years. In 2024, India became the world's second-largest producer of crude steel, after China. It also secured the second position globally in mobile phone production, solidifying its status as a major manufacturing hub. Emerging as an Innovation Leader The Global Innovation Index 2024 is a clear reflection of this progress, as India surged to the 39th position, up from 81st in 2015, showcasing the country's transformation into a global hub for innovation. Further enhancing its technological stature, India climbed 11 spots in the Network Readiness Index 2024, now ranking among the Top 50 countries. India was ranked 1st in AI talent and ICT services exports, 1st in AI scientific publications, 2nd in FTTH subscriptions and mobile Internet traffic, and 3rd in domestic market scale. This leap underscores the government's efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure. India secured position in top 10 countries in Patents, Trademarks, and Industrial Designs: WIPO 2024 Report, reaffirming the nation's growing leadership in intellectual property and its pivotal role in driving technological advancements. Gender Equality India's remarkable progress in gender equality is evident in the 2022 Gender Inequality Index, where the country moved up 14 places, improving from 122nd in 2021 to 108th. This progress reflects PM Modi-led government's strong commitment to women's empowerment through initiatives like aBeti Bachao Beti Padhaoa, which focuses on education, healthcare, and women's safety. As of 2023-2024, India continues to make strides, with more women participating in the workforce and political leadership roles. A Flourishing Tourism Sector India's tourism sector has flourished, ranking 39th in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024. Initiatives like Incredible India and Dekho Apna Desh have boosted both domestic and international tourism, showcasing Indiaas rich cultural and natural heritage. In 2024, PM Modi inaugurated 52 tourism sector projects valued at Rs 1,400 crore under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Scheme. India has risen to 3rd place in the Asia Power Index 2024, surpassing Japan. This reflects India's growing regional influence, driven by strategies like the Act East Policy and active leadership in global forums. Under PM Modias leadership, Indiaas presence and power on the global stage continues to strengthen. Kabul, Dec 30 : Afghan counter-narcotics police have arrested 12 people on the charge of drug smuggling in seven out of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement on Monday. According to the statement, police have detained individuals allegedly involved in the sale, purchase and smuggling of the contraband on the outskirts of Laghman, Bamyan, Kapisa, Parwan, Kunduz, Herat, and Farah provinces. A quantity of illicit drugs, including opium, hashish and stimulant tablets, has been seized from the detainees and their dossiers were referred to the judiciary for further investigation, Xinhua news agency reported. Earlier on December 22, the Afghan counter-narcotics police seized 38 kg of illicit drugs and arrested 11 suspects in connection with drug trafficking, purchase, and sales, the Ministry of Interior reported. Units of counter-narcotics police had recently conducted an operation in the Durbaba district of eastern Nangarhar province, discovering 38 kg of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine and heroin, the ministry said in a statement. Eleven individuals were arrested in connection with drug trafficking, purchase, and sales on the outskirts of the provinces of Laghman, Kapisa, Parwan, Khost, and Farah, it added in another statement. Earlier on December 18, counter-narcotics police uncovered 56 kg of illicit drugs and arrested 151 individuals on charges of drug trafficking over the past three months in eastern Afghanistan's Parwan province, a local police official reported. Units of counter-narcotics police had launched separate operations on the outskirts of Charikar city, the capital, and in districts of the province, discovering 56 kg of illegal drugs, said Fazal Rahim Maskenyar, spokesman for the provincial police. At least 151 individuals were arrested in connection with drug trafficking. Their dossiers were referred to the judiciary for further investigation, he added. On November 12, counter-narcotics police in Afghanistan had seized illicit drugs and arrested 53 people on charges of involvement in criminal activities, including drug smuggling and murders. Units of counter-narcotics police had launched separate operations on the outskirts of southern Kandahar province, discovering 129 kg of illegal drugs, including heroin, opium, and hashish, the office of provincial police said in a statement. Nine individuals were arrested in connection with the drug trafficking, purchase, and sales. Their dossiers were referred to the judiciary for further investigation, the statement added. Additionally, police had taken into custody 44 suspects on charges of involvement in criminal activities such as murder and theft in the provinces of Nangarhar, Balkh, Laghman, Farah, Baghlan, Herat, and Nangarhar, the Ministry of Interior reported. The Afghan caretaker government had vowed to fight illicit drugs, drug production and trafficking, and crackdown on other criminal elements to ensure law and order across the country. New Delhi, Dec 30 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday accused the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi of 'prioritising' his new year holiday over India's 'architect of economic reforms' late Dr. Manmohan Singh, as many reports claimed that the Congress MP has flown abroad to ring in the New Year. Reports of Rahul Gandhi's foreign tour during the seven-day mourning period following the demise of India's 14th Prime Minister set off a round of attack and counter-attacks between the BJP and Congress. This comes close on the heels of bitter political mudslinging between the two parties, first over alleged humiliation of Dr. Singh over his cremation at the city's Nigambodh Ghat and then over senior Congress leaders as well as Gandhis giving the ashes immersion rituals a miss. Many BJP spokespersons, including the party's IT cell chief, took to social media to blast the Congress MP for flying abroad at a time when the nation was mourning the demise of its former Prime Minister. Amit Malviya took to X and accused the Congress leader of being insensitive towards Dr. Singh's contributions. "While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year," Malviya posted. Invoking Operation Blue Star, he wrote: "The Gandhis and the Congress hate the Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib." BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also hit out at the Congress for disregarding and insulting the former PM, not just during his lifetime but also after his demise. "While the country is mourning Dr. Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to bring in the New Year even as nation observes 7 days of mourning Congress doesn't care for Dr Manmohan Singh. They abused and insulted him during his lifetime," Poonawala said. "They continue to do so now. Yesterday, nobody went to collect his ashes. Congress even denied Bharat Ratna to Dr. Manmohan Singh as per latest disclosures This is their true face," he said on X. The Congress was also quick to respond and satirically advised the BJP members to 'get well in the New year'. Congress leader Manickam Tagore took to X to slam the 'diversion politics' of BP. "When will the Sanghis stop this 'Take Diversion' politics? The way Modi denied Dr. Saheb a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and how his ministers cornered Dr. Saheb's family is shameful," Tagore said. "If Mr. Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you? Get well in New Year," he added. New Delhi, Dec 30 : Calling it a disrespect to Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Monday hit out at former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's remark describing Atishi as "temporary CM". New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) Calling it a disrespect to Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on Monday hit out at former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's remark describing Atishi as "temporary CM". He also objected to "baseless statements" made by the AAP convenor in CM Atishi's presence to project her in bad light or as a clueless head of government. Showering praise on CM Atishi for shouldering the responsibility of CMO unlike Kejriwal "who never signed a file", L-G Saxena wrote in a letter in Hindi to her and said, "I found it very objectionable and hurt when your predecessor Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal publicly declared you as a temporary caretaker Chief Minister in the media. This was not only an insult to you but also to the President of India and to me as her representative." "The public definition of temporary or caretaker Chief Minister given by Kejriwal has no constitutional provision and it is also a reprehensible disregard of the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," he said. The L-G's letter to CM Atishi ahead of Assembly elections, due in February next year, looks to highlight the perceived cracks within the ruling AAP whose convenor Kejriwal has shown little respect for his own colleagues. In his letter, the L-G also sympathised with CM Atishi for the confusion and embarrassment caused to her after two departments of the Delhi Government issued public notices in the Press warning people to be cautious about registrations being done by the former Chief Minister for non-existent schemes Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani health scheme for the elderly. "This is an unprecedented development and must have been unsettling for you," he wrote. L-G Saxena noted that the manner in which Kejriwal made unauthorised announcements of the schemes for senior citizens and women in the name of the Chief Minister had tarnished the dignity of the post of the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers. He also pointed to Kejriwal's claim that the Transport Department and other investigation agencies had launched a probe against CM Atishi to send her to jail. "Such baseless statements by Kejriwal indicate that you were unaware of the activities of the departments working under you," wrote the Delhi L-G. Though the L-G has praised CM Atishi on a number of occasions, on Independence Day he had refused her permission to hoist the national flag at an official event despite her name being recommended by jailed CM Kejriwal. She took oath as Kejriwal's successor in September. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who was last seen in 'Indian Police Force', is all set to ring in the New Year in the biting cold of Finland. On Monday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared several pictures and videos of herself and her family enjoying the Finnish winters. The dreamy pictures and videos capture the beauty of the Nordic country. She wrote in the caption, "Wondering & Wandering in Winter Wonderland". Earlier, the actress and her husband, Raj Kundra's premises were raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). After this, Raj had issued a public statement about him fully complying with the authorities. Raj took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a long note. He wrote, "To whom it may concern, While the media seems to have a flair for drama, let's set the record straight: I'm fully complying with the ongoing investigation that has been unfolding for the last four years. As for the claims of 'associates', 'pornography' and 'money laundering', let's just say that no amount of sensationalism will cloud the truth, in the end, justice will prevail". He further mentioned, "A note to the media: It's unacceptable to repeatedly drag my wife's name into unrelated matters. Please respect the boundaries. #ED". The recent ED searches were part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged money laundering case. On October 3, Kundra, who is facing accusations of money laundering through bitcoin, received a notice from the Enforcement Directorate, instructing him to vacate his Juhu bungalow and Pune farmhouse. In response, he filed a petition with the Mumbai High Court challenging the notice. The businessman was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in July 2021 in connection with the case, facing multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. He was later granted bail by a city court. Hyderabad, Dec 30 : Microsoft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella on Monday reiterated the commitment of Microsoft to partner with the Telangana government in all its initiatives. He stated this during a meeting with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, two of his Cabinet colleagues and top officials here on Monday. According to the Chief Ministeras Office, Satya Nadella appreciated the Chief Ministeras vision of enhancing skills and improving infrastructure to the next level, and opined that only these two can position Hyderabad in the top 50 cities in the world for creating economic growth. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accompanied by Minister for IT and Industries D Sridhar Babu, Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies/Uttam Kumar Reddy, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Special Chief Secretary IT and Industries Jayesh Ranjan and Special Secretary to CM Ajith Reddy called on Satya Nadella. Microsoft is one of the earliest technology companies in Hyderabad and has grown to a strength of 10,000 over the years. It has also invested in a data centre capacity of 600 MW in the state. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy thanked Nadella for regular investments and the growth of Microsoft's business in the city and state. He and IT Minister briefed the Microsoft CEO and Chairman on various technology imperatives that the state is focusing on including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI), cloud, and sought Microsoftas support to develop strong ecosystem so that Hyderabad is seen as the leading city in the world in the technology domain. The Chief Minister also explained about his plans for Infrastructure development in the state including Regional Ring Road, radial roads, Future City, development of new manufacturing clusters, and how the government is proposing to create a vast pool of industry-ready talent through institutions like Young India Skills University. The Chief Minister, his two Cabinet colleagues and officials met Nadella at the latteras residence in Banjara Hills. Nadella's father-in-law K. R. Venugopal, a retired IAS officer, received the Chief Minister. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Adopting an aggressive stance, Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale demanded the immediate arrest of the killers of Massajog (Beed) Sarpanch and the cops responsible for the death of a Dalit youth in Parbhani judicial custody, on Monday. The Republican Party of India (A) President Athawale called on the families of the murdered Sarpanch Santosh Pandit Deshmukh (Beed), and a law student Somnath Vyankat Suryawanshi, 35, (Parbhani) who was nabbed after the violence following the defiling of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (December 10). "The inexplicable delay in nabbing (Deshmukh's) killers does not portend well. Merely attaching the properties of the absconding killers is not enough. The government must immediately arrest the killers (of Deshmukh)," demanded Athawale in Beed. The Central minister's visit came even as an all-party silent protest march was taken out in Buldhana on Monday, after similar marches in Beed and Latur last week. He met and consoled the widow Ashwini S. Deshmukh, their children Viraj and Vaibhavi and the late Sarpanch's brother Dhananjay Deshmukh, and promised to ensure justice for Santosh P. Deshmukh. Athawale pointed out that the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured the legislature that strong action would be taken in the matter, while assuring to raise the matter with the MahaYuti state government and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Deshmukh, 45, was abducted, brutally tortured and killed (December 9), after he attempted to foil an extortion racket outside a windmill company, and both incidents have snowballed into a major political row. Later, in Parbhani, Athawale met the kind of Suryawanshi's family members and was told that he hailed from Latur, the family lived in Pune, but he (Suryawanshi) was staying in Parbhani to pursue his law course. "There was intense anger after the desecration of Dr Ambedkar's statue (Dec. 10). This angst led to violence the next day in Parbhani. However, it was not so serious to warrant such brutal action by the police on the protestors," observed Athawale. Besides the police caning (lathi-charge) and hundreds of people, mostly Dalits being rounded up, Athawale said that more than a dozen youth including boys and girls were injured in the police swoop on the protesting crowds (December 11). "We have demanded action against the police officials who were responsible for the lathi-charge which led to Suryawanshi's death in judicial custody. The police must also be booked for injuring the boys and girls, as well as the detention or arrests of hundreds of others," a grim Athawale said. The Parbhani-Beed incidents have created a national furore with Opposition bigwigs including Congress' Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi going to Parbhani (December 23), Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar (December 21) and many other state leaders. Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President has called upon Fadnavis to give compensation of Rs 1 crore to Suryawanshi's kin and a government job to one of the family members, besides carrying out a survey of all victims of police excesses. Meanwhile, CDR records of the prime absconder Walmik Karad allegedly linked to the Sarpanch killing reveal that he was on the run, posting photos and greeting from Pune and Ujjain days later. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Continuing to target the ruling MahaYuti, the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) has questioned the state government "when will MCOCA be invoked" against the killers of a Sarpanch from Beed, here on Monday. Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Continuing to target the ruling MahaYuti, the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) has questioned the state government "when will MCOCA be invoked" against the killers of a Sarpanch from Beed, here on Monday. NCP (SP) General Secretary and party leader in the Assembly Dr Jitendra Awhad said that the Beed Police have lodged a murder case of Massajog village Sarpanch, Santosh Pandit Deshmukh, but the name of the prime wanted-accused Walmik Karad has been omitted from it. "Karad is the kingpin and wanted under IPC Sec 302, but curiously his name does not figure in the police complaint. This entire case is being manipulated and deliberately no action is being taken to erase it from the public memory," contended Dr Awhad. Referring to a statement by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Suresh R. Dhas hinting at the involvement of certain bigwigs behind the Sarpanch killing, Awhad said that he would not beat around the bush, "but I am directly taking the name of Minister Dhananjay P. Munde" (of ruling ally Nationalist Congress Party). "In this Sarpanch murder case, allegations are being continuously hurled at a ruling party (NCP) minister, hence, as the President of that party, it is Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's duty to make him (Munde) resign," demanded Awhad. Moreover, he pointed out that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured the Assembly that the Beed murder case would be investigated by a judicial panel and all the accused would be booked and punished soon. "Actually, it should have been implemented within 24 hours But there is no movement so far. The ruling (BJP) had once promised to bring back (the don) Dawood Ibrahim promptly, but they have even failed to find Walmik Karad," said Awhad sharply. Hinting at 'a political understanding' in the Beed murder case, the NCP (SP) leader said an environment is being created whereby the absconder (Walmik Karad) appears bigger than the MahaYuti government, and Ajit A. Pawar is not taking any responsibility in the matter. "On the contrary, during the Legislature Session in Nagpur, Ajit Pawar had even winked at Dhas in the house What was the motive behind it We don't know," he said. Endorsing the demands for Munde's resignation from various quarters, Awhad said that when Sharad Pawar was the CM and his government faced allegations from Kisanrao Babu alias Anna Hazare, he had immediately asked five ministers to quit from the state cabinet. New Delhi, Dec 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi once shared an inspiring idea to help cultivate a culture of reading and meaningful discussions in rural India, particularly in small villages and towns. His suggestion focused on "repurposing old newspapers, magazines, and books" that often go to waste after being read. During a meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs), PM Modi laid emphasis on the potential of these reading materials in creating small community libraries, especially in areas where access to books and journals is limited. Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey, sharing the idea in a video, which was posted on the X handle 'Modi Story', explained how this simple yet impactful initiative could bring the village together. PM Modi encouraged MPs to collect their old newspapers, magazines, and books once they were no longer in use. Instead of letting these valuable resources go to waste, they could be arranged neatly on a table in a common space where people could gather to read. According to Dubey, the PM shared the idea that in many rural areas, a small space is already available where ten to twenty people could sit together. A few tables and chairs could be placed in these spaces, with the newspapers and books laid out for everyone to read. People could come together in the morning or evening, read the newspapers, and religious and historical books, which could also be included. This would not only encourage reading but also spark thoughtful discussions among villagers, fostering a culture of learning and exchange. Such an effort, while simple, could make a significant impact. It would create an atmosphere of positivity and unity, where villagers -- whether they are farmers, social workers, or homemakers -- could engage with one another, share knowledge, and discuss matters of importance. Through this initiative, the community would not only develop a stronger sense of togetherness but also improve access to knowledge and information, thus strengthening the roots of learning in rural India, says Dubey in the video message. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On December 30, BYD officially launched a 3-billion-yuan education charity fund, marking the occasion with initial donations to 35 universities and 28 science and technology museums across China. BYD's Chairman Wang Chuanfu; photo credit: BYD The fund will focus on supporting scholarships for higher education and promoting public awareness of new energy vehicle (NEV) technologies. BYD plans to partner with over 100 universities nationwide to establish scholarships. Additionally, the company will donate exhibits showcasing NEV technologies to science museums, technology centers, and select schools to inspire and educate young people about advancements in the field. Talent development has always been a core value for BYD. The company's Chairman Wang Chuanfu emphasized that BYD adheres to the principle of "daring to hire, heavily utilizing, and nurturing fresh graduates." Since its founding in 1997, BYD has consistently recruited new graduates, hiring over 50,000 in the past two to three years alone. In 2023, BYD recruited more than 11,000 graduates, with nearly 70% holding master's or doctoral degrees and about 80% specializing in R&D. In 2017, BYD established a postdoctoral innovation practice base to enhance its talent pipeline. Over the past seven years, the company has developed a three-station, four-base postdoctoral training system across Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Xian cities. To date, BYD has trained nearly 1,600 postdoctoral researchers, with about 1,400 currently in trainingmaking it the largest postdoctoral program in China. Remarkably, the retention rate for postdoctoral researchers leaving the program is 100%. Beyond education, BYD is also committed to improving employees' quality of life. The company provides R&D apartments for young employees, has built the "BYD Village" welfare housing project. Besides, the automaker has funded the construction of a new 9-year school, named "BYD School," which offers a 9-year consistent education from elementary to middle school. Bengaluru, Dec 30 : The accused wife should not be allowed to use the child as a tool to get bail in the court, said Akash Jindal, counsel for Atul Subhash, an automobile company employee, who committed suicide alleging his wife demanded Rs 3 crore for divorce settlement. The bail matter of the accused wife of Atul Subhash is slated to be heard on January 4 in the Bengaluru court. The bail application from the accused Nikita Singhania was registered on Monday and the counsel for her and other accused argued how and why the bail should not be granted to the accused persons in the case. The counsel for the Atul Subhash family further stated, "The criminal nature is accumulating to this procedure and she can't take advantage of the child and we have sought total custody of the child." "Our stand was that the crime, which they have committed is very heinous, additionally we have filed a habeas corpus petition before the Supreme Court where the court has passed directions to the three states UP, Karnataka and Haryana for ascertaining the whereabouts of the kid and once the child is found, accordingly will pass directions for considering the custody of the kid," he said. "Why the 4-year-old child was staying away from his mother and he was in the hostel? The grandparents are worried about the grandkid," he said. Pavan Kumar Modi, the father of Atul Subhash, stated that the family is worried about the safety of Atul's child. If the court grants bail to Atul's wife, she can attack the child and endanger his life. "If she can drive my son to commit suicide, she can also do the same to the kid as well," he added. "My grandson was ATM to her. She got money on the pretext of taking care of him. She approached the High Court demanding Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000. She went on to appeal for Rs 80,000. Even after this, she went on demanding more money. Hence, we have approached the Supreme Court for the custody of the child as he is safe with us," he stated. Bikas Kumar, brother of Atul Subhash, stated that the family is happy about the investigation by the police department. "The police supported us and we have fulfilled their requirements and they are carrying out the investigation. We have to get custody of the child and we have informed our advocate about this. The matter is before the Supreme Court," he added. When asked about the child's whereabouts, he said that they do not know about the whereabouts of Atul's son. "We are waiting for the January 7 hearing in the Supreme Court in this regard," he stated. Subhash, who was working with an automobile company in Bengaluru, allegedly committed suicide as a demand of Rs 3 crore was made for a divorce settlement. He ended his life at his apartment in the early hours of December 9, leaving behind a 90-minute video and a 40-page death note, explaining how harassment by his wife Nikita Singhania and her family forced him to take the extreme step. Three accused in Atul Subhash's suicide case -- his wife, her mother and brother -- who were arrested by Bengaluru Police, were sent to 14-day judicial custody. The police registered an FIR against the accused persons under Sections 108, 3 (5) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) on December 9. Bikas Kumar had lodged a police complaint alleging abetment to suicide with the Marathahalli police in Bengaluru. Bikas Kumar alleged in the complaint that false cases were lodged against his brother (Atul) by the accused, demanding Rs 3 crore to settle the case. He had also alleged that his brother was taunted in the court during the proceedings that he had to either give Rs 3 crore or commit suicide. Nikitaas family had alleged that the deceased Subhash demanded a hefty dowry from her family which resulted in the death of her father. New Delhi, Dec 30 : A delegation of Hindus and other religious minorities from the United States, Canada, and Europe held a discussion on the current situation of minorities in Bangladesh at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia on Monday. During the meeting, the delegation drew global attention to the ongoing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh and called for the protection of their rights. New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANS) A delegation of Hindus and other religious minorities from the United States, Canada, and Europe held a discussion on the current situation of minorities in Bangladesh at the Foreign Correspondentsa Club of South Asia on Monday. During the meeting, the delegation drew global attention to the ongoing atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh and called for the protection of their rights. In an interview with IANS, Global Bengali Hindu Coalition (GBHC) member Pushpita Guha expressed concerns about the treatment of Hindu women in Bangladesh. She stated that Hindu women are being treated like dirt, with daily reports of rapes and gang rapes. The system there is failing to act. When women suffer from sexual assault or torture, it is essential to bring these incidents to the media's attention and seek justice. Women, who give life, are being humiliated in this manner. She added, "Often after being raped, women are poisoned, and before dying, they tell their children their story. This situation is extremely painful and tragic, and it's not just happening in Bangladesh, but around the world. If India wants to protect Hindu womenas rights in Bangladesh, it must become active in this matter. India can help save these women. Even today, when you visit the Bangladesh border, women and children are sitting there in fear, and their mothers worry about their dignity. Indiaas female President should understand why women are in that position." Pushpita Guha further says, "...There was a case in Bangladesh where a woman was raped, and she didn't tell anyone. Then, she was poisoned, and before dying, she told her story to her son. Can you imagine how painful that must be?... India can protect women in Bangladesh. India has the power to help, because, if you see even this morning, at the borders, you can see many women lying down, sitting with their young children, and mothers. These women are afraid for their dignity..." Sushant Dasgupta also spoke to IANS, saying that he is running a campaign for the rights of minorities in Bangladesh. He said, "If we go to Bangladesh, we will be stopped at the airport. The government knows our names and can arrest us. This is why we are sharing our story here in India, to raise awareness about our issues. Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists in Bangladesh are always labelled as 'Indians' and have to fight to protect their rights." Sitangshu Guha of GBHC expressed his concern about the situation in Bangladesh and suggested that India should treat Bangladesh like Pakistan, as it has become more dangerous than Pakistan. He pointed out that Islamic terrorism is on the rise in Bangladesh, and the country has become a stronghold for terrorists. India must take strong measures to deal with Islamic terrorists and treat Bangladesh as a hostile nation. Earlier, a Press Conference was organised by Global Bengali Hindu Coalition (GBHC) regarding the Situation of Hindus, Religious Minorities, Indigenous Peoples, and Tribal Groups Under the Hostile and Pro-Jihadi Illegal Government in Bangladesh. New Delhi, Dec 30 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids on three locations in Chatra district, Jharkhand, on Monday, as part of its ongoing investigation into a conspiracy case linked to a splinter group of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) known as TSPC. The searches were aimed at gathering evidence in connection with extortion, levy collection, and money laundering activities allegedly orchestrated by TSPC members. During the operation, the NIA seized several mobile phones, SIM cards, and other crucial materials related to the case. These searches targeted properties linked to suspected operatives and overground workers (OGWs) who are believed to be associated with senior cadres of the TSPC. This investigation is a continuation of the NIA's work in case RC-06/2018/NIA/DLI, which originally stemmed from an FIR filed by the Tandwa police in January 2016. The case was subsequently taken over by the NIA in February 2018 due to its serious national security implications. The accused individuals are allegedly involved in illegal activities, including extortion and the collection of levies for the Maoist group, as well as laundering the illicit funds generated through these criminal acts. To date, the NIA has filed charges against 21 individuals, and the investigation is ongoing. The NIA has been closely monitoring the operations of the TSPC, a faction that has been engaging in violent and subversive activities under the umbrella of the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation. The agency is expected to continue its efforts to dismantle the financial and logistical networks supporting such splinter groups, which pose a serious threat to the countryas internal security. Sources said that further investigation is going on and in days to come more information related to the Maoists' activities will be obtained by the NIA. Similar, significant crackdowns against Maoists have also been carried out earlier by the Jharkhand Police. Aizawl, Dec 30 : New Mizoram Governor, General Vijay Kumar Singh (retd), would assume office on January 9, replacing Hari Babu Kambhampati, who was appointed as Governor of Odisha by President Droupadi Murmu on December 24, officials said here on Monday. A senior Mizoram government official said that the Mizoram Governor-designate would arrive in Aizawl on December 8 and the swearing-in Ceremony is expected to be held at Circular Lawn, Raj Bhawan, on the next day, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma earlier expressed thanks to both the outgoing Governor Kambhampati and Governor-designate General V.K. Singh (retd). In a post on X, the Chief Minister said: "I sincerely thank Hari Babu Kambhampati for his dedicated service as Governor of Mizoram and wish him success as the Governor of Odisha. A warm welcome to General (retd.) VK Singh on his appointment as Mizoram's new Governor. We look forward to his leadership ahead." Kambhampati, a former teacher at Andhra University Engineering College for 24 years, was appointed as the Mizoram Governor in 2021. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has stepped down as Odisha Governor and President Murmu has accepted his resignation. The newly appointed Mizoram Governor, General V.K. Singh served as the 24th Chief of Army Staff and after retiring from the army, entered politics and was elected as a Member of Parliament from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, on a BJP ticket in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first term, he served as the Minister of State for External Affairs, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), and Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation. In PM Modi's second term, he held the portfolios of Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation. New Delhi, Dec 30 : A special court in Bengaluru on Monday sentenced a Bangladeshi terrorist to seven years of rigorous imprisonment (RI). The convict Jahidul Islam aka Kausar has also been fined Rs 57,000 in the cases connected with offences of dacoity, conspiracy and raising funds, as well as procurement of ammunition. The investigation has revealed that the accused had sneaked into India after carrying out the serial bomb blasts in Bangladesh. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court passed the order following the investigations proving his role in the Bodhgaya bomb blast in 2018 and the Burdwan bomb blast case in 2014 and also in a series of cases relating to the promotion of the activities of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh India (JMB - India). With this, a total of 11 accused have been convicted in these cases, the NIA said in a statement. The initial case was registered by Bengaluru City police in June 2019, based on the information generated by NIA during the investigation of the Burdwan Blast case of the agencyas Kolkata Branch Office. NIA subsequently registered the case and initiated a probe into the matter, along with the connected dacoity cases. As per NIA investigations, Jahidul Islam, the JMB Amir of India, along with absconding JMB head Salauddin Salehin had illegally crossed over into India in 2014 after escaping the custody of Bangladesh police in connection with the 2005 serial blasts in Bangladesh. During the hiding, he and his associates were involved in the October 2014 Burdwan blast case. After the blast, Jahidul and his aides fled to Bengaluru, where he radicalised and recruited gullible Muslim youth from West Bengal and Assam for furthering the anti-India activities of JMB. The accused and his associates had also committed the blast in Bodhgaya in January 2018. NIA investigations had further revealed that the accused and his associates had also conspired to raise funds through dacoity for furthering the activities of JMB. During 2018, they had committed four dacoities in Bengaluru as part of this agenda and had used the looted money for procuring ammunition and arranging hideouts and training to carry out terrorist activities. Further efforts to arrest absconding accused are on, the NIA stated. Patna, Dec 30 : Following a meeting between 10 BPSC candidates supported by Prashant Kishor and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, Purnea MP Pappu Yadav, along with a delegation of five candidates, also met with the Chief Secretary on Monday. The delegation, which included BPSC candidates Sandeep Giri, Anjali Verma, Gautam Kumar, Ravish Kumar and Anand Kumar, presented detailed evidence highlighting irregularities in the recent BPSC examination. They urged Chief Secretary Meena to address these issues in the interest of the students and demanded a re-examination. During the meeting, MP Pappu Yadav criticised the BPSC for mishandling the examination process, stating, "The BPSC is playing with the future of students. They are being subjected to lathi charges and legal cases. The government must withdraw these cases, cancel the examination, and conduct it afresh." The delegation expressed hope that the Chief Secretary would take their concerns seriously and work towards a resolution. Earlier on Monday, 10 BPSC candidates supported by Prashant Kishor met with Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, presenting a five-point charter of demands. The day also witnessed a clash between two prominent figures, Prashant Kishor and MP Pappu Yadav. Both leaders took potshots at each other, showcasing a sharp divide in their approaches to addressing the ongoing BPSC examination controversy. While both leaders claim to support the students' cause, their rivalry has become a focal point of political discourse in Bihar, adding another layer of complexity to the protests. The ongoing protests over the BPSC examination took a dramatic turn as Pappu Yadav accused Prashant Kishor of threatening candidates at Gardanibagh. In a sharp and aggressive tone, Pappu Yadav indirectly referred to Prashant Kishor, convenor of Jan Suraj, as a "fraud Kishor." Without naming him directly, Yadav alleged, "This person is not from Jan Suraj but represents the Daulat Swaraj Party." He further accused Kishor of creating the unrest during Sunday's protests. "If anyone is responsible for the chaos that unfolded, it is that leader. He has misled the students and conspired to undermine the movement. The students will never forgive him, and he must be driven out of Bihar," Yadav said. In response, Prashant Kishor launched a sharp attack on Pappu Yadav, dismissing him as a "freelancer" in politics. "Pappu Yadav has no ideology or party. He jumps from one place to another, always appearing wherever an event occurs just to maintain his media presence," Kishor remarked. New Delhi, Dec 30 : Former Supreme Court judge Justice V. Ramasubramanian on Monday took charge as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Apart from Justice Ramasubramanian, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi also took charge as the member of the NHRC. Born on June 30, 1958, in Tamil Nadu's Mannargudi, Justice Ramasubramanian completed his B.Sc. (Chemistry) from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai, and later pursued law at the Madras Law College. He was enrolled as a member of the Bar on February 16, 1983, and practised for 23 years in the Madras High Court. Justice Ramasubramanian served as an Additional Judge of the Madras High Court in 2006 and was made a permanent judge in 2009. In 2019, he was appointed Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and, later that year, became an apex court judge. Justice Ramasubramanian retired from the Supreme Court on June 29, 2023, after authoring 102 judgments, including in landmark cases such as the 2016 demonetisation policy and matters involving the validity of circumstantial evidence in bribery cases. In his address, Justice Ramasubramanian highlighted Indiaas ancient tradition of valuing and practising human rights, even before the concept became globally recognised. Citing Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, he emphasised that human rights are deeply embedded in India's cultural fabric and stressed on promoting and protecting human rights. Acting Chairperson Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General Bharat Lal and other senior officers and staff of the NHRC were present on the occasion. After being without a regular designated head for over six months, the Centre last week cleared the appointment of Justice Ramasubramanian as the NHRC Chairperson. The President also appointed Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Priyank Kanoongo, former Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), as the members of the NHRC. Under the Protection of Human Rights (PHR) Act, 1993, the apex human rights body consists of a Chairperson, five full-time members and seven deemed members. As per Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the PHR Act, the Chairman and other members are appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister (who serves as the committeeas Chairperson), Home Minister, Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of the Parliament, the Speaker of Lok Sabha and the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The qualification of the NHRC Chairperson is that he should either have been a Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court. Besides Chairperson, NHRC consists of five other members other than the ex-officio members. One member is, or has been a judge of the apex court and one member is, or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court. Out of the remaining three members selected for their professional experience in matters centred on human rights, at least one must be a woman. The ex-officio members include the Chairpersons of National Commissions -- National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Women, National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for Backward Classes, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; as well as the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. The sitting Judge of the Supreme Court or sitting Chief Justice of any High Court can be appointed to the post only after consultation with the Chief Justice of India. The tenure of the NHRC Chairman is five years or until the Chairman turns 70 years -- whichever is earlier. The statutory body of NHRC came into being on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of September 28, 1993. The NHRC is entrusted with the protection and promotion of human rights, which the Act defines as "rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in the International Covenants and enforceable by courts in India". Kolkata, Dec 30 : The Chairman of a municipality in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas, adjacent to the border with Bangladesh, has cautioned the police of the mushrooming of illegal hawking centres in the area run by outsiders selling winter garments and blankets. In the letter to the inspector in charge of Bangaon Police Station, Bongaon Municipality Chairman Gopal Seth said that recently it has been seen that many hawkers are opening shops and stalls selling winter garments and blankets at the sides of various important roads and highways under the municipality's jurisdiction. "Most probably they are coming from Kashmir or other states. There is no information about them with the municipality. Since Bongaon Municipality is adjacent to the Indo-Bangladesh international borders, it is necessary to have information about these people, for public security," read the letter, a copy of which is available with IANS. Seth has also forwarded copies of the letter to the sub-divisional officer and the sub-divisional police officer of Bangaon. In the letter, he has also cautioned the police of the necessity to get information on whether these people are actually businessmen or have come to a sensitive border area with some ulterior motive masquerading as garments traders. Seth has also referred to past instances where terrorists have endangered the lives of common people after entering as traders. "Not only that, they are coming here and renting houses in different words within the municipality area about which the respective house owners are not informing the police administration," the letter read. Under such circumstances, argued Seth, in the interest of the safety of the people the police should conduct a proper investigation into the matter whether they are really businessmen or have come to Bongaon with nefarious intentions masquerading as traders. Recently, the intelligence and security agencies have augmented the security and surveillance measures at the villages adjacent to the borders with Bangladesh, both land and coastal, in the wake of inputs that of late several outsiders have suddenly started residing in these border villages after taking rooms on rent there. The police have alerted the house owners in such villages to refrain from renting to outsiders without checking their credentials and also inform the local police stations about the individuals they are letting out rooms to. Bengaluru, Dec 30 : The Congress-led Karnataka government has made an appeal to the Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream while also issuing a warning that it will not hesitate to initiate stern action. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the appeal on Monday by issuing a statement in this regard following a meeting. "The government desires that individuals involved in Maoist activities surrender and join the mainstream. In this regard, several leaders of progressive and people-oriented platforms, who advocate for Maoists to join the democratic mainstream and wish to prevent loss of life from any side, have met with me. To maintain law and order and ensure peace in Karnataka, the government will not hesitate to take strict measures." However, if the Maoists are willing to engage in dialogue to join the mainstream, the government will welcome this process within the framework of the law and handle it with compassion, the CM appealed. Maoist activities have never occurred on a large scale in Karnataka as in neighbouring states. However, sporadic Maoist activities have been observed in the Malnad region over the past two decades, leading to violence and loss of lives, the CM said. This has resulted in the deaths of many innocents, police personnel, and those involved in Maoist activities. While it is painful that idealists seeking change through armed means lose their lives and cause harm to others, a government that functions Constitutionally cannot remain passive, CM Siddaramaiah underlined. "Our government wants all Maoists in Karnataka to fully surrender and join the mainstream," the CM reiterated the appeal. The government has already formulated a surrender policy for Maoists and assured that this policy will be simplified and implemented transparently, he assured. As per the surrender policy, financial assistance will be provided in phases, and surrendered Maoists who hand over their weapons to the government will receive incentives, skill training, and comprehensive support for rehabilitation. These measures will be considered with compassion and priority, he said. The government assures that cases pending against them will be resolved promptly and that legal assistance will be provided, he underlined. Steps are also being taken to identify and address the needs of Maoists who have already surrendered and to rehabilitate them, he maintained. "At the same time, I want to clarify that anyone engaging in violent activities or taking the law into their own hands will face strict legal action from our government," he cautioned. Karnataka police had killed the most wanted Maoist leader Vikram Gowda in an encounter in Kabbinale forest region in Hebri police station limits of Udupi district in the state on November 19. Vikram Gowda's other three associates who were with him had managed to escape from the police forces. The authorities have continued the combing operation in the region, Parameshwara stated. Sources stated that the Maoists are trying to create the base in the coastal Karnataka region and Malnad (hilly) regions of the state following the debate on the implementation of the Kasturirangan report, which recommends eviction of farmers to save the Western Ghats. The farmers of the coastal districts of Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Malnad districts of Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga will be affected by the implementation of the report. Mumbai, Dec 30 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed the administration to conduct the "Maha Awas" campaign to ensure effective, expedited, and quality implementation of rural housing schemes with public participation saying that houses under this scheme should be solar-powered. A minimum of 13 lakh houses will be approved under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). For this, the first instalment of Rs 450 crore should soon be distributed to the housing scheme beneficiaries. The Chief Minister reviewed the 100-day action plan of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department at Sahyadri Guest House. While constructing rural roads in the state, they should be made of cement, instructed Chief Minister Fadnavis. He emphasised that rural road projects should not be halted. The criteria for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and access roads should be redefined. Immediate action should be taken on the construction of 'Sakav' (causeways) and 'Panand' (access roads) in the Konkan region. Funds have been allocated for every hamlet, and attention should be focused on monitoring how many of these projects have been completed, the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister directed that various schemes, including rural housing, Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MARLM), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, National Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Road and Bridge Repair Monitoring Program, and Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Gramin Tirtha Yatra Sthal Yojana (the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Rural Pilgrimage Site Scheme), should be effectively implemented within 100 days. Fadnavis on Monday also directed that efforts should be focused on migrant workers and they should be issued smart ration cards. Additionally, while issuing these smart cards, arrangements should be made to ensure that regardless of which state the migrant workers belong to, they can avail of food grains at any fair price shop in Maharashtra. The chief minister reviewed the Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection's 100-day action plan. He asked officials to ensure the proper distribution of food grains to beneficiaries, electronic weighing scales should be installed at all fair price shops, and all ration card holders should be issued smart ration cards. To ensure timely distribution of food grains to beneficiaries, work should be initiated to establish "One Village, One Warehouse." Vehicles should be geo-tagged, and the "One Nation, One Ration Card" policy is being implemented in the state. In line with this, migrant workers should be prioritised for food grain distribution. The chief minister instructed that to enable underprivileged beneficiaries to celebrate festivals with joy, the state distributes special festival rations during festive seasons. A calendar for this distribution should be prepared. He further directed that in the upcoming year, 25 lakh new beneficiaries should be included in the public distribution system, and their e-KYC and verification should be completed. He emphasised the need to inspect ration cards of individuals who have not collected food grains even once in the past six months, remove deceased persons from ration cards, and re-verify beneficiaries above the age of 100. A special campaign should be conducted to include 14 lakh non-computerised beneficiaries in ration cards. Meanwhile, the CM also directed the officials of transport department to enforce policies to scrap all vehicles older than 15 years and increase use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reduce road accidents as per the accord signed with google and thereby keep the transport sector in the state safe, secure and sustainable, apart from releasing the EV Policy within next 3 years. He reviewed the next 100 day plans of the transport, ports and Maharashtra Airport Authority departments. In order to enhance the transportation services, the state shall start bike taxi and maxi cab services. Also, over 13,000 old government vehicles shall be scrapped, the CM directed, and added that decisions regarding taxi, auto and bus rates too shall be made. He asked the administration to formulate the SOPs for safety of the buses saying that engineering solutions need to be provided to avoid accidents in the Ghat region. Development of ports and airports too was discussed during the meeting. Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 29, 2024, SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) celebrated a milestone at its globally pioneering island-type lean intelligent manufacturing (LIM) facility, as the automaker's 800,000th new energy vehicle (NEV) of the year and the first mass-production unit of the Baojun Xiangjing (name in Chinese pinyin) rolled off the production line. Photo credit: SGMW The LIM facility integrates innovative technologies, including distributed smart islands, unmanned manufacturing systems, intelligent electric protection frameworks, group-controlled intelligent management systems, and direct-to-user connections. This advanced production model enhances product adaptability, rapid iteration capabilities, and quality, ensuring the Baojun Xiangjing meets the highest standards. Photo credit: SGMW The Baojun Xiangjing is positioned as a smart and comfortable flagship family sedan, targeting urban elites and young families. Available in BEV (battery-electric vehicle) and PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) versions, the model measures 5,005 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,490 mm (EV) or 1,505 mm (PHEV) in height, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase. It combines the spaciousness of a C-segment car with dynamic styling, offering an unmatched driving and riding experience. Since the brand refreshed its market strategy, Baojun has seen significant growth, with the Baojun Yunhai model driving a surge in monthly sales since it hit the market in September. The Baojun Xiangjing, as the brand's flagship, showcases top-tier R&D, cutting-edge technologies, and premium configurations, providing an elevated, safe, and enjoyable travel experience. Imphal, Dec 30 : The Assam Rifles in two successful operations in Manipur's Chandel district recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including Chinese and US-made rifles, officials said on Monday. A Defence spokesman said that the para-military troops during two separate operations at Thingphai, TS Laijang and Changpol Khengjoi villages in Chandel district during the past 24 hours recovered the huge cache of arms and ammunition. The security personnel also recovered a concealed hideout of the armed groups at TS Laijang village. The arms and ammunition recovered included a US-made M16 rifle, one Type 81 Chinese Assault Rifle along with three magazines, one AK-56 Rifle, an M16 rifle magazine, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two high-powered assault rifles, Motorola communication sets with chargers, 5.56 mm ammunition rounds, locally made Lathod guns, Pompi and Lathod bombs. The Assam Rifles also arrested two individuals from the Khengjoi sub-division. Both operations demonstrate the Assam Rifles' proactive approach to ensuring safety and security in the region, the spokesman said. The seized arms, explosives, and apprehended individuals have been handed over to the local police stations for further investigation and necessary legal action, he added. Another defence spokesman said that in a series of successful joint operations during the past few days, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles in coordination with Manipur Police and other Central forces, recovered nine weapons, ammunition and other war-like stores from both hill and valley regions of Imphal East, Tengnoupal, Yangiangpokpi and Churachandpur districts. The recovered arms and ammunition include a light machine gun, a 12 bore single barrel gun, a pistol, two tube launchers, a factory-made .303 Rifle, IEDs, grenades, explosives, ammunition and other war-like stores, two double barrel and one single bore rifle from two vehicles. The operation also led to the identification and busting of three hideouts in the Churachandpur district on heights overlooking the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). The hideouts are suspected to be used by armed groups. The area is being extensively patrolled and the structure was destroyed to deter potential armed attackers' activity. --IANS sc/khz Bhopal, Dec 31 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday lashed out at the BJP government over the death of a Dalit youth in a police lockup in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas. The victim identified as Mukesh Longre died on Saturday after being called to Satwas police station in Dewas district for questioning in a complaint submitted against him by a woman on December 26. Taking to X, Rahul Gandhi criticised the incident terming it "shameful" and "condemnable". In his post, the Congress leader also mentioned Odisha's incident where a woman was allegedly beaten up. Referring to Dewas police station's incident and Balasore, Odisha, the Congress leader said, " On one hand, a Dalit youth was killed in police custody in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, tribal women were tied to trees and beaten in Balasore, Odisha. Both these incidents are sad, shameful and highly condemnable." He alleged that such incidents can't happen without the state government's support. "Due to the Manuvadi thinking of the BJP, such incidents are happening one after another in the states ruled by them. Such barbarism against the Bahujans of the country will not be tolerated at any cost," Rahul Gandhi's post on X read. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress unit chief Jitu Patwari and some other senior party leaders along with the family members of the deceased staged a protest at Satwas police station late on Sunday. Responding to Congress' allegation, the MP BJP unit accused the opposition of playing politics on the death of a Dalit. The BJP also hit back at Rahul Gandhi alleging that he has made an "irresponsible" statement without knowing the details of the incident. "It is the nature of Congress to do politics on death. Rahul Gandhi, who looks for caste and religion in any sensitive incident, is doing nothing new. Congress leaders have made irresponsible statements without knowing the truth," the MP BJP said in a statement on Monday. Dewas Superintendent of Police (SP) Puneet Gehlot had earlier told the media persons that the Dalit youth made a noose around his neck with a towel, tied it to a window grill in the lock-up and began yanking his neck. According to Gehlot, police personnel tried to stop him and rushed him to a hospital where doctors declared him dead. He also confirmed that there was no case against the Dalit youth, and he was just called to record his statement on the basis of a complaint received from a woman. Following the protest on Sunday, in-charge of Satwas police station, Ashish Rajput has been suspended. The state government has ordered a judicial probe into the matter. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken cognizance of the matter and has sought a report from the state government. Jaipur, Dec 31 : The Rajasthan government partially lifted the ban on transfer policy on Monday, effective from January 1 to 10, excluding the State Education department. However, Grade III teachers will also not be transferred. No transfers will occur in the elementary, higher, or technical education departments, as per the government order. Additionally, a ban on the transfers of officials involved in updating the voter list will remain in place until January 7. Their transfers will be permitted only from January 8 to 10, leaving a narrow three-day window for adjustments. This is the second time the ban on transfer policy has been lifted since the BJP government came to power in Rajasthan. Previously, the ban was lifted from February 10 to February 20, 2024, before being reinstated. BJP MLAs and party leaders have long been urging the removal of the ban on transfer policy. During feedback meetings with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, this demand was frequently raised. Similar to previous governments, the preferences of BJP MLAs and party leaders are expected to influence transfer decisions significantly. Additionally, input from BJP organisational officials will also hold sway in the process. It is estimated that more than 300,000 employees across various government departments will be transferred. Departments such as Medical, Energy, Police, and Public Health Engineering are expected to see the highest number of transfers. The ban on transfers within the Education department remains in place due to the absence of a finalised transfer policy. Grade III teachers, in particular, have been excluded from transfers for an extended period. This restriction was also upheld during the previous Congress government. Teachers' organisations have consistently called for lifting the ban, citing the need for flexibility and fairness. New Delhi, Dec 31 : Six persons were arrested in two separate cases in connection with voter ID fraud in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, police said. According to the police, on December 25, they received a complaint from Vinod Kumar, Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) from Okhla, alleging that four individuals applied for voter ID cards or changes of address using forged documents. A case was registered on December 26 in connection with this case against the four accused under Section 336 (Forgery for the purpose of cheating) and Section 340 (Using forged documents as genuine) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) at the Shaheen Bagh police station. On December 29, another complaint was received from Kumar with similar allegations that four applications for the new voter registration had been received in the office of Electoral Registration using the forged documents following which a case was registered under Section 336/340 of the BNS. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast Delhi), Ravi Kumar Singh, said during the investigation, the addresses of the alleged persons were traced, and the following six people were arrested in both cases. The accused were identified as Mohammad Naim (32), Rizwan Ul Haq (30), Sabana Khatoon (37), Rajat Srivastava (27), Sachin Kumar (27), and Trilok Chand (51). All the six accused were found to have forged documents such as Aadhaar cards and electricity bills to create or modify voter ID cards. During the investigation, a police team actively investigated the cases to identify and apprehend the individuals involved in the voter ID fraud. After thorough efforts by the police, the addresses of the alleged accused persons were traced and following this six persons were arrested in both cases. Efforts are being made to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the forgery network, the Delhi Police said in a statement. Evidence collected so far indicates a systematic misuse of technology and forged documents to manipulate the electoral registration process, the Delhi Police added. A personal computer was seized by the Delhi Police during the investigation which was used in making the forged documents Mohammad Naim, who is a resident of Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, had applied for a change of address in his voter ID using a forged electricity bill. He is an electrician by profession. Rizwan Ul Haq, who is a resident of Delhi's Jamia Nagar, forged the electricity bill for Mohammad Naim using Photoshop. He is the owner of a cyber cafe in Shaheen Bagh Sabana Khatoon, who is a resident of Delhi's Shaheen Bagh, had applied for a change of address using a forged electricity bill. She is a housewife. Rajat Srivastava, who is a resident of Haryana's Faridabad, is a cyber cafe operator in Delhi's Jasola area. He used an online PDF editing tool to forge electricity bills for multiple individuals and is found involved in both the above cases registered at Shaheen Bagh police station, including in a related case. Sachin Kumar, who is a resident of Delhi's Malviya Nagar, works in the housekeeping department at a hospital in the city. He had contacted Trilok Chand to prepare documents for his deaf and mute uncle, Kisunee. His alleged motive was to transfer land from his uncle's name. Trilok Chand, who is a resident of Chirag Dilli, is a private tuition teacher. He allegedly collaborated with Rajat Srivastava to create forged documents and has been known to the alleged Kisunee for four to five years. New Delhi, Dec 31 : The Delhi Police have deported 12 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the national capital without any valid documents, an official said. To address growing concerns about the unauthorised presence of migrants, notably Bangladeshi nationals, in the capital, the Delhi Police have been conducting several targeted operations, including verification drives and joint inspections throughout the South-East district. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East Delhi), Ravi Kumar Singh, has said that a police team in the district is continuously searching for illegal Bangladeshi nationals. The Delhi police team has so far arrested 12 Bangladeshi nationals illegally residing in the national capital." After investigating nearly 1,200 people, 12 illegal Bangladeshis were nabbed and the Delhi Police have sent all of them to detention camps. The Delhi Police's search operation is underway, DCP Singh added. The first official deportation order was issued by the South-West Delhi Police, two weeks after the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Secretariat announced that they would be launching a special drive to locate and deport unauthorised and illegal immigrants in the city. In a bid to combat the heavy influx of Bangladeshi immigrants, especially after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August, a special team, comprising officers from local police stations and special units, has been deployed to conduct thorough searches and gather intelligence to locate undocumented immigrants. During the verification drive, door-to-door verifications were conducted almost 400 families were checked, and their documents were collected. Additionally, verification forms 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. During the drive, the eight Bangladeshi nationals were identified, arrested and deported through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Out of the ones deported, Bangladeshi national, Samsul Seikh, confessed that he left his residence in Dhaka and entered India undetected through dense forests. After a brief stay in India, he went back to Bangladesh and brought his wife Parina Begam along with their six children. Upon further investigation, the police found out that they were from Bangladesh and had destroyed their Bangladeshi IDs to evade suspicion. This latest verification drive is part of an ongoing effort to identify and deport more illegal migrants from Delhi in the coming days. Former U.S. president, 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and prolific author Jimmy Carter died on December 29 at his home in Plains, Ga., after nearly two years in hospice care and the loss of his wife, Rosalynn, last November. At 100, he was the longest-lived president in American history. Carter once described himself as "a farmer, a naval officer, a Sunday school teacher, an outdoorsman, a builder, and a governor of Georgia." Add to that a list of notable achievements in the book world: he was the author of 32 books, ranging in subject from politics and foreign affairs to faith and Scripture and including a coffee-table book on his woodworking hobby, replete with photos of furniture he had built, and a children's book. "Of all our modern presidents, Jimmy Carter was Americas most protean author," Jonathan Karp, president and CEO of Simon & Schuster, told PW. (S&S has published 13 of Carters titles, all bestsellers, since 2001.) "President Carter wrote memoirs, calls to action, fiction, poetry, and childrens books," Karp continued. "He wrote appreciations of Scripture and nature. He offered advice on how to live a meaningful life. He delighted in reading the audiobook versions of his work, for which he won three Grammy awards. In all of his books, he maintained a voice of great integrity and intellectual honesty. We are grateful to have published so many books by President Carter, books that will endure as a legacy for readers who want to appreciate the life and mind of one of the most inspiring and admirable world leaders of our time. Carter was a Southern Baptist evangelical with the mind of an engineer whose meteoric political rise to the presidency in 1976 turned into a one-term rollercoaster. Kai Bird, author of The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter (Crown, 2021), called Carter "a quiet force of nature." Bird tallied his accomplishments, including the Camp David peace accords between Egypt and Israel, the SALT II arms control agreement, centering human rights in U.S. foreign policy, deregulating the airline industry and natural gas, and investing in solar energy; plus, "he rammed through the Alaska Land Act, tripling the size of the nations protected wilderness areas." A bad economy and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran cost him reelection in 1980. At the American Booksellers Association conference in 1982, Carter, invited to talk about his post-White House book, Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President, began by joking that he had intended to be there talking about his memoirs in 1986 rather than 1982, according to PW. He told a sold-out ballroom crowd his book addressed the Camp David talks, the Iran hostage situation ("The worst year of my life"), and the agony of his rejection by the voters. Carter said, "I've really put my heart into this book and I didn't want to waste 16 months of my life on a book only a few people would read." He was out of elective office, but the story of Carter's lifetime of accomplishment had another four decades to go. The New York Times tallied his post-presidency as "a series of philanthropic causes around the world, like building houses for the poor, combating Guinea worm, promoting human rights in places of repression, monitoring elections and seeking to end conflicts His work as a former president in many ways came to eclipse his time in the White House, eventually earning him the (2002) Nobel Peace Prize and rehabilitating his image in the eyes of many Americans." On his 99th birthday last October, best wishes came from more than 100 countries, his grandson, Jason Carter, chairman of the Carter Center, told the Times. Carter never shied from controversy. In Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis, (S&S, 2005) Carter addressed "preemptive war, women's rights, terrorism, civil liberties, homosexuality, abortion, the death penalty, science and religion, environmental degradation, nuclear arsenals, America's global image, fundamentalism, and the melding of religion and politics," in what the publisher called "a passionate defense of separation of church and state." Agent Lynn Nesbit, who worked with him on titles from the time he left the presidency, said that "he wrote every word himself. Don't think he didn't. He enjoyed the process very much. He was very organized, very efficient." And very stubbornCarter defied Nesbit and S&S editor Alice Mayhew when he insisted that his 2006 look at the Middle East carry an incendiary title: Palestine, Peace not Apartheid. "Apartheid was a trigger word," Nesbit recalls. The backlash over his appearing to associate Israel with South Africa's system of racial segregation was so fierce that few looked inside to read his mainstream call for a two-state solution, said Jonathan Alter, author of the Carter biography, His Very Best (S&S, 2020). He said that Carter told him years after the book came out that the title was a mistake, and that he intended it to signal a future danger for Israel. "He had no regrets about any other book. He liked stirring the hornet's nest," said Alter. Carter even named his only novel, set in the Revolutionary War, The Hornet's Nest (S&S, 2003). Even so, Alter said, Carter "sugarcoated some of the harsh racial realities" in An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood (S&S, 2001). A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, the book is "a very tender portrait of growing up on a farm in the 1920s and '30s, but it's not the definitive source on his early life," said Alter. Carter revisited those years with a sharper eye in another memoir, A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety (S&S, 2005), for which the audio version also won a Grammy. Carter was also astute about the marketplace, Alter said. He knew, contrary to conventional wisdom, that not only evangelical Christians bought books about religion, that there was "a larger market of liberal people of faith than people realize. His books appeal to people of faith across the board. His faith is so genuine, he knows Scripture so well. He knows how to communicate ideas, sometimes complex theological ideas in clear simple prose," Alter said, pointing to numerous Carter books on faith and society. And he communicated not only on the page but in narrating a Grammy-winning series of audiobooks drawn from his Sunday morning classes at his Plains church, "Sunday Mornings in Plains." The last book he published was Faith: A Journey for All, in 2018. These books of politics and faith may be his best-remembered titles, but there was another dimension still to the indefatigable author, said publishing veteran Peter Osnos, who worked with Carter when he was a VP, associate publisher, and senior editor at Random House. When he edited six of Carter's books in the '80s and '90s', he initially rejected one, he recalled after the news of Carter's entering hospicea poetry collection. Carter responded to the rejection with a rhyme: Poems editors seem to buy / Dont make sense, lack rhyme and rhythm / If they dont amuse or edify / What else should we do with em. Osnos then took the book, Always a Reckoning and Other Poems (Times Books/Random House 1994), offering a $75,000 advance. He later wrote, in an online column, that "the book went on the New York Times bestseller list as nonfiction and stayed there for two months." The column concludes: "Poetry may not be one of his greatest legacies, but his commitment to honorable goals, which was so much of his character, was in that book." After all the books Jimmy Carter wrote across more than four decades, his religious life and biblical devotion ultimately had the last word. His final title was Faith: A Journey for All (Simon & Schuster, 2018). He wrote that his goal was "to explore the broader meaning of faith, its far-reaching effect on our lives, and its relationship to past, present, and future events in America and around the world. Alice Mayhew, then VP and editorial director, called it in a press release an "important book at a time of uncertainty. President Jimmy Carter talks about the gift of faith through the great modern theologians, some inspired contemporaries, and his lifelong acceptance of the challenge and reward. Carter began with faith-focused books in 1997 with a spiritual autobiography, Living Faith (Random House). It traced his religious life from his naval career to the governor's mansion to the White House and on to decades of building homes with Habitat for Humanity and launching the Carter Center devoted to peace and reconciliation, according to PWs review. Carter, who broke away from the conservative Southern Baptist tradition in 2000, taught Sunday School for 40 years at more progressive evangelical church in Plains. His lessons became Grammy-award winning audio books he personally narrated: Sources of Strength: Meditations on Scripture for a Living Faith (Times Books, 1997), followed by an audiobook series, Sunday Mornings in Plains: Bible Study with Jimmy Carter. The Sunday Mornings series began with Leading a Worthy Life, in 2007, delving into "the Apostle Pauls case for reconciliation and unity in the face of disagreement and division," according to the publisher, Simon & Schuster Audio. Second in the series was Measuring Our Success, drawn from lessons in the Gospel of Mark. According to the PW review, Carter "highlighted scripture passages (that) emphasize a mission for embracing the most marginalized members of society and challenging entrenched authorities." One of the challenges he frequently addressed was a troublesome blurring of the lines between church and state in books such as Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis (S&S, 2005) which won a Grammy Award for best spoken-word album. The British edition bore a more specific title: Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World (Duckworth, 2006). Carter also stayed close to scripture with books such as NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter (Zondervan, 2012). Yet, he eschewed fundamentalism in A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power (S&S, 2014) where he "calls on religious leaders, world leaders, and activists to fight for women's rights and guarantee parity in all aspects of life," according to PW. ... catch up with Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto... Ecommerce majors Amazon and Flipkart, which are planning to scale up their quick commerce (qcom) operations, may need to invest at least $1 billion each over the next two-three years to catch up with established platforms, such as Zomato-owned Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart and Zepto according to analysts. Qcom refers to the delivery of consumer items within 10 to 30 minutes. In August, Walmart-owned Flipkart entered the growing qcom segment with Minutes. Amazon India plans to launch Tez in January. "They would have to invest at least $1 billion in the next 2-3 years because the other side is ready to deploy that kind of capital," said Satish Meena, an advisor at Datum Intelligence, a consumer technology-focused market research firm. "If you think, 'Let's invest $25 million and see how it goes', then that will not work," added Meena. According to sources, 15 to 20-minute deliveries are taking a major share of sales, particularly in the grocery and household essentials categories, away from Flipkart and Amazon. Analysts said it's only a matter of time before these qcom firms expand into premium categories like electronics and fashion, which have traditionally been dominated by Amazon and Flipkart. "Amazon and Flipkart are in the same boat. Being late to the qcom space is a concern for these large e-commerce firms. The execution quality of qcom companies is very good," Meena said. "These qcom players are no longer startups. All of them have at least $1 billion in cash to deploy and can raise more from the market. It is going to be a tough task for Amazon and Flipkart." As consumer preferences shift toward the convenience of last-minute grocery deliveries, qcom companies are outpacing traditional retailers, with 46 per cent of consumers surveyed reporting a decrease in purchases from local kirana shops, a Datum Intelligence report has said. The qcom market size is projected to reach $40 billion by 2030 from $6.1 billion in 2024, according to the report. The rapid acceptance of qcom among consumers demonstrates a clear willingness to pay for the convenience of immediate, on-demand purchases. Experts said qcom companies are dealing directly with fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) players and manufacturers, saving 10 to 15 per cent on margins. As their volumes increase, they will secure better pricing from FMCG companies. Qcom platforms are also seeing a surge in advertising revenue, all of which contribute to a path toward profitability. Samir Kumar, the newly appointed Amazon India head, recently announced that the firm was piloting 15-minute delivery in Bengaluru this month. Experts said that what would work for Amazon and Flipkart is wider selection of products, better pricing, and access to a very large number of brands. Although Amazon and Flipkart have massive logistics infrastructure and large warehouses primarily located on the outskirts of cities, they may need to adjust their operations and move closer to customers for 10 to 30-minute deliveries, according to industry sources. What works for qcom firms, according to experts, are their dark stores, which are mini warehouses located in densely populated areas to minimise delivery times. As of September 30, Blinkit houses 791 dark stores, up from 639 at the end of June, and it plans to expand to 1,000 dark stores by the end of the fiscal year and 2,000 by the end of 2026. It also aims to extend services into Tier-II and -III cities. In the July-September quarter, Blinkit reportedly delivered 92.9 million orders, recording a gross order value (GOV) exceeding Rs 6,000 crore (Rs 60 billion). In the second quarter of FY25, the GOV growth of newly listed Swiggy's qcom platform accelerated to 24 per cent quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q) at Rs 3,382 crore (Rs 33.82 billion). Overall orders grew 21 per cent Q-o-Q, with orders per dark store per day rising 10 per cent Q-o-Q. During the quarter, Instamart added 12 cities and 52 stores and improved its contribution margin by 124 basis points Q-o-Q. It plans to double its dark store count by March 2025 (from 523 on March 2024) while increasing the average size of its stores by 30 to 35 per cent. "It will also allow us to finish our transformation. We have operated as a grocery first business for the first few years of our journey," Sriharsha Majety, managing director and group CEO, Swiggy, had told Business Standard recently, adding that the firm plans to launch pharmacy category. "But now we would see more assortment which opens a new wave of selection for quick commerce," Majety added. Zepto, on the other hand, saw its operating revenue more than double Y-o-Y Rs 4,454 crore (Rs 44.54 billion) in FY24. It plans to use the capital it has raised to double the number of its dark stores to 700 by March 2025. The company is on track to achieve annualised sales of $3 billion in a few months, according to co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) representing 70 million traders has written to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, drawing his attention to the alleged violations of laws and regulations by quick commerce (qcom) companies. In its letter, the CAIT alleged how these firms are misusing foreign investments to distort the countrys retail market, creating major threats to small shopkeepers. The CAIT had earlier released a white paper on this issue, a copy of which has also been sent to the minister. The organisation is now sending the white paper along with a letter to the chief ministers of all states. CAIT president B C Bhartia accused qcom platforms such as Zomato-owned Blinkit, Instamart (Swiggy) and Zepto, of misusing funds received through foreign direct investment. He said these firms control suppliers, dominate inventory, and arbitrarily determine product prices. Their primary objective appears to be eliminating small neighbourhood grocery stores and taking over their markets, he said. Like e-commerce majors, the CAIT alleged that these companies are using qcom to harm Indias retail sector. Such business strategies create an uneven playing field, which is making it nearly impossible for over 30 million small grocery shops across the country to survive, the CAIT said. CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said these firms blatantly violate FDI policies and flout the Competition Act. Khandelwal strongly criticised quick commerce companies, accusing them of driving small retailers out of the market. He said these companies blatantly violate FDI policies and flout the Competition Act. They seem to have little regard for Indian laws and regulations, said Khandelwal. Khandelwal also referred to recent remarks by Piyush Goyal, where he expressed concerns about quick commerce and suggested connecting such platforms with local kirana stores. Khandelwal announced plans to lead a delegation of traders to meet Goyal soon regarding this issue. Meanwhile, CAIT is organizing a two-day national seminar in Delhi on January 6-7 to discuss this and other pressing trade issues. Bhartia revealed that quick commerce companies have raised over Rs 54,000 crore through FDI but have neither invested in infrastructure nor created long-term assets. Instead, he alleged that they have used these funds to cover business losses, control supply chains, and offer deep discounts through select vendors, which is highly objectionable. He pointed out that these companies have set up numerous dark stores across the country for supply, which is against the rules prohibiting them from establishing any kind of store. Bhartia added that quick commerce companies make exclusive deals with select vendors, eliminating competition for independent retailers. He alleged that these players withhold vendor information from consumers, violating the Competition Act and consumer rights. These companies manipulate prices and control inventory through unilateral agreements, which adversely impact fair competition. CAIT stated that the unchecked growth of these foreign-funded companies poses a significant threat to Indias small retail sector. The organization urged the government to enforce strict monitoring of quick commerce companies through consumer protection (e-commerce) rules and e-commerce policies. CAIT also demanded immediate steps to ensure these companies comply with laws and regulations. Impact of Qcom on Kiranas As consumer preferences shift towards the convenience of last-minute grocery deliveries, quick commerce companies are outpacing traditional retailers, with 46 per cent of consumers surveyed reporting a cut in purchases from Kirana shops, a report has said. The quick commerce market size is expected to reach $40 billion by 2030, a jump from $6.1 billion in 2024, according to the report by Datum Intelligence. "Nearly half (46 per cent) of respondents report reduced spending at Kirana shops, indicating a shift in customer behavior towards quick commerce platforms," it noted. Quick commerce refers to the delivery of consumer items in 10-30 minutes. Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Flipkart Minutes are among the top quick commerce platforms in India. The quick commerce market is projected to capture approximately $1.28 billion of Kirana sales by 2024, accounting for 21 per cent of total sales on these platforms, the report further said. "Quick commerce's focus on speed and convenience aligns with consumers' needs for efficient, on-demand grocery shopping experiences plays a major role in the adoption of online grocery," it said. The study said that around 75 per cent of online grocery buyers have increased their unplanned purchases in the past six months, with a majority of them spending over Rs 400 per order. With an average order value significantly higher than traditional stores, consumers are increasingly opting for the convenience and speed offered by these platforms, it said. This shift is facilitated by the platforms' ability to provide competitive pricing by eliminating multiple intermediaries that traditional retail relies upon, the report observed. In contrast, Kirana stores, which historically dominated the Indian grocery market, are now facing an existential threat. The report showed that over 82 per cent of consumers have shifted at least one-fourth of their grocery spending from Kirana stores to quick commerce platforms. The report said quick commerce has witnessed an unprecedented pace of adoption, significantly influencing consumer behaviours across the retail ecosystem. "It is projected to experience a 74 per cent growth in 2024, positioning it as the fastest-growing channel during the 2023-28 forecast period with a 48 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR)," the report said. With additional inputs from PTI Indian pharmaceutical companies have made major strides in adhering to stringent US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) norms in 2024, with data suggesting a decline in the number of adverse classification outcomes of inspections across biologics, drugs, and devices. Photograph: Reuters In 2023, the USFDA conducted 225 inspections, which led to 18 cases of Official Action Indicated (OAI) and 117 cases of Voluntary Action Indicated (VAI). By 2024, despite a tightening of regulatory standards, the number of inspections dropped to 206, while OAI cases fell to 14 and VAI cases reduced to 115. This highlights that the sector is increasingly aligning with global benchmarks to ensure high-quality manufacturing practices. Looking back at the pre-pandemic years, there was a 100 per cent increase in OAI status from 2018 to 2019. However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 led to a 75 per cent drop, and the status fell 50 per cent in 2021. When the FDA inspects a facility, it classifies the results based on the findings of the inspection. In case of any deficiency, the facility receives a VAI classification, which signifies that objectionable conditions or practices were observed, but the facility is given the opportunity to correct them voluntarily without immediate regulatory action from the FDA. The FDA may facilitate this process through a regulatory meeting. On the other hand, an OAI classification indicates serious regulatory violations that significantly impact safety, welfare, or data reliability. In such cases, the FDA recommends administrative or regulatory actions, which may include warning letters, untitled letters, or even legal actions like import alerts or injunctions. If no violations are found during an inspection, it is classified as No Action Indicated (NAI). The FDA typically communicates the final inspection classification to the firm within 45 to 90 days after the inspection is completed. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) attributed this improvement to a multi-faceted approach emphasising quality culture, operational enhancements, and proactive compliance measures. IPA secretary general Sudarshan Jain highlighted the industry's efforts in creating a robust quality framework. Indian pharma companies have undertaken substantial work in fostering a culture that prioritises quality. The senior leadership teams are committed to continually improving standards, supported by automation, robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and ongoing employee training, Jain said. According to Jain, the senior leadership has prioritised embedding a quality-first mindset across organisations, building a culture focused on excellence. Advanced automation technologies have been implemented in manufacturing plants to enhance precision and efficiency. Comprehensive SOPs have been established and rigorously followed to ensure consistency in operations. Employee training programmes have been accelerated to build capabilities and align with global standards, complemented by capability-building programs that emphasise skill enhancement and process standardisation. Also, there is a commitment to process improvements aimed at achieving operational excellence. The IPA said it remains committed to further upgrading quality standards. This progress underscores our commitment to taking quality standards in India forward. We view this as part of a continuous effort to strengthen the quality culture and align with global benchmarks, Jain said. The India-US nuclear deal was aimed at ending India's nuclear isolation and nuclear apartheid, recalls Rup Narayan Das. IMAGE: Then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh with then US undersecretary of state R Nicholas Burns, the Bush administration's point person on the nuclear deal, February 23, 2006. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/Reuters A milestone in the relationship between India and the USA which the late prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh wove against odds was the civilian nuclear treaty announced by then American president George W Bush on July 18, 2005 during the former's visit to the USA. In 2008 the deal, called the 123 Agreement, was formally signed by both sides. The deal was considered an important step from India's point of view. The deal aimed at removing the embargo on India having any access to civil nuclear technology or nuclear fuel from outside India. The embargo was imposed on India after India's 'Peaceful Nuclear Explosion' at Pokhran in May 1974 and after the creation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The nuclear deal was aimed at ending India's nuclear isolation and nuclear apartheid. India was denied high technology in the field of nuclear energy. The nuclear aeal envisaged to enable India to import nuclear reactors from France, Russia, Canada and other countries. The deal enabled India to have access to nuclear fuel from these countries. It had two broad objectives -- meeting India's strategic objectives and providing energy security. Ever since there has been no looking back. In both India and the USA, there is bipartisan support for the strategic partnership between the two countries. IMAGE: Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) members shout slogans and burn an effigy of then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh to protest against the India-US nuclear deal. Photograph: Tanushree Punwani/Reuters The stand-off of the ruling United Progressive Alliance government led by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh with the Opposition parties, particularly the Left parties, over the nuclear deal was primarily on ideological grounds. The Left bloc felt that India was bowing before the USA. They were concerned that the USA would bully India into submission by threats and warnings. The Left had 61 members in the Lok Sabha and could swing the balance of power for the UPA coalition. The BJP was expedient, given that it was the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government that had initiated a dialogue with the US to get this very result. In Parliament, Dr Singh tried to allay the anxiety of the Opposition, particularly the Left parties, that there was a 'secret deal' behind the public one, and denied that India was entering into a military alliance with the US against China. He also assured Parliament that the negotiation with the US would not hurt India's strategic nuclear programme. Dr Singh's government Photograph: Reuters IMAGE: Then Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee arrives at Parliament July 21, 2008, the day of a debate on a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government that would decide the fate of the nuclear deal with the United States.Dr Singh's government won the trust vote 275 to 256. Separation Plan A great challenge for the nuclear deal was the 'separation plan' which the two sides negotiated between August 2005 and February 2006. India had 22 nuclear plants in 2005. The US suggested that India classify some of these as required for its strategic nuclear weapons programme. Within these 22 atomic plants, including two research reactors, India wanted 14 separated as civilian facilities that would be brought under International Atomic Energy safeguards. Outlining some salient features of the Separation Plan, Prime Minister Singh, in a statement in the Lok Sabha on March 7, 2007, said, 'the Separation Plan will not adversely affect our strategic programme.' 'There will be no capping of our strategic programme, and the separation plan ensures adequacy of fissile material and other inputs to meet the current and future requirements of our strategic programme, based on our assessment of the threat scenarios. 'No constraint has been placed on our right to construct new facilities for strategic purposes. 'The integrity of our nuclear doctrine and our ability to sustain a minimum credible nuclear deterrent is adequately protected. 'Our nuclear policy will continue to be guided by the principles of restraint and responsibility. 'The Separation Plan does not come in the way of the integrity of our three stage nuclear programme, including the future use of our thorium reserves.' The then Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on August 17, 2007 rejected the Opposition's demand for re-negotiating the nuclear deal, saying that Parliament had 'no competence' to decide on the operationalisation of any international agreement or treaty. Speaker Chatterjee quoted the Constitution and said in the absence of appropriate laws drawn up by Parliament, the central government's right to enter into treaties and agreements with foreign countries in its sovereign power is unrestricted and becomes effective without any intervention by Parliament. 'It is also well established that there is no requirement to obtain ratification from Parliament of any treaty or agreement for its operation or enforcement,' the Speaker ruled. Thus, Parliament can only discuss any treaty or agreement entered into by the government without affecting its finality or enforceability. Speaker Chatterjee decided that the issue would be discussed under Rule 193 that has no provision for voting. The nuclear deal polarised Indian politics to such an extent that it forced the UPA coalition government to seek a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha on July 21, 2008 following the withdrawal of support by the Left parties on the issue of the government's initiative of seeking international cooperation in the development of civil nuclear energy. A special session of the Lok Sabha was convened for the purpose. The House debated the motion for more than 12 hours over two consecutive days suspending even Question Hour. It was indeed unprecedented. The government was in a hurry to seek the confidence of the House as a general election was due in a few months entailing uncertainties about the fate of the nuclear deal. IMAGE: Russia's then president Dmitry Medvedev with Dr Singh after signing of an agreement in New Delhi, December 21, 2010 to expand capacity at the nuclear power plant in Kudankulam. Photograph: B Mathur/Reuters Civil Liability for Nuclear Liability Damage (CLND) Act 2010 Yet another achievement of the late prime minister related to the nuclear deal was steering the Civil Liability for Nuclear Liability Damage (CLND) Act 2010, a legislation that was enacted by Parliament to ensure a speedy compensation mechanism for victims in case of a nuclear accident. This can be singled out as the biggest reason for the stalemate on the engagement between India and the USA on nuclear transactions. Some provisions of the Act were perceived as a hindrance for the supply of equipment by US reactor vendors and sub-suppliers. The significance of the Civil Nuclear Liability Act can be hardly overemphasised in the backdrop of India's disastrous experience with the Union Carbide gas leak tragedy in Bhopal. The Act envisaged prompt payment of compensation to victims in the case of an unforeseen nuclear accident. While Parliament itself evinced unprecedented concern in the nuclear deal, the treaty itself entailed legislative enactments like the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill which was subjected to scrutiny by relevant parliamentary ommittees. The remit of the Act is very broad and comprehensive. It defines 'nuclear damage' meaning loss of life or personal injury to a person, or loss of, or damage to, property caused by or arising out of a nuclear incident resulting in any economic loss. The loss of damage may arise out of, or result from ionizing radiation emitted by any source of gradation inside a nuclear installation, or emitted from nuclear fuel or radioactive products or waste in, or of nuclear material coming from, originating in, or sent to, a nuclear installation. Rup Narayan Das is a former senior fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and at the Indian Council of Social Science Research. The views expressed are personal. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com As a leader, he was ambitious, not for himself but for India and its people. His was not the short-term election cycle calculation of individual political gain. His was a practical vision of how to better the lives of his fellow citizens, asserts Ambassador Shivshankar Menon, who served as foreign secretary and national security advisor when Dr Singh was prime minister. IMAGE: Then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi, December 20, 2012. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters Dr Manmohan Singh was that rarity of rarities, a good man in politics. He was never a politician, for he brought to politics a decency and integrity that is unmatched. But he was a leader, and a most uncommon leader at that. A leader who changed India. Any leader operates between a given past and his vision of the future. MMS had both. He had vast experience of how India and its government worked, and knew how it had become what it had. But equally, he had a vision of what India could be. As a leader, he was ambitious, not for himself but for India and its people. Not for a small India, divided by religion or language, or afraid of other countries' progress. His was not the short-term election cycle calculation of individual political gain. His was a practical vision of how to better the lives of his fellow citizens. He was ambitious for an open, democratic, confident India where every Indian has the opportunity for a better life. And he did more to make that possible than most. No Indian leader has done more to pull his fellow citizens out of poverty. If his term as finance minister opened the door to the Indian economy's high growth years, his terms as prime minister sought social equity through the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005. His governments passed landmark legislation, giving Indians the right to food, work, and education. And the Right to Information Act, 2005, gave ordinary Indians transparency in governance. He built imaginatively on what P V Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee had begun, to realise an India that took its place in the world with pride. As he said in his farewell address as prime minister on May 17, 2014, 'I am confident about the future of India. I firmly believe that the emergence of India as a major powerhouse of the evolving global economy is an idea whose time has come... this nation of ours can show the way forward to the world.' This was the patriot speaking from his heart. I have personally witnessed the esteem in which he was held, and the way in which his words were heard and heeded by the most powerful leaders of the world and in forums like the expanded G-7, the G-20 and the East Asia Summit. US President Barack Obama once called him his guru. IMAGE: Dr Singh at the memorial of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in New Delhi, August 20, 2013. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters At heart, he wanted to use the world's potential to transform the lives of Indians. What he did to 'make borders irrelevant' in the subcontinent resulted in one of the best periods in our relations with our neighbours. He was also successful in stabilising the border with China at a time of rapid change in the international system, and when China was becoming increasingly assertive in its behaviour in its periphery. To simultaneously transform the relationship with the US, epitomised in the civil nuclear cooperation agreement and NSC waiver of 2008, was truly a historic achievement. He was also successful in adding economic and political substance to India's 'Look East' policy. The first ever defence agreement with Japan and close economic ties with South Korea were the result. I once asked him why successive governments of India kept returning to the table with Pakistan when its behaviour sponsoring cross-border terrorism made it so difficult. His answer was that it served India's enlightened self interest, for the alternatives, equating ourselves with Pakistan, would be to fall into their trap, would consolidate the hold of anti-Indian elements in Pakistan, deepen communal fissures in the subcontinent, and give the world a lever and role in our affairs and neighbourhood that was best avoided. His professorial manner, decency, and integrity covered a steely determination, as I discovered in the long and tortuous process of seeing the civil nuclear agreement with the US through to completion. At one stage in early 2008, when we had an agreed text of the 123 agreement but no clear prospect of it being approved in the coalition government, we negotiators suggested that we cut our losses and call off the deal sooner rather than later to avoid further damage to our international reputation and relations with the US and supportive partners. It was Dr Manmohan Singh who stood firm and insisted that we continue, and was willing to risk the future of his government to keep his given word. IMAGE: Dr Singh and then Congress president Sonia Gandhi with their party manifesto for the general election, March 26, 2014. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters It was the same determination combined with decency, and his proven track record of keeping his promises, that persuaded people to walk the path to the future with him. The UPA's victory in the general election of 2009 was a vindication of his politics and vision. His was a time when Indians and the world believed in India's future. It wasn't hype, as the world and Indians proved by their behaviour, that India had a real shot at becoming a prosperous and secure country with a place for all its citizens. Unprecedented numbers of Indians in the diaspora returned to the country, as did many of our students abroad. One reason was that Dr Manmohan Singh kept his word and created outcomes in India. And in doing so he was large-hearted and confident enough to give credit to his predecessors. After he announced that he would not be seeking re-election in January 2014, he said in a press conference: 'I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament.' He was right, again. Dr Manmohan Singh must and will be counted among the makers of modern India. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com As 2024 draws to a close, the entire state machinery in Uttar Pradesh has converged upon Sangam, the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river in Prayagraj, racing against time to finalise the preparations for the Maha Kumbh beginning January 13. IMAGE: A temporary tent city construction underway near Ganges River ahead of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj. Photograph: ANI Photo For the past two months, an army of workers has been diligently channeling the rivers, widening roads, and leveling the ghats to transform the region in anticipation of one of the largest religious events in the world. Speaking during his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' programme on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mega event it as the "Maha Kumbh of unity", as he urged people to return from the grand congregation with the resolve to banish hate and division from the society. "Maha Kumbh ka sandesh, ek ho pura desh (Message from Maha Kumbh -- entire country should unite), the prime minister said, adding that Maha Kumbh's speciality lies not just in its vastness, but also in its diversity. Held every 12 years, the Maha Kambh will begin on 'Paush Poornima' on January 13, and conclude on 'Maha Shivratri' after 45 days on February 26. The event draws millions of pilgrims to the banks of Ganga at Sangam, and this year, the state government is expecting a staggering 40 crore devotees to take the holy dip and make the Maha Kumbh the largest religious gathering in the world. The monumental task of preparing for such an event includes meticulous planning and extensive logistics. The authorities are overseeing the installation of 160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets to be serviced by 15,000 sanitation workers, 1,250-km of pipeline, 67,000 LED lights, 2,000 solar lights, and 300,000 plants to give the area a complete makeover. In addition, nine paved ghats, seven riverfront roads, and 12 km of temporary ghats are under construction. Seven bus stands are also being built, while over 1.5 million square feet of murals and street paintings have been commissioned to adorn the area. However, the monumental task comes with its challenges. Erosions have eaten away Ganga's banks, pushing the river away from its original course and reducing the land available for the Maha Kumbh. In addition, five years of river encroachment swallowed up 3,200 hectares of land used for the 2019 Kumbh. However, officials have risen to the challenge, reclaiming the 3,200 hectares and adding an additional 800 hectares to ensure that the event's scale remains as grand as ever. The 4,000 hectares of land now being prepared is a feat in itself. When asked if the preparations would be completed by January 10, a senior official likened the work to the preparations for a grand Indian wedding, saying, "Even if you begin preparations six months in advance for a wedding, work continues until the moment the 'baraat' arrives." The official, however, reassured that everything will be ready as per schedule. The work to prepare the area began in earnest in October, when experts from the irrigation department, in consultation with the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, started channeling the rivers to create additional ghats for the influx of pilgrims. Due to erosions at Sangam, land along the banks had been drastically reduced, with Ganga shifting anywhere from 200 to 500 metres. Mela Adhikari (fair in-charge) Vijay Kiran Anand said, "Between 2019 and 2024, Ganga has moved significantly, decreasing the available land for the Kumbh." With just a fortnight remaining until Makar Sankranti -- when the first auspicious dip, or 'Rajasi Snan', will take place -- the pace of work has intensified. Driving into the Sangam area, one is immediately greeted by groups of workers constructing barricades, shelters, and temporary restrooms, while artists paint vibrant murals and messages of welcome on the walls. The event is not just another religious festival; for the Uttar Pradesh government, it is a matter of prestige. The preparations are receiving the same level of attention as the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya earlier this year. The government is also aiming higher this time around. In 2019, around 24 crore people attended the Kumbh, but this year, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stated that over 40 crore pilgrims are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh. To accommodate this unprecedented influx, the 4,000-hectare Kumbh ground has been divided into 25 sectors on both sides of the river. To ensure smooth flow of devotees, 30 pontoon bridges are being constructed, eight more than in 2019. The public works department (PWD) is busy renovating 90 roads, while a sprawling 1,250-km of pipeline network, which will provide over 50,000 water connections, is being installed. Additionally, the area will be illuminated by 67,000 LED lights, along with 84 light poles and 200 water ATMs scattered throughout the grounds. To ensure cleanliness, 15,000 sanitation workers and 150 'Ganga Sewa Doots' (volunteers) will be on duty. Also, each of the 25 sectors will be equipped with banks and ATMs for smooth financial transactions, while food courts and amusement areas for children will add to the attraction for the pilgrims. Healthcare is another area of key focus, with the administration setting up a 100-bed central hospital, two 20-bed sub-centre hospitals, 25 first-aid posts, besides keeping 125 ambulances on standby. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rae Bareli, has been enlisted to assist in the efforts. The 13 'Akhadas' (religious orders) that play a central role in the Kumbh have already set up their camps, hoisting their flags amid the chanting of religious hymns. In a first, applications for Akhada allocations are being received online, but priority is being given to those that participated in the 2019 Kumbh. With just a few days left before the start of the Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj is abuzz with activities to transform the Sangam into a transient city. Amid the outrage in Tamil Nadu over the sexual assault of a woman student inside a technical varsity recently, actor-politician Vijay on Monday urged Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for steps to ensure safety of women in the state. IMAGE: Actor Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi . Photograph: ANI on Twitter The Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) founder called on Governor Ravi at the Raj Bhavan here and submitted a memorandum. BJP state chief K Annamalai lauded Vijay for knocking at the doors of the Raj Bhavan over the issue. The demands from the leader of the fledgling party included 'protecting' law and order, according to a TVK release. "In our memorandum, we sought steps to protect law and order in Tamil Nadu, besides action for ensuring safety of women in all places," the release from TVK general secretary N Anand said. Further, the party also pressed for steps to release Central funds towards Cyclone Fenjal relief. The affected people were yet to receive the relief and the Centre should release the amount sought by Tamil Nadu, it added. The state had earlier sought an interim relief of Rs 2,000 crore. Anand accompanied Vijay during the meeting. Earlier in the day, Vijay sought to know who should be asked to make women feel safe in the state. In a hand-written letter addressed to "dear sisters" and posted on the Instagram account of his party, he said "it is known that it is pointless in asking those who govern us, no matter how many times we ask them. That's what this letter is for. The TVK leader said every day women were subject to mass atrocities, disorderly conduct, and sexual crimes" and "as their brother," he was undergoing depression and unexplainable pain seeing their sufferings. Assuring to stand with them and shield them as a brother, Vijay said "don't worry about anything but concentrate on your studies. We will create a safe Tamil Nadu. We will together ensure it soon." Meanwhile, TN BJP leader Annamalai welcomed Vijay's meeting with the Governor. In a social media post, he alleged there were attempts to 'divert' the sexual assault case and said to ensure "justice to our sister, functionaries of all parties should come forward as a brother." The BJP welcomes "Vijay meeting the Governor over the lack of safety to women in the DMK rule," Annamalai said. The work to remove 377 metric tonnes of hazardous waste from the now-defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal has got underway ahead of its planned disposal near Indore. IMAGE: People hold placards and shout slogans during a demonstration against Union Carbide and Dow Chemicals in Bhopal. Photograph: ANI Photo The development comes weeks after the Madhya Pradesh high court chided the authorities for not taking action despite repeated directions to clear the site in the Madhya Pradesh capital. The highly toxic gas methyl isocyanate leaked from the Union Carbide pesticides factory on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, killing 5,479 persons and leaving more than five lakh others with health problems and long-term disabilities. On Sunday morning, half-a-dozen GPS-enabled trucks with specially reinforced containers reached the factory site as part of the waste disposal process. Several workers wearing special PPE kits and officials of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, environmental agencies, doctors and incineration experts were seen working at the site. Police were also deployed around the factory. The toxic waste will be moved to an incineration site in Pithampur near Indore, around 250 km from Bhopal, sources said. The MP high court on December 3 set a four-week deadline to shift the toxic waste from the factory, observing that even 40 years after the gas disaster, the authorities were in a state of inertia that may cause another tragedy. Describing it as a sorry state of affairs, the HC warned the government of contempt proceedings if its directive was not followed. "The waste of Bhopal gas tragedy is a stigma which is going to disappear after 40 years. We will dispose it by sending it safely to Pithampur," Swatantra Kumar Singh, director of the state's Gas Relief and Rehabilitation Department told PTI. He said a "green corridor" of about 250 km will be created by managing traffic to transport the waste from Bhopal to Pithampur in the shortest possible time. Singh refused to give a specific date for the transportation of the waste and its subsequent disposal at Pithampur, but sources said in view of the HC direction, the process can start soon and the waste might reach its destination by January 3. The official said initially some part of the waste will be burnt at the disposal unit of Pithampur and the residue (ash) will be scientifically examined to find out whether any harmful element is left in it. "If everything is found to be fine, then the waste will be burnt to ashes within three months. Otherwise, the speed of burning will be slowed down and it might take up to nine months," Singh said. The smoke emitted from the incinerator will be passed through four-layer special filters so that the surrounding air is not polluted and a record of this process would be kept every moment, he said. Once the waste is incinerated and freed from harmful elements, the ash will be covered with a two-layer strong "membrane" and buried at the "landfill" to ensure it does not come in contact with soil and water in any way, Singh said. The waste would be destroyed by an expert team under the supervision of officials from the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board and a detailed report would be submitted to the HC, he added. A group of locals and activists claim that after 10 tonnes of Union Carbide waste was destroyed on a trial basis in Pithampur in 2015, the soil, underground water and water sources of the surrounding villages have become polluted. However, Singh rejected the claim. "It has been decided to destroy 337 metric tonnes of Union Carbide waste in Pithampur's waste disposal unit only after examining the report of this test of 2015 and all the objections," he said. "This unit has all the arrangements to dispose of the waste safely and there is nothing to worry about," he added. Amid reports of the waste reaching Pithampur, having a population of about 1.75 lakh, a large number of people on Sunday took out a protest rally wearing black bands on their hands. Led by a group named Pithampur Kshetra Raksha Manch', they held placards with slogans like "We will not let Pithampur become Bhopal" and "Save Pithampur, remove toxic waste". Protester Rajesh Chaudhary said, "We want the air quality of Pithampur to be re-examined by scientists before the Union Carbide factory waste is destroyed. We will also try our best to present our case in the court." Pithampur, an industrial town about 30 km from Indore and 45 km from the district headquarters Dhar, has about 1,250 small and big units. Goutam Kothari, president of Pithampur Industrial Organisation, said, "We are satisfied with the arrangements made for burning down the Union Carbide waste at the industrial waste disposal unit of Pithampur." He said the waste disposal should not be made a bogey on the basis of baseless apprehensions and local people should not be scared. But if any accident occurs in Pithampur during the waste destruction, then his organisation will launch a protest, Kothari added. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest chief minister in India with assets worth over Rs 931 crore, while West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee is the poorest with just Rs 15 lakh, according to an Association for Democratic Reforms report released on Monday. IMAGE: Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu meets Gursharan Kaur wife of former PM Manmohan Singh after paying last respects to the mortal remains of the former PM on his demise, at his residence in New Delhi, December 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The report said the average asset per chief minister from state assemblies and union territories is Rs 52.59 crore. While India's per capita net national income or NNI was approximately Rs 1,85,854 for 2023-2024, the average self-income of a chief minister is Rs 13,64,310, around 7.3 times the average per capita income of India. The total assets of 31 chief ministers are worth Rs 1,630 crores. Arunachal Pradesh's Pema Khandu is the second richest chief minister with total assets worth over Rs 332 crores, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah is the third on the list with assets worth more than Rs 51 crore. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with assets worth Rs 55 lakh, is the second poorest in the list and Pinarayi Vijayan is third with Rs 1.18 crore. Khandu also has the highest liabilities to the tune of Rs 180 crore. Siddaramaiah has liabilities worth Rs 23 crore and Naidu more than Rs 10 crore, the report said. It also said 13 (42 percent) chief ministers have declared criminal cases against themselves, while 10 (32 percent) have declared serious criminal cases including those related to attempt to murder, kidnapping, bribery, and criminal intimidation. Out of the 31 chief ministers, only two are women -- West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee and Delhi's Atishi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that India's defence exports crossed a record Rs 21,000 crore from Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago. IMAGE: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi during his visit to the Military College of Telecommunications and Engineering, at Mhow near Indore, Madhya Pradesh, December 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Addressing officers at the Army War College in more than two-centuries-old Mhow Cantonment, Singh said a target has been set to achieve defence exports of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. He said mastering frontier technologies is the need of the hour in the constantly evolving times, noting that military training centres are playing a crucial role in equipping and readying soldiers to deal with future challenges. "Our defence exports, which were around Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago, have crossed the record figure of Rs 21,000 crore today. We have set an export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029," Singh said. He said Made-in-India equipment is being exported to other countries. Singh mentioned radical changes in warfare in his speech, saying that unconventional methods like information warfare, Artificial Intelligence-based warfare, proxy warfare, electromagnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks are posing a big challenge. He stressed the need for the military to be well-trained and equipped to fight off such attacks and lauded training centres in Mhow for their valuable contributions. Singh commended the training centres for constantly improving their training curriculum as per changing times, and striving to make the personnel fighting fit for every kind of challenge. The defence minister said the Modi government is committed to strengthening integration and jointness among the three services. "In the times to come, the armed forces will be able to face challenges together in a better and more efficient way," he added. Singh said high-level training is provided to officers of all wings in the Mhow Cantonment. He appealed to officers to explore the possibility of promoting integration through training in areas such as weapons training in Infantry School; AI and communication technology in Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE), and leadership - junior and senior command in AWC. Singh said that some officers will work as defence attaches in the future, and they should strive to secure national interests at the global level. "When you take up this post of defence attaches, you should imbibe the government's vision of 'aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Only through self-reliance can India strengthen its defence capabilities and gain more respect on the world stage," he added. The defence minister is on a two-day visit to MP since Sunday. He said the government is committed to making India one of the strongest economic and military powers in the world. "Economic prosperity is possible only when full attention is paid to security. Similarly, the security system will be robust only when the economy is strong. Both complement each other," he added. Singh hailed the role of armed forces in securing the borders and being the first responders during natural disasters. "This dedication to protect the nation and this spirit to keep ourselves updated in a constantly changing world can take us ahead of others," he added. At AWC, Singh was briefed by commandant Lt Gen HS Sahi on the role and significance of the institute towards training and empowering military leaders for war-fighting across the spectrum of conflict. The defence minister was also briefed upon the significant steps in training methodology through jointness in multi-domain operations, infusion of technology in training curriculum and exchange programmes being undertaken with academia, universities and industries along with training of CAPF officers, a release stated. He was also apprised about the global footprints of the institute achieved through training the officers from friendly countries and contributing immensely towards military diplomacy. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officials of the Army were present on the occasion. The defence minister laid a wreath and paid homage to brave-hearts at the Infantry Memorial. Earlier in the day, Singh and General Dwivedi offered prayers at the famous Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain city. The Maharashtra State Commission for Women directed the Mumbai police on Monday to take immediate action and submit a factual report on actor Prajakta Mali's complaint that MLA Suresh Dhas had made inappropriate remarks about her. IMAGE: BJP legislator Suresh Dhas. Photograph: Courtesy Facebook Mali lodged a complaint with the commission alleging that Dhas' inappropriate and defamatory remarks impacted her personal and social life. She also alleged that defamatory content was circulated on social media following these remarks. The Maharashtra State Commission for Women informed through its X handle that it had received Mali's complaint and initiated action. The commission stated that the issue was serious and directed the Mumbai police commissioner to act immediately and submit a factual report. When asked about a complaint lodged by Mali with the women's panel, Dhas said this issue was over for him and he was ready to face consequences. He also said the focus on the Santosh Deshmukh murder case and crime in Beed should not be shifted. The MSCW tweet comes a day after Mali met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his residence in Mumbai. Fadnavis assured Mali and her family that any act of disrespecting women would not be tolerated and appropriate action would be taken. On Saturday, Mali demanded an apology from Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Suresh Dhas from Beed district for dragging her name in his attempt to target Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde in the Beed sarpanch murder case. The actor had said Dhas' comments were in bad taste and baseless, asserting that women, especially actors, should not be made soft targets. "Dhas' remarks linking me to Dhananjay Munde are derogatory. I had been to Parli for a cultural event, an award function. Artists like me travel to several cities to entertain audiences. Why name just women? Haven't male actors attended such programmes organised by politicians? Dhas has used my name for his selfish interests," she said. The actor had also demanded action against those making fake video clips about her. Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village, was abducted, tortured and murdered in Beed on December 9 allegedly for attempting to thwart an extortion bid on an energy firm. While four persons have been arrested so far, a political tussle is underway over Walmik Karad, an accused in the extortion case linked to the murder who is reportedly a close aide of Parli MLA Dhananjay Munde. "This issue is now over. I am ready to face consequences," Dhas told reporters in Beed when asked about the controversy caused by his remarks on Mali and a complaint lodged by her with MSCW. He said the focus should be on the Santosh Deshmukh murder case and the instances of bullying in Beed district. "I am ready to answer anything about these issues," he added. Chinese new energy vehicle startup Leapmotor showcases its models at the 2024 Guangzhou auto show in November. CAO YINGYING/CHINA DAILY Global Times-Despite uncertainties in the international political environment, Chinese manufacturing will keep going global, as evidenced by the optimistic attitude of Chinese companies in their pursuit of outbound investment. Over 90 percent of firms are optimistic about the prospects of overseas investment, and more than 80 percent will maintain or expand investment abroad, according to a survey released by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) at a press conference on Friday. In the context of challenges in the global economy, the steady willingness of Chinese companies to pursue investments abroad is the inevitable result of China's growing strength in industrial competitiveness, and an important reflection of Chinese companies' active embrace of the global economy, which represents a valuable opportunity for cooperation that should be cherished and encouraged. To a certain extent, the steadfast pace of Chinese companies in outbound investment is driven by the demand and high recognition of Chinese manufacturing on the global stage. After years of development, China's manufacturing sector has established strong production capabilities and technological accumulation, becoming an indispensable part of the global supply chain. China has a complete industrial system, with 41 industrial categories and 666 industrial subcategories, making it the only country in the world with all industrial categories listed in the UN's industrial classification. China's rapid rise in manufacturing has brought high-quality and cost-effective goods and services to global consumers, greatly promoting the deep integration and collaborative development of global industrial and supply chains. For Chinese companies, particularly those within the manufacturing sector, the international market serves as a vital platform for growth and expansion. With the rise in manufacturing strength, Chinese companies are facing a growing need to expand their businesses, forge new partnerships, and explore untapped markets. The world needs China, just as China needs the world. This mutual demand creates a solid foundation for Chinese companies' foreign investment and cooperation, while simultaneously contributing to the prosperous development of the global economy. Moreover, the rapid development of Chinese manufacturing in recent years has also accumulated strong momentum for going global. China's manufacturing sector has made remarkable strides in technological innovation, product quality, and production efficiency, gradually transitioning from traditional labor-intensive sectors to high-tech, high value-added industries. These achievements enable Chinese companies to compete with their Western peers in the international market. The strength of Chinese manufacturing serves as crucial support for Chinese companies as they venture into global markets and showcase their capabilities by offering more competitive products on the world stage. However, Chinese companies also face external challenges in their foreign investment endeavors. It is undeniable that, in the short term, the US and its allies' containment of Chinese manufacturing, such as increased investment restrictions and actions aimed at excluding Chinese companies from the global industrial chain, will present obstacles and challenges to Chinese companies. Nevertheless, from a long-term perspective, US containment is unlikely to effectively stop Chinese companies going overseas. Instead, it may only motivate Chinese companies to diversify their investment destinations, so as to better adapt to the demands and challenges of the international market. In the long run, Chinese manufacturing, with its strong capabilities, outstanding quality, and reasonable prices, is bound to capture a larger share of the global market. In addition, the model of Chinese manufacturing going global is continuously evolving. It is no longer limited to merely exporting products but is increasingly focused on fostering cooperation and mutual development. For instance, the CCPIT survey found that Chinese companies favor investment opportunities in countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road cooperation, according to Xinhua. This approach not only generates job opportunities and promotes local economic growth but also enhances the local industrial landscape and technological capabilities. As a result, it achieves a mutually beneficial and win-win situation, thereby laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Chinese manufacturing in the global market. 'After the plane collided with the wall, passengers were thrown out of the aircraft.' Disturbing Images. Caution Advised. IMAGE: The day after: Investigators and rescuers work at the site, December 30, 2024, where a Jeju Air aircraft went off the runway and crashed at the Muan international airport in Muan, South Korea, killing 179 people. Photograph: Kim Soo-hyeon/Reuters IMAGE: Rescue workers take part in a salvage operation at the crash site, December 29, 2024. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: Rescue workers stand near the belongings of the passengers, December 29, 2024. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: Firefighters carry the body of a passenger from the wreckage, December 29, 2024. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: An excavator is used to lift burnt chairs from the wreckage, December 29, 2024. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: Efforts are made to lift the wreckage, December 29, 2024. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: Rescue workers carry the body of a passenger recovered from the wreckage, December 29, 2024. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: Investigators and rescue workers at the crash site, December 30, 2024, here and below. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters Photograph: Kim Soo-hyeon/Reuters Photograph: Kim Soo-hyeon/Reuters IMAGE: The wreckage of the aircraft. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: A police dog at the crash site. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: Relatives of passengers of the aircraft that crashed, December 30, 2024, here and below. Photograph: Kim Soo-hyeon/Reuters Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters Photograph: Kim Soo-hyeon/Reuters IMAGE: A makeshift shelter at Muan airport, December 30, 2024. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters IMAGE: Mourners at a memorial altar for victims of the Jeju Air crash at the Muan sport park, December 30, 2024. Photograph: Kim Hong-ji/Reuters The South Korean authorities confirmed that 179 people were killed and two people were rescued out of the 181 aboard a Jeju Air passenger jet following a plane crash in South Korea's Muan region, Yonhap News Agency reported. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when the Jeju Air passenger jet, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, belly-landed and exploded at Muan international airport, Yonhap 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, 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, 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. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has stoked a controversy calling the state of Kerala as "mini-Pakistan." IMAGE: BJP leader Nitesh Rane. Photograph: @NiteshNRane/X The Bharatiya Janata Party leader said that Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi were elected as members of Parliament for precisely this reason. "Kerala is mini Pakistan that is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth, you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them," Rane said while addressing a rally in Purandar Taluka of Pune district. Rane, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, was speaking at a function on the occasion of Shiv Pratap Din, the anniversary of a historic incident when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had killed Afzal Khan when he made these remarks. Rane won the recently concluded 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections from the Kankavli seat. In the new cabinet, Rane has been given the portfolio of fisheries and ports. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and questioned the need for Rane to remain part of the cabinet. "What else can one expect from Nitesh Rane? He has been elected to do this only. However, I want to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis. The person (Rane), who is a minister, has taken an oath of the Constitution to (maintain) the sovereignty and unity of India. Now, he is labelling one of the country's states as Pakistan. He is calling the voters there as 'terrorists.' Should he have the right to remain in the ministerial position?," Patil asked. "From morning to evening, Nitesh Rane only spreads Dharmandata (communalism). If you (Modi and Fadnavis) call yourself deshbhakt (nationalist), how is such a person still in the cabinet?," he added. Two spacecraft that would aid the Indian Space Research Orgaisation in demonstrating space docking, a critical technology for future space missions got separated successfully and were placed into the desired orbit late on Monday, ISRO said. IMAGE: ISRO successfully launches PSLV-C60 with two SpaDEX satellites SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) and 24 other innovative payloads from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, December 30, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy ISRO "PSLV C60 mission accomplished as of SpaDeX spacecraft is considered," said Mission director M Jayakumar. ISRO chief S Somanath said the rocket has placed the satellites in the right orbit of 475 km circular orbit, after over 15 minutes of flight. "So, as far as we are concerned, the rocket has placed the spacecraft in the right orbit and the Spadex satellites have moved one behind the other, and over the period of time, it will pick up further distance, travel about 20 km away and then the rendezvous and docking process will start. And we hope that the docking process can happen in another one week and the nominal time is going to be approximately January 7," he said in his address from the Mission Control Center. And in this mission the very important part is POEM-4 (which was currently on) with 24 payloads from startups, industries, academic institutions and also from ISRO centres, he said. These are scheduled to be fired late on Monday night. Dubbed as a prelude to ISRO setting up its own Space Station by 2035, the PSLV-C60 mission would also make India join an elite club in achieving this feat which is expected to take place in the coming days. The 44.5 metre tall rocket carried two spacecraft -- Spacecraft A and B, each weighing 220kg which would help in space docking, satellite servicing and interplanetary missions. After the culmination of the 25-hour countdown which commenced on Sunday, the rocket lifted-off at 10 pm from the First Launch Pad at this spaceport, emanating thick orange coloured fumes and thunderous sound in the island, located about 135 km east of Chennai. According to ISRO scientists, the two spacecraft-Spacecraft A (SDX01) or the 'Chaser' and Spacecraft B (SDX02) or the 'Target' would be merged together later at an altitude of about 470 km after travelling at the same speed and distance. By mastering the docking technologies, ISRO is set to enhance its operational flexibility and also expand its mission horizons. This technology is essential for some of India's space ambitions like Indian on Moon, getting samples from the Moon (Chandrayaan-4 mission), building and operation of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. "In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology," ISRO said. The others to achieve this technological feat are China, Russia and the US. While the Spacecraft has reached the desired orbit, in the coming days, scientists would take measures to merge the two by reducing the distance between them, ultimately leading to the docking of the spacecraft. The launch of PSLV-C60 would be the last mission undertaken by the ISRO in 2024. Incidentally, the space agency began 2024 with the successful launch of PSLV-C58/XPOSAT mission on January 1. Monday's PSLV rocket also becomes the first vehicle to be integrated upto the fourth stage at the PSLV Integration Facility that has been established at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. In its latest decree, the Taliban's moral police banned women from looking out of windows. IMAGE: Afghan women arrive to receive assistance from a World Food Program distribution centre in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 21, 2024. Photograph: Sayed Hassib/Reuters Taliban's spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced the decree that aims to solve "obscene acts". "Seeing the place where the women live, the kitchen and the door of the bathroom and the toilet door are also dangerous," the decree said. In an event where such a window opens an area of the house where women frequent, the neighbour is supposed to close the wall. The municipality has been instructed to oversee that the law is implemented. "This decree is in force from the date of notification," it further said. Earlier on November 1, Taliban had imposed a new, oppressive rule that silences Afghan women's voices even further, the latest step banned them from hearing each other's voices to erase "women entirely from public life and society," reported the New York Post. The Taliban Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Khalid Hanafi, banned Afghani women from hearing each other's voices. "Even when an adult female prays and another female passes by, she must not pray loudly enough for them to hear," he said in his message, as reported by NY Post. A woman's voice is considered "awrah" - meaning that which must be covered and shouldn't be heard in public - Hanafi said, as per NY Post. "When women are not permitted to call takbir or athan [Islamic call to prayer], they certainly cannot sing songs or [make] music," NY Post quoted Hanafi as saying. "How could they be allowed to sing if they aren't even permitted to hear (each other's) voices while praying, let alone for anything else." The Taliban have been slashing away at women's and girls' rights since returning to power in August 2021. The de facto authorities have issued edicts, directives and decrees, including limiting girls to primary-level education, banning women from most professions and prohibiting them from using parks, gyms and other public places, UN said in a statement. "Now, more than ever, it's crucial to include women in all matters concerning Afghanistan's future meaningfully," said former Afghan diplomat Asila Wardak of the Women's Forum on Afghanistan, as per UN. Stressing that the country's future "cannot be built on the exclusion of half of the population," she said that "women must be part of the solution, not sidelined." (ANI) Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, was the third American leader to visit India during which a village in Haryana was named Carterpuri in his honour. President Carter died on Sunday, December 29, 2024 aged 100 in Plains, Georgia, his home town. He visited India a few months after the withdrawal of the state of Emergency and spoke against authoritarian rule in his address to Parliament. IMAGE: President Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter arrive on a three-day visit, January 1, 1978. The Carters were received at Palam airport by then President Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, his wife Nagaratnamma Reddy and then prime minister Morarji Desai. President Carter's visit was meant to break the thaw in India-US relations after the 1971 War and India's 1974 nuclear test. However, the visit didn't go according to plan. Carter wanted the Indians to put an end to their nuclear ambitions. He was caught by microphones telling his aides that a 'cold and blunt message' should be delivered to Desai over India's nuclear ambitions. Photograph: US Embassy New Delhi/Flickr IMAGE: Carter -- whose mother 'Miss Lillian' spent several months in India as a Peace Corps volunteer -- visited a village in Daulatpur Nasirabad during their stay. Here, Rosalynn Carter wears a shawl presented to her by villagers as her husband smiles approvingly. The Carters gifted a television set to the village and promised funds. The name of the village was permanently changed to Carterpuri in honour of their visit. Photograph: US Embassy New Delhi/Flickr IMAGE: In October 2006, some three weeks after his 82nd birthday, President Carter and Rosalynn Carter were in Lonavala -- approximately 100 kilometres from Mumbai -- to build houses as part of the 23rd Jimmy Carter Work Project in association with Habitat for Humanity. A day before, the Nobel Peace Prize winner had inaugurated the project in Patan, near Lonavala. One of those helping the Carters build homes was Brad Pitt (right, bottom photograph, talking to Jimmy and Rosalynn), who was then in India along with his then partner Angelina Jolie who was shooting for the film A Mighty Heart. Photographs: Getty Images from the Rediff Archives IMAGE: Before he arrived in Lonavala, President Carter called on then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, October 27, 2006: Two leaders of uncommon decency and humanity. Photograph: B Mathur/Reuters IMAGE: The same day, October 27, 2006, President Carter launched the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Partnership Award for Campus-Community Collaboration in New Delhi. Photograph: B Mathur/Reuters Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com For 100 low-income families near Lonavala, around 80 km from Mumbai, Jimmy Carter was a godsend as he had helped build their houses in 2006. IMAGE: Former US President Jimmy Carter greets people as he leaves after the funeral service for his wife, former US first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church, in Plains, Georgia, US November 29, 2023. Photograph: Alex Brandon/Pool via Reuters For a week in October that year, the former US President and his wife Rosalynn worked alongside the families and about 2,000 international and local volunteers to build homes at Patan village near Lonavala, a popular hill station. The volunteers included Hollywood actor Brad Pitt and Bollywood actor John Abraham. The houses were built under the aegis of NGO Habitat for Humanity. Carter volunteered his carpentry skills and raised money to boost the organisation's profile. Since 1984, Carter donated one week of his time and his building skills every year to the organisation. Carter, who left the White House in 1980 at the end of his first and only term as US President, had said in an interview that his mother Lillian joined the Peace Corps when she was 67 and worked in a leper colony near Mumbai. "She was very near Bombay in a little village called Vikhroli," the former President had recalled, referring to what is now a central suburb of the megapolis. Carter's association with Habitat began in 1984 when he donated his carpentry and manual labour skills for a week to renovate a building in New York. The NGO, which helps homeowners build homes alongside volunteers, was founded in Americus, Georgia near Carter's hometown of Plains. Habitat homes are not give-aways. It chooses beneficiaries from applicants depending on their ability to repay low-interest loans and the amount of sweat equity they can put into the projects. The Georgia peanut farmer, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize after he left office, died on Sunday after a prolonged illness. He was 100 years old, the longest-lived former president in his country's history. 'Mrs Gandhi had nothing to do in the day-to-day working of Dr Singh's government.' 'People say Mrs Gandhi's office used to give orders, which is nonsense.' Prithviraj Chavan, who served as a minister of state in the prime minister's office from May 2004 to November 2010 recalls his association with Dr Manmohan Singh. IMAGE: Dr Manmohan Singh with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi display copies of the Congress election manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha election, April 2, 2019. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters I had the opportunity to observe the working of Dr Manmohan Singh from close quarters when I became a Congress member of Parliament for the first time in 1991. He was then the Union finance minister and he had to take very difficult decisions for the country, as India was facing an economic crisis. The economic situation of the country was precarious and grave. It was on the verge of default (on loans from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund). Dr Singh came, saw and conquered the situation. He changed industrial policy, opened up capital account a bit. Import-export policies and the industrial licensing policy, license permit raj were the other issues that he tackled. In 2004, when he became prime minister, he inducted me in his office as minister of state (Prime Minister's Office). I was with him for six-and-a-half years, from May 2004 to November 2010. I was given charge of the ministries of personnel, parliamentary affairs, space and atomic energy. In the second UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government I was also given charge of the science and technology ministry. I have very fond memories of working with him closely. I learnt a lot from him. He was a very gentle leader and an academician. Every decision he took was strongly logical and there were no impulsive decisions. He always surrounded himself with experts, scientists and economists. It was a fairytale period for me as I learnt lot of economics. India's golden period was from 2004 to 2014 although towards the end, many imaginary corruption scandals came out against our government. We had to pay the price for that and the government lost power in 2014. The landmark decision he took as prime minister was the India-US nuclear deal. Equally important was the handling of the global financial crisis of 2008. I was witness to the decisions that he took then. The collapse of Lehman Brothers was such a huge financial crisis, but we did not even feel the heat of that, all thanks to Dr Manmohan Singh. Another incident that I recall was when Satyam Computers collapsed. Dr Singh was very insistent that Satyam's clients must get their dues because India's reputation was at stake. He said we can punish the wrongdoers, but Satyam must survive and fulfill its obligations to all its international clients. Dr Singh personally saw to it that the Satyam crisis was solved and India's reputation in the software industry was unscathed. He felt that if we allowed Satyam to collapse, nobody in the international arena would touch Indian passport holders. It is very unfortunate that the media portrayed him as a puppet prime minister. Dr Manmohan Singh was a mild person by nature without a doubt. He never had the airs of being a PM. He was not a quintessential politician. His mild manner made some people consider him a weak prime minister, which is not true. He was a very strong PM. An incident that has been cited as a mark of his eroding authority was when Rahul Gandhi tore the ordinance at a press conference. I think there was some logic to why that happened. Dr Singh and Sonia Gandhi's relations were exemplary. Mrs Gandhi looked after Congress party affairs and Dr Singh looked after the running of the government without bothering to run the party. People say Mrs Gandhi's office used to give orders, which is nonsense. The logic was that Mrs Gandhi had won the 2004 elections on the Congress manifesto. And the people of India had voted for that manifesto, which she had designed as the party president. So, it was her duty to ensure that whatever promises were made in the manifesto were implemented. Her government had to deliver on those promises to voters. Mrs Gandhi had nothing to do in the day-to-day working of Dr Singh's government. There was a mechanism put in place. Every Friday, at 4 pm, Mrs Gandhi used to drive down to Dr Singh's residence along with Ahmed Patel and one or two other people who were required. Dr Singh used to be there with his team of 3, 4 people or some Cabinet ministers. There used to be a one on one meeting between Dr Singh and Mrs Gandhi after which there used to be a group meeting. This was called the core group and this meeting took place every week. Whatever the Congress party wanted the government to do was discussed at the core group meeting. There was no need to carry files back and fro or take orders from anybody. A clear division of work was existed. The party was of Mrs Gandhi and the government was of Dr Manmohan Singh. Dr Manmohan Singh's government had to ensure that the Congress manifesto was fulfilled and this was checked by Mrs Sonia Gandhi at those meetings from time to time. Some of the promises which were difficult to implement were given time; then those promises were put forward to the core committee to discuss in detail. Therefore, to say that Dr Singh took orders from Mrs Gandhi is not true. Mrs Gandhi never intervened in any administrative matters like postings, promotions or transfers in the government. Prithviraj Chavan spoke to Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. 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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 The latest Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan have rekindled tensions between Afghanistan's Taliban rulers and Islamabad, who were once former allies. While Pakistan has said it was targeting militant hideouts, Taliban officials said the December 24 attacks killed some 50 civilians. The Afghan Defense Ministry vowed that it "will not leave this despicable act unanswered." Taliban officials said most of the victims were ethnic Pashtun refugees from Pakistan's Waziristan region and were targeted just across the border in Barmal, a district in the southeastern Afghan province of Paktika. Pakistan defended the air strikes, saying its security forces acted along its western border with Afghanistan to "protect Pakistani people from terrorists." Pakistani authorities have repeatedly blamed the Taliban, the militant group that claimed power again in Afghanistan in August 2021, for providing "hideouts and sanctuaries" to the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an Islamist militant group designated a terrorist organization by the United States. The TTP is banned in Pakistan and seeks to overthrow the government in Islamabad. Experts say the latest tensions are indicative of the deadlock between the two neighbors, despite Islamabad's past support for Taliban militants. "The Taliban and Pakistan are in a bind over the TTP," says Sami Yousafzai, a veteran Afghan journalist and commentator. "Both have no good options and face dilemmas." Following the militant group's return to power in 2021, the Taliban government facilitated peace talks between Islamabad and the TTP. But the truce it brokered failed in November 2022. Since then, the Taliban has resisted Pakistani demands to go after its longtime ideological and organizational ally, the TTP, by expelling it from Afghanistan or pressuring it to surrender to Islamabad. Pakistan has accused the Taliban of supporting terrorism by backing the TTP. In Pakistan, the TTP has waged a violent campaign to reestablish control in the country's western border regions abutting Afghanistan. For the last two decades, TTP militants have controlled parts of this region, fighting an ongoing battle against the Pakistani military. Hundreds of Pakistani security forces have been killed in the TTP attacks, while local civilians have suffered under the militant group's draconian rule. On December 21, the TTP claimed credit for killing 16 soldiers in South Waziristan. The Taliban government is reluctant to move against the TTP, Yousafzai says, because the militant group's presence in Afghanistan is "just one part of a very complicated problem." Yousafzai says Islamabad's demand that the Afghan Taliban solve the TTP issue "is not practical" because of the high anti-Pakistan sentiment among Afghans. "The Taliban is keen on ridding itself of the label that it once served Islamabad's interests," he says. Islamabad partnered with Washington in its war on terror after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. But Pakistan also provided clandestine support to the Taliban insurgency that ultimately toppled the pro-Western Afghan republic. This has won Pakistan few friends among Afghans, who blame Islamabad for their country's troubles. Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud, news director at the Khorasan Diary, a website tracking militant groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan, says there is now little convergence of interests between the Taliban and Pakistan. "Islamabad has exhausted all of its options to pressure the Taliban," he says. The December 24 strikes were the fourth time Pakistani jets have bombed targets inside Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Since October 2023, Islamabad has expelled nearly 1 million undocumented Afghans. Pakistan has said those Afghans were living in the country illegally. Some of those expelled went to their ancestral villages, including in Paktika. Pakistan has repeatedly closed its seaport and border crossings for trade with landlocked Afghanistan, further squeezing the country's struggling economy under the Taliban. "None of these tactics has worked in the past, and it is unlikely to pressure the Taliban to abandon the TTP now," he said. Mehsud says many in the Taliban feel "strongly obliged" to help the TTP, because it fought against the Pakistani military in the past to protect the Taliban and hosted their leaders and members while they were in exile in the country. "They are brothers in arms because of the ideological and ethnic relations," he says. Successive TTP leaders have pledged religious allegiance to the Taliban leaders, who preach an ultra-conservative form of Islam. Leaders of both groups are ethnic Pashtuns and have deep personal ties. Islamabad has also claimed a growing number of Afghans are fighting for the TTP. There is little hope that the impasse between the two sides can be solved anytime soon. "The Afghan Taliban is likely to push for gaining something major for the TTP, such as a formal recognition of its control over some region in Pakistan," Mehsud says. But he sees Islamabad as unwilling to make such sweeping concessions. Residents of Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, where the TTP is most active, have held demonstrations against the militant group's return. "Pakistan is likely to continue diplomatic engagement with the Taliban and kinetic actions against the TTP simultaneously," he said. On December 24, Pakistan's special representative to Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, held talks with senior Taliban officials as his country's military bombed alleged TTP hideouts inside the country. Carrying out air strikes while diplomatic efforts are ongoing demonstrates Islamabad's "complete disregard for another nation's prestige and sovereignty," says Obaidullah Baheer, visiting fellow at the South Asia Center at the London School of Economics. He says Islamabad needs a "very clear strategy" for dealing with the TTP, because it cannot expect the Afghan Taliban to make an enemy out of its ally. Another consideration, Baheer says, is that the Taliban fears pushing the TTP into the arms of Islamic State-Khorasan. The ultraradical group, a Taliban archenemy, claimed responsibility for killing a Taliban minister on December 11. "The TTP is probably the only leverage the Taliban has over Pakistan," Baheer says. Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking China's resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. I'm RFE/RL's China Global Affairs Correspondent Reid Standish and here's what I'm following right now. Minding The Transatlantic Gap China is looking to capitalize on a transatlantic rift between the United States and Europe that is widening as U.S. President Donald Trump looks to quickly end the war in Ukraine. But how much of an opening is there actually for Beijing? Finding Perspective: The threat of tariffs, a war of words at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month, U.S.-Russia talks that excluded Europe and Kyiv, and a standoff at the United Nations over how to commemorate the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine have all been recent fissures between Washington and European governments. That brought new questions about relying on the United States to European capitals and left an opening for Beijing, which has been trying to woo back Europe over the past four years. On the sidelines in Munich, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with several top European officials, including EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Spain's foreign minister seems to be at least more open to the idea of keeping China closer amid tensions with the United States. Jose Manuel Albares told the Financial Times that the European Union should craft its own China policy and not follow the more confrontational line with Beijing advocated by those in the Trump administration. "Europe must take its own decisions, on its own. And we have to decide when China can be a partner and when China is a competitor," Albares told the newspaper. How We Got Here: During Trump's first term in office, Washington pushed European governments to take a harder line on China. That led to the bloc labeling China a "systemic rival" in 2019. The Chinese government's untransparent handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade, human rights, and supply chain concerns, and Beijing's backing of Russia throughout the war in Ukraine all saw that harder line solidify in Europe under former U.S. President Joe Biden's tenure. Now amid growing transatlantic tensions, some European governments see following Trump's tough stance on China as a way to win over Washington. Others, like the Spanish government, are arguing to preserve vital economic ties with Beijing, especially amid growing uncertainty about the United States. This has even led to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one of Brussels's more hawkish voices on China, calling in January for a new effort to improve relations between Brussels and Beijing. A True Rift? Tensions on each side of the Atlantic are real. Following his party's victory in elections on February 23, Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor-in-waiting for the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said the Trump administration "does not care much about the fate of Europe" and that the Continent needs to act accordingly. "My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the U.S.A.," he said. Talk of a seismic shift in the geopolitical order is also under way in Brussels. One EU official recently back from discussions with U.S. officials told RFE/RL that the White House's focus is on ending the war in Ukraine and that there is a "take it or leave it" attitude from Washington. The Trump administration wants to "remove the Ukraine issue from the table and move on to other issues. It is becoming clear that Trump's goal is to rule the world together with Russia and China" and work toward "strategically separating them from each other," said the official, who was granted anonymity in order to discuss sensitive matters. Why It Matters: Europe may be grappling with a realignment, but that doesn't mean China is its only option to hedge. As European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visit Washington, von der Leyen is set to arrive in India on February 27. James Crabtree, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told me that "it's hard to imagine a better time to re-energize Europe's and India's historically lackluster ties" and that a focus of the trip will be technology cooperation. "A meeting of the EU-India Trade and Technology Council -- only the second since its foundation in 2023 -- offers opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to clean technologies," he said. China may also be short on opportunities, with most EU members unable to look past its support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine. The bloc's most recent sanctions package passed on February 24 once again included Chinese companies and individuals. What is likely to emerge is a more fragmented Europe when it comes to China. While some governments look to countries like India, South Korea, and Japan to balance out their foreign policy, others -- such as the current Spanish government and Hungary -- will keep courting Chinese investment and create new openings for Beijing. Three More Stories From Eurasia 1. A Reverse Nixon? China publicly backed the Trump administration's recent talks with the Kremlin, but analysts and former U.S. officials I spoke with mostly said the prospect of a U.S.-Russia reset is also making Beijing "nervous" about having less leverage over its partner. The Details: "While a complete rapprochement might not be in the cards, they're nervous because if Trump lifts sanctions on Russia, then Moscow's dependency on China decreases," Dennis Wilder, who was a top White House China adviser to former U.S. President George W. Bush, told me. One of the hallmarks of Chinese leader Xi Jinping's foreign policy has been a burgeoning strategic partnership with Russian President Vladimir Putin that's grown closer since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Beijing has propped up the Russian economy through enhanced trade and energy purchases while fueling the Kremlin's war effort with the supply of key goods as both Xi and Putin have found common ground in wanting to challenge the West and unseat the United States. The fear of all that being derailed by a new type of U.S.-Russia relationship born out of a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine is real for Beijing. Wilder says he's had conversations with "very senior Chinese officials" since Trump's election in November who have expressed concern about a potential U.S.-Russia reset. He says they've used the phrase "Only Trump goes to Moscow," a play on the historical reference to former U.S. President Richard Nixon's landmark visit to Beijing in 1972, when he defied precedent and courted China to exploit its split with the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. 2. But Can It Work? A grand bargain would be a major diplomatic feat, but it's something Trump administration officials have hinted at in public comments of late. What You Need To Know: The Trump administration has made clear it sees managing a long-term rivalry with China as its top foreign policy objective and may look to deprioritize regions like Europe and the Middle East in order to raise pressure on Beijing in Asia. Following the talks in Riyadh, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the possibility for future "geopolitical and economic cooperation" between Washington and Moscow was among the key points discussed. And in an interview this month with The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was prepared to reset the relationship with the Kremlin following an agreement over Ukraine as a move to end Russia's isolation and its growing dependence on China since the war began. "It's not in Putin's interest to be the little brother in a coalition with China," Vance said. The thinking is that even new cracks between the two powers may loosen Moscow's alignment with Beijing and could have a deterrent effect on China, especially if it decides to use military force to take Taiwan. Still, both Beijing and Moscow are aware of what the White House is trying to do, and Beijing has made a point to show it and Moscow are still a tandem, including a recent phone call between Putin and Xi on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Steve Tsang, director of SOAS University London's China Institute, told me he believes Washington's efforts to reset its Russia ties are also not all bad news for Beijing. "Xi does not want Putin to fail in the war, and so Trump delivering a peace that mostly meets Russian conditions is a positive," he said. "Who knows who will be the next U.S. president and if there will be a reversal of U.S. posture post-Trump." 3. Taiwan Watches A New U.S. Line On Ukraine Ukrainians living in Taiwan and local supporters protested outside the de-facto Russian Embassy in Taipei on the eve of the third anniversary of Moscow's invasion. What It Means: The self-governing island has been a vocal supporter of Kyiv, which the Taiwanese government sees as a foil for its own tenuous geopolitical position where China has long threatened to invade and annex Taiwan if it refused to peacefully accept unification. Those parallels have grown since Trump's election. The United States is Taiwan's largest military backer and its support is considered vital for its survival, but Trump's global shakeup, including launching negotiations with Russia without Ukraine and threatening to cut off future aid to Kyiv, has brought anxiety to Taiwan about a similar withdrawal of American assistance. When I was in Taiwan in December, I spoke with several senior officials who said they were closely watching what happened to Kyiv on the battlefield and with the new U.S. administration. So far, the White House has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan, but Washington has also threatened tariffs on the island's semiconductor industry, which is responsible for around 60 percent of world production for microchips and 90 percent of the most-advanced ones needed for the global AI boom. Across The Supercontinent Choking Off Iranian Oil: Earlier this month, the United States brought in a new tranche of sanctions on Iranian oil, my colleague Kian Sharifi and I reported . The move is seen as an opening shot against Tehran and Beijing -- Iran's top oil customer. New Bridge Deal: The Transport Ministry of Tajikistan and the Tajik branch of the Chinese company Zhejiang Communications Construction Group (ZCCC) signed a cooperation agreement for the construction of what will be the longest road bridge in Central Asia. New Tools For Tashkent: Uzbekistan showcased on February 25 newly purchased Chinese-made air-defense systems, including the FM-90 short-range surface-to-air missile system and the KS-1C medium-to-long-range air-defense system. One Thing To Watch A Chinese-crewed cargo ship is detained in Taiwan's southern port of Tainan after a key Taiwan-Penghu Internet cable was mysteriously severed. Taiwanese prosecutors are investigating whether this was an accident or part of a broader pattern of disruptions to vital communication lines, but the country's Coast Guard released footage of them apprehending the vessel. The move comes amid growing tensions from a rise of so-called gray zone tactics, the term often used by Taiwanese officials to refer to the hybrid tactics used to intimidate the island but which remain below the threshold for war. That's all from me for now. Don't forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have. Until next time, Reid Standish Ukraine and Russia freed hundreds of prisoners of war on December 30 in a swap brokered by the United Arab Emirates. Video released by the office of the Ukrainian president showed emotional reunions between freed prisoners and their loved ones at an undisclosed location. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said 189 Ukrainians had returned home, while Moscow reported that 150 Russian soldiers had been freed and evacuated to Belarus. 19 Former hostage Alan Golacinski of Silver Spring, Maryland, waves during a ticker-tape parade in Manhattan that honored the returning Americans on January 30, 1981. The agreement that resulted in the release of the hostages called for the unfreezing of $7.9 billion of Iranian assets abroad. The hostages were blocked from suing Iran, but in 2015, they were granted $4.4 million each by the U.S. government. The money was taken from an $8.9 billion fine against French bank BNP Paribas for its role in the violation of economic sanctions against Iran. 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. Eva Osborne and Rebecca Black, PA Paddy Hill, who was wrongly convicted and jailed as part of the 'Birmingham Six', has died. He passed away at home on Monday morning at the age of 80. He was one of six men from Northern Ireland who were jailed for life in 1975 after they were wrongly accused of involvement in the Birmingham pub bombings the previous year. Some 21 people were killed in explosions at two Birmingham city centre pubs in November 1974. Paddy Hill with Hugh Callaghan, Richard McIlkenny and John Walker outside Old Bailey after the convictions of the Birmingham Six were quashed (PA) The Birmingham Six spent almost two decades in prison for the bombings before their convictions were quashed in 1991. The six men were later awarded financial compensation ranging from 1.014 million to 1.449 million. Following his release from prison in 1991, Paddy Hill set up the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation to support others who had been wrongly accused of crimes. The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO) said in a post on their Facebook page that Mr Hill died peacefully at home on Monday morning. They said: It is with great sorrow Paddy died this morning peacefully at home. Our condolences to his family at this sad time. We ask that you respect the familys privacy. Roscommon County Councils decision to award planning permission for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near the shores of Lough Allen in North Roscommon has been appealed to An Bord Pleanala. In a detailed submission, Lough Allen Conservation Association has lodged the appeal against last months decision to grant permission to Arigna LDES Ltd for the development on the site of the former Arigna Power Generating Station, which is adjacent to the existing 110kV Arigna substation. BESS systems are used to store excess energy from the power grid, so it can be later used when electricity demand is high. The development on a 1.6 hectares site would include the installation of 56 battery containers and medium voltage power stations at Tawlaght & Srabragan, Lough Allen, County Roscommon. The site is located just off the R280 approximately 10 kilometres of Drumkeeran and seven kilometres north of Drumshanbo. Lough Allen borders the proposed development site to the east. In its planning application, Arigna LDES Ltd said there was a need to increase the volume of energy storage on the grid in Ireland as well as increase the volume of wind and solar generation if we are to meet our 2030 and 2050 targets. Before the appeal to An Bord Pleanala, a number of people had already expressed their objections formally to the development on a range of grounds, including health and safety; the potential for the facility to cause fire; the lack of sufficient resources to deal with a major fire, and devaluation of property in the vicinity. Some of those who submitted their objections to the planning application also raised concerns about lithium-ion batteries presenting a risk of major hazard due to the risk of failure. In the decision to grant approval last month, the county planners considered the companys planning application to be in accordance with local and regional policy. They deemed that the development would not have a significant environmental impact and a negligible impact on residential amenity. Planning was granted subject to nineteen conditions. One of them stipulated that an updated Emergency Response Plan to consider all potential emergencies on site including fire, explosion and accidental spillages - must be submitted for the written agreement of the planning authority, in conjunction with Roscommon County Councils Fire Service. An Bord Pleanala is due to decide on the appeal by late April 2025. By Cillian Sherlock, PA A Catholic priest caught in the middle of a loyalist protest at a north Belfast school turned down an offer of accommodation from the Irish Government after receiving a death threat. Father Aidan Troy received multiple loyalist death threats in January 2003 over his role in the Holy Cross dispute in Belfast. The dispute in 2001 made headlines around the world as loyalist residents staged protests against Catholic families walking their children to a school in the area. Some of the protests became violent and police in riot gear were deployed to protect the schoolgirls as they made their way to and from the school. Fr Troy was the chairman of the board of governors of the school. Children and parents run for cover along the Ardoyne Road in north Belfast, towards Holy Cross School. Photo: Paul Faith/PA. In newly released documents from the Irish National Archives, he told the Department of Foreign Affairs that he had been subjected to death threats in January 2003 a year after most of the hostilities had ceased but days after a pipe bomb had been left at the school. The device was safely diffused. Fr Troy told officials on January 12th that he first became aware of a threat against him on January 9th when he was informed by a BBC journalist that they had received a coded warning threatening him and the board of management at the school. A second coded warning was received by the Samaritans on January 10, where Fr Troy was informed that the charity had received a call threatening his life unless the school was closed. The next day, police told him they had intelligence that his life was in danger from loyalist paramilitaries and that he was to be shot before Monday. Fr Troy was offered full security, advised to avoid Ardoyne and to take special precautions. He told the department that while he was concerned about the threats, he did not know how to respond to them. Police and the Army came under attack near Holy Cross primary school in Ardoyne. Photo: Paul Faith/PA. He said he did not wish to leave Ardoyne nor draw attention to the threat against him because of the effect it may have on the children of the school. Tom Lynch, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, said he told Fr Troy to take the threat seriously. He offered Fr Troy temporary accommodation in one of the apartments which the department was leasing in Belfast. However, Mr Lynch wrote: Having considered our offer he said he was very appreciative but that for the present he felt that he might be better residing in the monastery in Ardoyne. Fr Troy said if he needed to move urgently he would contact the department. Mr Lynch said he contacted British officials who made arrangements with the police to respond promptly to any security requests from the priest. Fr Troy later said he was threatened again, telling the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin that police officers had told him of another threat against his life. On January 22nd, he said: The most recent threat relayed to me by the PSNI told me I would be killed within two days. Father Troy also said the planting of a device earlier that month at the school gate had a devastating effect on pupils, with some dropping out of class and others regressing in terms of the therapy they received. He added: I do not blame the people of the (loyalist) Glenbryn area for these messages. It takes only one sick mind or a perverted person to create fear, intimidation and a form of terrorism. He paid tribute to his wonderful staff of dedicated teachers, and he insisted: There are no plans to close the school. To force it to close as a result of intimidation would be an absolute tragedy. This article is based on documents in 2024/130/6 Bihar Bandh Amid BPSC Students' Protest Today: Bihar faces escalating protests from students Despite the students' growing unrest, the commission has firmly declined their requests. Bihar Bandh BPSC Students Protest Latest News Today: Bihar Bandh BPSC Students Protest Latest News Today: The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) is facing escalating protests from students demanding the cancellation of the examination conducted on December 13. Despite the students' growing unrest, the commission has firmly declined their requests. On Sunday, the situation intensified in Patna as police used water cannons and mild force to disperse protestors, further fueling anger. In response, a statewide Bihar Bandh and chakka jam have been declared for Monday, garnering support from various political parties. Advertisement CPIM Extends Support to Protests The CPIM has openly backed the students' agitation. MLA Sandeep Saurabh addressed a letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, calling for the cancellation and re-conduct of the BPSC examination, citing irregularities and discrepancies. CPI-ML state secretary Kunal criticized the government's harsh response to the protests and urged authorities to consider the students' demands seriously. The CPI-ML has also pledged its support to the chakka jam scheduled for December 30. Impact of the Bihar Bandh Likely Disruptions: Public transport, including buses and rail services, may face significant disruptions due to protestors blocking routes. Operational Services: Emergency services like hospitals and ambulances will remain unaffected. Government and bank offices are expected to remain open as no closure orders have been issued. Tejashwi Yadav Weighs In RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has expressed his solidarity with the students and criticized Jansuraj Party leader Prashant Kishor. Without naming him, Tejashwi alleged that some individuals attempted to take credit for the protests but retreated when the situation turned confrontational. (For more news apart from Bihar Bandh BPSC Students Protest Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Punjab Bandh today: Know what's opened and what's closed The bandh has been called in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month. Punjab Bandh, PRTC Bus Strike, Petrol Pumps Closed, Farmers Protest Today Latest News: The Punjab Bandh, organized by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) (non-political), is expected to disrupt daily life across the state today from 7 am to 4 pm. The bandh has been called in solidarity with farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month, demanding the implementation of 13 farm-related reforms, including legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops. Punjab Bandh, PRTC Bus Strike, Petrol Pumps Closed, Farmers Protest Today Latest News: Advertisement Heres how various sectors are likely to be affected: Educational Institutions With winter vacations already in place for most schools, the impact on primary and secondary education is minimal. However, colleges affiliated with Panjab University have rescheduled exams originally planned for today. Panjab University announced that Mondays exams would now take place on Tuesday, while Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, has deferred its December 30 exams to January 12, 2025. Fruits and Vegetable Mandis Truckers supporting the bandh will halt fresh supply deliveries, disrupting fruit and vegetable markets until 4 pm. Milk Vendors Milk delivery services are expected to be unavailable during the bandh hours, as vendors cite logistical challenges in completing early-morning distributions amid harsh winter conditions. Advertisement Transport Services Public and private transport, including buses, will remain suspended due to chakka jams planned by farmer unions at over 200 locations on highways and link roads. Rail services are also expected to face disruptions at approximately 50 sites across the state. Transport associations have announced they will resume operations only after 4 pm. Petrol Pumps and LPG Delivery While the Punjab Petrol Pump Dealers Association has stated that fuel stations will remain operational for emergencies, the transport strike may affect the delivery of LPG cylinders. Markets The Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal has decided against a statewide market closure. However, some local markets in areas such as Rajpura, Sangrur, Mansa, and Moga, as well as those near chakka jam sites, are expected to remain closed until the bandh concludes. Advertisement Government Offices While government offices are scheduled to remain open, attendance may be lower than usual due to anticipated travel difficulties for outstation employees. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) The SGPC has announced the closure of its offices across Punjab in support of the bandh. Uninterrupted Services Medical services will function as usual. Special provisions have been made to ensure weddings and related ceremonies are not disrupted. Advertisement Langar Arrangements Several gurdwaras in Muktsar, Sangrur, Bathinda, Patiala, Moga, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur will provide free meals (langar) at protest sites throughout the day. Extension to Other States The bandh organizers have also called on neighboring states, including Haryana, to participate in solidarity. (For more news apart from Punjab Bandh, PRTC Bus Strike, Petrol Pumps Closed, Farmers Protest Today Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Zelenskyy Urges Trudeau to Boost Arms Funding, Tighten Sanctions on Russia He further urged Canada to boost funding for weapons production in Ukraine and consider localized manufacturing options. Russia Ukraine War latest News: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to increase funding for Ukrainian arms production and explore localized manufacturing opportunities. The appeal comes as Canada prepares to assume the presidency of the Group of Seven (G7). Expressing gratitude for Canada's existing defense support, including the NASAMS air defense system, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for continued coordination among allies to counter Russian aggression. Advertisement Taking to social media platform X, Zelenskyy said, I spoke with Canadas Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau ahead of Canadas G7 presidency. We discussed key priorities, including strengthening sanctions against Russia, particularly targeting their propaganda networks and shadow fleet. He further urged Canada to boost funding for weapons production in Ukraine and consider localized manufacturing options. Strong coordination with allies is crucial to ensuring Ukraine's strong stance and advancing lasting peace and security for all, Zelenskyy added. This marks the second outreach to a G7 nation in recent weeks, following Zelenskyys December 23 call to the UK. During that conversation, Ukraine proposed a "100-year Ukraine-UK Partnership Agreement," focusing on defense investments and heightened sanctions against Russian tanker fleets. Advertisement Recent Diplomatic Efforts Zelenskyy has been actively engaging with NATO and European Union (EU) leaders to reinforce Ukraines defenses and its position against Russia. Recent talks included a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Ukraines EU accession and the use of frozen Russian assets for recovery efforts. Additionally, discussions with NATO Chief Mark Rutte centered on enhancing Ukraine's air defense systems. The diplomatic push comes as the United States prepares for a leadership transition from President Joe Biden to President-elect Donald Trump. Trump, a vocal critic of US military aid to Ukraine, has pledged to end the war swiftly after taking office, raising concerns over future US support for Ukraine. Advertisement (For more news apart from Russia Ukraine War latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) The Romanian Revolution Narrated to Young People December is the month when, since 1989, Romanians have commemorated the fall of the communist regime The History Show Steliu Lambru, 30.12.2024, 13:27 December is the month when, since 1989, Romanians have commemorated the fall of the communist regime, a regime that had trampled their rights, freedoms and their very essence as human beings for almost half a century. They commemorate that December 1989 because the return to normality was achieved through bloodshed, as the communist regime exited history through violence, just as it had emerged. As time passes and emotions cool down, people become able to look at those events with a clearer eye, and the younger generations of Romanians look at December 1989 with the curiosity and the detachment of those who have not been directly affected by it. It is worrying that many young people today lack an accurate picture of the political regime that the young people of 1989 threw into the dustbin of history, and even worse, that they say they see no problem with living during those times. But the young people of 1989 try to shed light on the significance of what they did, for todays generations to better understand what their grandparents and parents had gone through. The historian and writer Alina Pavelescu, a member of the generation that made the 1989 revolution, wrote a book on The 1989 Revolution Narrated to Those Who Havent Lived It. We asked her if there was a message that the 1989 generation managed to convey to the future generations: Alina Pavelescu: Obviously, we should have done it, and we should have found the meaning of what happened to us in the last 35 years. But we havent managed to do it so far, and we can only hope that we will be wiser from now on. I could only offer my personal testimony, as a person for whom this topic is still emotionally loaded, even 35 years later. And it is precisely this emotional burden, which all of us who witnessed the 1989 Revolution directly still carry, this emotional burden is what prevents us from seeing things clearly. But, at least, we can tell our stories honestly, so that people younger than us understand how the 1989 Revolution changed their lives for the better, and so that they find meaning in it for us, if we cannot do it. Alina Pavelescu felt that she had something to say to todays and tomorrows generations about the year 1989. And she chose to do this in a book: Alina Pavelescu: I set out first and foremost to stimulate critical thinking in young people. I realize that they are presented with different stories and different versions and that, probably, they are wondering where the truth is, among all these versions. And so, the first thing I did was to present to them all the theories and hypotheses that I identified in the revolution narratives, with their arguments for and against. But, I admit, in the epilogue of this book I could not help but tell them specifically that the Revolution of 1989 was, indeed, a revolution because it radically changed all of our lives. We owe the freedom of the last 35 years to this event, even if we did not really know what to do with this freedom and we have always had the feeling that someone stole it from under our noses. But even so, the fact that we have it, that we have not yet lost it, is something we owe to the Revolution of 1989 and to the people who sacrificed themselves then, those who sat down in front of the rifles in the street, those who died. Combining the talent of a writer and the skills of a historian, Alina Pavelescu wrote about the year 1989, confronting conflicting views and blending professional requirements, personal memories and value judgments. Alina Pavelescu: A historian should provide a coherent and true story, or at least as close to the truth as possible, as close as possible to the intersection of the truth of certain events. It is not for historians to give lectures, necessarily, or not necessarily lectures beyond the personal example that we all have the right to use. But I fear that in Eastern Europe and in Romania, where history is all too often the terrain of political struggles in which identities and the way we define our identities are constantly the subject of political competitions, historians will never truly manage to stay in their ivory tower. And so, if this is the context in which we live, I think the most honest thing for us is to acknowledge this context and try to do things as well as possible from our perspective and within this context. I do not think that we should close ourselves in the ivory tower, I do not think the ivory tower is a realistic option. At the same time, we should not let others transform our subject, namely history, into just a battlefield in which politicians fight. No matter how much time passes and regardless of perceptions, the year 1989 will remain a year of grace. It is, like it or not, the boundary between what is detestable and what is good in this world. (AMP) Austria's producer prices continued to decline in November, though at the slowest pace in four months, figures from Statistics Austria showed on Monday. The producer price index dropped 2.0 percent year-over-year in November, slower than the 2.3 percent fall in October. Prices have been falling since July 2023. The continued downward trend was largely driven by an 11.9 percent plunge in energy prices. Nonetheless, the rate of decrease softened from 12.7 percent in October. Meanwhile, prices for intermediate goods rose 1.0 percent compared to last year. Similarly, costs for capital goods and consumer goods increased by 2.6 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively. On a monthly basis, producer prices moved up 0.4 percent from October, when they rose by 0.3 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Jimmy Carter, who is the first American president to turn 100 and the longest-lived president in U.S. history, has died. The Carter Center said the former president died at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family. No formal announcements have been made regarding a Memorial service for Carter, including a state funeral in Washington, D.C.. Born in Plains, Georgia, on 1924 October 1, Carter joined after leaving the military service. After serving as the Georgia State Senator and then as governor of Georgia, the dark-horse candidate narrowly defeated the incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential election. He served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Carter pardoned all Vietnam War draft evaders on his second day in office. He successfully pursued the Camp David Accords, the Panama Canal Treaties, and the second round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks. He also confronted stagflation. In response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Carter escalated the Cold War by ending detente, imposing a grain embargo against the Soviets, enunciating the Carter Doctrine, and leading the multinational boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. The Democrat President left active politics after his bid for reelection turned unsuccessful, losing to Ronald Reagan, at the age of 56. After leaving the presidency, Carter established the Carter Center to promote and expand human rights; in 2002 he received a Nobel Peace Prize for related work. He traveled extensively to conduct peace negotiations, monitor elections, and further the eradication of infectious diseases. Carter is a key figure in the nonprofit housing organization Habitat for Humanity. He has also written numerous books, including on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In his book "We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land', Carter cites Israel's unwillingness to withdraw from the Palestinian territories and settlement expansion as the primary obstacle to peace in the Middle East. Polls of historians and political scientists generally rank Carter as a below-average president, though scholars and the public more favorably view his post-presidency, the longest in U.S. history. Carter and wife Rosalynn celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary on July 7, 2023. On October 19, 2019, they became the longest-wed presidential couple. Rosalynn died on November 19, 2023. They have four children: James Carter, Amy Carter, Jack Carter, and Donnel Carter. To celebrate Carter's centennial birthday, an array of artists from pop, rock, gospel, country, jazz, hip-hop and classical music had performed together at Atlanta's Fox Theatre in September. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News As we step into 2025, the Indian automotive market is gearing up for an exciting start with a lineup of new car launches set to hit the roads in January. With the calendar year 2025 right around the corner, Indian automotive market is expected to witness multiple launches right from the start. Lets take a look at the new cars that are coming to India in January 2025. 1. Hyundai Creta EV Launched in January 2024, the new Hyundai Creta featured an all new fascia along with all-new interiors. Exactly a year later, Hyundai will be launching an electrified version of Creta EV in India on January 17th, 2025. There will be a few design elements on the inside and outside specific to Creta EV including the new steering with quad dots logo and a steering-mounted gear selector. Exact powertrain details are not revealed yet. 2 and 3. Mahindra BE 6 & XEV 9e At the Unlimit India event, Mahindra only revealed the base price of BE 6 and XEV 9e. Which is Rs 18.9 lakh (Ex-sh) and Rs 21.9 lakh (Ex-sh) respectively. Both prices are for Pack 1, equipped with the smaller 59 kWh battery. The company is yet to launch Pack 2 and Pack 3 trims along with the larger 79 kWh battery options, which is expected to happen in January 2025. 4. Kia Syros While the company has unveiled it and made quite a few headlines, Kia Syros has not launched yet. Something that is expected to happen in January 2025. This premium tall-boy vehicle is expected to be priced above Sonet Turbo and will come equipped with a lot of features and creature comforts as detailed in previous posts. 5 and 6. Tata Harrier EV & Safari EV The flagship SUVs of Tata Motors, Harrier and Safari, are expected to come equipped with electric powertrains. Testing of these SUVs is underway for a long time and are expected to launch in January 2025. The excitement around these vehicles is high as Harrier EV and Safari EV are expected to offer an option for dual motor AWD layout. 7. MG Cyberster In January 2025, MG Select dealerships are expected to start operations and the first car to populate these showrooms is MG Cyberster 2-door convertible electric sportscar. The main highlight of this vehicle is its desirability quotient accentuated by the convertible roof, scissor doors. Theres abundant performance too 510 bhp and 725 Nm from two electric motors, propelling MG Cyberster to 100 km/h from standstill in just 3.2 seconds. 8. Maruti Suzuki eVitara For the first time, Maruti Suzuki is venturing into EV space and has carved out an electric SUV. Called eVitara, this is a global vehicle and is expected to make a grand spectacle at 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo next month. Speculations suggest it will be launched in Europe and Japan first, then in India. But there is a probability that it will launch in India at the same time. Specs and features have been revealed and it is quite an impressive vehicle on paper. 9. Mercedes-Benz G 580 (a.k.a. Electric G) Apart from these mass-market vehicles, there are quite a few launches slated to happen next month in the luxury segment and premium segments. Most notable among these is Mercedes-Benz G 580, the Electric G. It debuted as EQG earlier this year and is slated to launch in India in January 2025. It will pack 579 bhp and 1,164 Nm of torque, capable of sprinting to 100 km/h from a standstill in under 5 seconds. Maruti Suzuki India Limited has proudly announced a significant milestone for its Dzire sedan, as the model surpasses 3 million units in cumulative production. This achievement, reached in just under 17 years, highlights the Dzires enduring popularity and its position as Indias most sought-after sedan. Launched in March 2008, the Dzire has consistently evolved to meet consumer preferences and remains a cornerstone of Maruti Suzukis dominance in the sedan segment. Evolution and Key Milestones The Dzire reached its first million units in April 2015, followed by 2 million in June 2019. The latest milestone of 3 million units was achieved in December 2024. Over the years, the sedan has undergone four generational updates: 2008: Launch of the 1st generation Dzire. 2012: Introduction of the 2nd generation. 2017: Launch of the 3rd generation. 2024: Debut of the 4th generation Dzire, featuring a progressive design, plush two-tone interiors, and segment-first features. A Leader in the Sedan Segment The Dzire continues to lead the compact sedan category, holding the title of Indias No. 1 selling sedan for the 16th consecutive year. Remarkably, 1 in every 2 compact sedans sold in India since 2008 is a Dzire, underscoring its unmatched appeal. It is also Indias 4th most sold vehicle, reflecting its broad customer base across demographics. Global Success and Exports The Dzires impact goes beyond Indian borders, with exports to 48 countries since October 2008. Around 2.6 lakh units have been exported to regions including Latin America, Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In FY 2023-24, the Dzire was Maruti Suzukis second-highest exported model, further bolstering its reputation as a global product. Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, We are deeply grateful to our customers for their continued trust, which has been a key to achieving the milestone of 3 million production for the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Their feedback and support inspire us to continuously improve and innovate, ensuring the Dzire exceeds their expectations. The latest Dzire, launched last month, exemplifies this commitment, setting a new benchmark with its modern design, advanced features, and exceptional fuel efficiency. Over the years, Dzire has significantly contributed to our sales, making us the sedan segment leader for 16 consecutive years. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team members and value chain partners for their hard work and commitment. A Strong Legacy With its combination of style, features, and exceptional fuel efficiency, the Dzire has not only dominated the sedan segment but also enhanced Maruti Suzukis global presence. Its enduring success reflects the companys focus on innovation and customer satisfaction. The Dzires legacy of reliability and value ensures it remains a top choice for Indian consumers. With the new Dzire achieving 5 star Bharat NCAP safety rating, the sedan now aims for even higher sales. Major powerhouses vow to spur economy 13:28, December 30, 2024 By Wang Cong, Chang Chaofan ( Global Times Following the Central Economic Work Conference, several provinces and regions that are considered major economic driving forces in China have held meetings to arrange economic work for 2025, including major initiatives to further support the national economy. On Saturday, Southwest China's Sichuan Province held a meeting on development and reform in the provincial capital of Chengdu. Among the major highlights of the meeting, Sichuan, which is considered a major economic powerhouse, will implement 810 major projects in an effort to revitalize private investment. The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to stimulate domestic demand, and give full play to the key role of investment and the basic role of consumption, according to a post on the official website of the Central Government on Sunday. The province also pledged to step up efforts in areas such as bolstering innovation and infrastructure. In terms of innovation, Sichuan aims to build a nationally influential science and technology innovation center, jointly build a low-altitude economic development highland, promote high-quality development of the digital economy, and accelerate the creation of a modern industrial system with Sichuan's characteristics. Other major economic powerhouses also held similar meetings to arrange economic work for 2025. On December 24, East China's Jiangsu, which plays a critical role in the overall Chinese economy, held a meeting on economic work. The meeting noted that as a major economy and a province that focuses on opening-up, Jiangsu has maintained stable economic operations, and the resilience of the economy has continuously improved, further accumulating advantages in areas such as industry, science and technology, talent and business environment. Central China's Henan Province also held a meeting on the economy, according to Henan Daily on December 25. For economic work in 2025, the meeting said that the province will also focus on unleashing the potential for consumption, stepping up investment in innovation, and improving the business environment. These are just three examples of Chinese economic powerhouses looking to further boost the economy, but they also underscored efforts nationwide to ensure stable economic growth in 2025, an economist said on Sunday. In particular, in the field of boosting domestic demand, "China is focused on major economic powerhouses leveraging their roles in leading the national economy," Li Changan, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times on Sunday. Li said that through the efforts of the leading economic bases, other areas will also follow suit. "Through these measures to stabilize growth in these economically developed provinces, the development of other places can be effectively lifted. This is a typical feature of the Chinese economy," the economist said. Xi Junyang, a professor at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, said that the economic powerhouses are also planning their development goals based on their own advantages, with each province and region focusing on their own industries. "However, these provinces have a relatively large impact on the national economy and account for a relatively high proportion of the GDP. Therefore, if these development goals are pursued by the provinces, they will play an important role in driving the economic development of our entire country. They will promote the economic development of our entire country next year," Xi Junyang told the Global Times on Sunday. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) AMERICAS Colombia Expected Council Action In January 2025, the Security Council is expected to receive a briefing from Special Representative and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu on recent developments in Colombia and the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report on the mission, which was circulated to Council members on 26 December 2024. The verification missions mandate expires on 31 October 2025. Key Recent Developments On 24 November 2024, Colombia marked the eighth anniversary of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace concluded in 2016 between the government of Colombia and the former rebel group Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP). Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who was in Colombia for the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16), emphasised in a 30 October 2024 press encounter that this historic Agreement must remain at the centre of peacebuilding efforts in the country. He welcomed the renewed efforts of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego to accelerate implementation of the accord, including through the shock plan that the president announced during an 11 July 2024 Security Council meeting. Among other issues, Guterres also highlighted the importance of tackling violence through bringing state presence to historically neglected regions. At the Councils latest meeting on Colombia, held on 15 October 2024, Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo Urrutia outlined six areas of focus for the shock plan. These include accelerating access to land and the implementation of the national plans on comprehensive rural reform as well as strengthening security, including for conflict-affected communities and former combatants. At that meeting, Ruiz Massieu welcomed the new momentum for implementation of the peace agreement. He voiced concern, however, that resources for peace priorities could be affected by fiscal constraints in the governments budget in 2025 and expressed hope that efforts would be made to protect resources for peace implementation in the national budget. The last quarter of 2024 saw some developments in the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (SJP), the judicial component of the Comprehensive System for Truth, Justice, Reparation, and Non-Repetition established by the 2016 agreement. On 13 November 2023, the SJP charged six former members of the last Secretariat of the defunct FARC-EP guerrilla group as the main perpetrators in Case 07 on the recruitment and use of children during the conflict. In addition to recruitment and use, the accused were charged with other war crimes committed against children, including torture, homicide, and sexual and reproductive violence. Human rights organisations welcomed this move, with some emphasising the importance of the rulings recognition of violence directed against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) children. Signatories to the 2016 agreement continued to express concerns about the SJPs work, urging the court to hand down its restorative sentences, among other issues. In a 2 December 2024 interview, the new president of the SJP, Judge Alejandro Ramelliwho took over the role from Judge Roberto Vidal on 6 November 2024noted that the 15-year timeframe allotted for the SJP to conduct investigations is running out and indicated that once that happens, cases that the court has failed to investigate will be returned to the ordinary criminal courts. Rodrigo Londono, the president of the Comunes party (which is comprised of former FARC-EP combatants), denounced the statement on 7 December, saying that it deviates from the 2016 agreement and that he would raise the issue with the Security Council. On that day, Ramelli issued a public letter, assuring that those appearing before the court will have the right to receive restorative sentences and to resolve their legal situation as long as they assume their responsibility in a public manner and deliver detailed and exhaustive truth. The government also continued its dialogues with armed groups operating in the country as part of Petros total peace policy. The process with the guerrilla group Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) stalled in May 2024 following the governments decision to hold a regional dialogue with one of the ELNs regional fronts. Following the expiry of the ceasefire between the sides in August 2024, the parties held several meetings to try to solve their differences, to no avail. A further meeting is planned for January 2025 in Caracas, Venezuela. The ELNs chief negotiator, Pablo Beltran, reportedly said in late November 2024 that the focus is on making progress before Petro leaves office in August 2026, in order to leave this process as consolidated as possible so that future governments can take it up again and continue it. The government also continued talks with some factions of the dissident group of the former FARC-EP that identifies itself as the Estado Mayor Central Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (EMC FARC-EP). This dialogue is more localised and is focused on finding agreement on the cessation of hostilities in a certain area in exchange for improvements in the situation of conflict-affected communities, including in their humanitarian conditions. Between 9 and 12 December 2024, the Security Councils Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict conducted a visit to Colombia. During the visit, Council experts met with officials from the Colombian government and from UN agencies, representatives of the SJP, and civil society representatives. In addition to meetings in Bogota, the experts also travelled to the Caqueta, Cauca, and Norte de Santander departments, where they were able to see the conditions faced by children and young people, including lack of economic opportunities that make them more susceptible to recruitment by armed groups. It seems that the Council experts emphasised, among other things, the importance of involving UN actors such as UNICEF in the governments dialogue efforts with armed groups operating in the country, in order to facilitate discussion and agreement on action plans to end and prevent violations against children. Human Rights-Related Developments Following his 5-15 March 2024 visit to Colombia, Jose Francisco Cali Tzay, the Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, submitted a report on 10 September to the Human Rights Council on the situation of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. Among other recommendations, the Special Rapporteur urged the Colombian government to enact appropriate legislation to guarantee the rights of indigenous peoples enshrined in international law and the 1991 Constitution; engage in direct dialogue with indigenous peoples, independent of dialogue with non-State armed groups, with a view to building lasting peace; and adopt the necessary legislation and measures to recognise indigenous political, territorial, and environmental authorities and strengthen self-governance processes. On 5 December 2024, the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances (CED) concluded its 15-day visit to Colombia. The delegation emphasised the countrys systemic shortcomings, including fragmented legal frameworks, institutional inefficiencies, and a lack of clarity about the actual number of disappeared persons. Their preliminary findings revealed cases of tens of thousands of victims unaccounted for, forced recruitment, human trafficking and families left in despair despite decades of efforts to end this crime. The CED called for immediate and concrete actions, emphasising enhanced coordination between existing institutions, the need for sufficient funding and specialised staff, and strengthened accountability mechanisms as critical steps forward. It will publish a full report of its findings in April 2025. Women, Peace and Security On 30 November, the Colombian Ministry of Interior launched the countrys first National Action Plan on women, peace and security (WPS) pursuant to Security Council resolution 1325 of 31 October 2000. According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Ministry of Interior, more than 1,500 women took part over the course of the past two years in developing the plan, which seeks to promote the participation of women in decision-making related to peace, to guarantee their protection, and to facilitate their access to leadership roles. The plan has over 105 actions aimed at eight main objectives, including active participation, access to health, and economic autonomy. A total of 33 entities will reportedly be responsible for implementing these actions and a committee will be set up to monitor and follow up on the plan for the next ten years. Briefing at the Councils 15 October meeting, Beatriz Quintero, Co-founder of La Red Nacional de Mujeres (the National Womens Network), emphasised the importance of the national action plan, noting that feminists and womens organisations have campaigned for its adoption for years. She stressed that the action plan is critical to bringing the total peace policy to fruition and must guarantee the participation of women and girls in all their diversity seen through a human security and feminist lens. Key Issues and Options An overarching priority for the Council remains supporting the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement. As Petro reached the half-way point of his term in office, Council members have increasingly emphasised the need to take concrete action to that end. This will become pivotal in the upcoming year as Colombia prepares for presidential elections in 2026. Members may wish to continue emphasising the importance of continued focus on implementing the 2016 agreement to the current administration and candidates in the elections. Supporting transitional justice efforts in the country is a longstanding priority for the Council. Members have emphasised the importance of upholding the SJPs autonomy on numerous occasions, including through their press statements on Colombia. They also have an interest in seeing the concerns about legal uncertainty with regard to those appearing before the court addressed. An option would be for Council members to interact informally in New York with the SJPs new president, Ramelli. Such a meeting took place with Vidal in April 2024. This could help members get a better understanding of the challenges facing the SJP and to discuss the envisioned timelines for the handing down of restorative sentences. Council Dynamics Council members are united in their support for the peace process in Colombia and for the verification missions work. This was reflected most recently during the generally smooth negotiations on resolution 2754 of 30 October 2024, which renewed the verification missions mandate. (For more information, see our 30 October 2024 Whats in Blue story.) The advent of five new Council members in 2025Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somaliamay affect Council dynamics on the Colombia file. Panama succeeds Ecuador in the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC) seat. Like Ecuador, Panama shares a border with Colombia and has an interest in the cross-border effects of the activities of armed groups in Colombia. For instance, the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (AGC), Colombias largest criminal group, controls drug trafficking routes across the Darien Gap, a strip of jungle between Colombia and Panama that is also used by migrants seeking to cross into Panama on their way to the US. The governments total peace dialogue efforts with armed groups operating in the country are therefore of interest to Panama. Among the Council members that finished their term in 2024, Switzerland was closely involved in the total peace efforts, including as a guarantor country in the dialogue process with the EMC. It often advocated for a more proactive approach by the Council in supporting such dialogues. It remains to be seen whether any incoming or current Council member will continue to advocate for such a position. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON COLOMBIA Counter-Terrorism Expected Council Action In January, Algeria plans to convene a meeting on counter-terrorism in Africa. Details regarding the meeting were still being finalised at the time of writing, however it appears that the meeting will be high-level and is likely to focus on terrorism and its impact on sustainable development. It also seems that Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye, and former UN and AU official Said Djinnit will be requested to brief. This will be one of Algerias signature events during its presidency, and a presidential statement may be proposed in connection with the meeting. Background The threat posed by terrorism in Africa has risen significantly during recent years. In remarks delivered in April 2024, Mohammed said that the epicentre of terrorism has shifted from the Middle East and North Africa into sub-Saharan Africa, concentrated largely in the Sahel region. While Africa has experienced protracted and expanding terrorist violence for many years, this trend began to accelerate notably earlier this decade. The 28th report of the Monitoring Team assisting the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee (1267 Monitoring Team), which was published on 21 July 2021, noted that the most striking development of the period under review was the emergence of Africa as the region most affected by terrorism. Since the publication of this report, the situation appears to have deteriorated further. The latest biannual strategic-level report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL/Daesh, which was issued on 31 July 2024, says that the Secretary-General remains concerned about the threat of terrorism in parts of Africa, in particular the risk that the continued expansion of terrorist groups results in an expanding area of instability across West Africa and the Sahel should Daesh affiliates enjoy greater operational, financial and logistical autonomy. It describes the magnitude and complexity of the problem as alarming and notes that concerted action is required. During the open briefing on this report held on 8 August 2024, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism and Head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov noted that two Daesh affiliates in West Africa and the SahelIslamic State West Africa Province and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahel (ISGS)have expanded and consolidated their areas of operation and highlighted the possibility that a vast territory stretching from Mali to northern Nigeria could fall under their effective control. The situation is particularly serious in the central Sahel states of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, where Al-Qaida affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and ISGS frequently attack security forces and civilians and have previously blockaded towns. The violence has contributed to the displacement of more than two million people and killed thousands more, and is also threatening neighbouring states. Benin, Cote dIvoire, and Togo have, for example, suffered attacks in their northern regions bordering Burkina Faso. Nigeria is another state in the region grappling with terrorist violence, particularly as a result of the long-running insurgency waged by Boko Haram and its splinter groups. Efforts to respond to this threat are in a period of flux. Over the past two years, Frances decade-long counter-terrorism operations have ended in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, while the US has recently withdrawn its troops, which had been involved in counter-terrorism operations, from Niger. Against this backdrop, the three central Sahel states have also increased their military cooperation with Russia. As part of this geopolitical realignment, the Group of Five for the Sahel Joint Force (FC-G5S), which was established in 2017 by Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, and Chad to combat terrorism and organised crime, has dissolved. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigerwhich are governed by military juntas that took power through coup detat over recent yearsin September 2023 formed the Alliance of Sahel States, or lAlliance des Etats du Sahel (AES), as an organisation of collective defence following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African states in January 2024. On 7 July 2024, the possibility of deploying a regional counter-terrorism force was discussed during the ECOWAS summit in Abuja. The final communique issued in connection with the summit instructed the President of the ECOWAS Commission to facilitate further consultations on modalities and options for mobilising internal financial and material resources on a mandatory basis to support the activation of the regional counter-terrorism force. It also directed him to explore resource mobilisation opportunities with the AU Commission, including within the framework of resolution 2719, which authorised support for AU-led peace support operations through UN-assessed contributions on a case-by-case basis. Subsequently, the panels report and recommendations were considered by the UN-AU High-Level Conference in Addis Ababa on 21 October, where the two organisations agreed to jointly advance the panels key recommendations through their respective organs and institutional mechanisms. The deployment of a counter-terrorism force in the region was discussed in the latest report of the Secretary-General on the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, which called for the acceleration and full operationalisation of the Accra Initiative and the ECOWAS Standby Force in line with its 2020-2024 action plan to combat terrorism in West Africa. Other security mechanisms in the region include the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin, which was created to fight Boko Haram. Following a 28 October 2024 attack reportedly carried out by Boko Haram that killed 40 Chadian soldiers, Chads President Mahamat Idriss Deby reportedly threatened to withdraw from the MNJTF, which comprises troops from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. Incoming Council member Somalia also continues to grapple with a serious terrorist threat. The final report of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee, dated 15 October 2024, noted that Al-Shabaab remains the most significant threat to the peace and security of Somalia and said that its ability to carry out complex attacks against the Somali government, the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and international forces remains undiminished. Daesh is also active in the country, as discussed in the most recent report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by Daesh, which notes that its affiliate in Somalia grew stronger, expanding the number of recruits and enhancing its financial infrastructure. On 27 December 2024, the Council adopted resolution 2767 endorsing the AU Peace and Security Councils decision to replace ATMIS with the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The mission is expected to have an important role to play in responding to the terrorist threat in Somalia. Outgoing Council member Mozambique is battling an insurgency by Daesh affiliate Ahl al-Sunna Wal-Jamaa (ASWJ) in its northern Cabo Delgado Province. The latest report of the 1267 Monitoring Team, which was issued on 22 July 2024, says that ASWJ has sought to broaden the theatre of conflict and is facing much less resistance given the drawdown of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). (First authorised in July 2021, SAMIM comprised up to 2,000 troops from eight SADC member states and withdrew from Mozambique in July 2024. Rwanda, which is not a member of SADC, has also sent soldiers to fight against ASWJ, who remain in the country.) The report further notes that ASWJs tactics are more sophisticated, calculated and well-executed. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), authorities are dealing with violent attacks carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). According to the July 2024 report of the 1267 Monitoring Team, there was a dramatic increase in ADF attacks during the first half of 2024, with 260 civilians killed in the months of May and June alone. From 22 to 23 April 2024, Nigeria hosted the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting in Abuja. The meeting was attended by senior UN officials, representatives of regional organisations, member statesincluding the permanent members of the Security Counciland civil society organisations. The Abuja process, an initiative designed to coordinate and mobilise resources for counter-terrorism in the African region, was launched in connection with this meeting. Several African member states have held signature events on counter-terrorism in recent years. In March 2023, Mozambique organised a high-level debate on Countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism by strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional organisations and mechanisms. In November 2022, Ghana held a high-level debate on Counter-terrorism in Africaan imperative for peace, security, and development. In October 2022, Gabon organised a high-level debate on Strengthening the fight against the financing of armed groups and terrorists through the illicit trafficking of natural resources. Sierra Leone also organised an Arria-formula meeting on Combatting the rise of terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel in June 2024. Key Issues and Options The spread of terrorist groups in Africa and the significant rise in terrorist violence on the continent, including in many of the African files on the Councils agenda, have created a major issue for the Council. There is growing concern, in particular, about the stability of the AES countries as they grapple with terrorist groups intensifying their attacks and expanding their territorial control. The growth in terrorist activity in these countries has also raised concerns among Council members that these groups will expand into coastal West African states. One option would be to request a briefing on options for enhancing security and responding to the terrorist threat in the Sahel region. This could include, for example, proposals for the deployment of an AU peace support operation largely funded through resolution 2719 or developing a mechanism for the provision of logistical and operational support for regional counter-terrorism initiatives. Council members could also request that this briefing include information on the contents of the report of the Independent High-level Panel on Security, Governance and Development in the Sahel (that is, the Issoufou Panel), which focuses on strategies for tackling security and development challenges in the Sahel. The report has been shared with the UN Secretariat, but Council members have not had access to it. Many African member states are also confronted by the need to allocate part of their national budgets to counter-terrorism, which diverts much-needed funds from social services and government programmes intended to facilitate development. In March 2020, the Council adopted a presidential statement on the threat posed by terrorism in Africa. Among other matters, the presidential statement emphasised that the presence of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism can undermine social and economic development in affected states. It also underscored the importance of a holistic approach to counter-terrorism and efforts to address the development and socioeconomic dimensions of the challenge posed by terrorist groups. The relationship between sustainable development and counter-terrorism was also highlighted in General Assembly resolution 77/298 on the eighth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which was adopted on 22 June 2023. The preambular part of this resolution recognised, for example, that achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can contribute to the implementation of the strategy and noted that development has a role to play in the prevention of terrorism. Council members could choose to highlight the points regarding counter-terrorism and development raised in these products in their statements during the meeting. If a presidential statement is pursued, it could build on these points and elaborate them further. A briefing from UN entities working on these issues, such as the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), could also be requested in connection with the meeting. Council Dynamics Council members share concerns about the spread of terrorism in Africa, including to previously unaffected sub-regions, and its impact on civilians. Members are also generally supportive of efforts to combat terrorism, however there are some differences among members regarding the best approach to managing the response to the terrorist threat. Some Council members favour an approach that is founded on human rights, addressing the root causes of terrorism and the involvement of civil society, while other members focus more closely on security and law enforcement. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON COUNTER-TERRORISM EUROPE Cyprus Expected Council Action This month, the Security Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) ahead of its 31 January 2025 expiry. Earlier in the month, Security Council members are expected to receive a briefing in consultations on the situation in Cyprus by Special Representative and Head of UNFICYP Colin Stewart. Key Recent Developments Over the past six months, there has been no meaningful progress on the political front and no direct formal engagement between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders in the context of unification talks, which have been stalled since the collapse of negotiations in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in July 2017. The two sides have maintained alternative positions on the appropriate framework for resolving the Cyprus issue: the Greek Cypriots remain firmly committed to a settlement based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation (BBF) with political equality, as stipulated in previous Security Council resolutions, while Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar insists on a two-state solution based on sovereign equality. On 5 January 2024, the Secretary-General announced the appointment of Maria Angela Holguin Cuellar, a former Colombian foreign affairs minister, as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, a good offices role with a mandate to search for common ground on the way forward and to advise [the Secretary-General] on the Cyprus issue. The two sides had consented to the appointment on the condition that her role be limited to exploring whether common ground exists or not between the two sidesfor the start of new, formal settlement negotiations and that her mandate not exceed six months. Holguins mandate expired on 5 July. In a 7 July 2024 open letter, Holguin emphasised the need for fresh approaches and trust-building. She underscored the consequences of prolonged division and the deep-rooted mistrust that have fostered a status quo characterised by confrontation and discrimination. Despite these challenges, Holguin highlighted the islands potential for unity and prosperity, urging the sides to heal the past and improve the present, focusing on a hopeful future, and prioritising the younger generations. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres continued diplomatic engagement with the two sides. On 14 October 2024, he hosted an informal dinner in New York with Ersin Tatar and Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides. The Secretary-General encouraged both leaders to identify ways to bridge their differences and rebuild trust, with the aim of advancing toward a settlement. According to the meetings readout, the leaders agreed to convene another informal meeting in a broader format under the Secretary-Generals auspices in the near future. They also agreed to meet in Cyprus to explore the possibility of opening new crossings across the ceasefire line. During an end-of-year reception hosted by UNFICYP on 10 December 2024 and attended by Christodoulides and Tatar, Stewart confirmed that the expanded format of the upcoming informal meeting would include the three guarantor powers: Greece, Turkiye, and the UK. Acknowledging the unprecedented challenges facing Cyprus, Stewart remarked that we are witnessing some new glimmers of hope on the Cyprus issue. He highlighted that, in the UNs initial discussions with representatives of both leaders, there was mutual interest in reaching an agreement on the opening of new crossing points as soon as possible. Stewart stressed that such an agreement would enhance intra-island interdependence and create a more conducive environment for a settlement. According to Christodoulides, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo is expected to visit the island in the near future to discuss preparations for the informal meeting. Human Rights-Related Developments On 30 September, the Human Rights Council adopted the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Cyprus. The review, held on 30 April 2024, included statements and recommendations from 89 delegations. Cyprus received a total of 236 recommendations, of which it accepted 199 during the adoption of its UPR outcome. On 9 October, the General Assembly elected Cyprus as a member of the Human Rights Council for the 20252027 term. In its election bid, Cyprus pledged to prioritise gender equality; combat violence and discrimination against women and girls; enhance unhindered access to quality education for all, including children with disabilities and those from migrant backgrounds; and promote economic, social, and cultural rights. Key Issues and Options Since the collapse of the 2017 unification talks in Crans-Montana, the key issue for the Security Council has been the lack of meaningful progress on the political front and the diminishing prospects for a political settlement of the Cyprus problem. Given the current deadlock, the Council could take several actions to revive the peace process. It could encourage the parties to approach negotiations based on engagement without recognition to facilitate the resumption of negotiations. It could also consider taking a more proactive approach to stimulate the negotiation process by exploring a change in UNFICYPs mandate. For example, downsizing the mission could signal a shift towards reducing dependency on external peacekeeping forces, thereby emphasising the need for the parties to take ownership of the process. Such a move could apply subtle pressure by underscoring the unsustainable nature of the status quo and encouraging the parties to work towards a long-term solution. By tying adjustments in UNFICYPs mandate to a clear exit strategy, the Council might create a sense of urgency for the parties to reach an agreement. Council members may consider pursuing a presidential statement to express support for renewing the mandate of the Personal Envoy, with the aim of identifying common ground on, and fresh approaches to, the Cyprus issue. While the Secretary-General has the authority to appoint such an envoy on his own initiative, the Councils request could provide important political backing. The Council could also consider holding a private meeting with Holguin to hear her insights on the prospects for progress on the political track, the most effective path toward a settlement, and ways in which the Council might facilitate this process. Council Dynamics Cyprus remains a low-intensity issue on the Councils agenda. Council members with a vested interest in Cyprus include France, Russia, and the UK, which also serves as the penholder on the issue. Greece, which was elected on 6 June 2024 to serve as a non-permanent member of the Security Council from 2025 to 2026, is a key stakeholder in relation to UNFICYP and one of the three guarantor powers. While the Council is united in its support for UNFICYP and a political process based on a BBF with political equality, members diverge on the conditions and timeframe for the unification talks. Some members have previously supported a comprehensive strategic review of the mission and timed benchmarks for an exit strategy tied to the political process. Russia remains adamant that there be no external interference or attempts to impose solutions or timelines that might influence the peace talks. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON CYPRUS UN DOCUMENTS ON CYPRUS AMERICAS Haiti Expected Council Action In January 2025, the Council will hold its 90-day briefing on the situation in Haiti. Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) Maria Isabel Salvador will brief the Council on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country and on the Secretary-Generals latest report on BINUH. Background and Key Recent Developments After the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti descended into a multidimensional crisis characterised by political deadlock, extreme violence, and dire humanitarian conditions. Criminal gangs have overrun an estimated 85 percent of Port-au-Prince, the capital, employing brutal tactics such as kidnapping, sexual violence, and murder to subdue and subjugate the civilian population. The instability has caused widespread displacement and acute food insecurity while exacerbating a governance crisis by preventing elections, which have not taken place in the country since 2016. A new surge in gang violence starting in February 2024 prompted the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to facilitate an agreement among Haitian stakeholders on a political transition to stabilise the countrys security situation and restore democratic governance. The agreement established a Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), which was formally installed in April 2024; it comprises seven voting members representing political parties and the private sector and two non-voting observers drawn from civil society and the religious community. The TPC was charged with selecting a new interim prime minister, establishing a provisional electoral council and national security council, and collaborating with the international community to accelerate the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission that the Security Council authorised under Kenyas leadership through resolution 2699 of 2 October 2023 to help Haitian authorities re-establish security and build conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections. According to a political agreement signed by TPC members, the transitional period will culminate in the holding of elections by February 2026. The TPC initially made some progress toward these objectives, including appointing former UN official Garry Conille as interim prime minister, selecting a transitional cabinet, and receiving the first MSS contingents from Kenya in June and July 2024. Other aspects of the TPCs work have stalled, however, such as the full formation of a provisional electoral council. This has reportedly been delayed because of internal disagreements among two civil society sectorsrepresenting human rights and womens rights organisations, respectivelythat are expected to serve on the body. Moreover, the TPC itself has been the subject of controversy, as three of its voting members have been implicated in a high-profile corruption scandal that has complicated its work and challenged its perceived legitimacy. The TPC also clashed with Conille over a variety of issues, including the handling of the corruption case, which eventually resulted in the TPC issuing a 10 November 2024 decree firing Conille and naming businessman and former Haitian Senate candidate Alix Didier Fils-Aime as his successor. These developments have subsequently stoked internal divisions within the TPC. Meanwhile, Haitis security situation has continued to deteriorate. In the last quarter of 2024, gangs staged a new series of coordinated attacks on state institutions and critical infrastructure in Port-au-Prince, including police stations, prisons, and the main international airport, which temporarily closed for the second time that year. Gangs also launched deadly attacks on residential communities in and around Port-au-Prince, including a 3 October 2024 assault on the town of Pont-Sonde in which 115 people were killed, as well as a massacre that took place over several days in early December in the neighbourhood of Cite Soleil, in which at least 180 people were killed. This brought the total number of gang killings in 2024 to over 5,000, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. In a 9 December 2024 statement, the Secretary-General condemned the Cite Soleil attack, called for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability, and urged Haitian stakeholders to accelerate the political transition. The insecurity has continued to have a severe negative impact on Haitis humanitarian situation. Between 11 and 20 November 2024, the latest surge in violence displaced over 40,000 people, according to the International Organization for Migration, which previously estimated there was a total of 703,000 internally displaced persons in the country. The World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization continued to consider the country a famine hotspot of highest concern in their latest outlook report covering the period from November 2024 to May 2025, with nearly half the population facing acute food insecurity. Additionally, heavy rainfall in November and December 2024 caused severe flooding that damaged thousands of houses across the country and left several people dead. The deteriorating humanitarian situation has unfolded while the resurgent gang violence forced BINUH and some humanitarian organisations to temporarily reduce their in-country footprint and operations. Meanwhile, the MSS mission continues to face challenges in subduing the gangs due to a lack of personnel and financial resources that limit the missions ability to scale up its physical presence, which currently consists of about 400 police officers out of an expected total of 2,500. On 30 September 2024, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2751, renewing the missions authorisation for one year under Kenyas leadership. Implicitly acknowledging the challenges the mission has faced, the resolution encouraged the mission to accelerate its deployment and the international community to provide additional voluntary contributions. Subsequently, Ecuador and the USthe Councils co-penholders on Haitiintroduced a separate draft resolution expressing the Councils intention to transform the MSS mission into a UN peacekeeping operation, which would secure it more predictable funding through the UNs regular peacekeeping budget. On 20 November, the Council held an open briefing and closed consultations at the request of China and Russia to discuss this proposal. Following additional informal consultations, the Council sent a letter dated 29 November to the Secretary-General that requested him to provide, within 60 to 90 days, strategic recommendations on the full range of options for UN support for Haiti, incorporating lessons learned from previous UN missions, political developments in Haiti, and the current MSS mission. On 23 December, Council members issued a press statement in which they reiterated their deep concern about the crisis in Haiti. They strongly condemned the ongoing violence in the country and expressed their concern about the slow progress on Haitis road map for restoring democratic institutions. Further, they took note of the Councils 29 November letter to the Secretary-General requesting options for future UN support for Haiti. Human Rights-Related Developments On 26 September, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights provided an interim report on the human rights situation in Haiti. The report presents evidence of violence spreading beyond the capital to other regions of Haiti. The report concludes that the countrys multidimensional crisis requires a comprehensive plan to achieve durable peace and security. The High Commissioner called upon all national stakeholders and government authorities to strengthen the Haitian National Police and to continue making progress in the establishment of the transitional governance arrangements providing for a democratic transition, leading to free and fair legislative and presidential elections in strict compliance with international law, including international human rights law. On 20 November, UN High Commissioner Volker Turk expressed deep concern over the latest intensification of violence in Port-au-Prince as a coalition of gangs pushed for full control of the capital, further deepening the countrys dire humanitarian situation. Urgently calling for an immediate halt to the gang violence, Turk underscored the need for concrete steps to bolster the Haitian police force and support the Multinational Security Support mission to protect the population and restore effective rule of law. Sanctions-Related Developments On 11 September 2024, the 2653 Haiti Sanctions Committee met to discuss the final report of its Panel of Experts, which covers the period from November 2023 to August 2024. The report found that illegal arms trafficking into Haiti continues unabated and that [s]erious violations of human rights persist on a large scale with total impunity, including killings, torture, kidnappings, sexual violence, and the forced recruitment and exploitation of children. On 18 October 2024, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2752, renewing the sanctions regime on Haiti for one year (For more information about that resolution, see our 17 October 2024 Whats in Blue story.) Key Issues and Options The Security Councils overarching objective in Haiti is to support the countrys political transition and assist international and domestic efforts to stem the surge in gang violence, with the ultimate aim of restoring security conditions conducive to holding elections and addressing the root causes of the countrys instability. One important task in this regard is ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the MSS mission. To this end, the Council could continue to consider options for transforming the mission into a UN peacekeeping operation. Alternatively, the Council could request the UN Secretariat to provide the mission with a logistical support package to assist it with certain administrative and back-stopping functions, which may ease the missions capacity constraints under its current structure. The recommendations that the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to provide on options for UN support for Haiti are likely to inform Council deliberations on this matter. Additionally, the Council could convene an informal interactive dialogue (IID) with Haitian transitional authorities and civil society organisations to receive more detailed information about the progress and challenges that Haitis political transition is facing. Council Dynamics Council members are united in their concern about Haitis multidimensional crisis and generally agree on the need for a Haitian-led political solution that addresses both security and socioeconomic challenges. Members are also broadly supportive of UN engagement in Haiti. Views vary, however, on appropriate Council responses to address the situation. The main point of contention concerns the possible transformation of the MSS mission into a UN peacekeeping operation. During negotiations on resolution 2751, Ecuador and the US apparently sought to include language expressing the Councils intention to consider such a transformation, but China and Russia opposed this, referring to the chequered history of past UN peacekeeping operations in Haiti and arguing that the countrys political and security conditions were not conducive to a new operation. These two members remained opposed to the separate draft resolution that the co-penholders subsequently proposed on this issue, eventually resulting in the request to the Secretary-General for recommendations on UN support for the country as a compromise solution. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON HAITI UN DOCUMENTS ON HAITI In Hindsight: The Security Council in 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025 In 2024, the Security Council was confronted with a world beset by multiple crises, including continuing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, severe deterioration of the situation in Sudan, and a sudden shift in the political situation in Syria. Differing strategic interests and irreconcilable world views among the major powers restricted the Councils ability to address these crises. The tensions among the major powers were frequently in evidence in the Council chamber, where members clashed on a range of issues. The efforts of the elected members were a bright spot during the year, as they drafted several important outcomes and attempted to break impasses, albeit with limited success. The Council faces numerous ongoing and potential new crises as it enters 2025 in the context of an unstable and fluid international peace and security environment. A Divided Council: Understanding the Numbers The Councils statistics provide insight into the difficulty the Council has had carrying out its responsibilities this year. The decline in the number of resolutions continued: 46 resolutions were adopted in 2024compared to 50 in 2023, 54 in 2022, and 57 in 2021. This is the lowest number since 1991 (42). In 2024, 65.2 percent of the resolutions adopted had the support of all 15 memberscomparable to the proportion of unanimous adoptions in 2023 (70 percent) and 2022 (66.7 percent), but low for the post-Cold War period. In this regard, between the mid-1990s and the mid-2010s, it was not uncommon for more than 90 percent of adoptions to be unanimous in any given year. Significantly, non-unanimous adoptions may make it more difficult to implement resolutions, particularly in relation to the mandates of peace operations. In total, there were 34 abstentions on the 16 resolutions that were not adopted unanimously in 2024. On these resolutions, Russia abstained the most times (14). Other members that abstained on non-unanimous resolutions were China (six), Algeria (four), Mozambique (four), Sierra Leone (two), Guyana (two) and the US (two). Of these 34 abstentions, 15 were cast on four sanctions-related resolutions, including eight abstentions by the three African members and Guyana (the A3 plus grouping), four by Russia, and three by China. In 2024, there were seven draft resolutions that failed to be adopted due to a veto, the highest since 1986. A total of eight vetoes were cast on these failed drafts, including four by Russia, three by the US, and one by China. Russia vetoed draft resolutions on each of the following issues: the war in Gaza; weapons of mass destruction in outer space; the panel of experts of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) sanctions committee; and the conflict in Sudan. China joined Russia in vetoing a draft on the war in Gaza. The US vetoed two draft resolutions on the war in Gaza as well as one on the application of the State of Palestine for admission to the UN. The General Assembly met following each use of the veto in line with the 2022 veto initiative. The difficulty in obtaining consensus in 2024 was also illustrated by the low number of presidential statements. The Council adopted seven presidential statements in 2024. This is only one more than the six adopted in 2023, which was the lowest number since the Council began using its current documentation for presidential statements in 1994. The 2024 statements were on the following: the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals; the role of African states in addressing security and development challenges; the UN Office in West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS); the protection of civilians in armed conflict; the importance of international law, including the UN Charter; the role of science and technology in the UNs work; and the UN Office in Central Africa. The UNOWAS and UNOCA adoptions marked the first presidential statements on these files since 2021 and 2019, respectively, following several years in which the Council would typically adopt, in any one year, two presidential statements on UNOWAS and one on UNOCA. Switzerland and Sierra Leone were the co-penholders on the UNOWAS presidential statement, while Mozambique and the UK drafted the UNOCA presidential statement. As penholders, these countries not only led the drafting process but also guided the negotiations that broke the years-long impassewhich in both cases was primarily caused by climate-related languageand resulted in the adoption of these texts. Key Working Methods Developments There were several notable working methods developments in 2024. On 13 December, the Council adopted a revised Note 507, a compilation of all the Councils working methods documents into a single document. Japan, as chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions (IWG), led the year-long negotiations. This is the fourth version of Note 507, which was initially adopted during Japans chairmanship of the IWG in 2006 (S/2006/507). New versions of Note 507 were released under Japans chairmanship of the IWG during its subsequent terms on the Council in 2010 and 2017. The latest Note 507 incorporates the 15 presidential notes that were adopted since the last revision of Note 507 in August 2017 (S/2017/507). At a 20 December press stakeout, Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki (Japan) underscored key elements of the new Note 507, including the importance of mitigating threats and risks of reprisals against briefers, recognition of the principle that all Council members should receive full access to relevant documents, and strengthened language on the collaboration between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. While the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) still hold or co-hold the pen on most files, in 2024, the trend of elected members (E10) being penholders or sharing the pen with the P3 became further entrenched. Co-penholderships between permanent and elected members included: Slovenia and the US on political matters related to Ukraine; Ecuador and France on humanitarian issues related to Ukraine; Ecuador and the US on Haiti, including on sanctions; Sierra Leone and France on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including on sanctions; and Mozambique and the UK on the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). There were other examples of co-penholding between E10 and P3 members during the year. Japan and the US cooperated in drafting Council products in response to attacks by the Houthi rebel group in Yemen against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. In July, Malta and the US co-penned resolution 2744, which strengthened the mandate of the Focal Point for Delisting and established an Informal Working Group of the Security Council on General UN Sanctions Issues. Sierra Leone and the UK co-authored a draft resolution on the protection of civilians in Sudan that was vetoed by Russia in late November. Finally, Switzerland and the US co-authored resolution 2761, which was adopted in December and extended the application of the humanitarian carve-out established by resolution 2664 to the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions regime for an indefinite period. As has been customary in recent years, E10 members served as sole penholders or co-penholders on Afghanistan (Japan), the Syria humanitarian file (Switzerland), and West Africa and the Sahel in 2024 (Sierra Leone and Switzerland). In addition, Guyana and Switzerland served as the informal co-focal points on conflict and hunger in 2024. The E10s contribution as a penholder was particularly significant in relation to the war in Gaza. Elected members were responsible for three of the five draft resolutions tabled for a vote on this situation: one was penned by Algeria in February and vetoed by the US, and two draft resolutions collectively were authored by the E10, one adopted in March and the other vetoed by the US in November. While the February and November drafts were vetoed by the US, the March draftwhich was adopted as resolution 2728 and demanded an immediate ceasefire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, leading to a lasting sustainable ceasefiremarked the first time that the E10 collectively penned a resolution. The Council conducted one formal visiting mission in 2024 to Colombia in February. The goal of the four-day visit was to reaffirm the Councils commitment to the peace process in the country. Three to five such trips were the norm in the years before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Difficulty agreeing on the destination, a heavy workload, and possible reluctance to the visits by host governments appear to have contributed to fewer visiting missions. Nonetheless, a new development since late 2023 has been the informal visiting mission. Unlike official visiting missions, which require unanimous agreement among Council members and are funded by the UN, informal visits have been initiated by a specific member state, with the organising or participating countries covering all or some of the costs. Switzerland organised an informal visit of 14 Council members to Geneva on 25-26 August 2024 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and enhance the members understanding of their meaning and purpose. The informal visiting mission appears to be a useful innovation at a time of significant division in the Council, although this tool is in its nascent stages. The first such visit occurred when 11 members of the Security Council and four incoming members travelled on 11 December 2023 to the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza with Egypt, at the initiative of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Commitments Continue and Expand Council members Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK, and the US have given continuity to the Shared Commitments on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiative, which was started in 2021 by Ireland, Kenya, and Mexico. In this context, in 2024, some members participating in this initiativeMalta, ROK, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and the USincluded a WPS focus during meetings on a country situation on the Councils agenda, on the Great Lakes in April, Sudan in June, Libya in August, and Afghanistan in September and December, respectively. In addition, 15 joint press stakeouts on the WPS commitments were held in the context of various issues in 2024, including Colombia (11 January and 15 October), Sudan (29 January and 18 June), Afghanistan (26 February, 18 September and 11 December), conflict prevention (13 March), conflict-related sexual violence (23 April), the Great Lakes region (24 April), drawdowns of peacekeeping operations (7 August), Libya (20 August), Women building peace in a changing environment (24 October), South Sudan (7 November), and intergenerational leadership (3 December). Another notable development has been the climate pledges among Council members who would like to see more systematic integration of climate, peace and security matters into the Councils work. On 22 March 2023, four membersMalta, Mozambique, Switzerland, and the UAElaunched the Joint Pledges related to climate, peace and security. During 2024, the number of joint pledgers expanded to 11 Council membersFrance, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland, ROK, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, the UK, and the US. In 2024, the climate pledgers held eight press stakeouts in connection with meetings on relevant country/regional and thematic files. These stakeouts highlighted the connections among climate, peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel and the activities of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) (11 January and 20 December), food Insecurity (13 February), Yemen (15 April and 13 November), Afghanistan (21 June), UN peacekeeping (9 September), and UN-AU Cooperation (2 October). In 2024, the presidency trio for conflict prevention was launched by Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland during their August, September, and October Council presidencies. Through this initiative, these countries committed to joint action for conflict prevention based on trust, solidarity, and universalityprinciples that must be reinvigorated for an effective collective security system, according to A New Agenda for Peace, the Secretary-Generals July 2023 report outlining ideas to prevent conflict and advance peace. In the coming year, Council members might expand this initiative to promote a more systematic approach by the Council to preventive action. Challenges in the Year Ahead In 2025, the Council will continue to face several difficult challenges around the world at a time when the body is more divided than at any time in the post-Cold War period. Major crises in Gaza and Ukraine are expected to continue to garner international attention. But they are only two of the often intractable, interconnected conflicts that will require skilful engagement and creative problem-solving from Council members. The situation in the Middle East is particularly fluid. The Council will need to rethink its approach to Syria following the fall of the Assad government. This may provide opportunities to use Chapter VI tools to bring the parties together to help Syrians create a better future for their country. Restraining Irans nuclear activities will be on the minds of many members. The fragile peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon and the impact of the war in Gaza on Yemen will also need the Councils attention. The implementation of resolution 2719 on the financing of AU-led peace support operations may be a major focus of the Council in the upcoming year; the newly authorised AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) will be the first test case for the implementation of resolution 2719. In addition, the rising threat of terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel should be a focus of the Council in 2025. The Councils work on peace operations and peacebuilding will likely be informed by the Secretary-Generals review of the future of all forms of UN peace operations and the Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR)both scheduled for 2025. In this regard, it is possible that the Council will consider transforming the underfunded Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti into a UN peacekeeping operation. If the Council were to do this, it would be the first new peace operation in more than a decade. The five new membersDenmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somaliawill hopefully bring new energy and ideas into the Council at a time of heightened geopolitical friction. They enter shortly before Donald J. Trumps return to the White House on 20 January, which will likely be accompanied by a perceptible change in US policy. The new administration is likely to question the Councils work on climate, peace and security, and object to certain aspects of the women, peace and security file. In addition, it is unclear what its approach to the war in Ukraine will be, while it is likely to be as supportive, if not more so, of the positions of the Israeli government than the Biden administration. In addition, it may question the value of US support for UN peace operations, and for the UN in general. As they grapple with the challenges in the year ahead, members need to find ways of rebuilding trust and finding common ground. In this regard, the revival since late 2023 of sofa talks, which take place in a very informal setting and are meant to allow for frank discussion of difficult issues, is a promising development. In the current difficult environment, Council members may also wish to seek ideas and inspiration from A Pact for the Future agreed through inter-governmental negotiations in September 2024, particularly its action points relevant to international peace and security. In this regard, Security Council Report recently released a policy paper that analyses the peace and security elements of the Pact and offers recommendations that they can pursue in implementing the Pact. We hope that Council members find it useful in 2025 and the years beyond. AFRICA Libya Expected Council Action In January 2025, the Security Council is expected to renew the authorisation of measures contained in resolution 2146 of 19 March 2014 related to the illicit export of petroleum from Libya. It is also expected to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts (PoE) assisting the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee. Through resolution 2701 of 19 October 2023, the Council renewed the authorisation of petroleum-related measures until 1 February 2025 and extended the PoEs mandate until 15 February, to be reviewed by 15 January. Additionally, the Council may renew the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) this month. Resolution 2755 of 31 October 2024 extended the missions mandate until 31 January 2025, with a further automatic extension of an additional nine months, until 31 October, if a new Special Representative and head of UNSMIL has been appointed by 31 January. Key Recent Developments The political impasse in Libya continues between the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah with advisory support from the High State Council (HSC), and the eastern-based Government of National Stability (GNS), led by Prime Minister Osama Hamad and backed by the House of Representatives (HoR) and the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) under the command of General Khalifa Haftar. The parties remain deadlocked over proposed legislation to hold national elections that would reconcile the countrys divided government. A key point of contention concerns the formation of a unified interim government to organise the elections, a move favoured by the GNS and HoR but opposed by the GNU and some segments of the HSC. The prolonged stalemate between the rival governmentswhich has persisted since the indefinite postponement of the 2021 electionsis one of the root causes of Libyas political, security, and economic instability. In a 4 December 2024 statement, UNSMIL announced that Deputy Special Representative and Political Officer-in-Charge of UNSMIL Stephanie Koury had recently intensified consultations with Libyan actors to revitalise the political process towards the holding of national elections, in line with resolution 2755. As part of this effort, Koury met with HoR Speaker Aguila Saleh, acting GNU Foreign Minister Taher Baour, and Presidential Council President Mohammed Al-Menfi. (The Presidential Council was established under the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement to serve as the countrys head of state.) In a subsequent 15 December 2024 statement, Koury provided additional details about this UNSMIL-facilitated process, which will comprise two stages. First, the mission intends to convene a technical committee of Libyan experts to develop options to overcome contentious issues in the electoral laws and reach elections in the shortest possible time including with proposed guarantees, assurances and a timeframe. Second, the mission will facilitate a national dialogue to expand consensus for the resolution of long-standing drivers of conflict. The dialogue will include all segments of Libyan society, including political parties, women, youth, social leaders, and cultural components. In her 16 December 2024 bimonthly briefing to the Security Council, Koury reiterated the details of this initiative. While Libyas rival governments remain deadlocked over national elections, Libyas High National Election Commission (HNEC) organised the first round of municipal elections on 16 November 2024. Polls were held in 58 municipalities, with voter participation reaching 77 percent, according to the Secretary-Generals most recent report on UNSMIL, dated 10 December 2024 and covering developments from 9 August 2024. In a 24 November 2024 statement, UNSMIL welcomed the successful holding of municipal electionswhich were the first since 2014 to be held simultaneously across the western and eastern parts of the countryas a crucial opportunity for the Libyan people to exercise their right to choose their representatives and foster accountable and responsive governance. Similarly, in his most recent report on UNSMIL, the Secretary-General welcomed the municipal elections but cautioned that they should not be seen as a substitute for the national elections which have been delayed for far too long and are essential to restore the legitimacy of the main State institutions. At the time of writing, HNEC was expected to begin the electoral process for a second group of 59 municipalities later this month. Sanctions-Related Developments On 5 December 2024, the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee met to discuss the PoEs final report. As requested by resolution 2701, which most recently renewed the panels mandate and extended the petroleum-related sanctions measures, the report made recommendations on possible actions that the committee could take to allow the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) to re-invest its frozen assets. The LIA is Libyas sovereign wealth fund and has previously requested permission from the committee to re-invest its assets to preserve their value, which has reportedly declined under the asset freeze. On 12 December 2024, the committee met with representatives of the LIA to discuss its request. Women, Peace and Security Hala Bugaighis, a representative of the Libyan Women, Peace and Security Advisory Group, briefed the Security Council during the 9 October 2024 meeting on Libya. Among other issues, she stressed the importance of womens meaningful participation in the peace and political processes in Libya. She highlighted significant challenges women face in this respect, including movement limitations, restrictions on civil society organisations, and the systematic targeting of women human rights defenders, particularly online. Bugaighis called on the Security Council to demand that all actors end intimidation, attacks and reprisals against women civil society representatives and politically active women. Calling for UNSMILs mandate to be renewed for twelve months, Bugaighis urged the Council to task UNSMIL with monitoring and reporting on violations against women human rights defenders and providing support to those at risk. She stressed the importance of the mission prioritising the women, peace and security components of its mandate and working closely with Libyan actors to address the human rights situation in the country. Key Issues and Options A key issue for the Security Council in January is to renew the PoEs mandate and extend the authorisation of measures contained in resolution 2146, which allowed member states to inspect designated vessels on the high seas suspected of facilitating the illicit export of petroleum from Libya. In connection with these renewals, the Council may also act on the LIAs request to re-invest its frozen assets based on the panels recommendations. If the Secretary-General has not appointed a new Special Representative and head of UNSMIL by 31 January 2025, the missions current mandate will end on that date. In that case, another issue for the Council is renewing UNSMILs mandate, which it would most likely do through another short-term extension. A related issue for the Council is the appointment of a new Special Representative. Filling this positionwhich has been vacant since then-Special Representative Abdoulaye Bathily stepped down in April 2024is an important condition for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of the UNs mediation role in Libya, in part because resolution 2755 made a full one-year renewal of the missions mandate contingent on the appointment. Council members have urged the Secretary-General to take swift action on this issue, although positions diverge on the appropriate candidate for the position, which has delayed the appointment process. More broadly, supporting political momentum towards national elections to unify Libyas divided governments remains a key issue for the Council. In this context, an important objective for the Council is to help foster common political ground between the countrys rival governments to reach an inclusive agreement on electoral laws, including the possible establishment of a unified interim government to organise the elections. In this regard, Council members could consider issuing a presidential statement or press statement in support of Kourys revitalised efforts to facilitate dialogue between the Libyan political stakeholders. Council Dynamics Council members remain united on the need for a Libyan-led, inclusive political process resulting in elections that will help to restore political, security, and economic stability to the country. They also remain broadly supportive of the UNs mediation role towards this end. However, the recent extension of UNSMILs mandate in the absence of a Special Representative rekindled older disagreements. When former Special Envoy Jan Kubis resigned in November 2021, it took nearly a year to identify a successor, eventually leading to Bathilys appointment in September 2022. (Resolution 2629 of 29 April 2022 changed UNSMILs leadership position from a Special Envoy to a Special Representative.) During this impasse, the Council renewed UNSMILs mandate five times between September 2021 and July 2022 through short-term extensions, in part because Russia opposed a regular one-year renewal in the absence of appointed mission leadership. During negotiations on last years renewal under similar circumstances, Russia again opposed a one-year extension, citing the previous short-term extensions as precedent. This resulted in the compromise solution whereby resolution 2755 renewed the mandate for a three-month period that may be automatically extended by an additional nine months upon the appointment of a new Special Representative. Regarding sanctions, Council members may have differing positions on possible actions to accommodate the LIAs request to re-invest its frozen assets. During negotiations on resolution 2701, there was some disagreement among certain Council membersincluding China, Mozambique, Russia, and then-members Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emiratesthat wanted the Council to accommodate the LIAs request, and otherprimarily Westernmembers that were more reticent in light of the LIAs management challenges and Libyas unstable political environment. The resolutions request for recommendations from the PoE on this issue was a compromise between those two positions. More broadly, geopolitical tensions influence Council dynamics with respect to Libya. The US and other Western members remain concerned about Russias growing presence in the eastern part of the country that is under Haftars control, while Russia routinely blames Libyas current instability on the NATO-led military intervention in 2011 and accuses Western countries of seeking to exploit Libyas oil reserves for economic gain. The UK is the penholder on Libya. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON LIBYA UN DOCUMENTS ON LIBYA Overview In January 2025, Algeria will hold the presidency of the Security Council. Algeria intends to organise three signature events. The first one is the quarterly open debate on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, which will be elevated to ministerial level this month. Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf is expected to chair the meeting. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres may brief. Other meetings on this file may be convened depending on developments in Israel and Gaza. The second signature event is a meeting on countering terrorism in Africa under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item. The meeting, which Attaf is expected to chair, is likely to focus on terrorism and its impact on sustainable development. Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye, and a civil society representative are the anticipated briefers. Algerias third signature event is the annual briefing on cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States (LAS). A senior UN official and LAS Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit are the anticipated briefers. Attaf is expected to chair the meeting. A presidential statement is a possible outcome of the meeting. Additional Middle Eastern issues anticipated in January include: Yemen, the monthly meeting; and Syria, a meeting on the political and humanitarian situations and possible additional meetings depending on developments in the country. African issues that are expected to be discussed this month include: Libya, renewal of the authorisation of measures contained in resolution 2146 of 19 March 2014 related to the illicit export of petroleum from Libya as well as renewal of the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee; and Sudan, the semi-annual briefing of ICC Prosecutor Karim Asad Ahmad Khan on the ICCs Darfur-related activities. Issues in the Americas that are included in Januarys programme of work are: Colombia, the quarterly briefing on the work of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia and recent developments; and Haiti, the quarterly briefing on the work of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and recent developments in the country. The only European issue on the programme of work in January is Cyprus, with the semi-annual consultations on the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), a meeting with UNFICYP troop-contributing countries, and renewal of UNFICYPs mandate. Additional meetings on these and other issues, including Ukraine and Sudan, may be scheduled during the month. Status Update since our December Forecast Women, Peace and Security On 3 December 2024, the Security Council held an open briefing on women, peace and security titled Investing in the Transformative Power of Intergenerational Leadership on Women, Peace and Security (S/PV.9797). The briefers were Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and Tahani Abbas, the Executive Director of Nora Organization. Lebanon On 4 December 2024, Council members received a briefing in closed consultations on the situation in Lebanon. France, the penholder on the file, and the US requested the consultations following the announcement on 26 November 2024 of a cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, which took effect the following day. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed. On 18 December 2024, France, the penholder on Lebanon, circulated a draft presidential statement welcoming the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon that entered into effect on 27 November 2024 (S/2024/870), and calling for its full implementation. This initiative was apparently aimed at encouraging momentum in the implementation of the cessation of hostilities. Among other things, the draft presidential statement recalled Israels and Lebanons commitments under the cessation of hostilities agreement, expressed deep concern over violations of the agreement, and called for all violations to stop. After a period of negotiations, the US apparently requested on 27 December 2024 an extended pause in the negotiations, citing concerns that the presidential statement could risk complicating de-escalation and compliance on the ground. It seems that all other Council members had supported the adoption of the presidential statement. Ukraine On 4 December, the Security Council held a briefing on Ukraine (S/PV.9799). The US, Decembers Council president, convened the meeting to discuss the effects of the war on children in Ukraine. The meeting featured briefings from Executive Director of UNICEF Catherine Russell; Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health; and Kateryna Rashevska, Legal Expert at the Regional Centre for Human Rights. Hedda Samson, Charge dAffaires a.i. of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations also participated in the meeting under rule 39 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. On 16 December, the Council held a briefing on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine at the request of Ecuador and France (S/PV.9816). Director of the Financing and Partnerships Division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Lisa Doughten briefed the Council. The representatives of Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, and Ukraine also participated in the meeting under rule 37. On 20 December, at Russias request, the Council held a briefing under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item to discuss Western arms transfers to Ukraine (S/PV.9827). High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu briefed the Council. Arria-formula Meeting on Persons with Disabilities in Situations of Armed Conflict On 6 December, Guyana and Slovenia convened an Arria-formula meeting, titled Persons with disabilities in situations of armed conflict and related humanitarian crises Heightening visibility and eliminating discrimination to consider the full implementation of resolution 2475 on the protection of persons with disabilities in armed conflict. Heba Hagrass, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities; Laetitia Courtois, Permanent Observer of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to the UN; and Emina Cerimovic, the Associate Director for Disability Rights at Human Rights Watch, delivered the briefings. It was also co-sponsored by the UK and Poland (Council member in 2018 and 2019), the resolutions co-penholders. The meeting focused attention on enhancing the visibility of persons with disabilities in the Protection of Civilians framework and the heightened vulnerabilities faced by such persons in armed conflict and related humanitarian crises. Counter-Terrorism On 6 December 2024, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2761, which extended the application of the humanitarian carve-out established by resolution 2664 to the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL and Al-Qaida sanctions regime for an indefinite period. Iraq On 6 December, the Security Council held an open briefing on the situation in Iraq (S/PV.9803), followed by consultations. Special Representative and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan briefed the Council on recent developments in the country and the Secretary-Generals most recent reports on UNAMI and the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-party nationals and missing Kuwaiti property. The representatives of Iraq and Kuwait participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure, in addition to Hanaa Edwar, Chairperson of the Iraqi Al-Amal Association under rule 39. Democratic Republic of the Congo On 9 December, the Security Council held an open briefing, followed by closed consultations, on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including the work of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (S/PV.9804). The briefers were Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO; and Passy Mubalama, Founder of the Action and Development Initiative for the Protection of Women and Children. The DRC, Angola and Rwanda participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. International Criminal Tribunals On 10 December 2024, the Council held its semi-annual debate on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT). The IRMCTs president, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, and its chief prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, briefed (S/PV.9805). They met with the Informal Working Group on International Tribunals prior to the debate. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Rwanda, and Serbia participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. Golan (UNDOF) Council members held consultations on the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) on 12 December. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed. On 20 December, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2766, renewing the mandate of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) for six months, until 30 June 2025. Arria-formula Meeting on Mine Action On 12 December, Security Council members held an Arria-formula meeting on mine action at the initiative of Japan, titled Safeguarding Lives, Sustaining Peace: Enhancing Mine Action for Stabilization, Protection, Recovery, and Inclusion. The briefers were Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Ambassador Keo Chhea (Cambodia). Afghanistan On 12 December 2024, the Council convened for an open briefing on Afghanistan (S/PV.9810). The briefers were: Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher, Ambassador Andres Montalvo Sosa (Ecuador) in his capacity as Chair of the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee, and Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Digital Citizen Fund Roya Mahboob. The closed consultations that were scheduled to follow the open briefing were cancelled and did not take place. Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. On 13 December 2024, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2763, which renewed the mandate of the Monitoring Team supporting the 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee until February 2026. On 27 December, Council members issued a press statement on Afghanistan (SC/15957). Among other matters, the press statement expressed deep concern about the continuing negative impact of the Talibans policies and practices that restrict the enjoyment by women and girls of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. It also urged the Taliban to swiftly reverse these policies and practices, including the vice and virtue directive and the recent decision to suspend womens and girls access to education in private and public medical institutions, noting that positive developments in this area are crucial for building confidence with the international community. It further underscored that dialogue, including through the Doha Process convened by the UN, is critical for a political settlement in Afghanistan as well as peace and stability in the country. The press statement was first circulated by Japan, the penholder on Afghanistan during 2023 and 2024, approximately a week after the open briefing that took place on 12 December 2024. Somalia On 27 December, the Security Council convened a meeting (S/PV.9828) to vote on a draft resolution, authored by the UK (the penholder on Somalia), regarding the successor mission to the African Union (AU) Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Ethiopia and Somalia participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. At the meeting, the Council adopted resolution 2767, endorsing the decision of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to replace ATMIS with the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The resolution authorised AU members to take all necessary measures in this regard for 12 months, beginning on 1 January 2025. It also authorised AU members to deploy up to 12,626 uniformed personnel, including 1,040 police personnel, to AUSSOM until 30 June 2025, and to complete by this date the realignment of all AU troops from ATMIS to AUSSOM. The resolution was adopted with 14 votes in favour and one abstention (the US). UNOCA (Central Africa) On 13 December, the Security Council held a briefing and consultations on the Secretary-Generals semi-annual report on the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and the implementation of the UNs regional strategy to combat the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) (S/PV.9813). Special Representative and Head of UNOCA Abdou Abarry and President of the Central African Womens Active Network and Vice-President of the Central African Civil Society Coalition for Peace and Conflict Prevention Daniele Nlate briefed. Briefing by the Outgoing Chairs of the Security Councils Subsidiary Bodies On 13 December, the five outgoing chairs of the Security Council Subsidiary Bodies briefed the Council on the activities of nine committees and working groups (S/PV.9814): Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki (Japan) briefed the Council on his roles as chair of three subsidiary bodies: the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, the 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee, and the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. Ambassador Francesca Maria Gatt, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Malta, briefed on Maltas work as chair of the 1267/1989/2253 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. Ambassador Pedro Comissario Afonso (Mozambique), Chair of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa, briefed on his efforts as chair. Ambassador Andres Efren Montalvo Sosa (Ecuador) briefed the Council as the outgoing Chair of the 1540 Committee (non-proliferation) and 1988 Afghanistan Sanctions Committee. Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl (Switzerland), Chair of the 1718 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) Sanctions Committee, briefed on the work of the Committee during her tenure as chair. Iran On 17 December, the Security Council convened a briefing on the Secretary-Generals biannual report on the implementation of resolution 2231 (20 July 2015), which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans nuclear programme (S/PV.9818). The Council also received reports from the resolutions facilitator, Ambassador Vanessa Frazier (Malta), and the Joint Commission, which was established to oversee the implementation of the JCPOA and comprises the current parties to the agreement: China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, and Iran. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo; Frazier; and Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis of the EU, the coordinator of the Joint Commission; delivered briefings to the Council. DPRK (North Korea) On 18 December 2024, the Security Council convened for an open briefing under the agenda item Non-proliferation/Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) (S/PV.9820). The meeting was requested by France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Slovenia, the UK, and the US and was intended to raise awareness on the security implications arising out of expanding DPRK military engagements. The briefers were Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and Executive Director of Conflict Armament Research Jonah Leff. The DPRK and Ukraine participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, the Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the UN in New York, also participated in the meeting under rule 39 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. Artificial Intelligence On 19 December, the Security Council convened for a briefing on artificial intelligence (AI) (S/PV.9827). The briefing, which was held under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item, was one of the signature events of the US December Council presidency. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken chaired the meeting. The briefers were: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; Yann LeCun, Chief AI Scientist at Facebooks AI Research (FAIR); and Fei-Fei Li, Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University and Co-Director of Stanfords Human-Centered AI Institute. Sudan On 11 December, Ambassador Joonkook Hwang (the Republic of Korea), the chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, briefed the Council on the Committees work (S/PV.9807). Sudan participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. On 19 December, the Council held a ministerial-level meeting on the situation in Sudan, initiated by the US, the Councils president for December (S/PV.9822). US Secretary of State Antony Blinken chaired the meeting. OCHAs Director of Operations and Advocacy Division Edem Wosornu briefed the Council. Shayna Lewis, senior advisor with Preventing and Ending Mass Atrocities (PAEMA) and Saad Bahr el-Din, Sultan of the Masalit , also briefed the Council. Egypt, Sudan, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure. West Africa and the Sahel On 20 December, the Security Council held a briefing, followed by consultations, on West Africa and the Sahel (S/PV.9825). The briefers were Special Representative and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simao and Levinia Addae-Mensah, Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding. Before the meeting, Council members that are supporters of the joint pledges related to climate, peace and securityFrance, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the UK, and the USheld a stakeout on climate, peace and security issues in West Africa and the Sahel, delivering a statement highlighting the security challenges of climate change in the region and ways to address them. Children and Armed Conflict On 20 December 2024, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2764, highlighting the need to facilitate adequate and sustainable child protection capacities in UN peace operations, including in the context of transitions to or from UN missions. The text, which was authored by Malta (the chair of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict), was co-sponsored by 111 member states. MIDDLE EAST Syria Expected Council Action In January, the Security Council will hold a meeting on the political process and the humanitarian situation in Syria. Key Recent Developments On 27 November 2024, rebel forces launched a major offensive that included Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Syrian National Army, a coalition of armed groups allegedly backed by Turkiye, resulting in the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The offensive, which began in the northwestern Aleppo governorate, quickly advanced southward towards the capital Damascus with little resistance from the Syrian armed forces. Concurrently, opposition groups in the south launched attacks in the Daraa governorate and As-Suwayda city, creating a multi-front push toward Damascus. The offensive culminated with the fall of Damascus on 8 December, forcing Assad to flee the country. Russia granted asylum to Assad and his family, citing humanitarian considerations. (For background and more information, see our 9, 16, and 26 December Whats in Blue stories.) On 10 December, Ahmed al-Sharaa (also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani), HTS leader and commander of the new administration, installed Mohammed al-Bashir to lead a caretaker government through March 2025. (Bashir had previously headed the Syrian Salvation Government [SSG] in Idlib, a body established by HTS in 2017 to govern the territory it controlled.) In the following days, the transitional government announced its ministerial portfolios, which reportedly included individuals affiliated with the SSG. On 12 December, the transitional authorities announced that the Syrian parliament and former constitution would be suspended for the interim transitional period, and a new legal and human rights committee would be established to examine and introduce amendments to the constitution. On 14 December, the Arab ministerial contact group on Syriacomprising Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and League of Arab States (LAS) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheitconvened in Aqaba, Jordan. The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In a statement released following the meeting, the representatives expressed support for a peaceful and inclusive political transitional process that will be sponsored by the UN and the LAS, and follow the principles and objectives of resolution 2254. They stressed the need for an inclusive transitional period leading to a new political system through UN-supervised free and fair elections based on a new constitution and within specific timeframes in accordance with the mechanisms adopted by resolution 2254. They also requested the UN Secretary-General to begin working on establishing a UN mission to assist Syria in achieving a political process. On the margins, the Arab contact group and other countries that participated in the 14 December meeting held a joint meeting with Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen and representatives of France, Germany, Turkiye, the UK, the US, and the European Union (EU), and adopted a joint statement. Pedersen travelled to Damascus from 15 to 18 December, engaging with a range of key stakeholders. These included Sharaa, Bashir, and members of other armed factions, as well as representatives of the Syrian Negotiations Commission (SNC), which was formed as the political opposition to the Assad government and includes military representatives involved in the recent military offensive. During his visit, Pedersen also visited Sednaya Prison, a facility located north of Damascus notorious for its use by the Assad government for carrying out torture and executions, and met with families of those who had been detained and missing, as well as representatives from civil society. In his remarks at the 17 December 2024 Council meeting on the situation in Syria, Pedersen outlined the challenges facing the country, notably prevailing insecurity in some parts, particularly north-east Syria where front lines remain active. He stressed the need for de-escalation towards a nationwide ceasefire, as well as efforts to address tensions between military factions. He emphasised the importance of advancing efforts towards economic development, reconstruction, and addressing and ultimately lifting sanctions. Regarding the political process, Pedersen noted the broad understanding that, under the current circumstances, resolution 2254 cannot be applied mechanically, although its core principles enjoy widespread consensus among Syrians. Pedersen stressed the need for drafting a new constitution and conducting free and fair elections, in line with resolution 2254. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of transitional justice, including clarifying the fate of missing and disappeared persons and ensuring due process in criminal prosecutions to prevent acts of revenge. (For more information, see our 16 December Whats in Blue story.) The security situation in northern Syria remains fragile. In the days following Assads ousting, hostilities escalated significantly, with various factions competing for control and influence. Turkish backed-SNA forces launched an offensive in the territories controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), capturing strategic locations such as Manbij and initiating operations in Kobani. (The SDF has been a crucial security partner for the US in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant [ISIL\Daesh]. Turkiye, however, views the SDF as closely linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party [PKK], pointing to the dominant role of YPG, a Kurdish militia, within the SDF and its overlapping leadership with the PKK.) The factions agreed to a short-term ceasefire brokered by the US, largely focusing on Manjib; however, conflicting reports raised doubts about its effectiveness and longevity. In remarks made to journalists on 20 December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara expects countries to withdraw support for Kurdish fighters in Syria. Following her visit to Damascus, US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf reportedly said that the US was working with Turkiye and the SDF to find a managed transition in terms of SDFs role in that part of the country. She added that the conditions which led Kurds in northeast Syria to organise themselves and to defend themselveswere one set of conditions and things have really changed in a very dramatic fashion. Meanwhile, Israel continued its airstrikes on positions within Syria, targeting strategic military capabilities. Following the announcement of Assads overthrow, Israeli forces launched a series of intensive airstrikes across various locations, targeting naval assets, air bases, ammunition depots, and other military infrastructure. Reports indicate that Israel has carried out as many as 450 strikes during this period. In a 19 December press stakeout, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Israel to halt the airstrikes, calling them violations of Syrias sovereignty and territorial integrity. Israel reportedly has argued that its actions were aimed at destroying strategic weapons and military infrastructure to prevent them from being used by rebel groups. (For more information, see our 9 and 16 December Whats in Blue stories.) Human Rights-Related Developments In a 16 December statement, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria urged all parties to the conflict in Syria to protect civilians, treat former combatants humanely, and preserve evidence and crime scenes, including mass grave sites, to ensure accountability in the future. The COI underlined the importance of allowing the victims and survivors to pursue their demands for truth, reparations, and legal and institutional reforms. It reiterated the findings of its report dated 11 March 2021, which found that the Assad government committed crimes against humanity of extermination, murder, rape, or other forms of sexual violence, torture, imprisonment, enforced disappearance, and other inhuman acts. Women, Peace, and Security In a 20 December statement, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten said that while a new chapter is unfolding in Syria following the fall of the Assad government, over a decade of conflict, mass displacement, and economic devastation have generated a catastrophic humanitarian emergency in which the needs of women and girls remain unmet. Patten underscored the critical need to address the sexual violence that has marred the countrys history as a foundation for durable peace and reconciliation. She called on the caretaker government to adopt a robust survivor-centred framework, including access to counselling, mental health services, and medical care. Additionally, Patten highlighted the importance of establishing a legal framework to hold perpetrators accountable, noting that survivors have long been denied avenues for accountability and redress. She appealed to the international community to provide financial and technical support to amplify survivors voices, meet their needs and safeguard their rights. Key Issues and Options The most pressing issue before the Council is how to ensure a credible, transparent, and inclusive political process, guided by the principles of resolution 2254, that can prioritise the needs and aspirations of all Syrians, prevent fragmentation of the country, preserve state institutions, and result in establishing a non-sectarian and representative governance structure. During the 17 December closed consultations, Pedersen apparently cautioned that the coordination between HTS and other armed groups from the offensive might not have transitioned into political collaboration. It seems that he alluded to differing expectations among armed factions regarding the implementation of resolution 2254 and the role of UN facilitation. He called on Council members to stand united in reinforcing the message from the 14 December meeting in Aqaba. A related issue is addressing the prevailing insecurity in the country, ensuring the protection of civilians, including religious and ethnic minorities, addressing human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, and preventing the resurgence of terrorist and extremist elements such as ISIL. The Council needs to navigate the competing interests of regional and international actors, who continue to shape Syrias political and security landscape, while underscoring the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. The Council is expected to continue monitoring the developments on the ground closely. In addition to regular briefings from Pedersen, the Council could consider holding an informal interactive dialogue with interested regional and international stakeholders and invite Syrian representatives to deliberate, among other things, how to adapt the political process to the new realities on the ground and formulate an appropriate response strategy. Another key issue is how to alleviate the growing humanitarian needs throughout the country and address the challenges associated with the recent hostilities. Since 27 November, almost 1.1 million people have been displaced across the country, the majority of whom are women and children. According to OCHA, humanitarian activities continued where security conditions allowed, with limited operations resuming in Damascus, Tartous, Lattakia, and Ar-Raqqa. Humanitarian access and aid delivery, however, remain challenging in parts of north-east Syria, where movement is restricted across Ar-Raqqa, Tabqa, Hassakeh, and Derik due to checkpoints. (For more information, see our 16 December Whats in Blue story.) Council members could consider calling for an international conference to mobilise support for Syria, including through securing additional funding for a humanitarian response and addressing key issues such as economic development and reconstruction. With the growing humanitarian needs across the country, there is an urgent need to ensure adequate funding for humanitarian operations. At the time of writing, Syrias 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan, which required $4.07 billion, was only 33.1 percent funded. On 17 December, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched an appeal for $310 million to address the critical needs of up to one million Syrian refugee returnees expected to arrive in Syria between January and June 2025 as part of spontaneous and host government organised movements from neighbouring countries. Council and Wider Dynamics The Council and the broader membership appear to be adjusting their responses to keep pace with the rapidly unfolding developments and determine the appropriate path forward. The developments in Syria so far have already brought about a pivotal shift in the regions geopolitical landscape. Iran and Russia, Assads close allies who had maintained a military presence in the country over the years, are recalibrating their political and military engagement in the region. Russia, for instance, has reportedly evacuated 400 soldiers from Damascus in coordination with HTS. It has confirmed its contacts with HTS and has expressed hope that it would be able to retain two key bases in Syria, a naval base in Tartous and the Khmeimim air base near Lattakia. Media reports suggest that Russia has been transferring military equipment from Syria to eastern Libya, which is largely under the control of General Khalifa Haftar. In recent weeks, several countries, including Western nations, have opened diplomatic channels to engage with the transitional authorities, including HTS leadership. Turkiye and Qatar have announced the reopening of their embassies in Damascus, marking the first time diplomatic relations have resumed since ties were severed during the Assad governments violent crackdown on civil unrest in the Syrian civil war. Meanwhile, France, Germany, the UK, the US, and the EU, among others, have dispatched diplomatic contingents to engage with the de facto authorities. Senior officials from Jordan, Turkiye, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have also visited Damascus in recent days. On 20 December, a diplomatic mission led by US Assistant Secretary Leaf arrived in Damascus and met with interim authorities, including Sharaa. In a press briefing following the visit, Leaf described the discussions as productive and announced that the US would no longer pursue the Rewards for Justice offer of $10 million for information on Sharaa. She also acknowledged Turkiyes role in shaping discussions on Syrias future, noting its influence and national security interests. On 19 December, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder announced that there are approximately 2,000 US troops stationed in Syria, which is roughly 1,100 more than had been reported in the past. At the time of writing, it remains unclear how US foreign policy will evolve regarding developments in Syria and the broader region under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on 20 January 2025. Following the start of the offensive, Council members met on 3 December to receive a briefing from Pedersen on the evolving security landscape. However, the dynamics within the Council remained marked by long-standing divisions. Russia condemned the rebel offensive, describing it as an unprecedented terrorist attack, and accused the US and its allies of providing support to the terrorists to varying degrees. Meanwhile, the US criticised the Assad government for its refusal to engage in a genuine political process and its reliance on Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, citing these factors as contributing to the conditions unfolding in the country. Despite persistent underlying divisions, Council members managed to find a common voice following Assads ouster in their 17 December press statement. In it, members showed unity in calling for the implementation of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process based on the key principles listed in resolution 2254. They also showed support for Pedersens efforts in this regard and called for the political process to meet the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, protect civilians and enable them to peacefully, independently and democratically determine their own futures. Members also reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria and called on all states to respect these principles. They also underlined the need for Syria and its neighbours to mutually refrain from any action or interference that could undermine each others security. Other areas of agreement were the importance of combating terrorism in Syria, the need to prevent ISIL/Daesh and other terrorist groups from re-establishing their capabilities, and Syria abiding by all relevant Council resolutions regarding non-conventional weapons and cooperating with international efforts. It remains unclear which Council member will assume the role of penholder on the humanitarian file, thereby replacing outgoing Council member Switzerland, which served as co-penholder with Brazil in 2023 and a sole penholder in 2024. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON SYRIA The Middle East, including the Palestinian Question Expected Council Action In January, the Security Council expects to hold its quarterly open debate on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (MEPQ). Algeria intends to hold the open debate, which will be one of the signature events of its January presidency, at ministerial level. Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Attaf is expected to chair. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is the anticipated briefer. Council members may convene additional meetings during the month and evaluate whether further Council action is required. Key Recent Developments Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US on the terms of a ceasefire agreement are ongoing, reportedly focusing on the details of the release of the hostages taken captive during the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks in Israel and of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel, as well as the positioning of Israeli forces during the potential ceasefire. The talks are taking place against the backdrop of the continuation of the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. A 17 December 2024 update by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Israeli bombardment across the Gaza Strip continues to result in civilian casualties, displacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. The update also says that fighting has been reported between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in the North Gaza governorate, where Israel has been carrying out a ground offensive since 6 October 2024. It notes that Israel has tightened its siege in some areas. The update also cites reports of rocket fire by Palestinian armed groups towards Israel. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains abysmal. Approximately 90 percent of the population of the Gaza Strip has been displaced, often multiple times. Large areas of Gaza, including critical infrastructure, have been bombed to the ground, with about 69 percent of the total structures in the Gaza Strip estimated to be destroyed, severely damaged, moderately damaged and possibly damaged. Figures provided by Palestinian officials in Gaza cited by OCHA indicate that, as of 17 December 2024, at least 45,059 Palestinians had been killed during Israels military campaign, while an estimated 10,000 remain under the rubble. In a recent statement, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine RusselI said that more than 160 children have reportedly been killed in Gaza since the beginning of November 2024, an average of four children every day. According to figures provided by Israeli authorities cited by OCHA, over 1,586 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed between 7 October 2023 and 17 December 2024, the majority on 7 October 2023. As of 17 December 2024, an estimated 100 hostages remained captive in Gaza, being denied visits from the International Committee of the Red Cross. According to the latest report on resolution 2334 (S/2024/913), issued on 13 December 2024, the hostages continue to be held in horrific conditions with reports of severe maltreatment. At a recent press conference, Head of OCHAs Sub-Office in Gaza Georgios Petropoulos addressed continuing impediments to humanitarian aid in Gaza. He said that Israel imposes blanket prohibitions on nearly everything, has consistently blocked humanitarian supplies, and frequently denied UN movements inside Gaza. Petropoulos described the violent and systematic looting of humanitarian cargo by armed Palestinians in the context of the breakdown of law and order in Gaza. He noted that virtually every single practical solution to discourage looting proposed by humanitarians to Israelincluding simultaneously opening multiple access points, using alternative routes, and allowing private sector importshas been rejected. Regarding northern Gaza, Petropoulos cited reports of the decimation of towns and constant bombardment of shelters and hospitals, with almost 150 humanitarian requests to access the area being denied by Israel since 6 October 2024. On 21 November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, having found reasonable grounds to believe that they bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, having found reasonable grounds to believe that he was responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes. It is unclear whether Deif has been killed or is still alive. Key humanitarian and human rights organisations have recently issued reports raising serious concerns about genocide and ethnic cleansing being committed by Israel in Gaza. In a 5 December 2024 report , Amnesty International assessed Israeli authorities policies and actions in Gaza after the 7 October 2023 attacks within the framework of genocide under international law. The organisation concluded that Israel committed and is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In a 19 December 2024 report focusing on water deprivation, Human Rights Watch (HRW) found that Israeli authorities and forces actions to deprive the population of Gaza of access to water amount to acts of genocide. Regarding genocidal intent, which is required under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide for a finding of genocide, HRW said that the pattern of conduct described in the report, together with statements suggesting that some Israeli officials wished to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, may indicate such intent. In a 19 December report, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said that the organisations firsthand observations of the medical and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza are consistent with descriptions provided by legal experts and organisations concluding that genocide is taking place in Gaza. MSF added that while it does not have the legal authority to establish intentionality, the signs of ethnic cleansing and the ongoing devastation are undeniable. Developments in the West Bank remain a source of concern. During the reporting period (12 September-6 December 2024) of the Secretary-Generals report on resolution 2334 (S/2024/913), Israel advanced or approved approximately 540 housing units. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued. According to the report, 94 Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces during operations, demonstrations, clashes, air strikes and other incidents, while one Palestinian was killed by Israeli settlers. The report says that 8 Israelis were killed by Palestinians in the West Bank and Israel during the reporting period. The report also notes the intensification of displacement and settler violence against Palestinians in the context of the annual olive harvest. On 20 November 2024, the US vetoed a draft resolution co-authored by the ten elected members of the Security Council (E10), which demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Following the draft resolutions failure, efforts to address the war in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict have shifted to the General Assembly. On 3 December 2024, the General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/79/81) which established modalities for convening an international conference on the implementation of UN resolutions on the question of Palestine and the two-state solution for the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The conferencewhich is scheduled for June and will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabiais one of the measures mandated by the September 2024 General Assembly resolution (A/RES/ES-10/24) on the International Court of Justices (ICJ) Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including East Jerusalem. On 11 December 2024, the resumed Tenth Emergency Special Session (ESS) adopted two resolutions. The first resolution (A/RES/ES-10/25) affirms support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It follows the October 2024 adoption by the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) of two laws on UNRWA that, if implemented, are expected to severely impact the Agencys capacity to function in the OPT with devastating consequences for Palestine Refugees, as the Secretary-General underscored in his 9 December 2024 letter on this issue. (For background on the UNRWA legislation, see the brief on the MEPQ in our November 2024 Monthly Forecast.) The resolution deplores the legislation and demands that Israel enables UNRWAs operations to proceed without impediment or restriction. The second ESS resolution (A/RES/ES-10/26) demands a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and immediate access for the civilian population in Gaza to basic services and humanitarian assistance indispensable to its survival. On 19 December 2024, the General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/79/232) spearheaded by Norway asking the ICJ to render an Advisory Opinion on Israels obligations in relation to the presence and activities of the UN, other international organisations, and third states in and in relation to the OPT, including regarding the unhindered provision of supplies essential to the survival of Palestinian civilians and development assistance. Human Rights-Related Developments In a 12 December Decision, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) called for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages and arbitrarily detained Palestinians. The CERD urged Israel to implement the provisional measures ordered by the ICJ in the case on the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) and called upon Israel and the State of Palestine to cooperate with the ICC. The CERD called on states party to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination to ensure that those suspected of being responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity are promptly brought to justice, including by complying with the ICC arrest warrants. It further called upon all state parties to respect their international obligations to cooperate to end violations and prevent war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, including by ceasing any military assistance if there is a clear risk that such assistance could be used in violation of international law. Women, Peace and Security In its latest report, issued on 11 September 2024, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the OPT, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, concluded that the deliberate destruction of sexual and reproductive health-care facilities in the Gaza Strip constitutes reproductive violence and has had a particularly harmful effect on pregnant, post-partum and lactating women. Among other things, the report says that direct attacks on healthcare facilities, including those offering sexual and reproductive health care and services, have affected approximately 540,000 women and girls. Many have been forced to give birth in unsafe conditions without medical support, increasing the risk of complications resulting in life-long injuries and death, a situation exacerbated by disrupted electricity and telecommunications. The Commission also documented unsafe conditions for women giving birth in hospitals, including lack of personnel, medication and equipment. Key Issues and Options The Councils failure to effectively expedite an end to the war in Gaza and its inability to safeguard the viability of the two-state solution are fundamental issues undermining the Councils credibility. That aid at scale is not reaching Palestinians in Gaza and that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure have continued unabated are also issues of major concern. As evidenced by the negotiations on the November 2024 E10 resolution, agreement on a text with a direct call for a ceasefire remains unlikely. Given the US political and military support of Israel, resolutions imposing measures such as sanctions or arms embargoes are also likely to remain out of the Councils reach. Council members interested in promoting these measures could invite independent experts to brief the Council on the obligation to prevent and punish genocide or on the legal consequences of weapons and ammunition transfer when there is a clear risk that such weapons may be used to commit serious international law violations. If a ceasefire agreement is achieved, Council members could request the Secretary-General to establish a UN-monitoring mechanism to verify compliance. The US veto on the E10 draft resolution came after an extensive period of negotiations during which the E10 agreed to remove several elements from the draft in an attempt to secure a US abstentionsuch as language determining that the situation in Gaza and the regional escalation constitute a threat to international peace and security, and direct references to the ICJ orders of provisional measures in South Africa v. Israel. If a ceasefire remains elusive, members may want to consider putting to a vote a bolder text, backed by a broad coalition of Council members, to increase political pressure to end the war. Members could also start consultations on the deployment of an international protective presence in the OPT, as recommended in the latest report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. An analysis by the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security has noted that Palestinian women civil society leaders have been noticeably absent from the Security Council, with none invited to brief the Council since January 2022. Algeria could invite a Palestinian woman civil society representative to participate in the January open debate. With reprisals against briefers persisting, including recent cases targeting civil society representatives who briefed the Council on this file, it is essential that members and the UN take all possible measures to keep briefers safe, in consultation with the briefer, including carrying out risk assessments, developing protection plans, and responding to any reprisals. Council Dynamics Intractable dynamics have characterised the Councils response to the war in Gaza, which has been marked by contentious and prolonged negotiations with multiple failed adoptions. Negotiations of Council products on this file have clearly shown that it is not possible for the Council to adopt an outcome that the US, Israels key ally at the Security Council, does not largely support. Regarding the E10 November 2024 draft resolution, the US maintained that it could not support a text that did not feature an explicit conditional link between the Councils demands for a ceasefire and for the release of the hostages. In their explanation of vote following the US veto, several members expressed disappointment and a growing sense of frustration. Malta, for example, stressed that the text represented the bare minimum of what is needed to begin to address the desperate situation on the ground, and lamented that, due to the veto, the Council failed to uphold its responsibility to maintain international peace and security. The UK, which had abstained on the three previous draft resolutions on the war vetoed by the US, voted in favour of the E10 text, resulting in the US being the sole Council member not to support this initiative. Overall, the US has vetoed four draft resolutions on the war. The US also vetoed a draft resolution that would have recommended that the State of Palestine be admitted to membership in the UN. China and Russia vetoed two US-proposed draft resolutions on the war, in both cases being accompanied by the negative vote of the Arab member of the Council (the UAE in 2023 and Algeria in 2024). In December 2024, all the incoming elected members (Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia) voted in favour of the ESS resolution on UNRWA and the General Assembly resolution adopting modalities for the international conference on peace in the Middle East. All incoming members, except Panama which abstained, voted in favour of the ESS resolution demanding a ceasefire. Greece and Panama abstained on the resolution requesting an Advisory Opinion on Israels obligations regarding humanitarian assistance. The return of the Trump administration is expected to further shrink the already narrow space for compromise on this file. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION MIDDLE EAST Yemen Expected Council Action In January 2025, the Security Council will hold its monthly briefing and consultations on Yemen. UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg and a representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are expected to brief. Council members may also consider extending the monthly reporting requirement for the Secretary-General contained in resolution 2722 of 10 January 2024 on attacks by the Houthi rebel group on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Resolution 2739 of 27 June 2024 most recently extended the reporting obligation until 15 January 2025. The mandate of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) expires on 14 July 2025. Key Recent Developments The situation in Yemen remains complex as the Middle East experiences seismic shifts, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, a fragile cessation of hostilities agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon, and the 8 December 2024 ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Briefing at the Security Councils latest meeting on Yemen on 11 December 2024, Grundberg stated that the dramatic events in Lebanon and Syria demonstrate the urgent need for stabilisation across the region, including in Yemen. Some Council members, like the Republic of Korea (ROK), expressed hope that the recent developments will have a positive catalytic effect on Yemen. Other members, such as China, cautioned that these developments could create shockwaves that will further undermine peace efforts in the country. December 2024 also saw the intensification of direct conflict between the Houthis and Israel, as well as the continuation of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The Houthis launched more than eight attacks against Israel involving ballistic missiles and drones, three of which were not intercepted by Israeli air defence systems and hit civilian areas. On 9 December, a drone launched by the Houthis struck a residential building in the central Israeli city of Yavneh, causing no casualties. A 19 December Houthi missile attack damaged a school in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat Gan, with at least three people sustaining injuries. In the early hours of 21 December, a Houthi missile hit a playground in Tel Avivs southern Jaffa area, reportedly injuring 16 people. On 19 December, Israel carried out airstrikes in Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, reportedly targeting Houthi infrastructure at the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and the Ras Isa oil terminal on the Red Sea as well as Houthi energy infrastructure in the city of Sanaa. This was the third time that Israel claimed responsibility for direct strikes in Yemen, after carrying out attacks on 20 July and 29 September in response to Houthi assaults against Israel. On 26 December, Israel carried out another significant air assault against Yemen, targeting the Sanaa airport and two power stations. In a 19 December statement, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the Israeli strikes, noting that initial reports indicate that they resulted in civilian casualties, including nine killed, and considerable damage to the Red Sea ports that will lead to the immediate and significant reduction in port capacity. He added that the strikes followed approximately 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 and expressed concern about the 19 December Houthi attack against Israel. Guterres called on all actors to exercise restraint and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law by protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. On 30 December 2024, the Security Council held a meeting under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item to discuss these developments, following a request from Israel in a 24 December letter to the Council. (For more information, see our 29 December 2024 Whats in Blue story.) During the 11 December Council meeting, Grundberg called on the Yemeni parties to re-engage on his efforts to promote a roadmap under UN auspices, which would deliver a ceasefire, economic measures such as the sustainable payment of salaries and preparing for an inclusive political process. The Special Envoy has continued working on such issues. Most recently, his office convened a meeting between 10 and 12 December 2024 with representatives from the Yemeni government in Amman, Jordan, to discuss the planning and management of ceasefires and transitional security arrangements. The participants reflected on global examples of ceasefires and explored their relevance for a future nationwide ceasefire in Yemen, according to a statement by the Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen. Human Rights-Related Developments On 30 September, the Human Rights Council adopted the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Yemen. During the UPR, the government of Yemen stated that the continued control of parts of the country by the Houthis, which affects the lives of more than ten million citizens, is causing political, security, and social turmoil. It identified this as the primary obstacle to advancing human rights. The government also reported launching livelihood programmes to support girls education in rural areas. These programmes provide cash incentives to families on the condition that they send their daughters to school and include the distribution of food baskets to participating families. Key Issues and Options Minimising the effects of the destabilising regional tensions on Yemen and reinvigorating the stalled intra-Yemeni political process are overarching priorities for the Council. It is yet unclear what, if any, direct effect the fall of the Assad government in Syria may have on Yemen. Some analysts have argued that the changes in regional dynamics could weaken the Houthis hand, which might compel the group to recommit to intra-Yemeni negotiations. In contrast, others have commented that it could cause Iran to increase its support for the Houthis and reignite the fighting in Yemen after almost three years of relative calm. The Council may seek to demonstrate its sustained attention to the Yemen file at this critical juncture. An option would be for Council members to issue a presidential statement or press statement encouraging the Yemeni parties to create conditions conducive to the resumption of talks. In this regard, members could urge implementation of the economic de-escalation agreement reached on 23 July between the Houthis and the Yemeni government. Addressing the dire humanitarian situation in the country is another pressing priority. OCHAs Global Humanitarian Overview for 2025, published on 4 December 2024, estimated that 19.5 million people in Yemen will require aid in 2025 and anticipated requiring $2.5 billion to assist 10.5 million people. Council members could consider ways to increase attention on humanitarian funding shortfalls, including by encouraging member states to convene a pledging conference. The global humanitarian overview noted that Yemen ranks as the worlds third most vulnerable country to climate change and that the country lacks the capacity to mitigate or adapt to the effects of climate change. An option would be for the Informal Expert Group (IEG) on Climate, Peace and Security to visit Yemen to discuss strategies for building climate resilience. Council Dynamics Although Council members remain united in their support for Grundbergs efforts to achieve a solution to the crisis in Yemen, dynamics on the file have become more complicated since the eruption of the Red Sea crisis in November 2023. Some of the Councils permanent members have exchanged recriminations during Council meetings on Yemen, with the US alleging that Russia is considering transferring weapons to the Houthis and Russia saying that retaliatory strikes by the UK and the US against the Houthis were destabilising the situation in Yemen. It remains to be seen how the upcoming US presidential transition may affect Council dynamics on the file. The current administration of US President Joe Biden has taken a strong position, advocating for further Council action to impede Irans supply of arms to the Houthis and to deter the rebel group from destabilising the region. This includes suggesting the enhancement of Council sanctions measures against the Houthis and calling for strengthening the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), which inspects ships travelling to Houthi-controlled ports to ensure compliance with the arms embargo against the group. On 11 December 2024, US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking visited Djibouti, where UNVIM is based, and was quoted by media outlets as saying that the mechanism is currently not equipped for or given the mandate to carry out interdictions, and that the US was working with partners to look at a change to the mandate. Such a move appears difficult, however, given that Russia opposes stronger Council action against the Houthis or Iran. US President-elect Donald Trump has historically taken a strong stance against Iran and its allies. During his previous administration (2016-2020), Trump designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group (SDGT). While both designations trigger economic sanctions, only an FTO designation authorises sanctions on those who provide the designated group with material support. The Biden administration lifted these designations in February 2021, citing concerns that they may impede humanitarian aid from reaching Yemen. In January 2024, the Biden administration re-designated the Houthis as an SDGT. On 22 December, Trumps pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said in a podcast interview that the incoming administration will reinstate the Houthis FTO designation. Vessels owned or operated by companies from Denmark, Greece, and Panamaelected members that are starting their two-year Council term in 2025have been attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea, as documented by the Secretary-Generals monthly reports on the matter. This aspect of the Yemen file is therefore expected to be of particular interest to these members. Incoming member Somalia may have an interest in the issue of the alleged cooperation between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab. The final report of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee, dated 11 October, said that the groups are reportedly deepening their cooperation, indicating increased smuggling activities between them, mostly involving small arms and light weapons. Sign up for SCR emails Subscribe UN DOCUMENTS ON YEMEN South Korea's factory output contracted more sharply than anticipated in November, reflecting mounting challenges from slowing exports and waning business confidence. According to Statistics Korea, the industrial output index declined by 0.7% on a seasonally adjusted basis, reversing expectations of a milder 0.4% drop based on a Reuters survey. That followed stagnant growth in October. On an annual basis, factory output grew by a modest 0.1%, a sharp slowdown from October's 6.3% increase and below economists' expectations of a 0.4% rise. The decline underscored broader economic pressures as South Korea faces weakening demand in key markets. Export growth in November slowed to its lowest rate in 14 months, with shipments to major trade partners like the United States and China declining amid ongoing tariff-related uncertainties, Reuters noted. Meanwhile, business sentiment in December fell to its lowest level in over four years, further highlighting the countrys economic headwinds. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Granules India, a Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company focused on the US market, anticipates that new drug applications from its Gagillapur facility in Hyderabad will be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) in the first quarter of the next financial year (FY26). Following a recent USFDA inspection, the Gagillapur site has been classified as Official Action Indicated (OAI), which suggests that while remediation measures have been taken, some issues raised by the USFDA remain unresolved. In response to the inspection, the company voluntarily halted production at the Gagillapur plant in September to evaluate any potential risks based on the USFDAs observations. Production gradually resumed in October. Despite the OAI classification, Granules continues to supply approved products from the facility. Priyanka Chigurupati, executive director, Granules India, said there might be a delay in the abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) expected to be approved in Q4FY25 or Q1FY26. But internally, the company is expecting everything to get back to normal. With the re-inspections or whatever may come, we believe the ANDAs expected to be approved in Q1 should remain on track, she added. Priyanka further said that she does not think that anything in the form 483 issued by the USFDA warrants a warning letter or an import alert. We have engaged external US agents and customers and none of them see significant issues, she added. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, chairman and managing director clarified that one can never predict outcomes with the USFDA. However, we have completed most of the remedial measures and have clear timelines for others. We are sharing updates with the USFDA regularly. We believe were doing more than what theyve asked of us in the warning letter. We are quite satisfied with our efforts and will wait to see the results, he said. Motilal Oswal said Granules was issued a form 483 with six observations for its Gagillapur site after the USFDA inspection in September. The observations were related to cleaning/maintenance, inadequate root-cause analysis, document management, procedures for in-process controls, and air purification units . The USFDA has now classified the inspection as OAI, the analysts said. The company has only three products pending approval from this site. It has responded to all the observations issued by the USFDA. To remediate the facility, Granules has voluntarily paused manufacturing and distribution at the site. It has also employed an independent third-party consultant for the site's cleaning protocols and cross-contamination controls. Motilal Oswal noted that to date, Granules has gone through 24 USFDA inspections since 2009. Out of 24 inspections, Gagillapur (Medchal-Malkhajgiri) has been inspected six times. All the inspections received either voluntary action indicated (VAI) or no action indicated (NAI) classifications, it added. Krishna Prasad said its Genome Valley facility will touch 10.5 billion units per annum formulations capacity by early FY26. And, the European Union (EU) inspection of the facility is expected around that time. Furthermore, Granules is launching new oncology products from its Vizag plants in the near term, analysts said. The company is filing Ruxolitinib alternative salt (cancer drug) in January, Ruxo IR tablets for US and EU in March 2025. As of Q2FY25, Granules draws 79 per cent of its revenues from North America, 10 per cent from Europe, and 2 per cent from India. Priyanka said that in terms of absolute numbers growth will come from the US market, apart from Europe, Latin America, Middle-East and North Africa (Mena) and Southeast Asia. India will still be a big market but primarily for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. In terms of percentage share, the US and Europe would be the leaders, followed by LatAm, Mena and Southeast Asia. Granules focus on new products has led to 25 per cent of revenues coming from them. The legacy products of Granules include paracetamol, metformin, and ibuprofen, among others. Priyanka said these legacy products are first-line defence products, and so, the demand would remain. Sealmatic India Limited has expanded its global presence through a strategic alliance with ValueTech Engineering Technologies in Egypt. This partnership is designed to address the varied requirements of industries throughout Egypt and Africa, providing access to Sealmatics high-quality mechanical seal solutions. The partnership focuses on selling, repairing, and refurbishing Sealmatic mechanical seals for key sectors including oil & gas, petrochemical, power, water, desalination, and chemicals. By joining forces with ValueTech, Sealmatic gains access to the local markets growth potential, particularly in Egypts rapidly expanding industrial sectors, including oil & gas, refining, and petrochemicals. Sealmatics entry into the Egyptian market opens doors to crucial industry players, such as those in the oil & gas and power sectors , as well as governmental bodies like the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. This strategic alignment enhances Sealmatics visibility and competitiveness in the region. India and Egypts longstanding bilateral relations, built on economic cooperation and mutual respect, provide a solid foundation for Sealmatics expansion. With this partnership, Sealmatic is poised to contribute significantly to Egypts industrial growth while establishing itself as a leader in the mechanical seal industry across the region. In 2025, road trips are no longer just about reaching a destinationtheyve become an integral part of the travel experience. With the rise of personalised itineraries, a focus on hyperlocal adventures, and the influence of platforms like Savaari Car Rentals, Indian travellers are redefining how they explore. Trends such as flexi itineraries, pet-friendly travel, and the economic impact of road trips are reshaping domestic tourism. Lets delve into these transformative trends, backed by insights from Savaaris data across 2000+ cities. 1. Flexi Itineraries: Tailored Adventures on the Rise Flexibility in planning road trips is rapidly gaining popularity. Travellers today seek itineraries that align with their unique interests, whether its exploring offbeat destinations, indulging in local cuisines, or uncovering cultural heritage. Why is this a trend? Traditional, pre-packaged trips often feel restrictive. Flexi itineraries allow travellers to chart their own path, encouraging exploration and detours that lead to memorable experiences. For instance, a simple journey from Delhi to Jaipur can include stops at Neemrana Fort or Sariska National Park, transforming a routine trip into a vibrant adventure. Data insights 30% of Savaari users opt for multiple pitstops instead of direct routes Flexi itineraries are projected to grow by 20% in 2025, reflecting a preference for personalised and exploratory travel. Key drivers: Shift from cookie-cutter travel plans - Modern travellers prefer control over their pace and stops. Exploration of offbeat locations - Hidden gems like Chopta (Uttarakhand) and Valparai (Tamil Nadu) are becoming popular road trip destinations Stress-free travel - Chauffeur-driven services enable comfortable journeys, letting travellers relax and focus on the experience. 2. Hyperlocal Experiences: Redefining Road Trips Road trips are increasingly centred around hyperlocal experiences, offering travellers the chance to explore nearby treasures. Whether its a serene nature reserve, a local festival, or a cultural heritage site, hyperlocal adventures provide quick, meaningful getaways. Why is this a trend? The pandemic shifted travel priorities, sparking a deeper curiosity about destinations within a few hours drive. Travellers now value shorter, hassle-free escapes that connect them with their surroundings. Data insights: 35% of Savaari bookings are for short-distance trips under 200 km A 67% increase in local car rental bookings was observed in 2024. Savaaris 24 Experiences Before 2024 campaign drove a 40% increase in bookings, highlighting unique adventures like perfume making experience in Kannauj, birdwatching at Ranganathittu or savouring ant chutney in Chhattisgarh. Key drivers Quick and accessible escapes - Perfect for busy schedules, these trips are ideal for weekends or single-day adventures Growing appreciation for local culture - Travellers seek immersive experiences that celebrate regional heritage. 3. The Economic Impact of Road Trips Road trips are set to contribute 40% of Indias domestic tourism revenue by 2035. This growth highlights the transformative power of road travel in shaping the economy. Why is this a trend? From spending on local eateries and home-stays to creating opportunities for gig workers, road trips generate a ripple effect that benefits diverse communities. Key drivers: Social media influence - Travel influencers inspire road trips to scenic or offbeat destinations, driving tourism Improved infrastructure - Projects like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, reducing travel time from 24 to 12 hours, have made road trips more accessible and attractiv Economic opportunities - Increased footfall in remote locations boosts local employment and business growth. Data insights: Travellers now replicate itineraries popularised by influencers, fuelling demand for flexible routes Stops in rural or semi-urban areas account for 30% of Savaaris road trip routes, supporting local artisans and businesses. 4. Road Trips and the Gig Economy The rise of road trips is revolutionising Indias gig economy. From driver-partners and local guides to niche services like adventure instructors, road travel creates diverse income streams. Why is this a trend? As road trips become mainstream, they foster connections between travellers and gig workers, creating a symbiotic relationship. Data insights 80% of Savaari bookings are for chauffeur-driven cabs, ensuring consistent gigs for driver-partners. Driver earnings on Savaari have increased by 60% over the past two years, fuelled by road trip demand. Regional influencers collaborating with Savaari have highlighted offbeat destinations, leading to a 20% rise in gig opportunities for local service providers. Key drivers: Employment opportunities - Growing demand for chauffeur-driven services supports a reliable income for drivers Support for local businesses - Road trip travellers frequently spend on local products, boosting rural economies. 5. Pet-Friendly Road Trips: A New Norm Pets are now considered family, and travel preferences reflect this sentiment. Road trips offer a convenient alternative to air travel for pet owners, ensuring comfort and flexibility for all passengers. Why is this a trend? Destinations like Coorg, Lonavala, and Manali are becoming pet-friendly, with home-stays and cafes catering to furry companions. Savaari has also introduced pet-friendly cab options in cities like Bangalore, Pune, and Chennai. Data insights: 15% of Savaari customers request pet-friendly vehicles or accommodations, with a 30% YoY growth in pet-inclusive road trips. Pet owners report a preference for spacious SUVs or tempo travellers, reflecting a 25% increase in demand for such vehicles. Key drivers: Demand growth: Travellers prioritise comfort and convenience for their pets, leading to a 35% increase in pet-friendly booking Evolving hospitality: Hotels and cafes now offer amenities like pet beds and special meals, enhancing the travel experience. The Future of Indian Road Trips: A Connected and Conscious Journey As customer preferences evolve, road trips are poised to lead the travel industry in 2025 and beyond. Travellers increasingly value hyper-personalised routes, immersive experiences, and sustainable practices. Platforms like Savaari are at the forefront, enabling seamless journeys that cater to unique needs. Whether its chasing hidden gems, indulging in culinary delights, or embarking on wellness drives, the future of road trips is bright, dynamic, and transformative. With improved infrastructure, a surge in local exploration, and a focus on personalisation, Indian road trips are set to redefine domestic tourism. So, pack your bags, fuel your wanderlust, and hit the roadyour next adventure awaits, with a journey just as memorable as the destination. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Preliminary statistics indicate that the number of fatal drug overdoses on Staten Island declined in 2024 following a nationwide trend, but District Attorney Michael E. McMahon warned that the raging epidemic of fentanyl-related deaths continues to plague our borough. Fentanyl, a opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, has completely saturated the illicit drug market and is linked to most accidental overdoses throughout the city and nation, experts say. McMahon said in an exclusive interview with the Advance/SILive.com that the advent of fentanyl has been absolutely devastating with nearly all fatal overdoses recorded in the borough directly tied to the deadly synthetic opiate. At least 52 people ranging from teens to seniors living in many different neighborhoods have died of drug overdoses in our borough so far this year, according to statistics compiled by the Richmond County District Attorneys Office as part of its Overdose Response Initiative. The initiative is in partnership with the NYPD, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and other partners. Last year, 157 people lost their lives in our borough to overdoses, according to the Department of Health. Although we are currently seeing overdoses decline by over a third so far this year compared to this time last year, the data is preliminary and fundamentally incomplete, McMahon said. He anticipates that the final numbers for this entire year will be at least 30%-50% higher once investigations are completed by the medical examiner and health officials. My fear is that people will see the national decline and some decline here and think, oh, the worst is over, McMahon said. Oh no, this is still a raging epidemic and we have a lot of work to do. McMahon stressed that these statistics are not just numbers, they are our brothers, mothers, and fellow Staten Islanders and their loss leaves an immeasurable loss in our community. The district attorney repeated his demand that Gov. Kathy Hochul declare a state of emergency over the overdose crisis as requested in January by the Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force. As this five-alarm fire continues to rage, my office will continue to do everything it can to hold the dealers of this deadly poison accountable and save lives, McMahon said. However, our leaders in government at every level must finally begin treating this issue with the bold, resolute, and swift public policy response it deserves. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Gamberg who is deputy chief of the Narcotics-Investigations Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Jason Cohen, who heads the Alternatives to Incarceration Unit, and James Clinton, press secretary and community liaison, joined McMahon in updating the Advance/SILive.com about the overdose crisis. This image shows preliminary numbers for deaths from drug overdoses in New York City from 2022 to 2024. An estimated 616 people fatally overdosed citywide from January through March of this year, believed to be the lowest quarterly deaths since 2020. (Courtesy of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)Courtesy of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Overdose deaths down 1% in NYC A sobering statistic is the fact that someone in our city dies of a drug overdose every four hours, according to the city Health Department. Provisional data in October indicated that there were 616 overdose deaths in the first quarter of 2024, the lowest number of quarterly fatalities since 2020, according to the city Health Department. Overdose deaths in New York City decreased 1% in 2023, the first decline since 2018. The number of deaths last year was 3,046, down from 3,070 in 2022, according to the Health Department. Administrator Anne Milgram of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said at a conference of bereaved families in Washington, D.C., in November that fatal drug overdoses decreased 14.5% nationally for the 12 months ending in June. However, the number of people who died remained staggeringly high, topping 93,000 nationwide. Citywide, fentanyl was present in 80 percent of all overdose deaths in 2023 and remained the most common substance involved in overdose deaths, according to the city Health Department. Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative traditionally used to tranquilize horses, increasingly is becoming a factor in overdoses. Often mixed with fentanyl, xylazine was detected in 31% of opioid-involved overdose deaths citywide in 2023, an increase from 22% in 2022, according to the Health Department. This file photo from Jan. 10, 2024 shows Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon speaking at the official report release by the Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force. (Staten Island Advance/Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance/Luke Pete Naloxone is saving lives McMahon attributes the decline in overdoses on our borough partly to the widespread availability of naloxone, a medication intended to reverse overdoses, and his offices innovative programs such as SIHope.org that offer support and recovery services for families and individuals struggling with addiction. An estimated 88 lives, or about 63% of the 140 people who overdosed in our borough this year, were revived by the FDNY/EMS, the NYPD, family, friends, good Samaritans and other heroes, according to the district attorneys office. The area around the St. George Ferry Terminal and bus depot is a hotspot for overdoses, with 17 people rescued and no drug-related deaths so far this year based on preliminary statistics. EMS/FDNY rescued at least 46 out of 48 victims using naloxone, and the NYPD revived at least 18 out of 19 victims using that medication. Family, friends and good Samaritans used naloxone to save at least 17 out of 20 victims, according to the District Attorneys Office. The experts say that multiple doses of naloxone may be required to reverse the potency of fentanyl, and xylazine also impedes the effectiveness of that antidote. This graphic shows preliminary statistics for ages of victims of drug overdoses on Staten Island in 2024. The yellow lines indicate people saved and the red lines represent people who died. (Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office)Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office D.A. details overdoses on Staten Island Readers might be surprised to learn that most of the Staten Islanders who overdosed this year were mature adults. Overdose victims ages 20 and under comprised just 4% of the total, according to the preliminary statistics. When you look at the ages of the victims, theyre much older than one would expect, McMahon said, explaining that the estimated number of victims between ages 20 and 40 was about equal to the victims between the ages of 41 and 60. Some mature overdose victims might have relapsed or developed addictions years earlier by taking pain pills. After their prescriptions ran out, they resorted to fake prescription pills and street drugs. Now, theyre overdosing because those drugs often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. You always think that this is a sort of a young persons problem, or a young persons issue, but I think it shows that there are people who have been living with addiction for a long period of time, McMahon said. And now with fentanyl and other similar poisons out there, youre seeing more overdoses. The preliminary breakdown for adult overdose victims based on their ages and percentage of the total were: 21 to 30, 16%; 31 to 40, 24%; 41 to 50, 23%; 51 to 60, 22%; 61 to 70, 10%, and 71 to 80, 1%. This graphic shows preliminary statistics for drug overdoses based on gender on Staten Island in 2024. The yellow lines represent lives saved and the red lines indicate deaths. (Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office)Courtesy of the Richmond County District Attorney's Office The majority of people who suffered overdoses on our borough were men who comprised 72% of the total, while the remaining 28% were women. The female quotient is on the rise and higher than in the crack-cocaine epidemic when men were about 80% of the victims. An overwhelming majority of victims overdosed in what should have been the comfort of their homes, and were much more likely to die. A total of 66% of the overdoses and saves were in a residence, with 18% at businesses and 16% on the street. A total of 47 people died in their residence while 46 were saved at home. By comparison, all but two of the 25 people who overdosed in commercial spaces were revived. On the street, 19 out of 22 people were rescued. Although the North Shore topped the list of locations for overdoses, the East and South shores followed close behind in the tragic tally. The highest preliminary number of overdoses and saves, 44%, occurred in the 120th Precinct based in St. George, followed by 30% in the 122nd Precinct headquartered in New Dorp, 15% in the 123rd Precinct out of Tottenville and 11% in the 121st Precinct centered in Graniteville. Most of the overdoses and saves, 46%, occurred between 4 p.m. and midnight. The second prevalent time was between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., when 39% of those episodes happened. The least likely time for overdoses was from 12 a.m. to about 8 a.m., since about 15% of those emergencies happened overnight. Seafarers should be aware that a popular cruise line has ceased docking at two popular destinations, at least for the time being, according to a report published by The Street. Royal Caribbean has been unable to drop anchor in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with its Symphony of the Seas Oasis-class of cruise ship due to the ports dock having been undergoing repairs since April. The U.S. Coast Guard must provide approval for the pier to resume operations, the report said. San Juans Pier 3 West receives the largest cruise ships in the world. Since the loss of the facilitys mooring structure, Coast Guard Prevention personnel have been actively working with the San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to determine if the structure remains sound for cruise ship operations, Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, commander of USCG Sector San Juan told SeaTrade Cruise News. The cruise line has also canceled calling on Manzanillo, Mexico, most likely due to a recent U.S. State Department level 4 do not travel advisory warning travelers against heading to that part of the country. Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and [residents] have been victims of kidnapping, the State Department posted. In an email issued to booked passengers, the company emphasized that theyve worked to find alternative destinations for forthcoming cruises. The revised itinerary has Symphony of the Seas now visiting Labadee, Haiti, in lieu of San Juan according to the Royal Caribbean Blog. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The New York Department of States Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is urging a federal recall after a line of toys were discovered to contain a dangerous chemical. The MAXX Action Helicopter toy, sold on the shelves at Dollar General, was found to contain almost twice the allowable amount of lead in the black window paint on the toy. The elevated lead level was discovered through regular testing, where the toy was found to contain a 160 parts per million total lead level, which is 78% above the federal limit. The helicopter toy is distributed by Old East Main Company and sold at stores all throughout New York, including Dollar General, where the tested MAXX Action Helicopter was first purchased, according to a press release by the DCP. As New Yorkers finish up their last-minute holiday shopping its critical that they are informed about which toys are safe for their children, said N.Y. Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. During routine product testing, our Division of Consumer Protection has found that the MAXX Action Helicopter toy poses a serious health risk to children due to high levels of lead. I urge Dollar General to pull this item from its shelves immediately and for the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a recall of this product. The DCP has informed the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about these findings and has urged them to start a nationwide recall. DCP is advising that anyone who purchased the MAXX Action Helicopter can either dispose of it in their regular trash pickup, or can set it somewhere safe until further recall instructions come out. According to the New York State Department of Health, lead can harm children when it gets into their bodies, including their growth, behavior, and ability to learn. It can also cause anemia, kidney damage and hearing loss. Toys containing lead are a source of lead exposure in young children, especially very young children who are more likely to put toys in their mouth. Parents and guardians should have the peace of mind to know that the toys they buy for their children are safe and free from toxic substances, said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Staten Island non-profit, Jewish Board, was among 13 service providers awarded a share of nearly $3.5 million in conditional start-up funding by the New York State Office of Mental Health to expand access to mental health and substance use care statewide. The funding will help establish new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across the state, tripling the number of clinics by adding six in upstate counties, four in New York City, and two on Long Island. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics provide a place where New Yorkers can access integrated substance use, mental health and physical health services in one convenient location, Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. By expanding these clinics statewide, we can greatly improve access to these services and address gaps that exist in our system of care. Staten Islands mental health clinic expansion The Jewish Board, a nonprofit providing mental health and social services across New York Citys five boroughs, is set to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic on Staten Island with state funding, expanding its existing Morris Black/Staten Island Counseling Center, situated at 1765 South Ave. in Travis. The center currently operates an outpatient mental health clinic on the South Shore, offering integrated programs for all ages, including psychiatric evaluations and individual, family, and group therapy. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across the state The expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics is part of Gov. Kathy Hochuls $181.6 million investment to expand outpatient services, which is included in her landmark $1 billion plan to strengthen New York States mental health care system. Gov. Hochul first established 13 sites in 2017 and expanded funding by $14.7 million for these clinics statewide in last years budget. In July, an additional 13 clinics were certified, effectively doubling their number across the state. These clinics currently provide walk-in, integrated mental health and substance use services to approximately 130,000 individuals, regardless of ability to pay, residence, or age, according to the New York State Office of Mental Health. The 13 recently awarded service providers each received $265,000 in first-year conditional start-up funding -- which will bring the total number of these clinics across New York State to 39. In New York City and on Long Island, the funding went to: Jewish Board (Staten Island) Federation of Organizations (Suffolk County) The Child Center of New York (Queens) Pesach Tikvah Hope Development (Brooklyn) Metropolitan Center for Mental Health (Manhattan) Family & Childrens Association (Nassau and Suffolk counties) Upstate, the funding was awarded to: Family Counseling Services of Cortland (Cortland County) CASA Trinity (Livingston County) FLACRA (Yates County) Access Supports for Living (Ulster County) Family Counseling Center of Fulton County (Fulton County) Credo Community Center for Addiction Treatment/Thrive Wellness and Recovery (Jefferson County) Horizon Health Services (Niagara County) Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics provide 24-hour crisis support, including mobile crisis teams, emergency intervention, and stabilization. They also offer screenings, assessments, patient-centered treatment planning, and outpatient mental health and substance use services. These clinics connect individuals to primary care and other specialized services, such as case management, psychiatric rehabilitation, peer and family support, and intensive mental health care for veterans and military members. After the death of Jimmy Carter on Sunday at age 100, four living former presidents remain. But who is the oldest? We know Barack Obama, 63 -- born Aug. 4, 1961 -- whose presidency ran from 2009 to 2017, is the youngest living former president. At 78 years old, Bill Clinton -- born Aug. 19, 1946 -- is now the only living former U.S. president who served during the 20th century; his presidency ran from 1993 to 2001. George W. Bush -- born July 6, 1946 -- who was president from 2001 to 2009 is also 78 years old, and a little more than a month older than Clinton. And, yes, Donald Trump, both a former and incoming president is also 78 years old. He though, is in fact the oldest former president with a birth date of June 14, 1946. But come Jan 20, when Trump returns to the oval office, Joe Biden, who is 82 years old, will take his place as the oldest living U.S. president. And he has some years to go to beat or event tie Carters record. Biden wont be 100 until Nov. 20, 2042. The longest-lived American president Jimmy Carter, known as the peanut farmer who became president in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, was the longest-lived American president. He died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. FILE - Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter smiles during a meeting with Sudanese officials at the national elections commission in Khartoum, Sudan, April 9, 2010. Carter was in the country to help monitor the elections. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)AP Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia, the 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. 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 also 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. FILE - President Jimmy Carter is interviewed in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Jan. 24, 1977. (AP Photo, File)AP Associated Press material was used in this report. Follow Tracey Porpora on Facebook and Bluesky Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. 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Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Jemma Rix, who is set to dazzle audiences as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale when it premieres in Sydney, found her way to Middle-earth through Peter Jacksons iconic film adaptations. The 41-year-old performer, who grew up on the Central Coast and now calls Melbourne home, is no stranger to epic roles. Renowned for her turn as Elphaba in Wicked a role shes played more than 400 times across Australia Rix was just like the rest of us when she eagerly lined up at cinemas to watch The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), and The Return of the King (2003), captivated by Jacksons reimagining of Tolkiens timeless world. I went to the opening nights and was there front row and centre when each one was released; I am that generation, she says of the Oscar-winning films in which Cate Blanchett played the royal elf, Galadriel. Jemma Rix will play Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings A Musical Tale. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Rarmian Newton, 31, who portrays the musicals lead character, Frodo, and Wern Mak, 25, who plays his steadfast companion, Samwise Gamgee, each discovered and fell in love with the beloved fantasy tale after different journeys. I wasnt a reader as a kid, but I was really into the battles with my Lord of the Rings Lego characters, says Newton, best known for his lead role in the Australian production of Billy Elliot the Musical, which saw him named best male actor at the 2008 Helpmann Awards. I was too young to watch the movies, but I had a poster of Legolas the Orlando Bloom blond version on my bedroom wall and played all the Lord of the Rings video games, says Melbourne-born Malaysian Chinese actor Mak, who most recently appeared in Hamilton. Advertisement Be it book, board or video game, Lego or Legolas merchandise, it doesnt matter what your entry point to the most remembered text of the 20th century is, says Terence Crawford, who plays Gandalf in the musical. Jemma Rix as Elpheba and Lucy Durack as Glinda in Wicked. I am not a Ring nut Im in my early 60s, but it is easy to see why Tolkiens themes appeal to generation after generation. It is an archetypal story about people who have learnt to live peacefully close to nature - The Hobbits - and what happens when their little piece of the world is threatened they stand up for it and fight. Just like in The Castle, he jokes. Tolkiens epic novels, with more than 150 million copies sold, rank among the best-selling books in the world. Tolkiens intention was always that the stories be perpetuated in other forms because of their universality, says the shows musical director, Michael McBride. However, condensing his 1200-page trilogy into a three-hour musical is a bold endeavour that even the writer could hardly have imagined in his lifetime. Laurence Boxhall, who will play the character of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings A Musical Tale. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer In 1969, J.R.R. Tolkien, an Oxford professor of Anglo-Saxon (Old English), sold the rights to his work to United Artists, hoping for a successful Hollywood adaptation. However, fantasy films failed to capture the interest of Los Angeles studios, both during his lifetime and after his death in 1973. Eventually, Saul Zaentz, a Berkeley-based record producer who had made his fortune with the band Creedence Clearwater Revival, purchased the rights from United Artists. In 1977, he authorised the creation of a small live-action animated film depicting Frodos journey, according to Fredrica Drotos, Zaentzs lawyer at the time. Advertisement The Ralph Bakshi animation released in 1978, was panned by the critics but became a cult classic and was seen by a young boy in New Zealand, called Peter Jackson and the rest, as they say, is cinema history, says Drotos, of the New Zealand director of the film trilogy, which won 17 Oscars. Fredrica Drotos, now the brand steward of Middle-earth Enterprises, oversees the licensing of all Tolkien-related spin-offs in partnership with the authors family. This includes ventures like the musical, Amazons two-season prequel series The Rings of Power produced for an astonishing $250 million collector cards, video and board games, and even Middle-earth-themed honey from New Zealand. Terence Crawford ( Gandalf) Wern Mak (Samwise Gamgee) and Rarmian Newton (Frodo Baggins). Credit: Dominic Lorrimer In 2006, Saul Zaentz collaborated with Irish producer Kevin Wallace, a former member of Andrew Lloyd Webbers musical theatre powerhouse, the Really Useful Group, to create The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale. The $50 million West End production, which premiered in Toronto and London, was the most expensive in British musical theatre history at the time. Wallace brought together an impressive creative team, including Oscar-winning music producer A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire), Finnish folk band Varttina, and Tony Award-winning composer Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical), with lyrics and a book by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus. Although it received five Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical, the production closed after 13 months, a victim of the 2008 global financial crisis. Paul Hart, director of the Australian production, which started at the Watermill Theatre in Berkshire in the UK, saw the original large-scale West End production. When his company lost its government funding in 2022 in the middle of COVID, he struck upon the idea of bringing a shortened, more cost-effective version of the production to his part of rural England. Spencer Davis Milford as Frodo and Tony Bozzuto as Gollum in the Chicago Shakespeare Theatres production of The Lord of the Rings, coming to Sydney in January. Credit: Liz Lauren I hadnt thought about this musical for ages until I was at my best friends wedding and a group of performers sang [the title song] Now and for Always the anthem of the hobbits sung by friends Frodo and Samwise, Hart says. That gave me the idea to find a way to set the show in a shire like the pre-industrial one Tolkien wrote about. Advertisement Advertisement Eating outFood Brisbanes most exciting bar openings of 2024 From a legit British-style gastropub and a neighbourhood boozer in a heritage Valley space, to a wine bar hidden in a CBD garage, theres plenty to tick off. Matt Shea December 30, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Theres been a bit of a wait for Brisbanes bar scene to get its collective butt into gear. This citys restaurants have for years now punched above their weight, and our cafes continue to push in interesting new post-covid directions. Barry Parade Public House is one of the best-looking bar openings in years. Markus Ravik Our boozers, though, seemed stuck, unable to get beyond the idea of fancy cocktail bar. That, though, has begun to change over the past 18 months. Advertisement Brisbanes most exciting restaurant openings of 2024 And despite one major loss in 2024, we got a bunch of interesting new (and reworked) venues, from a late-night supper club and a wine bar in a garage in the CBD, to an innovative neighbourhood boozer in a surprising Fortitude Valley spot. Here are the spots to seek out as we head into 2025. Milquetoast, CBD Youll find Milquetoast hidden in a garage down the end of a laneway opposite the Hilton Hotel on Elizabeth Street. Advertisement Youll find Milquetoast tucked away in a garage on a laneway just off Elizabeth Street. Markus Ravik Inside, its homely rather than fancy, owners George Curtis and James Horsfall scouring Facebook Marketplace for vintage timber tables and leather and velvet chairs and bar stools. A bar and open kitchen runs down one side of the venue. Its the vino that takes centre stage here. Horsfall has put together a 50-bottle list that covers both Australian and international drops and focuses on small producers, grower champagnes and limited allocations. Exclusive One of Brisbanes best new bars is this wine joint hidden in a CBD garage Theres also a cocktail list that focuses on higher end spirits, and a martini menu that each month showcases a different distillery. Advertisement Food taps into a revitalised interest in British food (Curtis is from England, as are Horsfalls parents). Inside, Milquetoast is homely rather than fancy, owners George Curtis and James Horsfall scouring Facebook Marketplace for natty vintage furniture. Markus Ravik It changes regularly, but dishes so far have included devilled eggs with bacon and leek cream, a cured fish crumpet with curry aioli, Urban Valley mushrooms on toast, and Cumberland sausages with Puy lentils and gremolata. The Alliance, Spring Hill The changes at the relaunched Alliance might initially feel subtle, but then co-owner Peter Hollands says there was a lot of low-hanging fruit at this iconic 1864-built pub. Advertisement The Alliance Hotel after its recent relaunch in Spring Hill. Markus Ravik In the beautiful old front bar, he and co-owners Emma Hollands (Peters wife), Kat Makarov and Nick Winter (who between them are known for slick CBD bars Frogs Hollow and Alice) have replaced the bar top and beer lines, covered the walls in Australiana think old Fosters, Fourex and Fourn Twenty pie posters and thrown open the windows to better catch the sun as it tracks across the old Spring Hill workers cottages to the north-west, filling the venue with a lovely afternoon light. On tap there are 10 beers that split the difference between big box drops such XXXX Gold, Tooheys New and Guinness, and a rotating selection of craft brews. Exclusive One of Brisbanes best bar groups has relaunched an iconic 1864-built pub Out back, the old bistro has also been reinvented as The Whisky Warren. It serves a menu of Australian game that changes depending on what he can get his hands on. You might order dishes such as kangaroo tartare served with onion and bean puree on toasted brioche; butterflied harissa-marinated whole quail with cauliflower puree, sauteed kale and crisp enoki; or a slow cooked rabbit stew with mushroom, potato and tomato. Advertisement The rest of the venue has been given over to a series of private dining rooms and function spaces. Upstairs, theres the light-filled Leichhardt Room with capacity for 160 guests. The Alliance in Spring Hill has been given a new lease on life by one of Brisbanes best bar groups. Markus Ravik Downstairs, beneath the public bar, theres the Actress and the Bishop Bar, with capacity for 45 people; and the 60-person Mirror Room. Theres also a 14-seat private dining room in the venues wine cellar. Barry Parade Public House, Fortitude Valley Daniel Gregory, Brennen Eaton and Lachlan Henry opened this sophisticated neighbourhood boozer on what many would consider a relatively unknown byway between the CBD and Fortitude Valley. Advertisement Owners Daniel Gregory, Brennen Eaton and Lachlan Henry designed much of Barry Parade Public House themselves. Markus Ravik And Barry Parade Public House is drawing punters from the surrounding neighbourhood. Theyre coming for a focused list of cocktails, small producer Australian wine, and local craft beer on tap and by the bottle and can, along with a Creole-influenced menu of bar snacks. Theyre also coming for the venue itself, which occupies a heritage-listed terrace building that dates back to 1928. It has to be one of the most elegant new bar builds in recent memory a space defined by a high-set, handsome hardwood bar, timber wall panelling, pendant lights and eye-catching original terrazzo flooring. One of 2024s best new bars is in a surprising heritage location For drinks, between them Gregory and Eaton have worked at The Gresham, Alba Bar & Deli, The Bowery, Black Pearl (Melbourne) and Eau de Vie (Sydney), so expect plenty of approachable innovation on the cocktail list. Advertisement You might order a Broken Spanish (Oloroso sherry, Flor de Cana seven-year-old rum, brown butter falernum, lime and pineapple), a Verona (Hine VSOP cognac, Campari, Burdekin virgin cane spirit and Punt e Mes vermouth), or a Rosys Fizz (Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin, bianco vermouth, Mancino Chinato vermouth, Aperol, acid blend, Heering cherry liqueur and creme de violette). Fried prawn po boy with iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickles and herb aioli. Markus Ravik Theres also three rotating beer taps, and a wallet-friendly wine list with a generous number available by the glass. Gregory and Eaton say to expect the food to evolve as the venue finds its feet, but the menu already features interesting bar snacks such as a fried prawn po boy, and a pulled duck and smoked sausage gumbo with mustard greens and sourdough. B-SIDE, Howard Smith Wharves Advertisement Taking over Yokos upstairs dining room, B-SIDE harnesses a format the Howard Smith Wharves restaurant has used for previous one-off guest events, where a chef works behind the bar alongside a bartender and a DJ. B-SIDE opened above Yoko at Howard Smith Wharves in October. Supplied Food is a selection of small plates such as sliced-to-order sashimi, kizami wasabi octopus, tuna tataki, Wagyu katsu sliders, and prawn buns. Larger plates include a take on a classic Japanese potato salad, and two different ramen bowls. For drinks, gun Sydney-based bartender Matt Whiley has crafted a short menu of highballs, a B-SIDE slushy, and a selection of matcha lattes, with drinks from the Yoko menu also available. B-SIDE is Howard Smith Wharves new hidden vinyl bar Advertisement The music component has also been beefed up also, with the restaurant adding to its vinyl collection and DJs spinning seven nights a week, with a retro vinyl night on Mondays. Stans Lounge, Howard Smith Wharves Stanley, Howard Smith Wharves blockbuster Cantonese restaurant, has converted its upstairs dining area into Stans Lounge, a beautiful, low-lit lounge and cocktail bar. Stans Lounge at Howard Smith Wharves. Morgan Roberts Returning to take charge of Stans design was Samantha Leigh. The interiors draw inspiration from old-world Hong Kong, with the bar decked out in rich jewel tones with plenty of timber accents, antique mirrored wall panels and velvet curtains, banquettes and seating. Advertisement Taking pride of place is a DJ booth and vintage JBL sound system, with a carefully curated vinyl collection. Expect plenty of soul and funk, with DJs spinning most nights of the week. Exclusive A glam Hong Kong-inspired cocktail bar opens at Howard Smith Wharves For drinks, theres a cocktail list that presents modern, Cantonese-inflected interpretations of the classics, with a signature martini menu that taps premium gins and vodkas along with special bitters and other extracts. There are large collections of whisky and agave, and rare and precious bottles of spirits sourced from around the world. Theres also a short, punchy wine list that favours Australian drops. Stans features a signature martini menu that taps premium gins and vodkas, along with special bitters and other extracts. Morgan Roberts Advertisement For food, Stanley chef and partner Tikaram has written a snack menu in tune with the Cantonese food served downstairs. You can expect dishes such as golden fried prawn toast with sesame and truffled mayo, pan-fried pork and prawn dumplings with fermented chilli and white soy, and painted tropical cray san choy bao with water chestnuts and coriander. Cru Bar, Fortitude Valley The devil is in the detail at the reworked Cru Bar, which reopened towards the start of the year. Theres still the sheer curtains, breezy courtyard, glass-topped high tables (now refurbed) and signature chandelier, but a partial expansion into the old Spoon Deli space (with restaurant Emme taking up the rest of that tenancy) has allowed for a much larger open kitchen, new tables along its flank opposite the Aesop store, and a series of lush velvet booths at the back of the venue. The onyx bar tops have been reworked, and there are terracotta-tile floors. Brisbanes most exciting cafe openings of 2024 Advertisement What hasnt changed is the focus on wine, with the venues award-winning list now surpassing 2000 bottles. Theres also a by-the-glass selection that changes weekly, an imaginative cocktail menu, and Cru Cellar is present and correct. The larger kitchen means chef Richard Ousby has expanded his food menu to include a set option. A la carte dishes include Mooloolaba prawns with garlic cream, sourdough and lemon, a smoked duck salad with mandarin, walnuts and broadleaf rocket, and chargrilled octopus with chorizo, salsa verde and lemon. The Rose & Crown, South Brisbane English-themed gastropub the Rose & Crown occupies heritage-listed Collins Place in South Brisbane, which since 1889 has, among other things, been a private residence, a police station and, during Expo 88, a spaghetti restaurant. Most recently, it was Little Big House, which closed in December 2023. The Rose & Crown opened in South Brisbane in late February. Markus Ravik Advertisement The Rose & Crown retains the bones of Little Big House, with its brick and timber fit-out, downstairs and upstairs bars, and latticed wraparound verandahs and outdoor areas with views across Grey Street. But husband-and-wife owners Alex and Bella Derrick have given everything a very UK vibe, with a white and teal paint job, walls decorated with plates and old-school paintings, and heavy timber tables. Legit British gastropub opens in heritage-listed South Brisbane space Each bar has 12 taps pouring a mix of European and Australian beers and ciders, including Magners and Guinness. Theres also a Euro-centric 40-bottle wine list, and a clutch of cocktails. Food is just as important here, with the kitchen producing a menu that mixes British classics with more modern dishes. Advertisement The Rose & Crowns Scotch egg with mustard mayo. Markus Ravik Theres also a Sunday roast menu that features beef, chicken, and nut roast served with Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetables and gravy. Club Felix, CBD Club Felix is located upstairs on the first floor of the newly reopened Naldham House a 110-seat lounge bar pitched as a CBD supper club. Club Felix opened mid-year on the first floor of Naldham House in the CBD. Markus Ravik Advertisement Here, its all about a champagne list available via Coravin and signature cocktail list, accompanied by a late-night food menu. For cocktails, you might order a Brulee Flip (Martell VS Cognac, Madeira fortified wine, burnt sugar syrup, chocolate bitters and grated chocolate), Raspberry Tea Julep (black tea-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon, raspberry syrup, mint and Peychauds bitters) or a Newtons Law (Ketel One vodka, Old Kempton apple liqueur, Granny Smith apple juice, citric and milk). Exclusive An 1888-built icon finally reopens as a multi-level food and beverage precinct Food is a menu of shareable Euro-inspired comfort eats such as a jamon and Comte toastie, fried whiting sandwich fingers with herb mayo, potato pave fingers topped with caviar and creme fraiche, bacalao (salted cod and potato) croquettes, and caramel profiteroles. Club Felix serves a menu of snacks and share plates late into the night. Markus Ravik Celebrated designer Anna Spiro has given the room an International Klein Blue colour scheme with large velvet banquettes and a restored original bar built from silky oak. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Advertisement Eating outBest of No plans? No worries: 14 of the best spots to celebrate New Years Eve in style From walk-in bars to set price food and drink packages, these hotspots are putting on a fittingly fine show for the last night of 2024. Isabel Cant December 31, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Is your New Years resolution to try new venues, or to be more spontaneous? Start now with these 14 events across Sydney where you can walk in, or still make a booking (if youre quick). Theres water views, champagne deals, and killer-value set menus to get the party started. Genzos neon dining room. Supplied Genzo Our pick to celebrate the years final moments is this bold Japanese diner. In the new Walker Street precinct, Genzo is the perfect pit stop for those on their way to see the fireworks on the lower north shore. The neon, colourfully lit space and group-friendly modern Japanese menu is a guaranteed hit. Kids eat free between 5pm and 6pm, and if you pre-order a bottle of Moet & Chandon, youll get upgraded to a Magnum. Price: A la carte menu Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. 168 Walker Street, North Sydney Odd Culture Our favourite fermentation-forward bar is doing New Years Eve in their signature cool and carefree style. Follow the sound of DJs spinning vinyl down to Odd Culture from noon into the night (no booking required!) for a bite from their small but perfectly formed snack menu, where oysters, and their well-loved cucumber with whipped tofu are highlights. For something more substantial, get around their cheeseburger on pillowy potato rolls. Price: A la carte menu Advertisement Walk-ins only. 266 King Street, Newtown Felons will have front-row seats to the Manly fireworks. Supplied Felons Brewing Co. Watch the final 2024 sunset over North Harbour, then have front-row seats to Manlys 9pm fireworks at Felons. Book now to lock in a set menu feast to send off the year for $149 per person. It includes an arrival drink, and summery dishes like scallop and tuna crudo, and passionfruit pavlova. Or just rock up at any time and dance the night away to the disco tunes of Groove City. Price: A la carte menu, or $149 set menu including a welcome drink Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. E Esplanade, Manly Loam Hidden in plain sight in the foyer of the Ace Hotel, Loam is a gem for cool, casual catch-ups with a bit of class. Come here for your New Years Eve celebrations if you want the vibes of a chilled-out, fashionable house party without the hosting responsibilities. An a la carte menu is available, and were keen to try their summery specials such as stracciatella with grilled peaches and pistachio pesto, and grilled Yamba prawns with Calabrian chilli butter. Cheers to that with a chilled red or an olive leaf martini. Price: A la carte menu Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. 47/53 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney Head up to the rooftop at the Taphouse for NYE celebrations. Supplied Taphouse If youre after a celebratory feast thats more budget than blow-out, head to the roof of Darlinghurst boozer the Taphouse and choose between their Chinese a la carte and banquet menu. The banquet menu hits all the nostalgic classics, including the Irish fave the spice bag that blew up this year. Their a la carte menu offers more NYE-worthy centrepieces such as wok-fried mud crab. For a bit of extra fun, trivia will be running in the Public Bar, so grab your team and get ready to test your knowledge as you sip and snack the night away. Price: A la carte menu or $65 per person banquet menu Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. 122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst Nick & Noras If you want a bit of Gatsby glamour, this rooftop bar is just the place to celebrate New Years Eve. Head up to level 26 from 4pm onwards to enjoy city views, and their extensive drinks list where champagne, whiskey, and cocktails reign supreme. In a Cinderella-meets-Australia moment, try their champagne shoey. Order any bottle of champagne, and drink it from specially made glass shoes. For food, their globe-spanning a la carte and set menu will be available for $70 per person. Price: A la carte menu or $70 per person set menu Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. Level 26/45 Macquarie Street, Parramatta Enjoy a four-course menu, plus a glass of champagne at Otto. Supplied Otto Beyond the million-dollar water views, Otto is the perfect spot to catch the last sun rays of 2024. Those with packed NYE agendas can take advantage of the Italian stalwarts full a la carte menu at their first seating at 5pm. From 7.30pm, diners will be offered a four-course menu, plus a glass of champagne on arrival. Standouts include zucchini flowers filled with scallops and prawn and wagyu chuck tail flap MBS 9+ steak. Price: A la carte menu until 6.15pm, $370 per person menu plus a glass of champagne after 7.30pm, $120 per person kids menu Advertisement Book here. Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo Feast the year away at Ho Jiak Town Hall. Edwina Pickles Ho Jiak Town Hall Junda Khoos supercharged Malaysian playground has a luxurious a la carte menu that seems like it was made for celebrating New Years Eve. Go all out with jasmine rice smoked oysters and bone marrow roti, or choose your own adventure with a selection of finessed Malaysian sauces to accompany NT mud crab and WA marron. That is, if you can look past the expertly executed classics such as Hainanese chicken and swimmer crab char kwai teow. Banquet menus are also on offer if it all sounds too good to make a decision. Price: A la carte menu, or $98/$128 per person for the banquet menu. Advertisement Walk-ins available, or book here.125 York St, Sydney Celebrate NYE at Sky Bar at Shell House. James Brickwood Shell House All four levels at Shell House will be open as usual for NYE, a stones throw away from the action at Circular Quay. Enjoy the Italo-inspired menu at the cool and casual Menzies Bar & Bistro (dont miss the lobster rolls), listen to DJs with epic views of the city at the Sky Bar, or go all out at the Dining Room with two Euro-inspired New Years Eve set menus. Highlights include Rocky Point cobia with kohlrabi, and coral trout with rainbow chard, broad bean and preserved lemon. Their second option is bookended with luxurious seafood starters like oysters and their scallops on scallops dish, and a cheese platter. Price: A la carte menus, or $180/$250 per person for set menus in the Dining Room Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. 37 Margaret Street, Sydney El Primo Sanchez will be slinging Mexican snacks and good times. Jennifer Soo El Primo Sanchez Say adios to 2024 at this mezcal-fuelled night fiesta on Oxford Street. Tickets are $89 and include two cocktails, a snack (in the form of chips and guac, tacos, and burritos), and a midnight tequila shot. With Latin DJs spinning all night, therell be serious dancing, in between the midnight pinata countdown. The theme is sparkles, and there is a $500 voucher to be won for best dressed, so be sure to come bedazzled. Book now or get a ticket at the door. Price: $89 for a ticket Advertisement Tickets will be sold at the door, or book here. 27-33 Oxford Street, Paddington Join the pizza party at Pizza Madre. Dominic Lorrimer Pizza Madre If battling the city crowds isnt your thing, head to Pizza Madre in Marrickville for vegetarian wood-fired pizzas in relaxed surrounds. Try their December selections from their a la carte menu, or add some mezze, a seasonal salad, and a dessert (pistachio tiramisu, were looking at you) to make it a set menu for $68 per person. Price: A la carte menu, or $68 per person set menu Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. 2/205 Victoria Road, Marrickville For fried chicken with spice and all things nice head to Belles Hot Chicken. Supplied Belles Hot Chicken If youre looking for a good way to cleanse yourself of 2024, sweat it out with some spicy fried chook at Belles Hot Chicken. Their Barangaroo and Bondi locations will be open all night and taking walk-ins. For one of the best bottomless deals in the city, their feed me Belles menu includes bottomless wings and tenders, fries, southern caesar, house slaw, and sauce for $39 per person. Add bottomless drinks for an extra $35 per person. Price: A la carte menu, or $39 bottomless chicken menu Advertisement Walk-ins available or book here. Locations in Barangaroo and Bondi The Dolphin Hotel in Surry Hills is a good time all of the time. Jennifer Soo The Dolphin Hotel The Surry Hills pub will be throwing open its doors to all comers, whether theyre here for a couple of drinks, or eyeing off their Italian-leaning menu. Celebrate what was 2024 and the magic of the Dolphins wood-fire pizza oven, helmed by Bella Brutta alum Sasha Smiljanic. Walk-ins available, or book here. 412 Crown Street, Surry Hills Advertisement Cho Cho Sans pork katsu bao is available on their feast menu. Supplied Cho Cho San This chic izakaya will have their a la carte and set menus available on New Years Eve. Keep things simple with their $65 per person izakaya set menu, or bump it up by $15 to get a soft shell crab hand roll and beef tataki with crispy leek. On their $95 per person feast menu, the star of the show is the crisp pork katsu bao. Cheers to the year thats been with a Japanese-inspired cocktail, or a sake from their beginner-friendly list. Price: A la carte menu, or $65-$95 set menus Book here. 73 Macleay Street, Potts Point Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up 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 Its 10 minutes until the drug-testing tent at Beyond The Valley music festival is due to close at 7pm, but the small army of health workers and chemists are preparing to stick around for overtime. The beating sun is sinking, but the festival is just reaching its peak. Thousands of young revellers clad in bikinis, wraparound sunglasses and bum bags are migrating down a dusty amphitheatre towards the thudding bass of the main stage, where they will dance through the night. Festival-goers migrate to the stages at Beyond The Valley music festival. The Age is not suggesting anyone pictured used drugs at the festival. Credit: Chris Hopkins There are at least a dozen punters in the waiting area at the testing site ready to find out whats in the illicit pills, powders and crystals they have brought to party for days into the new year. More are arriving, seeking results. If people keep coming, then well just stay open, says Cam Francis, chief executive of The Loop Australia, the organisation running the service. Its day two of the four-day festival held on remote farmland 45 minutes west of Geelong, and The Age has been allowed exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Victorias first pill-testing service while its in full swing. There was a crowd of people waiting outside the facility on Saturday the first day of the festival before it had even opened its doors. By Sunday evening, when The Age visited, 300 tests had been conducted. Advertisement Theyre really taking to it quickly, says Francis. Within months of becoming premier, Jacinta Allan announced this trial after mounting pressure on the state government to act following a string of overdoses at music festivals last summer. Signs to the pill-testing service. Credit: Chris Hopkins Beyond The Valley, in its ninth year, is an obvious target for the service. It has a very young crowd mainly in their teens and early 20s and an openly celebrated drug culture among them. Hundreds carry around doof sticks home-made signs on long poles with drug-themed jokes about doing MDMA, cocaine or ketamine. One sign reads Blinky Pill alongside a drug-affected cartoon koala, while another has altered the yellow logo of a well-known fast-food chain with the words Gacked and Gomez. Used silver nitrous oxide bulbs (known as nangs) litter the festival ground, along with the odd discarded plastic drug baggy. At the intake desk in the testing site, users are talked through the process before they meet a chemist in separated booths to hand over a sample. Advertisement They are asked what they believe the substance is and why they want to test it. The service is anonymous no names, dates of birth or phone numbers are taken and a random sample number is the only link between the person and the drugs. Once a user is given their number, they are free to return to the festival and come back for their results in 90 minutes. Meanwhile, their samples are taken into a makeshift lab, where 10 chemists are ferreting through results. In The Loop chemist Dr Riley Herron completes a testing sample to confirm a sample is ketamine, not cocaine, as the user believed it was. Credit: Rachael Dexter During The Ages visit, chemist Dr Riley Herron is asked to recheck a sample for a young man who adamantly believes he has been sold cocaine. The drug results show it is, in fact, ketamine. Herron retests to assure him; the results show a match score of 962 out of 999. Chemists need a sample only the size of a match head to be able to test the drugs. Credit: Simon Schluter Thats high confidence its definitely ketamine, says Herron. If we get a score of about 700-ish then its a bit rough, and we know something else is going on. Advertisement In a different pick-up marquee, groups of friends huddle on couches together and lean in to chat quietly with their assigned health worker. The service advises everyone that there is no safe level of drug use, but the workers are realistic, presuming most of these young people know that and choose to take drugs regardless. So well try to talk with them about reducing the dose, spacing things out, minimising how much they take, understanding signs of trouble, says Francis. They are also offered advice about the dangers of mixing drugs. A huge banner outside the testing facility shows how 25 different drugs interact with one another. The testing detects whether high-risk substances, such as fentanyl or nitazenes, have been mixed in with other drugs, which would trigger a festival-wide alert. As of Monday, no such dangerous substances had been detected. More common are incidents in which partygoers take drugs thinking they are one substance when they are something else entirely, and then overdose. Advertisement Loading RMITs Dr Monica Barratt, a long-time drug-harm minimisation researcher assisting the trial, recounts an incident at a festival last year when a group of four people sniffed what they thought was ketamine, but was heroin. They took bumps of heroin on the dance floor and they all dropped, she said, adding they were brought back around by medics who used the opioid reversal drug, naloxone. Just before The Age arrived on Sunday, two women found that the ketamine they had brought into the festival had benzodiazepines mixed in. They were keen not to take it, says Barratt, adding the women said they intended to dispose of the drug. Once the results are given, health workers dont have any authority over what the festival-goer does with the substances, but users are asked whether they plan to bin the drugs, take less or take them as they had planned. Overdoses also happen when the drug is known but revellers are unaware of safer dosage levels. Advertisement Cash and items totalling almost $18 million were seized by police in WA in 2024, new figures have revealed, with more than $5 million of that already being pumped back into the community via safety initiatives. The Australian Federal Polices Western Command led multiple high-profile investigations into cybercrime, child exploitation and drug trafficking leading to the arrest of 162 people from January to December. Michael Clapsis faces nine alleged cyber-crime charges. Part of those investigations included looking at possible proceeds of crime, with an entire taskforce created to analyse WA residents who cannot legally justify their assets. In 2024 alone, more than $5.3 million was confiscated and allocated to the Attorney Generals community safety initiatives. Younger voters have shifted towards the two major parties and cut their support for the Greens over the past three months, intensifying a political race to gain their trust on issues such as housing and the cost of living. Australians aged 18 to 34 have cut their primary vote for the Greens from 27 to 23 per cent during the final quarter of this year, driving their support below the level seen at the last election. Young voters have moved away from the Greens in the last three months of the year. Credit: Monique Westermann The shift has come with a boost in their core support for Labor, up from 31 to 33 per cent, and a similar increase for the Coalition, up from 25 to 27 per cent. But older voters a bigger share of the electorate have continued a dramatic swing to the Liberals and Nationals this year and now record twice as much support for the Coalition as for Labor. The states top road safety bureaucrat has rejected suggestions that new high-tech cameras that can catch wrongdoers on West Australian roads en masse are revenue-raisers. Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner joined Road Safety Minister David Michael on Monday to announce the rollout of the six mobile cameras from Australia Day. Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner and Road Safety Minister David Michael. The smart cameras, leased for five years at a cost of $22 million, can easily spot motorists using their phones or driving without a seatbelt and will be deployed to deter the behaviours that make up a large reason for so many of the fatalities on WA roads. A camera pointed at just one lane on the Kwinana Freeway near Salter Point last month spotted more than 6300 people using their mobiles while driving, and 5100 not wearing their seatbelts. Jordan Thompson has issued an ominous statement of intent for 2025: no matter the position, no matter the early setbacks, he will not die wondering. Thompsons thrilling 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Monday takedown of Matteo Berrettini at Pat Rafter Arena is the latest chapter in a career breakthrough more than a decade in the making. The 30-year-old, set for his first grand slam seeding at the Australian Open, produced a performance typical of his character to open his Brisbane International account: tough, gritty and enthralling. Thompson celebrates on court as he pulls ahead in Brisbane. Credit: Getty Images On the same court where he conquered the legendary Rafael Nadal in January, Thompson overcame an early onslaught from the Italian defying clinical forehands down the line and a near-flawless serve in the opening set to prevail. Tokyo: Aviation analysts are considering several factors that might have contributed to a deadly plane crash in South Korea, including a concrete structure near the runway that the airliner slammed into, exploding and killing 179 of the 181 people aboard. Most airports dont have similar structures in such proximity to runways, experts said. When they do, they are typically made of softer materials designed to break apart or absorb impact with minimal damage to a plane that overruns a runway. The wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday. Credit: Getty Images Details about the cause of the crash Sunday of Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, the worst ever on South Korean soil, are likely to remain unclear until investigators release their preliminary findings, expected in the coming month. Experts cautioned against drawing conclusions, including about the possible role of airport infrastructure, until a full review of evidence is complete. Dubai: Tehran confirmed on Monday that an Italian journalist has been arrested on charges of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran, state media reported. The countrys Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which oversees media activity, said in a statement that Cecilia Sala travelled to Iran on December 13 on a journalist visa and was arrested six days later, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Cecilia Sala, an Italian journalist who was detained on December 19 as she was reporting in Iran, Italys foreign ministry said. Credit: AP The statement said Salas case is under investigation, adding that the Italian embassy in Tehran was informed after her arrest. The ministry said Salas arrest was carried out under relevant regulations and she was granted consular access. She has contacted her family by phone. On Friday, Italys foreign ministry said the Iranian police detained Sala in the Iranian capital on December 19, while she was working with Iranian authorities to clarify the legal situation of Sala and to verify the conditions of her detention. Carters virtues embroidered his presidency. He worked so hard. His ambitions were noble. Carters approval rating was 75 per cent in his first months in office in 1977. But a series of events overtook him. Carters highest priority, a national energy plan, took 18 months to enact and was only a marginal success. In 1979, the United States was hit with an oil shock spurred by Iran and OPEC that cut supplies and drove up prices. There were petrol lines everywhere. President Jimmy Carter waves to the crowd while walking with wife Rosalynn and their daughter, Amy, to the White House following his inauguration on January 20, 1977. Credit: AP Carter was the antidote to the disgraced president Richard Nixon and all the damage he had inflicted on Americas democracy. Carter projected honesty, compassion, religious rectitude, morality, racial justice and public service. Rosalynn, his life partner in marriage and governance, his wife of 77 years and first lady, was as devoted to public service as her husband. A few days after losing re-election in 1980, president Jimmy Carter attended a tribute to Aaron Copland that included the composers Fanfare for the Common Man. If any president embodied that work, it was Carter. Citizen, veteran, farmer, governor, president, Sunday school teacher, peace promoter, home builder for those without shelter. That summer, the country was gripped by a sense of profound drift. For 10 days, Carter retreated to Camp David for meetings and consultations with experts and citizens to help him find answers to the countrys deepening malaise. Carter came down from the mountain and delivered a sermon to the country on what was wrong. It is a crisis of confidence, he said. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation. The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America. Loading A few days later, Carter fired five members of his cabinet. His approval rating sank to 30 per cent. The American peoples loss of confidence was in the president and his ability to govern. In November 1979, following the return of Ayatollah Khomeini and the overthrow of the Shah, who was aligned with the West, the US embassy in Tehran was seized and 52 American diplomats were taken hostage. A rescue mission failed spectacularly in April 1980, with American service members lost when their helicopters crashed in the desert. The Iranians, intent on further humiliating America and its leader, did not release the hostages until moments after Carter ceased being president. PHILIPSBURG:--- Ixion & The Soufriere Suite by Shake Keane, a giant of Vincentian and Caribbean poetry, is a doublepack anniversary book, said Lasana M. Sekou, projects director of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP). The 2025 book, Ixion & The Soufriere Suite is arriving early, thanks to HNP, just in time for the holiday season! Readers and literature lovers can find it now at Gaymes Bookstore in Kingstown, St. Vincent, and Arnias Bookstore on Zagers Road/Bush Road in St. Martin. Ixion was first published in Guiana in 1952. In 1979, the same year the Soufriere volcano erupted and devastated the newly independent St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Keane responded defiantly with The Volcano Suite, now retitled The Soufriere Suite in the new anthology. After more than 70 years since their original releases, both books are being republished in a special collectors edition for the first time, said Sekou. The collections have in common the poetic representation of upheaval and turbulence of different types. The two poetry sequences in Ixion & The Soufriere Suite show the extent to which Shake Keane was a precursor of todays heightened ecological awareness, said Keane biographer and UWI lecturer Philip Nanton. New generation authors, whose poetry literary critics have compared to aspects of Keanes iconoclastic and disaster writings, include N.C. Marks (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Celia Sorhaindo (Dominica), and Richard Georges (Virgin Islands). Ixion & The Soufriere Suite has been in the works at the St. Martin indie press for some time, said HNP president Jacqueline Sample. In 2005, HNP published Keanes authoritative volume, The Angel HornShake Keane (1927-1997) Collected Poems, and launched it at the St. Martin Book Fair before an audience of over 200 people, said Sample. During the event, Dr. Margaret Bynoe, the poets widow and an invited guest at the literary festival, presented Sekou with out-of-print poetry volumes by Shake Keane for consideration of republication by HNP, said Sample. It should be noted that Keane, in a rare move for the major writers of his generation, began publishing in the region before he gained fame in international jazz circles while living in England during the 1950s and 1960s. He is still probably better known as an innovative jazz trumpeter, arranger, and as a member of the ground-breaking Joe Harriott Quintet than for his poetry, said Sekou. A towering figure representing his country at the very early editions of CARIFESTA, Keane is also remembered as the winner of Cubas prestigious Casa de las Americas Prize for Poetry (1979). In 1981, the poet, musician, educator, raconteur, emigrated to the USA, a form of self-imposed exile, said his publisher. Keanes poetry has appeared in Bim, Kyk-over-al, Savacou, and Caribbean Quarterly. His work has been anthologized in Caribbean Voices; The Oxford Book of Caribbean Verse; The Heinemann Book of Caribbean Poetry; and the recent high school literary textbook Disaster Matters: Disasters Matter. The music CD Real Keen: Reggae into Jazz, was released in 1991 in London. According to HNP, Keanes contemporaries and admirers such as George Lamming, Kamau Brathwaite, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Gordon Rohlehr, Edward Baugh, Adrian Fraser, Philip Nanton, Val Wilmer, and Cecil Blazer Williams, are among those who hail the Vincentian as one of the innovative fathers of modern Caribbean literature. Shake Keane died in Norway, in 1997, on a jazz tour. BONAIRE:--- BONAIRE:--- Parlasur, the Parliament of Mercosur, comprising elected representatives from South America's The Southern Common Market (Mercosur) is a political and economic bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, with Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru as associate members. Mercosur aims to foster democracy, and the protection of human rights across South America leading regional trade bloc. In the 97th Ordinary Session of Parlasur, recently in December 2024, Gabriel Fuks, Parliamentarian and Head of the Argentine delegation to the Mercosur Parliament, proposed a groundbreaking declaration, which was adopted, supporting Bonaire's right to self-determination. This historic move endorses the BHRO call for re-inclusion on the United Nations' List of Non-Self-Governing Territories, bringing Bonaire's political status under the scrutiny of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization. In a unanimous decision, the Mercosur Parliament expressed solidarity with the people of Bonaire, denouncing the political situation imposed by the Dutch government since 2010. Bonaire, a Caribbean island formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, was incorporated into the Kingdom of the Netherlands as a "public body" without autonomy and without the consent of the people of Bonaire following the Antilles' dissolution. The Mercosur Parliament asserts that this action violates the island's inalienable right to self-governance as enshrined in international law. This milestone was achieved through the relentless advocacy of James Finies, leader of Pueblo Progresivo Uni and founder of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization. Mr. Finies, a native of Bonaire, abandoned a 23-year banking career to activism, protesting Bonaire's political status after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010. His 222-day and night non-stop during protest led to a referendum where a large majority of voters rejected the imposed integration. His unwavering commitment has led him and his delegation to travel extensively across Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, raising awareness and garnering support for Bonaire's self-determination. Their efforts have been instrumental in bringing international attention to the island's quest for Self-Determination. The Mercosur declaration is grounded in a robust legal framework, citing key international instruments such as the UN Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Parliament Mercosur acknowledges that Bonaire's status, a referendum where 66% of the voters rejected it, is inconsistent with democratic principles and the people's right to self-determination. This resolution follows a 2021 report from UN experts, concluding that Bonaires current governance structure is a colonial remnant perpetuating inequality. The Mercosur Parliament's declaration aims to elevate the issue of Bonaire's self-determination to the international stage and urges Latin American and Caribbean states to rally behind Bonaires cause. The resolution includes two key points: 1. Solidarity with the people of Bonaire: The Mercosur Parliament expresses unequivocal support for Bonaires request for re-inclusion in the UN's list of Non-Self-Governing Territories, subjecting the Dutch-imposed governance structure to international review. 2. A call for international advocacy: The declaration encourages Latin American and Caribbean governments to support Bonaires bid, ensuring that the islands right to self-determination is protected and promoted globally. The Mercosur Parliaments historic decision is a crucial step in addressing the ongoing colonial injustices faced by Bonaire, reinforcing the regions commitment to human rights, equality, and the empowerment of all peoples to self-determination. Bonaire Human Rights Organization UK study warns of perils in AI-driven 'intention economy' London, Dec 30 (AFP) Dec 30, 2024 Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) tools may soon "covertly influence" users' decision making in a new commercial frontier called the "intention economy", University of Cambridge researchers warned in a paper published Monday. The research argues the potentially "lucrative yet troubling" marketplace emerging for "digital signals of intent" could, in the near future, influence everything from buying movie tickets to voting for political candidates. Our increasing familiarity with chatbots, digital tutors and other so-called "anthropomorphic" AI agents is helping enable this new array of "persuasive technologies", it added. It will see AI combine knowledge of our online habits with a growing ability to know the user and anticipate his or her desires and build "new levels of trust and understanding", the paper's two co-authors noted. Left unchecked, that could allow for "social manipulation on an industrial scale", the pair, from Cambridge's Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (LCFI), argued in the paper published in the Harvard Data Science Review. It characterises how this emergent sector -- dubbed the "intention economy" -- will profile users' attention and communicative styles and connect them to patterns of behaviour and choices they make. "AI tools are already being developed to elicit, infer, collect, record, understand, forecast, and ultimately manipulate and commodify human plans and purposes," co-author Yaqub Chaudhary said. The new AI will rely on so-called Large Language Models -- or LLMs -- to target a user's cadence, politics, vocabulary, age, gender, online history, and even preferences for flattery and ingratiation, according to the research. That would be linked with other emerging AI tech that bids to achieve a given aim, such as selling a cinema trip, or steer conversations towards particular platforms, advertisers, businesses and even political organisations. Co-author Jonnie Penn warned: "Unless regulated, the intention economy will treat your motivations as the new currency." "It will be a gold rush for those who target, steer, and sell human intentions," he added. "We should start to consider the likely impact such a marketplace would have on human aspirations, including free and fair elections, a free press, and fair market competition, before we become victims of its unintended consequences." Penn noted that public awareness of the issue is "the key to ensuring we don't go down the wrong path". jj/gil Nvidia Meta Russia opposes Western peacekeepers in Ukraine Moscow, Dec 30 (AFP) Dec 30, 2024 Russia is against the deployment of Western peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of any settlement to end the nearly three-year conflict, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said. Talk of the possible stationing of foreign troops in Ukraine to enforce any peace deal is circulating in Western capitals, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk discussing the issue in a meeting in Warsaw this month. In an interview published Monday by the Russian foreign ministry, Lavrov told the state-run TASS news agency that Moscow opposed that idea as well as others being proposed by US President-elect Donald Trump. "Of course, we are not satisfied with the proposals being voiced by representatives of the president-elect to postpone Ukrainian NATO membership for 20 years and to send to Ukraine a peacekeeping contingent of 'British and European forces,'" Lavrov said. The Kremlin had previously said it was "too early to talk about peacekeepers". Trump, who comes to power in three weeks, has claimed he can strike a peace deal in 24 hours and said he will use Washington's multibillion-dollar financial and military support to Kyiv as leverage. He has yet to propose a concrete plan but members of his team have floated various ideas, including the deployment of European troops to monitor any ceasefire along the 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line and a lengthy delay on Kyiv's ambitions to join the NATO military alliance. Both the Russian and Ukrainian presidents have ruled out direct talks with each other, and positions in Kyiv and Moscow appear far apart on what would be acceptable terms for a peace deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from four eastern and southern regions -- Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk and Zaporizhzhia -- that Russia claims to have annexed, while Kyiv has repeatedly ruled out ceding territory to Moscow in exchange for peace. US announces $2.5 bn security assistance package for Ukraine Washington, Dec 30 (AFP) Dec 30, 2024 The United States announced Monday a $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine as Washington races to provide aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump's November election victory has cast doubt on the future of American support for Ukraine, providing a limited window for billions of dollars in already authorized assistance to be disbursed before he is sworn in next month. Monday's aid includes a $1.25 billion military "drawdown package", which allows the Pentagon to take weapons from US stocks and send them quickly to the battlefield. An additional $1.22 billion will be funded via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, under which military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners. "Today, I am proud to announce nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression," President Joe Biden said in a statement. The drawdowns from the defense department shelves will involve drones, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), optically guided missiles, anti-tank weapons systems, air-to-ground munitions and spare parts, according to a separate statement from the US State Department. "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russia's aggression," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov hailed the fresh aid package in a post on social media. "The US is a key ally of Ukraine, providing us with invaluable assistance. Together, we will win!" he wrote. The latest assistance for Ukraine follows an announcement at the beginning of the month of a nearly $1 billion tranche of drones, ammunition and equipment. The outgoing Biden administration is working to get as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump -- who has repeatedly criticized US assistance for Kyiv and claimed he could secure a ceasefire within hours -- takes over in January. 'Foreign jihadists' among rebels to be made Syria army officers: monitor, experts Beirut, Lebanon, Dec 30 (AFP) Dec 30, 2024 Former rebels were promoted to officers in Syria's future army in a decree passed by de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa -- with a war monitor and experts identifying on Monday foreign jihadists among them. The new authorities in Damascus, who until recently were Islamist-led rebels fighting to overthrow Bashar al-Assad, last week unveiled an accord with armed groups in Syria on their dissolution and integration into the defence ministry. A decree, published late Sunday on the Telegram account of Sharaa's General Command, listed 49 people to be made officers, including former rebels and ex-army officers who deserted to join the opposition in the early days of Syria's civil war. The promotions are part of efforts aimed at "the development and modernisation of the military... in order to guarantee security and stability", the decree said. Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, told AFP that "most of those who have been promoted are people within Ahmed al-Sharaa's inner circle". They are the first military promotions since Sharaa's Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group led the offensive that toppled Assad on December 8. Two men have been given the rank of general, including Murhaf Abu Qasra, the military head of HTS, who has been tipped to become defence minister in the transitional government. Five others were made brigadier generals and around 40 were given the rank of colonel. The Britain-based Observatory with a network of sources inside Syria has identified at least "six foreign jihadists" among those promoted, including an Albanian, a Jordanian, a Tajik, a Uyghur and a Turk from HTS. The Uyghur is a member of the Turkistan Islamic Party, a jihadist group whose fighters mostly hail from China's Uyghur minority. Aymenn al-Tamimi, an expert on jihadist groups and the Syrian conflict, meanwhile identified three foreigners on the list: a Uyghur, a Jordanian and a Turk who "headed the block of Turkish fighters under HTS and is now a brigadier general". Among the Syrian officers, the majority come from HTS, with the rest coming from "allied factions" the Observatory said. HTS itself has jihadist roots in Al-Qaeda and its former Syrian branch the Al-Nusra Front. 'Foreign jihadists' in Syria leader's pick for army officers: monitor, experts Beirut, Lebanon, Dec 30 (AFP) Dec 30, 2024 Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has tapped dozens of former rebels for high-ranking army positions, several of whom are foreign fighters, a war monitor and experts said on Monday. The new authorities in Damascus, from the ranks of Islamist-led rebels who until several weeks ago had fought to overthrow longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, now face the daunting task of rebuilding state institutions. The Syrian army has effectively collapsed, much like other institutions set up by the Assad clan and their notorious security apparatuses. The new leadership last week unveiled an accord to dissolve the myriad of armed groups operating in Syria and integrate them into the defence ministry, and has now named some prospective army officers. A decree published late Sunday on the Telegram account of Sharaa's General Command listed 49 people to be made commanders, in the first such announcement since the fall of the Assad government on December 8. It said the appointments were part of efforts aimed at "the development and modernisation of the military... in order to guarantee security and stability". The names include former rebels, some from Sharaa's Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as well as ex-army officers who had deserted to join the opposition in the early days of Syria's civil war. Haid Haid, consulting fellow at Britain-based think tank Chatham House, said that "the top seven highest ranks of those promoted seem to be all from HTS." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said many of those appointed were close to Sharaa, including at least six foreigners either from HTS or aligned with it. - 'Broader participation' - Haid said that "HTS has been able to position its members, as well as those who are close to it, to be the ones leading the defence ministry, the future army, as well as the ones leading the restructuring of this army." HTS is rooted in the Syrian branch of jihadist group Al-Qaeda and proscribed a terrorist organisation by numerous governments, but has sought to soften its image in recent years. In its Idlib stronghold, HTS has long battled jihadists from the Islamic State group which was territorially defeated in Syria in 2019. In Sunday's decree, two men were given the rank of general, five were made brigadier generals and around 40 made colonels. One of the generals is HTS's military chief Murhaf Abu Qasra, who has been tipped to become defence minister in the transitional government. Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory, told AFP that "most of those who have been promoted are people within Ahmed al-Sharaa's inner circle". In an interview Sunday with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television, Sharaa admitted that so far government positions went solely HTS members of people close to the group. However, the leader promised "broader participation" in the future. The majority of Syrians named in the military decree come from HTS, with the rest from "allied factions", according to the Britain-based Observatory which has a network of sources inside Syria. The monitor said it had identified six "foreign jihadists" among those promoted, including an Albanian, a Jordanian, a Tajik, a Turk and a Uyghur who is a member of jihadist group the Turkistan Islamic Party. Aymenn al-Tamimi, an expert on jihadist groups and the Syrian conflict, said he too had identified foreigners on the list. He mentioned a Uyghur, a Jordanian and a Turk who "headed the block of Turkish fighters under HTS, and is now a brigadier general". - 'New Syrian order' - Tamimi said that the inclusion of foreign fighters appears to be in line with HTS's doctrine. "One of the founding principles of (Hayat) Tahrir al-Sham is that the group would not betray or surrender muhajirin to their home countries," he said, using the Arabic term for foreign fighters. "But at the same time, it could be a problem if they're just left there to their own devices," said Tamimi. "So integrating them into the new Syrian order is the best strategy that meets both ends." The war in Syria, which began with the Assad government's brutal crackdown on democracy protests in 2011, has drawn in foreign armies and international jihadists -- who often took up arms against each other, like HTS and the Islamic State group. The conflict has killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions and divided Syria into areas of influence administered by warring sides with varying levels of foreign backing. For Haid, the promotions announced Sunday were made "unilaterally and without consultations with others". Sharaa, a transitional figure, "is now giving himself the authority not only to promote his own people but also to promote non-Syrians," said Haid. He argued that Syrians should have a say in "whether non-Syrians who participated in the fight against the regime should be given the nationality, and if so what would be the criteria for that". Everything comes to a head in this episode. We finally see what happened after Grace (Anne-Marie Duff) told Ian (Owen McDonnell) about killing her husband, and Ian's reaction is as cruel as you would expect. He pushes her to the ground and throws his shirt at her. Ian sees this as a way out of the relationship and blackmails Grace for money. He really is the villain of this story. Before Grace can pay him off, she finds Ian's secret phone and calls, who turns out to be Cormacs, aka Ian, wife Colleen (Siobhan O'Kelly). Now Grace knows Ian's secret. Grace is instructed to bring the money to Ian at the Dundalk bar. We now know that when Grace kisses Bla and says she's sorry, it's for bringing this a-hole into their lives. Grace hides the money with the turtles and makes her way to the meeting place with Ian. Grace is strong and tells Ian she's not giving him anythingnot the house, not the money, nothing. What's heartbreaking is Ian telling Grace that he never loved her; she was just a mark. The Garvey sisters have terrible taste in men. Grace takes off and calls Eva (Sharon Horgan) for help. Grace didn't want to die; she wanted help fighting Ian. Fergal (Barry Ward) got everything wrong about this situation. Back to the present, Eva is alarmed to see that Ian has returned. She and Ian try to act normal around Blanaid (Saise Quinn) who asks for a ride to her friend's house, but Ian tells her to take her bike. Eva wants Blanaid's money back, but Ian still thinks he has the upper hand. The arrival of the other sisters brings the stand-off we've been waiting to see. The exchange is halted when Blanaid comes back in whining that her friend would rather hang out with a guy than her. Watching the sisters kick into supportive aunt mode is what makes this show work. Eva has the idea for Bla to hang out with her cousin Molly (Kate Higgins) and head to Casa Romanos. The sisters show extreme enthusiasm for Casa Romanos, and Ursula (Eva Birthistle) offers to take Bla to the restaurant in Ian's car. Backed into a corner, Ian lies to the sisters and says that he told Grace about Eva coming on to him and that Grace was going to confront Eva that night. The other thing I love about this show is that the sisters know this is a lie, and Becka (Eve Hewson) angrily comes after him. Ian throws her off, and she hits her head on the sink. Ian then launches into a highly misogynistic monologue about women, revealing that he was once a police officer and calling the sisters "hysterical women crying wolf again." He then threatens them with going to the police about covering up JP's murder and telling Bla what really happened to her father. Eva asks Ian the same question that Grace asked if he ever loved her. The sisters need to know that Grace felt love before she died. True to form, Ian tells them that Grace asked the same thing, and his response was, "How could anyone love a murdering nut job" and then TWACK. Ian's hit on the back of the head. If that's not enough, he hits his head on the table on his way down. The sisters are horrified as they watch Ian's blood flow through the grout of the kitchen floor. Cliff Hanger- BAD SISTERS, Pictured: Fiona Shaw as Angelica: Apple TV+ 2024. All Rights Reserved And there stands Angelica (Fiona Shaw), who knows how to wield a camogie stick, to the rescue. She didn't like what Ian said about Grace, and our view of her instantly changed. Meanwhile, Houlihan (Thaddea Graham) is getting closer to the truth about Ian/Cormac. She knows he was a detective sergeant who was accused of sexual harassment and witness intimidation. She goes to her supervisor to tell him what she knows, but she's essentially told to back down and that Guards protect other Guards. She either backs down or kisses her career goodbye. Houlihan is disillusioned by everything she's experienced. Her mother reminds her that she does what's right; she can't help herself. Houlihan has seen the impact of domestic abuse and knows that Ian is dangerous. The sisters panic when the doorbell rings, panicking about what to do with Ian. Houlihan is back on the case and is there to warn the sisters that Ian is dangerous. Will they pin Ian's death on Angelica, or does she become an honorary Garvey? While Eva and Houlihan are talking, the sisters move the body and clean up the blood, and he's wrapped in Becka's cow-spotted robe. They are going to dump him off the cliffs in Donegal. Ah! The answer to who is in the trunk, finally! They have to take Bibi's (Sarah Greene) car, although she's not keen on the plan saying, "I'm not into that," because she just cleaned it. Angelica has made the sisters sandwiches for the journey and is now tasked with driving Ian's car away from the house, but she is caught by Houlihan, and we all know that Angelica isn't going to lie about Ian. Here we are, full circle at the cliffs. The problem is that Bibi's trunk pops open, scaring the crap out of everyone until Bibi explains that the trunk tends to pop open. They return to the car, but Ian is no longer in the trunk. They really should've had Ursula check his pulse before assuming he was dead. He's up, and he's disoriented. In the end, Ian follows part of the plan and falls off the cliff but onto another ledge, still alive. Bibi attempts to climb down to push him into the water, but the sisters can't bear to lose another sister. They call for an ambulance. They are not murderers. They are protectors and advocates, but they can't murder Ian. The sisters return home to find Ian's car still at the house, and Houlihan is there to look at the trunk. Angelica admitted that she killed Ian and that the sisters were going to dispose of the body. That's when Eva shares that Ian is not dead. Angelica views this as a miracle. Becka tells the truth about where they are and follows up on if Ian is in the hospital. The sisters discover that Houlihan knows about Ian's secret identity and accuse her of being just like the other police officers who couldn't keep Grace safe. This strikes a nerve with Houlihan. She doesn't want to be the type of police officer she's observed. Bibi asks her to help them. Houlihan makes a decision and calls in a favor. At the hospital, Houlihan confronts Ian, accusing him of ripping off the Garvey sisters and causing Grace's death. Ian tells her she doesn't have any proof of that since she is there on her own. And when you think this POS will get away with his crimes, Fergal enters the room and details all of Ian's crimes. He also backs up alibis for the sisters and says that he will contradict every word Ian says against the Garveys and destroy evidence if he has to. The money will return to the Garvey sisters, and the ordeal will be called an accident. It was nice to see Fergal get a little bit of redemption both in backing Houlihan and telling her that she is the type of change needed in the police department. We finally get some closure when the sisters gather by the sea to give Grace a proper send-off. Anjelica did get the water part right. As they walk to the seashore, Bla shares with Eva that she knows about her father and that she wants to be the good that her mother represents. Everyone was trying to protect Bla, but in the end, she knew what was going on in her house. Cliff Hanger- BAD SISTERS, Pictured: Saise Quinn as Blanaid, Sharon Horgan as Eva, Peter Claffey as Joe, Eve Hewson as Becka, Yasmine Akram as Nora, Sarah Greene as Bibi and Eva Birthistle as Ursula. Photo: Apple TV+ 2024. All Rights Reserved We get flashbacks to the sisters as children swimming at Forty Foot and see that Becka has had her baby, Nora (Yasmine Akram) is pregnant, and they are remembering Grace's happy moments as they send her out to sea in a crown of flowers and say goodbye. If season one was about the things we will do for the people we love, season two was about grief and the crazy things it makes us do. I'm happy to have spent some more time with the Garveys, but I hope this is the end of their journey. What's next, Sharon Horgan? If you're creating it, I'm watching it. Ursula gets the line of the episode, "I've got to earn the euros to buy the churros." Nicola Walker, who plays her, has been on screens for years. She played Ruth Evershed in spy drama Spooks, DCI Cassie Stuart in Unforgotten and Annika, in the 2021 Scottish crime drama of the same name. Shes appeared in Last Tango In Halifax and has also worked regularly on stage, winning the 2013 Olivier Award for her work on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Even those who arent usually enamoured by contemporary design fall head over heels for this hotel. Perched like an art installation on a little promontory on the lakes eastern shore, Il Serenos cubic architecture deftly merges into its surroundings. Local timber (sliced into striking grills), sits alongside stone and glass, referencing the lakes shades and textures, and those of the densely wooded mountains enveloping it. Inside, the prevailing sense is that youre floating through a Milanese designers moodboard (which you are), particularly in the bedrooms where enormous, sleep-stealing beds are backed by a padded screen depicting the surrounding woodland. Bathrooms heave with green Italian marble, while uplit walnut panelling and rugs soften all the razor-sharp modernity. When not wallowing in the generously heated salt pool tipping over the lake, or pootling off in a Riva boat for Lake Comos oldest villa (owned by the Il Sereno group), guests can check into the spa for therapies rounded off with a view of the lake through the Medieval arches. Drizzly afternoons here can be spent leafing through the librarys meaty coffee table books and lingering in its cosy, contemporary lounge space with a Negroni. serenohotels.com I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed and an excuse for poor behaviour I'm sorry, but ADHD has become a scam that is wildly overdiagnosed Environment Agency teams will be out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and support those communities affected. We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car. He added: The main bit of advice from the Met Office over the coming days is, with the celebrations and people on the move throughout the new year and Hogmanay period, is the keep checking the forecast and to stay up to date with that. Chinese authorities summon local official over school food safety incident Xinhua) 13:29, December 30, 2024 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) If you live or work in the affected areas, or are planning to visit, think about any steps you need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts and consider whether your journey is necessary. Regrettably in recent years we have seen an increase in incidents where a minority have tried to illegally force entry into ticketed events, putting everyones safety at risk. Anyone trying to gain entry in this way tomorrow could be arrested and could face prosecution. 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. Elsewhere, the author notes it was leaked to the media there was serious disagreement between the governments of the UK and Ireland on the composition of that commission with not a single name submitted by the Irish side being accepted by the other. He added: The consultation document states that the Government believes it would be right to agree that elements such as national symbols and the national anthem should feature in the ceremony..and many of those becoming citizens would expect to see the same here. Damien McAteer, an adviser for the SDLP, was recorded as briefing Irish officials on September 10 that it was his view that Mr Trimble was intent on collapsing the institutions in 2003 over expected fallout for Sinn Fein in the wake of the Colombia Three trial, where men linked to the party were charged with training Farc rebels but predicted the UUP leader would be in the toilet by January, when an Ulster Unionist Council (UUC) meeting was due to take place. It says Mr Mageean said it was ironic that the Government had signed up to the release of several hundred prisoners but yet would not allow them to get a job in somewhere like a passport office. The note says: Morrow said he had no problem with sharing the future and suggested that the first step to that would be an election to decide who spoke for whom though he was quick to say he didnt want politics to dominate the meeting. One of their snaps shows their little boy excitedly looking out of the plane window as they flew into Bangkok, while another heartbreaking post showed the toddler with his passport. Haywire A Not-So-Everyday Story Of How The Archers Was Born, written by Tim Stimpson, is a love letter to The Archers and the minds that created it, and a fond and funny celebration of one of British medias most enduring creations, according to the theatre. Romania can no longer afford slippages next year, and what will be proposed in the budget will have to be respected as such, believes the Minister of Finance, Tanczos Barna. He specified, in the context, that he does not want to burden the business environment even more and that he will do everything possible to avoid an increase in the VAT rate or the income tax. "I will do my best to build the 2025 budget without an increase in VAT and income tax. We will see in January what the final annual situation with the deficit is, we will have all the expenditure forecasts for each main credit authorizing officer, we will try let's stay within this limit of 7% (deficit, ed.n), although it is extremely restrictive. I don't want to burden it even more business environment, we don't want to burden consumption even more," declared the Minister of Finance on Monday, in the briefing at the end of the Government meeting. Tanczos Barna announced that next year's budget could be approved by the end of January if things go according to plan. "The budget space is what will guide us throughout 2025, stability is paramount, our message to the financial markets must be firm, if we assume a budget deficit we must respect it in the conditions in which we face significant challenges both nationally and internationally, so things must be kept under control, and what will be proposed and promised in the year's budget 2025 must be respected as such. We can no longer afford slippage, neither up nor down. If we budget any expenses that fit into the budget envelope, they must be done, if they cannot be done, we must say at the beginning of January that we do not have the possibility of the respective payments and these things must be assumed," the cited source emphasized. The government approved, in Monday's meeting, several fiscal measures contained in the Train Ordinance, including the increase from 8% to 10% of the tax on dividends and the reduction of the threshold for micro-enterprises from 500,000 euros to 250,000 euros, including during the fiscal year, and starting with January 1, 2026 at 100,000 euros. A 1% tax for special constructions ("pole tax") was also introduced and salary and pension freezes were decided in the budget sector. The government decided in Monday's meeting that the tax for special constructions (the "pole tax") should be reduced from 1.5%, as was originally provided for in the "Train Ordinance", to 1%, and the rules for implementing this measure will be developed within 90 days, the Minister of Finance, Tanczos Barna, informed during the Government meeting. "The emergency ordinance provides for the introduction of a new tax, the tax for special constructions. Being a very complex field, I expressly requested that the term for the elaboration of the rules be 90 days. During these 90 days, the analyzes will be done with all the affected industries, all the fields that can be affected by this new tax on special constructions (...) Today a change was made, it is no longer of 1.5% is 1%. The tax will be applied according to the ordinance on constructions other than those that are taxed at the local level," explained the Minister of Finance. He added that the Ministry of Finance will come up with a proposal for rules and the details related to the impact on each individual field will be analyzed, starting with roads, electricity infrastructure, communications infrastructure, etc. "It is a very complex field. I would have liked this analysis to be done before the decision. (...) Revenues are revenues to the budget. But, once again, in the next 90 days we have the necessary respite to to discuss with all the industrial branches involved, to see the exact impact and to work on sustainable, correct implementation norms and norms that can lead to a real implementation (...) The impact must be calculated in fact, it depends on each industry and the rules must be developed as such," said Tanczos Barna. According to the minister, the first payment would be made after July 1 and the second after October 1, with the details to be established in the rules. This tax is a recommendation of the World Bank, stated Tanczos Barna. The Energy Employers' Federation (FPE) drew attention on Monday morning that the measure regarding the introduction of a 1.5% tax applicable to special constructions (the so-called "pole tax") was proposed without consultation and without a prior social dialogue with the actors in the field and considered that this tax is excessive and could have a severe impact on strategic economic sectors. AGERPRES The National Trade Union of Prison Policemen (SNPP) informs that, on Monday, it will launch the centralization of signatures to block the activities of the Penitentiary Police by refusing to work overtime on December 31, as of 6.30 am. "As part of a unified reaction at the level of the entire penitentiary system, towards the contempt with which the governments treat the penitentiary police, SNPP has centralized over 5,000 signatures for the cessation of activity by refusing to work overtime, with the following demands: preserving in 2025 all rights currently in payment at least at the value of December 2024, the elimination from the "Emergency Ordinance regarding the 2025 budgetary measures" of the provisions that generate salary cuts for the penitentiary police," according to a press release sent to AGERPRES, signed by Stefan Teoroc, president of SNPP. According to the press release, "the action on December 31 will show once again (the first action of this type taking place on May 31, 2023) that the Penitentiary Police remains functional only because the prison police officers agree to perform additional work in a huge volume, unique in Romania." "The simple exercise of the legal right to refuse to work overtime even for a short period of time generates blockages, especially in the operational sector. On the mentioned date, the personnel will report to work but will not enter the units. Therefore, the shifts on duty for 12 hours will not be able to be changed on the morning of December 31, the roll call of prisoners will not be carried out, and a long series of structures and activities will be blocked (visits, walks, work points, court appearances, etc.). (...) The action of December 31 represents a warning to the government, as well as proof that we are determined to completely cease activities in January 2025. The government will have to identify alternative solutions for guarding, escorting and surveillance missions in prisons. The actions of refusing to work overtime will be supported with protests in front of all prisons in Romania," state the unionists. Over 80 employees of the Deva Penitentiary participated, on Monday morning, in a snap protest, in front of the institution's headquarters, dissatisfied that overtime and other monetary rights will no longer be paid. The penitentiary police announce that they will refuse to perform unpaid services. The protest was attended by employees who left the night shift, people who came from home during their free time, but also people who retired from the Deva Penitentiary. "The government plans to stop paying overtime, weekends and hours worked on public holidays. Due to the lack of staff, at the Deva Penitentiary we work over a thousand overtime hours every month. There are also over 1,500 days of vacation that have not been taken, some even since 2022," Liviu Patrut, president of the Vulturul independent trade union told AGERPRES. According to the trade union leader, in the case of the Deva Penitentiary, the staff deficit is almost 20%, in the context in which, under the new conditions, hiring will be blocked. The prison police are also dissatisfied that the food and equipment quotas will no longer be updated, that the unpaid vacation days will no longer be paid, and that a co-payment will be charged for vacation vouchers. The prison police protests will continue, stating that they will refuse unpaid overtime. Save Romania Union (USR) MP Catalin Drula accuses the Government of violating the provisions of the Fiscal Code through the ordinance on some fiscal-budgetary measures that is on the agenda of Monday's meeting of the Executive. The former USR leader drew attention to the fact that, according to the law, a minimum of six months is required before the changes to the Fiscal Code come into force. "How can taxes increase overnight? Answer: legally, constitutionally, it should not be possible. The Fiscal Code provides for a minimum of 6 months before any changes come into force. The Ciolacu 2 government has granted exemption from this provision through the Austerity OUG [Emergency Ordinance]. A clearly unconstitutional action. You can't ignore a framework law whenever it is not to your taste. That's not how the rule of law works. No surprise here. Ciolacu continues the same immoral, illegal and irresponsible policies. Now we also see why he did not want to show us this draft OUG at the negotiations. It is still sad that he does these actions with the complicity of PNL [the National Liberal Party]," Catalin Drula wrote on Facebook. He maintained that prime minister Marcel Ciolacu "will go down in history as an economic criminal", after having "destroyed the country's finances while his party's clientele grew". According to the USR representative, the bill will be borne by the private sector "suffocated and throttled by new taxes". Catalin Drula recalled that PSD and PNL representatives promised that "no tax will be increased" in 2025. In his turn, the coordinator of the Public Policy Department of USR, Cristian Ghinea, reproached the Government for having directed "a lot of money" into "inflating the budgetary apparatus". "Marcel Ciolacu continues to tell us that the huge budget deficit that Romania currently has appeared so suddenly, out of the blue, like an unexpected weather phenomenon, as if he was not the one to take us to 9% with his irresponsible spending. Moreover, Ciolacu is trying to convince us that, in fact, this deficit was meant to do us good, we are probably also ungrateful that today we are on the verge of fiscal apocalypse. That, in fact, he ran deficits to make 'investments'. It's like saying: 'Sir, I have big debts in the bank, but there's no problem, because I bought my car, I bought my coat, I bought my hat, I bought my expensive cigarettes! There's no problem, I made investments!'. This is absurd," Ghinea wrote on Facebook. According to Ghinea, the authorities have "failed" to attract European funds, but have "irrationally" increased investments that they cannot maintain. "A responsible government knows that investments should be prioritized, if you have less money, not to throw money out the window in the hope that it will bring you votes. That's what they did. And now they complain about the heavy inheritance," added the USR representative. OVERLAND Rob Miller was inspired to open his pottery studio to people of all abilities when his grandson, Connor, was born with cerebral palsy eight years ago. LampLight Studio now has a nonprofit arm, Blaze STL, that welcomes groups from underserved and disabled communities to create artwork and communicate through creativity. The studios values are inclusion, collaboration and confidence. Its a way for us to give back to people with different abilities, said Robs wife, Colleen Miller, who is also an artist. Its a chance to get out and express themselves and for us to learn about individuals with disabilities. It gives us all a chance to build relationships. Sarah Harig, a freshman at Miriam, decided to make a lifelike cat. I love working with clay, said Sarah, 15. I just let the clay tell me what it wanted to do, and apparently it wanted cat. Miriam is a private school offering curriculum and therapies for students in kindergarten through high school with learning differences including autism, attention deficits, language delays and other challenges. Spending the afternoon at Lamplight Studio gave the students an opportunity to speak to each other through their art, said Bryce Kramer, 15. People arent very social, especially here, so it helps because as you see were all broken up into our own little tables, Bryce said. It helps us just work together. We talk to each other, and overall, its just a good experience for people to learn how to communicate. All students take art classes at Miriam, said high school art teacher Meaghan Mittler. The students modeled their ceramic pieces in the style of Japanese sculptor Shinichi Sawada, who has nonspeaking autism and is currently featured at the St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum. The Miriam students visited the museum in November to connect Sawadas work to their own. It was cool to see someone who experiences similar challenges to them in such a successful moment, Mittler said. At LampLight, the students created designs from animals to abstract think pieces. They will come back to LampLight Studio in January to glaze the clay. The studio will host an exhibit in May made up of work by Blaze artists. Miriam freshman, Morgan Graham, designed a natural playscape with arches, boulders and other shapes. Its very fun to play with in your hands, said Morgan, 15. You can do almost anything with clay. Zachary Linhares of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. Editors note: A photograph accompanying this story incorrectly identified student Logan Schmidt, of Fenton. The caption information has been updated. News / Local by Staff reporter Zimbabwe's self-styled Santa Claus, Wicknell Chivayo, has made a splash in Victoria Falls, the country's tourism capital, with his generosity during the festive season. Chivayo, known for his controversial wealth amassed through government tenders often marred by allegations of corruption, distributed cash to traditional dancers and made his presence felt in the north-western Zimbabwean town.Traditional dancers who regularly entertain visitors at the iconic Victoria Falls International Airport and perform around the city received a festive windfall of US$100 each from Chivayo. Accompanied by his girlfriend Lulu Mateke, the businessman was seen reveling in the holiday spirit, casting himself as a benevolent figure in the community.Chivayo's recent actions come amidst public scrutiny following revelations of his involvement in the highly controversial US$100 million Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) tender scandal. The deal, widely criticized for its lack of transparency, has further cemented his reputation as a tenderpreneur closely aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu PF party.Adding to the intrigue, Chivayo has recently divorced his wife, Sonja Madzikanda, amid rumors of personal and professional upheavals. Despite his criminal record and ongoing allegations of corruption, Chivayo's largesse has found favor among certain segments of the population, particularly those affiliated with Zanu PF, who have been eager to accept his donations.Critics, however, argue that Chivayo's charitable gestures are a smokescreen for his tainted dealings. This is stolen wealth being paraded as generosity, said a political commentator, who declined to be named. The public should demand accountability rather than celebrate proceeds of corruption.Chivayo's flamboyant displays of wealth and strategic philanthropy continue to spark debate across Zimbabwe, highlighting the complex interplay of power, privilege, and patronage in the country's political and social landscape. This undated photo shows a sign for U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, in Apra Harbor, Guam. (Joseph Ditzler/Stars and Stripes) Eight recreational divers spent more than 24 hours floating in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Palau before they were rescued by a local fisherman, the U.S. Coast Guard said Monday. The divers seven tourists and one guide were reported missing Thursday near Peleliu Corner, a popular dive spot, and were found by a Palau fisherman the next day. Meanwhile, the divers were the subject of a collaborative search led by Republic of Palau rescue authorities with support from the Coast Guard, the service said in a news release on Monday. Peleliu Island is southwest of Palaus main island, Babeldaob, and about 500 miles east of the Philippines. Peleliu Corner is a challenging dive site known for its strong currents. Sport diving guides in the area recommend the site for advanced, experienced divers only. The divers boated to the site and began the dive at about 11 a.m. Thursday, Palau time, but failed to surface after 45 minutes, Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir told Stars and Stripes by email Monday. They were reported overdue to Palau rescue authorities at noon, she said. Our search had us looking for people in the water, rather than a boat, Muir wrote in a follow-up email Monday. Palau responders reported thunderstorms and heavy showers in the area, with 11-17 mile per hour winds from the east, waves up to 3 feet high and swells of 5-7 feet, the release said. The services Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam took over search and rescue coordination at 10 a.m. Friday in Guam, Muir wrote. Guam is one hour ahead of Palau. The Coast Guard directed Palaus Marine Law Enforcement Division, state rangers and Pacific Mission Aviation, a religious organization, to shift its search efforts from the southwest to the northwest of the island based on updated drift modeling, the release said. The Coast Guard team, led by Cmdr. Ryan Crose, used the services Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System, which combines environmental data such as currents, wind and drift characteristics to predict where individuals or objects may drift over time, Muir said. Before the responders received new search coordinates, however, the fisherman located the missing divers where the Coast Guard predicted they might be found. The divers were found at about 4 p.m. Friday along the reef line northwest of Peleliu, Muir said. The Island Times, a Palau newspaper, in a Facebook post Saturday identified the fisherman as Jerome Sakurai. The divers seven tourists from China and a Palauan dive guide were found about 30 miles northwest of the dive site, the post stated. Search and rescue efforts are always a team effort, and were grateful for the swift action of Palaus responders and community, Crose, the Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam search and rescue mission coordinator, said in the release. The divers received medical evaluations and basic care after being rescued, but did not require hospitalization, Muir said. Ultimately, the safe return of these eight divers is what matters most, Crose said in a statement emailed by Muir. Were relieved their holiday did not end badly and grateful for the effort by everyone involved. The Navy has recovered the advanced F-35C Lightning II fighter jet from the bottom of the South China Sea that it lost after a crash aboard an aircraft carrier more than a month ago, service officials announced Thursday, March 3, 2022. (U.S. Navy) The Navy has recovered the advanced F-35C Lightning II fighter jet from the bottom of the South China Sea that it lost after a crash aboard an aircraft carrier more than a month ago, service officials announced Thursday. The stealth jet was lifted Wednesday from a depth of 12,400 feet using a remotely operated diving vehicle and a crane from a diving support construction vessel known as Picasso, according to the 7th Fleet, which is based in Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. officials have said in recent weeks that it was critical to recover the F-35, which crashed Jan. 24 during normal training operations aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson. Some Pentagon officials worried China would attempt to find the downed fighter before the United States. Navy Capt. Gareth Healy, who commanded the task force which recovered the plane, said in a statement that his team encountered unique challenges to find and recover the jet on an aggressive and achievable timeline. He credited his team with success in accomplishing that goal in 37 days. The Navy on Thursday released photos of the wrecked $103 million plane that showed aircraft sitting on Picassos deck wrapped in a protective covering after it was hoisted from the sea. The service said the plane would be taken to an unnamed nearby military facility for evaluation. Officials plan eventually to return it to the United States, according to 7th Fleet. Officials are investigating the cause of the wreck, the Navy said. Leaked video of the incident that appeared on social media in the weeks after the crash showed the F-35s wing striking the deck of the Carl Vinson before the plane burst into flames and slid off the deck into the water. The crash left the pilot who ejected and six other sailors injured. The Carl Vinson has since returned to its homeport in San Diego, according to the Navy. At least five sailors have been charged with disobeying a lawful order or regulation for their roles in the leaked video, the Navy has said. Videos were captured on cell phones and uploaded to websites, including Reddit, Navy officials said. An F/A-18 Super Hornet prepares to launch from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea on March 19, 2024. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) NAPLES, Italy Recovery of a Navy fighter jet recently downed over the Red Sea likely hinges on whats left of the wreckage and how safely a salvage operation could be pulled off, analysts say. The F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman was shot down by apparent friendly fire from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg on Dec. 22. Although the jet is being phased out, newer Block III versions of it have equipment upgrades that could be a tempting target for adversaries. Its unknown whether the F/A-18 in question was a Block III or had been outfitted with the newer technology, which includes an infrared system useful in pinpointing stealth aircraft, better radar equipment and a precision approach landing system. There would perhaps be sensitive material onboard worth recovery, but it depends on the condition of the aircraft and where it went down in the Red Sea, said Steven Wills, a naval analyst with the Center for Maritime Strategy at the Navy League of the United States. The aircraft may have been largely destroyed, so its uncertain how much might be left to recover, he said. Much of the Red Sea is relatively shallow ... but there are some deep trenches that are very deep, he said. The U.S. has recovered downed intact aircraft in the past, but recovery of wreckage perhaps strewn over miles of seabed would be a challenge. The Navy would not say whether its considering a recovery effort, referring questions to U.S. Central Command, which cited the ongoing investigation in declining comment. If a fifth-generation fighter were lost, the Navy would almost certainly seek to retrieve it. When an F-35C fighter attempting to land on the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson crashed and slipped into the South China Sea in January 2022, the Navy announced it was working quickly to find the $103 million jet. The plane was recovered about 37 days later from a depth of 12,400 feet. That operation included a remotely operated diving vehicle and crane from a diving support construction vessel, Stars and Stripes reported in March 2022. In August 2022, a Block II Super Hornet was recovered in the Mediterranean Sea after it blew off the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during a storm the month before. In that case, the jet was recovered from a depth of about 9,500 feet roughly a half-mile from the estimated point where it entered the water in the Ionian Sea, a portion of the Mediterranean that is bounded by Sicily, southern Italy, southern Albania and the western coast of Greece. But recovery of the jet lost last week over the Red Sea also would be complicated by the threat of Houthi one-way attack drones and anti-ship missiles, said Sal Mercogliano, an adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy who has served ashore and at sea for Military Sealift Command. The Houthi campaign against shipping in the Red Sea has been ongoing since November 2023. The risk to U.S. personnel trying to recover the jet is highlighted by the groups attack on the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion in August, Mercogliano said. More than three months after the attack, Greek officials said crude oil from the ship had been unloaded after the vessel was towed to a location near the Suez Canal. The operation followed an arduous recovery that included extinguishing fires on the ship set by Houthis after their initial attack, the newsletter The Maritime Executive reported Dec. 4. While the Navy has salvage ships, both are in the Pacific and (the operation) would be in an area that would require a great deal of protection, Mercogliano said. CENTCOM has released few details about the circumstances of the shootdown, citing the ongoing investigation. The crew had completed an earlier mission and was responding to an attack threatening the Truman Carrier Strike Group, Stars and Stripes reported last week. Both aviators ejected from the aircraft and were recovered. The carrier strike group entered the Middle East this month and includes the destroyers USS Stout and USS Jason Dunham, Gettysburg and Carrier Air Wing 1 with nine embarked aviation squadrons. Its unclear how many Block III versions of the Super Hornet the Navy has or how many Block II jets have been upgraded with the advanced technology. Earlier this year, Boeing was awarded a $1.3 billion contract for delivery of 17 Block III F/A-18 Super Hornets and technical data to sustain the fleet. Delivery of the new jets, estimated to cost about $56 million each, would begin in late 2026, with final delivery no later than spring 2027, the Navy said in a March 19 statement. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command, talks with Somali troops in Mogadishu on Sept. 10, 2024. U.S. troops returned to Somalia in 2022 in an advisory capacity, two years after then-President Donald Trump pulled hundreds of U.S. service members out of the country. (Bobby Dixon/U.S. Navy) STUTTGART, Germany One of President-elect Donald Trumps last actions during his first term was pulling all U.S. forces out of Somalia, a move that could be back on the table in a second term that carries the potential for a broader scaling-back of military activities on the continent. Of all of U.S. Africa Commands missions, its campaign in Somalia is likely to come under a microscope soonest, said J. Peter Pham, who served as special envoy to Africas volatile Sahel region during Trumps first term. I would expect that President Trump will want to reverse course and restore things to where he intended at the end of 2020, Pham said Sunday. Pham said current conditions in Somalia, where a decades-long conflict between Islamic militants and a weak central government continues to play out, justify pulling out U.S. forces once again. Quite frankly, as the corruption of even allegedly elite units like Danab has underscored, we do not have an effective partner in Mogadishu, and there are no U.S. national security interests that justify risking American treasure much less American blood in Somalia that cannot be handled offshore or from nearby bases, Pham said. Somali soldiers in the elite Danab unit stand in formation during a graduation ceremony on Oct. 9, 2024. American forces in Somalia have prioritized advising the unit in their fight against the Islamic militant group al-Shabab. (Darryl Padgett/Special Operations Command Africa) Headquartered in Stuttgart, AFRICOM has several hundred troops positioned in Somalia, where they serve as advisers to local forces. Theres a special focus on the Danab unit, which the U.S. military has touted as one of Somalias most capable forces. President Joe Biden in 2022 directed U.S. personnel back to Somalia on a continuous basis, reversing Trumps order in late 2020 that resulted in some 700 troops being moved out of the country. Bidens decision came in the wake of criticism from then-AFRICOM commander Gen. Stephen Townsend, who said the rotational approach that replaced the full-time presence in Somalia amounted to commuting to work and allowed insurgents to gain ground. Trumps move out of Somalia was something he had sought to do earlier in his term. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, in his memoir about his time in the Trump administration, said Trump was skeptical about the AFRICOM mission as a whole. Trump didnt see much value in having any Americans, whether they be military personnel or diplomats, based anywhere on the continent, Esper wrote in his book, A Sacred Oath. The bottom line was that Trump wanted out of Africa completely, and Somalia now seemed to be the start point. The Pentagon under Trump is expected to make China more of a focal point, which means that resources could be pulled from lower-priority missions and sent toward Asia. Elbridge Colby, whom Trump has nominated to serve as the Pentagons undersecretary of defense for policy, has argued that the military is spread too thin and must pivot more sharply to the Pacific. In the case of Africa, al-Shabab has proved resilient despite an international effort to help Somalias government counter it. Meanwhile, AFRICOM has raised concern about other militants expanding their reach in parts of western Africa. So far, however, such groups have not demonstrated an ability to strike outside the African continent, raising questions about how significant of a threat they pose to the U.S. homeland. Esper, writing about security in Africa, said some combatant commands during his tenure were prone to inflate threats to get more military assets. Some couldnt accept their priority in the bigger scheme of things, and a few would stretch the risk assessment to justify their demands, Esper wrote. How such threat assessments could factor into Trumps approach to AFRICOM, formed nearly 20 years ago when countering Islamic militant groups around the world was a Pentagon focal point, isnt yet clear. Concerns about Chinas growing influence and large trade advantage in Africa also could influence Trumps actions. As for Somalia, Pham said the current U.S. approach needs an overhaul. At the very least, a complete blank slate review of U.S. policy toward the Somali failed state should be undertaken before investing any more American resources, Pham said. News / Local by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent appointment of Stephen Mutamba as the new Police Commissioner-General, effective January 1, 2025, has ignited accusations of clansmen politics, deepening concerns over ethnic favoritism in Zimbabwean governance. Mutamba, who hails from the Chipinda area bordering Bikita and Zaka districts in Masvingo province, replaces Tandabantu Godwin Matanga in the key national security role.Clansmen politics, a practice of favoring one's ethnic group or clan in political appointments, has been a longstanding issue in Zimbabwe. Critics argue that Mnangagwa is perpetuating and intensifying this divisive tradition, which dates back to the late former president Robert Mugabe, who predominantly filled senior government positions with individuals from the Zezuru sub-group of the Shona majority.Zimbabwe's constitution explicitly mandates that government appointments reflect the country's ethnic diversity, which includes 15 recognized ethnic groups. The intent is to ensure proportional representation and fair governance in a multicultural nation. However, Mnangagwa's critics say he has defied this constitutional requirement, consolidating power by appointing individuals predominantly from his home provinces of Midlands and Masvingo.Accusations of Karanga HegemonySince assuming power in 2017 through a coup against Mugabe, Mnangagwa has faced growing accusations of promoting a "Karanga hegemony political project," favoring his Karanga ethnic group over others. Notable appointments include his son, David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, as Deputy Finance Minister, and his nephew, Tongai Mnangagwa, as Deputy Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Industry.These and other appointments have led to claims that Mnangagwa is creating a governance structure dominated by his allies and clansmen, often under the guise of the our time to eat mantra within Zanu PF factional circles.Rising Tensions Within Zanu PFMnangagwa's alleged ethnocentric governance style has intensified tensions within Zanu PF, particularly with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a Zezuru. The internal power struggle between the two leaders has further exposed the party's entrenched ethnic politics, which have long mirrored Zimbabwe's broader governance issues.Critics say Mnangagwa's approach has not only entrenched nepotism and cronyism but has also fueled public discontent and unrest. Instead of dismantling Mugabe's ethnocentric project, Mnangagwa is building his own, worsening the nation's divisions, said a political analyst who preferred to remain anonymous.Broader ImplicationsThe continued reliance on ethnic favoritism in appointments risks undermining Zimbabwe's national unity and development. Observers warn that this trend could deepen political polarization and erode public trust in state institutions.As protests and criticism grow louder, Mnangagwa faces mounting pressure to address accusations of clansmen politics and to adhere to the constitutional mandate for inclusive governance. Whether he will pivot to a more diverse and representative approach remains uncertain, but the controversy surrounding Stephen Mutamba's appointment is emblematic of the broader challenges facing Zimbabwe under Mnangagwa's leadership. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on with the European flag displayed behind during a press conference after the European Council meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Dec. 19, 2024. (John Thys, AFP, Getty Images via TNS) (Tribune News Service) Ukraines president dispatched his top officials to Syria in a bid to restore ties after the collapse of the pro-Russian Assad regime. A delegation led by Kyivs foreign policy and agriculture chiefs visited Damascus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on social media platform X. The first batch of 500 tons of Ukrainian wheat flour is set to reach Syria on Tuesday, he said, with more shipments to follow. Ukraine severed ties with Syria in 2022, following former President Bashar Al-Assads recognition of Moscows partial occupation of two eastern regions. Assad became a staunch Russian ally, with Syria hosting strategically important Russian military bases. We proceed from the fact that the new Syria will become a state which will respect international law, including Ukraines territorial integrity, Kyivs Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Monday in an emailed statement. Sybiha visited Damascus on Tuesday as part of a Ukrainian government delegation which met with the countrys de-facto leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, interim Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaybani. Ukraine is ready and is waiting for Syrias steps, in response to Kyivs announcement, Sybiha said. A restoration of diplomatic ties will allow for increased trade and technological cooperation, he added. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Palestinians from the Abu Anza family search under the rubble of their house after an Israeli airstrike targeted it, killing 14 people in the Rafah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip on March 3, 2024. (Loay Ayyoub for The Washington Post) After the brutal Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces deluged Gaza with bombs, drawing on a database painstakingly compiled through the years that detailed home addresses, tunnels and other infrastructure critical to the militant group. But then the target bank ran low. To maintain the wars breakneck pace, the IDF turned to an elaborate artificial intelligence tool called Habsora or the Gospel which could quickly generate hundreds of additional targets. The use of AI to rapidly refill IDFs target bank allowed the military to continue its campaign uninterrupted, according to two people familiar with the operation. It is an example of how the decade-long program to place advanced AI tools at the center of IDFs intelligence operations has contributed to the violence of Israels 14-month war in Gaza. The IDF has broadcast the existence of these programs, which constitute what some experts consider the most advanced military AI initiative ever to be deployed. But a Washington Post investigation reveals previously unreported details of the inner workings of the machine-learning program, along with the secretive, decade-long history of its development. The investigation also reveals a fierce debate within the highest echelons of the military, starting years before Oct. 7, about the quality of intelligence gathered by AI, whether the technologies recommendations garnered sufficient scrutiny, and if the focus on AI weakened the IDFs intelligence capabilities. Some internal critics argue the AI program has been a behind-the-scenes force accelerating the death toll in Gaza, which has claimed 45,000 lives, more than half of whom were women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Gaza Health Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. In a statement, the IDF said the Ministry is controlled by Hamas and its data is replete with inconsistencies and false determinations. People familiar with the IDFs practices, including soldiers who have served in the war, say Israels military has significantly expanded the number of acceptable civilian casualties from historic norms. Some argue this shift is enabled by automation, which has made it easier to speedily generate large quantities of targets, including of low-level militants who participated in the Oct. 7 attacks. This report draws on interviews with more than a dozen people familiar with the systems, many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the details of top secret national security topics, as well as documents obtained by The Post. Whats happening in Gaza is a forerunner of a broader shift in how war is being fought, said Steven Feldstein, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, who researches the use of AI in war. He noted that the IDF appeared to have lowered its threshold for the acceptable civilian casualty rate during the Gaza war. Combine that with the acceleration these systems offer as well as the questions of accuracy - and the end result is a higher death count than was previously imagined in war. The IDF said claims that its use of AI endangers lives are off the mark. The more ability you have to compile pieces of information effectively, the more accurate the process is, the IDF said in a statement to The Post. If anything, these tools have minimized collateral damage and raised the accuracy of the human-led process. The IDF requires an officer to sign off on any recommendations from its big data processing systems, according to an intelligence official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because Israel does not release division leaders names. The Gospel and other AI tools do not make decisions autonomously, the person added. The overhaul of the IDFs vaunted signals intelligence division, known as Unit 8200, has intensified since 2020 under current leader Yossi Sariel, transforming the divisions work and intelligence gathering practices. Sariel championed development of the Gospel, a machine-learning software built atop hundreds of predictive algorithms, which allows soldiers to briskly query a vast trove of data known within the military as the pool. Reviewing reams of data from intercepted communications, satellite footage, and social networks, the algorithms spit out the coordinates of tunnels, rockets, and other military targets. Recommendations that survive vetting by an intelligence analyst are placed in the target bank by a senior officer. Using the softwares image recognition, soldiers could unearth subtle patterns, including minuscule changes in years of satellite footage of Gaza suggesting that Hamas had buried a rocket launcher or dug a new tunnel on agricultural land, compressing a weeks worth of work into 30 minutes, a former military leader who worked on the systems said. Another machine learning tool, called Lavender, uses a percentage score to predict how likely a Palestinian is to be a member of a militant group, allowing the IDF to quickly generate a large volume of potential human targets. Other algorithmic programs have names like Alchemist, Depth of Wisdom, Hunter and Flow, the latter of which allows soldiers to query various datasets and is previously unreported. Several of the divisions officers have long held concerns that the machine learning technology, which sped decision-making, concealed underlying flaws. Reports delivered to senior leadership did not indicate how intelligence was derived whether from human analysts or AI systems making it difficult for officials to evaluate a finding, according to one former senior military official. An internal audit found some AI systems for processing the Arabic language had inaccuracies, failing to understand key slang words and phrases, according to the two former senior military leaders. The IDFs machine learning technology also predicts how many civilians might be affected by attacks, helping Israel comply with a key tenet of international law. In the Gaza war, estimates of how many civilians might be harmed in a bombing raid are derived through data-mining software, using image recognition tools to analyze drone footage alongside smartphones pinging cell towers to tally the number of civilians in an area, two of the people said. In 2014, the IDFs acceptable civilian casualty ratio was one civilian for a high-level terrorist, said Tal Mimran, a former legal adviser to the IDF. In the Gaza war, the number has grown to about 15 civilians for one low-level Hamas member and exponentially higher for mid- and high-level members, according to the Israeli human rights organization Breaking the Silence, citing numerous testimonies from IDF soldiers. The New York Times reported the number as 20 earlier this week. The IDF says its assessments of collateral damage adhere to the Law of Armed Conflict, which mandates nations differentiate between civilians and combatants and take precautions to protect lives. Some proponents of Israels use of the technology argue that aggressively deploying innovations such as AI is essential for the survival of a small country facing determined and powerful enemies. Technological superiority is what keeps Israel safe, said Blaise Misztal, vice president for policy at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, who was briefed by the IDFs intelligence division on its AI capabilities in 2021. The faster Israel is able to identify enemy capabilities and take them off the battlefield, the shorter a war is going to be, and it will have fewer casualties. In addition to concerns over the quality of AI-derived intelligence, the use of the technology has triggered a divisive paradigm shift within the IDF, usurping an intelligence culture that has historically prized individual reasoning for one that prioritized technological prowess, according to three of the people. 8200 had long empowered low-level analysts to bypass their immediate bosses and issue direct warnings to senior commanders. Under the command of Sariel and other intelligence leaders, 8200 has restructured to emphasize engineers, cutting Arabic language specialists, removing several leaders considered resistant to AI, and disbanding some groups not focused on data-mining technology, according to three of the people. By Oct. 7, 60 percent of the units employees were working in engineering and tech roles, twice as many as a decade earlier, according to one of the people. The IDFs intelligence practices are under scrutiny. Genocide charges against Israel brought to The Hague by South Africa question whether crucial decisions about bombing targets in Gaza were made by software, an investigation that could hasten a global debate about the role of AI technology in warfare. And in Israel, Sariel said in September that he plans to step down from the IDF under increased questioning of the intelligence failures that led to the Oct. 7 attack. Two former senior commanders said they believe the intense focus on AI was a significant reason Israel was caught off-guard that day. The department overemphasized technological findings and made it difficult for analysts to raise warnings to senior commanders. This was an AI factory, said one former military leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe national security topics. The man was replaced by the machine. Palestinians inspect their homes after Israeli strikes hit the Al-Masry Tower on March 9, 2024, in Rafah, Gaza. (Loay Ayyoub for The Washington Post) The human bottleneck Sariel, through the IDF, declined requests for comment. He did not respond to requests for comment sent to his personal email. In 2019, two years before taking over as intelligence commander, Sariel spent a sabbatical year at the National Defense University, a Pentagon-funded institution in Washington that trains national security leaders from all over the world. A professor at NDU, who spoke to The Post on the condition of anonymity to describe a personal relationship, said he and Sariel shared a radical vision of AI in the battlefield, arguing that Israel should blaze ahead of more cautious U.S. allies. Yossi was in this world of, This thing is moving fast, faster than anybody realizes. And we better get everybody on board, the professor said. A book Sariel wrote during the sabbatical and published under a pen name lays out a vision for infusing national security establishments with automation. In The Human-Machine Team: How to Create Synergy Between Human and Artificial Intelligence, Sariel describes how the actions of lone-wolf terrorists could be predicted in advance by unleashing algorithms to analyze phone locations, social media posts, drone footage and intercepted private communications. In Sariels expansive vision, AI would touch all aspects of defense, in both peacetime and war. By using AI surveillance technologies, Israels borders would become smart borders. By collecting digital trails, armies could build advanced target banks with names, locations and behavior patterns of thousands of suspects. These technologies could replace 80 percent of intelligence analysts that specialize in foreign languages in just five years, he concluded. Sariel returned to Israel brimming with plans to bring his ideas to fruition. In summer 2020, he was appointed by Aviv Kohavi, then the armys chief of staff and a huge proponent of AI tools, to take over the 8200 unit, the IDFs largest and most prestigious division. Former commanders huddled to share their worries about the religious attitude toward AI developing in the unit under Sariels tenure, two people said. Kohavi declined to comment. When Sariel officially became commander, in February 2021, 8200 had been experimenting with data science for more than seven years, five former military leaders said, contending with an explosion of digital communications that provided a gold mine for national security agencies. The elite unit had developed a reputation for collecting an array of DMs, private messages, emails, call logs, and other online breadcrumbs using in-house cyber technologies considered the best in the world. But 8200s cyber experts needed ways to make sense of the data theyd harvested. After communication failures during the 2006 war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Israeli military recalculated its strategy for sharing information and data. At the time, intelligence units typically didnt share information with soldiers on the battlefield, said Ben Caspit, an Israeli columnist for Al Monitor, who is writing a book about the 8200 unit. To prevent such silos, the Mossad, Israels spy agency, and 8200 developed a database the pool to house all military intelligence in one repository. As a big data boom got underway in Silicon Valley, Israeli engineers had begun to experiment with off-the-shelf data mining tools that could translate and analyze Arabic and Farsi. The units leaders debated whether to contract with experts, such as the Silicon Valley data-mining firm Palantir, or build their own software. The latter approach won out. But the technologies, while widely recognized as promising, had limitations. Sometimes the sheer volume of intercepts overwhelmed 8200s analysts. For example, Hamas operatives often used the word batikh, or watermelon, as code for a bomb, one of the people familiar with the efforts said. But the system wasnt smart enough to understand the difference between a conversation about an actual watermelon and a coded conversation among terrorists. If you pick up a thousand conversations a day, do I really want to hear about every watermelon in Gaza? the person said. As he moved into senior leadership, Sariel sped up the data-mining efforts. He championed a broad reorganization that divided intelligence efforts into what the commanders referred to as AI factories located in a newly created targets center at the Nevatim Airbase in the south of Israel. Each division designed hundreds of purpose-built algorithms and machine learning technologies, sharing software predictions across the intelligence chain of command. The military invested in new cloud technologies that processed algorithms quickly, in preparation for an anticipated conflict with Hezbollah on Israels northern border. An app called Hunter allowed soldiers on the battlefield to directly access information. It built another mobile app called Z-Tube where IDF soldiers in battle could review live video of areas that they were about to enter, and another called Map It, which provided real-time estimates of potential civilian casualties in a specific area that had been evacuated. 8200 had long maintained a target bank: a list of precise GPS coordinates of Hamas and Hezbollah infrastructure and human targets, geolocated to a specific tunnel or apartment building floor. Maintaining the target bank was labor-intensive. Analysts were required to confirm their findings with at least two independent sources and to refresh the information continuously, according to three people familiar with the program. Before officially entering the bank, a proposed target had to be validated by a senior officer and a military lawyer to ensure it would comply with international law, five people said. Intelligence leaders, led by Sariel, believed machine learning could dramatically speed up that painstaking process, said two of the people. It took the IDI [intelligence directorate] years to achieve a bank of those kinds of targets, but what happens if you trained AI to imitate the work of the targeting officer? said another former military official familiar with the new target formation process. The effort involved collecting billions of signals from sensors placed on drones, F-35 aircraft and subterranean seismic monitors, as well as from intercepted communications. These were paired with databases that housed phone numbers, social media profiles, known contacts, chat groups and internal documents. The information was fed into software that could read patterns and make predictions about who and what could be targeted. An image recognition algorithm was trained to search thousands of satellite photographs to identify a specific type of fabric that Hamas militants used to conceal digging for a buried rocket. The tools compressed a week of work into 30 minutes, the former military officer said. They really did believe with all the sensors they had all around and above Gaza, I wont say total informational awareness, but that they had a very good picture of what was happening inside, said Misztal, who leads an organization focused on security cooperation between the United States and Israel. He noted that the military emphasized its rigorous systems for checking targeting recommendations during his 2021 briefing. Lavender, an algorithmic program developed in 2020, pored over data to produce lists of potential Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, giving each person a score estimating their likelihood to be a member, three people familiar with the systems told The Post. Factors that could raise a persons score included being in a WhatsApp group with a known militant, switching addresses and phone numbers frequently or being named in Hamas files, the people said. Lavenders existence and details about its scoring system were first reported by +972, an Israeli-Palestinian news site. Estimates from the various algorithms fed into the umbrella system, Gospel, which could be queried by intelligence analysts. Some of the departments leaders worried about the accuracy of these algorithms. One audit of a language-processing technology revealed that the software prediction was not as accurate as a human officer would have been, according to two of the people. Others worried that predictions from the software were being given too much weight. Typically, the research division would produce daily intelligence reports for senior commanders to review potential targets. But though an individual analyst could double-click to see the information that led to the prediction, senior commanders were not informed whether a recommendation was derived through an algorithm or through human sourcing. Everything was treated as the same, another former senior official said. Im not even sure the person preparing the report knew the difference between the pieces of information. Two former senior military leaders told The Post the emphasis on technology eroded 8200s culture of warning, where even low-level analysts could easily brief top commanders about concerns. This shift, they added, is a significant reason Israel was surprised by the Oct. 7 attack: An experienced female analyst who had surfaced Hamass battlefield plans for breaking into Israels borders was unable to get a meeting with the units top commanders in time. The bottom line is, you cant replace the guy who screams, Listen, this is dangerous, with all the advanced AI technologies in the world, said Caspit, the Israeli journalist who has interviewed every living 8200 commander for his book. This was the hubris that infected the entire unit. In 2023, the armys just-retired chief of staff, Kohavi, bragged to a media outlet that the new AI systems gave the IDF a sophisticated real-time intelligence apparatus akin to the movie The Matrix. Before the Gospel, analysts could produce 50 new targets in Gaza per year to put into the target bank. Once the machine was activated, he said, it generated 100 targets per day. In his book, Sariel argued that AI would be especially useful in wartime, when it could speed up target formation and blast open the human bottleneck that slowed everything down. In June 2021, Israel had its first chance to unleash the new algorithm-powered target bank. As an 11-day war broke out between Israel and Hamas, the IDF used data science to hit 450 targets, including a Hamas squad missile commander and one of the groups antitank missile units, according to a talk an 8200 commander gave at Tel Aviv University. Senior leaders seized the moment as a promotional opportunity to discuss the AI revolution taking place at Nevatim, and inside 8200 headquarters just north of Tel Aviv. All the senior commanders wanted to talk about was the worlds first AI war, Misztal said. Israeli airstrikes hit Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza on Dec. 15, 2024. (Heidi Levine for The Washington Post) A target factory on overdrive International Humanitarian Law requires warring nations to balance the anticipated military advantage of an attack with the expected collateral damage to civilians, known as proportionality or the reasonable military commander standard. The treaties, which Israel has only partially ratified, are silent on artificial intelligence. The militarys intelligence data processing [meets] the international law definition for a lawful target, the IDF said in a statement this summer. By Israels own admission, AI has played a big part in the targeting process in Gaza. Within days of the Oct. 7 attacks, U.S.-manufactured 2,000-pound Mark 80 munitions soon rained onto the territory. In a Nov. 2, 2023, press release, the IDF announced that Gospel had helped it bomb 12,000 targets in Gaza. Set to dramatic music and a video of buildings exploding, the release touted a first-of-its-kind collaboration in which intelligence from the AI target factory was being fed in real time to forces on the ground, in the air and at sea - enabling hundreds of attacks to be carried out in an instant. Adam Raz, an Israeli historian who has interviewed soldiers and commanders about 8200s use of AI, said he calculated that the IDF was hitting roughly two targets per minute at the height of the bombing what he called an astonishing rate. One intelligence officer told The Post that he witnessed the IDF using AI to cut corners to make targeting decisions. The soldier spoke on the condition of anonymity because it is a crime to describe military technology without government approval in Israel. In the early days of the war the target factory was working on overdrive, staffed with about 300 soldiers operating around-the-clock. Many of the analysts were required to vet recommended targets from the Gospel and Lavender, a process that could take anywhere from three minutes to five hours. The rule mandating two pieces of human-derived intelligence to validate a prediction from Lavender was dropped to one at the outset of the war, according to two people familiar with the efforts. In some cases in the Gaza division, soldiers who were poorly trained in using the technology attacked human targets without corroborating Lavenders predictions at all, the soldier said. At certain times the only corroboration required was that the target was a male, according to another person familiar with the efforts. You start with Lavender, and then you do the intelligence work, the person said. In the beginning of the war, they cut the work in half which is OK, because its war. The problem was that then they sometimes cut all the work. To quickly trace the people Lavender had flagged as likely Hamas members, the IDF obtained real-time photos of people in their homes using a method the soldier declined to describe. Custom-built facial recognition tools enabled them to cross-reference the photos with existing images of Hamas members in the Lavender database. While the matches appeared to be accurate, the person said, some soldiers grew concerned that the military was relying solely on the technology without corroboration that the people were still active members of the terrorist organization. Concerns about proportionality also took a back seat: Some people captured in the photographs might have been family members, and IDF commanders accepted that those people also would be killed in an attack, the soldier said. At one point, the soldiers unit was ordered to use a software program to estimate civilian casualties for a bombing campaign targeting about 50 buildings in northern Gaza. The units analysts were given a simple formula: divide the number of people in a district by the number of people estimated to live there deriving the former figure by counting the cellphones connecting to a nearby cell tower. Using a red-yellow-green traffic light, the system would flash green if a building had an occupancy rate of 25 percent or less a threshold considered sufficient to pass to a commander to make the call about whether to bomb. The soldier said he was stunned by what he considered an overly simplified analysis. It took no account of whether a cellphone might be turned off or had run out of power or of children who wouldnt have a cellphone. Without AI, the military may have called people to see if they were home, the soldier said, a manual effort that would have been more accurate but taken far longer. AI systems have built-in inaccuracies that make them inappropriate for a life-and-death context such as war, said Heidy Khlaaf, a vocal critic of Israel and chief AI Scientist at the AI Institute, a New York-based nonprofit that produces policy recommendations. Khlaaf noted that the autonomous vehicles industry has spent the past decade trying to get its machine learning algorithms to 100% accuracy, with little success. Mimran, the former IDF lawyer, said he still believes militaries in the West must embrace AI tools to combat rivals such as China, but he worries about the accuracy of AI-enabled decision-making in the high-pressure fog of war. For pace, its a game changer. But is it a game changer in terms of quality? Mimran said. I dont think so. 8200 is also currently making efforts to hire back more Arabic-language analysts and software auditors, three people said. And Israeli officials no longer brag about their use of AI. In his 2023 interview, even Kohavi appeared to acknowledge the challenges. AI can possess far more knowledge than any individual, he said, potentially relying on its own decisions more than on ours. Shane Harris contributed to this report. Airmen take the enlistment oath at the end of basic training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas on Dec. 19, 2024. (Kate Anderson/U.S. Air Force) Diagnoses for mental disorders among U.S. service members increased nearly 40% in a five-year period that partly overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report that military researchers say demonstrates a growing need for health services. From the beginning of 2019 through the end of 2023, more than 541,000 active service members were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder and about half that number were diagnosed with at least two, the report said. More than half of the diagnoses, nearly 283,000 cases, were for adjustment disorder, according to the latest edition of Medical Surveillance Monthly Report, a peer-reviewed journal of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division. The disorder is time-limited and characterized by impaired function due to stress. It can be serious and is a risk for suicide, according to the Mayo Clinic website, but can also be mild, and in most cases, is manageable within a few months. A 2022 study published in the journal Military Medicine found that 57% of service members with attachment disorder received the diagnosis within their first three years of service. Meanwhile, anxiety diagnoses rose 77% from the beginning of the five-year period to 48,940 last year. Depression cases also showed a substantial increase, with nearly 40,000 last year. Post-traumatic stress disorder, while far below figures at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, nearly doubled during the time period to 22,386 cases. The diagnoses included rising numbers of women. Congruent with prior reports, service members in health care occupations continued to represent high rates of PTSD, potentially reflecting the psychological stresses inherent to many health care roles in both peace and wartime operations, the researchers said. The report looked at all active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force through records in the Defense Medical Surveillance System. It excluded those who either didnt seek care or went to a private practitioner or counselor, so the true numbers could be higher, the researchers said. Efforts to assist and treat service members should continue to promote help-seeking behavior to improve their psychological and emotional well-being and reduce the burden of mental health disorders, especially as rates have been increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic, the report said. In 2023, mental health disorders accounted for 54.8% of hospital bed days among active-duty service members, researchers found. The Army had the highest rate of mental health disorders. The Navy had the highest rate of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder and personality disorders, while the Coast Guard had the highest rates of acute stress disorders, the report said. Overall rates of anxiety, PTSD and acute stress were higher among service members who had deployed to a U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East. Mental health has been a lingering issue for the Pentagon. In February 2024, the Government Accountability Office found a shortage of mental health workers and long wait times for care in the military health care system. In September, the Defense Department established a policy to promote health-seeking behaviors and emphasized the need for non-stigmatizing access to health services. That followed the 2023 passage of the Brandon Act, which allows service members to seek confidential help at any time for any reason. It was named after Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018. The Army has also developed a training program to equip medics without behavioral health experience to address some mental health issues in remote areas. News / Local by Staff reporter In yet another poignant plea reflective of Zimbabwe's dire economic conditions, Sungura musician First Farai has reached out to controversial tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo for financial assistance and a vehicle. Farai, like many Zimbabweans struggling to navigate the man-made economic crisis, has turned to Chivayo, who has gained a reputation as Zimbabwe's own version of Santa Claus.Chivayo, known for his flashy displays of wealth and generosity, has been handing out cash and cars to ruling party sympathizers, an exercise he openly admits is orchestrated at the behest of Zanu PF. These acts of "charity" have sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing Chivayo and the ruling elite of exploiting poverty as a political weapon to consolidate power.The Weaponization of PovertyThe tactic of weaponizing poverty, where deprivation is manipulated to gain political leverage, has become a hallmark of Zimbabwe's political landscape. Vulnerable communities are often subjected to coercion and populist rhetoric, with leaders shifting blame for their hardships to nebulous dark forces while perpetuating the very systems that oppress them.Chivayo's actions, critics argue, are part of a larger Zanu PF strategy to manipulate impoverished populations into dependency, presenting the political elite as benevolent saviors while avoiding structural reforms. By doing so, the ruling party maintains a status quo that ensures its grip on power at the expense of genuine solutions to economic challenges.Moral and Ethical ImplicationsWhat Chivayo portrays as philanthropy has been decried as a dehumanizing spectacle. This is not charity; it's exploitation, said a political analyst. It reduces struggling individuals to objects of pity, making their suffering a public performance while masking the corruption and incompetence that caused it.The cycle of dependency created by such donations entrenches systemic poverty. Citizens are placated with handouts while the underlying issueseconomic mismanagement, lack of accountability, and corruptionremain unaddressed.Breaking the CycleTo combat this cycle, experts emphasize the need for transparency, education, and empowerment. Citizens must be equipped to critically evaluate their leaders and resist manipulative tactics. Genuine solutions, such as robust economic reforms and accountable governance, are essential to breaking free from this pattern.Zimbabweans deserve leaders who uplift and empower them, not architects of poverty masquerading as saviors, said another observer.As First Farai's plea highlights the human toll of Zimbabwe's economic collapse, it also underscores the urgency for change. The nation's future depends on rejecting exploitative practices and demanding leadership that prioritizes progress over power. Despite pleas from his solicitor not to give Stephen McCarthy a jail sentence, Judge David Waters said he could not give him another chance A North Kerry man has been jailed for four months for driving with excess alcohol for the fifth time. Despite pleas from his solicitor Pat Mann not to give Stephen McCarthy a jail sentence, Judge David Waters said he could not give him another chance. Stephen McCarthy, with an address at Gortnaminch, Listowel, was charged with driving with excess alcohol at Benmore, Ballyduff, on July 5, 2024. He pleaded guilty to the offence. The court heard he had a reading of 58mgs of alcohol per 100mls breath. At a previous court hearing Sgt Stephen OBrien said Mr McCarthy was seen getting into the car and was later stopped by gardai and arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol. The court was told that Mr McCarthy has 26 previous convictions which include four for driving with excess alcohol these date back to the 2000s, including two in 2009, one in 2008 and one in 2002. He also has previous convictions for separate driving offences including three for no insurance. In 2018 he received a three month suspended sentence for driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He was also disqualified at this time for five years. During the previous court hearing solicitor Mr Mann has also appealed for leniency. He told the court Mr McCarthy is a 60-year-old farmer who looks after his 90-year old mother and he said Mr McCarthy will get a long disqualification for this offence which will be very severe on him. He said it should be taken into the account that the reading involved in this case was not his usually high levels and Mr McCarthy had only had a few drinks. He said he had met someone in relation to the purchase and sale of an animal and went for a few beers. He said Mr McCarthy would say he felt fine on the night. The court heard Mr McCarthys brother is ill and he too has health problems and that the disqualification he will now receive will be a huge penalty. He pleaded for an opportunity for his client. At the most recent sitting of Listowel District Court he again asked Judge Waters not to jail him. "He is not a case for custody. He is in poor health and has a heart condition and has a brother who is terminally ill in Cork. He is the only person who can visit him. He is very distressed about it I come cap in head for one last opportunity. Judge David Waters said that Mr Mann or other solicitors have already pleaded for leniency for Mr McCarthy and he continued to drive with excess alcohol. "Only for the Grace of God has nobody been injured. Mr Mann further asked for an adjournment to show that Mr McCarthy can change his ways. Judge Waters refused and said he had no choice but to jail him. "He has complete disregard for the safety of others...He cant avoid jail, he said. Mr McCarthy was also disqualified from driving for two years. John Halpin (45), of Whitestown Avenue in Dublin 15, appeared before a sitting of Dublin District Court and the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning Husband and wife Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg-Moore were less than 200 metres from their home in Blanchardstown, Dublin when they were struck by a car on St Stephen's Day John Halpin with an address in Whitestown Avenue, Blanchardstown, arriving at court. Photo: Collins A man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death in relation to the alleged hit-and-run in Blanchardstown in which a married couple were killed on St Stephens Day. John Halpin (45), of Whitestown Avenue in Dublin 15, appeared before a sitting of Dublin District Court and the Criminal Courts of Justice this morning. Garda Alan Murphy from Blanchardstown Garda Station told judge Michele Finan that Halpin was arrested at around 10pm on December 26, around four hours after the incident in which Anthony Hogg (40) and his wife Georgina Hogg-Moore (39) were struck by a car while crossing a road near Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at around 5.45pm. The car failed to remain at the scene. Garda Murphy said Halpin was charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death, as well as hit and run, and failing to offer assistance at the scene. The court heard Halpin made no reply to the charges. Husband and wife Anthony Hogg and Georgina Hogg-Moore were less than 200 metres from their home in Blanchardstown, Dublin when they were struck by a car on St Stephen's Day There was no application for bail and Halpin was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison where he will appear again at Cloverhill District Court on Friday January 3. Solicitor Damien Coffey made an application for legal aid which was granted. In response to a question by Judge Finan he said medical assistance was not required. Supporters of the Hogg family were present in court and watched proceedings quietly. Halpin, dressed in black, also sat quietly during the hearing. Following the incident on the evening of St Stephens Day, Georgina Hogg-Moore was pronounced dead at the scene while her husband Anthony was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries. A damaged car found nearby was seized by gardai for a technical examination. A woman who was arrested and questioned in relation to the investigation has since been released without charge. 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 Hogg and in support of their family. A GoFundMe page has also been set up by friends and neighbours to help support the couples two children. So far it had raised almost 40,000. Information on the page explained that it had been set up to support the couples son and daughter, ensuring they 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. Lets honour the memory of Georgina and Anto by giving back the kindness they so freely gave to others, it added. Ms Hogg-Moore's sister, Katie Moore, has also posted on social media that she will care for the couples two orphaned children, and thanked everyone who had sent messages of support to the 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 footage, are asked to make it 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. Ronnie Gallagher (57), Shalamar Hostel, Sligo was charged with the 13 counts of theft A Sligo man who was before Sligo Circuit Court charged with 13 counts of theft from his friends bank account, where he stole a total of 8,160 was told by Judge Keenan Johnson he must immediately repay 50 a week to the victim. Ronnie Gallagher (57), Shalamar Hostel, Sligo was charged with the 13 counts of theft on dates between October 7 2022 and January 15 2023 at Bank of Ireland, Stephen Street, Sligo. The court was told that the victim, Martin Finnegan, had his ATM bank card used without his consent over a four-month sentence. The sums taken amounted to over eight thousand euro. Mr Leo Mulrooney BL with State Solicitor Ms Elisa McHugh were prosecuting. Mr Colm Smyth SC with Mr Eugene Deering BL instructed by Mr Tom MacSharry appeared for the accused. Gda Gerard Dillon of Sligo Garda Station was outlining the evidence, led by Mr Mulrooney. On July 3 2024 he pleaded guilty to counts one and 13 on a full facts basis, with the remaining counts to be taken into consideration. The court was told the accused is 57 years of age and he was 55 at the time of the offences. Mr Finnegan was 57 at the time. He made a statement to gardai on January 17 2023. He came to Sligo Garda Station with his Care Assistant. He was described as a vulnerable adult who lives in an apartment operated by Focus Ireland. The court heard he doesnt have many family and was someone who used to work as a kitchen porter and is in receipt of a disability allowance. He told gardai he knew Gallagher from going back to the early 80s. They were both in Summerhill College but they were not in the same year. He said that Gallagher came to his house and asked him for his bank card. Gallagher said he wanted to get a print out and said it was something to do with his late girlfriend. He assured Mr Finnegan that he was not going to take any money. Mr Finnegan said that he gave him his pin number several weeks prior and realised he should not have. Gallagher had taken money from him before without his permission. This was the first time that it was reported. When he was making his statement regarding the 500 that was taken out, it was discovered there were two more withdrawals on January 6 and 9 each for 700. It was ascertained that large sums were taken from Mr Finnegans account in multiples mostly of 700. He told gardai he did give Gallagher his card but he did not give him permission to take money from his account. Gallagher was arrested on March 24 2023 and subsequently interviewed by gardai. He made full admissions. He said Mr Finnegan was a friend of his and they had met in St Columbas Hospital. They also knew each other from school. He called regularly for coffee to Mr Finnegans house. The victim said he would help with money for food and clothes after his partner passed away. He said Mr Finnegan agreed to give him a couple of hundred euro and he took out a couple of hundred each time. Gallagher accepted he had taken money when it was put to him. He told gardai he thought he ad taken 4,000-4,500. When the first withdrawal from Mr Finnegans bank account took place, there was in excess of 5,000 in the account. There were small payments coming into the account from his disability allowance. The court heard Gallagher had previous convictions including possession of a knife, possession of drugs for sale or supply, Public Order, assault, the convictions ranging from the eighties to the present day. The court was told that Gallagher had received a five-year suspended sentence for possession of drugs for sale or supply on January 10 2023. Mr Mulrooney told the court that count 13 in relation to this offence occurred some five days after Gallagher received the suspended sentence. He said that offence triggers the sentence. The court heard that Mr Finnegan was aware of the court proceedings but did not wish to be in court. It was agreed by Gda Dillon that the accused had taken advantage of Mr Finnegan. He was living in Shalamar Hostel. Mr Mulrooney outlined that the maximum prison sentence was ten years. Dt Garda Eamon McDonnell of Sligo Garda Station was outlining evidence led by Mr Mulrooney in relation to the suspended sentence previously given at the circuit court. The accused was charged with a section15a offence and Judge Johnson had imposed a three-year sentence, suspended for five years. The accused was found in possession of cannabis valued at 52,000 in his home after gardai had obtained a search warrant. A box containing the drug was found in the defendants wardrobe, having been delivered by courier earlier in the day. He pleaded guilty to the offence. The court was told he had mental health issues and also addiction issues. He was the father of two children. His partner had died recently. He took to the witness box and his defence counsel Mr Smyth put it to him that five days after he received the suspended sentence, he was using the bank card at the ATM. He said he didnt mean to, that his partner had passed away and he didnt do it deliberately. Judge Johnson said why did he not make any attempt to pay the money back. He replied he was living in homeless accommodation. The judge said at the time he was in court for possession of drugs, he was taking money from his friend. He said it was clear it went on way too long and described is as the exploitation of a vulnerable individual. Gallagher agreed to pay back fifty euro a week from his income to Mr Finnegan. Judge Johnson said he should have paid it back before. The court then heard that the accused when interviewed by gardai had said he was to receive money from an ongoing claim. It was in the region of 1,000. Judge Johnson put it to him that he told gardai that he was waiting money for a claim when he was interviewed and that was after he stole the money. The judge said why did he not pay that money to Mr Finnegan. He said it was appalling abuse of a vulnerable individual. He said that he stole a huge amount over a protracted time and there was a large degree of culpability. He took into account Gallaghers serious health issues. He said he needed a Probation Report and adjourned to March. He ordered Gallagher to pay 50 a week to the victim. Defendant took cheques and began cashing them A young man addicted to gambling stole almost 40,000 from his uncle in the space of three months, Sligo Circuit Court heard. Liam Lenehan (25) of Kilmacannon, Ballinfull was employed by his uncle at a shellfish company but he stole cheques from his van and wrote out various sums for himself before cashing them in local shops and banks. Lenehan was returned for trial to the Circuit Court on April 18th 2024 on eight counts of theft and on May 3rd pleaded guilty to three counts on a full facts basis with the remaining to be taken into account. Outlining the case to Mr Leo Mulrooney BL (prosecuting) with Ms Elisa McHugh, State Solicitor, Detective Garda TJ Gallagher stated that there were 44 counts of theft in total amounting to 39,700 which took place over a three month period from October 1st 2021 to January 10th 2022. At the time the defendant who was 22 then, was employed by his uncle Paul Leydon at his company, Armada Shellfish Limited, Lissadell. He has been in business for over 30 years and employs between three and five people in the exporting of oysters. In January 2022 Mr Leydon was checking his business account bank statements and saw that a number of cheques, in excess of 40, had been cashed over a three month period that he hadnt authorised. Mr Leydon reported the matter to the Gardai in Grange and also to the Bank of Ireland. The latter informed Mr Leydon that another cheque made out for 6,000 was being processed but a stop had been put to this. Mr Leydons nephew, Liam had been working for him for three years and it was suspected he had a part in the thefts. The case was outlined at Sligo Circuit Court sitting at Sligo Courthouse The company chequebook used to be left in Mr Leydons work van. The defendant was earning between 350 and 400 a week at the time. Det Garda Gallagher said the bank refunded the 39,700 and it was at the loss of the money. In a statement, the bank said the final 6,000 cheque had been flagged by them as suspicious. Sixteen of the cheques had been cashed in local shops. A full investigation was carried out by Detective Sergeant Gerard Mullaney who met the defendant on November 24th 2023 for interview and he made full admissions. On March 26th 2024 he was formally charged. He lost his job which he began in 2017 having been working there since he was in school. His uncle was his mothers brother. Lenehan told Gardai that he began taing cheques from the chequebook in the van which was also open. He forged his uncles signature on the cheques. He cashed the cheques in local shops saying they were his wages and he then went into the bank with cheques made out in bigger amounts. He said he had a very bad problem with gambling online with Paddy Power and also their betting shops. He said he was a a very bad gambler. The defendant had ten previous convictions, all road traffic related. In 2023 he was banned for six years for not having insurance. The court was told that Mr Leydon did not wish to give a Victim Impact Statement. In reply to Mr Colm Smyth SC with Mr Gerard McGovern, Solicitor (defending), Det Garda Gallagher agreed that the admissions made by the defendant were of assistance in what would have been a difficult investigation otherwise. The Garda also agreed that the money received by the defendant was largely spent on his gambling. Lenehan told the court he was sorry for taking the money and didnt know at the time that he had an addiction. He had been diagnosed with ADHD and other conditions while he was also attending the mental health services every three months and was on daily medication. He was receiving 232 a week in social welfare and had brought 3,000 to court. He was living at home with his parents. He had been trying to get work. A lot of people fell out with him over the thefts. He no longer had a car having crashed it. He was going to Gamblers Anonymous every week and was also being assisted by Aubrey Melville of Social Groundforce. Judge Keenan Johnson told the defendant that he needed to get himself motivated and get out there and get some training. Theres no point staying at home mulling over these things, said the Judge. Judge Johnson said the defendants stealing from his uncle was such a breach of trust. You were family, he said, adding that the defendant was clouded in his thinking by his gambling addiction. The Judge said however that he was not satisfied the defendant was inherently criminal or a bad person. Aubrey Meville of the charity, Social Groundforce, told the court that the defendant and his parents and come to see him. It was clear, he said that the had a gambling addiction. He was seeing him on a weekly basis. Hes slowly coming around. Hes not fully aware. Its letting him see that hes not alone. We are trying to put in place for a him a social structure. I think he has been caught early enough that we can do something for him. The meetings are very important for him to attend, he said. Judge Johnson expressed his sympathy to the defendants mother saying it was an awful position to be in but that she was blameless and that she cant do more than support him. Passing sentence, Judge Johnson said the defendant was always going to be caught. He had left a paper trail and he had lodged some of the cheques to his own bank account. It was a gross breach of trust and the amount stolen was significant for the size of business run by Mr Leydon, said Judge Johnson who added that a probation report put him at moderate risk of re-offending. Hes young enough to rehabilitate and to embark on a productive life, said Judge Johnson. He added: The presence of gambling, especially online gambling is insidious. Its 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and people can get hooked easily, he said. He adjourned final sentencing to July 29th and ordered the defendant to enter a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The defendant must also engage with the Probation Service and Social Groundforce and make an effort to train with a view to gaining employment. He must also save 75 a week but he will not be asked to make full restitution to the bank just 15,000, said the Judge, adding that the bank has broader shoulders. It was ordered that the 3,000 in court be handed over to Bank Of Ireland. Saunders wife has fortnight to file locksmith businesss overdue finance records THE WIFE of alleged robbery gang leader Stefan Saunders has been given just over two weeks to provide details of her locksmith businesss finances to the company records office. Tammy Gillard Saunders, who is married to Stefan Saunders, is the registered owner of Lock Enforcement Ltd, which was set up in 2022. She is also listed as company secretary of the business. Both Stefan and Tammy have been previously named as targets of the Criminal Assets Bureau. Lock Enforcements Ltd was incorporated in February 2022 but hasnt filed a financial return since submitting a first annual return in August of the same year. According to a court notice attached to the locksmith businesss company filings on December 18, Lock Enforcement Ltd was issued with a court order specifying that the companys finances must be brought up to date by January 15. Tammy Gillard Saunders is also the registered owner The order lists Tammy as the applicant in seeking additional time to submit the overdue documents to the companys office. The order states: the time within which the annual return of the company in relation may be delivered to the Registrar of Companies and is hereby extended up to and including 14/01/2025. Earlier this year, the Company Records Office engaged in a clear out of companies which had failed to file returns by striking them off the register. All registered companies are obliged to file annual returns with the CRO. Cartel criminal Graham The Wig Whelan and mob money launderer Thomas Rooney were among a number of organised crime figures to be caught up in a crackdown on rogue companies. Senior Kinahan gang member Whelan had been listed as a director of Eco Green Wheelie Clean Ireland, a company which described its principal activity as the collection of non-hazardous waste. The company was incorporated in July 2018 but hadnt filed accounts since January 2020. EBT Executive Travel Limited, a company owned by Thomas Rooney a man described in court as an industrial scale money launderer for an international crime gang was also placed on the strike-off list. Rooney used a car registered to the limousine company to ferry cash he was cleaning for UK based criminal Thomas Maher. Saunders home at Hazelbury Park in Dublin Rooney incorporated the company in January 2018 but hasnt filed accounts since September 2019. Another company listed to be struck off is Evergreen Wealth Management, a company belonging to former socialite Marcus Sweeney, who was described by a judge as being up to his oxters in organised crime. Riverview Aesthetics, a beauty company run by drug dealer John Coones wife, was also listed. The company had been described as a money laundering vehicle in a Criminal Assets Bureau case. Stefan Saunders and wife Tammy lost a court battle with CAB to have their home declared the proceeds of crime in 2022. Saunders, who trained as a plasterer, is known to be a self-taught locksmith who brought his own set of keys to robberies. A website for Lock Enforcements describes the firm as providing a high standard of service with old fashioned values and adds that it provides landlord services like property recovery and overdue rent collection. Stefan Saunders Stefan Saunders, until his arrest in 2016, was regarded as one of the most prolific bank robbers in the country and became the target of a huge garda operation against his gang. An affidavit from an investigating officer described the Saunders Organised Crime Gang as being involved in the Brinks Allied cash-in-transit robbery in 2005 in which 2.5m was stolen. Stefan Saunders was interviewed by gardai in connection with the heist but he was not prosecuted. Saunders was investigated and tried over a 2010 tiger kidnapping but a judge ordered his acquittal in that case. In 2016, he was caught red-handed robbing an ATM in Co Meath for which he got a 10-year sentence, which he has since served. The Sunday World previously revealed how just five months before that attempted robbery Saunders was stopped by UK police at Heathrow Airport, who suspected him of watching a cash-in-transit flight to Dublin. Interpol alerted gardai in a criminal intelligence report that Saunders and two other associates were suspected of carrying out surveillance of the cargo plane. One of the men, convicted robber Damien Noonan, took a flight to Dublin to be able to watch the plane from the departures area, according to the 2016 report. Saunders and another man were spotted by police parked in a blacked out vehicle before being searched and questioned about their identity and reasons for being in the area. Saunders had previously been investigated by CAB when a relative of his wife Tammy was the target of a probe by the agency. He is regarded as a dangerous criminal who once attended a military training camp and did a course in counter surveillance run by former Soviet soldiers in Eastern Europe. Despite being jailed for the attempted raid in Co Meath, he was released on a jail scheme involving community service. Although Tammy Saunders was never prosecuted and has no convictions, CABs case stated that gardai believed she was also part of the robbery gang. She was twice arrested over the gangs activities once in 2008 in connection with the robbery of a security van. Intelligence at the time indicated that she looked after communications for the OCG members while executing this crime, the affidavit stated. She was also arrested in 2010 over a tiger kidnapping in Dublin in which relatives of a Brinks Allied employee were held hostage as he was sent to collect cash. Over 130 people illegally residing in Ireland deported this year under Operation Fern Gardai will use chartered flights in a plan to increase the deportation of immigrants living illegally in Ireland next year, including entire families. A total of 132 people illegally residing in Ireland were arrested by gardai this year and deported from the State under Operation Fern. This figure was revealed by Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock, head of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), who pointed out it was a major increase on last years figure of 51 deportations of people subject to a Ministerial Deportation Order. The officer expects this figure to increase next year because the factors fuelling migration are increasing due to issues such as conflict and instability in other countries, climate factors and the pull factors of Ireland and Europe. They include favourable economic conditions, security and a moderate climate. In an interview with the Irish Independent, the detective revealed those deported from Ireland this year included 58 Georgians, 17 South Africans, nine Albanians, nine Brazilians and eight Nigerians. Georgia, which accounted for the highest numbers deported, is not part of the EU and Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, which means Georgians are required to have a visa coming into Ireland. Most of the rest of the deported people have come from either the Middle East or other African countries. While these are enforced deportations, in addition to those we have the voluntary returns mechanism and that is administered by the Department of Justice, Chief Supt Minnock said. This gives the potential for larger removals from the State in 2025 and the removals of families Voluntary return is an option open to persons who have no legal status in Ireland or those who have withdrawn their application for International Protection or had it refused. It is a support mechanism where people are offered the opportunity to avail of a voluntary return situation prior to a deportation order being issued and there has been a significant increase in voluntary returns also, he said. There were 870 voluntary returns this year compared to 215 last year which means the total combined number of people who left the State this year after being notified they have no legal status was more than 1,000. In addition, this year, 18 EU nationals were removed from the State following a criminal conviction and a term of imprisonment for a serious criminal offence. The GNIB and the Department of Justice are continuously monitoring people with convictions and in these cases if you are an EU national, you are removed from the State, and if you are a non-EU national, you are deported, Chief Supt Minnock said. We give consideration to their conviction and the circumstances of their offence and if it is anything serious they are removed. With another expected increase in deportations next year, charter flights from Ireland to countries of origin for deportees is expected to be introduced in the coming months via a private service from a company called Air Partner, which has particular expertise in the area of deportations. This gives the potential for larger removals from the State in 2025 and the removals of families, which is restricted currently by the fact that commercial airlines will only take one deportee on a commercial flight, he said. Chief Supt Minnock has welcomed a recently agreed new working relationship agreement between Ireland and Frontex, the EU organisation involved in the overall management of Europes external borders and the fight against cross-border crime. It opens increased possibilities for Ireland engaging with Frontex in charter flights as part of a reciprocal arrangement where we would use seats on their planes and they may avail of seats for deportees on our planes, Chief Supt Minnock said. That could occur on occasions when Ireland would not have enough deportees to fill a charter flight, he added. Specially trained GNIB officers work as escorts when a person is being deported out of Ireland on an aeroplane. Asked whether these gardai ever encounter violence, Chief Supt Minnock said it was rare, but it does happen. There was one serious incident this year in which a deportee from Georgia used violence, kicking and screaming and attempting to bite a garda officer, injuring him in the incident. Because of this violent conduct, the Irish Defence Forces were then tasked with flying the deportee back to Georgia rather than him being transferred on a commercial airline. Chief Supt Minnock also welcomed the fact that the Department of Justice had taken on certain immigration functions, which has freed up 100 GNIB gardai to deal with enforcement issues rather than registration duties at a time when deportations will increase dramatically. Some of these officers have now been assigned to Operation Sonnet, where GNIB officers participate in checkpoints and vehicle stops along the Border with Northern Ireland as well as undercover operations to detect illegal migrants abusing the Common Travel Area (CTA). The chief superintendent revealed that, since the operation started in October last year, there had been 48 GNIB days of action, including 37 this year leading to 290 people being returned to the UK, with 234 returned this year. They are stopped at Dublin Airport, some will have false documents, some might have no documents They are usually returned to the UK by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead where they are escorted by GNIB officers who work closely with the UKs Border Force, who call their reciprocal side of the investigation Operation Gull. Chief Supt Minnock said that the GNIB had uncovered a new trend where Albanian citizens were coming into Dublin Airport with the intention of travelling to Northern Ireland this involves up to 100 people each month, but it is a figure that fluctuates. They are stopped at Dublin Airport, some will have false documents, some might have no documents, so they will be refused leave to land at Dublin Airport and many of those then will claim international protection here, Chief Supt Minnock said. Many of those do not pursue that application and end up travelling to the North and that is a trend we are seeing which started in the last three or four months. Because they ultimately did not finish their application, they would be deemed non-cooperative applicants of the international protection process and their application will be terminated on that basis, but by that stage they would have gone to the UK, he added. Chief Supt Minnock said the GNIB would shortly be introducing new measures and different strategies in dealing with this new trend in conjunction with the UKs Home Office, citing a successful joint operation earlier this year against Bolivian nationals who were attempting to exploit the CTA to enter Ireland illegally for the purpose of getting to Spain. The GNIB works closely with the Department of Justices Border Management Unit, and together they carried out more than 6,000 investigations known as Doorstop Operations this year at aeroplanes to target those who arrive with false or no travel documentation as well as to identify the routes that these people are using. News / Local by Staff reporter Zimbabweans seeking to visit Russia can now do so more easily, thanks to the introduction of an e-visa system. This new scheme allows travelers from Zimbabwe to enter Russia and stay for up to 16 days without the need for extensive paperwork or prior arrangements.The e-visa application process is conducted entirely online and offers a streamlined approach to securing travel authorization. Applicants can expect a decision within four days, making it a convenient option for those planning their trips.Unlike traditional visa applications, the e-visa does not require hotel bookings or documents confirming the purpose of the visit. This change is expected to encourage more Zimbabweans to explore travel opportunities in Russia, whether for tourism, business, or personal reasons.The e-visa system reflects Russia's broader efforts to simplify travel and foster closer ties with African nations, including Zimbabwe. It is also part of a global trend toward digitization in travel documentation, aimed at improving accessibility and convenience for international visitors.For Zimbabweans, this development opens doors to cultural exchange, business opportunities, and tourism in one of the worlds largest and most diverse countries. Interested travelers are encouraged to visit the official Russian e-visa platform to begin their application process.This initiative marks a positive step in strengthening bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Russia while offering citizens a chance to explore new horizons. Three vehicles destroyed in arson attack one year after fatal gun attack in Blanchardstown restaurant GARDAI are investigating if associates of murder victim Jason Hennessy Snr were behind an arson attack which damaged three vehicles on Christmas morning, Videos of the incident show a car on fire as emergency services attended the scene on Sheephill Avenue in Blanchardstown, Dublin in the early hours of Christmas Day. A garda spokesman said: Gardai responded to reports of a fire in a residential area in Corduff, Dublin 15 in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 25th December 2024. Significant damage was caused to three vehicles as a result of the fire. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Investigations are ongoing. Sources in the area said associates of Hennessy Snr are suspected of carrying out the attack. Gardai are probing the Christmas morning incident The incident is not believed to be linked to the murder of Hennessy Snr or the feud that sparked the killing. Sources claimed Hennessy associates have been targeting an innocent family and demanding money after claiming someone known to the family owes them after an incident in a local park. The attack took place around the corner from the Hennessy family home. Jason Hennessy Snr was fatally wounded when gunman Tristan Sherry opened fire on him in Brownes restaurant in Blanchardstown last Christmas. Sherry was subsequently beaten and stabbed to death at the same location after failing to make a getaway. There have been numerous attacks carried out by associates of Hennessy since the shooting, including several arson attacks. There was also an attempt on the life of Hennessys son Devon in August. He was sitting was in traffic on the Church Road in Mulhuddart, Dublin when a gunman on a motorcycle opened fire. A source said Devon has been driving a modified bullet-proof BMW since his fathers murder and was uninjured in the attack. Jason Hennessy Snr Sources say the bullet-proof vehicle is believed to have previously been used by associates of the Dundon crime gang in Limerick. Six days after the attempted hit, associates of Hennessy were suspected of being behind an arson attack in Blanchardstown. However, a bungling arsonist almost set himself alight. CCTV revealed how the perps petrol bomb exploded within seconds of him setting it alight. It was the second time an attempt has been made on Devons life while he was in a vehicle. A charred vehicle In 2019, another car he was travelling in was shot at five times, but he managed to flee unharmed and later declined to make a statement to gardai about the incident. Devon was previously served with a G.I.M (Garda Information Message), an official warning that his life is under threat, during the height of the Corduff feud. The feud was particularly active in 2019 when there were multiple shooting incidents, assaults, stabbings and firebomb attacks. Devon (29) is well-known to gardai, and evidence was given during previous court proceedings that he was involved in hostilities involving rival criminal gangs. In September he was found guilty of having zopiclone sleeping tablets in a car near Cloverhill Prison. He was given a four month suspended sentence. Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland also warned that the Hutch-Kinahan feud is absolutely not over The west Dublin crime gang known as The Family has now overtaken the Kinahan cartel as the most significant drugs gang operating in Ireland, the Sunday World can reveal. There are now 17 organised crime networks under investigation across the country, one of the forces most senior officers has said. Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland, head of the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB), also warned that the Hutch-Kinahan feud is absolutely not over, saying, people have long memories. One thing the Hutch and Kinahan gangs did learn is that killings are bad for business, he said. In an interview with the Sunday Independent, he also explained that the price of wholesale cocaine has dropped, indicating that there is an abundance of it for sale across the country right now. Mob boss Daniel Kinahan Explaining the current pecking order of Irish crime gangs, he confirmed that a crime gang, understood to be the drug-trafficking organisation known as The Family, has now overtaken the Kinahan Organised Crime Group (KOCG) as the countrys most powerful drugs importer and distributor. The Kinahans are a work not finished for DOCB. But they are not our number-one target in Ireland right now as much of the Kinahans drugs business is now conducted outside of Ireland. "In terms of the level of drug importation and distribution in Ireland, a west Dublin crime network, who we recently targeted in a Ghost network takedown, are the main focus of DOCB at the moment. In total, 17 organised crime networks are under investigation. Detective Chief Superintendent Seamus Boland; inset top left, Daniel Kinahan; inset centre, Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch; and inset bottom, Sean McGovern. Main photo: Frank McGrath Dismantling the Kinahan OCG remains a major priority for Gardai- Detective Superintendent Seamus Boland tells the Sunday Independent The Family gang was the prime target in a series of raids in September across Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Wexford, targeting the Ghost encrypted phone network. The DOCB led this probe, which resulted in several arrests and the seizure of a number of encrypted devices. Such devices allow criminals to communicate in secret with minimal risk of eavesdropping by the authorities. While the Kinahan cartel is not causing major headaches for specialist gardai in Ireland at the moment, the high-ranking garda said his bureau is active in ongoing efforts to try return its Dubai-based leaders, led by mob boss Daniel Kinahan, to Ireland. In October, Kinahan cartel lieutenant Sean McGovern was arrested in Dubai for extradition back to Ireland over the murder of Noel Duck Egg Kirwan and other criminal offences. The extradition of McGovern from Dubai is being seen as a test case ahead of the Irish States proposed moves to bring home the highest echelons of the Kinahan cartel leadership. Sean McGovern A European Arrest Warrant (EAW) was issued for the senior Kinahan cartel associate in 2022. Det Chief Supt Boland said he was very happy with how the proposed extradition is proceeding, saying that due process must take place before McGovern is returned to Ireland. There is still a lot of interaction between law enforcement, government and legal people in both Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "Everything that can be done, is being done to ensure Sean McGoverns extradition. Weve had a great experience with our UAE colleagues on this case. These cases can be very complex and we will accept whatever the DPPs decision is "Due process must now take place and its hard to put a timeframe on that. Its been a very positive learning experience. In relation to Daniel Kinahan and the rest of the cartel leadership also hiding out in Dubai, he confirmed that gardai have not yet received a direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether criminal charges sought by the force in relation to the highest echelons of the Kinahan cartel are forthcoming. Should charges be directed, extradition proceedings would be put in motion but could take some time. The DPP has been studying extensive Garda files on the cartel leaderships alleged range of criminal offences for around the past year and a half. We are still awaiting a DPP direction but I have no problem with that whatsoever. It took this bureau six to seven years to put together that investigation file. It is very complex and contains a large amount of data and other evidence. We dont want a quick decision. We want it all considered very carefully. It was a very professional investigation and I do have every confidence in the work done here at the DOCB on it. Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch pictured during his election bid. Photo: Mark Condren "At the same time, these cases can be very complex and we will accept whatever the DPPs decision is. Det Chief Supt Boland said that Daniel Kinahan and other members of his family remain in Dubai and that he is confident law enforcement will bring them to justice. He said he had no concerns that if the cartels leadership flees UAE for somewhere like Russia in a bid to evade potential capture that they would become out of law enforcements reach. I would absolutely hear if they leave Dubai and where they go. There is such international co-operation in relation to crime networks, including the Kinahans, that we would certainly be able to find them should they become fugitives. The Kinahan Organised Crime Group rained down terror on this city [Dublin]. It remains a major priority of DOCB to dismantle their criminal organisation. In relation to the Hutch-Kinahan feud, which claimed 18 lives, he said it could erupt again at any time. The vast majority of the murders 16 were carried out by the Kinahans. Det Chief Supt Boland said both the Hutch and Kinahan gangs have used social media in particular since 2016 to try and win favourable support among the general public as the feud raged. The Hutch and Kinahan OCGs have always understood the power of the media and social media. They like to try and control the media. Weve seen it with the emergence of social media accounts from both sides since 2016. What the gangs have learned is that killing is bad for business Other crime gangs watched the fallout from the Hutch-Kinahan feud in terms of garda pressure, and appear to have realised that murders are bad for business. There has been a noticeable decrease in gangland murders since the last killings linked to the Hutch-Kinahan feud in 2018. The only organised crime murder so far this year was that of Joshua Itseli (20), a low-level drug dealer who was killed in Drimnagh, Dublin, last May. Gardai believe he was accidentally shot dead by an associate during a chaotic confrontation with rival criminals. Gangland murders have reduced significantly in recent years, but the garda intervention in a planned assassination in Dublin last week was a reminder of the direct threat to life criminal gangs pose, Mr Boland said. Irelands deadliest year for gangland killings was 2010, when 23 people were murdered. There was another spike in 2016, due to the outbreak of the Hutch-Kinahan feud, with 16 killings linked to organised crime. The senior officer explained that DOCB has intervened and stopped three planned assassination attempts in total this year, compared to none the previous year. The Kinahan-Hutch feud could re-ignite at any time This year weve also seized 80m worth of drugs, 3m in cash, 20 firearms and made 142 significant arrests, the majority of which will now be dealt with in the courts. One notable emerging trend in the underworld is the full integration of Irish criminals with foreign crime gangs, he added. Irish society is more diverse that ever before. It took some time but this integration between Irish gangs and foreign criminals living here has now happened. All the major crime networks now employ chemists to develop these synthetic drugs Cannabis remains the most popular illegal drug in Ireland, followed by cocaine. Det Chief Supt Boland expressed concern about the emerging popularity of synthetic drugs, which can be produced in a lab, and mimic the effects of the likes of cocaine and heroin. While no significant synthetic drug labs have been uncovered in Ireland, these facilities have been detected in other parts of Europe. I am deeply concerned about the rise in use of synthetic drugs and there dangers. All the major crime networks now employ chemists to develop these drugs. "There have been industrial, synthetic drug labs discovered in other parts of Europe. Detections here have been on a small scale for the moment. Synthetic drugs ensure that drug gangs dont have to smuggle across borders and its becoming a bigger problem that Ive particular concerns about. He said cooperation among worldwide law-enforcement agencies was now a cornerstone of effectively targeting international crime gangs. He added that all law-abiding citizens can also play a part. The drugs trade is a supply industry, its all to do with demand. Law enforcement will continue to do its work. But casual drug use is the problem. Its keeping these crime networks in business. Members of the same group also carried out serious sexual assaults on young male migrants, including rape, and used video footage of the attacks to blackmail the victims The UKs National Crime Agency have released footage of the arrest of three men wanted in Belgium, to serve sentences for people smuggling. Members of the same group also carried out serious sexual assaults on young male migrants, including rape, and used video footage of the attacks to blackmail the victims. The Afghan nationals were arrested in south London, Hertfordshire and Essex after warrants were issued for their arrest by Belgian courts. Footage shows convicted gang members arrested to face prison over people smuggling Ziarmal Khan, also known as Boxer Bhai (26) was arrested earlier this month at Stansted Airport over a domestic violence offence and then arrested on behalf of the Belgians while in custody. Specialist NCA extradition officers then arrested 20-year-old Zeeshan Banghis on 18 December and Saifur Rahman Ahmedza aka Raees Hamza (23) at an address in Hemel Hempstead on Monday, December 30. Prosecutors in Belgium say the trio's gang were involved in organising the transport of migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and the Balkans into western Europe, mainly France and Belgium. The migrants would eventually be put on small boats from northern France to the UK, with the gang suspected of transporting thousands of people this way, according to an NCA statement today. The group also committed serious sexual offences against male migrant minors, including rape which they would video and use footage to blackmail the victims into criminality and further sexual abuse. Last month, a court in Antwerp convicted and sentenced the three men and 20 other members of the gang to a total of 170 years imprisonment, with sentences ranging from two to 18 years. Ahmedzai was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, while Khan and Banghis were each sentenced to three years in jail and fined 3,000. They now face being returned to Belgium to serve their sentences and extradition proceedings have started. NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner said: "This operation shows that no matter where people smuggling gangs operate, we will find them and bring them to justice. "These men were part of a network involved in illegally moving migrants across the globe, through Europe and eventually into northern Europe and the UK, profiting from the dangerous situations they put vulnerable people into as they were transported, and committing the most heinous sexual offences against them. "The work done by NCA officers, alongside partners in the UK and Belgium, was crucial to securing the convictions in Antwerp of gang members in November this year, and these further arrests should send a very clear message that we will not stop in our work to disrupt and dismantle the gangs that are behind these horrendous crimes." Aubrey had initially denied targeting Willy but later admitted to cops that she had injected the white and brown farm animal with pesticide A Texas teenager has been charged with animal cruelty following claims she poisoned her rival's show goat. Aubrey Vanlandingham (17) is not only a cheerleader at her school in Austin, but is also president of Vista Ridge Highs Future Farmers of America (FFA). She has also been described as an ambitious animal show competitor and the owner of a pet goat, Lacey, that she entered into competitions across the state in a bid to win cash prizes and certificates. However, Vanlandingham is now facing up to two years in prison, if convicted, after prosecutors claim her desire to win led her to poison her rivals six-month-old goat Willy twice over a three-day period, which eventually killed him. According to the Daily Mail, she showed no remorse when questioned and allegedly told cops: I don't like cheaters. She had initially denied targeting Willy but later admitted to cops that she had injected the white and brown farm animal with pesticide at the school's barn facility. Willy the show goat that died from poisoning Willy was reportedly left bellowing in pain before dying in its 15-year-old owner's arms in October. It is also claimed Aubrey had Googled how to clear her online 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'. A video also emerged of Willy running away from Aubrey and convulsing after she allegedly poisoned him. The footage obtained by police allegedly shows the brunette forcing a syringe like item into the goats' mouth on October 23. The goat attempts to break free but the teenager then uses the syringe on the animal on two more occasions. After checking on Willy twice in a two-hour period, she called her schoolmate's mother to say Willy was convulsing and acting funny. Willy died 21 hours after a vet was initially unable to figure out what was wrong with the goat. The mother of the teenage girl whose animal was poisoned told the Daily Mail her family want justice for her daughter and her goat. They are also calling for a judge to give Aubrey jail time, telling the news outlet: 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. A necropsy later confirmed the cause of death as intoxication from a pesticide commonly used for external parasite control in livestock. Aubrey often flaunted her achievements and prized goat on social media and had been seen posing with a wooden plaque after placing 6th in a state-wide contest with the FFA in 2023. Her social media shows Aubrey with Lacey, where she posted that she was so excited to head up the FFA for her high school senior year. She also bragged about the FFA coming in a state-wide contest in 2023. 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 girl whose goat died said there was no way to cheat in goat shows and that Audrey had poisoned Willy because she was just really jealous. 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. Aubrey has reportedly been banned from attending Vista Ridge High School while the case is ongoing. She was arrested and charged with a felony on November 22, and released on a $5,000 bond the same day. Aubrey has only been charged with poisoning Willy, and will next appear in court on January 15. According to Daily Mail, Aubrey's attorney 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. Almost two and a half tons of hashish and 187 kilos of cocaine were found, according to a statement from the Spanish Interior Ministry. This is the moment Spanish police reveal how a huge stash of cocaine and cannabis were hidden in a cargo of broccoli. Carefully using a knife, an officer cuts through wrapping to reveal block of hash labelled Banana Kish. White boxes labelled as frozen product are then opened to reveal a layer of broccoli under which blocks of cocaine were hidden. Destined for the UK, the drugs were intercepted at a Spanish port where two men were arrested. As part of the international police operation another seven people were arrested in Manchester. Almost two and a half tons of hashish and 187 kilos of cocaine were found, according to a statement from the Spanish Interior Ministry. The suspects used a business to ship the drugs as well as controlling the storage and distribution, it was added. Block of hash The Spanish National Police and the UKs National Crime Agency first targeted the gang in mid-2022. The investigations led the agents to detect the possible existence of a business network that, managed by a criminal organisation, would be dedicated to the constant shipment of narcotics from Spain to the United Kingdom. The first phase of the investigation focused on the identification of the companies used by the gang as identifying gang members, according to the statement. The investigations made it possible to monitor the commercial activity allegedly developed by the business network. Police open the haul Several shipments were made from Spain using five different front companies making shipments from Guadalajara. Earlier this year agents identified the members of the criminal organisation who were moving to the warehouse, from where they were also preparing the shipments hiding the drugs inside the broccoli boxes. Gang members were using an apartment close to where the drugs were being hidden before departure. One of the shipments from Guadalajara, made up of three pallets with boxes of broccoli, was sent to Manchester. Two members of the gang in Spain then began preparing for a new shipment of pallets, it was added. The operation finally ended with the arrest of nine people, two in Spain and the rest in the United Kingdom, seven of whom have been remanded in custody, the seizure of 2,455 kilos of hashish, 187 kilos of cocaine, 590 euros in cash, documentation and encrypted telephone handsets. The investigation is still open and it is not ruled out that new arrests will be made of other members of the criminal organisation. 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. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content She 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 magical motors that really made a big impression over the past 12 months The CUPRA Terramar was launch in October and will be on Irish roads soon It has been a bumper year for new models with a massive 42 eligible cars at the recent Irish Car of the Year awards. And the early signs are that there will be even more cars to test drive in 2025. But what are my favourite cars of 2024. Its that time of year when I try and come up with a definitive, yet very subjective, list of my most enjoyable drives this year. BYD Seal U DMi BYD Seal U DMi I was at the European launch in Rome, I was at the Irish launch in Dublin and in November I had it for a full week. My love for this car is unwavering. I still think it is top of my shopping list next year when I plan to upgrade the family wagon. Its a BYD so it is a really good value and high-specced car but it is a Plug-In Hybrid which is what we need as our main car. The only reason I dont end up buying it will be because of its size and knowing that my 14-year-old daughter will be learning to drive in whatever we buy next! Peugeot 3008 Peugeot 3008 Technically there are no losers at the Irish Car of the Year Awards, only winners. But the bosses at Peugeot Ireland can certainly feel hard done by as their latest version of the popular 3008 could easily have driven away with the prize. Its downfall was that it was released in the same calendar year as the Renault Scenic. This 3008 is even better than the last version which was hugely popular in Ireland over the last few years. And with a new 5008 due out next year Peugeot will be hoping to go one better in November 2025. Mercedes E Class Merc E-Class It was a busy year for Mercedes with the V-Class, the CLE and this stunning E-Class. I know I am not the target market for this executive saloon, but it is a thing of beauty and the more time you send in it the more you fall in love with it! Renault Scenic Renault Scenic The Irish Car of the Year for 2025 was an extremely popular choice amongst jurors. Renault took the brave decision to redesign the Scenic so much that it is no longer an MPV and now well and truly sits in the SUV bracket. The new Scenic is a brilliant car and is great value and will suit the Irish market perfectly. Weirdly it may also cannibalize other Renault sales as the brand is fast becoming an SUV brand thanks to the Megane E-Tech, Arkana, Symbioz, Rafale and Captur and Austral. Hyundai Ioniq 5N Hyundai Ioniq 5N Bonkers. Utterly bonkers. But I am here for it. The fully electric car that is designed for boy racers and injects as much high-tech gadgetry as it does torque off the lights. It looks brilliant but drives even better. I was one of the few lucky motoring journalists to get a week behind the wheel of this little monster. I would never buy it, but it is so much fun and utterly brilliant. Citroen AMI Citroen AMI It is clunky, funny-looking, impractical, hard to drive, not very fast and it only has 60-70km of range on a full charge. But I love it. And want it. The car costs less than 10k and will forever be an icon, which means I want one. I just cant justify buying it because it is so incredibly impractical, and I also have no idea how Id get it home from the garage because I dont even think you can use it on the M50! The CUPRA Terramar was launch in October and will be on Irish roads soon Honourable mentions The CUPRA Terramar, which I tested around the streets of Barcelona in November, will definitely cause a stir when it lands here in Ireland in the coming months. Im currently driving the Ford Explorer, which fared really well at the recent Irish Car of the Year Awards, finishing third behind the 3008 and the Scenic in the Medium SUV category. Not bad for the companys first release in years. Expect big things from them in 2025. Hyundai Inster Dacia Bigster And two of my guilty pleasure cars this year were the Opel Corsa and the new Suzuki Swift. Really great value cars that have been consistently brilliant for years. And the cars I am most looking forward to in 2025 are the Renault 5, Kia EV3, Ford Capri, Hyundai Inster, Dacia Bigster and the new Peugeot 5008. Thanks for reading folks! Dont forget our reviews all end up on SundayWorld.com Daragh Keany took advantage of a short child-free trip to kick back at The Spencer in Dublin for some RnR The invite to stay at The Spencer in Dublin for a night last month was too good to pass up. No kids for 24 hours, a luxurious pool in the basement, a dinner at their Thai-themed East restaurant and a chance to explore our hometown at Christmas without the constant demands of our offspring was like an early Christmas present. Once we had farmed the kids off to pals for a sleepover, we did the seemingly unthinkable and headed for a mini break in our capital city. The hotel itself is only 13km from our house but it could have been a different country. The recently-renovated Spencer in Dublins IFSC was a hive of activity and it didnt take long to realise that we werent the only ones escaping the humdrum of everyday life for a night away. The Spencer Hotel The Christmas lights were on and the fact that the Australia rugby match was also being played at the Aviva that afternoon meant the centrally-located hotel was operating at maximum capacity. Not that youd have any idea once you enter the lift and head to your room. City centre hotels tend to be noisy, but The Spencer doesnt suffer that problem at all. The bedrooms are all ultra-modern and spacious and once we had changed, we were ready to hit the town like tourists. There is something special about being a tourist in your own town, especially in advance of Christmas time. It didnt take long for us to hatch a plan to make this an annual tradition. Can you call it a tradition after only one year? Maybe not. But we live in hope. The Spencer has comfy rooms Pubs and shops were hit hard for a few hours before we returned to the hotel for our Asian-themed dinner at East. Crispy pork croquettes and duck bao buns were devoured as our starters before we tucked into a Thai red curry and pad Thai. The atmosphere was chilled and relaxed despite the food being of a much higher standard as couples, families and rugby fans toasted the start of Christmas. There were only a few tables free throughout the night so I reckon East is one of those restaurants that locals frequent and would rather I wasnt here telling you about it. The Spencer has a great restaurant A stunning nights sleep in one the hotels suites that had an Instagram-ready balcony overlooking the Liffey was enjoyed before we headed down to the pool. As we headed for a 9am swim we knew it would be quiet enough while other patrons were eating their breakfast. We didnt quite have the pool to ourselves but it was definitely a clever tactic and before long we were back upstairs helping ourselves to a delicious buffet breakfast. The brekkie is hosted in the other hotel restaurant and despite it being full the staff had the whole operation running like clockwork. The Spencer's pool Once we checked out we headed to do a bit more child-free Christmas shopping before eventually collecting our kids and returning to normal life again. It may not have required a passport and it wasnt even 24 hours long. But a city break in our hometown was the perfect tonic to break the business and monotony of everyday life. Will it become a tradition? Ill report back in 11 months time. Daragh was a guest of The Spencer Hotel in Dublin. We got to sample the best of Co Monaghan hospitality An aerial view of the castle and the grounds Castle Leslie in Monaghan is like something out of a fairytale FAB! Thats the word my wife used to describe our recent stay at the luxurious Castle Leslie Hotel in Co Monaghan. Now it takes a lot to please my missus, and she doesnt often use that word, so it must have really made an impression on her. In fact, she even made a bolder statement that everyone in the entire country needs to experience a stay in this wonderful location. I have to admit, I am with her all the way when it comes to this place. I had been fortunate enough to have stayed there previously in the main Castle itself and I just knew she would just fall in love with the place. I mean, how could you not? Castle Leslie has, in the last few years, won more awards than Taylor Swift and I can definitely see why. An aerial view of the castle and the grounds Some of these awards include: Supreme award of the year at The Good Food Ireland Awards, Culinary Haven of the Year at The Good Food Ireland Awards and the Virgin Media Gold Medal award for Irelands favourite place to stay. Thats to name but a few, as the list would almost take up the rest of the entire article its that long. Situated in the picturesque village of Glaslough and just 11km northeast of Monaghan town, this massive 1,000 acre estate remains one of the only family-owned and run estates in the country. Its very easy to see why the Americans love it and come back year after year to escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungles they live in across the USA. Within the walled grounds, the estate has so much on offer to suit every taste during your RnR stay. Castle Leslie offers big well-appointed bedrooms From fine dining to nature walks, a top-class equestrian centre and one of the most relaxing spa treatment centres I have ever experienced, the Castle Leslie Estate certainly has it all. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon just before Christmas to the estate that had been transformed into a winter wonderland by the amazing staff that run the day-to-day operations on the 1,000-acre site. With the main castle itself fully booked out for a wedding, we had the pleasure of a one-night stay in one of the 50 rooms that make up the Estates boutique, country-house style Lodge. Situated just inside the estates main entrance, the Lodge combines the old with the new and its here where you will find two award-winning eateries, an amazing spa treatment area and the most modern and comfortable rooms of all shapes and sizes. Castle Leslie offers a choice of fab restaurants Upon our arrival, we had just enough time to drop the bags off in our luxurious room before our carriage arrived. As a special treat we were booked in for a full tour of the 1,000-acre estate courtesy of Henry the horse and his trusted cart. As we stepped on board the Quiet Man-like chariot we were handed a pair of warm blankets to keep the chill from our bones and two Baileys Irish coffees for our journey to warm the cockles of our hearts. In charge of the reigns was Sligo man Stephen Carthy, who is a complete encyclopaedia about the estate despite not being a true-blood local. It would be quicker to ask him anything about the place than looking up Wikipedia. Hes a fountain of knowledge about the estate and Glaslough Village itself and one of the most loveable characters you will ever come across. The horse-drawn carriage ride takes about an hour to complete as you trot along the estates meandering pathways that lead you around its three lakes and through deep, dark forests on its breath taking journey. One of the bedrooms at Castle Leslie With our bodies in need of a rubdown after taking a bit of a bashing on the back of the cart, the only solution was to head straight to the spa treatment area for a full-body massage and pamper. Situated just beside the reception area in the Lodge lies the spa treatment rooms. We had been booked in for two full-body massages followed by a spectacular treat in the great outdoors. After signing in we were ushered off to a double treatment room by Sandra from Spain and Marcia from Portugal, both of whom looked far too young to have great experience in the ancient technique of massage. But boy was I wrong. Although their hands were young in years, myself and my wife agreed that they felt like they were attached to one of the ancient massage masters from centuries before. With the bodies back in one piece, our next port of call was downstairs to the relaxation area to unwind with some water and a massive fresh fruit platter before heading to the outdoor Jacuzzi and sauna that overlook the stables. It was a wonderful way to watch the winter sun go down over the estate. With our bodies fully replenished, it was time to head off for my favourite activity that Castle Leslie offers a culinary experience. The Lodge at Castle Leslie features two eateries that cater for palates of every taste. Castle Leslie offers a spa and outdoor Jacuzzi At ground level youll find the warm and cosy Conors Bar & Lounge where you can relax with a cocktail or two or a nice pint of Arthurs finest if it hasnt totally sold out with this latest Guinness phenomenon. Its menu offers traditional country home cooking and you can enjoy a two or three-course meal in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. But it is upstairs at Snaffles restaurant where youll find some of the finest fare in the country if you are in the market to tickle your tastebuds. It here where the top chefs get to show off their skills and the restaurant offers a five-course tasting menu at a very reasonable price of 78 per person. Believe me when I tell you thats its a bargain at the price and every course is to die for. My wife is not normally wrong and everyone needs to experience Castle Leslie at some stage. It truly is heaven on earth. Over 70,000 has been raised to support the McErlean family after this latest tragedy 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 said 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. News / National by Simbarashe Sithole Villagers of Mdlambuzi in Plumtree were left shell- shocked after a prominent traditional healer broke into a neighbours' house to steal. Mkhumbudzi Dube was dragged to Plumtree magistrates courts where he pleaded guilty to the charge before magistrate Joshua Nembaware.Nembaware sentenced the traditional healer to an effective one year behind bars.In his plea of guilty Dube told the magistrate that he stole the goods inorder to get money for a haircut."Your worship l did commit the offense because l wanted to raise money for a hair cut since there is a hair cut recommended for traditional healers," he said.Prosecutor Selestine Madziwa told the court that sometime in November the traditional healers broke into his neighbour's house and stole pots, blankets and clothes which he sold in the same village.A police report was filed leading to his arrest. "I could be very easily attacked, he said, revealing that he has encountered anti-Israel demonstrators while on a previous visit to Ireland Emily was 8 when she was kidnapped The father of the released Irish-Israeli hostage Emily Hand has said he would "probably hesitate" to return to Ireland. Thomas Hand was reunited with his then nine-year-old daughter Emily one month after she was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Im pretty well recognised nowadays," Thomas told Jewish News this week. "I could be very easily attacked, he said, revealing that he has encountered anti-Israel demonstrators while on a previous visit to Ireland. Claiming the Irish simply dont understand the history of the place he said that before he came to Israel, he had Palestinian sympathies and was a sympathiser. However, after living in Be'eri in Israel, just a few kilometres from Gaza, he endured thousands and thousands and thousands of rockets (fired) at us continuously. Emily was 8 when she was kidnapped Ireland mistakenly sees Israel as the superpower, the strength, the oppressor, and of course they have sympathies for the Palestinian people, he added. Well, if they understood the history of the place, theyd realise there is no comparison. Originally from Dublin, Mr Hand lived in England before moving to Israel in 1992. After he was initially told that Emily had been killed during the Hamas attacks he made headlines when he told CNN he felt it was a "blessing" compared to her being kidnapped. However, later in October 2023, Thomas was informed there was a "high chance" that Emily was still alive and likely taken hostage. Thomas travelled to Ireland and, along with the families of other hostages to the US to drum up support for their release. Emilys release in November came during a temporary cessation of hostilities as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas. More than 100 Israeli and foreign national hostages were released at that time. She was released after spending 50 days, including her ninth birthday, as a hostage in Gaza. Mr Hand later told Reuters that Ireland has been instrumental in Emilys release but strongly criticised recognition of Palestine. "Ive been a very proud Irishman all my life. I advertise the fact, I tell people yes Im Irish, he said in June of this year. "Im not so proud anymore. Im actually embarrassed, ashamed to call myself Irish now. After whats happened to Emily, and they [Irish authorities] were integral in the whole process of it Okay, shes only an individual but she is an Irish citizen. "Knowing everything Hamas has done, Im sure theyve seen the videos of their GoPros, theyve seen all the evidence. He said recognising a Palestinian state served as a reward for Hamas. "Okay, here is your reward then for absolute violence. Heres your reward, we recognise you as a state. Nice one, he told Reuters. Ireland recognised the state of Palestine alongside Spain and Norway from May 28. Taoiseach Simon Harris said it was an act of powerful, political and symbolic value. "Irelands dream is that the Israeli and Palestinian children of May 28th 2024 will grow up to be neighbours at peace, Mr Harris said at the time of the announcement. Both the Palestinian and Israeli people are inherently kind and decent." Mr Hand said the decision taken by the three countries was wrong. "I don't mind pro-Palestine, but when you're pro-Hamas, that's a different ballgame. Really? You're supporting that? Those three countries, they're basically showing support for that. It's wrong. "We're praying for it [a peaceful resolution] to happen and for all of this to end. All they [Hamas] have to do is hand over the hostages and the war is over. It was revealed at the time that since they had been reunited, Mr Hand and Emily have been moving from one place of temporary accommodation to another with just a few belongings and their family dog Johnsie. He said he is trying to provide a sense of normality for his daughter and she is making her way towards a full recovery despite one or two triggers. Earlier this month, Israel announced it is going to close its embassy in Dublin as they claim that the Irish government has extreme anti-Israel policies and crossed all red lines towards Israel. However, describing the closure as a setback for both Ireland and Israel, Archbishop Eamon Martin said he disagreed with the anti-semitic labelling. Ive lived and breathed the Stardust every day since that night Antoinette Keegan outside court after the verdict earlier this year Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan has revealed for the first time that she is to step back from the campaign she has helped lead for more than 43 years. Four decades after the 1981 St Valentines Day disaster killed 48 young people, including her two sisters, and left her badly injured, the Dublin mum said it was time to focus now on her own family. Its time for me to let go of the Stardust, she told the Sunday World. Its been a part of my life since the night of February 14, 1981. Antoinette Keegan with Charlie Bird Ive lived and breathed the Stardust every day since that night and so did my mam [the late Stardust campaigner Christine Keegan] and my dad [John who passed away in 1986]. Im in my sixties now and its time to move on. In relation to the historic Stardust inquest verdict of unlawful killing last April, Antoinette paid tribute to what was achieved by Darragh Mackin, our solicitor, and legal team, the Stardust Victims Committee and others who campaigned tirelessly. It was a long, hard fight for what we had been looking for all those years, the truth. That finding (of unlawful killing) finally laid to rest all those years of blame and suspicion that hung over the families after the original tribunal [in 1981] said the fire was probably arson. Antoinette Keegan (left), after the verdict of unlawful killing has been returned That conclusion, which was long contested by the Stardust Victims Committee, was struck from the record in 2009. The campaign has always been about truth and justice, she added. We got the truth but did we get justice? I dont think so. The finding was unlawful killing, and that was last April. What has happened since? Nothing. Nobody has ever spent a day in prison over the Stardust. In fact, my dad was the only one who was ever convicted of any offence to do with the Stardust. In November 1981, a tribunal of inquiry found that mismanagement by the buildings owners, Eamon and Patrick Butterly, had contributed significantly to the deaths and injuries. Locks and chains had been draped over the bars on the emergency exits, the toilet windows were sealed shut and other exits were blocked by chairs. Despite the findings of safety breaches, there were no prosecutions for the fire. Antoinette Keegan outside court after the verdict earlier this year The only prosecution related to the Stardust fire was that of John Keegan, who was convicted for punching Eamon Butterly and ordered to pay him 1,457 in damages. In the years since the Stardust disaster, Antoinette had become one of the leading figures of the campaign that involved protests and demonstrations, marches, stand-offs and sit-ins. Having spent the rest of her life looking for answers, her mother Christine died in 2020 without ever finding them. Antoinette, who barely escaped the blaze with her life, lost her two sisters, Mary and Martina who were just 19 and 16. 48 people lost their lives in the Stardust fire in 1981 . Antoinette has lost close friends along the way, among them the former RTE reporter, Charlie Bird, who was a steadfast supporter of the families. This years tribunal led to an official State apology when Simon Harris told the Dail the Stardust families were forced to endure a living nightmare. We say formally and without any equivocation we are sorry. We failed you when you needed us the most, he said. And in October, President Michael D Higgins told the families the long wait they had endured was unacceptable and they were let down by the State. Meanwhile, a Garda review into files relating to the 1981 Stardust fire is underway. Christine Keegan died in 2020 For now, Antoinette, who is currently battling with the Government over the redress scheme, is attempting to leave the Stardust behind. Now, Im just concentrating on the redress scheme for myself, as a survivor, and if anyone wants to carry on with the fight for justice they have my blessing. Ill leave it to them. She also revealed that she is writing a new book that will tell the full story of the Keegan family. Antoinette was speaking on the 38th anniversary of the death of her dad John, the hero and warrior for the families and survivors of the Stardust. This year saw the smallest amount of people in decades convicted of IRA-linked offences The Irish Prison Service is believed to be considering closing down the landing. Photo: Niall Carson/PA via Getty The Irish Prison Service is considering closing down the Portlaoise Prison landing that has traditionally held IRA prisoners, the Sunday World understands. The reduced threat level and waning criminal influence of dissident republicans in Ireland means there has never been fewer prisoners housed in the E Wing of the high-security prison. There are currently just five inmates on the landing, which has a 75-bed capacity, and housed dozens of prisoners just a decade ago. This year saw the smallest amount of people in decades convicted of IRA-linked offences at the Special Criminal Court, with just two individuals being found guilty the two Co Cavan men received suspended sentences for assisting the terrorist organisation in July. Among other things these low numbers point to is that they are a positive reflection on the Good Friday Agreement, above all, a source said. The Irish Prison Service are considering permanently closing down the landing, which traditionally held IRA prisoners, and have not invested in in-cell sanitation on the wing because it simply would not make financial sense. In a significant move in October, soldiers were withdrawn from guard duty at Portlaoise Prison, after the Defence Forces had a continuous heavily armed presence at the facility for 51 years. It would be very foolish to say the threat from dissident republicanism has gone away of course it has not Four of the inmates on the E Wing are convicted murderers, while the other is fighting extradition to the UK. Among the convicted killers is New IRA leader Kevin Braney (49) from Tallaght, who was convicted in February 2019 of the premeditated murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. Kevin Braney is in Portlaoise Mr Butterly (35) was chased and shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath, in view of students waiting for their school bus on the afternoon of March 6, 2013. Two other men convicted of Mr Butterlys murder following a 35-day trial are also currently housed on E Wing. The victim was killed as part of an internal dissident republican feud. Edward McGrath (41), previously of Lanndale Lawns, Springfield, Tallaght, and Sharif Kelly (53), of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan, were both sentenced to life for the murder in April 2017. A Tricolour flies outside Portlaoise Prison Because they are classified as republican prisoners, they are entitled to more privileges in the prison system than other inmates, including being able to prepare their own meals, buy their own groceries and other provisions. The three convicted Butterly killers were allowed to eat a pre-Christmas dinner with family members inside the jail in December 2022. Another dissident republican on the landing who is serving a life sentence for murder is Darren Murphy (54), who was convicted in 2021 of the murder of veteran criminal Eamon Kelly in Killester, Dublin, on December 4, 2012. Kelly was one of the countrys most well-known crime figures, having been involved in organised crime for more than four decades, and gardai believe he was targeted by the IRA after refusing to pay protection money. The Special Criminal Court ruled that Murphy was a spotter for the dissident gang in Kellys murder and acted in concert with the gang by carrying out surveillance on Kelly in the days leading up to the killing. Darren Murphy Criminal Eamon Kelly The only inmate on the landing who is not a convicted killer is Sean Walsh (57) of Ballinlough, Douglas, Cork, who is on remand in the jail and is wanted in Northern Ireland on charges including directing terrorism. The offences are alleged to have been committed in July 2020 in Omagh, Co Tyrone, and Mr Walsh denies the claims. The Garda unit tasked with investigating dissident republicans is the Special Detective Unit (SDU). But with members of these type of organisations at a record low in the Republic, sources say members of the unit have been freed up to focus more on domestic far-right and far-left agitators, as well as international terrorism financing investigations. It would be very foolish to say the threat from dissident republicanism has gone away of course it has not, but it is greatly diminished in the Republic of Ireland even when compared with the time-frame in which the four convicted murderers on E Wing committed their crimes, a source said. Even in Northern Ireland, where there are far more active dissident republicans, the terrorism threat level was reduced from severe to substantial in March. The threat level is back to its lowest point in the North since MI5 first began publishing its assessments in 2010. Severe Thunderstorm Watches have been issued for the eastern North Island, Tasman and western parts of Marlborough from 1pm to 9pm today (Monday). Severe thunderstorms in these areas could generate localised downpours and possibly large hail. Downpours associated with especially energetic thunderstorms can cause surface or flash flooding, as well as poor visibility for those hitting the roads today. Large hail is also a hazard and could cause damage to vehicles or crops. Well be issuing Severe Thunderstorm Warnings for any intense storms as they occur, so please keep an eye on metservice.com," MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon warns/ While the thunderstorms are forecast to die off tonight, periods of heavy rain continue for eastern areas until tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. Heavy Rain Watches are in force for the eastern North Island and Marlborough, including the already sodden Wairoa District. As the low deepens, southerly winds also strengthen across the country; a Strong Wind Watch is in place for Wellington from 10pm tonight until 10am tomorrow morning. As the clock strikes twelve, some of the best places to welcome the New Year will be in the far south and west of New Zealand. The rain in the east eases significantly tomorrow as the low-pressure system begins to pull away, but a few showers will still be lingering into the New Year. Although it will be a windy day in Auckland for Tuesday, the winds should be easing and the sky clearing as we head towards midnight. On the South Island, Queenstown will welcome in 2025 under clear skies, Wotherspoon said. Immigration Border Operations staff will begin strike action on Tuesday, 31 December, at 6am, joining other colleagues at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. They are insulted by the Ministrys recent zero-pay offer. The Immigration Border Operations staff, being essential workers, must give longer notice to take strike action. Tomorrow, they join some 3000 other PSA members who began action on 17 December. PSA members will not undertake unpaid essential or non-essential work, and take rest and meal breaks together at specific times. "These are critical workers who have been totally disrespected by this Government which is determined to run down the public service at every step regardless of the consequences," acting National Secretary Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi, Fleur Fitzsimons, said. Immigration Border Operations workers at New Zealands four international airports ensure only properly documented travellers arrive and leave the country, amongst other duties. "Border Operations staff and all MBIE workers deserve a fair pay rise that respects the valuable work they do across the economy and one that reflects the cost-of-living pressures on their budgets - the PSA will keep pushing for that," Fleur Fitzsimons said . MBIE workers are the latest group of workers to be offered a zero percent pay increase. It follows New Zealand Defence Force civilian staff being offered the same. These workers are also undertaking industrial action. Scion researchers, alongside partners, are leading a groundbreaking three-year research initiative, Taking risk out of next-generation silvopastoral systems to showcase agroforestry's environmental, economic, social, and cultural benefits. The programme began in August 2024 and focuses on silvopastoral systemswhere livestock graze within tree-planted landscapes. Agroforestry, the strategic integration of agriculture and forestry, is emerging as a critical approach to addressing environmental and economic pressures. Silvopastoral systems, in particular, combine tree planting with livestock grazing to enhance productivity while bolstering resilience against climate change. Despite its potential, little research has been conducted in New Zealand on silvopastoral systems in the past three decades, leaving a significant knowledge gap. This project aimed to bridge that gap and provide practical solutions for farmers. The research team is holding co-design workshops with landowners and partners to identify trial sites. These sites will either incorporate new tree plantings into established farms or modify existing tree stands. Trials will span sheep, beef, and dairy farms, with animal and plant monitoring central to the programme. Collaborative engagement with landowners has been a priority since the projects inception and remains integral to its execution, said programme lead Peter Clinton. Co-design ensures research outcomes align with the aspirations of landowners and that objectives are met, Clinton said. He highlighted that trees on farms can improve animal welfare by providing natural shelter, reducing erosion, increasing biodiversity, and sequestering carbon. Clinton envisioned the trials continuing beyond the programmes initial three years to yield long-term benefits. Simon Van Haandel, forestry business manager at Pamu, one of the research partners, believed deciduous silvopastoral systems could become a viable option for vulnerable land types across New Zealand. Climate modelling predicts more extreme weather, reducing productivity and increasing risks to livestock and land, Van Haandel said. Trees mitigate erosion, regulate water flows, and provide shade and shelter, enhancing farm resilience. While historical trials under radiata pine proved economically challenging, the value of silvopastoral systemssuch as improved animal welfare and farm sustainabilityis becoming more apparent. Through this project, we aim to define conditions where silvopastoral systems succeed, giving farmers more tools to adapt, Van Haandel added. Dane Tamepo, business manager at Orete No.2 and Other Blocks Incorporated, emphasized the programmes alignment with Maori values. This research supports long-term land-use sustainability while addressing priorities like climate, animal welfare, and water quality. Sharing findings with our whanau, hapu, and iwi is vital, Tamepo said. The project also incorporated a One Welfare perspective, linking animal welfare with human well-being and environmental health. AgResearch senior scientist Karin Schutz underscored the benefits for animals and farmers alike. Animals in silvopastoral systems thrive in comfortable microclimates, improving welfare and productivity, which benefits farmers financially, Schutz said. The programmes goals range from developing infrastructure and farming practices to quantifying benefits and boosting confidence in silvopastoral systems intergenerational sustainability. Ultimately, it aimed to provide New Zealands farming community with tools to adapt to climate change and global pressures. Hector Barbotta Seville Monday, 30 December 2024, 21:13 Compartir Andalucia is not immune to the 'empty Spain' syndrome. Although depopulation is usually linked to the regions even further inland, the problem is also affecting Andalucia. Most of Andalucia's population is concentrated along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts and around the provincial capitals and other medium to large towns. Meanwhile the number of inhabitants in the small municipalities further inland is on the decline. This problem, which goes hand in hand with the ageing of the population, affects more than half of Andalucia's municipalities. Turning to specifics, the Junta has identified 426 municipalities that are suffering from depopulation, which represents more than 54% of the total. No province has managed to evade this issue, as reflected in the list of municipalities whose residents will be able to take advantage of the tax benefits approved from 2019 that are specifically aimed at towns, or more often than not villages, with 3,000 inhabitants or less. With the application of these reductions in house purchase and property-related taxes, the savings when buying a home can reach 6,750 euros and the deduction for the birth of a child now stands at 400 euros. By province The province with the highest percentage of municipalities in this situation, and therefore most eligible for these benefits, is Granada, the Andalusian province with the highest number of municipalities (174), of which 121 (69.5) are considered to be at risk of depopulation. It is followed by Almeria, a province with 103 municipalities, of which 69 (67%) have fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. Coming up behind them is Huelva, with 49 of its 80 municipalities (61%) in the same situation. Also with more than half of their municipalities at risk of depopulation are Jaen with 56 out of 97 (58%), then Malaga with 59 out of 103 municipalities, or 57%. With less than half at risk are Cordoba with 37 out of 77, or 48%, Cadiz with 11 out of 45 (24%) and Seville with 24 out of 106, or 23%. Granada, Almeria, Huelva, Jaen and Malaga have more than half of their municipalities at risk of depopulation. Unlike what happens in other Spanish regions, which are constantly losing inhabitants from the whole region, in Andalucia the migratory processes are internal. This process takes place mainly from inland to the coastal areas. Eleven endangered areas To alleviate this phenomenon, in 2023 Andalucia's regional government launched a strategy against depopulation in which 11 areas of the region were identified as being at risk due to the constant loss of inhabitants. These are the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche (Huelva), the Sierra del Segura and Cazorla (Jaen), Sierra de la Olla de Guadix and Baza (Granada), Los Pedroches and the Guadiato valley (Cordoba), Alpujarra (in the provinces of Granada and Almeria), Sierra Morena and Vega Alta (Seville), Sierras Occidentales de Malaga, Andevalo and the county of Cuenca Minera (centre of mining activity in the area) in Huelva, Sierra Filambre and Alamilla (Almeria), El Condado in Jaen and the north-western area of Cadiz and Los Alcornocales. Part of the strategy implemented by the Junta to combat depopulation is applied in the fiscal field. The reductions applied affect various tax figures. The Junta's strategy has identified 11 areas in the eight provinces with a steady loss of inhabitants. As a result, in the region's personal income tax bracket, residents in these municipalities can deduct 400 euros for each child born or adopted, or for each child in foster care. For the purchase of a home residents in these places have gone from paying 8% in property transfer tax and stamp duty (ITPAJD) to a reduced rate of 3.5% provided the property is used as their primary residence and the value of the property does not exceed 150,000 euros. In 2024 some 1,417 self-assessments were filed for this tax with benefits for purchases of primary residences in unpopulated municipalities for a total amount of 3,193,000 euros. Population retention According to regional Minister of Economy Carolina Espana, these measures are an incentive to keep the population in situ in these rural areas and is one of the many initiatives in this regard that form part of the fiscal policy of Juanma Moreno's Junta. The minister has also highlighted the increase in the number of beneficiaries of the tax deductions introduced from 2019: those for the birth or adoption of children, large families, educational expenses and donations for ecological purposes. These four tax rebates alone have benefited almost 215,000 Andalusian taxpayers (214,927 to be precise), saving 21.6 million euros in this aspect alone. These rebates constituted 33.6% of the total tax savings made in 2023. Regina Sotorrio Malaga Monday, 30 December 2024, 09:32 Compartir For a year and a half the image of Christ on the cross has been presiding over these ruins in the Axarquia area of Malaga province, converting it into an improvised altar. There is a dried bouquet of flowers, small cardboard votives of the Virgin crumpled on the floor and papers on which it is obvious that someone had written something. The 'Cristo del Amor' (Christ of Love) by Julio Anaya, an work of art commissioned by the local religious Hermandad del Amor brotherhood to celebrate its centenary, went from being something quite secret to having its own label on Google Maps with the description of 'religious destination'. During this time some graffiti has appeared around it, but the image of Christ on the Cross had always been respected. Until now. The Christ of Love was vandalised this Christmas, the news posted on social media the same day it was discovered with Christ's face completely painted over and a swastika on the body. Julio Anaya's reaction was immediate. "If there are people who want to destroy the work, as long as I can I will restore it." He is not willing to let it stay desecrated. As an urban artist who for years has recreated the work of the great masters on crumbling walls, Anaya is aware that his art is fleeting and that the wear and tear that continues is part of its beauty. "I am also vandalising in a way by painting in public spaces. I know what I'm playing at, I understand the ephemeral nature of my work, it's what I value and what makes sense in my artistic installations." However, this is something else. Zoom Julio Anaya, in front of the Cristo del Amor a few days before the work was vandalised. Marilu Baez Something surprising happened with this painting. If his work consists of "desacralising" (to desanctify) classic paintings from the art world by removing them from the protection of museums, painting them in the open air or on pieces of cardboard saved from the rubbish tip, the opposite has happened here. Julio Anaya took a religious work from its home, its temple, and the effect was reversed- in summary, "the image sacralised [made holy] a place that was abandoned." This place in the Axarquia, which is accessed by a dirt track running through an olive grove, is today a place of pilgrimage. "It's incredible, I was flipping out in my head. It has been the people who have completed the piece by coming here and taking it as a focal point. It's beautiful." Julio Anaya said these words in front of the Christ of Love just a few days ago, when we returned with him to the ruins to cover a story that he had planned to publish around this time and which will no longer be published as planned. That day, the man from Malaga observed the piece carefully. He saw it had deteriorated, with a few more chips and duller colours. "It is inevitable, but it is shocking to see this image like this, with how well they take care of them in the churches (...) It is strange because these types of art works are eternal because of the care and effort we take, and to see them devoid of this care and protection also seems beautiful to me." At that time he was not thinking of restoring it, joking that he might do so in a couple of years while keeping everyone in the dark. But the message he received during Christmas lunch from the elder brother of the Hermandad, Alvaro Guardiola, has brought everything forward. He always says goodbye to his urban art pieces when he finishes them and he photographs them. "But this one has been so special and so beautifully received in this community that it bothers me, even more for them than for me." Moreover, he is indignant about the symbol and the date chosen, because he would understand any other scribble or graffiti. It's the street. But not this. "It's done out of malice." The brotherhood confirms that the trickle of people to the place is constant. "There are even brothers who have had their children's first communion photos taken there", said Guardiola. But a positive reading can also be made of the negative news of this vandalism: "The Christ of Love must be having some influence from there when there are people who want to destroy it, something must be confronting them and touching their inner self." International agenda Anaya will now look for a gap in his international work and exhibition schedule to restore the image to its original state. He has no time to spare. Until a few days ago some of his work was in a collective exhibition in Tokyo dedicated to Godzilla and organised by Nanzuka Underground. He participated with a recreation of the monster in cardboard and, for the first time, with a canvas done his own way. Julio Anaya painted a classic landscape on a conventional framed canvas and then smashed it to pieces with a sledgehammer. "It's like rescuing a piece from a museum that has been razed to the ground by Godzilla in the city of Tokyo," he said. It won't just be a one-off. "I want to continue making these pieces but on a larger scale." In fact, he has sent a couple more of these pieces to Japan for a travelling exhibition that has just opened. For next year it is already known that more of his work will be at ARCO, Art Basel Hong Kong, Art Basel Brussels and at the Fundacion Casa Natal de Picasso in Malaga, where he will 'deconstruct' his version of Picasso's Guernica in cardboard to adapt it to the narrow dimensions of the space. Chus Heredia Malaga Monday, 30 December 2024, 11:23 Compartir Rail transport on the Costa del Sol must be tackled as a two-pronged attack. Beyond the proposals for a coastal train running between Nerja and Algeciras, there is no doubt that there is much room for improvement in the Cercanias service between Malaga and Fuengirola, one of the most profitable lines in the country. The latest idea on the table, which the Mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, suggested a few days ago, is to use double-height trains to increase capacity. His proposal has been answered by the Secretary of State for Transport, Jose Antonio Santano "It is an option, but we don't yet have the trains that are needed, Renfe has made a historic purchase of more than 400 trains that will start arriving at the end of 2025. And among them there are double-height trains. Please have patience because this Ministry is doing its homework", the Secretary of State replied on his X profile (formerly Twitter) this weekend. Es una opcion pero se necesitan trenes que no tenemos todavia. Renfe ha hecho una compra historica de mas de 400 trenes que empezaran a llegar a finales de 2025. Y entre ellos los hay de doble altura. Paciencia porque este Ministerio esta haciendo sus deberes. Jose Antonio Santano (@jasantano) December 28, 2024 A few months ago, Renfe presented these new train units for large metropolitan areas of Spain. Their capacity is up to 950 passengers per service. They can be combined with single or double-decker carriages depending on demand, and do not have to be homogeneous throughout their composition. Features will include wifi and space for bicycles. The manufacturing contract is entrusted to Alstom and Stadler. Feasibility study on the coastal train A few days ago, on 26 December, the national Ministry of Transport put out to tender the first feasibility study for a rail corridor from Nerja to Algeciras. This is a historic step, insofar as for the first time it addresses the possibility of connecting the entire Costa del Sol in the future: the Malaga area, which is the main part, but also the Campo de Gibraltar area. Transports plans to contract an independent consultancy firm for 1.2 million euros (IVA sales tax included) for the drafting of the project. Although the execution period is 18 months The ministry takes the current C1 line as the heart of the transport system on the Costa del Sol. It has an important demand, as it connects the capital of Malaga with Malaga airport, fourth in the country in terms of passenger traffic, and with medium-sized towns located on the western Costa del Sol: Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola, the tender states. In the first decade of this century, the C1 route was divided into three different sections, but there is little room for manoeuvre left. One of the most profitable lines It has been precisely a year since the study carried out by ARCS for Malaga city council and the provincial Diputacion authority with a proposal for a coastal train. In that document, the numbers of the current Cercanias were analysed in depth. And the comparison with other territories is not advantageous for Malaga and the Costa del Sol. In terms of number of lines, Barcelona has 18, Madrid has 10, Valencia 6 and Seville 5. It is true that in the Catalan case other railway services are provided apart from Renfe. If we take the length of the routes, Barcelona and its surrounding area have 462.7 kilometres; Madrid, 370 kilometres; Valencia, 323; Seville, 254, and Malaga, barely 70, making it the province in Spain with the shortest route length in relation to its population. Moreover, in kilometres per 100,000 inhabitants, Malaga's ratio is 4.07, significantly lower than Seville's 13, Valencia's 12, Barcelona's 8 and Madrid's almost 6. In terms of population served, the figures are not in Malaga's favour either. In Madrid, 91.4% of the population is covered by Cercanias; in Barcelona, 89.8%; in Valencia, 60.4%; in Seville, 67.1%, but in Malaga, only 57.4%. The data on daily circulations per inhabitant, this time provided by the ATUC national association of urban and metropolitan transport, is not flattering either. The C1 and C2 add up to 112 daily circulations in Malaga province, which gives an average of 6.7 circulations per 100,000 inhabitants. In this field, Madrid has 20.9 circulations; Bilbao, 23.3 services; Barcelona, 52.1; Valencia, 40.6; Asturias, 17.5 trains, and Alicante, 26.4 circulations, all in figures much higher than Malaga. The annual passenger volume of the Malaga Cercanias core C1 line totalled 11.8 million passengers in the last pre-pandemic year. Seville had only 7.7 million passengers despite having three more lines. Valencia, with four more lines, was just 5 million passengers ahead of Malaga and added 16 million. Logically, Madrid (253 million) and Barcelona (119) lead the statistics by a long way. Last year, Malaga's Cercanias (suburban trains) shot up to more than 16 million. Travellers and revenues A particularly interesting chapter is that of passengers and revenue. Malaga has the highest revenue per passenger in relation to the length of the available network after Barcelona and Madrid, and is almost three times the size of Valencia and more than six times the size of Seville. The average revenue per passenger in Malaga is 33% higher than the Spanish average. Which are the most used Cercanias stations according to the aforementioned document? By far, Malaga Centro Alameda (1.4 million passengers per year), Fuengirola (1.2 million), Malaga Maria Zambrano (1.1 million) and Arroyo de la Miel (1 million). At the other end of the scale are Torremuelle (173,000), Guadalhorce (147,000), Los Alamos (123,000) and Carvajal (118,000). The ACRS report also makes it clear that Malaga is the least costly for the public coffers, as it covers 75% of its expenses. Preparations for the last dinner of the year in Spain are traditionally marked by a frenetic day at the fresh food markets and shops to acquire all the ingredients followed by feverish activity in every kitchen to prepare a good feast to enjoy with family and friends. As an alternative to this option, there is a growing trend to spend New Year's Eve away from home. Among the range of options, one of the preferred choices is to do so in hotels. These places have seen how demand grows every year for guests to book their farewell to the year. This year of 2024 is no exception and hotels in Malaga province have filled their restaurants for this special occasion with dining options ranging from 225 to 1,250 euros, depending on the menu offered and the category of the hotel. Hotel managers consulted by SUR agree that more and more people are choosing to bid farewell to the year in their establishments and this is evident in the speed with which they tend to get fully booked the minute the bookings are advertised, despite the fact that prices have risen by between 10% and 15% compared to last year due to the increase in production costs. As far as the dinners are concerned, in the case of the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio, 250 people will be seated in its dining rooms to sample the menu with which they will see out 2024. "On 2 November we put the tickets for this particular dinner on sale and in less than two weeks it was already sold out; by the middle of that month there was no more room", said the hotel's director, Jorge Gonzalez. "In less than two weeks we were already sold out for this dinner", said Jorge Gonzalez, director of AC Hotel Malaga Palacio. As is traditional at this iconic hotel in the capital of the Costa del Sol, the New Year's Eve dinner will be themed and this year it will be dedicated to Asia and the main country will be China. It will be attended by guests whose profile is that of Malaga residents who have been enjoying New Year's Eve at AC Hotel Malaga Palacio for years - the 'regulars' - as well as diners from other Andalusian and Spanish provinces and, to a lesser extent, some international clientele. "These are families, groups of friends or couples," said Gonzalez, who added that in his case one of the differentiating elements is that they require a black tie to attend as it is a 'cotillon' dinner dance event. Also in the city, Only You Malaga's two restaurants offer different menus at the hotel. In the Carmen it will be 260 euros for up to 70 diners to enjoy, while in the Lola, at 350 euros per person, 110 people will be eating. According to the director of this five-star hotel, Pedro Echevarria, these are mainly hotel guests taking dinner as part of their stay - both nationals and foreigners - and a "relevant" percentage of Malaga residents who are regular customers and want to say goodbye to the year in a special way. Dinner is again followed by live music to fill the dance floor. Zoom Festive decorations in one of the rooms of the Marbella Club Hotel. SUR This year of 2024 has been a special year for the Marbella Club Hotel, located in one of the main tourist resorts in the province, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. The anniversary celebrations will come to an end with a New Year's Eve dinner priced at 1,250 euros with a menu prepared by its executive chef, Santiago Guerrero, and with wine pairings selected by its sommelier Angel Gonzalez. What's on the menu? Guests at the Marbella Club Hotel will enjoy a dinner offering such delicacies as Ossetra caviar and king crab, blinis, sour cream and citrus, Escoffier consomme with 1866 brandy, glazed lobster with beurre blanc and amontillado sauce and beef tenderloin with Perigueux sauce and vegetables. For afters there is a creamy, two-chocolate dessert with cherry, mango and vanilla pearls, all washed down with Dom Perignon champagne. After dinner and the New Year toasts there will be live music and a DJ. In Fuengirola the El Higueron hotel resort also dresses up in its finery to bid farewell to 2024. Its director, Monica Lopez, explained that around 400 guests will fill the hotel's 1,600 square metre hall to enjoy an evening that will begin with a cocktail reception at 8.30pm and end in the early hours of the morning. Chef Diego Gallegos will be in charge of preparing a Michelin Star menu at El Higueron in Fuengirola The dinner, priced at 365 euros per person - the package with room costs 830 euros - will consist of a Michelin star style menu prepared by Diego Gallegos, the chef from the Sollo restaurant, and where the wines from the hotel's bodega will play a special role. Lopez commented that this year there are numerous groups of friends from different parts of Andalucia who have chosen this resort to bid farewell to the year. Guests will enjoy a welcome mix of nibbles to include monchi cheese (made with sheep's milk) with local Axarquia mango chutney, matured beef temaki with Riofrio caviar and red prawn ravioli with plankton emulsion, all washed down with Moet et Chandon Brut Imperial Rose. Dinner will be served with wild tuna ceviche with tiger's milk (the citrusy marinade of the seafood mix, a Peruvian staple) and caviar, chilled cream of lobster soup, smoked eel, shellfish and pickles, turbot in spicy green sauce and trout roe, beef tournedos steak, puree of root veg, perigord sauce and truffle, dark chocolate, olive oil emulsion and hazelnut crunch and typical Christmas sweet treats accompanied by Ossian white wine (from Segovia), PSI Dominio de Pingus red wine (Ribera del Duero) and Moet et Chandon Vintage 2016. Aehcos, the trade association for hoteliers along the Costa del Sol reported that 53.30% of the establishments open will organise parties to welcome in the new year. Hotels in this second part of the Christmas festivities have an occupancy rate of 80%, a similar figure to last year at the same time. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa will begin his annual leave tomorrow, a break that will extend until early February 2025, according to a statement from his spokesperson, George Charamba, who is also serving as acting chief secretary to the President and Cabinet.During the President's absence, the country's leadership will be managed by the two Vice Presidents in an alternating arrangement. From December 31, 2024, to January 19, 2025, Vice President Kembo Mohadi will assume the role of Acting President. He will then hand over responsibilities to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who will act as President until Mnangagwa returns in early February.The rotation underscores the collaborative leadership structure within the executive branch, ensuring continuity of governance during the President's leave.President Mnangagwa's annual break comes at a time when Zimbabwe is navigating key national issues, including economic stabilization efforts and preparations for various policy initiatives set to unfold in 2025. Both acting leaders are expected to oversee government operations, with their focus likely to remain on maintaining stability and addressing ongoing challenges.Further details on the President's itinerary during his leave have not been disclosed. Lottery administration in Calle Marmoles where the first prize was sold in last year's draw. Rossel Aparicio Malaga Monday, 30 December 2024, 20:24 | Updated 20:32h. Compartir Many people in Spain who were unlucky in the huge Christmas lottery (Loteria de Navidad), with the famous El Gordo jackpot on 22 December, will no doubt try their luck again with the Loteria de El Nino. The draw will start on 6 January 2025 at 12 noon, in the Loterias y Apuestas del Estado centre and will be held using the multi-drum system. What are the most repeated combinations throughout its history? How many times and when has it fallen in Malaga? Here are some interesting facts about the draw, its list of prizes, history and other facts. Take note. 1 El Nino tickets and prizes According to the information provided by the state's Loterias y Apuestas del Estado, this year's issue is 55 series of 100,000 tickets each, at a price of 200 euros per ticket, divided into tenths (decimos) of 20 euros. The total amount issued is 1.1 billion euros. Seventy per cent of the issue, or 770 million euros, is earmarked for prizes. The most important prizes are as follows: A first prize of two million euros per series. A second prize of 750,000 euros per series. third prize of 250,000 euros per series. 2 History of the El Nino draw Zoom Since when has this popular draw been held? There are documented references that in 1868 this draw was already popularly known as 'El Nino', perhaps as it coincides with Epiphany and Kings' Day, which is celebrated in Spain on 6 January. According to official sources, it was not until 1941 that this draw was officially given its name and became the second most important draw in the national lottery after 'El Gordo'. At that time it consisted of four series of 42,000 tickets each, at 150 pesetas per ticket, divided into tenths (decimos) of 15 pesetas. That year 166,668 tickets were sold with a total takings of 25,230,000 pesetas, which brought in a profit of just over 7.7 million pesetas for the state. Another fact to highlight: all the draws have been held uninterruptedly by the Old or Traditional System until 1965, and by the Modern or Multiple Draw System since 1966. Finally, it should be noted that in 1999 the El Nino draw was held on 6 January instead of 5 January. Watch out for the most repeated endings Which number to pick? For those who check the statistics the number 0 is the 'favourite' termination of the first prize of the draw: it has come up twenty times, the last time in 2021. According to figures provided by Loterias y Apuestas del Estado (LAE), it is followed in frequency of occurrence by the number seven and then nine. The number three, on the other hand, is the number that has won the highest prize of the draw the least number of times. Below, we list the numbers that have won, from 1908 to 2024, the first prize in the 'Loteria de El Nino' lottery: Zoom List of numbers that have won the first prize in the El Nino draw from 1908 to 2024. SUR Expenditure per inhabitant and prizes in Malaga According to official data, in the Andalucia region the spend per inhabitant is 14.77 euros this year. In the province of Malaga, 14.66 euros per inhabitant. In 2024 the Loteria del Nino first prize, with the number 94,974, was sold all over Spain, including in Malaga province where it fell in several localities : Torremolinos (Plaza del Lido), in Marbella (Calle Fortaleza), in Arriate (in Calle Ronda) and in Malaga city (Calle Marmoles, Avenida Velazquez and Calle Catapilco). Curiously, the third prize was also won in these last two administrations. Up until 2024, Malaga city has won the first prize six times (1919, 1987, 2002, 2016, 2021 and 2024). In Torremolinos it has landed twice (2016, 2024) while in other municipalities it has been sold once: Alhaurin de la Torre (2021), Antequera (1910), Arriate (2024), Coin (1946), Estepona (2021), Marbella (2024) and Velez-Malaga (1970). Daniel Martinez Santander Monday, 30 December 2024, 16:53 Compartir Senen Turienzo, the young climber who was reported missing in Spain Picos de Europa mountain range last week, has been found alive, according to 112 Asturias. Turienzo was located by the emergency services of Jou de los Boches, Cabrales. After being evacuated from the area on board a medical helicopter, he was admitted to Oviedo hospital with traumatic head injury, various bruises and possible fractures of the upper limbs, injuries compatible with a heavy fall. The young man, who is from Leon, was located around 2pm. The Asturias rescue team was tracking the area between the Urriellu refuge and Horcada de Cain when they heard someone calling for help. The voices came from the Jou de los Boches area, so they diverted their attention to that point, while informing the SEPA helicopter, which was participating in the aerial search. Once in the area, the rescuers verified from the air that there was a person who could be clearly seen. The team members on the ground verified that it was the young man they were looking for. They attended to him and stabilised him to lift him onto the aircraft, before being taken to the Hospital de Asturias, where he arrived at 3.30pm. Como ya os indicamos el montanero aparecio con vida en el Jou de los Boches. Ya ha sido evacuado al @HUCA_Asturias. https://t.co/gnOhtLhVg2 pic.twitter.com/8Dt3HBLC0J 112 Asturias (@112Asturias) December 27, 2024 The 23-year-old climber went missing last Monday. An intense search was activated with the advanced command post based in Sotres, as the young man's idea was to reach Covadonga by crossing the complicated mountain range. After the search had to be suspended at nightfall on Thursday, it was resumed on Friday morning. Cantabria had asked the Spanish central government on Thursday for the UME emergency military unit to join the search operation, but the request was rejected, which generated a great deal of "anger". The Guardia Civil said: "We received information from the Parque Nacional Picos de Europa that the mountaineer was supposedly last seen in the Pandebano area, so all efforts were focused on searching around Cabraliega. The area to be searched was very extensive and complicated, but fortunately the search had a happy ending. Buena noticia. Ha aparecido el montanero de 23 anos perdido en Picos de Europa. Gran trabajo y coordinacion del servicio de proteccion civil de Cantabria, el 112 Cantabria, el SEPA de Asturias y al GREIM. Sois un orgullo para los cantabros. M.J Saenz de Buruaga (@mjburuaga) December 27, 2024 After learning of the successful conclusion of the search, the president of the Cantabrian regional government, Maria Jose Saenz de Buruaga, publicly congratulated the professionals involved in the operation on the X social media network (formerly Twitter). Government minister Isabel Urrutia said, "The rescue was good news in a situation that was already extreme. The first hours are key, hence our commitment to invest all the means available to the national civil protection system. The team that helped is a source of pride for this region. It is a group that has been able to collaborate and support this joint work with Asturias." Marcy, N.Y. The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision is investigating an incident at Mid-State prison in Marcy that left an inmate badly injured. Edward Sholtz, 22, was transported from Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy to a hospital on Dec. 17, Thomas Mailey, a spokesman for the corrections department, said this weekend. DOCCS Office of Special Investigations has been investigating Shultzs incident and so far, Mailey said, there are no signs of any misconduct by staff or other foul play. The investigation is ongoing, he said. When Sholtzs family was able to see him on Dec. 20, they were told by his doctor that he was brain dead, his two sisters Channie Peet and Aaliyah Sholtz told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard this weekend. The prison didnt tell his family that Sholtz had been taken to the hospital, and they still dont know why he ended up there, Peet said. The day Sholtz was taken to the hospital, Mailey said a contact person for the inmate was notified. The person they contacted was Sholtzs girlfriend, said his youngest sister, Aaliyah. The family learned about what happened from an inmate who lived a few cells down from Sholtz, they said. They stated that Edwards cell was taped off with crime scene tape and its been like that for several days, and they were concerned, Peet said. They said, please do not let them tell you its a suicide. Sholtz lived in a single cell, said his aunt, Stacey Young. She believes he didnt attempt to kill himself. She also said she doesnt believe it was an inmate altercation since Sholtz lived alone. We want answers, Peet said. We know nothing. We are in the dark. But one thing is for certain, my brother did not commit suicide. After being told by the inmate what happened, the family said they reached out to the prison. After struggling to get someone on the phone with answers, they attempted to get the name of the hospital Sholtz had been taken to, Aaliyah said. The prison said they could not give out the name of the hospital, but could only provide them with a number, according to Sholtzs family. They later learned that Sholtz had been taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica. After getting visitation confirmation from the prison, his mother, Jacqueline Sholtz, was able to visit her son two days after he arrived at the hospital, Peet said. More family members were allowed to visit soon after. Recent reports of abuse by correctional officers at prisons in Marcy have the family worried, Peet said. In 2016, at the same prison where Sholtz is housed, there was a rampage by at least 31 prison guards, where inmates were jumped, kicked, sodomized and touched sexually. This month, Court of Claims Judge Anthony Brindisi ruled New York state owes restitution to 28 current and former inmates for the pain and humiliation they suffered that day. The state Attorney Generals office is currently investigating the death of Robert L. Brooks, 43, who died at a Utica hospital on Dec. 10 after being beaten by guards at Marcy Correctional Facility, a prison less than a mile from Mid-State. Thirteen guards and a nurse are under investigation in connection with Brooks death. Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered the guards involved in the incident to be fired. If Sholtz dies, the death would be investigated by the state Attorney General, State Police and DOCCS Office of Special Investigations, Mailey said. Sholtz was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2021 after admitting that he choked and sexually assaulted a jogger one afternoon along the Creekwalk near Destiny USA a year earlier. Sholtz, who was 18 years old at the time, admitted to attempting to rape a 37-year-old woman, then attacking a 71-year-old man who stopped him. Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com. Syracuse, N.Y. Ten people were displaced from their home Sunday after an electrical fire spread to multiple rooms in an apartment. Around 12:20 p.m., firefighters responded to 108 Hier Ave. for a report of a house on fire, according to a news release from the Syracuse Fire Department. When fire crews arrived, they found a two-and-a-half-story house with a large amount of smoke coming from the roofs edges. Fire crews fought the fire on the second floor and in the attic, firefighters said. The fire spread into multiple rooms and into the attics floor. A hole was cut into the roof to allow trapped smoke and heat the home, firefighters said. Firefighters said the fire was declared out in 20 minutes. Crews were on the scene for an additional two hours, clearing smoke from the building and cleaning up, they said. The home suffered significant fire, smoke, and water damage on the second floor and attic. The first floor and basement sustained water damage. The American Red Cross was on scene to assist those displaced. No in juries were reported, firefighters said. Syracuse fire investigators determined the electrical fire started on the second floor, firefighters said. Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com Marcy, N.Y. The FBI announced this weekend it is investigating circumstances surrounding Robert Brooks death, an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility who was beaten by prison guards. The FBI Albany Field Office and the Department of Justice are reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Robert L. Brooks to determine the appropriate federal response, Sarah Ruane, a spokesperson for the FBI Albany Field Office, said Sunday. Ruane said the bureau is not able to comment further at this time. On Dec. 9, prison guards brutally beat Brooks, 43, who died six hours later at a Utica hospital. A video released Friday by the state Attorney Generals Office showed the officers punching, kicking, stripping and restraining Brooks. Preliminary findings of an autopsy by the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office said Brooks death was partially caused by the actions of another. No one has been charged at this time. Brooks, originally of Greece in Monroe County, was sentenced in 2017 to 12 years in prison on a first-degree assault charge. He was arrested after stabbing his girlfriend multiple times, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Brooks had been held in the Mohawk Correctional Facility, records show, but at some point was moved to the Marcy Correctional Facility. State prison officials have declined to say why or when the transfer happened. In addition to the FBI, the death is under investigation by four different state agencies the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the state AGs office, the State Police and the state Commission of Correction. The state Education Department, which licenses nurses and other professionals, was aware of the matter, a spokesperson said. On Friday, Attorney General Letitia James released video that shows a crowd of prison guards beating and restraining Brooks in the small infirmary. Gov. Kathy Hochul last weekend ordered 14 state employees involved in the assault a nurse and 13 corrections officers to be fired. One of the corrections officers, Anthony Farina, has already resigned. Brooks family viewed the footage of the beating earlier this week. An attorney for the family said Brooks final moments horrific and violent. The familys attorney Elizabeth Mazur, released a statement on behalf of the family Friday after the videos were released. Members of the public can now view for themselves the horrific and extreme nature of the deadly attack on Robert L. Brooks, she said. As viewers can see, Mr. Brooks was fatally, violently beaten by a group of officers whose job was to keep him safe. Robert Brooks is photographed with his son, Robert Brooks Jr., in 2010. The younger Brooks, who is now an adult, provided the photo following the death of his father, now 43, after a state investigator says he was beaten by corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility on Dec. 9, 2024.Photo courtesy of Robert Brooks Jr. Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com Cornell University is encouraging international students and staff to return early from winter break in anticipation of President-Elect Donald Trumps incoming administration. According to Cornells guidance, it is a good idea for students from the 12 countries targeted in Trumps previous travel ban, such as Iran and Yemen, to return to the United States before the universitys semester starts on Jan. 21. Countries like China or India could also be added to the list, it says. Trump will be inaugurated Jan. 20. Cornell is among a handful of colleges that have issued similar guidance ahead of Trumps second presidency. The president-elect has pledged to enact a travel ban and revoke student visas from radical anti-American and antisemitic foreigners. International college students are typically issued visas that allow them to study in the United States, but they must leave within 60 days after their program ends. As of fall 2023, more than 6,000 international students attended Cornell. At that time, there was at least one student from almost every country on the advisory list. Students going through customs in the United States may need to provide more evidence of their connection to Cornell, the universitys guidance says, and should bring additional paperwork proving their reason for travel, such as a transcript or funding documents. The guidance also encourages undocumented students and those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy to contact the universitys student support office with questions. Early deportations will likely focus on people with final orders of deportation, it adds. Threats of deportation will likely be challenged in courts and take longer than promised, it says. Maggie Hicks covers education, including the Syracuse City School District and Syracuse University. She can be reached at mhicks@syracuse.com or follow her on X @maggie_hickss. Marcy, N.Y. -- Gov. Kathy Hochul is scheduled to visit Marcy Correctional Facility today amid an investigation into the shocking death of inmate Robert Brooks following a brutal beating by guards that was captured on video. No details about the visit to the prison near Utica have been released by the governors office. A spokesperson for Hochul said details will be released later in the day. He said the visit will not be open to the press. Brooks, 43, died at a local hospital Dec. 10, hours after he was repeatedly punched and kicked in the groin, abdomen, face and back by guards in the Marcy prison infirmary with his hands cuffed behind his back. At the end of the video, a bloodied Brooks is seen lying motionless on an examination bed, his hand still cuffed behind his back. A medical examiner ruled the inmate died from asphyxia due to compression of his neck, as well as the death being due to actions of another, according to a court filing by state police. The savage beating was recorded on video by body cameras worn by four of the guards. None of the officers had turned on the cameras, but 30 minutes of video was recorded without audio thanks to a standby feature they may not have known about. Thirteen guards -- and a nurse who can be seen laughing while the beating was going on -- have been suspended. Hochul has ordered that all of them be fired. One of the guards, Anthony Farina, resigned the day after Brooks' death. The FBI announced over the weekend that it is investigating the circumstances of Brooks' death. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Rick Moriarty anytime at rmoriarty@syracuse.com or (315) 470-3148. Update: A Binghamton cop has been suspended without pay over leaked video of the incident. From earlier: A 20-year-old woman has been hospitalized in Upstate New York after being burned by a flaming drink at a bar. WBNG reports a female customer was seriously injured Friday night when she was served a drink that had been lit on fire at the Courtside Bar & Grill in Binghamton, N.Y. The alcohol combusted, causing a large spurt of fire. The victim was rushed to a local hospital for immediate treatment and then transferred to Upstate Medical in Syracuse, according to the TV news station. She has not been identified. Two other people were treated by medics for alcohol burns at the scene, the Binghamton Police Department said. Police charged 28-year-old Camlyn Lyons of Vestal with unlawful sale of alcohol to a person under the age of 21. Its unclear if other charges may be filed; an investigation is ongoing. An online Reddit post about the incident includes NSFW video, allegedly taken from security footage, showing flames shooting into an unidentified womans face. She appears to run away from the bar with flames still on her chest and head, while another person falls to the floor. Opinion / Columnist I was astonished to hear the other day that there are now over 85 000 Chinese nationals living in Zimbabwe. I questioned this estimate and was told no, its real. What on earth are they doing here? They are not migrants; they all want to go home eventually. Many have their families back in China and go back regularly. They are here to work? Why?Then it dawned on me, we are the new Australia. They have targeted us for raw materials for the industrial monster at home. We have lots of targets - the largest iron ore deposits in the world, plenty of limestone and coal so we can make steel. They need to move steel production away from China to avoid US and European trade restrictions and to move dirty, polluting industry to the pristine blue skies of Africa.We have the best Chrome deposits in the world, 9 billion tonnes of it worth a conservative US$100 trillion. We have enormous Lithium reserves and they are loaded with other critical minerals that are in fact worth more than the Lithium and we do not understand what that means. We applaud them because shortly we will be exporting 5 million tonnes of lithium concentrate a year to China, worth perhaps US$4 billion in new export earnings, four times our famous tobacco crop, but missing the fact that it might contain other metals and minerals worth many times more.A quarter of our gold output goes to China and we have no idea about how they are doing that or what is involved, but the evidence of open cast mining, large investments in milling and extracting machinery for the small-scale mining industry here which is among the most important in the world, is everywhere. They ignore environmental regulations and leave behind a moonscape of countryside that looks like a World War 1 battlefield.They are exploiting our finest coal reserves for their smelters and steel production, even exporting their surplus.It all started when we discovered the Marange diamond fields and they joined forces with our old army generals and created a company that was eventually responsible for 80 per cent of the production of raw diamonds there. I estimate that US$30 billion in raw diamonds has been produced between 2008 and today. At one stage we were larger than Botswana as a diamond producing State.The Chinese company that was involved was a tiny, rural corporation in China, owned by the Red Army. Today it is a multinational corporation with a whole bevy of top-class hotels, a private Jet and headquarters for Africa in Mozambique. Our old Army Generals all benefitted greatly, just look at the homes many of them have built in this country, the physical evidence of Chinese owned real estate in Harare is everywhere. The people of Marange still wallow in poverty and the active diamond fields do not have a single kilometer of tarred road although they have an international standard airport which can receive large aircraft to fly product out and bring people and equipment in.In the field of infrastructure to support all these large-scale investments, Chinese activity is focused totally on what they need to achieve their goals here. Power, water, railways, even Port capacity. Just to give you some idea of the scale of what they have in mind they plan an artificial Port on the coast of Mozambique capable of handling 200 million tonnes of cargo annually. That is four times the capacity of Maputo.What concerns me, is that none of this activity has any application to the needs of Zimbabwe. When I investigated the Marange diamond fields in 2012, as a Member of Parliament, I was able, with relative ease, to get the production information I needed for 5 of the 6 mining companies involved. Why, because they all employed Zimbabweans and I got daily output figures and even quality data (19 per cent Gemstone quality) and even sales data. The last remaining miner was Chinese owned and operated and they employed no Zimbabwean staff. To estimate what they were doing I had to look at US sourced satellite images which clearly showed what was going on below.The benefit to Zimbabwe of this level of Chinese activity here is evident. They buy the majority of our tobacco, our ferrochrome exports run to tens of millions of dollars a year. Drive past Hwange Colliery, owned notionally by the Government but in fact now largely a Chinese asset. The smoke stacks of coke batteries belching into the atmosphere. The queues of heavy-duty trucks carrying coal to local and regional markets. The road north and south now smashed and barely usable.There is little or no value addition except for the primary production phase. There are no plans to invest in a Lithium refinery to produce a product suitable for use in the production of batteries. Even the steel plant is only producing steel billets for export to China for conversion into finished product. International sanctions may force them to produce steel for sale to manufacturers in the West but for the time being they are producing a product for export in primary form.Right now, the decision by the Zimbabwe Government not to maintain power subsidies on electricity going to their furnaces, is forcing the Chinese companies to invest in coal-based power production.They are doing so at a cost of US$600 000 per megawatt with the objective of meeting their own needs at about US$6 cents per Kilowatt, one third of the current ZESA tariff which is necessary because the new Chinese built power station at Hange cost three times per Megawatt than what their own plant will cost. To achieve those sorts of outcome they will have to secure coal at rock bottom prices, while they supply ZESA at three times the cost.This is a very concerning situation and the question for us as a nation, is what do we do about it. First we have to recognise, that unlike Australia where privately owned and operated mines for coal and iron ore, mine these products for sale to China at a market related price. Australia has therefore been one of the main beneficiaries of the Chinese expanding economy. Australian criticism of Chinese human and political rights has evoked a very strong response leading to the sort of activity we see here.The Belt and Road initiatives in African and many other developing States almost always involve overpriced infrastructure which has to be financed on commercial terms. Hwange Power Station is a prime example, the railway line in Kenya and Ethiopia is another example. In many respects the main reason for this is that the Western world has not been either active or supportive.We in Zimbabwe need to recognise that China can be used to drive development but it must be on our terms. They must employ our people, their investments in infrastructure must serve out nation and not just their interests. We must get back full value of our exports to China. Our relationship with China must be carefully balanced, they must not be allowed to bribe our officials to secure benefits that are not in our national interests.The rape and pillage of our resources for marginal results simply cannot be allowed to continue. In brief: A group of artificial intelligence researchers has demonstrated running a powerful AI language model on a Windows 98 machine. And we're not talking about just any old PC, but a vintage Pentium II system with a mere 128MB of RAM. The team behind the experiment is EXO Labs, an organization formed by researchers and engineers from Oxford University. In a video shared on X, EXO Labs fired up a dusty Elonex Pentium II 350MHz system running Windows 98. Instead of playing Minesweeper or browsing with Netscape Navigator, the PC was put through its paces with something far more demanding: running an AI model. This model was based on Andrej Karpathy's Llama2.c code. Against all odds, the computer managed to generate a coherent story on command. It did it at a decent speed, too, which is usually difficult with AI models run locally. Pace is already a big enough challenge, but another hurdle the team had to overcome was getting modern code to compile and run on an operating system from 1998. Eventually, they managed to sustain a performance of 39.31 tokens per second running a Llama-based LLM with 260,000 parameters. Cranking up the model size significantly reduced the performance, though. For instance, the 1 billion parameter Llama 3.2 model barely managed 0.0093 tokens per second on the vintage hardware. As for why the team is trying so hard to run AI models that typically require powerful server hardware on such ancient machines, the goal is to develop AI models that can run on even the most modest of devices. EXO Labs' mission is to "democratize access to AI" and prevent a handful of tech giants from monopolizing this game-changing technology. 35.9 tok/sec on Windows 98 This is a 260K LLM with Llama-architecture. We also tried out larger models. Results in the blog post. https://t.co/QsViEQLqS9 pic.twitter.com/lRpIjERtSr Alex Cheema - e/acc (@alexocheema) December 28, 2024 For this, the company is developing what it calls the "BitNet" a transformer architecture that uses ternary weights to drastically reduce model size. With this architecture, a 7 billion parameter model needs just 1.38GB of storage, making it feasible to run on most budget hardware. Related reading: Meet Transformers: The Google Breakthrough that Rewrote AI's Roadmap BitNet is also designed to be CPU-first, avoiding the need for expensive GPUs. More impressively, the architecture can leverage a staggering 100 billion parameter model on a single CPU while maintaining human reading speeds at 5-7 tokens per second. If you're keen to join the locally-run models revolution, EXO Labs is actively seeking contributors. Just check out the full blog post to get a better idea of the mission. The big picture: A combination of buyer strategies and market conditions are expected to drive DRAM prices down across the board in the first quarter of 2025. As outlined in TrendForce's latest market report, PC OEMs accelerated inventory reduction efforts in Q4 2024. The strategy is expected to persist into the first quarter of next year, further suppressing bit procurement volumes. DDR4 price declines, in particular, are expected to accelerate due in part to sluggish consumer demand, increased production from Chinese suppliers, and low-priced chips flooding the market. As a result, PC DRAM prices are expected to drop by eight to 13 percent. Server DRAM pricing both DDR4 and DDR5 is expected to weaken in part because of slow seasonal demand. Manufacturers have also started shifting DDR4 capacity to DDR5 production, while others are moving HBM production to focus on DDR5. As a result, server DRAM prices as a whole could fall by five to 10 percent in Q1 as DDR4 price declines accelerate. Memory for mobile solutions and graphics products will also be impacted. Smartphone manufacturers have spent the past two quarters adjusting DRAM stockpiles, which will allow them to maintain a passive procurement strategy in Q1 2025 in hopes of attaining more favorable contract pricing. As such, TrendForce expects contract pricing for LPDDR4X and LPDDR5X to fall by eight to 13 percent and three to eight percent, respectively, in Q1 2025. GDDR7 stockpiling for next-gen GPUs will help graphics DRAM pricing but even still, broader DRAM market weakness and heightened inventories will impact the market. TrendForce expects to see graphics DRAM market prices decline by an average of five to 10 percent in Q1. Related reading: Cheap vs. Premium DDR5: Stock vs. EXPO/XMP Memory For the average consumer looking to pick up a new kit of DDR4 or DDR5 memory for a new build or an existing rig, now is a great time to do so. Prices are low and with post-holiday sales, you can save even more. This 32GB kit of G.Skill DDR4, for example, is under $50 over on Newegg. Tens of thousands protest over Spain flood response Valencia, Spain, Dec 29 (AFP) Dec 29, 2024 Tens of thousands of people demonstrated on Sunday in Valencia, hit hard by recent floods, in the latest such protest over the government response to the unprecedented natural disaster. The October 29 tragedy killed 231 people and devastated swathes of the eastern Valencia region, leaving thousands of victims to spend Christmas without loved ones, homes or property in the traditionally Catholic country. On Sunday, some 80,000 people, according to regional police, again denounced the handling of Spain's deadliest natural disaster in decades. "After everything that has happened with the floods, no politician has resigned, nor have there been any consequences, nor are they doing anything", said Enrique Soriano. Much of the popular anger has been directed at the head of the Valencia region, Carlos Mazon, with protesters shouting "murderer" and "criminal" and carrying signs reading "Mazon resign". "Mazon did not do his job. And those who don't do their job have to go to the streets. Especially a civil servant", said Amparo Mateos from the town of Picana. The anger is acutely raw in Valencia, which bore the brunt of the disaster: out of the 231 people killed in the disaster, 223 were in the Valencia region. Four people are still listed as missing. It marked a third major demonstration in Valencia over the government response, following protests held on November 9 and 30 that attracted 130,000 and 100,000 people, respectively, according to Valencia police. Much of the anger has been focused on the fact that many residents received telephone alerts after water was already engulfing their homes, while some municipalities went without aid for days, relying on volunteers for immediate rescue work. The popular fury was on stark display during a November 3 visit to the epicentre of the disaster by Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia, alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Mazon, when survivors pelted the delegations with mud in images that stunned the country. French premier promises concrete aid for cyclone-hit Mayotte Mamoudzou, Dec 30 (AFP) Dec 30, 2024 French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou promised relief for Mayotte on Monday, saying he aimed to rebuild the Indian Ocean territory ravaged by Cyclone Chido within two years. The most devastating cyclone to hit France's poorest department in 90 years caused colossal damage in mid-December, killing at least 39 people and injuring more than 5,600. Authorities have warned the death toll could rise in the archipelago. The people of Mayotte "often have the sentiment that what we bring them are assurances, pretty words of solidarity", Bayrou said after visiting a desalination plant. But what they want is "concrete" action, he said. After touring areas damaged by the cyclone and meeting local leaders, Bayrou presented dozens of measures in the outlines of a recovery plan that he dubbed "Mayotte standing". One top priority was for electricity to be "restored to every home by the end of January," he said, promising that state-owned electricity provider EDF would send additional staff and 200 generators. Two weeks after Cyclone Chido, emergency services are still trying to restore water, power and telecoms services. "We're not so big here, Mayotte is 374 square kilometres (144 square miles)," said Ali Mohamed, a worker at the archipelago's main hospital. "It should have been sorted out in two weeks. We've been abandoned, we can see it." Bayrou had earlier vowed a "second phase" to the recovery plan that would aim to rebuild the archipelago within two years. "It's not just about rebuilding Mayotte as it was. It's about designing a different future for Mayotte," he added. Ministers will approve an emergency draft law on reconstruction as early as Friday before its presentation to parliament, Bayrou said on Monday evening, with a longer-term plan set to come before MPs "within three months". - Slums - Estelle Youssouffa, a centrist MP representing Mayotte, said France's aid plan was insufficient to meet the needs of the territory's real population, which includes tens of thousands of undocumented migrants. Mayotte's population stands officially at 320,000, but there are an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 more undocumented inhabitants living in shanty towns that were utterly destroyed by the cyclone. Bayrou said there would be a "comprehensive and precise census of the population" and trailed further restrictions on the birthright citizenship law that applies on most French soil. Right-wingers have long demanded an exemption for Mayotte, believing it could deter prospective immigrants, especially from The Comoros. The right-wing mayor of the capital Mamoudzou, who has called for tougher controls on runaway population growth in Mayotte, showed Bayrou the devastated slums covering the hills around the city. "We can't let people make the same mistakes and hope the outcome will be different," Ambdilwahedou Soumaila told him. Both Paris and local authorities would work to "forbid and prevent the reconstruction of shanty towns," Bayrou said as he laid out his recovery plan. The prime minister had arrived with 2.5 tonnes of aid supplies aboard his plane. He visited a field hospital and a secondary school in a slum that had been looted after the cyclone. Troops and police would be deployed to guard schools against such raids, Bayrou said. He was accompanied to Mayotte by a large delegation of officials, including Education Minister Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls, the new overseas territories minister. The 73-year-old Bayrou, only recently appointed prime minister, had faced criticism for chairing a local council meeting in his home city of Pau in southern France while Mayotte grappled with the aftermath of the deadly cyclone. China expects New Year holiday tourism boom with relaxed immigration policies Xinhua) 14:04, December 30, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- With the latest relaxation and extension of its immigration policies, China is expected to become a popular destination for foreign tourists this upcoming New Year holiday. The number of inbound and outbound passengers will reach 2.05 million per day during the New Year holiday in China, up 18.8 percent year on year, as the National Immigration Administration has forecast. Peak hours are expected to occur mainly on the evening of Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025. During the holiday, four major airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu are expected to handle nearly 200,000 international passengers per day. Earlier this month, China announced a significant relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the initial 72 hours and subsequent 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days. Under the updated policy, eligible citizens from 54 countries can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region. These travelers may enter through any of the 60 ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities and stay within the designated areas for up to 240 hours. Besides, China has implemented a complete mutual visa exemption for 26 countries and issued a unilateral visa-free policy for 38 countries. "This is my second visit to China. In the past, I had to go through visa and other formalities before I could come here. With this new policy, it is becoming more and more convenient to come to China," said Beschetnov Stanislav from Russia. Upon landing at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, he planned to use the visa-free transit policy to take his family to the Bund, Nanjing Road, and other scenic spots in the city. According to the statistics of Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection, from Dec. 17 to 24, the station issued 240-hour temporary entry permits to nearly 1,000 foreigners. The top five countries are Russia, the United States, Britain, Sweden and Canada. "We are on a five-day vacation in Shanghai this time. It is more convenient to come to China now, taking just over an hour to fly here, without complicated procedures or costs of a visa application," said Lim Seung-hwan from the Republic of Korea (ROK). Since China extended its visa-free policy to ROK and Japan last month, 11,000 passenger flights between Shanghai and the two countries and 363,000 ROK and Japanese tourists have been logged at Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection. The passenger number increased by more than 20 percent compared with the same period from September to October. In the meantime, the southern Chinese island province of Hainan has always enjoyed the best visa-free entry policy in China. Since the beginning of this year, more than 350,000 foreign tourists have entered Hainan visa-free, a year-on-year increase of more than three times, accounting for 85 percent of the foreign tourists visiting the tropical island. Visa-free entry has become the main way for foreigners to enter Hainan. The Mohan railway port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, an important gateway on the China-Laos Railway that entered operation in April of 2023, has welcomed over 33,000 foreign tourists this year, a year-on-year increase of 99.5 percent, including over 9,500 visa-free entries, an increase of ten times from last year. China recorded nearly 29.22 million inbound foreign visits between January and November 2024, up 86.2 percent year on year. Of these, 17.45 million entered the country visa-free, marking a significant 123.3 percent year-on-year growth. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Aggressive drivers An excellent substantive article on whats been going on in recent years, when it comes to plummeting pedestrian safety ( Roads are getting safer but not for pedestrians , 29/12). Heres hoping motorists take note. A quibble though, its not vehicles killing people walking, its the people behind the wheel. Theres also a question left begging, about why some motorists seem to be so cavalier about the safety of the pedestrian. Is it the growing frustration from increased traffic congestion in metro Melbourne? Could it be self-entitlement borne of a fancy new car, or worse, an assumption of might is right, so pedestrians had better get out of the way? As the former strategic planner and project manager for Milduras national award-winning CBD access and mobility strategy, I can tell you the vast majority of our community saw the sense of slowing traffic in just the CBD to 30kmh. However, a small handful of loud, illogical and aggressive opponents almost prevailed. Thankfully an independent community survey and data analysis of vehicle speed, traffic efficiency and pedestrian volumes confirmed it was a good decision. One wonders whether making any offending motorist who is found at fault fully financially liable for all medical care plus loss of earnings suffered by the injured pedestrian they hit, might bring some accountability into this tragic mess? Bernadette George, Mildura Its encouraging to see the expose by The Age regarding the growth of the western suburbs of Melbourne ( Not so quiet on the western front , 30/12). What is missing is the required infrastructure to make these western suburbs as liveable as the eastern suburbs, in particular efficient public transport and decent roads. You only need to travel on the M8 at any time of the day to see cars at a standstill, especially at peak hour, and realise that this is only a four lane freeway, despite being a major route to Adelaide and heavily congested with trucks. Try getting on or off the ring road (M80) at peak times and youll understand the issues facing these expanding communities. These communities have been neglected for far too long and development has gone ahead without appropriate planning to enable the infrastructure to be established first. We may see a change of voting patterns as a consequence. Denise Stevens, Healesville Lack of deterrence As a family now without our beautiful 24-year-old daughter Elise, who was cruelly killed in October this year while walking to an event, I have part of the answer. Deterrence is weak in a system that is still inadequate in supporting the victims those killed and alive. While there are many cultural, legislative, regulatory, psychological, social, physical, emotional etc aspects to your story, it is clear to me that despite all the education and more for some drivers who are effectively in charge of a weapon, they have no respect or consideration for others. Yet, in nearly all these matters at some point the offenders licence is given back to them if it is suspended or disqualified at all. Really? These are incidents not accidents. Which raises questions about whether driving should be considered a right or a privilege. Our festive season is lonely and heartbreaking by the way. Michael Hodder, Clifton Hill Lack of care Your report on pedestrian deaths was chilling reading, although not shocking. Every day I see drivers run red lights, ignore zebra crossings and not use indicators. And, thankfully less frequently, I see pedestrians too engrossed in their device to see an ambulance approaching. I cross at the intersection of Smith and Johnson Streets in Collingwood/Fitzroy at least once daily. I cross with a green light but most days I have to jump out of the way of a dangerous driver, going through a red light. When I suggested to VicRoads that cameras could be installed, I was advised that as no accidents had been reported, the expense wasnt justified. Phil Burnham, Collingwood Pedestrian education I was always taught to walk against the traffic so we could see approaching cars. I am surprised at how few pedestrians do this now. Where I live it is common to see pedestrians walking with the traffic, unaware of approaching cars. At times they are pushing a pram or walking their dog. Many wear headphones and dark clothing. I am not excusing motorists but suggesting possible education for pedestrians. Patricia Cameron-Hill, Mount Macedon People may cross roads Your report used the term jaywalking. There is no offence of jaywalking in Australia. The term is confusing and likely contributes to victim-blaming in pedestrian crashes. Here, people may cross a road if they need to, so long as they are not within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing. This strikes a sensible balance, recognising that sometimes people who are walking need to cross roads where formal pedestrian crossings may not be provided. Legally it is up to both people who are walking and people who are driving to do what they can to avoid crashes. Jane Holroyd, Coburg Fertile ground In his interesting list of highlights of 2024 (Opinion, 30/12) George Brandis sees Australian republicanism as the greatest lost cause. On the same day, James Massola reports that support for a republic has risen from 36 to 41 per cent and opposition to a republic has fallen to 28 per cent. Further, only 31 per cent of Australians view the King has having done the job well. This is fertile ground for those who believe in an independent Australia with its own head of state. While I understand Brandis promoting his monarchists views, the facts are that Australia becoming a republic may be a lot closer than many think. James Young, Mt Eliza The museum Mallacootas Bunker Museum was once part of a group of World War II-era military installations. The Bunker Museum was originally part of a chain of military installations that protected this exposed easterly part of the Australian coast during World War II. Now visitors descend the stairs into the rainbow-roofed bunker for a taste of military and local history with displays of trench art made from shell casings, the story of the sinking of British ship the SS Cumberland and a full-scale replica of home life in the 1940s complete with a mannequin looking like she has come off the set of Dads Army. See mallacootabunker.com.au The market Located near The Muddie, the mud brick pavilion at the centre of the Lions Park in town, this local market is full of the freshest local produce, local arts and crafts and community groups. It is a regularly changing roster of stallholders but keep an eye out for The Travelling Squid with its signature salt-and-pepper calamari and prawn twists. See mallacootamarkets.com The festival The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival was created to celebrate some of the less-loved creatures of the sea, such as the abalone and sea urchin that Mallacoota is known for. Started in 2022 (after some delays), the whelk-om dinner might have local oysters cooked over fire by Noel Butler from First Nations social enterprise Black Duck Foods, and pesce crudo using locally caught fish by guest chefs such as Stefano de Pieri. You might catch a live band, learn a sea shanty or enter a sandcastle-making competition. It is an intimate introduction to this special part of Victoria. See wildharvestseafoodfestival.com The creative hub The Mallacoota Art Space, inside the Croajingolong Centre, often hosts an artist-in-residence. Tucked in behind the local radio station, inside the Croajingolong Centre, is the Mallacoota Art Space that is not only hung with works from local artists but, more often that not, will have an artist-in-residence producing works who is up for a chat about the local area and the wild coast that provides much of the inspiration for the local makers and creators. See visitmallacoota.com.au The nature walk Croajingalong National Park is great for bathing, walking or just taking in the view. It is a short drive to Genoa Falls in the Croajingolong National Park, just outside of Mallacoota, where the water runs down a long, flat slope packed full of water dragons that dart away into the rocks as soon as they see you. It is a great spot for bathing or simply wandering through the walking trails. If you have extra time, the walk to Genoa Peak gives you a killer view of the surrounding bush and waterways. See visitmallacoota.com.au One more thing Abalone is now being processed locally. Bangkok: Three foreigners were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel near Bangkoks popular backpacker district on Sunday night, authorities said, with seven others being treated in hospital. The fire broke out on the fifth floor of the six-storey Ember Hotel, Bangkoks Fire and Rescue Department said, with a woman dying at the scene and two men pronounced dead in hospital. Police stand guard after The Ember Hotel fire in Bangkok, Thailand. Credit: AP The three victims who died in the fire were later identified as a Brazilian woman, Carolina Pimentel Canales de Albuquerque, 24, a Ukrainian man, Tuzov Victor, 27, and an American man, Freeman Timothy Jr, 35, the Telegraph of London reported. The hotel is near the Khao San area of Bangkok that is popular with backpackers and known for its bars and hostels. 179 killed Plane burst into flames after skidding off runway in S Korea Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport, South Korea on Sunday. (AP/PTI) SEOUL : l 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet with 181 people on board slammed into a concrete fence after its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy l 2 crew members were safe A PASSENGER plane skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport on 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 kilometres 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 AM. 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. 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 recognisable 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 January 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 apologised 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. Adani Foundation helps student with kidney ailment LUCKNOW : IN ITS unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, the Adani Foundation has once again extended its helping hand, this time to support a young engineering student battling a life-threatening illness. Anoop Mishra, a 19-year-old BTech student specialising in cybersecurity at Ram Swaroop College, Lucknow, is grappling with last-stage chronic kidney disease. Currently undergoing treatment at SGPGI Lucknow, Anoop requires a kidney transplant to survive. The high cost of the transplant posed an insurmountable challenge for Anoops family, whose financial situation was dire. In a desperate bid for assistance, social workers and well-wishers took to social media, appealing directly to Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and the Adani Foundation. Their pleas were heard by the industrialist, who has long been recognised for his philanthropic endeavours. Deeply moved by Anoops plight, Gautam Adani instructed the Adani Foundation to extend support for the students kidney transplant and post-operative care. This timely intervention has not only provided a new lease of life to Anoop but also alleviated the overwhelming financial burden on his family. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Anoop said, I want to thank Gautam Adani for helping me with my kidney transplant. Both my kidneys were damaged, and my familys financial condition made the treatment unaffordable. This assistance has given me a chance to live, and my entire family will always be indebted to him. This act of kindness is not an isolated instance for the Adani Foundation. Over the years, the organisation has been at the forefront of supporting those in need. Notable examples include the case of Lovely, a young girl from Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, who underwent surgery to correct congenital limb deformities on Gautam Adanis instructions. Similarly, 4-year-old Manushree, who was born with a hole in her heart, received life-saving treatment at PGI with the Foundations support. Through initiatives like these, the Adani Foundation continues to uphold its ethos of compassion and social responsibility, proving that corporate success can go hand in hand with meaningful community service. CM approves 2nd link taxiway in MIHAN By Vikas Vaidya 500 acre land of SEZ, MIHAN will get free for commercial use of aviation sector Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given approval to the second link taxiway in MIHAN, for which he agreed principally to provide assistance worth Rs 100 crore. This development has taken place during a meeting on Saturday convened by Fadnavis, highly placed sources said. This is another major development after Fadnavis asked MADC to hand over 786 hectare land to MIHAN India Limited, that runs Nagpurs Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. It was the first meeting chaired by Devendra Fadnavis after becoming Chief Minister of Maharashtra, regarding airport development. According to sources, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) Swati Pandey had asked for 500-acre land of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at MIHAN to be used for commercial purpose related to aviation activities. Indamer Aviation Private Limited, Dassault and Air India MRO have taken full access to the current link. These MROs can make use of this additional land. Fadnavis was of the view that State should support the project financially and accordingly, he promised to provide Rs 200 crore overall. This step is being taken to boost the MRO industry in consonance with new MRO policy of Government of India. Since MROs have taken space on the land that was already sold, the MADC can not create any aviation facility there. MADC will create all aviation facilities on 500-acre land. MADC has planned to create all types of infrastructure. It will boost Nagpurs industry. GMR Airports Limited is already constructing second runway. The partial portion of length 1,270 meter of second taxi track is already been constructed by MIL to provide connectivity to Air India MRO. The remaining portion of the length of 535 meter at North West side and 1,395 meter at South East side to make the full parallel taxi track of 3200 meter is proposed. Cops swift action saves mother, child from drowning in Upper Lake Staff Reporter : Police team, led by Sub-Inspector Srishti Gupta, was on patrol duty on VIP Road when they received information about a woman attempting to jump into the lake with her child In a dramatic turn of events, Thana Talaiya police saved a mother and her 11-year-old child from drowning in the big lake on VIP Road, Bhopal. The incident occurred on December 28, when a woman, identified as Geeta (name changed), attempted to jump into the lake with her child. According to eyewitnesses, the police team, led by Sub-Inspector Srishti Gupta, was on patrol duty on VIP Road when they received information about a woman attempting to jump into the lake with her child. The team immediately rushed to the spot and found Geeta and her child standing near the lakes boundary, ready to jump. Police team quickly sprang into action and grabbed hold of both Geeta and her child, pulling them to safety. Initially, Geeta was reluctant to reveal her identity, but after repeated questioning, she revealed her name and her husbands name, Salim (name changed). She also disclosed that she was a resident of Jail Road, Karond. When asked about the reason behind her attempt to jump into the lake, Geeta cited a family dispute and said she was angry. However, she refused to lodge a complaint and expressed her desire to return home with her husband. The police team then contacted Geetas husband and counseled him on the matter. After ensuring that the couple was in a stable condition, the police handed them over to each other, thus saving the lives of both the mother and the child. Timely intervention by the Thana Talaiya police has been widely praised and the teams efforts have been recognised as exemplary. The incident highlights the importance of prompt action in emergency situations and the crucial role that law enforcement agencies play in maintaining public safety. Crime A year of organised crimes, frauds, explosions By Ashish Rajput : Jabalpur police remained on toes to curb organised crimes in the district and succeeded in solving the heinous and sensitive crime cases in record time during the year 2024. However, despite putting-up vigilant check on organised crimes, district police witnessed grappling with a distressing rise in murders and crimes committed by family members. Despite strict laws and vigilant police efforts, the crime graph continued to escalate in the year 2024. Data clearly shows that the perpetrators are often not strangers but close family members and acquaintances, including husbands, brothers, daughters, wives, and uncles. The involvement of close relations in brutal crimes has exposed a disturbing trend. From the double murder in Civil Lines to cases of rape and murder in Panagar, the killing of a sister-in-law in Hanumantal, a fake robbery leading to a wifes murder and an uncle raping and murdering his niece in Khamaria, these incidents have shaken the city. Over the past month, such heinous crimes have created a grim atmosphere, urging society to reflect on the weakening bonds of trust within families. A shocking incident unfolded in Civil Lines, where a 15-year-old girl, along with her boyfriend, brutally murdered her father and younger brother. On March 15, in Millennium Colony, Rajkumar Vishwakarma and his 8-year-old son Tanishk were found dead. Investigations revealed that the minor daughter, in collusion with her neighbour Mukul Singh, carried out the crime. This incident deeply tarnished the sanctity of familial bonds. On November 30, in Chandan Colony, Sanjeevani Nagar, Ravi Sen killed his brother-in-law Kesari Sen, frustrated by persistent disputes. Under Chargawan police jurisdiction, Dharam alias Abhi murdered his uncle Manoj alias Mannu Thakur on October 30 during an argument over insufficient funds at a drinking party. In Bargi, on August 2, the murder of 50-year-old Mukesh Jhariya was found to be planned by his wife and her lover, Vivek. In Omti, on December 14, Sampat Yadav was killed by his son Shivam Yadav and a relative, Shiva Yadav, following a dispute over alcohol consumption. Cyber Fraud Increasing numbers of cyber frauds upto Rs 17 crore were reported in the district while cases of digital arrest emerged as a new challenge before the security agencies. Between January 1, 2024, and December 13, 2024, the State Cyber Police, Jabalpur Zone, received 130 complaints, of which 75 were registered as crimes, while others remain pending. This year, approximately Rs 17 crore worth of fraud has been recorded in the Jabalpur Zone, with Rs 55 lakh recovered. The recovered amount was returned to victims after freezing the fraudulently transferred funds. As the year draws to a close, the cyber police are focusing on resolving pending cases and intensifying efforts to apprehend absconding accused individuals. In cases of cyber fraud, the first 24 hours are crucial. If the victim contacts the police within this time, the police can, not only freeze the transferred funds, but also make efforts to recover the amount. Explosions The year 2024 will always be remembered for two drastic explosions which claimed four lives and the body of a man remaining missing. The first explosion was reported at a scrap warehouse on April 25 in Khajri by-pass. A massive explosion demolished the factory, killing two workers whose bodies were torn to pieces. The blast was so powerful that only remains of their bodies were recovered, necessitating DNA testing. While one workers DNA matched, the other did not, leading the police to register a missing persons case. The second major explosion took place on October 22 in building number 200, Section F-6, of the Ordnance Factory Khamaria (OFK). The accident occurred during the process of boiling old Pechora bombs with steam, resulting in the death of two workers. These two incidents, which collectively claimed four lives, garnered attention not just across the nation but internationally as well. Both the OFK and scrap warehouse explosions prompted the involvement of Army and intelligence agencies. High-level investigation committees were formed, and exhaustive probes were initiated. Probes into both incidents are still ongoing, with intelligence agencies conducting confidential inquiries. Another explosion took place on July 18 at a scrap warehouse in Sanjay Nagar Industrial Area, Adhartal. A worker, Raja alias Abhishek Chaudhary (22), lost his life in the incident. This explosion brought back memories of the earlier blasts. The warehouse owner, Jain Bardas, was arrested in the case, and even the army arrived to investigate. n Decay has set in Cong: Pranabs daughter NEW DELHI : Need for serious introspection on the sad state of affairs in Cong: Sharmistha Mukherjee 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. 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 (CWC) meeting was convened after her fathers death and a resolution passed. Mukherjee said she felt bad when no CWC meeting was convened after her fathers 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 didnt even bother to call CWC for a condolence meeting. A senior leader told me its not done for Presidents. Thats utter rubbish as I learned later from babas diaries that on K R Narayanans 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 Indias 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. Deputy CM Arun Sao releases new SOR for road, bridge Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao (Centre) along with Secretary of PWD Dr Kamalpreet Singh and Engineer-in-Chief of PWD Kamlesh Pipri releasing the new Schedule of Rates of Public Works Department, Government of Chhattisgarh at New Circuit House Raipur on Sunday. Staff Reporter RAIPUR, Deputy Chief Minister and Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Arun Sao today released the new Schedule of Rates (SOR) for road and bridge works at New Circuit House in the state capital. Talking to media persons at New Circuit House in the state capital, Deputy Chief Minister Sao said that the new SOR was prepared by the PWD after evaluation of items on the basis of market rates. The new SOR will be effective from January 1, 2025. The current SOR, which was made in 2014, has been effected since 1 January, 2015. New machinery and new techniques of construction have also been included in the new SOR. This will reduce the financial risk of contractors along with quality work. The new SOR will come into effect in the state from January 1, 2025. For effective maintenance of roads in the state, Performance Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC) and Output and Performance Based Maintenance Contract (OPRMC) will be implemented. For this, a pilot project will soon be started by the PWD, said Sao. Arun Sao said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, there is special emphasis on ensuring the quality of construction works and completing them within the time limit. There will be further ease after the implementation of the new SOR. The current SOR is applicable from January 1, 2015. At that time, it included the labour rate, material rate and machinery rate prevailing in 2014, which have changed a lot after ten years. Deputy Chief Minister Sao said that the current SOR was prepared by including all the taxes prevalent at that time. In the new SOR, GST implemented in the country from July 1, 201, has been included. The contractor will submit his tender rate including GST so that the contractor will not have to pay GST separately. GST will be included in the cost of the work. Contractors get extra financial burden due to without inclusion of GST and changes in the rates. Now, the contractors will not face any risk in doing the work after including the effect of prevailing GST. The rates will be added to the estimate. By doing this, the contractors will not face financial risk. Sao said that in the last 10 years, many new technologies, new materials and IRC have been developed. Changes have been made in the procedure of various works. Provision for use of these new technologies and materials has been also made in the new SOR. These include soil stabilization with cement and chemicals, pavement white topping, use of aluminum composite material sheeting in road signage, precast R.C.C drain, precast box culvert, RCC in foundation work utilization of high grade M-40, M-45, M-50, sub-structure work, pre-stressing, bamboo crash barrier and noise barrier. With the implementation of the new SOR, the estimation of work cost in the DPR/estimate of construction works will be realistic and the amount to be given administrative approval for the works will reduce the need for revised approval while carrying out the work. Quality and timely completion of work will yield meaningful results. In the present method for the maintenance of roads, the maintenance work has been done by making predictions and inviting tenders and selecting contractors according to the possibility of the road getting damaged during the rainy season. Many times such a situation occurs that the road remains in bad condition, but due to non-availability of agency for maintenance, there is delay in filling potholes and maintaining the roads. Many times, even after appointing an agency, the roads remain potholed and damaged due to the contractor not carrying out the maintenance work on time, he added. Secretary of PWD Dr Kamalpreet Singh and Engineer-in-Chief of PWD Kamlesh Pipri were also present in the press conference. Musk vows to go to war to defend H-1B visa programme WASHINGTON : ELON Musk has received support from President-elect Donald Trump on his stance on H-1B visas, a day after the tech billionaire vowed to go to war to defend the programme used to bring skilled foreign workers to the US. Musk, who along with Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has been tapped by Trump to lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), argued last week that foreign workers are needed for tech companies like Musks SpaceX and Tesla. Musk on Friday blasted a user on X who used a video of Musk discussing SpaceX processes to go after the billionaires stance on the visa programme. 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, Musk wrote on X. He also used a profane quote from Tom Cruises character in the movie Tropic Thunder to attack his critics. Take a big step back and F--- YOURSELF in the face, Musk said. Trump on Saturday sided with Musk, saying he fully backs the programme opposed by some of his supporters. Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favour of the visas. Thats why we have them, Trump told the New York Post newspaper. 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 programme, Trump said. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The tech industry has long called for more H-1B visas to attract highly skilled workers to the US. Trumps first administration restricted the programme in 2020, arguing that it allows businesses to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers. Musk, himself once on an H-1B visa and whose electric vehicle company Tesla has hired workers using the programme, defended the tech industrys need to bring in foreign workers. Anyone of any race, creed or nationality who came to America and worked like hell to contribute to this country will forever have my respect. America is the land of freedom and opportunity. Fight with every fiber of your being to keep it that way! he wrote on X on Friday. Musk also lashed out at those who prioritise personal gain over the well-being of the country. This is the right position for those who want America to win. For those who want America to lose for their own personal gain, I have no respect. Zero, he said in a separate post. Musk has been consistently posting on X in favour of the programme. There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent. It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley, Musk wrote on December 25 on X. Several of Trumps supporters and immigration hardliners have been increasingly pushing for scrapping the H-1B visa programme amid debate over immigration. The debate sparked when Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer, criticised Trumps selection of Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favours the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the US. Loomer declared the stance to be not America First policy and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. The debate intensified when Ramaswamy criticised American culture for promoting mediocrity instead of focusing on academic excellence and success on the basis of merit. Trumps election hopefully marks the beginning of a new golden era in America, but only if our culture fully wakes up. A culture that once again prioritises achievement over normalcy; excellence over mediocrity; nerdiness over conformity; hard work over laziness, Ramaswamy said on Thursday. He faced backlash for the comment. In response, Musk called for removing contemptible fools from the Republican Party who oppose his immigration agenda. Musk later clarified that his statement was addressing the hateful, unrepentant racists he considers a threat to the Republican Partys future. Quality of Education HTE Deptt prepares format, asks varsities to follow Vikas Chandra Rastogi By Vikas Vaidya : Maharashtras Department of Higher and Technical Education (HTE), for the last three years, has been constantly trying to enhance quality of education. Vikas Chandra Rastogi, its Principal Secretary, is the man steering the department to reach new heights. Under his leadership, the department has prepared a standard format for the universities in State to follow. His department has sent that format to the universities. Not many universities or colleges from Maharashtra figure in various national rankings. The Union Ministry of Education ranks universities and educational institutions across the country. In it, only a few universities like Mumbai, Pune and Marathwada University from Maharashtra figure. Taking serious cognisance of the same, the Department of Higher and Technical Education instituted State Quality Assurance Cell. Revealing the details about the same, Rastogi told The Hitavada, This cell has collected detail information from universities, colleges whether they have done their academic auditing, the status of students inflow, research. We conducted meetings with the university officials, discussed their efforts, their problems, set a target for them. A standard format was prepared and sent to them asking them to follow it scrupulously. Here universities or colleges are expected to introspect their performance, notice the loopholes, work on it, remove them and move with new perspectives. This is what we expect. Cell will monitor the progress of universities. According to Rastogi, this initiative may start giving results in coming years. Maharashtra leads country in NAAC The change in approach by universities and colleges has become visible. Many institutions are coming forward with an initiative regarding enhancement in quality of education. Chandrakant Patil had warned institutions in State about getting accreditated from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). It worked and institutions have started doing it. Now, Maharashtra is leading in the county as its 2,375 institutes have accreditated themselves by NAAC. Karnataka is second having 900 plus institutes having NAAC accreditation. In last one-and-a-half years alone, over 1,000 institutes accreditated themselves for NAAC, Rastogi said. Some changes have come in NAAC accreditation. The institutions which went for accreditated for NAAC because they havent done is the one category. Here institutions will get plane accreditation. In second category, NAAC has provided liberty to the institutions to go for grading. If the institutions seeks grading then the inspection and examination would be done in a different manner. MoU with British Council: The capacity building for international officers programme, developed under Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UK-based organisation and Maharashtras Department of Higher and Technical Education, is aimed at advancing the internationalisation of higher education institutions across the State. This is aimed at increasing research and educational quality, This initiative aims to enhance the capacity of Indian universities to engage in internationalisation efforts while showcasing UK expertise in this area. We are now making our education more flexible, the way we find abroad. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is providing that liberty to our students. The complete implementation will take some time. Aligned with the goals of Indias (NEP) 2020, the British Council programme aspires to position India as a global hub of education by fostering cross-border collaborations and promoting excellence in higher education. This agreement has made it easy to have academic cooperation with renowned universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Birmingham. It will also help in increasing the participation of students in research. Three universities in the state, Pune, COEP and Jalgaon, signed an agreement with Birmingham University. These universities will conduct research in the fields-Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. These research may help Government in introducing new things in healthcare and agriculture, Rastogi added. RED CORRIDORS RUNCRIMSON A strategic decimation of extremism By Mukesh S Singh : In a year that has seen unprecedented counter-insurgency victories, Chhattisgarhs s e c u r i t y forces have dealt a decisive blow to Maoist insurgents, m a r k i n g 2024 as a year of s i g n i f i - c a n t operat i o n a l s u c - cess. The state, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, with unwavering support from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, witnessed the strategic dismantling of Maoist strongholds. The insurgents, once thriving in the dense forests of Bastar, faced a coordinated onslaught from the states forces, leading to a historic number of fatalities. By December 2024, 219 Maoists had been neutralised, with a series of precision operations that crippled their operational hierarchy. This remarkable achievement reflects the states commitment to eradicating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) by 2026, as outlined by Amit Shah. Over 119 encounters led to the death of high-ranking Maoists, including top commanders, highlighting the success of Chhattisgarhs strategy of relentless offensives and sustained development. One of the most significant engagements took place on April 16, in the BinagundaKoragutta jungles of Kanker, where a staggering 29 Maoists were killed, including Shankar Rao, the North Bastar Division commander. The loss of Rao, with a bounty of Rs 25 lakh, along with several key lieutenants, shattered the North Bastar Division Committee, a pillar of Maoist strength. The recovery of advanced weaponry, including AK-47s and INSAS rifles, signified the insurgents dwindling military capacity. However, the most devastating strike occurred on October 4, in the NendurThulthuli region of Bastar, when security forces obliterated 38 Maoists, including Niti alias Urmila and Nandu Mandavi, both high-value targets with substantial rewards. This operation significantly weakened the Maoists hold in Eastern Bastar, where many of their most battlehardened cadres operated. Notably, these tactical victories were accompanied by the recovery of numerous weapons, including AK-47s and INSAS rifles, alongside Maoist propaganda materials, further underlining the insurgents declining power. Their desperation became evident with the discovery of a counterfeit currency printing operation in Sukmas Korajguda forest in June 2024, revealing the Maoists financial distress as they increasingly relied on extortion and coercion to fund their operations. Bastar Range IGP, Sundarraj P., succinctly captured the situation: The relentless pressure by our forces has fragmented the Maoist network, forcing them to resort to unsustainable methods. With intelligence networks strengthened and development efforts progressing, Chhattisgarh stands on the precipice of eliminating the Maoist threat. This approach, spearheaded by Chief Minister Sai and supported by the central government, has turned the tide in the long-standing battle against LWE. As the year ends, Chhattisgarhs security forces, under the strategic direction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, remain poised to extend this momentum into 2025, ensuring that the Red Corridors no longer threaten the nations internal security. Under the Chief Ministers guidance, Chhattisgarhs approach to counter-insurgency has been both multifaceted and strategic. The states administration has embraced a 3-D strategy - Decisive, Deterrent & Development offensive combining aggressive military action with transformative social and economic initiatives. As a result, oncebarren regions like Abujhmaad, which had long been under Maoist control, are now undergoing rapid infrastructural development. going rapid infrastructural development. The establishment of roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, coupled with an expanded security apparatus, has played a critical role in securing and stabilising previously volatile areas. These advancements in governance have not only dismantled Maoist influence but also integrated tribal communities into the states socio-economic fabric. From 19th to 20th month of mayhem Creating confusion | From 19 to 20 and in just a few days time Manipur would have completed 19 months of mayhem and step into the 20th month. This means that Imphal and Delhi have been groping in the dark on how to deal with the ongoing crisis and even as the world gets ready to welcome year 2025, to Manipur it would not mean anything different from the last 19 months, that is dating back to the evening of May 3, 2023. Just how lost is Delhi and Imphal in studying, much less coming anywhere near to taking Manipur to the path of normalcy can be gauged from the utterances of the Delhi mandarins. A sure sign that Imphal has disappointingly failed to convey what should be conveyed to the Delhi bosses. So while Amit Shah first pointed to the ruling of the High Court of Manipur as the reason for the violence to erupt this changed to illegal immigration with the latest being an ethnic clash. The illegal immigration point was repeated with conviction by Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar when he said that immigrants from across the border is one primary factor for the violence erupting in Manipur while addressing a gathering in the United States. To give weight to the illegal immigrants line of thinking Delhi did not dilly dally in announcing that the Indo-Myanmar border would be fenced and topped this off with the declaration that the Free Movement Regime would be suspended. Just how confused Delhi is can be seen clearly in its later decision to grant free movement across the border with the 10 kilometres rider and a compulsory permit to be obtained from an Assam Rifles post. Confused Delhi, but yet at the same time it has been pursuing its own political agenda and in the process making things worse for Manipur. It was again Home Minister Amit Shah who gave a sort of a pat on Chief Minister N Biren when he informed Parliament that he is co-operating. Yet in the same vein this did not stop Delhi from the removing the co-operating Chief Minister from the Chairmanship of the Unified Command. Delhi not consulting the Chief Minister when appointments to key posts such as the DGP and the Chief Secretary are made has taken the understanding of a co-operative person to an altogether different level. This is what has left the people confused and flabbergasted. In the initial days of the conflict, Manipur was given to understand that the Union Home Minister would look after the hills while the Chief Minister would be in charge of the valley districts and one wonders how responsibility would be fixed now for the spate of attacks that have been launched from the hills, the latest being the bombardment of villages lying at the foothills, the Meitei settlements of Sanasabi, Shantikhongbal, Shabungkhok in Imphal East. Much like 2023, Manipur would not step into the new year any wiser or anywhere near the understanding of normalcy. From May 2023 to till when in 2025 is however one question that would be raised by many even as the people join the rest of the world in stepping into the new year on January 1. It has been a disturbing year, much like 2023 but what sets apart 2024 to the previous year could be seen in the emergence of the Congress as the political party which has been making all the right noises. It was this which saw the oldest political party emerging top in the Lok Sabha election held in the early part of 2024, wresting both seats by extremely comfortable margins. To those who have been watching the political developments closely, it would be more than clear that the Congress of today is a much more effective party with just 5 MLAs than the Congress just after the 2017 Assembly elections when it had 28 MLAs in its kitty. That a good number of them switched sides later is a different thing, but the people voted 28 Congress MLAs in the 2017 Assembly elections. However with just 5 MLAs after the 2022 Assembly polls, the Congress is today seen as a much more effective and forceful political party. This is what is interesting and this is something which this column had commented upon some time back. Apart from the ongoing violence with no end in sight, 2024 may be understood as the year that the Congress managed to come back into the reckoning and this is saying something a lot for remember this has come about when the BJP returned figures of 31 MLAs in 2022. An internet law that gives the government power to regulate online content took effect in Vietnam last week. Decree 147, as the law is known, expands government control over access to information on the internet for reasons of national security and social order. The law expands radically on guidelines from 2021 that codify ethics for social media companies and the public, and rules, issued in a decree in August 2022, that require technology firms to store their users' data locally and set up local offices. It requires social media platforms providing services to users in Vietnam to store user data and provide it to the authorities on demand. Essentially this means social media giants like Facebook and TikTok must now verify user accounts using people's phone numbers or personal identification numbers and, of course, store that data. The law also requires organisations to take down anything the authorities consider illegal content within 24 hours. Rights groups say the move is aimed at stifling dissent. The government issued the decree this November, though it appears it was actually effective from Christmas Day. A large proportion of the Vietnamese population is on social media. Some sources estimate that there are about 65 million Facebook users, 60 million users on YouTube and 20 million users on TikTok, a significant proportion of a population estimated at close to 101 million. The new laws also include curbs on gaming for under-18s, though these are supposedly designed to prevent addiction. Games publishers are expected to enforce a time limit of an hour a game session and not more than 180 minutes a day for all games. Just over half of Vietnams population more than 50 million people apparently regularly play games, so its not clear how these curbs can be enforced. Decree 147 also requires organisations to provide search and content-scanning tools to government authorities upon request. It limits certain functions, like live video streaming, to only verified accounts. As a number of news resources have pointed out, this not only an attacks freedom of expression; it also affects the large number of people earning a living through social media channels. As a number of news outlets have noted, in October, independent Vietnamese blogger Duong Van Thai was sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges of anti-state propaganda. Its not yet clear how Facebooks parent company Meta, YouTube owner Google and TikTok will respond to the new laws. 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. No one can exploit the unrest in Bangladesh to create disturbances on this side of the border, as the state police are vigilant in this matter. This was stated by the Director General (DG) of Police, Rajeev Kumar, during a press conference on Sunday. He emphasised that both the West Bengal and Kolkata police are highly active in countering terrorism and are working silently to ensure the safety of the states residents. Recently, in a joint operation conducted by the police forces of West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir, a terrorist was arrested from Canning. According to police sources, the arrested individual is a member of the banned terrorist organisation Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen based in Kashmir. Rajeev Kumar said, The information provided by the STF (Special Task Force) of the West Bengal Police led to the arrest of the Kashmiri resident. We have maintained a good record in counterterrorism efforts in the past and will continue to uphold it in the future. Rajeev Kumar claimed that it was the Bengal police who tracked and apprehended the Kashmiri terrorist. He stated: We tracked his movements for two days, closely monitoring his activities, and then informed the Kashmir police. We are silently doing our work. Especially in cases related to terrorism, we cannot disclose too many details publicly. Advertisement But this does not mean we are inactive. Mr Kumar indirectly criticised the Border Security Force (BSF) regarding incidents of infiltration across the Bangladesh-India border. He remarked: West Bengal is the only state that shares borders with three countries. Border security is the responsibility of the BSF, but there are several lapses in this regard. Over the past few days, many people have crossed the border into Bengal, and such incidents continue. However, we remain vigilant. We are arresting infiltrators and ensuring they are sent to the appropriate authorities. Mr Kumar, however, refrained from making harsh criticisms against any investigating or security agencies. Instead, he emphasised the need for collaboration, acknowledging that all agencies, including the police, have room for improvement. He further credited public cooperation for the success of West Bengal Police in tackling terrorism. We are successful because we receive support from the public. Just as we work for the people, the people also stand with us. Advertisement Although we cannot reveal all the details, many individuals actively assist us. We are committed to ensuring the safety of the states residents, said the DG. Following the arrest of the Kashmiri terrorist from Canning, some have speculated that terrorist organisations are using Bengal as a corridor to infiltrate India from Bangladesh and carry out activities. The Tripura border has also been reportedly used for similar purposes. Addressing these concerns, the DG stated: Given West Bengals geographical location, anyone entering India from Bangladesh and heading towards Kashmir or the western parts of India would have to pass through this state. There is no alternative route. Trust us. We are silently doing our work.Mr Kumar assured that the police will become even more vigilant about infiltration using forged passports. He said that in the coming days, district police superintendents will personally supervise the passport verification process. 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Siliguri witnessed its sixth Pride Walk today, organised by members of the LGBT community, who marched through the city demanding their fundamental rights, including those for adoption, marriage, and the recognition of love. The LGBT group first united in Siliguri in 2018 and has since been organising such pride rallies to raise awareness about their issues. Despite a turnout of fewer than 100 participants this year, organisers noted that many others were unable to join due to social stigma and pressures. One participant highlighted their challenges, saying, We are often victims of molestation, torture, rape, and assault. Sadly, when we seek justice, the police often dismiss our complaints. The recent incident at R.G. Kar Medical College has shocked us deeply, as it reflects the continued marginalisation of our community. Diksha Kundu, one of the organisers, explained: This is the sixth Pride Rally in Siliguri since we started in 2018. Similar rallies are held across the country, all demanding basic human rights for the LGBT community. Our primary focus is on securing legal recognition for adoption and marriage, as these are fundamental to our lives and love. Another member expressed hope for change, adding: We appeal to the Supreme Court to grant us marriage rights. While there is a 1% reservation for transgender individuals, local authorities have yet to implement this appropriately. The rally, which included slogans demanding justice for the R.G. Kar incident, served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBT community and their determination to achieve equality. Advertisement Advertisement Foresters claimed that they have managed to isolate Zeenat the three-year-old tigress from Odishas Simlipal National Park in a wooded area near Bangopalpur Reserve Forest in West Bengals 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 Bengals Purulia district and then stepped into adjoining Bankura. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Authorities are on tenterhooks as Zeenats 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 dont 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. 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Indian companies will hire at least 10 per cent more employees in 2025 than in 2024 and most of these recruitments will be in sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics, according to a report. The report by CIEL HR, a company providing staffing solutions, said that Indian Inc is confident about recruitment in 2025. Recruitment of all these companies can exceed the level of 2024. Advertisement Apart from this, next year companies are also likely to focus on the skill development of employees. Advertisement According to the report, new recruitments will come from sectors such as semiconductors, startups, cybersecurity, renewable energy, AI and Global Capability Centers (GCC). Earlier, Foundit (formerly Monster) report said, India is expected to see a 9 per cent growth in hiring in 2025. Emerging technologies and evolving business priorities will further shape Indias job market in 2025. Innovations such as edge computing, quantum applications, and cybersecurity advancements are set to transform industries like Manufacturing, Healthcare, and IT, the report said. The IT sector is set to drive 15 per cent growth in hiring in 2025, driven by the expansion of GCCs and multi-cloud adoption. Businesses are prioritising operational agility and sustainability through energy-efficient data centres, green IT practices, and refurbished hardware solutions. The retail sector is predicted to achieve 12 per cent growth in hiring, reflecting rising demand for both traditional and tech-enabled roles. The sectors growth is driven by the resurgence of experiential brick-and-mortar stores and growing consumer spending in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The telecom sectors 11 per cent forecasted growth is driven by advancements in AI, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT), with demand for skills in edge computing, software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualisation (NVF), and cybersecurity. China's Xinjiang completes world's longest expressway tunnel through challenging mountains Xinhua) 14:06, December 30, 2024 A worker drives out of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel along the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) URUMQI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes once operational. It is a key project of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, which runs from the regional capital of Urumqi in northern Xinjiang to Yuli County in southern Xinjiang. The expressway is expected to be fully completed and open to traffic in 2025. The driving time between the two locations will be reduced from about seven hours to just over three hours. Qadir Abliz, a truck driver from Urumqi who makes regular trips between the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, said the winding mountain roads would often freeze in the winter, and many trucks carrying coal, agricultural produce and livestock products would be stranded on the way across. "There will be no need to worry about such situations anymore when the tunnel opens next year," he said. The construction of the tunnel began in April 2020 and has faced challenges such as extreme cold, high altitudes, high ground stress, strong seismic activity and strict environmental requirements, according to Mao Jinbo, an engineer on the project. The Tianshan Mountains are known as a "geological museum," featuring numerous fault zones, 16 of which the tunnel passes through. Its No. 2 ventilation shaft reaches a depth of 706 meters -- taller than China's highest building, the Shanghai Tower. To address the immense challenges, the builders broke down the construction into smaller, more manageable segments, allowing for faster excavation. As a result, the original construction time was shortened by more than 25 percent. To minimize the environmental impact on the Tianshan No. 1 Glacier and snow leopard habitats, on-site facilities were established to contain wastewater and fully utilize gravel, helping the project meet key environmental protection goals. A drone photo taken on Dec. 25, 2024 shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) A drone photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows the entrance of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Urumqi County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) This photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows a ceremony held to mark the drill-through of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel along the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) A drone photo taken on Dec. 25, 2024 shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) This photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows a ceremony held to mark the drill-through of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel along the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) This photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows a ceremony held to mark the drill-through of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel along the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Jimmy Carter, the thirty-ninth President of the United States, died on December 29, 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, at age 100. He was preceded in death by Rosalynn, his wife of 77 years who died in 2023. President Carters career in public service began in 1943 as a cadet at the United States Naval Academy. He later served in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets before being selected to join the elite nuclear submarine program. A Georgia native and Democrat, Carter was elected governor of his home state in 1970. He went on to run and win the 1976 presidential election, defeating the Republican incumbent Gerald Ford. Carter served one term before he lost re-election in 1980 to Ronald Reagan, largely due to his inability to secure the release of 52 American hostages taken captive by Iranian Islamists. A highlight of his presidency was the 1978 Camp David Accords, a historic peace treaty Carter helped broker between Israel and Egypt. The deal led to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begins winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. Only 56 years old when he left the Oval Office, Carter would spend the next four decades focusing on humanitarian work for which he earned universal respect. For years, he and Roslynn could be found volunteering their time to build homes for the disadvantaged with the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity. A dedicated, life-long Christian, Carter also faithfully taught Sunday school for decades at his home church in Plains. Around the world, Carter was recognized after his presidency for promoting peaceful resolutions to conflict and advancing democracy and human rights, primarily through the Carter Center, which he and the former first lady established at Emory University in Atlanta in 1982. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts to promote human rights and peace in places like Ethiopia, Eritrea, Bosnia, and Haiti. President Joe Biden lauded former President Carter as 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. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe. In a strong rebuttal to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxenas recent letter, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has accused him of engaging in dirty politics instead of focusing on the welfare and development of the national capital. You are busy engaging in petty politics while you should be paying attention to the welfare of Delhi, Atishi remarked on Monday. Advertisement Praising the contributions of her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, she said, For the past nine and a half years, Arvind Kejriwal has worked tirelessly for the development of Delhi. I am running the government following the path shown by him. Advertisement Atishi also highlighted the publics unwavering support for Kejriwals governance, adding, The people of Delhi have repeatedly elected Arvind Kejriwal to power because of his commitment to progress. Expressing discontent over alleged obstructions by the L-G, particularly in the implementation of the Mahila Samman Yojana, Atishi said, As a woman, I am deeply hurt by your interference in this initiative aimed at empowering women. This years Republic Day celebrations will feature the largest-ever participation of girl cadets in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp (RDC). A total of 2,361 cadets, representing all 28 states and eight Union Territories, have gathered for the month-long camp that began today at the Cariappa Parade Ground. Among the participants, 114 cadets hail from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, while 178 cadets come from the North East Region (NER), representing a true Mini India. Additionally, cadets and officers from 14 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) will join the camp as part of the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP). Advertisement Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, Director General of NCC, welcomed the cadets, congratulating them on being selected for this prestigious event. He urged the cadets to embody the highest qualities of character, integrity, selfless service, comradeship, and teamwork, transcending the barriers of religion, language, and caste, in the spirit of Nation First. Advertisement The RDC aims to instill patriotism, discipline, and leadership skills among the participants. It provides a valuable platform for training, cultural activities, and social service initiatives, fostering unity and pride among the nations youth. Priyank Kanoongo, a member of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has complained to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar against the posts and re-post of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and AAP chief Arvnd Kejriwal on the social media platform X sharing videos of children purportedly involved in political campaign for their party. Drawing the attention of the CEC to the unconstitutional act in a letter, Priyank Kanoongo requested him to consider issuing guidelines to political parties to refrain from using children in political activities. Advertisement In a separate letter to the official concerned of the X, the NHRC member said the commission is deeply concerned over the involvement of children in political campaigns, and sought removal of the said posts, with an Action Taken Report (ATR) to be submitted to the NHRC within a week in this connection. Advertisement In both his communications, the complainant wrote, The Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. He wrote to the CEC, This practice not only violates the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India on February 5, 2024 but also contravenes Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, along with other relevant legal provisions. He said even though the Model Code of Conduct is yet to be enforced for the upcoming assembly election in Delhi, the commission is deeply concerned about the participation of children in political campaigns. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, in a letter to Chief Minister Atishi, on Monday expressed objection to AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal calling her a temporary CM, and further said that he was hurt with the same. He stated that it was not only an insult to Atishi, but also to her appointee, the President of India, and to him as her representative. Advertisement LG, further in his communication to the CM, mentioned that he was concerned about this level of public discourse and at the same time, was hurt by the conversation of presenting the full-time CM of his government as a temporary Chief Minister.He described AAP chiefs remark as an affront to constitutional values and the dignity of the office. Advertisement The public definition of temporary or caretaker Chief Minister given by Kejriwal has no constitutional provision and it is also a reprehensible disregard of the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Ambedkar, he mentioned in his letter. He also said that recently when Kejriwal made announcements about schemes related to senior citizens and women in her presence, it was against the dignity of the CMs position. The LG further mentioned that he has praised those officials of the concerned departments for issuing a public notice clarifying about the status of schemes, preventing the public from falling into confusion. He also mentioned in his letter that, Whether it is the deteriorating condition of Yamuna in the last ten years or the acute shortage of drinking water, the issue of mountains of garbage or the lack of basic facilities in industrial areas, the plight of roads and sewer lines or the crumbling health system, the lack of facilities in unauthorized colonies or the hellish life in slums, everyone knows how possible it is for a Chief Minister, who has been declared temporary and makeshift, to do anything in three-four months. Your leader has also publicly accepted his failures in these areas, but as the Chief Minister, the responsibility for the failures in all these areas will now be yours, In a concerted effort to combat the rising menace of drug abuse and the illegal liquor trade, the South West district police apprehended 153 individuals under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2024, according to an official statement on Monday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West) Surendra Chaudhary said, As part of a special campaign against drug peddlers, 137 cases were registered under the NDPS Act, resulting in the arrest of 153 individuals. The operation led to the recovery of 151.456 kg of ganja, 0.117 kg of smack, 0.1108 kg of heroin, and 0.195 kg of other narcotic substances. Advertisement Under the Excise Act, the police registered 428 cases, leading to the apprehension of 481 individuals and the seizure of 34,657.74 liters of illicit liquor and 4,974 units of beer. Additionally, various vehicles used in illegal activities were confiscated, including 47 cars, 37 two-wheelers, 7 tempos, 2 autos, and 5 e-rickshaws, the DCP reported. Advertisement To enhance public awareness, the police organized educational initiatives such as video display boards at key locations and street plays (Nukkad Natak) to highlight the dangers of drug abuse. These efforts aimed to garner public support for creating a drug-free society, Chaudhary added. Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor, who was recently seen in Singham Again, shared a heartwarming birthday wish for his sister Anshula Kapoor. The actor said that he can always fall back on his sister even while she is globe trotting. On Sunday, Arjun took to his Instagram, and shared a throwback picture from their childhood in which they can be seen in the company of their mother, Mona Kapoor. Advertisement He also penned a long note in the caption, as he wrote, Happy birthday to the one person that watches over me (literally) while having a strawberry milkshake & has her eyes on the next glass. Feels good to always have u around even though now ur a jet setter globe trotter & a working Wonder Woman. Advertisement Stay happy stay blessed & always do the right thing (that is to shop for me on ur holidays) !!! Love u to infinity & beyond @anshulakapoor, he added. Their uncle Anil Kapoor also wished Anshula on her special day. He took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and shared a picture of his niece. He wrote on the picture, Happy Birthday, Anshula! Wishing you a day as amazing as you are, filled with love, laughter, and all your favorite things. Heres to a year of endless possibilities and happiness. Earlier, Arjun and his sister Khushi Kapoor had shared festive pictures. The two took to their Instagram, and shared the pictures in which they can be seen all decked up, as they celebrated Christmas Khushi wrote in the caption, A Siblings Kinda Christmas. Meanwhile, Arjun, who mostly had a dry run at the box-office in the generous part of his career, finally managed to garner critical acclaim for his work in the multi-starrer film Singham Again in which he essayed the role of an antagonist. The film clashed swords with the Kartik Aaryan-starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 at the box-office. Bollywood star Preity Zinta recently offered a quirky solution to lifes challenges, giving her fans a dose of humor and positivity. Taking to Instagram, the Kal Ho Naa Ho actress shared her thought of the day, which read: The fastest way to forget all your problems in this world is to wear a pair of tight shoes. Ting! Advertisement The lighthearted post quickly resonated with her followers, showcasing her unique take on problem-solving. Advertisement This isnt the first time Preity has charmed her audience with her posts. Just days earlier, she penned a heartfelt birthday message for her close friend and actor Salman Khan, who turned 59. Sharing a series of cheerful throwback photos of the two, she captioned the post, Happy Burrday @beingsalmankhan. Just wanna say I love you the mostest. The rest will tell you when I speak to you and yes, we need more photos, otherwise, I will keep posting the same old ones! #ting. The pictures captured their warm camaraderie, with both actors flashing radiant smiles. Over the years, Preity and Salman have shared a strong bond, both on and off the screen, having worked together in hit films like Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, and Jaan-E-Mann. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Preity G Zinta (@realpz) Preity also recently treated her fans to glimpses of her festive celebrations. On Christmas, she shared adorable photos of her twin children, Jai and Gia, along with her husband, Gene Goodenough. One image showed the little ones excitedly unwrapping gifts by a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Another featured a sweet selfie of Preity and Gene twinning in coordinated outfits, radiating holiday cheer. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from mine to yours, she wrote in the caption. On the professional front, Preity Zinta is ready to make her comeback in Bollywood with Lahore 1947, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film, which also stars Sunny Deol, marks her return to the big screen after a hiatus, and fans are eagerly awaiting her performance. The Hyderabad court has postponed Allu Arjuns regular bail plea in the Pushpa 2 stampede case to January 3. The fatal incident has been under heavy scrutiny with Allu Arjun finding himself in the centre of the case. Following the end of his 14-day judicial custody, the actor sought a verdict on his bail. However, Allu Arjun will need to wait a bit longer for his fate. BREAKING: Verdict on Allu Arjun Bail hearing pushed to January 3rd Advertisement Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) December 30, 2024 Advertisement For those unaware, a fan succumbed to her death during the December 4 premiere of Pushpa: The Rule in Hyderabad. A 35-year-old woman, Revathi, died in a stampede incident while her eight-year-old son required hospitalisation. Meanwhile, the boy, Sri Tej was put on ventilator support and suffered from brain damage. Fortunately, the boy is recovering well now. The incident occurred as Allu Arjun attended the premiere with co-star Rashmika Mandanna and his wife, Allu Sneha Reddy. His attendance caused havoc among fans, creating a stampede. Following the tragic incident, the police arrested three personnel from Sandhya Theatre, where the Pushpa 2 stampede occurred. Subsequently, on December 13, the Hyderabad police arrested Allu Arjun against the complaint by the victims family. The lower court ordered the actor 14-day remand, however, the HC granted him interim bail for 4 weeks on a personal bond of Rs 50,000. Arjun returned home the next day. Also Read: Allu Arjun urges fans to stop abusive behavior after Pushpa 2 stampede On December 27, the actors judicial custody came to an end following which Allu Arjun made a virtual appearance in court. However, the court didnt announce any decision. Subsequently, the court pushed the next hearing to December 30th, which has now been postponed to January 3, 2025. Following the end of judicial custody, Allu Arjun requested regular bail. The Nampally Court, in turn, directed the police to file a counter-affidavit in response. Both the police and Allu Arjuns legal team presented their arguments in the court, which witnessed a key hearing today. Meanwhile, the actor faced heavy questioning by the Hyderabad police recently in connection to the case. The police maintain that they asked Allu Arjun to leave the theatre on December 4 but he refused to leave, causing a stampede. The actor has not reacted to this claim yet. Following the arrest and follow-up events, the issue also stirred political intervention. In his previous address, Telangana CM, Revanth Reddy lashed out at the actor over the Pushpa 2 stampede case. Also Read: Character assassination: says Allu Arjun after CM Revanth Reddy criticises him The age-old trend of male superstars romancing significantly younger actresses has once again sparked debates on ageism in the film industry. Malayalam actor Mohanlal recently shared his perspective, advocating for confidence and audience acceptance as the key factors in casting choices. In an interview with India Today, Mohanlal addressed the criticism surrounding older male actors paired with much younger female leads. Advertisement This is a process, a cycle. Its not new to the industrybe it Telugu, Tamil, or any other. If you are healthy and can act even at 100, theres no issue. You are the deciding factor. If you feel uncomfortable or think a role isnt right for you, you should avoid it. But if people are ready to accept it, why not? Its about performance, not age, he explained. Advertisement Mohanlals remarks come amidst a growing conversation about the industrys double standards. Many have pointed out that while male actors often continue to play romantic leads well into their 50s and beyond, women are rarely afforded the same opportunities. The controversy gained traction recently when reports emerged about Ranveer Singhs upcoming film with director Aditya Dhar. The project, featuring a star-studded cast including R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal, has stirred online backlash over its casting choice. According to news reports, 19-year-old Sara Arjun is going to star opposite 39-year-old Ranveer as the female lead. The announcement didnt sit well with many fans, who took to social media to criticize the glaring age gap. Its unsettling to see a 39-year-old actor romancing someone half his age, remarked one user, echoing the sentiments of numerous movie buffs. Actress Dia Mirza also spoke on the subject in an earlier interview, highlighting the gender disparity in casting. The industry is male-dominated. Older men like being cast opposite younger women to extend their shelf life. Its bizarre that a 50-plus actor is paired with a 19-year-old actress, she stated. A war of words erupted between the BJP and Congress on Monday after the saffron party castigated Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for flying abroad when India is mourning former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singhs demise. BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that the Congress leader has exploited Dr. Singhs death for his expedient politics and has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year while India is mourning his demise. Advertisement In a post on X, Malviya said, While the country is mourning former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhs demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year. Rahul Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr. Singhs death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable. The Gandhis and the Congress hate the Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib. Advertisement Reacting to the BJPs charge, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said in a post on X, When will the Sanghis stop this Take Diversion politics? The way Modi denied Dr. Saheb a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and how his ministers cornered Dr. Sahebs family is shameful. If Mr Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you? Get well in the New year . Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala posted on X, While the country is mourning former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhs demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to bring in the New Year even as nation observes 7 days of mourning. Congress doesnt care for Dr Manmohan Singh. They abused and insulted him during his lifetime. They continue to do so now. Yesterday nobody went to collect his ashes.. Congress even denied Bharat Ratna to Dr Manmohan Singh as per latest disclosures. This is their true face. He further said that the Congress leader paryatan is nothing new. Rahul Gandhi has changed the meaning of LoP from Leader of Opposition to Leader of paryatan and Leader of the party. At a time when the country is in grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi has left for paryatan and party, as per media reportsRahul Gandhi and paryatan is nothing new. At a time when the 26/11 attack happened in Mumbai, he was partying all night. He is not concerned about the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh the BJP national spokesperson said while talking to the media. Dr. Manmohan Singh was cremated with full state honours at the Nigambodh Ghat here on Saturday. The mortal remains of Dr. Singh, the key architect of Indias economic liberalisation, was consigned to flames as per Sikh rituals, in the presence of his family members, friends, colleagues and dignitaries. 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 December 26 at the age of 92. Photo: https://t.me/mapfu2022/4817 The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Agriculture of Syria will create a joint working group to remove duties on Ukrainian products and food, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval said on Telegram channel. "It was a very constructive meeting with a Syrian colleague. We discussed a clear list of goods needed by the country. Syria is primarily interested in livestock products, meat and dairy products, as well as wheat, barley, vegetable oil, sugar, flour. After all, under the Assad regime, there were very high duties on the supply of products to Syria in order to control imports and profit from this," he said. In addition, Koval and Minister of Agriculture of Syria Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad discussed logistics routes for deliveries of Ukrainian products to Syria, and cooperation in the banking sector. They discussed tasks to simplify the supply of agricultural products and ensure food security. Koval said Syria is also interested in the transfer of technology from Ukraine. In particular, in melioration and hydroengineering, because most of the country's lands require irrigation. They also discussed the possibilities of mutual trade: wheat, barley, vegetable oil, sugar and flour from Ukraine; nuts and fruits from Syria. Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday criticised the BJP-led double-engine government in Bihar for allegedly torturing students protesting against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) in Patna. On Sunday, the protests turned chaotic when the Patna Police used lathi charges and water cannons to disperse thousands of candidates demonstrating against the alleged irregularities in the 70th BPSC Combined Preliminary Examination conducted on December 13. Advertisement Taking to X, Priyanka Gandhi wrote, Students were tortured for the second time in three days in Bihar. It is the governments job to stop corruption, rigging, and paper leaks in examinations. But instead of stopping corruption, students are being prevented from raising their voices. Advertisement Water cannon and lathi charge on youth in this harsh cold is inhuman. BJPs double engine has become a symbol of double atrocities on the youth, she added. The protesters, demanding the cancellation of the examination over allegations of widespread irregularities, staged a sit-in near Gandhi Maidan, refusing to vacate the road despite police intervention. As the protest intensified, police first deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd. When this failed, a lathi charge was conducted, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators. Students alleged that tear gas and excessive physical force were used against them and claimed they were forcibly dragged off the streets. Female candidates also reported being mishandled during the confrontation. In the wake of these protests, the Bihar Public Service Commission announced the re-examination of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination (CCE) for approximately 12,000 candidates. The re-exam, scheduled for January 4, 2024, will specifically cover those who appeared at the Bapu Campus Exam Centre in Patna on December 13. The situation has drawn widespread criticism, with students and opposition leaders condemning the polices actions and demanding accountability from the government. A fresh political controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir with the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha rejecting the proposal of the ruling National Conference and not restoring the holiday on 5 December to mark the birth anniversary of the towering Kashmir leader Sheikh Abdullah. Sheikhs birthday and the Martyrs Day on 13 July do not figure in the list of holidays for 2025 released by the government. These holidays were withdrawn in 2019 when the Article 370 was abrogated and J&K state downgraded as a union territory. NC has termed the exclusion of these two holidays as disregard to Kashmirs history and democratic struggle. Advertisement After coming into power, the NC Cabinet had sent a proposal to the LG to restore the holiday on Sheikhs birthday. Moreover, the NC had also said it would restore the holiday on Martyrs Day. Advertisement Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had recently told mediapersons that the holiday on Sheikhs birthday would be restored. There will be no financial burden on the J&K government if a holiday is declared on Sheikh Abdullahs birth anniversary. It would be a gesture of respect to the founder of the NC, whose decisions made J&K the crown of India. From next year, 5 December will definitely be a public holiday as we have understood the peoples sentiment, Choudhary added. Terming the decision of the Lt. Governor administration to abolish holidays on Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs birthday and Martyrs Day on 13 July as an attempt to distort history, CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami criticized the move. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was a towering personality, and his contribution to the freedom struggle and empowerment of the people of J&K cannot be ignored. The empowerment of people we see today came through decisions like Land-to-Tiller without compensation, Education for All, and the empowerment of women, which resulted from that movement, Tarigami said. To downgrade such a towering personality is distortion of history, he added. He said it is very unfortunate that July 13 and December 5 have been dropped from the list of holidays for the 2025 calendar year. He said July 13 holds immense historical significance for J&K, as it commemorates the sacrifice of those who laid down their lives protesting against autocratic rule and advocating for human dignity. Similarly, December 5, Sheikh Sahibs birthday, is of great importance. Attempts to erase such pivotal milestones from our collective memory undermine the values they represent. Distorting history this way will serve no purpose.The CPI(M) leader said the attempt is being made to further divide people. By such decisions, the administration has insulted the people of Jammu and Kashmir. CPI(M) appeals to the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to unitedly resist such divisive policies of the central government, he added. On the other hand, the BJP has appreciated the governments decision to maintain the status quo in the list of public holidays to be observed during 2025. In a significant decision taken by the LG Administration on 28 December 2019, the two controversial state holidays on July 13 and December 5 were deleted from the list of public holidays to be observed in 2020. The practice has been continuing unchanged since then. The decision was widely welcomed across the nation as these holidays were region- specific, BJPs statement said. Restoration of these two holidays was included in its election manifesto by the NC. It was one of the many controversial commitments made by the party. After forming the government many of its leaders and legislators including the partys general secretary had upped the ante making fervent appeals to the LG to declare December 5, 2024 as a public holiday but were ignored. It is also learnt that further pressure was exerted on the LG through submitting a cabinet proposal to the LG. The firm stand taken by the LG and ignoring the parochial demand is really praiseworthy, stated Brigadier Anil Gupta (Retd), spokesperson of BJP. Meanwhile, Srinagars former Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu said that the NC had promised to restore Martyrs Day as a state holiday. The Ministry of Defence on Monday signed two significant contracts, worth approximately Rs 2,867 crore, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Indian submarines. The agreements include the construction of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) Plug for the DRDO-AIP system and its integration into Indian submarines, as well as the integration of the Electronic HeavyWeight Torpedo (EHWT) onto the Kalvari-Class submarines. Advertisement The first contract, valued at around Rs 1,990 crore, was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, for the construction of the AIP Plug and its integration. The second contract, worth approximately Rs 877 crore, was signed with Naval Group, France, for the integration of the EHWT, which is being developed by DRDO. Advertisement The AIP technology, being indigenously developed by DRDO, will significantly enhance the endurance of conventional submarines, contributing to Indias Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This project is expected to generate nearly three lakh man-days of employment. Meanwhile, the integration of EHWT, a joint effort by the Indian Navy, DRDO, and Naval Group, France, will enhance the firepower of Kalvari-Class submarines, boosting the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. Senior Congress leader and Opposition Leader in the Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, on Monday criticized the LDF governments decision to grant a one-month parole to Kodi Suni, a convict in the 2012 TP Chandrasekharan murder case and a habitual offender, calling it an open challenge to the legal system and the rule of law. It is mysterious that a habitual offender was granted one-month parole on the grounds of his mothers illness. What assurance does the Home Department have that Kodi Suni, who was convicted in the TP murder case and involved in criminal activities while in jail, will not commit crimes during this parole period, Satheesan asked. Advertisement Satheesan alleged that there might be a conspiracy, possibly involving the CPI(M) top leadership, behind the decision to grant parole. He also accused the Chief Minister and his office of overriding a police report that opposed the parole. Advertisement Alleging that the CPI(M) has degenerated into a killer party by planning murders and shielding perpetrators, Satheesan said, The Pinarayi Vijayan government repeatedly signals through its actions that it will protect criminals, including those accused in the TP murder case, the Periya double murder case, and others responsible for deaths like that of Naveen Babu. He added that it was disgraceful for a government elected by the people to become protectors of murderers, drug mafias, and criminals. Kodi Suni, currently lodged in Tavanur prison, was granted parole for 30 days by the jail DGP following a recommendation from the Kerala State Human Rights Commission. He was released on December 28, marking his first parole in six years. The Human Rights Commission, in response to a petition from the convicts mother, recommended the parole, noting that such privileges are granted based on police reports and government discretion. KK Rema, MLA and the wife of slain RMP leader TP Chandrasekharan, also criticized the governments decision, terming the parole questionable. Rema demanded a proper explanation from the government on the basis for granting a 30-day parole. If the purpose of the parole was to visit his ailing mother, ten days would have sufficed, she said. She alleged that the extended parole could not have been granted without the Home Departments knowledge, making the decision highly suspicious. Rema also raised concerns about the Human Rights Commissions intervention, suggesting it aligned with the ruling partys interests. She announced plans to consult legal experts and take further steps to address the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the passing of former President of the US, Jimmy Carter, hailing his contribution to deepening India-US ties. In a post on X, the PM wrote: 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 and the people of the US. Advertisement Mr Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel peace laureate, died yesterday. Advertisement An incident in Meghalayas Mawlynnong village has ignited widespread condemnation after social media influencer Akash Sagar entered the historic Epiphany Church and chanted Jai Shri Ram, a Hindu religious slogan, during Christmas celebrations. The act, captured on video and shared across social media platforms, has been criticized for disrespecting the sanctity of the Christian place of worship. Advertisement Local authorities, including the Mawlynnong Dorbar Shnong, have urged the government to take stringent action against Sagar. Advertisement Thomlin Khongthohrem, Mawlynnong Rangbah Shnong, stated that the executive committee of the Dorbar Shnong has decided to await the outcome of the police investigation. The police have assured that strong action will be taken against Sagar for hurting the sentiments of the church members and the village as a whole. The incident has also led to calls for stricter regulations for tourists visiting religious sites in Meghalaya. The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has urged the state government to establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for tourists, emphasizing the importance of respecting local beliefs and sentiments. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condemned the act as a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of people in the state. He stated: We will leave no stone unturned to prevent anyone from creating social, religious, and communal disharmony. Legal action is ongoing. The Central Puja Committee (CPC), a leading Hindu organization in Meghalaya, also condemned the act and urged the district administration to investigate the matter and initiate immediate action as per law. CPC president Naba Bhattacharjee stated: We strongly oppose the act done by this man and appeal to the police administration to proceed strictly and punish this man according to the law we have. The Rajasthan Government has issued a gazette notification regarding the abolishment of three newly formed divisions and nine districts amid a war of words between leaders of the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress over the reversal of the previous Ashok Gehlot regimes decision. The notification, issued on Sunday, legally enacts Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma-led BJP governments decision to abolish the three divisionsSikar, Pali, and Banswaraand nine districtsDudu, Kekri, Shahpura, Neem-Ka-Thana, Gangapur City, Jaipur-Rural, Jodhpur-Rural, Anoopgarh, and Sanchorethat were constituted by the Gehlot-led Congress government on August 5, 2023. Advertisement However, eight of the 17 districts formed last year have been retained. These are: Deeg, Balotra, Khairthal-Tizara, Beawar, Kotputli-Behror, Deedwana-Kuchaman, Phalodi, and Salumbar. Advertisement With this change, the state will now comprise seven divisions and 41 districts. The creation of new divisions and districts by the previous Congress government, and the subsequent nullification of these by the Sharma-led BJP government, have taken on a political dimension. While the ruling party has justified its decision to abolish the divisions and districts, calling the Gehlot regimes move politically motivated to win votes in the election year, the opposition has criticized it as another step in the ruling partys agenda of reversing, suspending, or closing initiatives and schemes from the previous administration. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Ram Patel and BJP state chief Madan Rathore reiterated that the Congress governments decisions were made with electoral prospects in mind, ignoring norms and criteria based on geographical, economic, and administrative needs. Former Chief Minister Gehlot defended his governments decision, stating, Our state is the largest in the country in terms of area. We need smaller districts and a well-organized administrative system. I believe there is still room for creating more districts in the state for better governance and smoother resolution of public issues and grievances. The incumbent government, however, did not provide a logical explanation for what they called an undemocratic, unthoughtful, and anti-people action, accusing the ruling party of reversing their decisions without any substantive rationale. As part of their defense, the ruling party has fielded six to seven former bureaucrats to justify the abolition of nine districts and three divisions. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday emphasized the importance of mastering frontier technologies in the rapidly evolving global landscape, highlighting the crucial role of military training centers in preparing soldiers for future warfare challenges. Addressing officers at the Army War College (AWC) in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, he pointed out the radical changes in modern warfare, including information warfare, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven strategies, proxy wars, electromagnetic warfare, space operations, and cyberattacks, all of which are reshaping military strategies. Advertisement He stressed that the military must remain well-trained and equipped to tackle these emerging threats. Advertisement Speaking about Indias development vision for 2047, Singh said the country is on a fast track toward becoming a major manufacturing hub. He noted significant advancements in defense capabilities, with India not only modernizing its military equipment but also increasing its defense exports. Indias defense exports have grown from Rs 2,000 crore a decade ago to over Rs 21,000 crore today, and the government has set an ambitious export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, he added. Singh reiterated the governments commitment to strengthening the integration and jointness among the three armed services, expressing confidence that this approach will enable the Indian Armed Forces to address challenges more efficiently in the future. Looking ahead, the Defence Minister also emphasized the role of future defense attaches, urging them to align with the governments vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and secure national interests globally. He underscored that self-reliance is key to strengthening Indias defense capabilities and enhancing its stature on the world stage. Concluding his address, Singh reaffirmed the governments dedication to making India one of the strongest economic and military powers in the world. He emphasized that economic prosperity and national security are closely linked, with each reinforcing the other. By 2047, India aims not only to become a developed nation but also to establish one of the most modern and powerful militaries globally. The opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday lashed out at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for allegedly failing to release 62.5 percent of the amount meant for Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) scheme for SC students, even as the party said only Rs 92 crore out of total Rs 245 crore has been released till date. In a statement released here, senior SAD leader and former education minister Daljit Singh Cheema said the AAP-led state government has admitted in its full page advertisements issued in different news papers on Monday that so for in the year 2024-25, it has released only 37.5 per cent of the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students, and has failed to release remaining 62.5 percent amount under the scheme. Advertisement He said that 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 crore has been released. He said that 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. Advertisement He further said that if you have so much money for advertising, it would be better to release 100 per cent of money earmarked for the year. He also said that in addition, there is no clear mention of dates of release of the amount pending from 2016-2020. He said that through fake and bogus advertisements, this AAP government is trying to mislead Punjabis particularly SC community who are at the receiving end ever since this government has taken over the state. Dr Cheema urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to stop taking orders from Delhi and instead start working for welfare of Punjab and Punjabis as they have given him mandate to run Punjab and not to Arvind Kejriwal who is bleeding Punjab of its resources. He said that history will never forgive him. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday condemned the lathi charge on Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants seeking a re-examination of the 70th BPSC prelims. In a video statement, the former Bihar deputy chief minister described the turn of events very painful. Advertisement It is very painful how BPSC aspirants were beaten up by the police. Many people are badly injured in this We condemn this. The visuals that have surfaced are painful. I am a youth, and I can understand their situation. Firstly, people were protesting against normalization he said. Advertisement Yadav said his party had raised the issue in the Bihar Vidhan Sabha on November 28, but the state government failed to act promptly. We raised this issue in the Vidhan Sabha too on November 28. We wrote a letter to the CM but didnt get any answer Later on, BPSC clarified that normalisation should not have happened. Why didnt they clear this earlier? On 15-16 December, BPSC announced the cancellation of the exam at one centre. If the paper had been leaked, then why is the exam being cancelled only at one centre? It is a kind of normalisation Thats why students are protesting for a re-examination. I also support this, he said. The Bihar police lathi-charged and used water cannons to disperse the protesting BPSC aspirants in Gandhi Maidan, Patna, on Sunday. The 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 RJD leader voiced his full support for the demand for a re-examination, stressing that the government needed to address the issues at the heart of the protests rather than dismissing them. Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticized the BJP-led double-engine government in the state for torturing the protesting students. Taking to X, she wrote, Students were tortured for the second time in three days in Bihar. It is the governments job to stop corruption, rigging, and paper leaks in examinations. But instead of stopping corruption, students are being prevented from raising their voices. Water cannon and lathi charge on youth in this harsh cold is inhuman. BJPs double engine has become a symbol of double atrocities on the youth, she added. In the wake of these protests, the Bihar Public Service Commission announced the re-examination of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination (CCE) for approximately 12,000 candidates. The re-exam, scheduled for January 4, 2025, will specifically cover those who appeared at the Bapu Campus Exam Centre in Patna on December 13, 2024. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed condolences to the American people in connection with the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. "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," he wrote on X. "He devoted his life to promoting peace in the world and defending human rights. Today, let us remember: peace matters, and the world must remain united in standing against those who threaten these values," Zelenskyy stressed. "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," the president added. As reported, 39th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100, The Washington Post reports, citing Carter's son. Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder-president Vijay, on Monday, called on Governor R N Ravi to press for safety of women in Tamil Nadu in the wake of the public outrage over the sexual assault on a female student of the prestigious Anna University in the heart of Chennai. Joining the other Opposition parties in cornering the DMK government of M K Stalin over the issue, Vijay, who has declared the DMK his primary political opponent, walking the extra mile to the Raj Bhavan has set political tongues wagging. Accompanied by two senior functionaries of the TVK, he called on Ravi and submitted a petition seeking protection for women in the state. He had already condemned the incident and blamed the state government for its failure to ensure security of women. Advertisement The girl, a second-year student of the university, a premier institution for technical education, was sexually assaulted after her boyfriend was thrashed and chased away in the varsity campus. After the incident on December 23, the accused, Gnanasekaran (37), who runs a roadside biriyani shop near the university, was arrested and remanded on a complaint by the victim. However, dissatisfied with the police investigation, the Madras High Court, on Saturday, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three women IPS officers to take over the case. The Court has also ordered Rs 25 lakh compensation to the victim, besides directing the university to provide her with free education and boarding facilities. Advertisement This is the TVK founders first meeting with the state governor when he presented him with a copy of Thirukkural, the Sangam era classic ethical treatise of 2nd century CE composed by saint-poet Thiruvalluvar. Governor Ravi gifted him a compilation of poems by Subramania Bharathi, the modernist Tamil poet. Curiously enough, an X post Raj Bhavan identified the TVK founder president with his Christian name as Joseph Vijay. Only hardcore saffron leaders like H Raja used to call him like that to reinforce his religious identity.It appears that the Raj Bhavan too has taken a cue from them, say analysts. Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi has approved the death sentence for Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, convicted of murder in Yemen. The execution is scheduled to take place within a month. Nimisha Priya, a native of Palakkad, was sentenced to death in 2018 for the murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mehdi. She was apprehended while attempting to flee Yemen. Advertisement In August 2018, a trial court found Priya guilty of murdering Mehdi by injecting him with sedatives. Mehdis dismembered body was later discovered in a water tank. A Yemeni nurse, who was found guilty of assisting Priya, was sentenced to life imprisonment. Advertisement On March 7, 2022, an appeal court upheld Priyas death sentence but left room for clemency, allowing Mehdis family to pardon her under Islamic law. Such pardons typically require the payment of blood money, a compensation paid to the victims family. Efforts to secure a pardon have faced challenges. Priyas mother, Premakumari, has been residing in Sanaa, Yemens capital, for five months, working to negotiate forgiveness and raise the required blood money. She has been supported by Samuel Jerome, an NRI social worker associated with the Save Nimisha Priya Action Council. Negotiations stalled in September when Abdullah Ameer, a lawyer appointed by the Indian Embassy, demanded a $20,000 (approximately Rs 16.7 lakh) pre-negotiation fee, halting discussions. Although the Ministry of External Affairs provided $19,871 in July, Ameer insisted on a total of $40,000, payable in two installments, before continuing the talks. The Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council managed to raise the first installment through crowdfunding but later faced difficulties in providing transparency to donors regarding fund usage. With time running out, Priyas fate remains uncertain as efforts to secure clemency continue amidst financial and procedural hurdles. The Delhi Government has decided to use energy-efficient cooling devices in all its offices and buildings. The move comes as a step to save energy and curb the rising demand of electricity. Once approved, all departments of the Delhi Government will use only 5-star rated air conditioners and other cooling devices. The starrating of electrical devices is an ecolabel that makes green initiatives like these possible. The star-rating of electrical devices was introduced under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, through the setting up of a Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The BEE assesses electrical products and rates them on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, with higher ratings indicating greater energy efficiency and lower running costs. The Delhi Government expects to save up to 3,042 units of electricity and Rs. 29,000 per AC each year by using 5-star rated cooling devices. Eco-labelling of products helps consumers know how environmentally friendly one product is compared to others in the same category. The overall environmental impact of products is assessed by a third party; this allows eco-conscious consumers to make unbiased purchase decisions. Moreover, eco-labelling encourages manufactures to transition towards environment-friendly production since the entire life cycle of a product from its manufacturing to its disposal is assessed during eco-labelling. Advertisement The concept of eco-labelling has been around for more than two decades. The World Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, held in Rio de Janeiro, identified the need for such effective, transparent, verifiable, non-misleading and non-discriminatory consumer information tools. Growing consumer awareness about environmental impacts of manufacturing and production has created demand for eco-friendly products, and for eco-labels. The BEE star-rating is one such eco-label and is specific to the electrical appliances segment. Many eco-labels exist today but there is a need for streamlining and optimizing them across all segments. Advertisement More and more people are now recognizing the benefits of buying green products for both the environment and their own well-being. Green consumerism is rising, with customers actively seeking eco-friendly options beginning with biodegradable packaging, reusable bags and recyclable plastic. Green consumers are interested in buying products that are ethically produced, do not waste water and energy during manufacturing, do not cause pollution and are focused on sustainability and the circular economy. Consumer awareness about green products is increasing. There is thus an increasing need for comprehensive, reliable and unambiguous eco-labelling of all available consumer products. In India, the overarching, government-regulated eco-label is called Ecomark. The Ecomark Scheme was first introduced in 1991 as a voluntary eco-certification programme. Ecomark is different from BEEs starrating in that it has wider scope and covers a wide range of product categories including food, textiles, household goods and personal care products. Another key difference is that Ecomark assesses the entire lifecycle (holistic environmental impact) of the products while BEEs star-rating focuses on energy use and consumption. A quick analysis of the Ecomark Scheme shows it to be highly unpopular. Its logo, the earthen pot, is rare to find on any product in the marketplace. In its absence, green consumers are relying on other eco-labels with narrow scope such as BEEs star-rating, chasing arrows, organic certification and informal notation on packaging such as Recyclable. The latter are often not reliable which discourages motivated green consumers. Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified Ecomark Rules 2024, replacing the Ecomark Scheme of 1991. The fresh impetus is due to the ongoing Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) of the MoEFCC which uses green nudging as a tool for promoting green choices. Reviving the Ecomark eco-label is thus a much needed pre-requisite for the success of Mission LiFE. Implementation of Ecomark Rules 2024 must begin by analyzing the factors behind the unpopularity of the earlier Ecomark Scheme. The Ecomark Rules 2024 continue to make it a voluntary initiative; it is up to manufacturers to decide if they want to take part in eco-labelling. Making participation mandatory, at least in some product categories, will certainly strengthen Ecomark eco-labelling and will also have long-term environmental benefits. It also needs to be assessed if the Ecomark eco-label should continue to be implemented in a Yes/No mode allowing only eco-friendly products to display the eco-label, or should it adopt a BEE like rating system. After all, a rating system not only guides consumer choices but also increases competition among manufacturers to improve performance and obtain higher ratings. In addition, Ecomark should be made flexible to accommodate existing green ratings as well as upcoming green ratings like the Right to Repair rating of products. The growing interest of consumers in green products underscores the need for a reliable eco-label that simplifies their choices. With streamlined implementation, Ecomark has the potential to become a unified, transparent label for enabling consumers to make impactful, informed decisions for a sustainable planet. (The writers are, respectively, an associate professor and a student at the Jindal School of Environment & Sustainability, O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, India.) While India has proved its prowess in precision landing with Chandrayaan-3, the impending SpaDeX mission will achieve a historic space docking feat, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket, at 21:58 IST from Sriharikota on December 30. Advertisement The mission aims to dock two satellites in space, a challenge only mastered by the US, Russia, and China, so far. Advertisement ISROs year-end mission is going to be a historic one as it will seek the rare feat of docking or merging or joining together two satellites in space, Singh said, adding that the indigenous technology used for this mission is called the Bharatiya Docking System. SpaDEX will mark a milestone, showcasing Indias expertise in spacecraft docking technology, Singh noted. The success of this mission is vital for Indias future space ambitions. Docking technology will help upcoming missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the planned Indian space station, expected to be ready by 2035. It is also crucial for the eventual manned Gaganyaan mission, expected to launch in 2026. With SpaDeX, ISRO will attempt to dock two satellites orbiting at speeds of 28,800 km/h. And both satellites must be carefully manoeuvred to reduce their relative velocities to a mere 0.036 km/h. The two satellites, SDX01 or Chaser and SDX02 or Target, will merge to form a single unit in space. Each satellite weighs around 220 kilograms and will orbit 470 km above Earth. The mission aims to include performing precision rendezvous and docking manoeuvres, validating power transfer between docked spacecraft, and operating payloads post-undocking, with a two-year lifespan. SpaDEX will also use PSLVs fourth stage, POEM-4, for experiments. The stage will carry 24 payloads from academic institutions and startups. These experiments will utilise the microgravity environment in orbit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced emergency disaster payments for people affected by a major bushfire in the countrys 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement This has been a devastating fire event, he said. We live in a country thats 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 Australias 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. 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement NATOs years-long eastward expansion remains a significant driver of the Ukrainian crisis and continues to pose a threat to Russias 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 Russias 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 Ukraines non-aligned, neutral and non-nuclear status to eliminate long-term threats to Russias 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, Ukraines 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. 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 US state of Texas, authorities said. In Brazoria County, about 45 miles (72.4 km) south of Houston, the Sheriffs Office confirmed one death and four injuries, Xinhua news agency reported. Advertisement In northern Houstons Montgomery County, another two people were hospitalised with injuries, Deputy Chief of Staff Jason Smith told CBS News. Advertisement 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 Sheriffs Office spokesperson Madison Polston told CNN. At this point, we dont 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 US National Weather Service (NWS). From Houston to Dallas, hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed at Texas airports due to the severe storms. Besides Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi were also placed under a tornado watch by the NWS, which was upgraded to a rare particularly dangerous situation. The warning cautioned of numerous strong tornadoes until 9 p.m. Central Standard Time (0300 GMT). In southwest Mississippi, a large wedge tornado touched down west of Brookhaven, leaving behind massive debris and injuries, according to a local report. At least one person was trapped in a house when a tree fell on it during a tornado, it added. Across eastern Louisiana, strong winds knocked down trees and power lines, with the highest speed reaching 81 mph (130.35 km/h) on Saturday afternoon. The severe storm threat is expected to weaken on Sunday, as it spreads to the Southeast, the East Coast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, said a CNN report, adding that 2024 has seen 1,783 tornado reports across the US as of Friday. Photo: National Guard Ukrainian anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare forces units and mobile fire groups shot down 21 drones launched by the enemy to attack Ukraine last night. "Twenty-one Shahed kamikaze drones and simulator drones of other types were destroyed in Kharkiv, Poltava, Chernihiv, Odesa, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. The locations of 22 enemy simulator drones were lost (without negative consequences)," the Ukrainian Air Force said on the Telegram channel Monday morning. Civilian private houses were damaged as a result of destroyed drones falling in Kharkiv and Odesa regions. The enemy launched its drones from Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Russia. The Delhi Model: A Bold New Road Map to Building A Developed India by Jasmine Shah looks into the much-discussed Delhi model, highlighting its transformative impact on education, air-pollution, transportation, electricity, water and health care. This article is an excerpt from his book published by Penguin Random House India. Transforming India's Government Schools India stands at the precipice of an education crisis. For the past seven decades, governments in India have waxed eloquent about the importance of education to building a strong economy and a developed country but few have shown the appetite to put money where their mouth is. It was the Kothari Commission came up with the first National Policy on Education in 1968 that advocated a specific share of public expenditure in India to be allocated to education every year6 per cent of the GDP. Most recently, the much-celebrated National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) once again advocated this demand, raising hopes that India's education sector will finally turn a page. The reality has been quite the opposite. Over the past decade, however, the Central government's budgetary spending on education has declined consistently from 4.6 per cent in 2013-14 to 2.9 per cent in 2023-24. As a result, the total public expenditure on education in India as a share of its GDP has ranged between 2.4 per cent to 2.9 per cent throughout the past decadea far cry from the promised 6 per cent. This steady withdrawal of the Indian state from the education sector has had grave consequences for the government schooling system. The total number of government schools in India have reduced from 11.1 lakh in 2014-15 to 10.2 lakh in 2020-21. Private schools have stepped in to fill this gap, increasing from 2.9 lakh to 3.4 lakh in this period. There is an acute shortage of teachers in government schools with over 8 lakh vacancies remaining to be filled in December 2023. To its credit, the NEP 2020 is a commendable policy document for it sets right many policy priorities for the first time in India's school education system. It sets the goal of the education system as one that builds character, enabling learners to be ethical, rational, compassionate and caring, while at the same time preparing them for gainful, fulfilling employment. It talks about empowering and providing continuous professional development to teachers and principals. At the pedagogy level too, it talks about moving away from rote pedagogy learning to a more inquiry-driven and experiential learning that promotes critical thinking. The NEP 2020, however, is a highly flawed policy document, as it fails to connect any of these noble intentions with actions. It describes the what but provides no roadmap as to how states can go about implementing these ideas and, most importantly, where the funds will come from. A beautiful policy without a credible implementation plan is like watching a pretty science fiction film and imagining yourself living in a different world for a few hours, only to discover later that nothing really has changed around you. For this very reason, the NEP 2020 risks being condemned to the dustbin of history just as all other well-meaning education policy documents, beginning 1968, have been. In contrast, the Delhi education model stands as a real-world policy-cum-implementation model that arguably provides the most realistic roadmap for any Indian state keen on realizing the vision of NEP 2020. Providing an elaborate roadmap for scaling-up the Delhi education model elsewhere is beyond the scope of this book. However, Indian policymakers keen to do so will have to set four key priorities which the AAP government did when it began conceptualizing the Delhi education model and working towards the impossible task of turning around a state-level government school system. First, there cannot be any conversation about transforming India's government schools without setting aside sizeable budgets. No amount of drafting new policies or giving inspiring speeches will help until our governments marshal the political will to put the required money on the table first. Delhi's experience shows that, even in the national capital, fixing the accumulated deficiencies in our government schools over the past several decades-i.e. building state-of-the-art infrastructure, hiring sufficient teachers, investing in world- class teacher training-required setting aside nearly 25 per cent of the budget consistently for a decade. Many states may not be in a position to set aside huge budgets immediately, but there has to be a commitment to start phasing towards that within two to three years. There are two potential pathways to mobilize these funds. One, by imposing new taxes like the Central government did, through a 2 per cent education cess in 2004 to fund the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA). The SSA succeeded in considerably expanding the government school infrastructure across India and improving the access to primary education. More recently, the Centre relaxed the fiscal deficit limit under Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act to fund vaccination expenses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Perhaps its time to treat the crisis afflicting our government schools with a similar urgency. Second, is to take the path Delhi did. The AAP government did not raise any new taxes; rather it prioritized the needs of the education department above all else. Our state governments need to start budgeting for education the way a middle-class family does: set aside the budget to provide the best quality education for the children first and meet all other needs from whats left. A bullet train, a coastal expressway, a grand statue etc. can all wait until government schools get their due. The second priority should be to introduce only those policies that can be implemented at scale. Governments across India love to create islands of excellence and celebrate them endlessly. Kendriya Vidyalayas are one example. The most recent example is the PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme launched in 2022 by the Narendra Modi government. The scheme aims to develop 14,500 schools across India as model schools at a cost of 27,000 core in five years showcasing NEP 2020 in action with no plans for the remaining 99 per cent government schools. In contrast, every intervention under the Delhi education model was introduced with the clear vision of scaling them across all schools in a time-bound manner with the requisite resources aligned for the samebe it infrastructure upgrade or strengthening the SMCs or the business blasters programme. The third priority should be keeping teachers and principals at the heart of every reform. Inspired and capable teachers are the most important agents of change in any system-wide effort for education reform. Unfortunately, government school systems are too large and bureaucratic and often devalue the role and knowledge of these frontline workers. The AAP government empowered Delhi's teachers and principals in multiple ways, treating them with dignity, care and respect. It has made lasting investments in training them in leadership and behaviour change besides cutting-edge teaching methods. The fourth priority, often the most ignored one, is actively involving parents in providing holistic education to their children. If the goal of the education system is not just to produce skilled human resources but also to make compassionate, caring and public-spirited citizens, then the role of parents cannot be ignored. Children may spend four to five hours a day in the school, but the remaining time is spent at home. Delhi's mega PTM and School Management Committees (SMCs) had a huge impact in breaking the silos between the two most important stakeholders in a student's life-teachers and parents who helped each other understand what they can do better. Policy prescriptions aside, the starting point of any such reform effort is strong political will. Reforming state-wide government systems is more complex than any other public institution for the sheer variety of stakeholders involved. Unfortunately, decades of abject neglect has taken the soul out of this very institution that determines the future of half of our children. Bureaucracy alone cannot fix this problem; in fact, they are part of the problem. Inspired political leadership that makes education its topmost priority and engages deeply and honestly with the reform process is the only one that can do this, as Delhi has shown. Most traditional parties are averse to doing this for two simple reasons. Public funds invested in run-of-the-mill infrastructure projects like roads, flyovers etc. lend themselves to easy commissions than hiring more teachers and fixing toilets in government schools. Second, rising demand for private schools benefits political bosses too, who often run these institutions themselves. The ultimate responsibility, therefore, rests with the Indian voter. Only when they start demanding and voting for parties that place education at the top of their political agenda, will things really change. Ive been very clear that the [programme] is broken and needs major reform, posted the wealthiest person in the world, Elon Musk, in an interaction of his social media platform X (Formerly, Twitter) on Sunday. This sounded like the Tesla CEO backtracking on him stating he would go to war defending the H-1B visa just days ago. Last week, ardent Donald Trump supporters clashed with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy over the topic of immigrant visas. Both the tech entrepreneurs, who are expected to hold influential positions in the incoming Trump administration, backed the H-1B visa programme then. Easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H1B, making it materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically. Ive been very clear that the program is broken and needs major reform. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 29, 2024 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, Musk posted on X over the weekend. A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers, tweeted Ramaswamy last week, in a post that strongly supported H-1B. Trumps election hopefully marks the beginning of a new golden era in America, but only if our culture fully wakes up. A culture that once again prioritizes achievement over normalcy; excellence over mediocrity; nerdiness over conformity; hard work over laziness, he added. The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over native Americans isnt because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) December 26, 2024 However, later on Sunday, in an interaction with a user, Musk clarified his stance on H-1B. He said that the programme could be easily fixed by raising the minimum salary significantly and adding a yearly cost for maintaining the H-1B, making it materially more expensive to hire from overseas than domestically. In the meantime, Elon-led rocketship firm SpaceX launched two back-to-back missions over Saturday and Sunday. The last launch of 2024 is expected to be on Tuesday morning, which is a Starlink mission to deploy 21 satellites. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India and its borders are becoming increasingly secure and strong because of the hard work and commitment of the armed forces. He urged them to continue keeping a vigilant eye on the current geopolitical scenario, and remain alert and ready to deal with any kind of threats. The defence minister was speaking during his recent visit to the three premier training institutes of the Indian ArmyArmy War College (AWC), Infantry School, and Military College of Telecommunication & Engineering (MCTE)in Mhow of Madhya Pradesh. He observed that there are times when India faces challenges on the borders as well as within the country, making it imperative for the soldiers to keep a close eye on the activities of the enemies of the country and take timely and effective steps against them. ALSO READ: From LCH Prachand to INS Arighaat, a look at major additions to Indian military's arsenal in 2024 The defence minister reiterated that the government aims to make India a developed and self-reliant nation by 2047 and the armed forces have 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 in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Singh, who was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers of the Indian Army, hailed the contributions of the training institutions of the Indian Army in making the personnel proficient in military strategies and warfare. A handheld portable device that can be easily operated by primary health care workers could help in early detection of breast cancer, which has emerged as the most common form of cancer for women in India. iBreastExam is a battery-operated, fully wireless, radiation-free device that can be paired via Bluetooth to its associated tablet and then gently moved over each breast in quadrants. The sensors in the device electronically palpate the breast and evaluate tissue elasticity. The readings are captured on the tablet. In a study conducted by the Government Medical College, Nagpur, it was concluded to be a potential powerful screening tool which could distinguish between hard and soft tissues with great sensitivity and specificity. The study also concluded that the use of the device could reduce the burden on machines and radiologists, as further ultrasounds or mammography would need to be conducted only on such women who showed tissue abnormality. The device displays and stores data in realtime, but does not capture any identifiable data, thus ensuring the privacy of patients. The results are displayed in a simple manner, with green indicating normal breast tissue and red indicating a lesion (which is stiffer than normal breast tissue). Thus, primary health care workers are not required to undergo any extensive training to read and understand the data. It must however be noted that the device does not differentiate the types of lesions captured. It is also not a substitute for mammograms, ultrasounds or MRIs. In India, 3.8 lakh scans have been conducted using iBreastExam to date. UE Lifesciences, the company behind the device has also collaborated with the government of Goa, and recently partnered with Hinduja Hospital to screen policewomen in Mumbai. The device has been used to conduct two million breast exams across the world and has received numerous recognitions including the 2022 Global Women HealthTech Award by the World Bank. Claiming to be first such programme in the country, Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government will provide a monthly honorarium to temple priests and gurudwara granthis. The party had earlier announced a scheme to provide monthly assistance for women in view of Delhi Assembly polls. #WATCH | Delhi: AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal says "Under Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, an honorarium will be given to the priests of temples and the 'granthis' of the Gurudwara every month. They will be given an honorarium of about Rs 18,000 per month...Registration for pic.twitter.com/E5r3RqsfTv ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024 Announcing the scheme in Delhi, Kejriwal said, I am making an important announcement regarding a scheme. The name of the scheme is Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana. Under this, honorarium will be given to the priests of temples and the 'granthis' of the Gurudwara. They will be given an honorarium of about Rs 18,000 per month. This is happening for the first time in the country. The priest is a class that has carried forward the rituals from generation to generation. They never paid attention to their family and we never paid attention to them, ANI reported. Kejriwal said the registration for the scheme will begin on Tuesday from the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place. AAP is hoping for a consecutive win in upcoming Delhi Assembly election. The partys announcement comes amidst probe against its earlier announced Mahila Samman scheme. Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has directed Delhi chief secretary to conduct a probe into alleged reports of non-government persons collecting details of individuals in the name of non-existent schemes. AAP has promised to provide a monthly assistance of Rs 2,100 for women after winning the Delhi Assembly polls. Kejriwal also launched the registration process for the scheme. However, the Congress has complained with the Delhi lieutenant governor against the registration process and charged AAP is committing fraud with women in the national capital. Congress also charged the AAP was collecting sensitive personal information in the name of a non-existent scheme. The Jammu and Kashmir government has released its official holiday list for 2025, featuring religious, national, and regional celebrations. However, the omission of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullahs birthday and July 13, Martyrs Day, has sparked debate. Sheikh Abdullah is the founder of the National Conference and was Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 1947 to 1953. He later became chief minister in 1977 following the 1975 Indira- Sheikh Accord. His birthday and Martyrs Day were excluded from the list of official holidays after the abrogation of Article 370. In November, the Omar-led government formally submitted a proposal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, requesting the reinstatement of the holiday. However, no action has been taken, leaving the matter in limbo as 2025 draws closer. The absence of Sheikh Abdullahs birthday from the official holiday list underscores the ongoing power struggle between elected representatives and the Lieutenant Governors office. As the debate continues, the exclusion of these significant dates serves as a reminder of the shifting political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir. The exclusion of Sheikh Abdullahs birthday and Martyrs Day has become a controversial issue, pointing to ongoing disputes over historical legacies and governance authority. Leaders of the ruling National Conference (NC) had promised to reinstate these holidays, but they remain absent from the list. Despite repeated demands from elected MLAs to bring back the holidays, which were removed by the Lieutenant Governors administration, they are still not included. This highlights the limited power of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, where the Centre-appointed Lieutenant Governor holds significant influence. The NC had previously called for the reinstatement of these holidays, but the issue remains unresolved. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had recently assured that the Omar Abdullah-led government would soon declare December 5Sheikh Abdullahs birth anniversaryas a public holiday. NC general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar had also advocated for recognising December 5 as a holiday, however, no heed was paid by the administration to the appeal. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district on Monday for the first time since the unrest in the area earlier this year. Sandeshkhali had been embroiled in controversy ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, with widespread allegations against local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders involving sexual assault on women and forced land acquisitions. Tensions began after a team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was attacked by a mob, allegedly provoked by local TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan, in January. The attack occurred as the central agency officials were heading to his residence to conduct a raid as part of their investigation into a suspected public distribution scam and allegations of illegal land acquisition. The ruling party effectively managed the controversy by releasing videos that allegedly showed local BJP leaders admitting to offering money to individuals to fabricate accusations against TMC leaders and workers. These videos helped shape the narrative that some of the issues in Sandeshkhali were orchestrated. Trinamool then secured a decisive victory in the Basirhat constituency, in which Sandeshkhali falls, with a massive lead of over 3 lakh votes in Lok Sabha polls. In November, during a by-election in the neighbouring Haroa assembly constituency, Trinamool achieved another resounding win, garnering 76.63% of the total vote share and a margin exceeding 1.25 lakh votes. These electoral successes highlighted the prevailing public sentiment, dispelling predictions that the Sandeshkhali controversy would put the TMC on the back foot. The Trinamool supremos visit on Monday showed clear signs that the party was very much in control in the area. Sandeshkhali: Decoding the political turf war in West Bengal A large crowd assembled at the Rishi Aurobindo Mission ground to participate in the event. During the program, the chief minister personally honoured people who received financial assistance under the Banglar Bari scheme, along with beneficiaries of other state government initiatives such as Kanyashree, Rupashree, Aikyashree, and Jai Johar, among others. Additionally, she directed that a caesarean delivery facility at the local Sandeshkhali Rural Hospital be started and the bed capacity be raised from 30 to 60. As the region consists of a cluster of islands, a member of the crowd requested the construction of a bridge over the Bidhyadhari River. In response, the chief minister mentioned that two bridges had already been built, with another one in progress. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with a beneficiary of a government scheme at Sandeshkhali | Salil bera "Infrastructure projects like bridges require significant funding. I am noting your request, but we need to arrange the necessary resources. The Centre provides us with nothing. I also have to manage other state government initiatives," she explained, highlighting her administration's efforts to enhance water transportation facilities in the area. It was a game of money and money only. People were intentionally misled. But lies cannot last forever, CM Banerjee said amidst a thunderous response from the crowd. Coexist with others peacefully and dont fall in the traps of bad people. Allegations had surfaced earlier this year that Trinamool leaders and workers in Sandeshkhali threatened local women and molested them in the guise of giving them the benefits of state government schemes. CM Banerjee gave an assuring message to women. My message to my mothers and sisters, please dont go anywhere if someone asks you to. Its your right to get the benefits of government schemes. You dont have to go anywhere. The government will come at your doorstep with Duare Sarkar, she said. CM Banerjee asked the people of Sandeshkhali to leave the incidents of earlier this year behind and move forward. I want a girl from Sandeshkhali to top the board exams. I want someone from here to become an IPS or IAS officer. This is not a place for riots and violence. We want peace. She further requested the chief secretary of West Bengal to hold Duare Sarkar camps in Sandeshkhali and other remote islands in the neighbourhood. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the situation on the front and offered to increase funding for Ukrainian weapons production, the press service of the Ukrainian head of state reported. "The President offered Canada to increase funding for Ukrainian weapons production and consider the possibility of localizing production of certain types of weapons," the statement said. Separately, the President spoke about the situation on the battlefield, the progress of the Kursk operation and the losses of the North Korean contingent. Zelenskyy also thanked the Canadian Prime Minister for all the defense support provided, in particular, for the NASAMS system, and also informed about current military needs, primarily air defense and armored vehicles. A day after Kerala MLA Uma Thomas suffered severe injuries after falling from the stage created for an event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, police on Monday registered case against the event organisers and stage building contractors. The MLA from Thirkkakara assembly constituency has been shifted to to ICU following the accident and is on ventilator. Doctors at Renai Medicity in Palarivattom, where she is hospitalised said she suffered fractures to her facial bones, head and ribs and had brain and spinal injuries besides internal bleeding in the lungs. #WATCH | Ernakulam, Kerala | On Congress MLA Uma Thomas fell from the stage, Dr Krishnanunni from Renai Medicity says, "She came with disorientation. We put her on ventilation. She has a brain injury, rib fracture and hemothorax collection in the lungs. She had a big wound on the pic.twitter.com/2SlDyBYtO2 ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2024 An FIR was registered based on a complaint lodged by the MLA's personal staff. The charges slapped on the accused inlcude Bharatiay Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 125 (actions endangering personal safety), 125(b) (causing grievous hurt) and 3(5) (joint criminal liability) besides Kerala Police Act, 2011 Section 188(e), which pertains to endangering public safety. Police stated in the FIR that the stage lacked enough walking space as well as other safety measures like barricades. Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh has ordered an probe into the safety lapses at the stadium. Since there were no barricades in front of VIP gallery, Uma Thomas could not hold on to anything and fell from a height of around 14 feet. The event saw a mega Bharatanatyam performance of 12,000 dancers led by actress Divya Unni. The VIP gallery reportedly had a seating capacity of 40. The event was also attended by Minister Saji Cherian and Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, who inspected the accident site. Kerala opposition leader VD Satheesan visited the hospital on Sunday night and said the priority is to ensure proper medical care for the MLA, whose condition, he said, is stabilising. Industries Minister P Rajeeve who had a meeting with Health Minister Veena George said they have sent an expert medical team to the hospital. Maharashtra Fisheries Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane finds himself in the centre of a storm after he labelled Kerala as "Mini-Pakistan." While addressing a rally in Purandar Taluka of Pune, Nitesh Rane said that Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi were elected as members of Parliament from Kerala because terrorists voted for them. Story that caught the eye: Most brazen hate and incitement to violence speech imaginable by BJP MLA Nitesh Rane in Ahmednagar. Two FIRs filed. His place is not in assembly but in jail. Where does this impunity to say whatever you will come from? pic.twitter.com/V8lK1LodnH Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 2, 2024 "Kerala is mini Pakistan, that is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth, you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them," he said. However, Rane was later forced to clarify that Kerala is part of India and what he meant was to compare the situations in Pakista and Kerala. He reportedly cited issues like "religious conversions" and "love jihad" to justify his comparison with Pakistan and claimed his statements to be factual. Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitish Rane: Kerala is mini-Pakistan that's why Rahul and Priyanka won there. He adds that terrorists voted for the siblings. pic.twitter.com/sR03l3Nlr9 NewsSpectrumAnalyzer (The News Updates ) (@Bharat_Analyzer) December 30, 2024 Rane, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, was speaking at a function on the occasion of Shiv Pratap Din, the anniversary of a historic incident when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had killed Afzal Khan when he made these remarks. Opposition attacks BJP over Nitish Rane's remarks The remarks drew sharp criticism, with questions raised about Rane's suitability as a cabinet minister and concerns over the divisive nature of his statements. Reacting to his statements, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for not correcting their party colleague. He questioned why Rane was still part of the cabinet. "What else can one expect from Nitesh Rane? He has been elected to do this only. However, I want to ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis. The person (Rane), who is a minister, has taken an oath of the Constitution to (maintain) the sovereignty and unity of India. Now, he is labelling one of the country's states as Pakistan. He is calling the voters there as 'terrorists.' Should he have the right to remain in the ministerial position? This is my question to you. From morning to evening, Nitesh Rane only spreads Dharmandata (communalism). If you (Modi and Fadnavis) call yourself deshbhakt (nationalist), how is such a person still in the cabinet?" Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey told PTI that, "The BJP leaders are worried since PM Modi won only by a lakh votes, they are not able to digest Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's win. Nitish Rane's clarification "We want our country, which is a Hindu Rashtra, to remain a Hindu Rashtra," Rane told ANI, adding that "Hindus" must be protected in every way. "Kerala is very much part of India. However, the decreasing population of Hindus is something everyone should worry about. The religious conversion of Hindus into Muslims and Christians (Islam and Christianity) has become an everyday thing there. The love jihad cases where Hindu women are targeted are also increasing there. I was comparing the situation (in Kerala) with Pakistan. The way Hindus are treated in Pakistan if such situations happen in our very own country, we must take action against that. That is what I was trying to say in my speech," Rane, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, said. Rane further said that he was stating facts and was accompanied by a person who has helped "12,000 Hindu women" by stopping them from getting converted to "Islam and Christianity." He maintained that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have won in the Wayanad constituency because they received support from terrorist organisations. "The entire situation can be compared. I was just stating the facts. I was accompanied by a gentleman who has helped 12,000 Hindu women by stopping them from getting converted to Islam and Christianity. What I said about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, you ask anyone in the Wayanad constituency. Who are the people who support them? Which are the organisations that support them? A lot of local BJP leaders have said the same thing. Can Congress come out and say we are wrong? Can they say that there is not a single terrorist organisation that supported Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi in the elections? Let them say. We will give more proof. Whatever I said was based on facts," Rane added. Punjab farmers on Monday morning blocked roads amid call for bandh in the state, hitting normal life in several areas. Several trains were cancelled and buses stopped plying due to the shutdown. The bandh will continue till 4pm on Monday. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha called for a bandh last week, citing the Centre failure to accept the demands of protesting farmers. VIDEO | Punjab: Farmers hold protest in Hoshiarpur amid day-long bandh called today. Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.#PunjabBandh #FarmersProtest (Full video pic.twitter.com/tXrHRO0eGH Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 30, 2024 Farmers staged a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza, blocking vehicles on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. Similar situation arose in other parts of the state with farmers gathering near the entry point in Amritsar's Golden Gate and blocking roads in Bathinda's Rampura Phul. VIDEO | Punjab: Shops remain closed, and buses are off the roads in Moga in the wake of shutdown called by protesting farmers.#PunjabBandh #PunjabNews (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/bxerq4Pm7u Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 30, 2024 Ahead of the bandh, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said emergency services will be allowed to operate. He said exceptions will be made for those "travelling to the airport to catch a flight or anyone going to attend a job interview, or anyone needs to attend a wedding." STORY | Punjab bandh: Farmers block roads at many places, traffic hit READ: https://t.co/pVCQvcB6A9 VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/Z98BTYNRpO Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 30, 2024 This comes as another leader of the farmers, Jagjit Singh Dallewal, continues his hunger strike that entered 35th day on Monday. He has refused to avail any medical treatment so far. The farmers's demands include a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for crops, debt waiver, pension and withdrawal of police cases. They have also sought justice for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. A court in Hyderabad on Monday reserved its order on a bail application filed by top Telugu actor Allu Arjun in connection with a stampede at a city theatre in which a woman lost her life. The II Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge deferred his verdict to January 3, 2025 after hearing arguments of both police and the actor. The incident took place on December 4 when Allu Arjun visited the Sandhya Theatre during a premiere show of his latest flick Pushpa-2. A 35-year-old woman was killed in the stampede-like situation while her 8-year-old son was critically injured and under treatment at a city hospital. Will producer Dil Raju's meeting with CM Revanth Reddy break the ice in Tollywood? Allu Arjun has been named as the 11th accused in the case. An FIR has been filed against the actor, his security team, and the theatre management under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Chikkadpally police station. The actor was arrested on December 13, but granted interim bail by the Telangana High Court the following day for four weeks. The actor later filed a regular bail application at the trial court. On December 27, the actor appeared before the court via video conferencing. Another Allu Arjun fan found dead during Pushpa 2: The Rule screening The Hyderabad Police questioned Allu Arjun on December 24 for over three hours and asked the actor about his entry into the theatre, his exit and the role of bouncers in crowd controlling. Both the government and the police maintained that the actor had not been given permission to visit the theatre. Allu Arjun pledges Rs 25 lakh to the family of woman killed at the premiere Meanwhile, according to reports, the eight-year-old boy who is undergoing treatment, has not had any fever and he continues to tolerate feeds via nasogastric tube well. West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Monday alleged that the polices failure to cooperate with the Border Security Force (BSF) has enabled infiltration across the state's borders. He further criticised the state government for its "inaction" in acquiring land, which has allegedly stalled fencing efforts along the porous Indo-Bangladesh border. Of about 2,216.7 kilometres long border with Bangladesh in West Bengal, 1,647.446 kilometres have been fenced. Among the remaining 569.254 kilometres, 456.474 kilometres are land borders. However, land acquisition issues for 284.56 kilometres are still tied up in legal proceedings, LoP Adhikari told the press at the BJP office in Kolkatas Salt Lake on Monday. He further added that the Centre was not a party to these cases, emphasising that the matter was entirely under the state's jurisdiction. Through a PowerPoint presentation, Adhikari highlighted that district officials' inaction had delayed the disbursal of funds for over 778.575 acres of land, even though the state had approved its use for fencing projects in border areas. LoP Adhikari also pointed out that the construction of BSF outposts and battalion headquarters in border regions are allegedly facing similar delays due to unresolved land acquisition issues. As a result, West Bengal is increasingly becoming a safe transit corridor for terrorists and extremists, with the administration of Mamata Banerjee allegedly facilitating their movement, alleged the leader of the opposition. The stronger the network of law enforcement agencies in West Bengal, the better it is for us, he said. The state will not have to bear any expenses. All lands required will be purchased at the current market value by the central government. Adhikari then attacked the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar for allegedly shifting the blame onto the BSF for border infiltration. The police official on Sunday claimed that despite shortcomings on the part of the central security force, the state police were handling the issue efficiently. DGP Kumar, while holding a press meet along with West Bengal Police Additional Director General (ADG) (Law & Order) Jawed Shamim and Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma, also praised the states force for their joint operations with police from other states in nabbing infiltrators. In a sharp critique of the state's top police officer, Adhikari said, The honourable DGP who holds additional charge yesterday claimed that the BSF was responsible for infiltration in West Bengal. But Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not given land at 17 places [for BSF outposts]. The 54-year-old legislator from Nandigram then went on to assert that the police in West Bengal had failed to stop infiltration and that efforts by Assam and Tripura police were now exposing the gravity of the infiltration issue in the state. It is to be noted that in this war of words, the BSF has not yet responded to comments made by DGP Kumar. In a major setback for Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, Yemen President Rashad al-Alimi on Monday approved the death sentence. Nimisha Priya, who was convicted of murder, is likely to be executed in a month's time. Though Nimisha Priya's family was engaged in negotiations with the victim's family to secure a waiver of the death penalty, the discussions heeded no required results. The government had said that the payment of 'blood money' was a matter between the two families. Therefore, Nimisha's mother, Prema Kumari has been living in Sana'a for the past five months, engaging in negotiations and coordinating activities of the Save Nimisha Priya Action Council. In September, the negotiations with the victim's family had hit a wall after the lawyer appointed by the Indian Embassy demanded a pre-negotiation fee of $20,000, reported Onmanorama. Though a cheque of $19,871 was provided through the Ministry of External Affairs, the lawyer insisted on a total payment of $40,000. Now the only ray of hope for Nimisha is a pardon by the victim's family. She was convicted for the murder of Yemeni national Talal Abdo Mahdi. The incident occurred in 2017. Nimisha overdosed Mahdi with sedatives in order to obtain her passport from his possession. She was convicted in 2018. Though an appeal was filed against the conviction, the Appeals Court in Yemen dismissed it in 2020. Even though the family approached the Supreme Court, it was of no use. Nimisha's mother has been engaged in a series of negotiations with the victim's family since she reached Sana'a. The United States gave the nod for Israel to conduct a commando operation on an underground Iranian missile production facility in Syria in September, a new report claimed on Sunday. Two locations were targeted by Tel Aviv's commando squad that were reportedly run by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRG) in Syria. It was the Scientific Studies and Research Center owned by the now-fallen Bashar regime's defense industry and an underground missile production facility directly overseen by the IRG were the two locations targeted by the Israeli units, KAN News said in an exclusive report. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) decided to act after intel suggested that the Islamic Republic recently transferred components needed for the manufacture of a precision missile project into the facility in Maysaf Syria. These weapons, once ready, were meant to replenish the Hezbollah arsenals in Lebanon amidst the ongoing fighting, Israel found out. ALSO READ | Ismail Haniyeh killing: How a faulty AC ALMOST foiled Israel plan to assassinate Hamas chief Soon, an operation plan was finalised and the United States was notified of their decision to do something about the "growing threat in Maysaf," the KAN News report said. The city of Masyaf is part of the Hama Governorate in northwestern Syria. However, it was not immediately known whether human lives were lost on either side as a consequence of Israeli commandos storming the facilities. Meanwhile, 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. WATCH | WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus shares video of his narrow escape from Israeli attack in Yemen The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrike targeted a weapons depot that belonged to Assad's 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. ALSO READ | Syrian people must channel their shared hope into building a nation that reflects their aspirations 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 offensive in early December have demanded that Israel cease its airstrikes. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has undertaken an exciting mission called the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). This mission is designed to test and showcase India's ability to dock and undock two small satellites in space. Docking is a complex process where two spacecraft connect while orbiting the Earth. This achievement is a huge milestone for India, placing it among a select group of nations capable of performing in-space docking. The mission involves two small satellites, each weighing about 220 kilograms, which will be launched on a PSLV-C60 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on December 30 at 9.58pm. One of the key goals of this mission is to demonstrate the transfer of electric power between the docked satellites, a critical feature for future space operations like robotic missions and building India's planned space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). When comparing SpaDeX to similar missions by other space agencies, there are several similarities and differences as many space technology experts point out. NASA, the space agency of the United States, has been a leader in docking technology. Its Gemini programme in the 1960s was the first to successfully dock two spacecraft in orbit, paving the way for future missions to the Moon, such as the Apollo programme. NASA continues to use docking technology today with the International Space Station (ISS), where spacecraft regularly dock to deliver astronauts and supplies," says space expert Girish Linganna. "Russia, through its space agency ROSCOSMOS, also has a long history of expertise in docking. Its Soyuz spacecraft has been a reliable transport vehicle for astronauts to the ISS for decades. A notable achievement was the Apollo-Soyuz test project in 1975, the first international space mission, where a Soyuz spacecraft docked with an American Apollo spacecraft, showcasing advanced docking technology and international collaboration, added Linganna. He further explains that China has also made significant progress in docking technology. Through its Tiangong programme, China launched space laboratories like Tiangong-1 and Tiangong-2 to test docking systems. In 2011, the Shenzhou VIII spacecraft successfully docked with Tiangong-1, marking a major step forward for China's space programme. The operational Tiangong space station now features multiple docking ports for various spacecraft, both crewed and uncrewed. Europe, through the European Space Agency (ESA), has contributed to docking advancements with its Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). The ATV was an uncrewed spacecraft that docked with the ISS to deliver supplies and even helped adjust the station's orbit. These missions demonstrated Europe's ability to perform autonomous docking, which is important for future deep space missions, added Linganna. Although the ESA's ATV missions were successful, their main purpose was delivering cargo and helping maintain the space station. They were not designed for missions involving astronauts. As a result, ESA is usually not considered among the countries with the ability to independently dock crewed spacecraft. ISRO's SpaDeX mission, while similar in objective, stands out for being a cost-effective technology demonstration. By developing its own docking systems and technology, ISRO is positioning itself as a major player in global space exploration. The success of SpaDeX will not only enhance India's capabilities but also pave the way for ambitious future missions, such as returning samples from the Moon and building a space station. This mission is a bold step forward for India in establishing itself as a leader in space technology, showcasing the nations growing expertise and ambition in space exploration. SpaDex introduces two advanced satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), weighing 300kg and 350kg, respectively. These satellites, deployed into a 470km orbit, carry entirely homegrown docking systems designed by ISRO. Beyond demonstrating basic docking, the mission includes autonomous manoeuvres like rendezvous, undocking, and post-docking operations, signalling Indias readiness for more sophisticated space endeavours. Indias docking system employs a compact, streamlined design with a 450mm interface. Incorporating features like advanced LiDAR for precise measurements, indigenous sensors for navigation, and a soft-capture mechanism, the system reflects a hybrid approach. This unique configuration blends simplicity with cutting-edge technology, optimizing reliability while adhering to international compatibility standards. At the same time, this mission exemplifies ISROs hallmark efficiency, completing this ambitious project on a remarkably economical budget of Rs 375 crore. Strategic decisions, including indigenous development, innovative designs, and efficient resource allocation, have kept costs significantly lower than international counterparts. This achievement underscores Indias ability to deliver high-quality results without excessive expenditure, remarked Srimathy Kesan, founder and CEO of Space Kidz India. It is expected that this mission is poised to propel Indias space programme toward transformative goals. Autonomous docking technology is pivotal for initiatives like the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, facilitating crew transfers, modular construction, and emergency rescues. Additionally, it is integral to the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station, supporting assembly and resupply operations. Beyond human spaceflight, SpaDEX opens avenues for orbital servicing, enabling maintenance, repairs, refuelling, and debris management. After President Ilham Aliyev officially accused Russia responsible for the plane crash in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan's general prosecutor stated that Moscow vowed to punish those responsible for the incident. "Intensive measures are being carried out to identify the guilty people and bring them to criminal responsibility," the head of Russias Investigative Committee told Azerbaijan. Also read | Putin apologises over Azerbaijan Airlines crash, but stops short of admitting Russian missile hit the plane The Azerbaijani airliner crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people onboard, while it was trying to land near Grozny. Though Russian authorities have not yet confirmed if it was the air defence missiles that hit the plane leading to the accident, President Vladimir Putin offered an apology to Aliyev over the incident. On Sunday, Aliyev alleged that the Russian authorities tried to hush up the cause of the crash for days. Though the incident was "unintentional", the plane was shot down by Russia, said Aliyev. Also read | Azerbaijan president says plane was shot down by Russia, makes three demands to Moscow "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. Earlier, the Kremlin in a statement said that while the plane was attempting to land near Grozny, its air defence systems were firing against the drone strike by Ukraine. Meanwhile, Aliyeh made three demands from 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. A joint investigation by Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is ongoing at the crash site to determine the cause of the crash. Jimmy Carter, the longest living US president, died at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday. The Nobel Prize winner had been under hospice care for two years. The Carter Center revealed public observances will be held in Atlanta and Washington, DC, which will be followed by a private funeral ceremony in Plains, Georgia. Over six decades, Jill and I 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. pic.twitter.com/irknhZ6CJY President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2024 President Joe Biden and all living former US presidents are expected to attend the funeral, including president-elect Donald Trump. They also paid tribute to the late president. Remembering Carter as a dear friend of six decades, Biden said, "...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." In a statement released by the White House, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden recalled Carter as an "extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian" and as a figure of "great character, courage, hope, and optimism." President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday, saying America owes Carter "a debt of gratitude" as he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. Trump said he and his wife Melania are "thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time", urging everyone to remember them in their prayers. Setting aside philosophical and political differences, Trump said Carter "truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for." He said Carter worked hard to make the nation a better place, saying he was "consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office". 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 Barack Obama, the 44th president, lauded Carter's decency, saying he believed that integrity, respect and compassion were more important than reelection. "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." Former President George W Bush recalled Carter as a man of "deeply held convictions" who was loyal to his family, community and country. He added that Carter's efforts to leave behind a better world did not end with the presidency. Hillary's and my statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter: pic.twitter.com/SOgqTZUdi6 Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 29, 2024 Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, said Carter was guided by his faith and lived to serve others until the very end." He added, "Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life." Ukrainian forces recently struck a Russian facility for the storage, maintenance, and repair of Shahed-type attack drones in the Russian city of Orel, the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported in a report on December 28. According to the report, Ukraine struck the facility with at least three Storm Shadow missiles on the afternoon of December 26, wounding and killing nine Russian servicemen. Satellite imagery shows that Russian forces began construction of the facility in August 2024 and may have completed construction in November or early December 2024. Earlier, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on December 26, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, together with other components of the Defense Forces, struck a protected facility of the Russian occupiers in Orel region, as a result of which a warehouse for storing, servicing and repairing kamikaze drones Shahed, consisting of a number of concrete protected structures, was destroyed. "The said combat operation significantly reduced the enemy's potential for conducting air raids by strike UAVs on the civilian infrastructure of Ukraine," the General Staff said. Former US president Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 on December 29, but he has left a lasting legacy that extends beyond his presidency. He left one such imprint on a Haryana village, which is now known as Carterpuri. Carter visited India in 1978, becoming the first US president to travel to India after the Emergency era. His trip came on the heels of Janata Party forming government in 1977. #WATCH | Former US President Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States, passes away at the age of 100 Archive visuals of 'Carterpuri,' a village in Haryana which was renamed in honour of former US President Jimmy Carter following his visit to India in pic.twitter.com/MpV6X9IiXc ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024 During the same visit, Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter came to the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad in Haryana on January 3, 1978. The visit prompted the village residents to rename it a Carterpuri, keeping in touch with the White House for the remainder of Carter's presidential term. #WATCH | Former US President Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States, passes away at the age of 100. Archive visuals of Former US President Jimmy Carter meeting Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2006, during his visit to India. (Source: ANI pic.twitter.com/7Xod31rpIK ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024 According to the Carter Centre, January 3 remains a holiday in Carterpuri. The village also celebrated Carter's Nobel Prize win in 2002. Another Indian connection of Jimmy Carter was his mother Lillian Carter's stint as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps during the 1960s. Carter's presidency improved the ties between India and the US, which were marred by his predecessor, Richard Nixon's tilt towards Pakistan during the 1971 war. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, saying he was "deeply saddened" by the death of Carter. Describing him as a statesman of great vision, Modi said Carter worked tirelessly for global peace and harmony, adding that his contributions left a lasting legacy in the "strong India-US ties". "My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the people of the US," the PM added. After the tragic incident of Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea, the authorities launched a probe on Monday as they struggled to determine the cause of the crash, which killed 179 people. South Korean officials said that they will conduct safety inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by the country's airlines. The decision was made during the task force meeting held on Monday. The crash amid the current administrative challenges and political turmoil following the impeachments of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has also raised concerns among the people about how efficiently the government will handle the situation. A task force meeting on the crash presided by the new acting President Sang-mok instructed the authorities to conduct an emergency review of the country's aircraft operation systems. The Jeju Air's Boeing 737-800 plane aborted its first landing attempt, due to reasons unknown, and encountered a bird strike during its second landing attempt. The pilot had issued a distress signal. The plane attempted a belly-landing, overshot the runway and later burst into a fireball. South Koreas transport official confirmed that the pilot told the air traffic control that the aircraft had suffered a bird strike and declared mayday shortly before the plane crash. The Transport Ministry is planning to conduct safety inspections of all of the 101 Boeing 737-800 jetliners. The officials said they will also inspect the concrete fence along the Muan airport as well. Earlier Monday, another Boeing 737-800 plane operated by Jeju Air returned to Seoul's Gimpo International Airport shortly after takeoff when the pilot detected a landing gear issue. Following the crash, the South Korean government declared a seven-day mourning till January 4. South Korea's military has deployed around 500 personnel in the recovery efforts. In addition to the 340 personnel deployed, 160 more were sent to the crash site in Muan County on Monday. US President Jimmy Carter (2nd L) signs the order blocking Iranian funds in US banks, on November 14, 1979. The hostage crisis -- more than 50 Americans were held for 444 days at the US embassy in Tehran from November 1979 to January 1981 -- was the death knell for Carter's presidency | AFP New Delhi, Dec 30 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up to unveil a five-year export policy to boost its share in the country's overall outward shipments to 7.5 per cent and help the state become a USD 1 trillion economy. The new export policy for 2025-30 will replace the existing five-year policy. The state government provides a host of incentives and hand-holds the exporters to push shipments from the state. Uttar Pradesh Minister for Industrial Development, Export Promotion, NRI, and Investment Promotion Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' said the state government is working on the 2025-30 export policy, with a focus on enhancing export capabilities to promote overall development. "The new export policy is being formulated with a target to increase the state's share from 4.71 per cent in 2023-24 to 7.5 per cent. This policy also aims at accelerating economic growth and job creation," Gupta said in an email interview. The focus on enhancing export capabilities will propel Uttar Pradesh towards becoming a USD 1 trillion economy, driving revenue and fostering development, he added. "Since the state government has adopted export as well as investment-friendly policies, along with continuous development of smooth logistics facilities in the state, hence this will boost the export from the state and contribute significantly to make the state a USD 1 trillion economy," Gupta noted. During the April-September period of the current financial year, Uttar Pradesh's share in the country's total exports was estimated at 4.89 per cent. The minister also informed that the state is already providing incentives to exporters under the Marketing Development Assistance, Gateway Port Scheme, and Air Freight Rationalisation plans. He further said that the upcoming Jewar Airport will enhance connectivity to exporters with overseas destinations. The airport will help in saving time and expenditure on freight charges. Gupta also said the one-district-one-product scheme has played a pivotal role in creating employment and upskilling traditional artisans engaged in various traditional arts of different districts. The state government is providing training to upgrade the skills of artisans and toolkits to artisans to enable them to establish their own enterprises. Since the inception of the scheme, the government has trained 1,33,472 artisans across the state, Gupta said. The scheme was launched in January 2018 with the objective of promoting the traditional arts and crafts being practised in different districts by identifying district-specific products for all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. India's goods and services exports may cross USD 800 billion in 2024-25. It was USD 778 billion in 2023-24. Srinagar, Dec 30 (PTI) Amitava Chatterjee on Monday took over as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jammu and Kashmir Bank. Chatterjee took over from Baldev Prakash after the latter's three-year term came to an end. With an experience of 34 years in the industry, Chatterjee said he would focus on continuing the growth story of the J&K bank. "My focus will be on continuing the good work done by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank for the past few years. There is always room for growth and that's what we will be looking at," Chatterjee told PTI. He has also served as Deputy MD of State Bank of India and MD of SBI Caps - a wholly-owned investment banking subsidiary of SBI. He said as the core customer base of the bank is in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions, the focus will be on improving the services to the customers in this region. "However, we will also explore opportunities in the rest of the country as part of the growth story," he added. Another focus, Chatterjee added will be on making more effective use of technology to improve operations. "The bank has shown that it can effectively address the NPAs as it has reduced it from 10 per cent to below four per cent. We will work towards reducing it further," he added. On a one-time settlement scheme for reducing non-performing assets, Chatterjee said, "If it has been done in the past, it cannot be ruled out in future." New Delhi, Dec 30 (PTI) Mumbai-based Gem Aromatics, a manufacturer of specialty ingredients, has filled its draft papers with Sebi to raise funds through an initial public offer. The initial public offering (IPO) is a mix of fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 175 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of up to 89.24 lakh shares each by the promoter and an investor, according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) filed on December 28. Among promoters, Vipul Parekh will offload 33.96 lakh equity shares, Kaksha Vipul Parekh up to 16.26 lakh shares and Yash Vipul Parekh will sell up to 16.70 lakh shares. Investor doTERRA Enterprises, Sarl will divest up to 22.31 lakh equity shares in the company through the OFS. The company may consider a pre-IPO placement aggregating up to Rs 35 crore. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used by Gem Aromatics for debt repayment and general corporate purposes. Gem Aromatics Ltd has established itself as a leading manufacturer of specialty ingredients in India, including essential oils, aroma chemicals, and value-added derivatives, with over two decades of experience. The company's roots in the industry date back to 1915, providing a solid foundation to capitalize on the growing market demand, according to a F&S report. Its client portfolio includes leading names like Colgate-Palmolive, Dabur, Patanjali, SH Kelkar, Rossari Biotech, and Symrise, among others. The company operates three advanced manufacturing facilities located in Uttar Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli), Gujarat). For the six months ended September 30, 2024, revenue from operations stood at Rs 204.89 crore and profit after tax stood at Rs. 18.32 crore. The shares of the company are proposed to be listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE. Mumbai, Dec 30 (PTI) The Reserve Bank on Monday said asset quality of banks improved further and their gross non-performing assets (GNPA) or bad loans ratio declined to a 12-year low of 2.6 per cent in September 2024 on the back of falling slippages and steady credit demand. The RBI also flagged concern over a sharp rise in write-offs, especially among private sector banks (PVBs), which could be partly masking worsening asset quality in unsecured lending segment and dilution in underwriting standards. The net NPA ratio or the proportion of net non-performing assets in net loans and advances was at around 0.6 per cent, according to the RBI's December 2024 issue of the Financial Stability Report (FSR). The Financial Stability Report reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on the resilience of the Indian financial system and risks to financial stability. "Buoyed by falling slippages, higher writeoffs and steady credit demand, the gross nonperforming assets (GNPA) ratio of 37 scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) fell to a multi-year low of 2.6 per cent," the report said. Fresh accretion of NPAs in retail loan portfolios was also dominated by slippages in the unsecured loan book, with 51.9 per cent from unsecured loans as of September 2024. The improvement in asset quality of SCBs was broad-based across sectors and bank groups. The report also said that the banking system liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) declined from 135.7 per cent in September 2023 to 128.5 per cent in September 2024, driven by an increase in net cash outflows, which, in turn, is influenced by a rise in less stable sources of funding. According to the FSR, the share of large borrowers in GNPA of SCBs has steadily declined over the past two years. The asset quality of banks large borrower portfolios has improved considerably, with the GNPA ratio falling from 4.5 per cent in March 2023 to 2.4 per cent in September 2024. In the large borrower segment, the share of standard assets in total funded amount has consistently improved over the past two years. "Within the large borrowers cohort, the share of top 100 borrowers has decreased to 34.6 per cent in September 2024, reflecting a growing credit appetite among medium-sized borrowers," the report said. Notably, none of the top 100 borrowers are classified as NPAs in September 2024. In terms of value, investment grade advances (rated BBB and above) constituted 91.5 per cent of the funded advances to large borrowers with long-term external ratings, the report said. It further said profitability of SCBs improved during H1:2024-25, with profit after tax (PAT) surging by 22.2 per cent (y-o-y). Public sector banks (PSBs) and PVBs recorded PAT growth of 30.2 per cent and 20.2 per cent, respectively, while foreign banks (FBs) experienced single digit growth (8.9 per cent). RBI said the banking stability indicator (BSI), which provides an assessment of the resilience of the domestic banking system, showed further improvement during H1:2024-25. The resilience of the domestic banking system has been bolstered by robust capital buffers, strong earnings and sustained improvement in asset quality, it added. Lucknow, Dec 30 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday asked three technical universities in the state to promote innovation and support startups. In a meeting on the UP Innovation Fund (UPIF), he emphasized setting up innovation centres in these universities with full facilities to assist student entrepreneurs, the UP government said in a statement. Highlighting the rapid evolution of technology, Adityanath said, "Innovation must keep pace with changing technology and global market trends. To achieve this, Centres of Excellence should be established to drive new innovations. Centres for Innovation must also be established in all three technical universities for which the government will provide the necessary funding." Adityanath reiterated that while the government has ample funds, young innovators often lack financial support. He stressed the importance of channelling funds through universities to empower students, stating, "This initiative will lead to groundbreaking innovations, empowering the youth and enhancing the state's reputation on a national and global scale." He also instructed officials to draft a detailed plan to implement these measures. He also called for development of trades based on global market mapping and modernization of traditional trades to meet contemporary needs. Emphasizing the need to integrate startups into the broader ecosystem, Adityanath stated, "Technical universities should provide space for ODOP (One District One Product) initiatives alongside modern technology." He instructed universities to identify trades based on current market needs and to actively encourage students to pursue innovation. The UP Chief Minister also emphasized granting universities complete autonomy to foster innovation, asserting that such freedom is essential for new ideas to emerge. Furthermore, he directed universities to collaborate with IITs to enhance their innovation capabilities. According to the statement, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, Rs 400 crore was approved two years ago to support startups. Simultaneously, investment managers were expected to contribute between Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 3,600 crore. In this context, the Chief Minister proposed equalizing the contributions of the state government and investment managers. This approach is expected to boost innovation across the state and provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents and ideas. New Delhi, Dec 30 (PTI) "KGF" star Yash on Monday urged fans to avoid grand gestures and gatherings on his birthday on January 8, saying it was time to "change our language of love". In a post on Instagram, the 38-year-old actor wished fans ahead of the New Year and said it is also a time for reflection, resolution and charting a new course. "The love you all have showered on me over the years has been nothing short of phenomenal. But there have been some unfortunate incidents too. "It's time for us to change our language of love, especially when it comes to the celebration of my birthday. The expression of your love should not be in grand gestures and gatherings. The greatest gift for me is knowing you are safe, setting positive examples, achieving your goals, and spreading joy," the actor said, adding that he will be busy and not be in town on his birthday. In a tragic incident earlier this year, three of Yash's fans lost their lives while erecting a large cutout of the star. At that time also, the actor had asked fans his to avoid grand celebrations and stay safe. Yash is currently filming "Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-ups", jointly produced by him and Venkat K Narayana under KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. The film is directed by Geetu Mohandas. Kinshasa (Congo), Dec 30 (AP) At least 23 Congolese soldiers are facing the death penalty or 10 to 20 years in prison following their arraignment on Monday for alleged rape, desertion and other crimes amid the fighting in the country's conflict-battered east, according to Congo's army. The soldiers were brought before a military court in Butembo territory in North Kivu province, according to army spokesman Lt. Col. MaK Hazukay. Security forces have been fighting more than 120 rebel groups in the mineral-rich region for years. Congo lifted a more than 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March, a decision criticised by rights activists. In May, eight soldiers were sentenced to death for fleeing the battlefield, and in July, 25 soldiers were convicted of similar offences. None of them is known to have been executed. Ten of the soldiers arraigned on Monday are being prosecuted for desertion, which carries the death penalty, while others face charges of misusing military weapons, disobedience, robbery and rape, the army spokesman told The Associated Press. Eastern Congo, bordering Rwanda and Uganda, has long struggled with armed violence as rebels fight for power, land and mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. Among the most active rebel groups in the region is the M23, which the United Nations and Congo's government say is supported with weapons and troops by Rwanda. Rwanda has denied involvement in the conflict that has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced. Meanwhile, six people were killed Sunday night in an attack by the Islamic State group-linked Allied Democratic Forces in the eastern Beni territory, according to Kambale Jean-de-Dieu Kibwana, the deputy mayor. The attacks in the region have intensified, locals have said, with frequent clashes recorded between rebels and Congolese forces. Many people in the area have been displaced multiple times. (AP) GRS GRS The United States will provide Ukraine with $15 billion secured by future income from frozen Russian assets, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. "The corresponding agreement was signed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance and the World Bank. These will be funds within the PEACE in Ukraine project and part of the U.S. contribution in the amount of $20 billion under the G7 initiative, which will be directed to social and humanitarian expenses," Shmyhal wrote on his Telegram channel on Monday. The prime minister thanked the United States and the World Bank for implementing and supporting the initiative, which "forces Russia to pay for aggression against Ukraine." Lahore, Dec 30 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's decision of not offering condolences on the passing of former India premier Manmohan Singh was severely criticised on social media. Singh, who was born in Gah village in Chakwal district of Pakistans Punjab and served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, died in New Delhi last Thursday aged 92. While condolence messages poured in from around the world, neither Shehbaz Sharif nor his elder brother and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif chose to offer any words on his demise. Ironically, only Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar offered his condolences. Contrary to this, Shehbaz Sharif and other top functionaries of the Pakistan government wasted no time to offer condolences on the passing of former US president Jimmy Carter. They issued condolence messages on X, which is banned by the Shehbaz Sharif government to control dissenting voices of jailed former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on social media. "Neither Shahbaz nor Nawaz Sharif have yet offered a public condolence on the loss of Manmohan Singh. There was a message from Ishaq Dar. Still, its perplexing. They were contemporaries, had some similar economic views, and shared a desire for better India-Pakistan relations," Wilson Centre South Asia Institute Director Michael Kugelman said on X on Sunday. He further said: " I really dont see so much at stake with India-Pak ties now that the Sharifs feel something could be lost if they upset Modi. Also not sure I see Modi being bothered if they do say something about Singh. Its all a bit odd!" Pakistani author and expert on military affairs Ayesha Siddiqa sarcastically said on X: "Seems they -- the Sharif brothers -- dont want to annoy Modi, or maybe typical PMLN (Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz) that whoever is gone is gone and so done and dusted with." Pakistani journalist Ammara Ahmad said: "It has never happened before. This means that Pakistan and India have no diplomatic ties. Though they negotiated the Kartarpur corridor again this year. I cant imagine what prompted this decision. I have yet to find a press release even. Very lowly and uncouth." Mona Farooq Ahmad, an overseas citizen of Pakistan, said on Monday: "This level of pettiness is unprecedented. In the past, leaders have always set politics aside for such moments. Their silence is truly intriguing and disappointing. Its a missed chance to show humanity and statesmanship." Amer Mirza said on X: "These individuals --Shehbaz and Nawaz -- are neither serious politicians nor statesmen. We cannot hold any expectation of dignified conduct or due protocol. They are a family consumed with sustaining their ill-gotten privilege under the dark auspices of the military junta. They neither have time nor respect for the people. They are little men in big offices." Dar on Friday said he was saddened by the passing of Singh who "played a notable role in improving India-Pakistan ties". "Saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. Born in a village in Pakistans Chakwal district, Singh was a distinguished economist and political leader. He will be remembered for his wisdom and gentle demeanour," Dar said in a post on X. "Beyond his remarkable achievements in the field of economics, Dr. Singh demonstrated a commitment to promoting regional peace. His approach to regional issues reflected his belief that mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation were essential for collective progress. He played a notable role in improving Pakistan-India bilateral relations during his tenure as Prime Minister," Dar said. Atlanta, Dec 30 (AP) Republicans plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation's voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress to push through long-sought changes that include voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections, an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fuelled by false claims from President-elect Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. In the new year, Republicans will be under pressure to address Trump's desires to change how elections are run in the US, something he continues to promote despite his win in November. The main legislation that Republicans expect to push will be versions of the American Confidence in Elections Act and the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, said GOP Rep. Bryan Steil of Wisconsin, chair of the Committee on House Administration, which handles election-related legislation. The proposals are known as the ACE and SAVE acts, respectively. As we look to the new year with unified Republican government, we have a real opportunity to move these pieces of legislation not only out of committee, but across the House floor and into law, Steil said in an interview. We need to improve Americans' confidence in elections. Republicans are likely to face opposition from Democrats and have little wiggle room with their narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Steil said he expects there will be some reforms and tweaks to the original proposals and hopes Democrats will work with Republicans to refine and ultimately support them. Democrats want to make it easier, not harder, to vote New York Rep. Joe Morelle, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said there was an opportunity for bipartisan agreement on some issues but said the two previous GOP bills go too far. Our view and the Republicans' view is very different on this point, Morelle said. They have spent most of the time in the last two years and beyond really restricting the rights of people to get to ballots and that's at the state level and the federal level. And the SAVE Act and the ACE Act both do that make it harder for people to vote. Morelle said he wants to see both parties support dedicated federal funding for election offices. He sees other bipartisan opportunities around limiting foreign money in US elections and possibly imposing a voter ID requirement if certain safeguards are in place to protect voters. Democrats say some state laws are too restrictive in limiting the types of IDs that are acceptable for voting, making it harder for college students or those who lack a permanent address. Morelle said he was disappointed by the GOP's claims in this year's campaigns about widespread voting by noncitizens, which is extremely rare, and noted how those claims all but evaporated once Trump won. Voting by noncitizens is already illegal and and can result in felony charges and deportation. You haven't heard a word about this since Election Day, Morelle said. It's an Election Day miracle that suddenly the thing that they had spent an inordinate amount of time describing as a rampant problem, epidemic problem, didn't exist at all. GOP: Current voter registration relies on an 'honour system' Before the November election, House Republicans pushed the SAVE Act, which passed the House in July but stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate. It requires proof of citizenship when registering to vote and includes potential penalties for election officials who fail to confirm eligibility. Republicans say the current process relies on an what they call an honour system with loopholes that have allowed noncitizens to register and vote in past elections. While voting by noncitizens has occurred, research and reviews of state cases have shown it to be rare and typically a mistake rather than an intentional effort to sway an election. Under the current system, those seeking to register are asked to provide either a state driver's license number or the last four digits of a Social Security number. A few states require a full Social Security number. Republicans say the voter registration process is not tight enough because in many states people can be added to voter rolls even if they do not provide this information and that some noncitizens can receive Social Security numbers and driver's licenses. They believe the current requirement that anyone completing a voter registration form sign under oath that they are a US citizen is not enough. They want to force states to reject any voter registration application for which proof of citizenship is not provided. Republicans say that could include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport or a birth certificate. One state flags noncitizens with regular audits In Georgia, a perennial presidential battleground state, election officials said they have not encountered any hiccups verifying the citizenship status of its nearly 7.3 million registered voters. They conducted an audit in 2022 that identified 1,634 people who had attempted to register but were not able to be verified as US citizens by a federal database. A second audit this year used local court records to identify people who said they could not serve as a juror because they were not a US citizen. Of the 20 people identified, six were investigated for illegal voting, though one of those cases was closed because the person had since died. What we've done by doing those audits is give voters confidence that we do not have noncitizens voting here in Georgia, said Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's secretary of state. And when society is highly polarised, you have to look at building trust. Trust is the gold standard. Raffensperger, a Republican who supports both voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements, credits the state's early adoption of REAL ID and use of automatic voter registration for ensuring voter lists are accurate. The latter is something he hopes more Republicans will consider, as he argued it has allowed Georgia election officials to use the motor vehicle agency's process to verify citizenship and track people moving in and around the state. You have to get it right because you're talking about people's priceless franchise to vote, Raffensperger said. Look to states as laboratories for voting reforms If Congress does pass any changes, it would fall to election officials across the country to implement them. Raffensperger and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, said it would be a mistake to move the country to a single day of voting, something Trump has said he would like to see happen, because it would eliminate early voting and limit access to mail ballots. Both methods are extremely popular among voters. In Georgia, 71 per cent of voters in November cast their ballots in person before Election Day. Both said they hoped lawmakers would look to what is working in their states and build off those successes. We've proven time and time again in our states that our elections are secure and are accurate, Benson said. (AP) GRS GRS Washington, Dec 30 (AP) President Joe Biden said Monday that the United States will send nearly USD 2.5 billion more in weapons to Ukraine as his administration works quickly to spend all the money it has available to help Kyiv fight off Russia before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The package includes USD 1.25 billion in presidential drawdown authority, which allows the military to pull existing stock from its shelves and gets weapons to the battlefield faster. It also has USD 1.22 billion in longer-term weapons packages to be put on contract through the separate Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, or USAI. Biden said all longer-term USAI funds have now been spent and pledged to use all the remaining drawdown money before leaving office. I've directed my administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible, Biden said in a statement. At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in this war over the remainder of my time in office. The new aid comes as Russia has launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine's power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. The Biden administration is pushing to get weapons into Ukraine to give Kyiv the strongest negotiating position possible before Trump's inauguration on January 20. Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia and has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many US and European leaders are concerned that Trump's talk of a settlement might result in a poor deal for Ukraine, and they worry that he won't provide Ukraine with all the weapons funding approved by Congress. The weapons systems being pulled from existing stockpiles through this latest weapons package include counter-unmanned aerial systems munitions, air defence munitions, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition, air-to-ground munitions, anti-armour systems, tube-launched missiles, fragmentation grenades, and other items and spare parts. Including Monday's announcement, the US has provided more than USD 65 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022. (AP) GRS GRS Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dec 30 (PTI) Maharashtra BJP MLA Suresh Dhas on Monday alleged that some individuals holding gun licences in Beed district openly fire in public and display arms at marriage ceremonies, and asked the administration to crack down on them in 15 days. The ruling party legislator also supported the attachment of properties of absconding accused named in an extortion case linked to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district. Dhas met with Beed collector Avinash Pathak and asked him to review gun licences in the central Maharashtra district and take action against individuals who have been flouting norms. "If action is not taken within 15 days, we will ask the government to act against him (district collector)," he said while talking to reporters. "Gun licence holders fire every now and then and display their weapons even at marriage ceremonies. This should stop," demanded the MLA from Ashti in Beed district. "The district collector should review gun licences. Why so many arms licences have been issued in the district? Police should inquire who has recommended issuance of these licences," he insisted. The MLA's demand came in the backdrop of images and videos on social media showing gun licence holders brandishing firearms. Asked about the attachment of properties of absconding accused in the extortion case filed after the murder of sarpanch Deshmukh, the MLA said, "The process should continue. This will reveal with whom the accused shared their properties. The process may take time due to technical issues, but it should not stop." Dhas also raised the issue of large trucks openly ferrying ash from Parli Thermal Power Station in Beed district and flagged its health hazards. "Residents of villages like Wadgaon and Daudpur and even Parli town are facing breathing and skin issues due to the movement of trucks that openly ferry ash (a by-product at the coal-fired power unit). The Environment Minister (Pankaja Munde) is from our district and she should look into this issue," he emphasised. The unit is one of the coal-based plants of Maharashtra State Power Generation Company. Indore, Dec 30 (PTI) Online fraudsters have duped citizens of Indore in Madhya Pradesh of Rs 60 crore in 2024, with the victims including a former High Court judge, a senior police official said on Monday. Of the Rs 60 crore, a cumulative sum of Rs 12.50 crore was retrieved and returned to victims, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia told PTI. "This year we received more than 10,000 complaints of cyber fraud. A sum of Rs 60 crore was appropriated from the victims by the accused. We managed to return Rs 12.50 crore to victims and also arrest 52 persons involved in such crimes. Some 25 per cent of complaints pertained to cryptocurrency investment. Cases of 'digital arrest' also increased," Dandotia said. "Victims included highly educated professionals. Even a former judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court fell victim. We have identified 55 places across the country which are cyber fraud prone. These are in states like Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat," the additional DCP added. Indore, Dec 30 (PTI) A PIL was filed in the Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday seeking a stay on the impending disposal in Dhar of 337 metric tonnes of toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal.In the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, highly toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) leaked from Union Carbide factory, resulting in the deaths of 5,479 people, while more than five lakh others were affected. It is considered the world's worst industrial disaster. The public interest petition, filed by a group of doctors, claimed the disposal of toxic waste at a unit run by a private company in Pithampur in Dhar, some 30 kilometres from here, was detrimental to the environment and people. It sought an urgent hearing on the matter. On December 3, the MP HC had pulled up the authorities for not taking steps to dispose of the waste despite repeated directions, including from the Supreme Court. In the PIL, Dr Sanjay Londhe, president of Alumni Association of Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College in Indore, and oncologists S S Nair and Vineeta Kothari have questioned the state government's preparations to dispose of the waste. "Although the likely date of hearing on this PIL is January 9, we have urged the High Court to constitute a special bench and hear this petition immediately," their counsel Abhinav P Dhanodkar told PTI. The PIL stated several doctors, experts and researchers have pointed out that the disposal of the waste might increase the chances of cancer and breathing related issues in Pithampur and Indore. The PIL also contended that local bodies and residents of Pithampur and Indore were not taken into confidence before this decision was taken.Pithampur industrial area, which has 1,250 small and big factories, does not have a proper government hospital, the plea said. The plan to send toxic waste of Bhopal gas tragedy to Pithampur and destroy it in the waste disposal unit there should be stopped immediately, the plea said. The plea also sought the formation of a judicial committee under the chairmanship of a sitting HC judge to assess the apprehended effects of waste disposal on the citizens and air of Pithampur and its surrounding areas. Bhubaneswar, Dec 30 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday directed health department officials to ensure free medical care for an ailing minor boy from Boudh district, who had come to his grievance cell. The boy, identified as Pratyush Giri from Boudh district, is suffering from a rare disease, resulting in loss of eyesight. He has been suffering from the ailment for the last seven years, and it was difficult to bear the expenditure to treat him in a good healthcare facility, said Pratyushs father Hembram Giri. Many hospitals refused to treat him on our health insurance card. So, we came here to the Chief Ministers Grievance Cell. The CM assured us of providing all required medical care, his mother said. Majhi also arranged for an ambulance and sent the minor to Capital Hospital, from where he was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. The minor boy was in a critical condition. He is suffering from a rare disease. I have never seen any person suffering from such a disease in my life, the CM told reporters. Majhi said he has instructed Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling and the health secretary to make arrangements for the boys treatment. The state government will bear all his healthcare expenses and if required, money will be released from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund (CMRF), he said. The CM said he started hearing public grievances from July 1 this year. So far, more than 8,000 individuals or groups have registered their grievances with the cell, and issues of over 30,000 people were heard, Majhi said. The grievance disposal rate was 78 per cent in the first six days, while one grievance was disposed on the spot on Monday, he said. Majhi also claimed that his predecessor had not visited the grievance cell in the last 16 years. The new government has taken public grievance hearing seriously, and it will ensure that not a single grievance is put in the dustbin, he asserted. The public grievance cell will be extended to different parts of the state, the chief minister said, adding, a camp office has already been opened in Keonjhar district. Balasore/Bhubaneswar, Dec 30 (PTI) Even as Odisha Police arrested three persons on charges of assaulting two women over allegations that they were attempting religious conversion of some tribal families in Balasore district, Opposition BJD on Monday alleged that the prime accused was allowed to go scot-free due to his links with ruling BJP leaders. According to police, the arrests were made on Sunday and two cases have been filed at Remuna police station. Police action followed a viral video showing two women being tied to a tree and assaulted in public view for allegedly attempting forced conversions of tribal families in Gobardhanpur village on Thursday. "So far, three people have been arrested. We are taking stringent action to ensure there is no law and order situation in the area," Balasore SP Raj Prasad told reporters. He added that a case and a counter case had been filed at the police station. The accused were booked under relevant sections of the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and BNS. Additionally, another case was registered against the two women under Section 4 of the Odisha Freedom of Religion Act, 1967, and sections 299 (deliberate and malicious insult of a religion), 3(5) (joint criminal liability), and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of BNS, police said. The SP said the police have issued notices to seven people in separate cases and a senior officer is investigating the matter. DIG, Eastern Range, Balasore in a post on X said, "Remuna PS Case No 223/24 has been registered in connection with the atrocity committed against two women. Three accused individuals have been arrested and forwarded to court. Further investigation is underway, and stringent measures will be taken against the culprits." Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, Opposition BJD leader Lekhashree Samantsinghar alleged that members of the ruling BJP were behind the assault. "The prime accused, Badal Panda, who is seen in the video, was not arrested because of his close proximity to Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi and Nilagiri MLA Santosh Khatua," Samantsinghar claimed. She also presented photographs showing Badal Panda with BJP MP Sarangi and MLA Khatua. "The BJD will fight for justice for the victimised women. We will approach the ST/SC Commission, National Human Rights Commission, and Womens Commission," Samantsinghar added. BJP MP Sarangi dismissed the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated. "I have condemned the assault on the women, including tying them to a tree. Assaulting women is not part of Hinduism. I have instructed the Balasore SP to arrest all those involved in the incident. You can ask the Balasore SP about my instructions," Sarangi told PTI. Regarding his photograph with the prime accused, Sarangi said, "He (Panda) is not a BJP member. I do not know him personally, nor do I have any links with the accused. As a politician, I meet many people, and the picture might have been taken in a public gathering." Earlier, senior Congress leader and former OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik also condemned the incident and demanded stringent action against the accused. Earlier during the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted on X, "On one hand, a Dalit youth was killed in police custody in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, tribal women were tied to trees and beaten in Balasore, Odisha." "Both these incidents are sad, shameful and highly condemnable. Due to the Manuvadi thinking of the BJP, such incidents are happening one after another in the states ruled by them - this is not possible without the support of the government," Gandhi said. New Delhi, Dec 30 (PTI) Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, the BJP on Monday alleged that Rahul Gandhi exploited former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singhs death for his expedient politics and flew to Vietnam to ring in the New Year while the country is mourning his demise. The Congress hit back and asked when will the Sanghis stop this take diversion politics. While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singhs demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the new year, BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya said in a post on X. Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr Singhs death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable, he charged. The Gandhis and the Congress hate Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib, Malviya added. Reacting sharply, Congress leader Manickam Tagore wrote in a post on X, When will the Sanghis stop this take diversion politics? He alleged that the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi denied Dr Singh a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and his ministers cornered his family was shameful. If Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you? he asked Malviya and said Get well in New year. New Delhi, Dec 30 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the death of a Dalit youth in police custody at Dewas in Madhya Pradesh and said they it is not possible without the support of the government there. He claimed that the Congress will not tolerate "shameful and highly condemnable" incidents. The party will continue to fight for the rights of "Bahujans" and get justice for them. "On one hand, a Dalit youth was killed in police custody in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, tribal women were tied to trees and beaten in Balasore, Odisha," he claimed in a post in Hindi on X. "Both these incidents are sad, shameful and highly condemnable. Due to the Manuvadi thinking of the BJP, such incidents are happening one after another in the states ruled by them - this is not possible without the support of the government," Gandhi said. "Such barbarism against the Bahujans of the country will not be tolerated at any cost. We are with them, we will fight with full force for their constitutional rights and to get them justice," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said in his post. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also alleged that the "insult of Babasaheb Ambedkar and oppression on weaker sections is the basic mantra of BJP's rule". The death of a Dalit youth in police custody in Dewas is extremely serious, she noted. "The family alleges that the youth died due to police brutality. Earlier, there was news of atrocities on Dalit families and the death of a Dalit youth in police custody from Parbhani, Maharashtra. "It seems that under the BJP rule, the police have got a free hand to oppress the weaker sections like Dalits, Adivasis and the deprived," Vadra claimed. The death of the 35-year-old Dalit man inside a police station triggered protests from his kin who alleged murder. The opposition Congress in the state has slammed the Mohan Yadav-led BJP government for "jungle raj" in the state. Mukesh Longre died on Saturday after being called to Satwas police station here for questioning in a complaint submitted against him by a woman on December 26, Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlot said. The police said a judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) is conducting an inquiry into the death. They claimed that the inspector of the concerned police station has been suspended. Sybiha in Syria: We hope mutual recognition of integrity, sovereignty to pave way for resumption of diplomatic relations Photo: MFA of Ukraine Ukraine hopes that the new Syria will become a state that will respect international law, in particular the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who arrived in Damascus on a visit. "Under Moscow's influence, the Assad regime recognized Russia's attempt to annex Crimea and the temporary occupation of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. This forced Ukraine to sever diplomatic relations with the regime in 2022. We proceed from the fact that the new Syria will become a state that will respect international law, in particular the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine," he said at a briefing in Damascus on Monday. He also expressed hope that "mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty will pave the way for the resumption of diplomatic relations, political dialogue and the work of diplomatic institutions." "We are ready and waiting for reciprocal steps from the Syrian side," said Sybiha. According to him, the resumption of diplomatic presence will allow for increased trade, cooperation in science, technology, culture and education. Chandigarh, Dec 30 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party MP Malvinder Singh Kang on Monday criticized the central government for its "continued indifference" towards the demands of farmers protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border. The Anandpur Sahib MP also urged the Centre to immediately open dialogue with the protesting farmers to break the ongoing deadlock and address their demands. In a statement here, Kang highlighted the grave health concerns surrounding farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month. "The people of Punjab, along with the farming community, are deeply concerned about the deteriorating health of Jagjit Singh Dallewal. The central government must take this issue seriously and begin dialogue with farmers without any further delay," Kang said. The AAP leader also pointed out that despite repeated efforts by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state government to initiate dialogue, "the Centre has failed to engage with the protesting farmers". "The Punjab government has made numerous attempts to persuade the central government to open channels of communication with the farmers, but the Centre remains unresponsive. This inaction is unacceptable," he stated. Kang reiterated the importance of resolving the farmers' demands swiftly. He cited a recent observation by the Supreme Court and said that it "emphasized the need for dialogue with the protesting farmers". "It is disheartening that even after months of protests, the central government has not made any serious attempt to address the genuine demands of the farmers. Their silence is not only prolonging the farmers' struggle but is also causing immense distress among the people of Punjab and across the nation," the AAP leader said. Kang expressed concern over the prolonged agitation, "which has put farmers under tremendous stress". "The prolonged stalemate has left farmers, particularly in Punjab, in a state of deep worry. The health of Dallewal Ji has further added to this concern. The farmers are our 'annadatas', and their issues need immediate attention and resolution," he said. He appealed to the Centre to act urgently, stating, "I urge the central government to immediately open dialogue with the farmers and resolve their issues... It is high time that the Centre breaks its silence and takes meaningful steps to resolve farmers' issues." Dallewal's indefinite hunger strike entered 35th day on Monday and he has refused to take medical help despite his deteriorating health condition. He has said that Centre must pay attention to farmers' demands. 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 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 of MSP, the farmers' demands include a debt waiver, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, no hike in electricity tariffs, withdrawal of police cases, and "justice" for the victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence. Ahmedabad, Dec 30 (PTI) A special CBI court in Ahmedabad on Monday sentenced five persons, including a former PSU employee, to five years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and imposed a collective fine of Rs 23.5 lakh in a 22-year-old case related to fraudulent insurance claims. The court pronounced the five accused -- Dinesh Patel, Sanjay Chitre, Manan Patel, Shishupal Rajput and Amar Singh Bialbhai (former policeman) -- guilty and handed them prison term. Charges against another accused, SA Parmar, were abated as he died during the pendency of the trial in a case dating back to January 30, 2003. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered a case against the then-senior divisional manager of New India Assurance Company Ltd (NIACL) at Navsari (Gujarat) and others relating to sanctioning of insurance claims based on forged documents, thus causing loss to the public sector firm to the tune of Rs 4.89 lakh. During investigation, it was revealed that public servants entered into a criminal conspiracy and colluded with private persons and sanctioned insurance claims based on forged documents, thus causing loss to the New India Assurance, said the agency. Accused Manan and Dinesh Patel made arrangements for fake papers to submit insurance claims against their general policies, while Chitre (then a NIACL employee) assessed the claim on the basis of the bogus documents and arranged for photographs showing an "accident" as genuine, it said. Accused Bialbhai, the then-ASI/in-charge outpost Mehlol under Godhra Taluka police station in Panchmahals district, lodged a fake FIR and prepared bogus 'panchnama' (spot report) to prove the loss had indeed occurred. Co-accused Rajput, a recovery agent, arranged for the recovery amount through bank instruments so that the entire transaction appeared to be genuine, according to the CBI. The central probe agency filed a chargesheet on June 24, 2005, and during the trial, 25 prosecution witnesses were examined and 228 documents/exhibits relied upon in support of the charges against the accused persons. Wayanad (Kerala), Dec 30 (PTI) The ruling CPI(M) workers on Monday took out a protest march to the office of Congress MLA I C Balakrishnan here demanding his resignation over the recent suicide of a local leader of the grand-old party and his bedridden son. The protesters wanted a comprehensive probe into the death of Wayanad District Congress Committee treasurer and former Sultan Bathery panchayat president, N M Vijayan (78), and his son Jijesh (38) who died at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital on Friday. Tension prevailed near the MLA office, located in Bathery here, for some time as the Left activists tried to jump the barricades placed by the police to block them. Protesters, including women, raised slogans against the MLA, demanding his resignation, and urged the police to carry out a comprehensive probe into deaths. CPI(M) Wayanad district secretary K Rafeeq and other local leaders were among those who led the protest. Meanwhile, the Congress sources here said that I C Balakrishnan would lodge a complaint with the district police chief on the allegations raised against him. The death of Vijayan, a prominent Congress leader in Wayanad, and his son Jijesh, a former employee of Sultan Bathery Cooperative Bank, has triggered a political row in the mountain district. Soon after their death, allegations cropped up that Vijayan, in his capacity as the office bearer of the party, had accepted money from many who aspired to get a job in a Congress-controlled cooperative bank under the direction of MLA Balakrishnan. There were also reports that as the promised job appointments were not given, the deceased leader recently sent a letter to the KPCC chief requesting his intervention in the matter. Though I C Balakrishnan vehemently rejected the charges, the CPI(M) district leadership on Sunday urged the police to invoke abetment of suicide charges against him in the death of Vijayan and his son. However, the MLA had said he would face the issue legally with the permission of the Congress party. Balakrishnan also said that he had not seen the purported document - circulated by a section of media - reportedly signed by the deceased leader and a job aspirant which allegedly said that Rs 30 lakh was given for the appointment as directed by Balakrishnan. Vijayan and his son Jijesh allegedly consumed poison at their home and were found by their neighbours in critical condition on Tuesday, police said. They were initially admitted to a private hospital and later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. A growing rift within the MAGA movement has emerged over the issue of skilled foreign worker visas, exposing sharp divisions between President-elect Donald Trump and some of his most vocal supporters, including former White House strategist Steve Bannon. The internal feud has spilled into public view, with tech billionaire Elon Musk at the center of the controversy. Trump expressed his support for the H-1B visa program, which allows American companies to hire skilled workers from abroad. His comments put him at odds with Bannon and a significant portion of the MAGA base that views such programs as detrimental to American workers. Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them, Trump wrote on social media. 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. Trumps remarks immediately drew backlash from conservative factions, many of whom had spent days engaged in heated exchanges with Musk and venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy over immigration policy. Bannon, one of the most vocal opponents of foreign worker visa programs, lashed out at Musk on his War Room podcast, calling him a manchild and accusing him of promoting policies that show contempt for Americans. Musk, never one to back down, escalated the confrontation with an expletive-laden 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. Take a big step back and [EXPLETIVE] YOURSELF in the face. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend, Musk wrote. Bannon fired back, ridiculing Musk for punching down and accusing Silicon Valley elites of exploiting visa programs to undercut American wages. The H-1B visa program is a total and complete scam concocted by the Lords of Easy Money on Wall Street and the oligarchs in Silicon Valley, Bannon said. Theres a darker element to it today. A contempt of America in American citizens, and were not going to tolerate it. Adding to the chaos, several conservative influencers who criticized Musks immigration stance reported losing access to premium features on X. At least 14 prominent right-wing accounts said their blue verification badges were revoked, limiting their ability to monetize content. The move led to accusations of censorship and retaliation by Musk, further inflaming tensions within the GOP. The dispute spilled over to Fox News, where Fox & Friends Weekend hosts cautiously addressed the controversy. Co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy noted that Trumps reversal on visas had left many MAGA supporters confused. Charlie Hurt acknowledged that while figures like Musk may benefit the U.S., visa programs have often been abused. The problem with the program is that its been turned into a system designed to get cheaper labor, Hurt said. Campos-Duffy suggested that limiting visas to only the most exceptional candidates would force tech companies to pay higher wages to American workers. Big Tech bosses may have to make a little less money and pay their workers a little better, she remarked. As the debate rages on, it highlights the widening fault lines within the GOP over immigration policy. Trumps endorsement of H-1B visas reflects a pragmatic approach rooted in his business background, but it risks alienating the nationalist, anti-immigration wing of his basea faction that has been instrumental to his political rise. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare Chinas hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of what officials have said is a a limited number of individuals. Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Neuberger said Friday that officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but that a large number were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were government targets of interest, spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are primarily involved in government or political activity. Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. In addition, she said, the government was planning additional actions in coming weeks in response to the hacking campaign, though she did not say what they were. We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure, she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking. (AP) Two Canadian Cabinet ministers left a meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Friday without assurances President-elect Donald Trump will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. The Canadians called the talks productive and said there would be further discussions but one official said the Americans remain fixated on the U.S. trade deficit with Canada. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trumps nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trumps pick to lead the Interior Department. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian products if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened. Minister LeBlanc and Minister Joly had a positive, productive meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Howard Lutnick and Doug Burgum, as a follow-up to the dinner between the Prime Minister and President Trump last month, said Jean-Sebastien Comeau, a spokesman for LeBlanc. Comeau said both ministers outlined the measures in Canadas billion-dollar plan to increase security at the border and reiterated the shared commitment to strengthen border security as well as combat the harm caused by fentanyl to save Canadian and American lives. Comeau said Lutnick and Burgum agreed to relay the information to Trump. A senior Canadian official, however, said the Americans remain preoccupied on the U.S. trade deficit with Canada and want it to shrink. The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Trump has made an issue of the U.S. trade deficit, erroneously calling it a subsidy. Canadas ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, has said the U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year. But she noted a third of what Canada sells into the U.S. are energy exports and said there is a deficit when oil prices are high. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Alberta alone sends 4.3 million barrel s of oil per day to the U.S which tends to consume about 20 million barrels a day. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Further discussions are expected in the coming weeks. Joly will also have dinner with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday. Trump has been trolling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media in recent weeks by calling him the Governor of the 51st state. Trudeau has not directly responded, but did post a link Thursday to a six-minute video on YouTube from 2010 in which American NBC journalist Tom Brokaw explains Canada to Americans. Some information about Canada for Americans Trudeau wrote in the post on X. The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, the massive trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian military in World War 2 and Afghanistan. In our darkest hours Canada has been with us, Brokaw says in the video. In the long history of sovereign neighbors there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada. Trudeau has told Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs are vastly different at the U.S.s two land borders. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. (AP) An American schoolteacher arrested in Russia on drug charges more than three years ago has been designated by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained, the State Department said Friday. Marc Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, is serving a 14-year prison sentence after being arrested in August 2021 at a Russian airport and possessing what his family and supporters said was medically prescribed marijuana. After Fogel was omitted from a massive prisoner swap last August that resulted in the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and corporate security executive Paul Whelan, among others, his familys lawyers made another push for the Biden administration to secure his freedom, including by designating him as wrongfully detained. The State Department considers a range of factors in deciding whether to designate an American jailed in a foreign country as wrongfully detained, including if theres credible information that the person is innocent. The factors also include if they are being held for the primary purpose of influencing U.S. policy or securing concessions from the U.S. government. Officials confirmed Friday that Fogel had now received that designation. 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 August 1 deal, but were unable to. The Secretary determined Marc is wrongfully detained in October, the department said in a statement. The designation traditionally shifts supervision of a detainees case to the office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, a State Department office focused on negotiating for the release of hostages and other Americans classified as being wrongfully detained in other countries. In a statement, Fogels wife, Jane, and his sons, Ethan and Sam, said they were grateful that 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. Now that we have the full force of the U.S. government behind us, we must do everything in our power to bring Marc home as quickly and safely as possible, the statement said. (AP) 529 college savings plans are powerful tools to help pay for the mounting costs of an education. Why are some people hesitant to use them? One common concern is oversaving. You can use 529 funds to cover only qualified education expenses without incurring a tax penalty, but it can be hard to pinpoint how much money you actually need. Many parents open 529s for their children when they are born; they have no way of knowing whether their kids will earn a scholarship or even go to college at all. Fortunately, parents of multiple children can change the beneficiary of a 529 plan. But what do you do if you still have money left over after covering education expenses? Thanks to Secure 2.0, college savers wont have to worry about overfunding their 529s. Starting this year, you can now roll over unused 529 funds to a Roth IRA. But dont think the 529 rollover is a loophole to save extra for retirement; there are rules that limit the conversions. Heres what you should consider when converting your 529 funds to a Roth IRA. The Roth IRA receiving the funds must be in the name of the 529 plan beneficiary. The 529 plan must be open for at least 15 years. You cannot convert 529 contributions made within the past five years (or the earnings on those contributions). The 529 funds you roll over count toward your IRA annual contribution limit. You can move a maximum of $35,000 from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA during your lifetime. 529 funds must be converted by paying the amount directly to a Roth IRAyou cant pay yourself and then deposit the money into the Roth IRA later. You can contribute to a Roth IRA only if you have earnings from a job, so the 529 beneficiary must have eligible earnings when the 529-to-IRA conversions occur. Roth IRA income limits do not apply to 529 rollovers. While avoiding the Roth IRA income limits is a retirement-saving perk for those with higher income, the rest of the rules around rolling over your excess 529 funds are designed to ensure that people are using 529 plans for their intended purpose: education. The annual contribution limits as well as the lifetime cap on conversions mean that you cantdouble up on your retirement funding. So, whats the bottom line? The ability to convert unused 529 funds to a Roth IRA can help alleviate potential concerns about oversaving for education. Still, dont count on your 529 as a means to save for retirement. Instead, consider funding your Roth IRA separately. (AP) The following are parts of a previous article from the Washington Examiner: Who can forget the late President Jimmy Carter imploring the United States to give Hamas a chance? That was back in 2006. It wasnt the first or last time Carter vouched for the theocratic death cult. He was a longtime fan. Forgotten in the deluge of anti-Israel propaganda is the fact that Hamas was given a chance. In 2005, as a test run for a new state, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon evicted thousands of Jews from the Gaza Strip and handed the Palestinians autonomy for the first time in their history. When mobs of Palestinians in Gaza found no Israelis to murder, they destroyed millions of dollars in farming equipment left to them by American Jewish donors. In any event, within a year, Hamas won a significant majority in the Palestinian Parliament, and Carter began imploring the U.S. to treat the group with the legitimacy it might the Swiss or Japanese governments. Soon enough, Hamas was defenestrating rival Fatah officials and smuggling weapons from the Islamic terrorism regime in Iran, ensuring war and destabilizing the region. Carter likely first met with Hamas leaders in January 1996. In March and February of that year, Hamas participated in a string of suicide bombings, murdering 65 people, including three U.S. citizens. Dead Americans did not move Carter to admonish his friends in Gaza. Carter again met with Hamas in April 2008 as it was launching hundreds of missiles every month at civilian targets within Israel, promising that the group wouldnt undermine peace. After Hamas first attempted to launch an Oct. 7-style attack in 2014, Carter called on Israel and the U.S. to recognize the offshoot of the jihadist Muslim Brotherhood as the legitimate political actor that represents the Palestinian population. If our former president were sentient today, it is almost surely the case he would call for the U.S. to make peace with Hamas and castigate the Jewish state. It should be said that Carters admiration of antisemitic terrorists did not begin with Hamas. The former president harbored a deep fondness for Yasser Arafat, the godfather of all modern terrorism, a relationship that transcended politics and was based on their emotional connection and the shared belief that they were both ordained to be peacemakers by God, according to historian Douglas Brinkley. (Carter tried to cram Arafat into the Camp David peace talks after Israel and Egypt had already cut a deal, which the president had very little to do with.) To understand his motivations, one could read Carters demented book The Blood of Abraham or Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, which historian Kenneth W. Stein, a former longtime Carter adviser, noted was replete with factual errors, copied materials not cited, superficialities, glaring omissions, and simply invented segments and Michael Kinsley called moronic. Carter is a religious zealot with a messianic complex and a distorted understanding of history. Photo: MFA of Ukraine Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who arrived in Damascus on a visit, conveyed a message from head of state Volodymyr Zelenskyy about support for the Syrian people. "I am here to personally convey to the Syrian people a message from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it sounds very clear: we are with you, we are ready to help the Syrian people. Ukraine is interested in a stable Syria and the development of mutually beneficial cooperation," he said at a briefing in Damascus on Monday. The Foreign Minister pointed out that this is the first official visit of the Ukrainian delegation to Syria in a long time. According to him, this indicates "the readiness to open a new page in bilateral relations between our countries and peoples." In particular, we are talking about the possible creation of joint enterprises, the establishment of production of goods, the exchange of technologies, interaction in the field of cybersecurity, and information protection. Sybiha stated that Ukraine is ready to share with Syria its experience in the field of security, as well as its experience in collecting legal evidence, investigation, and working to bring war criminals to justice for the crimes they have committed. "When we in Ukraine saw the horrific footage from the Saydnaya prison, we immediately remembered the dungeons of the territories of Ukraine liberated from Russian occupation," the minister added. He emphasized that the Russian and Assad regimes supported each other because they are based on violence and torture. "And we are convinced that in the strategic perspective, eliminating the Russian presence in Syria will contribute to the stability of not only the Syrian state, but also the entire Middle East and Africa, even if it takes some time," Sybiha stated. Earlier, the Arabic-language news channel Al-Arabiya reported that Sybiha met in Damascus with the head of the new Syrian administration and the leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham movement, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The following is an unedited JTA article that appeared after the historic meeting in December of 1979: President Carter told a group of Hasidic rabbinical leaders in what was described as the first time any President had ever received such a delegation that Hasidic Jews were making a lasting contribution to urban centers to stabilize neighborhoods and communities a Hasidic spokesman told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency today The 25 minute meeting was held in the Oval Office in the White House on Monday. Rabbi Hertz Frankel chairman of Ravtov, the National Committee to Aid New Immigrants was the source of the assertion that the Monday meeting was the first by any American President with such a delegation He also told the JTA that at the request of the President no reporters were present during the 25 minute meeting. The participants included Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum the rebbe of the Satmar movement Rabbi Solomon Halberstam the rebbe of the Bobover movement and Rabbi Mordechai Hager the rebbe of the Vizitzer movement Frankel who was a member of the Hasidic delegation said that other Hasidic leaders at the session were Rabbi Sander Deutsch vice president of the Satmar United Talmudical Academy Rabbi Naftali Halberstom the Bobover rebbes son and president of the Yeshiva Bnai Zion of Bobov and Rabbi Ephraim Stein administrator of the United Talmudical Academy. Frankel said the meeting was arranged through a cooperative effort of the White House and the Central Rabbinical Congress of America the Hasidic rabbinical organization. SPECIAL PRAYER OFFERED The meeting was opened by Teitelboum who thanked Carter for receiving the delegation A special prayer for heads of state was recited by Rabbi Solomon Halberstam in Hebrew and translated for the President by Stein The rabbis offered their prayers and support to Carter for the position he has taken in handling the Iranian crisis. The Hasidic rabbis expressed their appreciation to Carter for his accomplishment in preventing further bloodshed in the Middle East and recited a blessing asking the Almighty to give the President added strength for his efforts for peace in the Middle East and throughout the world The rabbis asked Carter to use his good offices to help preserve the Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe the last remnants of once proud and vibrant communities. The Bobover rebbe made a presentation in Yiddish which was translated for the President by Frankel calling on all Jews who have ancestors buried in those resting places to strive to have them preserved and said that it was important to declare all Jewish cemeteries in Eastern Europe as historic shrines and monuments for the great Jewish communities that had existed for many centuries before World War II. The rabbis also told the President that they felt that he should try to ease the burdens of nonpublic education through new programs of aid from the recently established federal Department of Education They expressed to Carter and his Administration their appreciation for his interest and help to Soviet Jews to absorb them as emigres into the United States. Curter said that he appreciated the contribution of the Hasidic communities their lifestyle their family life and educational system He said he was very pleased to receive the blessings of such prominent rabbis at this time of crisis from a people who have themselves suffered so much and understand the agency and suffering of others He promised to continue his efforts to achieve a lasting world peace and said in reference to the current Chanukah holiday that we could use those miracles today, Frankel reported. The President was presented with a silver goblet as a gift from the Central Rabbinical Congress as a symbol for good luck in his arduous undertakings. 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. (AP) Explosive new photos show Joe Biden personally meeting with Hunter Bidens Chinese business associates during his time as vice president, shredding the carefully crafted narrative that he had no involvement in his sons corrupt overseas dealings. The images, uncovered by America First Legal through legal action against the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), show then-Vice President Biden introducing Hunter to Chinese President Xi Jinping and then-Vice President Li Yuanchao. Even more damning, Biden is seen posing with Hunters business partners from BHR Partners, a Chinese private equity firm intertwined with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). These photos expose the tangled web of connections between Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, and the Chinese government, America First Legal said in a scathing press release. Its clear that the National Archives, at the request of Biden and Obamas legal teams, deliberately suppressed these images until after the election to protect the Biden campaign from scrutiny. The photos corroborate damning evidence already unearthed by the House Oversight Committee, which found that Hunter Biden arranged for his father to meet BHR executives during their 2013 trip to China. Jonathan Li, CEO of BHR, leveraged this access to secure preferential treatment from U.S. Ambassador to China Max Baucus something the committee described as part of Hunter Bidens broader scheme to sell influence to the highest bidder. Joe Biden has insisted for years that he had never spoken to my son about his business dealings. These photos expose that claim as a brazen lie. Even Hunter Bidens own testimony under oath contradicts the presidents public denials. Hunter admitted to introducing his father to Li in the lobby of a hotel during their trip to China. According to Hunter, Biden shook hands with Li and may have posed for a photo. Yet, somehow, Biden expects the public to believe he remained blissfully ignorant of who Li was and why the introduction occurred. But the evidence doesnt stop there. In a 2017 email obtained by Fox News, Hunter Biden requested keys to his Washington D.C. office for his father and uncle, Jim Biden. The office space was shared with an executive from CEFC, a now-defunct Chinese energy giant with ties to the CCP. In another message from the same year, Hunter emailed CEFCs chairman, extending best wishes from the entire Biden family while pressing for a $10 million wire transfer to fund and operate their joint venture. Hunter Bidens former business partner Devon Archer provided even more damning testimony. Archer revealed to Congress that Hunter placed his father on speakerphone during at least 20 meetings with business associates. Archer described how Joe Bidens involvement was crucial to their business strategy because his very presence sold the brand and opened doors otherwise closed to ordinary businessmen. Let that sink in: The sitting President of the United States allowed his family to exploit his position to enrich themselves by cozying up to Chinese elites. This isnt just a political scandal its a national security crisis. Hunter Bidens dealings with BHR Partners secured him a lucrative 10% stake in the Chinese firm. And who owns BHR? The Bank of China directly controlled by the CCP. Its not just photos. Emails obtained by America First Legal show that Hunter Biden was more than willing to introduce Chinese business contacts to top CCP officials. In one email exchange from 2014, Hunter discussed setting up meetings between BHR executives and C.H. Tung, a high-ranking CCP official and former Hong Kong governor. Tung, incidentally, sat next to Hunter during a formal dinner in Beijing honoring Vice President Biden. Hunter, of course, was happy to oblige because selling access to his father was his primary business model. Why are we only learning about these photos now? Because the Biden administration, with the help of NARA and the Obama legal team, buried them. Only after relentless litigation did these images finally see the light of day. Benjamin Weingarten, editor at Real Clear Politics, called the delayed release of the photos a cover-up and slammed the Biden familys ties to the CCP as blatant corruption. These photos are more than just embarrassing they are undeniable evidence that Joe Bidens denials about his sons business are outright lies, Weingarten wrote. Fox News previously requested seating charts from the 2013 Beijing dinner, where Hunter sat next to top Chinese officials. The White House refused to provide any details. Why? Because the truth is far uglier than the Biden administration wants the public to know. Adding fuel to the fire, President Biden issued a sweeping pardon for Hunter Biden earlier this month, covering any crimes his son may have committed dating back to 2014. Today, I signed a pardon for my son, Biden said in a shockingly defensive statement. Hunter has been unfairly targeted, and I wont stand by while my family is attacked. Translation: Biden knows the evidence against Hunter is insurmountable and he is using the full power of the presidency to shield his son from facing justice. Michael Ding, counsel for America First Legal, condemned the pardon. Joe Bidens blanket pardon is a desperate and transparent attempt to bury the truth, Ding said. But the American people deserve answers and we will not stop until the full scope of this corruption is exposed. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Irans Revolutionary Guards plotted to abduct and murder Israeli journalist Babak Yitzchaki, the opposition outlet IranWire reported on Shabbos. Yitzchaki is the Israeli correspondent for Iran International, another Iranian opposition outlet that has been targeted more than once by Irans Revolutionary Guards. According to the report, the IRGCs plan involved luring Yitzchaki and another Iran International journalist to a city in Turkey near the Iranian border and abducting them to Tehran, where they would be murdered. The plan was revealed by Mohammad Hashemzadeh, a former Iranian political prisoner currently detained in Armenia. While in Iran, Revolutionary Guard terrorists tried to convince Hashemzadeh and his cellmate, who was a friend of Yitzchaki, to carry out the abduction. The plan failed because the two refused to cooperate. Yitzchaki told Ynet: This is not the first time the Islamic regime in Iran has tried to harm Iran International journalists. We are the free, true and independent voice of news in Iran and the world. A few months ago, regime operatives stabbed my colleague Pouria Zarati in London, and last year, authorities uncovered a plan to attack our channels building and harm our journalists. As an Israeli journalist, I trust my countrys intelligence and security services. I will continue my work with the channel. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Israels Agriculture Ministry has confirmed the sixth outbreak of avian influenza this winter, this time at a turkey farm in Moshav Kfar Vitkin, near Netanya. The affected farm houses approximately 19,000 turkeys, all of which will be culled in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. The ministry announced that the infected turkeys, housed in six coops, are around 12 weeks old. In response to the outbreak, authorities have established a quarantine zone extending up to 10 kilometers (six miles) around the farm. Farmers and bird breeders have been urged to take precautionary measures to mitigate the risk of further infections. The ministry called on breeders of ornamental birds, poultry farmers, and those with free-range coops to keep their flocks indoors, limiting their exposure to wild birds that may carry the virus during migration season. This outbreak marks the latest in a series of bird flu detections across Israel. Earlier this year, cases were reported in four locations in the north, as well as at Kibbutz Tzora near Jerusalem. The Agriculture Ministry has issued warnings to the public against purchasing unregulated poultry, meat, and eggs from black market sources. Consumers are reminded to thoroughly cook all chicken and eggs to eliminate any risk of infection. Efforts to contain the outbreak are ongoing, with health and agricultural authorities closely monitoring for signs of further spread. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) El Al Airlines announced on Monday morning that it is suspending its flights from Tel Aviv to Moscow until the end of March 2025. According to the announcement, the company reached the decision after ongoing discussions with the Russian authorities. The notice follows El Als announcement last week that it was suspending its flights to Moscow for a week due to developments in Russias airspace. Azeri authorities confirmed last week that Russian air defenses caused the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane in Kazakhstan on Wednesday. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Senior Israeli officials are warning that the new Syrian government cannot be trusted and is likely to turn against Israel in the future. Israeli officials are also concerned by the embrace of the outgoing Biden administration toward Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani. The Biden administration has removed the $10 million bounty on Al-Sharaas head for his al-Qaeda past jihadist activities and is holding direct talks with the rebels. But Israeli security officials believe that Al-Shaara is a wolf in sheeps clothing. In a meeting of the Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee last week, two senior military intelligence officers said that Al-Sharaas dialogue with the West is a show and that he views Israel as an enemy. The officers asserted that ultimately, sooner or later, the new Syrian regime will be hostile to Israel. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also spoke at the meeting, saying that the new Syrian government is a carbon copy of the government in Idlib. It doesnt include all sectors in Syria and it includes extremist Islamists.[Before the fall of the Assad regime, the rebels ruled over Idlib in northwest Syria.] Theyre selling themselves to the West as moderate, Saar stressed. Western countries have a vested interest in accepting their whitewashing because they want to send back the Syrian refugees in their countries. Saar warned that Israel must remain wary and continue to maintain IDF troops in the areas it captured. Saar also expressed his concerns at a meeting at the Foreign Ministry, cautioning that the new Syrian government poses risks to Israel that should be keeping senior defense officials awake at night. Around the world, they speak of organized regime change in Syria, but its not like a new government was elected in a democratic fashion and it governs all of Syria, Saar said. This is a gang of terrorists who first seized Idlib and then took over the capital city of Damascus and other areas. The international community is eager to view them as a new, stable regime because many countries want to return the refugees theyre currently hosting to Syria. But thats not the reality. There are ongoing conflicts with the Alawites along the coast, explicit threats by [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan to eliminate Kurdish autonomy, and harassment of the Christian community in Syria. He emphasized that Syrias new government is an Islamist regime aiming to achieve unified control over all of Syria. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Chareidi Hamodia newspaper, the mouthpiece of the largest party in Agudas Yisrael [Gerrer], declared on its front page on Monday morning that Agudas Yisrael MKs may vote against a critical part of the budget bill that is scheduled for a vote in the Knesset later on Wednesday. The report stated: There is no point in voting in favor of a specific tax when the most important thing for the Charedi community, lomdei Torah has not yet been legislated. The implication is that if the government does not pass a Chareidi recruitment law, Agudas Yisrael will not commit to voting with the coalition on key bills needed to pass the state budget. The report emphasized that the Agudat Yisrael MKs have no interest in toppling the government. The most valuable thing for the Charedi community namely the Lomdei Torah who learn full time has not yet been legally arranged, the report stated. As is known, the Chareidi parties in general, and Agudas Yisrael in particular, supported right-wing governments throughout the tumultuous election cycles in recent years, showing complete loyalty to the right-wing bloc. They indeed joined the current government, defined as full right, and have accomplished significant achievements in various areas such as housing, welfare, finance, and more and they have no interest in toppling the government. However, the most valuable issue for the Chareidi community, which it made clear before entering the coalition and throughout the process namely the status of full-time lomdei Torah, Am Yisraels existential asset, has not yet been regulated by the current coalition, despite all the requests, promises, and commitments and they want to see actual deeds. Later on Wednesday morning, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvirs Otzma Yehudit party also announced that they will vote against the tax law due to what it claims is Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrichs persecution of employees of Israel Police, Prison Services, and Fire and Rescue Services by cutting their salaries. If both parties fulfill their threats, there will not be a majority for passing the trapped profits law, which is part of the budget law and must be passed in order to pass the state budget. The trapped profits law, the main reform to the 2025 budget, is a complex law that will enable the state to collect tax on the estimated NIS 150 billion of trapped profits in personal service companies and is expected to bring about 10 billion shekels to the state treasury already in 2025. According to a Globes report, trapped profits are profits accumulated in companies on which only companies tax, at a rate of 23%, has been paid. Only if the profits are distributed as a dividend will additional tax of up to 30%, plus a surtax in many cases, be payable as income tax. The Ministry of Finances original proposal set a new tax of 2% annually on all trapped profits. In the course of the discussions, an alternative track was added, mainly intended for holding companies, whereby the tax can be replaced by a dividend distribution, at first of 5% of the accumulated amount, and 6% from 2026. Ai Maman CPA, a partner at the Rabinowitz Even Maman accounting firm, told Globes: The Ministry of Finance wants to make up for the deficit caused by the war, and so in effect it is forcing shareholders to distribute a dividend even if they didnt plan to do so. In addition, the Ministry of Finance has created a new method calculating companies tax that will apply to companies from 2025, in which two rates of tax will apply to profits retained in a company: companies tax on profits representing up to 25% of turnover, and a marginal rate on profits in excess of this equivalent to the rate of tax payable by the shareholders. As a result of this calculation method, shareholders in a company will be able to accumulate much less trapped profits in future years. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) An Israeli citizen from Petach Tikva, Alexander Granovsky, 29, has been arrested on charges of espionage and arson, allegedly acting on behalf of foreign terror operatives. The arrest, announced Monday by the Shin Bet, follows a coordinated investigation with Lahav 433s National Crime Unit. According to investigators, Granovsky had been in communication with foreign terrorist elements since November. Authorities believe he knowingly undertook assignments that posed a direct threat to Israels national security, driven by financial incentives. Granovsky is accused of carrying out multiple acts of sabotage, including the arson of eight vehicles across Israel. At each scene, graffiti reading Children of Ruhollah was left behind. In addition to the arson attacks, investigators say Granovsky conducted surveillance on key infrastructure sites in central Israel. One of the most concerning allegations involves Granovsky filming the entrance to the neighborhood of former Defense Minister and Knesset Member Benny Gantz and transmitting the footage to his handlers. Granovsky also reportedly shared personal information about an Israeli citizen, potentially aiding foreign efforts to recruit the individual. Another aspect of the investigation revealed that he purchased military uniforms with plans to create a video depicting the destruction of the gear. The investigation uncovered broader plots beyond arson and surveillance. Granovskys handlers allegedly sought to acquire firearms and grenades for future attacks on Israeli homes. They further directed him to gather the residential addresses of Israeli government ministers and instructed him to conduct arson attacks on police vehicles, buses, and trucks. While Granovsky reportedly declined certain tasks, his extensive interactions with foreign operatives suggest deeper involvement and a broader threat to Israeli security. A prosecutors declaration was filed against Granovsky on Monday, and an indictment is expected to follow in the coming days at the Central District Court. Following the arrest, the Shin Bet and Israel Police issued a stark warning about increasing attempts by hostile intelligence and terror organizations to recruit Israeli citizens. We strongly caution Israeli citizens and residents against maintaining contact with foreign operatives or carrying out assignments on their behalf, the agencies said in a joint statement. We will pursue the harshest measures against anyone involved in such actions. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious approaches, particularly from unknown individuals offering unusual tasks or job opportunities. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Aliza Silverbergs dream is to open up her own pediatric dental practice and provide children with a positive, relaxing experience at the dentist. Aliza chose Touro to help make her dream a reality. I chose to attend Touros Lander College for Women (LCW) for my undergraduate schooling because it was an exciting opportunity to live in New York City and it allowed me to meet some incredible people, both socially and among the faculty. Additionally, I was confident Touro would offer me the academic opportunities to excel in my coursework and continue on to dental school, Aliza said. Indeed, LCW was instrumental in ensuring Aliza was ready for the next step. One way in which Touro helped prepare me for professional school is with their one-week pre-dental experience program. I attended during the summer that I was scheduled to take the dental admission test (DAT) and apply to dental school. We spent one week living as TCDM students. We sat in on lectures about all the various specialties that dentistry has to offer. We even got to work in the simulation lab and get a hands-on feel for what the career entails. This program invigorated my desire to pursue a career in dentistry, she said. Aliza also credits her biology advisor at Lander College for Women, Dr. John Loike, for helping her every step of the way. All throughout my undergraduate schooling, he pushed me to reach my academic potential and always gave me good insight and advice on how to best prepare myself as a respectable applicant for dental schools. He set up mock interviews and was constantly checking in on me. I am extremely grateful for the advice and assistance he gave me and would not be here today otherwise, Aliza explained. With its stellar reputation, Aliza knew she wanted to stay within Touro and attend Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM). The number one thing I was told by current students about Touro Dental is that there is an inviting atmosphere from the staff and camaraderie amongst fellow students. Every member of the community truly wants what is best for each student, she said. She was especially impressed with the brand-new state-of-the-art facilities and the beautiful campus. Now a TCDM student herself, Aliza has found the community to be as warm and welcoming as she had heard. Friendships and connections are made every single day, and the faculty are always greeting students with warm smiles. Entering the student lounge on the fourth floor, you see people studying together and preparing for the day ahead. Working in the simulation lab is a vibrant experience, as we are learning and seeking advice and constructive criticism from faculty. I look forward to going to school because there is nothing as rewarding as seeing real progress in my skills as a budding dentist, she said. Aliza cant wait to start her career and open her own practice one day. I chose dentistry because it is an exciting and constantly-evolving career that enables me to be creative while also pursuing my medical interests. I want to interact with my future patients and connect with them while they spend time in my chair. Learn more at touro.edu/poweryourpath If U.S. aid is cut off, Ukraine will continue to fight, develop its domestic production, and work with the new administration of President-elect Donald Trump, said Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak. "We will continue to fight, work with the new (American) administration, and develop our production. We will continue to build relations with Europe, which has never been as strong as it is today. Europe may not fully understand its strength. It is vital that it remains united," Yermak said in an interview for the French newspaper Liberation, answering the question "what will Ukraine do if the United States cuts off aid?" At the same time, the President's Office head noted that there is a risk of a reduction in U.S. aid. "Can we do without this support? No. But we have no illusions. We have achieved unprecedented progress in the field of domestic production," Yermak emphasized. He also added that the goal of the Ukrainian side is to maintain positions in Donbas and Kursk region, since "a strong position on the front line will have a big impact on the Trump administration and the issue of further military assistance." Dont miss the once-a-year sale prices on the classics and new releases! As Chanukah approaches, Machon Yerushalayim opens its grand sale one of the most anticipated events of the year for Torah scholars and book lovers. This years sale, running from December 22nd (21 Kislev) through January 19th (19 Teves), is a unique opportunity to acquire classic sefarim that are essential for every Jewish bookshelf, as well as newly released treasuresall at special reduced prices. A Legacy of Torah Scholarship Founded 57 years ago, Machon Yerushalayim is one of the largest and most respected Torah research institutes in the world. Renowned for its commitment to preserving and enhancing Jewish learning, the institute is home to more than 150 elite talmidei chachamim, who dedicate their expertise to meticulously researching and analyzing ancient texts. Through their efforts, they not only correct and compare sources, but also provide invaluable notes, commentaries, and clarifications that elevate the study of Torah to new heights. Machon Yerushalayims work includes the publication of previously undiscovered manuscripts as well as the reprinting of monumental sets of works, all of which undergo painstaking revisions. Each volume is crafted with care, ensuring that the texts are both aesthetically pleasing and accessible. Through this meticulous process, Machon Yerushalayim makes Torah wisdom not only relevant but also engaging, so that it can continue to inspire and guide future generations of lomdim. Rabbi Moshe Buxbaum, director of Machon Yerushalayim, said, What was once difficult to decipher is now accessible to all. I constantly hear from people who say that learning from the sefarim weve published is a completely different, transformative experience! A Remarkable Discovery: The Rambams Letter In 2022, Machon Yerushalayims researchers embarked on an exciting journey. Thousands of ancient texts with piskei halachah from the Geonim which reached the Cairo Geniza have been preserved and are kept in special conditions in the libraries of Oxford and Cambridge. As part of a challenging, complex project to publish Teshuvos HaGeonim, a group of ten scholars, led by Rabbi Buxbaum, traveled to Cambridge, UK, where they had the rare privilege of viewing thousands of these ancient texts. Among these remarkable discoveries was a letter written by the Rambam! The letter was written in ancient Arabic by the Rambam to his late brother, Rabbi David. The latter, who had tragically passed away during a voyage to India, had managed the family business and was a major financial support for the Rambam. In this letter, the Rambam expresses deep grief over his loss. The greatest disaster that I ever experienced in my life, worse than anything else, was the death of the holy one, may his memory be blessed, who drowned in the Indian Ocean, the Rambam wrote. He carried with him a great deal of money and goods intended for me, for himself, and for others. He left me with a small child and a widow [a reference to Rabbi Davids son and wife]. This poignant letter, discovered among other treasures in the Geniza, is damaged in several places as if by the tears that the Rambam shed when penning his letter. Describing the experience of viewing and handling thousand-year-old texts written by Gedolei Yisrael, Rabbi Buxbaum said, It was absolutely thrilling to hold history in our hands! Miraculous Discoveries There are countless stories of lost or unknown manuscripts that were miraculously recovered by the Machon. One instance involves a treasure trove of family documents guarded by an elderly man from Tel Aviv. Despite his resistance to show anyone the manuscripts, Rabbi Yosef Buxbaum, ztl, Rabbi Moshes father and Machon Yerushalayims founder, learned that the fellow was a descendant of Harav Shlomo Ganzfried, author of Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. After much persuasion, Rabbi Yosef succeeded in borrowing the documents for just two days. The very next day, the man called with shocking news: a fire had destroyed everything in his home, but miraculously, both he and his wife were unharmedand, most remarkably, all the holy manuscripts had been untouched. Deeply moved by this undeniable hashgachah, the man agreed to allow Machon Yerushalayim to publish these precious works. This is just one of many stories of rescued manuscripts, Rabbi Buxbaum explained. Each one has been a revelation, demonstrating the incredible yad Hashem. Multiple Zechuyos Machon Yerushalayim invites one and all to claim a portion in the immeasurable zechus of making it possible for the Torah of Gedolei Yisrael, which would otherwise have been lost, to be learned by future generations. By partnering with Machon Yerushalayimp, you are also encouraging and supporting Torah scholars as they decipher, restore and revive rare manuscripts, receiving a share in what is clearly a labor of love. Machon Yerushalayim also has several options for dedicating projects as a merit for salvation in a certain area, or as an eternal merit for a loved one. Reap eternal zechuyos as your sefer is learned in batei medrash and Jewish homes worldwide! A Sale Not to Be Missed Machon Yerushalayim invites you to explore the extensive list of essential sefarim as well as the exciting new releases: Otzar Meforshei HaTorah Vayikra II; Minchas Chinuch Bshulei Hamincha, Vol. 7; Mishna Brura-Ohr Hamizrach Shabbos I; two new volumes of Shoel Umeishiv; the first 2 volumes of Beis Yitzchok and more! Dont miss out on this once-a-year eventmark your calendars for Machon Yerushalayims Annual Sale! The pedant in me was provoked when a report arrived the other day from the Left-wing Resolution Foundation 'authored by' its interim chief executive Mike Brewer. Quite how 'authoring' a report differs from 'writing' one remains a mystery. Language evolves, and at times it does so in ways some of us find irritating. The important thing is that Mr Brewer had interesting points to make. He drew attention to the 'big pivot' which will be executed in 2025 by Chancellor Rachel Reeves towards the public sector, making it a priority above the private, wealth-creating part of the economy that pays for it all. This, as the Resolution Foundation notes, is a striking change in direction, of a kind not seen in a generation outside of the financial crisis and the pandemic. Anyone listening to Reeves and her boss Sir Keir Starmer might imagine public sector employees to be morally superior and lowly paid. It's true many people working in the NHS, the Armed Forces or teaching, members of my own family included, are driven by a sense of vocation. But the assumption public sector workers are downtrodden compared with the private sector is not always correct. Two of a kind: Chancellor Rachel Reeves with her boss Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Average public sector pay was 6 per cent higher than the private sector in the three months to November, according to the Foundation. In fairness, that is only one period and there have been times when the public sector has lagged. But any alleged disadvantage looks even more questionable once pensions are taken into account. Around 9m current and former public sector workers are in unfunded pension schemes. Their retirement incomes are funded by the contributions of members who still work, with the shortfalls made up by taxpayers. The liability of these unfunded schemes is around 1.3trillion. Employees enjoy gold-plated retirement incomes based on their salaries, something that has largely vanished in the private sector. On average, they receive a contribution from their employer the taxpayer valued by the Government at 23 per cent of salary. This is an amount which typical private sector workers can only dream of. It does not come cheap. The public sector workforce stands at 5.9m, with a cost to taxpayers of 270billion in 202324, around 10 per cent of national income and 22 per cent of total UK Government spending. As private sector firms scale back on hiring and pay rises due to Labour's employment tax hikes, the state will expand further. Greedy public sector unions will demand more pay rises without committing to productivity improvements. Reeves risks being trapped into higher spending, higher borrowing and higher taxes, with no guarantee services to the public will improve one jot. And this is the part of the picture that has been erased by Labour: service. The public sector does not exist to serve its workforce, still less to serve a Labour government. Its purpose is to serve us. Yet this has been turned on its head. Those of us who work in the private realm are treated as though our only value lies in funding increasingly inadequate public 'services' through confiscatory levels of tax. Reeves and Starmer are intent on undoing the Thatcher revolution, which involved shrinking the size of the state and creating conditions for private enterprise to flourish. They believe they know how to spend your money better than you do. They are arrogant, and they are wrong. The billionaire Issa brothers are eyeing a 13billion US listing for their petrol station empire, in a fresh snub for London. EG Group could make its market debut next year, in what means a huge payout for Zuber and Mohsin Issa. Banks have been lined up for a float, according to reports in Mergermarket and The Sunday Telegraph. The company could be valued at around 13billion 13 times last year's annual profits of 1.1billion. Happy days: EG Group could make its market debut next year, in what means a huge payout for Zuber and Mohsin Issa The New York stock market is thought to be the preferred bourse because the US is EG Group's biggest market. The group operates 1,500 convenience stores on petrol forecourts including brands Cumberland Farms and Quik Stop. EG Group is co-owned by the Issa brothers and British private equity firm TDR Shares in artificial Intelligence firm Pri0r1ty fell sharply at the open of their first day of trading on London's junior market. The company, which helps firms automate tasks such as writing press releases, regulatory news and social media, had been targeting a 855,000 fundraise and a 13million valuation, with AIM-listed shares trading at 13.5p each. But shares in takeover vehicle Alteration Earth, which will shortly be renamed Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group following the acquisition of Pri0r1ty AI, fell by more than 14 per cent by midday to trade at 10.75p. Daniel Gee, who founded Pri0r1ty AI just over a year ago, said: 'Too many early-stage British tech companies think that the only route to growth is through VC funding, or even moving abroad. 'But I want to send a message that the LSE and the UK capital markets can be a smart and viable route to growing a successful tech company.' Stock market IPOs can often disappoint founder and shareholder expectations, with newbie stocks remaining volatile in the weeks and months ahead. Fellow tech pioneer Raspberry Pi made a strong debut earlier this year, with shares rocketing on their first day of trading and maintaining momentum into the final months of 2024. Disappointing City debut for Pri0r1ty AI The AIM market has shrunk significantly in recent years as weak trading volumes, poor liquidity and frustrating administrative costs have contributed to poor shareholder returns. Many firms are opting to remain private for longer, list elsewhere or seek a return to private ownership. Matt Britzman, senior equity researcher at Hargreaves Lansdown, told This is Money that Pri0r1ty's debut 'could serve as a bit of a barometer for how smaller UK tech companies approach capital-raising decisions in the future'. He added: 'The SPAC route to listing, which generated a lot of buzz a few years ago, hasn't really gained lasting traction and we can't read too much early trading with volumes in the wider markets being low given the timing. 'The broader debate about the UK's viability as a listing destination for tech firms is unlikely to fade, even if there's some success here - shifting sentiment in a meaningful way is probably going to need some bigger fish.' Pri0r1ty targets a market of small and medium sized businesses with 'cost effective' AI solutions. Its platform, Pri0r1ty Advisor, delivers tailored solutions using deep learning, spanning financing, marketing, and custom AI bots for client-specific needs. Chief executive James Sheehan said: 'Pri0r1ty AI was set up to meet a very real and growing challenge. SMEs spend huge amounts of money - over 60billion a year - on external professional services providers when so many of these tasks can be automated using AI. 'With our technology, companies can use advisors for what they do best, high-end strategic support and technical value-add specialist services, and make the whole process more efficient and cost-effective by letting AI handle many of the everyday tasks. 'Our solution provides users with a suite of AI-tools that enables the efficient scaling of their business.' Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:NAZ Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 26,900 shares, a growth of 100.7% from the January 31st total of 13,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 28,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.0 days. Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Price Performance Shares of NYSE NAZ traded up $0.08 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $12.71. The companys stock had a trading volume of 7,680 shares, compared to its average volume of 21,102. Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund has a 12-month low of $10.52 and a 12-month high of $13.33. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $12.09 and a 200-day moving average price of $11.95. Get Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund alerts: Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 14th will be paid a $0.0725 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 14th. This represents a $0.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.85%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Company Profile Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Brooklyn FI LLC purchased a new position in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $954,000. Ameriflex Group Inc. purchased a new position in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $53,000. Western Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund by 2.5% in the fourth quarter. Western Wealth Management LLC now owns 40,876 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $465,000 after purchasing an additional 987 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its stake in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund by 1.8% in the fourth quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 103,389 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,176,000 after purchasing an additional 1,787 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Stifel Financial Corp lifted its stake in Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund by 54.1% in the fourth quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 38,208 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $435,000 after purchasing an additional 13,419 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 15.28% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc The fund is managed by Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Arizona. The fund invests in municipal securities and other related investments the income, exempt from regular federal and Arizona income taxes that are rated Baa or BBB or better and having an average maturity of 18.66 years. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuveen Arizona Quality Municipal Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 30 years of paired-up assistance: SW China's Xizang sees remarkable advances in healthcare 15:54, December 30, 2024 By Xiong Jian ( People's Daily This year marks the 30th anniversary of China's implementation of paired-up assistance in Xizang autonomous region. Over the past three decades, numerous medical professionals from different regions across the country have come to Xizang, providing targeted, systematic and long-term assistance for the region while also building local capacities for self-sustaining development. This paired-up assistance system has significantly boosted Xizang's medical and healthcare sector and steadily improved local people's wellbeing. A doctor from Xiangyang, central China's Hubei province, tests blood pressure for a local resident in Qonggyai county of Shannan, southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, Aug. 9, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Yang Dong) In 2016, Hou Xinlin, chief physician at the Children's Medical Center of Peking University First Hospital in Beijing, joined a paired-up assistance program and started working at the Xizang Autonomous Region People's Hospital. "At that time, the hospital's pediatrics department was already the largest in Xizang. However, it could mainly deal with common and prevalent diseases, lacking the ability to treat patients in severe conditions," she said. "Given this situation, our primary focus was to increase the number of diseases that could be treated here so as to ensure that every child could receive proper medical treatment and healthcare," Hou added. Upon her arrival in Xizang, Hou encountered a 3-year-old child who was suffering from continuous bleeding due to a lip injury. Local doctors were unable to determine the disease. "The medical professionals of our team quickly identified it as hemophilia, a rare blood disorder. It marked the first time that the disease was diagnosed in Xizang," Hou recalled. According to Hou, thanks to years of medical assistance, the Xizang Autonomous Region People's Hospital has become a hemophilia treatment center of China Alliance for Rare Diseases. All hemophilia-affected children in the region can now receive standardized, effective, systematic, long-term, and high-quality medical services, Hou said. Thirty years on, tens of thousands of Chinese medical workers like Hou have come to Xizang, providing services with superb medical skills, alleviating local patients' suffering, and safeguarding people's health. Thanks to the coordination of China's National Health Commission (NHC), the paired-up assistance program has seen the participation of 17 Chinese provinces and municipalities. China's NHC has also worked with dozens of Chinese ministries and state-owned enterprises to jointly roll out a variety of medical aid programs, including assistance by medical professionals in groups to Xizang, building partnerships between Xizang and other more developed regions in China, and sending doctors from major hospitals to grassroots institutions, especially those in the country's rural areas. All these efforts have significantly advanced medical assistance for Xizang. Since 2012, more than 30 billion yuan ($4.11 billion) from Chinese central funds or funds from regions that have partnered with Xizang have been invested in boosting the region's healthcare development. At present, Xizang has established a relatively comprehensive and well-structured healthcare service system that covers both urban and rural areas. Tibetan medicine plays an essential role in this process. Xizang has many specialized Tibetan medicine hospitals, and some general hospitals have also set up departments to provide Tibetan medicine services, said Liu Kui, head of the Department of Finance of China's NHC. "We have fully leveraged the advantages of Chinese ethnic medicine in medical treatment, prevention, healthcare, rehabilitation, and nursing to further enhance people's wellbeing," Liu said. Thanks to the assistance from Chinese central and local governments, public health services for various ethnic groups in Xizang have been elevated to a higher level. Key health indicators such as the mortality rates for pregnant women and infants and toddlers have dropped precipitously, and the average life expectancy has increased by nearly six years over the past decade. Human resources are the key to enhancing medical services. In recent years, medical professionals from 182 hospitals across 12 Chinese provinces have provided medical assistance to 21 hospitals in Xizang, including the Xizang Autonomous Region People's Hospital, seven hospitals at the prefectural level, and 13 at the county level. Additionally, a range of mentoring programs have been implemented to ensure that Xizang's medical services can meet the needs of people at all ages. Statistics show that since 2015, over 4,400 new diagnostic and treatment projects and technologies have been introduced in Xizang with assistance from different regions in China. Over the past 30 years, Xizang has seen significant advances in healthcare, thanks to the paired-up assistance program. The region now has over 1,800 medical institutions with 22,000 hospital beds, compared with less than 1,200 hospitals with 5,600 beds about three decades ago. The number of physicians per 1,000 people has also increased from 1.9 to 3.3. Local medical capabilities have also improved gradually as remote diagnosis and treatment platforms now cover all rural clinics. As a result, more than 400 types of major illnesses, including giant intracranial aneurysms and pediatric leukemia, can be treated within Xizang, and more than 2,000 types of severe conditions such as acute myocardial infarction and strokes can be treated locally. "Through relentless efforts, all key health indicators for residents in Xizang have reached a record high, and the proportion of out-of-pocket health expenditures to total expenses has fallen below 10 percent," said Guo Luo, deputy head of Xizang's health commission. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming) On Monday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed bill No. 12178, which eliminated the medical and social expert commissions (MSEC) from next year. It was returned on December 30 with the signature of the head of state, the bill's card, posted on the Verkhovna Rada's website, reads. As reported, bill No. 12178, submitted to Parliament by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, was supported by 259 MPs at a meeting on December 19. As the Ministry of Health explained on the Telegram channel, according to the law, from January 1, 2025, it will be expert teams of practitioners who will establish disability instead of outdated corrupt MSECs. Expert teams will conduct an assessment in an electronic system that takes into account the real needs of a person. The teams will be formed automatically based on the principle of randomness, and the data of doctors and patients will remain hidden until the assessment. According to the document, the decision of the expert teams can be appealed to the Functional Assessment Center, which will include doctors from public health institutions from all over the country. In addition, the Ministry of Health notes, the law lays the foundation for the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in educational, social and other fields. At the same time, it is emphasized that all certificates and documents issued by the MSEC before January 1, 2025, remain in force. In the future, they will be the basis for obtaining social guarantees, rights, benefits, pensions, compensations and other payments during the validity period of the documents. In addition, the Ministry of Health clarifies that MSECs are required to ensure that all medical expert files and archival documents available to them are transferred to certain healthcare institutions. Cases that have not been reviewed by the MSEC before the end of 2025 will be reviewed by expert teams, and the person will be notified of the date and new address where the assessment will be conducted. For persons, whose re-examination period falls on January-June 2025, and who were unable to complete it in a timely manner, the disability period is extended until the date of the decision based on the results of the assessment of daily functioning, but no later than July 1, 2025. For people with lifelong disabilities, there is no need to undergo an assessment, since all rights, documents, payments, benefits, social services and deferrals remain valid. Re-evaluation is possible only at the request of a person or by a court decision. The Ministry of Health informs that statistical data on the assessment of daily functioning will be made public for public monitoring and prevention of corruption. The nearly $2.5 billion in security assistance is a crucial contribution that will strengthen our defenders on the frontlines, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. This support comes at a critical moment, as Russia intensifies its assaults, even resorting to involving North Korean soldiers and continuing to receive weapons from North Korea and Iran. Every act of solidarity from our partners saves lives, strengthens our independence, and reinforces our resilience. It also demonstrates that democracies are stronger then autocratic aggressors, Zelenskyy said on X Monday. He also thanked U.S. President Joseph Biden, the leaders and members of both parties in Congress, and the entire American people for their unwavering support for Ukraine. From the very first days of Russias aggression in 2022, the assistance of America and other partners, combined with the heroism, bravery, and determination of the Ukrainian people, has played a key role in enabling Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, liberate significant territories from Putins criminal forces, and restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, the President noted. According to him, Russia and its evil axis accomplices speak the language of war crimes and intimidation. Together with the U.S. and other partners who share our values, we must respond with strength, dignity and an unshakable commitment to freedom. We must continue moving toward peace through strength to achieve our common goal of peace in 2025a goal shared by Ukraine and all its partners. Ukraine, which defends itself from brutal daily attacks, counts on our strategic friends, Zelenskyy summed up. As reported, U.S. President Joseph Biden announced the allocation of $2.5 billion to Ukraine for defense needs. Burgess National School and Scoil San Isadoir have been named Junior and Senior County Winners respectively of the prestigious national art competition, Someone Like Me. The achievement secures them a place at the national awards ceremony to be held at Dublin City Hall on Tuesday 28th January 2025, where they will join 50 other schools to compete for the much sought-after national senior and junior titles. Now in its ninth year, the Someone Like Me art competition, which is organised by the National Disability Authority, attracted 2,783 entries from national schools across the length and breadth of the country. The competition was created as part of the National Disability Authoritys work to nurture more positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. To date, it has seen more than 25,000 children take part in lesson plans and pupil activities designed to help them develop an awareness and understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities, drawing on their own personal experiences of disability in a bid to help create a more inclusive society. READ NEXT: CONGRATS! Tipp couple tie the knot in special ceremony with family, friends and clubmates! Congratulating Burgess National School and Scoil San Isadoir on being named County Winners, Director of the National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney said that the number of entries this year is a tribute to the commitment of Irelands primary school teachers, who continue to play an important part helping to create an ever-more inclusive Ireland. This years competition is set against the backdrop of a new Autism Innovation Strategy and work ongoing to develop a new National Disability Strategy. These provide the building blocks for a more inclusive society, where disabled people have equality of opportunity when it comes to participating in cultural, social and economic life and where positive attitudes prevail.. The Someone Like Me art competition is an important way of building an acceptance and understanding of all disabilities amongst the primary school community, and developing an autism affirming society. Selecting the county winners was not an easy task for the judges and choosing an overall senior and junior winner will be an even harder job. And, while I know it will be an anxious wait for the pupils and teachers to hear which of the 52 county winners will be awarded the national titles, every pupil should be congratulated for their entries and for coming up with ways to include all people within society. Burgess National School and Scoil San Isadoir will now go on to compete with 50 other schools from around the country for the overall Someone Like Me junior and senior awards which will be announced at the national awards ceremony to held at Dublin City Hall on Tuesday 28th January 2025. The competition, which offers a range of prizes, including 500 each for the senior and junior winning schools, was open to all primary school pupils from junior infants to sixth class and more. Entries ranged from posters and collages to large sculptural installations and videos. READ NEXT: Moves made on Tipperary derelict site that is source of anti-social behaviour Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/12850?single On Monday, 189 Ukrainians have been returned from Russian captivity, among them the defenders of Azovstal and the Snake Island, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "The return of our people from Russian captivity is always good news for each of us. And today is one of those days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians back home," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel. The President said that it was possible to return the defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, the Snake Island, and from different directions of the front. "There are soldiers, sergeants, and officers among them. These are the National guardsmen, including the Azov, border guards, servicemen of the territorial defense, soldiers of the Naval and Armed Forces. And also two civilians captured in Mariupol," the head of state added. He thanked the team that is doing everything to bring Ukrainians home from Russian captivity, as well as all partners, in particular, the UAE, who are helping Ukraine in this. The commander of the 211th pontoon bridge brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been given a preventive measure - detention with the possibility of paying UAH 12 million bail, the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) has reported. "The commander of the 211th pontoon bridge brigade has been given a preventive measure - detention with the possibility of posting UAH 12 million bail. The prosecutors requested that a preventive measure be chosen for him in the form of detention with the right to post bail in the amount of UAH 40 million," the PGO said in a Telegram message on Monday. It is also reported that the prosecutors of the PGO have filed a motion with the court to dismiss the suspect from his official duties. As reported, on December 16, 2024, the Ternopil Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the field of defense launched a pretrial investigation against officials of the 211th pontoon bridge brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for abuse of power or official authority by a military official (Part 5 of Article 426-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The Prosecutor Generals Office also informed that the commander of the said brigade had been notified of suspicion of abuse of office (Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code). It was established that in the fall of 2023, the commander involved four subordinates in the construction of his house in Khmelnytsky region instead of their service in the combat zone. The high command suspended him from his official duties, and on December 19, the court chose a preventive measure for him in the form of detention with the right to post UAH 908,400 of bail. The next day, he was released after the amount had been posted. Employees of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) detained and reported suspicion to the commander of the 211th brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who did not respond to the facts of bullying and torture of the military personnel entrusted to him. He was taken to Kyiv. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/12860?single President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree appointing Olha Reshetilova (Kobylinska) as the Presidential Commissioner for the protection of the rights of military personnel and family members of soldiers. "Olha is a wellknown, experienced and effective human rights defender. She has already done a lot for the development of our state institutions, for the support of Ukrainians," Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram channel on Monday. According to him, the main task now is, together with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and civil society, to prepare a draft law on the military ombudsman and all the necessary systemic foundations for the work of this institution. "Our soldiers must receive effective tools to protect their rights and there must be a real modernization of human management in the Ukrainian Defense Forces. I am grateful to everyone who helps in this," the President noted. Olha Reshetylova (Kobylinska) is a human rights activist. In 2014, she became a co-founder of the volunteer foundation Come Back Alive. In 2016, she became a co-founder of NGO Media Initiative for Human Rights. Since 2019, Reshetilova has been working for the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Unity of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov discussed with the ambassadors of Ukraine and embassy advisers key issues of ensuring the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens and support for integration into local communities abroad. "Today I had an important meeting with the ambassadors of Ukraine and advisers to the embassies in Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia. Only the first three of these countries account for 60% of Ukrainians who received temporary asylum status in the EU as a result of the war. We discussed key issues of ensuring the rights and interests of our citizens and support for integration into local communities," Chernyshov wrote on Facebook. The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that integration does not mean assimilation, and Ukraine needs to do everything possible to ensure that Ukrainians living abroad preserve their identity. "We are grateful to the partner countries for their help, at the same time, I remind every citizen that Ukraine is waiting for you at any time. I thank our diplomats for their tireless work. There are many interesting joint projects ahead aimed at strengthening ties between Ukrainians. The assistance of our diplomatic missions will be important in these processes," he added. Chernyshov also said that in the near future he plans working visits to these countries to meet with Ukrainian communities, government members, and local government representatives to discuss key issues and coordinate further actions. 2024 in Retrospect: The Sad Story of Indian Muslims As the year 2024 ends and the world gets ready to welcome 2025, the Indian Muslims are worried over what the New Year will have in store for them Monday December 30, 2024 7:06 PM , Raqif Makhdoomi As the year 2024 ends and the world gets ready to welcome 2025, the Indian Muslims are worried over what the New Year will have in store for them. The Year 2024 has seen a rise in communal riots and crimes against minorities, especially Muslims, at an alarming rate. Worse, violence against the minorities, in particular Indian Muslims, has been normalized to such an extent by the Indian media that they have no more considered as crimes - something that is a norm and need not to be worried about. Plight of Indian Muslims in 2024 The Year 2024 has been one of the toughest year for the Indian Muslims. From being lynched to facing economic boycott, to being denied religious rights and to being deprived of their places of worship Masajid. All done, merely because someone has filed a PIL? Indian Muslims saw it all throughout the year, along with demolition of their homes on one pretext or the other, notwithstanding the Supreme Court order which sought immediate stop on such acts. Shockingly, this Yogi Model that was limited to just Uttar Pradesh, is now being followed by many other states, and quite surprisingly, even by the Congress ruled states. The Congress had promised Mohabbat kie Dukan. However, after coming to power, it is following the Yogi Model of Nafrat!!! Some Muslim shopkeepers were lynched just because their QR code displayed Hindu names. A BJP councilor was seen going shop to shop, and asking shopkeepers to reveal their identity. Those who identified themselves as Hindus, gave them a Baghwa flag [Saffron Flag], and those identified themselves as Muslims, he asked them to display their names. While handing over a flag to Hindu shopkeepers, he reportedly also said, This flag is important because Muslims spit in food, spit on all items and then sell to us. This is why, according to him, people must know from whom are they buying from. This happened in Indias Capital, New Delhi in broad daylight. Still, no case out of it???? This was in a way open attempt to encourage a complete economic boycott of Muslims on baseless allegations. Also Read: Muslim Newsmakers of 2024 A number of Muslims were lynched just because of allegations that they cooked beef. When the meat was sent for forensic test, it turned out to be sheep meat. How easy is to lynch a Muslim!!!!!!!! In another case, a man was shot dead because he looked like a MULSIM. When they found out that hes not just a Hindu but belongs an elite class, Brahmin, they regretted killing a HINDU. They werent sorry for having killed a Muslim but they are for a Hindu!!! Dancing in front of Masajid and Churches has been another norm frequently seen in various parts of the country. As per a Times Now report of 15 Feb 2023, there are more than 649,000 temples in India, with Tamil Nadu having the largest chunk. This comes to 53 temples per 01 lakh population. On the other hand, the number of Masajid in the country is around 300,000. It means, there are 349,000 more temples than masjids. But they still have obsession with Masjids, and need a masjid to dance and celebrate their festivals. Someone rightly said: At the end, even Hindus found peace of heart in Masjid??? Barring some respectable exceptions, the judiciary is also treating Muslims like a second class citizens. For Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid and Muhammed Zubair. the judges are rescuing themselves from hearing, while giving bails to people in high profile cases. Their files keep on going from one bench to another but justice seems so far. This is denial of justice to Muslims, and amounts to making them victim of discrimination. Media Bias The media is there to hold the government responsible. But unfortunately we see the role reversal, and the media instead of holding the government accountable, tries every bit to bail it out every time anything wrong happens. Media in India is also biased and has a different way of presenting news, and in a manner that amounts to hate mongering. Like, when an accused is Muslim and totally different way when the accused is Hindu. When an accused is a Muslim, the headline of the news would highlight the identity, giving the name, religion and other such details. But, when the accused is Hindu, the headline just mentions A Man. People on social media have time and again called them out for their hate reporting. The logic behind NEWS is lost. Theres a saying about journalism which goes like this: Printing what someone doesnt want to be printed is Journalism, everything else is Public Relations. So what we see in India, in real sense, is not journalism, but PR exercise. Tax Burden The Finance Minister of India is busy putting people under the burden of Tax which though affects everyone but adds to the plight of the weaker sections. The common man has to pay tax for his salary, for his saving, for buying home, for selling home, for buying car, for selling car, for bathing, for applying oil on hair, for shaving, for stationary and for every other thing one can think of. If it was not enough to fill the government coffer, Sitharaman imposed tax on popcorns that too with three different slabs - one for normal , one for sweet and another for caramel. Altogether, you are now paying 18% of GST for a simple popcorn. Also Read: The Most Shameful Moment of 2024 This is not the case just with popcorns. Daily use items like toothpaste, hair oil, soap etc. have no less than 10% GST all in the name of growth and development? Where is the concept of Ease of living? Buried mercilessly by you, Madam Finance Minister? While people are still confused about the new tax slabs, the Finance Minister came and confused people even more. She explains GST on buying and selling, and as per her logic, when you sell a second hand car of 10 lakh in 8 lakh, you dont have to pay GST of 8 lakh but on the loss of 2 lakh. This left people even more confused. One fails to understand what logic is this, that you are paying tax on loss!!! Well, thats how she works and gets annoyed if shes questioned. [The writer, Raqif Makhdomi, is a law student. Views are personal.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. The Government of Ukraine registered two bills in the Verkhovna Rada on Monday: No. 12367 on the abolition of the so-called "Lozovy's amendments" and No. 12368 on the creation of the Supreme Administrative Court to replace the liquidated Kyiv District Administrative Court. The relevant information was published on the parliament's website, but the bills' texts are not yet available. The memorandum on economic and financial policies with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) within the extended arrangement contains two structural beacons with a deadline of the end of this year in the form of the adoption of the specified laws. It is already obvious that the deadlines for implementing these beacons will be violated, but there is a possibility of their adoption before the next revision of the program, scheduled for February-March of this year. According to the Memorandum, one of the bills provides for amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, which will allow the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office to manage requests for extradition and mutual legal assistance, as well as rationalization of the consequences of the expiration of pretrial investigation periods (including in corruption cases), which will neutralize the effect of "Lozovy's amendments." The second implies the adoption of a law on the creation of a new court that will consider administrative cases against national government bodies (the Cabinet of Ministers, the NBU, NABU, NACP) by judges who have passed the appropriate check for professional competence and integrity. As representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Rada Taras Melnychuk said in Telegram channel, for this purpose the bill provides for the formation of the Expert Council by the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine as an auxiliary body for the qualification assessment of the suitability of candidates for the position of judges. It is proposed that the Expert Council will operate for six years and will include three persons proposed by the Council of Judges of Ukraine and three persons proposed by international and foreign organizations that have provided international technical assistance to Ukraine in the field of judicial reform and/or preventing and combating corruption over the past five years. In accordance with the bill, this court will also consider cases on the claim of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine in the field of state assistance to business entities; on the implementation of state regulation, supervision and control in the media; on the cancellation of the registration of a political party. If adopted, its powers will also include cases on appealing decisions of the competition commission for the selection of the heads of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), the Director of the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine and the Head of the State Customs Service, as well as the Commission for the External Independent Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. The appellate review of judicial decisions of the Supreme Administrative Court will be carried out by the appellate chamber of this court as a court of appeal, the bill states. Decoding Afghanistan, Pakistan Strained Relationship The once honky-dory relationship between Pakistani military and its protege, the Taliban in Afghanistan has gone sour, and there seems to be no end to the escalation between the two neighbors as of now Monday December 30, 2024 12:43 PM , Asad Mirza As per an adage, You reap, what you sow. This has been proven right in the context of recent escalation of violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan. For decades, Pakistan nurtured the Taliban for strategic reasons. So, what are the reasons behind this increased tension between two neighbours, threatening tenuous peace in the region. The once honky-dory relationship between Pakistani military and its protege, the Taliban in Afghanistan has gone sour. After Talibans return to power in 2021 for the second time, Pakistan has recognised it as a legitimate government and provided military assistance to it. But it would be naive to describe relations between Pakistan and Taliban 2.0 as honky dory. Within months after coming back to power, Taliban raised the issue of an ongoing Pakistani project to erect fencing along the shared border between Afghanistan and Pakistan (Durand Line) - the demarcation of which prior Afghan governments have never accepted. In fact, the skirmishes between the two sides started in early 2022. Also, contrary to expectations, the Taliban 2.0 refused to bow to different Pakistani demands and pursued the path of governance all alone. But in this process their efforts to establish peace and an effective government in Afghanistan, were hampered by the infighting amongst their internal factions, viz, the Haqqani network; the political wing led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar; and the military wing represented by Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob and Mullah Abdul Qayam Zakir. In addition, crucially the Taliban 2.0 has also failed to rein-in the remaining terrorist elements after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. These splinter terrorist groups include elements of Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), a jihadist group which seeks to create a caliphate across South and Central Asia. During the last three years, the outfit has carried out several terror attacks in Afghanistan and continues to mock Taliban 2.0s desire for international legitimacy, a message that has resonated with many disaffected Afghans. Meanwhile, the armed resistance is growing elsewhere too, with the anti-Taliban group the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) - led by former General Yasin Zia - becoming increasingly emboldened in carrying out attacks on Taliban forces throughout the country. As per reports, the AFF is cooperating with the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan (NRF), led by Ahmad Massoud, son of anti-Soviet military leader and Afghan hero Ahmad Shah Massoud. But in its current standoff the group which bristles the Pakistan most is Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or the Haqqani network. Though the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan and the TTP, which Pakistan calls a threat, are separate but allied groups. Following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, Pakistan witnessed a spike in terror attacks as the new regime got emboldened and strengthened the TTP. The TTP aims to establish an Islamic emirate in Pakistan, just like its brother-outfit did in Kabul. A report by the Islamabad-based Centre for Research and Security Studies revealed a 56% rise in fatalities from terror attacks in Pakistan in 2023 compared to 2022, with over 1,500 killed, including 500 security personnel. The relationship between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan's government has been further strained after Islamabad accused the Kabul regime of cross-border terrorism. Islamabad has imposed trade restrictions, expelled some 5,00,000 undocumented Afghan migrants, and put in a stricter visa policy. Military actions against the TTP have continued too. Pakistan, which had hoped Kabul would take care of the TTP, has turned hostile to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan after lack of action. The current escalation began with Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, specifically in the Paktika province. These airstrikes, aimed at dismantling a training facility and targeting TTP training camps, resulted in the deaths of 46 people, mostly women and children, according to Taliban officials. A Pakistani official said the strikes targeted terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan, using a mix of jets and drones. The Taliban spokesman in Kabul said that the defence ministry vowed retaliation for the attack that it called barbaric and a clear aggression. Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry in Kabul also summoned the Pakistani envoy and lodged a strong protest over the strikes. That is why around 15,000 Taliban fighters are reportedly marching from Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat towards the Mir Ali border adjoining Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, to launch a major offensive against Pakistan. The Pakistani military strike on Afghan territory came just days after the TTP attacked a checkpoint in the countrys northwest, resulting in the deaths of 16 Pakistani soldiers. The souring of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan is, therefore, a result of Pakistan's long-standing policy of supporting terror groups in the region, a policy whose outcome was foreseen by security experts. TTP, although a separate terror group from the one in Kabul, is known to have a tacit understanding with the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan claims that the Kabul Taliban is unwilling to act along the porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border, and that is complicating the situation. Pakistans long game of playing both sides with the Taliban has come back to bite it, proving the adage. What Pakistan once nurtured as a strategic asset is now a volatile force threatening its own stability. (The writer, Asad Mirza, is New Delhi-based senior commentator on national, international, defence and strategic affairs, environmental issues, an interfaith practitioner, and a media consultant.) Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Jimmy Carter, Architect of Camp David Peace Accords, dies aged 100 Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President and Noble Peace Prize winner - better known for making possible the Camp David Middle East Peace Treaty, died on Sunday December 29, 2024 Monday December 30, 2024 11:34 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies Washington: Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. President and Noble Peace Prize winner - better known for making possible the Camp David Middle East Peace Treaty, died on Sunday December 29, 2024. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on 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, Associated Press reported. Our founder, former US President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia, the Carter Center said in a post on the social media platform X confirming Carters death. Jimmy Carter after a humble beginning in rural Georgia served as U.S. President from 1977 to 1981. "A Strong Proponent of Peace" Jimmy Carter devoted his entire life to building understanding between people and offering practical medical help to millions of poor across the world through Carter Center. During his tenure, Jimmy Carter had signed Middle East Peace Treaty between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin after more than 13-day long negotiations at Camp David in September 1978. American Presidents have long been accused of duplicity and double standard. The world has always pointed to the difference between what they preach and what they actually do. But, Carter was a strong proponent of peace in Middle East as per the wish of Palestinians. Everybodys talking about peace, but we cannot have peace without justice. But justice cannot be done without mercy and mercy cannot be given without knowledge, Carter had famously said while addressing an event focusing cross cultural and interfaith relations and peace in the Middle East in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, womens rights and Americas global role. After Presidency, Jimmy Carter established Carter Centre and started to work that it is said was inspired by his Camp David experience. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love," Chip Carter said in the statement. Tributes, Condolences Pour in Tributes poured in from White House leaders past, present and incoming. "America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian," U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill said in a statement. "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." Bill Clinton said, Carter "worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world". George W. Bush said Carter's legacy would "inspire Americans for generations," and Barack Obama said the former leader "taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service." Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hailed Carter as "a symbol of humanitarian efforts" for his role in brokering the 1978 Camp David Accords, predicting his work would "remain etched in the annals of history." U.S. President Elect Donald Trump said Americans owed the Democrat "a debt of gratitude," later adding, in a second social media post, that "I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically." One of Carter's defining foreign policy achievements -- negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to Panama -- has come back into focus as Trump has threatened to retake the channel. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Proud that I was born in Riyadh: Syria's de facto ruler Al-Sharaa Ahmed Hussein Al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, boasted of his Saudi roots at the same time hailing the contribution of Saudi Arabia for Syria and its people Monday December 30, 2024 3:00 PM , ummid.com News Network Riyadh: Ahmed Hussein Al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, boasted of his Saudi roots at the same time hailing the contribution of Saudi Arabia for Syria and its people. Talking to Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, Al Sharaa expressed personal pride in his roots, sharing that he was born in Riyadh and lived there until the age of seven, adding that he longs to visit the city again. I am proud of everything that Saudi Arabia has done for Syria, and it has a major role in the countrys future, Al-Sharaa said in an interview with Al Arabiya channel. Al Sharaa praised Saudi Arabia days after a Saudi delegation, led by an advisor to the Royal Court, visited Syria and met with him in the capital Damascus. On its part, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Syrian people during this pivotal time. The Kingdom emphasized the importance of unity and cohesion among the Syrian people to safeguard the country from chaos and division. Saudi Arabia also called for collective efforts to preserve Syrias stability and protect its territorial integrity On Constitution, Elections In reply to a question he said it will take at least four years before Syria will hold general elections. "Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years as it requires a comprehensive population census", he said adding that drafting a new constitution could take three years. During the interview, Al-Sharaa also underscored that the liberation of Syria is vital for ensuring the security of the region, the Gulf, and Syria for the next 50 years. Al-Sharaa is at the helm of affairs till March 1, 2024 when Syrias different factions will hold a political dialogue to determine the countrys political future and establish a transitional government that brings the divided country together. Al Sharaa said Haya't Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) will be dissolved after the March dialogue after years of being Syrias most dominant militant group that held a strategic enclave in the countrys northwest. On sanctions against Syria Al Sharaa also expressed hope that the administration of U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump would lift sanctions on his country as Assad regime has been overthrown. The sanctions on Syria were issued based on the crimes that the regime committed, Al-Sharaa said. Since HTS and allied militants had ousted Assad, these sanctions should be removed automatically, he said. On Syria, Russia Ties Speaking about Syrian-Russian relations, Al-Sharaa said the two countries shared deep strategic interests. He expressed his desire to rebuild ties with once the closest ally of Assad and said, Russia is an important country and is considered the second most powerful country in the world. All Syrias arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts... We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish", he said. 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 Daesh sleeper cells. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Repeat of ruckus over meat supply in Goa ahead of Christmas Until almost the last days of Christmas Eve, Goa went into a tizzy over the threat of meat shortage, as the Christmas Season loomed Monday December 30, 2024 10:55 PM , Dr Ranjan Solomon [Until almost the last days of Christmas Eve, Goa went into a tizzy over the threat of meat shortage, as the Christmas Season loomed. (Image: Goa News Hub/X)] Once again the fringe Hindutva elements have stirred a hornets nest after cow vigilantes patterned their signature approach to create havoc and uncertainty for minorities at festival times. This time around they chose Christmas and Goa as their mark. Until almost the last days of Christmas Eve, Goa went into a tizzy over the threat of meat shortage, as the Christmas Season loomed. Meat traders publicly protested over harassment by cow vigilantes, disrupting the festive season supply. The traders' association demanded protection from the government. After to-and-fro dialogue and confrontations, there was a huge relief to Christmas revelers as beef vendors resumed beef vending operations from Dec 24 and providing beef availability to the Christmas season. Beef vendors had downed their shutters for the previous two days fearing attacks and violence by extreme elements. Nor did they have supplies in case there were potential buyers. Mostly, they feared for their personal security and establishments. The All Goa Beef Traders Association finally confirmed that vendors started operations on December 24, ensuring beef availability for Christmas celebrations. The assurance of uninterrupted supply of beef from the Goa Meat Complex Managing Directer soothed anxieties. They reported that slaughtering is underway and the Goa Meat Complex will operate at full capacity to meet traders and consumer needs. The question is whether the status quo will last or if violent confrontations will return to irk Goans again. Cow slaughter is a contentious issue in India, where cows are considered sacred by many Hindus. Cattle slaughter has been practiced in India for centuries, with different communities having varying attitudes towards it. The tension needs to be resolved with a rational and final solution in the form of a social contract between contrasting interests and needs of various religious communities. Only this will allow uniform legislation across states and affirm Indian multiplurality. Law prohibits slaughter of cows and calves in several states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Some states, like Kerala and West Bengal, allow cattle slaughter with stipulated restrictions. The central government has enacted laws like the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960) to regulate animal welfare. The British colonial era had seen the introduction of cow protection laws, which were further strengthened post-independence. Cattle slaughter is a significant economic activity in India, with the meat industry generating substantial revenue. Many communities, particularly Muslims and Dalits, rely on the cattle trade for their livelihood. Christians have entered the trade in the form of cold storage enterprises that provide employment, MSMEs. However, the emotive issue of cow slaughter has led to social tension and conflicts between different communities. In recent developments, the current governments emphasis on cow protection has led to tightened and stricter regulations, and enactment of laws banning cattle slaughter. The issue has sparked larger debates on federalism, with some states resisting the central governments directives on cow slaughter. Dimensions of human rights concerns are intricately linked to the crackdown on cattle slaughter, raising concerns about the rights of marginalized communities, who rely on the trade for their livelihood. Human rights groups have criticized the governments approach, citing the need to balance animal welfare with human rights. Different states in India have enacted laws banning or restricting cow slaughter, reflecting local political dynamics and power struggles. Matters are threatening to get out of hand and can lead to communal outbursts unless the government drops ideological and populist interests to accommodate a consensus in which rival claims are duly resolved. Just a few days back, reports came about extortions by the Bajrang Dal right through the meat supply chain. A tense situation occurred in the South Goa Planning and Development (SGPDA) wholesale fish market at Margao over procuring of beef. The Beef Shop owners claimed that there was an argument which arose after Bajrang Dal activists stopped them. They alleged that the Bajrang Dal youth were stopping their vehicles and demanding money. The beef sellers alleged that Gaurakshas assaulted their workers with rods and were demanding money. It is clear from these reports that the defenders of meat are not all about religious claims, . In Madhya Pradesh, for example, the Gauraksha Commando Force has no legal or administrative recognition in the state. But, they have a moral sanction to take the law into their own hands. This trend is picking up and warns of dangers that can create hate and violence. The politics and economics of cow slaughter in India are deeply intertwined. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other Hindu nationalist groups have long advocated for a ban on cow slaughter, citing religious and cultural sentiments. The issue of cow slaughter has also been used as a tool for political mobilization, particularly among Hindu voters. The Indian meat industry is a significant contributor to the countrys economy, with an estimated export value of over 1 trillion (approximately $13.5 billion USD). India is a significant exporter of beef and buffalo meat, with a large share of the global market. In the intersection of politics and economics, the ban on cow slaughter has led to debates around protectionism versus free trade, with some arguing that the ban hurts Indias export market and economy. At the grassroots, the cattle trade and meat industry provides employment and livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in rural areas. The cattle trade and meat industry are largely informal, making it challenging to regulate and monitor. Also, India has the largest livestock population throughout the country. It has 512.0 million of animal population excluding poultry. It accounts for about 58% of the world buffalo population and 14.7% of cattle population. There are about 300 million bovines, 65.07 million sheep, 135.2 million goats and about 10.3 million pigs and 729.2 million poultry in the country as per 19th Livestock Census. Yet, there are many constraints for the slow growth of the Indian meat industry, including lack of scientific approach to rearing of meat animals, unorganized nature of meat production and marketing, socio-economic taboo and inadequate infrastructure facilities and poor harvest management. India is also the largest exporter of buffalo meat and third largest exporter of meat after Brazil and Australia. Meat exports from India commenced in 1969. For over four decades, it built an enviable reputation of being a reliable exporter of risk-free, lean, nutritious and competitively priced meat. This has led to consistent, high compound growth rate in the export volumes. Among the important buyers of Indian bovine and other meat are China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. India exports both frozen and fresh chilled meat. Among the Indian states, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has emerged as the major exporter of buffalo meat, followed by Punjab and Maharashtra. Besides having the countrys largest buffalo population, Uttar Pradesh also has the highest number of abattoirs cum meat processing export units. Power Dynamics in the industry including the politics of cow slaughter reflect power dynamics between different communities, castes, and classes, with some groups seeking to assert their dominance over others. The politics and economics of cow slaughter in India are deeply intertwined, reflecting complex power dynamics, cultural sentiments, and economic interests. Addressing this issue requires a nuanced understanding of these factors and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. The Meat crisis in Goa is a complex issue, deeply rooted in the states cultural, economic, and political landscape. To solve this crisis in the long term, several options must be studied and resolved in a comprehensive manner recognizing that the state is multi-religious, multi-ethnic in nature. The imposition of bans will create social tensions and disallow religious and cultural pluralism. In addressing the Cattle Slaughter Prohibitions, the state government can reconsider the cattle slaughter prohibitions and regulations that have led to a shortage of beef in the state. This could involve amending the Goa Daman and Diu Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act and the Goa Animal Preservation Act. The government can also engage in dialogue with various stakeholders, including meat traders, farmers, and consumer groups, to find a solution that balances the interests of all parties involved. The government can promote sustainable livestock farming practices in Goa, which would not only ensure a steady supply of meat but also contribute to the states agricultural economy. This could involve providing incentives to farmers to rear cattle, improving veterinary care and animal husbandry practices, and supporting the development of livestock markets in the state. The government can explore the possibility of importing beef from other states, where cattle slaughter is permitted, to meet the demand for beef in Goa. This would require streamlining the transportation and logistics of beef imports, ensuring that the meat is sourced from licensed slaughterhouses and meets food safety standards. The government can provide support to meat traders and consumers who have been affected by the beef shortage. This could involve offering subsidies or financial assistance to meat traders, providing alternative livelihood options for those affected by the ban, and ensuring that consumers have access to affordable and safe meat. The Way Forward to a viable forward looking solution is a nuanced approach that balances animal welfare, human rights, and economic considerations are necessary. The government must encouraging dialogue between different stakeholders, including farmers, traders, and animal welfare groups, to probe viable solutions. Implementing humane and regulated slaughter practices can help address concerns around animal welfare. With a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, the government can help resolve the meat crisis in Goa and ensure that the states residents have access to a steady supply of safe and affordable meat. [The writer, Dr Ranjan Solomon, is a Political Commentator.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who is paying a visit to Syria, raised a flag over the consulate in Damascus. Today, I had the honor of raising the Ukrainian flag over our Honorary Consulate in Damascus. Alongside Honorary Consul General Tamer Altounsi and members of our community. I thanked them for preserving the Ukrainian language and culture. Our people are our number one priority, Sybiha said on X. As reported, a Ukrainian delegation led by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha arrived in Damascus on Monday on an official visit. Sybiha met with the head of the new Syrian administration and the leader of the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham movement Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammad al-Julani). The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said that he had arrived to personally convey a message from the head of state, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, about the support of the Syrian people. The Foreign Minister pointed out that this is the first official visit of the Ukrainian delegation to Syria in a long time. According to him, this indicates readiness to open a new page in bilateral relations between our countries and peoples. Graduating college students are entering a new era with a new challenge in their upcoming academic yearthe transition into being a full-time adult. However, through a list of New Year's resolutions, this major shift won't have to be jittery and can even serve them well by building confidence and skills. Career Planning According to Stevenson University, the best way for graduating students to prepare for their careers is by defining their path first, which can also include setting clear goals for the future. It might be job applications, internships, or even graduate school. All this planning ensures they stay focused and organized during this important time. It's much easier for most students to have a target, like applying to a set number of job openings each week or attending a certain number of career fairs to network with potential employers. The more proactive, the smoother the transition from student life to professional life will be. Keep Improving/Learning The other important New Year's resolution is to keep in mind that learning does not stop after college. There will be several changes in the job market in the coming years and students are now required to improve their skills or acquire new ones. You'd be surprised to know that many are looking for candidates who don't just have academic talent but can also work efficiently with teams and adaptability to changing environments. Graduating students can spare some time every week for the development of these soft and hard skills. Seek Healthy Work-Life Balance Tennessee Tech University found that most graduates have much to do before and immediately after graduation. They report feeling overwhelmed with this huge responsibility, and this causes burnout. Students are advised to build a system that will enable them to conserve their mental and professional capital in the long run. Setting limits on professional, social, and relaxed activities helps preserve vigor and enthusiasm when passing through the stressful conditions of newly entering life. Consider Finances Just because you're still in school does not mean no finances will come to you yet. That's where you will see the domino effect of lack of finances in tapping into new opportunities. With that, consider developing a future financial plan. Setting up a budget, learning about managing debt, and saving for the short and long run will ensure that you will be self-sufficient with your money, especially as you enter the workforce. National Assemblys Standing Committee on Commerce met in the Parliament House for having briefing from the Ministry of Commerce and its attached departments ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) National Assemblys Standing Committee on Commerce met in the Parliament House for having briefing from the Ministry of Commerce and its attached departments. The 7th meeting of the Standing Committee held under the Chairmanship of Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, MNA. The Secretary, Ministry of Commerce briefing the Committee regarding implementation status of previous recommendations of the Committee and Committee showed its satisfaction on the reply. While briefing, the Secretary informed the Committee that to give the significance of sectoral consultations for competitiveness and export development, the Minister for Commerce has chaired (participated in) the consultations to formulate sector-specific strategies. The Committee recommended that a proposal regarding Sectoral Export Roadmap may be prepared and present the same in the next meeting of the Committee. The Chief Executive Officer, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) gave a detailed presentation on the functioning and achievements of TDAP. The Committee recommended that the presentation may be given again to the Committee in its next meeting after incorporating the observations of the Hon. Members. The Chairman, Trade Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) also briefed the Committee about the performance of TCP. The Chairman asked the Committee to come forward and support the TCP in recovery of amounts receivable from various recipients at Federal and Provincial Government levels. The Committee appreciated the proposal of Chairman TCP. The Report of the Sub-Committee, constituted earlier under the Convenership of Mr. Muhammad Atif Khan, MNA, was presented before the Committee. The Committee adopted the Report and decided to discuss the same in its next meeting. The Committee appointed a new Sub-Committee under the Convenership of Mr. Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, MNA with Mr. Asad Alam Niazi, Mr. Usama Ahmed Mela and Mr. Muhammad Mobeen Arif, MNAs as its Members. The Committee will explore ways to harness the valuable natural resources of gemstones and to generate revenue for the Country. Besides the Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, the meeting was attended by Members of National Assembly; Ms. Kiran Imran Dar, Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, Mr. Asad Alam Niazi, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig (online), Mohammad Mobeen Arif, Mr. Usama Ahmed Mela, and Rana Atif (online), MNAs. The meeting was also attended by the senior officers from Ministry of Commerce, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Trade Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), National Insurance Corporation Limited (NICL) and National Export Development board (NEDB). As a result of the eleventh POW swap in 2024, defenders who fought in the east and south of Ukraine, as well as those who were captured in Kursk region (Russia), were also released from Russian captivity, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs). "The eleventh exchange in 2024 allowed the release of 87 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (17 of them are territorial defense servicemen), 43 the National Guard, 33 the State Border Guard Service, 24 Navy. Two civilians have also returned from captivity," reads a message posted on the Telegram channel on Monday. "In addition to Mariupol and the Snake Island, the liberated defended Ukraine in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, and Kherson directions, and the National guardsmen served to protect the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. We also returned those who were captured in Kursk region," the Coordination Headquarters noted. It is indicated that many Ukrainians have been in Russian captivity for more than two and a half years. The defenders have acute chronic illnesses, the effects of mine-explosion injuries, as well as severe injuries. This time, 173 common soldiers and sergeants, as well as 14 officers, were released. In total, 3,956 people have already been returned as part of the work of the Coordination Staff on behalf of the president, 1,358 of them in 2024. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Dec, 2024) ADNOC is set to drive AED200 billion into the UAE's economy over the next five years through its In-Country Value (ICV) programme. This strategic initiative will boost economic growth and diversification, reinforcing ADNOC's commitment to supporting the nation's long-term prosperity. This new target unlocks significant opportunities for local and international companies to engage with ADNOC's procurement pipeline, fostering investment in the UAE's manufacturing and industrial sectors while driving job creation for Emiratis. In 2024, ADNOC's ICV programme reinvested AED55 billion into the UAE economy and facilitated the creation of 5,500 private-sector jobs for UAE nationals in collaboration with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis). Since its launch in 2018, the programme has delivered AED242 billion in economic value and enabled the employment of 17,000 Emiratis in the private sector, underscoring ADNOC's commitment to sustainable economic growth and national talent development. Yaser Saeed Almazrouei, ADNOC Executive Director of People, Commercial and Corporate Support, stated, "In line with the UAE leadership's vision, ADNOC continues to serve as a key driver of the nation's economic diversification and growth through our highly successful In-Country Value programme. "Building on this momentum, we are expanding private sector job opportunities for UAE nationals and offering compelling prospects for the private sector to contribute to the UAE's industrial expansion. We invite local and international companies to leverage our ICV programme to create sustainable value and foster mutual success. " ADNOC's ICV programme continues to strengthen the UAE's industrial sector, driving local manufacturing and economic diversification. Since 2022, ADNOC has signed agreements with UAE and international companies worth AED72 billion to locally manufacture critical industrial products, advancing its target of producing AED90 billion worth of products in the UAE by 2030. This initiative supports the UAE's 'Make it in the Emirates' campaign, supporting industrial growth and innovation. ADNOC is fostering growth and diversification in the UAE's food industry through its ICV programme by prioritising the procurement of high-quality local food products. At the recent Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi, ADNOC's catering contractors including Apex, Kelvin, Royal, NCTH, NCC, and ADNH - signed agreements worth over AED540 million with 55 UAE-based sub-suppliers. These agreements build on prior contracts exceeding AED1 billion signed with four of these contractors to deliver food catering services across ADNOC Group companies from 2022 to 2027. These catering agreements reinforce ADNOC's commitment to the UAE's National Food Security Strategy to increase the share of UAE-grown produce in its supply chain from 25% to 60% across 11 key food categories by the end of 2024. ADNOC also recently awarded contracts worth AED720 million to 11 companies for the production of a diverse range of products across its value chain. At ADIPEC, ADNOC's partners inaugurated eight new manufacturing facilities in the UAE, bringing the total number of facilities inaugurated by the ICV programme to 16 this year and 33 since the launch of the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong Monday said that the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 can create 40,000 jobs directly and indirectly during the peak period of construction ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong Monday said that the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 can create 40,000 jobs directly and indirectly during the peak period of construction. Addressing the First Concrete Date Ceremony for Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5, the ambassador extended congratulations on the ceremony of the C-5 project of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant and expressed gratitude to both countries for their long-term promotion of practical cooperation. He said that Pakistan has unique advantages in terms of location, language, and human resources, which can be combined with China's advantages of technology, capital, and market experience, to jointly explore third-party markets. J iang Zaidong said, We are pleased to see that according to the latest statistics from the State Bank of Pakistan, despite the overall sluggish economic environment, China's direct investment in Pakistan accounted for 41% of the total investment in Pakistan in the past five months, which shows the vitality and potential of market-driven cooperation. He said that over the past year, in the face of a complex international environment, China-Pakistan relations, especially the practical cooperation between the two countries, have made progress. We are ready to continue to work with Pakistani, to adhere to combine high-quality development, to combine quantitative growth with qualitative improvement, to advance both major signature projects and small but beautiful public welfare projects in a coordinated manner, and to consolidate cooperation in traditional areas and steadily expand cooperation in emerging areas in a coordinated manner, so as to foster an upgraded version of CPEC. He said that the China will continue work with Pakistan to write a new chapter of practical cooperation, to accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and to continuously enrich the vivid practice of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the promotion of building a community with a shared future for mankind. He stressed the need to make coordinated efforts to promote the expansion and strengthening of non-CPEC projects. China-Pakistan relations are all-weather, so our practical cooperation is naturally all-round. He said that the world's highest altitude Khunjerab-Sost Pass has realized the all-year-round function. The Suki Kinari Hydropower Station, with a total investment of nearly US$2 billion, has been put into commercial operation. The ambassador said, These are just an epitome of the achievements of China-Pakistan practical cooperation, but they are good enough to reflect the tenacity and certainty of China-Pakistan cooperation. He said, We need to closely focus on an upgraded version of CPEC and take more specific and practical measures to adhere to common development and build a growth corridor as the key is to make full use of Pakistan's industrial advantages. The ambassador said We hope and believe that Pakistan will attach importance to maintaining and expanding this good momentum and provide a better business for Chinese companies. He said that the successful practice in power and mining cooperation shows that, non-CPEC projects have good benefits, great potential and broad prospects. They can definitely become bigger and stronger, and be developed in a coordinated manner together with CPEC projects, so as to jointly deepen hard connectivity of infrastructure, soft connectivity of standards, and heart connectivity between the people of the two countries. These projects have not only brought considerable economic benefits, but also created a large number of jobs and brought about good social benefits, the ambassador said. (@FahadShabbir) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman inaugurated the Bhagat Singh Gallery at Poonch House on Monday. On the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the gallery has been established at Poonch House to honor the legacy of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. The gallery showcases Bhagat Singhs struggle for independence through a collection of historical photographs, letters, and newspaper clippings. Notably, the sedition case against Bhagat Singh was heard at Poonch House during British rule. Tourists will now have access to Poonch House under an agreement between the Departments of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism. During his visit, the Chief Secretary also inspected the construction and restoration work of the historic Poonch House building, which was originally built in 1849. Under the leadership of Secretary Industries and Commerce, Ehsan Bhatta, the historically significant Poonch House has been restored to its original grandeur. The event was attended by the Secretaries of Communications and Works, Tourism, the Director General of Archaeology, and other officers. (@ChaudhryMAli88) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) held a computerized ballot for residential plots in prime locations of Tajpura, Jubilee Town, and Johar Town. The event, conducted in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology board (PITB), took place at the Expo Centre in Johar Town. The ballot was attended by Minister for Housing Punjab Bilal Yaseen, LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmad, Parliamentary Secretary Barrister Sultan Bajwa, and LDA DG Tahir Farooq. Minister Bilal Yaseen, while addressing the occasion, congratulated the fortunate winners of the plots and praised the transparent process. "This computerized ballot was conducted in collaboration with PITB, ensuring complete transparency. The plots available in this ballot are 5 and 7-marla residential plots in Johar Town, Tajpura, and Jubilee Town," said the minister. He further added that the new year would bring another gift for citizens in the form of the "Apni Chhat Apna Ghar" program, a housing initiative spearheaded by Maryam Nawaz. "LDA is diligently working to provide affordable and excellent housing projects for citizens, offering them a golden opportunity to own a home," he said. LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmad stated that LDA is offering 88 plots in these areas on easy instalments over three years. "We are working under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to provide relief to the common people," he emphasized. Parliamentary Secretary Barrister Sultan Bajwa mentioned that 1,201 successful applicants participated in the ballot. "Among all the development authorities, LDA is leading in providing quality services," he remarked. LDA DG Tahir Farooq, during his speech, said, "The successful applicants will be required to make payments in 12 equal instalments over three years," he added. The ballot received a substantial number of applications: 455 for Jubilee Town, 610 for Johar Town, and 136 for Tajpura Scheme. Citizens who have successfully won the plots can check their Names on the official LDA website at lda.gop.pk. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed a deep grief and sorrow over the loss of five precious human lives due to a collision between a trailer and a van in Naushahro Feroze, and the loss of 10 precious human lives due to overturning of a bus near Attock-Fateh Jang Interchange. In her message issued here on Monday, she offered sincere condolences and extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. She prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and directed the authorities concerned to provide best medical treatment facilities to the injured. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that the New Gwadar International Airport will bring prosperity in the area, and it will also create new job opportunities ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that the New Gwadar International Airport will bring prosperity in the area, and it will also create new job opportunities. Extending gratitude to China for constructing an international standard airport equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the prime minister said the airport was an example of Pakistan-China great friendship. The prime minister, chairing the meeting on matters related to the New Gwadar International Airport directed the relevant authorities to chalk out a strategy to make the new airport a busy transit point. He also directed to improvement of the road system linking the New Gwadar International Airport with other areas of the country, especially the province. Additionally, the prime minister also ordered to ensure fool proof security arrangements for the new airport. During the meeting, the prime minister was informed that flights from Gwadar to Muscat would be started from January 10, 2025, whereas talks with regard to starting the domestic and international flight operations by the airlines of Pakistan, China, Oman and United Arab Emirates from Gwadar were underway. Similarly, the current duration of flight operation of Pakistan Airlines (PIA) between Karachi and Gwadar will soon be increased to three times per week. It was informed in the meeting that the Gwadar Airport was the largest airport in the country in terms of area which will be capable of handling A-380 airplanes whereas 400,000 people will travel through the airport annually. Pakistan Airport Authority has already issued the Aerodrome Certificate to the New Gwadar Airport whereas the Pakistan Customs has also notified the airport. Similarly, the staff of various departments such as Pakistan Airport Authority, Airport Security Force, Pakistan Customs, Anti Narcotics Force, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Border Health Service has already been deputed at the airport, the meeting was told. The land has also been allocated for facilities of cold storage, warehouses, courier services, cargo shades, technical ground support gadgets, fuel farms, hotels and shopping malls at the airport, the meeting was informed. The meeting was told that all the banks registered with the State Bank of Pakistan were also in contact with regard to establishment of bank branches and ATM machines at the airport, Additionally, the meeting was told that the first part of East-Bay Expressway, meant to improve road link with the Gwadar International Airport had been completed while the feasibility of the second part was being prepared. The meeting was attended by Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Division Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and other relevant high officials. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister for Privatization, Investment and Communication Abdul Aleem Khan participated in the meeting via video link. Pakistans leading digital travel platform, Bookme, has become the first and only Pakistani platform to integrate flyadeal, Saudi Arabias rapidly growing low-cost airline, into its system ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) Pakistans leading digital travel platform, Bookme, has become the first and only Pakistani platform to integrate flyadeal, Saudi Arabias rapidly growing low-cost airline, into its system. The partnership comes as flyadeal prepares to launch flights from Pakistan to Riyadh and Jeddah, marking a significant milestone for travelers between the two countries. Aligned with Bookmes collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority, this integration promises affordable flight options and a seamless booking experience for flights to and within Saudi Arabia. Passengers can now use local and international payment channels, including transactions in Pakistani Rupees, to avoid foreign transaction fees. Starting February 2, 2025, travelers will be able to book flyadeals Pakistan-Saudi Arabia route as well as domestic flights within the Kingdom. This move is set to benefit both Pakistani travelers and expatriates in Saudi Arabia, offering enhanced convenience and cost-effective options. Known for its value-for-money fares, flyadeals entry into Pakistan is expected to transform the travel landscape. Faizan Aslam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bookme, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, By integrating flyadeal, we continue our mission to simplify travel for Pakistanis heading to Saudi Arabia. This is also part of our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030, as we expand our partnerships across the Kingdom. flyadeal's entry into Pakistan with new flights starting soon is great news for travelers, and we look forward to being close partners with flyadeal in their success story out of Pakistan. Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal, added, flyadeal is delighted to welcome Bookme as a key travel partner in Pakistan, a market with huge demand for travel to and within Saudi Arabia. Our new Karachi flights serving Jeddah and Riyadh are a stepping stone for further planned expansion in Pakistan. Bookmes extensive reach and integration with over 20 banks, fintech platforms, and super apps make it a trusted travel partner. The platform offers streamlined bookings for flights, buses, and events, serving over 14 million users. With this partnership, tickets to Saudi Arabia and domestic flights within the Kingdom can be booked through Bookmes website, app, and partner platforms. Operating from its bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, flyadeal serves nearly 30 domestic and international destinations across the Kingdom, Europe, the middle East, and North Africa. Pakistan marks the airlines first market in South Asia, underscoring its ambitious international expansion plans for 2025. Flyadeals domestic network spans 16 destinations, including Abha, Al Bahah, Al Hofuf, Bisha, Gizan, Hail, Madinah, Neom, Qassim, Tabuk, and Taif. New routes to Najran and Yanbu will be added starting January 1, 2025. Founded on September 23, 2017, flyadeal began operations with its inaugural flight from Jeddah to Riyadh, coinciding with Saudi Arabias National Day. As a pioneer in digital-first distribution, the airline has served over 30 million passengers to date. For more information, visit www.bookme.pk or explore flyadeals services through Bookmes digital platforms. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) on the directives of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued a notification for operationalization of the PRA office in Murree. According to a PRA spokesperson, a few months ago, the offices were also made operational in Bahawalpur, Sheikhupura and Kasur. Additional Commissioner, Mirzia Saleem has been given the charge of Murree Office, the spokesperson informed. Meetings have been started to bring the taxpayers into the tax net, she said adding, the PRA offices would also be established in other districts of Punjab. In addition, the PRA has also become active to increase revenue resources, she said adding, with the establishment of PRA offices in new districts, the taxpayers have been facilitated. With the establishment of the offices in other districts, there would also be a significant increase in the revenue, she informed. A PRA office would also be opened in Jhelum soon, the spokesperson added. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Monday congratulated the newly elected office bearers of the Lahore Press Club. In a message of facilitation, Tarar extended his congratulations to President Arshad Ansari, Secretary Zahid Abid, Senior Vice President Afzaal Talib, Vice President Saima Nawaz, Joint Secretary Imran Sheikh, Finance Secretary Salik Nawaz, and the newly elected members of the governing body. Tarar reiterated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) governments unwavering commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom. He acknowledged the vital role of Lahores journalist community in upholding the Constitution, ensuring the rule of law, and strengthening democratic traditions. He also reaffirmed the governments dedication to the welfare of journalists, emphasizing the importance of press clubs in amplifying their voices and addressing public concerns. He highlighted that concrete steps are being taken to ensure their well-being. Expressing his optimism, Tarar hoped that the newly elected leadership of the Lahore Press Club would work diligently for the welfare of journalists and conveyed his best wishes to the new governing body. The Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) conducted a rescue operation, taking three children into protective custody who were found begging in various areas of the city here on Monday MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) The Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) conducted a rescue operation, taking three children into protective custody who were found begging in various areas of the city here on Monday. According to CPWB spokesperson Naveed Mukhtar, the kids were identified as Shehraz, Younis and Basweer Khan. He added that the children were taken into custody from Northern Bypass, Lorry Adda and Bahwalpur Chowk .The children were shifted to the Child Protection Center (CPWB) wherein they would get necessary support and care. He mentioned that the Child Protection Bureau had started a search for their parents. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed decrees on the dismissal of the head of Kyiv Regional Military Administration Ruslan Kravchenko and head of Poltava Regional Military Administration Pylyp Pronin. Relevant decrees No. 887/2024 and No. 888/2024 are published on the website of the head of state. Kravchenko was appointed head of Kyiv Regional Administration by presidential decree No. 204/2023 dated April 10, 2023. Pronin was appointed head of Poltava Regional Administration by decree No. 686/2023 dated October 10, 2023. As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, at a meeting on Saturday, December 28, agreed on the dismissal of the heads of two regional administrations. The deadly Boeing plane crash in South Korea which killed 179 people on board was initially blamed on a bird collision, a stark reminder of how such incidents are often the cause of aviation accidents around the world Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) The deadly Boeing plane crash in South Korea which killed 179 people on board was initially blamed on a bird collision, a stark reminder of how such incidents are often the cause of aviation accidents around the world. Officials had initially cited a bird strike as a likely cause of Sunday's crash of the Jeju Air plane, though Seoul said Monday it was conducting a special inspection of all 101 Boeing 737-800s operating in South Korea. Whatever the cause of Sunday's crash, aviation authorities around the world appear to be recording more bird collision incidents as air traffic grows. In the United States alone, 17,190 bird strikes were recorded in 2022, according to a database set up by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). That was up 10 percent on 2021's figure, in line with increased air traffic following the Covid-19 pandemic. Collisions in the United States between wild animals and civil aircraft totalled 291,600 between 1990 and 2023, according to the same records. In mainland France, the Civil Aviation Authority records 600 each year during commercial flights, though serious incidents represent less than 8 percent of cases on average -- a downward trend in recent years. Not including Sunday's crash, bird strikes have destroyed 250 aircraft worldwide since 1988, leaving 262 people dead, according to the Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group. These collisions cause more than $1.2 billion in damage to aircraft each year, the Australian group says. They usually mostly occur during takeoffs and landings at fairly low altitudes, between 0 and 50 feet (15 metres). Higher altitude air collisions are much rarer but not impossible. In France, a tourist plane crashed in 2021 in the Seine-et-Marne department after hitting a cormorant in flight. One of the most famous cases occurred in January 2009, when the pilot of a US Airways Airbus A320 with 155 occupants kept his cool to land on the Hudson River in New York after a collision with a flock of wild geese. BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) China has released its first report detailing the progress made in scientific research and applications related to the country's space station over the past two years. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), which compiled the report to "mark the two-year anniversary of the space station's full establishment," said that the report will be released annually based on the progress of ongoing space missions. The report, released Monday, focuses on areas such as space life and human research, microgravity physical sciences, and new space technologies and applications. It highlights 34 representative scientific research and application results selected from previously returned samples, research data, in-orbit experiments, and notable progress in scientific and application projects, as well as various science promotion activities, showcasing China's capabilities and innovative spirit in the field of space technology, according to the CMSA. The initial batch of space science experiments, application projects, and technology testing aboard the space station has progressed smoothly, yielding important results, the CMSA noted. As of Dec. 1, a total of 181 scientific and application projects have been carried out in orbit, with nearly two tonnes of scientific materials delivered and close to 100 types of experimental samples returned, generating over 300 terabytes of scientific data. Mamoudzou, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou arrived in Mayotte on Monday, vowing to bring help to the Indian Ocean territory ravaged by Cyclone Chido. The most devastating cyclone to hit France's poorest department in 90 years caused colossal damage in mid-December, killing at least 39 people and injuring more than 5,600. Authorities have warned the death toll could rise in the archipelago. The people of Mayotte "often have the sentiment that what we bring them are assurances, pretty words of solidarity", Bayrou said after visiting a desalination plant. But what they want is "concrete" action, he said. "After a day of dialogue, we will announce tonight a plan named 'Mayotte standing' that will pave the way," he added. "And afterwards, there will be a second phase. A long-term plan. Because it's not just about rebuilding Mayotte as it was. It's about designing a different future for Mayotte." Two weeks after Cyclone Chido, emergency services are still trying to restore water, power and telecoms services. - Slums - Estelle Youssouffa, a centrist MP representing Mayotte, said France's aid plan was insufficient to meet the needs of the territory's real population, which includes tens of thousands of undocumented migrants. Mayotte's population stands officially at 320,000, but there are an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 more clandestine inhabitants living in shanty towns that were utterly destroyed by the cyclone. The right-wing mayor of the capital, Mamoudzou, who has called for tougher controls on runaway population growth in Mayotte, showed Bayrou the devastated slums covering the hills around the city. "We can't let people make the same mistakes and hope the outcome will be different," Ambdilwahedou Soumaila told him. Bayrou arrived with 2.5 tonnes of aid supplies aboard his plane. He visited a field hospital and a secondary school in a slum that had been looted after the cyclone. He was accompanied to Mayotte by a large delegation of officials, including education Minister Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls, the new overseas territories minister. The 73-year-old Bayrou, only recently appointed prime minister, had faced criticism for chairing a local council meeting in his home city of Pau in southern France while Mayotte grappled with the aftermath of the deadly cyclone. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou promised relief for Mayotte on Monday, saying he aimed to rebuild the Indian Ocean territory ravaged by Cyclone Chido within two years Mamoudzou, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Dec, 2024) French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou promised relief for Mayotte on Monday, saying he aimed to rebuild the Indian Ocean territory ravaged by Cyclone Chido within two years. The most devastating cyclone to hit France's poorest department in 90 years caused colossal damage in mid-December, killing at least 39 people and injuring more than 5,600. Authorities have warned the death toll could rise in the archipelago. The people of Mayotte "often have the sentiment that what we bring them are assurances, pretty words of solidarity", Bayrou said after visiting a desalination plant. But what they want is "concrete" action, he said. After touring areas damaged by the cyclone and meeting local leaders, Bayrou presented dozens of measures in the outlines of a recovery plan that he dubbed "Mayotte standing". One top priority was for electricity to be "restored to every home by the end of January," he said, promising that state-owned electricity provider EDF would send additional staff and 200 generators. Two weeks after Cyclone Chido, emergency services are still trying to restore water, power and telecoms services. "We're not so big here, Mayotte is 374 square kilometres (144 square miles)," said Ali Mohamed, a worker at the archipelago's main hospital. "It should have been sorted out in two weeks. We've been abandoned, we can see it." Bayrou had earlier vowed a "second phase" to the recovery plan that would aim to rebuild the archipelago within two years. "It's not just about rebuilding Mayotte as it was. It's about designing a different future for Mayotte," he added. Ministers will approve an emergency draft law on reconstruction as early as Friday before its presentation to parliament, Bayrou said on Monday evening, with a longer-term plan set to come before MPs "within three months". - Slums - Estelle Youssouffa, a centrist MP representing Mayotte, said France's aid plan was insufficient to meet the needs of the territory's real population, which includes tens of thousands of undocumented migrants. Mayotte's population stands officially at 320,000, but there are an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 more undocumented inhabitants living in shanty towns that were utterly destroyed by the cyclone. Bayrou said there would be a "comprehensive and precise census of the population" and trailed further restrictions on the birthright citizenship law that applies on most French soil. Right-wingers have long demanded an exemption for Mayotte, believing it could deter prospective immigrants, especially from The Comoros. The right-wing mayor of the capital Mamoudzou, who has called for tougher controls on runaway population growth in Mayotte, showed Bayrou the devastated slums covering the hills around the city. "We can't let people make the same mistakes and hope the outcome will be different," Ambdilwahedou Soumaila told him. Both Paris and local authorities would work to "forbid and prevent the reconstruction of shanty towns," Bayrou said as he laid out his recovery plan. The prime minister had arrived with 2.5 tonnes of aid supplies aboard his plane. He visited a field hospital and a secondary school in a slum that had been looted after the cyclone. Troops and police would be deployed to guard schools against such raids, Bayrou said. He was accompanied to Mayotte by a large delegation of officials, including education Minister Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls, the new overseas territories minister. The 73-year-old Bayrou, only recently appointed prime minister, had faced criticism for chairing a local council meeting in his home city of Pau in southern France while Mayotte grappled with the aftermath of the deadly cyclone. 2024 was a big year for elections. More than 70 national elections were held throughout the world, affecting more than half of the worlds population. Among the countries holding elections were some of the worlds biggest democracies India, the United States, Indonesia and Bangladesh as well as 27 European member states electing the new European Parliament. The total number of ballots cast in 71 elections and the European Parliament elections was more than 1.6 billion, according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, or International IDEA. Voting against the status quo Elections across the globe in 2024 were generally bad for those holding power. Every incumbent party facing national elections in a developed country in 2024 declined in its vote share, according to a November article in the Financial Times, citing the ParlGov (parliaments and governments database) project, affiliated with multiple universities in Europe. It was the first time this has happened in almost 120 years of records catalogued by the project. In both rich and poor democracies around the world, more than 80% saw the incumbent party lose seats or vote share from the last election, according to an analysis by ABC News 538. The 538 analysis considered countries as democracies if their Democracy Index score was at least 5 out of 10. The shifts against incumbents struck the political left and right. Conservatives won victories in countries and regions that included the United States, where former President Donald Trump swept all the battleground states in a November election; in Portugal, where the center-right Democratic Alliance surged in March; and at the EU Parliament, where more far-right members won seats in June elections than ever before, bringing their total to close to a quarter of the chamber. The left took advantage of anti-incumbent sentiment to win victories that included Britains July parliamentary election, in which the incumbent Conservative Party lost almost 20% of the vote from 2019, and in South Korea, where liberal opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party, took power in Aprils parliamentary elections. In several countries, incumbent parties hung on to power, but shrunk their majorities, including in India, where Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party lost an outright majority in parliament in June, but kept power with the help of allies. Incumbent parties in Japan, South Africa and France saw similar slides in support on their way to reelection. The trend against incumbents did not necessarily hold in less democratic countries, where governments could heavily manage elections to secure their desired outcome. In Rwanda, President Paul Kagame, who ran virtually unopposed in July, won 99% of the vote, mirroring the outcome in 2017. In Russia, President Vladimir Putin won a landslide victory in a March poll that international election observers dismissed as having no chance of being free or fair. However, there were also some signs of anti-incumbent sentiment in less democratic countries. In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was reelected in January in a vote boycotted by the opposition, but in a smaller margin than previously. Seven months later, she was ousted in a popular uprising. In Iran, where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final say on all matters of state, voters in July elections chose Masoud Pezeshkian, the more moderate presidential candidate, to replace hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash. Why the swings? Analysts have focused on voters dissatisfaction with the global economy, including rising costs, to help explain the election losses by incumbents. One of the few countries where the incumbent party had success was in Mexico, where Claudia Sheinbaum, selected by her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, easily won the presidency in June. Voters there reported satisfaction with economic conditions, one of the few countries where that was the case, according to a Pew Research Center survey in June. Other issues facing voters in 2024 included a surge in migration in some nations and the continued fallout from the pandemic era, which saw long disruptions to businesses, workplaces and schools. Furthering the dissatisfaction, a Pew survey found that democracy itself has become less attractive to voters, representing an overall sense of frustration by voters with those in power. The survey, which polled respondents in 24 democratic countries in February, found that while large majorities believed representative democracy is a good system of government, a median of 59% told pollsters they were dissatisfied with how democracy was working in their own country. Tehran is again pushing back on claims that the ouster of Syrias Bashar al-Assad is a major setback for Irans geopolitical struggle against the West and its allies. To oppose its adversaries, specifically the United States and Israel, Tehran for decades built up a so-called Axis of Resistance, an informal Iranian-led coalition of militant groups operating throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Syria, under the helm of Assad, was key to Irans ability to project power in the region, and its efforts to hem in Israel. On Dec. 22, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied that Tehran is directing a network of armed groups across the region. They [enemies] consistently say that the Islamic Republic has lost its regional proxies this is yet another mistake! The Islamic Republic does not have any proxy forces, Irans state-run Press TV quoted Khamenei as saying. Those forces, he said, are driven by their beliefs; they fight because of their convictions, not on our behalf. Khameneis claim that Iran does not have proxy forces is false. Iran operates or coordinates with more than 100 militant groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and beyond to advance its foreign policy interests. While the degree of control Iran exercises over members of its axis can vary, Tehran has directly established some of those groups and aided their operations. In September, the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) reported that, support for regional nonstate actors has been a pillar of the Iranian governments foreign policy since the 1979 founding of the Islamic Republic. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy estimated in 2019 that more than a hundred different Shiite groups and subgroups, the primary drivers of Iranian influence, were operating in Iraq, Lebanon and Syria. It found that Iran was "the principal creator and backer of Shia militias throughout the Middle East. The Axis of Resistance was cultivated and expanded by Qassem Soleimani, who headed up Irans elite Quds Force, an external operations arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC. The U.S. State Departments Bureau of Counterterrorism called the Quds Force Irans primary mechanism for cultivating and supporting terrorist activity abroad. Following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Soleimani helped create or otherwise support militant groups that would ultimately play a hand in driving out U.S. forces. Iran provided U.S.-designated terrorist groups in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba and Asaib Ahl al-Haq, with training, funding, logistical support, weapons and operational influence. The U.S. assassinated Soleimani via drone strike in Iraq on Jan. 3, 2020, citing his role in killing American and coalition service members. Beginning in 2011, Syrias protracted civil war provided Iran an opportunity to increase its control over the country, which analysts at the United States Institute for Peace called the frontline against Irans archenemy Israel and the linchpin of Tehrans ability to project power in the Levant. They called Syria the main conduit for Irans supply of weapons and equipment to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the worlds most heavily armed non-state actor. Tehrans support, militarily and otherwise, was critical in propping up the Assad regime throughout the conflict. IRGC funded, supplied and commanded Liwa Fatemiyoun, a Shiite militia composed of Afghan recruits fighting alongside Syrian government forces. The IRGC also formed a group called Liwa Zainebiyoun, composed of Pakistani Shiite militants, to fight in Syria. An armed Palestinian group, Liwa al-Quds, also fought on behalf of Assad. The Syrian news website Zaman Al Wasl described it as a Sunni face of [Irans] al-Quds battalion. Soleimanis successor, Esmail Ghaani, took the Axis of Resistance to the next level, deploying it on the battlefield in what analysts at the Washington-based Middle East Institute called a comprehensive and coordinated manner. Those efforts culminated in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, when militants from Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian groups attacked towns and settlements in southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking some 250 hostages. Iran has provided Hamas and Islamic Jihad with weapons, funding and training. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shiite Muslim political party and militant group based in Lebanon, has been instrumental in the decades-long Iran-Israel proxy conflict and the Israel-Lebanon conflict. A day after the Oct. 7 attack, Hezbollah began launching missiles into Israel. The CRS said Hezbollah most closely represents an Iranian proxy, noting it often aligns directly with, and acts on behalf of, Tehran. The State Department estimated in 2020 that Iran provides Hezbollah $700 million annually. Israels invasion of Lebanon in 2024 significantly diminished Hezbollahs fighting capability. The Sept. 27 attack on the Lebanese militant groups headquarters in Beirut killed a top Quds Force commander, Abbas Nilforushan, alongside Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Not all Iranian proxies coordinate so closely with Tehran. Yemens Houthi rebels, say analysts, operate with greater independence. The Shiite militants have launched hundreds of missile and drone attacks on Israel since the beginning of Israel-Hamas war and attacked more than 60 vessels in the Red Sea. A July 2024 Defense Intelligence Agency report provides what it describes as visual evidence of the Iranian origin of missiles smuggled to Houthis in Yemen. Days after unveiling the latest breakthroughs in its military modernization, the Chinese navy has set afloat a new amphibious assault ship that could launch fighter jets, and videos have been circulating online showing what seems to be China's new generation of stealth fighter jets. On Sunday, China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, left the dockyard in Shanghai after the People's Liberation Army Navy, or PLA Navy, launched it into the water at a ceremony last Friday. The ship, which has a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons, features a double island superstructure, a full-length flight deck, and an electromagnetic catapult system, which allows it to launch fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. In addition to the catapult system, the Sichuan has arresting technology that allows fighter jets to land on its deck. With its large displacement, the vessel "can carry more weapons and equipment, has longer range and stronger combat capabilities," Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe told Chinese state-run Global Times. Zhang added that the Sichuan "has outstanding capabilities in air superiority and land assault missions" because the electromagnetic catapult system offers higher launch efficiency and faster launch speed. The PLA Navy said the Sichuan is a "key asset" for enhancing the Chinese Navy's long-range operational capabilities and facilitating its ongoing transformation. Other analysts say Beijing wants to project military power "beyond its shores" through the launch of the Sichuan. The launch is intended "to intimidate neighbors or ensure the PLA has the capability to land a large invasion force on Taiwan," Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore and a former Pentagon official, said in a written response to VOA. In combat scenarios, experts say the Sichuan could be paired up with China's aircraft carrier groups. "The Chinese military could use the Sichuan to deploy drones during the first wave of attack and then deploy larger fighter jets from its aircraft carriers later," Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told VOA by phone. Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping said the Sichuan could be used in the South China Sea, East China Sea, or a potential military conflict against Taiwan. "If [China] takes military actions against Taiwan, [Beijing] will use whatever weapons it possesses, including the Type 075 amphibious assault ship and the Type 076 amphibious assault ship," he told VOA. Since its establishment in 1949, the People's Republic of China has never ruled Taiwan, but it views the democratically governed island as its own territory and has vowed to bring Taiwan under its control, even by force. The launch of the Sichuan reflects China's ongoing efforts to rapidly expand the number of its naval vessels in recent years. "The Chinese have been producing ships at an unprecedented rate and you can't say the same of the United States' shipbuilding rate," said Collin Koh, a maritime security expert at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. In terms of numbers, the PLA navy has a bigger fleet than the U.S. Navy, and its capabilities are confined in one theater, he adds. "A growing PLA Navy that is operationally more focused on the theater is likely going to have a certain advantage over the U.S. Navy that is still considered having to bear with various global responsibilities other than this part of the world," Koh told VOA by phone. A new generation of fighter jets In addition to the launch of the new amphibious assault ship, several videos and images of two seemingly new Chinese stealth fighter jets flying in broad daylight were circulating online last Friday. The images and videos of the two fighter jets posted online have a triangular, tailless design typical to stealth fighter jets. The larger fighter jet, accompanied by China's J-20 stealth fighter jet, seems to have three air intakes for its engines, while the smaller fighter jet bears a more conventional layout. The Chinese government has yet to comment on the unnamed fighter jets featured in the videos, but analysts say their advanced designs show China is rapidly catching up with the U.S. and its Western allies. "Apart from trying to become a sea power, these seemingly new fighter jets show China also wants to eventually replace the U.S. as the leading air power in the world," Su in Taiwan told VOA. In his view, because the U.S. and its Western allies still control access to advanced semiconductor chips used in next-generation fighter jets, Washington needs to maintain strict export control of advanced semiconductor ships to China to stay ahead of the curve in the military aircraft arms race. "Imposing strict export control on advanced semiconductor ships will become the key geopolitical chokepoint that Washington can leverage against Beijing in the global arms race," Su said. VOA's Nike Ching and VOA Mandarin service reporter Lin Nai-chuan contributed to this story. Dozens of people were killed Sunday in Ethiopia in a traffic accident in Sidama region. Regional and hospital officials told VOA that 71 people have died in the accident in Bona district, in the Eastern Sidama Zone, south of Addis Ababa. Mate Mengesha, local administrator of the zone, told VOA Horn of Africa Service that the accident occurred in the Galana River, 125 kilometers from Hawassa, the region's capital. He said among the dead, 68 were men and three were women. The incident was confirmed on the regional government communications Facebook page. Ashenafi Bliso, director of Bona Hospital, confirmed the death toll with VOA in a phone interview. He said four people were seriously injured and are being treated at the hospital. He added that one victim was transferred to Hawassa Referral Hospital for advanced treatment. Mate said a truck carrying passengers lost control while passing over a bridge and plunged into the Galana River. Mate said the victims include young people from the same area who were returning from a wedding ceremony and work at a coffee site. Finnish authorities have discovered anchor drag marks running for several kilometers across the Baltic seabed as they probe the recent severing of important power and internet cables. With the underwater operations, we have been able to identify the dragging track at the seabed from the beginning to the end, said Detective Chief Inspector Sami Paila of Finland's National Bureau of Investigation in a Sunday press release. The track is dozens of kilometers in length. For the time being, the possible location where the anchor came off has not been established. The announcement marks the latest in a series of similar incidents in recent months and comes as NATO warns of a growing threat of unconventional Russian attacks in the region. The underwater Estlink 2 power cable linking Finland and Estonia was damaged last Wednesday, along with several data cables. Estonias power supply was significantly reduced because of the damage. On Thursday, Finnish police and coast guard officers boarded the Eagle S, a Cook Islands-registered tanker carrying Russian oil from the port of Ust-Luga before sailing it into Finnish territorial waters. The vessel is currently being held off the town of Porvoo, 40 kilometers east of Helsinki. Its crew is being detained on suspicion of aggravated criminal mischief. Russian officials have said nothing about the Finnish accusations or impounding of the Eagle S. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Pesokov said Friday, "I can't say anything for sure. This is a highly specific issue, which is hardly the prerogative of the presidential administration." Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Friday it was too early to determine whether the damage was deliberate. Four cables have been broken, Stubb told reporters in Helsinki. We were able to get the situation under control and locate the ship in question, bring it to Finnish waters and begin a criminal proceeding. There has been substantial damage through the cables. Finland suspects the Eagle S is part of Russias so-called shadow fleet of aging vessels used to evade Western sanctions on its oil exports, imposed in the wake of Moscows February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The damage to the Estlink 2 cable is the latest in a series of similar incidents in the Baltic Sea. In November, a Chinese bulk carrier, the Yi Peng 3, was suspected of severing two fiber-optic data cables in Swedish waters with its anchor. China refused to allow a Swedish prosecutor to board the vessel, which has since departed the Baltic. Last year, the Balticconnector gas pipeline linking Estonia and Finland was damaged. Ten months later, China said a Hong Kong-registered vessel had caused the damage in a storm. Finland was skeptical of the admission. Estonia has called for international maritime laws to be updated to protect infrastructure. The situation that is now at the Baltic Sea, where the anchors have been dropping several times in a row it cant be by accident, Estonian Justice Minister Liisa Pakosta told Reuters. These kinds of situations are not typical, not only for our region, but also for other regions in the world. So, [given] the technological developments that we have, we think that it is a good idea to look over international law to make these investigations more smooth. NATO said Friday it would boost its presence in the Baltic Sea. The alliance staged maritime drills in the Baltic earlier last month as a show of force amid escalating tensions with Moscow. However, formulating a response to unconventional also known as hybrid attacks is complex, said Charly Salonius-Pasternak, an analyst with the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. If there begins to be clear attribution by states against other state actors, then just taking it on the chin and being resilient in the long run is going to be probably deeply unsatisfying, he told VOA. [But] if you attribute it or you blame someone, will you intensify the circle? And what are you going to do about it? Because you clearly cannot use the same retributionary tools, as it were, against Russia and China. At least not yet, I think. Estonian authorities said it could take until August to repair the damage to the Estlink 2 cable. The Estonian navy and Swedish coast guards have stepped up surveillance patrols in the area. In 2024, protests by young Kenyans sent shock waves through the countrys political scene, forcing the government to drop proposed taxes and fire several ministers. The youth movement highlighted the challenges Kenya faces as the government tries to increase revenues from citizens who are grappling with the high cost of living and are angry about corruption and what they see as attempts to stifle dissent. As the year comes to an end, President William Rutos government and a large section of Kenyan youth are still at odds over the direction the country is taking. The discontent erupted in June as parliament considered a bill that would increase taxes on certain food items and other sectors in the economy to help repay foreign loans and fund development programs. Lawmakers passed the bill, leading protesters storming the parliament buildings and burning a section of it. Ruto, seeing the public anger, declined to sign the bill into law. Nairobi has also witnessed protests against alleged police brutality. Rights groups say Kenyan security forces killed at least 65 people during protests or while in detention during 2024. On Monday, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Nairobi to demand the release of Kenyans allegedly abducted from their homes and other places. According to human rights groups, at least 10 young critics of the government were kidnapped by unknown men in the last few weeks. The police have denied their officers were behind the abductions. Speaking in Homa Bay County on Friday, President Ruto said his government will end the mistreatment of youth. He called on parents to discipline their children. "These children are blessings that are given to us. Every parent should take care of their children, let's work for our children. We, the government, will do our part, and we will end the abductions so that the Kenyan youth can live in peace," he said. Boniface Mwangi is a Kenyan activist. He says Kenyan youths are united against the political elite who have made life difficult for them. "The Gen Z movement, they came together, they were united and they had one goal to reject the finance bill which succeeded and they went a set further to demand for political reforms and change of cabinet and some of it happened and that forced the political elite to come together. So for the first time you have Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga and Ruto in the same camp, he said. Since the protests, President Ruto has formed what he calls a broad-based government. He appointed some politicians allied with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his 2022 election main challenger, Raila Odinga, to the office. "We started as divided people and are closing the year with a broad-based government. We have brought many Kenyans together," said Ruto. Political observers say this move is designed to better manage the opposition to his administration. Martin Andati, a political analyst, says such political maneuvers will do little to ease the public's anger toward the Ruto administration. "The guys in power behave like nothing happened, but the truth is that the dynamics have completely shifted," he said. "The old political class, inclusive of President William Ruto, Raila Odinga, and the likes of Kalonzo, are still stuck in a time up; they are still thinking along tribal chieftains and political kingpins; they are going back to 2007 when these youths are in 2027 already." Political observers predict a tough political fight ahead, as the Kenyan government and political parties have to constitute a new electoral commission. The current one technically exists, but all the commissioners terms have expired. Some are concerned that youthful activists will start petitions to recall members of parliament, a move that, if successful, may lead to the fall of the government and an early election before 2027. Chinas Maerdang Hydropower Station to complete final testing, set for full operation Global Times) 16:05, December 30, 2024 The Maerdang Hydropower Station, situated in Maqen County, Northwest China's Qinghai Province, at an average altitude of 3,300 meters, boasts a total installed capacity of 2.32 million kilowatts. It comprises four 550,000-kilowatt units and one 120,000-kilowatt unit. As the highest-altitude and largest-capacity hydropower project under construction in the Yellow River basin, all five turbine generators are set to become fully operational on December 31. (Photo/Screenshot from CMG's report.) The second unit of the Maerdang Hydropower Station, the highest-altitude and largest-capacity hydropower project under construction in the Yellow River basin, is set to complete final testing on Monday, China Group Media (CMG) reported. On Tuesday, the five-turbine generators, including four 550,000-kilowatt units and one 120,000-kilowatt unit, will be put into operation to generate electricity, according to the CMG report. The Maerdang Hydropower Station, located in Maqen County, Northwest China's Qinghai Province at an average altitude of 3,300 meters, has a total installed capacity of 2.32 million kilowatts. To harness the power of the fast-flowing water, the Maerdang Hydroelectric Station was built in a steep canyon. Located in a nature reserve, the construction of the hydropower station aimed to minimize its impact on local wildlife. The reservoir created by the dam acts as an "ecological stabilizer," increasing humidity and precipitation in the area, and forming new wetlands. This initiative stabilizes the regional ecosystem, improving habitats for aquatic species, amphibians, and wading birds within the Sanjiangyuan conservation area, according to CMG. Innovative "fish lifts" have been installed at the base of the dam to help fish migrate. The lifts carry the fish upstream, where they are guided through chutes to a sorting room. Rare species are then transported by special trucks to upstream conservation areas for release, continuing their ancient migratory journey along the Yellow River. In addition, a fish breeding and release station has been established to help replenish rare fish populations and maintain the ecological balance of the Yellow River basin, CMG reported. Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Monday that compared to other types of power stations, the hydropower station offers clean, renewable energy with reduced operating costs and minimal environmental disruption. "Its ability to regulate output through reservoirs delivers a stable power supply while supporting flood control, irrigation, and other critical water management functions. The technology is well-established, making it an efficient and cost-effective solution for power generation," Lin said. China is a global leader in hydropower, with advanced technology and decades of experience in constructing large-scale hydropower stations. "Due to its challenging high-altitude terrain, the Maerdang Hydropower Station only began construction in recent years. Its completion and operation represent a major technological milestone," Lin said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Ukrainian parliamentarian, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko has handed over 90 Ai-Petri SV electronic warfare (EW) systems to the Defense Forces over the year. The military received eight complexes on New Year's Eve. "Today, we are transferring eight Ai-Petri complexes to the Madyar's Birds attack UAV unit, the Alpha elite special forces unit of the SBU, the reserve of one of the operational-strategic groups and the military, which will cover critical infrastructure facilities. This is our contribution to defense," Poroshenko said on Facebook. The complexes include Starlinks, EcoFlow charging stations, generators, Ai-Petri remote control systems and pickups equipped with a six-dome electronic warfare system to protect crews from enemy FPVs. Since the fall of 2023, Poroshenko has invested more than UAH 200 million in the production of unique Ai-Petri SV technical intelligence systems, which have been successfully tested and are already being used in the Armed Forces, covering thousands of kilometers of the contact line. Linda Lavin, a Tony Award-winning stage actress who became a working class icon as a paper-hat wearing waitress on the TV sitcom "Alice," has died. She was 87. Lavin died in Los Angeles on Sunday of complications from recently discovered lung cancer, her representative, Bill Veloric, told The Associated Press in an email. A success on Broadway, Lavin tried her luck in Hollywood in the mid-1970s. She was chosen to star in a new CBS sitcom based on "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," the Martin Scorsese-directed film that won Ellen Burstyn an Oscar for playing the title waitress. The title was shortened to "Alice" and Lavin became a role model for working moms as Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother with a 12-year-old son working in a roadside diner outside Phoenix. The show, with Lavin singing the theme song "There's a New Girl in Town," ran from 1976 to 1985. The show turned "Kiss my grits" into a catchphrase and co-starred Polly Holliday as waitress Flo and Vic Tayback as the gruff owner and head chef of Mel's Diner. The series bounced around the CBS schedule during its first two seasons but became a hit leading into "All in the Family" on Sunday nights in October 1977. It was among primetime's top 10 series in four of the next five seasons. Variety magazine listed it among the all-time best workplace comedies. Lavin soon went on to win a Tony for best actress in a play for Neil Simon's "Broadway Bound" in 1987. She was working as recently as this month promoting a new Netflix series in which she appears, "No Good Deed," and filming a forthcoming Hulu series, "Mid-Century Modern," according to Deadline, which first reported her death. Lavin grew up in Portland, Maine, and moved to New York City after graduating from the College of William and Mary. She sang in nightclubs and in ensembles of shows. Iconic producer and director Hal Prince gave Lavin her first big break while directing the Broadway musical "It's a Bird ... It's a Plane ... It's Superman." She went on to earn a Tony nomination in Simon's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" in 1969 before winning 18 years later for another Simon play, "Broadway Bound." In the mid 1970s, Lavin moved to Los Angeles. She had a recurring role on "Barney Miller" and in 1976 was chosen to star in a new CBS sitcom based on Ellen Burstyn's Oscar-winning waitress comedy-drama, "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore." Back on Broadway, Lavin later starred Paul Rudnick's comedy "The New Century," had a concert show called "Songs & Confessions of a One-Time Waitress" and earned a Tony nomination in Donald Margulies' "Collected Stories." Michael Kuchwara of the AP gave Lavin a rave in "Collected Stories," writing that she "gives one of those complete, nuanced performances, capturing the woman's intellectual vigor, her wry sense of humor and her increasing physical frailty with astonishing fidelity. And Lavin's sense of timing is superb, whether delivering a joke or acerbically dissecting the work of her protegee." Lavin basked in a burst of renewed attention in her 70s, earning a Tony nomination for Nicky Silver's "The Lyons." She also starred in "Other Desert Cities" and a revival of "Follies" before they transferred to Broadway. The AP again raved about Lavin in "The Lyons," calling her "an absolute wonder to behold as Rita Lyons, a nag of a mother with a collection of firm beliefs and eye rolls, a matriarch who is both suffocating and keeping everyone at arm's length." She also appeared in the film "Wanderlust" with Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, and released her first CD, "Possibilities." She played Jennifer Lopez's grandmother in "The Back-Up Plan." When asked for guidance from up-and-coming actresses, Lavin stressed one thing. "I say that what happened for me was that work brings work. As long as it wasn't morally reprehensible to me, I did it," she told the AP in 2011. She and Steve Bakunas, an artist, musician and her third husband, converted an old automotive garage into the 50-seat Red Barn Studio Theatre in Wilmington, North Carolina. It opened in 2007 and their productions include "Doubt" by John Patrick Shanley, "Glengarry Glen Ross" by David Mamet, "Rabbit Hole" by David Lindsay-Abaire and "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife" by Charles Busch, in which Lavin also starred on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination. She returned to TV in 2013 in "Sean Saves the World," starring "Will & Grace's" Sean Hayes, a show which lasted a season. Lavin also made appearances on "Mom" and "9JKL." In Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, residents have complained throughout December that tap water is "dirty, smells of sewage and often pitch-black colored." The main source of water here is Lake Chivero, which is highly contaminated by toxins, including leaking sewer pipes. Journalists asked the mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, about the polluted water supplied to the residents at a Dec. 17 press conference. Mafute answered that the city of Harare provides clean water to the residents. "[T]he water that is coming out of our taps is safe for human consumption, and it is safe for the residents, he said. We treat water that comes from Lake Chivero and Lake Manyame thoroughly to make sure that we dont put in our system water that is contaminated or that is harmful to the residents." That is false. There is ample evidence that tap water in Harare is frequently to blame for waterborne diseases, making it unsafe for the 1.5 million people living there. Mafumes claim outraged Harare residents, who responded by sharing photographs and videos of the dirty tap water from their kitchens on social media, saying it smelled like sewage. In multiple statements since December 17, Mafume acknowledged the city is dealing with water pollution issues. He again asserted the city is providing safe drinking water but also suggested boiling the water before consumption. On Dec. 18, VOA reported that sewage-polluted water from Lake Chivero had killed four white rhinos along with thousands of wildlife, including zebras, fish and birds, among other animals and livestock. A Zimbabwean Parks and Wildlife Management spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, told VOA News that the animals died after "drinking bacteria-polluted water at Lake Chivero Recreational Park, about 20 kilometers west of the capital, Harare." Contrary to Mafumes assurances, the city has not proven capable of providing sufficient clean water to residents. At maximum capacity, Harares water purifying facility, Morton Jaffrey plant, provides the city 750 megaliters a day. That is only half of Harares daily demand of 1,400 megaliters of clean drinking water, according to the city of Harare administration sources. Amkela Sidange, spokesperson for the Environmental Management Agency of Zimbabwe, told VOA that the "city of Harare on its own ... contributes about 219 megaliters of raw and partly treated sewer [water] that is discharged into the environment on a daily basis." Most travel advisory websites, including Canada-based World Travel Index, a source of global data, recommend that travelers avoid drinking tap water in Harare, deeming it a health hazard. The issue is decades old and has not been solved to date. A collaborative study between the British Geological Survey, a U.K. government organization, and the University of Zimbabwe concluded that the tributaries of Lake Chivero, the citys main drinking water source, are heavily polluted by industrial waste and raw sewage inflows. In December 2023, the World Health Organization representative to Zimbabwe, Professor JM Dangou, said Zimbabwe has "poor water and sanitation infrastructure." "Several factors contribute to the resurgence of cholera in Zimbabwe, including poor water and sanitation infrastructure. Inadequate infrastructure hinders access to clean water and proper sanitation, making communities more susceptible to cholera outbreaks," Dangou said. For decades, the Zimbabwean government has been battling the outbreak of cholera due to lack of access to clean water, reporting thousands of deaths and new outbreaks each year. In February, the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) reported that 528 people died of cholera, saying, "one of the major actors driving cholera transmission" is "the continued low access to safe water." Last year, the Zimbabwean government declared a state of emergency in the capital over a cholera outbreak that claimed the lives of 150 people across the country. In July, the local Government Parliamentary Portfolio Committee revealed that the Harare City Council "has been struggling to purify water amid cash crunches." The committees chairperson, Supa Collins Mandiwanzira, said the private sector and individuals owe the Harare council millions of U.S. dollars, and the government has failed to pay a debt of 43 million U.S. dollars. AllAfrica, a multimedia content creator based in the U.S. and parts of Africa, quoted Mandiwanzira as saying, "Harare City is in desperate need of resources to augment the water works so that they can supply water to the City of Harare." U.K.s Guardian newspaper reported in 2020 that "a study conducted by South African company Nanotech Water Solutions concluded that the health of 3 million Harare residents may be endangered by the provision of water containing toxins that can cause liver and central nervous system diseases." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu successfully underwent prostate removal surgery on Sunday and is in good condition, according to the hospital treating him. The surgery took place while Israel remains at war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, more than 14 months after an unprecedented attack by Palestinian militants on Israel on October 7 last year. "The prime minister has awakened from anesthesia and is in good condition. He has been transferred to the recovery unit and will remain under observation in the coming days," the Hadassah Medical Centre said in a statement. On Saturday, Netanyahu's office announced that he had been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection caused by a benign prostate enlargement. Earlier, in March, Netanyahu underwent a hernia surgery, and in July last year, doctors implanted a pacemaker after a medical scare. Thousands of Mozambicans have fled to Malawi to escape violence triggered by the disputed October presidential election. The latest statistics show that Malawi has received about 13,000 refugees from Mozambique in recent weeks, many of them women and children. Authorities say that the number is expected to rise. Sofia Jimu, the traditional leader of the Tengani area in Mozambique, is among those who fled to Malawi. She said a lack of food is the main challenge at the evacuation center where she is staying, adding that three children collapsed because of hunger in just one day. However, she said, the following day she was given 150 bags of maize flour and four bags of beans to distribute to people at the center. The political tension in Mozambique escalated after the Constitutional Council confirmed Daniel Chapo, presidential candidate for the ruling Frelimo Party, as the winner of the Oct. 9 election. Runner-up Venancio Mondlane, presidential candidate for the opposition Podemos party, disputes the results. Plataforma Decide, a monitoring group in Mozambique, says more than 200 people have been killed since post-election protests started in October. Dominic Mwandira, the commissioner for Nsanje district in Malawi, told VOA on Sunday that the biggest challenge is a lack of resources to take care of the asylum-seekers currently staying in makeshift camps near the border. In terms of food and then nonfood items, tents, issues of water, they are several, he said. But we are happy that partners have started coming in, the government is coming in to support these people. He said organizations offering help include the Malawi Red Cross Society and Plan International. Jane Mweziwina, a program area manager for Plan International in Malawi, told reporters they are working to ensure new arrivals are protected. You know women, people with disabilities and children are always vulnerable when they are in a crisis like this. So, our advice to the leadership is that they take special consideration for these special groups of people in terms of accommodation, security, even in terms of food, she said. Malawi authorities say plans are under way to relocate asylum-seekers to a more spacious center. In the meantime, Malawis Department for Refugees and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Malawi are conducting a joint assessment to identify the needs of asylum-seekers. Ukraine and Russia carried out a new exchange of prisoners of war on Monday, with the two sides bringing home a combined total of more than 300 former captives. Kyiv brought home 189 former captives, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia's Defense Ministry said, while the Russian ministry said 150 Russian servicemen were returning home. The Russian ministry said the captives had been released in Belarus, Moscow's close ally in the 34-month-old war with Ukraine, and would be transferred to Russia. Reuters Television footage in Ukraine showed waiting spouses and some servicemen, many wrapped in blue and yellow national flags, weeping openly as they were reunited well after dark outside a building. A child's incredulous voice resounded over a mobile telephone: "Dad, is that you?" "My son is 5 years old now. The last time I saw him, he was 2 years old," said Serhii, who was captured by Russian forces at the Azovstal steel mill in the southern port of Mariupol, which withstood a siege for nearly three months in 2022. "That's why my son probably didn't recognize me. I used to have a beard and hair. I lost 20 kg [44 pounds]. For some former captives, the return to freedom involved adjustment. "Even now, I'm holding my hands behind my back. It has become a habit of mine," said journalist Roman Borshch, 29. "Now, I have to get used to being a free person again." Video posted by the Russian Defense Ministry showed smiling servicemen on a bus, some calling their families. "We'll soon be home. How are the children? How is our boy?" one man said. "I am overwhelmed by emotion," said another. "I still can't quite believe that this has happened, that I am back home, that the ministry made such efforts, that we are remembered and valued." Zelenskyy thanked United Arab Emirates authorities and other partners for facilitating the swap. The UAE acknowledged it helped arrange the exchange. "The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of such days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home," Zelenskyy said on Telegram. There was no immediate explanation for why more Ukrainians than Russians were listed as released. The freed Ukrainians included civilians who had been in Russian captivity. Zelenskyy said the returning Ukrainians included soldiers, sergeants and officers from front-line areas, and two civilians who had been captured in Mariupol. Denys Prokopenko, commander of the 12th Special Forces Azov Brigade that defended the Azovstal mill, said 11 of his men were among those returning. Prokopenko was brought home in an earlier swap. The Ukrainian body overseeing prisoner swaps said it was the 59th exchange between the two sides since Russia's February 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbor. The swap brought to 3,956 the number of Ukrainian detainees brought home. It said those brought home this year included Ukrainian nationals serving what it described as "so-called sentences" imposed by Russian courts for various offenses. In the last swap in October, also carried out with assistance from the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Ukraine each brought home 95 detainees. South Korea was in mourning Monday as investigators worked to determine the cause of a plane crash in Muan that killed 179 of the 181 people on board. Acting President Choi Sang-mok appeared Monday at a memorial in Muan, about 290 kilometers south of Seoul, where he laid a flower and bowed in respect to the victims. A senior official at South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport told reporters that officials planned to conduct a special investigation of all the Boeing 737-800 planes operating in the country. The crashed plane's flight data recorder will be sent to a facility in Seoul later this week for analysis, officials said, with personnel from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board taking part in the probe. Some passengers still unidentified Sunday's crash in which the plane skidded off the runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames was one of South Korea's deadliest aviation disasters. As of early Monday, authorities were still trying to identify some of the victims. Two people, both crew members, were pulled out of the wreckage alive. "Only the tail part retains a little bit of shape, and the rest of [it] looks almost impossible to recognize," Muan fire chief Lee Jung-hyun told reporters as he described what was left of the plane. Lee added that investigators are examining bird strikes and weather conditions as possible factors in the incident. President Joe Biden said the United States was ready to offer any assistance needed in the wake of the disaster. "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," Biden said in a statement released by the White House. A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement released Sunday, "The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the news of a plane crash in Muan county in the Republic of Korea, which has claimed the lives of 179 people. "He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Korea during this difficult time," the statement said. Boeing 'ready to support' Sunday's crash was the worst aviation disaster involving a South Korean airline since 1997, when a Korean Air jet went down in Guam, killing more than 200 people. Jeju Air issued an apology following the crash and promised to do its "utmost to manage the aftermath of the accident." Boeing said it was in touch with Jeju Air and was "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 company said in a statement. Transport ministry officials said two Thai nationals were on board and the rest were believed to be South Koreans. Officials in Thailand reported no issues with the plane when it left Bangkok. U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this article. Some information in this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Syrians and legal experts have been reacting to comments by Syrias de facto leader that new elections following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad's regime could take four years and drafting a new constitution up to three years. In an interview with the Saudi news channel al-Arabiya, Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, stated on Sunday that holding elections in Syria requires sufficient time to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive political process. His remarks ignited a debate among Syrians and legal experts who believe he and his group, Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), could exploit the transition period to consolidate their control over the country, or that the proposed timeline is realistic given Syrias fragmented state after more than a decade of conflict. HTS, formerly al-Qaidas branch in Syria, led the 11-day rebel offensive that toppled the Assad regime on Dec. 8. HTS has controlled an enclave in the countrys northwestern province of Idlib in recent years. Anwar al-Bunni, co-founder and executive director of the Syrian Center for Legal Studies and Research, described the proposed timetable for a new constitution and elections as logical. We cannot talk about a new constitution and elections while Syrians are scattered all over the world, he told VOA, referring to those Syrians who have been displaced due to the countrys 13-year conflict. According to the United Nations, over 14 million Syrians have left their homes since 2011, with 7.2 million internally displaced, while nearly 5.5 million are refugees in neighboring countries and elsewhere. Bunni said Syrian refugees should return home to secure decent shelter and basic services, enabling them to contemplate and discuss their political future. A 3- to 5-year period is realistic before Syrians are fully prepared to vote and participate in politics, he said. We need an independent election commission and political parties, and for that to happen, you need a great deal of preparation. Ammar Abdulhamid, a Syrian American activist who serves as a parliamentarian and director of policy at the World Liberty Congress, agreed that a 4-year wait before holding elections was not unreasonable, as long as the transitional government is sufficiently diverse, and the interim governance structure remains responsive to criticism while respecting basic human rights. However, if this 4-year period is used to fill key positions and institutions with Islamist loyalists to HTS and Al-Sharaa, we may be looking at a planned takeover of governance a shift from one form of sectarian authoritarianism, justified in the name of protecting minorities, to another, justified by claims of majority entitlement, Abdulhamid wrote on X, adding that the composition of the upcoming transitional government will be a key indicator of where things are headed. HTS has appointed a caretaker government composed of loyalists to manage affairs until March 1, 2025, the new governments own deadline for initiating a transitional process. In his al-Arabiya interview, al-Sharaa said a national dialogue conference, tentatively scheduled to be held in January, will determine the structure of the transitional government. Bunni said there must be a legal framework for the country to function in the transitional period, noting the need for a provisional constitution. Other experts argue that establishing a participatory system of governance for all Syrians should begin by including all stakeholders in the transitional process. Syrians are not naive, said Bassam Alahmad, executive director of Syrians for Truth and Justice. They know where HTS comes from, and they would want to ensure that they have a say during this crucial time. He told VOA he didnt believe Syrians were as overly concerned about the 4-year timetable. Instead, their focus was on what might unfold during that period. If the HTS has the intention and political will to establish an inclusive system that allows all Syrians, including Kurds and other groups, to actively participate in their countrys affairs now and in the future, I dont think people would mind if the process took a couple years, Alahmad said. The United States Monday announced nearly $2.5 billion in new aid for Ukraine as part of a surge of assistance in the waning days of the Biden administration. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement the aid includes air defense munitions, counter-drone munitions, ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, anti-tank weapons and artillery munitions. U.S. President Joe Biden said the aid will provide Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems. The package comes three weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump has questioned the level of U.S. aid for Ukraine, raising concerns among Ukrainian leaders that future U.S. support could be in jeopardy. Ukraine's military said Monday it shot down 21 drones that Russian forces used in attacks overnight targeting multiple areas across northern and eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched a total of 43 drones, and that its air defenses shot down drones over the Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Odesa and Poltava regions. Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram that falling drone debris damaged five residential buildings but did not hurt anyone. Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported a building fire caused by a drone attack, as well as a drone hit near a highway. He added there were no casualties in his region. Russia's defense ministry said Monday it intercepted a drone over the Belgorod region located along the Russia-Ukraine border. Regional officials in Kursk also said Russian air defenses shot down a Ukrainian missile early Monday. Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters. The British Committee for Iran Freedom (BCFIF) has announced that over 250 members of the U.K. Parliament, including former government ministers, have condemned the Iranian regimes systematic use of the death penalty to target dissidents and detained demonstrators. In their statement, the cross-party signatories emphasize that these executions are politically motivated, aimed at suppressing dissent and deterring future uprisings through fear and terror. Click here for the full story in Persian. As Azerbaijan squarely put the blame on Russia for shooting down its passenger aircraft, relations between Moscow and its neighbors could become complicated. VOA Russian spoke to American analyst Paul Goble, who listed the dangers the plane crash and Russia's days-long refusal to accept responsibility could pose for its dealings with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Click here for the full story in Russian. The reboot of the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) initiated by the parliament will change the situation in the agency's area of responsibility, former Deputy Minister for Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons, volunteer Heorhiy Tuka said. He expressed this opinion at a press conference titled "Rebooting BES: why is it important" at the press center of Interfax-Ukraine on Monday. "I do not believe that even the BES reboot can radically change the situation in the area for which this organization should be responsible. Believe me, there are many bureaucratic methods that can paralyze the activities of an individual in any position. I am convinced that if the reboot process begins, then the team that Zelenskyy himself calls 'a team of effective managers' will be preparing to filter certain candidates at the very beginning of the selection process," Tuka said. According to him, at the time of the creation of the BES, great hopes were placed on this body as an effective tool for reducing the level of corruption. Tuka also recalled that even during the election of the bureau's leadership, many reservations had already arisen regarding the candidates supported by the President's Office, and Western partners and public organizations were "not thrilled" with these candidates. "One of such important officials in the bureau is the person who oversees all the BES detectives in Ukraine. This person's name is Oleh Tkachuk. It is impossible to overestimate the powers of this person, the influence of this person on certain things. This is the person who actually manages all the BES processes at the time of the pretrial investigation," he said. According to the volunteer, Tkachuk managed to get into a number of scandals in a short period of time: he obstructed the work of the BES detectives who had uncovered illegal tobacco production on the territory of the Vynnyky tobacco factory, got into a traffic accident this summer, and drove a car belonging to a company associated with the activities of the Odesa port. Some media outlets also accused Tkachuk of inaction in investigating grain corruption schemes in the ports of Odesa, in which Odesa BES is involved. In addition, Tkachuk has declared elite property in Podilsk district of Kyiv, not confirmed by official income, and declared large amounts of cash in dollars from unknown sources. Tuka said that despite the facts cited, Tkachuk has never become the subject of an official investigation by the BES and has not received the status of a defendant in court in the accident case. Moreover, according to Tuka, all these facts are simply hushed up. "I believe that this is an example of shameful behavior of the person in charge and complete disregard for reports of such shameful actions by this person's colleagues in power. This is precisely the reason for the phenomenon called the demand for social justice. If Ukrainians learn of such terrible cases and do not see any reaction from the authorities, then, of course, this does not pass by, it causes indignation," he said. As reported, on June 20, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law (No. 10439) on rebooting the BES by 239 votes with the required minimum of 226 votes. It provides for the selection of a new director through a competition with the participation of experts delegated by international partners, as well as the certification of the bureau's employees within a year after the appointment of the new director. Big waves of up to four meters are pummeling the coasts of Ecuador and Peru, leaving scores of ports closed and at least two people dead, authorities said Sunday. Ecuador's secretary for risk management, Jorge Carillo, told a media conference that an "extreme event" was occurring and warned that similar phenomena could be expected in the future. He said that "unfortunately, we have two deaths, both recorded" in Ecuador's southwestern Manta region. In neighboring Peru, almost all ports were closed because of the constant battering of waves, the head of the naval Oceanographic Department, Enrique Varea, told the broadcaster Canal N. He forecast that the big waves "will continue in coming days," but expected them to calm somewhat from Monday, and to return more to normal in the first days of January. Climate change "is behind these sorts of anomalous waves," the head of the Civil Defense unit in Peru's Callao region, Larry Linch, told AFP. Images shown on local media showed jetties and public squares submerged in some parts of Peru, sending residents fleeing to higher ground. The waves, according to the Peruvian navy, are being generated off the U.S. 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. Many fishing boats were damaged, while those that were spared were still unable to work in the dangerous conditions. "We need help from authorities. Here, we've lost some 100 boats," one fisherman told TV Peru. "I'm 70 years old and I've never seen such unusual and strong waves," he said. 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. Big waves were also seen crashing into the central Chilean coast in Vina del Mar, sparking warnings from authorities. 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 phenomenon began on Christmas and will last until January 1, according to Peru's National Emergency Operations Center. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday the health system in the Gaza Strip is under severe threat as he called for an end to Israeli attacks on hospitals. People in Gaza need access to health care. Humanitarians need access to provide health aid. Ceasefire!" Tedros said in a statement. Tedros also called for the immediate release of Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, who was detained by Israeli forces along with more than 200 Palestinians last week. At the time, the Israeli military said the hospital was being used by militants and that Safiya was being questioned as a suspected Hamas member. The hospital, located in the Beit Lahiya area, was one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza. Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza is out of service following the raid, forced patient and staff evacuation and the detention of its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya two days ago. His whereabouts are unknown, Tedros said. The WHO chief also said the agencys partners were able to carry out deliveries of medical supplies, food and water to the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza. The conflict in Gaza began with the October 2023 attack on southern Israel, during which Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. About 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, with one-third of them believed to be dead. Israels counteroffensive in Gaza has killed more than 45,500 people and injured 108,000 others, according to the Gaza health ministry. The United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others have designated Hamas as a terror group. Some information for this story was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Photo: Amazon Prime Video Some years, TV climbs new pinnacles. It reaches for new heights. Words like peak and summit and precipice get thrown around. But its important to remember that in between those peaks, other natural features can be just as beautiful in the literal and metaphorical landscape of this treasured medium. I speak, of course, of valleys. For every peak there is a valley, and the TV of 2024 is full of them. Its easy to think of a valley as a nadir or a depression. In the minds of enormous Hollywood studio heads seeking perpetual and impossible growth, a valley is a point of failure. But this is foolhardy! Valleys are inevitable and invaluable. How can we see our high points without our low ones? Valleys can be barren and desolate, yes, but they can also be full of life! They frame our characters, and they provide natural backdrops for the vehicles that require prominent placement for embedded marketing. 2024 may have been a year of valleys on television, but that doesnt have to be a negative. Let us consider their majesty and the vistas they provide. Photo: Starz No series loves a valley quite as much as Outlander. Here, we see several important features highlighted in a rural landscape. Valleys often feature a body of water, here likely a lake, and visually theyre characterized by an overlapping V-shape that gently draws the eye to a lowered horizon. There is also a guy in a kilt. Photo: Amazon Prime Video The Los Angeles valley from Fallout gives us the other end of the valley spectrum: urban, dry, and vast. This valley formation encircles a mid-century Los Angeles cityscape, beautifully setting off a toxic radiation cloud that will soon kill millions of people. Smothered in clouds, this House of the Dragon valley provides perfect, obscuring aerial cover for anyone who might happen to be wandering around in the wilderness and stumbles into a dragon that went rogue decades ago. Another dark one, Shoguns brand-new valley provides a clear viewpoint for the vast destruction thats taken place as a result of a devastating earthquake. Like Fallout, the valley becomes a showcase for power and terrifying awe. On the other hand, valleys can be locations to declare victory! See, in this case, the glowing river that snakes through this Rings of Power valley. Like so much of the imagery of Ripley, this valley cupped along the Amalfi Coast appears magisterial and cold. It looms; its grandeur is alarming rather than inspiring. One can only assume that the truck prominently featured driving along a canyon in this Yellowstone shot has been included as a part of a promotional agreement. Good-looking valley, though. With caribou seen in the distance and a hunter posed in the foreground, True Detective: Night Countrys icy Alaskan valley communicates lurking danger and astonishing beauty in one glorious image. The distant hanging moon here is the first indication that these are alien valleys, and yet the warm, leafy greens of this Dune: Prophecy scene communicate safety and richness. Looks can be deceptive, though, and all kinds of stuff can hide within little valleys. In this case it was mass murder. Another of the alien valleys on TV this year, this stunner comes from The Acolyte and, like many of these images, features people dwarfed by the valley walls to help provide a sense of scale. This knockout comes to us from The Old Man and relies on a sunburst-over-the-hills element to really lean into the light-and-shadow possibilities of this natural feature. This image, a still from this years Coca-Cola Christmas commercial made entirely by AI, is a demonstration of the uncanny valley. Note, for instance, the odd nonsense shapes on the back of the polar bear childs sweater and the uneasy way the other young polar bears scarf bleeds in and out of its fur. Lighting provides much reason for concern as well. How are the bottles being lit? How do the walls of this cave work? Never mind the uncomfortably visible asscracks on the bears. For completeness, this image does include a depiction of a valley, seen in the background. Now this is a valley. This is textbook! Two heavily sloped sides, one running body of water between. This image comes from 3 Body Problem, and shortly after this frame, a boat will slide along the canal that defines this valley floor and very bad things will happen to the boat. But the valley is lovely, and thats what matters. We end on this frame from Bravos The Valley, which really says it all. We find out as we go through life that when you can put the intellectual and analyzing part of your mind to sleep and do something you love doing, those are good hours. Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Gettty Tony Levin says the word lucky a lot. The bassist, one of the most sought-after session musicians since the early 1970s, doesnt usually analyze how he ended up in such a fortuitous position. For all of us who are freelance musicians, he says, on a super day we have two great options to choose among, and most days we dont have any good options. But come on. Have you seen this guys credentials? Peter Gabriels band. The Brethren of King Crimson. Lennon, Frampton, Rundgren, Bowie. When Levin hears a piece of music hes going to play bass on, he turns off the part of his brain that overthinks things and gets straight to work. Its a strange process, but its a very pleasant one, he explains. We find out as we go through life that when you can put the intellectual and analyzing part of your mind to sleep and do something you love doing, those are good hours. Theyre not work at all. Levin recently wrapped a nationwide tour with BEAT, a group that consists of himself, guitarist Adrian Belew, guitarist Steve Vai, and drummer Danny Carey performing the unbelievably funky music of 1980s King Crimson. (Levin, who often takes photos from his perch onstage, documents each performance with amusing road-diary dispatches that are always worth a read.) To cap off a 2024 that also included the release of a new solo record, Bringing It Down to the Bass, Levin took a spin through his archive to reminisce about the most significant sessions of his career. Paul Simon, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (1975) The way it got put together as a session was fascinating. I had worked a bit with Paul already, and he tended to use the same technique in the studio. He plays his song and walks over to the keyboard player first. At that time, it was Richard Tee. He plays it with him and works out the piano part. And then Paul walks over to Steve Gadd, the drummer, and does the same thing with him. Then he comes to me, but he sang to me the bass parts he imagined. The bass player in me was interested in those very melodic ideas he had, but I also wanted to ground it and play differently. Thats what he wanted. He wanted me to be myself but to be influenced by his ideas. If you can be bothered to listen to the bass part on that song, it starts out very melodically Im not playing the roots. And then in the B section and in the chorus, it goes down to playing very simple and sparse. So I got to be me and I got to be Paul. Being around him for a few albums in the studio and hearing those ideas influenced me as a bass player. At its deepest level, my bass playing isnt just picking the right notes. Its being the kind of musician whos aware of what, musically, is best for that situation. Photos of Levin performing with Simon in 1980, taken from Levin's tripod on the side of the stage. Tony Levin. Photos of Levin performing with Simon in 1980, taken from Levin's tripod on the side of the stage. Tony Levin. Peter Gabriel, Peter Gabriel (1977) Without question, the most significant session Ive done in my career. Peter had just left Genesis. I didnt know who he was or even what Genesis was. I was lucky in the sense that, for one, I got to play with Peter and Im still in a musical and friendship relationship with the guy. And two, one of the guitarists on that session, Robert Fripp, is the founder of King Crimson, which I subsequently joined. How significant in ones career anybodys career to make two connections like that, which go on for so many years and involve such music? It was a terrific lineup for Peter Gabriel. The producer, Bob Ezrin, was responsible for my being there, and he had used the same rhythm section for some Alice Cooper and Lou Reed records. Peter was different from anybody I had heard. The music turned out quite different from Genesis, so even if I had done my homework, I wouldve been surprised and pleased that this was in a whole different direction. He was so energetic, young, and trim. Actually, we were all energetic, young, and trim back then. Soon after, I was on tour with him and saw the other side of Peter. I wouldnt say Peter is shy, but hes a quiet, humble, and gentle person. And then I got onstage with him and he unveiled Rael, the Genesis character he goes into. Hes basically a juvenile delinquent whos out of control. I was like, What the hell is this? Steve Hunter, at left, Levin with a tuba, and Gabriel at a dinner party in 1976recording in the studio with Gabriel in 1976. Tony Levin. Steve Hunter, at left, Levin with a tuba, and Gabriel at a dinner party in 1976recording in the studio with Gabriel in 1976. Tony Levin. John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Double Fantasy (1980) These took place at the Hit Factory. They were supposed to be a secret. The first day at the sessions, we were instructed by the production team not to tell anybody even family what we were doing. They didnt want the word out, which, of course, was a reasonable request given the artists at hand. On the second day, I got in a taxi and told the driver to take me to the general area of the Hit Factory. And the cabdriver responded, Oh, thats where the John Lennon sessions are going on. I was amazed. I said, Excuse me, but how did you know that? And he responded, Oh, it was on the radio this morning. So the secret of those sessions didnt work out so well. Johns first words to me were They tell me youre good. Just dont play too many notes. I smiled, knowing that I dont play too many notes and it wasnt going to be a problem. Im very comfortable with his sort of New York, Lets be direct here, lets not beat around the bush. So I had a laugh about that. John would, like Paul Simon, play the guitar for all of us at the same time. He wouldnt walk over me as a bass player. My thoughts were always, Hes playing a John Lennon song. Hes not playing something that sounds like a Beatles song. And then inevitably Id think, There are 5,000 bass players on the planet who could do a great job at this right now. I have to find the right notes. Its all there for you. I was very gratified that John seemed to like my bass parts. We alternated between his and Yokos songs. Yoko didnt play an instrument, so how she communicated her pieces was the exact opposite of John. John could just play it and the musicians knew what to play. Whereas Yoko had to go through it and had an arranger do charts, which werent too indicative of what we really ought to play. It was a different adventure finding the style and the way to best do Yokos songs. We would do one after the other. On Johns pieces, Yoko would be in the control room helping out with a comment or two or bringing out tea. And then John became the tea boy and went into the control room and kept quiet and let Yoko run her sessions. Pink Floyd, A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987) David Gilmour asked me to play bass on the album after Roger Waters famously left the band, thinking it was the end of them. I wasnt part of any of the bands intrigue and was thrilled to enter into the world of trying to play appropriately for a Pink Floyd context but also be somewhat myself. I brought out the Chapman Stick, an instrument I can play as a bass. Its not the most common instrument, but I use it as one of my regular basses. I found David to be a fascinating guy and a real gentleman a wonderful person to be with. Those sessions werent exactly hard, but the style of Pink Floyd is very particular. I can remember one instance when I had a long vamp out and I played an extra few notes. Im not talking about a fast bass riff here; Im just talking about a couple notes. After the take, when we got together to listen, David smiled and said, Tony, in Pink Floyd you dont do that extra couple notes until far later. I had the right idea, but I did it too quickly. He was silently saying, You dont know that, but the rest of us do. The music went down fine. But heres the kicker: Somewhere only a week or so into the session came up the subject of whether I could tour with them. But the tour was to begin a little bit before the end of a Peter Gabriel tour I was already involved with. So I was exposed to this conundrum not many people have had: Oh, do you want to tour with Pink Floyd for a year and maybe forever? But it would involve missing the last few weeks of a Peter tour I was already committed to. It was one of those big career decisions, perhaps even my biggest, where I went to stay with Peter. Ive never regretted it, but Im sure my career path wouldve been different had I spent that next year and a half doing Pink Floyd. David Bowie, The Next Day (2003) David Bowie had planned a very secret session because he hadnt done an album in years and people thought he was retiring. So when I was called for it, the production team told me not to tell anybody. And unlike John and Yoko, this really was a big secret. Even at the studio, in lower Manhattan, they had given the workers two weeks off to ensure they wouldnt be there. I had to be working on a Sunday, which was the wedding day of a close friend of mine. I was to be the best man at that wedding. This close friend was a David Bowie fan. Here was my conundrum: What do I tell him? Do I turn down the session to be there for the wedding or do I do the opposite? Should I tell him at all? I was sworn to secrecy by the production team, so it was tricky. The compromise I came up with was I did say no to the Sunday session, but I did the Saturday session, which meant I wasnt there for the rehearsals of the wedding. And I didnt tell my friend. I had to be like, Im sorry, I cant be your best man. I can only be there at the wedding. So hows that for a cryptic compromise? About a year later, I had, frankly, forgotten about this secret session and the album coming out. But the producer, Tony Visconti, emailed me at midnight of the day it could be spoken about. Immediately, I called my friend and said, Remember when I couldnt make the rehearsal dinner? I was doing a David Bowie session. I hope you appreciate that and forgive me for not telling you about it. He did, thank God. Anyway, the thrill was being in the studio for an extended period of time. I was playing the songs with David playing keyboards right beside me. He didnt say much. He let me do what I did. I hadnt known what a good musician, a good player, he was. He really helped things by his live playing of the keyboard and singing along. So that was a hoot. Im a photographer who takes a whole lot of photos in the studio. I asked if I could take a photo, and they told me, kindly, No, you cant. The photographer in me kicked myself in the butt, thinking, You should have taken a photo and then asked, so you would have that one picture. Instead of being the bass player who asks first and then doesnt take the photo. Oh well. And now, a bonus memory In the 1970s, as a newcomer to New York session playing, I was called to play on a jingle a one-hour session for Old Spice. Arriving, I found it was a big band composed of horn players Id admired for years. They were great jazz players doing whatever sessions came up. Whistling the famous Old Spice theme was Toots Thielemans, the great harmonica player, whistler, and composer of Bluesette. Arranging and conducting was none other than Herbie Hancock. I played my simple part, thinking, Tony, youre not in Rochester anymore. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. The humanitarian aid sent by Azerbaijan is intended for the destitute population of Idlib, the spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizade told reporters during the dispatch of the first humanitarian aid caravan from Azerbaijan to Syria at the Absheron logistical center, Trend reports. In accordance with the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in order to assist the population suffering from the humanitarian crisis in Syria, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it is envisaged to send a corresponding caravan of humanitarian aid to the Syrian Arab Republic. The humanitarian cargo includes about 200 tons of food and food products. The trucks are expected to reach Syria after passing through Georgia and Turkiye and then through the Chobanbey checkpoint and will be sent to Idlib city. It is planned that the aid will be distributed to the destitute population of Idlib city through the Turkish AFAD organization, he said. He claims that the Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister's delegation is visiting Syria. Relevant meetings were held with the transitional government and the Foreign Ministry, and cooperation between Syria and Azerbaijan was discussed. As is known, the Azerbaijani embassy in Syria has been inactive since 2012. The subject of discussion at these meetings was also the issue of restoring the embassy's activity. After the fall of the Assad regime, Azerbaijan intends to take steps to ensure stability in Syria and restore the country. These issues are coordinated jointly with brotherly Turkey. Our actions in this direction will be continued, Hajizade added. The first caravan with humanitarian aid left Azerbaijan for Syria today. The caravan consists of 10 cars with about 200 tons of food and food products. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The Ancient Civilization's Echoes in Italy's Greek Temples. Known for its Roman history, Italy is home to some of the most impressive Greek temples outside of Greece. They provide a unique window into the ancient Greek world that once flourished on Italian soil and are primarily found in southern regions such as Campania, Basilicata, and Sicily. The region of the "bel paese" known as "Magna Graecia," or Greater Greece, was a thriving hub of Hellenic trade, culture, and religious activities between the eighth and third centuries BCE. These temples now serve as silent reminders of a past period, attracting tourists, architects, and historians alike. Paestum: An Exhibition of Doric Proficiency Paestum, which lies in Campania, just south of Naples, is home to some of the world's best-preserved Greek temples. Around 600 BCE, Greek settlers established the site as Poseidonia, and its architectural gems are a singular example of ancient craftsmanship. The Temple of Hera (Basilica): Dedicated to the goddess Hera, this building dates back to the sixth century BCE and has a strong, austere charm. Early Greek architecture was characterised by power and simplicity, which are evoked by its robust Doric columns. The Temple of Athena: Constructed in 500 BCE, this temple is notable for combining Ionic and Doric architectural elements, which is indicative of the architectural innovation of the time. The Second Temple of Hera: Often referred to as the Temple of Neptune, this masterwork from the fifth century BCE is regarded as the height of Doric architecture. Its columns give off an air of timeless harmony since they are perfectly symmetrical. Via Magna Graecia, 84047 Capaccio-Paestum, Italy is the address.Daily hours of operation: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM (last admission at 6:30 PM).Adult tickets cost 12, with elder and student discounts available. The serene beauty of Paestum frequently astounds visitors, as the ancient temples stand magnificently against the beautiful skies and rolling hills. Sicily: Italy's Greek Heartland The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily, served as a primary gathering place for Greek immigrants. The island's temples, which combine local workmanship with grandeur, are on par with those of mainland Greece. Agrigento's Valley of the Temples Some of the best specimens of ancient Greek architecture can be found at the Valley of the Temples, a vast archaeological park and UNESCO World Heritage site: The Temple of Concordia is one of the best-preserved Doric temples still standing, having been constructed in 440 BCE. Because it was converted into a Christian church in the sixth century CE, it is in immaculate shape. The Temple of Juno: Dedicated to the goddess of marriage, this temple is perched on a ridge with a view of the valley. The site's mystical aura is enhanced by its spectacular surroundings. The Temple of Heracles: Despite being largely destroyed, the columns that remain serve as a reminder of the durability of old craftsmanship. Address: 92100 Agrigento, Sicily, Italy; Via Panoramica Valle dei Templi.Hours of Operation: 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM every day.Adult tickets cost 10; children under 18 and EU nationals under 26 enter free of charge. A Forgotten Marvel: Selinunte Selinunte, a sizable archaeological site peppered with temple ruins, is located on Sicily's southwest coast. With its dispersed yet towering columns, the enormous Temple of Hera stands out among them and provides insight into the scope and aspirations of Greek builders. Strada Provinciale 81, Castelvetrano, 91022 Sicily, Italy is the address.Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.Adult admission is 6; group and student discounts are available. Metapontum: The Undiscovered Gem Basilicata's Metapontum is just as fascinating as Paestum or Agrigento, although being less well-known. The 15 surviving columns of the Temple of Hera, also called the Tavole Palatine, proudly contrast with the Italian countryside. For those looking to connect with the ancient past, this location offers a more personal encounter despite being quieter and less visited. SS106 Jonica, 75012 Metaponto, Basilicata, Italy is the address.Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day.Adult tickets cost 4, while children under 18 enter free of charge. Taormina's Greek Theatre One of the most well-known and stunning historic theatres in the world is the Greek Theatre of Taormina, which is perched on a mountaintop with a view of the Ionian Sea. This theatre was constructed in the third century BCE with Greek plays and religious rituals in mind. It was modified for gladiatorial contests and other public performances throughout the Roman era. Greek architecture is typified by the theater's semi-circular shape, which is cut into the landscape to enhance acoustics and offer breathtaking views. Visitors can take in the expansive views of the sea, the town of Taormina, and the distant, imposing silhouette of Mount Etna from the seats. The theatre continues its tradition as a centre for the arts by hosting performances, concerts, and cultural events today. Via Teatro Greco, 98039 Taormina, Sicily, Italy is the address.Operation hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, every day.Tickets: The general admission fee is 10, with senior and student discounts available. It is a must-visit location for anyone travelling through Sicily because of its historical significance as well as the unmatched beauty of the surroundings. The Teachings of These Temples Italy's Greek temples are more than just historical artefacts. They demonstrate how Greek culture had a profound impact on ancient Italy's political, religious, and artistic traditions. These buildings are prime examples of the Greeks' command of material, symmetry, and proportion; they frequently used marble and limestone from the area to realise their ideas. However, these temples also convey a tale of cross-cultural interaction. Greek colonists and Italic tribes mixed in Magna Graecia, resulting in a distinctive fusion of customs that had a long-lasting impact on the area. Originally places of worship and social meetings, the temples now act as links to a common human past. Today's Temple Visits Walking among these historic ruins is a life-changing experience for contemporary tourists. These locations encourage contemplation of the ancients' inventiveness and spirituality, whether it is the golden light that bathes the columns of Agrigento at sunset or the serene grandeur of Paestum in the early morning. These ancient monuments are given new life by the cultural events that are held at several of these locations, including light shows, plays, and festivals. These programs serve to both conserve the temples and act as a reminder of their continued significance in the contemporary world. A Trip Through Time More than just tourist attractions, the Greek temples in Italy offer glimpses into a culture that cherished order, beauty, and the holy. They serve as a reminder of the universal human yearning to relate to something bigger than ourselves. Discovering these ageless monuments is a voyage through the core of historical legacy, regardless of your level of interest in history. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA It is projected that 320,000 women in Ireland will have accessed an expanded free contraception scheme in 2024, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said. The minister highlighted the uptake of the scheme, with data from January to September this year showing that approximately 245,000 people accessed it at least once. This compares to just under 189,000 women who accessed the scheme in 2023, when it was available to women aged 1730. In January, it was extended to women aged 31, and was further expanded in July to include women aged 32 to 35. Mr Donnelly said: We introduced the free contraception scheme in recognition of the barriers that many women faced in accessing contraception affordably. No-one should have to bear disproportionate financial costs because of their gender. Im very pleased by the strong uptake in the scheme, which is providing women with financial freedom when making choices about their reproductive health. Since its launch in September 2022 we have expanded it rapidly in response to clear demand. Its one of many developments in womens health in recent years that reflect our ongoing efforts to provide a quality, accessible and equitable health service for all, regardless of ability to pay. The scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary, who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and for whom prescription contraception is deemed suitable by their doctors. Almost 2,400 GPs and 2,050 pharmacies are providing services under the scheme. In 2024, Waterford lost some very special businesses. It is no secret that small businesses have struggled since the pandemic, and the subsequent crises have made their mark on streets across the country and county. Small business owners face challenges around VAT, increasing costs, and changing industries. And for some over the past year, the challenges just became too much. For others, retirement called. These are the Waterford businesses that closed in 2024. Munster Bar Perhaps one of the biggest shock closures was The Munster Bar in the Viking Triangle. The Munster Bar closed its doors in March this year with its final service on Easter Sunday. Proprietor Peter Fitzgerald told the Waterford News and Star they had just got to a certain age and planned to retire. First and foremost, were all getting on a bit. The Munster is a big enterprise and it takes a lot of running. As you get older, that gets harder and harder. So, we spoke about it and we said that it was time to give someone else a bite of the cherry, said Peter, in March. The bar was a landmark of Waterford city for an incredible 70 years. The Fitzgerald family ran it for three generations. But its history goes back much further as one of Waterfords oldest registered commercial buildings. The building itself had been a tavern since 1853. Glorious Susi Glorious Susi announced their closure in May 2024, after 13 years in business. The owners of the award-winning establishment said increasing costs had made it impossible to continue. Glorious Susi had been known for supporting local causes like Villa FC who they sponsored for five years. They won many awards including Blas na hEireann, Waterford Business Awards, 11 consecutive Mckenna Guide awards and National Food Awards. When they closed, Glorious Susi shared their highlights and thanks. For their final post, they wrote: "The end of Glorious Sushi is bittersweet, but we are filled with gratitude for our amazing customers. Your support over the past 13 years has meant the world to us. Thank you for being an essential part of our story." Wetherspoons UK company Wetherspoons closed its Waterford site, An Geata Arundel, in June. The closure was one of four in the Republic of Ireland. But in more positive news, the Causeway Group snapped up the property and kept the staff. An Geata Arundel became Broadstreet Bar and Grill in the same month. Cove Street Takeaway The Cove Street Takeaway Service in Tramore closed its doors in July 2024. In a statement at the time, management said it was closing due to an enforcement following from Waterford City and County Council. They said the letter alleged breaches of planning, and while Cove Street Takeaway Service disagreed, they had to comply with the order. They said in their statement: "This closure also impacts our local suppliers. In these challenging times for small businesses, we hoped that any concerns would have been addressed directly, allowing us to resolve them amicably. "For the past five years, our goal has been to enhance this side of Tramore, providing a space for the community to enjoy high-quality foods," management added. Finders Keepers Finders Keepers announced their departure in July but didnt close until September. The shop was located on Michael Street, Waterford City, and sold gifts and homeware and was open for almost seven years. Finders Keepers in Waterford City Making the announcement on social media, owner Lisa Connolly said her energy had been zapped and thanked her sister and colleague Beth for all her work in keeping the business going. Ms Connolly said in her announcement: "Like every good story, there is an exciting beginning, a gripping middle, and a happy ending. "We love the community that we have built through Finders Keepers and are so grateful for each and every connection made. "I'm brimming with pride with what we achieved. I do think we made our mark." Genesis Clinic In December 2024, laser and aesthetic company Genesis Clinic in Ballybricken, announced its permanent closure after 11 years in business. Genesis Clinic provided medical treatments, including botox, laser hair removal and microblading. The clinic was set up in December 2013 and was operated by Dr Tracy Godfrey. In a post on social media, the company said: Genesis Clinic is now permanently closed. We would like to thank all those who have supported us over the years and wish you all good health for the future." The business further noted that remaining voucher holders can make contact by text to 085 2847512. People with vouchers are asked to include their name, mobile number and voucher number. Genoa Takeaway Not quite closed, the Di Vetta family in Dungarvan have announced Genoa will close in the new year. The owners announced their retirement in December and said they would remain open as usual over Christmas. In their announcement, the family said: Sad to say our time has come. We have enjoyed the 35 years here in this wonderful town, a place we now call home. A rare canon was stolen by British treasure hunters from Tramore Bay in the early 1970s, according to recently published documents. The cannon was taken from a ship wreckage on the coast of Waterford and was sold on to the Tower of London, one of Britains foremost tourist attractions. The shipwreck was located near the Metal Man on Tramore Bay. A recent article by Alexandra Toppings in The Guardian UK outlined how the cannons were displayed as a tourist exhibit in the Royal Armouries and Tower of London without any reference to Ireland. The bronze canon, measured at 2.75 by 1.8 metres, was estimated to be valued at 30,000 in the 1990s. Publications at the time reported that the canon was sold at an Essex scrap heap for 3,250. It is believed that the canon was bought by a senior Tower official who did not ask about its providence. The canon was displayed at the Tower of London without any reference to Ireland. The situation led to a decades long back-and-forth between Irish and British officials, with the Irish pleading for the canons return. In the early 1990s, the Tower of London officials worried that the canon could be targeted by the Provisional IRA. 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 I hated, hated, hated magic in high school, says Penn Jillette, the taller half of Penn & Teller, who are arguably or perhaps inarguably the most famous magic duo in the world. I thought the idea of lying to people was repulsive, he explains. I had been fooled when I was very young by a person doing ESP on TV, and that had turned me against science. And because of that appearance on TV, I actually went from an A student to a D student. Theres no doubting the sincerity or the vehemence of Jillettes response. Nor is there any question about the significance of the moment in forming his approach to his chosen field: it bred the scepticism that has been at the heart of the duos work since they began performing together in 1974. Next month, Penn Jillette and Raymond Joseph Teller will kick off their 50th-anniversary tour in Australia (Teller is a former schoolteacher who uses only the surname these days; like Madonna or Pele, hes famous enough not to need more than a single moniker). Teller (right), a former schoolteacher, almost never speaks on stage, while Penn almost never stops. Remarkably, its only the second time the pair have been here, the first tour happening just two years ago, at its third attempt. Because of the plague [COVID] and because of Tellers back, and because of some other things, we cancelled two or three times, says Jillette. There were people who had actually bought front-row tickets three times to see our show. When we finally went out on stage the response was something wed never had before. And it was nice. Advertisement Screaming fans are not typically a part of a Penn & Teller show; theyre much more about the triumph of the rational over the illusory. Their stage act, like their TV series Bullshit and Fool Me, is all about the presentation of an illusion followed by the explanation of how it was done (or at least the appearance of an explanation; misdirection remains part of their armoury). And there are jokes. Lots of jokes. Penn does all the talking, machine-gun fast; Teller almost never utters a word. Which is not to say they dont have fans. They are billed by the Rio in Las Vegas as the longest-running residency on the strip; the 1500-seat theatre in which they perform is even named after them. Success on this scale was never part of the plan, insists Jillette. Teller and I were doing very well and were very happy before we had what anybody else would consider success, he says. We were carny trash, playing fairs, playing Renaissance festivals, playing streets, and we were very, very happy. The goal was never to do a show in Vegas, was never to have our own theatre, was never to do Broadway. The goal was just to do these little weird ideas. Our obsession was always with the ideas. Penn & Tellers mix of comedy and illusion has made them one of the most successful magic acts in the world. Teller claims the pair have developed almost 200 bits over the course of their career which incidentally is more different bits than any magicians in history have done but at core they all come down to the same idea: use your brain to understand what is going on because there is no such thing as magic or the supernatural. This commitment to rationalism was born in Jillette out of that realisation as a kid that he had been hoodwinked. He was, he recalls, about 12 or 13, and at home with his parents watching an evening chat show on TV when George Joseph Kresge Jr, aka The Amazing Kreskin, came on. And I saw him do an ESP card trick, and he was hawking this jive-ass ESP test set as though it was science, and I was very, very interested in science. And my parents, although not wealthy my dad was a jail guard were very interested in my education, so they bought me this ESP set. Advertisement Over time, Jillette did all the tests in the kit using his parents as his guinea pigs, assiduously recording the results, like any good young scientist. But one day when he was in the library looking for a book on juggling, he pulled a magic book from the shelf. His memory tells him the book fell open to the page, though his rational mind tells him that cannot be true. Either way, I found the trick that he had done on TV explained in the book. And the embarrassment I felt was overwhelming. He confronted his parents, who immediately confessed they had known it was bogus, but gee, didnt they all have fun doing it? But I was just like, I was lied to, and I believed it, Im just stupid, why do people treat people like that? The embarrassment I felt was overwhelming. He wasnt just angry at his parents and Kreskin. He was furious at anything that purported to tell the truth. I would go into class and go, Oh, youre lying to us about stuff. Im not taking any tests. Im not doing anything. And I kept that attitude towards science and school pretty much until I met Randi. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO PENN JILLETTE Worst habit? Not listening. Greatest fear? Bears. I dont like bears. The line that stayed with you? It frightens me the awful truth of how sweet life can be. Bob Dylan Biggest regret? Not doing The Tonight Show when Johnny Carson was the host. He asked us and we argued about the ending of a bit (we wanted to keep Teller dead in our Water Tank routine and he wanted to show him alive), so he said we could do it with Jay Leno instead. We did the show with Leno as guest host and ended up doing a completely different bit. Favourite book? Moby Dick. I re-read it all the time. The artwork/song you wish was yours? Anything by the Bard of Minnesota (Thats Bob Dylan). If you could time travel, where would you choose to go? Well, leaving out the obvious of going back and buying Microsoft and stopping Hitler (werent those the same time?), I guess June 24, 1966, to see Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention open for Lenny Bruce at the Fillmore. Or maybe Dylan at Royal Albert Hall. Or maybe meet my mom and dad when they were 22 years old. But lets just leave it at stopping Hitler. But then again, I had a chance to stop Trump and I didnt. I was there. So I dont deserve time travel. Randi was the American sceptic James Randi, most famous in Australia as the guy variety program host Don Lane told to piss off his show in 1980 for casting doubt on the legitimacy of the English psychic and medium Doris Stokes (an incident that provided the inspiration for last years Australian horror film Late Night with the Devil). Jillette was in his final years at high school when he read Randis book Flim-Flam! Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions, and its impact was immense. Its a very simple thing to say, If there were no Randi, there would be no Penn Jillette, he says. He created me. Usually, hes given credit for creating Penn & Teller, which is also true. But I go even deeper and say the way I am now is not the way I would be without Randi. Advertisement Later in our chat, he demurs a little. I dont want to give Randi all the credit; Teller also deserves some of the credit, because Teller was also saying, Maybe we can do a magic show without insulting peoples intelligence. But it was Randi, he says, who said to me, You could do tricks and be honest, and you could be on the side of right. A sceptic might observe that this oppositional talk is a handy way of marketing a magic act both to people who dont much like the form and those who do. You get the tricks, but you also get to have the lid lifted on them. But Jillette really does believe that theres something rotten in the heart of magic, and he and Teller are here to cut it out. Loading Many magicians, Im afraid to say, the morality of their art form doesnt cross their mind. And morality does enter into magic in a way it doesnt with, say, music. The idea of lying comes up in magic every time you consider doing a trick, and how you deal with that is everything. Theres a great bit of video from Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s, in which Penn & Teller make objects disappear and float into space, including tiny versions of a plane, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower all chosen in reference to David Copperfield, who made the real things disappear in his magic act. At the end of the SNL skit, the camera pulls back to reveal the duo have been performing while hanging upside down. The reveal isnt just a gag, it goes to the heart of what theyre all about. [Magician] David Blaine has said to me, and has said publicly, that he believes the magicians job is to leave people believing things that arent true, says Jillette. That is diametrically opposed to what I believe. Advertisement BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. On December 30, Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, made a phone call to Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The Lithuanian President expressed his condolences to the President of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people regarding the loss of lives in a plane crash, wished a speedy recovery to the injured, and expressed solidarity with the Azerbaijani people. President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the attention and condolences. The heads of state exchanged views on further strengthening peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. During the phone conversation, they noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, highlighting cooperation in cultural and humanitarian fields between Azerbaijan and Lithuania. 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. Loading 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. Bosses who deliberately underpay workers could be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $1.65 million in the new year, while companies risk fines of more than $8 million. Landmark wage theft laws that come into effect on January 1 will make intentional underpayment of workers a crime across the nation. Workplace Minister Murray Watt said the laws were aimed at organisations deliberately committing the offence, and would not apply to honest mistakes or employers who inadvertently underpaid workers. Workplace Minister Murray Watt says the laws will target organisations deliberately underpaying workers. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Workers who steal from their boss can already be charged with theft. It should be no different for bosses who deliberately steal their workers wages, Watt said in a statement. Berlin: Tech billionaire Elon Musk caused uproar after backing Germanys far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections, leading to the resignation of Welt am Sonntags 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. Elon Musk has involved himself deeply in US politics now hes turned his attention to Germany. Credit: AP 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. The Alternative for Germany [AfD] is the last spark of hope for this country, Musk wrote in his translated commentary. Cairo: Holding elections in Syria could take up to four years, the countrys de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, said in remarks broadcast on Sunday, in his first comments on a possible electoral timetable since Bashar al-Assad was ousted. 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 in their country. Syrias de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the weekend. Credit: AP The comments from Sharaa, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that ousted Assad on December 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 groups 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. President Ilham Aliyev's interview with Azerbaijan Television regarding the crash of an AZAL plane in Aktau has received widespread international media coverage, Trend reports. The French La Gazette du Caucase emphasized President Ilham Aliyev's firm stance against speculative theories about the tragedy. "President Ilham Aliyev rejected the bird strike theory, citing the fuselage's multiple punctures, which undermine this explanation. He also highlighted that Russian officials had proposed a theory involving a gas cylinder explosion, which he considered an attempt to obscure the true cause of the incident. Azerbaijan's demands to Russia are clear and firm: an apology, acknowledgment of responsibility, accountability for those involved, and compensation for the victims," the outlet reported. The Swiss Aze.swiss platform focused on Azerbaijan's swift response to the crash. The report highlighted President Ilham Aliyev's immediate reaction, including the dispatch of Azerbaijani medical experts to Kazakhstan and the initiation of a criminal investigation. The article also drew attention to President Ilham Aliyev's statement that the plane appeared to have sustained external damage and the possibility of interference from electronic warfare systems. The Turkish DHA Press spotlighted the international implications of the investigation. The publication noted that President Ilham Aliyev thanked Kazakhstan for its assistance with rescue operations. "President Aliyev stressed the importance of aviation safety and announced the suspension of flights between Baku and several Russian cities," DHA Press wrote. The article further noted that Azerbaijans demands for Russia to accept responsibility for the crash are in line with international law. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, visited the STEAM Innovation Center, Trend reports. The Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, briefed Leyla Aliyeva on the center's activities. During her visit, Leyla Aliyeva closely observed the innovative technologies in use and the educational processes designed to foster students' creativity. The STEAM Innovation Center was established to promote the development of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in Azerbaijan. The center provides students with opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills using modern technologies while also developing creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Leyla Aliyeva explored the center's advanced technologies, including robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and virtual and augmented reality laboratories. She also interacted with visiting students, reviewed their projects, and praised their work. She underscored the importance of innovations that can be applied across various fields. Emphasizing the role of young people's achievements in science and technology, Leyla Aliyeva noted their significance for the countrys development. Students shared their future plans, innovative ideas, and goals during the meeting. The National Lottery have confirmed that Saturday's Lotto jackpot winning ticket worth 5,419,866 was sold at Careys, Main Street, Belmullet. The Careys in Belmullet are no strangers to National Lottery winning ways after celebrating several high-tier wins over the years, including one of Irelands largest Lotto jackpots of 13.8 million in 2016. The Mayo player becomes the 11th Lotto Jackpot winner of 2024, joining the ranks of ten other big winners from across the country, including Dublin (5), Limerick (2), Louth, Wexford, and most recently, Galway. This latest win also makes the Mayo player the 35th National Lottery millionaire of 2024. The winning numbers in the main Lotto draw were: 2, 4, 5, 10, 16, 17 and the Bonus was 23. Members of Mayo County Council have kept up their attack on the proposed new reductions to the speed limits on Ireland's roads. Belmullet-based Cllr Gerry Coyle described the plan to reduce speed limits on local roads from 80km to 60km as "utter nonsense". The reductions were to come into effect in November but have been deferred to the spring. At the December meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Coyle told council management: We know these proposed speed measures did not go through at the county council meeting, so what is going to happen from here? The whole thing is pure and utter nonsense and it is a sure indication of a complete lack of investment that the roads are being brought down to 60km/h. It beggars belief what is going on, with some of these people who are making up the rules. I can guarantee that whoever advised the Minister on this did not live in villages around Belmullet or rural Ireland." Cllr Coyle said he understood the motivation was road safety but it was the wrong approach. Look, there isnt a person I know who doesnt want to save lives, but there are other measures around speed and safety. Anyone walking on a road should have a high-vis jacket on and we should be installing speed ramps in every town and village where there is a school and shops and people walking. They have them all over the country and they can be fitted in easily and removed again if they are not needed. Head of the district, Seamus O'Mongain, said the item would be included on the January agenda of the municipal district pending feedback from the council's roads department on the members decision at a previous meeting to reject the speed limit changes. He added that the council's Director of Roads may also have corresponded with the Department of Transport on the matter and he would follow it up in time for the meeting in January. Reading, PA (19601) Today Any morning clouds give way to partly sunny skies; a milder afternoon with highs back above the 60-degree mark. . Tonight Becoming cloudy overnight with some patchy fog and drizzle possible late at night. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. Finnish President Alexander Stubb sent a letter of condolences to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in connection with the tragic loss of life as a result of the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the city of Aktau, flying from Baku to Grozny on December 25, Trend reports. "Your Excellency, I am deeply saddened by the devastating news of the loss of so many lives in the crash of the aircraft belong to Azerbaijan Airlines on December 25. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you and all those affected. On behalf of the people of Finland and myself, our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims, as well as with your entire nation. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration," the letter reads. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Any morning clouds give way to partly sunny skies; a milder afternoon with highs back above the 60-degree mark. . Tonight Becoming cloudy overnight with some patchy fog and drizzle possible late at night. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization Zurab Pololikashvili sent a letter of condolences to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in connection with the tragic loss of life as a result of the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the city of Aktau, flying from Baku to Grozny on December 25, Trend reports. "Your Excellency, It is with great sorrow that I have learnt of the tragic accident involving Azerbaijan Airlines plane, travelling from Baku to Grozny, which crashed while attempting and emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan. On behalf of the World Tourism Organization and myself, please accept my heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones, those injured and everyone impacted by this tragic event. During this difficult time, we stand in strong solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan. We wish full and speedy recovery to the survivors of the crash and once again convey our condolences to all who are mourning this loss. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest esteem," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. A cultural event titled "Youth Festival" was held in the Japanese prefecture of Wakayama with the support of the Tanabe Education Committee and the "Youth Fest" organization, Trend reports via the State Committee on Work with Diaspora. According to the committee, the event took place in the "Tanabe Enplus" center, where high school students from the city of Tanabe organized food and non-alcoholic beverage sales, workshops, and various presentations. At the event, Azerbaijani diaspora representative Minara Shukurova gave a presentation about Azerbaijan, detailing the country's culture and history to the guests. During the festival, choreographer Lala Aslanur conducted an online Azerbaijani dance lesson for the Japanese audience. To note, Aslanur, the leader of the "Dance with Me" project, has been promoting Azerbaijani national dances worldwide for over five years, introducing Azerbaijani culture. Japan was the next country to experience this. The people of the Land of the Rising Sun warmly received the Azerbaijani national dances. Articles about the festival were also published in the local press. https://www.agara.co.jp/article/443652; https://www.agara.co.jp/article/433007 Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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... BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. A caravan of hope has embarked on its journey from the land of fire to the heart of a war-torn realm, carrying the seeds of compassion destined for the soil of Syria, Trend reports. According to information, the caravan is rolling out with 10 vehicles, hauling around 200 tons of food products. Prior to the dispach, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Yalchin Rafiyev met with the Syrian Transitional Government's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaybani on December 29. The parties consented to initiate a new phase focused on collaboration and camaraderie in the historically strained relations between Azerbaijan and Syria. From this perspective, the Syrian side was informed that the Azerbaijani Embassy in Damascus is scheduled to restart operations after a 12-year hiatus in the near future. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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. && This is the second of a three-part series. Part one was published on December 27, 2024. Part three was published on December 30. Grant and Pabloism Ted Grants claims to orthodoxy are decisively refuted by his attitude to the emergence of Pabloite liquidationism within the Fourth International, which culminated in a split and the founding, against Michel Pablo and his supporters, of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) in 1953. Indeed, the theoretical revisions of Grant were a clear anticipation of those associated with Pabloism. At the conclusion of the discussions on Eastern Europe, the Fourth International defined the hybrid states formed by the Stalinists as deformed workers states. Emphasising their distorted and abnormal character, this definition establishes the principled basis on which the Trotskyist movement asserted the necessity of defending these states against imperialist intervention while insisting on the mobilization of the working class against the ruling bureaucracy in a political revolution to establish genuine workers democracy as an essential component of the struggle for world socialism. Michel Pablo However, from 1949, Pablo, leader of the FIs International Secretariat in Europe, proposed that the transition from capitalism to socialism would take place through centuries of such deformed workers states. In what came to be identified as the theory of war-revolution, he even postulated that the conflict between the US and the Soviet Union would end in a global civil war in which the Soviet bureaucracy would be forced to carry through the socialist revolution. Pabloism wrote off the working class as a revolutionary force and reduced the Fourth International to the role of a pressure group on the Stalinists, social democratic and bourgeois nationalist movements. At the Third World Congress of the Fourth International in 1951, Pablo insisted that building the cadre of the FI depended on learning to appreciate the mass movement as it exists and to find our place in this movement. The aim of this policy of entrism sui generis (of a special type) was not to facilitate the building of the Fourth International by winning the allegiance of workers from the reformists, but to push these parties to the left. [ 1 ] With the very political existence of the FI at stake, on November 11, 1953 the leader of the US Socialist Workers Party James P. Cannon issued an Open Letter rallying orthodox Trotskyists internationally which insisted that the overthrow of capitalism can be accomplished only under the leadership of the working class in society, requiring in every country the construction of a revolutionary socialist party in the pattern developed by Lenin as a section of the Fourth International. Grant, in contrast, recognised Pablo as a political co-thinker. As early as June 1950, Jimmy Deane, Grants close collaborator, had noted, Pablo has made the transition! What a development. He conducts a struggle against us and then ends up with our position more or less. [ 2 ] Arthur Deane, Jimmy Deane and Ted Grant, mid-1950s [Photo: Ted Grant Internet Archive] Pablos initial supporters in the UK were grouped around John Lawrence, who sought the liquidation of the British Trotskyists grouped around Gerry Healy, before supporting the Stalinists crushing of the Hungarian revolution in 1956 and then, in November 1958, joining the Communist Party of Great Britain. It was Grant, and a small number of Pablos supporters in Britain, who replaced Lawrence as the British section of the International Secretariat of the Fourth International, forming the Revolutionary Socialist League in 1957. Grant subsequently broke with the International Secretariat in 1964 but maintained a Pabloite orientation of a particularly nationalist character. As he explained in 1970: Under the hammer blows of events, the development of mass centrist groupings in the Stalinist and social democratic parties is inevitable. Mass splits from these tendencies will be on the order of the day in the coming decade or two It is from these mass forces developing within these organisations that the mass forces of the International will come. [ 3 ] Though privately referring to themselves as revolutionaries, publicly and in recruiting its cadre, the Militant Tendency spent decades insisting that socialism would come about by a Labour government passing a parliamentary enabling act nationalising the biggest corporate monopolies. Its essential political role was to confine leftward moving workers and youth within the Labour Party, defined as the essential party of the working class due to its resting on the trade unions. Militant grew in the 1980s during the wave of opposition to the Thatcher government and the IMT has lived off this politically ever since. Notoriously, in Liverpool, where it dominated the Labour-controlled city council, Militant demonstrated its grotesque opportunism by striking a deal with the Tory government that headed off a struggle by Liverpools council workers over attacks on local services and helped contribute to the isolation and defeat of the 1984-1985 miners strike. Ted Grant appealing against expulsion, Labour Party Conference, 1983 [Photo: Ted Grant Internet Archive] For its pains, the Kinnock leadership of the Labour Party expelled Militants leadership as Labour began an historic lurch to the right. This shift was rooted in the extraordinary development of economic globalisation, the explosive growth of transnational corporations and unprecedented integration of the world market and internationalisation of production. Globalisation and the dissolution of the Soviet Union The unprecedented international mobility of capital had rendered all nationalist programmes for the labour movement of different countries totally obsolete and reactionary, leading the social democratic and trade union bureaucracies to abandon their old reformist programme in favour of acting as naked advocates of the capitalist market and direct appendages of corporate management. This universal wave of political renunciationism found its most fundamental expression in the turn by the Stalinist bureaucracy to capitalist restoration in the Soviet Union, which began under the guise of Mikhail Gorbachevs promise of democratic reform through Glasnost and Perestroika. His actual programme was for the counter-revolutionary restoration of capitalisman attempt to overcome the crisis of the isolated Soviet economy through the destruction of the nationalised property relations and the restoration of private ownership of the means of production. This culminated in the dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 25, 1991, the establishment of the capitalist market, and the transformation of the leading figures within the Stalinist state, industry and party apparatus into criminal oligarchs. The ICFI insisted that the contradictions between the nation state and a burgeoning global economy that saw the chain of imperialism broken at its weakest link in the USSR, due to the extreme economic autarky practiced by the Stalinist bureaucracy, opened up new revolutionary possibilities for Trotskyism as the sole tendency that had opposed Stalinism from the standpoint of defending the programme of world socialist revolution. Mikhail Gorbachev (center), March 7, 1985 with Andrei Gromyko and Nikolai Tikhonov [AP Photo/Boris Yurchenko] Grants Militant Tendency in contrast took the position that Gorbachev represented a reforming wing of the bureaucracy, not a conscious agent of imperialism. Even as the Soviet Union was being liquidated, Grant claimed that the August 1991 coup attempt showed that sections of the bureaucracy were still defending socialism, writing in an internal bulletin, If, as was entirely possible, the regime had been compelled to carry out a policy based on recentralisation and the planned economy, accompanied by terror, this would also give a certain impetus to the productive forces for a period of time. [ 4 ] It was Grant and Woods position for the next decade that the movement towards capitalism in Russia has not yet been carried to a definitive conclusion, and may yet be reversed. [ 5 ] From this perspective Grant not only posited the re-establishment of the former Stalinist regime but proposed his tendency as a partner in this goal. He wrote: Let us be clear, even if there is a struggle between rival wings of the bureaucracy, one wing openly pro-capitalist and another wing - for their own purposes - trying to defend the basis of the nationalised economy, it would be a fundamental mistake to think that we would be neutral in that situation, even if you had a situation where sections of workers were supporting the other wing Trotsky said that in principle you couldn't rule out in advance the possibility of a united front, a temporary and partial united front, between the Trotskyists and the Stalinist bureaucracy, if it came to an open civil war and an attempt to restore capitalism in the USSR. [ 6 ] Grant and Woods rejected Trotskys designation of Stalinism as counterrevolutionary through and through. Trotsky had explained that the consolidation of the nationalist bureaucracy was the first stage of the bourgeois counterrevolution in the USSR. In The Revolution Betrayed he predicted the bureaucratic caste would seek to root its privileges more firmly in bourgeois forms of property. On this basis he advocated not alliances with so-called reforming wings of the bureaucracy, but its overthrow by the working class in a political revolution. The restoration of capitalism by the Stalinist bureaucracies was the sharpest expression of the transformation of all the old national reformist labour organisations and their renunciation of any, even limited, defence of the working class. But Grant and Woods rejected drawing any lessons regarding the character of the Labour Party, which they insisted remained a bourgeois workers party, or the corporatist trade unions which they insisted remained the essential organisations of the working class on which the socialist project must be based. Nevertheless, the entire political perspective the Militant Tendency had pursued since the end of World War IIbased on the assumption that the Kremlin bureaucracy, the social democratic parties and trade unions in the West, and the national movements in the former colonial and semi-colonial countries, would maintain their political hegemonyhad been fatally undermined. This led to a factional conflict between Militant editor Peter Taaffe and Grant and Woods, first over the appraisal of Russia and then over Taaffes suggestion, formulated as a political adaptation to a rise in support for the separatist agenda of the Scottish National Party and called the Scottish turn, that it was necessary to engage in an initial tactical experiment of work outside of the Labour Party. Peter Taaffe, the then general secretary of the Socialist Party of England and Wales, September 2006, in his office in London [Photo by Andy Soh - Own work / CC BY-SA 3.0 In 1992, this ended in a split, with Grant and Woods forming the Socialist Appeal group. The split was mirrored internationally, leading to the formation of the International Marxist Tendency. The IMT continued to operate as entryist groups within whatever social democratic or Stalinist party they could find a berth, and to encourage illusions that various bourgeois formations and individuals could be transformed into the vehicle for realising socialism. In A New Stage in the World Revolution, written July 25, 1996, the IMT decried: the ultraleft idea that it is possible to find a short cut by raising the banner of the independent party [as] false to the core All history shows that, when the masses move into action, they first express themselves through the traditional mass organisations The crisis of the reformist parties, especially when in government, will prepare the way for a swing to the left and the emergence of mass left reformist currents everywhere. It is the task of the Marxists to penetrate these currents and, by patient explanation and friendly criticism, win over the workers to a genuine Marxist programme. [ 7 ] The most significant example of the IMTs efforts at penetration was its boosting of the bourgeois nationalist movements in Latin America, which claimed to represent a Bolivarian socialism. Woods became a prominent cheerleader for Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Explaining the class character of Chavez politics, World Socialist Web Site writer Bill Van Auken wrote on the occasion of his death in 2013: Chavez was a bourgeois nationalist, whose government rested firmly on the military from which he came and which continues to serve as the crucial arbiter in the affairs of the Venezuelan state Chavez had ample reason to promote his policies with the left rhetoric of an ill-defined 21st Century Socialism. The aim, first and foremost, was to divert and contain the militancy of the Venezuelan workers, whose struggles, to the extent they escape the control of the ruling PSUV (Unified Socialist Party of Venezuela) and its affiliated Bolivarian trade union federation, are often branded as counterrevolutionary. However, an entire layer of the international pseudo-leftincluding various organizations and individuals who have in the past cast themselves as Trotskyistsattempted to lend credence to this socialist rhetoric. [ 8 ] Woods stood in the front ranks of such apologists. Writing in May 2005, under the headline, Encounters with Hugo Chavez, Woods insisted, For the first time in the almost 200 years history of Venezuela the masses feel that the government is in the hands of people who wish to defend their interests And Chavez? Chavez clearly draws his strength from the support of the masses, with whom he identifies fully If there is sometimes a lack of clarity, even this reflects the stage in which the mass movement finds itself. The identity is complete. [ 9 ] Woods and Hugo Chavez in a meeting [Photo by Alan Woods / CC BY-SA 4.0 Such apologias for a bourgeois capitalist regime earned Woods a friendly meeting with Chavez, who recruited him to speak at a pro-government rally. He concluded the piece by stating, I believe that a growing number in the Bolivarian Movement are looking for the ideas of Marxism. I am sure that this applies to many of its leaders. And Hugo Chavez? He told me that he was not a Marxist because he had not read enough Marxist books. But he is reading them now. And in a revolution people learn more in 24 hours than in 20 years of normal existence. Those criticising Chavez from a socialist standpoint, Woods denounced for their haughty attitude, as if the masses whose name they were always invoking were ignorant children who needed to be educated by them. Unfortunately for these lefts, the masses showed not the slightest interest in these would-be-educators or their lessons. [ 10 ] Syriza and the Corbyn revolution Events were, however, catching up with the IMT, as millions of workers drew their own opposed conclusions as to the reformability of the old social democratic and Stalinist parties, deserting them in droves. The chief response of the pseudo-left groups internationally was to organise and promote a series of supposedly broad left formations made up of themselves and various Stalinist and reformist groups, advanced as a populist inheritor of the mantle of their parent partiesincluding the New Left Bloc in Portugal, Syriza in Greece, Podemos in Spain, Die Linke in Germany and the New Anti-capitalist Party in France. The IMT joined in this project, including setting up the Communist Tendency of Syriza that urged the Coalition of the Radical Left to carry out the socialist transformation of society. After Syriza came to power in January 2015, based on pledges to oppose EU-backed austerity measures and after months of pleading with the European Union (EU) for paltry concessions, it repudiated the landslide vote against further austerity in the July referendum and agreed even harsher spending cuts than its predecessors. Politically exposed by this betrayal, no tendency was more enthused than the IMT when Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader of Britains Labour Party in 2015, or more supportive of his victory speech to Labours 2016 Special Conference in which he boasted, Since the crash of 2008, the demand for an alternative and an end to counter-productive austerity has led to the rise of new movements and parties in one country after another... In Britain, its happened in the heart of traditional politics, in the Labour Party, which is something we should be extremely proud of. The IMT and Socialist Appeal urged workers, young people and trade unions alike to join or affiliate to Labour to help the Corbyn revolution transform the party. In October 2017, the IMT wrote of Corbyns government in waiting and efforts by The Establishment to control the next PM, with specific reference to how Corbyn would not buckle like Syriza and its leader Alexis Tsipras had done: There is no doubt that a Left Labour government would face similar pressure from all quarters if in power... However, Britain is not Greece; Labour is not Syriza; and Corbyn is not Tsipras. The Labour Party has a far greater historical weight and much deeper roots within the working class than Syriza ever had. It is not an ephemeral trend, but the traditional mass party of the British working class, with strong links to the trade unions. [ 11 ] Even as Corbyn made one retreat after another, the IMT wrote of the Blairites being in full retreat and of the 2018 Labour Party conference reminding the Labour right wing whos really in charge now. It noted that Corbyn also used his conference speech to hold out an olive branch to his opponents, promising to draw a line under... the row over anti-Semitism, and asserting that Labour is now united and ready to govern. In reality, however, these conciliatory remarks to his critics were the words of a man who knows that he is now firmly in the driving seat. [ 12 ] Jeremy Corbyn (left centre of photo) meeting Tsipras (opposite) in the UK, June 26, 2018 [Photo: Jeremy Corbyn/X] By December 2019 the Corbyn revolution was over. Having lost a second general election to the Tories he resigned as party leader, paving the way for Sir Keir Starmer. Even then the IMT tried to hold the line, with Woods writing of the Blairites last desperate attempt at regaining control. At a certain point, the right wing will either split, or be vomited out. This will push Labour far to the left, opening up serious possibilities for the Marxist tendency. [ 13 ] As late as September 11, 2020, Woods group was insisting still that The left leaders need to acknowledge that this is a gloves off, no-holds-barred battle to drive the Blairites and bureaucrats out of the PLP and Labour HQ, and transform Labour back into the mass social movement that it was becoming at the height of the Corbyn era. [ 14 ] The Woods group tacks left: What does the Revolutionary Communist International represent? It is the aftermath of the ignominious collapse of Corbynism and related movements such as Syriza and Podemos, against a background of continued decline in support for the rightward careening Social Democratic parties such as Labour, that has driven the IMTs turn to creating Revolutionary Communist parties and to proclaim itself as a new Revolutionary Communist International. The IMTs article announcing the RCI states, The mass reformist parties dominated by the right wing, the Stalinists and sects are in crisis, the left reformists in many countries have been smashed because of their vacillations and betrayals, and there is a deep vein of radical workers and youth ready to embrace communism. The situation is crying out for a new point of reference. [ 15 ] But in recognising this historic shift in the political loyalties of the working class, the Woods tendencys objective role is to stop the young people attracted to its superficial revolutionism from drawing the essential lessons of the Trotskyist movements historic struggle to build such a revolutionary leadership, as embodied in the International Committee of the Fourth International. They offer a counterfeit, which still seeks to subordinate the working class to the old social democratic and trade union bureaucracies while advancing the proposition that a revolutionary tendency is in formation from out of the shattered fragments of Stalinism. Prior to the founding conference, Woods delivered a keynote report to a January international meeting of the IMT, World Perspectives: Crisis, Class Struggle, and the Tasks of the CommunistsSocialist Revolution, that was published February 14. This did address the central themes of the RCIs founding manifesto and helps to illustrate how the Woods tendency politically disarms the working class. The central characteristic defining the newly created RCI is a continuation of an objectivist falsification of Marxism. Alan Woods visits Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal on the Canadian leg of his first tour of North America in 2012 [Photo by Fightback/ La Riposte - Alan speaking in Montreal about May 68 / CC BY-SA 2.0 The difference is this: For decades, the forerunners of the RCI pointed to genuine problems in the development of a revolutionary movement in the working classthe ability of imperialism to grant certain social concessions and the resulting political domination of the reformist and Stalinist partiesto justify constant opportunist adaptations to these self-same bureaucratic, as well as various bourgeois nationalist, formations. Now, the RCI proclaims the escalating crisis of world imperialism as driving forward a revolutionary development irrespective of the necessary political struggle to develop in the working class a conscious understanding of its revolutionary tasks. The RCIs new-found revolutionismits recognition of the global crisis of world imperialismnow becomes a new rationale for a wholesale adaptation to non-proletarian and even the most reactionary forces imaginable. Woods earlier remarks are an extraordinary outburst of wild subjectivism and political impressionism, which make no reference to the history of the workers movement. He focuses almost exclusively on a belated recognition of the discrediting of the social democratic parties that his tendency for decades insisted must be transformed into the instrument for achieving socialism. Most significantly, this is combined with a paean to the supposedly automatic transformation of militant youth into communist cadre that rejects any necessity for their political education. Before turning to this central issue, however, it is necessary to illustrate the form in which Woods objectivism disarms the international working class in the face of the central dangers it faces as a consequence of world capitalisms escalating crisis: war and right-wing reaction. On these issues, he urges only complacency, insisting that nothing is as bad as it seems and that everything is preparing in a semi-automatic fashion a revolutionary development of the working class. Woods begins by stating, I will not deal at any length with the economic analysis, which weve done thoroughly elsewhere. This declaration is linked to an August 2023 statement, The world in 2023: crisis, war and revolution, which argues that US aims in the war in Ukraine are strictly limited to weakening Russia and that A direct confrontation between NATO and Russia, with all its nuclear implications, will be avoided by both sides at all costs, with Washington straining to put definite limits to the present war and open the path towards negotiations. Gas burns in front of a business centre damaged by a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, September 1, 2024 [AP Photo/Yevhen Titov] Woods reduces NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine, and US backing of Israels genocide in Gazathe response of US imperialism to its economic decline and the challenge to its global hegemony, especially from Chinato the mistaken actions of political representatives of world imperialism. These are all, he says, complete idiots for not acting in a logical manner and creating serious problems caused by miscalculations on the part of the ruling class. He asks, What is the strategic importance of Ukraine for US imperialism? and replies, Read my lips: Ukraine, from the general standpoint of the global interests of American imperialism, is of zero importance. He conceals the fact that the Biden administration sees the expansion of NATO as a strategic goal necessitated by the desire to reconquer the territory and resources lost to imperialism in 1917. Instead, the war deliberately instigated by the NATO powers is portrayed as the result of Bidens mistake of not doing a deal with Putin that would have established a stable relationship with Russia in order to concentrate on the central problem, which is, of course, China. He adds, to consider the expansion of NATO to be a matter of principle was a very stupid assumption to make in the first instance. Why should it be so important? Really speaking, it is not important. Woods then praises Putins regime for having learned from their mistakes and being on the verge of winning the war, which he argues will bring the working class into conflict with the Zelensky regime with the mood in Ukraine pregnant with revolutionary implications. Bidens second mistake is his unconditional support for this monster Netanyahu, asking, What necessity was there for the man to do such a thing? He then continues, The next illogical stepbut one they will take, in all likelihood, in my opinionis to bomb Iran He makes no call to oppose such a development, arguing instead that such a war will lead to a progressive outcome, setting the Middle East on fire and, in the course taken by events, provoking revolutionary explosions that will see the overthrow of one rotten Arab regime after another. [ 16 ] This is an accurate appraisal of the position on war taken by the Manifesto of the Revolutionary Communist International, which also identifies various examples of the declining world position of US imperialism to paint a picture of its inevitable eclipse by China as the global hegemon. There is no attempt to alert the working class as to how the US drive to maintain its hegemony has become the main accelerant of a global military conflagration. Instead, the manifesto explicitly rejects any possibility of this conflict ending in war because changing conditions have removed this from the agendaat least for the present. The capitalists do not wage war for patriotism, democracy, or any other high-sounding principle. They wage war for profit, to capture foreign markets, sources of raw material (such as oil), and to expand spheres of influence. Is that not absolutely clear? And is it also not very clear that a nuclear war would signify none of these things, but only the mutual destruction of both sides? [ 17 ] With nuclear war ruled out because it would be illogical, also ruled out is any necessity for the working class to answer this threat. In its stead, Woods and the RCI offer up Russian and Chinese capitalism as a counterweight to the imperialist powers. This took yet more grotesque forms in Woods opening report to the RCI founding conference, in which he declares, Say what you like about Vladimir Putin, he's a very bad man, he's a gangster But one thing he is not, he is not stupid. Same thing can be said of Xi Jing Ping in China. Xi is praised for telling Biden to effectively go fuck yourself, while the senseless and quite unnecessary war in Ukraine will be won by Russia, which has a very powerful army indeed that is killing very large numbers of Ukrainian soldiers while suffering only minor casualties. Russia will therefore win and impose a humiliating defeat for the West and for NATO. [ 18 ] Woods praise for Putin and Xi is eclipsed by his grotesque embrace of and political apologia for Donald Trump. He denies baldly that Trump constitutes a far-right threat to the working class, stating in his earlier IMT report, Of course, the reaction of all the sects is predictable. Theyll all be beating the tom-toms again. Fascism, fascism, they will cry. Of course, it is not fascism at all. Instead, he urges his members to see Trumps ascendency as an expression of the radicalisation of the working class and a necessary stage in their political development, stating, But even the support for Trump in the United States, in a very peculiar way, has been based on how this horrible reactionary billionaire has been quite skilful in his rhetoric, in his demagogy, attacking the establishment, the fat cats in Washington. And theres no question that hes struck a note. Trump gives expression to a mood of blazing anger, of rage against the ruling class, against the rich and powerful, against the establishment, against the lying media and is likely to be swept to power in the next election. President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Monday, December 16, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] No one should be worried about this because, You see, the masses need to go through this experience in order to expose this demagogy for what it is. And that will prepare the ground for a new radicalization and a revival of the class struggle, which is beginning already in America. Thats the point. [ 19 ] Woods will no doubt be congratulated by the RCI leadership for predicting Trumps victory, portraying this as an expression of legitimate revolutionary hostility to Bidens Democrats. But Woods has in fact politically embraced Trumpportraying his presidency as a guarantor against war and a legitimate alternative to the Democrats. After repeatedly insisting that there is no danger of nuclear war because of a common belief in Mutually Assured Destruction, Woods wrote to finally acknowledge this threat in a November 19 article titled, An angry old man, a deranged Ukrainian, and World War III. However, he not only maintains the position that this threat exists solely because of the illogical actions of Biden and his stooge, Ukrainian President Zelensky, but casts Trump as the hero of the hour. He writes of Biden agreeing to Ukraines use of long-range missiles to target Russia as actions unworthy of someone holding the highest office of the United States of America, akin to the tantrums of a spoilt brat who has been deprived of his favourite toy, and in revenge systematically wrecks his bedroom. Only here, what Biden has done is not to smash up a room, but to place in mortal danger the entire population of the United States, and possibly the entire world. He then notes the barrage of criticism from Trumps supporters, including Elon Musk, before describing the announcement as a calculated insult and a blatant provocation against Trump! He finally offers his praise of and free advice to the would-be Fuhrer on how he can singlehandedly end the war danger: Let us not forget that Trump won a resounding electoral victory having campaigned on a promise to end the US involvement in wars and instead use taxpayers money to improve Americans lives. He has said he will bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end within 24 hours. So far, as we have said, Trump has not made any comments about the latest developments. This is probably the right thing to do, since his political enemies in the media are circling like vultures, waiting to pounce on any mistake he might make. If he comes out publicly against Bidens decision, he will immediately be accused of disloyalty to the USA, supporting Putin, betraying Ukraine, and so on and so forth. Far better then, to let other people speak on his behalf, to bide his time for a few weeks. Then, once he is safely installed in the White House, he can quite easily order his officials to ignore the irresponsible decisions of his predecessor. [ 20 ] To be continued The Trudeau government officially inaugurated Canadas Memorial to the Victims of Communism earlier this month. However, no member of the Liberal government was allowed to show their face at the ceremony, for fear it would once again draw public attention to the Canadian states longstanding and ongoing patronage of fascist forces. Yvon Baker, a Liberal MP and former Ukrainian Canadian Congress Ontario Council president, had been expected to address the December 12 inauguration ceremony, but on government orders he instead spoke at an invitation-only, post-inauguration event. In a damning political admission, the Department of Canadian Heritage previously removed all the names listed on the Victims of Communism memorial wall. The move followed the release of a government-commissioned report calling for the removal of the names of over 300 individualsmore than half of the total inscribed on the monumentwho were directly or potentially linked to the Nazis or the fascist organizations that collaborated with them during World War Two. When announcing the official unveiling of the monument, which after its completion had languished for years in the heart of downtown Ottawa, a spokesman for Liberal Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge confirmed that at the time of the unveiling, there will be no names on the monuments wall. Her office released a statement saying that the government will continue its due diligence to ensure all aspects of the memorial remain compatible with Canadian values on democracy and human rights. In fact, the presence of the names of Nazi and fascist war criminals on an anti-communist memorial championed by both Liberal and Conservative governments illustrates quite clearly the shameless hypocrisy and utter cynicism of the Canadian ruling elites claim to champion democracy and human rights. This is a ruling class whose political representatives rose as one in September 2023 to give a standing ovation to former Waffen-SS member Yaroslav Hunka, in a gesture that epitomized Canadian imperialisms decades-long funding and promotion of Ukrainian far-right nationalist ideology and groups. Were the names of the 900 Nazis released, Canadian imperialism would face a repeat, on a far larger scale, of the scandal that erupted in September 2023 when Canada's parliament gave a unanimous standing ovation to 96 year-old Waffen-SS veteran Yaroslav Hunka. Above Hunka being applauded by the dignitaries in the House of Commons gallery. Canadas then Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre is on the far left. Following the Second World War, the Canadian state enthusiastically welcomed tens of thousands of Nazi collaborators from Ukraine and other parts of Eastern Europe, using them as bulwarks of its anti-communist, Cold War policy at home and abroad. Fascists who fought alongside the Nazis and assisted in the Holocaust were recast as fighters for national liberation against Stalinist totalitarianisminvariably presented as the continuation and inevitable end result of the 1917 Russian Revolution. The Canadian state carefully incubated these far-right political forces, leveraging them to promote the revival of nationalism and the dissolution of the USSR, as the Stalinist bureaucracy moved to liquidate state property and restore capitalism in the late 1980s. In recent decades, the political descendants of these anti-communist emigres have played a key role as Canada, alongside the US and its other NATO allies, have sought to transform Ukraine into a NATO-European Union vassal state and used it to instigate and wage war on Russia. With its iron-clad support of the genocidal Israeli government and the far-right Zelensky regime in Ukrainewhich venerates the same Nazi-collaborators honoured by the Victims of Communism monumentthe Canadian political establishment has enthusiastically embraced present-day fascists and perpetrators of genocide in pursuit of their own predatory imperialist interests. A monument whitewashing the crimes of fascism Canadas Memorial to the Victims of Communism was initiated under the Harper Conservative government, working in league with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and other far-right ethnic/emigre associations, as it sought to revive a bellicose Canadian nationalism better-suited to Ottawas imperialist ambitions under conditions of intensifying great-power conflict. Unsurprisingly, the project was greeted by the entire political establishment with enthusiasm. In addition to the strong backing of Harper and his Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, the then leader of the social-democratic New Democratic Party, Thomas Mulcair, Green Party leader Elizabeth May, and Justin Trudeau himself penned letters endorsing the monument. Anti-communism has been a central component of Canadian imperialist ideology for over a century. Canada sent troops to Russia to fight alongside the counterrevolutionary White Armies of the bourgeoisie and feudal aristocracy, as they sought to crush the Bolshevik-led workers state in the civil war that followed the 1917 October Revolution. Subsequently, the Canadian ruling class deployed troops to crush the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike and carried out a wave of mass arrests and deportations, all in the name of crushing a communist conspiracy, expressing their mortal fear of a radicalized working class. All this was carried out by a proud Dominion of the British Empire, which had just waged world war to ensure the continued brutal colonial exploitation of the Indian subcontinent and much of Africa and the Caribbean and seize new territories in the Middle East. During World War II, Canadian imperialism shifted its allegiance to the new dominant world power, American imperialism. Ottawa became a pillar of NATO as the US-military alliance confronted the USSR and integrated its military closely with the US through NORAD. Though the USSR had for decades been dominated by the counterrevolutionary Stalinist bureaucracywhich exterminated the Marxist opposition to their nationalist policies led by Leon Trotsky, renounced the program of world socialist revolution, and helped stabilize world capitalism after the defeat of the Nazisthe US and its Canadian allies ruthlessly pursued a Cold War strategy of containment. Working in tandem with Washington, Canada supported brutal right-wing dictatorships that massacred hundreds of thousands across Asia, Africa, and Latin America and sponsored military coups and colonial wars, all the while claiming to be championing democracy, human rights, and freedom. In reality, the only right to which the Canadian ruling class was irrevocably committed was its right to privately own the socially developed and operated means of productionthat is its right to exploit and extract profits from workers in Canada and around the globe. It was in this context that Canada welcomed tens of thousands of fascists who had fled Eastern Europe and the Baltic States as the Red Army routed the Nazis, sweeping away the Third Reich and various allied fascist government and puppet regimes. They were valued precisely because of their vehement hostility not just to the Soviet Union, but all left-wing politics. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the restoration of capitalism, the far-right nationalist groups they formed took up the call to memorialize the Victims of Communismarbitrarily lumping together the dead from widely different historical periods. These included the Whites in the Russian Civil War, those who died from the famine triggered by Stalins disastrous forced collectivization, fascist Nazi collaborators in Europe, and those killed by Pol Pots nationalist regime in Cambodia in the aftermath of the countrys devastation by US carpet-bombing. This pseudo-historical amalgam has a two-fold purpose: to use the crimes of Stalinism to smear Marxism and all revolutionary opposition to capitalism; and to minimize and relativize the brutalities of capitalist reaction, above all fascismindeed, to justify them as a legitimate response to the threat of Communism. A Tribute to Liberty and Nazi Collaborators Representatives from across the spectrum of anti-communist Eastern European and Asian ethnic associations in Canada came together to form the Tribute to Liberty foundation, the main group backing the creation of the Memorial. Its board of directors is currently chaired by Ludwik Klimkowski, an executive and former VP of the Canadian Polish Congress for Canadian Affairs, and includes among others Paul Grod, former president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), and Ivan Grbesic, a corporate lawyer and member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce. From the beginning, the anti-communist monument was beset by controversy and scandal, as the list of names it proposed to memorialize on its Wall of Remembrance included well-known fascists and Nazi collaborators. Prominent among them was the leader of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), Roman Shukhevych, who collaborated with the Nazis and whose forces massacred tens of thousands of Belarusians, Jews, Poles and Ukrainians. The UPA was the armed wing of the faction of the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) led by Stepan Bandera, who aimed to establish an independent Ukraine as a vassal of Hitlers Third Reich. The Zelensky regime has sought to rehabilitate Bandera and Shukhevych, lionizing the fascist collaborators as heroes and erecting statues of Bandera across Ukraine. The Memorial Wall of the monument was initially planned to list over 1,000 names, but by 2021 the Department of Heritage hired a historian to review a pared-down list of 550 individuals. The review determined that 50 to 60 of the individuals listed were, like Shukhevych, directly linked to the Nazis, and that more than half the names on the list should be removed, as they were possibly linked to the Nazis or fascist groups. Diplomatic personnel in the Trudeau government even weighed in, warning that the inclusion of Nazi collaborators in an official Canadian monument would cause an international scandal. They cautioned the Department of Heritage, writing that: It is important to note that many anti-communist and anti-Soviet advocates and fighters were also active Nazi collaborators, who committed documented massacres. Even the fundraising efforts of the Tribute to Liberty foundationa registered charity that received thousands in donations from politicians like Harper and Kenneywere replete with tributes to fascists and Nazi collaborators. The Pathways to Liberty campaign to fund the monument received donations honouring Roman Shukhevych, as well as Ante Pavelic the leader of the Ustase, the Nazi puppet regime that ran the Independent State of Croatia. Another high-ranking Ustase official, Mile Budak, received a donation in his honour, perversely calling him a poet. The Ustase participated in the Holocaust in the Balkans, killing approximately 32,000 Jews, 25,000 Roma and 330,000 Serbs. The Hungarian Knightly Order of Vitez likewise contributed thousands of dollars. Members of the Order of Vites like Laszlo Endre led the Nazi puppet regime in Hungary that organized the deportation of 430,000 Jews to Nazi concentration and extermination camps. Memorial unveiling postponed after parliamentary standing ovation to Waffen-SS Veteran The monument was initially scheduled to be unveiled in November of last year. But the ceremony was quietly canceled after Ukrainian President Zelenskys official visit to Canada in September 2023, during which he, Prime Minister Trudeau, Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland, all the members of Canadas parliament and assembled dignitaries gave their rapturous welcome to the 98-year-old Ukrainian SS veteran Hunka. The open celebration of a volunteer member of the Waffen-SS Galicia Division during the carefully scripted state visit of the Ukrainian President, as he and his imperialist backers planned an escalation of the war against Russia, was a calculated provocation that backfired spectacularly. In the international political firestorm that followed, the Trudeau government hastily claimed the invitation to Hunka was an innocent mistake borne of ignorance, when anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of the history of the Second World Warincluding Trudeau, Freeland, and Zelenskywould have known that the only Ukrainians who fought the Russians at that time did so in collaboration with the Nazis. The Galicia division of the Waffen-SS, which was made up overwhelmingly of pro-Nazi Ukrainian nationalists, participated in the Holocaust and the massacre of tens of thousands of Poles as they fought the Soviets in German-occupied Ukraine. After the fall of the Third Reich, the Canadian government welcomed tens of thousands of Ukrainian nationalists who had collaborated with the Nazis, including over 2,000 veterans of the Waffen-SS Galicia division like Hunka, and supporters of both factions of the OUN. This influx of Ukrainian fascist collaborators swelled the ranks of the UCC, which was founded at the governments behest in 1940 to combat left-wing sentiment among the Ukrainian Canadian population historically, a major source of support for the Canadian Communist Party. The state-supported UCC played an important role in Canadas domestic and foreign policy during the Cold War, fostering a bitterly anti-communist right-wing Ukrainian nationalism, and intervening in Ukraine in the late 1980s and early 1990s to push for capitalist restoration and the collapse of the USSR. This long-standing alliance between Canadian imperialism, the UCC and the Ukrainian far right documented extensively by the WSWShas remained a critical part of Canadas foreign policy in recent decades, as it has worked alongside the US to bring Ukraine into NATO and use it as a proxy in its confrontation with Russia. This alliance is embodied in the person of Chrystia Freeland, who until this month served as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in the Trudeau government. Freeland has been associated with the UCC since her youth. Her maternal grandfather was the editor of Krakivski Visti, the only Ukrainian newspaper allowed to appear under Nazi occupation. It championed the creation of the Waffen-SS Galicia Division and spread vile antisemitism. Under Trudeau and Freeland, Canada has funneled over $10 billion in aid to NATOs Ukrainian proxies since February 2022, including $4.5 billion in weapons. As undisguised fascists in the Ukrainian military wage war against Russia and its use of US-made long-range missiles threatens a nuclear conflagration, the Zelensky regime has criminalized all political oppositionjailing scores of dissidents. Among them is the socialist and internationalist leader of the Young Guard of Bolshevik Leninists (YGBL) Bogdan Syrotiuk, who was arrested on the bogus claim that he is a Russian propagandist because he called for the unity of Russian and Ukrainian workers to put an end to the war. For decades, the Canadian ruling elite has sponsored the fascist war criminals it welcomed after the Second World War and sought to whitewash their crimes, so that they could be used in pursuit of their own predatory goalsto spread anti-communist nationalist poison at home, and fight for imperialism abroad. The Memorial to the Victims of Communism is a material embodiment of this alliance between Canadian imperialism and the ugly fascist underbelly of the anti-communist diaspora in the heart of the national capital. Even though the Trudeau government has removed the names of Nazi collaborators from its memorial wall, this bloody history remains. The acute political crisis in South Korea continues to deepen as the National Assembly, led by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), voted to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo on Friday. Han, who is also prime minister, assumed presidential duties on December 14, when President Yoon Suk-yeol was also impeached and suspended from office over his failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3. Protesters hold placards showing images of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, and acting President Han Duck-soo during a rally demanding Han's impeachment outside National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, December. 27, 2024. The signs read "Impeachment immediately" [AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon] The DP submitted the motion against Han to the 300-seat parliament on Thursday. It passed the following day 192-0, with the DPs 170 seats and the rest from minor parties or nominal independents aligned with the Democrats. All 108 members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote. Although a parliamentary minority, it holds ruling party status as President Yoon comes from the PPP. The PPP is seeking an injunction to reverse parliaments decision last Friday. While the South Korean constitution requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority to impeach a president, a cabinet minister can be impeached by a simple majority. The party argues that since Han is serving as the acting president, the two-thirds majority rule should apply to him. Han publicly accepted his impeachment, stating, I respect the decision of the National Assembly, and in order not to add to the confusion and uncertainty, I will suspend my duties in line with relevant laws, and wait for the swift and wise decision of the Constitutional Court. The court rules on whether impeached officials are removed from power or not. He has been replaced as acting president by Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok. Han, appointed by Yoon to his cabinet, and the PPP have stonewalled impeachment proceedings against Yoon. In impeaching Han, the DP cited his refusal to appoint three new Constitutional Court justices to fill existing vacancies, as well as blocking bills to establish special counsel probes into Yoons attempt to impose martial law and into his wife, Kim Geon-hui, who is accused of corruption. The DP also accused Han, in his capacity as prime minister, of failing to oppose Yoons attempt to impose martial law, essentially a coup plot, which Han admitted to learning about nearly two hours before the president made his declaration. In order to remove a president from office, six of nine judges on the Constitutional Court must approve. They have 180 days from Yoons suspension to make a decision. Currently, there are only six judges on the court, with three vacant seats since October. This means if only one justice sides with Yoon, he would return to office with all presidential powers, including over the military. The Constitutional Court is one of the countrys two top-level judicial bodies, alongside the Supreme Court. The president appoints all nine justices; however, only three are directly chosen by the chief executive. Three justices are nominated by the chief justice of the Supreme Court and the other three are nominated by the National Assembly. At present, two justices were directly appointed by Yoons predecessor, Moon Jae-in, a Democrat. One was directly appointed by Yoon. The other three were chosen by the Supreme Court. The National Assembly is now wrangling over the appointment of its three allotted judges, with the PPP claiming that an acting president cannot legally appoint the justices. Han had sided with the PPP. Mass protests are continuing against Yoon and the PPP, which demonstrators see as an accomplice in the presidents attempt to impose a military dictatorship. On Saturday, upwards of 500,000 protesters gathered in Gwanghwamun, Seoul calling for Yoons removal from office and arrest. They also called for the dissolution of the PPP. Police claimed only 35,000 took part, a drastic undercounting meant to downplay the protests in hopes of preventing them from growing. Notably, many anti-government protesters on Saturday also waved Palestinian flags in opposition to Israels more than year-long genocide in Gaza and expansion of war throughout the Middle East, which has been backed by Seoul. It is a recognition that the attack on democratic rights is not limited to a single government, but is being carried out by the ruling class around the world. It is also a sign of the anti-war sentiment that exists within the South Korean population. A counterprotest of Yoons supporters took place approximately a kilometer away, which police also estimated at 35,000 participants. Organisers ludicrously claimed three million people took part, a fact easily disproven by photos of the rally. Yoon is also widely despised with over 75 percent of the population supporting his removal from office. While large by any measure, Saturdays anti-Yoon rally was significantly smaller than the two million who demonstrated at the National Assembly on December 14 to demand Yoons impeachment. The Democrats are downplaying the continuing danger to democratic rights, seeking to direct public anger behind the actions of the National Assembly as well as the impeachment of figures like Han Duck-soo. The DP and their supporters in smaller fake progressive parties and the trade unions conduct the rallies, like the one on Saturday, as campaign events and present Yoons removal from office as practically a done-deal. All the problems workers, farmers and youth face are laid at the feet of Yoon, giving the impression that if only he were gone, social and economic problems would be resolved. As well, the DPs allies in the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) have ended their token indefinite general strike, which was nothing more than scattered protests and short, partial walkouts designed to let workers blow off steam without affecting big business or the government. Yoons coup attempt was not ultimately the result of one mans predilection for authoritarianism. It was a product of the crisis of capitalism, which is unfolding around the world. The ruling classes are increasingly turning to far-right and fascistic figures, notably Donald Trump in the United States, to impose their will on the working class. The DP and its allies are seeking to limit the protests to the safe channels of the National Assembly and court system in order to protect the capitalist system itself, thereby covering up the potential for another declaration of martial law should Yoon resume office. This is in a country that was dominated by dictatorial and military rule from its founding as a state in 1948 through the 1980s. Behind the facade of democratic reforms erected after mass protests in 1987, the military and state apparatus retain tremendous influence. The Democrats perfidy has only emboldened Yoon. He and his legal team have largely rejected cooperation with the impeachment and investigation into his martial law declaration. For nearly two weeks, Yoon refused to accept documents from the Constitutional Court related to hearings in his impeachment trial. On Friday, Yoons legal team did finally accept court documents at the last minute before the first impeachment hearing. Yun Gap-geun, one of Yoons lawyers, claimed that the documents were delivered illegally and that they were unable to prepare properly. The next hearing is scheduled for January 3. Yoon has also ignored summons from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to appear for questioning, including a third summons requesting he appear this past Sunday on charges of insurrection and abuse of power. It is possible the CIO will request an arrest warrant for Yoon, but this will by no means resolve the ongoing political crisis. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight on December 25, Trend reports. "Civil aircraft must never be the intended or accidental target of military operations. The strong potential that Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 could have been the victim of military operations, as indicated by several governments including Russia and Azerbaijan, places the highest priority on conducting a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. The world eagerly awaits the required publication of the interim report within 30 days, in line with international obligations agreed in the Chicago Convention. And should the conclusion be that this tragedy was the responsibility of combatants, the perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice," said Willie Walsh, IATAs Director General. On December 25, an AZAL Embraer 190, flying from Baku to Grozny, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau airport. The plane was carrying 67 people in total, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. On December 26, 14 victims, along with the bodies of four deceased passengers, were transferred to Azerbaijan. The crash resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 injuries. The planes black boxes have been recovered, and efforts are underway to analyze them in line with international aviation protocols. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with final conclusions to be drawn after completing all necessary research and data analysis. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) raided Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia on Friday, forcibly removed patients and staff and then set the facility on fire. The hospital was the last medical facility in northern Gaza that remained open since the Israeli genocide against the Palestinians began in October 2023. A Palestinian man sits mourning relatives killed in overnight Israeli airstrikes on the Maghazi refugee camp, at Al-Aqsa Hospital, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, December 28, 2024. [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana] The New York Post reported that over 240 individuals were detained, including the hospitals director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, whom Israel accused of being an operative for Hamas. The Zionist military sought to cover up the impact of its brutal assault by claiming it had evacuated 350 patients and staff before the raid. However, the forced evacuation disrupted patient medical care, especially for those who were critically ill or dependent on life-saving treatments. Details about the hospitals or shelters where patients were transferred were not readily available, as the situation remained chaotic with the ongoing military action. The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned the raid, stating that rendering the last major hospital in northern Gaza non-operational meant that the lives of around 75,000 residents who relied on its services were endangered. The WHO further criticized the systematic destruction of Gazas healthcare infrastructure, highlighting that the remaining hospitals are ill-equipped to handle the influx of patients from Kamal Adwan. Medical and humanitarian groups expressed deep concern over the raid, emphasizing Dr. Safiyas dedication to childrens health under dire conditions. Hamas denied Israels claims that militants were using the hospital as a command center and called for international intervention to protect medical facilities. The incident has intensified debates over the protection of healthcare institutions in the conflict zones and the humanitarian impact of military operations on civilian infrastructure. A report published on Saturday by the WHO said: Initial reports indicate that some areas of the hospital were burnt and severely damaged during the raid, including the laboratory, surgical unit, engineering and maintenance department, operations theatre, and the medical store. Earlier in the day, twelve patients and a female health staff were reportedly forced to evacuate to destroyed and non-functional Indonesian Hospital where it is not possible to provide any care, while most of the staff, stable patients and companions were moved to a nearby location. Additionally, some people were reportedly stripped and forced to walk toward southern Gaza. Over the last two months, the area around the hospital has remained highly volatile and attacks on the hospitals and on health workers have occurred almost daily. This week, bombardments in its vicinity reportedly killed 50 people, including five health workers from Kamal Adwan Hospital. Kamal Adwan is now empty. The movement and treatment of these critical patients under such conditions pose grave risks to their survival. WHO is deeply concerned for their wellbeing, as well as for the Kamal Adwan Hospital director who has been reportedly detained during the raid. WHO lost contact with him since the raid began. The Kamal Adwan Hospital has been the target of repeated military attacks and sieges by Israeli forces over the past 14 months. On October 25, Israeli forces besieged the hospital and trapped approximately 600 patients, companions and staff inside. The WHO reported at the time that medical staff suffered injuries and were detained during this raid. Director Dr. Safiya stated that Israeli tanks surrounded the facility, cut off electricity, and shelled the building, targeting the second and third floors. Following the raid, the hospital suffered significant damage, including the destruction of critical supplies due to bombings. In early December 2024, the IDF conducted airstrikes near the hospital, resulting in civilian casualties. On December 11, the hospitals maternity ward was targeted, leading to the deaths of two mothers and their newborn babies. The following day, Israeli forces raided the hospital, detaining approximately 70 medical staff members and ordering all males above the age of 16 to leave for searches. Reports have also emerged that Israeli bulldozers crushed people sheltering outside the hospital, causing numerous fatalities. The Palestinian Health Minister called for an investigation into these incidents, and international organizations expressed deep concern over the humanitarian implications of the attacks on the hospital. The intensifying attacks and shutdown of Kamal Adwan Hospital are part of the systematic destruction of the medical infrastructure in Gaza by Israel. Since October 7, 2023, numerous hospitals have been targeted, and the sustained assault on healthcare facilities is a central component of the deliberate murder and ethnic cleansing operation of the regime of Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has carried out air strikes against the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, the Al-Wafa Hospital in central Gaza City, the Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza City, the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital in central Gaza and the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis. Dozens were killed in the strikes, and countless others died from lack of access to medical care amid Israels rampage that has destroyed or damaged two-thirds of all structures in the Palestinian enclave. Although comprehensive data is limited, a significant number of civilians, including children, have been killed as a direct result of attacks on medical infrastructure, including drone missile strikes on ambulances attempting to reach injured people or transporting victims to hospitals. The airstrikes on October 22, 2023, near the Al Shifa and Al Quds hospitals, for example, contributed to what has been described as the bloodiest night of the genocide at the time. Meanwhile, military operations in Gaza have caused significant casualties among medical personnel. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that approximately 986 healthcare workers have been killed since October 2023. This includes 165 doctors, 260 nurses, 300 management and support personnel, 184 health associate professionals, 76 pharmacists, and 12 other health workers. On November 3, 2023, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that 136 paramedics had been killed, and 25 ambulance vehicles had been destroyed since the beginning of the conflict. On the same day, Israel bombed a medical convoy outside of Al-Shifa hospital. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who has been detained in the latest assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital, was born in 1973 in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip and is a Palestinian pediatrician and human rights defender. Dr. Safiya has refused to evacuate the hospital, choosing to remain with the patients, despite orders from Israeli military forces. In October 2024, during an earlier Israeli raid, Dr. Safiya was briefly detained but returned to continue his work. Tragically, during his detention, his 15-year-old son Ibrahim, who was sheltering at the hospital with the family, was killed by an Israeli drone strike. On December 27, 2024, Israeli forces detained Dr. Abu Safiya again during a raid on the hospital, accusing him of being a Hamas operative. This action has drawn condemnation from medical and humanitarian organizations, highlighting his commitment to childrens health under dire circumstances. Throughout the Gaza genocide, the World Socialist Web Site has reported on and analyzed the Israeli governments attacks on medical facilities and healthcare personnel, which has unfolded with the backing of the US government. These deliberately murderous attacks now barely elicit comment from the Biden administration as it focuses on exiting the White House for the incoming second Trump administration. On Friday, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby made disingenuous comments to reporters, saying, Hospitals should not be active scenes of combat and conflict. People should be able to feel safe going to a hospital, get the medical care that they desperately need. Kirby also reiterated Israeli claims that Hamas is using hospitals to store caches of weapons, to house fighters, to plan and coordinate, allegations that have never been backed up with a single piece of evidence. Kirby then declined to answer specific questions about the strike on the Kamal Adwan Hospital. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna-led (JVP) National Peoples Power (NPP), elected on September 21, visited India from December 15 to 17. This was his first overseas trip since assuming office and involved top level discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as his national security adviser and ministers for finance and external affairs. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, left, Indian President Droupadi Murmu, centre, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremonial reception for Disanayaka at the Indian presidential palace in New Delhi, India, December 16, 2024 [AP Photo/Manish Swarup] Dissanayakes selection of India to visit first is to signal his governments commitment to continue the foreign policy of his predecessor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, in integrating Colombo into the US-led preparations for war against China. India is the major strategic partner of the US in South Asia. Dissanayakes visit took place under conditions of global geopolitical tensions and conflict that mark the opening of a third world war. The US and its NATO allies are already engaged in a rapidly escalating war against Russia in Ukraine. At the same time, Washington is backing Israel in its genocidal war in Gaza that is already expanding into Lebanon and Syria, directed primarily against Iran, and ramping up its provocations, economic war and military build-up throughout the Indo-Pacific against China. Given the JVPs decades-long virulent anti-Indian chauvinist record since its origin in the late 1960s, Dissanayakes moves for closer ties with New Delhi underscore a significant shift. The JVP emerged as a petty bourgeois radical nationalist movement, based on Sinhalese rural youth with a political ideology that was a toxic mixture of Maoist and Castroist peasant guerrillaism and Sinhala populism. It denounced Tamil-speaking Indian-origin plantation workers as a fifth column of Indian expansionism. During its rightward degeneration in the 1980s, the JVP denounced the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord, which brought so-called Indian peacekeeping troops to the islands North and East to disarm separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), on a chauvinist basis, declaring it would split the nation. It waged a murderous, fascistic campaign against the Accord. Like similar organisations internationally, the JVP transformed itself in the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, abandoned the armed struggle and integrated into the political establishment in the 1990s. It was an aggressive supporter of Colombos protracted communal war against the LTTE, and criticised the government for seeking closer ties with New Delhi as the subordination of Sri Lankas national interests to India. In the past decade, however, the JVP has forged far closer ties with the ruling elites, including business and the military, through the formation of the NPP and has adjusted its foreign policy accordingly. Amid the 2022 mass uprising that compelled President Gotabhaya Rajapakse to flee the country, JVP leaders met with Julie Chung, US ambassador in Colombo, who publicly declared that the JVP was a significant party that resonated with the public. In early February, Dissanayake made a five-day visit to India as an official guest of the Modi government, where he reassured New Delhi that, if elected to power, he would do nothing to undermine Indias national interests. Now in office, his visit this month was aimed at reaffirming his commitment to line up with India, and thus the US, against China. Dissanayake is also desperate for economic aid amid the islands ongoing economic crisis, which forced its default on foreign debt in 2022 and led to the protracted mass protests. He relies heavily on the $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan negotiated by the previous government and is committed to implementing its terms in full. A key component of Dissanayakes talks with Modi in New Delhi was energy cooperation, which, while assisting Sri Lanka economically, will also make the island far more dependent on India. India plans to supply LNG to Sri Lankas power plants and connect the countries power grids. The two leaders also agreed to build a petroleum pipeline with participation from the United Arab Emirates, further integrating their energy infrastructures. Sri Lankas growing economic dependence on India and the US, which holds the dominant position in the IMF, also strongly influences its strategic alignment with the same powers. During his visit to New Delhi, Dissanayake assured the Modi government that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used in ways detrimental to Indias security or regional stability, committing to a free and secure Indian Ocean. Strategically located across vital sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a focal point in the intensifying geopolitical rivalry. Indias security concerns, especially regarding Chinas growing presence in Sri Lanka, were heightened by the 2017 lease of the Hambantota Port to China and the presence of Chinese research vessels. During Dissanayakes visit, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stressed the importance of maintaining Sri Lankas commitment to banning Chinese research vessels from docking in its ports, which is set to expire on December 31. On December 20, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Herath said Colombo was working to formulate a national policy on foreign research ship visits. Echoing Dissanayake, he reassured India that Sri Lanka would not allow any activities that threaten its security. During Dissanayakes visit to India, the two countries agreed to expedite a bilateral security cooperation deal, which will include joint military exercises, maritime surveillance, defence dialogues and exchanges. This marks a significant step towards closely integrating Sri Lanka into Indias strategic agenda, mainly targeting China. Dissanayakes assurances to India continue the trajectory set by previous President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who in July 2023 signed a Joint Vision agreement with India, deepening their economic and strategic ties. Wickremesinghe has issued a public statement hailing this months Dissanayake-Modi talks. China is attempting to counter Sri Lankas shift towards India and the US. A Chinese delegation led by senior official Qin Boyong visited Colombo from December 1619. On December 18, Chinese officials indicated their intention to resume maritime research in the Indian Ocean once the ban on Chinese research ships expires. Nevertheless, despite its considerable economic clout, Chinas influence in Colombo is waning under the pressure of US imperialism and its partners, particularly India. The working class in Sri Lanka and South Asia has no interest in being drawn into a catastrophic global conflict, as the US seeks to maintain its dominance through aggression against rivals Russia, China and any other major power that threatens its interests. Sri Lankan workers need to join with their class brothers and sisters in India and around the world on a revolutionary socialist and anti-war program to put an end to the capitalist profit system: the source of imperialist war. Details emerging about the deal between Stellantis and the StarPlus Energy battery joint venture in Kokomo, Indiana with South Korean Samsung SDI highlight the way the United Auto Workers functions as a labor contractor instead of a genuine workers organization. Starting January 26, Stellantis Kokomo workers sent to StarPlus will be leased workers represented by the UAW. According to a letter sent out earlier this month by StarPlus Energy management, All hourly employees of StarPlus Energy will be separated. Concurrently all employees will be offered full-time employment by Stellantis, which will then lease your services back to StarPlus Energy under our new employment arrangement. Under terms of this deal, the UAW bureaucracy has agreed to supply a captive labor force for the battery operation in exchange for the right to collect dues from the workers. As of this writing, Stellantis workers in Kokomo, except for some from Kokomo Casting and Kokomo Transmission Plant, have been given an option to work at the battery plant as leased workers According to reports by Stellantis Kokomo workers, the UAW is continuing to hold recruitment meetings to push laid off Stellantis workers into StarPlus. Members of the Stellantis Kokomo Rank-and-File Committee report that UAW officials are giving workers an ultimatum, telling them they either accept work at StarPlus as leased employees or lose their jobs permanently. This could also mean losing state unemployment benefits and SUB pay (supplemental unemployment benefits) for refusing to accept an available job. Construction site of new Stellantis-Samsung electric battery plant in Kokomo, Indiana At no point has the UAW stated what UAW-represented StarPlus workers will be paid or if they will keep their present seniority and pay under terms of the 2023 UAW-Stellantis national contract agreement. According to some reports, StarPlus workers earn as little as $19 an hour, far less than UAW members employed at Stellantis plants. In a statement reporting the lease deal with Stellantis in Kokomo, Fain claimed that 1,000 new jobs would be created at the battery plant for UAW members. In the same statement Fain presented the recent resignation of Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares as a victory for the UAW members, claiming Stellantis was trying to cut its way out of its own mismanagement. In reality, Tavares termination has been used to facilitate the UAW bureaucracys collaboration with the auto company. However, it is not clear what the fate of leased workers at StarPlus would be if Stellantis decided for whatever reason to pull out of the StarPlus joint venture if, for example, the incoming Trump administration were to revoke federal subsidies for the EV transition. The lease deal in Kokomo follows the announcement by GM that it is pulling out of the Ultium Cells battery plant in Lansing, Michigan, putting a question mark over the entire project, which GM had claimed would create 1,700 jobs. As one member of the Stellantis Kokomo Rank-and-File Committee stated, When things are unknown it means its always a sellout, referring to the UAWs earlier promise that temporary part time and supplemental workers at Stellantis would be hired as full time after the signing of the 2023 contract. In reality, they were fired within months. During the 2023 contract negotiations, Fain and President Biden talked about a just transition to EV production. This did not mean defending the jobs and pay scales of UAW members. Instead, it meant ensuring that the UAW bureaucracy got the franchise inside the battery plants and other EV production facilities. In exchange for the flow of dues money from these highly exploited workers, the UAW apparatus ensured the corporations and the government that the EV plants would be operated under sweetheart contracts containing substandard pay and benefits. For example, the UAW signed a secret deal to unionize EV company Rivian based on the company achieving profitability. The company, which has not posted a quarterly profit since its founding in 2009, is now receiving a $6.6 billion loan from the US Department of Energy for a new plant in Georgia. The deal to unionize Rivian was done without any consultation nor vote by workers. Like their brothers and sisters at the Big Three automakers, Rivian workers labor long hours under unsafe conditions without stable jobs and adequate benefits. The claim that StarPlus will bring close to 1,000 jobs to Kokomo is misleading. Hundreds of jobs were cut with the sale of the nearby Stellantis Tipton Transmission plant. On top of that, 387 SEs were fired at the beginning of 2024 at Stellantis plants in Kokomo. In a cynical letter announcing the lease deal Region 2B Director David Green said workers should be excited and celebrate. He claimed that Stellantis workers at StarPlus will have a good UAW job and enjoy the benefits they deserve. Workers will recall that Green oversaw the handing of concessions to GM to supposedly save the Lordstown plant, which was shuttered in 2019 with the agreement of the UAW. Later, after being given a job as head of Region 2B, Green helped ram through concessions at Allison Transmission, trampling on a 95 percent contract rejection and a 99 percent strike authorization vote. In early 2023, Green oversaw the sellout of Clarios battery workers in Toledo, Ohio. The deplorable conditions at Clarios provide insight into the conditions the UAW will preside over at EV battery plants, including low pay, multiple tiers and the handling of carcinogenic materials without proper safeguards resulting in lowered life expectancy. As part of the contract deal imposed by the UAW after shutting down the Clarios workers courageous 40-day strike, the UAW agreed to 12-hour shifts without the payment of overtime after 8 hours. A StarPlus worker stated, They recruited us but presented things differently than what is actually happening there. Its a very unsafe environment with multiple OSHA violations. Smoke rises from StarPlus Energy battery plant in Kokomo. Another anonymous StarPlus worker who contacted the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter described the conditions inside the battery plant. There is no breakroom, no assurances of the impact of union transfers, no eyewash stations, exit doors were taped and blocked off, and lack of sustained training for workers. This worker continued, The machine cuts the anode and cathode pieces and then stacks them. They had to wear clean suits and cleanroom shoes. It has 3 percent humidity in that area. The floors are stainless steel, too, so, any electricity hits it will cook some people too. There was a fire scare, and the only alarm was a man in a clean room suit running through the plastic out of the cleanroom, yelling fire...On the fire evacuation, they couldnt figure out why nobody pulled a fire alarm. Before starting the job, the worker said, There was a full week of orientation. Engineers came in and explained what the machines did in that department. And then each administration department, like finance, procurement, safety... This worker described how the company kept the description of the chemicals and the risks very vague. According to the worker, the cathode is on aluminum and the anode is on copper, sitting on slurry of cobalt, lithium and nickel. He noted, There is a huge cancer risk with nickel, cobalt, and lithium. They test other international battery plants for nickel in workers blood. This is what I was told. We signed a lot of paperwork for this. Honestly, it worried me that a large percentage of my hiring group had no idea about this. The community is not educated on what to do if this place burns too. It could be a catastrophe. As the WSWS warned in 2021 concerning the transition to EV production, the aim was not primarily to protect the environment, but to cut costs and increase profits. This was particularly critical in American capitalisms economic and military confrontation with China, which dominates the EV market and the processing of raw materials for the batteries. As with all significant technological advances under capitalism, the WSWS wrote, the shift to EVs, along with the developments in artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles, are not being directed at the betterment of society or the improvement of working conditions, but rather are being used to intensify the exploitation of the working class. Over the last 50 years, the UAW has been transformed from a defensive workers organization into a vehicle for the defense of the income and perks of the well-heeled UAW bureaucracy. The defense of jobs, health and safety cannot be left in the hands of the corporatist union bureaucracy. The Stellantis Kokomo Rank-and-File Committee in alliance with their brothers and sisters in the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), issued the following statement at a recent meeting: We are not alone in losing our jobs. 35,000 of our brothers and sisters at Volkswagen in Germany are losing their jobs as well. Like the UAW bureaucracy here, their union, IG Metall, gave the company their blessings. Just like here they said that no plant will be closed. They dont say anything about loss of benefits for thousands of workers losing their jobs. All the same attempts of reforming the union with the UAWD and others is a way to push us back to the bureaucracy, while they wash their hands from betrayals. We saw what happened to Delphi. Throughout the Midwest workers at Delphi had their wages, retirement and healthcare benefits gutted. They were the test case for the automakers on how to cut costs to boost profits. Spinning off from GM, then lowering the wages of these workers is what Stellantis is doing with us in the battery plants. Lithium, cobalt, nickel and other elements that go into these batteries are in countries like Ukraine and Russia. The US is at war for resources. We dont want to fight our brothers in sisters in Russia, China or anywhere else. We need our own independent organization to share information. The UAW supports the government and the wars abroad while telling us nothing! Theres only a few of them cockroaches and we outnumber them! Workers from Kokomo Transmission, Indiana Transmission, Kokomo Casting and the StarPlus plants and autoworkers more broadly, join us to defend our right to a job! For more information about joining the Stellantis Kokomo Rank-and-File Committee, fill out the form below. On Friday, the New York state attorney generals office released video footage showing correction officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility near Utica, New York, beating to death a handcuffed inmate, 43-year-old Robert Brooks. The bodycams of four of the killers recorded the horrific incident, which has been broadly viewed in the United States and internationally. He was pronounced dead the next day. Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that he died from asphyxiation due to neck compression. A handcuffed and bloody Robert Brooks is seen surrounded by prison guards. Thirteen correction officers and a prison nurse have been terminated from their jobs for the killing. The FBI and the state attorney generals office are investigating the incident, although as of this writing charges have not been brought against the guards. In lying and insincere public statements, prominent state officials have expressed shock and horror at the killing. Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul said she was outraged and horrified after seeing footage of the senseless killing. New York state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) head Daniel Martuscello told the media, This type of behavior cannot be normalized, and I will not allow it to be within DOCCS. Nevertheless, officials defended the New York state prison system. Attorney General Letitia James, who ordered the release of the bodycam footage, said Friday when the correction officers were fired: I also want to make clear that this video and the conduct of these officers should not reflect poorly on the work and professionalism of the countless correction officers and correctional facility nurses throughout the state who go to work every day to protect and serve those in their care. In reality, such brutality, while not always leading to death, is the norm in prisons at New York and nationally. The prison oversight group Correctional Association of New York has documented reports of widespread brutality inside the Marcy Correctional Facility. This includes a 2016 riot by correction officers at the Marcy facility that began after guards thought, incorrectly, as it turned out, that one of their own had been assaulted by an inmate. According to Syracuse.com, Guards ripped out phone lines. They blocked mail from going out. The guards also destroyed inmates property, including legal papers. According to the Syracuse.com, one inmate, Cole Bryant, said that someone stomped on his back, kicked his ribs and yanked his head up, hurting his neck. The assault ended with a kick to his head to make sure he was looking down The account continues: Thats when the officers turned their attention to Bryants roommate, Raymond Broccoli, he said. Bryant could hear an officer taunt Broccoli: Heres how it feels to be helpless. It wasnt until later that Broccoli told Bryant that an officer was sodomizing him with a metal object at the time of the taunt. While the case went to court, no charges were ever brought against the correction officers because inmates were forced to lie on the floor at the time of the riot and could not identify the perpetrators. The brutalization of human beings in the huge American prison gulag, with its nearly 2 million inmates, accounting for about 25 percent of the worlds prisoners, is entirely routine. As the World Socialist Web Site noted recently: On November 26, the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement declaring that since September 15, at least 12 black men incarcerated at the [Red Onion] supermax facility had set themselves on fire in response to the degrading and inhumane conditions at the prison. The statement went on to say that people who have been locked up in Red Onion described being regularly subjected to racial and physical abuse from correction officers, medical neglect, including the withholding of medicine, excessive stays in solitary confinement with one report of 600 consecutive days, inedible food having been covered with maggots and officers spit, and violent dog attacks. Where there is systemic degradation and torture, there is also murder. It is unknown how many prisoners are killed by correction officers either in New York state or nationally. The Prison Policy Initiative noted on its blog this month that rudimentary facts about the system are hard to come by: a lot of things are simply not tracked, and the data that do exist are often limited, inaccessibly formatted, fractured across thousands of jurisdictions, and/or severely outdated. As the prisoners rights group Jailhouse Lawyers Speak noted on its Twitter/X feed in regard to the killing of Brooks: These beatings by officials are happening in prisons AND jails all over the country EVERYDAY in EVERY STATE! Everyone knows this. Hell, they literally have legal torture chairs/beds and chemical weapons that are for wars to work against us. Here is a small sample of the record of torture and beatings in New York state alone: The degrading and at times homicidal treatment of prisoners is only one aspect of a society in an advanced state of social decay. The forces of the capitalist state also operate where their victims are not confined to a cell, as in the police shooting of Derell Mickles (and bystanders) for failure to pay his subway fare in September. The promotion of militarism and fascistic views also fuels vigilante violence, as in the asphyxiation of the mentally ill and homeless Jordan Neely by ex-Marine Daniel Penny. The Trump administration is preparing to vastly increase the number of people detained by the statebeginning with undocumented immigrant workers and their familieswhich will without question lead to an increase in abuse, including beatings, torture and murder. For the past month, the Australian Greens have been campaigning for a power-sharing arrangement with Labor in the event that the next federal election, which must be held by May, results in a hung parliament. Under conditions of consistently dire polling for the Labor government, a fragile minority government is a likely scenario. Last month, on the final sitting day of the parliamentary year, the Greens joined with Labor to help push through a barrage of government legislation. That included the Greens directly voting for pro-business housing policies that will benefit the property developers. While voting against bills for mass deportations of immigrants and a social media ban for children under 16, the Greens facilitated votes on those draconian laws, knowing they would pass with bipartisan Labor and Liberal-National support. Prominent Greens figures have given a series of interviews, emphasising their willingness to collaborate with a Labor government in the next parliament. The Israeli genocide in Gaza highlights the rotten character of these overtures and is a potential source of awkwardness for the Greens. While Labor has stood four-square behind the mass slaughter, the Greens have correctly labelled the Israeli invasion a genocide. They have denounced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other government ministers for having blood on their hands. In their interviews on a power-sharing arrangement, leading Greens have simply not mentioned the genocide. That changed with comments from Greens leader Adam Bandt. Adam Bandt in 2022 [Photo by Matt Hrkac / CC BY 2.0 The venue he chose was significant. Bandt gave the interview to the Murdoch-owned Australian, which, even amid the universal support of the corporate media for the Israeli offensive, has been the most frothing in its defence of the atrocities and attacks on those within Australia who oppose them. The purpose of Bandts interview was obvious. It was a signal to Labor and the corporate elite that the Greens would not let the genocide get in the way of their determination to prop up a big business Labor government. And, from a public relations standpoint, it was a cynical attempt to square ongoing posturing over the plight of the Palestinians with attempts to collaborate with a government complicit in some of the worst war crimes since the Holocaust. The headline of the article summed up the essential point of the interview: Adam Bandt says Labor slowly moving towards Greens position on Israel-Hamas war. Bandt noted that the Greens had called for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire a year ago. Labor and the Coalition then spent the best part of a year attacking us and people who pushed for peace but now Labor is being forced to admit the Greens were right all along. Labor is now slowly moving towards our position weve held now for a number of months. They attacked us at the time for it but now they are voting that way in the United Nations. Those comments can only be described as an attempt to con opponents of the genocide and to promote a government that remains involved in the mass slaughter. The only concrete indication Bandt could give of Labors supposed shift was a handful of votes in the United Nations general assembly. But all honest supporters of the Palestinians know that such votes, always highly conditional and committing governments to nothing, are meaningless. Their sole purpose is to distance the imperialist powers responsible for the mass killing from the consequences of their support for Israel. When Labor has voted for supposed ceasefire resolutions, it has done so alongside other close US allies such as Britain and Canada. That makes clear that the votes have been coordinated with Washington. While the US votes with Israel against ceasefire motions, some of its partners vote for them, to try to bolster illusions that peace can be established through the UN and the international community. The votes do not signify a shift in Labors position one iota. As a Labor spokesperson noted in response to the interview, the government has voted for ceasefire motions since November last year. In that time, it has aggressively defended Israel, politically and diplomatically, insisting on the Zionist regimes supposed right to defend itself. The Labor government has also provided direct material support to the genocide, including through active defence export permits, and likely intelligence for the targeting of strikes provided by the joint US-Australian Pine Gap spy base. Labors role has been most evident in its vehement attacks on opposition to the genocide. Albanese and other senior ministers have slandered protesters as antisemites. State Labor governments have unsuccessfully sought at times to ban demonstrations altogether. Aware that he was on thin ice, as far as the truth is concerned, Bandt added that while Labor was shifting, theyre not yet prepared to put any real pressure on the extremist Netanyahu government to give effect to it and we continue to push for that. That is no comfort for the two million Palestinians in Gaza subjected to the more than a year-long offensive, which by some estimates has killed 200,000 people. Bandts comments, as cynical as they were, did not mark a fundamental deviation from the positions advanced by the Greens throughout the genocide. They have consistently presented Labors support for the atrocities as just a moral failing, and called on Albanese, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and others to step up and do the right thing. That is in line with the bankrupt perspective of pressure politics that has dominated the protest movement against the slaughter. The Greens, the middle-class pseudo-left and Palestinian nationalists have insisted that all that is required is to pressure Labor to end its support for Israel. This position, which has so manifestly failed, covers up the connection between the genocide and the broader eruption of imperialist militarism. The genocide is part of a broader war front throughout the Middle East, expressed in the US-backed Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Yemen and Iran, as well as the recent regime-change operation in Syria. That, in turn, is a component of a developing global war. As it has backed Israel, so too has Labor supported the US-NATO proxy war in Ukraine, aimed at inflicting a defeat on Russia, and Washingtons advanced preparations for a catastrophic conflict with China. Indeed, the signature policy of the Labor government has been to complete Australias transformation into a frontline state for such a war, through the vast expansion of the military and unprecedented US basing arrangements. The Greens have buried this broader context, because they themselves are a pro-imperialist party. In parliament, they have been the most vociferous supporters of Washingtons war against Russia, promoting all the lies that it is a conflict for Ukrainian freedom and democracy. In doing so, they have whitewashed the fascistic character of the Ukrainian regime and the fact that the war was deliberately provoked by the US, through its relentless expansion of NATO. In the Middle East, the Greens backed the US regime-change operations in Syria and Libya. Two other elements of the Bandt interview should be noted. He was asked about a new antisemitism taskforce that has been established by the Labor government. The Australian noted that Bandt did not explicitly support the initiative, but neither did he denounce it. In fact, the taskforce is the latest stage in Labors offensive against anti-genocide sentiment, establishing a permanent body of spies, federal and state police and other government agencies to investigate, monitor and harass supporters of the Palestinians, based on a fraudulent conflation of opposition to the genocide with antisemitism. Bandts refusal to condemn this initiative shows that a Greens-backed Labor government would continue the assault on democratic rights. Secondly, Bandt was asked about claims that the Greens had abandoned their support for a two-state solution. He rejected this, declaring: Our position is to support both Israelis and Palestinians rights to self-determination under international law and ensure theres a just and lasting peace where they both have the security theyre entitled to. That is, the Greens support the continued existence of Israel, a state based on imperialist colonialism and racial apartheid. The past 75 years, as well as the genocide itself, have demonstrated that the two-state solution is a dead letter. Even if it came to fruition, it would mean a Palestinian Bantustan, ruled over by the corrupt puppets of the US and Israel in the Palestinian Authority, and subject to attacks by the inherently expansionary Zionist regime. In other interviews, Bandt has hailed the experience of the Gillard Labor government as the model to be emulated. From 2010 to 2013, the Greens were in a formal alliance with that minority government, ensuring supply and confidence. The Gillard administration supported Israel, began Australias alignment with the US preparations for war against China, persecuted refugees and took the axe to healthcare, education and welfare. Conclusions must be drawn. The Greens are a right-wing capitalist party that offers no way forward against the genocide or any of the other pressing issues facing working people. They are bitterly opposed to the socialist and revolutionary perspective that is the only way to end war, inequality and increasing authoritarianism. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. Investigations are ongoing into the criminal case related to the crash of an AZAL Embraer 190 aircraft on December 25, which was en route from Baku to Grozny and went down near Aktau, said Azerbaijan's General Prosecutor's Office, Trend reports. "Following the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, General Prosecutor Kamran Aliyev has been in constant contact since the incident with the General Prosecutor of Kazakhstan, Berik Asylov, the General Prosecutor of Russia, Igor Krasnov, Chairman of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, and the General Prosecutor of Brazil, Paulo Gonetti. To ensure a thorough, objective, and comprehensive investigation into the incident, extensive investigative actions were carried out at the scene, involving professional investigators and specialists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Brazil. During talks with his Kazakh counterpart, Berik Asylov, Kamran Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the full support provided throughout the site inspection, the collection of preliminary evidence, and the investigation of other key aspects of the case. He also highlighted the joint efforts to conduct necessary investigative and procedural actions to uncover all the details of the incident. In a conversation with Russia's Prosecutor General, Igor Krasnov, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General emphasized that Azerbaijani prosecutors sent to Grozny received the required assistance from their Russian colleagues. He stressed the importance of effective cooperation in the criminal investigation and the exchange of evidence collected by both sides. Russian Investigative Committee Chairman, Alexander Bastrykin, in a call to Kamran Aliyev, assured that a special investigative team had been formed to ensure a thorough and objective investigation into the criminal case. He emphasized that the circumstances and causes of the incident, including the plane crash resulting from external factors, are being carefully examined. Ongoing intensive investigative and operational efforts aim to identify those responsible and hold them accountable. The Prosecutor General's Office will continue to provide regular updates to the public on the progress of the investigation, according to the department's statement," the statement reads. It has the ring of an urban legend. So it's easy to understand why one What and Why RI reader wrote in to ask, "Was Al Pacino really arrested in Rhode Island?" But it's true. Years before he made his movie debut, Pacino was briefly inmate #48634 at the Adult Correctional Institutions, which listed his occupation as "unemployed." He'd been picked up by the Woonsocket Police Department early on the morning of Jan. 7, 1961, and charged with possession of a concealed weapon. #OTD January 7, 1961, Al Pacino, 20, was arrested in Woonsocket, Rhode Island for possession of a concealed weapon. Police had pulled over "a suspicious vehicle" to find "the 3 occupants were wearing masks & gloves." A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded .38 caliber pistol. pic.twitter.com/rempVP8OT3 #OTD in Rhode Island History (@OTDRhodeIsland) January 7, 2024 Records from the arrest, which went up for auction in 2014, indicate that Pacino spent four nights in jail before he could make bail. A brief item in The Providence Journal referred to "Alfred Pacino, 20, of Manhattan" who would go on to become one of the most celebrated actors of all time as a "New York City youth." 'We're actors from New York' William J. O'Coin Jr., one of the Woonsocket police officers who arrested Pacino, recounted the story to The Journal decades later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his partner, William Angell, were parked outside the Mezza Luna restaurant on Park Avenue around 2 a.m. when they noticed a suspicious car circling around, he recalled. The driver was Vincent J. Calcagni, a 24-year-old North Smithfield man. Pacino was in the passenger seat. Bruce Cohen, a friend from the Bronx, sat in the back. The officers beamed their flashlights into the car. Inside, they spotted black gloves and masks "like the Lone Ranger's." Al Pacino in a 2021 file photo. The Oscar-winning actor was arrested in Woonsocket on a concealed weapon charge in 1961. "What are you doing with the masks?" O'Coin asked. "Don't tell me. You're coming from a Halloween party." "We're actors from New York," Pacino and Cohen replied, in O'Coin's retelling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the car's trunk, Angell found a loaded .38-caliber revolver stuffed inside a box. The three men were searched, handcuffed and taken to the police station for questioning. Pacino was cooperative, O'Coin recalled. The Journal's archives include one additional detail: There were also two toy pistols in the trunk. Grand jury let Pacino off the hook, but key details remain unclear All three men were charged with a felony and held on $2,000 bail, The Journal's archives indicate. They pleaded innocent in Woonsocket district court and the case was referred to a Providence County grand jury, which ultimately declined to indict them. Pacino has never publicly told his side of the story, so it's unclear why he wasn't convicted though it probably helped that he wasn't the owner of the car. In O'Coin's recollection, Pacino said that he and Cohen had arrived in Providence by bus earlier that night, and Calcagni picked them up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Confusingly, the former police officer recalled that Pacino knew Calcagni from "the service" but Pacino's ACI identification form lists his military service as "none." A brief item about Al Pacino's arrest that appeared in The Providence Journal on Jan. 8, 1961. Pacino's memoir, "Sonny Boy," which was published in October, doesn't shed any light on how he wound up in Woonsocket on a cold January night. But it does mention that "Bruce," a close friend from childhood, enlisted in the U.S. Army but "got second thoughts, pretended to flip out, and threatened to jump out a window." That could refer to Cohen suggesting that he was the one who knew Calcagni from the military. In his memoir, Pacino writes that Bruce later died from a drug overdose. Calcagni, who became homeless and cycled in and out of jail, also appears to have died. And the officers who arrested them, Angell and O'Coin, are deceased as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there's more to the story, Pacino will have to be the one to tell it. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Was Al Pacino really arrested in RI? What happened in Woonsocket 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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." "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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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." 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 A suspect has been arrested in the theft of Keanu Reeves expensive jewelry. CNN Chile reports that police recently arrested a 21-year-old suspect after recovering three watches that belonged to Reeves. The jewelry was discovered during raids on four separate houses. One of the watches was believed to have been stolen from his home in Los Angeles in 2023. Its a $9,000 Rolex Submariner that Reeves got inscribed with his first name and 2021, JW4, thank you, The John Wick Five. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last December, burglars in ski masks broke into his home . LAPD had previously responded to an anonymous call about a potential trespasser at his property at around 7 PM, but no one was found when they conducted a search. Police then came back around 1 AM after an alarm sounded on the property. This time, there were people there in ski masks who were spotted on security cameras entering into the house after smashing a window to get in. TMZ reported then that a firearm was taken, at least. It was unclear if anything else was. Reeves LA home has had its fair share of intruders over the years. Back in 2014, he had two women get into his house over the span of just two days. The first of the two broke into his house while he was sound asleep. He then found her in his library and held a conversation with her before calling 911. Two days later, another woman came into his house through an unlocked door while Reeves was gone (a cleaning crew left the front gate open). TMZ reported at the time that the woman hopped into his shower and skinny-dipped into his pool. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If you have ever dreamt of living somewhere with year-round sunshine, consider looking a little south of Florida, to the Caribbean islands. These tropical paradises offer a laid-back lifestyle that make you feel like youre always on vacation, and real estate prices (and the cost of living) in these locales tend to be significantly lower than in the United States. Several islands are making it easy for American investors to buy propertyand since many US cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Miami offer direct flights to these destinations, you could be sipping a rum punch at your Caribbean beach house in under five hours. The US Virgin Islands Getty Images According to real estate agent Carla Rayman Kidd , a certified international property specialist with Coldwell Banker Realty, buying property in the USVI is basically the same as purchasing a house in the rest of the United States. (You also dont have to deal with obtaining a visa or the hassle of currency conversions.) There are technically 50 islands that make up the US Virgin Islands, but the best known ones are St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, which are famous for their stunning white sand beaches. The US Virgin Islands have the distinction of being the only territory in the US with coasts on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. You can find stunning oceanfront homes for less than you would pay back on the mainland, and there are cute smaller cottages available too. Puerto Rico Getty Images As with the USVI, buying in Puerto Rico is relatively easy, thanks to its status as a US territory. But Kidd notes that getting a mortgage can be challenging in Puerto Rico because not all US banks will lend to buyers there. (And Spanish is the predominant language which can also complicate things for non-speakers.) But Puerto Rico does offer generous tax incentives to real estate investors as part of Act 60 , which is enticing Americans to buy homes in areas like historic San Juan. That area has upscale oceanfront neighborhoods like Ocean Park and Condado; nearby Dorado Beach is home to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve and high-end residential communities offering large homes and luxury condos. Cayman Islands Getty Images This British territory south of Cuba is comprised of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Its relaxed tax laws make it an appealing place to buy real estate (and for companies to stash money, but thats a whole different story). The Cayman Islands have few restrictions on foreign ownership, and the stable market and absence of property taxes, coupled with a strong rental market, make buying real estate relatively easy and appealing, says Cristina Ford, director of development for RE/MAX Caribbean and Central America . Just keep in mind that foreign investors do have to pay a stamp duty and transfer fee when buying homes. The stamp duty rate is 7.5% of the total cost of the house, and the transfer fee will set you back between 01.% and 0.5%. Turks and Caicos Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upside to buying a home in Turks and Caicos is that its well-known for being beautiful, fun, and close. The downside to buying a home in Turks and Caicos is that its well-known for being beautiful, fun, and close. Turks's popularity has caused prices to increase, and there arent many move-in ready homes on the market right now. Still, if you can afford it, Turks and Caicos is a smart and easy investment. There are no restrictions on who can purchase real estate in the country and financing is available to a foreign buyer either with a local bank or private lending institution, says Louise Peterson , general manager at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos. There is also no income tax, corporate tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, or annual property taxand if you pay more than one $1 million for your property, you may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residency Certificate. There is a lot of building going on right now, so its a good time to take advantage of pre-construction opportunities. The Bahamas Getty Images The Bahamas are a series of nearly 700 sun-drenched islands (though only about 30 are inhabited), and each spot has its own distinct vibe: There is bustling Nassau with its rich culture and vibrant party scene; the sleepy Abacos islands, which are known for their world-class boating; chic Harbour Island; and many more. The Bahamas are especially popular with American buyers because they are so close and easy to get to and the Bahamas encourages foreign investment by offering annual and permanent residency to homeowners who invest $750,000 and up, with accelerated consideration for purchasers investing over $1.5 million, says real estate agent Heather Lightbourn Peterson , global luxury specialist at Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty. If you want to buy more than two acres, youll need a permit Bahamas Investment Authority, but the application process is usually smooth. The Bahamas is also attractive because it doesnt have capital gains or inheritance taxes, and annual property taxes are low. The Dominican Republic Getty Images The Dominican Republic has become a popular retirement spot for Americans. The number of US Citizens living in the Dominican Republic has continued to grow annually by approximately 10 percent over the last few years, says H. Michael Heuser , broker-manager at Coldwell Banker Punta Cana. This can be attributed to the islands beauty, relatively low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and Retirement Visa program. While there are a variety of types of properties on the market, condos are some of the most cost-effective. According to Heuser, purchasing a home in the Dominican Republic is easier than ever, and many condo developments are offering a tax exemption that waves the one-time three percent Transfer of Title Tax, and the Annual Property Tax of one percent is exempt for 12-15 years. Touristy areas like Punta Cana have strong rental income potential if you want to rent out your new condo, but they still feel quiet and peaceful enough to get away from it all. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok . You Might Also Like STAR-ADVERTISER / 2021 Those participating in the annual First Day Hike along the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail are encouraged to arrive early to reach the summit in time to see the sunrise at 7 :09 a.m. STAR-ADVERTISER / 2021 Those participating in the annual First Day Hike along the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail are encouraged to arrive early to reach the summit in time to see the sunrise at 7 :09 a.m. The new year will kick off Wednesday with Hawaiis annual First Day Hike, welcoming the first sunrise of 2025 at the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail in East Oahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curt Cottrell, administrator of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks, recommends arriving early to reach the summit in time for sunrise at 7 :09 a.m. Most years the crowd, often times exceeding 800 people, sees a spectacular sunrise, Cottrell said in a statement. However, of course everything is weather dependent, and a few years, cloud cover obscured the view of the sun slowly rising out of the Pacific. As part of a 13-year nationwide tradition celebrating Americas state parks, the hike is anticipated to attract hundreds of participants. Even if clouds obscure the sunrise, attendees can enjoy a distinctive cultural celebration that makes Hawaiis First Day Hike unique. DSP is very grateful for the community partnership for an event that adds cultural elements to the striking natural landscape, Cottrell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kumu Sam Gon and Halau Mele honor the host culture with the puor conch shelland olior chantjust before the sun rises. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. The event features a performance by the nonprofit Taiko Center of the Pacific, led by sensei Chizuko Endo, showcasing traditional Japanese drumming. The morning concludes with Scottish bagpiper Charles Scott Walker playing as hikers make their way back down the trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To accommodate the event, the summit-viewing platform will be closed before and during sunrise for the cultural performances but will reopen afterward. Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will be present to ensure safety. The gates to the trailhead will open at 5 :30 a.m., providing sufficient time to hike the 1-mile paved footpath to the summit before sunrise. Hikers should bring flashlights, blankets and warm clothing, as conditions at Kaiwi are often dark and windy, especially at the summit. Parking at the trailhead is limited, and overflow parking will be along the highway. Carpooling is recommended, and caution is advised when crossing the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portable toilets will be available at the trailhead, as there are no permanent restroom facilities. Pets must be on leashes, and owners are required to carry waste bags. Hikers are required to carry out all rubbish to maintain the cleanliness of the trail. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 31. December 31 is celebrated as the International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis. The idea to establish this day was first proposed on December 6, 1991, during a meeting of the Supreme Assembly of Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, chaired by Heydar Aliyev. It was at this meeting that the decision was made to create the International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis. To formalize this, the Supreme Assembly sent a request to the national parliament, the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan. On December 25, the Supreme Council, in response to the request, passed a law declaring December 31 as the International Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis. In 1993, December 31 was officially recognized as World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day through a presidential decree. The First Congress of World Azerbaijanis, held in Baku on November 9-10, 2001, significantly contributed to strengthening the national identity of Azerbaijanis abroad. It also boosted the organization and activities of Azerbaijani communities across the globe, marking the beginning of a new movement in the countrys socio-political life and shaping a new direction for state policy. On July 5, 2002, the President of Azerbaijan issued a decree establishing the State Committee for Work with Azerbaijanis Living Abroad. Later that year, on December 27, the law "On State Policy Regarding Azerbaijanis Living Abroad" was passed, further advancing the organizational development of the Azerbaijani diaspora. Despite his busy schedule, Heydar Aliyev always made time during his foreign visits to meet with Azerbaijanis, listen to their concerns, and offer his guidance. President Ilham Aliyev continues the work of his predecessor in this area. The 2nd Congress of World Azerbaijanis, held in Baku on March 16, 2006, marked a significant step forward in turning the Azerbaijani diaspora into a powerful lobby. It played a crucial role in raising global awareness of Azerbaijans realities. The First Forum of Leaders of Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora Organizations, held in Baku on March 9, 2007, was a historic event, underscoring President Ilham Aliyevs commitment to strengthening unity among Turkic-speaking peoples. Today, the consolidation of the Azerbaijani diaspora continues at an even faster pace. A meeting of the Coordination Council held at the First Congress of World Azerbaijanis on December 18, 2008, in Baku, and the adoption of the "World Azerbaijanis Charter" at this meeting further strengthened unity, reinforced ties with the homeland, and reaffirmed that independent Azerbaijan is a central point of attraction for Azerbaijanis around the world. Mention frankincense, and its hard not to instantaneously think of Christmas. Cited in the story of the birth of Christ in the Bibles Book of Matthew, it was one of the precious gifts (alongside gold and myrrh) given to the baby Jesus by the three wise men. But theres more to this ancient, aromatic tree resin than its Biblical association. This becomes immediately clear on my first trip to the Sultanate of Oman, the epicentre of frankincense. Exploring Salalah: The land of frankincense The mystical, rich scent of frankincense (known locally as luban) is unavoidable in Oman. This is especially true in the city of Salalah in the southernmost governorate of Dhofar, where frankincense trees grow wild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before I even land in the sun-blasted seaside city, I get my first whiff. An undernote of frankincense can be detected in the hand lotion on Oman Air, where amenity kits come care of Omans most famous perfumery, the high-end Omani heritage brand Amouage, which uses frankincense in around 60 per cent of its products. From that moment on, the scent of frankincense is never far from me. As I swan through the ultra-modern, sleek Salalah Airport, frankincense hydrosol wafts from industrial-grade diffusers to scent and clean the air. Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara sits seaside, within viewing distance of The Museum of the Frankincense Land. - Anantara When my taxi pulls up under the elegant Arabian arches of my hotel, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, I spy a trio of ornamental frankincense trees in gleaming gold pots. The property lounges seaside, within viewing distance of The Museum of the Frankincense Land. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My room is like a magical setting from a Scheherazade story with frangipani trees, bronze lanterns, and traditional majlis seating. The air is fragrant with the faint, slightly sweet traces of incense smoke from recently burned resin. At Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara's spa, frankincense essential oil is used for massages. - Anantara And at the gleaming spa, with its lavish marble hammam, frankincense essential oil is worked into sore muscles, and frankincense-infused elixirs are offered in lieu of herbal tea. Even after just a few hours in Salalah, its immediately apparent why this is known as the land of frankincense. Khor Rori and Wadi Dawkah: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in need of protection Also called the perfume capital of Arabia, Salalah is home to the most valued species of frankincense trees in the world, Boswellia sacra, from which sap is sourced and dried to become little crystals of frankincense resin - once worth more than gold. The resin is burned as incense or distilled into oil for various uses. Though also native to Yemen and Somalia, this top species is most commonly found in Oman and played a major role in establishing the region as a prosperous trade hub in the ancient world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hussain Balhaf, the in-house tour guide at Al Baleed Resort, takes me to see the UNESCO heritage site of Khor Rori (Sumhuram), a fortified port city once used for the frankincense trade, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. During excavation, incense burners were found with frankincense still on them, says Hussain as we walk quickly through the crumbling, biscuit-hued ruins to avoid the heat. Later, when we visit the Frankincense Museum, Hussain points out several of these burners, which were excavated from homes in Sumhuram, as well as in religious areas - something that still occurs today. Frankincense is still burned in mosques, churches, and temples all over the world, its smoke symbolic of sanctification and purification. Oman's government has teamed up with heritage brand Amouage to protect the country's frankincense trees. - Amouage Next, Hussain takes me to Wadi Dawkah, another UNESCO-sanctioned site of stony, semi-desert, which is a natural habitat for frankincense trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seventy years ago, this wadi [valley] would have been filled with frankincense trees, says Hussain, citing climate change and overharvesting as causes for the decline. He shows me how in harvest months, the bark is scored so that a sap emerges. This sap is then scraped away so a second sap forms, which later dries and crystallises. In previous counts, there were only 1,200 ancient perennial trees in Wadi Dawkah. To increase numbers and protect Omans heritage, the government has planted a frankincense farm and developed a visitors centre on the site, run in partnership with Amouage. As custodian of the trees, the brand ensures harvesting is sustainable and regulated. Learning about frankincense harvesting with a local guide Harvesting frankincense is a time-consuming process that is done by hand and cannot be rushed. Even after harvest, the work still isnt done. To learn more about how frankincense is processed and sold, I enlist the help of Adnan Safrar, an expert local guide from ToursByLocals, to take me to a workshop. Were very lucky to get to visit, Adnan says, as we turn down a quiet street in the industrial area of Salalah. Most workshops are very protective of the process. Amer Mohammed Alameri is the general director of Luban Dhofar, a frankincense distillation company in Salalah, - Anantara Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite this warning, Amer Mohammed Alameri, general director of Luban Dhofar, a frankincense distillation company based in Salalah, couldnt be more welcoming. He ushers me into his workshop, pointing out the stainless-steel tanks, vats of ice-cold purified water, and finished products - soap, powder, hydrosol, and essential oil for cosmetics, fragrances and natural remedies. Amers family has worked with frankincense for generations, and he is generous with his time and treasures. Our policy is to make known all the benefits of frankincense to the world. For thousands of years, weve known this. Now, there is research being done to prove it, says Amer, showing me studies done by Omani universities on the promising effects of frankincense on infections and diseases. What is frankincense used for in Oman? While the medical benefits of frankincense are still being studied and shared around the world, in Omani society the product remains a cherished resource - used to purify, scent and flavour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back in the relaxing, sprawling grounds of Al Baleed Resort, I sit under umbrellas of palm trees with Dina Macki, an Omani chef born and raised in the UK. Weve always said that frankincense is an elixir of life, she says. Its actually just a really good thing to have for medicinal purposes. We put the edible resin in water, and when I first started drinking it, I noticed that my digestion was better, and my skin cleared upIts also really common to burn frankincense and stand over [the smoke] in dresses to let the frankincense come up through us for purifying purposes and for the smell, continues Dina. Related Of the four varieties, top-grade hojari frankincense is used in cooking. Dina is in Salalah to cook at Al Baleed Resorts Food Festival, a week-long culinary extravaganza in its second year. Every night, a new chef from a different country delights guests with dishes reflecting their hometown restaurants (most of which are Michelin-starred). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For her night, Dina dishes up Omani specialities at the hotels poolside Sakalan restaurant, including a dessert topped with edible frankincense pearls. I personally love [the taste of] frankincense; it works really well with sweet things, like when you infuse it in creme brulee and panna cotta, says Dina. The smoke can also be used to flavour meat and fish, while milk flavoured with frankincense can be found in Omans grocery stores. For a newer twist on the ancient product, you can even find frankincense ice cream. I recommend you enjoy the icy treat on one of Omans countless postcard-perfect beaches - because frankincense isnt the only spectacular natural wonder in this part of the world. Nicole Trilivas was a guest of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara and Experience Oman with support from Oman Air and ToursByLocals. Massive waves have battered the coasts of Ecuador and Peru this week. As CBS News reports, waves reaching up to 13 feet high have led to closures of large sections of coastline and at least one death. These waves are being generated thousands of kilometers away from Peru, off the coast of the United States, navy Captain Enrique Varea told Channel N television. He later elaborated that They are waves generated by a persistent wind on the surface of the ocean that is approaching our coasts. In response, many beaches along the central and northern coasts of Peru were closed to prevent risk to human life, according to authorities. As the National Emergency Operations Center wrote on social media, the country closed 91 of its 121 ports until January 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a body was recovered in the coastal city of Manta, Ecuador, according to the National Secretariat for Risk Management. The Manta Fire Department reported that, at 6:00 a.m., the body of a missing person was found lifeless in the Barbasquillo sector, the agency announced on social media. The post Massive Waves Close Ports in Peru, Kill One in Ecuador first appeared on The Inertia. GREEN BAY Two Green Bay hospitals announced their top baby names of 2024, many of which reflect last year's most popular names statewide. Hospital Sisters Health System St. Vincent Hospital and Bellin Memorial Hospital both released the top boy and top girl names of the babies in their birthing centers. Charlotte, Wisconsin's most popular baby girl name of 2023, appeared on Bellin Memorial Hospital's list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theodore, Wisconsin's most popular boy name of 2023, didn't make either Green Bay hospital's list. What are the top 2024 baby names in Green Bay? The top boy names at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital are: Oliver Jackson Bennett The top girl names at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital are: Amelia Evelyn Nora The top boy names at Bellin Memorial Hospital are: Liam Oliver Noah Beau Jayden The top baby girl names at Bellin Memorial Hospital are: Emma Charlotte and Zoe tied for second place Eleanor and Evelyn tied for third place What were the top baby names in Wisconsin in 2023? The Social Services Administration has yet to release the state's most popular names of 2024, but has published the most popular baby names in Wisconsin for 2023. The 2023 top boy names statewide are: Theodore Oliver Henry Liam Noah The 2023 top girl names statewide are: Charlotte Olivia Evelyn Amelia Emma Although last year's top baby boy name statewide, Theodore, was not on either Green Bay hospital's list this year, the lists did repeat many of last year's statewide favorites: Oliver, Liam, Noah, Amelia, Evelyn, Emma and Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of HSHS St. Vincent's and Bellin Memorial's boy names didn't appear on last year's top 10 statewide list. These are Jackson, Bennett, Beau and Jayden. Charlotte has been the most popular girl name in Wisconsin since 2020. What were the top baby names in the U.S. in 2023? The Social Security Administration doesn't have nationwide 2024 data yet, but has published the most popular names for 2023. The 2023 top baby boy names in the U.S. are: Liam Noah Oliver James Elijah The 2023 top baby girl names in the U.S. are: Olivia Emma Charlotte Amelia Sophia It appears Wisconsin, or at least patients at Bellin Memorial Hospital, still love Charlotte. But will it still hold a nationwide spot? In addition to Charlotte, the names Liam, Noah, Oliver, Emma and Amelia were loved nationwide in 2023 and remain popular among Green Bay-area families today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: These were the most popular baby names in Wisconsin in the past year Madison Lammert covers child care and early education across Wisconsin as a Report for America corps member based at The Appleton Post-Crescent. To contact her, email mlammert@gannett.com or call 920-993-7108. Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to Report for America by visiting postcrescent.com/RFA This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: What are Green Bay's top baby names of 2024? Juicy, golden brown chicken patties on fluffy sandwich buns. Crispy, flavorful nuggets, perfect for dipping in an assortment of savory sauces (as long as they don't eat through their packaging). Hearty waffle fries the size of a toddler's palm. There's a reason Chick-fil-A remains America's most beloved fast food brand, despite some scrutiny over its opinions on the LGBTQ+ community (opinions it has backtracked from in recent years), and the fact that the restaurant seemingly refuses to evenly bread its nuggets. The chain's sheer popularity has allowed it to spread across virtually the entire country except for two states. Neither Alaska nor Vermont has a single Chick-fil-A location. Until recently, there were three states without a Chick-fil-A. Hawaii only recently got its first Chick-fil-A in 2022. As of now, there are four locations in the Aloha State. So, why do Alaska and Vermont remain stubbornly Chick-fil-A-less? One is for a reason you might expect but the other is a little more curious. Read more: Where To Get Burgers During Fast Food Breakfast Hours Alaska Is Too Remote For A Chick-Fil-A A close-up image of Alaska on a map. - Tom Korcak/Shutterstock You can probably guess why the North Star State doesn't have a Chick-fil-A. Simply put, it is a food desert. Alaska is cold and mountainous, which makes growing food prohibitively difficult, and its remote location means it's expensive and time-consuming to have goods shipped there. (75% of Alaskan goods go through the Port of Alaska in Anchorage.) As you can imagine, that makes running a Chick-fil-A in Alaska difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a matter of fact, it's difficult to run just about any fast-food chain in Alaska. All those factors mentioned mean that everything is more expensive in Alaska (heck, every Alaskan citizen gets a yearly stipend from the government), and fast food is no exception. Some fast-food chains in Juneau, the state's capital, have to sell items for at least 30% more money than they would in the contiguous United States. For a company like Chick-fil-A, which obviously seeks to maximize profit wherever it can, the juice likely isn't worth the squeeze. Chick-Fil-A Fought Vermont, And Vermont Won A close up of a green and white road sign that reads "Welcome To Vermont" - Zain/Shutterstock So, why can't Chick-fil-A open a location in Vermont? Sure, the state has a famously crunchy granola streak, with its capital city of Montpelier being the only one in the U.S. without a McDonald's (although there's one just outside city limits in Barre), but man cannot live on quinoa and maple syrup alone. Unfortunately for Chick-fil-A, its brand was tarnished in Vermont by a well-publicized feud between the company and a Montpelier-based artist named Bo Muller-Moore. For the benefit of a local kale farmer, Muller-Moore created a design for a slogan, "Eat More Kale", that ended up on magnets and t-shirts across the state. Chick-fil-A, unamused, asserted that it was too similar to its "Eat Mor Chikin" ad campaign, and hit Muller-Moore with a cease-and-desist in 2011. The entire state of Vermont, up to and including the governor, circled their wagons around Muller-Moore, and, eventually, he patented "Eat More Kale" and won the lawsuit. The damage to Chick-fil-A's brand in the Green Mountain State was done but not before it introduced a kale salad with maple dressing to its menu, in an act of confusing yet hilarious pettiness. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. If you know one thing about Idaho, it's that it is the potato capital of America. (If you know two things, it's that "Napoleon Dynamite" is set there.) The big, hearty baking potatoes in the produce aisle are sold as "Idaho potatoes." The popular brand of frozen french fries, Ore-Ida, takes half of its name from the state. Heck, Boise Airport used to sell fries in vending machines! The state's identity is so closely tied to everybody's favorite tuber that it's easy to assume it leads in every single potato category there is. But Pennsylvania, not Idaho, is America's leading producer of potato chips. Why is that the case? Well, while vast tracts of arable land and a long growing season make Idaho ideally suited for growing potatoes, it's not what you would call centrally located. That's one thing when you're dealing with agriculture, but when you're dealing with manufacturing, it's a lot less convenient. Not only is Pennsylvania a great potato-growing environment, it boasts several major metropolises, like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh -- not to mention its proximity to cities like New York, which makes logistics much easier. Read more: The Many, Many Ingredients That Are Packed Into McDonald's Fries Pennsylvania Is The Potato Chip Capital Of The World Supermarket shelves stocked with Utz and Wise brand potato chips. - The Image Party/Shutterstock Hanover, Pennsylvania calls itself the "Snack Food Capital of the World" for a very good reason. Not only is Snyder's of Hanover, the popular brand of snack pretzels, located in the small town, so is Utz, titan of the potato chip industry. The relatively small town, founded by the Pennsylvania Dutch (the same heritage as America's biggest buffet, Shady Maple Smorgasbord), may punch above its weight when it comes to snack foods, but the same could be said for Pennsylvania on the whole. Other potato chip companies, such as Herr's and Wise, are also located in southern Pennsylvania -- to say nothing of candy company giants like Hershey's and Just Born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What's so special about this area? Well, aside from the factors mentioned at the beginning of the article, the work ethic of the Pennsylvania Dutch cannot be understated. Unlike communities such as the Amish or the Mennonites -- the reclusive, so-called "plain Dutch" -- Hanover was populated by the more assimilated, business-oriented "fancy Dutch," whose industrious approach helped spread snacks like pretzels and potato chips far and wide. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. A massive crowd of manatees sheltering from the cold. A 71-year-old's trailblazing attempt to represent Texas in the Miss USA beauty pageant. Two bear cubs native to Alaska roaming across rural Florida. An answer to a question that haunts soda drinkers across the country: Have beverage containers become harder to open? USA TODAY's journalists covered a wide range of fun, quirky occurrences and topics that have had fueled conversations in the newsroom and at the dinner tables of our readers. Such stories offered a bit of levity in a whirlwind 12-months that saw the end of a divisive presidential election, several ongoing wars and its share of graphic crimes and natural disasters. In case you missed one or more of these stories, we compiled a list for your reading pleasure. Here are some of the most conversation-inducing stories of 2024: Nearly 1,000 manatees huddle for warmth amid cold spell Hundreds of manatees have crowded into Blue Spring State Park near Orange City, Florida on cold mornings this winter, including a record 932 reported by the park on Jan. 21. On Jan. 21, park rangers in Orange City, Florida, spotted a massive crowd of manatees in the clear waters of a natural spring. While the sight is not unusual during stretches of cold weather, the sheer volume of sea cows stuck out to them. So the rangers got to counting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their final tally 932 surged past the record of 736 set a month earlier and was more than double the single-day record set in 2014. The sea cows huddled in the Blue Spring to escape the chilly waters of the St. Johns River, which had dropped into the 50s during a run of cold weather. "Those high numbers are heartening, and a tribute to the conservation efforts and awareness of scientists, natural resource managers, and the public over the past several decades, John Bengston, a federal wildlife ecologist in Alaska, told USA TODAY. The population of manatees in Florida has steadily risen from about 1,500 in the 1990s to somewhere between 8,350 to 11,730. But a surge in deaths in recent years much of which has been blamed on poor water quality, algae blooms, increasingly busier waters and red tide has led officials to consider whether the manatee should again be considered endangered. More: About 1,000 manatees piled together in a Florida park, setting a breathtaking record Texas woman sets record as oldest Miss USA contestant El Pasoan Marissa Teijo will make history this weekend as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant. Teijo is 71. A 71-year-old woman from El Paso, Texas, became the oldest contestant to vie for a spot in the Miss USA competition this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marissa Teijo, a retired elementary school teacher, threw her hat in the ring after the Miss Universe organization removed age limits and other restrictions as part of an effort to become more inclusive. Though Teijo did not win the crown, she won the hearts of many women, from young beauty queens to older women who were inspired by her story. "I thought I could inspire a lot of women to get fit and be healthy, so that was my main objective," she said. "Go in and show Texas that age does not matter if you take care of yourself and I'm not talking about the face. I'm talking about being fit, having a healthy body, and being strong." Teijo has been a model and has acted in television commercials. She said she hoped the pageant would lead to other modeling opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Miss Texas USA's oldest contestant wins the hearts of many women Election overload? Recall 2024's other top stories: Eclipse, bridge collapse, more Bear cubs native to Alaska found wandering around rural Florida A pair of Kodiak bears a unique subspecies of the brown bear native to Alaska were discovered wandering through a rural area of the Florida Panhandle. A passerby spotted the cubs and called the local sheriff's office. When a deputy arrived, one of the bears tried to climb into her patrol vehicle. "Theyre climbing on my car," the deputy said, according to body camera footage released this year. "Its like theyre not afraid of people because theyll walk right up to you and theyll let you pet them. Theyre very curious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission found the bears had escaped from an enclosure at the residence of a "self-proclaimed bear trainer." The Miami Herald reported the resident operated a "game farm" and had told authorities he was holding the bears for someone else. Kodiak bears are considered the largest bears in the world, according to Alaskan authorities. A large male can stand over 10 feet on its hind legs and 5 feet when standing on all fours. They can grow up to 1,500 pounds, three times the size of Florida's native black bears. More: Kodiak bear cubs were found in Florida, thousands of miles away from their native home: 'Climbing on my car' Ohio family's Stargate' becomes internet sensation The Stargate in the Ashland area has become famous online over the years. The project came to be in 1994 when the movie "Stargate," featuring James Spader and Kurt Russell, was released, and Phil Ventura and his sons got to work on one of their own. Longtime fans of the 1994 movie "Stargate" and its subsequent spinoff television shows, Phil Ventura and his sons decided to eternalize the celestial gateway that transported the franchise's characters across the universe. Using a truckload of concrete, a plastic swimming pool and steel rebar, the family built its own Stargate in Ashland County, Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well over a decade after the Venturas completed their Stargate, the 50,000 pound replica portal caught wind on social media and became an internet sensation. Its sudden rise in online popularity came as a surprise to the family, which maintains they didn't tell anyone about the project. "I can't believe they actually found it," Ventura told the Mansfield News Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. For Ventura, the homemade gateway, which still sits in his backyard, will always be a reminder of the many days and nights he sat watching "Stargate" with his sons. "That was the best," Ventura said. "How cool I did something with my boys." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Ohio family builds 50,000-pound Stargate with 'dial-home device' to scan the cosmos It's not just you bottles and cartons are now harder to open The plastic caps on some paper beverage cartons are getting shorter and harder to open. To save on plastic, weight and shipping costs, the caps have shrunk from 21 millimeters to 17 millimeters, about 19%, making them harder to grip say experts. This photo shows the height difference in the stem of the plastic spout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Have you struggled in recent years to open containers of milk, soda or water? Have you asked yourself if it seems it's increasingly difficult to twist the caps off? You're not alone. USA TODAY reporter Elizabeth Weise wondered about this phenomenon, too, and has identified the culprit: plastic screw-top caps that have been shortened to save plastic. Experts said new milk carton caps shrunk from 21 millimeters tall to 17 millimeters, about a 19% difference that makes them harder to grip. The plastic lids for plastic soda pop and water bottles got smaller first. It's a subtle shift in products opened by millions of Americans every day a change the industry touts as saving not just plastic but also weight, both of which lead to less energy to transport them, a smaller carbon footprint and a lower cost to produce the packaging. A study by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found that a typical water bottle weighed 13.3 grams, but shrinking the cap and thinning the plastic bottle reduced the global warming footprint of the package by about 18%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, consumers have noticed. "We keep a pair of pliers in the utility drawer in the kitchen to open them now," Fred Wolden, a retired marine contracting officer with the U.S. Coast Guard who lives in Center City, Wisconsin, told USA TODAY. "You used to have three or four threads to turn. Now you only have two, so it's harder." More: It's not just you bottles and cartons are now harder to open. We found out why. Contributing: Thao Nguyen, Elizabeth Weise, Dinah Volyes Pulver, USA TODAY; Brandon Girod, Pensacola News Journal; Zach Tuggle, Mansfield News Journal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY's top stories of 2024: Kodiak bears, Stargate, Miss USA MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) An investigation is underway following a deadly shooting in Montgomery County Sunday afternoon. According to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a shooting call at an apartment complex in the 2900 block of Dunlop Lane around 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29. The incident left one adult male dead, officials said, adding that a suspect was taken into custody shortly after authorities arrived at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man accused of sending death threats to retired Davidson County judge The Criminal Investigations Division responded to the shooting, which the sheriffs office said was an isolated incident and does not pose a threat to the community. No additional details have been released about this active 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. BIBB COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) A California woman was killed and another person was injured in an ATV crash in Bibb County over the weekend. According to state troopers, 31-year-old Zelina R. Rosales, of San Diego, was killed when the ATV she was driving left the roadway and struck a ditch on December 29 around 4:30 p.m. Rosales, who troopers say was not wearing a seatbelt or restraint, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Lawley Junction Road. PHOTOS: Damage from confirmed EF-1 tornado in Athens Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another person, a passenger on the ATV, was injured in the crash and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Troopers with ALEA are investigating the circumstances surrounding 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) An 8-year-old boy is dead after he fell through the ice of a frozen pond in the Town of Milo, according to the Yates County Sheriffs Office. Deputies were called to the scene on Bath Road just before 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The child was found in the water by Penn Yan firefighters and pulled out with the help of cold-water rescue suits. CPR was started on the victim. He thought he would die that day: Marcy CO allegedly involved in deadly beating named in separate lawsuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The child was taken to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital, but the victim passed away late Sunday afternoon. His name has not been released. The incident remains under investigation. 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 RochesterFirst. There was no shortage of legal issues affecting the fashion and footwear industries in 2024. While trademark complaints made up the bulk of the legal dramas this year, other disputes made headlines as well. More from Footwear News From Adidas never-ending battle with Thom Browne to Nike sparring with Shoe Surgeon, FN rounds up 10 of the biggest legal dramas in fashion and footwear in 2024. Thom Browne Wins Latest Round of Trademark Battle Against Adidas in the U.K. In what seems to be a never-ending saga, Thom Browne won the latest round of the multinational legal dispute with Adidas over striped trademarks last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The High Court of England and Wales, located in London, on Friday dismissed Adidas claims of trademark infringement. In July, Adidas sought to remove Thom Brownes range of products comprising its signature four-bar motif from the U.K. market, contending it would confuse consumers. This is the latest ruling in the ongoing contentious battle. In May, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit said it would not overturn the jury verdict reached in January 2023 that found Brownes use of four stripes and its grosgrain ribbon did not infringe upon Adidas three-stripe trademark. Steve Madden Claims Scandi Cool Girl Brand Ganni Is Harassing Retail Partners Over Shoe Designs Steve Madden is seeking to stop Ganni from interfering with its business relationships in its latest legal battle. According to an ongoing lawsuit that was first filed in July in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Steve Madden is claiming that Ganni has sent a rapid series of cease-and-desist letters to the company and its United States wholesale customers and resellers, including Nordstrom and Dillards, since February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the letters, Steve Madden said that the Danish fashion brand is alleging that its Graya flat and, at least in one instance, the Sandria sandal, infringe worldwide copyrights and other intellectual property rights Ganni claims to own in its Feminine Buckle Ballerina and Feminine Buckle Two-Strap Sandal. Shoe Surgeon Says Nikes Deleterious Lies and Trademark Accusations Hurt His Business Last month, the Shoe Surgeon clapped back at Nike and the lawsuit the sportswear giant filed against him earlier this year. Nike sued the The Shoe Surgeon in July and claimed the shoe customizer attempted to build an entire multifaceted retail empire using Nikes trademark rights by creating and selling counterfeit Nike shoes, and selling classes that teach consumers how to make their own fake Nike shoes. In a Monday response to the lawsuit, The Shoe Surgeon denied Nikes claims, describing them as false allegations and deleterious lies as part of a general smear campaign. The Shoe Surgeon also said Nikes statement to the media after it filed its initial complaint had a negative effect on his business. Skechers Sues Marc Fisher, Authentic Brands Group Over Rockport Slip-In Shoe Design In a lawsuit filed Sept. 4 in the Southern District of New York, Skechers accused Rockport, as well as its parent company Authentic Brands Group and its licensee Marc Fisher, of allegedly making and selling shoes that infringe on Skechers patented slip-in technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defendants [Rockport, Marc Fisher and Authentic] did so without even contacting Skechers to request a license to Skechers intellectual property protecting the innovations used in those shoes, Skechers wrote in the complaint. Rockport shoes infringe Skechers utility patent claims protecting innovations associated with its slip-in footwear technology. By this action, Skechers seeks to stop defendants patent infringement and obtain appropriate compensation for that infringement. In the lawsuit, Skechers called out Rockports Tristen Step Activated Slip On shoes as well as the Tristen Step Activated Lace-Up shoes as the main footwear models that allegedly infringed on its patents. Skechers specifically pointed to the heel cups and upper construction as what was being infringed. Crocs Settles Trademark Lawsuit With Mosaic Brands In July, Crocs and Australian retailer Mosaic Brands Ltd. settled their trademark infringement lawsuit. Both brands announced on Thursday that they have resolved their trademark dispute in the Federal Court of Australia. Crocs initially filed a case against Mosaic Brands in 2021, accusing the retailer of selling a product that it said was deceptively similar to Crocs Classic Clog, according to a release. Crocs argued at the time that its Classic Clog silhouette was protected by trademark registrations in more than 30 countries, including Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, Mosaic agreed to stop making and selling certain molded shoe products and similar styles before years end. Both parties agreed to the terms of the settlement without admissions. Toms Sues Unauthorized Marketplace Resellers for Trademark Infringement In June, Toms sued Amazon seller Bloom Trading Inc. and Arsanious Youssef, its CEO, in Californias Central District Court over alleged trademark infringement and unfair competition. In the complaint, filed June 5, Toms alleges that the storefront has turned a profit off unauthorizedand potentially counterfeitproducts. According to the complaint, Bloom Trading is an unauthorized reseller, which Toms heavily frowns upon because of its authorized reseller program. The company says it mandates resellers to abide by its quality control requirements, which include inspecting products for damage, defects, evidence of tampering and other non-conformance and remov[ing] all such products from inventory, prohibiting sellers from shipping damaged products, flagging quality issues to Toms and more. Kizik Sues Drew Shoe Over Allegedly Copying Its Hands-Free Shoe Design and Marketing In a lawsuit filed Sept. 16 in the Southern District of Ohio, Kizik accused Tishkoff Enterprises, LLC, dba Drew Shoe for patent infringement of its signature cage technology that has allowed them to innovate in the hands-free shoe category. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Kizik, Drew Shoes hands-free footwear line incorporates the use of a similar flexible lattice on the heel of the shoe in at least the Connor, Corbin, Caleb, Bobbie, Hobby and Harmony footwear models. Kizik also alleged in the lawsuit that Drew Shoe acted with intentional and bad faith conduct when designing and promoting its alleged infringing products. This was illustrated in the lawsuit by highlighting Drew Shoes LOOK MA! No Hands, No Hassle, NO KIDDING advertising, which is substantially similar to Kiziks original hands-free advertising using its Look Ma, No Hands slogan. Bape Agrees to Discontinue Some Sneaker Models Following Nike Trademark Lawsuit Settlement In April, Nike settled its trademark infringement lawsuit against Japanese streetwear brand Bape. According to a stipulated dismissal filed in New Yorks Southern District Court on April 29, Nike and Bape said that they have entered into a settlement agreement in resolution of their year-long legal battle over look-alike shoe designs first filed in January 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the settlement, Bape has agreed to discontinue its Bape Sta Mid, Court Sta, and Court Sta High sneakers, and modify the designs of its Bape Sta and Sk8 Sta sneaker models. Skechers Accuses American Exchange Group of Infringing on Scalloped Opening Shoe Designs In April, Skechers filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court in California that alleged that American Exchange Apparel Group (AEG) infringed on its patents related to its Scalloped Opening shoe designs, a popular design element on Skechers flats. Skechers said its shoes with scalloped openings, or a wavy cut pattern around the part of the shoe where the foot goes in, have sold millions of pairs and that AEGs design infringes on nine of Skechers patents for this style. Skechers added that AEG continued to sell the products after it had been notified about the alleged infringement. Skechers is seeking a ruling prohibiting the continued sale of the shoes in question and compensation for damages incurred. Dr. Martens Alleges Temu Is Paying to Manipulate Google Search Results Dr. Martens filed a lawsuit against Temu for infringing its trademarks in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Sunday Times, the British bootmaker alleged in a new lawsuit filed last week at the UKs High Court that the Chinese marketplace paid to manipulate Google searches so that lookalike items appear above its own products in search results. The complaint alleged that Temu is promoting keywords like Dr. Martens and Airwair in certain markets, which resulted in look-alike boots appearing above Dr. Martens originals in Google search results, the report said. Dr. Martens also wrote in the complaint that Temus actions also go against Googles own policies, which prohibit ads violating trademark rights. This, however, typically doesnt link to the use of specific keywords. Best of Footwear News Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. On December 30, the Head of the Baku Media Center, Arzu Aliyeva, along with Alena Aliyeva, visited children at the Social Service Orphanage No. 2, managed by the Social Services Agency of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Trend reports. During the visit, the children of the institution showcased their talents by performing a skit and presenting patriotic national and international dances. The presence of Father Frost, the Snow Maiden, and animated characters added joy to the occasion, lifting the children's spirits. Arzu Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva joined the children's festivities, sharing in their happiness. At the end of the visit, essential equipment and gifts for the children were presented to Social Service Orphanage No. 2, and a commemorative photo was taken. Additionally, Arzu Aliyeva received a memorable gift from the children. Space exploration is difficult, and when things go wrong, they can go very wrongas demonstrated by this light-hearted review of 2024s less than glorious moments in going boldly where no man has gone before. From lunar landers landing every way up except the right way to cancelled missions, budget blow-outs and yet another demonstration of the fact that its not aliensits never aliens!here are 2024s space-related mishaps in all their ignominious glory. Florida mans house hit by ISS debris An external pallet packed with old nickel-hydrogen batteries, of a similar type to the one that failed to burn up completely in the atmosphere. Credit: NASA Theres a whole lot of junk orbiting Earthand some of that junk is jettisoned deliberately from the ISS, on the expectation that it will burn up on re-entering the Earths atmosphere. Unfortunately, in April, there was a rather spectacular demonstration that these pieces of detritus can prove more resilient than expected. Smash cut to one Alejandro Otero of Naples, FL, who was minding his own business when the remains of a cargo pallet that once carried batteries to the ISS ploughed straight through the roof of his house. Otero was understandably nonplussed: [There] was a tremendous sound, he told Floridas WINK News, and [the object] almost hit my son. SLIM lands on its back SLIMs unorthodox landing configuration. Credit: JAXA/Takara Tomy/Sony Group Corporation/Doshisha University As far as space exploration goes, 2024 was the Year of the Questionable Landing. The Japanese moon lander SLIM (an acronym for Smart Lander Investigating Moon) set the tone in January by landing upside down. SLIM made Japan the fifth nation to reach the moons surface, and it was able to deploy its two rovers successfully, but its rough landing meant the landers solar panels werent aligned to the sun. Despite its rough start, however, SLIM proved remarkably resilient. It was powered down for the lunar night in early February, which it was not expected to survive. (Lunar days and nights last for about two Earth weeks.) But SLIM didnt just surviveit also managed to last through several more brutal lunar nights, far longer than anyone expected. Odysseus lands on its side Odysseuss slightly less unorthodox landing configuration. Credit: Intuitive Machines In fairness to SLIM, it certainly wasnt the only moon lander that had trouble with the whole landing thing in 2024. In February, the lander IM-1, built by Houston-based company Intuitive Machines and named Odysseus (or Odie) made history as the first privately funded craft to reach the moons surface. It was also the first American craft to do so since 1972. Unfortunately, one of the landers six legs broke off as it skidded across the lunar surface after touching down. This left Odie lying on its side, an awkward position that limited the amount of data it could send back to Earth. The craft was powered down a week later as the lunar night began, and contact could not be re-established thereafter. Peregrine doesnt land at all Peregrine sets off for the moon. It didnt get far. Credit: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least SLIM and Odie both reached the moon. Not so Peregrine, which planned to steal Odies thunder as the first privately built spacecraft to reach the moon by touching down in early February. In the event, the unfortunate craft barely made it off the launch pad: several hours after its launch in January, Peregrine experienced a critical loss of propellant, leading to the plug being pulled on its mission a day later. and VIPER doesnt even get launched in the first place A sight well never actually see: VIPER on the moon. Credit: Daniel Rutter/NASA Of all the moon-related developments in 2024, though, perhaps the most disappointing was NASAs announcement in July that it was cancelling the VIPER project. The mission was designed to look for water in the moons polar regions, and was originally scheduled to reach the moon in 2022. However, ongoing problems with the lander that was to convey VIPERbuilt by Pittsburgh company Astrobotic, which also built Peregrinecaused multiple delays, and were one of the reasons cited by NASA for the cancellation. The space agency promises that at least some of VIPERs instruments will be reused in future projects. NASA takes three months to open a container The stubborn container after it was finally pried open. Credit: Erika Blumenfeld & Joseph Aebers/NASA One NASA mission that did go off as planned was Osiris-RExs 2020 encounter with asteroid Bennu. The craft rendezvoused with the asteroid successfully and brought back soil and rock samples in a sealed container, which arrived safely on Earth in September 2023. The only problem? The container turned out to be very well-sealedso much so that NASAs scientists couldnt get the damn thing open. The agency documented the issue in an October 2023 blog post, and spent late 2023 figuring out how to pry open the container without contaminating its contents. And in January, three months after it arrived on Earth, the container was finally openedand happily, the precious, pristine asteroid material therein was extracted successfully. Boeing and the whole sorry Starliner saga Starliner is hoisted into position for its long-delated launch. Credit: Kim Shiflett/NASA Did any company have a worse 2024 than Boeing? The problems with the companys airplanes are well documented, and its space program also had a terrible year, largely because of Starliner. The craft has been plagued with problems ever since 2014, when Boeing won one of two contracts to build a replacement for the Space Shuttle to carry astronauts to the ISS. (The other went to SpaceX, whose Dragon craft launched successfully way back in 2020.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After years of delays, Starliner finally launched in June, with Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun warning in advance that the expectation from the media should not be perfection. Yeah, about that: while Starliner did convey astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams successfully to the ISS, NASA was so concerned about the crafts manifold technical problems that it decided Starliner wasnt going to fly the astronauts back. This left Wilmore and Williams effectively stuck on the ISS, where they remain. In September, Starliner returned home without Wilmore and Williams; they will remain on the ISS until February 2025, when theyll finally be able to return to Earth on the rival SpaceX Dragon. Look, no-one is saying that space travel is easy, but Starliner has been well, it hasnt been perfection, put it that way. SpaceX and the whole sorry Boca Chica saga A SpaceX rocket heads for orbit. Credit: Cory S Huston/NASA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking of SpaceX, while the company did manage not to blow up any rockets this yeara welcome change, given that the September 2023 explosion of its Starship rocket literally blew a hole in the atmosphereit didnt have everything its own way in 2024. For a start, SpaceX remains under FAA investigation for various alleged regulatory and licensing violations, a state of affairs about which the company is not pleased. It also continues to make a huge mess of Boca Chica, Texas, the remote region of south Texas that serves as its launch site. Locals have worried for years about the sites effects on the environment, and not without causethe launches are so loud that they can kill birds miles away and cause structural damage to buildings. There are also potential long-term effects on the local flora and faunaand on that front, the EPA claimed in August that SpaceX has been illegally dumping mercury-contaminated wastewater from the site for years. Russia tests super weapon, ends up with super crater A large crater (approximately 62 meters wide) is visible at the launch silo and extensive damage in and around the launch pad can be seen which suggests that the missile exploded shortly after ignition or launch. pic.twitter.com/2a4l7YWf3m George Barros (@georgewbarros) September 22, 2024 Russia is one of eight countries known to have operational intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which can deliver warheads (including nuclear payloads) over a range exceeding 3,400 miles. With great power comes great danger, though, and when something goes wrong with an ICBM test, it can go very wrong. This appears to have been the case with a test launch of an RS-28 Sarmat missiledescribed by former Russian space agency head Dmitry Rogozin as a super weaponin September. While Russia hasnt acknowledged the incident, Ars Technica reported satellite imagery showing the before-and-after state of the launch silo near the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Before: trees, buildings, and missile silo. After: no trees, no buildings, and a large crater. Whoops. Alien signal turns out to be a truck Satellite imagery of Manus Island. Note proximity of a) road and b) seismometer. Credit: Roberto Molar Candanosa and Benjamin Fernando/Johns Hopkins University, with imagery from CNES/Airbus via Google Theres something about the large fireball that smashed through the atmosphere and into the ocean north of Papua New Guinea in 2014 that seems to attract theories about aliens. First there was speculation that the meteorite itself comprised extraterrestrial technology, and then there was speculation around the ground vibrations recorded by seismometers at nearby Manus Island. Were the vibrations an alien signal??? No, said a study published this Marchthey were most likely made by a truck. Driving. On a nearby road. Oh. CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) 2025 is only a few days away but theres no shortage of events you can attend across north central West Virginia to ring in the New Year. Below, you can find 10 events across seven West Virginia counties to celebrate the new year, along with links to each one if you want to learn more. Monongalia County NYE Unlimited Play at Levels Arcade Levels Arcade in downtown Morgantown is offering unlimited play for its different arcade games on New Years Eve. There will be a door fee of $10 per person if you arrive before 6 p.m., or $15 for people who arrive after 6 p.m. The GOAT NYE 2025 at the GOAT Country Roads Pub The countrys first-ever NIL pub will be holding a ticketed New Years Eve party at its location in the Suncrest Town Centre in Morgantown. The evening will have live music from Jr. Pezz & The Sliknutz along with a champagne toast at midnight and heavy hors doeuvres. New Years Eve Party with the Davisson Brothers Band at the Tipsy Teeze Join the Davisson Brothers Band as they perform live at the Tipsy Teeze near Morgantown. Doors open at 6 p.m., with tickets to the show starting at $30. Marion County 6th Annual Great Pepperoni Roll Drop in Mannington Start the new year at what is possibly the most West Virginian celebration on this list. The Great Pepperoni Roll Drop is exactly what it sounds like, with a large illuminated pepperoni roll dropping at midnight. The party will have live music along with food and drinks from Screech Owl Brewing, This n That Bakery and the Rollie Pollie Eggroll Factory. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. and will be held at Wintergarden Park. Lewis County New Years Eve Ballroom Celebration at the Stonewall Resort This ticketed event begins at 7 p.m. and will feature a four-course dinner along with a night of drinks and dancing. Fire at Exotic Nails in Meadowbrook Mall causes damage to store Tucker County New Years Eve Party at Canaan Valley Resort State Park This event will start at 7 p.m. at the Cannan Valley Resort lodge. There is no cover charge, but attendees must be 21 years or older to attend. You can also make dinner reservations at the lodge restaurant by calling 304-866-2205. New Years Eve Celebration at Blackwater Falls State Park Also near Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls State Park is holding a New Years Eve party at the Milton Harr Conference Center. The event will have dancing, dinner at The Smokehouse Restaurant, a DJ and a midnight toast. Reservations are required; details about how to make your reservation can be found at the WV State Park website. Taylor County New Years Eve Gathering at Tygart Lake State Park This family-friendly gathering will be held at the Tygart Lake State Park lodge and kicks off at 9:30 p.m. Overnight options are available but if you just want to stay for dinner you can purchase walk-in tickets for $13.99. Ritchie County New Years Eve Party at North Bend State Park North Bend State Park is having its own New Years party with live music, drinks and different trip packages for the event. You can call for more information or to make a reservation at 304-643-2931. Barbour County Philippi New Years Eve Ball Drop The City of Philippi is having its own ball drop on Tuesday night with the celebration starting at 10 p.m. This will happen at The Nook, the small park and music venue next to the old City Building. The city will have free hot chocolate, music and a fire pit for attendees to stay warm as well as food and drink available for purchase. The Great Bungee Company opening location in Jefferson County Preston County New Years Eve Cozy Dinner at Modern Homestead Enjoy a cozy dinner in Reedsville starting at 6 p.m. in the Modern Homestead. This dinner features a menu of New Orleans-style crab cakes and filet mignon with chocolate for dessert. You can book your reservation for dinner on the Modern Homestead website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you know of other New Years Eve events in your area, email us at wboydigital@nexstar.tv. 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 WBOY.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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. You Might Also Like A collision between a train and a fire truck in Delray Beach, Fla. has left 15 people hospitalized, including three firefighters. In a statement shared on Facebook, the Delray Beach Fire Rescue and the Delray Beach Police Department said the incident occurred on Saturday, Dec. 28 between a Brightline train and a Delray Beach Fire Rescue ladder truck. Three Delray Beach firefighters were transported to a local hospital, where they remain in stable condition, the statement continued. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue provided assistance, transporting 12 individuals from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Delray Beach Fire Rescue, per ABC News, the firefighters were en route to a call when the accident took place. The incident happened near E. Atlantic Avenue and Railroad Avenue around 10:45 a.m. local time. Brightline later released a video on X (formerly known as Twitter) of camera footage from the train that hit the fire truck. In the video, the fire truck can be seen on the tracks just seconds before the collision. From the Brightline Safety and Security Team: Railroad safety is a community wide effort. For everyones safety, never drive around crossing gates when they are down. pic.twitter.com/6TSeHHOuyq Brightline (@GoBrightline) December 29, 2024 From the Brightline Safety and Security Team: Railroad safety is a community wide effort. For everyones safety, never drive around crossing gates when they are down, Brightline wrote alongside the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the collision is being investigated by the Delray Beach Police Department, officials from Brightline and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), per the Facebook statement. Authorities are looking into whether the crossing gates were functioning properly at the time of the incident, according to ABC News. 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. Passenger Zach Thrasher told CBS News Miami that the collision happened in a second." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We felt an initial brake, and then the impact happened almost immediately after the brake, he told the outlet. It was an interesting way to end the holiday vacation. Though he didnt have time to brace for the impact, Thrasher said he thinks the table on top of his seat saved him from getting more than a few minor bruises. I'm happy the table was there, but if it wasn't there I probably would have flown into the seat in front of me," he said, adding that staff did a really good job of quickly calming everybody down making sure we knew what was happening." Read the original article on People OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) 2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City. 168 Days to remember those lost in the OKC bombing: Judy J. (Froh) Fisher. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. We want to remember Judy J. (Froh) Fisher, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. One post-holiday party in Signal Hill, Calif. ended in tragedy on Saturday, Dec. 28. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department shared a statement about the incident which left a 17-year-old girl dead and six other teens injured. The incident occurred at approximately 10:16 p.m. local time in the 1000 block of Burnett Street in the Signal neighborhood, according to police. On arriving at the scene, officers located three females and four males suffering from gunshot wounds. The victims were quickly transported to three local hospitals. A 17-year-old female victim was later pronounced dead at one local hospital, per the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Suspect in Deadly Walmart Shooting Turns Himself In, Second Suspect Still at Large The remaining victims, who range in age from 17 to 19 years old, all suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, police said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Getty Six other victims were transported to local hospitals Six other victims were transported to local hospitals The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department also noted that there had been a party at the address where the shooting happened, adding that many folks attending the party had fled the location when the shooting occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are encouraging those with information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau, adding that the investigation is ongoing. Related: 4 Killed in Georgia School Shooting Identified: 'Truly Heartbroken' No additional details, including information regarding a possible suspect, were immediately made available. PEOPLE has reached out to the LASD for an update but did not immediately hear back. Read the original article on People A 17-year-old girl was killed and six teenagers were injured in a shooting at a party in Signal Hill on Saturday night when several gunman opened fire into the crowd. The Signal Hill Police Department responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 1000 block of Burnett Street at 10:16 p.m. Saturday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which is leading the homicide investigation. On arriving, police officers found three females and four males with gunshot wounds. The suspects are described as five to seven young males, at least three of whom were armed with handguns and fired at the crowd inside the warehouse party, said Sheriff's Lt. Steven De Jong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are seeking the public's help in identifying the suspects," he said. "If anybody was at this party, please reach out to Sheriff's Homicide [Bureau]. We'd like to speak to them." All of the victims were ages 17 to 19, according to the Sheriff's Department. They were transported to three nearby hospitals by paramedics. A 17-year-old girl was pronounced dead at a hospital; the remaining six victims suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Many people fled the party after the shooting, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or leave an anonymous tip at (800) 222-8477. An area is taped off where the Signal Hill shooting occurred. (Onscene TV) No arrests have been announced, and no further information is available on the victims or suspects. Authorities did not discuss any possible motive for the attack. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. 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 landing at Muan International Airport in South Korea, bursting into flames after crashing, a spokesperson for the countrys National Fire Agency said. The airport is about 180 miles south of Seoul. Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. The Boeing 737-800 plane took off from Bangkok, Thailand, 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 in the crash. The plane skidded along the runway and exploded as it rammed into a barrier, a video verified by NBC News showed. The tail of the plane 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 countrys 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 in the history for the low-cost airline, which was founded in 2005. In this photo provided by South Korea's Muan Fire Station, a passenger plane is in flames at the Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (South Korea's Muan Fire Station via AP) The agency said it had determined the identities of at least 88 of the victims. As the confirmed death toll ticked up in the hours after the crash, anxious families gathered at Muan International Airport, awaiting news of their loved ones. An announcer carefully read out the names of those confirmed dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screams and cries erupted from family members as the identities were confirmed, according to reports by the local news agency, Newsis. Red Cross set up tents to provide privacy for grieving family members. Among those killed, at least 84 were women and 82 were men. The genders of 11 other victims were not immediately identifiable. Two crew members a man and woman were rescued and suffered moderate injuries but were conscious, Joo said. Koreas Yonhap news agency reported that one of them, a 33-year-old flight attendant identified with his surname, Lee, suffered multiple injuries, including fractured ribs and traumatic spinal injuries, according to Ju Woong, director of Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital where Lee was transferred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I woke up, I had already been rescued, Ju said Lee told the doctors, who added that he was in intensive care but was able to communicate well. Theres no indication yet of memory loss or such, Ju said. 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 in stable condition. A bird strike likely set off the disaster The aviation official, Joo Jong-wan, provided an outline of the sequence of events leading to the disaster. The plane initially attempted to land on the airports Runway 1, he said, but the pilots were then instructed by the control tower to land on the opposite side, Runway 19, due to a bird strike warning. A bird strike is a collision between a bird and an aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A minute later, the pilots sent a mayday signal following a bird strike and attempted to land on Runway 19. While passing over the runway, the plane failed to lower the landing gear and struck a safety system called a localizer which provides guidance during landing and 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 cockpit voice recorder, which will be key to providing insights into the last moments of the fatal crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full investigation, he said, could take between six months and 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 the plane crash. 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, Biden said. Eyewitness Lee Geun-Young was inside his restaurant, less than a quarter mile from the airport, when he heard loud banging noises coming from outside, he told the Korean news outlet Seoul Shinmun in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 attempt 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 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. (Im Hun-jung/Yonhap via AP) The plane involved in the crash, a Boeing 737-800, is a narrow-body passenger jet that is used widely by airlines around the world. It is part of the Boeings Next-Generation family, and is one of the companys safest airplanes. Boeing extended its condolences to the families of the victims and said it was in contact with the airline. In a statement, Jeju Air extended its apologies to everyone affected by the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae said, assuming full responsibility for this tragedy and adding that the airline would provide support for the passengers 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 over the crash. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choi later arrived at the site and declared it a special disaster zone while expressing condolences to victims and their families and saying 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 deceased were temporarily being kept at a makeshift mortuary set up at the airport, Joo said. Stella Kim reported from Seoul, South Korea, and Mithil Aggarwal reported from Hong Kong. This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com. This article was originally published on TODAY.com A suspect has been arrested following the reported shooting of Alabama stepsisters Kayden Lynch, 19, and Madison Daly, 18, on Christmas Eve. Per Lee County outlet The Observer, 18-year-old Jalen Dashawn Holmes is in custody facing capital murder charges for the alleged shooting of the two young women. According to Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, per local media outlet WSFA 12, Holmes is being held in the Lee County Jail without bond and faces at least five charges, including capital murder. The outlet also reports that he was neighbors with the victims. The teens, who were also stepsisters and roommates, per local media outlet WKRG, were found shot dead in their home on US-29 N near Lee Road 2113 in the Beulah community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madisons mother told WKRG that Madison also leaves behind a young daughter. Lee County Jail Jalen Holmes Jalen Holmes According to a statement from the Lee County Sheriff's Office shared with PEOPLE, police received a call at approximately 3:48 p.m. on Dec. 24 reporting gunfire. Responding deputies were directed to a residence in the 100 block of Lee Road 2113 where they discovered two females aged 18 and 19. They had suffered what appeared to be gunshot wounds and were unresponsive. Local coroner Daniel Sexton pronounced the two women dead at the scene. Locals in the area told WSFA 12 that they dont know how or why this could happen, especially during the holidays. According to police, Holmes had reportedly assaulted his mother at her nearby residence and taken a handgun. On leaving his mothers home, he entered the neighboring residence, where the victims were found. Two 9-year-old twin girls, who had been at the residence earlier, left shortly before the shooting and were unharmed. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by family member Tyler Daly with the aim of raising $5,000 for "end of life costs," per the page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My sister and step-sister were killed on December 24th by their neighbor. I'm just looking to cover end-of-life costs, Daly wrote on the page. If you feel it in your heart to donate I deeply appreciate the help in this nightmarish time." The GoFundMe had already surpassed its target on Monday, Dec. 30. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Daly and Lynch remain under active investigation by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, per the release from the sheriff's office. Read the original article on People SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) An 18-year-old Lake Andes man has pleaded guilty to a deadly stabbing that happened in May 2024 in Lake Andes. Downtown Brookings blaze destroys building According to the South Dakota Attorney Generals office, Mackenzie Antelope pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree manslaughter on Monday in Charles Mix County. Antelope faces a maximum sentence of life in prison when sentencing happens, which is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KELOLAND.com. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. Two flight attendants are the only people to survive the fatal plane crash in South Korea that left 179 people dead. Jeju Air flight 7C2216 caught fire "while landing" at Muan International Airport at around 9:03 a.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 29, according to a translated statement from airliner CEO Kim E-bae on Instagram. The plane, carrying 181 people 175 passengers and six crew members was traveling from Bangkok when it veered off the runway after landing and collided with a concrete fence at the airport, local police and firefighters said, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap and CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only two crew members, both flight attendants, survived the crash, Yonhap reported. JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Recovery teams work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 30, 2024. Recovery teams work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 30, 2024. Related: 10 Members of the Same Family Killed After Private Jet Crashes into Center of Busy Tourist Resort: Reports One survivor, a 33-year-old flight attendant, was reportedly being treated at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital. At a press conference, hospital director Ju Woong said the man is fully able to communicate and that "there's no indication yet of memory loss or such." JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty The scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames is seen at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 30, 2024. The scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames is seen at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 30, 2024. 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. According to Ju, the man told doctors, "When I woke up, I had already been rescued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second flight attendant, 25, was being treated at Asan Medical Center, per Yonhap. She is said to be in stable condition with ankle and head injuries. Muan fire chief Lee Jeong-Hyun said the incident is believed to have been caused by a bird strike combined with adverse weather conditions according to The Guardian. The exact cause, he added, will be announced following a joint investigation. JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Recovery teams work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 30, 2024. Recovery teams work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 30, 2024. Related: Pilot and Passenger Survive After Their Plane Crashes on Busy Road and a Photo Captured Their Stunned Reaction I would like to express my deepest condolences and apology to the passengers and their families, E-bae said in the airlines statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the cause of the accident is difficult to estimate and we have to wait for the official investigation of the relevant government agency, he continued. 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. Read the original article on People Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect the corrected address of the four-plex fire. AUSTIN (KXAN) Four people were taken to hospitals and nine people were displaced as a result of a fire in north Austin on Monday. The Austin Fire Department responded to a heavy fire at a four-plex at 505 Hardin Court around noon Monday, according to the agencys X account. Fire at four-plex on Hardin Court in north Austin Dec. 30, 2024 (Austin Fire Department photo) Fire at four-plex on Hardin Court in north Austin Dec. 30, 2024 (Austin Fire Department photo) AFD said four people were transported by Austin-Travis County EMS medics for smoke inhalation, and a total of nine people were displaced because of the fire. Austin Police Victim Services and the Red Cross of Central Texas will assist those who lost their homes in the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ATCEMS said medics took two adults to Dell Seton Medical Center and two pediatric patients to Dell Childrens Medical Center, and all of them were in stable condition. AFD said the cause is undetermined as of 3 p.m. Monday, adding the fire resulted in $200,000 worth of structural damage and $50,000 in content damage. 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 KXAN Austin. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Two reserve officers have been placed on administrative leave after a shooting on Saturday in Tampa, but what is a reserve officer? According to the Tampa Police Department, a reserve officer is a volunteer employee trained to provide additional personnel for emergencies or special events. Two reserve officers were working traffic enforcement on Saturday after a Lightning game on Channelside Drive when they encountered a 38-year-old man threatening to shoot another officer, TPD said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigating after Tampa officer shoots at man near Amalie Arena The man reached into his pocket after the threat and was shot three times by one of the reserve officers. Her partner did not fire his weapon, according to TPD. The two reserve officers were working the event to allow officers to remain on patrol duties. TPD said the volunteer officers do not have body-worn cameras. Both reserve officers have had prior law enforcement experience before starting TPD reserve officers in July 2023. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation, and both officers have been placed on administrative leave from their volunteer duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was taken to the hospital where he is in critical but stable condition. 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 WFLA. Two women were fatally stabbed in their U.K. apartment on Christmas Day and now a 49-year-old man is charged with double murder in connection with their deaths as well as the non-fatal stabbings of two other people. Just after 6:30 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 25, Thames Valley Police were called about a report of a stabbing at an apartment on Santa Cruz Avenue in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, the department said in a statement. There they found the bodies of two women, who were later identified as Joanne Pearson, 38 and Teohna Grant, 24, of Milton Keynes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers also found a teenage boy and a man in his late 20s who were injured in the attack. They were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and were listed in stable condition. A dog was also injured in the incident, Thames Valley Police said in the statement, adding that the animal "thankfully survived." Police launched an investigation and on Friday, Dec. 27, arrested Jazwell Brown, of Santa Cruz Avenue, Bletchley. Jazwell Brown/Facebook Jazwell Brown Jazwell Brown 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count each of possession of a knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. He was taken into custody and appeared in High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on Saturday, Dec. 28. In court, he said nothing except his name, age and address, the BBC reports. He is scheduled to appear in Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Meanwhile, the community is reeling from the brutal attack. This is horrible on Christmas Day and we are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events in Bletchley, Milton Keynes city councillor Shazna Muzammil said on X (formerly Twitter). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and neighbours of the two women who have tragically lost their lives, she said. The parties involved were known to each other, she added. There will be a significant police presence in the area as investigations continue. If you have any concerns, please dont hesitate to approach the officers they are there to help. Read the original article on People (Updated as of 01/10/2024 at 4:30 p.m.) Authorities made a second arrest in connection to a Dec. 16 incident which left a young woman fighting for her life. The mother of Jami Raiziah Griffin, who is facing charges for setting fire to Ashanti Downey, 21, has been charged for her role in the crime. According to WRAL, on the evening of Monday, Dec. 16, authorities received a 911 call regarding a woman taken to Central Carolina Hospital in North Carolina suffering from severe burns. The victim was identified as Downey, whose injuries included second and third degree burns on the right side of her body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Downey was set to celebrate her 21st birthday on New Years Day, but that all changed when she was brutally attacked and set on fire. How could they do this to my baby? Donecia Davis, Downeys mother, said. You didnt have to do this to her. Davis also said her daughter sustained burns on 70 percent of her body. During an initial interview with police, Downey said she was walking towards a local Dollar General when someone allegedly came up behind her, poured gasoline on her, and set her on fire with a lit cigarette, according to WRAL. Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats said the horrific incident is one of the most heinous crimes his department has ever handled, reports WRAL. During the investigation, authorities soon learned multiple suspects were involved in the attempted murder, according to WNCN. Jami Raiziah Griffin charged with felony attempted first degree murder - Photo: Harnett County Detention Center North Carolina police arrested 23-year-old Griffin in connection with the incident. He is charged with felony attempted murder, felony assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill, and misdemeanor assault on a female, according to the Harnett County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the investigation continued, authorities also learned Griffins mother, Latonya Renee Murchison, was involved in the attack. According to ABC 11, Murchison was arrested on New Years Eve and charged with accessory after the fact. Police say Griffin knew Downey before the attack and targeted her because of it. According to WNCN, Downey and Griffin were living together at the time of the incident. There have been no updates on the exact nature of the relationship between the two. Sheriff Coats said the incident could have been domestic-related, or it could have been a gang initiation. He continued saying Were mystified by whats happened. Since the tragic incident, Downeys family have posted a GoFundMe page seeking assistance with Downeys medical bills, surgeries, ongoing treatment, and rehab. As of Friday (Jan. 10), theyve raised over $100,000 in donations. A judge granted Griffin $1 million bond; his mothers bond was set at $500,000. Shes expected to appear in court on Jan, 14. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In October 2002, Pilgrim's Pride Foods found itself at the center of a public health crisis after recalling more than 27 million pounds of deli turkey and chicken. At the time, it was the largest meat recall in U.S. history, and for good reason -- tests revealed Listeria monocytogenes lurking in the drains at its Franconia, Pennsylvania, processing plant. The fallout wasn't just logistical; it was tragic. The contaminated meat was linked to a Listeria outbreak across eight states, leading to 46 confirmed illnesses, seven deaths, and three stillbirths or miscarriages. This wasn't just another food scare -- it was one of the world's biggest food poisoning scares. With products sold nationwide for over five months, many people didn't even realize they'd eaten potentially dangerous meat until it was too late. In response, Pilgrim's Pride Foods shut down its Franconia plant for a deep clean and inspection, but the damage had already been done. Confidence in deli meats took a serious hit, leaving many wondering just how safe these ready-to-eat products really were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 6 Meats You Should And Shouldn't Buy From Walmart Sadly, This Wasn't The Last Major Listeria Outbreak Listeriosis test tubes and cultures - felipe caparros/Shutterstock The 2002 recall wasn't just a wake-up call for Pilgrim's Pride Foods -- it sent shockwaves through the entire food industry. Listeria isn't your average bacteria; it can survive and even grow in cold environments like refrigerators, making it a persistent threat in foods like deli meats, cheeses, and other prepackaged goods. The Pilgrim's Pride Foods incident made it clear that the food industry needed stricter protocols to catch contamination before it reached the public. Unfortunately, this wasn't the last major Listeria outbreak. Years later, other major recalls tied to Listeria proved that food safety is still a work in progress. These incidents pushed consumers to be even more cautious about processed foods. Beyond the immediate fallout, the 2002 recall also sparked broader conversations about Listeria. The truth behind Listeria in processed foods remains a critical topic as producers and regulators continue working to prevent the next significant outbreak. The lessons from 2002 still echo across the industry, shaping the way we think about food safety today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. Read the original article on The Daily Meal. This year has been the deadliest for aviation accidents since 2018 after a commercial aircraft smashed into a concrete wall on Sunday morning in South Korea, killing 179 out of 181 people on board. The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 plane collided with a barrier before erupting in flames at the Muan International Airport. The flight had departed from Bangkok, Thailand around 2 a.m. on Sunday. Only two people, who were both crew members, survived the catastrophe. An international group of investigators is now working to determine the cause of the deadly incident. Passenger plane fatalities jumped this year after the Jeju Air crash and an Azerbaijan Airlines jet was downed on Christmas Day in Kazakhstan after it flew into Russian airspace. Thirty-eight out of 67 people on board died in the incident. In August, a regional commercial aircraft crashed in Brazil, killing all 62 people on the aircraft. A satellite image shows South Korea's Muan airport before the Jeju Air crash (via REUTERS) A total of 318 people died in plane fatalities this year, according to data from the Aviation Safety Network. This marks the deadliest year in aviation since 2018, when 557 people died on commercial flights. That year, a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max aircraft crashed into the Java Sea after departing from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year is the first time since 2018 that flight fatalities have exceeded 300 people. In 2023, flight fatalities hit a recent low of 120, the safest year in air travel since 2017, when 58 deaths were reported. In a statement following the Jeju Air crash, Boeing said it was in contact with the airline and stood by ready to support them. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones and our thoughts remain with the passengers and the crew, the company said. Boeing is one of two major commercial airplane manufacturers, with the second being Airbus, the companys European competitor. Boeing shares fell four percent in premarket trading on Monday. The National Transportation Safety Board, the leading U.S. investigative agency following transportation disasters, will lead a team of U.S. investigators to assist Korean officials with the probe. Any forthcoming information will be released by the South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, the federal agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, South Korean authorities ordered the grounding of all Boeing 737-800 planes used by the countrys airlines after a second Jeju Air plane experienced a landing gear issue. Officials will inspect the planes before returning them to the skies. A Jeju Air official (C) bows his head and apologises to the bereaved families of passengers of the Jeju Air passenger plane. (YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images) The Federal Aviation Administration ordered all Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft to cease operations after a door plug blew out of an Alaska Airlines flight nearly a year ago. The agency required all 171 planes to be inspected before they could return to transporting customers. Its not clear what caused Sundays crash, but investigators suspect a bird strike or a landing gear failure may have played a role, although the former rarely causes such catastrophic incidents. The landing gear had not been deployed when the plane hit the tarmac. Despite the deadly collisions, fatal airplane crashes remain rare and typically occur during landing and takeoff. Sundays fatal crash marked the first for Jeju Air. Investigators will likely work to determine the cause of the incident to prevent similar ones from happening in the future. Officials will analyze data obtained from the cockpit voice recorder and black box to find out what caused the crash. Preventative measures are normally enacted after catastrophic incidents. In 2024, The Oklahoman launched a Sunday feature called "Get to Know." Every week we introduce or re-acquaint our readers with members of the community who are doing great things and have ideas worth sharing. This series continues in 2025 with a story in this issue about a Vietnamese couple who are dedicated to reinforcing Asian culture in Oklahoma City and developing business opportunities throughout the community for a new energetic and entrepreneurial generation. As the new year begins, we'd like to celebrate the ideas and accomplishments of some of the Oklahomans we got to know a bit better in 2024 and graciously shared their experiences, opinions and ideas for the future. Their thoughts on education, mental health and more are well worth a second look. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is a brief review of some of their comments: Domestic Violence "Historically it (domestic violence) hasn't been a priority of the state. It doesn't even have a single line item in its budget for victim services, not through DHS or any other entity. The bulk of the agencies we work with are non-profits that get their funding federally, and that has decreased 25% over the past five years. We really need state support. It's a public safety issue, a public health issue. We've been asking and advocating and trying to garner state support, but we're not there yet." Kim Garrett-Funk, director and founder of Palomar, a nonprofit organization created to help victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse Free Legal Aid "Legal Aid doesn't have the capacity to do all that needs to be done. We do the best we can. We try to be where our clients already congregate. Health care facilities, for example. We're at 35 different hospitals and clinics across the state. We have about 230-240 lawyers, and that makes us the biggest law firm in the state, which isn't known by a lot of people. Why don't more people come? Transportation is still an issue. People are sometimes intimidated, thinking they have to go to a legal office. They may think they're going to get charged, even though we don't charge anybody anything." Michael Figgins, executive director of Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Michael G. Figgins, Executive Director, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc., for his GTK portrait, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Civil Rights in Oklahoma City "I walked picket lines and took part in a couple of big marches, including one that we called Black Friday when the students from Douglass High School came downtown and joined. I remember when the National Guard surrounded us in a circle when we were at the front of the line with Mrs. Luper. They had their guns out, and I remember all of us looking at each other, with Mrs. Luper telling us to just remain calm. That was the most frightening thing I ever encountered." Joyce Jackson, a life-long civil rights activist who became the first Black American female journalist on Oklahoma City television. Oklahoma City civil rights pioneer Joyce Jackson launches a prayer breakfast in 2013 with the theme: "The Wisdom of Peace." Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman Modifying Oklahoma's abortion law "We face the specter of a state question that would have Oklahomans amend their state constitution to allow for abortion up to the time of birth. That's not what I think Oklahomans believe. When I'm in consultation with different groups, I've learned that I am a pro-life woman who can accept that we should defer in cases of saving the life of the mother, or in the case of rape or incest as long as it's reported to law enforcement. Those exceptions aren't in our laws now, because they were in bills the Supreme Court threw out. I would need to bring my colleagues along with me, but if we're to succeed in stopping abortion on demand up until the time of birth, we need to make this you can call it a concession if you want if you want the support of the public whose votes we need in order to protect life to the greatest extent possible. Julie Daniels, majority leader of the Oklahoma Senate. BluePrint Get to Know.State Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville at the Oklahoma state Capitol Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Opportunity for Latinos "Latinos are entrepreneurial. They have that mindset. We have a tremendous amount of restaurants that are popping up. Construction is always going to be a big employer for our community members. But what I'm seeing is there is a big interest among young people in furthering their education, getting degrees and even advanced degrees, and that could be in the accounting world, the legal and medical world. There's a young population that is becoming more and more excited about education. But that may not be for everyone, and it's promising that you can go to Metro Tech right now and get yourself a welding certificate and be in a position to make six figures in the next five years, working as a welder." Salvador Ontiveros, president and CEO of Oklahoma City's Latino Community Development Agency Salvador Ontiveros speaks. Election: Cultural Identity and Civic Duty: The Role of Latino Leadership in Elections, Oct. 30, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children in poverty "One out of five children live in poverty in Oklahoma. How are we addressing that? Because until we address the poverty situation, we'll never have change. I feel like I need a button that reads, 'Because of Poverty, Because of Poverty, Because of Poverty,' because when we talk about almost every issue we have, the overarching issue is poverty. Take education. Our teachers are struggling to teach our kids because the kids aren't getting what they need at home because of poverty, right? People aren't earning a living wage, and we're 80,000 units short of obtainable housing because of poverty. Shiloh Kantz, executive director of the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Get to Know, Shiloh Kantz, Executive Director, Oklahoma Policy Institute. Learning about our history "It's been a long time since I've been in school, but even with my children, I don't believe the Tulsa massacre in 1921 or the massacre of some of our Native Americans in pre-statehood days has ever been told in the textbooks, at least until recently. We just didn't cover what I believe are ugly parts. For example, the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s was so powerful it controlled much of the government, and we didn't learn that growing up. It's important to study even the ugly parts of our history. If we don't talk about our mistakes with the next generation, how will they learn? Bob Burke, attorney and historian Bob Burke, historian, author, lawyer holds one of his recent books, "What a Ride: The Life of Hal Smith". Get to Know story for Blue Print, Thursday, April 11, 2024. Barriers for Black Oklahomans "My family history in Oklahoma is consistent with many Black families its a story of participation and accomplishment alongside broken promises and disappointment. For most of Oklahoma City's existence, there have been structural barriers limiting opportunity that we have had to tear down. How much economic output was stifled by redlining or wasted on lawsuits to allow Black families to own homes north of 4th street? How much would wages have grown with equitable access to lending or education? It seems like we have learned from those lessons, and my view is that we are on the cusp of becoming a city that can finally fulfill its potential as a place of unrestricted opportunity for creators from various backgrounds looking to build the future right now." Sandino Thompson, Oklahoma City real estate and business developer Community developer Sandino Thompson poses for a photo outside the Foster Center, on Friday, March 15, 2024, in Oklahoma City. Respect for Native Americans "Some teachers who are not educated may think certain remarks are funny, but its not OK to say those things. It really hurts our Native American students the mocking 'woo-woo-woo' stuff, and 'Oh, youre a Redskin.' Thats very degrading. I wish schools that have mascots like Redskins and Savages would consider changing those names to something else. I would like to work on a future bill that will eliminate those mascots, kind of like what California did. Im hoping to get that to the front lines in the next legislative session." Edwina Butler-Wolfe, director of the Sac and Fox Nation education department and former governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe in Shawnee Edwina Butler-Wolfe, the first woman to serve a full term as governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe is pictured in front of the Sac and Fox Nation Community Service in Shawnee, Okla., on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resources for the homeless "We know that a disproportionate number of LGBTQ+ youth experience homelessness compared to their cisgender peers because, especially in Oklahoma, we have such a Bible Belt mentality. We see a lot of young people rejected by their families. We also just see so many young people and their families don't have the resources they need to take care of them. If we can create a space that is welcoming and affirming and able to care for them in a way that is safe for them and also empowering to them, then we can also care for everybody else." Rachel Bradley, executive director, Sisu Youth Services Rachel Bradley, Sisu Youth Services director, talks about the the shelter in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. How to find and keep a job "I think the No. 1 thing is that people have contacts and they get referrals from someone already working at a place. And then I say it's the soft skills, showing up to work on time, getting along with everyone and trying to fit into the culture of the workplace and what they do. William Stoller, CEO of Express Employment William Stoller, co-founder of Express Employment, is pictured Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Barriers for Black Oklahomans, poverty among issues addressed in 2024 Last spring, tension over the war in the Middle East reached a boiling point, and students at many universities across America set up tent encampments and protested what they perceived as their institutions role in the conflict. Schools responded in different ways some quickly tore down the encampments while others, such as Northwestern University, negotiated with students to find a solution. The presence of these encampments stirred a debate about free speech and what universities should and should not permit on campuses that continued in our section well after students went home for the summer. Here is a look back in excerpts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 5:Stephen J. Lyons, Why cant I criticize the war in Gaza without being called antisemitic? I have a question. Can I criticize Israels war in Gaza without being called antisemitic? Am I allowed to point out that so often the historically oppressed becomes the oppressor du jour? Will I be dismissed as a pearl-clutching peacenik when I point out that, in 2022, 99.7% of the staggering $3.3 billion in U.S. foreign aid we gift to Israel went directly to its military, and that since World War II, that tiny country with some 9 million people has received more U.S. foreign aid than any other nation? Who will be the next university president forced to resign or be fired because of a pro-Palestinian campus protest or because of a linguistic trap set by anti-intellectual members of Congress who demand fealty of all students and faculty in support of Israels aggressive bombing of Gaza? Are universities becoming islands of repression in a sea of democracy? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May 1: Alex Shams,Universities should defend students right to free speech, not aid their repression When students see their tax dollars used to kill more than 34,000 Palestinians at last count, not including thousands more buried under the rubble they are right to question our governments policies. But not only are universities silencing them. Congress is pushing administrators to go further, with a bipartisan consensus forming around punishing students who question pro-Israel policies. Biden and Congress have repeatedly linked campus protests to antisemitism. But not only is antisemitism firmly rejected by most activists, groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace can be found leading protests as part of diverse student coalitions. At Columbia, the Gaza solidarity camp hosted a Passover Seder, with Jewish students sharing the holidays liberation story with peers. Universities should be defending students right to question political consensus, not aiding their repression. And for free speech to thrive, students must be protected from harassment. Universities must provide that space not with rhetoric but with action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May 3: Elizabeth Shackelford,College protests almost always on the right side of history For those who ask why students arent protesting Hamas, its because these institutions arent supporting or helping finance the terrorist group. Across the country, student groups are specifically targeting their colleges and universities, where they expect their influence will be greatest, calling on them to divest funds from corporations and businesses that support Israels military action. Specific calls to action vary, from divesting from any companies and institutions linked to Israel to any companies linked to arms manufacturing generally. This approach most closely echoes the protests against South Africas apartheid government, which are credited with pushing 155 universities to divest from companies that supported or profited from apartheid and the U.S. government to enact a divestment policy as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But student demands today face more obstacles. Opposition to Israeli government action is far more polarizing than opposition to the South African apartheid regime was then. Political support for Israel within the U.S. system is so strong that it has secured laws in more than 30 states that prohibit state governments from doing business with companies that promote divestment from Israel. This could prove a real challenge for educational institutions even if they are open to protester demands. University administrators are already facing loud criticism from Republican political leaders in Washington who are calling on some to resign. Navigating the divide between free speech and hate speech is particularly fraught in light of the history of antisemitism in our country and beyond. May 9: Lily Cohen,Why I resigned from Northwesterns antisemitism committee While intended to create an infrastructure for future conversations about Jewish and Zionist students experiences, the committees are so limited in the actions they are actually able to take that they are rendered useless. I no longer see Northwesterns committee as paving an effective path forward and instead have come to understand how completely performative these task forces are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Northwestern committee is not unique in its ineffectiveness. Rabbi David Wolpe resigned from Harvard Universitys committee in December because he was not confident that he would be able to make the difference he had hoped by remaining on it. By design, these committees are doomed to fail. While valuable in a campus environment to include a variety of identities and perspectives, Jewish voices are too often minimized as non-Jewish ideas about the experience of antisemitism are given equal weight. Our own committee even placed an emphasis on ensuring the physical, emotional and psychological safety and well-being of Northwesterns students. However, as one of only two students present, I regularly felt emotionally and psychologically disregarded. My personal experiences were dismissed and my voice ignored in favor of scholarship, research and academic credentials. While I value using data-driven solutions and tapping into the vast educational resources available to us, it was belittling and dehumanizing to hear the Jewish student experience diluted to something that scholarship disagreed with and therefore it was not addressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement May 10: Michael Schill,Why I reached an agreement with protesters at Northwestern With the help of a handful of exceptional faculty members, we began meeting with student protesters. They asked for several changes to university policy including divestment from Israel and the end of an academic program that focused on Israeli innovation. We said a flat no to both. But we did say we understood their isolation and alienation and wanted to work with them to improve life at Northwestern for Muslim students and students from the Middle East and North Africa. That began three days and nights of difficult but productive discussions. Ultimately, we came to an agreement that they would take down the tent encampment and bring the demonstration into compliance with our rules and regulations. We would permit peaceful demonstrations on Deering Meadow for roughly a month and provide greater information to students about our investments. We also agreed to establish a house for Muslim and Middle Eastern students to eat, pray and socialize, something already enjoyed by our Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Black and female students. The university also committed to including Gaza in our Scholars at Risk program, which brings students and faculty members from war-torn or devastated areas to Northwestern, a program we employed with Ukraine amid the current war with Russia as well as Tulane University following Hurricane Katrina. May 19:Jay Tcath, What DePaul revealed about its pro-Palestinian encampment should be a wakeup call Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weaponization and physical damage provide just a glimpse into the nature of many agitators who were there, how little they care about the community they inhabit, how hate-filled they are and the very real danger they posed to all not just Jews. The protesters vitriol was directed at anyone trying to walk by Jewish or not. The entire residential neighborhood was subjected to the free speech of this rabid takeover. Terrifying imagery, accompanied by screaming, masked disruptors, was on full display for families walking their children to the park and Chicagoans walking to work or simply going about their daily lives. For weeks, too many have dismissed the concerns that tent encampments on local campuses were dangerous hotbeds of antisemitism and hate. Too many believed the protesters and their defenders who said authorities sought to stifle their free speech. What has now been revealed by DePaul University should be a wakeup call for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement June 23: Eli J. Finkel,The failings of the Chicago Principles when it comes to free speech Show Caption1 of 62 Activists chant after being allowed into the quad after facing off against police after a pro-Palestinian encampment was raided by officers at the University of Chicago early Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune) Expand Recent protests at colleges and universities have exposed the fractured foundation of the prevailing framework for campus speech. When protesters form a human chain to prevent a student with opposing views from entering their liberated zone, is that a violation of campus speech policy? When they plant a large protest flag in the center of the main campus quad, is that protected speech? Why or why not? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such questions, which have nothing to do with the substance of the protest, beg more fundamental questions: What is the primary purpose of free speech at a university? What role should universities play in the broader free-speech ecosystem? The prevailing framework for campus speech exemplified by the Chicago Principles and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) isnt equipped to answer such questions, largely because it fails to appreciate that freedom of speech is not one right, but two. First, the right to unbridled speech addresses what people are permitted to say when holding the microphone (literally or figuratively); it captures the license to speak ones mind candidly, even when doing so is likely to offend others. Second, the right to inclusive speech addresses who is able and willing to hold the microphone in the first place; it captures the equal opportunity to contribute to public discourse. Although both unbridled and inclusive speech are essential for achieving a robust public discourse, its impossible to maximize both at once because certain forms of unbridled speech, including slurs, render the public sphere less inclusive. Consequently, universities that fully appreciate only the first of these two freedoms undermine the very goal they seek to promote. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. 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 has ruled. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The brief signed by 22 attorneys general was filed the same day President-elect Donald Trump asked the nations high court to extend the laws Jan. 19 divestment deadline to give his administration the opportunity to seek a negotiated resolution of these questions. Trump is set to be sworn in Jan. 20 as the 47th president. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a similar directive a year earlier. In December 2022, he told the states Department of Administration, which oversees computer and internet services in use across much of state government but not all to block the app from devices it manages. 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. On Monday, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said he and the other attorneys general who have signed on are concerned not only about national security risks from TikToks collection of Americans data but also the apps danger to children. TikTok is a tool of the Chinese Communist Party, an enemy of the United States, so its operations in the U.S. pose a serious threat to our national security. The First Amendment does not protect a platform that allows the CCP to exploit Americans data and undermine our freedoms, Wilson said in a statement. I look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to protect not only our national security but our children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SC Daily Gazette Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report. Like the SC Daily Gazette, 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. SHILOH, Ill. A Shiloh, Illinois, woman was arrested early Saturday morning for attempted murder of her boyfriend after stabbing him in the chest. According to the Shiloh Police Department, Marnequa T. Allen, 22, stabbed her boyfriend while at her residence in the 2600 block of Sierra Drive. Police arrived at the scene around 1 a.m. Saturday morning. Polar Bear Ride offers support, donations for family of woman struck by train and killed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After police and EMS arrived, the victim was taken to a local hospital and remains in critical condition. Allen was arrested and taken into custody of the St. Clair County jail. Allen was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated domestic battery. 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 2. A 22-year-old man faced a judge in connection with a home invasion in Lynnfield late Sunday night. Ghustin Boyce, of Everett, was arraigned Monday morning in Peabody District Court on charges including home invasion, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and armed robbery with a mask, according to the Lynnfield Police Department. He pleaded not guilty and was held without bail until his next court appearance on January 6. Officers responding to a report of a home invasion on Brook Drive near Route 1 around 10 p.m. conducted a search of the area, tracked down Boyce, and arrested him, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one person suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the invasion, according to police. Police noted that they dont believe the incident is random. There were no additional details immediately available. Massachusetts State Police and the Essex County Sheriffs Department are assisting Lynnfield police with an investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW KINSHASA, Congo (AP) At least 23 Congolese soldiers are facing the death penalty or 10 to 20 years in prison following their arraignment on Monday for alleged rape, desertion and other crimes amid the fighting in the countrys conflict-battered east, according to Congo's army. The soldiers were brought before a military court in Butembo territory in North Kivu province, according to army spokesman Lt. Col. MaK Hazukay. Security forces have been fighting more than 120 rebel groups in the mineral-rich region for years. Congo lifted a more than 20-year moratorium on the death penalty in March, a decision criticized by rights activists. In May, eight soldiers were sentenced to death for fleeing the battlefield, and in July, 25 soldiers were convicted of similar offences. None of them is known to have been executed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten of the soldiers arraigned on Monday are being prosecuted for desertion, which carries the death penalty, while others face charges of misusing military weapons, disobedience, robbery and rape, the army spokesman told The Associated Press. Eastern Congo, bordering Rwanda and Uganda, has long struggled with armed violence as rebels fight for power, land and mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. Among the most active rebel groups in the region is the M23, which the United Nations and Congos government say is supported with weapons and troops by Rwanda. Rwanda has denied involvement in the conflict that has created one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced. Meanwhile, six people were killed Sunday night in an attack by the Islamic State group-linked Allied Democratic Forces in the eastern Beni territory, according to Kambale Jean-de-Dieu Kibwana, the deputy mayor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks in the region have intensified, locals have said, with frequent clashes recorded between rebels and Congolese forces. Many people in the area have been displaced multiple times. ___ Associated Press journalist Justin Kabumba contributed from Goma, Congo. CHICAGO A 25-year-old man was killed and two other men were injured when an argument outside a bar escalated into gunfire overnight in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood. The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. Monday in the 2000 block of South Paulina Street, according to Chicago police, when two 32-year-old men were arguing with the 25-year-old man outside Caminos de Michoacan Bar just before the 2 a.m. closing time. During the dispute, police say, the three men began shooting at each other. Witnesses inside the bar told WGN News they heard the gunshots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CTA Red Line service resumes after investigation of suspicious package The 25-year-old man sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the body, police say, and was taken to Stroger Hospital by the Chicago Fire Department, where he was pronounced dead. One of the 32-year-old men was taken by CFD to Stroger Hospital in critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds to the body, while the other was also taken by CFD to Stroger Hospital in good condition with a gunshot wound to the left arm, according to police. Members of the community outreach group H.O.P.E. Culture Chicago were outside Stroger Hospital later Monday morning comforting relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its never easy to be able to speak to family members who have lost loved ones, Daniel Lujan, outreach supervisor for H.O.P.E. Culture, said. Ive been a victim of losing a loved one to community violence, and thats why were out here today, is to be able to provide hope and an opportunity of change for those who go through that. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Its not clear why the three men were arguing before the deadly shooting. Police say nobody is yet in custody, and Area Three detectives are investigating. 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. When it comes to technology, free speech, and new laws, the big question going into 2025 is whether the U.S. Supreme Court will allow a TikTok ban to take effect on January 19. Along with that possible change, a bevy of lower-profile tech lawssome good, mostly badare slated to take effect across the U.S. in the upcoming year, with many going into effect on January 1. For today's newsletter, I've rounded up some of the most notable ones, which include bans on teens using social media (Florida and Tennessee), age verification requirements for porn websites (Florida and Tennessee), a law ordering online platforms to remove "deceptive" election-related content (California), and a law limiting law enforcement use of images collected by drones (Nevada). This list is not comprehensive. But I looked through a lot of laws taking effect in various states, so it's a decent overview of what's coming. Age Verification and 'Protecting' Minors From Social Media, Porn Florida is banning younger teens from social media and requiring ID checks for online porn: House Bill 3a law with implications for both adult websites and social media platformstakes effect on January 1, though part of it won't be enforced yet due to a legal challenge. The law bans anyone in Florida under age 14 from using social media, and it requires parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds to have social media accounts. It also requires online platforms that publish "materials harmful to minors"by which it means all sorts of depictions or descriptions of sexualityto ban visitors under age 18, which of course requires checking the ages of all visitors to porn websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The law adds hefty fines and civil liabilities for any social media sites that knowingly violate the law," reports The Palm Beach Post. "Hefty fines" will also be levied against web publishers in violation of the sexual content portion. Florida's attorney general said the social media part will not enforced yet, pending a decision requiring a motion for a preliminary injunction against that part. A hearing on that motion is scheduled for February. Tennessee is requiring ID checks for social media, online porn: House Bill 1891the Protecting Minors From Social Media Actrequires social media companies to age-verify users and prevent those under age 18 from opening accounts without parental permission. Senate Bill 1792 says adult content platforms must verify user ages. California is coming for social media algorithms: Assembly Bill 976 takes effect in January. It "prohibits online platforms from knowingly providing an addictive feed to a minor without parental consent," per Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. The state defines an addictive feed to be basically any feed that relies on a personalized recommendation algorithm. "The bill also prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during school hours and late at night," Newsom's office says. In 2025, social media platforms are required to implement these rules only when they have "actual knowledge" that an account is held by a minor. But beginning in 2027, "the law expands this threshold to when the social media platform 'has reasonably determined' a user is a minor," according to Global Policy Watch. AI Regulations (Hector Amezcua/TNS/Newscom) California is regulating election-related "deepfakes," digital replicas: California lawmakers in 2024 passed a slew of new laws aimed at AI-created content. Assembly Bill 1836 "updates current law to prohibit the use of a deceased person's voice or likeness in digital replicas without the prior consent of their estate," according to the law firm Fisher Phillips. "The law imposes statutory damages of either $10,000 or the actual damages suffered (whichever is greater), and removes existing exemptions for film, TV, audiovisual works and more when it comes to digital replication." Assembly Bill 2602 deals with contracts related to services that involve digital replicas. Assembly Bill 2355 says political ads that use AI-generated content must contain a disclosure saying "This ad was generated or substantially altered using artificial intelligence." Another new law (Assembly Bill 2839) relates to malicious distribution of "materially deceptive audio or visual media of a candidate within 60 days of an election." Additionally, the state passed a law (Assembly Bill 2655) concerning "deepfakes" that would require online platforms to label or remove "materially deceptive content" related to elections. It is supposed to take effect in January but in October a federal judge put it on pause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois is banning AI-generated child porn, nonconsensual digital replicas: Two new Illinois laws related to artificial intelligence (AI) are slated to take effect this week. House Bill 4623 bans AI-generated sexually explicit images of minors. House Bill 4875 bans using an AI-created version of someone's voice, image, or likeness for commercial purposes without obtaining the consent of the person replicated. Both laws take effect on January 1. Miscellaneous California sets out to manage money of influencers: Two laws taking effect in January deal with money earned by minors who make money from online videos or other content. Senate Bill 764 says that when adults monetize online video or photo content in which "at least 30 percent of thecontent includes the likeness, name, or photograph" of a minor, they must put 15 percent of their gross earnings into a trust for that minor. Meanwhile, Assembly Bill 1880 sets out trust requirements for money made by minors themselves online. This expands an existing law (the Coogan Law) concerning child performers "to include minors who are employed as content creators on online platforms, such as YouTube," per Newsom's office. "The Coogan Law is a decades-old statutory scheme that protects child performers and creators by ensuring that their employers place at least 15 percent of their gross earnings in trust till they reach adulthood." California lets schools limit cellphone use: Senate Bill 1283 says that "the governing board of a school district, a county board of education, or the governing body of a charter school may adopt a policy to limit or prohibit the use by its pupils of social media while the pupils are at a schoolsite or while the pupils are under the supervision and control of an employee or employees of that school district, county office of education, or charter school." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevada limits law-enforcement use of drones: "Beginning the first of the year, Nevada state government and local law enforcement cannot purchase a drone which is not approved by the federal government," notes Fox 5 Vegas. "The law also deals with drones used to check building compliance and fire codes. Images captured cannot be used in criminal or civil litigation to prove reasonable suspicion or probable cause." Vermont is requiring digital access to government meetings: Staring in January, "all state decision-making bodies will be required to hold all regular and special meetings in both a physical location, and on an electronic platform," reports Vermont Public Radio. Data privacy laws are taking effect in 8 states: I haven't had time to look closely at any of these, which vary in their particulars. But from a very cursory glance it seems that much of these new mandates will simply force compliance headaches on tech companies while making very little difference for consumers and perhaps requiring us to check yet more permission boxes each time we visit a website. More Sex & Tech News (Markus Gann/Newscom) An Ohio bill banning students from using multi-person bathrooms that don't match their biological sex takes effect on January 1. Called the Protect All Students Act, it applies to kindergartens through colleges. The law says schoolsincluding private schools must designate bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations as either exclusively male or female. Schools may still offer bathrooms designed for a single person and/or family bathrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Shri Thanedar (DMich.) is calling for the decriminalization of sex work. "We should decriminalize sex work to maximize sex workers' legal protection and their ability to exercise other rights, including unionization, justice, and health care," he wrote on X last week. "Decriminalization and regulation would prevent trafficking and exploitation of minors." A federal judge has struck down an Arkansas law that opened librarians to criminal penalties and could be used to limit books related to sex, gender, sexuality, or any adult themes. "The law deputizes librarians and booksellers as the agents of censorship; when motivated by the fear of jail time, it is likely they will shelve only books fit for young children and segregate or discard the rest," wrote U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks. The Verge explains the European Union's new USB-C charging mandate. At Wired, Angela Saini argues that plummeting fertility rates will be bad news for women's autonomy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A California law taking effect in January raises the penalties for certain solicitation offenses involving a minor. (This newsletter covered the controversy surrounding this measure, Senate Bill 1414, earlier this year.) Today's Image Christmas cat is disappointed by all these bad new tech bills. The post 25 Tech Laws Slated To Take Effect in 2025 appeared first on Reason.com. Editors Note: The story may no longer be up to date (WJW) As of Monday morning, FirstEnergy customers without power had gone up to over 15,000. FirstEnergy outage map By late Monday afternoon, the number of outages had dropped to more than 4,000 with hundreds of customers in Cuyahoga, Columbiana and Geauga counties. Restoration times differ, but most should have power back by Tuesday afternoon. A Wind Advisory was in effect for Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake Counties through 10 a.m. Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A 26-year-old man was taken to the hospital with an injury described as life-threatening after a Sunday afternoon stabbing in Sioux Falls, according to Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens. Brookings boutique on fire Monday morning Police say the report of the stabbing came through around 2 p.m. on Sunday. Lantana Howard, 29, of Sioux Falls was arrested for the stabbing, charged with aggravated assault-domestic and making a false report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clemens said Howard allegedly stabbed the victim with a knife in an apartment in the 1700-block of South Cliff Ave. Clemens said Howard initially told police a false story about the stabbing. There had been some type of disagreement between the suspect and the victim, who know each other, said Clemens, who explained that others in the apartment heard the incident, and kicked the suspect and victim out of the apartment when they realized there had been a stabbing. Clemens said at this time there is not a danger to the public, calling the stabbing a domestic situation between the victim and suspect. 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 KELOLAND.com. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, December 30. On December 25, 2024, independent international ratings agency S&P Global awarded Kazakhstan's national railway company, Kazakhtstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), an ESG rating of 60 out of 100 in the Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), Trend reports. This represents a significant improvement of 6 points from the previous year, where KTZ scored 54 points. The average score for the "Transportation and Transportation Infrastructure" sector was 34 points, highlighting KTZ's notable performance in the industry. KTZ's inclusion in the top 10% of over 300 transportation companies assessed by S&P Global underscores its strong commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The improved ESG rating reflects the company's ongoing efforts to enhance its environmental, social, and governance practices, setting a positive example within the transportation sector. The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark announced the discovery of ancient tree fossils belonging to the predecessors of the palm tree, shedding more light on the regions rich geological history and even rewriting it. The sprawling and scenic UNESCO geopark of Torbay in south Devon is already a site of global importance for its jaw-dropping natural beauty and geological wonders. The pieces of roots and bark uncovered the existence of primitive trees known as lycopsids that flourished in the geological marvel 377 million years ago, the Torbay Council announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 13 feet tall, they looked much like their modern descendants, only shorter, and they even contributed to coal formation. Sparking excitement in the scientific community, researchers have transferred the tree fossils to the Torquay Museum for further investigation because they hold unprecedented knowledge about the prehistoric environment of Torbay, and indicate that it might have looked a little different than experts thought. A shorter ancestor of the palm tree found in the world-famous geopark The legendary ancestor of the palm tree was uncovered unexpectedly during a condition survey at Geoparks Sites of Special Scientific Interest for Natural England. Dr. Kevin Page, President of ProGEO and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at Camborne School of Mine, University of Exeter, spotted the unparalleled natural treasure from the Earths distant past in the rock. The initial group thought it best to keep the discovery confidential until the initiative had been organized with an official working group. Experts from the Universities of Exeter, Plymouth, Cardiff, and Lille were assembled, along with Natural England, to ensure the best and most appropriate outcomes for the find, as stated in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After visits and discussions, they came up with a plan of action to recover them, as the fossils were at risk of erosion from the winter storms. Due to the international status as a protected landscape, they had to ensure the proper removal diligently with the assistance of expert geologists to winch the fossils up a cliff. First evidence of volcanic islands and trees in Saltern Cove The tree fossils represent the stunning diversity of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark's landscape. Furthermore, they open a window to access what the region looked like 377 million years ago. "These fossils are incredibly significant as they provide valuable insights into the prehistoric environment of Torbay, including the presence of volcanic islands with trees growing on them, Dr. Kevin Page said in a recent press release. This could potentially be the first record of a Devonian desert island with trees, a truly remarkable find. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fossils were located at Saltern Cove along the South West Coast Path in Paignton, a marine reserve. Thus far, Melanie Border, Geopark Coordinator explained, Our Devonian age rocks have only provided evidence of a marine environment. They believed they had found the first evidence of volcanic islands and trees. "It opens a new chapter of changing environments and conditions for us and highlights the importance of preserving and studying our natural heritage," Border concluded in a press release. The tree fossils will be housed at the Torquay Museum until research begins that aims to dig deeper into "the geological processes that shaped the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark." BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Four people were tracked down with assistance from Air 1 and arrested Thursday after allegedly stealing a car earlier in the week, Buffalo police announced. A Mercedes SUV was stolen from a Fleming Street home on Dec. 23. The Erie County Sheriffs Air 1 and a vehicle detail tracked the vehicles movements after it was reported stolen. Three days later, the vehicle was tracked to Waverly Street and four suspects were apprehended without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Narrsson Boyd-Halsey, 29, of Buffalo, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of stolen property and second-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle following a previous unauthorized use of a vehicle conviction. Donyale Jackson, 25, and Deyonta Ragland, 31, both of Buffalo, were charged identically with third-degree criminal possession of stolen property and third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle. Danielle Ruger, 32, of Hamburg, received the same charges. Latest Local News Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. 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 News 4 Buffalo. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) Events happening across the Lowcountry will help families celebrate the New Years Eve holiday together. Whether you are looking for fireworks, a drone show, or hoping to be home before midnight, check out one of these events on Tuesday: Folly Beach Flip Flop Drop & Drone Show Folly Beach will ring in the new year with one of the areas most popular celebrations: the Flip Flop Drop at midnight. The drop happens on Center Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New this year, the drop will be accompanied by a special drone show instead of fireworks! The drones will launch from Follys riverside, and people can gather in the lot at 108 West Huron Avenue to watch the show from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Bring a chair and enjoy music from a DJ at 6:30 p.m., with the drones taking flight at 7 p.m. Holiday Festival of Lights and Fireworks Tuesday marks the last day to enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. This years event will end with a bang as the park presents an earlier New Years Eve fireworks show. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and the fireworks start at 8 p.m., and youll be back home before midnight! Aquarium Aglow: A festive NYE experience at the South Carolina Aquarium Aquarium Aglow offers an immersive holiday light installation at the South Carolina Aquarium. This seasonal event will culminate in a New Years Eve celebration for the entire family! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guests will enjoy the lights, music, and a special ball drop all before bedtime! There will also be refreshments, including some adult beverages, for purchase. Grab your tickets online! READ NEXT: Dive into 2025 with these three polar plunges in the Charleston area Noon Years Eve at Ashley River Park Kids of all ages are invited to Ashley River Park for a Noon-Years Eve party. The event is from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Attendees can make party hats, and crafts, and enjoy scavenger hunts. Plus, the countdown to 2025 will happen at noon! The program is included in the gate fee, or with a park pass; however, registration is required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WCBD News 2. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 wasnt immediately known. Four other people in Brazoria County had injuries that werent considered critical, said Polston, adding that at least 40 homes and buildings were significantly damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 organizations supply tent filled with clothes and food after about 6 inches (152 millimeters) of rain fell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes 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. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Images in this story and above video may be considered disturbing In the newest development of a recent and disturbing trend in Southern California, five more wild parrots were found mutilated in the San Gabriel Valley, some of which were beyond saving. Local wildlife rescuer Cleo Watts said that these birds, all part of an endangered species, were found in a makeshift birdcage left on the railroad tracks in El Monte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three of them had to be euthanized immediately, some with multiple fractures, one with lacerations on the left part of the body, Watts told KTLAs Jennifer McGraw. On one of them, the beak was completely ripped off and split in half. Watts runs the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center called Cleos Critter Care, and this isnt the first time shes seen parrots arrive under these conditions. Earlier in December, injured parrots were found shot in Pasadena and Monrovia as many as 11 were killed or severely injured. Parrots in and around the Pasadena area are being injured and even killed by unknown suspects. (Cleos Critter Care) In addition, about a year ago in Temple City, someone placed nets into trees presumably to catch parrots and, as a result, some fell, got injured or ran over and killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We keep hearing these stories of these birds getting mutilated and to think that its a human being thats doing it is devastating, said Watts. The birds are not native but have settled comfortably into San Gabriel Valley, and while some residents enjoy their unusual presence others clearly do not want them around. Were not exactly sure why, or if theyre just annoyed by the noisy parrots, said Ashly Cass of SoCal Parrot Rescue in San Diego. Its one thing if its an accident, but its still heartbreaking and frustrating when its on purpose. Rescuers do all they can to triage and save the injured birds. While some dont make it, others are able to rehab at SoCal Parrot Rescue which takes in a couple hundred birds each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, rescuers hope to bring awareness to the community and stop the parrot poachers. Pasadena Humane is handling this investigation now that multiple reports have been made in different cities, and asks community members to call them if they find a dead or injured parrot. 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. Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Five people were rescued after a ship and a tug collided on the Mississippi River in Louisiana, according to multiple reports. On Sunday, the tugboat Patrick J. Studdert and a ship known as the Clara B collided near the Hale Boggs Bridge at about 7:41 p.m. close to mile marker 123, where the tug sank in a part of the river roughly 90 feet deep, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The five unidentified individuals were taken to local hospitals after they made it to shore before rescuers arrived on scene. It's unclear if any suffered injuries, WDSU reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The St. Charles Parish Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is working with the United States Coast Guard, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office, and the vessel owner's surveillance and cleanup contractors to respond and take the necessary steps to clean the incident scene," St. Charles Parish officials said Monday, NOLA reported. At the time, the National Weather Service had issued a dense fog advisory for the area where the crash occurred. An investigation is ongoing and will look at possible environmental effects from the collision after diesel fuel leaked from the sunken tugboat after it crashed into the Liberian bulk carrier ship. However, it's unclear for now how much fuel spilled into the Mississippi River, according to St. Charles officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the Clara B will remain docked in the New Orleans region while the U.S. Coast Guard investigates. A portion of the Mississippi had bee closed Sunday before reopening. Meanwhile, crews were hoping to utilize drones to get a better idea of the damage to create a response plan. More than two dozen lorries will arrive in Syria on Tuesday, 31 December, to deliver the first 500 tonnes of Ukrainian grain as part of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian programme. Source: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who arrived on a visit to Damascus, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine Quote from Sybiha: "We promised to support food security and fulfilled our promise in a short time. Tomorrow, more than two dozen lorries will arrive in Syria to deliver the first 500 tonnes of Ukrainian grain as part of the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian programme. This flour will be distributed free of charge to Syrian families." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The minister stated that this flour would be sufficient to feed over 33,000 Syrian households, or 167,000 Syrians, for a month. Sybiha stated that this is the first batch, and that "we are ready to supply many times more". Background: Ukraine shipped 500 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat grain to Syria under the Grain from Ukraine programme. 23,000 tonnes of Ukrainian maize were shipped to Mozambique and Malawi under the Grain from Ukraine programme. Support UP or become our patron! PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) After failed negotiations, 5,000 Providence frontline healthcare workers will be striking on Jan. 10, marking the start of the largest healthcare and first physicians strike in Oregon history. According to the Oregon Nurses Association, after a week of negotiations, a cooling-off period, and more mediated discussions, they have delivered their 10-day notice to strike. The nurses, doctors and other frontline workers come from 14 facilities around the state, including eight hospitals and six clinics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Providence officials said the strike will not impact the ER, though area hospitals will see nurses, hospitalists and for the first time physicians trade in scrubs for the picket line. Dr. Charlie Saltalamacchia with the Providence Womens Clinic said this is an outcome doctors and nurses hope to avoid as they push for an offer with safer staffing and competitive healthcare benefits. We are very aware of the disruptions and the impacts on the patients, and we dont take this lightly, Saltalamacchia said. It really is a drastic situation that weve come to, that weve made this decision, what were doing this for is the long term benefit of the patients and for the sustainability of our clinic individually and for our whole healthcare system. But the healthcare system said they are shifting focus away from bargaining to come up with contingency plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man of the people: Jimmy Carter in Oregon ONA said that this strike comes as Providence is pushing dangerous practices in order to drive up profits including understaffing critical care units. Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (KOIN) Intensive negotiations with federal mediators started on Dec. 16 but ONA said that it became clear that hospital management was not interested in responding to their concerns with serious proposals. We dont want to go on strike, Kelly Peeler, a nurse with the Providence Portland ER said. That is the last resort. Providence sent KOIN 6 News the following letter that was sent to healthcare workers after the announcement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Caregivers, Today, our bargaining teams received 10-day notices from Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) detailing their plans to hold strikes at all eight Providence Oregon hospitals. Hospitalists, OB hospitalists and palliative care physicians at Providence St. Vincent, and represented caregivers at Providence Womens Clinic, are also included in the strike notice. The work stoppages will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. I want to start by thanking all those who worked so long and hard to avoid this work stoppage. Since late summer the union has been forecasting and planning for this large strike in January. It takes two sides to reach agreements, and I believe our teams were fully committed to finding solutions. Unfortunately, the union was less willing to compromise to find some middle ground. We had multiple conflicting signals from union negotiators and teams in response to our proposals, when they responded at all. We have competitive offers on the table for each hospital bargaining unit, including double-digit pay increases for hospital nurses representing more than $12,000 a year for a typical nurse, and staffing language in the contracts that takes acuity into account (on top of our commitment to follow Oregons staffing law). We have addressed other concerns brought to us and included other incentives in each contract, including the contract terms offered to physician bargaining units. But, instead of working toward a solution, union leaders have resorted to another strike that will delay resolution. Once again, our leadership teams attention will turn to caring for our community during this work stoppage. We have been transparent with union leaders that in the event of a work stoppage, bargaining stops to support our priority of ensuring we continue to provide excellent patient care. So, to meet our commitments to our communities, weve secured replacement workers and identified other strategies to help us care for our patients. Those represented caregivers who wish to come to work and not strike will be welcomed to help. We will provide information on how to report for work. A simple thank you is not enough to recognize the core leaders and caregivers who will be stepping up to care for our patients during this time. Your dedication to our Mission and values is admirable, as is your commitment to ensuring our ministries remain sustainable. There will be trying times ahead, and we will work through them together. Just as in previous job actions, we expect each caregiver to respect the rights of everyone else to make their own personal decision, whether they join a picket line or cross it. It takes all of us to ensure we have a workplace free from bullying. Finally, we will keep you informed in the days ahead please watch your inboxes for updates. And please know that I am personally grateful for your commitment that shines so brightly even during the toughest times. Jennifer Burrows, RN Chief Executive, Providence Oregon 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. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Tributes have poured in from around the world on Sunday following the death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, at the age of 100. In January 1999, WATE 6 News reporter Brennan Robison spoke with former President Jimmy Carter at Sams Wholesale Club in Knoxville following the release of his book Living Faith. 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. GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (WWLP) The Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has partnered with local private foundations to conserve 66 acres of woodland along the western slope of Three Mile Hill in Great Barrington, making strides in preserving nature and wildlife in the area. Mass Audubon, through its 3030 Catalyst Fund, contributed $125,000 towards this cause. This fund has been used to preserve land in Massachusetts at an accelerated pace. The Forest Reserves Grants Program, created and funded through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Acquisitions, also aided in securing this land. Recap of 2024: Top 24 stories on WWLP.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woodland property is located next to the BNRCs Thomas and Palmer Brook Reserve, and has many unique natural features, such as quartzite boulders, mountain laurel, and the aptly-named Whale Rock. American chestnut, tulip poplar, oak and hickory are just some of the many diverse species of trees that are native to the forest. A portion of the land has been designated as Critical Natural Landscape and Priority Habitat of Rare Species by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. This emphasizes the lands ecological importance and ensures that the biodiversity of the trees and the rich soils supporting the health of the forest are maintained. This conservation success reflects BNRCs mission to care for Berkshire lands, waters, and wildlife while offering more ways for people to connect to the outdoors, said Jenny Hansell, BNRCs President. The Blue Hill Road property expands a key BNRC reserve while protecting important habitat and increases access for nearby communities. To learn more about BNRC properties and trails, visit bnrc.org. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WWLP. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. The BW Singapore Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) has arrived in Italy and is set to begin operations in Ravenna in spring 2025, Trend reports. After departing from Dubai, the unit is now at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo for technical finishing, including mechanical, electrical, and equipment adjustments. Following this, the unit will undergo gassing and cooling operations in Cartagena, Spain, before heading to Ravenna for final connection and verification activities. Snam CEO Stefano Venier emphasized that the arrival of the FSRU marks a key step in Italys strategy to diversify its energy supply, enhancing energy security following the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. With the completion of the BW Singapore, Italy's total regasification capacity will reach 28 billion cubic meters, matching pre-war pipeline imports from Russia. LNG now accounts for about 25% of Italys gas consumption. Snam also holds significant stakes in other major LNG terminals across the country, including those in Panigaglia, Adriatic LNG, OLT Toscana, and Piombino. 7 tons of cocaine found buried underneath farm, video shows Spanish authorities said on Monday they had seized seven tons of cocaine stashed in sea freight containers buried underneath a farm, arresting three suspected smugglers. Police posted video of the seizure, showing officers digging up ground and retrieving dozens of packages containing the alleged drugs. The Civil Guard police said they launched the operation on Friday when they detected two suspicious speedboats at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. The boats were tracked to a rural estate in the municipality of Coria del Rio, south of the city of Seville, where the suspects stored the drugs in two containers hidden underground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Civil Guard, which said it was the largest seizure of cocaine smuggled into southern Spain by speedboat, posted video on social media showing officers unearthing the alleged drugs. #OperacionesGC | Incautado el mayor alijo de #cocaina introducido mediante narcolanchas en el sur de Espana. 7 Tn soterradas en una finca de Coria del Rio #Sevilla 3 detenciones La investigacion continua abierta y no se descartan mas detenciones https://t.co/usvFjlvvnV pic.twitter.com/CcBhAiC3ql Guardia Civil (@guardiacivil) December 30, 2024 They said they impounded three weapons, including an AK-47 assault rifle, and two stolen vehicles. Spain is one of the main gateways to Europe for international drug traffickers due to its proximity to Morocco, a top cannabis producer, and close ties with former colonies in Latin America. Last month, Spanish authorities arrested one of its top police officers after 20 million euros were found hidden in the walls of his house, as part of a probe into the country's largest-ever cocaine bust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Spain participated in a takedown of a major network transporting Latin American cocaine into Europe by boat, which involved 50 arrests across eight countries. Twenty-six of the detainees were arrested in Spain. Tiger Bech's family on his final moments after New Orleans attack ATF head warns that the Trump administration's funding cut plans could risk lives Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum director on his life, impact History was made Sunday in Montgomery County as former Trotwood Mayor Mary McDonald was sworn in as the first African American on the county Board of Commissioners. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7s Taylor Robertson attended the event and heard from McDonald and other speakers. TRENDING STORIES: Commissioner McDonald has big hopes for her new role. She said she plans on being out in the community, talking to people face-to-face about improving the place they live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elder Belinda Mitchel spoke at the swearing in, talking about McDonalds connection to Trotwood. I served 18 years in the city. We went through some tough times here in the City of Trotwood, many people said we couldnt do it and we werent going to make it, McDonald said. Im five generations of self-employed people, we never got rich but guess what? Weve worked. Former Ohio Governor Robert Taft wished McDonald success in her new role. The people of Montgomery County are very, very fortunate that someone with the ability, the integrity and the energy of Mary McDonald will be serving as their next county commissioner, Taft said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonald is committed to working together with the people of Montgomery County. Together we can build bridges, foster understanding and implement policies that will uplift all people, McDonald said. McDonalds message centered on the idea that we are all better together, and that she wants the community to be able to trust their local officials. McDonalds election to the board came after she switched parties and defeated a longtime incumbent. McDonald was a democrat, serving as Trotwoods mayor for years. After losing reelection last year, McDonald announced her switch to the republican party. A protest was filed with the county election board, claiming McDonald didnt make the switch properly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio Secretary of State ruled that McDonald would be on the ballot, where she narrowly beat Commissioner Debbie Lieberman. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The new year means new laws being enacted in every state. From the so-called Taylor Swift bill to gun storage laws, residents in various states will soon live with new requirements. Many states will pass laws but leave time for residents to learn about them, or get used to the new requirements. For many, that means new laws start with the new year. Here are just some of the new laws set to begin across the nation in 2025: A host of new laws are set to be enacted on January 1 across the U.S. That includes new restrictions on guns, abortion requirements and other regulations (REUTERS) Reproductive health laws Now, that 41 states have abortion restrictions in place and 13 have total bans some new laws have been passed to protect the medical procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Delaware, lawmakers passed HB110, requiring some health insurance plans Medicaid, private and state-regulated plans to cover the financial cost of a pregnancy termination. Insurers must cover up to $750 for abortion services, the law says. The average national cost for abortions hovers around $700, according to Planned Parenthood. Changes to Medicaid and the state employee health plan are effective January 1, while changes to private health plans go into effect January 1, 2026, the law states. In New York, a new law permits paid time off for prenatal care or any medical care related to pregnancy. Under this law, any privately employed pregnant person in the state is eligible for an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care. Also, in Pennsylvania, new legislation extends Medicaid coverage to doula services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reproductive health protections in these states come months afer voters approved amendments to enshrine the right to abortion into states constitutions in seven states, but rejected them in three Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Taylor Swift bill A new Minnesota law stemming from the whirlwind battle for highly coveted tickets to Taylor Swifts Eras Tour is going into effect on January 1. In order to combat convoluted ticket resale prices for interest buyers, the law stipulates that resellers must disclose the total cost of the ticket, including any fees, surcharges, and other components so that it must not be false or misleading. Secondary sites will often only show the fees when a person goes to check out, and it makes the total cost significantly higher. Among other consumer protection measures, the legislation prohibits resellers in the state from selling or offering more than one copy of a ticket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The genesis of this bill was really my experience being a Swiftie and trying to get tickets to the Eras Tour, said state Rep Kelly Moller during a committee hearing, according to Fox 9. Taylor Swift performs during The Eras Tour in Vancouver, British Columbia. A new law in Minnesota makes reference to her and deals with getting hard to obtain tickets to events (AP) Paid Sick Leave New laws around paid sick leave are going into effect across the country. In Washington, new legislation requires employers to provide a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. The paid sick leave can be used starting 90 days after the employee starts working at a company, the law says. Other laws concerning accrued paid sick leave will take effect January 1 in Connecticut and will take effect later in 2025 in Alaska, Missouri and Nebraska. Gun storage laws In Colorado, new gun safety requirements are going into effect in the new year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the law, gun owners are prohibited from leaving their handguns in an unattended vehicle unless its kept in a locked hard-sided container out of plain sight. The firearm must also be stored in a locked car. In New Hampshire, new legislation prohibits employers from banning employees storage of firearms or ammunition in their locked vehicles as long as the car is locked and the weapon is not visible. This law also shields employers from civil lawsuits for damages arising from any economic loss, injury, or death related to this type of gun storage, it states. New gun storage laws are also going into effect in states across the U.S. (REUTERS) Drug use banned on public transit In Oregon, lawmakers passed a law that makes it illegal to ingest, inhale, ignite, inject or consume a controlled substance that is not lawfully possessed by the person while riding public transportation in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law amends a previous law meant to address interfering with public transportation. Violators will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in up to 364 days in jail, or a $6,250, or both. The law appears to be part of a larger pendulum swing. In 2021, the state sought to decriminalize hard drugs. After being rocked by an opioid overdose crisis, state lawmakers passed a measure that reimposed criminal penalties for drug possession in the spring. On January 1, the new measure banning drugs on public transit will take effect. The Oregon Transit Association and Amalgamated Transit Union have called it a necessary additional tool to help transit agencies address widespread public use, the Statesman Journal reported. Animal crushing After an Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison in April for torturing, mutilating and murdering monkeys and then distributing videos showing these disturbing acts the state is cracking down on animal abuse. He was sentenced to 48 years behind bars and three years of supervised release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new law related to animal crushing videos will go into effect on January 1. The measure amends existing animal cruelty laws to make it illegal to create visual recordings photographs, films and other digital pictures of aggravated animal abuse, the law says. Creating such video is considered a Class C felony, which could result in a fine of up to $125,000, a maximum of five years in prison, or both. Meanwhile, encouraging aggravated animal abuse is considered a Class A misdemeanor, the law states, and is punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $6,250, or both. Holstein milking cows at an Idaho dairy on July 20, 2012. (Photo by Kirsten Strough/USDA) Over the past 20 years, New Mexico has lost half of its family-scale dairy farms to big factory farms. Thats according to Food & Water Watch, an advocacy group that argues this increasing reliance on these big farms is harmful to air, land, and water quality. The organization is seeking a moratorium on these operations. This story was originally published by KUNM its republished here with permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Factory farms are also known as concentrated animal feeding operations with over 500 head of cattle. Manure and wastewater from these animal feeding facilities can create hazardous outdoor air pollution, according to the National Cancer Institute . Food & Water Watch says New Mexico mega dairies produce enough manure to overflow nine Olympic swimming pools each day. Thats 11 times as much sewage produced by the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The group says frontline communities, who are often low-income or people of color, face the greatest impacts. Emily Tucker, New Mexico organizer for Food & Water Watch, recalled a time when she and a colleague did a flyover at a factory farm and the smell was intense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We could smell them from 6,500 feet in the air, she said. And that was just really, really eye opening to just how intense the odor around these facilities is. The industry has touted digesters at these facilities that extract methane, a potent greenhouse gas that they say could be used as a fuel source. But a number of environmental groups have argued this is not a workable climate solution . Food & Water Watch also wants to change New Mexicos Clean Transportation Fuel Standard, which passed in the last legislative session and created a statewide carbon intensity rating for transportation fuels. Tucker said that Democrats in the last session championed this bill as a solution to getting clean energy in New Mexico, but its not practical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We really do oppose programs like these, she said. They are an industry carbon trading scheme that allows polluters to continue to pollute, and doesnt do a whole lot to really hold them accountable. The group will push a new bill in the upcoming session that would amend the standard. Support from the coverage comes from the Thornburg Foundation. The Afghan Taliban has launched a wave of artillery strikes against Pakistani checkpoints across the border, raising fears of war between the neighbouring countries. The Islamist group claimed to have destroyed several enemy positions and dispatched battalions of fighters to the border in anticipation of any response from Islamabad. It followed Pakistani air strikes on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a separate group but close ally to the Afghan Taliban, in eastern Afghanistan. Afghan officials say the strikes killed 46 civilians, mainly women and children. The Taliban regime says its forces are expecting a retaliatory assault - AHMAD SAHEL ARMAN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES Islamabad covertly backed the Afghan Taliban against the US-led occupation of Afghanistan, seeking to put itself in a strong position in the war-torn region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it has also fought a decades-long campaign to crush the TTP, which routinely targets Pakistani soldiers in terrorist attacks. Pakistani military leaders hoped that Islamabads sponsorship of the Afghan Taliban would lead to it co-operating, or at least standing aside, in its anti-TTP campaign. But the Afghan Taliban has reportedly funnelled weapons seized from departing US troops to the TTP, which has drastically stepped up its attacks inside Pakistan since the fall of Kabul in 2021. Taliban officials told The Telegraph they were ready for the conflict with Pakistan to escalate. They cannot violate our sovereignty The Mujahideen successfully attacked and destroyed several enemy positions and caused significant damage, a senior Taliban defence ministry official said, referring to the strikes over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several areas were targeted with artillery, and we have destroyed many of their checkpoints and equipment. They should know they cannot violate our sovereignty. Several battalions have been dispatched to the border, and we are prepared for anything we didnt kick Nato out only to be intimidated or humiliated by Punjabis, he said. Pakistani aircraft carried out aerial bombardments in eastern Afghanistan - AHMAD SAHEL ARMAN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES The official added that the Taliban was expecting a retaliatory assault, and the ministry of defence was on high alert, with additional forces set to be deployed to the border. We dont care if they have a nuclear bomb we have faith and know that God is with us, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islamabad has accused Kabul of not doing enough to stop militants crossing the border, a claim the Afghan Taliban denies, saying it didnt allow attacks on any country from Afghan territory. On Sunday, Russia urged both sides to show restraint and resolve their disputes through constructive dialogue. Escalation of tensions Maria Zakharova, a foreign ministry spokesman, said: Moscow is worried about the escalation of tensions at the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. A Taliban interior ministry official told The Telegraph that Kabul was assessing its options if more attacks from Pakistan followed. Social media accounts linked to the Taliban have posted videos showing troop movements in border areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One video shows several Soviet-era tanks, remnants of the Soviet Unions invasion of Afghanistan, loaded onto lorries and heading towards the border. Another clip shows military vehicles left behind by Nato forces also reportedly moving in the same direction. In its official statement, the Taliban said its forces struck several points serving as centres and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organised and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan were targeted beyond the hypothetical line, referring to the long-disputed border with Pakistan. Many families have lost male members Pakistan said on Monday that one soldier was killed in the clashes, but the Taliban official claimed the casualties on the Pakistani side were much higher and declined to discuss Taliban casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afghan residents in the border towns said people have fled the area, fearing an all-out war. We are worried about returning to our homes and fear we might not be able to go back for a while if they go to war against each other, Himatiullah, a resident of Khost province in Afghanistan, told The Telegraph. I left home with my family and am now staying with my cousin, but we cannot do this forever we need to go back home, he explained. Its cold here, and many children and families have lost male members. Many have been injured, and some are in critical condition in the hospital. Its calm today, but people are worried it could happen again. We fear the country will be at war once more, Himatiullah added. The two neighbouring countries have a strained relationship, with Pakistan saying that several militant attacks that have been conducted in the country have been launched from Afghan soil a charge the Afghan Taliban denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TTP claimed a raid last week on an army outpost near the Afghan border that Pakistan said killed 16 soldiers. A video posted online on Monday shows several TTP members celebrating by dancing and raising their guns in the air after seizing a Pakistani border checkpoint. Killing innocent people We desire good ties with them [Afghanistan], but TTP should be stopped from killing our innocent people, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistans prime minister, said in a cabinet address on Friday. This is our red line. The Taliban has historically maintained strong relations with Pakistan, with many of its leaders and fighters being graduates of Pakistani Islamic schools over the two decades of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts believe that without Pakistans support and sanctuary, the Talibans takeover of Afghanistan would have been highly unlikely. But the relationship has deteriorated over the past three years, with several cross-border clashes erupting. The Taliban foreign minister warned Pakistan over the weekend, urging Pakistani authorities not to underestimate our capabilities. We will not forget Pakistans benevolence during the time of jihad, but we will not forget Pakistans aggression on Afghan soil today, Amir Khan Muttaqi said. I have a message for Pakistani authorities: dont think we are weak and dont attack us, he added. We are having difficulties but are very brave. 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. Chamber of the House of Representatives in the Maine State House in Augusta. Sept. 5, 2023. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) The new year will bring state lawmakers back to Augusta for the first part of the 132nd session of the Maine Legislature, which many hope will be more transparent and efficient. By January 10, 35 members of the Maine Senate and 151 members of the House of Representatives will have to file their bills, a deadline which is known as cloture. Most legislation is filed at the beginning of the first regular session, also called the long session, as it runs into June (whereas the short session ends in April). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislative leadership has said that theyre hoping to make changes to encourage more fully written bills and fewer vague placeholders submitted by the cloture date. A placeholder bill or concept draft contains a summary of what the sponsor intends to accomplish sometimes as vague as An Act Regarding Health Care in the State but may not include any proposal language. For the first time since 2018, the rules committee met this summer to discuss procedural changes, including banning concept drafts, changes to the legislative calendar, refraining from late night votes and making more information available online. However, the rules committee can only make recommendations that the full Legislature has to then adopt, which the newly appointed Senate president, Mattie Daughtry, told the Maine Morning Star will be done before the third Friday in January. So far, these reforms appear to have bipartisan support within the Maine Legislature, with the use of concept drafts in particular garnering sharp criticism on both sides of the aisle. Several big policy issues that were discussed in previous sessions and likely to come up again include tribal sovereignty, tax reform, data privacy, child welfare, contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS), and farmworker rights, among others. (Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star) The path of legislation Ideas for bills can come from legislators, committees, lobbyists, public interest groups, municipal officials, the governor, state agencies or citizens, according to the Maine Legislature website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the first regular session, there are no limitations on the bills that legislators can submit by cloture, unlike the second session. But most bills that are introduced eventually die, either through the voting process or due to lack of funding from the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, which crafts the state budget. After a legislator decides to sponsor a bill, they can ask others in either chamber to cosponsor. Having many cosponsors will typically help the bills chances of passing. Before a bill is introduced, the revisor of statutes reviews each proposal, and either drafts as is or edits initial drafts. At this point the legislation is assigned a legislative draft, or LD number. The sponsor and all cosponsors must then sign the bill and submit it to the clerk of the Maine House or secretary of the Senate, depending on which chamber the sponsor of the bill serves in. A committee recommendation is then made based on the subject matter of the bill, and committees conduct public hearings to hear testimony for or against the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After hearing from sponsors and the public, the committee may workshop a bill before voting whether to recommend its passage to the full Legislature. These recommendations can be unanimous or divided, in which case the committee will submit two separate reports. Committees can suggest that the bill ought to pass as drafted or amended, ought not to pass, or refer it to another committee. The bill then goes through multiple votes, beginning in the chamber where the sponsor serves. Each bill goes through a first and second reading, during which legislators can vote on the bill or suggest amendments. Any legislator who opposes a bill can make a motion for indefinite postponement. If the motion is approved by majority vote in both chambers, the bill is defeated. But if legislation succeeds in one chamber, it is sent to the other one for consideration. If the second chamber amends the bill language, it has to be sent back to the original one for approval. To receive overall legislative approval, identical versions of the bill have to pass both chambers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If passed legislation requires any amount of funding beyond what is explicitly included in the state budget, they can land on what is called the appropriations table, because they need to be paid for using unappropriated money. During the last session, the appropriations committee, which oversees the table, funded only 10% of the at least 250 bills that landed on the table before the Legislatures deadline to conclude work. However, even if a bill is passed by the Legislature and funded by the appropriations committee, the governor can veto it. A vetoed bill can still become law if the Legislature overrides the veto by a two-thirds vote in both chambers, but this hasnt happened during Gov. Janet Mills tenure. Budget Each legislative session, which in Maine is a two-year cycle, lawmakers are tasked with passing a biennial budget in the first year and a supplemental budget in the second year to adjust for changes in revenue or priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine is expected to see an overall revenue shortfall in the coming years, and Mills has already vowed a lean budget as a result. The governor is the first to craft each budget plan, which she submits to lawmakers, specifically the appropriations committee. This plan outlines all proposed expenditures for the state government as well as anticipated revenues. The appropriations committee holds public hearings, in which it hears from the public and advocates as well as the Legislatures other committees, before it puts forth a budget bill to be considered by the full Legislature. Under the Maine Constitution, the budget must be balanced. The governor is required to propose a balanced budget and then the Legislature bears the responsibility of enacting a budget bill that in conjunction with all other spending bills produces a balanced budget each fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like other bills, the budget bill can either pass as an emergency measure, which requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers and would result in the bill taking effect immediately upon being approved by the governor, or as a non-emergency measure, which only requires a majority vote in both chambers and would result in the bill taking effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns. Last session, the Legislatures Democratic majority passed both biennial and supplemental budgets as non-emergency measures with majority votes, meaning without Republican support. While the appropriations committee oversees the general fund budget, the transportation committee oversees the highway fund budget. The governor proposes her own separate highway fund budget, which the transportation committee gets public input on before putting forth its own bill to be considered by the full Legislature. The unsustainability of the highway fund has been a persistent challenge for decades, leading to a routine earmarking of transfers from the general fund. During the second year of the last session, the Democratic majority on the appropriations committee tried to combine the general and highway funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic majority also attempted to reverse ongoing highway revenue that Republicans championed during the first year of the session. When the Legislatures Democratic leadership opted to pass a baseline biennial budget in the first year without Republican support to avoid a government-wide shutdown, agencies that rely on the highway fund were still at risk of shutdown since it is separate from the continuing services budget. After outcry from the governor, Republicans and some Democrats, the committee walked both of those attempts back. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The News Growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence-focused data centers is amplifying domestic power issues across the US. More than 75% of all distorted power readings across the country are from homes that lie near data centers, Bloomberg reported, and new facilities are adding stress to already fragile grids. In Atlanta, data center construction was up 76% in the first six months of 2024 compared to a year ago, driving local political opposition: The city council this year banned new construction of such facilities in key areas, The Wall Street Journal noted. Not everyone is opposed, though. Cities in the Midwest and the south with well-educated workforces, cheap housing, and affordable workers could benefit, a new report argued. Edinburghs Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled as snow, rain and heavy winds strike the UK. Do not travel warnings have been issued with rivers feared to burst their banks in other areas of Scotland before storms sweep southward over New Years Eve. Edinburghs outdoor new year events, including the street party and fireworks display, have been scrapped as a result of extreme weather. The cancellations come after Blackpool Council also made the tough decision to cancel its New Years fireworks due to high winds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At midnight, a projection show will be beamed onto Blackpool Tower to mark the start of 2025 instead. Meanwhile, Londons City Hall is monitoring the weather forecast ahead of the capitals sold-out fireworks display, with gusts of wind expected to reach over 40mph in the approach to midnight. Forecasters are also warning travellers to expect disruption, while chaos continues at Gatwick Airport for a fourth day as thick fog causes flight cancellations and delays during the busy holiday period. Key Points 31 flood warnings in place across Scottish Highlands Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations cancelled due to extreme weather' Blackpool New Years Eve fireworks cancelled due to high winds Heavy rain closes rail lines across Scotland A66 closed to vulnerable vehicles 08:29 , Barney Davis The A66 is closed to high sided and vulnerable vehicles because of strong winds, National Highways says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closure affects the section between the M6 in Penrith, Cumbria and the A1M Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and consider alternate routes such as the A69. Heavy rain closes rail lines across Scotland 08:17 , Barney Davis Train operator ScotRail said its services are being disrupted by speed restrictions on many routes because of very heavy rainfall. The routes affected are between: Inverness and Perth; Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh; Inverness and Wick; Perth and Stirling; Edinburgh and Inverness; Glasgow Queen Street, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee and Perth; and Glasgow Queen Street, Oban and Mallaig. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Network Rail said it has closed the Highland Main Line at Kingussie because of more extreme rainfall overnight. It also closed the line north of Inverness, between Muir of Ord and Dingwall. 31 flood warnings in place across Scottish Highlands 08:03 , Barney Davis Due to further heavy rain throughout Monday night and Tuesday morning, river levels are rising as Scotland puts 31 areas under flood warnings. River levels are expected to rise into Tuesday, particularly in the areas of Speyside, the Great Glen, and Tayside, where impacts are most likely to occur. Three severe warnings have been downgraded as of Tuesday morning. (SEPA) Where snow could hit UK on New Years Day as temperatures drop to -2C 08:00 , Barney Davis Britons are bracing for snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures, which are set to fall to -2C on New Years Eve in some places. Where snow could hit UK on New Years Day as temperatures drop to -2C Blackpool NYE fireworks cancelled 07:44 , Barney Davis Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A planned fireworks display in Blackpool has been cancelled because of expected high winds, organisers said. An update on the Visit Blackpool website said: Due to the forecast of high winds tomorrow evening, we have had to make the tough decision to cancel the fireworks display this year. The rest of the New Years Eve Family Party will continue as planned, with plenty of fun activities for all the family, including the LeylandHosen Bierkeller Band, who will be performing during the afternoon. There will also be childrens rides, themed food and drink cabins, and a free skating rink as part of the festive village. The New Years Eve projection show will still go ahead as planned at 6pm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At midnight, the projection show that will feature in the family party will be shown on The Blackpool Tower to mark the start of 2025. (PA Wire) 2024 ends with travel chaos on trains, planes and ferries amid bad weather 07:00 , Tara Cobham After hundreds of flights were cancelled to, from and within the UK because of fog over the weekend, bad weather is threatening New Year travel plans for millions of passengers. Large scale rail engineering projects will keep some lines closed, and train strikes resume on New Years Eve halting most intercity trains on the West Coast main line. Almost 500 flights were cancelled over the past three days due to thick fog. London Gatwick airport alone saw almost 300 arrivals and departures grounded between Friday and Sunday, with two dozen more today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across at London Heathrow, around 100 flights were cancelled, and London City airport grounded dozens more. There were also many diversions to airports such as Birmingham and Southampton. The Independents travel correspondent Simon Calder reports: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 ends with travel chaos on trains, planes and ferries Weather warnings stetch into new year with snow forecast for parts of UK 06:00 , Tara Cobham Weather warnings also stretch into 2025, with snow forecast for parts of the UK. The Met Office has issued a yellow alert of snow and ice in the north of mainland Scotland between the start of 1 January until 9am on 2 January. Weather warnings also stretch into 2025, with snow forecast for parts of the UK (PA Wire) Met Office predicts wet and windy weather going into 2025 05:00 , Tara Cobham The Met Office has predicted the weather will be wet and windy as we go into the new year. The forecaster said it is then set to turn drier but colder by the end of the week. It's going to be wet and windy as we go into 2025, turning drier but colder in the new year for the end of the week. Find out what this week's weather has in store for us in our Week Ahead forecast with Alex pic.twitter.com/M2O6Vs0yHK Met Office (@metoffice) December 30, 2024 Swinney issues safety warning over weather 04:00 , Tara Cobham Scottish Government officials will continue to monitor the situation and work with frontline agencies to mitigate the impact of the weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on social media, First Minister John Swinney warned: Please follow all advice and stay safe. This is a significant update of the weather warning for the Grampian area to Amber level. Please follow all advice and stay safe. https://t.co/0Dxq0xwUaU John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) December 30, 2024 SGORR activated and travellers advised to plan ahead 03:00 , Tara Cobham The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGORR) has been activated in response to the weather warnings and authorities have advised people to plan ahead if travelling over the New Year period. Douglas Cairns, Traffic Scotland operator manager at Transport Scotland, said: The severe weather across much of Scotland this week will, unfortunately, cause some disruption across the transport network. Road, rail, air and ferry services are all likely to be affected by the conditions, with localised flooding, longer journey times and cancellations possible, as well as potential restrictions on bridges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The network is also expected to be busy as people travel to celebrate New Year with friends and family. We are asking travellers to plan their journeys before setting off to ensure they reach their destination and celebrations in good time. If youre driving, make sure your vehicle is winter ready and follow any Police Scotland travel advice that may be in place. Traffic Scotland provides up-to-date travel information on the trunk road network through its website, X account and internet radio broadcasts. The same advice goes for other modes of transport if you are planning to travel by rail, air or ferry, stay in contact with your operator for the latest service information. Sepa warns north west and central Highlands to prepare for impact of flooding 02:00 , Tara Cobham The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is warning communities in the north west and central Highlands to prepare for the impact of flooding in the run-up to Hogmanay. Pascal Lardet, Sepa flood duty manager, said: Some very high river levels are forecast for Monday and Tuesday, in particular the Spey and other rivers in the Great Glen and Easter Ross area. Levels on the River Tay and other rivers across the Central Highlands will also be high. Were likely to see river and surface water flooding impacts across these areas, resulting in disruptions to transport and to communities. Flooding of property, infrastructure, roads and the rail network are all possible. We urge everyone to be prepared and be aware. If you live or work in the affected areas, or are planning to visit, think about any steps you need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts and consider whether your journey is necessary. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is warning communities in the north west and central Highlands to prepare for the impact of flooding in the run-up to Hogmanay (PA Archive) Full details of weather warnings in place for Scotland after Hogmanay celebrations cancelled 01:00 , Tara Cobham A weather warning of heavy rain has been upgraded to amber for part of northern Scotland on Hogmanay, as the street party and fireworks at Edinburghs New Years Eve celebrations were cancelled. The Met Office alert, which warns that flooding and travel disruption is likely, is in force from midnight until 5pm on Tuesday in Moray and the Highlands. A yellow weather warning of heavy rain and snow is currently in force across most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, covering central Scotland, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Western Isles, Edinburgh, West Lothian and Strathclyde including most of Argyll and Bute. Forecasters predict that heavy rain will become persistent and widespread in Scotland over the two days, with 50-70mm of rain possible in many areas while some places may see 100-140mm. They warned flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and travel disruption, while fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life. A separate warning of persistent snow has been issued for Orkney and Shetland between 5am and midnight on Hogmanay. Meanwhile, a yellow warning of wind will be in force for the area south of Lochgilphead in the west and Dundee in the east between 7am and 11pm on December 31, stretching down into north-east England. The Met Office said that gusts of 50-60 mph are expected, perhaps reaching 70 mph in a few exposed areas. Weather warnings also stretch into 2025 with a yellow alert of snow and ice in the north of mainland Scotland between the start of 1 January until 9am on 2 January. Full statement released by organisers on cancellation of Hogmanay outdoor events 00:00 , Tara Cobham In a statement issued on Monday, a spokesperson for Edinburghs Hogmanay said: Due to ongoing high winds and inclement weather in Edinburgh city centre, we regret to announce that outdoor events scheduled for Monday and December 31 are unable to go ahead on the grounds of public safety. The cancellation includes tonights Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, and on December 31, the Edinburghs Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens, and the midnight fireworks from Edinburgh Castle. We have been unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for Edinburghs Hogmanay outdoor events due to extreme weather and forecast conditions. Therefore, for safety reasons we, along with our event partners, have taken the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events. We know that this will be hugely disappointing to all hoping to celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh and that people travel from around the world to be here. Customer Service from point of purchase will be in touch with ticket-holders directly with further instructions regarding refunds in due course. All indoor events are taking place as planned, including Mondays performance of Swamplesque at Assembly Hall, the sold-out Idlewild concert at the Assembly Rooms, and on the December 31, the Bairns New Year Revels and New Year Revels at the Assembly Rooms, and sold-out Candlelit Concert at St Giles Cathedral. We also continue to look forward to the packed First Footin and Sprogmanay programme of events on New Years Day a series of free and ticketed indoor music gigs across the city centre, Leith and Portobello. Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the last day of the old year (Getty Images) Full story: Ferries and trains disrupted as snow, wind and rain warnings in force Monday 30 December 2024 23:00 , Tara Cobham Ferries and trains have been disrupted as snow, rain and wind warnings are in force and are expected to cause further travel issues on New Years Eve. Almost every part of the country is covered by at least one of the multiple weather warnings that have been issued by the Met Office between Monday and Wednesday. Scotland is being hit first by fairly persistent rain and snow, with 50-70mm of rainfall expected widely, 100-140mm in some locations, and up to 20cm of snow in places, with a warning in place until midnight on New Years Eve, the forecaster said. Read the full story here: Ferries and trains disrupted as snow, wind and rain warnings in force Mapped: All weather warnings issued by Met Office for New Years Eve Monday 30 December 2024 22:00 , Tara Cobham A map showing the weather warnings issued by the Met Office for New Years Eve (PA Graphics) Full story: Edinburghs Hogmanay celebrations cancelled over extreme weather Monday 30 December 2024 21:00 , Tara Cobham Edinburghs Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled because of extreme weather. Outdoor events planned for the citys new year celebrations on Monday and Tuesday, including the street party and fireworks display, have had to be scrapped, organisers announced on Monday afternoon. The difficult decision follows Met Office yellow weather warnings for most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, and an amber warning for northern Scotland. Read the full story here: Edinburghs Hogmanay celebrations cancelled over extreme weather Severe flood warnings as heavy rain brings danger to life in northern Scotland Monday 30 December 2024 20:05 , Tara Cobham A rare severe flood warning of danger to life has been issued for part of northern Scotland on Hogmanay, as a heavy downpour of rain is expected to burst riverbanks. Aviemore and nearby areas in the Highlands are bracing for extensive river flooding on Tuesday morning after a night of continuous rain. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) is warning communities in the north west and central Highlands to prepare for the impact of flooding in the run-up to Hogmanay. A yellow weather warning of heavy rain and snow is currently in force across most of Scotland on Monday and Tuesday, while an amber warning for rain is in place for an area around Inverness on Tuesday. On Monday evening, Sepa warned people around Aviemore should act immediately, saying: There is a danger to life. If you are in an affected area and are in danger and need assistance, call emergency responders. Due to persistent and heavy rainfall, river levels on the River Spey will rise throughout Monday night and into Tuesday morning causing serious flooding. Extensive flooding to properties and businesses is expected in and around Aviemore. Watch: Foggy weather continues to disrupt flights in UK Monday 30 December 2024 20:00 , Tara Cobham Complicated in coming days forecast for the UK Monday 30 December 2024 19:00 , Alex Croft Andy Page, a chief forecaster with the Met Office, says the forecast for the UK in the coming days is very complicated. There is a very complicated weather forecast for the UK with snow, strong winds and heavy rain all feature for parts of the UK. Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week, he said. 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. Monday nights weather warnings Monday 30 December 2024 18:46 , Alex Croft There are two weather warnings in place for Monday night. A yellow wind warning for wind covers a patch of central northern England. Westerly winds will be strong and gust at times. Gusts of 50-60mph are possible over high ground, the Met Office says. A yellow rain and snow warning covering most of Scotland will be in place until 23:59 on Tuesday, which is expected to bring bring significant disruption in the build up to New Year. Second time Blackpool fireworks cancelled in three years Monday 30 December 2024 18:31 , Alex Croft The cancellation of Blackpools fireworks display to celebrate New Years Eve is the second time since 2021 the festivites have been called off. Three years ago, the fireworks were cancelled due to the risks of blustery winds. A spokesperson for VisitBlackpool told the BBC: Unfortunately, as the fireworks were being fired from the beach, it isnt possible to move the time of the display to later this evening because of tidal conditions. We have therefore taken the decision to cancel now to give people the earliest opportunity to plan their day. How will things look at the turn of the year? Monday 30 December 2024 18:17 , Alex Croft As Auld Lang Syne rings out across the UK at the turn of the year, lets take a look at where the weather may be suitabe for some festive fireworks. The first graph shows the type and the amount of rain and snow. The grey areas in the north are where snow is expected - the darker the grey, the more snow forecast. The second graph shows the expected temperatures, with relatively mild predictions for much of the south and chillier temperatures up north. The precipitation forecast for 12am on Wednesday, 1 January (Met Office) Temperatures will be relatively mild in southern parts of the UK as we move into 2025 (Met Office) Met Office graphic reveals rain and snow forecast for Scotland Monday 30 December 2024 18:01 , Alex Croft Further rain and snow to affect Scotland this evening Cloudy elsewhere, though fairly mild pic.twitter.com/Wx8VJIqq6t Met Office (@metoffice) December 30, 2024 Snow forecast in full Monday 30 December 2024 17:46 , Alex Croft Snow has been forecast in areas of northern Scotland - but what exactly can residents expect? Until 23:59 on Tuesday, a yellow rain and snow warning will cover the majority of Scotland, barring southern parts. At 5am on Tuesday morning, a yellow warning for snow will cover the Orkney islands. The Met says heavy rain will be persistent and widespread with totals of 50 to 70mm possible over two days. Some areas in western Scotland may see 100 to 140mm of rain. North and east of Perthshire will likely see snow, with 10-20cm in areas above 150 metres, according to the forecaster. The Met Office says: As milder air pushes in, snow will turn back to rain, and any rapid snow melt will contribute to flooding in places. Strong winds may exacerbate impacts, particularly across the areas of Scotland affected by snow. Blizzard conditions are possible, especially over high ground and across much of Sutherland and Caithness. Powerline icing is possible where blizzard conditions occur. At 12am on Wednesday 1 January, it will be replaced by a yellow snow and ice warning covering the Highlands and northern areas of Scotland. Rain turning to snow is likely to lead to some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions on New Years Day, the Met Office says. The snow and ice warning will remain in place until 9am on Thursday. ICYMI: Amber rain warning issued in Scottish Highlands Monday 30 December 2024 17:30 , Alex Croft An amber weather warning for rain has been issued in the Scottish Highlands. Stretching from Inverness down to Fort William, the warning will be in place from 12am until 5pm on Tuesday 31 December. The Met Office says: After a brief lull during Monday afternoon, another period of heavy rain is expected to develop during Monday night and persist through Tuesday morning before turning to showers on Tuesday afternoon, giving another 50-70mm on top of what has already fallen. This is likely to lead to significant travel disruption and may result in some flooding of properties. Yellow rain and snow warnings will continue to be in force after the expiry of this warning. Fast flowing floodwater, power cuts and travel disruption are likely the forecaster says. New Years Eve weather: How your region will be affected as Met Office issues nationwide warnings Monday 30 December 2024 17:00 , Alex Croft The UK is set to be hit by snow, rain and heavy winds over the New Year with several weather warnings being issued by the Met Office. Covering Monday 30 December to Thursday 2 January, the warnings see all parts of the UK affected at some point in the week. The wet and windy weather will begin in Scotland and northern regions before moving downwards overnight on New Years Eve and into New Years Day. Warnings have been issued for heavy rain, winds, snow and ice. Most are yellow warnings, where extra precaution should be taken, but one amber warning has been issued on Tuesday which poses a flood threat. Albert Toth reports: New Years Eve weather: How your region will be affected amid nationwide warnings London New Years Eve fireworks threatened by 41mph winds Monday 30 December 2024 16:29 , Alex Croft London City Hall is monitoring the weather forecast ahead of Tuesdays sold-out New Years Eve fireworks display. Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 41mph in the hours leading up to midnight, before a yellow weather warning for wind is introduced for the capital at 7am on Wednesday morning. London lawmakers will continue monitoring the weather to ensure it is safe to go ahead, the BBC reported. It comes after New Years festivities in Edinburgh and Blackpool were both cancelled. Mayor Sadiq Khan also issued a warning to Londoners about the risk of scammers selling fake tickets to the fireworks. He said on X: Ticketmaster is the official event partner and the only place to buy resale tickets - beware of ticket scams. If you have tickets for the night, remember to bring ID. Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations cancelled Monday 30 December 2024 15:58 , Alex Croft Edinburghs Hogmanay celebrations have been cancelled due to extreme weather. A statement issued by organisers said that high winds and inclement weather has forced the city to cancel the event for the sake of public safety. The Night Afore Disco Party in West Princes Street Gardens, the Hogmanay Street Party, Concert in the Gardens and the Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle have all been cancelled. Organisers were unable to continue with preparations and necessary set-up for the celebrations, and therefore took the difficult decision to cancel all outdoor events. All indoor events have not been cancelled. Flight chaos continues after hundreds of weekend cancellations Monday 30 December 2024 15:24 , Simon Calder | Travel Correspondent After a weekend in which an estimated 350 flights were cancelled at key London airports, more departures are being grounded ahead of New Years Eve because of three days of fog in southeast England. At London Gatwick, short-notice cancellations continued long into Sunday night, with easyJet in particular grounding dozens of flights as passengers waited in the terminals. British Airways, Vueling and Wizz Air also left thousands of people stranded on Sunday. Many of the passengers who made it back to Gatwick were severely delayed, with some easyJet, BA and Tui flights arriving four hours or more behind schedule. Flight chaos continues after hundreds of weekend cancellations Luton and Stansted report zero cancellations due to fog at their airports Monday 30 December 2024 14:57 , Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent Londons two busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick, between them experienced hundreds of flight cancellations due to fog between Friday 27 and Sunday 29 December. London City was also hard hit, with proportionately more cancellations and diversions than any other airport. But Stansted and Luton, both busy single-runway airports, report no cancellations due to fog at in their areas. StanstedOn Saturday, a total of 12 flights were cancelled to and from the Essex airport. Two were due to a crew hours issue. Two happened because of bad weather in Chambery in the French Alps. Three were made in order not to infringe the curfew at Amsterdam airport. One cancellation was triggered by an earlier divert. The highest number, four, was due to Krakow airport being effectively closed for the whole weekend because of thick fog. LutonOf four weekend cancellations at the Bedfordshire airport, two were caused by bad weather at Krakow. Another was grounded due to the airport curfew at Lyon, and a Belfast flight was cancelled due to the crew going out of hours. ICYMI: Cancellations continue at Gatwick Monday 30 December 2024 14:31 , Alex Croft After three days of fog led to the cancellation of around 200 flights to and from London Gatwick, more departures and arrivals have been grounded at the Sussex airport. Planes and pilots are out of position, with flight time limitations also coming into play. So far 27 more flights have been grounded at Gatwick, affecting up to 5,000 passengers. The biggest airline at the Sussex airport, easyJet, has grounded 17 flights. Inbound services from Aberdeen, Inverness and Belfast City were axed. Departures on easyJet to Nice, Venice, Murcia, Milan, Naples, Innsbruck and Rennes have also been cancelled. Passengers were told: We were affected by a three-day disruption caused by low-visibility weather conditions in London Gatwick. This has meant that air traffic control has had to limit the number of aircraft that can arrive and depart, which has sadly led to delays and cancellations today. The safety of you and our crew is our highest priority, and we thank you for your understanding. British Airways has grounded flights from Gatwick to Algiers, Jersey (two services), Seville and Verona. Weather warnings for December 30-31 Monday 30 December 2024 14:11 , Alex Croft (PA Wire) Complicated in coming days forecast for the UK Monday 30 December 2024 13:50 , Alex Croft Andy Page, a chief forecaster with the Met Office, says the forecast for the UK in the coming days is very complicated. There is a very complicated weather forecast for the UK with snow, strong winds and heavy rain all feature for parts of the UK. Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week, he said. 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. Second time Blackpool fireworks cancelled in three years Monday 30 December 2024 13:26 , Alex Croft The cancellation of Blackpools fireworks display to celebrate New Years Eve is the second time since 2021 the festivites have been called off. Three years ago, the fireworks were cancelled due to the risks of blustery winds. A spokesperson for VisitBlackpool told the BBC: "Unfortunately, as the fireworks were being fired from the beach, it isn't possible to move the time of the display to later this evening because of tidal conditions. "We have therefore taken the decision to cancel now to give people the earliest opportunity to plan their day." New Years Eve fireworks cancelled in Blackpool Monday 30 December 2024 13:23 , Alex Croft Blackpools New Years Eve fireworks celebrations have been cancelled due to high winds. The city lies just outside the Met Offices yellow weather warning for wind on Tuesday evening. A spokesperson for the council said: Due to the forecast of high winds tomorrow evening we have had to make the tough decision to cancel the fireworks display this year. The rest of the New Year's Eve Family Party will continue as planned. Snow forecast in full Monday 30 December 2024 13:09 , Alex Croft Snow has been forecast in areas of northern Scotland - but what exactly can residents expect? Until 23:59 on Tuesday, a yellow rain and snow warning will cover the majority of Scotland, barring southern parts. At 5am on Tuesday morning, a yellow warning for snow will cover the Orkney islands. The Met says heavy rain will be persistent and widespread with totals of 50 to 70mm possible over two days. Some areas in western Scotland may see 100 to 140mm of rain. North and east of Perthshire will likely see snow, with 10-20cm in areas above 150 metres, according to the forecaster. The Met Office says: As milder air pushes in, snow will turn back to rain, and any rapid snow melt will contribute to flooding in places. Strong winds may exacerbate impacts, particularly across the areas of Scotland affected by snow. Blizzard conditions are possible, especially over high ground and across much of Sutherland and Caithness. Powerline icing is possible where blizzard conditions occur. At 12am on Wednesday 1 January, it will be replaced by a yellow snow and ice warning covering the Highlands and northern areas of Scotland. Rain turning to snow is likely to lead to some travel disruption and difficult driving conditions on New Years Day, the Met Office says. The snow and ice warning will remain in place until 9am on Thursday. How will things look at the turn of the year? Monday 30 December 2024 12:30 , Alex Croft As Auld Lang Syne rings out across the UK at the turn of the year, lets take a look at where the weather may be suitabe for some festive fireworks. The first graph shows the type and the amount of rain and snow. The grey areas in the north are where snow is expected - the darker the grey, the more snow forecast. The second graph shows the expected temperatures, with relatively mild predictions for much of the south and chillier temperatures up north. The precipitation forecast for 12am on Wednesday, 1 January (Met Office) Temperatures will be relatively mild in southern parts of the UK as we move into 2025 (Met Office) Met Office graphic shows snow movement across northern Scotland Monday 30 December 2024 12:02 , Alex Croft Amber weather warning issued Rain across parts of Scotland Tuesday 0000 1700 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfS950 Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/c1lyE3TH1x Met Office (@metoffice) December 30, 2024 Amber rain warning issued in Scottish Highlands Monday 30 December 2024 11:34 , Alex Croft An amber weather warning for rain has been issued in the Scottish Highlands. Stretching from Inverness down to Fort William, the warning will be in place from 12am until 5pm on Tuesday 31 December. The Met Office says: After a brief lull during Monday afternoon, another period of heavy rain is expected to develop during Monday night and persist through Tuesday morning before turning to showers on Tuesday afternoon, giving another 50-70mm on top of what has already fallen. This is likely to lead to significant travel disruption and may result in some flooding of properties. Yellow rain and snow warnings will continue to be in force after the expiry of this warning. Fast flowing floodwater, power cuts and travel disruption are likely the forecaster says. The yellow weather warning will remain after the amber warning is lifted at 5pm on Tuesday (Met Office) Strong winds see major road closed to certain vehicles Monday 30 December 2024 11:10 , Alex Croft As strong winds begin to hit Scotland and northern regions, a major road has been closed to vehicles which are likely to be affected. National Highways said the A66 has been closed in both directions to high-sided and vulnerable vehicles between the M6 and A1M. This will cause major disruption to some drivers planning to travel between Cumbria and North Yorkshire today. Drivers planning to cross the Pennines are advised to consider alternative routes such as the A69. (National Highways) Conditions have significantly improved says air traffic controller but delays remain Monday 30 December 2024 10:40 , Alex Croft The foggy conditions that caused disruption at Gatwick Airport over the weekend have lessened, air traffic control services have said, but significant delays remain. Air traffic control provider Nats said in a statement: The weather conditions that caused disruption to UK airports over the weekend have significantly improved. Only a few air traffic regulations remain, and these are within normal operating limits. Passengers should still check the status of their flight with their airline, as there may be knock-on impacts to the usual flying schedule. More than 20 flights planned for Gatwick today have been cancelled in advance, with passengers warned of more delays to come. Cancellations continue at Gatwick Monday 30 December 2024 10:10 , Albert Toth After three days of fog led to the cancellation of around 200 flights to and from London Gatwick, more departures and arrivals have been grounded at the Sussex airport. Planes and pilots are out of position, with flight time limitations also coming into play. So far 27 more flights have been grounded at Gatwick, affecting up to 5,000 passengers. The biggest airline at the Sussex airport, easyJet, has grounded 17 flights. Inbound services from Aberdeen, Inverness and Belfast City were axed. Departures on easyJet to Nice, Venice, Murcia, Milan, Naples, Innsbruck and Rennes have also been cancelled. Passengers were told: We were affected by a three-day disruption caused by low-visibility weather conditions in London Gatwick. This has meant that air traffic control has had to limit the number of aircraft that can arrive and depart, which has sadly led to delays and cancellations today. The safety of you and our crew is our highest priority, and we thank you for your understanding. British Airways has grounded flights from Gatwick to Algiers, Jersey (two services), Seville and Verona. Where are the Met Office warnings over New Year? Monday 30 December 2024 09:50 , Albert Toth The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings covering the New Year period, with every region of the UK covered at some point over the next week. The forecast spells a turbulent New Years Eve for many as the bad weather is set to travel southwards across the country between 31 December and 1 January. Heres what the weather warnings look like today and over the next few days: 30 December, 2024 (Met Office) 31 December, 2024 (Met Office) 1 January, 2025 (Met Office) 2 January, 2025 (Met Office) Many flight delays into early hours of Monday morning Monday 30 December 2024 09:26 , Simon Calder At London Gatwick, short-notice cancellations continued long into Sunday night, with easyJet in particular grounding dozens of flights as passengers waited in the terminals. British Airways, Vueling and Wizz Air also left thousands of people stranded on Sunday with cancellations to and from the Sussex airport. Many of the passengers who made it back to Gatwick were severely delayed, with some easyJet, BA and Tui flights arriving four hours or more behind schedule. But the record delay on Sunday was a Ryanair lunchtime flight from Belfast International to London Stansted, which took off 12 hours late and landed at the Essex airport at 2.11am. Thousands of passengers disrupted as fog hits Gatwick flights for fourth day Monday 30 December 2024 08:56 , Albert Toth Flight restrictions remain in place at Gatwick Airport for a fourth day because of fog, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. More than 20 flights planned for the West Sussex airport on Monday were cancelled in advance and passengers are being warned of delays throughout the day. Flights at the UKs second busiest airport have been disrupted since Friday because of fog. A Gatwick spokesperson said: Temporary air traffic restrictions have been put in place due to fog causing poor visibility. Some flights may be delayed throughout the day. London Gatwick apologises for any inconvenience. Passengers should contact their airline for further information. Passengers on flights delayed by more than two hours may be entitled to assistance, including food and drink or overnight accommodation if necessary. Weather warnings December 30-31 Monday 30 December 2024 06:00 , Barney Davis (PA Wire) How long will the icy, wet and windy weather last? Monday 30 December 2024 05:04 , Barney Davis Northerly winds will draw cold air across the UK. Showers of rain and sleet will turn increasingly to snow, especially across the north, and coasts which are exposed to the onshore wind. This cold, showery northerly may persist in the east, as high pressure builds in the Atlantic brings a period of more settled weather to western areas. There is also a chance that rain may move in from the south over the first weekend of January, falling as snow as it runs into colder air. Into the following week, a fairly changeable picture is probable. Wettest and windiest weather in the north and west, whilst the south and east will more likely remain more settled overall. How do I qualify for a cash payout if my flight is delayed? Monday 30 December 2024 04:00 , Barney Davis If you are flying from a UK/EU airport or on a British/ European airline and are delayed in arrival by at least three hours, the presumption is that you are owed hundreds of pounds in compensation. The payment depends on distance: Under 1,500km, for example London to Nice: 220 or 250 1,500-3,500km, such as Manchester-Malaga: 350 or 400 Above 3,500km, eg Birmingham-Dubai: 520 or 600. If a long-haul arrival delay is between three and four hours, the compensation is halved. The only way the airline can avoid paying out is by demonstrating extraordinary circumstances were responsible. extraordinary circumstances refers to political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes. 25cm snow warnings issued over New Year Sunday 29 December 2024 11:38 , Barney Davis Heavy rain and snow may bring significant disruption in the after New Year, the Met Office has warned. The forecaster says a band of rain in association with a deep low pressure system moving in from the west pushes east on Wednesday affecting Scotland, North East and swathes of Yorkshire. They say its likely to turn to snow as it moves into cold air across the northern half of the UK. Around 2-5 cm is expected locally and nearer 10 cm of snow accumulations are possible widely, with 10-15 cm and locally 20-25 cm over hills with significant drifting due to strong winds. The warning begins at 9am on January 1 and lasts until 3am January 2. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 30. The Beles Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP), located on the Zhangakty River in Kyrgyzstans Leilek District, was officially opened in the Batken region, Trend reports. According to the regional administration, this is one of six new projects recently launched in Batken. Other newly opened facilities include a meat processing plant in Razzakovo, a reinforced concrete plant, a crushing workshop, and a concrete production facility, as well as a coal deposit in the Kadamjay District. Additionally, four new schools are set to open soon in the region. The Beles HPP has a capacity of 0.54 MW. Today, Kyrgyzstan also celebrated the opening of 17 new industrial and infrastructure projects across the country. These initiatives are part of a program aimed at expanding production and infrastructure in 2024. The Cabinet of Ministers emphasized that these new enterprises span various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, processing, and services. The projects are expected to create jobs and significantly boost domestic production. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Former President Jimmy Carter died at on Sunday at 100 years old. The 39th president served from 1977-81, and he was the last Democrat presidential candidate to receive electoral votes in Alabama. Several Alabama leaders provided comments regarding Carters death: Rep. Barry Moore: Heather and I are sad to hear about the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a man of compassion, faith, and service. President Carter was influential in shaping peace in the Middle East, through the 1978 Camp David Accords, which created lasting peace between Egypt and Israel. His tireless efforts to promote justice and understanding earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, leaving a legacy of hope for Israel and its neighbors. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this time. May his family find comfort in Psalm 34:18: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.' Rep. Terri Sewell: President Jimmy Carter was a remarkable leader and humanitarian who dedicated his life to public service. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of humility and compassion that continues to inspire Americans of every background. May he Rest in Peace. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to service to his country both as a statesman, a member of our military and a citizen. His work through Habitat for Humanity and his unwavering faith-inspired millions. Caroline and I send our prayers to the Carter family during this time of loss. Sen. Tommy Tuberville: President Carter dedicated his life to serving his community and country. Suzanne and I are praying for his family and friends. Mayor Walt Maddox: @tuscaloosacity joins cities across the Nation thanking President Carter for his life of service. Whether President, Governor, or as an officer in the United States Navy, President Carter was steadfast in his duty and true to his convictions. Although we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life that strived to reflect the best of American ideals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Alan Dershowitz has launched an astonishing attack on the late Queen Elizabeth II as an antisemitic figurehead whose family supported the Nazis. The legal analyst and former Harvard Law professor called Britains longest-ever reigning monarch an ignorant woman and a person with a lot of personal bigotry. Dershowitz, a member of O.J. Simpsons Dream Team whose past clients have also included Donald Trump, Mike Tyson, Patty Hearst, and Jeffrey Epstein, spoke out on his podcast, The Dershow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queen Elizabeth was no great person, he said during a show about a presidents pardoning power. She too had a lot of bigotry and antisemitism. Shes No Queen of Mine. Visit the link below to watch the full episode:https://t.co/tYSc5lYVuB pic.twitter.com/ptAPMCdrQ6 Alan Dershowitz (@AlanDersh) December 29, 2024 In all of her years, she never once went to Israel, he continued. Her husband did, because her husbands parents, or his mother at least, is buried there, and King Charles is very pro-Israel and very friendly with the Jewish community, but Elizabeth had nothing but contempt for Jews and nothing but contempt for Israel. Dershowitz was referring to Prince Philips mother, Princess Alice of Greece, who is buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. The princess, who later became a nun, was honored as a righteous among nations by Israel for saving members of a Jewish family during the Nazi occupation of Greece. Prince Philip traveled to Israel to visit her burial site in 1994. Philips four sisters all married Germans, at least three of which became Nazis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Windsor family has a horrible history, of course, continued Dershowitz.They were Germans and many of them supported the Nazis, one of them abdicated because he supported the Nazis, he added, referring to King Edward VIII, Elizabeths uncle, who abdicated the British throne in 1936 over his relationship with American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Later that year, the couple toured Nazi Germany, fueling speculation that he sympathized with Adolf Hitler. Dershowitz continued: She was very, very overrated as a Queen. She lived a long time, and she lived a good life but she was an ignorant woman and a woman with a lot of personal bigotry. He said the Queen and now King Charles were figureheads. Dont give me stuff about Queen Elizabeth, said Dershowitz. Im not a fan. I am a fan of King Charles, but not of Queen Elizabeth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outburst comes just weeks after former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin spoke about his frosty relationship with the Queen, saying: The relationship between us and Queen Elizabeth was a little bit difficult because she believed that every one of us was either a terrorist or a son of a terrorist. Speaking at a dinner commemorating 100 years of the Technion Institute of Technology, at Londons Royal Lancaster Hotel, he added: She refused to accept any Israeli official into (Buckingham) Palace, apart from international occasions. He said that King Charles III had always been so friendly. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) An alleged armed robber is dead after being shot and killed by a store clerk, Chesterfield County deputies say. On Saturday, Dec. 28 around 8:47 p.m., officials responded to an armed robbery at the Highway 9 Mini Mart & Tobacco store at 28495 Highway 9 in Pageland. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a deceased black male with gunshot wounds. The store clerk stated to sheriffs that the suspect had entered the store, put a gun to his head and demanded money. The clerk then produced his own handgun and fired multiple shots at the robber, which was confirmed by the stores surveillance video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Cambo Streater with the sheriffs office would like to remind the citizens of Chesterfield County that South Carolina law states: A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in another place where he has a right to be, including, his place of business, has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or another person or to prevent the commission of a violent crime. Sheriff Streater strongly supports the rights of our citizens to protect themselves. Theres no word yet on the identity of the person who was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. (KTLA) The Los Angeles Police Department is searching for potential victims of a doctor who allegedly used job recruiting sites to target women to drug and sexually assault them. Babak Hajhosseini, 42, of Los Angeles was arrested last month after an alleged victim came forward to accuse him of rape. Hajhosseini is a doctor and founder of Wound and Burn Centers of America, located within the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers in Beverly Grove. According to the LAPD, Hajhosseini would use job sites to offer high-paying hourly wages to entice his potential victims. He would then invite them to work overtime after hours at his home, police allege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One woman told police that Hajhosseini pressured her into consuming an alcoholic beverage that left her unconscious and led to Hajhosseini sexually assaulting and recording her. Babak Hajhosseini, 42, of Los Angeles is shown in this undated photo provided by the Los Angeles Police Department. Hajhosseini is accused of drugging and raping at least one woman. Hajhosseini was arrested on Nov. 26 and released days later after posting a $2 million bond. Last week, he was formally charged with multiple counts of drug-induced rape and rape of an unconscious person. The charges stem from a single accuser, police said, but investigators strongly believe there are other victims who have yet to come forward. A photo of Hajhosseini was released to aid in the search for potential victims. Anyone with information about the alleged crimes or any possible victims is urged to contact LAPD Officer Lee of the West Bureaus Special Assault Section at 213-473-0447. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the LAPDs release, Hajhosseinis attorneys at Werksman, Jackson & Quinn LLP issued a statement denying the charges and saying their client intends to vigorously defend himself in court, where the evidence will prove his innocence. The attorneys also took aim at the LAPDs release itself, claiming police made additional false and salacious accusations against Hajhosseini. Dr. Hajhosseini will try his case in court, not in the media. In the courtroom, cases are decided based on evidence not baseless innuendo, the statement said. There is extensive evidence proving that these allegations are false, which will be presented in court. And Dr. Hajhosseini voluntarily took a polygraph exam, which he passed. The LAPD knows this, which raises troubling questions about the integrity of its press release. 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 KTLA. Nearly half of Republican voters believe the military should be used to detain undocumented immigrants in camps until they can be deported, a new poll has found. President-elect Donald Trump has already suggested that he would deploy the military to support immigration raids, as well as use a law from 1798 to place immigrants in camps. The nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) found in a recent poll that Trumps base appears to support the plans even as most Americans likely oppose them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While 46 percent of Republicans support deploying the military in the immigrant operations, only 19 percent of independents and eight percent of Democrats back the idea. The survey found that Americans with authoritarian views were about six times more likely to support putting undocumented immigrants in camps, compared to those who dont support authoritarianism, by a margin of 48 percent to eight percent. The poll also found that voters who score very high or high on the Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale (RWAS) report strongly supporting Trump (82 percent), while those voters who score very low or low overwhelmingly supported [Vice President Kamala] Harris (79 percent), according to PRRI. The president of the polling company was taken aback by the results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been questions in the Trump era where Ive thought I cant believe that we need to know the answer to this question, PRRI president and founder Robert Jones told Axios. I guess the good news is that three-quarters of the country rejects this idea that we should be putting immigrants in the country illegally into internment camps guarded by the military, he added. Jones noted that the bad news of the poll is that almost half of those who see themselves as a member of a major political party do support deploying the military to round up immigrants. Migrants and advocates demonstrate at the San Ysidro crossing port on the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Baja California State, Mexico, on December 18, 2024, during International Migrants Day. Trump has suggested that 21 million people be deported from the U.S. (AFP via Getty Images) Trump recently told Time magazine that hes open to using camps to hold immigrants within the U.S. He suggested that 21 million people be deported, something set to require new detention centers, even as studies show there are about 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the Pew Research Center has found that there are about 24.5 million noncitizen immigrants in the country, which includes those awaiting asylum rulings or are in the U.S. legally in other ways. They could be inappropriately and illegally swept up in Trumps crackdown Theres a backlog of some 3.7 million court cases in the immigration system, which, at the current rate, will take four years to complete. Under Trumps policies, that could increase to 16 years, Axios found. Interviews for the survey were conducted online between November 8 and December 2. In Gstaad, where the legendary Palace Hotel has held court for generations, the Alpina Gstaad arrived a decade ago to rewrite the rules of alpine hospitality. As the first luxury hotel built here in a century, it faced a formidable challenge: how to honor Swiss tradition while creating something entirely new. The result is a modern masterpiece that has reinvented mountain luxury without losing its Alpine heart. The Alpina's undeground entrance. The first hint of the Alpina's distinctive approach comes at arrival. Rather than a grand mountain-facing entrance, guests begin with an almost ceremonial descent through an underground tunnela masterstroke of architecture that builds anticipation with each step. The experience evokes the opening sequence of a Bond film, as if you're entering the sophisticated lair of a benevolent alpine mastermind. Soft lights guide the path forward as daylight dims behind, and smooth granite walls create anticipation of what lies ahead. Then, as you emerge into the reception area, the effect is transformativea soaring space flooded with natural light, where a 90-foot granite desk anchors your arrival in mountain majesty. Here, a cup of house-blended tea appears, fragrant with lemongrass and peppermint, the first note in what will become a symphony of thoughtful touches. Emerging into the reception area, you're greeted by a dramatic space filled with natural light anchored by an impressive 90-foot granite desk. Here, a cup of house-blended tea appears, fragrant with lemongrass and peppermint, the first of many thoughtful touches that define a stay here. Related: Inside Gstaad: The Swiss Alps Best-Kept Secret Courtesy The Alpina Gstaad Behind the Alpina's refined facade lies a deeper story of alpine innovation. The 56 rooms seamlessly blend local building traditions with contemporary design while Michelin-starred chef Martin Goschel transforms Swiss classics into culinary art at Sommet, his signature restaurant. Each dish tells a story of the surrounding mountainsfrom foraged herbs to locally aged cheesepaying homage to the pristine Saanenland valley. At Megu, another of the Alpina's excellent restaurants, traditional Japanese precision finds an unexpected home in the Alps, where sushi master Tsutomu Kugota's artful omakase manages to feel both transportive and perfectly at home in its mountain setting. A selectio of dishes at Megu located in the Alpina Gstaad.Photos by Andrew Curry The heart of the property houses the 25,800-square-foot Six Senses Spa, where alpine tradition meets modern wellness. A thoughtful sequence of spaces unfoldsfrom the therapeutic warmth of the pink Himalayan salt room to the bracing vitality of the ice bath. The indoor pool, lined in Belgian blue limestone, reflects centuries of timber beams above, while outdoors, a second pool invites guests to swim beneath the gaze of snow-touched peaks. Views of the 25,800-square-foot Six Senses SpaCourtesy The Alpina Gstaad Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The art of discreet luxury flows through every interaction. Staff members execute an almost choreographed movement, gracefully stepping aside against hallway walls as guests passa gesture that speaks volumes about the hotel's philosophy of unobtrusive service. Privacy here isn't merely promised but elevated to an art form, where the highest form of service is the protection of a guest's solitude and space. For Angelenos seeking an alternative to Aspen or St. Moritz, Gstaad offers a compelling mix of authentic Swiss culture and refined luxury. While the town has long attracted an A-list crowd (Julie Andrews has kept a home here for over 50 years), it maintains a refreshingly low-key atmosphere, almost like Sundance before it became "Sundance." The Alpina Gstaad Beyond traditional mountain pursuits, the Alpina offers unexpected cultural adventures. Photography enthusiasts can explore the surrounding majesty through the lens of a Leica camera, part of the hotel's exclusive partnership with the legendary German manufacturer. These curated photography excursions allow guests to capture the Saanenland's dramatic landscapes with some of the world's finest optical equipment. Olympic Medalist Mike von Grunigen shows Andrew Curry around a local lake in Gstaad, Switzerland.Courtesy Mike von Grunigen The hotel sits perfectly positioned for mountain adventures in every season. Steps from the front door, the Eggli lift connects guests to miles of groomed ski runs, while more advanced skiers head to Glacier 3000 for expert terrain. The hotel partners with an impressive roster of local guides, including an Olympic medalist who now works with the tourism board, who can tailor mountain experiences to any skill levelwhether you want to improve your technique or just find those perfect hidden spots that only locals know about. Courtesy Gstaad Tourism After active days in the mountains, evenings at the Alpina take on their own rhythm. Guests gather in the warmly lit lounge for craft cocktails or slip into the wine cellar for tastings of rare Swiss vintages. The property's collection of contemporary art provides quiet moments of contemplation, while the jazz club vibes with great vibes late into the night. Oh, for those needing to watch a screening of their latest project? They have a private screening room on the property for that, too. Discover timeless elegance at The Alpina Gstaads Lougne & Bar, where sophisticated design meets unparalleled hospitality.Courtesy of The Alpina Gstaad Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contrast with Los Angeles life feels particularly clear in the final moments of a stay. Here, the mountains command attention, the pace slows naturally, and luxury serves nature rather than competing with it. This isn't just luxury for luxury's sakeit's luxury that knows when to step aside and let the mountains take center stage. Book your next stay at The Alpina Gstaad by heading to the link here. Experience the beauty of Gstaads snow-covered valleys and majestic mountains aboard this luxurious panoramic train.Courtesy Gstaad Tourism Explore our winter travel guide for the best seasonal escapes, from cozy getaways to adventurous destinations. Find more details below or click here to plan your perfect winter trip. ALTAVISTA, Va. (WFXR) Altavista Police are searching for a car connected to a Saturday night shooting. Police were called at 11:23 p.m. for a shooting near Novelty Street and Amherst Avenue. They say a 33-year-old man was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital in serious condition. Police are looking for a 2001 silver Honda with a Virginia license plate THU-6368 that they believe is tied to the incident. Photo Courtesy of Altavista Police Department Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They dont believe theres any danger to the public, but if you have information about the incident or the car, youre asked to contact police. 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 WFXRtv. ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) The Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese launched their Jubilee 2025 with a special Mass on Sunday. A Jubilee occurs in the Catholic church every 25 years. The mass, held at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona saw hundreds in attendance. Bishop Mark Bartchak, who was ordained a Bishop and installed as the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, served as celebrant and priests of the diocese as concelebrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eight-county diocese includes 87 parishes. Each one was invited to send a few representatives to the Mass. Kwanzaa celebration helps bring Johnstown community together It is an opportunity for us to come together as one diocesan church. We dont have many opportunities throughout the year. Obviously, each parish has its own mass celebrations. But to come together in our mother church, the cathedral, as one diocesan church is a rare opportunity, Tony DeGol, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown said. This years theme is Pilgrims of Hope. Hope is something that no one can ever take away from us, and hope is something that is truly alive in the Catholic Church, especially here in our diocese. So throughout this Jubilee year, well be doing many observances that really highlight that virtue of hope, DeGol said. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. There are numerous masses planned throughout 2025, and in keeping with the theme of pilgrimage, in October of 2025, the Catholic Church will make a diocesan pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) An Altoona man was arrested after allegedly attacking a woman and then leaving with their infant child. Evan Michael Shover, 29 (Blair County Prison) Evan Michael Shover, 29, is facing strangulation, child endangerment, simple assault and lesser charges after Logan Township police were called to a home Thurs. Dec. 19 regarding a domestic disturbance that took place. Upon arrival, police were told Shover was no longer at the home, according to the criminal complaint. The woman said that Shover would often show up at the residence and walk right in for custody exchange, which he was told repeatedly he couldnt do. The woman went on to say she was holding their 4-month-old when Shover intentionally bumped into her and the child with his shoulder while arguing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Central PA Humane Society building new facility According to the womans account to police, she said she put the infant down and thats when Shover grabbed her by the throat with both hands and pushed her backward into a wall. According to charges, she told police it was difficult to breathe and he used his strength to push her downwards. Shover then allegedly took the infant and left. Police noted they viewed photos from the woman that showed redness and white finger marks on her throat. According to the complaint, officers also noted damage to the wall she said she was shoved against, saying it was roughly three feet from the ground and it appeared to be the size a human head would leave. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. Shover was arraigned the next morning, Dec. 20. Court dockets show he was released after posting a $50,000 bond from a professional bondsman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. ENGLEWOOD, OHIO (KFDX/KJTL) An Altus woman has died from her injuries after she was struck by a vehicle late Friday night on an interstate in Ohio. LOCAL NEWS: 2-year-old dies after dog attack at Wichita Falls home According to a media release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on Friday, December 27, 2024, just before 11 p.m. on Interstate 675 in Miami Township, Ohio. Authorities said a 2013 Honda Accord operated by a 24-year-old male was traveling north on the interstate when it struck a pedestrian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pedestrian was identified as Vanessa Martinez, 27, of Altus, Oklahoma. According to the media release, Martinez succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene. Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Bradley Hess told KFDXs sister station, WDTN in Dayton, Ohio, that Martinez is not believed to be a military member. Sgt. Hess also confirmed Martinezs vehicle was found on the side of the interstate. RELATED: Oklahoma woman struck and killed on I-675 Friday (via WDTN/WBDT) According to OSHPs media release, the driver was not injured as a result of the crash. The crash remains under investigation by OSHP. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News 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 Texomashomepage.com. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. The crystal ball of macroeconomic predictions suggests that Azerbaijan's GDP is set to rise by 3.5 percent in real terms come 2025, hitting the sweet spot of 129.2 billion manat ($76 billion), the Budget Handbook for Citizens of the Ministry of Finance of Azerbaijan said, Trend reports. Meanwhile, it is noted that GDP of the non-oil and gas sector in real terms will increase by 4.9 percent and will reach 92.2 billion manat ($54.2 billion). Moreover, the share of the non-oil and gas sector in the GDP structure is expected to amount to 71.3 percent. According to forecasts, the real GDP growth of the oil and gas sector will be 0.5 percent in 2025. According to the forecasts of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, the real economic growth rate in 2025 will be 3.3 percent, including 5.1 percent in the non-oil sector. ING forecasts growth in 2025 at 2.6 percent, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development at 2.7 percent, and the Asian Development Bank at 2.6 percent. To note, Azerbaijan produced gross domestic product for 113.2 billion manat ($66.5 billion) in the period from January through November of the current year, or 4.1 percent more than in the same period of last year. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel As the news of 39th President Jimmy Carters death spread, many Massachusetts political leaders released statements of remembrance for the former President and Nobel Prize winners life. Senator Susan Warren called Carter a true public servant. Jimmy Carter was a true public servant and peacemaker. Our country is a better place because of him. My thoughts are with his family. Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) December 29, 2024 Democratic Whip Katherine Clark issued a statement, stating that the former President was, Always a peacemaker, he was a force for democracy in all corners of the world. President Carters service of compassion and humility leaves a legacy that will be admired for generations to come. As we come together as a grateful nation to mourn and honor President Carter, my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Carter family. My full statement. pic.twitter.com/00JbvXQH97 Katherine Clark (@WhipKClark) December 29, 2024 Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan called Carter, a good man who always saw the best in others. Im deeply saddened by the news of President Carters passing, and my condolences go out to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who he and Rosalynn adored more than anything in the world. pic.twitter.com/H4Xfc68qCF Lori Trahan (@RepLoriTrahan) December 29, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Maura Healey said that President Carter lived his life dedicated to peace, human rights, democracy and moral clarity. Gov. Healey has also ordered all flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings until January 28, 2025. President Carter lived a life dedicated to peace, human rights, democracy, and moral clarity. He set an enduring example of what it means to serve others, and his legacy will continue inspire generations to come. Sending my love to the Carter family as they, and our nation, Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) December 29, 2024 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW TOWN OF DICKINSON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) Ring in the New Year with two beloved local musicians as they count down to 2025 with a musical performance. Alyssa Crosby and Chloe Solan will be performing at the Festival of Lights New Years Eve Party tomorrow at Otsiningo Park. Crosby is known for her success on Season 25 of The Voice while Solan appeared on American Idol. The duo will be singing a mix of covers and original songs ranging from pop and rock to jazz and blues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crosby says the community has been so supportive of her musical journey. This year, she has performed across the local area including hosting her own music festival in August. Crosby says she has received so much love this year and shes excited to continue giving that love back. I have been supported so much this year by the community and the proper response is to show the community my support for them. I love doing shows like this. I love doing things for the community. I literally dont ever stop, and it makes me happy, it makes my heart happy. I think we live in a community that needs to be watered and Im happy to do my part in watering it, said Crosby. The performance will take place at 5:30 p.m. in Santas heated tent. Fireworks will follow at 7:15. There will also be food, and warm drinks available from Pinkies BBQ. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no additional cost for the New Years Eve Party. Tickets to the Festival of Lights are $25, $60 for a season pass, and free for veterans. The Festival of Lights will remain open until January 5. Find more at BCFestivalofLights.com. 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 WIVT - News 34. During his presidency, Jimmy Carter held one unique title in particularparole officer for Mary Prince, a woman convicted of murder who found strong allies in the recently deceased former president and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter after she became their daughter Amy Carters nanny. Prince, then known by her married name Mary Fitzpatrick, was convicted of murder in 1970, but maintained her innocence. Both the former president and first lady became advocates for her cause, and brought her to work in both the Georgia governors mansion and the White House. In his 2005 memoir Sharing Good Times, Carter called Prince an integral member of our family and called her a binding force keeping the Carter family tied together as the couples children grew older. From the Archives: Read the Daily Beasts Brilliant Jimmy Carter Stories Prince grew up in the small town of Richland, Georgia. She dropped out of school in seventh grade in order to take care of her younger sister, according to a profile of her published in People magazine shortly after Carters inauguration in 1977. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1970, Prince went to a bar in Lumpkin County, Georgia with her cousin, who was carrying a gun. When her cousin got into an argument with another woman at the bar, Prince tried to intervene. I didnt know anything about guns, but I tried to take it away and it went off. We didnt know it had hit anyone, Prince told People in 1977. However, the other woman accused Prince of deliberately shooting and killing the womans boyfriend. A court-appointed defense attorney spoke to Prince only twice for about 10 to 15 minutes, she said. He advised her to plead guilty, promising a light sentence, Carter wrote in his 2005 book, Our Endangered Values. Prince was with the Carter family in the White House, where she was photographed in 1979 in the Rose Garden. / Carter Presidential Library She was young, black, and penniless, so she did as he told her and got a life sentence in return, Rosalynn wrote in her own memoir, First Lady from Plains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Prince soon was able to secure a job at the Georgia governors mansion as a trusty, where she quickly found herself working as a nanny for Carters eldest daughter. Amy and Iwe hit it off on our first day, Prince told journalist Kate Anderson Brower in her 2015 book The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House. Our daughter was three years old at the time, and Marys intelligence and dedication convinced us that to let her help Rosalynn care for Amy while I was governor, Carter himself wrote in Sharing Good Times. But after Carters term as governor ended, Prince was forced to return to prison. She told People that Amy cried when saying goodbye, and Rosalynn came to visit her at Fulton County Jail. Prince was a force helping bid the Carters together, Jimmy Carter wrote. In the White House he still had a young daughter, Amy (front) and in 1977, a month into his term, became a grandfather for the second time, thanks to the birth of James Earl Carter IV. Some of the family were seen in a 1977 portrait. Left to right: daughter-in-law Judy; oldest grandson Jason James Carter; son Jack ; daughter-in-law Annette; her husband Jeff; First Lady Rosalynn Carter; daughter Amy; Jimmy Carter; daughter-in law Caron Griffin holding James Earl Carter IV; and son Chip (James Earl Carter III). / Historical / Corbis via Getty Images Prince was given permission to travel to Carters inauguration in January 1977, where she told the New York Times the new First Lady offered her a job in the White House as Amys nanny once again. The parole board eventually agreed to her release, and the newly sworn in president was tasked with serving as her parole officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Princes case was eventually reexamined and she was granted a pardon, Carter later confirmed in his 2006 book. According to Browers account, Prince remained close to the Carters for years after he left the White House, moving to a house only three blocks away in the former presidents hometown of Plains, Georgia. In 1993, Prince told the Tampa Bay Times she was still doing housework for the Cartersand still saw Amy when she came home for the holidays. In his own words, Carter also praised Prince for all the work she did for his family. Carter dedicated his 2005 book, Sharing Good Times, to his former White House nanny, who he said was always willing to travel to any other home when one of our children has a special need or crisis. Bangkok Three foreign nationals including an American man died and seven other people were injured by a fire at a hotel in a popular tourist area of Thailand's capital Bangkok, city authorities said Monday. Thailand's national police said in a post on social media that a Brazilian woman died at the hotel and two men, an American and a Ukrainian, were pronounced dead at a local hospital. The cause of the Sunday night blaze at the Ember Hotel near Khao San Road, an area popular with backpackers and budget travelers, was still under investigation. A State Department spokesperson in Washington confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen in Bangkok to CBS News on Monday and offered the U.S. government's condolences to the family, but declined to provide any further information citing privacy considerations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five other foreigners and two Thai nationals were injured, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said Monday. Police stand guard after a hotel fire in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 30, 2024. / Credit: Sakchai Lalit/AP Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said firefighters reached the scene of the six-story hotel within five minutes of being alerted and rescued some 75 people with three cranes. Sittipunt ordered the hotel's closure and investigations into the alarm system. In July a fire broke out in Khao San Road's busy Chinatown district, leading municipal authorities to deploy 40 fire engines to fight the blaze. A month earlier a fire ripped through pet shops near Bangkok's famed Chatuchak market, killing many caged animals and destroying stalls. Concerns have long been raised about Thailand's lax approach to health and safety regulations, particularly in its countless bars and hotels. The kingdom expects 1.5 million foreign tourists over the new year period, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub told local media, as the capital prepares a fireworks display Tuesday night. Municipal authorities said Monday they would "stand by for readiness" ahead of the celebrations. "Hail and Farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2024 Dr. Leana Wen says for bird flu, "we should have learned our lesson from COVID" in testing How Japanese mochi brings communities in America together American businessman and philanthropist Howard Graham Buffett has visited the southern border of Ukraine. Source: State Border Guard Service (SBGS) Details: According to the report, Brigadier General Yurii Petriv, Head of the Southern Regional Directorate of Ukraines State Border Guard Service, briefed him on the specifics of border protection and the engineering arrangement of border infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is noted that during the meeting, Buffett and Ukrainian border guards discussed further cooperation to enhance the effectiveness of the border guard service on the Ukrainian-Moldovan border. While reporting on the meeting, the SBGS reminded that Howard Graham Buffett supports Ukraine and was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, the National Legend of Ukraine and the Golden Heart awards for his significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine's sovereignty and promoting Ukraine in the world. Reference: Howard Graham Buffett is an American businessman, former politician, philanthropist, photographer, farmer and conservationist. He is the middle child of billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Support UP or become our patron! Former governor and potential mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo opposes Gov. Kathy Hochuls controversial $9 congestion toll to enter Midtown Manhattan, The Post has learned. Its the first time Cuomo has weighed in on the $9 commuter tax since Hochul unveiled it after the November elections. It is undeniable that New York is in a dramatically different place today than it was in 2019, and without a study forecasting [the tolls] consequences based on facts, not politics, it could do more harm than good to New York Citys recovery, Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi told The Post on Sunday, referring to his bosss stance on the new commuter tax. Andrew Cuomo has weighed in on the $9 commuter tax since Hochul unveiled it after the November elections. AP Cuomo is sort of the father of congestion pricing in the US. He was largely responsible for muscling the first-in-the-nation congestion toll plan through New Yorks legislature in 2019 to help fund mass transit and curb traffic in Manhattans central business district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he has since backed off the tactic, writing in a Post op-ed column in March, The people of New York know this is not the time to implement congestion pricing, while citing a shaky post-COVID economic recovery and subway crime. He feels the same way now even though the toll was lowered by Hochul from $15 to $9 before it takes effect next Sunday, Jan. 5. Cuomos reversal comes as he is weighing a political comeback bid for New York City mayor. He resigned as governor in August 2021 after accusations of misconduct and under threat of impeachment though hes denied wrongdoing. Azzopardi said Cuomo still believes congestion pricing is ultimately the right policy and thats why he fought to approve it. But the question is whether now is the right time to implement it, the rep said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congestion pricing is premised on a safe and reliable subway system, and given the obvious lack of confidence the public currently has in the subway system combined with the tenuous state of New York City post-COVID the Governor called for a data-driven study on the impact of congestion pricing to inform the timing of such a major policy change and to ensure New York was not creating additional obstacles to its comeback, Azzopardi said. Cuomo was responsible for muscling the first-in-the-nation congestion toll plan through New Yorks legislature in 2019 to help fund mass transit and curb traffic in Manhattans central business district. Michael Nagle There have been 10 murders in the subway this year, the highest homicide tally in 25 years. That figure includes the horrifying arson murder of a sleeping straphanger on a train last week, allegedly at the hands of a sadistic illegal Guatemalan migrant. A rep for Hochul who served as Cuomos lieutenant governor fired back at her predecessors shifting stand and accused him of gubernatorial mismanagement. Drivers upset about paying a $9 toll when entering Manhattan should remember two things: Andrew Cuomo is the reason theyre paying a toll, and Kathy Hochul is the reason its 40% lower than originally envisioned, said Hochul spokesman Avi Small. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Hochul took office in 2021 two years after congestion pricing became law and got to work fixing the mess she inherited at the MTA following a decade of gubernatorial mismanagement, Small added. After seeing the criticism from Hochuls office after The Post story posted, Cuomo rep Azzopardi shot back, The $15 fee was passed by the MTA under her watch, but please gaslight away. New Yorkers arent stupid. Hochul lowered the toll, which takes effect Sunday, Jan. 5, from $15 to $9. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com Toll opponents welcomed Cuomos change of heart, but noted the ex-governor is the one who put the issue front and center. Its nice to see that now Cuomo recognizes what a bad idea congestion pricing is, but we wont forget that he was the one who signed it into law just like the bail reform and sanctuary state policies that have made us less safe, said US Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), who reps Staten Island and Brooklyn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe he should have listened to Republicans before championing these disastrous policies, added Malliotakis, who also challenged Hochul to ride the subway without her state police security detail. Hochul originally tabled a $15 proposed toll to enter Midtown south of 60th Street, then infamously waited until after the election to push a $9 commuter tax. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority also has the authority to raise the tolls by 25% on gridlock alert days. Toll opponents welcomed Cuomos change of heart, but noted the ex-governor is the one who put the issue front and center. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Hochul, who largely controls the MTA, derailed the gridlock surcharge last week after an exclusive Post report about the outrageous add-on. Malliotakis and other congestion-pricing foes are appealing to President-elect Donald Trump, who opposes congestion pricing, to stop the toll, which was approved by the Biden administration. I think theres an avenue for President Trump to intervene and stop it, Malliotakis said on 77 WABC radios Cats Roundtable show Sunday. [We] do have a lawsuit still in court, as does New Jersey. Were still hopeful that we can stop this congestion pricing cash grab that will cost commuters thousands of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A majority of New Yorkers 51% oppose a congestion toll on Manhattan commuters, according to a recent Siena College poll. Only 29% of those polled said they were supportive of the congestion tax, with another 20% saying they were unsure or were in the middle. The toll is backed by transit advocates and environmental groups, the Regional Planning Association and the Partnership for the City of New York, a top business advocacy group. Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who famously cleaned up trash after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, said he is concerned that day is being papered over. Kim joined CNNs Dana Bash on Sunday for State of the Union and reflected on that day as it nears the four-year anniversary. I mean, we saw with our own eyes those of us that were in Congress, the American people saw, people all over the world saw. And the idea that its being papered over and that people that attacked the Capitol rioted, that theyre being talked as liberators, as prisoners now that are being unfairly treated, Kim said, as highlighted by Mediaite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a nation of rule of law and it does break my heart, he continued. Kim, who represented New Jersey in the House since 2019, was elected to the Senate in November and took over the seat early from George Helmy (D), who had been appointed to replace Bob Menendez (D). As President-elect Trump prepares to take office again, there are concerns about what, if any, emboldened actions he, his administration and his supporters may take. Trump has vowed to seek retribution against his political enemies, including those who sat on the Jan. 6 House committee to investigate his role in the attack. Kim said that it makes him sad that rioters caused destruction in the Capitol and attempted to overturn the 2020 election results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This nation is such a great nation, and we were brought to such a sad moment on that day, he said. We should commit ourselves to never letting that happen again. But, instead, we see that, unfortunately, being a different lesson that many are taking away. 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. A young Georgia woman was killed in a vicious dog attack, and now the animal's owner is charged with involuntary manslaughter. On Wed, Dec. 18, at about 10:30 a.m., Samara Rogers was walking on Ira Road in Augusta when two dogs attacked her, the Richmond County Sheriffs Office said in a release. Deputies responded to the 3500 block of Ira Road in response to a call about a dog attack and found Rogers, who had been mauled by the dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She died at the scene, according to the sheriffs office. Hours later, police arrested Charles Blackwell, 55, and charged him with involuntary manslaughter, according to the sheriffs office. Arrest warrants obtained by local outlet WRDW allege that Blackwell, the dogs primary owner, did cause the death of another human without any intention to do so. The dogs attacked Rogers, biting her in the face and torso, the warrants allege. She was pronounced dead on the scene at 11:05 a.m., according to the Coroners Office, WJBF reports. 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. As authorities continue to investigate, Rogers family and friends are mourning their loss and trying to make sense of what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers mother, Tameka Harris, told WRDW she was shocked when she learned what had happened to her daughter. I didnt know where she was. Why like that? Its such a painful death, said her mom. And I could just hear her saying, 'Help me.' In my mind, I could just hear her saying, 'Help me.' In a GoFundMe set up to help defray funeral costs, Yashaka Brigham wrote that the young woman she called Lu Lu was always thinking of others. She had such a beautiful soul, and all she wanted to do was to become successful! Sadly, on Tuesday morning, on her walk to school, she was mauled to death by an angry dog or dogs. It hurts so badly to know that this is the way she spent her last minutes of life." She loved animals, by the way," the GoFundMe page added. It is unclear whether Blackwell has retained an attorney who can comment on his behalf. Read the original article on People TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, December 30. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty (National Council) of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov have discussed issues of further development and strengthening of Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation, the statement of press service of Uzbekistan's President office said, Trend reports. According to the information, the parties engaged in a telephonic dialogue wherein they extended mutual congratulations to one another and to the citizens of their respective nations in anticipation of the forthcoming year 2025. The conversation shed light on the bustling growth of mutual trade turnover, the blossoming cooperation in energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and water management, the ramping up of interdepartmental and interregional ties, and the vibrant exchange of business, culture, and humanitarian efforts. Mirziyoyev underscored the significance of premier global gatherings convened this year to commemorate the extensive festivities marking the 300th anniversary of the esteemed poet and intellectual Makhtumkuli Fragi. He observed that Uzbek and Turkmen cinematographers collaboratively executed a feature film project, alongside the orchestration of multiple joint events. In the course of the conversation, the complexities surrounding regional collaboration in relation to the preparatory framework for the forthcoming Consultative Meeting of Heads of Central Asian States were thoroughly examined. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A three-week-old boy has died of hypothermia in the Gaza Strip, the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah and the infant's father said on Monday. The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that the boy had died shortly after his twin brother died, also of hypothermia. The father of the twins, Yahya al-Batran, confirmed the deaths. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry reported that six infants had now died as a result of the cold conditions in the Gaza Strip, with many families forced from their homes and living in makeshift shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli Foreign Ministry recently questioned the credibility of the reports. It posted on X that there was proof that doctors in the region were publishing Hamas propaganda rather than facts. Night-time temperatures in the region have recently fallen below 10 degrees Celsius on occasion, accompanied by high winds and rain, and aid organizations have predicted a rise in illness among children. According to the UN, almost a million people will have to endure the winter without adequate accommodation, as many of the Palestinian population of around 2 million have been displaced by the fighting. Israel is continuing its operation to destroy the Hamas militia following the October 7, 2023 attacks mounted from the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian figures, more than 45,500 people have been killed in the fighting. ANSON, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Anson Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday night, during which officers believe at least 11 rounds were fired from an assault-style rifle. At about 9:42 p.m. on December 28, the Anson Police Department and Jones County Sheriffs Office responded to multiple reports of gunshots near the intersection of 4th Street and Avenue J. An initial investigation indicates that at least 11 rounds were fired from an assault-style rifle. The bullets struck both a vehicle and a house, but no injuries have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our priority is ensuring the safety of our community, and we are utilizing all available resources to resolve this case. We thank the community for their cooperation and support during this time, Chief Daniel Graziose shared. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Residents in the area are asked to review their surveillance footage for any suspicious activity around the time of the shooting. Anyone with relevant information or video footage is encouraged to contact Lieutenant Blankenship at the Anson Police Department at (325) 823-3056. 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. An 8-year-old girl reported missing by Atlanta police has been found, according to officials. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Samaunee Mosley, 8, was reported missing Monday morning. According to APD, Mosely was last seen riding in her mother, Tychena Mosleys car. The family tells APD, that 30-year-old Tychena Mosley suffers from schizophrenia and was having a mental episode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement APD said Samaunee Mosley was located in Riverdale and appeared to be OK. TRENDING STORIES: Tychena Mosley was arrested and awaiting extradition back to APD Public Safety Headquarters. Tychena Mosley had active warrants for cruelty to children (second-degree). The investigation is ongoing. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A federal appeals court on Monday rejected President-elect Donald Trump's attempt to overturn a jury's verdict last year that found he sexually abused writer E. Jean Carroll in the mid-1990s. The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided "Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings" and "has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial." The jury in the civil case held Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll in a dressing room at a Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan in the mid-1990s, and determined that, in 2022, he made defamatory statements about her. The jury awarded Carroll $5 million in damages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Judges appear skeptical as Trump seeks new trial in E. Jean Carroll case A different jury, in a separate civil trial, ordered Trump to pay Carroll, a former Elle magazine columnist, $83 million in damages. Trump's appeal of that verdict is pending. In the first trial, Trump claimed District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan erred by allowing two women, Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, to testify about Trump's alleged sexually assaults of them. Trump has denied the claims of those two women. Trump also faulted Kaplan's decision to allow part of the now-infamous "Access Hollywood" tape into evidence. In the 2005 recording, Trump is heard describing to then-Access Hollywood host Billy Bush how he kissed and grabbed women without first obtaining their consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appellate court, in Monday's opinion, decided the tape was admissible "as evidence of a pattern" of alleged behavior by Trump. PHOTO: President-elect Donald Trump delivers remarks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Dec. 16, 2024. (Evan Vucci/AP) "The jury could have reasonably concluded from those statements that, in the past, Mr. Trump had kissed women without their consent and then proceeded to touch their genitalia," the opinion said. Carroll's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, hailed Monday's decision. "Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today's decision," Kaplan said in a statement. "We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties' arguments." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung, in a statement, said the Carroll case "will continue to be appealed." "The American People have re-elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts," the statement said. ABC News' Olivia Rubin contributed to this report. Appeals court rejects Trump's attempt to overturn E. Jean Carroll verdict originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A federal appeals court has upheld a jurys $5 million civil verdict against Donald Trump for sexual abuse and defamation claims brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll. A three-judge panel ruled unanimously Monday that the trial judge did not violate Trumps rights when he allowed Carroll to present evidence suggesting Trump had committed other sexual assaults. That evidence included Trumps comments on the infamous Access Hollywood tape as well as testimony from other two other women who accused Trump of sexual assault. [T]he jury could reasonably infer that Mr. Trump engaged in similar conduct with other women a pattern of abrupt, nonconsensual, and physical advances on women he barely knew, the panel wrote in a 77-page opinion. The judges ruling on the matter were Obama appointees Denny Chin and Susan Carney, as well as Biden appointee Myrna Perez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a significant legal setback though one that was foreseeable as Trump prepares for his inauguration next month. Trump may appeal the ruling to the full bench of the Manhattan-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals or to the Supreme Court. Aides indicated he would continue to appeal what spokesman Steven Cheung deemed the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax. Roberta Kaplan, Carrolls attorney, hailed the careful ruling. E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by todays decision, Kaplan said in a statement. The ruling comes on the heels of a legal victory for the president-elect in a related defamation case that Trump brought against ABC News and anchor George Stephanopoulos, who said on the air that the civil jury found Trump had raped Carroll. ABC settled that case and agreed to pay $15 million to Trumps presidential library. Carroll accused Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s and sued him for civil damages. In May 2023, a federal jury did not find Trump liable for rape but did find him liable for sexual abuse and defamation, and it ordered Trump to pay Carroll $5 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate jury earlier this year ordered Trump to pay her $83.3 million for a different defamation claim. Trump is appealing that verdict as well. Both defamation claims arose from statements that Trump made about Carroll in which he denied her account of rape and called her a liar. The "Access Hollywood" tape, in which Trump was captured on camera in 2005 talking about using his star status to kiss and grope women without permission, has haunted Trump since 2016, when it nearly ended his nascent career as a presidential candidate weeks before the presidential election. Though it ultimately proved not to be enough to end his candidacy, it has remained a key piece of evidence in some of the legal proceedings hes faced ever since. We conclude that the Access Hollywood tape described conduct that was sufficiently similar in material respects to the conduct alleged by Ms. Carroll (and Ms. Leeds and Ms. Stoynoff) to show the existence of a pattern, the judges ruled, referring to Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, the two other women who were allowed to testify that Trump assaulted them. Editor's note: This column originally published on Sept. 25, 2024. The Tennessean is republishing it in honor of 39th President Jimmy Carter who died Sunday at the age of 100. President Jimmy and First Lady Rosalyn Carter were quite a team. During their time in office and beyond they served us honorably and unselfishly. As President Carters 100th birthday approaches on Oct. 1, I want to take a moment to reminisce on some great memories I share with our former president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I first met President Carter in 1976 as a Tennessee volunteer on his presidential campaign. In 1979, after I completed my six-year term on the Tennessee Public Service Commission, President Carter saw fit to appoint me, with confirmation from the U.S. Senate, to fill an unexpired term on the board of directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority. After my appointment, President Carter and I stayed in touch. Later, after being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (Tennessee District 5) in 1988, I watched with amazement as former President and First Lady Carter continued their efforts to provide adequate housing for the less fortunate, notably through their work with Habitat for Humanity. Their work inspired not just myself but, all of the U.S. Congress. Habitat sets record with 'The House that Congress Built' In 1997, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution challenging all sitting members of Congress to sponsor and participate in building a house with Habitat for Humanity. In 1998, I took the challenge, in the spirit of the Carters. I spoke with President Carter and worked with Millard Fuller (co-founder and former president of Habitat for Humanity) to build a home in Nashville. To complete this task, I partnered with a great friend and an outstanding Tennessee home builder, Jim McLean and the Middle Tennessee Home Builders Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We showed up to the build site with 300 volunteers and as Danny Herron, the current executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville says, In 1998, the Home Builders Association built a Habitat home in 4 hours, 39 minutes, and 8 seconds setting a world record as 300 volunteers constructed The House that Congress Built, sponsored by Congressman Bob Clement... It was through the example set by the Carters that we were able to pull this together and change lives. Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter speak during the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville opening ceremony at the Ryman Auditorium Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. I made it a point in 2016 to see the Carters again. My wife, Mary, our friend Jim McLean, and I traveled down to the Carters home of Plains, Georgia, to visit with the former president and first lady. On the way down we called the president and the first lady to let them know we were close. Opinion: Presidents once lifted us up in times of crisis During the call, the Carters invited us to dinner, but believing we were too far out, I politely declined the offer not knowing we were closer than we thought! Well, we missed dinner with the president, but we made it to Maranatha Baptist Church and of course it was a delight to attend the Sunday School class taught regularly by President Carter himself. Carter is a testament to unwavering principles and work ethic Whenever I am with the Carters I am in awe of their commitment helping others. The last time the Carters visited Nashville, was October 2019 and we had the honor to be with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time President Carter was 95 years old and had recently fallen, giving himself a black eye. But that could not stop his spirit and dedication. The Carters showed up to a build site and, even while bruised, helped finish this home. Truly, the exemplification of Christian goodness. As we prepare to celebrate President Jimmy Carters 100th birthday, let us honor a man whose life has been a testament to unwavering Christian principles, a tireless work ethic, and a boundless love for others. President Carters legacy is not just one of political achievements, but of a profound moral compass that has guided him through decades of service. Bob Clement is a former U.S. Congressman from Tennessee's 5th Congressional District and an author. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100, left a great legacy | Opinion Editor's note: This column originally published on Oct. 8, 2019. The Tennessean and USA TODAY Network Tennessee are republishing it in honor of 39th President Jimmy Carter who died Sunday at the age of 100. The weather was damp and raw Monday morning. After weeks upon endless weeks of scorching temperatures and no rain, it was almost a relief. Still, the rain that quickly combined with the dirt to make mud and the cold breeze that sometimes made it difficult to bend your fingers made hard conditions to build a house especially if one of the construction workers was a 95-year-old man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not just any 95-year-old man, though. Try former President Jimmy Carter, who arrived in Nashville Sunday, just hours after taking a tumble in his home that required stitches, to work on the 36th year of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project as a part of Habitat for Humanity. Rosalynn Carter, 92 and the former presidents wife for more than 73 years, also made the trip to help build one of the 21 homes scheduled for construction at this Nashville build site. The new owners of these homes, all of modest but hardworking means, who also worked alongside the Carters and other volunteers, will also have affordable mortgages. Remembering Jimmy Carters emergence In 1976, Jimmy Carter was an antidote to a badly injured nation. It had been mired in political scandal for many years. Americans no longer trusted their leaders. Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter speak during the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville opening ceremony at the Ryman Auditorium Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Carter, an unknown governor from the deep South who had demonstrated not the least to his native Georgia that there was a different way to conduct ourselves in public life, emerged as a reset button, of sorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In time, many Americans found disappointment in him too, as he struggled with both foreign and economic crises, and he became the first elected president since Herbert Hoover to have voters show him the exit. If you spend any time around Jimmy Carter, you hear about faith. Not just his faith as a Christian believer, but the need to have faith in each other, to treat each other with kindness despite our differences and even for governments and nations to deal with one another in good faith. When I teach Sunday school, people come from all over the world to hear my Sunday school lesson, Carter said Monday, and they come from not only every country in the world, but also they come from every faith. So weve got Buddhists and Muslims and Jews, as well as Christians, Protestants and Catholics. So I think that everybody needs to treat each other as equals, and therefore honor the principle of human rights. Carter left the presidency nearly 40 years ago. Again, like Hoover before him, he saved some of his best work for that second act. Former President Jimmy Carter speaks at a press conference during the Habitat for Humanity build on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. Carter and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, are volunteering along with hundreds of others to construct 21 homes in Nashville, Tenn. He has monitored elections in far-flung countries. Hes spoken out for Middle East peace. But one of his most enduring efforts to date is the Habitat project, which first began in 1984 and has taken the Carters all over the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even that Carter would ascribe to his faith. Opinion: Presidents once lifted us up in times of crisis One of the best ways to practice my faith as a Christian is to participate in Habitat like this every year, he said. I think thats the easiest way for rich people like us to reach out to people in need and work with them equally on the Habitat site. Carters faith is something Americans need again The elephant in the room, of course, is that not unlike the mid-1970s we again live in a largely faithless time. We do not trust each other. We do not trust our leaders. We do not trust many of our social institutions. Alex Hubbard (with Xana) interviewed President Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter at a Habitat for Humanity project in Nashville in 2019. Jimmy Carter could have laid down that load long ago, but he chose not to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve gotten more out of it than we put into it, Carter said when asked why, at 95, he continues appearing at Habitat work sites. So we have a net gain when it comes to the Habitat project because the emotional feeling among the volunteers kind of binds us together in a spirit of mutual appreciation and respect. These are words that we need to hear right now, regardless of our politics, or our religion, or any other divisive topic in our society. Mutual respect. Giving back. Selflessness. Alex Hubbard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America did not want Jimmy Carter as president anymore in 1980. It doesnt really matter whether we agree on whether that was a good or bad thing, but through using the platform he derived from having once been our president, Carter has shown us why he is still valuable to us. He never gave up on us as a people. He never lost his faith. Alex Hubbard is a journalist who previously worked as a columnist and editor for the USA Today Network Tennessee. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jimmy Carter died at 100 and always kept faith in God and us | Opinion A successful ballot proposition that makes crossing the international border illegally a state crime may never obtain the required court approval, but Arizona sheriffs want to be prepared. The Arizona Sheriffs' Association wants state lawmakers to include $100 million for sheriffs' agencies in the next two years to get ready to enforce Proposition 314. Voters passed that ballot measure, which was referred by Republican lawmakers in the Legislature. The same week the sheriffs made their funding request, Republican lawmakers on Dec. 18 voted to withhold $250,000 in border-related funds from Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway, one of the four sheriffs who serve Arizona border counties, because of Hathaway's comments that he would not enforce Proposition 314. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, enforcement of the main, border-crossing provision of the law remains only a possibility. But it's still causing worry about potential civil rights violations and a massive price tag. Is that legal? Donald Trump says he's going to use the military to help deport immigrants Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, who leads the association, and other sheriffs had complained about the "unfunded mandate" underpinning the measure and now are seeking the money Rhodes said would give border sheriffs the manpower to enforce the new law. Each of the sheriff's departments in the four border counties should receive funds for an additional 20 deputies each, Rhodes said in a Dec. 20 interview. He said onboarding the new personnel, combined with new equipment the departments may need, would require a much larger investment than sheriffs have received previously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that Arizona sheriffs asked the Legislature for $24 million in funds in 2024 dedicated to border-related duties but received only $17 million. They should receive $50 million in 2025 and the same amount in 2026, with the "ongoing appropriation rolling forward if necessary, he said. You can't go hire a bunch of people and then not get the funding the next year for them," Rhodes said. "If there's some incredible change down the road, you can always pull back a little bit. But you got to get ready. You've got to start now." What is Proposition 314, the Secure the Border Act? Proposition 314, also known as the Secure the Border Act, requires immigrants to use legal ports of entry to cross into Arizona or face possible arrest by local and state police in addition to federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police would need probable cause that the person crossed the border illegally, such as witnessing the alleged crime personally, reviewing video or other means. Violators must serve 30 days in jail. People approved between June 15, 2012, and July 8, 2021, under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are immune from prosecution. State officials would also allow most undocumented immigrants to return to the country they entered from and avoid jail time. Besides the border provisions, the new law increases the legal penalty when fentanyl sales result in death, allows local arrests of undocumented migrants who fraudulently attempt to obtain benefits and requires more verification of employees immigration status. Proposition 314: Arizona police waiting to hear if immigration law is legal, financially feasible Realities of new law, deportation threat still uncertain Angst over the possible enforcement of Proposition 314 comes as Arizona and the rest of the country prepare for President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House and the threat of "mass deportation" of undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's win in the November election indicates the majority of voters want to chart a new course in immigration policy. Rhodes and other local officials say they have heard the rhetoric about deportations but haven't received specific details of any plan. Trump takes office Jan. 20 and has vowed to tackle immigration immediately. The future of Proposition 314 is under speculation as well. The law restrains itself from going into effect unless Texas' Senate Bill 4 or a similar proposed law finds court approval. The Texas law, which is being challenged by the U.S. Department of Justice under exiting President Joe Biden, has been held up in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Even if that court greenlights the law, a successful appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court would take more time. Outgoing Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma, who sponsored the measure voters approved, said he's hopeful federal officials would "do their job" in enforcing the border and immigration laws. If that happened, "there won't be any need to enforce it," he said. "Having said that, I still think it's good to have it on the books, because things change." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toma said he was pleased voters ignored what he sees as fearmongering messages from critics who warned police would abuse the law and target people for arrest based on their perceived ethnicity and roust families "in the middle of the night in Phoenix." "That's not the way that works," he said. Arizona prison capacity could be factor in enforcement Law enforcement officials intending to make Proposition 314 arrests may need to take into account how much detention bed space is available. If arrests are too plentiful, the state soon could find itself out of jail and prison beds. The new law requires the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry to accept anyone sentenced to incarceration under the border-crossing provision if no county or local jail bed space is available. Few towns and cities have their own holding facilities, and county jails are often already overcrowded. For example, the jail in the biggest border county, Pima, is already operating at capacity or close to it, and officials are hoping for an expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A November 2024 report by the state Corrections Department, the most recent available, showed 9,229 state and private prison beds available out of 45,581 total. Bed usage typically ran about 75% to 80% of capacity throughout 2024, monthly records show. Only about 1,000 of the free beds are designated for women. Women make up about 10% of Arizona prisoners but may be apprehended in greater ratios for border crossings. Another problem, according to prison agency Director Ryan Thornell, is that current staffing in prisons is appropriate only for the current population and more funding for new personnel would be needed immediately if the now-empty beds began to fill up, an agency analysis showed. Even if funded, state prisons could reach capacity by 2027, the agency warned. However, a July analysis by the state Joint Legislative Budget Committee cast doubt on the agency's estimates, in part because the maximum sentence for first-time border-crossers would be six months, and many could choose self-deportation over incarceration. Those factors could prevent prisons from ever reaching capacity, the budget agency reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's deportation plan, depending on what it is, would require detention bed space, too. Tom Homan, Trump's "border czar," said the plan could include "open-air campuses" for detained families. Lawmakers use Proposition 314 to get sheriff's attention In effect or not, Proposition 314 became a useful political tool to Republican lawmakers in the Legislature's Joint Legislative Budget Committee on Dec. 18 when state Sen. John Kavanagh, committee chair, used his authority to strip out $250,000 in GIITEM Border Security and Law Enforcement grants to Santa Cruz County because of Hathaway's public statements that he wouldn't enforce the law. Five other counties will receive $250,000 each. Kavanagh and co-chair Rep. David Livingston said they would reconsider the decision if Hathaway agreed he would use the money for border security. "If he doesn't want to enforce this, we're not going to give it to him to use it for other things," Livingston said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kavanagh and Livingston are chairs of their respective chambers' appropriations committees. Hathaway didn't return a phone message. Democratic Rep. Nancy Gutierrez of Tucson, who spoke critically of the Republicans' decision to withhold money that Santa Cruz County uses to keep its community safe, said she supports a sheriff "who doesn't want to uphold racist policy." What's in effect right now: Parts of Proposition 314 are tied up in court Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona sheriffs want $100M more from state to enforce Proposition 314 BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 1. A total of 394,000 tons of agricultural products worth $214 million have been exported from the Gilan Province located in the north of Iran during nine months of the previous Iranian year (from March 20 through December 20, 2024), the director general of the agricultural department of Iran's Gilan Province Saleh Mohammadi told reporters, Trend reports. According to him, tomatoes, watermelons, apples, cherries, kiwi, lettuce, tangerines, and oranges were the main exported products. Mohammadi noted that agricultural products from the province are exported to 30 countries, including Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Russia, and others. The province's products were mainly exported through Astara border customs. Iran's Gilan Province has 314,000 ha of cultivated and horticultural land and employs 317,000 people in the agricultural sector. The province mainly cultivates rice, tea, olives, almonds, hazelnuts, and citrus fruits. To note, Iran exported 116 million tons of products worth $43.1 billion during the nine months of the previous Iranian year. A suspect police say was armed with a gun was shot and killed by officers responding to a call in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles Sunday night. The incident began with a report of an armed man at a motel in the 21700 block of Ventura Boulevard around 10:15 p.m. As officers arrived to the scene, they encountered the armed suspect and an officer-involved shooting occurred, the Los Angeles Police Department posted on X Monday morning. Police investigate a shooting in Woodland Hills on Dec. 30, 2024. (KNN) Police investigate a shooting in Woodland Hills on Dec. 30, 2024. (KNN) After the shooting, police said the suspect ran from officers who then set up a perimeter to search for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A SWAT team and Metro K9 unit helped locate the suspect, who was suffering from gunshot wounds, inside a motel. The unidentified man was later pronounced dead at the scene. Video showed police tape closing a portion of Ventura Boulevard as investigators focused their attention on the Vantage Point Inn. A weapon belonging to the suspect was recovered at the scene and no officers or community members were injured in the incident, the LAPD stated. Investigators are in the early stages of the investigation and will be reviewing body-worn video, as well as other video and physical evidence, the post read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTLA. Two years into her retirement as a second-grade teacher, Kathleen Cade enjoyed a life filled with friends, three grandchildren and activities that included crafts, watching plays and regular visits to Hobby Lobby. At 72 years old, Cade had much to wake up to each day. To those that knew her, to not hear from or see Cade was unusual. On Aug. 7, no one heard from her. Cade was killed by gunfire. Her death was among 78 homicides in Oklahoma City this year through Dec. 26. That number is up from 75 homicides in 2023 and 74 in 2022. In 2021, the city recorded 91 homicides, the highest amount in the last five years amid the pandemic and a general increase in violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been in Cades homicide case. Hers is among eight homicide cases this year where no arrests have been made, leaving family and friends to wonder who took their loved ones lives, and why. Kathleen Cade I was out of town for three weeks and was coming home that day, said Laura Cade, 37, one of Kathleen Cades two daughters. She was supposed to be picking me up from the airport, and she wasn't responding to calls or messages. Lauras sister, Karen Farmer, 44, went to check on their mother at her condo near NW 36 and N Portland Avenue. She found Kathleen Cade in bed, unresponsive and suffering from what appeared to be a laceration to her head. It was about 6:45 p.m. Police were called. Cade was taken to an area hospital. The laceration turned out to be a gunshot wound. Investigators believe Cade was struck by a stray bullet that entered her room in the early morning while she was in bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bullet was believed to have entered her room from NW 36. One week later, Cade died at the hospital. Laura Cade and her sister dont believe the shooting was targeted. It is senseless to think anyone would want to harm their mother, who lived peacefully at the condo for 35 years. I dont think you can have closure, Laura Cade said. It can't happen with a homicide, at least for me. But it would definitely help my grieving process to know who. If someone was careless with a gun like this, are they gonna do it again? Fear of retribution Each homicide this year without an arrest has involved gun violence. On Feb. 25 just before 9 a.m. in the 3100 block of N Portland Avenue, responding officers found Fred Gordon, 37, dead on a sidewalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 21 just before 11:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of Sunnylane Road, Isabel Espinoza, 27, was found suffering from gunshot wounds at an apartment complex. Espinoza was taken to an area hospital, where she later died. On July 28 just after 11:45 p.m. in the 3600 block of N Lottie Avenue, responding officers found Kermit Camel, 33, and Wilma-Jean Renee Tomlin, 23, each dead from a double shooting. On Aug. 17 just before 9:15 p.m. in the 2700 block of SW 74, responding police found Emmanuel Williams, 31, shot during what authorities described as a disturbance that escalated. Williams was taken to an area hospital, where he later died. On Sept. 20 about 8:25 p.m. in the 3300 block of N Kelley Avenue, responding officers found DaShawn Davis, 20, dead from gunfire in a parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 20 just before 6:30 p.m near NW 4 and N Kentucky Avenue, authorities found Leopoldo Luna, 21, dead from gunfire and lying on the side of the road. Online obituaries and fundraisers for funeral expenses reveal the shock and sadness families feel over loved ones whose lives were cut short by gun violence. Espinoza, who was shot near a southeast Oklahoma City apartment complex, is described as a creative person with an unforgettable laugh who brought joy to the people around her. She always looked her best and especially enjoyed experimenting with glamorous makeup looks, her obituary states. As a little girl, she loved playing with her Barbies, developing a fondness for fashion and makeup early on. More than anything, Isabel adored her family and treasured quality time spent with the people she loved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma City police continue to investigate the cases. However, Master Sgt. Gary Knight said without the cooperation of witnesses, investigations can quickly stall. One of the biggest things we face when trying to solve these cases is a reluctance of the public to come forward, Knight said. Whether its fear of retribution, whether theyve got a warrant or were arrested before. Lots of times people simply will not talk to police and give investigators information they need to break a case. Sometimes we have a case, its a homicide, and its a who done it? We can hardly keep secrets Laura Cade said her mother was loved by students she taught at Messiah Lutheran School. She was strict, but fun. She actually washed my mouth out with soap one time, Cade said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cade went out to dinner a lot with her mother. Kathleen Cade also was an avid watcher of news, Hallmark Channel, Food Network and HGTV. Kathleen Cade is pictured at the Great Salt Plains crystal digging area. So many people have heard about what happened to my mom, and I think some people have said it's because of the shock value, Laura Cade said. Like this could've happened to anyone, because she was literally laying in bed in the middle of the night and one rogue bullet hit the perfect spot. With so many people aware of her mothers homicide, Cade is left wondering if the shooter also knows what happened. If they do know, I think they would tell someone because we're human, and we can hardly keep secrets, she said. Hopefully they do know, and they've told someone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the Kathleen Cade homicide or other homicide cases is asked to call the Homicide Tip Line at 405-297-1200. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Homicides in OKC are trending up as police seek help in unsolved cases He could have tried asking some of the UKs leading entrepreneurs. He might have consulted with some of the worlds leading business schools, or perhaps even talked to some of the small business owners in his constituency. He might have asked anyone in business or the private sector. In fact, however, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has written to the UKs major regulators, including the water regulator Ofwat and the energy regulator Ofgem, asking them for ideas on how to promote economic growth. It is a very revealing request, although unfortunately not in a pleasing way. In fact, it tells us two significant things about Sir Keir. First, despite having stated before the election that he would make the UK the fastest growing economy in the G7, it is now clear that he had no firm plans on how to do this. It now appears that this bold claim was made with nothing of substance behind it. Why else would he be asking for fresh ideas at this point? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next, the Prime Minister is evidently misinformed as to where growth comes from. In reality, regulators dont enable businesses to expand more rapidly, or investors to put more money into new ventures. If anything, their job is to slow these processes down. Indeed, that is the entire point of them. There is, of course, one thing we can be grateful for. At least the Prime Minister didnt ask his neighbour, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, for ideas. Even Sir Keir, it seems, has realised the limits of the Chancellors knowledge of economics. Disappointingly it is now evident that he, too, is not well grounded in the subject. 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. ATHENS, Texas (KETK) Records reveal an Athens man has been arrested after authorities said they found numerous photos and videos of child pornography on his laptop. OFFICIALS: Man arrested after deputies find several dogs malnourished in Trinity County home Kevin Eugene Jones, 61 of Athens, was arrested following a search warrant conducted at his residence on Parsons Parkway in Athens on Dec. 19. According to an affidavit, authorities found 35 images and graphic videos of child pornography of children under the age of 10. Kevin Eugene Jones, 61 of Athens, courtesy of the Henderson County Jail. Jones admitted he lived in the residence alone and has looked at child pornography for several years, the affidavit said. He has since been arrested on three counts of possession of child pornography and is being held at the Henderson County Jail on a $450,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. DENVER (KDVR) A man wanted for his alleged involvement in a July 5 homicide in northwest Aurora was arrested Saturday, according to the Aurora Police Department. The agency shared information about the case and suspect on Friday, asking the community for help locating one of the suspects after the second suspect was arrested in September in Texas. On Sunday, the agency said the suspect was in custody as of yesterday evening. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bryant Jay Beecher, 32, was wanted on charges of first-degree murder after deliberation and attempted first-degree murder in connection to a shooting at an apartment complex in the 12100 block of East 30th Avenue. Police said officers were called to the scene just after midnight for a reported shooting that resulted in two victims. Police said in July that the suspects went inside an apartment unit, shot the victims, and fled the scene. On scene, officers found both victims with apparent gunshot wounds. One of the victims, Fred Willis, 57, died at the scene and was later identified by the Adams County Coroners Office. A 46-year-old man was also identified as a victim of the shooting but survived after he was taken to the hospital. Police said the warrant for Beechers arrest was obtained in December, and said the second suspect, John Edwards, 53, was arrested on a warrant in September in Texas. Edwards is charged with one count of first-degree murder after deliberation and one count of attempted first-degree murder. He is in custody on a $1.2 million bond, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX31 Denver. (KRON) Authorities are asking for assistance in finding a missing elderly man, according to the San Leandro Police Department. Gregory Manuel was last seen near A Street and West Juana Avenue in San Leandro. Manuel was last seen wearing a burgundy coat and beige pants. He is 67 years old. Missing person Gregory Manuel (Photo: SLPD) Mobs of suspects robbed 2 Oakland gas stations early Sunday morning: OPD According to San Leandro PD, Manuel has dementia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who may know Manuels whereabouts is asked to contact the San Leandro Police Department. 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 KRON4. BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) Authorities are searching for a man who was reportedly seen jumping off the Fairhope Municipal Pier on Monday morning. Damage reported in News 5 viewing area after tornado warning (photos) The Fairhope Police Department said in a news release that surveillance video showed a male wearing a light-colored shirt jumping from the end of the pier around 2 a.m. on Monday. At this time, it is unclear whether the subject made it out of the water safely, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are participating in the search. One airlifted after gas station fight in Loxley Anyone with any information on the man or the incident can contact Detective Jackson with the Fairhope Police Department at 251-928-2385. 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 WKRG News 5. This is an adapted excerpt from the Dec. 15 episode of Ayman. One way Donald Trump is consistent? For years, hes been branding his enemies or his critics losers and those who kiss the ring as winners. And yet, for someone whos all about winning, theres a striking pattern emerging in many of Trumps picks for positions in his Cabinet and administration. As Trump fills out his Cabinet, were seeing appearances from a whole lot of political losers people who were defeated in elections in just about every way imaginable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets start with Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, or Little Marco, as Trump repeatedly called the senator as he wiped the floor with him during the Republican presidential primary back in 2016. Rubio may now enjoy a second act as Trumps new secretary of state. Then theres Trumps pick for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, the onetime surrogate for Bernie Sanders who lost the Democratic nomination for president in 2020. Dont forget Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran against Trump in this years election as an independent candidate but dropped out before the election. The controversial anti-vaccine activist is now Trumps choice for secretary of health and human services. Its not just people whove failed trying to compete with Trump getting a second chance. Trump has also welcomed figures into the fold who have lost key races for the Republican Party, like Dr. Mehmet Oz, whom Trump has tapped to be head of Medicare and Medicaid. Oz lost a Pennsylvania Senate race two years ago to Democratic Sen. John Fetterman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or Linda McMahon, Trumps choice for secretary of education, who lost two Senate bids to Democrats in Connecticut in 2010 and 2012. And Lori Chavez-Deremer, who just lost her re-election campaign for a congressional seat in Oregon to Democrat Janelle Bynum. She's now Trump's pick for secretary of labor. Now, it might seem a little odd for Trump to be choosing so many political losers. That is until we remember who were dealing with. Trump has said that the biggest mistake of his first term was choosing the wrong people. In other words, people who would, at times, push back against his policies. Aides would try to put up guardrails, out-maneuvering Trump by slow-walking or ignoring directives they saw as ill-advised. Lets remember, for example, when in 2020 Trump wanted to send active-duty U.S. troops to respond to mass protests after the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, by a Minneapolis police officer. Trump aides resisted, concerned about the illegal use of the U.S. military against its own citizens. But now, some of his current aides and allies tell The Associated Press that Trump is choosing people he believes are fully committed to his America First agenda and those he thinks can best execute it. With these picks for his new administration, Trump is giving new political life to people who otherwise wouldnt be able to get into a presidential administration or Cabinet, either due to the impact of their political losses or in many cases, a complete lack of experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is seeking out people who need him and, as a result, will be entirely malleable to his will. All of this allows him to take even more control during his second time in the White House to reshape the presidency as we know it. Allison Detzel contributed. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Azerbaijans president Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of shooting down a plane that crashed on Christmas Day, killing 38 people. The plane, an Embraer 190, was en route from Baku to Grozny when it crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after being damaged over Russian territory. Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, expressed regret for the incident in a phone call with Mr Aliyev, but stopped short of acknowledging responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Aliyev said the airliner 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. This comes after an initial Azerbaijani investigation found that the plane was shot down by Russian air defences. Emergency specialists working at the crash site - Azamat Sarsenbayev/Reuters In a statement on Dec 29, Mr Aliyev said: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are our conditions, he said. The first of these was fulfilled yesterday. I hope that our other conditions will be accepted. On Monday, Azerbaijan said that Moscow had promised to punish those responsible for the downing of the aircraft. Azerbaijans general prosecutor said in a statement that the head of Russias Investigative Committee had told Baku: Intensive measures are being carried out to identify the guilty people and bring them to criminal responsibility. Russia has opened a criminal enquiry into the incident but has not said whether it agreed that the plane was hit by one of its air defence missiles, and has not said anything about finding or bringing any perpetrators to justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the incident, Mr Aliyev rejected Russias initial explanation, which claimed a bird strike caused the crash. Azerbaijan Airlines stated that the crash was caused by external physical and technical interference. Credit: X / @yarotrof Later, Russian officials revised their explanation, saying that Ukrainian drones and dense fog had forced the plane out of Russian airspace before the crash. However, this new explanation did not convince Mr Aliyev, who further criticised Russia for what he believed was an attempt to cover up the true cause, dismissing the suggestion of an oxygen tank explosion as an unlikely reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we had seen fair and reasonable steps by Russia in the immediate aftermath of the accident, we probably would not have objected. But we saw that attempts to cover up the case were quite obvious, Mr Aliyev said in an interview with Azerbaijani media. Our plane was hit by accident. There can be no talk of a deliberate act of terror here. Azerbaijan has also rejected Russias proposal to have the Interstate Aviation Committee lead the investigation into the crash, citing the committees Russian leadership. Instead, Kazakhstan will send the flight data recorders to Brazil, where international experts, including Azerbaijani officials, will analyse the devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation is expected to provide clarity on the cause of the crash. International aviation experts are now involved in the investigation, working alongside Azerbaijani officials. The crash is the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 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 defence system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base. 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. Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller applaud as the new logo for the proposed Baltimore Red Line light rail project is unveiled in June. Supporters fear that Republican gains in November's elections will threaten the project. Photo by Elijah Pittman. The ink was barely dry on last months election results when speculation about the future of the Red Line began. Presumably, a second Trump administration will be as transit-unfriendly as the first, jeopardizing the project. The chatter had a familiar ring, reminiscent of 2014, when Larry Hogan was elected governor after campaigning on a platform that was skeptical of the Red Line. Spoiler alert: He canceled the project mere months after his inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates were right to worry then and theyre probably right to worry now. But why does so much of Baltimores transit future hinge on state and federal elections? Why cant we, as a city and region, have more control over our own transportation destiny? The price of dependence on state control Baltimores reliance on the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), a state agency, to run its transit system is in stark contrast to how most cities and regions operate: with a local or regional agency. This prevents us from charting our own future and raising the funds to pursue it. Across the U.S., voters consistently support local measures to fund transit projects. In 2024, according to the Center for Transportation Excellence, 85% of ballot measures to increase transit funding won. There were notable victories in San Francisco, Nashville and Columbus, regions with diverse political leanings and needs that demonstrate a growing recognition of transits importance. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Views of writers are their own. Meanwhile, Marylands leadership is failing Baltimore transit. Gov. Wes Moore and the General Assembly are poised to approve a budget that underfunds the Baltimore-area transit system so severely that it violates state law. Not only does the budget lack funding to construct the Red Line project it is planning, it also lacks enough to take care of the transit we already have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basic needs being cut include items such as replacing aging escalators at Metro stations, replacing rail along Howard Street, rehabilitation and lighting upgrades and fixes to bus depots. This chronic underfunding underscores a deeper issue: Baltimores inability to chart its own path for better transit. The case for a regional transit authority One solution is clear: Baltimore needs an independent regional transit authority. Similar to our neighbors in D.C. who have the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), people in the Baltimore region would gain numerous benefits, including local accountability, dedicated funding streams and greater flexibility to respond to community needs, from a regional authority. An authority would give Baltimore area voters the autonomy to generate revenue through local taxes or bonds and invest in long-term transit improvements. It would also allow for an independent voice advocating for transit funding at the state and federal levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, we would still need state and federal funding as do transit agencies across the country but an independent authority would be more insulated from the political winds changing each election cycle. Under the current system, the MTA operates as a state agency, with its administrator constrained by the need to avoid publicly pressuring or embarrassing the boss the governor. Compare this to WMATA whose general manager can publicly lobby for more resources. One result: In the states current proposed capital transportation budget, MTAs funding is slashed by $672 million while WMATA remains whole. The time is now Sometime soon, the Baltimore Regional Transit Commission (BRTC), a new advisory body to the MTA, will release a study exploring how a regional authority could function. This is a pivotal moment for local leaders to step up. Baltimore City, in particular, has an opportunity to champion this initiative and set the region on a path toward transit independence. Mayor Brandon Scott should, as hes done before, rally our neighboring jurisdictions to this cause, form a team to review the BRTCs report, develop a preferred alternative, and make his case to the General Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Improved public transit is not just a matter of convenience its essential to Baltimores economic growth, equity, and sustainability. If we continue to rely solely on state and federal officials to prioritize our needs, we risk falling further behind. Residents, employers and riders across Baltimore need reliable and improved public transit, regardless of who occupies the governors mansion or the White House. The time has come to demand local control, embrace a regional transit authority, and ensure that the future of greater Baltimores transit is shaped by the voters with direct stake in its success. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. The implementation of duty-free access will enable the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to enhance the exportation of specific commodities to the Iranian market, Head of the Special Trade Regulation Issues Department at the Trade Policy Department of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Kira Danilcheva told Trend. According to her, a full-fledged free trade agreement between Iran and the EAEU was signed in December 2023. She said that the agreement significantly expands the scope of trade, providing preferential access for almost 90 percent of goods. Additionally, the agreement improves tariff conditions compared to the Temporary Agreement, which did not allow tariff reductions on Iranian goods below four percent, the EEC representative explained. Danilcheva pointed out that trade between the parties is growing in both directions: the export of EAEU products to Iran is steadily increasing, and Iranian products are gradually expanding on the EAEU market. "Given the traditional export specialization of the EAEU economies, it is expected that duty-free access will boost exports to Iran of such goods as cereals, meat products, dried vegetables, ice cream, chocolate, confectionery, etc. In the industrial goods category, access conditions have been improved for products such as metal goods, timber processing industry products, chemical industry products, various transport vehicles, agricultural equipment, household appliances, and so on," she added. To note, since 2019, trade between EAEU member states and Iran has been conducted under the preferential regime established by the Temporary Agreement, leading to the creation of a free trade zone between the EAEU and Iran, signed on May 17, 2018. The full-fledged free trade agreement between Iran and the EAEU was signed in December 2023. EEC Chairman Bakyttjan Sagintayev, during a meeting with Iran's Minister of Industry, Mining, and Trade, Seyed Mohammad Atabak, mentioned that the EEC expects the full agreement with Iran to enter into force soon. Additionally, on December 26, following the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in St. Petersburg, Iran was granted the status of an observer state in the EAEU. The Belarusian authorities have banned Santa Claus, English-language New Year songs and carols in schools, instead recommending adherence to Russian New Year's traditions. Source: Polskie Radio, the national public radio broadcaster of Poland; Belarus news Euroradio; Nasha Niva, a Belarusian news outlet Details: Ahead of the festive season, a special directive was issued for schools regarding the New Year repertoire for educational institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is noted that traditional Christmas carols, as well as English-language songs and Western melodies like Jingle Bells, are banned. In addition, the presence of Santa Claus (St Nicholas in the English version) and Christmas tree decorations associated with Western traditions are prohibited at school celebrations. Instead, the authorities have recommended using Russian New Year's traditions at all levels of the Belarusian education system. Polish Radio reiterated that Belarus also banned celebrating Valentine's Day and Halloween in previous years. Background: Ahead of the New Year, Russian propagandists began spreading a "festive" video in which a Russian missile downs Santa Claus's sleigh in the sky above the Kremlin. The video was posted shortly after a Russian air defence system downed an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane, resulting in the deaths of 38 people. Support UP or become our patron! Stand-up comedian Slava Komissarenko, 39, has been sentenced in absentia to 6 years in prison in Belarus. Source: Viasna Human Rights Centre; Radio Liberty Belarus Service Details: The Minsk City Court heard the comedians case in absentia. Komissarenko was charged with "defamation of the president" (Article 367.2), "insulting the president" (Article 368.1) and "incitement to hatred" (Article 130.1) under the Criminal Code of Belarus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A well-known stand-up comedian and native of Belarus, Komissarenko regularly performed across various cities in the country. He has frequently spoken out about the falsification of the 2020 presidential election results in Belarus and condemned violence by security forces. After the election, Komissarenko often joked about Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, in his routines. Komissarenko is considered the main populariser of the Chik Chirik meme about Lukashenko. [Chik Chirik is an ironic nickname for Lukashenko. The phrase itself is an imitation of the sound of a bird chirping with a Belarusian accent ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early 2021, the artist was banned from performing in Minsk and his touring permit was cancelled. In January 2022, Komissarenko revealed that the Belarusian State Security Committee (Belarus KGB) had placed him on the wanted list. He added that the Belarusian security forces had "called and written to him," but by that time, he had already left Belarus. Support UP or become our patron! Belgium is banning the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes starting Jan. 1, becoming the first European Union country to do so. The decision stems from concerns over the products health and environmental impacts. The countrys health minister Frank Vandenbroucke told the Associated Press that cheap e-cigarettes have become a problem for public health since they make it easy for teenagers to get hooked on nicotine. Disposable e-cigarettes is a new product simply designed to attract new consumers, Vandenbroucke told the outlet in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement E-cigarettes often contain nicotine, he added. Nicotine makes you addicted to nicotine. Nicotine is bad for your health. These are fact[s]. Vandenbroucke also warned about the environmental impact of disposable e-cigarettes, emphasizing the problems caused by their plastic bodies, batteries, and internal circuits. They create hazardous waste chemicals still present in what people throw away, Vandenbroucke said. Belgium follows other countries around the world that have implemented tougher restrictions on e-cigarettes, vapes, and other nicotine products. In July, Australia prohibited the sale of vapes outside of pharmacies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised the minimum age for certain rules regarding the sale of tobacco products. Starting Sept. 30, smokers under the age of 30 had to start showing photo identification to buy tobacco products including e-cigarettes. Previously, retailers only had to verify with photo ID the age of customers under 27. The FDA also prohibited retailers from selling tobacco products via vending machines in spaces where people under 21 are present or permitted to enter. The previous rule only applied to locations where people under 18 where present. The rule changes are part of government efforts to decrease underage tobacco sales. Over 95% of U.S. adults who smoke daily smoked their first cigarette by the age of 21, according to the FDA. In a report in May, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the tobacco industry designed products that appeal to children and marketed them aggressively via social media, concerts and sporting events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WHO estimates that about 37 million people aged 13 to 15 use tobacco. Cigarette smoking is responsible for over 480,000 deaths in the United States each year, according to the CDC. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The nonprofit Habitat for Humanity is honoring President Jimmy Carter for the work he accomplished with the group throughout his life. The organization said the passing of President Carter is being felt by millions around the globe and throughout their organization. He believed in the mission. He believed that everyone should have a home, said Frank Hruska, the Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads. Jimmy Carter is the biggest Ambassador Habitat for Humanity has. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter, along with his wife and former First Lady Rosalynn, worked alongside volunteers to build over 4,000 homes in 14 different countries for the nonprofit over the span of 30 years. They worked to raise awareness about the need for affordable housing. Habitat said the two were tireless advocates, active fundraisers and some of the best hands-on construction volunteers. Hruska pledges these efforts will live on locally. God does not take you home until you are done with your mission. And I think Jimmys mission was to set the stage, set a legacy to tell other people to get involved in the community and we here at Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads is proud to be part of that legacy, and we promise to continue to build on his legacy, Hruska said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habitat hopes people will add messages to their online memory book to recognize President Carter. You can find more information 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 WAVY.com. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. government fund to compensate people swindled by Bernard Madoff announced its tenth and final distribution on Monday, saying it will have paid out $4.3 billion to 40,930 of the late Ponzi schemer's victims. Richard Breeden, the former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chairman who oversees the Madoff Victim Fund, said a final $131.4 million payout will go to 23,408 claimants, and mark the distribution of all available forfeited assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victims including 38,860 individuals, as well as schools, charities and pension plans, will have recouped an average 93.71% of their proven losses when the fund created by the U.S. Department of Justice closes in 2025. An additional $14.72 billion has been recouped for customers of the former Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC by Irving Picard, the trustee liquidating that firm following its 2008 bankruptcy. That boosts the total payout to Madoff victims to about $19 billion. Unlike Picard, Breeden also returned money to victims who lost money indirectly, such as through "feeder" funds. Payouts went to claimants in 127 countries. "Our objective was to find all of the victims, and know what everybody lost, to deploy the assets we had in the fairest and most equitable way," Breeden said in an interview. "Nobody got left behind." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Breeden also said it was important not to forget Madoff's "complete depravity," though it happened many years ago, and that people "remain wary and careful about how they invest their money and guard their savings." The fund was created mainly from settlements between the Justice Department and Madoff's former bank JPMorgan Chase, and between the liquidator of Madoff's former firm and the estate of former Madoff investor Jeffry Picower. It originally held $4.05 billion, but grew because the Justice Department recovered additional assets. Madoff's fraud was estimated as high as $64.8 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It went undiscovered for many years until Madoff confessed to his sons in December 2008, one day after his firm's Christmas party. Madoff eventually pleaded guilty to 11 criminal counts. He died at age 82 in April 2021 while serving a 150-year prison sentence. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Alistair Bell) I love thinking about American history, thinking about LA history. I love brooding on crime," the great Angeleno author James Ellroy once declared. That brooding could be rooted in the still unsolved rape and murder of his own mother, which led him to write the true crime autobiography "My Dark Places," about his work with the LAPD in an unsuccessful attempt to solve the case. But Ellroy is not the only one obsessed with crime in the City of Angels. In 2024, Los Angeles covered a slew of financial crimes, drive-by assassinations, wild missing person cases, drug busts, spy games, deadly squatter crews, crime tourist rings, and more. Here is a list of crazy true crime tales from this past year in no particular order. Related: Your Guide to New Year's Eve 2025 Hannah Kobayashi, a raven-haired 30-year-old artist from Maui, landed at Los Angeles International Airport on Nov. 8, and then, or at least so her family thought for more than a month, "vanished" after missing a connecting flight to New York City. The truth would prove to be a complicated, chaotic story of a woman who had secretly married an Argentinian man she was traveling with when she missed her flight, a woman who wanted to "disconnect" from society. It turns out Kobayashi spent two days as an L.A. tourist upon her arrival, hanging out at The Grove shopping center while waiting for the airline to send her checked back to LAX, which she retrieved on Nov. 11. The following morning, the LAPD now says, she went to Union Station, jumped on a Greyhound bus to San Diego, and crossed into Tijuana, Mexico from the San Ysidro border crossing at 12:13 p.m. on Nov. 12. While she was vacationing, slews of volunteers, LAPD cops, and members of her family hunted her all over Los Angeles, chasing leads in DTLA and along the Venice Beach Boardwalk where her face was plastered on missing posters that indicated she was in danger. During that desperate search, her father, Ryan Kobayashi, L.A. County officials say, leaped off the roof of a parking lot near LAX to his death. His daughter was apparently unaware of her father's suicide as she spent time over the border. When Kobayashi was "found safe" in December, her family offered to return GoFundMe donations from strangers used to pay for her search and for her father's burial. She has since returned to the states from Mexico, LAPD officials say. Related: The 2025 Rose Parade Floats Come to Life in Pasadena Missing Persons' poster for Hannah Kobayashi was hung near Venice Beach boardwalk in late November a week after her father Ryan Kobayashi took his own life at an LAX parking lot Michele McPhee Matthew Perry was found face down in his Pacific Palisades hot tub on Oct. 28, 2023 after a day of playing pickleball and retreating to his home with a panoramic view of the ocean below. His cause of death was overdose; what federal prosecutors call a fatal injection of ketamine as earlier this year they charged two dirty doctors, Perry's personal assistant, along with a longtime pal and a reputed drug dealer from the Valley known as the "Ketamine Queen" with providing the drugs that killed the "Friends" star. The most disturbing allegations in the case that continues to play out in federal court came with details outlined in court documents charging two physicians who allegedly exploited Perry's longtime struggle with addiction to line their own pockets. The doctors, prosecutors say, plotted how much to gouge Perry for the drugs they illegally obtained to sell him in text messages. One, "I wonder how much this moron will pay," was written by Santa Monica physician Salvador "Dr. P" Plasencia to his pal, a pain doc in San Diego named Mark Chavez, who answered: "let's find out." Related: L.A. to Vegas: Who to See and What To Do For a Sin City-Style NYE Matthew Perry died in October 2023. This year federal prosecutors charged two dirty doctors, his longtime personal assistant, a friend, and a reputed drug dealer known as the "Ketamine Queen" with his death (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage via Getty Images) Squatting in 2024 became the most glaring example of sophisticated organized underworld criminal enterprises in L.A. Two of the most egregious squatting incidents involved heinous murders; federal prosecutors would prove. In one, professional con artist Caroline Herrling drove through affluent neighborhoods scouting marks and found precisely what she was looking for in 2020. a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 3860 Kingswood Road in Sherman Oaks. The only problem was an elderly man named Charles Wilding was still in the home, so, federal prosecutors said at her sentencing this year, she killed him and chopped his body up into little pieces and dumped his remains with a coterie of fellow thugs into the ocean. She was sentenced this year to a twenty-year federal sentence. Related: Alpine Evolution: How Gstaad's Newest Grande Dame is Redefining Mountain Luxury Weapons discovered at the home of professional con artist Caroline Herrling, who took over the Sherman Oaks estate of a man who federal prosecutors believe was murdered for his home Department of Justice Then there was the Fresno hairdresser Anthony Flores and his aspiring actress girlfriend Anna Rene Moore, who stole a Malibu mansion from a mentally ill ophthalmologist who they doped, federal prosecutors say, with LSD and then watched him die in order to steal his home and loot his bank accounts. Their victim, Dr. Mark Sawusch, had a thriving practice in the Pacific Palisades but also battled bipolar disorder. When he met the couple at a Venice ice cream shop, they soon moved into his oceanfront home and took over his life until he died alone in 2018. His surviving family suspected that his new "friends" were, in fact, criminals and turned to the feds. Flores is now serving a 16-year sentence. Moore, who had fled to Mexico and opened a yoga studio with the doctor's stolen funds, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison this November by a judge who called the couple "morally corrupt financial predators." Related: Tokyo, the Late Anthony Bourdain Once Said, Is Delicously Unknowable' Anthony David Flores, 46, a.k.a. Anton David, and Anna Rene Moore, 39, were convicted on federal charges they drugged and ripped off a Malibu eye doctor for $3 million. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for m/f )Vivien Killilea/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rapper Lil Durk might be from Chicago, but the Grammy-winning artist is now charged with being the architect of a brazen daylight drive-by killing at a busy L.A. gas station near the Beverly Center. Federal prosecutors say the rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks, ran a hybrid criminal outfit and record label called "Only the Family" or OTF. The hip hip collective, prosecutors say, regularly "engaged in violence, including murder and assault, at Banks direction and to maintain their status in OTF." On August 18, 2022, Banks flew from Miami to L.A. on a private jet with a crew of four OTF associates with a plan to kill a longtime rival, Quando Rondo. The following day, prosecutors say, the OTF team fanned out in two vehicles and "worked in tandem to track, stalk, and attempt to murder" Bowman, who was traveling in a black Cadillac Escalade. The hitmen, prosecutors say, trailed the Escalade for hours in two vehicles, a white BMW and a white Infinity, and decided to strike when their target's SUV stopped for gas near the Beverly Center mall. The car was hit with a fusillade of bullets, but Rondo survived. His cousin was not so lucky and died at the scene. Banks was finally charged this year and is currently being held without bail at the MDC lockup in DTLA. Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk is being held at the MDC in DTLA on federal charges he orchestrated a rubout of a rival rapper with associates from his criminal enterprise that is run as a record label US Central District Court of California Bel Air crypto crook Adam Iza, a 24-year-old titan behind the website Zort, was busted by the feds this year for a slew of financial crimes he committed with the help, federal prosecutors say, of several bought-and-paid-for Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies. He used the proceeds of his crimes to fund his wildly indulgent luxury life that included rent on a $28 Bel Air mansion, a fleet of Lamborghinis, and "cosmetic surgery to extend the length of his legs." That surgery, according to a flurry of court filings, led to severe complications, and Iza spent the holidays under the watchful eye of U.S. Marshals in Las Vegas, where the surgeon who gave him the leg implants has since removed them. On Dec. 23, Iza's attorney wrote to the court saying that his accused crypto crook client has been chained up in solitary confinement since the implants were removed and requested that he be returned to the surgeon's care. The court has yet to rule on that request. Related: Drink and Be Merry: Inside L.A.'s Wildest Christmas Bars Spy games led federal prosecutors to arrest several reputed Chinese clandestine operatives this year as drone fears spread across the country. One Bel Air man, 57-year-old Chenguang Gong, was busted in February, charged with stealing U.S. Department of Defense funded trade secret technologies from a Malibu company that develop[ed systems that can detect nuclear missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic weapons, a theft that federal prosecutors say would prove dangerous to "U.S. national security if obtained by international actors. More recently, in December, another Chinese national was busted as he tried to flee the U.S. on a flight for China after he was caught illegally flying a drone over a Santa Barbara military base. Yinpiao Zhou, 39, was living in Brentwood before he was intercepted. He was about to board a flight to his native China in San Francisco just as drone fever took over the nation. A Chinese national living in Brentwood was charged in December with allegedly spying on Santa Barbara military base with a dronePhoto by Jeffrey Markowitz/Sygma via Getty Images Speaking of spies... Los Angeles broke the exclusive story that identifies Baran Korkmaz, a Turkish billionaire and longtime reputed CIA asset who has ties to a $500-million L.A.-based biofuel scheme, as a witness in the federal corruption case brought against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Korkmaz's pending trial in Utah on money laundering charges connected to a scheme run by an LA fuel magnate and a Mormon polygamist cult sect that pilfered a half billion dollars in bogus biofuel subsidies has been pushed multiple times and court records now shed light on why. In the Utah case prosecutors say Korkmaz helped the since convicted green energy scammers launder $133 million in Turkey before going on the run. He was tracked to a five-star hotel in Austria where Interpol agents pulled him off a massage table and extradited to Utah in 2022 where a judge ordered him held without bail after the government argued that he was a flight risk who had a motive to flee as well as the financial means to do so. Soon after, however, Korkmaz was snuck out of that Utah lockup and popped up in New York City this year as he is prepped as a prosecution witness against Adams. Sezgin Baran Korkmaz New Yorkun unlu Turk restoran Ali Baba'ya ortak oldu, yaptg yemekleri "hayrsever" olarak sokakta dagtt.https://t.co/2VRDtbznsE pic.twitter.com/rL7VSLZ5U9 serbestiyet (@serbestiyetweb) August 5, 2024 Crime tourism was also a hot topic in L.A. for 2024, highlighted this week with the discovery of a Rolex stolen from Keanu Reeves by burglars who hit his L.A. home in 2023. The watch, inscribed during the filming of a movie in the John Wick, was recovered after a raid in Santiago, Chile targeting an organized South American crime tourism robbery ring. But one of the nuttiest crime tourism stories of the year came from with the bust of Rolex robbery crew from Venezuela who held up a Saudi tourist in Beverly Hills with a gun that had been registered to notorious former LAPD cop turned spree killer Christopher Dorner. The weapon, described in court records as a "Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun, bearing serial number HAZ636, loaded with a magazine, underneath a pillow, inside the pillowcase," was recovered this summer when Beverly Hills and federal investigators searched the Santa Monica Airbnb rental used by the crime tourists, now charged with pulling off two brazen watch heists in August. Dorner made national headlines in 2013 when he went on a wild killing spree targeting fellow law enforcement officers, part of a manifesto in which he declared war on his department, their families, and their associates unless the department admitted publicly he was fired in retaliation for reporting excessive force. The disgruntled cop murdered two police officers, the daughter of a former LAPD captain and her fiance, and wounded three others before he was shot dead in a gun battle with San Bernardino Sheriffs at a cabin in Big Bear. The cabin then exploded into flames. Keanu Reeves in "John Wick: Chapter 4" had Rolex watches made as wrap gifts, one of which was stolen from his L.A. home in 2023 and recovered this week in Chile after a raid on a suspected South American crime tourism ringMurray Close/Liongate Advertisement Advertisement Proposed legislation included removing barriers to new construction, cracking down on corporate landlords, and assistance to first-time homebuyers. Americans continued to struggle with housing in 2024. While vacancy rates were up and rents cooled somewhat, the nation still faced a deficit of homesa shortage that NPR estimates hovers between four and seven million. Since the beginning of his presidency, Biden has sought solutions by providing incentives to cities that want to streamline construction and expand the types of housing builtboth market-rate and subsidized. This year, the presidency faced our ongoing housing crisis alongside compounding immigration and climate disasters, and a supreme court decision that will upend informal homeless encampments, all of which demand relief. A few of the Biden administrations tactics included prompting cities to study deregulating land use and zoning while proposing further regulations to corporate landlords. Still, there are unmet calls to congress to pass legislation necessary to make more sweeping changes, such as mortgage relief and down payment assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the very least, this years federal housing endeavors exposed the complexity of building and preserving housing; getting new homes built is important, but so is keeping residents safe and stable in ones they can afford. Heres how the Democratic administration attempted to reshape the housing landscape this year. The ongoing Housing Supply Action Plan Biden launched his Housing Supply Action Plan in 2023, and over the past year his administration has rolled out policy recommendations and initiatives to address the countrys housing shortage. The Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing Plan (PRO Housing) provided grants to cities to study ways to remove barriers to new housing construction, including expediting permits, zoning reform, and land use expansion. This year we saw a second round of those grants issued, as part of a comprehensive plan to ease financial and administrative burdensessentially "cutting the red tape" to make it easier for cities to build. This years accomplishments also included initiatives to speed up historic preservation reviews, guidance for new transit-oriented developments, and more. The Biden-Harris Housing Plan was launched as part of the administrations proposed 2025 budget, which included $258 billion for housing investments. The plan asked congress to pass legislation that the administration claims could have resulted in two million new homes. Working in tandem with the Housing Supply Action Plan, it included calls to congress to pass down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers and tax credits for homeowners who sell; the hefty sum also included expanding the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, as well as an $8 billion dollar grant program for homelessness relief and prevention. Alas, this budget never came to be. Cracking down on bad-actor corporate landlords This year, the issue of corporate landlords took center stage as multiple investigations revealed that investors have been buying up single-family homes in cities across the country. A congressional bill introduced this year attempted to curb that practice. Still, questions about rising costs, even amidst a national growth in vacancy rates, prompted the Biden administration to address challenges for renters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rent hikes may not always be a matter of individual landlord evaluations. This summer, the Department of Justice sued RealPagea property management softwarefor supposed antitrust violations. Their complaint alleged that the company "contracts with competing landlords who agree to share with RealPagetheir apartment rental rates and other lease terms to train and run RealPages algorithmic pricing software." Those algorithms then are used to "price fix" rents at properties that use their software. While the DOJ dropped its investigation in December, the Biden-Harris plan opted to tackle the issue by including a nationwide rent cap for those buildings built with federal tax credits. A mandate for lead pipe replacement Lead pipes have long been a mainstay in many American cities, despite causing health problems like brain and nerve damage, to name a few. The National Bureau of Economic Research notes that 70 percent of all cities with populations greater than 30,000 were using lead water mains by 1900. Today, the NRDC reports that 20 percent of public water systems use lead pipes, while an additional 43 percent have pipes of unknown composition. Though the current federal Lead and Copper Rule requires cities to replace pipes if lead is found at 15 parts per billion, many cities exceed that legal maximum. For example, in Syracuse, New York, some households have water testing at 70 parts per billion, according to Stateline. This year, Biden put cities on the clock to replace these lines. His administration now requires them to produce a replacement plan by 2027, after which they must replace lead service lines within the next decade. Its an ambitious plan that, as the Stateline story reports, could be a heavier lift than some cities are prepared to handle. "In New Jersey, water utilities have replaced more than 25,000 service lines since a state lead law was passed in 2021but the state still has more than 120,000 lead service lines, which it said will cost at least $1.8 billion to replace," it reads. In Chicago, where a 2024 study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimated that 68 percent of children under age six live in households with tap water containing detectable levels of lead, pipe replacement is estimated to cost $14 billion according to a NBC affiliate. To support these massive projects, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced $2.6 billion in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding (which requires nearly half to go to disadvantaged communities), and an additional $35 million in competitive grant funding. Top photo of President Biden in Las Vegas speaking on affordable housing by Ian Maule/Stringer via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Reading: Some Good News? More Rentals Are Now Vacant Nationwide The Supreme Court Allows Cities to Enforce Camping Bans Democrats Make Housing Policy Part of Their Campaign-Year Pitch By Steve Holland and Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Monday announced nearly $6 billion in additional military and budget assistance for Ukraine as President Joe Biden uses his final weeks in office to surge aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes power. Biden announced $2.5 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the United States has made available $3.4 billion in additional budget aid to Ukraine, giving the war-torn country critical resources amid intensifying Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraines position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," Biden said in a statement. Biden's announcement includes $1.25 billion in military aid drawn from U.S. stockpiles and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, the final USAI package of Biden's time in office. Under USAI, military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners, rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it can take months or years to arrive on the battlefield. Yellen said in a statement the direct budget assistance, provided in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, marked the final disbursement under the 2024 Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Congress has approved $175 billion in total assistance for Ukraine since Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Recently the Russians have been using North Korean troops to bolster their fighting position. North Korean forces are experiencing mass casualties on the front lines of Russia's war against Ukraine, with 1,000 of their troops killed or wounded in the last week alone in Russia's Kursk region, White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Friday. Biden said the new assistance will provide Ukraine with "an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems." Nearly three years into the war, Washington has committed billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine, but it is uncertain if the aid will continue at that pace under Trump, who succeeds Biden on Jan. 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said he wants to bring the war to a swift end. During the presidential campaign, Trump questioned the level of U.S. involvement in the conflict, suggesting European allies should bear more of the financial burden. Some of his fellow Republicans - who will control both the House of Representatives and Senate starting next month - have also cooled on sending more aid to Kyiv. A U.S. official said the $3.4 billion in budget funding brings the total in U.S. budget aid to Ukraine to just over $30 billion since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Most of those funds are used to keep Ukraine's government running by paying salaries to teachers and other state employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington has separately provided approximately $61.4 billion in security assistance to Kyiv since the start of the war, according to the Pentagon. Biden said the Defense Department is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles "which will strengthen Ukraines hand as it heads into the winter." Yellen said continued economic aid for Ukraine was crucial to allow it to maintain government services and continue to defend its sovereignty, warning against moves to cut funding. "Ukraines success is in Americas core national interest," she said, vowing to continue to pressure Moscow with sanctions and to help position Ukraine to achieve a just peace. "We must not retreat in this effort." (Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Howard Goller) President Joe Biden announced on Monday that the United States would offer almost $2.5 billion in defense assistance to Ukraine, a move that will bring an "immediate influx of capabilities" as the country defends itself against Russia's assault. "At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," Biden said in a statement. The support will include both a $1.25 billion drawdown package for Ukraine's military and a $1.22 billion package authorized through the U.S. Department of Defense's Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, according to Biden. The department has now used all funds allocated by Congress under that initiative, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the support would be "significant" for his forces fighting against the Russian invasion. "This support is crucial to stabilizing the front lines -- every additional supply from our partners means more saved lives of our soldier," he said on Sunday. "We are also working to ensure that other partners maintain their support at the necessary level." The new support packages are expected to help the Ukrainian military with ongoing battlefield efforts, along with "longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery and other critical weapons systems," Biden said. The president added that he's "directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible -- including drawing down older U.S. equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Defense will be delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets and hundreds of armored vehicles to Ukraine, Biden said, "which will strengthen Ukraines hand as it heads into the winter." Biden announces $2.5 billion in Ukraine defense assistance originally appeared on abcnews.go.com U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine worth nearly $2.5 billion on Dec. 30. The package includes a $1.25 billion "drawdown package" of military equipment for Ukraine and $1.22 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a Pentagon-led program that procures arms for Ukraine through contracts with U.S. defense companies. According to a White House statement, the resources will provide both immediate and long-term military support, including air defense systems, artillery, and other critical weaponry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As I committed earlier this year, the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental that I signed in April, and my Administration is fully utilizing the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine," Biden said in the statement. "Ive directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible including drawing down older U.S. equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons," he added. The announcement comes just weeks before Donald Trump takes office next month. Trumps support for Ukraine hangs in the air as analysts and politicians try to gauge his plans to bring peace to Ukraine, as he promised to end the war within "24 hours" after reelection without revealing details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the Biden administration, the U.S. provided more than $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine. According to the statement, the U.S. Department of Defense "is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles which will strengthen Ukraines hand as it heads into the winter." "At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraines position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," Biden said. Read also: How will Russia-Ukraine war end? The good, the bad, and the ugly scenarios Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. El Al Airlines, the Israeli carrier, has decided to keep the brakes on flights to Moscow, holding off until the end of March 2025, Trend reports. The airline's determination was predicated on an analysis of the prevailing security dynamics following the incident involving an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft in Aktau on December 25. On December 26, representatives of the airline announced the suspension of flights from Tel Aviv to Moscow and back for a week. El Al Airlines became the first airline to take such measures after the incident with the AZAL airplane. To note, AZAL's Embraer 190, on a flight from Baku to Grozny, crashed 3 kilometers from Aktau airport on December 25. A total of 67 people were on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. On December 26, 14 injured and the bodies of four dead passengers were brought to Azerbaijan. As a result of the airplane crash, 38 people were dead and 29 were injured. The plane's black boxes have been recovered, and efforts are underway to analyze them in accordance with international aviation protocols. The investigation into the causes of the crash is ongoing, and final conclusions will be made after all necessary investigations and data analysis have been completed. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel US President Joe Biden announced on Monday, 30 December, that the US will provide Ukraine with almost US$2.5 billion in security assistance. Source: European Pravda with reference to a statement by Biden Details: Biden said that he is "proud to announce" almost US$2.5 billion in security aid to Ukraine on 30 December "as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Biden: "Since Russia launched its further assault against Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has rallied the world to stand with the Ukrainian people, and it has been a top priority of mine to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to prevail." More details: Biden said that these almost US$2.5 billion include: an additional US$1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military; a US$1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package. The statement said that the US Department of Defense has allocated all remaining USAI funds. In addition, Biden instructed his administration to continue to provide Ukraine with as much assistance as possible as soon as possible, including the decommissioning of older US equipment, rapid delivery to the battlefield, and then the restoration of the US defence industrial base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Biden: "At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraines position in this war over the remainder of my time in office." Background: Recently, White House spokesman John Kirby said that this package would include air defence systems for Ukraine. As reported, the Pentagon suggests that the Biden administration is unlikely to spend all the remaining funds for armed support to Ukraine under the PDA programme (US$5.6 billion), which Congress has allocated to send weapons and other military assistance to Ukraine. The WSJ wrote that the Biden administration will not have time to send military aid to Ukraine with all the funds approved by Congress before the end of its term in January 2025, and some of the relevant powers will be transferred to Donald Trump's team. The Pentagon says it has reached the limit of weapons it can send to Ukraine on a monthly basis without compromising its own combat capability, and is also facing logistical problems in delivery. Support UP or become our patron! The News Outgoing US President Joe Biden announced nearly $2.5 billion in new security assistance to Ukraine Monday, in what could be his administrations last such package before Donald Trump takes office in January. At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraines position in this war over the remainder of my time in office, Biden said. It comes as the Russian defense ministry said Moscow and Kyiv had exchanged hundreds of prisoners in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. Western officials are increasingly voicing their expectation that peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia may begin as soon as 2025, with Trump saying ending the war is a top priority for his presidency. WASHINGTON (DC News Now)A new federal law requires every state to have anti-hazing laws. President Biden approved the measure on Christmas Eve. Its a start, said Eric Oakes. Number one, its not a group of grieving parents that you know, created this law for no reason. Oakes led the effort to get the law passed as his son died during a hazing event. Adam Oakes, 19, of Potomac Falls, Va., died after an accidental alcohol overdose on February 27, 2021 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oakes attended an event at Delta Chi fraternity, which he pledged. Members made him drink a large bottle of alcohol. He died on the floor of the fraternity house, as no one called for help. Hazing is a problem on their campus, and its gotten so out of control, said Oakes. Nobody knows how to reel it in. White House Historical Association discusses Jimmy Carters legacy The federal law requires all universities and colleges that participate in federal student aid programs to report hazing incidents and develop prevention programs. It, like the Virginia law named after Adam Oakes, the federal law lacks strict penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are planning to go back to the General Assembly to make it a felony to hate someone to death in the state of Virginia, said Oakes. The state currently treats hazing as a misdemeanor, while six states dont have anti-hazing laws. Now they must. The university banned the fraternity following Oakes death. Time has not healed the wounds for the Oakes family, especially during the holidays. Not having him with us, not having had him here, said Oakes. Oakes and his wife have filed a $28-million suit against VCU, the fraternity, and those involved in the death of Adam Oakes. The University of Maryland temporarily suspended fraternies and sororities back in March amid hazing allegation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state also considers hazing a misdemeanor, as violators could spend up to six months in jail, a $500 fine, or both. Oakes said hes pushing for changes to laws to make hazing laws in all states felonies. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. President Joe Biden is funneling funds to Ukraine before Donald Trump takes the reins on Americas response to the international conflict. The departing leader announced $6 billion in additional military and budget assistance to Ukraine on Monday. Approximately $1.25 billion in military aid stems from U.S. stockpiles, with another $1.22 billion coming from the final Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative package from Bidens term, reported Reuters. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also said that the U.S. has made available $3.4 billion in additional budget aid to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles which will strengthen Ukraines hand as it heads into the winter, Biden said in a statement. At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraines position in this war over the remainder of my time in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funds will be used for critical resources and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other weapons systems, according to Biden. More than 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia invaded the Eastern European nation in February 2022. Cities have been leveled, and 370,000 injuries have been reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said earlier this month. But Bidens exit from the White House could mark the end of the U.S. commitment to aiding the war-torn nation. One of Trumps biggest and boldest campaign promises was that he would immediately end the Russian invasion of Ukrainethough his philosophy on how to achieve that was suspiciously scant of details and, at times, veered toward solutions that would invariably aid Russia. In June, details dished by some of Trumps advisers suggested that Trump would be open to an increase in U.S. weapons aid to Ukraine so long as it shows up for peace talks with Russia. The advisers envisioned that the peace talks would also quietly include Ukraine ceding part of the country that is currently occupied by Russian forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And some of Trumps domestic decisions are reportedly thrilling Russian mouthpieces. Margarita Simonyan, the editor in chief of the Russian state-controlled broadcaster RT, claimed earlier this month that some of Trumps most unqualified choices for his Cabinetsuch as DOGE co-chair nominee Vivek Ramaswamy and director of national intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbardare friendly faces that bring the Kremlin lots of joy. Meanwhile, NATO (which Trump has long threatened to withdraw the U.S. from) is preparing for escalations on the Russian front. In early December, NATO chief Mark Rutte warned members that the international alliance must shift to a wartime mindset, predicting years of conflict with Russia as the superpower batters down Ukrainian forces. Russia is preparing for long-term confrontation, with Ukraine and with us, Rutte said during a speech in Brussels in which he highlighted the short distance to where Russian bombs are falling Iranian drones are flying, and North Korean soldiers are fighting. We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years, the secretary-general continued. It is time to shift to a wartime mindset, and turbocharge our defense production and defense spending. (WKBN) A number of lawmakers at all levels of government are expressing their sadness over the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over the six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend, President Joe Biden said in a statement. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine offered his condolences as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter lived his faith through his public life, and he had one of the most impactful post-presidencies in American history, DeWine said. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered all US and commonwealth flags to be flown at half-staff for the states facilities, public buildings and grounds. The order is in effect until Tuesday, Jan. 28. 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 WKBN.com. Outgoing US President Joe Biden has announced another tranche of security assistance for Ukraine worth some $2.5 billion, as he seeks to bolster Kiev's defences against the Russian invasion before leaving office in January. The aid had already been approved by Congress and covers both weapons and ammunition worth $1.25 billion for the Ukrainian military as well as another $1.22 billion in security assistance, according to a statement released by the White House. Biden said his administration was determined to "fully" utilize all funding for Ukraine allocated by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," he said. Under Biden, the US has been the most important backer of Ukraine in the war launched by Russia on February 24, 2022, but fears are growing that that could change once US President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Biden said the latest package "will provide Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems." "The Department of Defense is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles which will strengthen Ukraines hand as it heads into the winter," he added. (Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden said hell order a state funeral in Washington for Jimmy Carter, calling the former Democratic president who died Sunday an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Most Read from Bloomberg While the White House didnt immediately announce specific plans, state funerals for presidents usually include lying in state at the US Capitol and a memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral. Biden separately designated Jan. 9 as a national day of mourning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US stock market has traditionally closed on the day of presidential funerals. No announcement has been made as of yet by exchange overseers. Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama were among those paying tribute to Middle East peace efforts and a long post-presidential run of humanitarian work by Carter, who died at age 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia. Obama drew an arc from Carter teaching Sunday school at the Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains for most of his adult life and the Camp David Accords to the former presidents appointing Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the federal bench, launching her path to the US Supreme Court. He believed some things were more important than reelection things like integrity, respect, and compassion, Obama said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens statement, issued during his year-end vacation in the US Virgin Islands, included a tribute to Carters efforts 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. On Sunday evening, Biden commended Carter for his courage and humility in remarks at Company House Hotel in St. Croix. Some look at Jimmy Carter and see a man of a bygone era, he said. I see a man, not only of our time, but for all times. Biden said hes spoken with some of Carters friends and members of his family who are planning services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if theres anything Trump could learn from Carter, Biden responded: decency, adding that everybody deserves a shot. The Trump transition team didnt immediately respond for comment. Trump said Carter was a truly good man who worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for, Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Trump frequently brought up Carter during the 2024 election campaign, seeking to use him as reference point for Bidens presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden is the worst president in the history of our country, worse than Jimmy Carter by a long shot, Trump said at a campaign stop in Manhattan in April. Jimmy Carter is happy because he has had a brilliant presidency compared to Biden. During Trumps first term in office, Carter criticized Trump, at one point accusing him in a 2018 CBS interview of being careless with the truth. Both Carter and his wife attended Trumps inauguration in 2017. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger a Republican who clashed with Trump over the states 2020 presidential election result called Carter a true-servant leader. (Updates with national day of mourning in second paragraph) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at age 100. When news of his death broke, leaders from around the world released statements and social media posts about Carters impact on global politics. They praised his international peacemaking efforts, his service to his country and his genuine effort to be a good person. Heres a look at what world leaders said about Carters legacy. President Joe Biden 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 wrote in a statement shared on social media, which was co-signed by first lady Jill Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement said that there will be an official state funeral for Carter in Washington, D.C. Biden also spoke about Carter in a brief address to the nation Sunday evening. Tune in as I deliver remarks on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. https://t.co/uBeA38kmch President Biden (@POTUS) December 30, 2024 President-elect Donald Trump 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, Trump wrote 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. He also called on everyone to keep the Carter family in their prayers. Former President Barack Obama 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, Obama wrote in a Medium post. Former President George W. Bush 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. 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, Bush said in a statement. Former President Bill Clinton Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life, Clinton wrote in a statement shared on X. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others until the very end. Hillary's and my statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter: pic.twitter.com/SOgqTZUdi6 Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) December 29, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris Our world is a better place because of President Carter. His life and legacy continue to inspire me and will inspire generations to come, Harris said. 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 First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints We express our deepest sympathy to the family of President Jimmy Carter and join with others in honoring his legacy of service to his country. President Carter embraced the Saviors admonition to love thy neighbor, leading by example in many humanitarian causes and promoting peace worldwide. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and devoted man of faith. We pray that the Carter family may feel comfort and peace as they reflect on President Carters remarkable life, said the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a statement. Emmanuel Macron, president of France 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, Macron wrote on X. King Charles III It is 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. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977, the king said in a statement. Keir Starmer, prime minister of the United Kingdom 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 wrote in a statement shared on X. Justin Trudeau, prime minister of Canada Jimmy Carters legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me, Trudeau wrote on X. May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come. Anthony Albanese, prime minister of Australia Former President Carter rose from humble beginnings to leave a remarkable legacy. Beyond being elected to the Presidency or being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Jimmy Carters legacy is best measured in lives changed, saved and uplifted, Albanese wrote on X. Our world is better a place for Jimmy Carters life and work. May he rest in eternal peace. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil Above all, he was a lover of democracy and a defender of peace, Lula said on X, noting Carters work with Brazil to mediate conflicts in Venezuela and to help Haiti, and Carters criticism of unilateral military acts by superpowers and the use of killer drones. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox Jimmy Carter lived a life of service, integrity and faith. As a man deeply devoted to his country and to humanitarian efforts around the globe, he leaves a legacy that transcends politics, Cox wrote on X. Sen. Mitt Romney A man of character and deep faith, Jimmy Carter will be remembered as more than a president. He leaves behind a legacy of service to others, love of family, and devotion to country and democracy. He is home again, reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn, Romney wrote on X. A man of character and deep faith, Jimmy Carter will be remembered as more than a president. He leaves behind a legacy of service to others, love of family, and devotion to country and democracy. He is home again, reunited with his beloved wife, Rosalynn. Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) December 30, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mike Lee Even more historic than his time in the White House was Carters post-presidency, which he dedicated to serving his fellow man. 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, Lee wrote on X. Sen.-elect John Curtis President Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and had an unwavering dedication to peace. A copy of the Jerusalem Post from the day the Camp David Accords was signed hangs in my office. It serves as a reminder of the possibility of peace, the importance of building alliances, and the power of consensus. President Carters legacy of diplomacy inspires us to continue working toward a more just and stable world, Curtis wrote on X. BIG SPRING, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) The Big Spring Police Department has arrested a man in connection with the murder of a 29-year-old woman last week. According to officials, around 1:09 p.m. on Friday, December 27, Big Spring Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire near the intersection of 16th and Young Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 29-year-old woman dead in the roadway on the 1600 block of Young Street. Initial investigations revealed that a domestic disturbance had occurred between the victim and 41-year-old Joansy San Pendro. Authorities believe San Pendro shot the woman inside her home before chasing her outside, where he continued shooting her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, deputies from the Howard County Sheriffs Department later located San Pendro at a residence on Neil Road. Reports showed that the Big Spring Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division then obtained an arrest warrant for San Pendro for the murder of the woman, whose identity is being withheld pending notification of her family. This case remains under investigation, and no further details are 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 Yourbasin. BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. A Russian Aeroflot flight traveling from Fergana, Uzbekistan, to Moscow made an emergency landing at Tashkent International Airport, Trend reports. According to a statement from Uzbekistan Airports, the landing was prompted by a medical emergency involving one of the passengers. "Flight SU1971 on the Fergana-Moscow route made an unscheduled landing in Tashkent, designated as an alternate airport. The decision was made by the crew after one of the passengers experienced a health issue," the statement said. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. When news broke of the death of Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, many expressed their condolences and remembered him as a good humanitarian. Several current and former leaders from the Natural State also took to social media to remember Carter and his impact on the world. Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life, former President and Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton posted in a statement on social media. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others until the very end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter, peanut farmer to president, dies at 100 Clinton remembered Carter for both his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia and his efforts as president to protect natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as well as his post-presidential efforts at the Carter Center. 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, Clinton said. Our prayers are with Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and their families. Another former Arkansas governor, Asa Hutchinson, remembered Carter for his compassion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his compassion, his servant heart & his long post presidency record, Hutchinson posted on X. He set an example of public service through Habitat for Humanity & international relief work. He was committed to Middle East peace which resulted with an accord with Egypt. Photos: Jimmy Carter, from the White House to building houses Arkansas Senator Greg Leding remembered Carter as a public servant who did his best for the country. A public servant in the truest sense of the word. Never stopped doing what he could to help people. Had the honor of seeing him in Atlanta back in 2013, Leding posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representative Bruce Westerman called Carter a leader who paved the way with compassion. Today, Americans across the country mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter, who served our country with honor and steadfast devotion, Westerman said. A true definition of a leader, President Carter paved the way with sincerity and compassion, setting an excellent example for many. My heartfelt prayers are with the entire Carter family during this difficult time. Notable quotes by Jimmy Carter Republican Representative French Hill also posted on X, sending his condolences to Carters family. Martha and I send our condolences and prayers for comfort to the Carter family, Hill said. President Carter, from the Naval Academy to the White House, lived the American Dream. His post-presidency life of service is an example to all citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas Senator John Boozman also posted a statement honoring the life of Carter Jimmy Carter devoted his life to his faith, community and country. He was a humanitarian at heart and touched the lives of those around him as well as countless others across the world. Service, leadership, compassion and character will define his extraordinary legacy, Boozman wrote. My thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family and all those who admired President Carter as our country remembers and honors him. Significant milestones in life and career of Jimmy Carter Senator Tom Cotton posted about Carter, remembering his remarkable century-long life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Jimmy Carter dedicated himself to public service in the Navy, as governor, and as president, Cotton posted. He led a remarkable century-long life from the peanut farm to the White House. On behalf of all Arkansans, I extend condolences and prayers to the Carter family. Representative Steve Womack praised Carters deep love for the nation. President Jimmy Carters life exemplifies the American dream and deep love for our nation. Starting from humble beginnings on a peanut farm, Womack posted. Mr. Carter began his life of service to our nation first as a naval officer, then as a Georgia State Senator, followed by the Governor of Georgia, before becoming the 39th President of the United States. His service didnt stop there. Mr. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, championed human rights initiatives for decades to make our nation and world a better place. My prayers are with the Carter family during this difficult 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 KARK. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) The City of Binghamton has less than 24 hours to decide whether to spend over $387,000 of American Rescue Plan funds or give the money back to the feds. Binghamton City Councilmember Nate Hotchkiss says at their last meeting, city council unanimously voted in favor of providing the $387,740 in ARPA funds to the Southern Door Community Land Trust for new development at 6 Florence Street. The land trust is looking into renovating 6 Florence Street into affordable, single-family homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hotchkiss says the resolution passed through city council, but now, Mayor Jared Kraham has to sign the agreement before the end of the year, otherwise, the ARPA funds could be sent back to the federal government. A spokesperson for Kraham says the funds were discovered during an end-of-year audit by the finance department. 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 WIVT - News 34. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The Ohio Department of Agriculture has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in Darke County. According to information obtained by 2 NEWS, 931,302 commercial layer chickens are involved in confirmed bird flu. The detection was found Friday, Dec. 27, by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, according to ODA. The exact location was not given, as ODA reports farms are not identified during active cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rates the current risk to the public as low. Overall, CDC considers the risk to the general public associated with the ongoing U.S. HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak has not changed and remains low, said the CDC. Farmers and producers are always encouraged to review their biosecurity practices. When there is a detection, ODA quarantines the facility, and birds are depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease, said ODA. A control area and surveillance zone is set up to monitor other facilities nearby and USDA guidelines are followed. When flocks are reportedly impacted, products from those birds will not be entering the food system, according to ODA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Products from any HPAI-affected flocks are prohibited from entering the food system, said ODA. HPAI is not able to be transmitted through eggs or meat which has been cooked properly. When cooking eggs or poultry, ODA reminds you to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees before consuming, as well as following proper handling of the items. 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. The black box from the Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan, believed to have been caused by Russian air defense, is being sent to Brazil for investigation, Kazakh authorities reported on Dec. 29. Kazakhstans decision aligns with Azerbaijan's call for a transparent probe into the crash, which killed 38 people. There were 67 people on board the aircraft, including 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyz citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government in Astana explained that the decision to send the flight recorders to Brazil was based on the fact that the Azal aircraft was manufactured there and followed "consultations with Azerbaijan and Russia." "In accordance with the standards of Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, the state conducting the investigation ensures the reading of flight recorders and decides on the selection of a country to read and decode the black boxes," the statement said, highlighting that Kazakhstan is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Azerbaijan claims the aircraft was struck by a Russian missile near Grozny and denied emergency landings at two Russian airports before crashing. President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of attempting to cover up the incident and demanded an apology, accountability for those responsible, and compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized, he referred to the event as a "tragic incident" and did not admit guilt. The final conclusions about the crash will depend on the investigation of the flight recorders. Read also: Azerbaijan to change rules for temporary stay of Russian citizens Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Just weeks before Christmas, a Black inmate at a New York prison was allegedly beaten to death by a group of correctional officers. The footage of the incident was so horrid, even the police union called it incomprehensible. On Dec. 9, 43-year-old Robert Brooks was inside the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County where he was serving a 12-year sentence in the assault of his longtime girlfriend, per NBC News. Court documents say his hands were in mechanical restraints behind his back inside the infirmary as he was waiting for examination. Two officers then forcefully pulled Brooks to a seated upright position at the edge of an exam table. As Brooks spoke to the officers, one of the officers punched him in the chest, documents say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers then picked up by his collar and pinned him up against the window. More officers surrounding them observed the incident, the document says. At some point, Brooks is transferred to the examination table, laying on his back. The end of the documents describes Brooks being carried out by the officers The Videos The body camera videos of the incident, all of which have no audio, provide much more graphic details to what happened in addition to what the officers recalled. In the video, Brooks is brought into the infirmary being carried face down by his ankles and wrists, which were bound by handcuffs. The video also shows Brooks with a bloodied nose and swollen side of his face as he is sat on the edge of the exam table, despite officers only noting him being punched in the chest in court documents. Its clear from the footage the beating went beyond just a chest strike. Officers were seen punching him repeatedly before restraining him on his back while his hands remained cuffed behind him. One officer is seen tying to shove a cloth in Brooks mouth. As they press him down on the table, one officer pinned him down on his groin with his foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers continued punching at him while his chest was exposed. At some point, Brooks appears to go unresponsive and the officers smack him up as if they were trying to get him to keep him awake. Officers then pull him up and hold him against the wall in the corner of the room. Brooks is placed back on the table and stripped down to his undergarments when he fell unresponsive. Officers are seen laughing to one another while standing beside his lifeless body. Officers and people who appeared to be medical staff continue to administer aid. The Reactions The incident and the videos sparked outrage from Brooks family to government officials. Documents say Brooks cause of death was still being determined but the medical examiner determined he suffered asphyxiation due to neck compressions, per Spectrum News 1. New York State Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs called it a modern-day lynching, per PIX11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association condemned the video as incomprehensible and opposite of everything the union stands for. Attorney General Letitia James found the footage shocking and disturbing, adding she had a responsibility to provide Brooks family with answers. The New York Attorney Generals Office of Special Investigations announced the launch of a probe into Brooks death. So far, the only statement from Brooks family was an expression of gratitude to Gov. Kathy Hochul for ordering the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to terminate the 14 correction employees involved in the death. So far, theyve been suspended without pay except one officer who resigned, NBC reports. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Sunday's Jeju Air crash has again raised concerns about flight safety. Boeing's 737-800 model is used by nearly 200 airlines and has a strong safety record. The 737-800 is different from Boeing's 737 Max family, which has faced significant issues. The Boeing plane that crashed in South Korea on Sunday, killing 179, has a remarkable safety record. The 737-800 model is among the world's most widely used passenger planes, with some 4,400 in service for nearly 200 airlines, according to data from Cirium. In its nearly 30 years of service, the 737 variant much older than the problematic Max models has seen 1,100 fatalities from 17 accidents, according to data compiled by the Aviation Safety Network, a nonprofit research organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's a relatively low crash rate, given the thousands of plane units produced and the millions of passenger flights completed. The model remains a backbone of global aviation. "The 737-800 is a great airplane, the workhorse of the world, if you like," Airline News editor and aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas told Business Insider. "It is the most reliable aircraft out there." Human error has contributed to most of the fatal 737-800 accidents. Boeing 737-800 crashes The first fatal crash involving the 737-800 was Brazil's Gol Airlines in 2006. The plane experienced a midair collision with a private jet and broke up, killing all 154 passengers and crew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said errors by an air traffic controller and the private pilots were to blame. The site of the Gol crash in 2006. credit should read EVARISTO SA/AFP via Getty Images Pilot error was a factor in several other 737-800 crashes, such as a 2007 Kenya Air flight, two Air India Express accidents in 2010 and 2020, and a 2016 Flydubai crash. No US airline has experienced a fatal 737-800 crash, though some have been damaged due to things like mechanical issues, weather, bird strikes, and pilot error. Some 737-800 accidents were due to other factors. In 2020, 176 people died after a Ukraine International Airlines flight was shot down by Iran. In 2022, a China Eastern Airlines 737-800 nose-dived, killing 132, but the investigation is ongoing. A Wall Street Journal report that year said US officials had pointed to someone in the cockpit intentionally crashing the jet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A China Airlines plane that crashed but suffered no fatalities in 2007 pointed to airline mechanic error and inadequate maintenance guidance from Boeing, Japanese investigators found. Following the crash, the US Federal Aviation Administration instructed 737 operators in the US to ensure the maintenance component that caused the accident was properly installed. Which airlines fly the 737-800? The 737-800 is part of Boeing's "next generation" or "NG" line of planes, which also includes the smaller 737-600 and 737-700 and the larger 737-900. The 737-800 first flew in 1998, and the model competes with the Airbus A320 narrowbody jetliner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NG planes were an upgrade to the classic 737 models with more range and fuel efficiency. The 737-800 can fly about 3,400 miles and carry up to 189 passengers, making it popular for short and medium-haul flying. American Airlines is the largest operator of the 737-800. Kirby Lee/Getty Images Cirium data shows commercial airlines operated the 737-800 on nearly 5.9 million flights in 2024. More than 6.2 million are scheduled through November 2025. American Airlines is the biggest operator of the 737-800, with 303 in service, per Cirium. Irish budget carrier Ryanair and Southwest Airlines follow with 205 and 204, respectively. US airlines Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines also operate the 737-800, but operators reach virtually every corner of the globe. The Boeing 737-800 is not the same as the 737 Max The 737-800 model does not have the same system that caused its successor, the 737 Max, to crash in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That system, known as the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, or MCAS, was blamed for the crashes. Thanks to their more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, the Max 8 and Max 9 planes in service can fly about 500 miles further than the 737-800. The Max jets can also hold more passengers compared. Boeing stopped producing the 737-800 in late 2019 when it replaced the NG family with the Max. There are about 4,800 Max jets on backorder. Production resumed in December following a worker strike at its Washington factories. Read the original article on Business Insider Roman Oleksiv, a boy who survived a Russian missile attack on Vinnytsia on 14 July 2022, has removed the special blue mask he wore for two years. The mask helped prevent scarring on his face following the severe injuries he had sustained. The boy's father, Yaroslav Oleksiv, has shared new photos of his son, now without the mask on his face. On 14 July 2022, Roman and his mother, Halyna, were waiting for a doctor's appointment in Vinnytsia when Russian missiles hit the city centre. The mother, 29, was killed instantly, along with the doctor and 25 other people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roman survived the attack despite suffering 45% burns to his body and damage to his internal organs. As his father, Yaroslav Oleksiv, explained, "his whole body was burnt. When he crawled out after the explosion, he sat on hot stones, which burned his legs and buttocks". Roman in a scar treatment mask. Photo: Yaroslav Oleksiv After the tragedy, Roman underwent 27 operations and spent over 100 days in intensive care at the University Hospital of Dresden. In Germany, he began wearing compression garments and a special mask to prevent scar growth and prepare his skin for further plastic surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doctors had predicted that the boy would not be able to walk on his own, but he surprised everyone with his determination and perseverance. Later, Roman returned to his home school and resumed ballroom dancing and accordion lessons. The next stage of his treatment the removal of the scar repair mask was completed at the end of 2024. "The time has come when the blue mask is now just a memory of that period in our lives. Our rehabilitation now looks, and will continue to look, different. In our minds, we are already home in Ukraine. We hope this will soon be a reality. A new chapter will begin there life, recovery, and dreams!" the boy's father said. Background: On 14 July 2022, Russian forces attacked the centre of Vinnytsia. The bombardment claimed the lives of at least 20 people and left over 50 others seriously injured. At the time, 4-year-old Liza died from her injuries while on her way to a speech therapist with her mother. Support UP or become our patron! A Nevada man is accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend, who was a beloved tattoo artist. Markeem Benson is charged with open murder in connection with the death of 33-year-old Renise Wolfe, Clark County, Nev., court records indicate. Police say Wolfe was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds in an apartment in North Las Vegas, Nev., on Dec. 21, according to reports from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, KSNV and Fox 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe started by a friend of Wolfes has raised over $10,000 for her memorial service. With her love for art, mixed with her ambitions to enjoy work, 'Nene' quickly obtained her license and became a tattoo artist, the organizer wrote. For the last 15 years, clientele and reputation flourished as she perfected her craft. She touched many souls sharing her passion and craft with hundreds. The organizer also claimed that Benson had made a promise to Wolfes mother before her death, a claim that her mother also made to the Review-Journal. Ill get her home safe, Benson allegedly said, Wolfes mother, Tracy Coleman, claimed to the paper. Ill take care of her, I promise. 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. Benson is charged with open murder and possession of a gun, according to court records. It is not immediately clear if he has entered a plea. He is currently in custody after being denied bail, 8 News Now reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Bensons court appearance on Thursday, Dec. 26, 8 News Now reported that a fight broke out in the courtroom after Wolfes father, a retired police officer, allegedly charged at Bensons brother. The outlet reported that Wolfes family claimed Bensons brother had taunted them in court. 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. Read the original article on People BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 30. An S7 airplane soaring on the South Sakhalinsk-Novosibirsk route had to make a hasty landing at Bratsk airport in the Irkutsk Region, following the unfortunate passing of one of its passengers, Trend reports. The S7 airline aircraft operating flight 5258 on the South Sakhalinsk-Novosibirsk route executed an emergency landing in Bratsk. The cause was the decline in health of a passenger, which ultimately led to his death, the information notes. The plane departed for Novosibirsk at 13:33 (09:33 Moscow time). S7 Airlines, officially known as JSC Siberia Airlines, is an airline based in Ob, Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia, with additional headquarters in Moscow. As of 2008, it was the largest domestic airline in Russia, with primary hubs at Domodedovo International Airport and Tolmachevo Airport. It is a member of the Oneworld Alliance; however, its membership is presently suspended due to Russia's incursion into Ukraine. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel President Jimmy Carter has died. The 39th president of the United States died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia, according to The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. turned 100 years old on Oct. 1. He became the longest-living president when he turned 98 in October 2022. First Lady Rosalynn Carter died last November at the age of 96. The couple had four children, at least a dozen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. As the world reflects on President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, one aspect stands out: his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Beyond his well-known charitable work with Habitat for Humanity, Carter's passion for building a better planet made him a true pioneer during his presidency. Carter was the first global leader to acknowledge the seriousness of climate change and recognize the sun as a powerful energy source. In a historic move, he installed solar panels on the White House roof, directly harnessing the sun's energy. His dedication to solar power was clear: "Solar energy will not pollute our air or water, and we will not run short of it. No one can ever embargo the sun." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1977, President Carter established the Department of Energy, aiming to rethink energy consumption and reduce dependency on foreign oil. He followed up by signing the National Energy Act into law in 1978, a crucial step in the fight against pollution. Carter's commitment extended beyond energy. In response to the damage caused by hurricanes, he merged separate disaster-related responsibilities into an independent agency called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA's mission was clear: "When disaster hits, you can count on us." Even on his last day in office, Carter continued to champion the planet. He signed the Alaska Land Act, which doubled the size of the national park system and established more wildlife land and wilderness areas than any other act in history. After leaving office, Carter founded the Carter Center with his wife, Rosalynn. This organization advocates for public health and human rights, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Many consider Carter a visionary leader, decades ahead of his time in pushing the country toward renewable energy and climate solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his own words, Carter said, "If we can work together to harness the light of the sun, the power of the wind, and the strength of rushing streams, then we will succeed." President Jimmy Carter's environmental legacy remains an inspiration for generations to come. His forward-thinking approach and dedication to a greener future set an example that we can all follow. A federal jury has awarded more than $34 million to Kirstin Blaise Lobato, who served nearly 16 years in a Nevada state prison for a 2001 killing in Las Vegas she did not commit. No physical evidence tied her to the crime. Police officers testified in her original trial that she twice confessed to the crime, but attorneys in her lawsuit said those confessions were faked. After the Nevada Supreme Court threw out her conviction in 2002, Lobato was tried and convicted again in 2006. But in 2017, the Innocence Project presented expert testimony questioning the estimated time of the victim's death presented by the prosecution. The experts argued that based on the state of the body when it was discovered, the death happened during a period when Lobato was no longer in the city. Based on that evidence, a court vacated her sentence. The Clark County District Attorney's Office later dropped all charges against her. The post Brickbat: Left Las Vegas appeared first on Reason.com. SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) A nonprofit is celebrating its impact on thousands of children across the Valley this year. The Brightside Project says 2024 has been a very bright year indeed, reaching over 17,800 children in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. The organization was launched in 2016 with the goal of reaching out directly to children, taking a comprehensive approach to support each child so they can reach their full potential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organization said 3,200 children were enrolled in The Imagination Library this year and 38,283 books were mailed out to kids. The project provided 22,100 meals, 30,300 snacks, 7,000 stuffed animals, 9,000 hygiene items and a whole lotta hope. Organizers said: None of this would have been possible without our amazing supporters, volunteers, and community partners. Thank you for helping us light up the lives of so many children! Other accomplishments included providing more than 400 winter coats, 600 backpacks filled with school supplies, Easter baskets, and nearly 600 vouchers for back-to-school clothing and shoes. Most recently, the Brightside Project was also responsible for providing 829 kids with a bright Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers are already setting their sights on an even brighter 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 WKBN.com. STOUGHTON, Mass. (WWLP) A man has been arrested after multiple alleged break-ins when he was spotted wearing Grinch pajamas. Somerville police seek help locating wanted man The Stoughton Police Department states that 32-year-old Elvis Andrade of Brockton was seen in the outfit on surveillance footage at a CVS, and was caught driving a stolen vehicle. Andrade has also been accused of stealing wallets and using stolen debit and credit cards. He was arrested on several charges including the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larceny Over $1,200 Improper Use of a Credit Card Over $1,200 Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle Breaking and Entering a Vehicle During the Daytime with Intent to Commit a Felony (eight counts) Larceny Under $1,200 (four counts) Improper Use of a Credit Card Under $1,200 (two counts) Malicious Destruction of Property Under $1,200 Stoughton Police Department officers and detectives worked extremely hard on this case to identify Elvis Andrade as the suspect in numerous break-ins, vehicle thefts, and credit card fraud, and obtain a warrant for his arrest, Chief McNamara said. We are very grateful to West Bridgewater Police, and particularly Officer Brian C. Smith Jr., who was able to help put the suspect behind bars. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WWLP. DENVER (KDVR) A Broomfield dentist arrested by federal agents in Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this year has pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to entice a minor and transporting child pornography. Jason James Atha, 51, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Dec. 5 in the Southern District of Florida. He is scheduled to appear for sentencing in Fort Pierce, Florida, on March 11, 2025. Steamboat Resort issues warning after guest triggers avalanche on closed trail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida, Atha began communicating with someone in October 2023 on a social networking platform. That person alleged they were the mother of an 8-year-old child in Florida and appeared willing to allow him to engage in sexual activities with the minor. The mother was actually an undercover Homeland Security Investigations special agent, according to court records. The agent was in chatrooms created for people to discuss their interests in subjects like sex, family incest, child pornography and the like, according to an arrest affidavit. Investigators said Atha described the sexual acts he wanted to engage in with the child. Court records say Atha spoke with the mother for months, from October 2023 through June 2024, when the agent and Atha began discussing when the suspect could visit Florida. The agent and Atha agreed that Atha would visit Palm Beach, Florida, from Aug. 9-11. On Aug. 9, federal agents arrested Atha as he walked through the parking lot of the Palm Beach airport. Upon searching his devices, investigators found that Atha had child pornography videos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aurora police arrest suspect in July homicide that left 1 dead, 1 injured At sentencing, Atha faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for attempted enticement of a minor and 20 years in prison for transportation of child pornography. Anyone with information regarding child sexual exploitation and abuse is encouraged to call (877) 4-HSI-TIP [(877) 447-4847]. 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 FOX31 Denver. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) What began as a childhood hobby more than six decades ago has led to what might be Africa's largest butterfly collection in a suburb of Kenya's capital. Steve Collins, 74, was born and raised in western Kenya. By the age of 5, he was fascinated by butterflies and started building a collection that has grown to more than 4.2 million, representing hundreds of species. My parents encouraged us to look for butterflies after visiting the Congo and were gifted a trapping net by some friends," Collins said. By the time I was 15 years old, I was already visiting other countries like Nigeria to study more about butterflies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his 20-year career as an agronomist, Collins dedicated his free time to research. He established the African Butterfly Research Institute in 1997. Now, running out of space and time, he hopes to hand it over to the next generation. On his 1.5 acres (0.6 hectare) of land, hundreds of indigenous trees and flowering bushes form a well-knit forest. Hundreds of butterflies dance from one flower to another, at times landing on Collins' hand. His collection is private, although it was initially open to the public when he ran it as an education center between 1998 and 2003. Collins has 1.2 million butterflies from across Africa delicately pinned in frames and stored in rows of shelves, with another 3 million in envelopes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They need to be kept in dark spaces," he said. The form of storage also ensures the dried butterflies are not eaten by other insects, parasites and predators. We also ensure we apply insecticides once a year to keep them safe. Julian Bayliss, an ecologist specializing in Africa and a visiting professor at Oxford Brookes University, said he has collected butterflies for Collins over two decades. There is a large part of that collection that is completely irreplaceable because a large part of Africas habitat is being destroyed, Bayliss said. Africa is vulnerable to climate change, with periods of prolonged drought and serious flooding destroying forests and other butterfly habitats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bayliss suggested digitizing the collection to make it accessible worldwide. Whoever takes it over "needs to be an institution that is well-founded, well-funded and secure, he said. Scott Miller, an entomologist at the Smithsonian Institution, met Collins almost 30 years ago. He said such collections provide critical information that could show environmental changes over 60 years. These physical specimens, you can actually keep going back to them to get new layers of information as you learn more or you get a different technology or you get different questions," he said. Collins is concerned that soon he will no longer be able to sustain his research. He said his most prized butterfly costs $8,000 which he keeps from sight, concerned about possible theft and hopes to sell the collection to an individual or research institution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The costs of running his institute are high. An annual budget posted in 2009 on the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa website was $200,000. Collins estimates that the specimens and other assets are worth $8 million. This has been my hobby for decades, and I cant put a price on what I have done so far. Im currently seeking to ensure the species are in safe hands when Im out of this world, he said. ___ Associated Press journalist Khaled Kazziha in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSAV) On Sunday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. There will be countless tributes to President Jimmy Carter and deservedly so because he devoted three quarters of a century to serving his country in the Navy, the state senate, the governors office, the White House and as a humanitarian. But it was in the face of illness and ultimately death that President Carter taught us the most. His faith in God and love of Rosalynn remained the foundation of his life and an example for each of us about what matters the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this difficult time, Peggy and I join the people of South Carolina in giving thanks for the life of President Carter and send prayers to the Carter family. Georgia native Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. president, dies at 100 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. (CANON CITY, Colo.) After Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4061 in Canon City was burglarized on Thursday, Dec. 26, the community rallied to support their veterans through the efforts of a local business, raising nearly $1,000 so far. RELATED STORY: VFW post in Canon City burglarized, cash stolen Ozark Dog LLC, a Canon City hot dog stand, pledged to donate $1 per hot dog sold on Saturday, Dec. 28, to help the VFW recover funds lost in the recent burglary. Hundreds of people showed up to enjoy a hotdog, meet new friends, and support their veterans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 200 hotdogs were sold in about 4 hours, raising $200 from sales for the VFW. Additionally, many people stopped by just to donate money, bringing the total raised to $901. Courtesy: Ozark Dog LLC Courtesy: Ozark Dog LLC Courtesy: Ozark Dog LLC Courtesy: Ozark Dog LLC My heart is full on this Sunday morning as all the good things of our community were on display yesterday just a half block from the VFW! We had people stopping just to give money, said James Van Fleet, owner and operator of Ozark Dog LLC. I had one lady give me cash at the gas station when it was all said and done. This is why I live, work, and participate in Fremont County. Van Fleet said he will continue the fundraiser on Tuesday, Dec. 31, selling hot dogs to raise money and accepting donations. All funds raised will go straight to the VFW to help them recover the $3,000 in operating funds that were stolen, and anything extra can assist with long-needed repairs. The community really responded quick and I am proud of our citizens for recognizing the impact and importance of this establishment, said Van Fleet. I hope we can make them whole again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hot dog stand will be in front of Tobacco Corner at 2355 Fremont Drive in Canon City on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who are not able to show up but still want to give support to the VFW can text or call Van Fleet at (719) 371-8972, or email him at ozarkdogllc@gmail.com to make arrangements. 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 FOX21 News Colorado. The micronation of Slowjamastan, located in Southern California, is offering a $1,000 cash reward to anyone who can help bring to justice a group of fathers and their children who allegedly burglarized and vandalized their property. According to a release from the Republic of Slowjamastan situated three miles south of Imperial County near the San Diego County community of Ocotillo Wells two dads brought their young kids to the area to commit multiple crimes. In the full video included in the Slowjamastan release and posted to YouTube, the timestamp of which indicates the incident began around 7:10 p.m. on Dec. 14 and lasted roughly an hour, at least two men and three children are seen and heard moving around the propertys border gate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They all excitedly ran around the area while openly talking about vandalizing and burglarizing the property for around 45 minutes, according to the timestamp, before centering their attention back on the guard tower. Keanu Reeves stolen watches located in Chile: reports At this point, someone from Slowjamastan apparently noticed the activity and somehow contacted the group, informing them that they were caught on videotape and ordering them to leave while also demanding payment for any damage they caused. In response to this, the group appeared to get nervous except for one of the children who remarked If Im being recorded, then Im saying, sup bro, and another young voice (not clear if it was the same child) saying We need to break in, okay? We need to break in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While deciding whether to call or text the person who contacted them, one of the men noticed the functioning camera, at which point the other man, after briefly stepping out of frame, assured him that it was fake, battery operated and motion detecting, meaning if they didnt move, it would turn off automatically. Surveillance footage shows a group of fathers and their children who allegedly burglarized and vandalized property belonging to the micronation of Slowjamastan, located in Southern California. (Courtesy: Sultan of Slowjamastan) After this, one of the children repeatedly asked about the location of a crowbar and is then seen trying to pry open the guard shack door, much to his fathers delight. I like where youre doing with that, Jude, the man said. This man the de-facto ringleader of the group then took the crowbar and started trying to pry the door open himself while seemingly justifying his actions moments after the other man stated that he might have to leave and that he officially wants out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he was told by the ringleader that its too late. So, they already know someone is going to break in, he said. Crash leaves hundreds of Amazon packages on 5 Freeway in East Los Angeles The children seem to have their reservations at this point, too. No no no, I dont think this is a good idea, one of them said, before the man suggests that the child has a go. Surveillance footage shows a group of fathers and their children who allegedly burglarized and vandalized property belonging to the micronation of Slowjamastan, located in Southern California. (Courtesy: Sultan of Slowjamastan) Who wants to try? Ill keep you safe, I promise, the ringleader said. Youre freaking out my kids, man, the other, now guilt stricken man said. Then, one of the children asked a question most would think to ask: What if they actually try to do something and actually charge us? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response from the ringleader: Ill take the heat for it. I can get out of jail; Ive done it beforeguys, this is fun. Trader Joes opening a dozen new locations in 2025, including 3 in Southern California They eventually gain access to the guard shack and find a fake dummy camera box, which seems to ease everyones worries a bit as they laugh at the discovery. Once inside, they ransack the guard shack, claiming that the items inside belong to them; when the kids ask permission to steal, they are given the green light. We found treasure! the ringleader exclaimed as the other man remarks, This is so off my radar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant tell anyone about this, the ringleader instructed the group before kissing one of the children on the cheek. All of them continued to go in and out of the guard shack taking whatever they wanted a mannequin, signs and boxes and even arranged for one of the men to hold the stolen goods at his house until the next day. Surveillance footage shows a group of fathers and their children who allegedly burglarized and vandalized property belonging to the micronation of Slowjamastan, located in Southern California. (Courtesy: Sultan of Slowjamastan) Surveillance footage shows a group of fathers and their children who allegedly burglarized and vandalized property belonging to the micronation of Slowjamastan, located in Southern California. (Courtesy: Sultan of Slowjamastan) Surveillance footage shows a group of fathers and their children who allegedly burglarized and vandalized property belonging to the micronation of Slowjamastan, located in Southern California. (Courtesy: Sultan of Slowjamastan) After loading the stolen items into their SUV, one of the men asked the group what they thought of their actions, to which the kids replied: This was awesome. They then went back to lift up the floor of the guard shack to look for more things to steal; even though the ringleader of the group thought there was likely nothing there, he stated that he wasnt going to leave without checking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon finding nothing they considered valuable, they opted to leave [the items] for someone else and even suggested coming back to the location. Several more minutes of pilfering the guard shack ensued, with the children commenting on how they can put some of the stolen goods in their rooms. One of them even sung the refrain to SpongeBob SquarePants Best Day Ever as they got into the car and left. 5 more wild parrots found mutilated, killed in Southern California Photos included in the Slowjamastan release show that the alleged vandals spray painted Visit surfingruinedmylife.com and We declare war on the ground while also leaving various random designs on other buildings on the property. Photos included in the Slowjamastan release show that the alleged vandals spray painted Visit surfingruinedmylife.com and We declare war on the ground while also leaving various random designs on other buildings on the property. (Courtesy: Sultan of Slowjamastan) Photos included in the Slowjamastan release show that the alleged vandals spray painted Visit surfingruinedmylife.com and We declare war on the ground while also leaving various random designs on other buildings on the property. (Courtesy: Sultan of Slowjamastan) Photos included in the Slowjamastan release show that the alleged vandals spray painted Visit surfingruinedmylife.com and We declare war on the ground while also leaving various random designs on other buildings on the property. (Courtesy: Sultan of Slowjamastan) Upon searching the surfing ruined my life website, users are directed to an online store called MyDaddyMakesArt, which sells clothes depicting MDMA in rainbow lettering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Instagram page linked to the site has in their bio: We declare war on Slowjamastan. The exact number or value of stolen items wasnt disclosed by officials from the micronation, but they did say that they would need to buy a new mannequin, hire a locksmith and get a power washer. A GoFundMe set up to help alleviate costs can be found here. Could Trump send Karen Bass to jail? His advisors think so The Sultan of Slowjamastan released a statement to KTLA surrounding the incident: Its not the damage that upsets us as much as it is that theres a guy bringing his young kids to join in on the crime. Even the kids are saying, Dad, its not a good idea, yet the reckless adult male coerces the children to break the law. You feel the worst for the kids in this situation. We hope he is caught and someone can intervene before its too late for those poor kids. They deserve better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on the alleged vandalism and burglary is asked to email tips@slowjamastan.org or call the Imperial County Sheriffs Department at 442-265-2000. The Sheriffs Department did not immediately respond to KTLAs request for comment on the matter. The Republic of Slowjamastan was founded by San Diego-based DJ Randy R-Dub Williams after he traveled to every UN-recognized country in the world and got the idea to start his own micronation after visiting one in Nevada. The 11-acre plot of land Williams the Sultan of Slowjamastan bought in Imperial County is home to its capital: Dublandia. A welcome sign marking the Southern California micronation Slowjamastan. (Courtesy of the Republic of Slowjamastan) A San Diego-based slow jams radio DJ has spent his life visiting every country in the world. Now, Randy R Dub! Williams is the sultan of his own country, in California. (Peoples Republic of Slowjamastan) Kacey was presented with an official plaque commemorating her new ambassadorial role and engagement, as the Sultan declared that the ambassador was now married to him. The morning team even received Slowjamastani passports and were invited to a little dance party that is set to take place in the micronation on Sunday afternoon. (Twitter/@slowjamastan) Slowjamastan features a national anthem Slowjamastan (I Think Its Gonna Be an Awesome Place) as well as a parliament, an established national animal (the ringtail raccoon), and its own currency called the duble a play on the Russian ruble. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2023, after KTLA anchors spoke about Slowjamastan on the KTLA 5 Weekend Morning News, the Sultan invited them to be ambassadors on live TV. 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 KTLA. Belarusian stand-up comedian Slava Komisarenko, who openly joked about the illegally elected president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, was sentenced to a harsh sentence in his homeland. The 39-year-old comedian was sentenced in absentia to 6 years in prison. ADVERTISIMENT According to Belarusian media, his case was considered in the Minsk City Court. Komisarenka was accused of "inciting hatred", "slander" and "insulting" Lukashenka under several articles of the Criminal Code. It is worth noting that the stand-up's problems with the Belarusian authorities began back in 2021. Back then, on one of the YouTube projects, the comedian openly criticized the illegitimate president of his country, which led to him being banned from giving concerts in Minsk. But in 2022, Slava Komisarenko was forced to hide in Ukraine, as the KGB of Belarus put him on the wanted list. The reason was the stand-up comedian's political views and his jokes about Lukashenka. At the time, the comedian posted a video on his social media, where he ironically noted: "In ordinary countries, special services catch terrorists, but in Belarus, they catch pranksters. Because in Belarus there should be only one prankster." It is known that Komisarenko had previously taken his parents to Russia and bought them an apartment there, as he was afraid that his relatives would be persecuted in his homeland. For a long time, the comedian believed that he could feel absolutely safe in Russia. However, when in 2021, on New Year's Eve, he received a letter from a person connected with the Belarusian protests, who informed him that the comedian was going to be kidnapped in Moscow and brought to Minsk by car, he decided to go to Kyiv. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! (FOX40.COM) On Dec. 29, Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and a 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner, died in his home in Plains, Georgia, according to the Carter Center. He was the longest-lived president at 100 years old. Heres how some California and national leaders are responding after his death. Former president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 United States Senator for California Adam Schiff said, he fought the good fight and kept the faith and now he has finished his race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Newsom said in a statement on X Jennifer and I join the country and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a tireless champion for human rights and democracy. President Carter was a man of rare character whose beliefs ran true and deep, whose moral compass never wavered. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright every and spirit never faltered. Governor Gavin Newsom Representative Nancy Pelosi shared on X an image and as well as a statement about Former President Carter, Paul and I join in the mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter and in giving thanks for his life, which was saintly in its devotion to public service and peace. Senator Alex Padilla said on X, May his legacy of humanitarian work commitment to helping the most vulnerable, and working towards peace inspire us and future generations. His legacy of service extends far beyond his time in the Oval Office. His organizations extensive nonpartisan election observation helped the United States live up to our commitment to promote peace and democracy around the world. And long after he left public office, the fact that you could wander into Sunday School taught by the former president, or find yourself building homes with Habitat for Humanity alongside a 95-year-old Jimmy Carter is a testament to his selflessness and his deep faith. United States Seantor Alex Padilla Former President Barack Obama said on X, President Carter taught all of us what it means to live 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 44th President Barack Obama President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that, I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family! President-Elect Doland J. Trump said on Truth Social According to the Carter Center, there will be public observances in Atlantic and Washington, D.C. which will then be followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. The final arrangements for President Carters State funeral, all public events, and the motorcade routes are still being planned and a schedule will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region here. Jimmy Carter delivers his Fireside Chat from the library in the White House. ca. 1 February 1978. (Photo by: Hum Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) 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 FOX40. A man is facing several charges for allegedly attempting to carry out a retaliatory attack against his assailants using a high-powered weapon. Elijah Carvalho, 22, of Cambridge, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a machine gun, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded machine gun, unlawful possession of a large capacity feeding device, and possession of Class A drugs. According to Boston Police, on December 18 around 11:40 a.m., members of the Youth Violence Strike Force became aware of an assault involving a male victim, later identified as Carvalho, and a group of attackers in Dorchester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterward, investigators say they received intelligence that Carvalho was planning on retaliating against his attackers. While on patrol later in the day, officers saw Carvalho on Lawrence Avenue heading towards Coleus Park with a prominent bulge in his sweatshirt, according to authorities. Police say they approached him and safely detained him without incident. After conducting a pat-frisk, detectives say they found a firearm with an obliterated serial number equipped with a machine gun conversion device, known as a switch, along with six small pills believed to be Oxycodone. The 9mm Glock 19 Gen 3 also allegedly had a live round in the chamber, along with 15 additional rounds in the magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carvalho will be arraigned in Roxbury District Court. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW One of the defining moments of Jimmy Carters presidency was the Iran hostage crisis. Retired Army Col. Chuck Scott was one of the 52 hostages held in Iran for 444 days. In an interview with Channel 2 Action News, he said Carter got a lot of blame he did not deserve. People say, Yeah, he really screwed up the hostage crisis. But how do you know? You werent there, Scott said. The crisis would overshadow many of the accomplishments during President Carters one and only term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We looked like idiots. Here we were, the most powerful nation in the world and we had a complete American embassy staff that wound up being slaves, hostages for 14 1/2 months, Scott said. Scott said the Carter administration underestimated the anger of the Iranian people when it allowed the deposed Shah into the United States for cancer treatment. Scott said he and the other hostages felt betrayed. How the hell did they set us up for something like that if they intended to allow the Shah to come into the United States? Why didnt they first close the embassy? Scott said. Scott said the hostage-takers wanted information, but he had been trained in special ops and he never broke. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was still not a pleasant experience being beaten every day. At one point, I was hung by my wrists about a foot off the ground and left there for three days and three nights, Scott said. I was placed in front of three different firing squads. Scott said to endure the abuse, the hostages had to blame someone. Carter took the brunt of it, but the anger would eventually subside. Carter got blamed for a lot of things that were not his fault, Scott said. I dont know that he could have done any more than he did. Anything else could have led to a major military confrontation. Scott eventually met Carter in Germany just days after he and the others were released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We didnt shake hands, we hugged, said. Scott said even though he was a hostage, Carter was one in a different way. He was still responsible for all of us. In many ways, it was tougher on him than it was on us, Scott said. I could handle the beatings and all that, but Im not sure I would have been able to handle going to bed at night in the White House and thinking I still have 52 American citizens, I dont know their status even. He had limited choices, and, in many ways, he made the right one. We all came home, Scott continued. Scott died in December. He was 90 years old. His family said they are proud of how he served our country. RELATED NEWS: Unhoused Lewiston residents huddle for the evening at the citys new warming center. (Eesha Pendharkar/ | Maine Morning Star) With restaurants shut down during the pandemic, Brian Arborio found himself unemployed, unable to pay his rising rent, and eventually evicted. He lived on the streets of Portland, Maine, for about 10 months, but left after an encounter with police. His next stop was Westbrook, then the woods of Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arborio said law enforcement had him on their radar because he had broken into empty buildings to avoid the cold. One snowy night, as the soles of his shoes were peeling away, he said he returned to his tent to find it slashed, and his sleeping bag pepper sprayed. What he thought would be three months of camping outdoors and couch surfing turned into almost three years of homelessness. He landed in a Portland-area hospital and found housing through Section 8, the federal governments housing assistance program. But even now, as the weather gets colder and he passes people living on the streets, its hard not to flash back to his experience. Youre not considered a citizen when youre homeless. Youre subhuman. Thats how youre treated, said Arborio, who now advocates for policies to help people experiencing homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Being chased away constantly is the most inhumane aspect. You are not welcome indoors anywhere anyway, and you have no place to sit down and rest outside. And these are meant to be public places. Backed by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in an Oregon case that local governments can legally impose criminal penalties for public camping bans, police across the country are enforcing ordinances that advocates say threaten to worsen homelessness and further deplete their limited resources to help. As long as were using our resources whether it be our human resources, our public forums, our financial resources to chase and police, surveil, punish and hide unhoused people, thats taking away from how we could invest into actual solutions, said Heather Zimmerman, a legal fellow with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. Advocates and officials say they could benefit from a coordinated approach to share information and resources among municipalities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Maine cities are considering adding camping bans, while those with laws are ramping up enforcement, according to the ACLU. The organization found 10 municipalities with loitering bans. Six ban solicitation, begging, or panhandling. At least 12 have constructive camping bans, which means they use other ordinances such as loitering prohibitions and park regulations to enforce a camping ban in public spaces. Every ban is worded differently. Lewiston explicitly prohibits sleeping or camping in public places. Portland bans public camping as long as there is available shelter space. But even in municipalities such as Bangor, which, according to a city spokesperson, does not have a camping ban, police routinely sweep encampments and ask unhoused people to leave public property. Maine tracks homelessness through point-in-time counts, which record the number of unhoused people on one day, typically in January. This years count recorded 2,695 people experiencing homelessness. While the number is lower than the past two years, the number of unsheltered people those not housed temporarily in shelters, motels, or transitional housing has been increasing, with 299 in 2023 and 273 in 2024, compared with 95 unsheltered people counted five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People without shelter might be another reason municipalities are again enforcing camping bans, according to Katie Spencer White, president and CEO of Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter in Waterville. We had a lot of folks experiencing homelessness, but what we didnt have is a lot of unsheltered homelessness, where people couldnt find a place in a bed, she said. So thats where many municipalities like, if theyre like Waterville, theyre now reposting these signs and enforcing something thats already on the books, or some municipalities are creating new ordinances where they didnt already have one. According to the ACLU, at least two cities Sanford in southern Maine and Presque Isle in northern Maine have considered camping bans since the Supreme Court ruling. Shelters as solutions to camping bans City leaders and advocates both believe homeless shelters can be a short-term solution to camping ban enforcement, since most agree that being outside, especially in Maine winters, is the worst case scenario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MaineHousing, the state agency that oversees distribution of federal and state funding for affordable housing and homelessness solutions, has allocated more than $60 million in emergency housing assistance since 2020. But that funding is not enough to provide adequate resources to help people find beds or safe places to sleep, Spencer White said. We want to be the solution to the camping ban, she said. Its hard to do that when youre paid $18 a night for a product that costs almost $100 a night. In early December, 33 people needed shelter from freezing temperatures at Watervilles warming center, but its funding can only support 25. Without financial support for staffing and operational costs, shelters cant keep operating to meet the increasing demand, Spencer White said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Often, municipalities are left to find their own solutions. In cities with shelters, they are overcrowded or have restrictions that ban pets, require sobriety, or separate residents by gender. A majority of cities in Maine dont have permanent shelters, and their expansion is often met with resistance from city government or local business owners, according to council meetings and media reports. In 2022, the Lewiston City Council imposed a six-month moratorium on building any new shelters, despite the lack of low-barrier shelters in Maines second largest city. Three city council members who had opposed a shelter expansion lost reelection and the new council is now building partnerships to expand services, according to Scott Harriman, who has served on the council since 2021. One of their arguments was that, basically, if you build it, they will come, Harriman said, explaining the previous councils opposition to shelters. So theyre concerned that if we just open up more shelters, we just attract more people here to use them. Because of the political shift, nonprofit Kaydenz Kitchen recently received approval and funding from MaineHousing to build the citys first low-barrier homeless shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other cities, pushback to shelters is being led by business owners. After the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter in Waterville received $700,000 to build a new permanent shelter and expand its current capacity, some business owners asked the city to consider a six-month pause on any expansion. Municipal leaders said bans allow them to strike a necessary balance between the interests of residents and business owners who complain to the city about tents or encampments. From a city perspective, we have to manage both sides of the issue, said Jessica Grondin, Portlands spokesperson. Weve got residents and business owners who are saying we dont want people outside in tents on our property, leaving behind trash and going to the bathroom on my doorway, combined with the fact that we do provide shelter for 600 people a night; theres no other municipality around whos stepping up in the way that we already are. Portland Mayor Mark Dion said the city keeps shelter beds open in case people want them, but they cant force everyone to use the shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has removed 809 tents in the past year, and law enforcement and park rangers regularly sweep for encampments, but by providing notice, Grondin said. But data has shown that removing tents does not necessarily result in unhoused people going to shelters. Often, they relocate to a different part of the city or another town. There are no more large encampments in the city of Portland, but that doesnt mean there arent unsheltered people all over the city, Zimmerman said. Unhoused Lewiston residents wait for a van to pick them up at Kennedy Park around 7:30 p.m. to bring them to the citys new warming center, where some can stay overnight. (Eesha Pendharkar | Maine Morning Star) Lack of coordinated state response While the state has helped with funding for shelters and affordable housing initiatives, it has not weighed in on policy decisions, including camping bans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many who work in the field believe homelessness in Maine can be solved made rare and brief but we have to all want to solve for it and we have to do it together and in collaboration across many sectors, governments, nonprofits and individuals, said Scott Thistle, a spokesperson for MaineHousing. But MaineHousing does not endeavor to tell local elected officials what the best solution is for their community is or should be we support them in finding and funding those solutions. Nobody wants to take full responsibility. Municipalities dont want to say this is for us to fix, the state doesnt want to say it. Everybodys pointing somewhere else, said Spencer White of the Mid-Maine shelter. Theres ways that we could leverage the existing resources at our disposal, but what we lack is coordinated and committed leadership, leadership that will actually bring the municipalities to the table and work through the issues. Ahead of the upcoming session, the Maine Legislature recently amended committees to break up Labor and Housing and make a permanent committee focused on housing and economic development. Maine Morning Star reached out to several legislators focused on housing issues but didnt hear back by publication. A spokesperson for the Governors Office of Policy Innovation and the Future did not answer questions related to the states role. Dion said theres a statewide council of mayors, where city leaders discuss solutions to homelessness, but without coordination, theres no opportunity to share resources between municipalities. Having somebody facilitating data on resources and demand, thats a state responsibility, he said. What Im looking for is a dedicated office and staff to help us. At the front end of the problem, I mean, they could stand up some shelter space, and especially at the back end in terms of securing housing. Supreme Court ruling paves way for heightened enforcement Though Lewistons City Council is now supporting the establishment of a permanent shelter, the citys camping ban is still on the books. Several unsheltered Lewiston residents said police are still giving out warnings when tents are reported, although a new warming center also operated by Kaydenz Kitchen that opened last month is the only legal place for them to stay. We literally got asked to move our tent with all our stuff in it because we had it set up under a bridge and someone called the cops on us, said Linda Chagnon, who was at the warming center on a snowy December night with her husband. After the warning, her family will soon have to move the tent if they want to keep their belongings, since taking everything with them from a day center to the public library to the warming center overnight isnt possible, she said. Like the experiences of both Chagnon and Arborio, the constant moving and fear of interacting with law enforcement can be among the most challenging aspects of homelessness. Arborio traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this year with the ACLU to speak against the Grants Pass, Oregon, ruling. Since then, Grants Pass officials have limited where about 600 homeless people can pitch a tent or sleep to just two locations in the city of 39,000. Grants Pass officials have been publicly chastised for the ordinance. At an August council meeting, City Manager Aaron Cubic met withering criticism after he said the city was not legally obligated to provide water at city-designated spots. There is no legal requirement the city do anything more than designate a place to rest or a place to camp, he said at the meeting, adding that other services and amenities could include water and shade. The city has provided portable toilets and handwashing stations, though not water. Mayor Sara Bristol said that balance is necessary to avoid the perception the city is encouraging people to come there. Maine advocate Arborio said the impact of a camping ban is hard to understand without experiencing the despair and lack of hope and support unhoused people live with daily. If the shelters are full and theres no warming center, you have to let them at least have a chance outdoors, he said. People in warm city halls dont understand the impact of these policies, the trauma of marching somebody around all day long in this weather. Ben Botkin of Oregon Capital Chronicle contributed to this report. This story was originally published by Maine Morning Star, which like the New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Aberdeen Proving Ground personnel will fire off a cannon every 30 minutes on Monday to honor former President Jimmy Carter. The first round was scheduled for 11 a.m., and the last at 5 p.m. Carter, the 39th president, died Sunday at the age of 100. U.S. Department of Defense policy requires that Aberdeen Proving Ground honor the former president by performing cannon salutes throughout the day. A cannon will be fired on Fanshaw Field until the end of day retreat, according to a release, meaning 5 p.m. The release warns surrounding residents that they may hear intermittent cannon fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These operations are not hazardous to residents in our surrounding communities and are integral to ensuring continued readiness of service members, the release said, noting that Aberdeen Proving Ground has its noise level monitored throughout the day to minimize its impact on neighbors. _____ CANTON, Conn. (WTNH) Canton Fire & EMS rescued two people from a truck they drove into a river Sunday morning. EMS was dispatched to Torrington Avenue just after 12:00 a.m. Sunday morning for a report of a car into a river with people still in the vehicle. Photo provided by Canton Fire & EMS. Crews were on scene for two hours while the vehicle was removed from the river. The driver and passenger were extracted from the vehicle. Canton EMS has not yet reported on their condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WTNH.com. The history of Fords GT40 has spawned countless books, legends, and even the 2019 film Ford v Ferrari, which mixed fact and fantasy to tell a (somewhat) credible story. And while the characters behind the GT40 are well known, such as Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles, less so are the cars themselves, whose official production spanned a mere six years, from 1964 through 1969, and amounted to only about 105 examples. The GT40 was built to take Ford to the track; specifically endurance racing at places like the Nurburgring, Daytona, and famously, Le Mans, which saw four consecutive Ford victories from 1966 through 1969. An abbreviated family tree shows four main model variants designated Mk I to Mk IV. All were powered by a mid-mounted Ford V-8 engine with a four- or five-speed transmission hung out back. Engine displacement in cubic inches included 255, 289, and 302 small-blocks, and a big-block 427, the latter in the Mk II and Mk IV cars. More from Robb Report The 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I road car being offered through Mecum Auctions on January 18. As a motorsport competitor, the GT40 was constantly being improved upon to achieve better performance, reliability, and results, and to keep pace with often mercurial race-series rules and regulations that eventually banned the 7.0-liter cars altogether. Advertisement Advertisement While most GT40s were pure race cars, 31 of the Mk I versionand all seven of the Mk IIIwere built in road trim. A very special example comes to the Mecum Auctions sale at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla., on January 18. Serial No. P/1034 was completed at the factory in Slough, England, in late 1965. Delivered on March 1, 1966, it was the first production road-car example of the GT40 sold to a private owner, James Fielding of Gloucester, and Ford UKs then-ambassador, Jackie Stewart, handed over the keys. The car was completed at the factory in Slough, England, in late 1965, and delivered on March 1, 1966. Fundamentally still racers, the road cars did offer such amenities as carpeting, non-perforated leather seats, and leather door pouches. Such features as FORD lettering on the nose and snazzy chrome Borrani knockoff wire wheels also helped distinguish the street machines from their track siblings. In addition, P/1034painted Pine Greenwas built with options like a heated windshield, reverse lights, fender mirrors, dual fuel gauges, a clock, and mufflers. After about a half decade, Fielding sold his GT40 to neighbor Paul Weldon, who piloted the car in vintage races throughout England in the early 1970s. Subsequent owners included Harley Cluxton of Arizona and Rob Walton of Arkansas. P/1034 later went to Australia, came to California in 2012, and subsequently went back to Europe, where it was acquired by the current owner from D.K. Engineering in 2021. The interior of this road-car version of the GT40 Mk I features carpeting, non-perforated leather seats, leather door pouches, and a heated windscreen. Long before GT40s became multimillion-dollar trophies, they were subjected to the vagaries of use, mechanical failure, accidents, and more. So, it is surprising to find examples with many of their original components. P/1034 was subject to a full restoration to its original specifications, and notably retains all of its original body panels, which accompanied the car as spares and were refitted in 2019. Although not equipped with its original engine, the car carries a period-correct 289-cubic-inch Ford V-8, which makes 335 hp. Advertisement Advertisement Importantly, the (monocoque chassis) tub is original, as is the rare ZF 5DS-25 five-speed transaxle. The engine, while not original, is a correct 289-cubic-inch Ford HiPo (K-Code) V-8 with a quartet of fat Weber 48IDA carburetors atop the manifold. Built by Mathwall Engineering, the power plant has been dyno tested to deliver 335 hp. Serial No. P/1034 was subject to a full restoration to its original specifications, and notably retains all of its original body panels. The cars future owner will be pleased to know that its being sold with an additional engine, dated January 1966, which has accompanied the car since it was new. When it comes to Fords GT40, there arent too many data points to establish value. Yet values have seen a substantial increase in the past couple of years, with examples in good condition hovering at $5.5 million while concours-quality examples can fetch well over $7.5 million. Click here for more photos of this 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I road car. This 1966 Ford GT40 Mk I road car will be offered through Mecum Auctions on January 18. Best of Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. 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? King Charles III of England paid tribute to the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday, December 29, at the age of 100. The last time the two politicians met was back in 1977, when the American had just taken office. However, this did not stop Charles III from recalling the event they attended together. ADVERTISIMENT The monarch expressed his condolences to the American people and Jimmy Carter's family. Buckingham Palace published his message on InstaStories. "It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of former President Carter. He was a dedicated public servant and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility inspired 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," the King of England said. Charles III fondly recalled his meeting with Carter at Buckingham Palace in 1977. The future monarch admired the politician's public activities, but his mother, Elizabeth II, did not share her son's views at the time, The Mirror reports. ADVERTISIMENT During a meeting between the Queen and the American president at Buckingham Palace in 1977, an incident occurred that shocked the British monarch. After greeting Elizabeth II, Carter kissed her, a gesture that was a significant violation of protocol. Later, the Queen recalled this awkward encounter and claimed that she tried to dodge the US President after realizing that he had leaned in for a kiss. "No one has done that since my husband died. I took a sharp step back - not far enough," Elizabeth II said. ADVERTISIMENT Jim Carter's heart stopped beating at his home in Plains, Georgia. The cause of his death is unknown, but back in February 2023, it was reported that the politician had decided to stop treatment for an aggressive form of melanoma, a skin cancer with metastases to the liver and brain. After a series of hospitalizations, it was decided that the politician would spend the rest of his life at home under medical supervision. Earlier, OBOZ.UA wrote that after the death of Jimmy Carter, Americans began to bring peanuts to the improvised memorial. In addition to nuts, peanut butter and peaches also appeared at the site. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! (The Hill) 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported double the cases of norovirus compared to previous years in early December after outbreaks have been reported across the country. During the week of Dec. 5, the CDC reported 91 cases of norovirus, more commonly known as the stomach flu, which is over double the highest number recorded between 2021 and 2024. Texas is not currently experiencing a norovirus outbreak, but with increased travel during the holidays and students returning to campuses next month, the virus could potentially reach the state in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Texas was part of an outbreak that occurred in late winter, reporting multiple positive cases. Additionally, the state contributed to at least 55 cases during the December 2022 outbreak. What is norovirus? Norovirus is more commonly known as the stomach flu and is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from inflammation of the stomach and intestines, or gastroenteritis, according to the CDC. The virus is also the number one cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. and causes 58% of the illnesses acquired. What has caused the spread of norovirus? Norovirus is spreading across the United States, with several factors contributing to the outbreaks, including various forms of contact and the consumption of raw oysters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This month, more than 80 people reportedly fell ill after eating oysters at the Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants event, USA TODAY previously reported. Additionally, oysters from British Columbia, Canada, were recalled following multiple advisories from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, warning of potential contamination with the virus. In December 2022, when Texas experienced a significant outbreak, oysters were identified as a major contributor. Norovirus outbreaks have also been reported on multiple cruise ships this month. Last week, 83 guests and a dozen crew members on a Holland American Line cruise reported being ill on a voyage that departed Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 8 and ended Dec. 20. Their main symptoms were vomiting and diarrhea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outbreak followed a separate norovirus outbreak on Princess Cruises Ruby Princess in a voyage that ended Dec. 18 and a cruise on Holland Americas Zuiderdam that ended Dec. 14. What are the symptoms of norovirus illness? The following are symptoms of norovirus infection, according to Texas Children's: Vomiting Diarrhea Stomach cramping Urinating less or having dark-colored pee Dry mouth Feeling weak Dizziness Less common symptoms are: Muscle aches Low-grade fever or chills Headache This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is norovirus? Stomach flu increasing in US, CDC says WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon said on Monday a ceasefire between Turkey and the U.S.-backed Kurdish Syrian forces around the northern Syrian city of Manbij was holding. Washington brokered an initial ceasefire earlier this month after fighting that broke out as rebel groups advanced on Damascus and overthrew the rule of Bashar al-Assad. But on Dec. 19, a Turkish defense ministry official said there was no talk of a ceasefire deal between Ankara and the SDF. "The ceasefire is holding in that northern part of Syria," Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SDF is the main ally in a U.S. coalition against Islamic State militants in Syria. It is spearheaded by the YPG militia, a group that Ankara sees as an extension of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants that it outlaws and who have fought the Turkish state for 40 years. Turkey regards the PKK, YPG and SDF as terrorist groups. The U.S. and Turkey's Western allies list the PKK as terrorist, but not the YPG and the SDF. The United States has about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria that have been working with the SDF to fight Islamic State militants and prevent a resurgence of the group, which in 2014 seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria but was later pushed back. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Andrew Heavens) SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Hundreds of parishioners were at the cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton on Sunday along with Bishop Bambera. They gathered for the Jubilee Mass celebrating the Jubilee year on a local level. The Jubilee year was officially opened by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve at St. Johns Basilica in Rome. However, on Sunday, he opened the doors to Romes Cathedral Church, the archbasilica of Saint John Lateran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bishops around the world are called to do the same in their own dioceses for the celebration of the feast of the holy family. Kids learning magic of science with dancing candy canes Each Jubilee year has a different theme, this years being The Pilgrimage of Hope with the overarching theme of renewal of ones faith. We are pilgrims on a journey of hope, and during this time we simply open our hearts to the lord. Hopefully to deepen our faith, to recognize and believe that were forgiven, and that were all given the opportunity to begin again through Christ, said Bishop for the Diocese of Scranton Joseph Bambera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Diocese of Scranton will be hosting a pilgrimage of its own to Rome and other holy sites in Italy in September. For those unable to travel abroad, a pilgrimage will be hosted to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC. 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 PAhomepage.com. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The population of the United States will have surpassed 341 million by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Years Day (EST), according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The exact number is projected to be 341,145,670, the Bureau said Monday. The U.S. Census Bureau says there have been over 2 million births since Jan 1, 2024, representing a growth of 0.78%. Since the last census in 2020, there have been 9,696,329 births. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The world population is projected to be 8,092,034,511 at the start of the new year, according to the Census Bureaus Population Clock. Over 71 million people were born worldwide over the last year. Jimmy Carter to receive state funeral in January Based on current estimates, there will also be one birth every 9 seconds and one death every 9.4 seconds in January 2025. Worldwide, it is projected that there will be 4.2 births and 2 deaths every second. One person will also migrate to the U.S. every 23.2 seconds. Combined with births and deaths, the U.S. population will grow by one person every 21.2 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here to view the U.S. Census Bureau U.S. and World Population Clock. Here are the 10 most populous states: The largest concentration of people in the United States is in the South, with over 132 million people representing 39% of the population. Over 80 million live in the western United States, 69 million in the Midwest, and 57 million in the Northeast. 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. CHAMPION, Ohio (WKBN) A woman died Monday afternoon after the Champion Township Police Department reported her missing earlier in the day. A missing persons alert was issued for the 88-year-old woman after she walked away from her home around Warrenton Drive NW around 8 a.m. Police said they were concerned for her safety as she has trouble walking. After canceling the alert, Champion police said she was found around 5 p.m. on the porch of another residence 300 yards away from her home. The department had over 20 people looking for her, with drones, K9s and people on four-wheelers but was not able to locate her in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WKBN.com. Travelers along Interstate 35 in Edmond are seeing just the start of a yearslong rebuild of the corridor that when completed in the mid-2030s will feature a wider highway with Texas-turnarounds and a diverging diamond interchange at one of the roads busiest bottlenecks. Traffic along the corridor tops an average 72,000 vehicles a day, and over the past 20 years the highway going through Edmond has grown from a rural stretch into a major commercial corridor with a mix of big box stores, restaurants, retail and hospitals. New neighborhoods are popping up as well. Rick Howland, an engineer with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, said the first phase of construction is being done to change the frontage roads between Memorial Road and Second Street from two-way to one-way traffic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before doing so, construction must finish on Texas turnarounds at 33rd, 15th and Second street bridges over I-35. The Texas turnarounds enable drivers going one direction to turn around and go the opposite direction without going through stop signs or traffic lights. Howland said the Texas turnarounds, currently under construction, should be completed by fall 2025. Once we have those in, there will be a second phase where we will be redoing the on and off ramps, Howland said. We will be getting rid of the button hook ramps and doing more typical slip ramps. Waterloo Road at Interstate 35 is shown when the area was still largely rural and lightly traveled. The two-lane road passing under I-35 is now a major bottleneck for drivers in an area experiencing rapid growth. Once the ramps and reconstruction of the frontage roads are completed, the project schedule calls for construction of a diverging diamond interchange at Waterloo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interchange consists of two of the oldest bridges on the Edmond section of the highway and traffic is forced to narrow down to one lane each way under the overpass. An recent application for federal funding by the department of transportation reports the bridges were built in 1958 as the highway was being built through central Oklahoma. The National Bridge Inventory lists the northbound and southbound bridges over Waterloo as fair, but state transportation engineers warned in their funding application both are at risk of becoming structurally deficient within the next three years due to the current condition ratings of the deck and structure. The bridge is also considered at risk of continued strikes by over-height vehicles along Waterloo. The bridges are posted at a vertical clearance of 13 feet 11 inches, far less than the current standard of 16 feet, 9 inches. Engineers also warned freight and commercial activity at the interchange will continue to grow with development of The Landing at Waterloo, a 110-acre mix of retail, industry and housing. The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments forecasts the region will add 430,000 more residents and 320,000 more jobs by 2045. Waterloo Road in Edmond interchange. Diverging diamond interchanges are relatively new in the United States with the first one opened in 2009 along Interstate 44 in Springfield, Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A U.S. Department of Transportation study advises the experience with I-44 in Springfield showed the interchanges are safer for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists thanks to being designed with fewer conflict points. Wait times for drivers also are reduced. The interchanges use traffic signals on each side to divert directional traffic from right of center to left of center as it passes over the interstate. Construction is shown at Interstate 35 and 33rd Street in Edmond where work is underway to convert frontage roads from two-way to one-way traffic with the addition of Texas turnaround interchanges. The diversion allows traffic flowing in each direction on the bridge to exit from or enter onto the interstate without having to wait on a light or having to cross lanes of oncoming traffic. Howland said the current estimate for the diverging diamond interchange is $44.29 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These bridges are an antiquated four-lane highway with not much room for traffic, Howland said. We do not have the exact numbers on the calendar days to build this, but it should be in between 550 and 600 days. It has nine phases to try and keep Waterloo Road open during construction. The only portion of I-35 in Edmond not scheduled for improvement is the interchange at Danforth Road. Howland said the project may be added to the Transportation Departments rolling eight-year construction plan in 2025. As currently scheduled, reconstruction of I-35 will be capped off with a widening of I-35 from four to six lanes between Second Street and Waterloo. The narrowing of the highway at Second Street is a daily rush hour headache, but construction is not scheduled to begin until 2031. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: I-35 construction in Edmond to add diverging diamond, Texas-turnaround Formal charges have not been filed against a man arrested after gunfire erupted inside Castleton Square Mall last week, according to the prosecutors office. Based on the evidence presented, the Marion County Prosecutors Office has not brought charges against the 18-year-old taken into custody after the Dec. 23 shooting. The man, who faced a preliminary charge of felony intimidation with a deadly weapon, is said in court records to have been seen running after another suspect with a firearm inside the mall. This is not the end of the investigative process, as the State will continue to work with law enforcement to review any additional evidence that emerges for a potential charging determination, the prosecutors office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IndyStar is not naming him because he has not been formally charged. A preliminary arrest affidavit states the man was seen chasing someone with his right hand on a handgun tucked in his pocket. He left the malls camera view, and when he returned in the footage a short time later, police said he was seen with a noticeable limp and looked down at his left leg. The person being chased is also considered a suspect in the case, the affidavit states. The man told police from the hospital that he was shot by someone he had been in conflict with previously. Police arrested him after he was released from the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 18-year-old was the only known person injured in the Dec. 23 shooting. The gunshots prompted an evacuation and the malls early closure. The shopping center has been the site of several shootings in recent years, including two cases just months apart in 2023. Contact IndyStar reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Castleton mall shooting suspect escapes charges, investigation 'not over' Weather in and around the city this year will be remembered for being warmer than average, but not without its quirks. Chicago experienced bitter cold temperatures in mid-January, but overall winter 2023-24 was one of the warmest on record. Severe thunderstorms and a derecho struck the area this past summer as hot, humid days lingered. On July 15, the National Weather Service issued 16 tornado warnings the most the agency sent out in a single day since 2004. Heres a look at the most extreme days in Chicago weather this year. Hottest: 99 degrees (Aug. 27, 2024) At OHare International Airport, the temperature reached 99 degrees, breaking the record high for Aug. 27, which was originally set in 1973. A century-old record low temperature was also broken a hot and humid 79 degrees. The temperatures led Metra to implement hot weather speed restrictions, lowering train speed by 10 miles per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos: Storms roll through the Chicago area following excessive heat warning Concerns for homeless people, elderly and those with preexisting conditions grew as sweltering temperatures and heightened pollution levels gripped the Chicago region, leading to hazardous conditions for vulnerable populations, according to the National Weather Service. Aug. 27 was one of 23 days this year when the high temperature reached 90 degrees or hotter, yet no 100-degree days were observed. How it compares historically Sweltering summer nights are the most compelling evidence of climate change in the Midwest, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall summer average temperatures have increased by 1.5 degrees between 1970 and 2022 in Chicago, but average lows have warmed at a higher rate of 2.2 degrees in that same time. A possible effect of climate change? Illinois corn is becoming more sweaty. Yet when looking through more than 136 years of data kept by the weather service, Chicago has logged triple-digit temperatures only 66 times. Chicago experienced its first 100-degree day in more than a decade on Aug. 24, 2023. The highest temperature on record in Chicago was 105 degrees logged on July 24, 1934, but unofficial results have been even more extreme. Documented highs of 109 degrees during the Dust Bowl in 1934 and 106 during an oppressive heat wave in 1995 were set at other sites in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos: The best images of 2024 by Chicago Tribune photographers Coldest: Minus 10 degrees (Jan. 14-15, 2024) From Jan. 14-17, the polar vortex returned to Chicago, bringing wind chills of minus 30 degrees to the area, according to the National Weather Service. The freezing air mass was the coldest Chicago had seen in five years, with the last comparable cold snap in January 2019. That previous stretch of frigid conditions produced the states coldest temperature ever minus 38 degrees in Mount Carroll, which sits west of Chicago. But the subzero temperatures did not faze Dan OConor otherwise known as the Great Lake Jumper who continued his daily ritual of leaping into Lake Michigan. How it compares historically Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been much colder. Eight of the coldest temperatures and seven of the largest snowfalls ever recorded here happened in January. The city experienced a day of frostbite, fuming motorists and freezing homes on Jan. 20, 1985, when the temperature plummeted to minus 27 degrees the coldest day on record in Chicago. Tom Skilling, WGN-TVs former chief meteorologist, who retired at the end of February 2023, remembered the time he had to push his car into a garage behind the station to warm it up during one brutally cold winter. They used to do Bert Weinman Ford commercials in that garage so they had a big turntable that they put the cars on as the announcer told you about the latest deal. Well, thats the same garage into which we pushed my car and after a couple of hours, I could finally get it going again. But, oh, it was just awful! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The atmosphere took on a very almost unworldly state at that point, Skilling told the Tribune. Wettest: 1.64 inches (July 14, 2024) The rain total didnt capture the scope of the severe weather that rolled through Chicago beginning overnight July 14 and continuing into July 15. The area experienced 16 confirmed tornadoes and a rare derecho event, or long-lasting thunderstorm with high winds that can cause damage similar to a tornado, Ted Berger, executive director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security, said in August when President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration and directed federal assistance to support recovery efforts in areas affected by severe storms and flooding. Bidens declaration, which came after Cook County and Illinois made similar disaster proclamations, allowed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to offer individual assistance to residents in areas hardest hit by the July storms, including Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will and Winnebago counties. Over a month after the storms, many suburban communities hit hardest, including Harvey, Dolton, Flossmoor and Robbins, were still dealing with the aftermath, which at the time left thousands without power along with debris, fallen trees, broken glass and other property damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How it compares historically Chicagos heaviest rainfall on record at OHare for a 24-hour span was 9.35 inches on Aug. 13-14, 1987. If that rain had been snow, according to the National Weather Service, then Chicago and its north suburbs would have been buried under 93 inches, or about as much as during the entire infamous winter of 1979, when it took several weeks to accumulate that amount. The landmark rainfall from 1987 made it easier to get to OHare from Los Angeles than from downtown Chicago. The trip from the West Coast took only about four hours; the trip from downtown Chicago took 9 hours, 15 minutes for a Westin Hotel bus, according to the Tribunes archives. Normally, Chicago gets 3.71 inches of rain during the month of July. Snowiest: 2.8 inches (Jan. 9, 2024) Due to a strong El Nino, scientists predicted that Chicagos winter would be milder and drier than normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet this storm dumped 4 to 8 inches of snow west of the city and left south and southwest suburbs cleaning up days later, according to the National Weather Service. With winds of up to 40 mph overnight, several people took advantage of the powerful gusts to take to the surging waves on Lake Michigan. A couple of dozen people surfed on Greenwood Beach in Evanston in the early morning hours, where waves were up to nearly 8 feet and surfers remarked on a warm day out on the water. You dont have to worry about jellyfish. You dont have to worry about sharks. You dont have to worry about the salt, those are the benefits but adjusting to the cold temperatures and unpredictable surf can be hard, said Lee Remias of Winnetka as he was left the beach. How it compares historically Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicagos largest single snow event began with flakes falling at 5:02 a.m. on Jan. 26, 1967, and didnt stop until a record-breaking 23 inches had accumulated the next day. Mountains of snow accumulated in drifts, whipped by winds of 50 mph or more. Many commuters were stuck at their workplaces on Jan. 26 as a result of the snow, staying there or at a nearby hotel for the night. In Chicago alone, an estimated 20,000 cars and 1,100 Chicago Transit Authority buses were stranded in the snow, according to the weather service. More than 2,500 people and 500 pieces of equipment would be used in the ensuing days to dig out the roads. The airports were also closed and passengers stuck inside terminals were provided pillows, blankets and hot coffee as crews outside worked to clear runways. Remarkably, the storm was preceded by unseasonable warmth it was 65 degrees just two days before the snow appeared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most snow Chicago has ever received in one season is 89.7 inches during 1978-79. The least 9.8 inches occurred in 1920-21. Sources: Tribune reporting and archives; National Weather Service Chicago Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and subscribe to the Vintage Chicago Tribune newsletter for more from Chicagos past. Actor Maksym Devizorov is best known for his roles in the films "Peaceful 21," "The First Swallows," "The New Girl," and "The Best Weekend." He stood up to defend the country from the first days of the full-scale invasion. He served in the Donetsk and Kharkiv areas as a member of the 103rd separate territorial defense brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Currently, he is working in the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' TRO Command, where he and his team create documentaries and news stories about the war. He is gradually returning to his profession, developing the Veterans' Theater project and acting in the Kyiv Drama and Comedy Theater on the left bank of the Dnipro River. ADVERTISIMENT In an interview with OBOZ.UA, Maksym Devizorov admitted how the war changed him, explained why his marriage to actress Svitlana Hordienko, whom he married after the full-scale invasion, broke up. He also spoke about his two brothers who are also defending the country with arms. - Maksym, how did you get into the Ukrainian Armed Forces? Did you have any military experience? - I had minimal military training as part of the preparation for the movie "Peaceful 21." A little bit of drill, work with weapons. I was in the Kyiv military enlistment office to which I was assigned the very next day after the start of the full-scale invasion. But, given the number of people who wanted to join the armed forces, I was told that those with combat experience were given priority. So I had to look for a better life in western Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT After a while, my friends and I went to Lviv to see our girls off abroad. I was registered for military service there. I remember the final stage of registration was already underway, and there were a lot of men, I thought: "How nice, such unity!" A soldier approached and asked, "Who wants to go to war?" But for some reason, I was the only one who raised his hand. Then I heard in the line that someone had already brought a certificate saying that he could not fight... Although there were more people who came to register, many volunteers. But at that particular moment, the following situation occurred. - In one of your interviews, you said that your decision to go to war was influenced by the death of your colleague and friend Pasha Li during the battles for Kyiv region. ADVERTISIMENT - Pasha is the brightest person I have ever known. He lived on such a high a hedonist, an aesthete, an incredibly kind man. He brought cookies to the set that he baked himself, and called them "pashalishki". He treated the entire film crew to them. I learned about his death from the Internet we were traveling in the car to Lviv. For some time I hoped that it was not true. And then my friends confirmed that this tragedy really happened. From time to time I correspond with his mother on Facebook. She asks me to take care of myself and blesses me. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the premiere of the documentary that was recently filmed about Pasha. I really want to go to his cemetery he is buried in the village of Vorokhta, Ivano-Frankivsk region. - You have such an unusual call sign, Kinder. Why did you decide to call yourself that? ADVERTISIMENT - There were several reasons for this. I dreamed of having a family, of having a child I was thinking of a boy, but I would have been very happy with a girl. The second reason is that when we moved to Donetsk region, we were first stationed in a kindergarten. And the third is a well-known fact about me: I love sweets, so the choice of my call sign was obvious. And I was right (laughs). During the holidays, volunteers and friends would constantly send me sweets, most often it was candy. And then, when the second and third season in the army began, I decided that something had to change, and now I have the call sign "Maksandi". It's the name of the ice cream from McDonald's, plus the association with my name. - How did your family react to your decision? - My mother was understanding. And then my brothers left as well. My brother Valentyn joined the Marines, and my cousin Denys joined the Third Assault Brigade. Of course, my mom, her sister, and my aunt are very worried. My mom loves the TV series "Friends", and whenever I had the opportunity and connection, I sent her short funny videos from there to entertain her a little. Sometimes I would repeat myself, and she would reply to me: "That doesn't count." She's a great girl. She is a chemist by profession, but she was never afraid to change her life dramatically. Now it's a little easier, I can see her often, and the boys are fighting. My brother Denis is currently in the hospital, having undergone surgery. I invited him to a performance at our theater. I hope that we will celebrate the New Year together. If Valentin does manage to come, it will be a real New Year's miracle for all of us. ADVERTISIMENT - What were your New Year's holidays like when you were at war? - They were held in a close circle of comrades, in dugouts. One day we were just at our position. Neither Santa Claus nor St. Nicholas came to visit us, but we had a visit from drone pilots who showed us New Year's fireworks - they were hunting for an enemy tank, which they successfully managed to destroy. It was a bit of a waste, but I liked it it was a great show. - How did the war change you? Your colleague, the head of the Franko Theater and former Minister of Culture Yevhen Nyshchuk, who went to the front as a soldier, told us in an interview that he had to get used to the fact that he had to hide his managerial ambitions. And Oleksandr Pecherytsia, an actor in the same theater who had been in the Armed Forces for a year and a half, recalled that he felt the loss of personal freedom acutely. ADVERTISIMENT - I am quite flexible, especially when it comes to working in a team. In addition, I was very lucky with my commander and my comrades. We were always ready to lend a shoulder to each other, and together we solved the tasks we were given. The first few weeks when I returned to Kyiv, I was even restless because there were no artistic exits or arrivals. It had become so normal there that I felt anxious when I didn't hear it. But I had to get used to the damn air raid alarms - that's such a striking difference. To be honest, at the beginning of my service, I was worried about losing my childlike spontaneity, and my tendency to play and joke, because it all helps a lot in the profession. And it seems to me that I have not lost it. At the same time, I gained a lot of experience I heard a lot of stories, and witnessed very atypical situations that greatly influenced my worldview. ADVERTISIMENT - What was the most difficult thing for you during the war? - Probably, like for every soldier, losing my comrades-in-arms. When this happens, it is very hard. In moments of despair, you even think that something terrible should happen to you, just so you don't have to mourn your friends anymore. But I have no hatred for my enemies, this emotion is not inherent in me. I have anger. - It so happened that one of your first film roles was in the Russian TV series After School. Did you go to work in Moscow? - It was when I was still a teenager, in 2012. The filming took place not in Russia, but in Tallinn, Estonia. The team consisted mostly of Russians. But local productions were also involved. Interestingly, my partner in the movie was Oleg Skrypka. He played a street musician nicknamed Ketchup. And my character wanted to become a kind of new Kurt Cobain to live under a bridge, to earn money by playing. Oleg played my character's mentor and taught him to play the guitar. We talked a lot off the set. I started acting very early. First, in commercials with my brother, and then there was a feature film with Irma Vitovska, but I think this project never came out. I think I was about eight years old at the time. ADVERTISIMENT - Together with your fellow soldiers, you recently founded the Veterans' Theater project in Kyiv. Tell us about it. - This is a joint project of TRO Media and the Playwrights' Theater. Here, our soldiers get the necessary skills to create high-quality drama based on their own experiences, feelings, and sensations. In June, we started training, and in October we held a festival of first plays. And now the premiere of the play "Military Mom," created as part of the project, has already taken place at the Kyiv Theater on the Left Bank. Its author is a veteran, combat medic Alina Sarnatska. The play is about choices, pain, and humanity during war. It's about how the trenches become home, explosions become everyday music, and humor becomes armor that helps keep your spirit up. This play was also directed by a soldier, Oleksandr Tkachuk, with whom we are now serving together. Among the actors are both professionals and veterans, active military personnel. ADVERTISIMENT We are now preparing for the second set. There were a lot of people who wanted to try their hand at creating drama. The boys and girls need this tool to share their experiences with those who understand what it is like to be at war. Each soldier has his own story. For example, Major Mykola Levkun lost both his legs in 2017, but managed to keep his destiny on the rails of life with honor. Moreover, after receiving prosthetics in Germany, he became the champion of the International Parabobsleigh Tournament on the Olympic track. We met at Ukrainian Fashion Week, where he participated as a model in one of the shows. I invited him to the Veterans Theater. He says he likes it and feels most comfortable on stage. ADVERTISIMENT - We are talking to you at the premiere of the film Train to December 31, which will be released in cinemas on January 1. In the movie, you play a soldier. - When the authors of the film found out that I was in Kyiv, they invited me to a casting call. Initially, I was offered the role of the groom, who is also a soldier. However, due to service restrictions, I had very little free time a maximum of a few shooting shifts, and that work required a longer process, so they approved another soldier. In a couple of night shifts, we shot everything we needed. I liked the movie we saw today. I love it when jokes are really funny, and the density of humor in this movie was a pleasant surprise. It is clear that the scriptwriters and creators had a lot of fun working on the movie. - Have there been any roles in your creative life that you turned down? ADVERTISIMENT - Of course. For example, because the script was of poor quality or the character didn't respond. However, I have never regretted it, because when I saw the result, I realized that I had done the right thing. But it also happened the other way around several projects where I saw myself in a role and imagined how I could play it did not work out for various reasons. But this is not a life's work, as, for example, happened with Will Smith, who was offered to play Neo in the cult movie The Matrix, and many years later he sincerely admitted that he regretted not working in this film. Or Matt Damon, who turned down the lead role in Avatar, also later said that he regretted it. He said he would never act in a movie that earned one billion dollars again (laughs). Once my dad, having watched one of the films with my participation, advised me not to play in such things anymore. It was a project like Real Mysticism, where some domestic crimes were reconstructed. My dad went to church and said that he didn't like these stories and wouldn't want his son to participate in such things. ADVERTISIMENT - When your father passed away due to illness, you said in one of your interviews that you had to go to the set a few days after the funeral. Why didn't you tell anyone about the loss? - Well, I am an introverted person. I needed time to accept this reality. And some pitying words would have only depressed me even more. When I felt that I was coping, I shared my pain with my closest circle. - In May 2022, you married actress Svitlana Gordienko, and in July of this year it became known that you are no longer a married couple. What is the reason for this? - I'll say it in one sentence, and we won't talk about it anymore, okay? I just met the wrong person on my way. A rotten apple. That's the only reason. We are not in any kind of relationship at the moment it makes no sense to me. ADVERTISIMENT - This is not your first marriage. Was there another one, probably student love? - Yes, there was a student marriage. - And now is your heart free or are you in a relationship? - It is free. - You paused before answering. - No, not because of that. I was just trying to eat a quick candy while you were asking. - Listen, you look so gorgeous and you're always eating sweets! What's the secret? - It's years of training (laughs). Every day, every day. - I would like to ask you something else: in your opinion, do artists have a place in the war? - I can't say that actors and representatives of other professions from the world of film production have somehow stayed away from what is happening in the country. A large percentage of them are in the army. Culture is a crucial factor for the preservation of the nation. Therefore, we need to allow theaters and other cultural institutions to function properly. But at the same time, creative people have a place at the front, just like builders, drivers, and businessmen. We had three actors from Lviv's Zankovetska Theater in our company. There were people from the Forbes list. Everyone had a different income, different life principles, and experience. But we all worked for the same thing: to protect our families. ADVERTISIMENT - Do you keep in touch with them? What is the fate of these people? - Some stayed in the brigade, some transferred, and some were written off due to age. We keep in touch, and congratulate each other on holidays. Just now, two of my close friends came to visit me in Kyiv during my vacation. I invited them to the premiere screening, and we watched Trainspotting on December 31 together. - Is there anyone among these friends whom you will take as a godfather when the boy you dream of is born? - There is a candidate for this job (laughs). My brother-in-law was a witness at the wedding. Now he says: "I agreed with the intention that I would become a godfather, but the bet didn't go through. You owe me now!" ADVERTISIMENT - Last December, you received the Order of Merit of the third degree from Volodymyr Zelenskyy. How do you feel about awards in general? - Well, such honors are given for worthy deeds. And I think the families of the soldiers are proud of their courage. But for the soldier himself, it doesn't change anything, in the long run. As they joke at war, "there are no benefits, only status". When I received my combatant certificate, which confirms my status as a war veteran, I confess that I was overwhelmed by mixed feelings. One of my brothers is 26, the other is 24. We are all veterans. A few years ago, it was simply impossible to imagine this. Even in our fantasies, we would not have invented such a development. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ZURICH (Reuters) - The head of the World Health Organization on Monday called for an end to attacks on hospitals in Gaza after Israel struck one and raided another in the past few days. "Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X. "We repeat: stop attacks on hospitals. People in Gaza need access to health care. Humanitarians need access to provide health aid. Ceasefire!" he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said Hamas militants were the targets of a strike on Gaza City's Al Wafa hospital on Sunday, which the Palestinian civil defence said killed seven people. Israeli forces also detained more than 240 Palestinians including dozens of medical staff from Kamal Adwan hospital on Friday, among them its director Hussam Abu Safiya, according to health authorities in the enclave and Israel's military. The Israeli military said the hospital was being used as a command centre for Hamas military operations and those arrested were suspected militants. It said Abu Safiya was taken for questioning as he was suspected of being a Hamas operative. Tedros, who last week was caught up in an Israeli strike against Yemen's main airport that he said might have cost him his life, called for Abu Safiya's immediate release and said the Al-Ahli hospital had also faced attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tedros said the WHO and partners had delivered basic medical supplies, food and water to Gaza's Indonesian hospital and transferred 10 critical patients to Al Shifa hospital. Four patients were detained during the transfer, he said. "We urge Israel to ensure their health care needs and rights are upheld," Tedros said. At least 45,514 Palestinians have been killed and 108,189 wounded in Israel's military offensive in Gaza since the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, according to Gaza's health ministry. (Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Michael Perry) The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Monday called on Israel to release a prominent clinician detained in the Gaza Strip. The director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Hussam Abu Safia, must be released immediately, Ghebreyesus posted on X. The hospital is currently out of operation following an Israeli raid, the forced evacuation of patients and medical staff and the director's arrest, the WHO chief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat," Ghebreyesus wrote. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said "more than 240 terrorists" were arrested in the operation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital since Friday. Fifteen of them had taken part in the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, in the Israeli border area, according to the IDF. Another "20 terrorists were eliminated" in the area of the hospital, it said. Abu Safia is also a suspect, according to IDF spokesman Nadav Shoshani. The director was currently being questioned on suspicion of his possible involvement in terrorist activities, he added. The army accused Hamas of using the clinic in the north of the Gaza Strip for military purposes and as a hideout. Chinese authorities have charged 16 Myanmar citizens with crimes including murder and telecoms fraud as part of a crackdown on cross-border cybercrime. Criminal gangs are accused of luring hundreds of thousands of people to cross the border into Myanmar and then forcing them to take part in telecoms scams in the so-called Golden Triangle. Myanmar authorities have handed over more than 31,000 telecoms fraud suspects to China since law enforcement officers from both countries started targeting cross-border gangs last September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Crime syndicates are believed to have made millions of US dollars a day from the scams, according to state news agency Xinhua. Last year Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the authorities believe that up to 100,000 people in one city alone - Myawaddy on the border between Myanmar and Thailand - were involved in telecoms fraud. The latest charges, filed in the eastern province of Zhejiang, involve 39 people, 16 of whom are citizens of Myanmar. They are accused of offences that include murder, fraud, unlawful detention, organised gambling and prostitution, and drug trafficking Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects include members of the Ming family, an ethnically Chinese family accused of running a cross border crime syncdicate. The head of the family Ming Xuechang, died in an apparent suicide last November after being detained. His son Ming Guoping (also known as Mg Myin Shaut Phyin), daughter Ming Julan (Myin Shut Lan) and granddaughter Ming Zhenzhen (Ma Thiri Maung) - who are all believed to be citizens of Myanmar - were handed over to the Chinese authorities in November last year. Ming Guoping, 43, was a leader of the Kokang Border Guard Force, which operates under the command of the Myanmar military. Xinhua said the 39 suspects are either members of the Ming family syndicate or its associated groups, entrenched themselves in Kokang, a region in Shan state on the border with the Chinese province of Yunnan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects are either Chinese citizens or ethnically Chinese Myanmar citizens and are accused of targeting Chinese-speaking victims. "They have relied on armed forces to carry out large-scale telecoms and online fraud targeting Chinese citizens, among other crimes," Xinhua reported. A commentary by the news agency said the charges would "serve as a strong deterrent to overseas telecoms fraud criminals, demonstrating [China's] strength and spirit of the rule of law." Prosecutors told Xinhua that Chinese authorities have jurisdiction over the case because crimes that took place outside China's borders violated the personal rights of Chinese citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also alleged that some of the crimes had taken place inside China, including sex trafficking and organising gambling establishments. The Chinese and Myanmar police worked together to investigate the case and hand over suspects, Xinhua added. This case is not the first time that the Chinese judicial authorities have targeted cross-border crime. In one of the most notorious cases, the Golden Triangle drug lord Naw Kham and three associates were executed in 2013 for murdering 13 Chinese sailors on the Mekong between Thailand and Laos. . 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. The News China unveiled cutting-edge aerial and maritime military capabilities. Analysts pored over blurry images that appeared online late last week of advanced fighter jets that seemed to have new stealth capabilities, with designs that Reuters said were novel relative to the rest of Chinas fleet. The jets were seen flying over a major Chinese city and showcase the countrys willingness to experiment and innovate, one analyst said. Separately, Chinas navy announced the launch of a top-end amphibious assault ship, underscoring Beijings push to expand its maritime defense capacity. The rest of the region isnt sitting tight: India last month tested a hypersonic missile. BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese government urged local officials to provide more financial relief or step up one-time allowances to people in need ahead of major holidays over the next month, as China's economic difficulties are set to extend into 2025. China's economy has struggled to gather steam this year, mainly due to a protracted property crisis and weak domestic demand. Securing employment, particularly for fresh college graduates, is also a policy priority, authorities say. Ahead of New Year's Day and the Lunar New Year in late January, local governments with financial capacity are encouraged to distribute relief funds or step up one-time allowances to those in need, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said in a statement published on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry issued a similar call in late September ahead of a major holiday for one-off assistance to the extremely poor, orphans and those in difficulty. According to the ministry's weekend statement, assistance to certain groups, such as unemployed people who have not been paid unemployment insurance and those without a source of income, must be strengthened. Jobless college graduates, the ill and families facing financial difficulties should also receive help, it added. According to official data, China's unemployment insurance system paid out 160.07 billion yuan ($21.93 billion) from January to November, up 25.5% year on year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry also urged local governments to better monitor low-income groups. The World Bank, in a report last Thursday, said the pace of China's poverty reduction slowed in 2024 and is expected to decelerate further in 2025 and 2026, due largely to slower economic growth projected in years to come. Tepid household consumption, the main drag on the economy, is the key to next year's growth recovery, analysts say. Policymakers have vowed to revive household demand. ($1 = 7.2991 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by Ellen Zhang and Ryan Woo; Editing by Nicholas Yong) The US Treasury has been hacked by suspected Chinese actors that accessed government workstations and unclassified documents, officials said. The department made the revelation on Monday after being notified on 8 December by third-party software provider BeyondTrust that the hackers had accessed a security key to get past safety measures, The Washington Post reported. The Treasury notified the Senate Banking Committee of the breach in a letter viewed by several media outlets. It called the breach a major incident. Department policy categorises nation state hacking incidents as major, according to the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Treasury was notified of the incident, it reached out to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, and took the BeyondTrust service offline, a department spokesperson said, according to The Post. The department didnt say how many workstations had been accessed or what kind of documents the hackers could have obtained. But in its letter to lawmakers, the department said at this time there is no evidence indicating the threat actor has continued access to Treasury information. Treasury takes very seriously all threats against our systems, and the data it holds, the department said. Over the last four years, Treasury has significantly bolstered its cyber defense, and we will continue to work with both private and public sector partners to protect our financial system from threat actors. The US Department of Treasury building (Getty) Assistant treasury secretary Aditi Hardikar noted in Mondays letter that it was working with CISA as well as the FBI but didnt say anything further other than the hack had been attributed to Chinese actors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on available indicators, the incident has been attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat actor, Hardikar said in the letter, according to CNN. With access to the stolen key, the threat actor was able to override the services security, remotely access certain Treasury user workstations, and access certain unclassified documents maintained by those users, Hardikar added. CISA was engaged immediately upon Treasurys knowledge of the attack, and the remaining governing bodies were contacted as soon as the scope of the attack became evident. The Chinese embassy denied the allegations, calling them baseless and part of a smear campaign. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said Beijing firmly opposes the USs smear attacks against China without any factual basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Treasury plans to provide further details to lawmakers in 30 days. A spokesperson for BeyondTrust, based in Johns Creek, Georgia, told Reuters in an email that the company previously identified and took measures to address a security incident in early December 2024 involving its remote support product. BeyondTrust notified the limited number of customers who were involved as well as law enforcement, the spokesperson said. BeyondTrust has been supporting the investigative efforts. Tom Hegel, a threat researcher at cybersecurity company SentinelOne, said the reported security incident fits a well-documented pattern of operations by PRC-linked groups, with a particular focus on abusing trusted third-party services a method that has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Additional reporting by agencies. By Laurie Chen BEIJING (Reuters) - A record 3.4 million young Chinese flocked to the civil service exam this year, lured by the prospect of lifetime job security and perks including subsidised housing as an economic slowdown batters the private sector and youth unemployment remains high. Applicant numbers, which surged by over 400,000 from last year and have tripled since 2014, reflect the huge demand for stability from disillusioned Gen Z Chinese and the lack of attractive options in the private sector even though local governments are struggling to pay wages due to a fiscal crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Klaire, a master's student in Beijing, took the notoriously competitive exam in early December, studying for nine hours a day and spending 980 yuan ($134) on online tutoring. She cited social prestige and stability as major factors why she is only applying for government or state-owned enterprise (SOE) jobs. Klaire has also seen colleagues get laid off during a previous tech internship. "I only want to pass the exam and not worry about what happens next," said the 24-year-old, withholding her surname for privacy reasons. "Despite personally knowing civil servants who haven't been paid for months, I still applied because I don't wish to make lots of money." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If she passes the exam, she will have a further interview as well as political background and physical checks, with the final outcome expected around April. Layoffs are rare in China's civil service, earning it the "iron rice bowl" moniker, though individuals can be dismissed for disciplinary violations. "The current leadership has no intent of reducing the size of public sector workers, who are the backbone of regime stability," said Alfred Wu, associate professor at National University of Singapore. Most civil service openings have an age limit of 35 and offer subsidised housing and social insurance, a major attraction for graduates disillusioned by the paucity of private sector job opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youth unemployment rates, which fell slightly in recent months, remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic figures as China's economy struggles to recover amid a prolonged property sector crisis and frail consumption. Many Gen Z Chinese "feel a strong sense of burnout and don't know what is meaningful" after having their university years defined by the pandemic and China's economic slowdown, said a Chinese sociology professor on condition of anonymity. As the present generation of Chinese graduates have not experienced the mass state sector layoffs of the 90s, many have an idealised view of government work, he said, noting an apt summation in a social media meme: "Becoming a civil servant is the endpoint of the universe". WAGE WOES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, rare interviews with ten public sector employees across four Chinese provinces paint a different picture: widespread bonus reductions and pay cuts of up to 30% this year have prompted some to consider resigning, while local government austerity drives have led to sporadic staff cuts. Some civil servants say they have been unpaid for months. Others survive on as little as 4,000 yuan ($550) monthly while supporting families and paying off loans. Many asked for anonymity to avoid retribution. Despite these obvious woes, high nationwide youth unemployment has fed strong demand for civil service roles, which have surged from 2019's 14,500 to 39,700 this year. Katherine Lin quit her civil service job in the southern megacity of Shenzhen in July after her 15,000 yuan ($2000) salary dropped by a quarter, bonuses were scrapped, and managers hinted at further downsizing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some departments chose to either cut salaries by 30% or fire people in response to cost-cutting policies," she said. At least three Shenzhen district-level bureaux were merged and nine employees dismissed this year, public notices show. In her housing bureau role, she handled an unprecedented number of migrant worker protests last December, when they normally demand wages before Chinese New Year. Another civil servant in rural Guangdong province described his salary of 4,000 yuan ($550) as "stable poverty" after monthly bonuses of 1,000 yuan ($140) stopped in June. In Shandong, civil servants complained on social media in September about being paid only one month per quarter, part of a policy called "guarantee four (months' salary), strive for six". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Council and Shenzhen government did not reply to faxed requests for comment. DOWNSIZING PRESSURE Beijing has long faced calls to reform its bloated state sector. Despite repeated downsizing campaigns, China's civil service jobs swelled from 6.9 million in 2010 to 8 million currently, with at least a further 31 million public employees such as school and hospital workers who have fewer employment protections than civil servants. Chinese provinces have quietly cut tens of thousands of public sector positions since 2020, mostly through hiring reductions and attrition. Wage arrears are "systematic and universal across the country, and are impossible to solve substantially in the short term," said a governance professor at an elite Chinese university on condition of anonymity, adding that this could increase corruption as officials supplement their salaries through tips and bribes, as well as increased administrative fines for citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The most pressing issue now is social stability," said the professor. "Therefore the lesser of two evils will cause the expansion of civil service hiring and the neglect of institutional reform." (Reporting by Laurie Chen and Beijing Newsroom; Additional reporting by Larissa Liao; Editing by Shri Navaratnam) CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) The Childrens Health Investment Program (CHIP) of South Hampton Roads recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Center for Children & Families. The ceremony was held on Dec. 19 on Jefferson Street in Chesapeake, and mayors from five Hampton Roads cities, including Chesapeake Mayor Rick West, Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman and Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover, were in attendance with shovels in hand to mark the occasion. CHIP of South Hampton Roads groundbreaking ceremony CHIP of South Hampton Roads groundbreaking ceremony CHIP of South Hampton Roads groundbreaking ceremony CHIP of South Hampton Roads groundbreaking ceremony CHIP of South Hampton Roads groundbreaking ceremony CHIP of South Hampton Roads groundbreaking ceremony The new center will include offices, meeting rooms, a teaching kitchen and communal space. According to CHIP of South Hampton Roads, they serve over 1200 families throughout the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on CHIP of South Hampton Roads, click here. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. 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 WAVY.com. Azerbaijan has formally blamed Russia for the Christmas Day crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, which killed 38 of the 67 people aboard. According to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, the Embraer 190 aircraft was shot down by Russia. The motives of the incident remain unclear and Aliyev suggested it may have been accidental. Aliyev said in a televised statement on Sunday, Dec. 29, "We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia. This is a fact, and no one can deny this fact. Again, we are not saying that this was done intentionally, but it was done." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He explained that the plane was struck by fire "from the ground" in Russia and "means of electronic warfare put our plane out of control." The fire was said to have "severely damaged" the tail of the plane. "Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except for some absurd theories," Aliyev said. The country has made three demands to Russia in the aftermath of the tragic event. "First of all, the Russian side must apologize to Azerbaijan," Aliyev said. "Secondly, it must acknowledge its guilt. Thirdly, those responsible must be punished, brought to criminal responsibility, and compensation must be paid to the Azerbaijani state, to the injured passengers and crew members." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Saturday, Dec. 28, Aliyev said Russian President Vladimir Putin called him and apologized. Putin also "extended his deepest and most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the crash." Issa Tazhenbayev/Anadolu via Getty A view of the scene after an Azerbaijan Airlines flight with 67 people on board, traveling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia's Chechnya region, crashed near the Kazakh Caspian city of Aktau on Dec. 25, 2024. A view of the scene after an Azerbaijan Airlines flight with 67 people on board, traveling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia's Chechnya region, crashed near the Kazakh Caspian city of Aktau on Dec. 25, 2024. In its own statement, the Kremlin said Putin "apologized for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace." But he has not said Russia was behind the crash. According to CNN, Putin said Russias air defense systems were active, as a result of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, when the plane attempted to land at an airport in Grozny. When the plane was unable to reach its destination, it diverted and eventually crashed. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doomed Azerbaijan Airlines flight carried 67 people including 62 passengers and five crew members. Based on preliminary information, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian citizens, six Kazakh citizens, and three Kyrgyz citizens, according to the airline. Related: 61 People Killed in Passenger Plane Crash in Brazil That Was Caught on Video Speaking to journalists in the aftermath of the Christmas Day incident, Azerbaijan Airlines' president, Samir Rzayev, credited the crew's actions for helping save 29 of the passengers. "Unfortunately, two of our experienced pilots and one guide lost their lives in the accident, Rzayev said, according to the Azerbaijani news agency Report and Business Insider. "Their heroism will never be forgotten." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rzayev also said that the Embraer 190 underwent an overhaul in October, passed a technical inspection and the pilots had logged more than 15,000 flight hours. 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. Meiramgul Kussainova/Anadolu via Getty Kazakh Transport Minister Marat Karabayev shares timeline of deadly crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight near city of Aktau, Kazakhstan on Dec. 27, 2024. Kazakh Transport Minister Marat Karabayev shares timeline of deadly crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight near city of Aktau, Kazakhstan on Dec. 27, 2024. Related: 1 Dead, 1 Seriously Injured When Plane Crashes on N.Y. Highway: 'It's Hard to Imagine Him Not Being Here' While this tragic accident brought a significant loss to our nation," Rzayev said, "the crew's valiant dedication to their duties until the last moment and their prioritization of human life have immortalized their names in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev separately commented on the tragedy, saying: I pray for Allahs mercy upon those who lost their lives in the plane crash. I extend my condolences and pray for patience for their families and loved ones." "This is a great tragedy, a significant loss for the people of Azerbaijan, Aliyev said. Read the original article on People BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Monday afternoon the Clay County YMCA hosted a Red Cross blood drive. Red Cross officials said that blood donations have been down this year as a whole saying that 62 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood but only 3 percent do. Clay County YMCAs wellness coordinator Lee Ann Hammond said that hosting these drives are very important to them. We have a lot of people out there with odd blood types, so to be able to provide blood for them is very important, said Hammond. I know that each blood drive we have we collect between 30 and 35 units of blood which can save a large number of peoples lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tips on how to quit smoking in 2025 Hammond said that they host a drive like this at least 3 or 4 times a year. She said that it is an honor to host such impactful events. The Clay County YMCA does so many wonderful things for our community and being able to do a blood drive is just one more thing that we can add to help people in any way that we can, said Hammond. Those interested in donating blood can find a link of upcoming blood drives 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 MyWabashValley.com. Ukrainian actress Natalka Denisenko has shared an update on the health of her husband Andrii Fedynchyk, who stood up to defend his homeland after the outbreak of the great war. According to the 35-year-old star, the soldier underwent a complicated surgery and will have to undergo a long period of rehabilitation. ADVERTISIMENT The actress and her son Andrii visited her beloved in the hospital. In her Instagram Stories, she showed how the Honored Artist of Ukraine looks like after a major surgery. "We came to see our dad. Rehabilitation is going to be very difficult. It will take several months. And then another year of recovery," the celebrity said. Nataliia Denysenko posted a video showing Andrii Fedynchyk in a hospital room. She filmed a touching moment where the defender began to hug and kiss his son as soon as he approached his bed. ADVERTISIMENT At the moment, the actress is not revealing too many details about the reason for the surgery. However, she shared a conversation with a doctor who specializes in neurosurgery and oncology. The expert said that he had installed an implant in Fedynchyk's intervertebral space so that he would no longer have the back pain he used to experience while moving. On December 25, Natalka Denysenko posted on her social media that her military husband had undergone a complicated surgery. The defender chose a private clinic in Uzhhorod for the surgery. Then the actress noted that the doctor did the incredible. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! QUICK WEATHER FORECAST: Today: Partly cloudy, high 49 Tonight: Cloudy skies, low 41 Tuesday: Scattered rain, high 48 (35) New Years Day: Light wintry mix, high 39 (27) Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 32 (23) Friday: Chance of light snow, high 30 (19 FORECAST DISCUSSION: Monday brings great improvement with clearing skies, calmer winds, and much more sunshine. Colder temperatures begin with highs only reaching the upper 40s. This is still above average, but that is going to change within the expended forecast. Winds will be much calmer as well. During the night clouds will build up as the next weather maker moves into Central Ohio. In the early morning hours a rain showers will pick up. These showers are going to pick up as the morning goes on. Scattered rain showers will make New Years Eve very gloomy across Central Ohio. By the time this system exits on New Years Day, some of those rain showers are going to turn into a wintry mix. About a quarter inch of rain is expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long term trends will see dropping temperatures across the area. Highs by the upcoming weekend will only reach the mid 20s. Colder than average temperatures will stick around for the majority of the first full week of the year. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Nominations are now open for the YWCA Clintons 52nd Annual Woman of Achievement Awards. Our community is full of women who give tirelessly to their professions, their community and to those around them, said YWCA Executive Director Shannon Sander-Welzien. The YWCA Woman of Achievement Awards are the perfect opportunity to recognize these women for their dedication, leadership and service. The awards also have a category to celebrate businesses that support womens success in the workplace. The deadline for nominations is January 20 at 5 p.m. on January 20. Click here for the nomination form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members can nominate mentors, colleagues, fellow volunteers or workplaces that represent the qualities of a Woman of Achievement or Business Leader. Nominations are accepted in these categories: Young Woman of Achievement -This award honors a high school senior who is honored for her leadership qualities in school, extracurricular activities, church and/or outside organizations. Civic/Community Woman of Achievement This award honors a woman with a history of volunteer service and leadership to her community. Professional Woman of Achievement This award honors a woman who has been a role model for women in the workplace. County Woman of Achievement This award honors a woman who lives, works and/or volunteers in rural Clinton County or bordering counties. Religious Woman of Achievement This award honors a woman who is an extraordinary leader and/or volunteer in her faith community. Business Leader This award honors an employer who creates an environment that enables women to be successful in the workplace and community. Unsung Hero/YWCA Honoree This award honors someone with a direct association with YWCA Clinton as a current employee or board member who exemplifies the YWCA mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This years winners will be honored at an awards dinner at The Tuscany Events Center at Rastrellis on March 27th at 5:30 pm; reservations can be made at YWCA Clinton or online. Contact Sarah Salstrom at (563) 242-2110 x106 or development@ywcaclinton.org for more information. Click here for a list of past Woman of Achievement Honorees. 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. CENTRAL NEW YORK (WSYR-TV) A Central New York child is back home after visiting NASAs Kennedy Space Center. This comes after he was chosen as one of the winners of the 2024 Space Kids Press Squad. NewsChannel 9 first sat down with Malaki Sandejas in August 2024 before the November trip. During the interview, Malaki said he was very excited to embark on the out-of-this-world experience. Fast-forward to now, Malaki is back and eager to share his experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was amazing, said Malaki. The Mexico, New York native was chosen as one of only eight winners across the country through a national competition held by Space Kids Global. I do want to go back very bad, said Malaki. Malakis mom, Michelle, joined her son for the three-day trip to Florida last month. When they arrived, Malaki was given a swag bag full of all things space, including a press squad polo and badge to wear throughout his trip. Watching the awe in his eyes from the moment we got off the plane until we got back on it and I think some of it was overwhelming because it was so much information for him, said Michelle, Malakis mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only did Malaki have the chance to visit the Kennedy Space Center, but also the Blue Origins Rocket Park Manufacturing Facility. He also received real-life reporter training. They took us on the roof and we saw one of Space Xs launches and it like shook the ground and there were blue flames, not red, said Malaki. Malaki had the chance to meet astronaut, Sharon Hagle, who is the founder of SpaceKids Global. He also met different news personalities who helped him with his reporter training, as well as engineers. Malaki said he also made several new friends throughout his trip who he continues to stay in touch with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They made sure that anything and every opportunity they could provide for those kids, they made it happen, said Michelle. For Malaki, hes just another step closer to living his dream of becoming a Spaceship Test Pilot someday. You can click here to learn more about SpaceKids Global. 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 WSYR. DENVER (KDVR) Americas 39th president, Jimmy Carter Jr., died on Sunday at age 100, and many took time out of their days to remember his legacy as an advocate for human rights and democracy. Carter died Sunday afternoon, according to the Carter Center, at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he had lived with his wife, Rosalynn, before her death in November 2023. He had been in hospice for over a year prior to his passing. Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 years old Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 after he helped ease tensions between North and South Korea, averted a U.S. invasion of Haiti, and negotiated ceasefires in Bosnia and Sudan. The former president, born Oct. 1, 1924, was elected Georgias governor in 1970, where he drew national attention when he declared the time for racial discrimination is over. Also during his life, Carter published more than 30 books and remained influential as his center turned its democracy advocacy onto U.S. politics, monitoring an audit of Georgias 2020 presidential election results. After a 2015 cancer diagnosis, Carter said he felt perfectly at ease with whatever comes. Many Colorado political leaders offered their condolences to Carters family in the wake of his passing, in addition to national figures like President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. President Biden said Carter will be honored with a state funeral held in Washington D.C. Dates and exact plans have not yet been publicized. Pres. Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden Biden offered a lengthy statement on Carters passing through official White House channels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. 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. 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. 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, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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 great nation because we are a good people decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong. President-elect Donald Trump President-elect Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday to remember Carters legacy and impact. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis Polis issued a statement via email to media channels on Sunday. Today, I join my fellow Americans in mourning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100. As a Naval officer, a peanut farmer, and later the Governor and President of our country, Jimmy Carter championed the American ideals we hold dear: human rights, international cooperation, compassion, and equality for all Americans. I extend my deepest condolences to the Carter family during this difficult time and express my gratitude for President Carters leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to our strong and resilient nation, both during his time in office and beyond. U.S. Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet Bennet issued a statement via email about Carters passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Jimmy Carter campaigned on telling the truth to the American people, and he kept his promise. He was a devoted family man, principled statesman, and champion for rural communities. His post-presidency set a global standard for dignity and selflessness. Susan and I join Colorado in mourning his loss and recommitting ourselves to the common good he espoused. U.S. Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper Jimmy Carter was first and foremost a good man, in the purest sense of the words. A champion of human rights. A trailblazer for affordable housing. A veteran. And a President who never forgot his roots as a peanut farmer, Hickenlooper wrote on X. As good as it gets. There will never be another Jimmy Carter. Our hearts are with his loved ones today. Colorado Democratic party chair Shad Murib The Colorado Democratic Party issued a lengthy statement via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are fortunate to have had as many years with President Carter as we did. As President, he helped us move on from an era of American history punctuated by the Watergate scandal with his positivity, grace, and calm. In the years following his presidency, he set a high bar for the service we should expect of our former presidents alongside his beloved wife and incredible public servant, First Lady Rosalynn Carter. From his community-changing work building homes with The Carter Work Project and Habitat for Humanity, to his dedication to peace and courage in calling out injustice at home and across the world, President Carter exemplified the best of us. His life and his service to the United States reminds us that we are bigger than our politics and his reminder that to be true to ourselves, we must be true to others is a lesson we should hold close as we enter the new year. We wish his loved ones peace, and extend our gratitude and appreciation to the entire Carter family for sharing Jimmy with us all. Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver Carter worked in Denver in 2013 in the Globeville neighborhood. The local agency issued a statement for his passing on Sunday. Former President Jimmy Carter set an enduring example of a life of extraordinary impact. He was a champion of human rights, whose passion for helping others made him the global figurehead of Habitat for Humanity. Here in Denver, we were incredibly honored to have met, worked alongside, and benefited from his generosity. He came to Denver in 2013 to help build homes in the Globeville neighborhood during his annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was proudly self-sufficient, working hard alongside volunteers and Habitat homeowners, warmly speaking to the teams around him, and insisting on carrying his own tools. He and his wife, Rosalynn, built with Habitat every year from 1984 to 2019, prior to the pandemic. President Carter found fulfillment in his global servicefrom a 293-home build in the Philippines to erecting eight houses in the demilitarized zone between North Korea and South Korea. Witnessing the needas well as the self-reliance and perseveranceof those who otherwise could not access affordable homes drove him to a lifetime of service. All of youincluding mewho was born to a family that had a decent house in which to live, weve never had to worry about improving our houses, and that gives us an opportunity to share the blessings that we have experienced with people that are not so blessed, shared President Carter during his 2013 Denver visit. As we honor and reflect on President Carters phenomenal legacy of service, were reminded how fortunate we are to be connected to so many others like him, who are committed to uniting people to build homes, communities, and hope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this report. FOX31 will update this story as more statements are released. 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 FOX31 Denver. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials release 1 of 5 gray wolves onto public land in Grand County, Dec. 18, 2023. This wolf is known as 2302-OR. (Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife) Colorado officials have formally urged wildlife commissioners to deny a request to suspend the introduction of gray wolves as the states voter-mandated restoration program enters its second winter release season. The staff recommendation from Colorado Parks and Wildlife was submitted to the 11 voting members of the Parks and Wildlife Commission on Dec. 21, ahead of an early January meeting where commissioners will weigh in on the petition, filed in September by a coalition of 26 livestock associations and other agricultural interest groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite a tense first year of reintroduction following the release of 10 wolves in Grand and Summit counties in December 2023, officials say the agencys expanded efforts to prevent and manage conflicts with livestock provide a solid foundation for the future of the program. Weve been listening to and working with all stakeholders in this historic restoration effort all year, CPW Director Jeff Davis said in a statement. The results are evident in our improved Conflict Minimization Program, the addition of new staff to work alongside producers, strengthened partnerships such as the Ad Hoc Working Group and the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and now clear guidelines for producers as it relates to chronic depredation and lethal management considerations. The states wolf reintroduction program fulfills a voter-approved 2020 ballot initiative to reintroduce the animals in Colorado in the name of restoring ecological balance. The measure, Proposition 114, was passed by a narrow 51% to 49% margin, and though it includes provisions to compensate livestock producers for animals the wolves kill, it has been bitterly opposed by Colorados ranching industry. CPW officials confirmed the depredations of nine cattle and 15 sheep in 2024, though industry groups claimed in their Sept. 27 rulemaking petition that their undocumented losses are higher. The petition, led by the Middle Park Stockgrowers Association and Club 20, a coalition of Western Slope businesses and county governments, asks CPW commissioners to order a halt to further releases until Colorados wolf management program is equipped to handle the consequences of these introductions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had no further wolf releases in the last 12 months, so weve effectively been on pause. Rob Edward, president of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project The request followed on the heels of a controversy over the Copper Creek pack, the first breeding pack to be established in Colorado as part of the states restoration efforts. Following a series of livestock depredations in and around the Middle Park area, the two adults and four pups that made up the pack were captured beginning in late August. The adult male wolf, which CPW officials said had sustained serious injuries prior to its capture, died after several days in captivity. Given the turbulent start to this program, the program elements described below need to be funded and in place before any additional gray wolves are introduced in Colorado, the petition said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But CPW staff say many of those measures have been implemented in the ensuing months, including the creation of a state range rider program that will launch in early 2025. Range riders contracted by CPW and the state agriculture department will receive specialized training in deterrence and conflict mitigation techniques and will be deployed as needed throughout the summer and fall months when the potential for conflicts is highest. Colorado wolf advocates and environmental groups applauded CPWs recommendation against a pause and efforts to expand its management program. Weve had no further wolf releases in the last 12 months, so weve effectively been on pause, Rob Edward, president of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, said in a press release. During that time, CPW and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have built out robust livestock conflict minimization programs, and addressed all the points raised in the petition the CPW staff recommendation puts a fine point on all of that. Targeting a self-sustaining population The states reintroduction plan, approved by the CPW commission in May 2023, calls for annual winter releases of 10 to 15 wolves per year in the programs first three to five years, with an initial target of a stable population of at least 50 animals within the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an Oct. 31 response to the ranchers petition, the agency argued that a pause would jeopardize its ability to meet its obligations under state law as mandated by Proposition 114. Already, despite plans to reduce a total 15 wolves in its first release season last year, the state agreed to reduce the number to 10 in response to pressure from ranching groups, Davis noted. Ten has become seven, and seven may become five or even four, he wrote. Such a small number of wolves cannot adequately serve as a founding population to a self-sustaining population. Pausing releases for a year would essentially set us back to square one, at considerable cost that will only have to be duplicated as CPW continues to work to meet the mandates of state statute. CPW announced earlier this year that it had reached an agreement with wildlife managers in the Canadian province of British Columbia to capture and relocate up to 15 wolves to Colorado between December 2024 and March 2025. The task of sourcing wolves for Colorados reintroduction efforts has been complicated by a lack of cooperation from wildlife agencies in conservative-leaning Rocky Mountain states including Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, and at least one agreement a deal to capture and relocate wolves from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Nation in the state of Washington has fallen through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife advocates and CPW officials are also fending off efforts to restrict funding for the reintroduction program at the state Legislature, as lawmakers prepare to deal with a significant 2025 budget deficit. Colorado has already invested significant resources in planning, public outreach, and initial wolf releases, advocates with a dozen conservation groups wrote to lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee in a Dec. 13 letter. Cutting funding now would waste these investments and potentially require even greater expenditures in the future to restart the program. Overall, despite a contentious first year and the setback of the Copper Creek packs capture, wolf advocates have praised how CPW officials have navigated the challenges facing the reintroduction program. No project of this magnitude goes off without a few hiccups and opportunities for improvement, Edward said. We expected some conflict with livestock production. Likewise, that some of the freshman class of wolves perished for various reasons cut us to the core, but didnt come as a surprise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these challenges, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has proven themselves a world class wildlife management agency, he added. Colorado Newsline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Colorado Newsline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Quentin Young for questions: info@coloradonewsline.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Late one summer night in 2023, Kei Jokura entered the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, excitedly carrying a blob in a beaker. The biologist had just come from the first floor, where tanks held a colony of gelatinous comb jellies. The blob was bigger than others, and it looked as though two of the jellies had merged into one. I couldnt believe my eyes at first, recalled Jokura, who was then a postdoctoral researcher at the UKs University of Exeter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mariana Rodriguez-Santiago, a postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State University, was working on her own project when Jokura appeared. We were all amazed and astonished, thinking, How can they fuse and still be swimming and moving around like a unit? she said. She grabbed a pipette and gently poked one of the jellies. It squirmed. Simultaneously, so did the one to which it seemed to be attached. We thought, Are they able to feel the same thing? Are they one individual? Two individuals? How can we disentangle this? she recalled. Over the next few weeks, Rodriguez-Santiago helped Jokura combine multiple pairs of the comb jellies, scientifically known as Mnemiopsis leidyi, to see what happened. The findings of the investigation led by Jokura, published October 7 in the journal Current Biology, showed that not only could two jellies fuse their bodies, but their nervous and digestive systems fused as well. Two effectively became one. The fusion phenomenon has definitely brought up many interesting questions, such as which genes are involved in fusion, what happens to neural signaling, and what defines self and nonself, said Jokura, now a postdoctoral researcher at Japans National Institute for Basic Biology. Each of these themes has the potential to challenge our fundamental understanding of biology. Comb jellies are found all around the world in coastal waters and the deep ocean. Though they look similar to jellyfish, they dont sting and belong to a different phylum, Ctenophora, which is Greek for comb-bearers. They are named for their combs, rows of hairlike appendages called cilia they use to move through the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ctenophores are one of, if not the, oldest animals on Earth quite possibly a sister to all other animals in the tree of life, so they provide a really unique opportunity to study fundamental aspects of nervous system function, said Rodriguez-Santiago, coauthor of the study. They belong to a group of animals which were there when the very first animals evolved, said Pawel Burkhardt, an evolutionary biologist and researcher at the University of Bergen in Norway. Burkhardt was coauthor of another October report on M. leidyi, published in the journal PNAS, showing that the jelly is able to develop backward, reverting to an earlier life stage following stress. He was not involved in the study that appeared in Current Biology. The two recent papers highlight that ctenophores have the opportunity to adapt quickly to changing environments and that their developmental programs are potentially more flexible than seen in other animals, he said. Fusion as a survival mechanism It also may be, Jokuras paper suggests, that ctenophores lack the protective allorecognition mechanism that allows one organism to tell the difference between its own cells and tissues and those of another organism. In humans, for example, allorecognition underpins the organ rejection that happens in transplant surgeries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jokura was studying how M. leidyi responds to light when he discovered two injured specimens had become conjoined. Curious to recreate the phenomenon, he and Rodriguez-Santiago began experimenting. They sliced off parts of several jellies and placed excised pairs together in petri dishes overnight. Nine out of 10 pairs fused successfully, resulting in animals with two sensory organs and two sets of anal openings, whereas typical jellies have only one of each. As it turned out, the fusion happened much more quickly than the researchers expected, according to Jokura. To observe the fusion process when and how it happens we performed time-lapse imaging, he said. The research team placed cut jellies near each other and waited. At first, the jellies continued to contract their muscles independently. Within an hour, their rhythmic movements started to synchronize. By the two-hour mark, they were in sync. When poked gently on one side, both sides of the combined organism contracted in unison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imaging demonstrated another layer to the fusion: The animals digestive systems also combined. The researchers fed a fluorescently labeled brine shrimp into one mouth of a pair of jellies that had been fused for two days. Then the team traced the meals movement through a microscope. The digested particles traveled down the digestive canal, crossed the fusion boundary and entered into the digestive tract of the other animal and the other individual could poop out the food, Rodriguez-Santiago explained. Eventually, the waste was expelled by both anuses, each in its own time. Future comb jelly research What Rodriguez-Santiago finds most interesting about the study is the way it calls into question what she thought of as pretty hard boundaries between self and other. Allorecognition is considered a protective adaptation because it enables a body to reject foreign cells that could introduce dangerous diseases. But these animals bypass that sensory rejection to then potentially have an even better chance of survival, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burkhardt believes the findings may lead scientists toward an understanding of when animals evolved allorecognition and how simple nervous systems form and process information. Jokura wants to study further how the jellies nervous systems mesh following fusion. I would like to investigate how their thoughts are integrated, he said. By visualizing neural networks, we might be able to explore something like the fusion of consciousness. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the name of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Amanda Schupak is a science and health journalist in New York City. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com While some optimistic entrepreneurs bend toward neighborhoods, others believe in the dynamism of downtown cores, where power brokers and pencil-pushers, locals and outsiders, coalesce. Kevin Lee is in the latter camp. In early 2025 he plans to introduce Third Space at 921 Pacific Ave.: a coffee shop, cafe and larder with a menu of hearty sandwiches, likely to include a cheesesteak and Italian sub, homemade biscuits and seasonal salads. Similar to the new Three Hearts on Hilltop, it will blend seamlessly between breakfast and lunch, starting with biscuit sandwiches and leading to a signature smashburger and potentially a weekly pasta special. Recipe testing has had Lee exploring ingredients inspired by his Korean heritage with a handle on Americana as in a housemade, marinated sausage patty with a perilla leaf aioli. He has also experimented on a miso-butter biscuit with crispy seaweed flakes and will make ingredients like pickles and sauces on site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anything not made in house will come from local partners, he said, whose products will be featured on retail shelves. He has already landed on beans from Naomi Joe Coffee, roasted just a mile away inside 7 Seas Brewing, and Halmoni Kimchi, a new mother-and-daughter pickle company based in Tacoma. Just before Christmas, he shared a glimpse of the biscuits during a sold-out pop-up at Naomi Joe. The name embraces the idea of a cafe as a place to socialize thats not home or work, as Lee described it, pulling ideas from recent trips to Paris, London and Korea. We want it to be very inviting. A culinary school grad, he spent much of the last decade working for Beechers, managing the iconic Seattle cheese brands flagship store at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. After leading the opening of a new location in Bellevue, he needed a change. His family has a history in the local industry, and Lee, not yet 35, felt the now-or-never bug. I love going to restaurants and coffee shops, he said in November. Why dont I just make it myself? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His search for a space led him to a shuttered Pita Pit at the Provident Building., where hell join Gene Juarez Salon and Maxwell Synove Photography. Kevin Lee outside his soon-to-open Third Space Cafe in the former Pita Pit in downtown Tacoma, Washington, on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. Lee has been busy transforming the high-ceiling space into a warm, stay-a-while kind of place. First was painting the gray-and-green walls in navy blue. Next comes gold accents and dark woods. There will be a window counter and a lounge-y nook, plus a banquette with table seating. He was attracted to Tacoma thanks to an influx of unique new businesses and a growing good energy, he said. He pinpointed a void downtown: There are great coffee shops and even a dedicated matcha shop. There are quick stops for a breakfast or lunch sandwich on-the-go, and there are full-service restaurants focused on dinner. What about the in-between? I love community things, but also my struggle was, every time I go to a coffee shop, the food isnt that great. If youre a coffee person, we make great coffee, and you can get great food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to peek behind the curtain of what it takes to open a small food business in Tacoma, Lee has taken a fascinating, and very public, approach in documenting his journey on Instagram. Following a Nov. 22 introduction, his Starting My Own Cafe video series has shown him walking into the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, talking shop with a contractor and a graphic designer, drinking coffee and tackling the inbox at another local coffee shop. THIRD SPACE TACOMA 921 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, instagram.com/thirdspacetacoma Planned hours, to start: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Details: coffee shop, cafe and larder in downtown Tacoma; target opening early 2025 SALISBURY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) The mayor of Salisbury, Karen Alexander, passed away on Sunday night, according to town officials. Theres an outpouring of support for her on social media following her passing. Alexander, a recipient of the 2024 Salisbury Pride Ally of the Year Award, is described as a trailblazer, a mentor, and a guiding light for the community. She was instrumental in developing strategies that encouraged business growth, improved infrastructure, and fostered vibrant public spaces. She also prioritized public safety initiatives that created safer neighborhoods and reflected her steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of families, visitors, and the community at large, officials said of Alexander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Alexander was not only a visionary leader; she was a mentor and a friend whose passion for this city knew no bounds. From revitalizing our downtown to investing in our neighborhoods, her influence and dedication touched every corner of Salisbury, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield said. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles wrote on X, Her dedication to the City of Salisbury and her unwavering commitment to public service touched the lives of many. We will honor her legacy by continuing to support one another, just as she encouraged us to do. According to the Salisbury Post, Mayor Alexander was 73 and died following a cancer diagnosis in October. She was first elected to Salisbury City Council in 2013 and served as mayor during two separate terms in 2015 and 2020. 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. Concerns are growing for the safety of a prominent hospital director in Gaza who was taken into Israeli custody after the Israel Defense Forces raided the site, detained scores of people and forced the closure of one of the last functioning medical facilities in the enclave's north. Video captured outside Kamal Adwan Hospital and verified by NBC News shows its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, wearing a white medical overcoat and walking alone toward a military vehicle. The street is strewn with rubble and the buildings around him appear destroyed, the video shared widely on social media shows. While it isn't clear exactly when the video was shot, the Israeli military confirmed Monday that it had detained and interrogated Abu Safiya. He was being held as a "suspect" and being questioned over "potential involvement in terrorist activity," IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said in a post on X. Dr. Hossam Abu Safieh supervises the treatment of an injured man on Nov. 21. Before his detention, Abu Safiya, a pediatrician, repeatedly warned about the IDF's raid on the hospital and how it endangered patients, including premature babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, he posted video on his Instagram account showing a quadcopter dropping a bomb a few yards from Kamal Adwan Hospital, with the bomb exploding with a loud bang before sending plumes of smoke into the air. On Friday, video geolocated by NBC News to the area around the hospital showed a crowd of men stripped down to minimal clothing walking in a line with their hands raised. Separately, NBC News' crew on the ground in Gaza captured video of a blaze tearing through several units at the hospital on the same day. In it, people could be seen racing to try to douse the flames with buckets of water, while others sifted through the rubble. Shoshani previously said there was no connection between the fire and the IDF's activities at the site. Since Friday, there has been no sign of Abu Safiya, with international organizations, including the World Health Organization, sounding the alarm and demanding his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday in a statement on X, adding that Kamal Adwan was forced to go out of service following the IDF's raid. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya walking down a damaged street. "We call for his immediate release," Ghebreyesus said, while noting that Abu Safiyas whereabouts are unknown. Hospitals and medical workers are considered protected under international law, which states that they must never become targets in warfare. Asked to confirm Abu Safiyas whereabouts and why he was detained, the IDF declined to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF alleged that Kamal Adwan had been used as a "Hamas command center." More than 240 people were detained over the weekend, all of them terrorists, it added in a statement. Sharing a photo of Abu Safiya, over the weekend, the international human rights group Amnesty International said it was "extremely concerned over the fate & wellbeing" of the medical director. "He must be released immediately and unconditionally," the organization said in a statement posted on X. Ghebreyesus said critical patients had been moved out of Kamal Adwan to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which he noted was "itself out of function." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said WHO workers on the ground and partnering groups were able to deliver basic medical and hygiene supplies, as well as water Monday to the Indonesian Hospital, in addition to transferring 10 critical patients to Al-Shifa Hospital, which has been heavily bombed and raided by Israeli forces repeatedly throughout the war in the Gaza Strip. Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahya, Gaza, in October. But Ghebreyesus said that at least four patients were detained during WHO's efforts. "We urge Israel to ensure their health care needs and rights are upheld," he said. Meanwhile, the WHO director-general noted that multiple other hospitals in Gaza had also been attacked over the past several days. The IDF said it has been well documented that Hamas uses hospitals and medical centers for its operations and pointed to weapons and tunnel systems found at and around hospitals. It also pointed to the alleged confession of former Kamal Adwan Hospital Director Ahmad Kahalot, whom the IDF detained last year and said had confessed to being a senior Hamas member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local health officials vehemently dispute claims that medical centers are used by Hamas or other militants. NBC News was not able to independently verify the IDFs claims. Israeli forces' repeated attacks on hospitals and medical facilities in Gaza have left the enclave's health care system decimated amid a spiraling humanitarian crisis, with most facilities damaged or destroyed in Israel's more than a yearlong military offensive. "If a hospital has been reduced to a bombed-out shell, it would cease to be protected, but otherwise a hospital, whether immediately used or not, is presumptively protected as an important civilian institution," Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, previously told NBC News. "It can be attacked only if actively used for military purposes, and even then, only if the civilian harm is not disproportionate." The Illinois-based nonprofit organization MedGlobal was also among those to condemn the IDF's attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital, calling it a "brutal violation of a protected medical space" as it echoed calls for Abu Safiya's release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. Abu Safiya and his team constitute the lifeline of healthcare provision in northern Gaza," Rajaa Musleh, MedGlobals Gaza country director, said in a statement. More than 45,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israeli forces launched their offensive in the enclave after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 terrorist attack, in which some 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others taken hostage, marking a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Students across the Concho Valley worked on several impressive projects this year. In Oct., junior and senior girls at Veribest High School participated in a self-defense training course to build their confidence and learn how to protect themselves. Two months later, the Texas School Business Magazine chose Veribest ISD as one of 12 school districts with outstanding programs because of the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High school students at TLCA San Angelo worked on building a plane from scratch through a new aviation program. By Nov. 2025, the plane will be ready to fly. Lake View High School journalism students got a head start on their broadcasting careers. They anchor the student-run news outlet, Chief News, as they cover activities and events happening at Lake View. During the holiday season, students at Cornerstone Christian School sent Christmas gifts to children around the world through Operation Christmas Child. The students packed and sent almost 400 gift boxes this year, 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. Ukrainian TV presenter Yurii Horbunov admitted that he maintains a relationship with his rapper godfather Oleksii Potapenko (pseudonym Potap), who fled Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion and has returned only once in almost 3 years of the great war. Now the scandalous artist lives in Spain and is building his career there, and he has no plans to return home. ADVERTISIMENT However, for Yurii Horbunov, this is not a reason to cut all ties. In an interview with "Tur zirkamy," he admitted that although Potap has a scandalous reputation, their relationship has not changed. "Our relationship is the same as it was before. Everyone decides in their own way how to live and what to do. We haven't seen or heard from each other for a long time," the TV presenter briefly explained. However, he contradicted himself, because almost immediately he said that he was in touch with his godfather: "Not often (we call each other Ed.), but we do." ADVERTISIMENT It's worth noting that Yurii Horbunov periodically stood up for Potap. In an interview with "Rozmova," he said that everyone reacts to war in their own way, so the artist's escape can be justified. "If I were him, I would have come earlier, he came later... But I won't blame anyone, including Oleksii, because war is a thing to which everyone reacts in their own way. To blame someone, to say, "Oh, this guy is bad, he didn't go to the front, and this guy is bad because he's abroad"... The main thing is that people should use all possible methods, each on their own front, to bring victory closer," the TV presenter said 2 years ago. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Governor Ned Lamont is among those expressing admiration for former President Jimmy Carter, after news of his passing was announced Sunday. The governor directed flags to half-staff in the former presidents memory. They will remain lowered through sunset on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Political world offers condolences for Jimmy Carter Other reaction comes from Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who said Carter was a public servant for all seasons- leading by example, passionately and unstintingly, over deeply different and sometimes difficult phases of his life and the nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The diversity and longevity of his public service is staggeringas a military officer, Governor and President, home builder, health care activist, and much more. He certainly showed that leadership in elected office is only one of many ways to give back to our great nation. He believed fervently in the opportunity and obligation of every single person to make a difference and better the lives of others, Blumenthal said. Sen. Chris Murphy said few people have better modeled what it means to live a life dedicated to the service of others. How long will flags fly at half-staff for Jimmy Carter? (Carter) led with compassion, humility, and moral clarity even when it came at a political cost. Helping others was his calling, and President Carter didnt need the White House to change millions of lives. From his work at the Carter Center to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, he worked every day to build a more just world, Murphy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Joe Courtney said America has lost a great man and talked about Carters impact on the Submarine Base in New London. Remembering Jimmy Carter Remembering Jimmy Carter In 2005, when the Navy sought to close Submarine Base New London, former President Carter stood by Team Connecticut in opposition to a plan which would have moved the Bases fleet to his home state of Georgia. His decision to support Team Connecticut in the face of political pressure at home represents the integrity and honor he served with throughout his life, he said. Today, eastern Connecticut maintains our proud role as Submarine Capital of the World thanks to former President Carter. I join the American people in sending my deepest condolences and gratitude to the Carter family for his lifetime of service, Courtney said. More Reaction Lt. Governor Bysiewicz: Jimmy Carter represented the best of us. A man of generosity, patience and above all, kindness Throughout his presidency, and even after he left office, President Carter was known for committing his time and talents to the service of others. He made democracy and human rights a central focus consistently focused on peacekeeping and diplomacy efforts. As a former secretary of the state, I always appreciated his work to promote free and fair elections in our country and around the world. Led by his faith to help the less fortunate, President Carter dedicated countless hours to building homes with Habitat for Humanity. Jimmy Carter was a man from humble beginnings who went on to change the world. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his country, his steadfast belief in democracy, and ultimately his kindness and sacrifice. My heart goes out to his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Minority Leader Stephen Harding: A century of life: and a life well-lived. Decades of dedicated public service to our country. President Carter always put family and philanthropy first. Always humble and true to his rural farming roots, he was laser-focused on improving the quality of life for everyone. He did it through peace efforts and kindness, through initiatives like Habitat for Humanity and through a host of human rights and public health causes. President Carters passion to help the most vulnerable among us was infectious, and his relentless energy drew support across party lines. We honor that legacy and that staunch commitment to community today as we consider the positive and widespread lasting impact President Carter has had on our world. Our nation is grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family. U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes: Today, our nation mourns the passing of Nobel laureate and former President Jimmy Carter. During his presidency and in the decades after, President Carter served as an advocate for peace, human rights, and democracy. His work with Habitat for Humanity inspired me to introduce my students to service and has helped build strength, stability and self reliance for so many through shelter. My thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family during this time and I thank him for his lifetime of service. Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Duff (D-Norwalk): Former President Jimmy Carter was a distinguished leader who epitomized the principles of public service. His remarkable career commenced at the state level as a Georgia State Senator and Governor, where he made significant contributions to education, racial justice, and government professionalism. Throughout his tenure as president and in the years following his time in office, President Carter demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the welfare of others. His leadership, characterized by humility and empathy, is a testament to the transformative power of serving others. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Carter family and the nation during this time of loss. May we all aspire to embody the integrity and compassion that President Carter exemplified in our own service to our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01): President Carter led our nation with integrity, spending his life promoting human rights and peace across the globe, said Larson. He was a man of deep conviction who always exhibited class on the public stage, whether he was a candidate, a President, or an elder statesman. With his deep commitment to his faith and his work with the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter demonstrated how to be a role model and make a difference in the world even when you leave elective office. He will be deeply missed by so many people he touched around the world. I send my condolences to his children Jack, Chip, Donnel, and Amy, and the entire Carter family. U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-3): Jimmy Carter was a giant a man of unparalleled compassion, humility, and service. From his leadership as President to his Nobel Peace Prize winning work on human rights & global peace, he set a standard of leadership that inspires to this day. My heart goes out to his family. Attorney General William Tong: President Carter leaves us just when we need his spirit more than ever. But as an American, and a kid who grew up during his presidency, I am ever grateful that Jimmy Carter showed us the way. A way forward for America that is just and fair, and takes care of each other. A way for a human being to serve other people as completely and vigorously as he did. I am not sure well ever see another Jimmy Carter in my lifetime. But for our sake, I desperately hope that we do. Connecticut Dems: The world has lost a remarkable humanitarian & leader with the passing of Jimmy Carter. His service as President helped the nation heal after Watergate. His work in post-Presidency changed millions of lives around the world for the better. We send condolences to the Carter family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WTNH.com. A special election has been called in the east metro district where the winning DFL candidate was recently ruled ineligible due to residency requirements. On Friday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill a vacancy in House District 40B, which covers Roseville and parts of Shoreview and Arden Hills. The special election will be held on Jan. 28, with any necessary primaries scheduled for Jan. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, a Ramsey County judge ruled that DFL Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson did not meet the residency requirements to represent the district in the House. The challenge was brought on by Republican opponent Paul Wikstrom, who alleged that Johnson did not live in the apartment he had rented in the district. With the states legislative session set to begin on Jan. 14, the decision put control of the chamber into flux. Without Johnson sworn into the seat, the House which was headed for a 67-67 split after November's elections is set to temporarily split in favor of the GOP. Johnson announced on Friday that he would not challenge the court's decision, and he was giving up his bid for office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) praised the decision in a statement and emphasized the partys new organizational majority. I am pleased that Mr. Johnson has accepted the courts clear decision that there should be a special election to ensure that residents of 40B are represented by someone from their own district, Demuth said. This confirms that Republicans will have an organizational majority on day one, and we look forward to ensuring that a valid candidate represents District 40B in the upcoming legislative session. Johnson won the election by more than 30%. In a statement, Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman called the district a safe blue seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesotans delivered a 67-67 tie, expecting all of us to work together. This special election in a safe blue seat does not change that fact, Hortman said in a statement. A prompt special election will allow the voters of District 40B to ensure that they will be represented in the Minnesota House for the bulk of the session. We expect the district will again vote to elect a Democrat by overwhelming margins. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) The Greenville County Coroners Office released the cause of death Sunday for the teenager that was killed at Frankies Fun Park by a forklift. Deputies from the Greenville County Sheriffs Office responded to 45 Park Woodruff Drive on Friday after receiving a 911 call about a collision between a Go-kart and a forklift. The Greenville County Coroners Office identified the victim as 17-year-old Kamel Seveion Sewell, of Simpsonville, who was an employee at Frankies Fun Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to authorities, Sewell was operating a Go-kart when it collided with an industrial-size forklift, which another park employee was operating. The coroners office ruled the cause of death as accidental. An autopsy performed Saturday confirmed Sewell died from blunt force trauma to the head. In a statement, Frankies Fun Park said it is cooperating with law enforcement and OSHA officials as they investigate Sewells death. At this time, Frankies is providing information and assistance to both law enforcement and OSHA. When the circumstances and causes of the accident are determined, additional information will be related, as appropriate, the statement reads. It is with a heavy heart that we share this news. Please keep Seveion and his family in your thoughts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney representing the family of Sewell released the following statement Sunday. As of now, there are not any formal legal filings, said Ryan James, Esq, managing attorney. However, my office has been contacted by some who wish to assist in this matter. This is an investigative phase where we are trying to determine the cause of this unfortunate incident, and, to whom we attribute culpability. Well give a more formal and detailed statement once all necessary information is before us. Please keep his family in your prayers. 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Im not a believer in New Years resolutions, but I do have an idea for your boss. This should be the year that managers finally dump all corporate claptrap. Lets clear the air of the office tosh, sometimes dubbed jargon monoxide, and get straight-talking. Im flabbergasted by the amount of people who tell me they spend all day sat on pointless Zoom meetings. Just looking at some of these jam-packed, colour-coded calendar events answers every question in my mind about why productivity in this country is so abysmal. There is no way there is much blue-sky thinking going on in these endless gatherings. As one worker confessed on Reddit last month, many meetings are basically productivity black holes where nothing real gets done, but people feel like theyve checked a box. They said 20 hours of meetings they had that week could have been distilled into a single email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is really dragging on productivity. Office workers waste around 213 hours a year in meetings which could have been an email, a survey published by tech company Brothers UK found last year. How is anything getting done? And why have so few pushed back on it? A quick glance online holds some clues. There are so many overly earnest posts on LinkedIn that when an account from comic creation Alan Partridge launched in the midst of the pandemic, the spoof post seemed to just blend in seamlessly (as I noted at the time). The sheer scale of corporate gibberish makes it harder for staff to call it out. Then there are those who can see a small upside in these tedious meetings it keeps high-earners looking busy. As another anonymous worker confesses on Reddit: I used to hate useless meetings but then I had this realisation that I could sit through them while surreptitiously checking my phone. The number of meetings I have doesnt change the times that I show up and leave every day, so what do I care if the company wants to pay me for sitting in a meeting rather than doing something productive? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this is new. Canadian e-commerce site Shopify last year launched an internal meeting cost calculator to shame staff into ending lengthy, pointless meetings by putting a price tag on them. A half an hour meeting with more than three staff could cost between $700 (558) and $1600, it said at the time. When the former Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway left for a job in teaching in 2017, she wrote that business bulls--- has got a million per cent more bullsh--y during her career. This has been a stubborn problem for decades. So why might 2025 be any different? There are a number of moving parts which could mean that patience for corporate waffle wanes. Many office workers will happily put up with boring meetings and managerial gobbledygook for the right amount of money and job stability. Yet many will enter the new year with a bitter taste in their mouths after a smaller Christmas bonus and the prospect of job cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A study published in the lead-up to Christmas found that just 8pc of employees were expecting a larger bonus this year, according to technology provider Zest, while research by the Global Payroll Association found that just one in five employees were expecting to receive one at all. Many workers will also be entering the new year feeling on edge about their jobs after more than half of British businesses said in a Bank of England survey that they expected to cut jobs in order to cope with the costs of the Budget. If payouts shrink and jobs look less stable, employees will lose patience with time-wasting prattle. They will definitely have no tolerance for meetings or announcements that dance around the fact that they are being sacked. I suspect needless, energy-sucking meetings will irk more than usual over the coming months as job cuts loom. Some meetings have moved so far away from their point in recent years that staff have been encouraged to reveal something personal about themselves before they can discuss the job at hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pamela Dow, a former civil servant, wrote in the New Statesman last month that HR meetings in the Cabinet Office would often start with an emotional check-in for psychological safety when she was there in 2020. But that ignores the fact that many people see work as an escape, and in times of personal distress might welcome the separation very few going through real struggle will want to tell everyone all about it at the start of a formal meeting. As one person pointed out under a blog post about this idea some years ago, nobody wants personal events such as a divorce hanging in the ether of a meeting either. There are far better ways to encourage connection between colleagues and boost wellbeing. Staff are getting fed up with all of this nonsense. A survey of 5,000 workers in various countries conducted by software company Atlassian found that staff think meetings are pointless 75pc of the time. Those surveyed said it was ineffective for everything from connecting with colleagues to making decisions with others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A poll by academic Steven Rogelberg two years ago also found that unnecessary meetings are costing big companies around $100m a year. Time is money. Pretending to be busy does neither the unproductive employer nor the bored-stiff employee any good. Lets make this the year of straight-talking and real connection. 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. Would the administration of President-elect Donald Trump send Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to jail over the citys sanctuary city designation? If some of Trumps top advisors are to be believed, the answer is yes, and Bass is far from alone. Bass, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell are among the nearly 250 officials who received letters from the America First Legal Foundation accusing them of overseeing a sanctuary jurisdiction that is violating federal law. America First is headed by Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, another top Trump official, border czar Tom Homan, said on Fox News that to knowingly conceal or harbor an illegal alien from police is a felony, meaning it can be punished by over a year in prison, Newsweek reports. Trump transition team officials did not respond to LAist when asked if the administration plans to prosecute local officials, and a spokesperson referred Newsweeks request for comment to America First Legal. LAist also reached out to Bass office, and spokesperson Zach Seidl called the letter wrong on public safety and wrong on the law. However, James Rogers, senior counsel with America First Legal, strongly disagreed in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanctuary policies are against the law, make a mockery of Americas democratic principles, and demonstrate a shocking disrespect for our Constitution and our citizens. The officials in charge of sanctuary jurisdictions have no excuse and must be held accountable, the statement said. 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 KTLA. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) 43 years ago, over a thousand people gathered with eager anticipation in the ballroom of the Dayton Convention and Exhibition Center, where former President Jimmy Carter held an hour-long question-and-answer session for Miami Valley community members. Its really an honor for me to be here with you in [the] Miami Valley, Carter remarked at the beginning of the Oct. 2, 1980 meeting. Ive only been here a few minutes, but I think I can already agree with your citys motto, and its right on the mark. Its Great in Dayton. Theres no question about that. U.S. President Jimmy Carter gets a steadying hand from an aide as he stands atop barrel outside Daytons Convention Center to wave to well-wishers before holding a town meeting in the Convention Center, Thursday, Oct. 3, 1980. About 1400 people crowded the hall to watch the hour-long question-and-answer session. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi) (Photo courtesy of University of Dayton) (Photo courtesy of University of Dayton) Carters legacy extends to more recent times, as he became the oldest living former president in American history. Now 98, he has since been under home hospice care since February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Air Force Museum honors President Carter with historic display During his visit to the Miami Valley in 1980, Carter engaged with a diverse array of community members, including a 13-year-old named Harlan Louis. Louis, who currently works as an attorney in Columbus, fondly reminisced about the special memory of meeting the president. I remember taking off school and being thrilled to be able to see a president in person. I never imagined that I would be able to speak with him, Louis said. Prior to the town hall, I got picked as one of the questioners. But I was at the back of the line, and they told us that the town hall might end before I got to ask my question. So, for most of the hour, I kept looking at the clock and doing the math hoping that I would get to talk with the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, Louis did get the opportunity to pose a question, and he did so with flair. With courage in his heart, the 13-year-old asked Carter, I would like to knowjust suppose that you could not, or you wouldnt run for president. Who would you rather become president, John Anderson or Ronald Reagan? This led to laughter echoing through the room. Well, during every town hall meeting I try to pick out one question that I dont answer, Carter joked. I believe the country would prefer a Democratic president, and if I could not run and could not be elected, at this moment my choice would be Fritz Mondale. Reflecting on that moment, Louis explained that he wanted to pose a unique question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By this point in the campaign every question had been asked and answered, he said. So, I tried to come up with something different. I appreciated that he took it in good humor and then used it to have a conversation with me. That day, it seemed like such a long conversation. As I read it now, it surprises me how short it was. The fact that the president took a few extra minutes to with me as a 13-year-old was thrilling. A few days later, Louis was pleasantly surprised to receive a personally signed thank-you note from President Carter in the mail. Jimmy Carter celebrates 98 with family, friends, baseball As the question-and-answer session concluded, a senior from Northridge High School, Ken Day, raised the topic of predictions that every 20 years, or election years ending in zero, foretold a presidents death in office. He asked President Carter if he had any concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive seen those predictions. Im willing to take the chance, Carter responded. The American people have given me an honor that I never dreamed of when I was your age, and I think it would be worth it even if I knew that it would end in some kind of tragedyIm not afraid. If I knew it was going to happen, I would go ahead and be president and do the best I could till the last day I could. While Carter was ultimately defeated by Republican Ronald Reagan for the title of 40th U.S. president, this setback paved the way for his decades-long global advocacy for democracy, public health and human rights, extending far beyond the borders of the nation he campaigned in. In 1982, the former president and his wife, Rosalynn, established The Carter Center in collaboration with Emory University, driven by their unwavering dedication to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 14, 1992, Carter was invited to speak at the University of Dayton as part of their Distinguished Speakers Series. His presentation was titled, Social Responsibility: Caring About Moral and Ethical Issues. (Photo courtesy University of Dayton) (Photo courtesy University of Dayton) (Photo courtesy of University of Dayton) (Photo courtesy University of Dayton) Donations collected at the event went to Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing homes for those in need. Through this organization, the Carters led the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity for more than 30 years, raising awareness of the critical need for affordable housing. On Dec. 10, 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, according to White House archives. I have one life and one chance to make it count for something, Carter said of these efforts. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carter Center is extending an invitation to the public to share messages of peace and comfort with the Carter family through an online message board. You can submit yours 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 WDTN.com. Country music superstar and Georgia native Trisha Yearwood took to social media Sunday night to honor former President Jimmy Carter. Rest easy, Mr. President. Im sad for us and happy for you. Your and Mrs. Rosalynns legacy of love will live forever, Yearwood posted. Rest easy, Mr. President. Im sad for us, and happy for you. Your and Mrs. Rosalynns legacy of love will live forever. pic.twitter.com/SBpAHv9peO Trisha Yearwood (@trishayearwood) December 29, 2024 Yearwood is originally from Monticello, Georgia, and has been a big supporter of not only the Carters but also Habitat for Humanity, a charity near and dear to the hearts of the Carters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During memorial service for Rosalynn Carter last year, Yearwood and husband Garth Brooks performed the John Lennon anthem Imagine. In 2017, President Carter surprised Yearwood during one of her husbands concerts at the then-newly opened Mercedes-Benz Stadium to honor her with a proclamation for her support of Georgia over the years and her support of Habitat for Humanity. Yearwood then started singing, Georgia on My Mind. Throughout her years of being part of Habitat for Humanity, Yearwood collaborated with The Carters on many of the projects they worked on. At the end of each week, President Carter would turn over the keys and a Bible to each family who was getting a new home. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garth Brooks said he will never forget the reaction President Carter had after handing over a home to one family. I got to see a president of the United States cry today, and he couldnt stop himself, Brooks told Taste of Country. was The mother and her kids had been working all week on their home and President Carter called the children to come forward. The president and Ms. Rosalynn walked up and said, You know whose house this is? Yearwood said. And they said, No. And he tried to say, its your house ... He never really got it out, he got so emotional." Brooks and Yearwood have been mentioned as possible ambassadors for the program going forward. New details have surfaced in the tragic case of young Joshua McCoy, who was found dead nearly two miles from his home in Hauser, after being reported missing for three days. Officers were made aware of his disappearance on November 9th, via a call to the North Coos Dispatch Center from a concerned family friend in Utah. Deputy Justin Gray of the Coos County Sheriffs Search and Rescue division was on duty at the time and circled the wagons to respond. The Sherifs spared no resource, as a K9 unit, thermal imaging drone, and phone location services were all deployed in an attempt to find Joshua. News outlets have reported that, according to court documents, investigators found Joshuas mother Angela German had an open case with the Department of Human Services alleging neglect and mistreatment. A thorough investigation of their home on Stage Road was conducted, as officers were told German had laid down for a nap with Joshua at around 1:30 that Saturday afternoon. When German awoke a couple hours later, her son was gone, though the timeline for how long she was sleeping has been reported to have changed over multiple conversations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California, Oregon Search and Rescue team (CORSAR) was activated on November 11th, to assist with the investigation, along with members of the FBI and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Community volunteers lent their hands in the search as well. After two days without substantial evidence to Joshuas whereabouts, the discovery was made on November 12th. Joshua was found dead in the timberland north of their residence. Court documents revealed that he was likely left there in the woods. He was found naked, without any indication that he had travelled there by his own power. Investigators found his cell phone, but it had been set to airplane mode, hence the unsuccessful ping. Though the report is not final, an autopsy revealed that Joshua had passed to hypothermia from overexposure. There were articulable facts regarding the investigation which raised concerns on how Joshua got to the location he was found. Bottom line, investigators found the matter suspicious in nature and set out to attempt to determine what exactly happened to Joshua, read a release from the Coos County Sheriffs office. Court documents indicated that German had not called the police herself due to negative experiences with law enforcement. The search of their home showed signs of drug use and prescription pills, along with otherwise unsanitary conditions. A search warrant stated that Germans vehicle was being inspected, as tire tracks were found in the mud near the body. No arrests have been made to the point of writing, but all evidence indicates that the investigation has shifted toward Murder charges. The World will be following this story as developments continue to unfold. A couple has been injured in Antonivka, Kherson Oblast, as a result of an attack by a Russian drone. Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration Quote: "Around 21:30 [29 December - ed.], residents of Antonivka came under attack from an enemy drone. A 62-year-old man and a woman were injured as a result of the explosion." Details: Kherson Oblast Military Administration confirmed that the man had been diagnosed with a blast injury and shrapnel wounds to his legs. His wife was concussed and suffered a shin fracture. The military administration said both of the injured had been hospitalised for medical treatment. Support UP or become our patron! Former light heavyweight world champion Sergey Kovalev (35-5-1, 29 KOs) called Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) a very uncomfortable and smart boxer. Recalling a joint training session with our compatriot in 2016, the Russian emphasized that the Ukrainian has incredible skills. ADVERTISIMENT Kovalev said this in an interview with the Seconds Out YouTube channel. The 41-year-old native of Kopeysk, who has been living in the United States for a long time, noted that Usyk not only moves quickly around the ring, but also feels the distance with his opponent and is technically very well prepared. "We didn't spar. We didn't fight. We were just moving around the ring. You know, light punches and practicing, all that. But what I saw and what I felt after this work: Usyk is very uncomfortable. He has a very good sense of distance, great timing... He's great, really, very strong, both technically and tactically. Great thinking in the ring. At a very good level," Kovalev shared his opinion. ADVERTISIMENT The Russian also revealed what Usyk said to his manager after his rematch victory over Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs). As OBOZ.UA previously reported, manager Aegis Klimas told when Oleksandr Usyk plans to return to the ring. Artificial intelligence has already made a forecast for the Ukrainian's fight. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! PHILADELPHIA, Tenn. (WATE) An affidavit of complaint revealed new details of the officer-involved shooting on Sunday. Jason Goddard is the deputy who was shot. Officials also released the mugshot for Richard Neal Brown who allegedly committed the shooting. According to the Affidavit of Complaint, officers from the Monroe County Sheriffs Office and Loudon County Sheriffs Office attempted to serve a felony arrest warrant to Richard Brown in Philadelphia. One of the officers allegedly saw Brown entering his home and asked him to stop but Brown refused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing child located in Knoxville after AMBER Alert Brown then spoke to the deputies from inside the home, threatening self-harm, according to the report. They continued to ask him to leave, but he soon stopped talking, so law enforcement used OC gas to try to get him to come out. When he still didnt leave, the officers formed a stack formation with a protective shield and broke down the front door. Once entry was gained, Richard Brown fired a weapon in the direction of the stack team, striking Monroe County Deputy Corporal Jason Goddard in the shoulder area, the affidavit reports. They allege that this was premeditated and an ambush. He is being charged with five counts of attempted first-degree murder. (Photo by Monroe County Sheriffs Office) Gatlinburg road closures for New Years Eve celebration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous reports state that Brown had an active warrant for felony vandalism. Goddard was taken to the UT Medical Center. His wound is considered non-life threatening. Special agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will investigate the circumstances of the shooting. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Crews battled a residential structure fire on Youngstowns East Side. The call came in shortly after 4 a.m. Monday for the smell of smoke and visible flames in the 2500 block of Cornwall Street. A homeowner tells First News that he and his wife got out safely. It is unclear how the fire started, and the home appears to be heavily damaged. Brian Oehlbeck contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WKBN.com. Editors note: This article contains descriptions of child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Indiana Department of Child Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. How could this happen? That's the question begging for answers after court documents revealed horrific details about the abuse 7-year-old Kayden Gavarrete suffered for months before dying three days before Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kayden was found dead Dec. 22 inside the home of his father, Kevin Gavarrete. His father, along with the man's girlfriend, Julia Sizemore, were arrested for neglect on Dec. 23. According to court documents, several of Gavarrete's and Sizemore's family members and loved ones attested to the abuse of the child to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police detectives, but available records don't indicate whether they directly reported the abuse to police or the Indiana Department of Child Services before the boy's death. The boy's mother, Tamara "Tammy" Mason, died in 2022, and her family told IndyStar that Gavarrete was keeping Kayden from seeing them. They also thought DCS has been involved with the family before. "I would love to see this be investigated as intensely as possible," Jessica Ryan, Kayden's great aunt's on his mother's side, told IndyStar. "No stone should be left unturned with the environment that baby was in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abused, scared and drinking chemicals: Court docs reveal horrifying details in boy's death IndyStar asked the Department of Child Services if it had any prior involvement with Kayden or the couple, but the agency said it is prohibited from disclosing information about fatalities during a police investigation and any subsequent criminal prosecution. "I was under the assumption that they had DCS out to their homes on several occasions," Ryan said. "One of the times my sister was trying to work with them. She had informed me they were closing out a DCS case. At that point in time, Kevin was slightly communicating, but then he wouldnt actually call back or answer when we would ask if we could go ahead and pick [Kayden] up." A picture of Kayden Gavarrete with his mother Tamara "Tammy" Mason before she died in 2022 and he was placed in the care of his father, Kevin Gavarrete and his father's girlfriend, Julia Sizemore. In Indiana, DCS workers can visit a home as many times as necessary to conduct an investigation if they have a valid reason to do so, but must always seek permission from an adult resident to enter a home unless there is a court order or immediate danger to a child. A timeline of cases involving Kayden Both Gavarrete and Sizemore have lengthy criminal records dating back to before Kayden was born. Prior to being found dead Dec. 22 with visible signs of abuse to his body, there were other situations involving the boy where law enforcement was involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 20, 2021, at 8:25 p.m. Hendrick's County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a child in need of help at a Walmart in Camby. According to a police report a man and a woman were listed as two suspects. Mariah Mason, Kayden's aunt, confirmed to IndyStar that she was called to pick up Kayden that day. On Sept. 24, 2022, at 11:17 p.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police conducted a routine traffic stop after a vehicle ran a red light going northbound on South Tibbs Avenue. Inside the vehicle, police reported finding Sizemore with slurred speech. She smelled of alcohol and admitted to drinking. Kayden was in the backseat, and he was released to family, according to court records, before Sizemore was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and endangering a child. On June 4, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called to a domestic disturbance in the 1300 block of South Pershing Avenue, the same home where Kayden was found dead six months later. A police report with the boy's name attached to it lists his father as the victim, another man as the suspect and at least four witnesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gavarrete and Sizemore have not been officially charged by the Marion County Prosecutor's Office as of Monday morning. Both are still in jail. Ryan's family has an official GoFundMe where they are asking for assistance in burying Kayden. Kayden Gavarrete's aunt, Mariah Mason, has a GoFundMe seeking donations to help bury him after he was found dead Dec. 22, 2024. Jade Jackson is a public safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Court records and police reports reveal other times child was in danger The News Croatias incumbent head of state, a critic of NATO and the European Union, won the first round of his countrys presidential election. Zoran Milanovic narrowly missed out on the 50% threshold required to win outright, but is widely expected to take the final round in two weeks. His success is the latest sign of Europes eroding support for Ukraine ahead of US President-elect Donald Trumps return to office: European voters willingness to countenance peace negotiations has risen markedly, and the numbers who say they care about Kyiv has dropped, according to YouGov. Europe has promised to stand by Ukraine, a Le Monde correspondent wrote. In reality, it is more than ever caught between the whims of Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Bloomberg) -- Croatian President Zoran Milanovic took a big step toward reelection with a first-round victory on Sunday, strengthening his role as a populist leader who has opposed NATO expansion and condemned military aid to Ukraine. Most Read from Bloomberg Milanovic, a 58-year-old former prime minister, took 49.1% of the presidential vote with more than 99% of ballots counted, making him the favorite in a Jan. 12 runoff with Dragan Primorac, a former science minister who got 19.4%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Milanovic victory would add to recent wins in eastern Europe for politicians with sympathies for the Kremlin. It would extend an uneasy cohabitation with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, a Ukraine supporter who won a third consecutive term in April. The future is uncertain for Croatia and the world, and I will fight for Croatia with an attitude, Ill fight for the state of law, against the violence and usurpation by those in power, Milanovic told reporters late Sunday, while also saying hed seek political unity given a complicated situation with issues at stake such as war and peace, and national security. If the final result puts Milanovic over the 50% threshold, he would avoid the runoff for another five-year term. Croatias presidency, while mostly ceremonial, includes overseeing the armed forces and appointing top diplomats. Milanovic has condemned military aid to Ukraine as a deeply immoral path to prolonging the war with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also prevented Croatias participation in two North Atlantic Treaty Organization missions to help train Ukrainian troops. Over the last decade Milanovic has morphed from a left-of-center premier in a government led by Social Democrats into a populist whose penchant for insulting rivals has won him popular backing in Croatia a European Union member that joined the euro area two years ago. Following a stint as a political consultant, Milanovic was first elected head of state in 2020. He shook up parliamentary elections in March by announcing he would lead the Social Democrats to challenge Plenkovic a plan that failed when Plenkovic secured a majority in parliament. Before that, Croatias highest court ruled Milanovics bid to run for premier while holding the presidency was unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milanovic campaigned against corruption that has plagued the ruling party and successive governments. About a dozen ministers have left cabinet posts amid graft allegations since 2016 most recently a former health minister who was arrested in November for suspected abuse of office. He has denied wrongdoing. --With assistance from Maxim Edwards. (Updates with Milanovic quote in fourth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway called 2024 challenging following a year that saw her eldest son accused of rape, among other crimes. Marius Borg Hiby, 27 Mette-Marits son from a previous relationship before she married future king Crown Prince Haakon in 2001 has been embroiled in numerous scandals this year, including an arrest on Aug. 4 in Oslo for allegedly assaulting an ex-girlfriend and threatening to set her clothes on fire and an additional arrest in November on suspicion of rape. Speaking to NRK Norways public broadcasting group on Christmas Day, Mette-Marit said, If I had to choose one word for this year, it would be challenging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been a demanding year and a demanding autumn for us, she added, per The Daily Mail. Related: Princess Mette-Marit of Norway's Son Reportedly Arrested as She Postpones Olympics Appearance HAKON MOSVOLD LARSEN/NTB/AFP via Getty Marius Borg Hoiby, photographed in Oslo, Norway on June 16, 2022 Marius Borg Hoiby, photographed in Oslo, Norway on June 16, 2022 Following his initial arrest, The Daily Mail reported that Marius became the first member of the Norwegian royal family to be charged with a crime. Per the outlet, he admitted to being under the influence of alcohol and cocaine and said he suffered from mental troubles and has struggled for a long time with substance abuse. I want to take responsibility for what I did, Marius said in a statement to NRK, per The Daily Mail. Marius also apologized to his family for actions that have greatly affected you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the NRK program The Year of the Royal Family 2024, Mette-Marit said her eldest son had a right to privacy, telling the show they had been seeking professional help and that they had been doing so 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, Crown Princess Mette-Marit added. Jrgen Gomns, the Royal Court via Getty Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway pose for an official photograph from the Royal Court on Jan. 15, 2016 in Oslo, Norway The family declined to comment on Marius specifically, with Crown Prince Haakon adding that they would like him to have space to find his own way. Queen Sonja said the situation was taking its toll, and her husband King Harald Mette-Marits father-in-law said it was difficult for a family member to go through an experience like this, but they now had to let the legal system work as it should. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to controversy surrounding Marius, it has been a headline-making year for the Norwegian royals: King Harald, 87, fell ill after a February trip to Malaysia, and has since had a pacemaker installed and permanently reduced his royal duties. Mette-Marit has had her own health issues this year, pausing royal duty in October following side effects from a medication taken for her chronic lung disease. LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra (front C) poses for a family photo with (front L and R) Norway's King Harald V and Norway's Queen Sonja and (back LtoR) Marit Tjessem, Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, Norway's Prince Sverre Magnus and Marius Borg Hoiby on the occasion of a gala dinner for her 18th birthday in Oslo on June 17, 2022 Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra (front C) poses for a family photo with (front L and R) Norway's King Harald V and Norway's Queen Sonja and (back LtoR) Marit Tjessem, Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, Norway's Prince Sverre Magnus and Marius Borg Hoiby on the occasion of a gala dinner for her 18th birthday in Oslo on June 17, 2022 On Aug. 31, Princess Martha Louise Haakons sister wed Durek Verrett in Norway in front of 350 guests. Though her happiness is surely a bright spot for the family in a difficult year, the couple has stirred controversy in the past, with the princess eventually stepping back from royal duties in 2022 to pursue interests away from the monarchy. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett on June 16, 2022 Princess Martha Louise and Durek Verrett on June 16, 2022 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Crown Prince Haakon of Norway Speaks Out on Stepson's Arrest for First Time: 'It Is a Serious Matter' Ample controversy has emerged from headlines regarding Marius arrests, and Haakon said after his stepsons August arrest, It is a serious matter when the police are involved in the way they are, but at the same time, it is not right for me to go into the details of the case. Haakon, 51, addressed the matter from Paris, where he was in town for the Summer Olympics on Aug. 6. Mette-Meritt, also 51, was scheduled to join him for the trip, but stayed behind in Norway after Marius arrest. In our family, as in all families, it is sometimes important to be there, Haakon said. This time it was me who went while she stayed at home. Samir Hussein/WireImage Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, and Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway, attend the Coronation Reception For Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2023 in London, England Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, and Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway, attend the Coronation Reception For Overseas Guests at Buckingham Palace on May 5, 2023 in London, England Marius isnt in the line of succession to the Norwegian throne and doesn't have a public role. In 2017, a few days before his 20th birthday, the Royal House of Norway announced that Marius was leaving public life and enrolling in college in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the news was announced, Mette-Marit penned an open letter asking the press to respect his decision, writing in 2020 that Marius has always had a role that has been difficult to define in the public sphere. He is and will be an exceptionally important part of our family. Marius became a symbol of the unusual choice we made when we got married, at the same time, he will not carry public duties like his siblings, referring to Haakon and Mette-Marits children Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 20, who follows her father in the line of succession to the throne, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19. Ian Gavan/Getty Marius Borg Hoiby competes on the Formula E Simulator at the BRITS official aftershow party, in partnership with Tempus Magazine, at the Intercontinental London - The O2 on Feb. 21, 2018 in London, England Marius Borg Hoiby competes on the Formula E Simulator at the BRITS official aftershow party, in partnership with Tempus Magazine, at the Intercontinental London - The O2 on Feb. 21, 2018 in London, England He should not have a public role and is not a public figure, Mette-Marit continued of Marius. After Marius November arrest, Haakon spoke to NRK during a working trip in Jamaica on Nov. 19, describing Marius arrest on suspicion of rape as a serious accusation. It is a serious accusation that Marius faces. Today, of course, we are thinking of all those affected, Haakon said in a video translated into English by NBC News. The police must also be allowed to do their job, and the judiciary must be allowed to do their job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have confidence that they will do that in a good way, the future king added. It is also true of course that this affects, to a large extent, all of us who are around. Perhaps I will be allowed to add that I would like to be at home with Mette today, Crown Prince Haakon continued. I miss her. Rune Hellestad/Getty Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit visit the Youth Club on April 20, 2022 in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway Speaking to NRK from Jamaica again on Nov. 20, the outlet reported that Crown Prince Haakon said, We as a family and as parents have, of course, been very concerned that Marius should get help. In a statement issued on Nov. 19 that was translated into English, authorities said that Marius was arrested on suspicion of violating the criminal code which concerns sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons unable to resist the act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What police can say about the rape is that it concerns a sexual act without intercourse. The victim is said to have been unable to resist the act, it continued. Marius has since been charged with multiple sex crimes, and according to NRK, there are allegedly six victims involved in the criminal case against Marius. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org. Read the original article on People (SOUTHERN COLORADO) Most of the plains are under a Red Flag and High Wind Warning until the afternoon hours of Monday, Dec. 30. The National Weather Service (NWS) has officially issued both warnings for multiple counties, stretching all the way from Pueblo to Fort Collins, including the Southern Plains. Due to this, the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is warning individuals of the weather conditions, and bringing awareness that both warnings can be dangerous when mixed together. The conditions will be favorable for rapid fire spread, CSFD wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). Dry fuels and lack of moisture recently will not help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CSFD said it had already responded to a number of grass fires throughout the weekend of Friday, Dec. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 29, including one on South Cheyenne Canyon Road pictured below. On Monday, Dec. 30, CSFD also responded to a brush fire in Bear Creek Park and was able to keep it to a 20 by 30 feet area. In the post, it urged and reminded individuals to not burn outside at all today during these conditions. According to CSFD, the City will experience wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour. A Red Flag Warning is called when there are warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds which cause an increased risk of fire danger. Todays weather can cause rapid fire growth as well as damaging winds, CSFD wrote. Please Share the Responsibility and be fire-safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Red Flag Warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. and the High Wind Warning will be in effect until 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 30. 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 FOX21 News Colorado. A man accused of shooting and killing a mother and her 4-month-old child in Hartford in November allegedly opened fire over a $400 debt and did so moments after acknowledging that the baby was in the vehicle, according to the warrant affidavit supporting his arrest. Lance Morales, 23, of Waterbury was extradited to Connecticut over the weekend and arraigned Monday in Hartford Superior Court during a tense hearing that concluded with an outburst from a family member of the victims. Following the proceedings, the warrant affidavit supporting Morales arrest was released, shedding new light on what led to the 23-year-old allegedly opening fire with a fully automatic weapon on 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado of Springfield, Massachusetts, and her 4-month-old son, Messiah Diaz, while the pair were in a vehicle with two others on Nov. 19 just before 3 p.m. in the area of 380 New Britain Ave. in Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two individuals who survived the shooting, the driver of the vehicle and a man in his 20s who suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, spoke to investigators after the incident and separately identified Morales as the shooter in a photo lineup, the warrant affidavit said. The driver, who was not injured, told police Mercado was in the front passenger seat of a Mazda CX-50 with her son in a car seat directly behind her in the backseat. The other man in the Mazda was behind the driver. After leaving a store in the area of Hillside Avenue, the driver said they noticed someone in a white Infiniti who passed them and tried to block them in at the intersection of Broad and Clifford streets, according to the warrant affidavit. The driver was unable to get away from the Infiniti, which had dark tinted windows that prevented the occupants of the Mazda from figuring out who was driving. Police wrote in the warrant that emergency dispatchers at 2:47 p.m. received the report from a caller who said the driver of an Infiniti could be seen chasing a white SUV in the area of Ansonia Street and Hillside Avenue. As the Mazda driver stopped at a traffic light on New Britain Avenue, the Infiniti driver pulled alongside and rolled his window down, according to the warrant affidavit. Both survivors of the shooting said they recognized the individual as Macho or Mach, a man known to them to rent vehicles to people in the Waterbury area, the warrant affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mercado then rolled down her window and allegedly told the man, who was later identified as Morales, I got my baby in the car, Mach, according to the warrant affidavit. One of the Mazda occupants told investigators Morales allegedly responded by saying I dont care, the warrant affidavit said. The driver told police Mercado told them to drive off, at which point Morales allegedly began shooting with a gun that appeared to be equipped with an extended magazine, the warrant affidavit said. Hartford detectives were able to review video surveillance of the shooting, which included audio that led police to believe the firearm that was used was fully automatic, according to the warrant affidavit. Police wrote in the warrant that Mercado suffered gunshot wounds to her upper torso, while the child suffered a gunshot wound to his arm. They were both pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital where the driver of the Mazda rushed after shots were fired. Staff at the hospital informed police of the shooting, which initially did not trigger a ShotSpotter activation. Investigators said they were later able to locate an alert within the system portal that picked up 15 rounds of gunfire going off, the warrant affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third gunshot victim was also treated at the hospital, where doctors had at the time listed him in stable condition with a gunshot wound to his forearm, the warrant affidavit said. Family members of the victims told police at the hospital that Mercado had rented a Mazda from a man named Mach or Macho for $100 a day, according to the warrant affidavit. They said the two previously had some sort of a relationship and that she had been ignoring him when he repeatedly tried contacting her, as she fell behind in her payments and owed him $400, the warrant affidavit said. At a press conference a day after the shooting, Hartford investigators said they believed the motive for the killings involved a dispute over a vehicle. According to police, Morales fled the area after the shooting and was apprehended on Nov. 23 in Puerto Rico by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force. Hartford police obtained a warrant for Morales arrest a day after the shooting charging him with two counts of murder and a single count each of murder with special circumstances, first-degree assault, attempt to commit first-degree assault and criminal possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morales on Saturday was extradited to Connecticut and charged by Hartford police. He was held in custody and arraigned on Monday. During the hearing, where about a dozen judicial marshals surrounded the inside of the courtroom, Judge Michael Wu warned those in attendance not to speak out during the proceedings, acknowledging that he understands emotions may be high. Hartford States Attorney Sharmese Walcott asked Wu to hold Morales without bond, citing the capital felony he faces which could expose him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Walcott noted that a judge set bail at $3 million when the warrant for Morales was signed, before it was known that he fled to Puerto Rico. Court officials said Morales has several cases pending, including those on charges of sale of cocaine, disobeying the signal of an officer, reckless driving, tampering with evidence, violation of probation and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violation stems from a first-degree assault conviction in 2021. Morales could be exposed to as many as seven years in prison on the violation, court officials said. His other convictions include those of violation of a protective order and first-degree escape, according to officials. Officials also said Morales is a lifelong resident of Connecticut who lives with his father and has other family ties in the area. A public defender who represented him during the arraignment said he has no ability to post bail. Wu set Morales bond at $5 million and ordered that he must put up 40% of it at the courthouse in order to be released. Should he post bond, Wu said Morales will be on intensive pretrial supervision that will include GPS monitoring with an ankle bracelet and 24/7 house arrest. Wu continued the case until next Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wearing a red jacket, dark pants and handcuffs, Morales did not speak during the proceeding. As he was being escorted back to the lockup area following the arraignment, a man in the gallery stood up and shouted out an expletive toward him. Im gonna see you real soon, the man said, who identified himself after the hearing as a family member of the victims. Im gonna see you real soon. We dont got nothing to say, the man told reporters outside the courthouse where other family members also declined to comment. Sheridan Fitzpatrick stopped taking the bus to work some two years ago when the waits became too long and passengers on board became too disrespectful. She recalled one instance when, with snow on the ground, she waited an hour for a bus that never arrived. So she bought a car and now drives to her job at Daleys Restaurant in Woodlawn. I rode the bus for years and years before that, because I had to, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the two years since Fitzpatrick stopped taking the bus, the CTA continued to struggle to provide frequent, reliable service. The agency first cut bus schedules to try to boost reliability and then began adding back service. Officials said scheduled service returned to prepandemic levels a few days before Christmas. But a new analysis shows that some neighborhoods were slower than others to get back planned service and many of the neighborhoods that fared the worst have particularly high unemployment rates and low household incomes. They were slow to get back service even though a CTA-commissioned report noted that these are the kinds of neighborhoods where the benefits of transit are clearest. Transit expands many peoples freedom by allowing them to reach places they otherwise couldnt, the report said. The positive impacts are clearest in areas where people have the lowest incomes. The neighborhoods among the slowest to get service back include Woodlawn, where Fitzpatrick works, and Oakland. In Oakland, not only are underemployment and unemployment key issues, but elderly residents and students also rely on public transit, said Shannon Bennett, executive director of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization. With service slow to return, riders who gave up on transit because they found it unreliable are also unlikely to return, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You get so accustomed to not having the proper service and resources that it becomes a new normal, Bennett said. The analysis, from the Chicago Tribune and the University of Chicago Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation, compares the median time between when buses were scheduled to arrive in a neighborhood in other words, how long a rider would typically wait if theyd just missed the bus in November 2022 to November 2024. It offers a window into how the CTA and President Dorval Carter navigated the recovery from the pandemic and the complaints about service that have become a key sticking point of Carters tenure. The data also provide insight into how service is distributed throughout the city, as the CTA undertakes a wholesale review of its bus network. CTA officials have acknowledged that returning service to prepandemic levels doesnt mean every route and schedule will look the same as it did in 2019. But the analysis shows where bus schedules had not yet returned even as the CTA said it was at 98% of prepandemic levels in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CTA Chief Innovation Officer Molly Poppe pointed to a different measure the agency looked at when reviewing service. Before hitting prepandemic service levels, the CTA had brought back schedules on 79% of routes considered below poverty, meaning they generally run through many below-poverty areas as defined by the Federal Transit Administration, she said. That includes routes along Western Avenue, which runs through swaths of the North and South sides, and Madison Street, which runs through downtown and the bustling West Loop, but also the citys West Side, she said. In comparison, the CTA brought back schedules on 71% of above-poverty-level routes, which include several lakefront express buses. We did clearly prioritize routes in those areas of persistent poverty and those low-income areas, she said. But the Tribune and University of Chicago analysis showed that among the 10 community areas that in November still had the biggest cuts to schedules, six neighborhoods had higher unemployment rates than citywide and seven had lower median household incomes, according to the Chicago Health Atlas. Communities with lower incomes are among those that can benefit from bus service, a CTA consultant found in a December 2023 report examining city bus service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transit cannot overcome geographic inequality in Chicago, but transit multiplies the number of jobs low-income people in Chicago can access many times over, according to the report. Of the communities slowest to get service back, in Woodlawn schedules added three minutes to the typical time a rider would wait between buses in November compared to two years earlier a 30% increase. Buses were typically scheduled to arrive at stops in the neighborhood every 13 minutes. Nearby, in the Douglas, Hyde Park and Oakland neighborhoods, waits between buses also rose by about three minutes, leaving typical waits of 12.5 to 15 minutes in each neighborhood each also a jump of more than 25% from two years earlier, the analysis showed. Typical times between buses in West Englewood rose by nearly two minutes to reach 12 minutes. In wealthy North Center the median wait time was 14.5 minutes, about two minutes longer than two years earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other neighborhoods service improved, including some that also had higher unemployment rates, like North Lawndale and Roseland. In North Lawndale, the median time scheduled between buses was about 10.5 minutes, a drop of 1.5 minutes from two years earlier, or an improvement of about 12.5%. Schedules in Roseland improved by one minute, leaving buses to arrive typically every 14 minutes. In Beverly, where incomes are higher, median waits for buses improved by 1.5 minutes, leaving residents to wait, typically, 16.5 minutes between buses. In more than 40 of the citys 77 community areas, bus service was comparable to two years ago, showing no change or changes of less than 30 seconds. Even where service returned or improved, riders often still had long waits for the bus, the analysis shows. In some dozen neighborhoods where service was restored or improved, buses were often scheduled to come every 15 minutes or longer. At that point the usefulness of the citys grid-shaped bus network drops off because the time it takes to transfer between buses becomes too long, the consultant told the CTA board in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bus schedule findings are based on an analysis of each Chicago community area from the Mansueto Institute. Show Caption1 of 2 A map shows how CTA scheduled bus service decreased in various city neighborhoods between November 2022 and June 2023. (Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation) Expand Institute students and researchers, working with the Tribune, reviewed both CTA schedules and the actual locations of buses since 2022 to determine when every bus was supposed to reach every stop in the city and when every bus actually did. To determine the historic actual locations of buses, they used data compiled as part of a project by a group called Chi Hack Night that collected real-time bus locations using a CTA data feed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They then examined bus service for each neighborhood when all service in that neighborhood is factored in, including calculating the median time until the next bus was scheduled to arrive. They looked only at trips from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., excluding late-night and early-morning service that can be infrequent. During the time analyzed, a shortage of drivers had the CTA struggling to provide the service it had scheduled, leading to mismatches between when buses were arriving and when they were scheduled. The agency sought to correct the problem by first cutting schedules, then adding back service as it hired more operators. The Tribune focused on the service CTA scheduled, or intended to provide. Residents suffer when bus schedules are cut and waits get longer, even by a few minutes, said Nedra Sims Fears, executive director of the Greater Chatham Initiative. In Chatham, typical waits between buses were still longer by about one minute in November, reaching 11 minutes. Running through Chatham are key bus routes that allow workers to connect to the Red Line and jobs downtown and students to reach their high schools, she said. An uptick of just one or two minutes adds up for people transferring between multiple buses or the train. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It becomes a cascading effect, she said. And it just increases stress. Its stressful enough just getting up and commuting, let alone wondering if youre going to make it on time. In fact, Ricky Johnson stuck to riding buses when he commuted to work, rather than adding the train, in an effort to minimize the number of transfers he had to make, he said. Waiting at a Woodlawn bus stop, he said he left himself plenty of time when he used to ride the bus to work in the morning. Still, he described the frustration of long waits for the No. 39 bus that runs along Pershing Road. Sammikia Lord, a custodian at Friend Health in Woodlawn, prefers to be dropped off at work by a friend rather than take the bus, though she does ride transit a few days a week. Though conditions on buses have left her concerned, she, too, prefers the bus over the train because its her most direct route. Sometimes would-be passengers turn to the community health center building when the wait for the next bus outside gets too long. Lord recalled a bitterly cold recent day when the bus failed to arrive at the stop for what seemed like 20 or 30 minutes, prompting riders to try to move into the warmth of the building. Days later, a sign on the entrance to the building reminded customers that people who are not visiting the health center are not allowed to wait inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poppe said routes set to get more service at the end of December would directly help some of the neighborhoods that until then had failed to see wholesale service improvements. That included additional planned service on the Jackson Park Express and Stony Island routes, and the busy No. 4 bus that runs along Cottage Grove. The CTA added service via a Cottage Grove express bus in 2022, but the local bus remains a major route. The CTA considered access to job centers, hospitals and schools when looking at bus service, Poppe said. When paring back schedules, the agency looked at routes that came very frequently during rush hour, like express buses, and often focused on weekdays, so that those who were dependent on transit could still access service at other times, she said. When adding to schedules, the CTA sought to ensure service was coming back across various parts of the city and looked at routes that retained more of their riders during the pandemic, Poppe said. Part of the goal was to address crowding on buses, she said. Coverage and equity of access is always our north star, she said. Its how we think about delivering service, but ridership does come into play because of the way we are funded and because of the funding challenges that we have. When public transit agencies review service, social considerations like the ability to access jobs, family and other types of transportation should be key considerations, said Emmanuel Dommergues, head of mobility governance at the Brussels-based International Association of Public Transport. Its good to have a nice bus, its good to have clean bus, he said. But we should look at whether people have access to things. But routes that address needs arent always the ones that provide the most financial benefit for an agency, he said. Though other factors also play a role in how often buses should run like how much of a hassle it is to use a car and whether a route is a key backbone of the system or a secondary route sometimes the decision comes down to a political one, he said. Poppe said the way the CTA is funded leads the agency to factor in ridership when deciding how much service to run, but she said thats not the same as considering how profitable routes are because many of the highest-ridership routes are frequently used by passengers paying nothing or reduced fares. Rather, it involves looking at the density of housing and jobs in an area, she said. The CTA has also acknowledged at times pursuing riders who will generate more money, writing on a website dedicated to an ongoing bus study that historically, limited funding and regulatory structures have driven CTA to pursue the highest potential full-fare ridership to generate specific levels of farebox revenue mandated by the state. Limited public funding and historic requirements that the regions transit agencies generate about 50% of their own revenue, called farebox revenue, have limited the CTAs ability to run more service in less dense neighborhoods, the agency wrote on the website. Lower-income residents who rely on transit often live in those places. These are factors the CTA is considering as it undertakes a review of its bus routes and pushes for more public money to help tackle a looming financial crisis once federal COVID-19 relief funding runs out. As part of the agencys ongoing Bus Vision Project, the CTA will consider adjustments to schedules and routes. In the meantime, Arthur Mickle has noticed a decline in bus service in recent years. He takes the bus to the Red Line to get to work at Daleys Restaurant and, while service got better after the severe driver shortages of the pandemic, it didnt seem to be as good as it was before 2020, he said. He gives himself an hour and a half to get from 109th Street to the restaurant at 63rd. He started leaving himself significantly extra time during the service challenges of the pandemic and has kept up the practice, just in case. He also allows himself a few days a year to take a ride-share to or from work instead, especially when its cold outside. If the bus or train, something happens, Ill be prepared, he said. CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) Nearly two years after an overdose death in Ferguson Township, state police have charged the deceaseds daughter for allegedly supplying the deadly drugs. Sami Jo McGarry, 29 (Clearfield County Jail) Sami Jo McGarry, 29, of Curwensville, is facing drug delivery resulting in death and involuntary manslaughter charges after the January 2023 overdose death of her father, Samuel McGarry. According to the criminal complaint, troopers were dispatched to a home on Old Station Road in February 2023 for what was believed to be an overdose death. Upon arrival, they spoke with Samuels father who said he believed Samuel was with his daughter, Sami, and her boyfriend the night before, not returning until around 10 a.m. the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The father went on to say he became worried later that evening when Samuel hadnt come out of his room to eat or go to the bathroom. He was then found sitting in a chair in his room with a needle found on the floor near his feet, the complaint reads. Clearfield County Coroner Kimberly Shaffer-Snyder pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators said they spoke to Samuels estranged wife who said he was insistent that he knew he would eventually die of an overdose and his wishes were for the dealer to not be arrested, charges read. One of the daughters allegedly told police she heard her mother talking to someone about accessing Samuels phone and deleting information and messages. When investigators spoke with Sami, they were told she and her father would often help each other out with drugs when withdrawal would hit. On the night in question, Sami claimed she and her boyfriend picked up Samuel and went to the estranged wifes house. According to the complaint, she alleged Samuel had Xanax with him. When dropping him off the next morning, she said she gave him some heroin or fentanyl, unsure of which, to help him from being dope sick. Sami also told police Samuel had two open heart surgeries and had a pig valve implanted and his death could have been medical. Her boyfriend allegedly corroborated, saying they all smoked weed that night, however, he said he never saw Sami give drugs to Samuel, though he suspected it after she got out and hugged him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Samuels autopsy showed his cause of death to be from multiple drugs, mainly fentanyl, the complaint reads. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. Troopers also noted that in April 2024, the estranged wife, Joanne Greendoner, died of a drug overdose. They added that both Sami McGarry and her boyfriend were with her at the time. McGarry was arraigned Monday morning, Dec. 30, and placed in Clearfield County Jail with bail set at $150,000. 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 WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has enshrined his alleged policy of "denazification" of Ukraine in a new state strategic document on countering extremism. He has demonstrated that he continues to make the same demands for the removal of the government in Kyiv that he made in 2022 when he launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT This is evident from the new so-called Strategy for Countering Extremism in the Russian Federation, which he signed on December 28. This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). It is noted that Putin signed the last iteration of this strategy of the aggressor country in 2020. And the 2024 document for the first time includes mentions of "Russophobia," which is defined as "unfriendly, biased and hostile" attitudes, and "discriminatory actions" against Russian citizens, language, and culture by states unfriendly to Russia. "The 2024 document, unlike the 2020 version, also identifies Ukraine as the main source of extremism and accuses it of spreading neo-Nazi ideas. It says that Russia needs to "eliminate" the source of extremist threats originating from Ukraine," the analysts emphasized. ADVERTISIMENT They recalled that in February 2022, when Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he claimed that Russia was allegedly "denazifying" the country an attempt to justify the removal of the legitimate, democratically elected government of Ukraine. Recently, the Russian dictator made similar statements, reiterating his refusal to consider compromises on his demands for late 2021 and early 2022. The document's references to "Russophobia" and "discrimination" against Russian citizens, language, and culture are also consistent with a recent statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that such alleged "discrimination" by the current Ukrainian government is the "root cause" of Russia's war against Ukraine and should be addressed in any future negotiations. "The Kremlin is likely to use this new strategic document to justify its calls for the removal of the Ukrainian government as an anti-extremist measure," ISW suggested. ADVERTISIMENT It is also reported that the Kremlin's strategic document includes points that will resonate with Russia's ultra-military ultranationalist community. This probably refers to the efforts of the Russian authorities to pacify and win the favor of this key group. In particular, the document claims that migrants in Russia are engaged in illegal activities that contribute to the spread of extremism in unspecified federal subjects of the country. In addition, the document calls on the Russian Federation to strengthen its migration policy, in particular by combating "propaganda activities" that take place in the places where migrants live. It also calls for adjustments to educational programs in the South Caucasus and Central Asia to allegedly prevent the spread of Russophobia. "Russia's ultra-nationalist blogging community has repeatedly called on Russia to adopt a stricter migration policy and complained about 'Russophobia' in former Soviet republics such as Kazakhstan. Putin, on the other hand, must cater to his xenophobic and ultranationalist electorate some of the most ardent supporters of the war against Ukraine while balancing Russia's need for migrant labor for its economy and military," ISW explained the Kremlin's moves. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine noted that the laws, which Russian propaganda calls measures to "protect sovereignty," demonstrate the Kremlin's fear. In fact, they are an attempt to protect the Putin regime from new threats such as the so-called Prigozhin's march on Moscow. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Matthew Graves announced Monday that he would resign as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, just a few days shy of the presidential inauguration. Serving as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has been the honor of a lifetime, Graves stated in a news release. I am deeply thankful to Congresswoman Holmes Norton for recommending me; to President Biden for nominating me; and to Attorney General Garland for placing his trust in me. Graves was confirmed by the Senate on Oct. 28, 2021, and officially sworn in as the U.S. Attorney on Nov. 5 of that year. His last day in the role will be Jan. 16, 2025. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in on the following Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bridget M. Fitzpatrick the highest-ranking career prosecutor in the Office will be Acting U.S. Attorney upon his departure. Jimmy Carter to receive state funeral in DC in January The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said she has over 15 years of federal law enforcement experience, including serving as the Principal Assistant United States Attorney for three years. The USAO listed several highlights from his tenure, including targeting violent offenders and reducing gun and drug-related violence; addressing challenges with the criminal justice ecosystem; and prosecuting, among others. As a result of his and his offices efforts, the USAO said D.C. will have the lowest amount of violent crime this year in over 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graves also led the largest investigation the Department of Justice has ever conducted to address the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Insurrection. To date, about 1,600 people have been charged in connection with the attack. In a statement posted on X, Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto wrote the following: I want to thank Matthew Graves for his dedication to serving as US Attorney for DC for more than three years and for all of his efforts to reduce violence as well as his focus on protecting democracy after the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack. I am grateful for his partnership and support in the passage of Secure DC, which has helped keep residents and visitors in the District safe. I thank him for his service and all of his collaboration over the past few years. Brooke Pinto, Ward 2 Councilmember 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. A fatal shooting happened early Sunday, according to the Columbia Police Department. The shooting took place around 4 a.m. in the 3100 block of Truman Street, police said. Thats in the area between S.C. 277 and Two Notch Road. Information about the number of people involved in the shooting was not available. The Richland County Coroners Office has not publicly identified a victim. No arrests have been reported, but police said the parties involved are cooperating with officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said there is no threat to the public and called the shooting isolated. There was no word on a motive for the gunfire, or whether anyone else was injured, but police said they are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip. Joe Biden took the opportunity to take a shot at Donald Trump while paying tribute to former President Jimmy Carter. Asked if there was anything the president-elect could take from Carter, who died on Sunday aged 100, Biden said: Decency, decency, decency. The president went on to draw a stark contrast between the gentleman farmer from Georgia and the often brash and abrasive Trump. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needed something and just keep walking? asked Biden, inferring that was something he perceived that Trump might do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His next remark was even more pointed and was a clear reference to Trump hurling insults at himhe has at various times called him a dummy and a loser and nicknamed him Sleepy Joeand at other political opponents. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk? I cant, continued Biden. In what could be seen as a warning to Trump and his new administration, Biden said the world was watching Americas values. The rest of the world looks to us. And he was worth looking to, he added, referencing Carter. Breaking off from his family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Biden said it was a sad day for America and the world to lose such a remarkable leader and a friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter stands as a model for what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose, he said. I see a man not only for our times, but for all time. We could all do well to be a little more like Jimmy Carter. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Biden also wrote: Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words, but by deeds. Just look at his lifes work. With his compassion and moral clarity, he lifted people up, changed lives, and saved lives all over the globe. Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words, but by deeds. Just look at his life's work. With his compassion and moral clarity, he lifted people up, changed lives, and saved lives all over the globe. President Biden (@POTUS) December 30, 2024 The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who was president between 1977 and 1981, died at his home in Plains, Georgia. Trump also paid tribute to Carter, saying: 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Hundreds gathered Sunday afternoon at one of Connecticuts biggest Hanukkah celebrations. Fire on Ice attracted visitors from all over the state, and there were visitors from Israel and Russia also there. Oxford celebrates Hanukkah with ice menorah The event featured awards, a trivia contest and the traditional lighting of an ice-sculptured menorah. Rapper Nissim Black was the guest performer this year, and he wowed the crowd with several historic songs with a new twist including his version of the hora. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 8s Dennis House served as emcee and the organizer of Fire and Ice was Rabbi Shaya Gopin. 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 WTNH.com. DENVER (KDVR) A Pinpoint Weather Alert Day has been issued for Monday as strong wind gusts move into Denvers weather forecast. This will be combined with dry air, and dry fuels on the ground, which could lead to rapid fire spread. Weather tonight: Mild, increasing clouds Sunday night, clouds will increase. This plus a breeze picking up out of the southwest will keep temperatures mild and in the lower 30s. FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar Snow showers will pick up in the high country and continue into Monday. Weather tomorrow: Dry, windy Monday will be dry and windy. High wind warnings will start at 2 a.m. for the foothills, then 5 a.m. for the Interstate 25 corridor and eastern plains and continue through the afternoon. Wind speeds will pick up gusts of 30 to 40 mph, and gust to 60 mph and closer to 75 mph in the foothills. The strong wind gusts plus low relative humidity will increase the risk of rapidly spreading any fires that spark, so make sure to avoid outdoor burning or any activities that could create a spark. In the high country, winter weather advisories have been issued for the front range and Summit County mountains. Models show 4-12 inches of snow could fall between Sunday night and Monday evening. This plus wind gusts picking up to 55-75 mph will lead to difficult driving conditions with slick roads and low visibility from blowing snow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winter storm warnings are in effect for the Park Range mountains from Sunday night through 5 p.m. Monday for 8-16 inches of snowfall and wind gusts up to 55-65 mph. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up for weather alerts from the Pinpoint Weather team Looking ahead: A cooler start to the New Year Calmer weather moves in starting Tuesday. New Years Eve will be sunny but chilly with a high only reaching the upper 30s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Years Day will be chilly but seasonal with an early morning low in the teens and a high in the lower 40s. Then, sunshine and seasonally mild weather continue through the end of the week. 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 FOX31 Denver. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died at age 100 in his home, his family 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." 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, eight 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), Hershel W. "Woody" Williams (July 2022), and Ralph Puckett Jr. (April 2024). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. You Might Also Like (WHTM) Former President Jimmy Carter made two notable visits to Midstate Pennsylvania during his presidency. Carter took Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat to Gettysburg during the negotiations of the Camp David Accords, where he used the American Civil War to inspire the two leaders to make peace. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast Carters second visit to the Midstate occurred during the aftermath of the partial nuclear meltdown at Three Mile Island. The former president toured the facility to help calm the communitys fear of nuclear radiation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 in his home in Plains, Georgia, on Dec. 29, 2024. 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 ABC27. Jimmy Carter was one of the 13 U.S. presidents that Queen Elizabeth met during her history-making reign, which allegedly included an awkward moment involving another member of the royal family. In May 1977, Queen Elizabeth welcomed Carter to Buckingham Palace for a dinner with NATO leaders during his first trip abroad after being elected. As the newly-minted President Carter stood with the Queen and other guests, he noticed the arrival of the Queen Mother, the Associated Press reported. Queen Elizabeths mother was also named Elizabeth and became popularly known as the Queen Mother upon her daughters sudden accession in 1952 following the sudden death of King George VI. Ever the Southern gentleman, Carter broke away, took her by the hand and escorted her to the assembled line of guests, the outlet said. The no-frills Georgia peanut farmer-turned-president ate chicken mousse off a gold plate and seemed excited by his dinner seating between the Queen and her sister, Princess Margaret, and across from her son, Prince Charles, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Washington Post, the Queen Mother was later quoted as saying that Carter kissed her on the lips. PA Images via Getty Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, President Jimmy Carter and Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace on May 7, 1977. Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, President Jimmy Carter and Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace on May 7, 1977. Related: Photos of Queen Elizabeth Meeting U.S. Presidents Through the Years "I took a sharp step backwards not quite far enough, the Queen Mother later wrote, according to her biographer William Shawcross, Sky News reported. The former American president, however, denied that he kissed her on the lips and said instead it was lightly on the cheek while saying goodnight after the diplomatic dinner. More than two years later, there were reports in the British papers that grossly distorted this event, stating that I had deeply embarrassed her with excessive familiarity, Carter wrote in his 2016 autobiography A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety, according to The Washington Post. I was distressed by these reports, but couldnt change what had happened nor did I regret it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As outlined on the royal family's website, there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms, including a bow for men, a curtsy for women or a handshake. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty National leaders and royalty in London, 1977. Left to right are Pierre Trudeau, Princess Margaret, Takeo Fukuda, James Callaghan, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Jimmy Carter, Giulio Andreotti, Helmut Schmidt. National leaders and royalty in London, 1977. Left to right are Pierre Trudeau, Princess Margaret, Takeo Fukuda, James Callaghan, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Jimmy Carter, Giulio Andreotti, Helmut Schmidt. Related: Inside the Queen Mother's Close Bond with Future King Charles and Her Cheeky Moments with Prince William! During her historic 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth met with more than a dozen sitting U.S. presidents, including every American commander-in-chief since Harry Truman (with the exception of Lyndon Johnson). The two would have crossed paths at John F. Kennedy's funeral in November 1963, but she was unable to travel to America because she was pregnant with Prince Edward, born in March 1964. President Joe Biden was the last U.S. president that Queen Elizabeth would ultimately meet. In June 2021, the president and his wife, first lady Dr. Jill Biden, traveled to Windsor Castle following the Group of Seven (G-7) Summit. STEVE PARSONS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images First lady Dr. Jill Biden, Queen Elizabeth and President Joe Biden before tea in Windsor Castle in June 2021. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! They were welcomed at the dais in the Quadrangle of the castle, and a Guard of Honor formed of the Queen's Company First Battalion Grenadier Guards gave the First Couple a royal salute. The Queen and the Bidens then had tea inside the 1,000-year-old castle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple later represented the United States at Queen Elizabeths state funeral in September 2022, and Jill returned to London to lead the U.S. delegation at the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in May 2023. She attended the historic service with their granddaughter, Finnegan Biden. Read the original article on People Growing businesses from the ground up in rural Oklahoma can be difficult, but at Rural Development, we have programs designed to help our brightest entrepreneurs. As program director for one of the top funding agencies for rural businesses in America, I understand how difficult it can be to not only start a business but to be successful. Something I want to accomplish is to help not only our business startups, but also to bring much needed sales tax revenue to our rural communities. Small business funding is one of the most sought-after forms of assistance within the Rural Business Cooperative Services (RBCS) section of USDA Rural Development. While RBCS cannot directly provode grants to small businesses with capital needs, we can work with public entities to provide that assistance through the Rural Business Development Grant Program. More: Invisible to most, many Black women are active in farming. Now they're raising their voice Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the years we have seen incredible success with this program. The town of Laverne is now home to a commercial kitchen incubator available for small food business owners to lease in order to create their delicious canned and packaged food items. The city of Comanche acquired a run-down roadside motel and updated it to create a space for small business owners to lease once a month as vendors at the Chisholm Trail Trading Posts Second Monday Trade Days. Hoboken Coffee in Guthrie was able to reduce its 10-year plan down to five years by working with Logan County EDC to purchase a larger roaster. This has allowed Hoboken Coffee to expand into the wholesale market. Rural Enterprises Inc. was able to provide a 12-month training program to small businesses and entrepreneurs through its Womens Business Center, and Main Street Altus created a strategic plan for its Main Street district. We have seen our Native American tribal partners create revolving loan funds to assist multiple small businesses within their tribal jurisdictions for many years as they continue to revolve their funds that were granted to them through Native American set-aside money. There are some key things to note when applying for this program. The grant is designed to assist businesses in rural areas of the state that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross annual revenue at the time of application. Assistance can involve a piece of equipment, real estate, training or technical assistance. While the business itself is unable to directly apply for funds, it benefits as the ultimate recipient of the funding. Public entities, such as municipalities, tribes, institutes of higher education and some nonprofit organizations, are eligible to apply for funds that they will use in turn to assist a small and emerging business. Public entities may also apply for funds to contract services with a third party to create a strategic economic development plan for a rural community or area; or to create a revolving loan fund to assist multiple businesses who may not be ready for conventional financing. This entity must also identify a small and emerging business, located in a rural area, as the ultimate recipient of the funds. More: Public schools in rural OK are more than classrooms; they're lifelines for kids | Opinion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applications are accepted once a year, with the upcoming deadline being Feb. 28. Applications should be submitted via email to our staff. The RBDG program is a jobs driven program, it is important to share in the scope of work how the project will create or retain jobs in the rural community. While there is no maximum to apply for, the average grant amount funded with state-allocated money is $100,000, so it should be noted that we cannot fund partial projects, and all funds needed for the project will be verified before selection of the recipients. Amy Cowley is director of USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperative Programs in Oklahoma. Application information is available at OKBusiness@usda.gov or 405-742-1060. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Have a small rural business? The USDA may be able to help | Opinion New Year's Eve is the perfect time to make plans for interesting travels in the coming year. And a new study has shown where in Europe you can go on a tour to get an unforgettable experience. ADVERTISIMENT According to the Express, travel experts analyzed Tripadvisor reviews of 1489 tours in Europe to determine the winners. They analyzed the number of reviews for each tour, its star rating, ticket price, language availability, and the number of positive comments containing keywords such as "excellent" and "beautiful." And this is how the top five of the list turned out. Douro Valley Wine Tour, Portugal On average, this Portuguese wine tour has a five-star rating and a total of 2030 reviews. The ticket price is approximately 5600 UAH per adult. The guide's languages are Portuguese, English, and French. The Douro Valley tour includes a cruise along the Douro River, wine tasting, and a trip along the N222 scenic road. ADVERTISIMENT Day trip to the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle in Inverness, Scotland This Scottish tour has a five-star rating on Tripadvisor, a total of 633 reviews, and costs from 3,500 UAH. The tour offers an English guide with audio guides in German, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, French, and Spanish. Tourists visit some of Scotland's most important sights from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, including the famous Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Skye Bridge. Hop On Hop Off sightseeing bus tour Liverpool, England ADVERTISIMENT This sightseeing bus tour has 506 reviews and is the second cheapest in the ranking at only 650 UAH per ticket. It includes a guide who speaks English, as well as written texts in German, Italian, French, and Spanish. Tourists can enjoy a hop on hop off open bus ride past the city's main attractions, such as Liverpool Cathedral, Lord Street, and Pier Head. Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, Turkey Tourists left 842 reviews for this tour on Tripadvisor. The ticket price is about 800 UAH. The guides speak English, Spanish, Japanese, and Russian. The trip includes a transfer from Kusadasi port, lunch, and transportation. Explore ancient Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary with a local guide who will share historical facts and interesting locations for photos. Day trip from Krakow to Zakopane and thermal baths, Poland This tour has 4095 reviews and costs a little over 2500 UAH. The guide here speaks English, but there are written guides in Arabic, Norwegian, German, Russian, Italian, French, Dutch, and Spanish. On this trip to Zakopane, tourists can enjoy the views of the Tatra Mountains, thermal baths, a cable car ride to Mount Gubalowka, a walk along Krupowka Street and a stop in Chokholov to eat cheese and drink vodka. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. When youre invited onto national radio to discuss a rise in religious hate crime of a Monday morning, you dont expect to end up being pursued for the Jewish figures for the numbers of dead in Gaza. But this is the post-October 7 universe, and if the past 14 months have taught us anything, it is this: when it comes to Israel and Jews, you can never underestimate the Left enough. The story began when I appeared on LBC to be interviewed by a chap called Matthew Wright, a deeply liberal journalist who has previously worked for Channel 5 and as a showbiz columnist for the Daily Mirror. We were due to discuss the fact that some of Britains largest police forces have recorded a steep increase in antisemitic incidents after the pogroms of October 2023, as well as a spike in anti-Muslim criminality following the stabbings of three little girls in Southport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My heart sank before I had even uttered a word. In his introduction, Wright confided that he had already drawn his own conclusions about the reasons for the rise in bigotry. Of these there were two: Nigel Farage and Allison Pearson. The Reform leader was under suspicion, apparently, because he had been blamed for inciting riots with comments after the stabbings. As for Allison Pearson, she was in the frame because the police had knocked on her door to accuse her of posting something intemperate on X, before later humiliatingly dropping their investigation. I know, I know. But somebody had to wade through this rising tide of nonsense, and it looked like on this occasion it had to be me. I opened my remarks by pointing out, somewhat wearily, that the Southport suspect whom, funnily enough, LBC had revealed as a Christian two days after the stabbings was later alleged to have been in possession of an Al Qaeda training manual and charged with a terrorism offence. So to pillory Farage for doubting the official account was a bit rich. As for Allison, well, she hadnt done anything wrong, had she? That was the whole point. Wright, undeterred, insisted that the media was to blame for the surge in religious hatred. I found myself agreeing, but not in the way he had expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The broadcast media, I pointed out, was guilty of parroting Hamas casualty figures without mentioning that at least half of the casualties were terrorists. They also air footage of suffering civilians without acknowledging that Hamas censors it all first, which explains why viewers never see pictures of dead or wounded jihadis. As a result of this pincer movement of propaganda, the public is given the impression that Israel is targeting civilians. The truth is that the IDF has killed fewer civilians per combatant than any other army in the history of warfare. As Lord Roberts put it earlier in the conflict, speaking in Parliament: War is hell, and every individual civilian death is a tragedy, but I speak as a military historian less than 2:1 is an astonishingly low ratio for modern urban warfare where the terrorists routinely use civilians as human shields. It is a testament to the professionalism, ethics and values of the Israel Defense Forces. But once members of the public feel that they have seen this stuff with their own eyes on television, the facts have no effect. It was hardly a surprise that such national media brainwashing had provoked a great increase in hostility towards Jews among those who were already so inclined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was at that point that Wright demanded, apropos of nothing, that I tell him how many children had been killed in the war. How many? he said. I just want to know what the accurate Jewish figure is. Sorry, the... the what? Now, an uncharitable interpretation of the Jewish figure statement might include the words Freudian and slip. Far be it from me, however, to reach into the soul of a leftist broadcaster and pull out the oldest hatred; but it was a bit, well, a bit odd. For the next few minutes, it was all I could do to get a word in edgeways, as the man continually interrupted me, demanding that I speak about how many children had lost their lives. In the end, I managed to explain that the reason the Hamas propaganda is so effective is that it taps into latent antisemitism that has been embedded in our culture for centuries. Take the blood libel, which first emerged in Norwich in 1144. William, a 12-year-old boy, was found murdered and a monk by the name of Thomas of Monmouth claimed without evidence that the Jews had done it. So began the conspiracy theory that Jews are possessed of an especial relish for the blood of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont have any animosity towards Jewish people, I just want to know how many children have been killed, the liberal presenter insisted. And so the interview ended, with Wright none the wiser about the true causes of the rise in antisemitic criminality which he, of course, so deeply deplored. 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. On Christmas Eve, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren signed long-awaited legislation to have the Navajo language used, taught and supported by appropriations. With his signature, Dine bizaad, is now the official language of the Navajo Nation. One of my priorities coming in as President has always been to make sure that we make Navajo cool again, he said. It's exciting to see the work that's being done. And, so, I commend the Navajo Nation Council for doing that, and I really want to commend all of you for doing that. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navajo Nation Council Delegate Shawna Claw sponsored the legislation to establish Navajo as the official language of the Navajo Nation.t states, Since time immemorial, our people have survived by maintaining our value system given by the HoIy People. The core of our value system is embedded in the language. As Dine, we are the image of our ancestors, and we are created in connection with all creation. Upon our creation we are identified by: Our Dine name, our clan, our language, our way of life way, our shadow, our footprints. Therefore, we are called the Holy Earth-Surface-People Diyin Nohookaad Dine." President Nygren emphasized that today's leaders must ensure future generations of Navajos have the opportunity to learn the language of their grandparents and great-grandparents. What kind of opportunities can they have to learn our beautiful Navajo language? he asked. Today is going to be a good day because we're going to sign that into law. Then it's the official language of the Navajo Nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he is grateful to all the teachers of the Navajo language who work hard across the Navajo Nation to teach this precious language to young ones. Signing this into law is really going to showcase to them that they're the ones that should be put at the forefront when they're really making things work, he said. Again, all the Navajo language teachers out there, thank you. He expressed his desire to establish a program that trains lawyers and judges to speak Navajo, enabling them to serve on the bench. Additionally, he aims to collaborate with the Dine Language Teachers Association to promote the use of the Navajo language. He shared that he reflects daily on ways the Nation can make significant strides in fostering the use, preservation, and perpetuation of the Navajo language. He also noted that his office includes a veterans liaison, an MMIW representative, and a disabilities liaison to provide support when needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then I thought to myself, why can't I have a Navajo language and cultural advisor? he asked. After a Google search, he discovered longtime Navajo language teacher and translator Peter Thomas had worked on childrens books like the ones he reads daily to his children. He called Salina Bookshelf in Flagstaff that specializes in a wide variety of Navajo language books to inquire about Mr. Thomas. I said, hey, do you have Peter Thomas' number? I'd like to give him a call, the President said. In November, Mr. Thomas was hired as an Executive Staff Assistant to implement strategies and approaches to make Dine bizaad the heart of my administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you come to the Office of the President, you will see signage about Keshmish in Dine bizaad, President Nygren wrote to the Council. These phrases are learned or reinforced in our office and taken home by the staff to share with their families this holiday season. The President said one of the first executive branch projects will be to have the Navajo Division of Transportation design stop signs in the Navajo language that read "Atse." Next, the Division of Public Safety will have Navajo Police cars display the word for police, "Silao." All across the Navajo Nation, I want to say thank you to the Navajo Nation Council for championing this legislation, and to the sponsors and everybody that's been involved and that voted to really make this happen, the President said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that to really fulfill the intentions of the legislation, how do we put some dollars and resources behind it so that we can actually put a dent into teaching the language, he said. I think in order to do that, we're going to need some dollars and resources actually allocated with this legislation. Create your own user feedback survey 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 After eight years on the waitlist, Mikia Knighten was excited to learn in October 2022 that she had received a housing voucher from the Chicago Housing Authority. The rental subsidy would allow her to move to a better neighborhood with better opportunities for her and her now 4-year-old daughter, she said. It was going to take a little bit of a load off in a high-cost housing market, she said. But after spending about eight months applying for apartments, Knighten found no landlord willing to accept her rental subsidy, and her allotted time from CHA to find a unit where she could use her voucher was up, according to the lawsuit she filed in August alleging that housing providers discriminated against her based on her source of income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knightens lawsuit alleges that housing providers said they did not accept housing vouchers, did not work with CHA or did not respond when she told them she had a housing voucher. It was really dehumanizing, Knighten said. Theres a real stigma behind having the voucher. Within the last year and a half, housing attorneys have filed some of the first lawsuits, including Knightens, allowed under Illinois nearly two-year-old statewide law preventing discrimination on the basis of someones source of income. All the complaints allege that the plaintiffs, who had housing vouchers, were discriminated against. Advocates said the discrimination is still widespread across the city and state despite the law, and theyre eager for legal rulings to help hold real estate professionals accountable. As the cases wind their way through the court system, housing counseling and legal aid organizations are continuing to enforce the law through other means, such as filing claims with local and state human rights agencies. Before the new state law took effect, attorneys were not legally allowed to sue alleging source of income discrimination; the local human rights commissions in Chicago and Cook County were the primary route for holding housing providers accountable, and their rulings do not come with consequences as severe as lawsuit verdicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knighten, who lives in Lansing, a suburb south of Chicago, is suing 14 parties, ranging from individuals to real estate brokerages to smaller corporations. Some defendants did not return requests for comment. Others said they did not know they were being sued, that they were no longer the owners of the property in question, had not heard of the plaintiff or declined to comment on pending litigation. Knightens voucher was through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the primary federal housing voucher program. Formerly known as Section 8, it allows public housing authorities to provide subsidies to low-income residents to find housing in the private market. The multi-billion-dollar program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through local public housing authorities, helps more than 2 million households nationwide. The Chicago Housing Authority is supplying vouchers to more than 52,000 renters through the program, according to HUD data. Residents with vouchers from the CHA pay 30% to 40% of their income toward rent and utilities; the CHA covers the rest. It can take years, sometimes decades, to get off the waitlist for a housing voucher. About 18,000 households are on the CHAs waitlist. When the agency last opened the waitlist for four weeks in 2014, it got 280,000 applications, 70,000 of which were approved for the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Illinois, the majority of voucher holders are Black, like Knighten, as the Black population has historically faced racial discrimination preventing them from building wealth, making them more likely to use vouchers. Housing advocates said source of income discrimination is another form of racial discrimination. For those who do get off the waitlist, in 2022 only 61% were able to use their CHA vouchers, the agencys most recent year with complete data. The CHA data are consistent with national figures. Only 60% of voucher holders are able to use them to lease homes, according to a 2024 national study conducted with data from 2015 to 2019 by New York Universitys Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy. The numbers are worse for markets with an older housing stock and for voucher recipients of color, the study says, both of which apply to Chicago. Michael Mini, executive vice president of the Chicagoland Apartment Association, a trade group that represents housing providers, said he has not heard of any problems or concerns related to source of income discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vast majority of his members are very familiar with the voucher program and had already been following the city and county laws prior to the statewide laws passage, Mini said. He said his organization notified its members downstate and beyond when the state law was passed. Source of income is a protected class. Like any other protected class, we expect our members to comply with the law, Mini said. But housing advocates said source of income discrimination happens overtly and covertly. Sometimes real estate professionals explicitly say they will not accept a housing voucher; other times they do not count the voucher toward a renters income and say the renter does not have sufficient income to qualify for the unit. Many property owners and managers require a renters monthly income to be three times the monthly rent. And sometimes required credit scores and high application fees are limiting factors for voucher holders. There are always emerging strategies that a landlord can employ that really accomplish the same thing, said Susan Theiss, an attorney focused on fair housing rights with Legal Aid Chicago. Landlords are always shifting the ground when they really dont want to rent to people with housing assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theiss and other advocates said the number of callers alleging source of income discrimination has increased since the state law passed, a sign that information about it is getting out. In one case, fair-housing counseling organization Open Communities and one of its clients filed a lawsuit in 2023 in federal court in Chicago against national property management company Harbor Group Management and software company PERQ. The lawsuit alleged that Harbor Group Management employed an artificial intelligence chatbot that systematically rejected online applicants who had Housing Choice Vouchers. In January, the parties settled for monetary damages and entered into a two-year consent decree that requires Harbor Group to provide Open Communities data and access related to its fair-housing policies and practices, including its use of PERQ software. In another case, filed Dec. 17 in federal court in Chicago as a class-action suit, four Black women alleged that Mac Properties discriminated against them for their source of income, housing vouchers and race, steering them away from desirable apartment buildings, according to the lawsuit. That hurt them financially and caused them to lose out on housing opportunities in Hyde Park given Macs dominance of the rental market in the neighborhood, the suit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a Mac Properties spokesperson denied the allegations in the suit, calling them entirely baseless and citing the companys ongoing training of its leasing agents to ensure they comply with all legal and ethical standards. The company said it has rented to hundreds of voucher holders in its 5,000 units in Hyde Park. The spokesperson also said one of the plaintiffs filed a complaint with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations that was dismissed this year. Mac Properties has a proven and longstanding commitment to providing equal access to housing for all individuals, regardless of income. We strictly adhere to all local, state, and federal housing laws without exception, the spokesperson said in the statement. The outcomes of the initial lawsuits will outline for housing providers and judges how the law should and will be enforced, attorneys said. Advocates and their clients are also using the new state law to help with eviction cases and are still filing cases through the local and new state human rights commissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allison Bethel, director of the Fair Housing Legal Clinic at University of Illinois Chicago, said she has clients who are voucher holders and are being evicted and/or are facing poor living conditions or fines because of their source of income. The clinic has settled cases where clients have stayed housed or received money, Bethel said. The Chicago Commission on Human Relations estimates it has received 1,700 complaints related to source of income discrimination since 1990, the year the agency began handling these types of complaints. The commission saw the number more than double from 2022 to 2023, with 101 source of income discrimination complaints filed in 2023, according to agency data provided to the Tribune. A commission spokesperson said many of those complaints were from repeat filers who are typically renters in the midst of their housing search who have been turned away from several housing providers. In Cook County, fewer than 75 complaints have been filed since 2013, when it made source of income discrimination illegal, according to the county. Since 2022 the Cook County Commission on Human Rights has seen an uptick in filings. A county official said there has been a recent increase in filings since September, too, when the county began accepting complaints via an online form. The Illinois Department of Human Rights, which began accepting source of income complaints in January 2023, when the statewide law took effect, received 34 complaints in 2023 and 48 in 2024 as of November, according to data provided to the Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates and attorneys say some cases are settled before an investigation is completed. They also said it can take several months to over a year for the IDHR to process and investigate a complaint, with many of its cases still awaiting results. Some of those advocates said they hope this process can be sped up. The IDHR said in a statement that each case is unique, with some taking longer than others depending on factors such as the number of cases received by the agency, the complexity of the allegations raised in a charge, the time parties need to understand and respond to requests for information and/or documents, and investigator caseloads and staffing allocations. As Illinois heads into year three of its statewide source of income protections, housing advocates will continue their work and await verdicts that they hope can help guide their paths forward. Weve just got to get the word out more. And (we) need a couple of court decisions, too, Bethel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Knighten who works at a call center and is paying more than 1.5 times as much for rent as she would have with a voucher she hopes her case raises awareness. Just because people are getting assistance from the government doesnt make them less of a person, Knighten said. (I want to) make sure no one else has to go through what I went through when they are just trying to get help to survive. By Ramadan Abed and Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) -Yahya Al-Batran woke up in the early hours of Sunday morning to find his wife, Noura trying to wake their newborn twin sons Jumaa and Ali as they lay together in the makeshift tent the family occupied in an encampment in the central Gaza Strip. Intense winter cold and heavy rain across the coastal enclave in previous days had made their lives a misery but what he heard was more serious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She said she had been trying to wake Jumaa up, but he was not waking up, and I asked about Ali and she said, he was not walking up either," he told Reuters on Sunday. "I held up Jumaa, he was white and freezing like snow, like ice, frozen." Jumaa, a month old, died of hypothermia, one of six Palestinians who have died of exposure and cold over recent days in Gaza, according to doctors. Ali was in critical condition on Monday in intensive care. In the second winter of the war in Gaza, the weather has added an extra element of suffering to hundreds of thousands of people already displaced, often multiple times, while efforts to agree a ceasefire go nowhere. The death of Jumaa al-Batran shows how severe the situation facing vulnerable families remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli authorities say they have allowed thousands of aid trucks carrying food, water, medical equipment and shelter supplies into Gaza. International aid agencies say Israeli forces have been hampering aid deliveries, making the humanitarian crisis even worse. Yahya al-Batran's family, from the northern town of Beit Lahiya, fled their home early in the war for al-Maghazi, an open air patch of dunes and scrubland in central Gaza which Israeli authorities decreed as a humanitarian zone. Later on, as al-Maghazi became increasingly unsafe, they moved to another encampment in nearby Deir al-Balah city. "Since I am an adult I may take this and endure it, but what did the young one do to deserve this?" Jumaa's mother, Noura al-Batran said, as she held embraced her son's colourful blanket to her chest. "He could not endure it, he could not endure the cold or the hunger and this hopelessness." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TATTERED TENTS Around the area, dozens of tents, many already tattered from months of use, have been blown away or flooded by the strong winds and rain, leaving families struggling to repair the damage, patching torn sheets of plastic and piling up sand to hold back the water. "The water seeped inside and on the mattresses and my children's clothes. I changed the childrens clothes this morning to their underwear," said Sabreen Abu Shanab, a mother of three, whose tent was flooded. "They were sleeping and soaked wet to their underwear. I swear. The pants and underwear (were all soaked). Everything is soaked, the blankets, the pillows, everything," added the woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abu Shanab suffers from asthma and despite medication, she has not been feeling better for a month because of the cold weather and the lack of heavy blankets and clothes. It is another aspect of the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza's 2.3 million population, caught by the relentless Israeli campaign against the remnants of Hamas and dependent on an erratic aid system increasingly vulnerable to looting as order has broken down. Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, and turned the enclave into a wasteland of rubble and destroyed buildings. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations relief agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, said on Sunday that the aid is nowhere near enough and a ceasefire was desperately needed to deliver as famine loomed. Earlier this month, Israeli and Hamas leaders expressed hopes that talks brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States could lead to an agreement to halt the fighting and return Israeli hostages held by Hamas, potentially opening the way to a full ceasefire agreement. But optimistic talk of a deal before the end of the year has faded and it remains unclear how near the two sides are to an agreement. Even as the displaced suffer, Israeli troops have been battling Hamas fighters in the ruined area around the northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahiya, now out of reach of emergency services cut off by the fighting. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Editing by Angus MacSwan) Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair candidate James Skoufis released his proposed platform for the party on Monday, calling for greater investments in Republican-dominated states in an effort to expand the map for Democrats. In the platform that was first seen by The Hill, Skoufis vowed to dramatically enhance the partys Red State Fund if elected chair and loosen counterproductive criteria states need to qualify for the fund. Skoufis also called for year-round organizers in red states. Its time to expand the map rather than hunker down in seven states every four years. Weve seen where that strategy leads: constant disappointment and diminishing returns, Skoufis said. I know what its like to run, win, and cede no ground in deeply-challenging territory red states and counties will get unprecedented resources, attention, and sweat equity from our DNC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Skoufis called for reforming DNC operations and breaking what he called the Beltway Consultant Stranglehold. No-bid contracts and backroom deals have bled the DNC dry, and we have ended up with terrible advice that has broken the party. It ends now. We will competitively re-bid every service and require vendors to earn our business on merit, cost-effectiveness, and deliverablesnot personal relationships, Skoufis said. The state senator from New York also called for strengthening labor and staff for permanent organizing within the DNC. Year-round professional staff who feel valued, protected, and heard is how we build winning state and local campaigns everywhere, he said. Never, ever will DNC staff be given literally days notice prior to post-election turnover. Respecting workers starts at home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skoufis platform comes as the race to replace outgoing DNC Chair Jaime Harrison heats up. Last week, former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson launched a bid for chair, joining Skoufis, Minnesota Democratic Party Chair Ken Martin, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler, former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley and former Homeland Security official Nate Snyder. The election for DNC chair is set to take place on Feb. 1 during the partys winter meeting at National Harbor, Md. The DNC will also host four forums in January for the candidates to make their cases to sitting committee members. 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. Seventeen men convicted in the Pelicot mass rape trial have appealed the verdict, according to the prosecutors office in the French city of Avignon. All 51 men on trial were found guilty of rape or sexual assault when the trial concluded earlier this month. Pelicot organized for more than 50 men to visit his house in the southern French village of Mazan and rape his then-wife Gisele Pelicot who he habitually drugged with a sedative over a period spanning nearly 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The monthslong, landmark trial shocked France and international observers and forced the country to confront a culture where pervasive misogyny and systemic sexual assault remain rife. Monday marks the last day that the 51 defendants can file appeals, according to the prosecutors office. Pelicot, who received a 20-year sentence the maximum sentence allowed in France for aggravated rape will not be appealing the verdict, his lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said Monday. Speaking to French media, Zavarro said that her client felt an appeal would subject (Gisele) to what she rightly called an ordeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today he considers that the judicial page must be turned and that we must consider this chapter closed, Zavarro added. Fourteen of Pelicots co-defendants, as well as Pelicot himself, pleaded guilty to rape at the trial. Others denied the charges against them and said they thought that a husbands consent sufficed. One of those on trial was convicted of the attempted and aggravated rape of his own wife, rather than Gisele, having copied Pelicots methods. The men were handed sentences of between three and 15 years, with many of them receiving shorter sentences than prosecutors sought including a few who walked free with suspended sentences after the verdict on December 19. Gisele Pelicot has been praised for her courage throughout the case. She waived her anonymity to make the trial public, saying that she hoped it would help other women speak up and show other victims of sexual assault and rape that they have nothing to be ashamed of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the trials conclusion outside the courtoom in Avignon, she underscored her solidarity with other sexual assault survivors. I am thinking of all the unrecognized victims of stories, which often unfold in the shadows. I want you to know we share the same fight, she said. Towards the beginning of the trial, Gisele Pelicot questioned her rapists actions. Rape is rape, she said in court in November. When you walk into a bedroom and see a motionless body, at what point (do you decide) not to react why did you not leave immediately to report it to the police? CNNs Saskya Vandoorne and Serene Nourrisson contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PARIS (Reuters) - Dominique Pelicot, sentenced to 20 years in jail by a French court for repeatedly drugging and raping his then-wife Gisele for almost a decade and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her, will not appeal, his lawyer said on Monday, although a new trial will take place as 17 co-defendants have appealed. Gisele Pelicot, 72, has become a symbol of female courage and resilience during the three-month trial of her now ex-husband and his 50 co-defendants, in a case that has horrified the world. All were found guilty by the court on Dec. 19. "He decided not to appeal, because he says it would be a new ordeal and new confrontations for his wife, who he always said in the debates was not his adversary," Dominique Pelicot's lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said on FranceInfo Radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominique Pelicot, who was married to Gisele for 50 years, had pleaded guilty and the panel of five judges gave him the maximum sentence, as requested by prosecutors. The court found 46 of the other defendants guilty of rape, two guilty of attempted rape and two guilty of sexual assault, handing down sentences of between three and 15 years in jail, less than the four-to-18 years demanded by the prosecution. Seventeen have so far said they will appeal, and the others have until midnight on Monday to decide. They come from all walks of life: lorry drivers, soldiers, firefighters, security guards, farm workers, a supermarket worker, a journalist and the unemployed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the accused had denied the charges, saying they thought it was a consensual sex game orchestrated by the couple and arguing that it was not rape if the husband approved. Dominique Pelicot, 72, denied misleading the men, whom he had met online, saying they knew exactly what they were doing. The trial has triggered protest rallies around France in support of Gisele, and spurred soul searching, including a debate on whether to update France's rape law, which at present makes no mention that sex should involve consent. Gisele Pelicot said she was not afraid of a new trial, her lawyer said earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She is not afraid. If it should happen, she has already told us she would cope -- if she's in good health, of course, because she is 72 today," her lawyer said. (Reporting by Michel Rose; editing by Ingrid Melander and Ros Russell) Originally appeared on E! Online The humanitarian community is mourning a devastating loss. Zambian teacher Dora Moono Nyambe, who rose to fame using social media to help her organization Footprints of Hope Mapapa to feed, house and provide education to hundreds of children in a rural community, died on Christmas Day. She was 32. It is with a heavy hearth [sic] that we announce the sudden departure of our beloved Dora, read a statement posted to Instagram Dec. 27. She will be remembered as a loved mother, heroine, peace philanthropist and an extraordinary woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her cause of death was not shared. Nyambe, who grew up in Zambias capital city Lusaka, first visited the rural community of Mapapa in 2019, she told Northeastern Universitys newspaper Global News in 2023. After seeing how the poverty, lack of education and resources affected the community, she decided to move to Mapapa and start a school. After she advocated for her community on social media and raised money from donors all over the world, the school expanded into a campus serving more than 350. More from E! Online And her work soon attracted the attention of influencer Mr. Beast, who through his Beast Philanthropy, helped raise funds to bring electricity to Nyambes Mapapa school and later help rebuild a dorm that was damaged during a major storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following her sudden death, Beast Philanthropy Executive Director Darren Margolias shared an emotional tribute on social media. Dora Moono Nyambe/Facebook @doramoononyambe chose the difficult path so that she could protect and love the most vulnerable children, he wrote on Instagram Dec. 26 alongside a video sharing the news of Nyambes death. My favorite quote is What you share with the world is what it keeps of you." He went on to share a message directly to his late friend. Dora your legacy will live in the hearts of so many who learned how it felt to be loved and valued because of you, he noted, who learned the meaning of courage, conviction, compassion, and dedication because they had such a powerful example in you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You were taken too soon, Darren continued, but your legacy will persist in so many lives that were so deeply affected by you. He also stressed that the work Nyambe was doing in Zambia would continue but noted the challenges her team now faces and how fans can support Footprints of Hope. As he put it, Dora built something beautiful and important and necessary and it must survive her. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Dec. 30DORSET TOWNSHIP A farming enterprise severely damaged by a late-September fire is moving steadily toward a return to full operation. On Sept. 22, a major fire ripped through the milking parlor and barn at the Comp Dairy Farm, a family-owned business that has been operating for decades. Bryce Comp said he was shocked at the amazing cooperation from farmers all in northeast Ohio and beyond. Hundreds of cows were evacuated to farms as far away as Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the assistance continues, and he and his family are very grateful. The overall process of rebuilding a large dairy farm does not happen overnight. "They are slowly coming along," he said of the circumstances leading to a full return to a successful dairy operation. He said around 400-500 cows are back home, milking three times a day, and another 500-600 cows are still spread throughout the region, and will eventually come back to the farm on Comp Road. While a difficult and challenging experience, there have been several positive elements to the situation, Comp said. He said he continues to be surprised by the overall goodness of those who have helped through donations or providing for their cows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I got to meet new people, and they were good people," he said. Another positive that has come from the rebuilding process is the new structures will be more efficient, and be able to handle more milk, Comp said. He said two large milk tanks were installed Friday morning at the farm. The milking parlor continues to be a place to milk the cows, and the construction of a new barn to house sick and pregnant cows in need of special attention is underway. A variety of individuals and organizations have donated to the farm during the last three months. In addition to helping house cows and donating money, Comp said many people are willing to help in smaller ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Just the little things," he said. The project is difficult, and is months from being complete, Comp said. "We still have a long way to go," he said. On the night of the fire, more than 70 firefighters battled the blaze, with many running water from ponds south of the farm on Route 193 back to the area, Dorset Fire Chief Jared Rogge said at the time. Firefighters came from Ashtabula, Trumbull and Geauga counties, as well as Crawford County in Pennsylvania. In addition to the outpouring of assistance to the farm, Rogge said there was a huge amount of help that came from area residents who donated food and drinks to help the crews battling the blaze. All night and into the morning of Sept. 23, trucks moved cows to temporary homes. Many researchers believe that the evolution of modern humans has stopped. But this phenomenon may be less about survival and more about reproductive success in the current environment. ADVERTISIMENT Changes in gene frequency due to factors such as cultural preferences, geographic migration, and even random events continue to shape the human genome. Experts have given their predictions on how evolution may affect the human species in 50,000 years, Newsweek writes. "Evolution is partly deterministic - there are rules for the development of systems - and partly random - mutations and environmental changes are mostly unpredictable. In some rare cases, we can observe evolution in action, but for tens or hundreds of years, this is mostly an assumption," said Thomas Meilund, associate professor of bioinformatics at Aarhus University in Denmark. ADVERTISIMENT Jason Hodgson, an anthropologist and evolutionary geneticist at Anglia Ruskin University in England, said 50,000 years is an "extremely long period" in human evolution, representing more than 1,667 human generations, given a 30-year generation time. "Over the last 50,000 years, most of the variations seen among human populations have evolved. This includes skin color, physique, hair color and texture, etc. In fact, most of the variations we are familiar with have evolved even within the last 10,000 years," the anthropologist said. Hodgson predicts that in the near future, global populations will become more homogeneous and less structured when it comes to genetics and phenotype - the observable traits of an individual. ADVERTISIMENT "Currently, phenotypes that we associate with geographic regions, such as dark skin in Africans, light skin in Scandinavians, short stature in African dwarf hunter-gatherers, tall stature in the Dutch, etc., are maintained through assortative mating. That is, they have more chances to choose partners who are similar to themselves," the geneticist emphasized. According to the scientist, this is partly due to the human history of migration and culture, which means that people tend to live and meet people who are more similar to themselves. "However, mating between distantly related groups is increasing, and this will lead to less structure and a more homogeneous global population. For example, if you put a bunch of poodles, rottweilers, chihuahuas, and St. Bernards on an island and they breed randomly, then in a few generations they will all become medium-sized brown dogs," Jason Hodgson explained. ADVERTISIMENT According to Thomas Maylund, when different populations mix, their traits change, which are determined by several gene variants. But many traits are the result of a combination of different genes. Nick Longrich, a paleontologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Bath in the UK, suggested that humans could become taller and more attractive through sexual selection. According to the scientists, as time passes and technology advances, it is possible that humans will begin to purposefully guide their own evolution with gene editing tools such as CRISPR using artificial intelligence. "I suspect that by this time, things like appearance will mostly depend on our choices. Technologies like CRISPR, or technologies that have not yet been invented, will allow us to choose many things about our appearance. I can even imagine that our appearance could change in a generation in the way that fashion changes now," said Jason Hodgson. "I expect that over the next century we will improve this technology. We already have the tools to edit genes, and the main obstacle is the lack of understanding of the consequences of gene editing. I expect that ethical considerations will hold us back for some time, it will not be forever," Thomas Maylund emphasized. OBOZ.UA previously wrote that scientists have discovered a new species of people with huge heads that roamed China and died out 200,000 years ago. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 1/4-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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. _____ Today, over a dozen people faced a Seattle judge after being arrested for felony-level graffiti charges. Prosecutors say this group caused around $100,000 worth of damage across King County. King County Judge Ronald Kessler pushed through the long docket of arrested graffiti artists today. Sixteen people were set to filter through his courtroom, with a total of 30 felony counts between them. All sixteen are facing criminal mischief charges, and three are also charged with burglary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state says these are not charges to be taken lightly, as the tagging carries a lofty price. Graffiti has been a scourge in our community. It has cost millions of dollars of damage in King County, said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa. The judge released each of them on condition that they commit no new violations and appear at all future court dates. There have been at least 28,000 graffiti sites reported this year, according to the state. We need to say that this is costing all a lot of taxpayer dollars. It causes a lot of damage when we are doing the clean up and it is not what we want as a society, said Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison. The two survivors of South Korea's deadliest plane crash in decades were recovering at separate hospitals in Seoul on Monday, as investigators began far-reaching probes into both the fatal crash and the country's broader aviation operations. The only survivors, a man and a woman, were among the six crew members onboard the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 when it skidded along a runway, crashed into a wall and burst into flames on Sunday morning, officials said. A total of 181 people were onboard. The man who survived, who was receiving treatment for fractures in an intensive care unit, was alert and speaking with medical staff, Ju Woong, director of the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, said at a press conference on Monday. PHOTO: The wrecked tail section of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed and burst into flames is seen at the end of the runway at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 30, 2024. (YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images) The man, a flight attendant identified only by his surname, Lee, had "already been rescued" when he woke up, the hospital official said. "(Lees) fully able to communicate," Woong added. There's no indication yet of memory loss or such." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman, 25-year-old flight attendant named Koo, was also recovering, though not in intensive care, hospital staff and officials with the Korean Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport said. Neither survivor had life-threatening injuries, the ministry said, adding that both had awoken in the hospital without a clear recollection of what had happened after they heard a blast during the landing. Authorities were working on Monday to confirm the identities of more than three dozen of the 179 people who were killed when the plane crash-landed. The bodies of 141 people had been identified through their fingerprints or DNA, but 38 of the dead remained unidentified, local officials said. Officials had recovered the flight's data recorders from the wreckage and were releasing information. The acting president, Choi Sang-mok, who has been leading the country since Friday, ordered an emergency safety inspection of South Korea's entire air fleet and operations. PHOTO: Mourners react near the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul, South Korean, on Dec. 30, 2024. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images) The transport ministry said it will conduct a full inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in use in South Korea. Six low-cost airlines operate a total of 101 of that model aircraft, including the 39 operated by Jeju Air. But the airline said it would not suspend operations of those planes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are no plans to suspend operations, but they will examine those parts once more and check them thoroughly during the inspection process," said Song Kyung-hoon, head of Jeju Air's Management Support Division. MORE: 179 dead, 2 rescued after plane crashes while landing in South Korea Flight 7C2216 had taken off from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand before dawn on Monday, according to Flightradar24, a flight tracker. As the aircraft approached South Korea's Muan International Airport at 8:54 a.m., the control tower gave it permission to land on a south-to-north runway, according to an official timeline by the transport ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three minutes later, the flight control tower issued a warning of a possible bird strike, the transport ministry said. About two minutes after that warning, a pilot sent a distress signal, saying, "Mayday, mayday, mayday, bird strike, bird strike, going around," the ministry said. The plane ascended and made a 180-degree before descending from the north side, crash-landing and crashing into the wall at 9:03 a.m., the ministry said. PHOTO: Firefighters and recovery teams work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 30, 2024. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images) The official death toll, provided by the National Fire Agency, climbed steadily in the hours after the crash. By nightfall on Sunday, local officials said all but two of the 181 people onboard had died in the crash. The aircraft's voice and data recorders, or "black boxes," were recovered from the wreckage, the Air and Railway Investigation Committee said. The flight data recorder was found partially damaged and the cockpit voice recorder was collected intact, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Sunday it would send an investigative team -- which was to include members from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration -- to assist South Korean officials. The results of that investigation will be released by the Republic of Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, or ARAIB. Efforts were being made to speed up the identifications of the remaining 38 people who died, but some bodies were too damaged for their fingerprints to be used. PHOTO: Mourners pay their respects at a memorial altar for victims of the Jeju Air plane crash, at Muan Sports Park in Muan, South Korea, on Dec. 30, 2024. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others were the bodies of minors, whose prints were not on file to compare, authorities said. According to the flight manifest, the youngest passenger on board was 3 years old. The manifest recorded five children under 10 years old on the flight. Jeju Air, which operates an all-Boeing fleet, is a popular low-cost carrier in South Korea. The airline operated about 217 flights a day and carried more than 12 million people during 2023. More than 68,000 Jeju Air tickets have been canceled since the crash, according to Jeju Air. All will be fully refunded, the airline said. ABC News' Sam Sweeney, Hakyung Kate Lee, Jack Moore, Will Gretsky, Victoria Beaule and Joe Simonetti contributed to this report. 2 survivors recovering as South Korean officials probe Jeju Air plane crash originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Driver fatigue and inattention contributed to a multi-vehicle crash involving a tanker truck on the Maine Turnpike on Friday, state police said Monday. At approximately 6:04 p.m. Friday, state police received numerous reports of a significant crash southbound near mile marker 42 on the Maine Turnpike in Scarborough. Traffic was already congested in the area due to other crashes when a 2017 U-Haul, driven by Jason McAvoy, 59, of Old Orchard Beach, collided with a tanker truck driven by Kenneth Openshaw from Massachusetts, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The force of this collision propelled the tanker forward, striking a 2023 Subaru driven by Thomas Gillis, 32, of Old Orchard Beach. This caused a chain reaction, resulting in the Subaru rear-ending a 2005 Dodge Ram driven by Zachary Taylor, 31 of Searsmont, shutting all three lanes southbound, state police said. When troopers arrived, they found McAvoy trapped inside the U-Haul. Fire departments from Scarborough, Portland, and South Portland and several tow trucks responded to extract McAvoy from the vehicle. McAvoy was flown to Maine Medical Center in Portland while other drivers received treatment at the scene. Their conditions were not known Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Police Crash Reconstruction and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement assisted troopers at the scene. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A person was injured Sunday after a driver, who was swerving out of the way of another vehicle, hit them before crashing into a restaurant, originally reported by our news partner WCPO Cincinnati. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Cincinnati police said the car crashed into Taste of Belgium around 12:24 p.m. Sunday near the intersection of Rosa Parks Street and E Freedom Way. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, a vehicle turned illegally in the intersection, and the driver of an SUV swerved out of the way before they hit a man and woman crossing the street. The SUV driver then crashed into the side of Taste of Belgium, police say. It is unclear how much damage has been done to the building at this time. The woman pedestrian was not injured, but the man was transported to a local hospital for a minor head injury, Cincinnati police said. They expect the man to be okay. The driver of the SUV stayed on scene, police say. Cincinnati police say investigators are reviewing video of the crash. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Former President Jimmy Carter passed away on Sunday at 100, the longest-lived president in U.S. history. During his life, Carter visited Arkansas a handful of times for campaign visits, the dedication of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in 2004, and to duck hunt in Arkansas County. The Encyclopedia of Arkansas says Carter visited Texarkana in 1980 as one of his campaign stops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter would regularly visit Poinsett County to duck hunt starting in 1983. He wrote a chapter in one of his 34 books about his time duck hunting in the Natural State. Bill Clinton, Arkansas lawmakers react to the death of former President Jimmy Carter The book titled An Outdoor Journal, has 300-plus pages and was first published in 1988. In the book, Carter writes about his appreciation for nature and looks at his lifes adventures and reflections. The seven-page chapter about Arkansas was called Arkansas Rain, Ice, and Ducks. Excerpts of the chapter can be found below. On Nov. 18, 2004, Carter along with former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush attended the dedication of the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock. LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES: Former US presidents Bill Clinton (2nd L), George H.W. Bush (R) and Jimmy Carter (2nd R), and current President George W. Bush (L) arrive for the dedication and opening of the William J. Clinton Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas, 18 November 2004. The 165 million USD glass and steel structure houses artifacts and documents gathered during Bill Clintons eight years in the White House. AFP PHOTO/Tim SLOAN (Photo credit should read TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty Images) Photos: Jimmy Carter, from the White House to building houses Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his later years, Carter and his wife Rosalynn volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. The nonprofit housing organization has locations across the U.S., and internationally. In Arkansas, there are multiple locations including ones in Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Little Rock. The organization builds and improves homes for those in need. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, right, work at a Habitat for Humanity building site Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have volunteered a week of their time annually to Habitat for Humanity since 1984, events dubbed Carter work projects that draw thousands of volunteers and take months of planning. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) Multiple Arkansas lawmakers reacted to Carters death on social media on Sunday including former Arkansas Governor and President Bill Clinton. Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life, Clinton posted in a statement on social media. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others until the very end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KNWA FOX24. Eighty-nine Air Force career fields will be eligible for retention bonuses in 2025, according to a service memo leaked online last week. Though the list was not made readily available by the service, a copy of it providing the names of the eligible career fields circulated on social media, making an appearance on the popular Facebook group, Air Force amn/nco/snco. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed the lists authenticity, whose existence was first reported by Military.com on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document, titled United States Air Force Fiscal Year 2025 Selective Retention Bonus Listing, details 89 career fields eligible for bonuses that begin at $180,000 and cap out at $360,000. In 2024, 73 career fields were eligible for retention bonuses, according to Military.com. Air Force plans for more flying, flat workforce in 2025 The list includes a myriad of career fields, such as airborne cryptologic language analyst-Chinese, pararescue, special mission aviator-MC-130J, human intelligence specialist, special reconnaissance, refuel/bomber aircraft maintenance craftsman, explosive ordnance disposal and surgical technologist-urology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the Department of the Air Force requested $217.5 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, with the Air Force making up $188.1 billion of that ask, Military Times previously reported. The request targeted a $1.1 billion allotment for bonus and retention pay for 118,000 critical positions, including $327 million for aviation jobs and $21 million to retain cyber specialists. The bonuses also come after the Air Force fell short of meeting recruitment goals by 10% in 2023. The service recently expanded medical waivers to cover asthma, food allergies, and hearing loss, in a bid to bring more recruits into the fold. The new eligibility list went into effect Dec. 16, according to the document, and can be viewed in its entirety here. ROYAL PALM BEACH El Bodegon, a family-owned grocery chain based in Palm Beach County, has unveiled a new store in the village, making it the county's first Hispanic supermarket west of Florida's Turnpike. The 38,000 square-feet store, located in the former Beall's store space at the Village Shoppes on State Road 7, offers a wide range of Latin American and Caribbean products. It has meat and seafood butchers, and a bakery with a sit down restaurant. Andrew Ortiz's father, Carlos Mario Ortiz, founded the stores in 1998. He said they have seen the Hispanic population boom in the county's western suburbs and are following the trend of more of them moving farther west. Six of the company's seven stores are in the county, several between West Palm Beach and Greenacres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The younger Ortiz, who was born and raised in Wellington, said the family wanted to bring the Latin American supermarket experience to all the residents of the western communities. There are simply more and more Latinos living here, Ortiz said in Spanish. And now comes my generation, the second generation of Latinos that grow up with both the American culture and their familys culture. With El Bodegon, we try to preserve our culture," he added. 'I am proud of you': How 10 girls had the quinceanera they thought they'd never get to enjoy What shoppers will find in El Bodegon's new Royal Palm Beach store Andrew Ortiz said their locations in Greenacres and West Palm Beach had built up regular clients from Royal Palm Beach, Wellington and Loxahatchee over the last 26 years, and opening in the village is an achievement for the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The store has wide aisles stocked with brands from every country in Latin America and the Caribbean such as Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The produce section offers tropical fruits and vegetables like passion fruit, plantain leaves and yuca. The meat and poultry department extends through the back of the store with an area for prepackaged meats and a counter with multiple butchers who cut meats, cheeses and seafood to order. Special report: Palm Beach County housing crisis squeezing blue-collar workers out of two Hispanic cities The El Bogedon supermarket that opened in Royal Palm Beach in December 2024 boats a cafe where shoppers can enjoy full meals. The store is at State Road 7 and Southern Boulevard. The El Bodegon in Royal Palm Beach also includes the chains signature bakery and hot food deli, and is also the second store to feature a full-service restaurant, where customers can sit and order cafecito, appetizers and a meal from an a la carte menu from breakfast through dinner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The store also has a flower shop, a window to send money and packages abroad and to-go hand-made tortilla stations placed by the cash registers. More than groceries, El Bodegon aims to offer a Latin American experience El Bogedon in December 2024 opened its sixth supermarket in Palm Beach County. Among its features is a fully stocked bakery counter. With El El Bodegon, Carlos Mario Ortiz wanted to bring all the staple Latin and Caribbean products into one outlet and introduce the bodegon culture that make them more than just a place to buy groceries, his son said. El Bodegon aims to offer clients an experience that doesn't rush them out the door but invites them stay to enjoy the flavors and warmth of Hispanic and Caribbean culture and offers a place to gather with friends and neighbors. How the western suburbs are growing: Luxury developments bring 'Palm Beach' to once-rural region Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Ortiz said shoppers can enjoy guava-and-cheese pastries while they read the news on their phones. They can snack on empanadas while they browse the aisles. And they can also sit to have a home-style meal before or after shopping. Ortiz said El Bodegon takes pride in bakery and butcher employees offering shoppers personalized services: learning their names, preparing custom orders and finding the rarest meats for their asados and sancochos. "You won't find that in any other supermarket, Andrew said. Everything is made to order for the person and those details add up. The restaurants have also become a gathering place hosting former Palm Beach County Commissioner Michael Barnetts coffee hour with residents, as well as a campaign stop for present Commissioner Joel Flores during last fall's election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Publix opens new Wellington store: Pours bar, popcorn counter and more inside the Publix at Courtyard Shops Meet the Colombian family behind the El Bodegon supermarkets in Palm Beach County El Bogedon's new store in Royal Palm Beach features a large section of fresh vegetables. The store, the company's sixth in Palm Beach County, opened in December 2024 at Southern Boulevard and State Road 7. Carlos Ortiz was born in Colombia and moved to Palm Beach County in the 1980s. Every time he wanted to buy Latin American meats, beans and brands, he would have to drive to Fort Lauderdale or as far as Miami to find it. He saw a need, his son said. And without having any idea of how to operate a supermarket, he put all his savings and got in debt to start the business we know today. The first El Bodegon was in a 2,000 square-feet former paint shop in Greenacres, at Forest Hill Boulevard and Military Trail. It outgrew the space after a couple of years and moved across the street to their first big store, which is still open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I grew up running through the aisles of the supermarket, Andrew said. Im so proud to see how the family has grown the business and now I have the opportunity to continue it. The American Dream is alive: Hispanic businesses in Greenacres, Palm Springs prove it Shoppers crowd the checkout area at El Bogedon's sixth Palm Beach County supermarket in Royal Palm Beach. The store opened in December 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When people go to El Bodegon for the first time, they are usually shocked, Andrew said. Some find products from their home countries they thought they would never eat again, while those who arent Hispanic or Caribbean are amazed by the selection of foreign products. Its beautiful to see people get that nostalgia, Andrew said. And any person who comes here can buy from a variety of Latin products that you can only find here. The family also opened a factory in Lake Worth Road where they make some of the pastry items offered in the bakery like pan de bonos and empanadas. They employ 750 people between these seven stores and the factory. Twelve have been with El Boden since it opened 26 years ago. When Andrew Ortiz got his master's degree in business administration, he chose to stay with the family business and has helped his father run the stores over the last 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to capitalize on my familys efforts to multiply them, Andrew said. For us to keep serving the community and expand to other communities where El Bodegon hasn't arrived. Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Palm Springs and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Latin market El Bodegon open in Royal Palm Beach near Florida Turnpike The aggressor country Russia is not going to end the war but is doing everything to continue its terror against Ukraine. The proof of this is the actions of the occupiers at the front, especially near Pokrovsk, as well as the accumulation of missiles for massive shelling of the Ukrainian rear. ADVERTISIMENT Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, pointed this out. He warned Ukrainians, emphasizing that nothing says that the Russians have abandoned their aggression. "The war continues. The Russians are trying to move in the Pokrovsk direction, cling to the islands in Kherson region, and the Shakhtys are trying to fly," the author emphasized. The representative of the Center for Public Advocacy noted that one should not look at the decrease in the number of fake drones that the occupiers have been launching in Ukraine lately. According to him, the aggressor is accumulating drones on the contrary. "They have experienced a certain logistical slack as a result of successful strikes on the places of production and storage of components for the Shahed, hence the decrease in the number in the air," Kovalenko explained. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, Russia has accumulated many missiles of various types, including X-101 and Kalibr, as well as ballistics for strikes on Ukrainian regions. "As I said before, I believe that the enemy does not want the war to end and is doing everything to keep it going," he emphasized. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the aggressor country Russia has about 1400 long-range missiles in its stockpile. These include hundreds of Kalibr, Oniks, X-101, X-55, and X-35, dozens of Kinzhal and Iskanders. Every month, the Russians can produce up to 150 of these weapons. At the same time, Western media reported that Russia is intensively increasing the production of Shahed-type kamikaze drones at a plant in the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan. The process involves Chinese components and cheap labor from Africa. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the terrorist country Russia organized a massive shelling of Ukraine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, in particular, targeting drones and missiles at the energy infrastructure. The attack damaged equipment at energy facilities in a number of regions, causing casualties and blackouts in some areas. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Elon Musk was accused by the Berlin government of trying to influence Germanys federal election with an article supporting a Far-Right party. Musk, who is set to serve Donald Trumps new administration co-leading a Government Efficiency Department, endorsed the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the European countrys last hope. His comments in a guest opinion piece for the Welt am Sonntag newspaper prompted the comment editor to resign in protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election, with X posts and the opinion piece, a German government spokesperson said. Musk is free to express his opinion, the spokesperson said, adding: After all, freedom of opinion also covers the greatest nonsense. The spokesperson stressed Musks endorsement of the AfD was a recommendation to vote for a party that is being monitored (by domestic intelligence) on suspicion of being right-wing extremist and which has already been recognised as partly right-wing extremist. Musk, the worlds richest person, has defended his right to weigh in on German politics because of his significant investments, and has praised the AfDs approach to regulation, taxes and market deregulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His intervention has come as Germans prepare to vote in a parliamentary election on February 23 after the collapse of the coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Musk also called for Scholzs resignation after a car rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market on December 20, killing five people. He has also waded into UK politics with attacks on Sir Keir Starmer and the new Labour government, claiming Britain is heading for civil war due to its immigration and border policies. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said that Musk is in talks over funding the party. Just days ago, Trump sided with Tesla boss Musk in a public dispute over the use of the H-1B visa, saying he fully backs the programme for foreign tech workers opposed by some of his own supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps remarks followed a series of social media posts from Musk who vowed to go to war to defend the visa programme for foreign tech workers. Musk, a naturalized US citizen born in South Africa, has held an H-1B visa, and his electric-car company Tesla obtained 724 of the visas this year. H-1B visas are typically for three-year periods, though holders can extend them or apply for green cards. Some of Trumps supporters and immigration hard-liners have increasingly pushed for the H-1B visa programme to be scrapped amid a heated debate over immigration and the place of skilled immigrants and foreign workers brought into the country on work visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have already started branding the tech chief as president Musk given the sway he may have once Trump gets into the White House on January 20. In Germany, the AfD is currently in second place in opinion polls behind the main opposition conservatives, and might be able to thwart a centre-right or centre-left majority in the election. Germanys mainstream parties have pledged not to work with the AfD at the national level. Friedrich Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats and current favourite to succeed Scholz as Chancellor, said Musks comments were intrusive and pretentious. In London, No10 said that the Government has taken an unashamedly pro-growth and pro-business approach, responding to claims from Musk that very few companies will be willing to invest in the UK with the current administration. Alt-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomers fiery spat with Elon Musk has quietly ended with a bent knee and a plea for the X chief to reinstate her blue check status on his website. I appreciated the conversation last night with @AdrianDittmann and others, Loomer wrote, referring to an individual that has been widely speculated to be Musks burner account. It was productive & informative, and I look forward to more of these conversations in the future. I also hope that @elonmusk will agree to reinstate my @premium features. Loomer, a self-described journalist and white advocate, went head-to-head with Musk last week over the billionaires ardent defense of the H-1B work visa program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In several posts, Loomer accused Musk of having bought his way into MAGA, claimed he was a pawn of China, and said that the divorce between the stage 5 clinger and President-elect Donald Trump was on the horizon. That was apparently enough back talk to strip Loomer of her verified status on the sitea loss that, for her, warranted backtracking on her previous positions. My comments do not come from hate, but rather compassion for the struggle of the everyday American, she continued in a separate post. I believe loyalty is the most important quality, and I am loyal to my country and my people. I want whats best for Americans. And I will always keep fighting for Americans. Loomers renowned Islamophobia and xenophobia were extreme enough to shove her temporarily away from the MAGA movement earlier this year after she posted that Vice President Kamala Harriss ascendency to the Oval Office would make the White House smell like curry. Loomer has also taken credit for urging Trump to utter the Haitian migrant conspiracy theory that wrecked Ohio in the months leading up to the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the account that supposedly convinced Loomer to concede the fight has some otherwise inexplicable ties to the Tesla CEO. Dittmann also purports to be a South African billionaire with identical beliefs to Musk. The account frequently responds to Musks posts, supporting his decisions related to his forthcoming government positions and the way in which the tech leader is raising his children. But the account also, at times, goes so far as to speak on behalf of Musk, organizing events with Musks friends while continuing to claim that the two arent affiliated. X users felt that the illusion was completely shattered over the weekend, when Dittman participated in an X space using his actual voiceand, suspiciously, had the exact same cadence, accent, and vocal intonations as Musk himself. Only the antiestablishment Alternative for Germany (AfD) can save the country from collapse, according to the worlds richest tycoon. On Sunday, Musk penned a guest column in a leading weekly newspaper explaining his reasoning, but his arguments have been heavily criticized for lacking even a superficial understanding of AfD policies. After helping install Donald Trump in the White House, Elon Musk has set his sights on upending Germanys political establishment as well. Worth an estimated $440 billion, Musk went all in to back his successful bid to retake the presidency. The Tesla CEO is now exporting his brand of divisive politics to Europes largest economy, advocating voters back the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) come February. On Sunday, he finally explained his reasoning in a column he wrote for the weekly newspaper Welt am Sonntag (WamS), arguing no one else but the AfD could restore strength and prosperity to the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AfD is the last ray of hope for this country, Musk wrote. He is also wading into U.K. politics. Trump ally Nigel Farage, leader of the populist Reform party, has confirmed hes in talks to receive a hefty donation from the tech mogul so long as they find a way to abide by U.K. campaign finance laws. What is Musks argument? He warned Germany is teetering on the brink and that only the AfD can stave off an otherwise inevitable economic and cultural collapse. After briefly claiming the AfD alone is serious about deregulationin part a reflection of guidelines from the European Unionhe then praised its approach to preserving Germanys cultural identity from the threat of globalization and open borders: A nation must preserve its basic values and cultural legacy to remain strong and unified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He argued the decision to phase out nuclear power over a period of 12 yearswhich had its roots in the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasterswas a mistake that rendered the economy vulnerable to power outages. Official statistics indicate otherwise, however. Next he claimed Germanys political establishment is ideologically bankrupt. Their policies have led to economic stagnation, social unrest, and an undermining of the national identity, he wrote. The AfD, by comparison, doesnt shy away from addressing uncomfortable truths, according to Musk. Lastly, he stated that the AfD would eliminate indoctrination in Germanys education in favor of critical thinking. The university system is entirely different, however, and there have been no discernible debates similar to those taking place in the United States. Does Musk have a point to make? Very broadly speaking, yes. His comment that Germany has become too comfortable with mediocrity is a view shared by many business leaders frustrated with its influential trade unions and extensive labor protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industrial giants such as Volkswagen, ThyssenKrupp, and BASF have been announcing sweeping layoffs and threatened plant closures. The double whammy of weaning itself off Russian natural gas combined with Chinas malaise has arguably rendered Germany its weakest since it was branded the sick man of Europe at the turn of the millennium. Just when Trump, a fierce critic of Germany, is set to take power, the governing traffic light coalition collapsed, sparking snap elections on Feb. 23. Together with chaos in neighboring France, Europe feels adrift and increasingly irrelevant on the geopolitical stage. Into this combustible mix comes Musk with his call to support the populist AfD. Why is this so controversial? His endorsement has sparked a fierce debate in the country, because the AfD has been under surveillance after being designated by the federal government as a right-wing extremist threat to the liberal democratic order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party sued the domestic intelligence agency to fight that label but lost, then appealed the decision and lost again in May. A higher court confirmed there was sufficient evidence proving the AfD poses a potential danger to the republic. The ruling referred in part to the partys desire for racial purity: A central goal advocated by its youth wing includes the preservation of the German people in its ethnic stock. Officially, the AfD does not sanction ties with Germanys militant right-wing extremists, and it has been known to expel members when discovered. After a Frankfurt paper reported in October of last year that an AfD official elected to Hesses state parliament was known in the neo-Nazi scene, he was excluded from caucusing with them and left the party under pressure. Investigations have also uncovered staffers with documented links to neo-Nazis who worked for AfD parliamentarians in the Bundestag. In fact, the very Sunday on which Musk published his column endorsing the AfD, a state legislator from Brandenburg, home to Teslas German plant, confirmed reports she had attended a meeting at which members of the forbidden Blood & Honor neo-Nazi organization were present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his column, Musk argued the party as a whole cannot possibly be considered right-wing extremist, because it elected Alice Weidel its cochair, whose gay partner is of Sri Lankan heritage. Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please. What is the Alternative for Germany anyway? Initially a party founded by economists opposing the Greek bailouts, alt-right hard-liners hijacked the party following the 2015 migrant crisis and turned the AfD into Germanys version of MAGA. Its supporters bear many of the same antiestablishment views, including fierce opposition to COVID-era lockdowns, deep suspicion of the media, and hostility to whomever they deem as globalists. They generally favor deporting the millions of refugees and migrants invited into the country by Angela Merkel a decade ago. Its election program calls for Germany to exit the European Uniona policy that has severely kneecapped the U.K. economywhile setting relations with Vladimir Putins Kremlin on par with those of the White House. It also advocates restoring the countrys dependency on Russian natural gas by rebuilding the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres one salient difference to populist parties elsewhere like Giorgia Melonis Brothers of Italy: AfD members are known for either trivializing Germanys own Nazi past or outright denying the Holocaust. Weidels former colleague as AfD cochair famously likened Adolf Hitler to nothing more than a bird shit in the greater scheme of German history. As a result, there have been repeated calls for the AfD to be banned just like the state once did with the West German communist party. During the last election in 2021, no less than 60 Jewish organizations in Germany joined forces to condemn the AfD as anti-Semitic, calling on voters to reject the party. The AfD is a party that offers a home to Jew hatred and the relativization or even denial of the Shoah. The AfD is inhumane, antidemocratic, and in large parts radical, they wrote at the time. Should a foreigner like Musk intervene in Germanys election? Musk regularly meets with heads of stateand most if not all of them court his business, so he has an overview of global competitive conditions. Who better to point out Germanys weaknesses and propose policy solutions than the worlds most successful entrepreneur? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk is also a stakeholder having invested heavily in the country, including the rare decision to build a full-scale vehicle manufacturing plant in structurally poor eastern Germany. Hes also been affected personally. Anti-capitalist agitators seeking to damage Musk sabotaged his factory earlier this year, leading to what Tesla claimed was a $1 billion loss. But while he has many fans in Europe equally critical of the continents many faults, his views are far more divisive in the more left-leaning parts of society. Musk has also actively stoked nativist grievances and racial resentment in the U.K. during this summers riots. How has Musks AfD endorsement been received in Germany? Although a number of frustrated Germans have defended his criticism of the country, reception has largely been poor, in part because of a superficial grasp of the issues or indeed the political system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk, for example, incorrectly suggested Germanys ceremonial head of state is standing for reelection, and recently claimed AfD policies are identical to those of U.S. Democrats when Barack Obama became president: I dont think there is a single difference. Even former AfD party leader Jorg Meuthen labeled Musks Sunday WamS column as complete nonsense, accusing the billionaire of displaying incomprehensible naivety and an absolute ignorance of the AfD. The AfD moreover has almost zero chance of governing. Polling just below 20%, its far from an absolute majority, and it would struggle mightily to form a coalition government. Take Thuringia, the former East German state where every third voter cast their ballot for the AfD in September. Even there, where the party enjoys the most support, the rest of the legislature banded together to form a cordon sanitaire quarantining the AfD from taking power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such an approach may ultimately prove counterproductive, but the simple fact is the AfD is considered by other parties to be radioactive. Tellingly, the column written by the worlds richest man was not even referenced on the front page of the WamS, and a number of journalists publicly distanced themselves from their otherwise staunchly conservative papers editorial decision. The head of the opinion section outright resigned in protest. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com BERLIN (Reuters) - U.S. billionaire Elon Musk's support for Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a "logical and systematic" play for a weak Europe that will not be able to regulate as strongly, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said in his New Year's address. The calls by Musk are not made out of ignorance, said Habeck, who is the chancellor candidate for the Greens party in German national elections due in February. "It is logical and systematic. Musk is strengthening those who are weakening Europe. A weak Europe is in the interest of those for whom regulation is an inappropriate limitation of their power," added Habeck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German government on Monday accused Musk, who owns social media platform X and is CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, of trying to influence the upcoming election with a guest opinion piece for the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. Musk, the world's richest person, spent more than $250 million to help Trump get elected and has been tasked by Trump to prune the federal budget as a special adviser. Musk endorsed the AfD as Germany's last hope in the piece that prompted the commentary editor to resign in protest, praising the anti-establishment, anti-immigrant party's approach to regulation, taxes and market deregulation. (Reporting by Miranda Murray, editing by Thomas Seythal) Emma Heming Willis has shared an emotional tribute to her husband Bruce Willis on their 17th anniversary, as he lives with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The 46-year-old model took to Instagram on Sunday (December 29) to share a throwback picture of her and her husband smiling in the ocean, while on a trip to Turks and Caicos. In the caption, she acknowledged that its been 17 years since she and the Die Hard star, 69, started dating and shared her candid feelings about their anniversary. Anniversaries used to bring excitement now, if Im honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach, she wrote, before describing the pain she feels amid her husbands health condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the why him, why us, to feel the anger and grief, she added. Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is is unconditional love. Heming Willis went on to acknowledge how grateful she is for her relationship with her partner, adding: I feel blessed to know it, and its because of him. Id do it all over again and again in a heartbeat. In March 2022, Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain damage that can lead to difficulties comprehending, speaking, reading, or writing. However, in 2023, the Pulp Fiction stars family issued a statement with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration to reveal they had a clearer diagnosis: FTD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After calling the condition a cruel disease, they also said that FTD is the most common form of dementia. In addition, because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruces condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research, they wrote. Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. The statement was signed by Heming Willis and her husbands two children, Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10. It was also signed by Willis ex-wife, Demi Moore, and their three adult children: Rumer, 36, Scout, 32, and Tallulah, 30. Heming Willis has since continued to open up about her relationship with her husband and his health condition. While celebrating her 15th wedding anniversary on Instagram in March, she expressed how she had a choice for how she wanted to commemorate her marriage, following Willis FTD diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can wallow in sorrow or I can celebrate it. I call this the remarkable reframe. What I know is there is so much to celebrate, she wrote in the caption of her post, which showed a snap of Willis kissing her on the cheek. Our union and connection is probably stronger than ever. Emma Heming Willis opens up about unconditional love for Bruce Willis in anniversay emotional post (Getty Images for Film at Lincoln) We have two bright, fun and healthy daughters. We have a family unit that is built on mutual respect and admiration, she added. And simply, I just love and adore the man I married. Im so proud of what we have and continue to create. Earlier this month, Willis was also spotted in a rare photo with his family, shared by his daughter Tallulah. In the snap, the actor was seen smiling at his daughter Scout, as they sat together on the sofa, while Tallulah looked up at him from where she was seated on the floor. In a second picture, Willis is seen touching noses with Scout while holding a plaque that reads Best Dad Ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Demi Moore gave an update on her ex-husbands health condition during an interview with CNN, which aired on December 5. Given the givens, hes in a very stable place at the moment, The Substance star said. Ive shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely, its so important for anybody whos dealing with this to really meet them where theyre at, and from that place, there is such loving and joy. President Jimmy Carter was a born-again Christian and a Democrat, so it may be odd for me to remember him as the father of an important liberty for all Americans the right to drink beer that is not made by one of a handful of giant beer conglomerates. But it is true. Today with his death, youll be hearing about a Nobel Prize, peace between Egypt and Israel, the Panama Canal and the greatness of his post-presidency. Youll hear about the near eradication of Guinea worm. Youll hear less about stagflation and his defeat by Ronald Reagan who heralded a new birth of freedom and conservatism in America. But in an important way Carter got the ball rolling on something that still touches my life to this day. Beer freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 50 years after Prohibition ended, Jimmy Carter noticed that a thicket of federal laws and regulations still remained for what was once a cottage industry across the land: home brewing. He encouraged a Democratic-controlled Congress to pass legislation in 1978 that legalized home brewing. At the time, there were fewer than 100 breweries in America, most of them making the same tasteless schlock. Today it is not uncommon to find big cities that have 100 breweries on their own. Carter was not the only politician to push forward the cause of beer freedom, but his push is widely considered the impetus for great beers today. In 1976, Republican Gerald Ford signed into law a 20% tax cut for small commercial breweries. State by state, breweries were freed from local red tape, and starting in Washington state, pubs that brew their own beer were legalized, an idea we imported from England. And America changed fast. Home hobbyists became entrepreneurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Californias Sierra Nevada Brewing Company was born in 1981. The precursor to Michigans Bells Brewery appeared on the scene in 1983. By 1985, in Reagans second term, the number of commercial breweries in the United States had doubled. In 1986, Louisianas Abita Brewing Company launched the same year the first brewery opened in famously booze-averse Utah. The brewing economy boomed. Today microbrews are a $28 billion business with nearly 10,000 breweries across the country (1,100 in California alone), employing 190,000 people. Like many things in Carters life, he connected everyday Americans to those who value the same things around the world. Last year in Kansas City, two breweries in the city received national recognition for their pilsners both are made with ingredients from where youd expect, here at home, but also with hops imported directly from Germany and the Czech Republic. Beer deserves serious cultural respect, as it is among a handful of things that still connect us to the lives of the people who created civilization 6,000 years ago in Babylon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beer freedom is as old as our nation. The first brewery was founded in what became the United States in 1612. Before and long after that, many Americans brewed their own. George Washington has left us his recipe. Beer regulation is nearly as old. The killjoys have been with us from the beginning. In 1789, one of the first things Congress did under the brand new Constitution was impose a beer duty of 8 cents a barrel to protect beer production here from imports. Donald Trump would like that. And all that came before the Germans even invented Oktoberfest. My political beliefs began to take shape on my fathers knee watching news reports of Carters feckless efforts to free the hostages Iran took. But on his death, it isnt anything bad I remember about Jimmy Carter, but rather his role in giving me the freedom to have this Fairy Nectar IPA in my hand right now. Thats a legacy he can be proud of. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Evansville Police arrested three people on Monday after officers say they found a Molotov cocktail that was thrown at a home with two juveniles inside. Authorities say the incident is part of ongoing criminal gang activity involving gun activity. According to a probable cause affidavit, an officer heard multiple gunshots near the area of the 800 block of East Gum Street at 1:28 a.m.. Police say a home that was inhabited by three occupants, including a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, was shot by several bullets. Police said they also found a Molotov cocktail that had been thrown at the house, but failed to ignite a fire. The incendiary device was set on fire using a torn portion of a yellow shirt. ISP announce arrest of Lynnville shooting suspect after two hour standoff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another officer responding to the scene reported seeing a passenger car turn onto Garvin Street, and initiated a traffic stop. Authorities say after the officer exited their vehicle, a passenger in the backseat of the vehicle exited and began to run. Police say the suspect ran to an alleyway on Elliot Street before he was taken into custody. Evansville Police say the suspect refused to identify himself, but other officers were able to positively identify him as Joseph Emilson, 18. Police say the driver of the vehicle, Kennedy Wilkerson, 24, of Princeton, and a passenger, identified as Eriyon Gibson, 23, were also taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, officers reportedly found a handgun in the backseat with an empty magazine inserted. Police say they also found a yellow shirt that had a portion torn from it that matched the piece found on the Molotov cocktail. Emilson Wilkerson Gibson During an interview, police say Wilkerson and Gibson both gave similar stories inconsistent with information known by the authorities. While speaking with Wilkerson, the probable cause affidavit says she later changed her story to say she went with Gibson to pick up Emilson from an apartment complex, and she was then told to park her car in the 800 block of East Gum Street. She said Gibson and Emilson both exited the vehicle for a short period of time, and she heard gunshots before they returned to the vehicle and told her to drive away from the location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emilson, Gibson and Wilkerson were arrested and charged with arson, criminal recklessness and criminal gang activity. Gibson was also charged with possession of a destructive device and Emilson was charged with unlawful carrying of a handgun and resisting law enforcement. Emilson is also currently under felony indictment for theft of a firearm out of Warrick County. Gibson was previously charged in the 2020 shooting death of 16-year-old Rylan Conway. He plead guilty to reckless homicide and was sentenced to four years in prison in 2021. 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). The European Union purchased a blender for a school without electricity and funded a conflict prevention radio station which only played music as part of a 5 billion (4.1 billion) trust fund for Africa. A report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) highlighted dozens of similar projects that were deemed to be a waste of taxpayers money, including from Britain. Its 66-page report also raised fears that criminal gangs and people smugglers had benefited from billions of euros being spent by Brussels on the African continent in the hope of curbing illegal migration to the bloc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The European Union Emergency Trust Fund was set up by the European Commission in 2015 at the height of the migration crisis, in which millions illegally entered the bloc. In recent years it has pumped almost 5 billion into projects to promote stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced people in Africa. On a visit to one of the EU-funded projects, auditors found a school with no access to electricity received a blender to complement training in food preparation and conservation. A report said the blender donation was an example of activities that were no longer sustainable - European Court of Auditors The ECAs report said this was an example of activities that were no longer sustainable, difficult to implement or with no direct connection to the most urgent aspects of the migration crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also revealed that EU cash had been used to finance the Al Shabbi seafront in the Libyan city of Benghazi and a Roman theatre in Sabratha. The Commission does keep track of the success of its overseas projects, but does not have any measure of if they helped to curb illegal migration. EU money has been used to finance a Roman theatre in Sabratha, Libya - DEA/V. GIANNELLA Officials believe by spending money in Africa they can create more jobs in order to make it less likely that people attempt to flee to Europe. But the auditors wrote: The Commission is still unable to identify and report on the most efficient and effective approaches to reducing irregular migration and forced displacements in Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the projects were a craft workshop, which was flagged as completed, but when auditors visited it was still under construction. Frank Furedi, executive director of MCC Brussels, a conservative think tank, said: The EU has turned wasting taxpayers money into an art form. When it comes to wastefulness its 5bn EU Trust Fund for Africa is in a class of its own. In Ethiopia, EU funds were used to open a model poultry processing farm, with solar-powered chicken shed and on-site slaughter house. Promote youth expression At the time of our visit, the beneficiary explained it was not economically viable to operate the business. The premises were empty, the auditors wrote in their report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Sahel, a radio station to promote youth expression was set up using the African trust fund, but it was only found to play music, despite being approved by eurocrats with the objective of improved governance and conflict prevention. The auditors said it was difficult to establish a link with the projects stated aims. Some of the projects under the Brussels-led scheme were funded to directly tackle irregular migration. A maritime rescue co-ordination centre for Libya remains unused, according to EU auditors - ECA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2021, the Commission completed the delivery of equipment to a new maritime rescue co-ordination centre for Libya to monitor would-be asylum seekers attempting to cross to Europe. The facility, built from containers, in Tripoli remains locked up and unused, according to the auditors. A man in Gambia was said to have received a grant to set up a poultry business despite having no experience - ECA There were also numerous examples of fraud found by the auditors. One man in Gambia was said to have received training, chickens, equipment and a grant to set up a poultry business in 2018. Four years later in 2022, he applied for and received the same support after he confirmed orally that he had had no previous activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the auditors paid him a visit in 2023, the unnamed man had sold his animals and the two EU-funded businesses were no longer in operation. The EUs Africa trust fund is set to be phased out in 2025 and will be replaced with a much bigger budget from the blocs foreign aid and development fund. 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. If Slovakia stops supplying electricity to Ukraine, Poland can increase its imports by redistributing the capacity among other EU countries neighbouring Ukraine. Source: The technical aspect of a possible increase in electricity imports from Poland to Ukraine was reported by the Polish electricity transmission system operator Polish Energy Networks (PSE), Ukrinform reports Details: PSE says that the maximum transmission capacity for electricity exports from the EU to Ukraine and Moldova is currently 2,100 MW. On the EU side, this capacity is distributed among four EU countries neighbouring Ukraine Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Poland accounts for 15% (315 MW). Depending on the operating conditions of the connected systems, this value may vary," the Polish side stressed. The company noted that electricity trade between Poland and Ukraine is currently carried out through the 400 kV Rzeszow-Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant connection. Transmission capacity on the Rzeszow-Khmelnytskyi NPP connection is available through the so-called daily coordinated auctions (one auction for both sides of the connection). This is the responsibility of the Joint Allocation Office, which is tasked with conducting auctions for the transfer of capacity between EU countries. Quote: "If Slovakia were to stop providing capacity on the connection with Ukraine, the capacity from this border [Slovakia ed.], according to the established rules, could be distributed among other [EU ed.] countries on a synchronous profile, including Poland," PSE said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Kyiv is expected to stop transiting Russian gas to Slovakia. Slovakia will consider retaliatory measures against Ukraine, such as the termination of backup electricity supplies after 1 January. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico wrote a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in which he criticised Ukraine's refusal to continue transiting Russian gas after 2024. Support UP or become our patron! The European Union on Monday warned about Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" and vowed to take stronger action following the suspected sabotage of an underwater power cable off the coast of Finland. The EU would "take stronger action to counter risks these ships pose," foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told the newspaper Die Welt in an interview published on Monday. "Russia's 'shadow fleet' threatens the environment and funds Russia's war budget," Kallas said, adding that the vessels are suspected of carrying out acts of sabotage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Estlink 2 undersea power cable between Estonia and Finland was interrupted on Wednesday in what Finnish authorities suspect may have been an act of sabotage. Following the disturbance, they detained the Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker Eagle S, the anchor of which is thought to have damaged the cable. According to the EU, the ship could belong to the so-called Russian "shadow fleet" - tankers and other cargo ships that Russia uses unofficially to circumvent sanctions on oil transport, for example. Kallas, a former prime minister of Estonia, said sabotage in Europe had surged since Russia began its war against Ukraine in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Recent Baltic Sea sabotage attempts are not isolated incidents; they form a deliberate pattern aimed at damaging our digital and energy infrastructure," Kallas added. On Saturday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had already raised alarm about Russia's "shadow fleet" and called for further EU sanctions. Baerbock warned that the "decrepit Russian shadow fleet" poses a serious threat to both the environment and European security. "Almost every month, ships are currently damaging important undersea cables in the Baltic Sea," Baerbock said. The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, has died. He turned 100 in October. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and confirmed by the son of the former head of state. The longtime politician's heart stopped beating on Sunday, December 29, at his home in Georgia. Jimmy Carter's son Chip Carter confirmed the news of the loss but did not specify the cause of his father's death. However, back in February 2023, the Carter Center, established by the former US president, reported that the politician had decided to stop treatment for an aggressive form of melanoma, a skin cancer with metastases to the liver and brain. After a series of hospitalizations, the statement said, it was decided that the politician would spend the rest of his life at home under hospital supervision. ADVERTISIMENT Jimmy Carter's heart stopped in his home in Plains, Georgia James Earl Carter Jr. was born on October 1, 1924, in the state of Georgia. He graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Naval Academy and served as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy's Pacific and Atlantic Fleets for seven years. He ended his military career after the death of his father in 1953 and instead began his journey into big politics. The culmination of Jimmy Carter's political career was his election as President of the United States in January 1977. During his term, he paid great attention to improving the social security system in the United States, which, however, had the side effect of significantly increasing taxes. ADVERTISIMENT In international politics, Carter Jr.'s achievements include the conclusion of the Camp David Agreement between Israel and Egypt, as well as the agreement on the use of the Panama Canal. Under Carter's presidency, the period of "detente" in relations between the United States and the USSR came to an end. After the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply, the United States boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow and continued to build up its nuclear capabilities and weapons. Carter Jr. also ran for a second term in the November 1980 elections but lost to Republican Ronald Reagan. The biography of the 39th President of the United States has accumulated many records. For example, he became the record holder for the longest time in the status of ex-president: after leaving the White House, the politician lived for more than 40 years. Carter surpassed the previous "long-liver," U.S. President Herbert Hoover, who had been in office for the longest time, in 2012. ADVERTISIMENT In 2017, Carter celebrated the 40th anniversary of his inauguration, which no other US president has ever done, and in 2019, he broke the record for all longest-serving presidents in the country. On October 1, 2024, he became the first U.S. president to live to be 100 years old. After his election defeat in 1982, the former president established the Carter Center to promote and expand human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct peace negotiations, monitor elections, and promote the prevention and elimination of diseases in developing countries. Carter is considered a key figure in the charitable organization Habitat for Humanity. ADVERTISIMENT During his long and eventful life, the former president wrote more than 30 books, including political memoirs, his view of domestic and global world events, and even poetry collections. In 2002, Carter received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work. In addition, his work has been recognized with the UN Human Rights Prize and many other significant awards from countries, organizations, and world leaders. President Bill Clinton awarded Carter and his wife Rosalyn the Medal of Freedom. "Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter have done more good for more people in more places than any other couple on earth," Clinton said of the couple. ADVERTISIMENT Rosalyn Carter, Jimmy Carter's wife, lived for 77 years and died in November 2023. The Carters are survived by three children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his condolences to the American people and the Carter family. The Head of State said that Carter was a leader who served when Ukraine was not yet independent, but his heart was firmly with us in our constant struggle for freedom. "We deeply appreciate his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression," Zelenskyy said. As reported, the other day it became known that the younger brother of British Prime Minister Nick Starmer had died. The 60-year-old man was battling cancer. Nick Starmer's heart stopped on December 26. "He faced every challenge life threw at him with courage and a sense of humor. He will be greatly missed," said the head of the British government, announcing the tragedy in the family. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Former President Jimmy Carter was the choice of many Oklahomans when he was elected in 1976. Although he failed to carry the state Gerald Ford won by a slim 1.2 % margin. The 532,442 votes Carter received was the most received by a Democratic candidate in the state's history. Carter was a one-term president, with many critical of his failure to stimulate the economy and secure the release of Americans held hostage in Iran before he left office. He lost to Ronald Reagan in 1980 and received only 402,026 votes from Oklahomans. Reagan won the state by a landslide margin of 25%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his defeat, however, Carter remained active in public life. He and his wife, Rosalynn, founded the Carter Center, a human rights organization, which worked to improve living conditions in other countries and monitor elections to ensure fairness. He was also active in efforts to assist low-income Americans, working with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations. Carter was awarded 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. More: The faith of Jimmy Carter: A born-again Christian who practiced his own version of progressive evangelicalism What's your opinion of Jimmy Carter? Was he a great president, unfairly criticized? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Was he a poor president, but a great example of a public figure doing his best to help solve problems and help people? Please share your opinion in the poll below. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How would you rate Jimmy Carter's long career? | Poll HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Its time to say goodbye to 2024 and hello to 2025! Remarkable Women 2025 | Nominate someone in your community The following is a list of firework shows happening on New Years Eve. More will be added as information becomes available: First Night Hartford This family friendly event includes two fireworks shows: At 6 p.m. and midnight at Bushnell Park. Holy Land fireworks Post University is hosting a firework show at Holy Land starting at 6:30 p.m. at 60 Slocum St. in Waterbury. Kids New Years Eve Bash at Lake Compounce Families are welcome to attend the celebration from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Shelton fireworks Shelton is hosting a New Years Eve firework celebration start at 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WTNH.com. Editors note: This story originated from our news partners at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and was originally published in December 2023. Jimmy Carter gave his last Sunday school lesson several years ago, but Jan Williams still fields emails and calls from people who want to hear the 39th president teach the Word. For years, Williams has been a familiar face to those who journeyed to Plains and the red-brick Maranatha Baptist Church to hear Carters lessons, which usually drew hundreds. Carter taught Sunday school in the church since leaving Washington in the early 1980s. It is something he has done for most of his adult life, including as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy and even occasionally at First Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., when he was president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some, seeing Carter at the recent funeral of his beloved Rosalynn, his wife of 77 years, who died Nov. 19, 2023, has renewed interest in hearing his teachings. Its amazing how many people contact the church and ask what Sunday hes teaching in a certain month, said the 74-year-old Williams, who serves as the churchs clerk, secretary, piano player and member of the choir. She said even today some people dont realize Carter, 99, who has been in home hospice since February, is no longer teaching Sunday school. His niece, Kim Carter Fuller, teaches Sunday school class there now. When they find out Jimmy Carter is no longer teaching, Williams said many people burst into tears. ...They cry and weep. They said, We kept putting off coming here and I guess we missed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Carter was still teaching, there were many weekends when Williams husband, George, could be found in the parking lot directing eager visitors. Some arrived Saturday nights and others in the wee hours of Sunday mornings to make sure they got through a Secret Service checkpoint to grab a coveted seat in the sanctuary. And if you arrived too late which could be as early as 2 a.m. on some Sundays you might have sit in an overflow room to hear the lesson. For those who missed Carter teaching or want to hear it again, there are books, audio books and CDs of his Sunday school lessons available. Some of the lessons are on YouTube. There are also collections of his lessons housed at the church, which Williams estimates are in the hundreds, and the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta has some audiotapes of Carter teaching Sunday school. You can order lessons from Maranatha at https://mbcplains.org/order-dvd/ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what made the lessons so popular? For one, they were taught by a former U.S. president, one known for his strong faith and public service. His lessons touched on the Bible and theological questions, but were peppered with practical thought. Many revolved around how to treat others and what you can do the make the world a better place. Tony Lowden, the Carters personal pastor and a former Maranatha pastor, has another reason for their popularity: Lowden said hed joke with Carter that people loved to come down to see J.C., a private nickname he sometimes called the president. They both agreed that people should come down for the real J.C. Jesus Christ. Lines waiting to get inside the church would often extend into the churchs pecan orchard, like people were making a pilgrimage to Plains and Maranatha. This was on a lot of peoples bucket list, Lowden said said. Visitors included people of all political stripes and sometimes included people who werent Christian or hadnt attended church in years or ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, the Rev. Joseph Howard and his wife, the Rev. Bianca Howard, his in-laws and parents were able to land a front-row seat during Sunday school. It was amazing to be in the space, said Howard. Humble and approachable Carter was very humble, approachable and comfortable, he recalled, treating every stranger like a friend. He might ask where people lived and their answers reflected the reach of his popularity: Alaska, Hawaii, Ohio, Spain and Panama. They came from all over. He would ask the crowd whether there were any pastors or missionaries in the church, their church and denomination. Then he would asked a female minister to pray, as a nod to inclusion in the pulpit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard recalled the lesson was very practical, nothing overly complicated. The lesson touched on what kind of person did those in the audience want to be. We have a choice in how we show up in the world, Howard recalled. I knew this was something he lived. He was the embodiment of kindness and Christ-like character. Leonard Wright Jr., a native of Plains who currently lives in Summerville, S.C., attended a couple of lessons. Wright, a former Sunday school superintendent for Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, said Carter was very knowledgeable on Scripture. Theres a difference, he said, between lecturing and teaching. Carter taught. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything was Scripture-based and you had the opportunity for regular back and forth, said Wright Everybody had the opportunity to dialogue with him. It was not just him reading Scripture. Sitting in on one of Carters Sunday school lessons was also on the bucket list of Jennifer Ayres, a professor of religious education, at Emory Universitys Candler School of Theology. While attending church with the former president of the most powerful nation in the world is an attraction, people are not necessarily packing churches to hear just any government leader teach Bible study, she said. I think that especially when youre talking about the education of adults, one thing that is really important is a sense of authenticity, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People most likely wanted to be close to someone who had such a spirit of integrity. Its such a powerful force that makes people want to come, listen and be present. I cant teach like him Kim Carter Fuller, the former presidents niece, began teaching Sunday school more often after Carter fell and broke his hip in 2019, although he still came in to teach a few times after that. Fuller, a retired English teacher, said she occasionally uses lessons that her uncle taught but its a different spin on it because I cant teach like him, obviously. He put his own spin on all of that. Fuller said he was able to talk about places because he had visited those places when he was president and afterwards working with the Carter Center. Fuller said her uncle knew the lessons being taught and had the information at this fingertips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes not surprised people still come to Maranatha hoping to see her uncle. Sometimes when they find out hes not teaching, they turn around and leave. Others stay for the lesson. She said he often gave her advice. Sometimes he would send her an email after her lessons. He might write, Heres a good example of such and such, or show me how to pronounce things because some things in the Bible are hard to pronounce. Or he might say, I dont agree with how you did that, but if thats your take... What made Jimmy Carter a good Sunday school teacher? Hes passionate about the Bible and passionate about his faith, she said. I think he just thoroughly enjoys the studying of his faith. This story comes from our partners at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For more on the news and events in metro-Atlanta and Georgia, visit AJC.com. Donald Trump is going to start revising history to suit himself as soon as he takes office, former Rep. David Jolly (Fla.) predicted over the weekend. I think one of the things Donald Trump wants to do this term, starting on day one, is rewrite history, Jolly, who served as a Republican in Congress but later renounced his affiliation with the GOP, told MSNBCs Alex Witt. Were going to see it on COVID, having RFK Jr. there. Were going to see it on Russia, having Tulsi Gabbard there. Were going to see it with a lot of the prosecutions by having Kash Patel there, should these people get confirmed. Jolly was referring to Trumps picks for health secretary, national intelligence director and FBI director respectively. Critics have sounded the alarm over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s vaccine skepticism, Gabbards sympathetic views toward Russia, and Patels fondness for dangerous conspiracy theories and his fixation on Trumps supposed enemies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think were also going to see a retelling of January 6, Jolly went on. And the question is, does that start with his inauguration speech? Or is it something that happens by way of pardons? Or is it a prosecution an attempted prosecution of Liz Cheney? I do think Donald Trump wants to rewrite history, he concluded. And to do that, hes going to force upon the American people a narrative that largely is untrue, but that he hopes, with conservative medias influence, he can win out with. Trump has vowed to pardon people convicted for participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Trumps favor. Even though the majority of those serving substantial prison time committed violent crimes, including assaulting law enforcement officers, the president-elect has referred to them as peaceful January 6 protesters and hostages who were unfairly prosecuted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes also made threatening comments about former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), warning that she could be in a lot of trouble for serving on the House panel that investigated the attack. Hes said that he believes members of the panel should go to jail. Trump has a penchant for revisionist history, with a pattern of walking back promises, deflecting blame for his failures and dubiously taking credit for successes. He pledged during his 2024 campaign to reduce the prices of everything, but has already admitted since his victory that its hard to bring things down once theyre up. Related... Ukraine has brought back 189 of its defenders as a result of a new PoW exchange on Monday, 30 December. Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Telegram; Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War Quote: "The release of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of such days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home. [Weve brought back] the military: defenders of Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Zmiinyi Island, and servicemen from different frontline areas. They are soldiers, sergeants and officers. National Guard members returned as well, including Azov defenders, border guards, soldiers from territorial defence forces, the Navy and Armed Forces. There were also two civilians who were captured in Mariupol. Each of them has family and friends waiting for them at home. And it is a joy that we managed to bring them back. Today, 189 more families are happy." According to the Coordination Headquarters, the 11th exchange in 2024 resulted in the release of: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 87 servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (17 of them from territorial defence forces), 43 National Guard of Ukraine, 33 State Border Guard Service, 24 Navy. Two civilians were also brought back from captivity. The Coordination Headquarters adds that they have brought back those who were captured in Kursk Oblast. Many Ukrainian citizens were held in Russian captivity for more than two and a half years. The defenders suffer from acute chronic illnesses, mine-blast injuries, and serious wounds. This time, 173 privates and sergeants and 14 officers were released. 187 2 pic.twitter.com/2xCSVOgoyn (@ukrpravda_news) December 30, 2024 Quote from the Coordination Headquarters: "This is one of the largest exchanges conducted by the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War since the full-scale invasion. In total, 3,956 people have been brought back from Russian captivity within the framework of the Coordination Headquarters on behalf of the President of Ukraine, including 1,358 in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, many Ukrainian citizens, both military and civilians, continue to be held in Russian captivity. The Coordination Headquarters is doing everything possible to continue negotiations and release our people from captivity. We remember each and every one of them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support UP or become our patron! President Carter was a good man and exemplary American who set a powerful example for all of us over the course of his long life. He rose from peanut farmer to president, serving in the U.S. Navy, the state legislature, and as Governor of Georgia along the way. In the White House, President Carter brokered peace, established the Departments of Energy and Education, advocated for solar energy, and doubled the amount of land for national parks and wildlife refuges. After serving as the most powerful person on the planet, he dedicated decades of his life to helping those around the world who had the least. He helped build thousands of homes with Habitat for Humanity, and established the Carter Center, focused on health and human rights. And he made time to preach from his community pulpit on Sundays. President Carter lived an impressive life, driven by fundamental core values that so many of us share: faith, patriotism, and love. My thoughts are with his family. Twice a year, due to planetary alignment, the oceans experience more extreme tides than usual, known as king tides. However, as the warming atmosphere causes sea levels to rise, experts are warning that these king tides will not only become more extreme but also model what the future may look like permanently. What's happening? Mercury News reported on recent king tides in Monterey, speaking with Annie Kohut Frankel with the California Coastal Commission. "As sea level rises, the king tides will get higher and the potential damage that extreme high tides cause will be greater," Frankel said. "Soon the places we love so much the beaches, trails and coastal communities will be underwater or flooded at least twice a year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while the tides are currently manageable, she emphasized that as they grow in severity, they "give us a very visceral way to understand what the future may look like." Emma Greenbaum of San Francisco's Exploratorium told Mercury News, "There's a lot of vulnerability to people's homes and businesses from rising sea levels around the Bay Area." Why are rising sea levels so concerning? Mercury News also spoke with UC Santa Cruz professor Gary Griggs, who emphasized that the long-term impacts of rising seas rather than the immediate effect on king tides are what should really concern residents. "King tides are not a real problem, but the high tides in the future are going to be a real problem," he said. "For each community, we need to figure out how we are going to respond, rather than react at the last minute." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After all, he emphasized, "There isn't a seawall big enough that can hold back an ocean." What's being done to protect communities from rising sea levels? While it's difficult to motivate people to uproot their lives based on a threat that may not materialize for decades, the safety of many coastal areas will depend on their ability to act now. "We cannot put this on the backburner," Greenbaum urged. "We need to plan the adaptations now rather than later when it will be too little, too late." These approaches include everything from experimenting with floating homes to restoring wetlands, which function as natural drainage systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, a critical factor in the success of navigating this issue is whether or not the world meets its gas pollution reduction goal. With the enormous output of human-generated toxic gases, the planet's temperatures have accelerated at astonishing rates, triggering phenomena like rising sea levels. While much of the responsibility rests with governments and corporations, individuals can help by putting their money, their vote, and their own actions where their views are from switching to renewable energy to buying fewer mass-produced items. 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. Elon Musks simple request for more peace and love on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) drew ire on Sunday. Instead, critics slammed the tech billionaire as a fucking hypocrite. Musk wrote: Please post a bit more positive, beautiful or informative content on this platform. Please post a bit more positive, beautiful or informative content on this platform Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 29, 2024 While some commenters tried to do just that, others shared blunt reminders of Musks own less-than-positive posts and his welcoming of previously banned personalities back onto the service in his alleged pursuit of free speech. President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk. via Associated Press President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Musk to run the non-official Department of Government Efficiency, which will seek to reduce public spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, though, has reportedly been unhappy with speculation that Musk, who spent more than $260 million on Trumps 2024 campaign, is the one really holding the power. Musk this weekend faced backlash over his endorsement of Germanys far-right party Alternative for Germany amid criticism from MAGA Republicans over his stance on immigrant visas. Too late. You created this cesspool. You own it. Hypocrite https://t.co/zgLQ5fjaz5 Bonita Applebaum (@CincoCento) December 30, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be beautiful if you did something for humanity and made the world a better place instead of being the soulless ghoul you are. Dont lecture others. Look in the mirror. Hypocrite. https://t.co/PTlYSXUL5k Pippa Stewart (@Bruinpip) December 29, 2024 Hypocrite. https://t.co/fIOmbqw79P Pat Buckingham & his 3 other personalities (@PatBuckingham) December 29, 2024 Today Elon Musk asked all of you to post more positive, beautiful, or informative content but in May 2023 he was asked about his tweets that could hurt his company. Basically he doesnt care. #Musk#positive#truthhttps://t.co/w7qquN1r6W Rebecca Aguilar (on Blue Sky & LinkedIn) (@RebeccaAguilar) December 29, 2024 Hahahaha what a hypocrite https://t.co/f57Q8jdGfz lu (@lucianlembo) December 29, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohhhhh, you mean like go fuck yourself in the face beautiful and positive? Fucking hypocrite https://t.co/9wvEpS4OHL Lisa K (@middleKal66) December 30, 2024 Physician heal thyself Hypocrite https://t.co/bMogEV9EVS BFD (@fknconfused) December 29, 2024 How about we start with you, lead by example andreir (@andreiroata) December 30, 2024 I do, but it doesn't get viewed. One liners, stupid questions and rage baiting still beats out anything positive. Maybe change up the algorithm first? Redhead Ranting (@redheadranting) December 29, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, but the current algorithms on X prioritize posts that provoke shock, anger, or surprise, while quality posts are sidelined. Please consider improving these algorithms. Oznur Kucuker Sirene (@SireneOznur) December 29, 2024 The least self-aware person on the planet. pic.twitter.com/a3VphEnMsk Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) December 29, 2024 Related... (Reuters) - The crash on Sunday of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 in Muan County killed a total of 179 people in the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil. Here are some of the biggest aviation accidents of 2024, in order of severity: SOUTH KOREA Jeju Air international flight 7C2216, originating from Bangkok, Thailand, and flying to Muan International Airport, crashed on Dec. 29, killing all 175 passengers and four of the six crew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BRAZIL Voepass regional flight 2283, an ATR-72 turboprop originating from Cascavel and directed to Sao Paulo, crashed on Aug. 11 in the town of Vinhedo, killing all 62 people on board. In a separate accident, a small private plane, a twin-engine Piper PA-42-1000, carrying 10 people crashed into shops in the center of the tourist city of Gramado in southern Brazil on Dec. 22, killing everyone on board and injuring 17 people on the ground. KAZAKHSTAN Azerbaijan Airlines international flight J2-8243, an Embraer E190 originating from Baku, Azerbaijan, and directed to Grozny, Russia, crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Dec. 25, killing 39 people. 29 people survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NEPAL The CRJ-200 aircraft, a small passenger plane belonging to Nepal's Saurya Airlines, crashed and caught fire while taking off from Kathmandu to the Pokhara airport on July 24, killing 18 people on board and leaving one survivor, the captain. MALAWI Malawi's Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine others, including former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, were killed on June 10 en route from Lilongwe to Mzuzu, when the military plane they were travelling in crashed. THAILAND Domestic charter flight TFT209, a Cessna Caravan C208B registered to Thai Flying Service Co originating from Suvarnabhumi and directed to Trat, crashed 100 km southeast of Bangkok on Aug. 23, killing all 9 people onboard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IRAN Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and six other passengers and crew of a U.S.-made Bell 212 helicopter died in a crash on May 19 in mountainous terrain in the Varzeqan region, near the Azerbaijan border. CANADA Six people were killed after a Northwestern Air plane carrying global miner Rio Tinto's workers crashed near Fort Smith in Canada's remote Northwest Territories (NWT) on Jan. 23. Four passengers and two North Western Air Lease crew members died in the crash, while one passenger survived. JAPAN A Japan Airlines (JAL) plane collided with a smaller Coast Guard aircraft on the runway of Tokyo's Haneda airport on Jan. 2. All 379 people aboard the JAL plane, an Airbus A350-941 flight, escaped the burning airliner, while five of six crew on the smaller aircraft were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SINGAPORE One passenger died of a suspected heart attack and 30 were injured after a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER plane from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence on May 21, flinging passengers and crew around the cabin and forcing the plane to land in Bangkok. (This story has been corrected to fix the location of the crash to Muan, not Seoul, in paragraphs 1 and 2) (Reporting by Alessandro Parodi, Philippe Leroy Beaulieu and Enrico Sciacovelli) US President-elect Donald Trump has apparently begun to tone down his rhetoric on his grandiose campaign promises. During the election campaign, the politician promised to quickly end the war in Ukraine, lower prices, and use tariffs to support the economy and industries. However, now the future head of the White House admits that it is not so easy to do this. ADVERTISIMENT This is stated in the article by The Hill, published on Sunday, December 29. As noted, at his first post-election press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Trump suggested that ending the war in Ukraine would be more difficult than easing tensions in the Middle East. In addition, in a recent interview with Meet the Press, Trump said that he could not guarantee that tariffs would not lead to higher consumer prices. In an interview with Time magazine for its "Man of the Year" award, he admitted that it is difficult to reduce food costs when they have already risen. "Although Democrats and critics have accused Trump of lowering expectations or signaling a failure to fulfill campaign promises, his team and allies say the president is moving from campaign rhetoric to realizing the complexities of governing," the article says. ADVERTISIMENT One of the future American leader's allies argued that Trump was not contradicting his campaign promises, but was probably moving from campaign rhetoric to more realistic approaches. At a rally in Pennsylvania on the eve of Election Day, Trump said that voting for him would mean "food will be cheaper." But in an interview with Time on November 25, Trump was more cautious about his ability to reduce the cost of food. Asked if his presidency would be a failure if prices did not come down, Trump said he did not think so. "Look, they raised them. I would like to bring them down. It's hard to bring them down when they're already up. You know, it's very difficult. But I think it will happen. I think this energy will break them. I think a better supply chain will break them. You know, the supply chain is still broken," he said. ADVERTISIMENT In addition, Trump has also been more cautious lately when talking about the war in Ukraine, which he promised to end before he became president during a debate in September. This week, the politician told reporters that it is more difficult to resolve the situation in Ukraine than to reduce tensions in the Middle East involving Israel, Iran, Syria, and various proxy groups. According to him, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Putin should be ready to conclude an agreement to end the war, although he did not elaborate on what concessions each side should make. In an interview this week with Fox News correspondent Trey Ingst, Zelenskyy said it would be difficult for Trump to influence Putin to end the war. "But I think that if you use all the problems that the United States has, then yes, he can. Because he is much stronger than Putin. He is stronger. The US is stronger. The economy is stronger. You know, money, big money. The United States has a great, great influence," the Ukrainian president said. Trump made a number of campaign promises in 2016 that he found difficult to fulfill. He repeatedly promised to build a wall along the southern border and make Mexico pay for it, and although some new barriers were built, Mexico did not pay the bill, the publication noted. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Financial Times voiced 5 scenarios that could become real under Trump's presidency. In particular, new wars caused by trade and political conflicts around the world are not excluded. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! There is a perception among some observers of higher education that faith-based institutions are restricting and constraining academic freedom in unfortunate ways. A recent panel discussion sponsored by Heterodox Academy examined this and other assumptions about religious colleges and universities, painting a more nuanced picture. To have some kind of faith-based or credal commitment as a university, raises some very interesting questions, said Michael Regnier, executive director of the organization as the discussion began. More intellectual freedom than anywhere else There are no questions that are off the table at Samford, said Art Carden, a professor of Economics at the Baptist University in Birmingham, Alabama, recalling a conversation when he was looking into coming to the school over a decade ago. A future colleague told Carden that he had been at several different institutions and had more intellectual freedom at Samford than hed had anywhere else, at least in terms of his ability to pursue the things that he wanted to pursue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres an enormous amount of intellectual spiritual and cultural freedom here, Carden said, while acknowledging their campus like many other religious universities in a secularizing American environment has to struggle to maintain both its spiritual integrity and its intellectual integrity. While acknowledging this can be a very difficult tight rope for a lot of schools to walk, he expressed confidence that many campuses have done a good job at honoring both faith and academic exploration something which, in his view, really contributes to the vibrancy of the intellectual and spiritual environment here. Dawn-Marie Wood, an associate professor of psychology at Brigham Young University, echoed Cardens remarks. We certainly do enjoy that kind of freedom many degrees of that on campus as well, she said. The purpose of higher education at BYU is about expanding our students thinking and opening their minds to new ideas. Open inquiry is alive and well, Wood said, pushing back on the idea that this is threatened just because faith-based institutions might see ourselves as having additional truth through revelatory means. We are collecting that (truth) from all different areas, she said. Thats the expansive experience that were inviting students into so I feel like I havent seen that be something that is stifled at all but rather just the opposite in terms of open inquiry. But are serious questions allowed? Heterodox Academy is a membership organization of professors and university students committed to advancing values of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity and constructive disagreement in academic research and higher education. The panel was part of a webinar series of discussions exploring how these crucial values play out in different kinds of institutional contexts such as community colleges, womens colleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I imagine many (people) being skeptical here listening to this conversation so far, said Regnier, and thinking, well wait a minute, in these universities where potentially so many questions have official answers, wouldnt that mean the campuses also have less questioning less disagreement and that it can be stifling to be in a classroom? Regnier acknowledged the name of the institution Heterodox Academy is something of a religious metaphor, with the idea of heterodoxy going against orthodoxy, which in their usage refers to some right answers that you cant question. I wonder what you would make of that critique? Regnier asked the three panelists. If a student starts to have a crisis of faith and begins to be unsure about the truth claims that are made by the church or they just disagree with the faculty about how something is interpreted, what happens? Is there an ejection seat or how does it work? Within this kind of a climate of open inquiry, Wood responded, I feel like were also encouraging (students) to be seekers of truth, which will often naturally mean they bump up against ideas from a secular perspective that dont resonate with a gospel principle or cherished belief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet rather than a crisis, she suggested thats an interesting opportunity for us, I think, as educators at faith-based institutions is to hold fast to the truths that we know, but then to build upon and expand our thinking. I do this all the time in my classes, Wood added, when secular and sacred truths reinforce each other, we embrace both. And then there are other times when secular claims may conflict with revealed truth or doctrine and then we intentionally mark the difference. That requires us to model what it looks like to cherish ambiguity on certain things that we dont have the answers for. This, she says, represents an opportunity to demonstrate the kind of intellectual humility that makes space for uncertainty, while also being intellectually charitable. Summarizing what he was hearing, Regnier then said, it sounds like a student who is in disagreement or trying out something that would put them in disagreement with the professor or with the institution or with the church has some leeway to explore that and wouldnt just get graded down constantly or silenced. A double heritage Regnier further asked the panelists to say more about what its like to be teaching in an environment where students are coming to campus (with) a faith-based framework to the entire institution which is shared with most students. He wondered how this might change the overall pedagogy and teaching experience, compared with more secular environments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anthony Haynor, associate professor of sociology at Seton Hall University, discussed a core Catholic curriculum every student is required to take, where they engage the Catholic intellectual tradition. I think theres a recognition that theology on the one hand and the sciences and the humanities on the other hand operate with sort of different methodologies, Haynor added, and I think those differences are respected. At BYU, one thing that we speak of often is having a double heritage, Wood added and that simply means that we embrace our religious mission even as we speak to the broader academy with credibility and strength. Weve got this invitation from our administration and we take it very seriously to develop the skills that help us to foster this double heritage. Were striving to be bilingual, meaning that we strive to speak with authority about our disciplines and the language of scholarship but then also to speak with power about our Christian discipleship in the language of faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really like the description of BYU as bilingual, said professor Carden. Thats a really useful way to to think about how a faith-based institution operates. He then shared his own experience, noting that one of the things he most likes about teaching at Samford is the fact I dont have to compartmentalize anything my scholarship, my teaching, my life at home, my life on Sunday mornings everything fits together, everything comes together. Its really fantastic. I love that I dont have to turn on church on Sunday and turn that off when I go into the classroom, or turn on classroom when I go into the classroom and turn off something else. Thats one of the beautiful things about disciple scholarship, Wood agreed. You really are able to bring your whole self right to the classroom, to every faculty meeting, to every devotional ... its a beautiful thing. Institutional neutrality that fosters academic freedom What level of institutional neutrality can be hoped for at a faith-based university? Regnier later asked, sharing one of the participants questions which asked panelists to reflect on the debate about top down pronouncements about matters that are of publicly contested political and other kinds of controversial matters. He suggested these pronouncements can sort of have a chilling effect as they signal an institutional orthodoxy on sensitive matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is something that Ive been so appreciative of at BYU, said Wood explaining how leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have emphasized and recently reemphasized that the church is politically neutral and theyve urged against merely voting a straight ticket or voting based on tradition or without careful study of the candidates and positions on the issues. My experience over the last decade teaching there has been that institutional neutrality at this level, she said, really has afforded many different opportunities on campus to foster this sort sort of open inquiry and productive disagreement that facilitates peacemaking. Haynor shared the positive impact of a very carefully crafted statement by Seton Hall leadership after the Oct. 7 attacks that worked to bring the temperature down on what was obviously a very sensitive and emotional conflict. Camden shared an email from the president of Samford in the wake of some ugly exchanges online after the election, reminding students and faulty that if we believe that people are created in the image of God this is not an acceptable way to behave. A more diverse array of university options? On some level, having a particular worldview as a university is inescapable, concluded the host, Regnier: It may be that humans living together in community doing academic work cant sort of live in a free floating world without any sense of shared values or routines or traditions. They end up springing up one way or another and being able to live among one set is, you know, valuable for many people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When people talk about viewpoint diversity or any kind of diversity, Regnier said, theres always that question in the background of diversity at what level? And there can be a tradeoff where you know having an exactly representative population of some larger population inside of your classroom or inside of your institution has many benefits, but it can also make each little institution itself kind of the same as every other one. At this institutional level, he suggested, a BYU or a Seton Hall is adding diversity a different kind of a choice for students and faculty when it comes to their experience. He elaborated, I wonder if being in a faith-based classroom or university sort of allows for some different kinds of academic interactions that wouldnt be as possible in another setting? ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (WFRV)A dozen fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and military members were commemorated Sunday at CrossFire Fitness in Ashwaubenon through six hours of grueling exercise. All were line-of-duty deaths, some two years ago and others just a couple of weeks ago. The whiteboard behind CrossFire Fitness owner Angel Van Noie lists all the service members, with their end-of-watch date listed next to their name. A lieutenant at the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department says that the workouts mission is deeply personal as she guides a dozen participants through it. Neenah Police Department offering free rideshare service on New Years Eve Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This workout, this purpose, is not for us, its to give back what these first responders gave so much to their communities, their lives, for us, she said. Being a police officer, this is something very near and dear to my heart, and I wanted to dedicate something to them. The group was up early at 8 a.m. and did not finish until 2 p.m. as they took well-earned breaks between the 15-minute workouts. Each fallen hero has a custom workout that Van Noie designed to honor them, based on the skills they demonstrated in their profession. Every workout that I created for every single officer, firefighter, correction officer, military member is unique to their specific profession, she said. So the functional fitness, the activities that firefighters and police officers have to go through every day. Sam Packard was one of the first participants at CrossFire on Sunday, and was in the last group to leave, too. She was willing to give time and pain to keep the memories alive of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These workouts helped to train in everyday motions, you dont really think about it until you actually try to do those motions. And youre like wow, those really help with that, Packard said. It is a long one, my legs are shaking. But it feels good, theres a lot of adrenaline, endorphins running through. But it feels really good to accomplish something so difficult. A member of the fitness center, Packard has personally been affected by the deaths of fallen Green Bay firefighter Tyler Kreiter and police officer Tom Roberts. Tyler and Tom were relatives of some members Im really close to here, she said. We wanted to honor them, they put their lives on the line every day and this is the least that we could do to honor them. Its just important that we dont forget what they go out there and do every day to keep our communities safe, so we just want to keep their names alive. Wisconsin State Patrol arrest 2 Outagamie County drivers on 4th OWI offenses in same evening Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When opening her fitness center three years ago, Van Noie wanted to be different than other businesses by having a focus on a tight-knit family environment. I just wanted to hone in on the family-oriented atmosphere, bringing in people to a place that they can workout and feel comfortable no matter what level theyre at, she said. This is our family and everyone encourages each other. Were here to cheer each other on and we push each other to be the best that we can be. 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 WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. It was an emotional scene at an airport in South Korea after 179 people were killed in a plane crash. Families wept and wailed as officials read off the names of the victims who died on Sunday, Dec. 29 at Muan International Airport, where the crash occurred, according to CNN and NBC News. Only two people, a pair of flight attendants, are said to have survived the crash, which was flying in from Bangkok, Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local police and firefighters said 181 people 175 passengers and six crew members were on the plane when it crashed, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap and CNN. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said 146 victims have been identified as of Monday, Dec. 30, according to CNN. Related: Pilot and Passenger Survive After Their Plane Crashes on Busy Road and a Photo Captured Their Stunned Reaction Some families could be seen consoling one another as the names of the identified victims were reportedly made in the airports departure hall. Others were seen yelling at officials and demanding answers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims ages ranged from 3 to 78, though most of the victims were in their 40s, 50s and 60s, according to BBC News. Maeng Gi-su's nephew and his nephew's two sons were killed in the crash after the trio celebrated the end of their college entrance exams in Thailand, the outlet reported. "My heart aches so much," he said. YONHAP/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Firefighters conduct search operations at the wreckage site of the Jeju Air aircraft at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, 30 December 2024 Firefighters conduct search operations at the wreckage site of the Jeju Air aircraft at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, 30 December 2024 Some families of the victims alleged Jeju Air is prioritizing "media damage control" instead of addressing their concerns, the BBC News reported. A group of victims family members led by Park Han-shin, whose brother died in the crash, demanded Jeju Air pay for plane crash victims funeral services in full, NBC News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group reportedly also requested a memorial for the victims be set up on the first floor of the airport during a briefing on Monday. 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. South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has visited the crash site and declared a weeklong period of mourning following the fatal crash, according to USA Today. Joo Jong-wan, director of the Aviation Policy Division at South Koreas Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said the pilot of the plane "declared mayday after issuing the bird strike alert" before the aircraft was completely destroyed," NBC News reported. An investigation into the crash is ongoing. Read the original article on People ROYAL PALM BEACH Lourdes Casanovas first law lessons took place at her familys kitchen table, listening to her parents recount their harrowing years in Cuba: labor camps, beatings by soldiers, the military seizing their familys farms. The concepts of rule of law, separation of powers and freedom of speech became ingrained in her by the time she became Royal Palm Beach High Schools valedictorian in 2005. Now, shes a judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters on Nov. 5 elected her to the bench in Palm Beach County court The Peoples Court, as she calls it, where shell preside over cases involving misdemeanors, traffic offenses and civil disputes of $50,000 or less. It feels like a dream, Casanova said, standing on the steps of the courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach. It's so rewarding to serve the community that I grew up in, because this community served me. Special report: Palm Beach County housing crisis squeezing blue-collar workers out of two Hispanic cities Lourdes Casanova stands outside the Palm Beach County Courthouse on December 20, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. She will be sworn in as county judge in 2025. The law comes first to Casanova, who was an assistant state attorney before going into private practice, but she knows her election does more than fill the seat left vacant when longtime jurist Ted Booras retired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casanova is the first female Latina elected to serve as a judge in Palm Beach County. At age 37, she will be one of the youngest judges in the countys recent history when her six-year term begins Jan. 7. She hopes her victory will strengthen the Hispanic communitys trust in the legal system. When litigants see someone on the bench who looks like them, who may speak their language, who may have a similar culture, Casanova said. It brings a level of trust." Jennifer Lipinski, an attorney who went to high school with Casanova, said her victory matters because its just really special to have someone who represents all of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lourdes is the definition of what hard work and determination can result in. 'I am proud of you': How 10 girls had the quinceanera they thought they'd never get to enjoy Casanova rose from learning English off TV to valedictorian of her class In this 2005 photo, Lourdes Casanova celebrates her graduation from Royal Palm Beach High School as the valedictorian from her class of over 600 students. The future judge went on to graduate from the University of Florida and law school, then join the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office and go into private practice. She is the county's first female Latina judge. Casanovas family left Cuba in the 1980s for Miami, where she was born. At first, they lived with an aunt in a crowded apartment in Hialeah before moving to Royal Palm Beach in time to start school. At Cypress Trails Elementary, she was one of two Hispanics in her class and regularly left the classroom for ESOL instruction. She knew she didnt need it. At home, her parents spoke Spanglish, and her brother taught her English with the lessons he brought back from watching Scooby-Doo cartoons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I always thought, 'No, I got this, Casanova said. I can speak English just fine. My brother and I learned from TV. Even in fifth grade, Casanova was meticulous, driven and eager to help others, said PJ D'Aoust, her teacher. He recalled the future judge taking it upon herself to help a classmate with special needs starting on the first day of class. At the age of 13, Casanova wrote three goals in her seventh-grade time capsule: go to college, become a lawyer and meet the Backstreet Boys. Where the American Dream is alive: Hispanic businesses in Greenacres, Palm Springs prove it Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while part of her life moved to I Want It That Way, shed sit at the grown-ups' table or by her fathers domino matches to hear the adults have heated, nostalgic discussions about politics and their lives in Cuba under Fidel Castro. As a teen, her mother was sent away from her family every summer to work in the fields with other kids. Government officials beat her father and grandfather. A firing squad even executed one of her fathers uncles. Casanova declined to name her relatives, saying many still fear reprisals, but said her familys story drove her to become a lawyer, and now a judge. It's the story of an immigrant family who lived through totalitarianism and wants to make sure that doesn't happen again, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the west suburbs are growing: Luxury developments bring 'Palm Beach' to once-rural region Palm Beach County Judge Group 2 candidate Lourdes Casanova makes a video for her social media on election day at the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections offices on August 20, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. It also drove her to deepen her knowledge of the Hispanic language and culture. In Patricia McKillicans class in high school, she finally learned the rules of grammar, read Spanish literature and even took on the steps of salsa and merengue. Casanova earned her law degree at the University of Florida. Law school, she says, meant long lectures, plenty of reading and late nights of studying. She called it an exercise in self-discipline. She graduated in 2012 and took the Bar exam that summer. She was an intern for the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office when she learned she passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She called her parents, who went to what she calls the Cuban way of communication phoning all their family friends, neighbors and co-workers to share their pride with their world. Retail stores in west county: Westlake says Walmart, Lowe's to make January presentation on stores From prosecutor to private practice and finally to a judgeship Casanova soon was a prosecutor, working in criminal and juvenile court on misdemeanor cases involving DUIs, thefts and drug arrests. She volunteered at the Special Olympics, spoke to Latinos in Action students, and gave pro-bono legal services at the El Sol center in Jupiter and the Caridad Center in Delray Beach. In 2015, she opened her own law firm for criminal defense but moved toward civil and immigration law. Then she set a new goal for herself: Become a judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had sought appointment three times before but hadn't been selected. Her family and mentors convinced her to run. The campaign was Casanovas first since high school. Her last stop was at Royal Palm Beach High, where she hugged her old teachers. Lourdes Casanova stands outside the Palm Beach County Courthouse on December 20, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida. She will be sworn in as county judge in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She celebrated her victory with her 96-year-old grandfather in Miami. Im so happy hes still with us and that he can see just how far our family has come, right? she said. Everything he sacrificed, he gets to see our whole family in action. Newest judge hopes her election inspires faith in the legal system Casanova said that as an attorney she was an advocate for the people. As a judge, she will make decisions that will preserve their rights and the courts freedoms. Representation matters on the bench, she says, because it increases confidence in rulings and leads to more people seeking relief in the courts. It's all a sense of feeling like you had due process, like you were heard, and you were treated fairly, she said. Casanova said she wants her victory to empower others in the way other Latina judges inspired her. Casanova still lives in Royal Palm Beach, not far from her family, with her two dogs. Its where shes rooted, and still full of the people she wants to serve. You can never forget the people and the places who brought you to where you are now, Casanova said. You must give back to those people and those places. For me, its Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Palm Springs and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: County's newest judge is a former valedictorian, child of immigrants ST. LOUIS A woman was left dead after a fatal shooting in north St. Louis Sunday night. Police responded to calls for a shooting around 10 p.m. on the 700 block of Carr Street near 7th Street, just north of The Dome at Americas Center in the Columbus Square neighborhood. The shooting appeared to have happened inside a home in that area. Polar Bear Ride offers support, donations for family of woman struck by train and killed Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not said whether anyone was arrested. Homicide detectives are investigating. 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 2. Dec. 29DULUTH Not long after fireworks marked the closure of the 2024 Bentleyville season over Bayfront Festival Park, the oceangoing shipping season came to an end as well. Federal Biscay, a 656-foot bulk carrier flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, crossed under the Aerial Lift Bridge and into Lake Superior just after 7 p.m. on Saturday. The vessel, carrying a load of durum wheat headed to north Africa, is expected to be the last oceangoing vessel, or 'saltie,' in the port this season. Federal Biscay was the first saltie of the year when it Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement arrived in Duluth on April 20, 2021. The St. Lawrence Seaway's Montreal/Lake Ontario section is set to close at midnight on Jan. 5. This year's season, which started when the Barbro G crossed under the Lift Bridge on April 1, ended shorter than 2023 by a matter of hours, as the Nordika Desgagnes left Duluth on the evening of Dec. 29, 2023. Intralake shipping, such as iron ore deliveries, is expected to continue until the annual Jan. 15 closing date of the Soo Locks. A new final rule was issued by the U.S. Department of Labor will require coal operators who self-insure to post adequate security bonds that cover all of their black lung benefit liabilities.. (Getty Images) A new final rule was issued by the federal Department of Labor earlier this month that will require coal operators who self-insure to post adequate security bonds that cover all of their black lung benefit liabilities. The rule comes as a protection for coal miners who currently or could in the future receive black lung benefits, which are supposed to be paid by the operators who employed them and who, through that employment, exposed them to dangerous silica dust that causes black lung disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a long-overdue rule that will have a significant impact in helping to ensure benefits to miners who have contracted black lung will be paid, and be paid by those responsible the coal companies, said Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America, in an emailed news release earlier this week. The finalized rule requires self-insured coal companies to post collateral through surety bonds or other forms that is equal to 100% of their black lung benefit liabilities. With the new rule, coal companies that merge or file for bankruptcy will not be able to buck their responsibility for paying out benefits. Roberts said coal companies often use the bankruptcy process to shift these expenses to taxpayers by transferring the responsibility to the federal Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. That means taxpayers are now picking up the tab for coal companies that did not adequately protect their workers from dangerous levels of respirable coal dust, Roberts said in his statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trust fund exists to cover benefits for miners when no specific coal operator can be held responsible for their illness or when the operators fail to pay their share. Self-insured coal operators, however, are obligated to pay their own expenses. Between 2014 and 2016, bankruptcies at just three coal companies resulted in an estimated $865 million in benefit payments being transferred to the taxpayer-funded trust, according to a 2020 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The new rule came partially in response to that report, said Brendan Muckian-Bates, the policy and advocacy associate at the Appalachian Citizens Law Center in Whitesburg. The finalized rule is especially timely as two of the countrys largest coal producers Arch Resources and CONSOL Energy are in the middle of a merger that, once complete, will create a new, $5 billion coal company based in Pennsylvania. Those companies combined, Muckian-Bates said, report at least $300 million in black lung liability that without the rule could potentially be passed on to the trust fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, Muckian-Bates said, its known that black lung benefit liabilities at self-insured coal companies total at least $615 million, but Milliman a risk analysis consulting group estimates that amount could actually be much higher, totaling between $9 billion and $14 billion. Despite the high liability, Roberts said that only $119 million in security has been posted by self-insured coal companies to cover the costs of benefits. If bankruptcies or mergers occur which is likely given the ongoing decline in the coal market the difference between what is posted and what is owed would be passed on to the trust fund, threatening its solvency and the access of benefits for coal miners who rely on it, Muckian-Bates said. This is a powerful rule to ensure that as the coal market becomes a bit more unstable knowing that large companies have used these bankruptcies to shed their liabilities this ensures that they cant do that now, Muckian-Bates said. They cant transfer that [liability] to a trust fund thats been a target sometimes of certain administrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rule is scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 11. This article is republished from West Virginia Watch, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network. The messy government shutdown fight this month foreshadows some of the challenges House Republicans could face next year, as a major test on funding awaits the incoming GOP trifecta. Congress narrowly averted a government shutdown last week but not without a bit of drama. GOP leadership struggled to meet tough demands from President-elect Trump, while navigating a tight Republican majority to produce a deal that could also pass the Democratic-led Senate in the eleventh hour. Lawmakers ultimately voted to keep the governments lights on through mid-March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some see the fight as a kind of practice run by Republicans for when they are expected to ramp up work on the 12 fiscal 2025 funding bills early next year. The reality, for the better part of the first year, [is] were going to have a one-vote majority, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.), a spending cardinal, said earlier this month. So, in a way, its almost like practice, showing what were going to have to do. On the upside, we know were going to have to sit in rooms and communicate and listen and work through some things, he said. Probably not going to be all easy times. Some will be. But I think it was a good trial run for 2025. House GOP leadership has already seen challenges in wrangling the various factions of its party to pass funding bills with a razor-thin majority in the lower chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders previously aimed to have all 12 annual funding bills passed by the August recess. But those hopes were deflated over the summer as internal divides over issues such as abortion reemerged. When you have a situation where the Democrats all vote no on every appropriations bill, you eventually hit a wall because, you know, we have a few of our own members that vote against some of these bills, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said at the time, while also calling on the Senate to start doing their work. The Senate has yet to pass any of its annual funding bills for fiscal 2025, while the House passed about half of its 12 full-year spending plans. However, the House bills are much more partisan in nature than the bipartisan proposals crafted in the currently Democratic-led Senate, where a 60-vote threshold is required for most legislation. That means House Republicans could only afford a few defections to pass their annual funding plans, with most or all Democrats voting in opposition. And that margin is only getting smaller in the next Congress, when the GOP-led Senate will have a larger majority than in the House for the first time in about six decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the legislation passed to avert a shutdown last week, Congress set its new deadline of March 14 to hash out funding for the remainder of fiscal 2025 and top appropriators on both sides say the roughly three-month time frame is realistic to complete their annual funding work. All our bills are out of committee. We know where were at on all the issues. So, we just need to sit down and work with our colleagues, House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said, noting his working relationship with Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.); Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), the top Republican on the panel; and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (Conn.), the top Democratic appropriator in the House. Let the appropriators do their job. I promise you, well get our bills done on time, Cole said. Despite having control of both chambers, the more partisan bills staking out the House GOPs starting position are still expected to look different from the final, conferenced product with the Senate, where Democratic votes will be needed for final passage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyll be hard to negotiate out, Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), another spending cardinal, said when asked about the funding work ahead. But he also brushed off concerns about the threat of across-the-board cuts after April if Congress doesnt pass its fiscal 2025 funding bills by then. He added he knows appropriators will be able to finish the bills on time once leadership signs off on a top-line agreement that will allow negotiators to begin crafting the compromise bills between both chambers. But Trump earlier this month sunk an agreement for a continuing resolution that had been worked out between both chambers, sending lawmakers scrambling. And some Republicans have already shared concerns about the delayed funding work cutting into much-needed time for other priorities, particularly as leaders eye passing two budget reconciliation packages to tackle parts of Trumps agenda on border, energy and taxes next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), head of the funding subcommittee that crafts funding bills for the Department of Homeland Security, described next years balancing act as the multitasking Olympics. Pre-15th of March, you still got to finish. Youve got to finish 25 so reconciliation is going to be a piece of that on how you finish 25, Amodei told The Hill, while also saying reconciliation work could have an impact on Congresss annual funding work. Itll be multitasking time because you got to be working on that, at the same time youre finishing up 25, and at the same time youre starting hearings on 26, which is the first full year of a Trump administration, he added. 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. (Bloomberg) -- Finnish authorities investigating damage to subsea power and data cables found drag marks on the seabed likely left by the anchor of seized tanker Eagle S. Most Read from Bloomberg Working under water, we have been able to identify the dragging track at the seabed from the beginning to the end, Sami Paila, detective chief inspector and tactical leader from Finlands National Bureau of Investigation, said in a statement on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The track is dozens of kilometers in length, he said, adding that it hasnt been possible to establish where the ships anchor detached from its chain. Finland has already identified the Eagle S as the culprit in the breakage of the power link. The tanker was moved to an anchorage near the port of Kilpilahti on Saturday. Poor weather hampered investigations both on board the vessel and at the underwater site on Sunday, the police said. The vessel, sailing under the Cook Islands flag, has been detained as the police probe possible aggravated criminal mischief. Authorities believe one of the ships anchors, which they found to be missing, severed a 170-kilometer (105-mile) electricity line that connects Finland and Estonia on Dec. 25. Since then, four underwater data cables have also been experiencing disruptions. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak claims that as a result of a full-scale war unleashed by Russia, Ukraine will have to give up part of its territory. He says that this is indicated by "the reality on the ground." ADVERTISIMENT Kaliniak voiced this thesis after his country's Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. Earlier, they had said that Kyiv would have to give up territory. Robert Kaliniak made a similar statement on Slovak television on Sunday, December 29. "It is likely that Ukraine is not aware of the fact that it will never be able to sit between Germany and Switzerland, but will always share its largest border with the Russian Federation. We cannot argue who is the aggressor here because Russia has crossed all the boundaries, and rules and violated international law, but we need to pay the same attention to what is happening in other parts of the world and apply the same standards to all other disputes," the Slovakian Defense Minister said. It is in the interests of his country to hold peace talks and end the war as soon as possible. The minister also believes that what form post-war Ukraine will take is more important than future borders. As reported by OBOZ.UA: - Earlier, Robert Fico said that the Slovak authorities are ready for an open conflict with Ukraine because of 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 gas from Russia to Central Europe. - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to these threats. He said that Fico seems to have been instructed by Vladimir Putin to open a second energy front. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Finnish authorities are set to inspect an oil tanker suspected of sabotage after damage to a Baltic Sea electricity cable, the Finnish news agency STT reported on Monday, citing the authorities. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) is to inspect the Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker Eagle S, currently anchored east of Helsinki, after it was linked to the failure of the Estlink 2 submarine cable. Traficom is seeking to determine whether international operating regulations were being followed. If in doubt, the ship can be detained until any deficiencies have been rectified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inspection will be carried out as soon as the police investigation allows, the report said. The step comes after the EstLink 2 undersea power cable between Finland and Estonia failed on December 25. Investigators are looking into the possibility of sabotage. Finnish authorities detained the Eagle S on the suspicion it was involved. According to the EU, the vessel is part of Russia's "shadow fleet," tankers and other cargo ships that Russia uses to circumvent international sanctions by transporting oil, for example. The crew, who are now being interrogated, are suspected of having caused the damage using an anchor, after an investigation launched by police and the Finnish coastguard found scrape marks on the seabed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tanker's operating company has engaged a Finnish lawyer to apply to court for the release of the ship, the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper reported. Earlier, the Baltic and Nordic countries decided to increase the surveillance of shipping movements in the Baltic Sea, Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas said. The countries are working on an action plan to ensure the protection of energy infrastructure, he said after a government meeting in Vilnius, according to Lithuanian media reports. They are to track where ships are manoeuvring and what risks their movements entail, also aided by technology, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lithuania is itself to take additional surveillance measures after the damage to Estlink 2, Energy Minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas said. The government in Vilnius had already decided at the beginning of December that from 2025, the security authorities would provide greater protection for several sites important for the nation's energy supply. Lithuania and other Baltic countries have heightened vigilance and declared a state of alert due to possible acts of sabotage, after problems with several Baltic Sea communication cables in recent weeks, along with disruptions to power cables and gas pipelines. Paluckas said offshore wind farms also require better protection, and that damage to power cables could cost economies "tens to hundreds of millions of euros" due to higher prices per kilowatt hour. HELSINKI, Finland (AP) Finnish investigators probing the damage to a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables said they found an anchor drag mark on the seabed, apparently from a Russia-linked vessel that has already been seized. The discovery heightened concerns about suspected sabotage by Russia's shadow fleet of fuel tankers aging vessels with obscure ownership acquired to evade Western sanctions amid the war in Ukraine and operating without Western-regulated insurance. The Estlink-2 power cable, which transmits energy from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea, went down on Dec. 25 after a rupture. It had little impact on services but followed damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines, both of which have been termed sabotage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finnish police chief investigator, Sami Paila, said late Sunday the anchor drag trail continued for dozens of kilometers (miles) ... if not almost 100 kilometers (62 miles). Paila added to Finnish national TV broadcaster Yle: Our current understanding is that the drag mark in question is that of the anchor of the (seized) Eagle S vessel. We have been able to clarify this matter through underwater research." Without giving further details, Paila said authorities have a preliminary understanding of what happened at sea, how the anchor mark was created there, and stressed that the question of intent is a completely essential issue to be clarified in the preliminary investigation." On Saturday, the seized vessel was escorted to anchorage in the vicinity of the port of Porvoo to facilitate the investigation, officials said. It is being probed under criminal charges of aggravated interference with telecommunications, aggravated vandalism and aggravated regulatory offense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Eagle S is flagged in the Cook Islands but was described by Finnish customs officials and the European Union executive commission as part of Russias shadow fleet of fuel tankers. Russias use of the vessels has raised environmental concerns about accidents given their age and uncertain insurance coverage. In the wake of the cable rupture, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said last week that the military alliance, which Finland joined last year, will step up patrols in the Baltic Sea region. The Finnish Coast Guard said Monday that another tanker ship headed for a Russian port has engine failure and drifted, then anchored in the Gulf of Finland south of the Hanko Paninsula. The guard said it was notified Sunday night. Registered in Panama, the M/T Jazz was en route to Primorsk, Russia, from Sudan, with apparently no oil cargo. Finnish authorities have dispatched a tugboat and a patrol ship to ensure that the vessel does not drift and to prevent any damage to the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regional director of the Coast Guard, Janne Ryonankoski, said there was no immediate risk to the seabed infrastructure. Earlier Monday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that sabotage in Europe has increased" since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Kallas told the German newspaper Welt that the recent sabotage attempts in the Baltic Sea are not isolated incidents" but "part of a pattern of deliberate and coordinated actions to damage our digital and energy infrastructure. She vowed that the EU would take stronger measures to counter the risks posed" by vessels of Russia's shadow fleet. Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer (832-mile) border with Russia, abandoned its decades-long policy of neutrality and joined NATO in 2023, amid Russia's war against Ukraine. Today and tomorrow will be the warmest day for many of us over the next several days. Stronger winds will pick up again Monday. A Red Flag Warning and a Fire Weather Watch have been issued for parts of eastern New Mexico Monday. We will see winds gust between 35-60 mph with humidity percentages between 10-15%. Elevated to critical fire conditions will be present. 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. Temperatures are expected to rebound once again, heading through the end of the week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) Boardmans fire chief said the woman who firefighters pulled from a burning home earlier Monday morning has died. Read next: Local Hot Dog Shoppe location closed immediately The woman called to report her couch on Nova Lane was on fire and that she was bedridden around 10:30 a.m. Fire Chief Mark Pitzer said the woman was trapped inside when the fire started. Police reports state smoke was coming out of the windows at the front of the house and that crews lost contact with the woman while trying to enter the home. The entryway into the house was also filled with smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews were able to get her out of the house, and she was unconscious and severely burned. EMS performed life-saving measures en route to the hospital, where she later passed away. The victim has been identified as a 67-year-old woman, according to a police report. The Mahoning County Coroners Office was not releasing her name Tuesday morning as next of kin had not yet been notified. Pitzer said the woman was in a room with a hospital bed when the fire started. According to reports, she was alone at the time of the fire. Our first arriving crew went into what we call rescue mode, where theyre going to go inside and look for life first. Thats our first priority, even before trying to put out the fire, Pitzer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitzer said the rescue was difficult due to the amount of items in the home at the time. The challenge is if you have somebody thats unresponsive and you need to get multiple people to remove her when you only have a small little lane to carry someone out, it becomes difficult. You only may have one or two people to maybe have access to that victim to remove them, so it makes it challenging to get them if you dont have room to work, Pitzer said. A firefighters face was also injured during the rescue. At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown, but it appeared to have started in the lower level of the home. The State Fire Marshal has been called to investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nick Rich and Jerica Rogers contributed to this report. 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 WKBN.com. WEST PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WCMH) Three men and two juveniles are each facing nine charges after allegedly ambushing a car Saturday morning in Scioto County. According to the Scioto County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a 911 call at the Lett Terrace Housing Complex at approximately 3:55 a.m. for a call of shots being fired. At the complex, officers were waved down by two women and a man, with the man telling police a car followed his girlfriend and her friend into the apartment complex from a nearby gas station. When the man went outside to confront the people in the car, he said they shot at him before driving away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indoor racing company with go-karts that reach 45 mph opens first central Ohio track The man, who the sheriffs office identified as Trevon Watts, 26, of Portsmouth, was detained by deputies for an outstanding arrest warrant from Dayton. After reviewing security footage, sheriffs detectives found that Watts allegedly lied to deputies. According to the sheriffs office, the victims vehicle drove into the complex when it was ambushed, allegedly by Watts and four others: Kaeden Levi Borders, 18, and Cody Creed Milum, 19, both of Portsmouth, and two juveniles. In total, the sheriffs office said 36 rounds were fired, with several being fired toward apartments and hitting other cars in the area. The sheriffs office said it recovered a getaway vehicle and two of the guns used in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two juvenile male victims told investigators they met the girls at a gas station when one of the girls started flirting with them. The victims followed the girls in hopes of getting a phone number, the sheriffs office said. Detectives said the only shots fired in the confrontation came from the suspects who were waiting for the victims at the complex. Police investigating after Upper Arlington High School swimmer choked by teammate The suspects have all been charged with discharging a firearm over a roadway, a third-degree felony; weapons under disability, a third-degree felony; two counts of felonious assault, a second-degree felony; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation, a second-degree felony; and three counts of criminal damaging, a fifth-degree felony. In addition, Watts is facing a criminal trespass charge and the failure to appear warrant from Dayton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office said the suspects may be involved with other crimes in the Portsmouth area. More charges may be presented to the grand jury, the sheriffs office said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Scioto County Sheriffs Office at (740) 351-1091. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Democratic congressional candidate Janelle Bynum speaks at a press conference on Oct. 2, 2024. (Photo by Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Editors note: The Capital Chronicle has launched a $10,000 end-of-year fundraising campaign to help us continue our first-class coverage next year. A lot is at stake, and theres a long legislative session in 2025. Were completely dependent on donor dollars, which are tax deductible. Please contribute to us if you can. Each year, some Oregonians drive more political news than others, and 2024 was no different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the many people who appeared in the digital pages of this news outlet this year, five stood out: Oregons first Black member of Congress, an ousted congresswoman who may secure a cabinet position, the attorney who negotiated a drug recriminalization compromise and will lead Oregons response to President-elect Donald Trump, the former Republican leader who stormed back onto the political scene and the unelected first lady who drove top employees from the governors office. Janelle Bynum Democrats smarting over their narrow 2022 loss in Oregons 5th Congressional District and fearing a repeat if 2022 nominee Jamie McLeod-Skinner ran again made a bet on state Rep. Janelle Bynum. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries personally recruited her, Gov. Tina Kotek and Bend Democrats who previously backed McLeod-Skinner endorsed her in the primary and national Democratic groups poured money and resources into the race. Their bet paid off: The Clackamas County Democrat easily won her primary and defeated incumbent Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer by nearly 11,000 votes in the 5th District, which stretches from Bend to the outskirts of Portland. Bynum will be Oregons first Black member of Congress a fact she highlighted in her victory speech as she promised that she wont be the last. She has now defeated Chavez-DeRemer in three elections, including two state House races in 2016 and 2018. Shell likely face a tough reelection campaign in 2026, as the 5th District is Oregons most competitive. Lori Chavez-DeRemer U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Oregon, speaks to reporters on Oct. 9, 2024. (Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle) While she lost to Bynum, the one-term congresswoman and former Happy Valley mayor appears to have leveraged an electoral defeat into a promotion on the national stage. Chavez-DeRemer courted union support during her reelection campaign, ultimately earning the backing of more than 20 unions including the Teamsters. That endorsement proved crucial in Chavez-DeRemers potential post-Congress job, as national Teamsters President Sean OBrien vouched for her to President-elect Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump chose Chavez-DeRemer as his labor secretary, and she has spent much of December meeting with Republican senators to shore up support. If confirmed, shell be one of only a few Oregonians to serve in a presidential cabinet. The most notable, former Gov. and Portland Mayor Neil Goldschmidt, was transportation secretary under Democratic President Jimmy Carter, while Portland hotelier Gordon Sondland was Trumps ambassador to the European Union before later testifying against Trump at an impeachment trial. Dan Rayfield Rep. Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, works on the House floor at the Oregon Capitol in Salem on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. (Amanda Loman/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The incoming Oregon attorney general and former House speaker worked out a deal on drug recriminalization, won a statewide election and even managed to pass a campaign finance reform law that had long eluded him on his way out the statehouse door. Rayfield, a Democrat from Corvallis, has served in the Legislature since 2015 and spent 2023 and 2024 as House speaker. His focus on collegiality and clear communication set a new, less combative tone than the House had seen in recent years and helped keep House Republicans from joining Senate Republicans in a walkout in 2023. He was a key negotiator on the compromise that recriminalized drug possession while encouraging a focus on treating addiction over punishing users. He fended off a challenge from Republican Will Lathrop, the most serious GOP candidate to run for attorney general in more than a decade, to become Oregons next top law enforcement officer. And with Trump returning to the White House, Rayfields national profile is likely to grow as he leads Oregon in expected lawsuits over federal policies that conflict with Oregon laws. Christine Drazan Christine Drazan greets supporters at her election night event on Nov. 8, 2022 at the Oregon Gardens in Silverton. (Connor Radnovich/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Political observers expected the 2022 Republican nominee to run for something after she formed a nonprofit organization and spent months hosting roundtable discussions throughout the state and rallying opposition to legislative proposals. She still caught them by surprise when she announced that she would run not for a congressional seat or statewide office but for the state House, launching a primary challenge against Rep. James Hieb, R-Canby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drazan easily defeated Hieb, who received no help from the House Republican caucus. And shortly after she won her uncontested general election, House Republicans chose her to lead their caucus for the next session. While Drazan wont officially be a House member until Jan. 13, she wasted no time in opining on issues. Drazan and Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, have little trust in Kotek, who was speaker of the House during Drazans prior stint as Republican leader with Bonham as her deputy, and that tension could boil over during the long 2025 legislative session. Aimee Kotek Wilson First lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, left, and Gov. Tina Kotek listen to Kris McAlister, executive director of the homelessness nonprofit Carry It Forward, in Cottage Grove on Dec. 14, 2023. (Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kotek faced her first major scandal this spring, when several top employees abruptly left her office. While those former employees and Kotek have declined to comment on the reason they left, public records confirmed that they had deep concerns about the ethics and optics of first lady Aimee Kotek Wilsons increasing involvement in the governors office. Kotek Wilson, who has a masters degree in social work, previously worked as a counselor and case manager and said she has personal experience living with mental illness and in recovery from alcohol use disorder all traits that have made her one of Koteks unofficial closest advisers on behavioral health. But when Kotek tried to give her wife an expanded official role and create an Office of the First Spouse, staff revolted, with at least three advisers leaving, including her chief of staff. Three additional high-level employees left her office later in the year, though one denied that Kotek Wilson had anything to do with her departure and the others declined to comment. Kotek abandoned those plans amid public pushback, and the states ethics commission dismissed complaints after commissioners deadlocked. The incident reminded many of the political downfall of former Gov. John Kitzhaber, a Democrat who resigned because of an influence-peddling scandal involving his fiancee, Cylvia Hayes though theres no evidence Kotek Wilson would financially benefit from her volunteer role in the governors office, as Hayes did through paid consulting work related to the advice she provided Kitzhaber. Kotek, then House speaker, was among the elected officials calling for Kitzhaber to resign in 2015. Correction: This article was updated to clarify the timeline of Kotek staffers leaving her office. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Flags across America were ordered to be flown at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. Carter was 100 years old when he died Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia. After serving a single term in the White House, Carter was the longest-living former president and the only one to reach the century milestone. Will flags be flown at half-staff in Tennessee? In a statement issued Sunday, President Joe Biden ordered flags across the U.S. to be flown at half-staff "in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. and as an expression of public sorrow." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Biden's decree, Tennessee, along and the rest of the country, is supposed to have the flag at half-staff during this mourning period. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined countless others in honoring the former president Sunday, stating that Carter and wife Rosalynn Carter "put their faith into action and were an inspiration to many." President Carters work to serve extended far beyond his presidency, including projects with @Habitat_org in TN. He & Rosalynn put their faith into action & were an inspiration to many. @MariaLeeTN & I are lifting the Carter family up in prayer during this time of immense loss. Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 29, 2024 How long will flags be at half-staff? According to Biden's order and U.S. flag code, flags will be lowered for 30 days following the death of a former or sitting president. Flags are supposed to fly half-staff from Carter's death on Dec. 29 through Jan. 27, including during Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. National Day of Mourning for Jimmy Carter Biden designated Thursday, Jan. 9 as the National Day of Mourning in the U.S. When is Jimmy Carter's funeral? The official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will be held Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the White House confirmed Monday. Final arrangements for Carter's state funeral are pending; a formal schedule will come from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carter Center urged members of the public to visit the official tribute website, which includes an online condolence book and other materials commemorating the life of the nation's longest-living former president. Where should flags be flown at half-staff? The U.S. flag should be displayed at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions, the proclamation said. Will flags be at half-staff during the inauguration? Even though U.S. flag code requires the flag to stay at half-staff for the death of a president, it is not federal law. As such, Donald Trump could order flags to be raised back to full-staff for the inauguration and remain full staff before the 30 days are up. Richard Nixon ordered flags raised back to full-staff on Feb. 13, 1973, during the 30-day mourning for former President Lyndon B. Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nixons order was to honor the first American prisoners of war released from Vietnam. Flags were returned to half-staff the next day and stayed there for another eight days. What did Jimmy Carter do as president? Carter served as America's 39th president from 1977 to 1981. Highlights of his career in politics and philanthropy include: Negotiated the Camp David peace accords between Israel and Egypt. Transferred the Panama Canal to Panamanian ownership. Expanded public lands in Alaska. Established formal diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China. Created the modern Department of Education and the Department of Energy. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, 22 years after he left the White House. Is it half-staff or half-mast? On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why are flags at half-staff in Tennessee? Honoring Jimmy Carter BOSTON (WWLP) Governor Maura Healey has ordered all U.S. and Massachusetts flags to be lowered to half-staff until the end of January. Bay Staters remember Jimmy Carter who died at 100 Flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday. The flags are to be at half-staff at all state buildings until January 28, 2025. President Carter lived a life dedicated to peace, human rights, democracy, and moral clarity. He set an enduring example of what it means to serve others, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, said Governor Maura Healey. Im sending love and strength to the Carter family as they, and our nation, process this profound loss. May we all honor his memory by building a more just, peaceful and caring world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carter Center released that the former president passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29th at his home in Plains, Georgia where he was surrounded by family. The 39th president of the United States had been receiving hospice care since February 2023. 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 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 WWLP. The Bernard Mevs hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haitis only neurological trauma center, was set on fire with Molotov cocktails last week by a coalition of gangs known as Viv Ansanm. With 87 beds, it served nearly 12 million people and had managed to continue its operations through such devastating events as the 2010 earthquake and the coronavirus pandemic. We are disoriented. More than 30 years of work and dedication to the medical sector were lost in one night, lamented a source close to the hospital, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. Then, a week later on Christmas Eve, an armed attack rocked the State University of Haiti Hospital. Viv Ansanm launched its assault on the facility in broad daylight, unleashing chaos among patients and staff. Paradoxically, the day should have been one of celebration, having been the date on which the major hospital was scheduled to reopen after being forced to close by another gang attack in February 2024. Instead, at least four people were killed, including two Haitian National Police officers. In addition, more than 15 people were shot and wounded, several of them journalists. Following this latest attack, Minister of Health Duckenson Lorthe Blaima was removed from his post after serious doubts were raised regarding his management of the hospitals reopening. The officials decision to organize the event without consulting the National Police is being called into question, and is believed to have led to an absence in security that facilitated the gangs attack. Blaimas team has dismissed such accusations, maintaining that he took all necessary measures to ensure safety. These episodes are further evidence of the authorities inability to curb growing violence, and have had a profound impact on a city that had limited medical services to begin with. Most hospitals in Port-au-Prince are under gang control, and the few that remain operational are difficult to access due to security concerns. Business leader Harold Marzouka Jr., who supported the hospital financially for a decade, said that Bernard Mevs provided essential services for the countrys critical cases. Other hospitals could only receive patients after they had been stabilized here, he said. Medical services on the brink It was the only place in Haiti capable of keeping a patient intubated for weeks or even a month, something other hospitals cannot guarantee, said Pierre Louis Antoine, a physician associated with Bernard Mevs. The facility also stood out for its ability to provide emergency care for gunshot wounds, car accidents and severe trauma and long-term follow-up care to patients. In the field of neurosurgery, Bernard Mevs was distinguished for being able to carry out advanced procedures like endoscopic ventriculostomy for the treatment of hydrocephalus in children, as well as treating cranial tumors and spinal injuries. In the armed attack, gang members destroyed important facilities at the privately funded hospital, which offered accessible services to the general public. The operation took place after the hospital suffered several assaults during the previous Sunday and Monday. Among the losses were four operating rooms, a laboratory, two scanners and administrative offices. The hospital was known for having some of the countrys most advanced medical imaging technology. It was also key in the training of medical students, as it housed the only residency program in neurosurgery. Were down to zero. Even for simple cases like appendicitis, there is nowhere to operate anymore, Marzouka said. The businessman sharply criticized the international communitys inaction in the face of Haitis plight. Its like watching a ship sink with people on board while you have life jackets and do nothing, he said. An injured man in the urgent care area of the Cite Soleil clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on May 8, 2024. Giles Clarke (Getty Images) Despite the efforts of private clinics and hospitals run by non-profits to fill the gap left by the destruction of Bernard Mevs, resources are insufficient to meet growing demand. The healthcare situation in Haiti has worsened considerably in recent months. According to the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP), insecurity has worsened the situation, forcing the closure of more than 31 hospitals throughout the department, said a representative from the West Health Directorate in a statement to EL PAIS, a panorama that has left the population without adequate access to medical services. According to the United Nations, since May 2024, only six out of every 10 hospitals in Haiti still have some operational capacity due to gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince. The situation is further complicated by the exodus of medical professionals, which has left hospitals without trained staff. One study found that 40% of doctors who were trained in Haiti have left the country due to insecurity, and of those, 13% have emigrated to the United States. According to numbers from the MSPP, Haiti has only 5.9 doctors for every 10,000 residents. A mother with her baby in the maternity ward at the Justinien University Hospital last May. Giles Clarke (Getty Images) Meanwhile, La Paz University Hospital, the sole functioning public hospital in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, remains overwhelmed. In November 2024, the facility registered 49 patients who had been injured by firearms in just one week. Violence remains the main challenge for the health system, and the hospital is stretched to capacity in trying to handle the growing numbers of victims of gang confrontations. Despite some attempts to restore security in the area, such as the arrival of Kenyan-led multinational forces in June 2024, results have been limited. The prolonged closure of the General Hospital has also affected the training of new physicians. Residents in various specialties, such as anesthesiology and urology, were unable to complete their academic year due to lack of space and unsafe conditions. We are in a critical situation, it is a lost year for all residents, commented Rodolphe Malebranche, director of residencies at the university hospital. Interim measures, such as the relocation of residents to other health centers, have not solved the underlying program. According to Malebranche, if the General Hospital reopens, residents will have no place to stay and perform night shifts, which could worsen the situation. As more physicians leave the country and residents drop out, Haitis capacity to deal with health emergencies has become seriously compromised. Those of us who remain as physicians and residents are facing an untenable situation, said Dr. Yveline Michel, a resident in anesthesiology. And with no solution in sight to the security crisis, healthcare in Haiti remains in a critical state that has left millions of people without adequate access to medical care. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Flags will be flown at half-staff across America to honor former President Jimmy Carters death. Carter died Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia, at 100. After serving a single term in the White House, Carter was the longest-living former president and the only one to reach the century milestone. Why is the flag at half-staff today? President Joe Biden ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days following Carters death. Where should flags be flown at half-staff? The order applies to all United States flags at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions, the proclamation reads. Day of Mourning President Biden also established the National Day of Mourning on Jan. 9 throughout the U.S. On this day, Biden asks Americans to assemble in their place of worship to pay homage to President Carter's memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance, the proclamation reads. How to watch Jimmy Carters funeral According to the Carter Center, final funeral arrangements are pending, however they plan to hold memorial services in both Atlanta and Washington, D.C. After the memorial services, Carter will be buried in Plains, Georgia, alongside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Flags at half staff today: Do I have to lower my flag too? COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered U.S. and Ohio flags to be flown at half-staff for the next month to honor former President Jimmy Carter. In honor of the life and service of President Carter, who died at the age of 100, DeWine has ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be lowered upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the state for 30 days. Flags will remained lowered until sunset on Jan. 28. Former NBC4 journalist looks back on her time working with President Jimmy Carter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, flags on federal buildings and grounds in the U.S. and its territories, as well as all naval vessels, will also fly at half-staff. According to a proclamation signed by then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, because Carter is a former president, flags are to remain at half-staff for 30 days from the day of Carters death. This is the longest period possible for the flags to fly at half-staff, reserved for the death of the sitting president or former presidents, per the proclamation. President Joe Biden has also scheduled a state funeral in Washington for Carter on Jan. 9, according to the Associated Press. Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the U.S. and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) American and North Carolina flags will be flown at half-staff at state facilities through the end of January in honor of the life of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 on Sunday. Gov. Roy Cooper announced the order on Monday, which outlines that flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset on Jan. 30. READ MORE: Former president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter served one term as president between 1977 and 1981. He also previously sat in office as governor of Georgia, as well as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. President Jimmy Carter was the epitome of what it means to be a true public servant in and out of office, Gov. Cooper said in a statement. In a political world of hate and bombast, President Carter was a kind, calm, giving and sincere man of faith who continued to serve our country and humanity long after his term in office. He was an inspiration across the globe, and I join the nation and world in honoring and praying for the Carter family. PHOTOS: Jimmy Carter with other U.S. Presidents North Carolina residents, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff until the end of the month out of respect for Carters memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter was the longest-lived American president in history. A state funeral is set to be held for Carter on Jan. 9 in Washington, D.C. 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 CBS17.com. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff starting Monday in memory of former President Jimmy Carter. The order came after President Biden proclaimed the flag of the United States be lowered for 30 days from the day of Carters death per federal law. This is the longest period possible for the flags to fly at half-staff, reserved for the death of the sitting president or former presidents, per the proclamation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died peacefully in his Georgia home Sunday, the Carter Center confirmed. He was 100 years old. Photos: Jimmy Carter, from the White House to building houses Carter, the longest-living American president, underwent a series of short hospital stays before being placed in hospice care in February 2023. He had decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. Flags atop the state Capitol and those over state buildings will be flown at half-staff until January 28, 2025 in tribute to President Carters extraordinary legacy as a humanitarian and his lifetime of distinguished and patriotic service to the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be countless tributes to President Jimmy Carter and deservedly so because he devoted three-quarters of a century to serving his country in the Navy, the state senate, the governors office, the White House and as a humanitarian, McMaster said in a Dec. 29 statement. But it was in the face of illness and ultimately death that President Carter taught us the most. His faith in God and love of Rosalynn remained the foundation of his life and an example for each of us about what matters the most. During this difficult time, Peggy and I join the people of South Carolina in giving thanks for the life of President Carter and send prayers to the Carter family, he continued. South Carolinians voted for Carter in the 1976 presidential election, making him the last Democrat to win the Palmetto State in a presidential contest. His state funeral will take place at Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, 2025. Biden is expected to deliver one of the eulogies, having previously said Carter asked him to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is then expected to be buried in Plains, Ga. next to his late wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter. The Nexstar Media Wire and The Hill contributed to this report. 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 WCBD News 2. A United Airlines flight bound for Phoenix made an emergency landing in New Mexico over the weekend because there was smoke in the cockpit, officials said. The Boeing 757 took off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport at about 9:15 a.m. local time on Saturday and was scheduled to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at about noon, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. But at about 11:45 a.m., the flight crew reported smoke in the cockpit, and the plane safely made an emergency landing at Albuquerque International Sunport. No one was injured during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flight to Phoenix from Seattle: Crew members, passenger arrive with injuries Online flight trackers show that the plane which had flown from Albany, New York, to Chicago earlier that morning was able to continue its trek to Phoenix after about five hours in Albuquerque. It landed at Sky Harbor at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. The FAA was investigating the incident. The agency had not released information about what may have caused smoke to leak into the cockpit. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: United Airlines flight bound for Sky Harbor makes emergency landing Childrens television is in crisis, Baroness Floella Benjamin has warned. The TV presenter, known to millions of Britons as the host of BBC childrens television shows Play School and Play Away, said the industry was in turmoil when comparing the current crop of childrens shows to those of previous generations. She questioned where all the childrens writers, directors and producers had gone and warned that watching unregulated online content, such as YouTube, could have a detrimental impact on young audiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her comments come as Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, revealed she had written to tech firms urging them to push more high quality content to children. Earlier this week, Sir Phil Redmond, the creator of childrens television drama series Grange Hill, warned that television had lost its courage. Also the writer behind Hollyoaks and Brookside, he said social media was the big issue in an industry that had turned risk averse, and urged producers to take a chance flouting Ofcom rules. Sir Phil Redmond, writer and creator of Grange Hill, Brookside and Hollyoaks, says television has lost its courage - Jeff Gilbert Baroness Benjamin, who was guest editing BBC Radio 4s Today programme, said: I feel that childrens programmes, as we know them, are in crisis in turmoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because children are migrating to online platforms, unregulated platforms, and watching mainly adult material which for some could be detrimental to their wellbeing Childrens practitioners havent got the work or opportunity to be creative for young people to show them their lives. Whats happened to childrens writers? Whats happened to our childrens producers, our childrens directors? While Baroness Benjamin admitted iPlayer made childrens shows from previous generations available, she said a lack of new shows was worrying. Whats not happening is making things for now not enough, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you look at the schedule we used to have, programmes used to start at 4 oclock and went on until 6 oclock. Think of those two hours of what you could have. Where now, is Grange Hill? Where now, is Byker Grove? Where now, is Tracy Beaker? Where are all those shows that used to happen? It will be detrimental to the industry if we dont have shows like this. We used to have programs that were just there for children. The diversity in the programmes that we had was vast. The cast of Grange Hill - BBC Ms Nandy, who has a nine-year-old son, also appeared on the show, where she revealed she had written to tech companies like YouTube. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of the content that we make here in the UK is very high quality content directed towards children, she said. It helps inform them about the world. It helps with their emotional and mental wellbeing and their development, and its very enjoyable as well. And what were finding is that more and more children are moving on to video-sharing platforms like YouTube. Theyre finding their own content. Its often not as high quality as the sort of content that the public service broadcasters and the commercial broadcasters are producing. She said she had written to video sharing platforms as she would much prefer to work with them to make sure children see and find high quality content more easily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Nandy added there was a balance to be struck. YouTube told the BBC: The safety of our users is our main priority, and our mission is to ensure that our platform provides kids and teens with safe, age-appropriate online experiences that allow them to learn, grow and explore. 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. TRUMBULL COUNTY, Ohio (WKBN) The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for a stream in the Valley due to this weekends heavy rainfall. Read next: How strong were the wind gusts Sunday? A flood warning has been issued for Eagle Creek at Phalanx Station in western Trumbull County, and it is in effect until Tuesday morning. Flood warning issued for Eagle Creek in Trumbull County until Tuesday morning (Storm Team 27). This stream is no stranger to flooding, and flood warnings are often issued after periods of moderate rainfall. The NWS expects flooding to impact Barclay Messerly Road south of the Warren Airport in Braceville. It is also possible that Knowlton Road could be impacted. Any flooding impacts are expected to subside by Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stream levels across the rest of the Valley are in the Good stage after Sunday nights rainfall and damaging wind gusts. Latest river levels across the Valley (Storm Team 27). If you want to know the latest on any flooding conditions, you can always stay tuned to the latest weather alerts. 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 WKBN.com. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Erin Booths five-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia. She and her husband qualified for Medicaid under a program enacted during the health crisis and that federal insurance provided Landon all the medical treatment and therapy he needed. The chemotherapy damaged Landons still-developing brain and body, requiring an army of specialists to help him overcome those developmental problems. He went to speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy almost daily. But after President Joe Biden declared an end to the public health emergency, the Orlando couples son lost that Medicaid coverage, as did nearly 600,000 other Florida children. All had been eligible under the special waiver enacted during the pandemic but lost it when that ended under a process known as the unwinding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state steered the Booths to KidCare, the federally funded childrens health insurance program run by the state that offers lower-cost health insurance for families who cannot afford private insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. But the Booths also earn too much to qualify for the programs cheaper, subsidized plan and must pay the full rate, which stretches their household budget and covers just basic medical care, not all the therapy Landon, now 9, requires. It only covered eight therapy sessions, and they were done, his mother said. Hes gone a year without the services he needs. A Florida law that was to start January 1 would give them better coverage at a much lower rate, but the state has delayed implementing it while it fights a federal rule that prevents states from kicking children off the health insurance plans, if their parents miss a payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida could expand KidCare to cover an estimated 42,000 more children if it complies with that federal rule, but it said earlier this month it would put off any action until President-elect Donald Trump takes office as his administration might not insist on that provision. The rule prohibits the state from dropping childrens coverage during a 12-month period even if their parents miss a premium payment. Florida is the only state to challenge it. In the meantime, it is kicking off an average 5,500 children a month from KidCare because of missed payments, according to state records. Florida kicked more than half a million kids off Medicaid, and now thousands more have no health insurance because of this delay, said Joan Alker, executive director of the Center of Children and Families at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Only Texas canceled more kids than Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida also has one of highest rates of uninsured children in the country, at 7.5% in 2023, according to the Childrens Health Report Card. Florida was ranked 47th out of the 51 states and Washington D.C., the report said. Florida isnt the only state disenrolling children from Medicaid during the unwinding process, but it has the distinction of being the only state violating federal law by kicking families off, Alker said. Other Republican-dominated states, including Arizona, adopted the federal rule and quickly expanded their childrens health insurance programs, she said, while Florida is challenging the regulation and removing kids from its rolls. The Booths shes a drug store manager, and hes an electrician have never missed their $260 monthly premium, even if it has meant putting off their electric bill, Erin Booth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kids like my son need their insurance to stay alive, Booth said. Anticipating a massive wave of low-income families losing their Medicaid insurance during the unwinding, the state enacted a law two years ago to expand KidCare to include those who earned the equivalent of between $51,640 and $77,460 for a family of three. Under that law, the Booths whose income is in that range could qualify for a subsidized plan that only costs about $20 a month and covers all the special services their son Landon needs. But the expansion has been delayed while the state challenges the federal rule. Florida sued to block that continuous coverage rule, saying it would mean $13 million in administrative costs. A judge in Tampa threw out the lawsuit, but Florida has continued to throw kids off the insurance plan while it appeals the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Biden administration approved Floridas expansion plan earlier this month, contingent on complying with the rule, state health officials decided to take a wait-and-see attitude to see what the incoming Trump administration will do. Theyve asked for a 30-day extension of its deadline to expand coverage and have continued to kick off children because of missed premium payments. The states disenrollment levels in the KidCare program were so drastic they caught the attention of Amy Baker, Floridas chief economic analyst, as she listened to state health officials describe the huge drop-offs during a revenue estimating conference in July. You dont see this kind of drop from our estimates and call it normal, Baker told Jeff Dykes, the chief financial officer for the states childrens health insurance program. State officials presumed that as the state disenrolled people from Medicaid they would pick up KidCare, she said. But the numbers showed that the number of KidCare recipients has actually declined by the thousands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paragon Health Institute President Brian Blase, a conservative policy analyst who was a health advisor to Trump during his first administration, has praised Gov. Ron DeSantis for resisting Medicaid expansion. Blase claimed Medicaid expansion would have harmful health care effects and lead to a huge number of Floridians dropping their private insurance to enroll in the federal program. Naomi Lubrin doesnt see it that way. The state does not value the needs of these kids who cannot speak for themselves, said Lubrin, a mortician and single mother who was raised in Orlando and recently moved to Plantation. Lubrin has watched her son Taj regress after being kicked off Medicaid six months ago in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They got Medicaid after he was diagnosed with autism at 16 months old, and he received rigorous speech and occupational therapy and had specialists including a nutritionist, she said. He used to see a therapist nearly every day. Once that was taken away, they only do thirty minutes, she said. The therapists helped Taj overcome his aversion to solid foods and move away from eating only pureed food, Lubrin said. We started to see some improvement, but when the therapy ended he regressed and stopped eating solids, she said. The state recommended she sign up for KidCare but it would have cost $500 a month just for basic medical care, and no therapy sessions. It costs that much to pay out of pocket for a few therapy sessions a month. KidCare is no benefit at all, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taj has has had no health insurance since the state canceled his Medicaid in May. She had to wait for the enrollment period at work to put him on her insurance, starting January 1. Her premium for the two of them will be $800 a month. That is why I do the overtime, so I can make ends meet so he can get the therapy he needs, Lubrin said. In Florida, the U.S. and state flags will fly at half-staff in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter. Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a memo Monday afternoon, referring to the proclamation from President Joe Biden that went out Sunday. "Pursuant to the Presidents orders and as a mark of respect, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the state ... until sunset on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025," the governor said in a memo sent to Brian Fienemann, the state's director of real estate management and development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official state funeral for Carter will be held Jan. 9 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the White House also confirmed Monday. The Carter Center released a statement saying the family has accepted an invitation from Congress for Carter, who died Sunday at 100, to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol's rotunda. Details on the events in Washington and in Georgia, including burial for Carter, have not yet been released. Biden further declared Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning, ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days and issued an executive order closing all executive departments and agencies of the federal government that day. Is it half-mast or half-staff? On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. On shore, flags are flown at half-staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY and Cheryl McCloud of the USA TODAY Network Florida contributed. Jim Rosica, news director of the Tallahassee Democrat, can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis directs flags to half-staff for late president Jimmy Carter LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. (WFLA) A South Florida man was arrested over the weekend for attacking his neighbor with a knife, the Lee County Sheriffs Office said. Deputies responded to the home, located on 21st Street SW in Lehigh Acres on Saturday night regarding a disturbance between duplex neighbors. Suspect blasts his own finger off during Polk County shooting, police say Addiel Herrera, 56, is accused of barging into the home following a verbal argument. The victim reportedly closed their garage and locked their doors to get away from Herrera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the sheriffs office, Herrera went into his own home, grabbed a knife, and began banging on his neighbors door. When the neighbor opened the door, Herrera slashed at the victim, injuring her hand. Deputies said the victim was able to push Herrera out of their door, where he stabbed the knife into the womans door several times. Mom accused of leaving baby at Hard Rock Casino in Florida on Christmas Eve Officials arrived to find the suspect sitting on a couch in his garage and covered in blood. He repeatedly told Herrera to come toward him with his hands raised. The video released by the sheriffs office shows the deputy approach the suspect and ultimately arrest him for armed burglary with assault. Herrera is being held without bond at the Lee County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its no surprise this man has a lengthy criminal history that includes aggravated assault and battery, Sheriff Carmine Marceno said. Violence of any kind will NOT be tolerated in Lee County. Not only is he a bad neighbor, but hes a bad resident of Lee County. 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 WFLA. Fostering understanding: U.S. students celebrate cultural exchange in N China Pub Date:24-12-30 12:01 Source:Xinhua 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. Editor:Qin Shuying Related News Faces of Kashgar | Guli dolls: Xinjiang-st... Cities Kaleidoscope in Anhui Series 4 60'FlyOverChina | Aerial tour of the Guang... Monkey King, Li Bai, hotpot: U.S. trumpet ... Ukraine is seeing out 2024 exhausted and battered, but it is holding on. The situation on the front lines of a conflict that has returned the feared scenario of open war to Europe is critical. Moscows superiority in weapons and troop numbers has allowed the invading army to make territorial advances, although it has not yet resulted in significant victories. Kyiv, which is unable to replenish its already exhausted battalions after almost three years of war and is absolutely dependent on American weapons, is eyeing the imminent arrival of Donald Trump in the White House with uncertainty, with the president-elect impatient to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who defends fighting to the end to recover all the occupied territories, assumes that at some stage he will have to negotiate. He resists, however, any agreement that does not include guarantees of long-term security for Ukraine. There is a general lack of trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. Viktoria Kurepova, a 57-year-old military doctor, visited the memorial to the fallen on Maidan Square in Kyiv on Thursday, with her mother, daughters, and granddaughter. This is the symbol of the first uprising against Russian interference and in favor of EU integration at the end of 2013. If we freeze the conflict, Russia will attack again. We dont know when, but we know they will, she said. The past year of war has been a tough one for Ukraine. Defense analyst Mykola Bielieskov explains in a meeting room at the CBA Initiatives Center, guarded by armed soldiers: We performed a miracle in 2022, but the war of attrition is based on weapons, money, and personnel. In all three areas, Russia is outperforming Ukraine. Socially, confusion, frustration and anxiety are increasing, he adds. Moscow has not achieved its objective of occupying the entire territory of Donetsk, the key area of the current fighting, but it has made some progress at a good pace in recent months. It now controls more than 19% of Ukraine and is putting the front line under constant pressure, with a balance of forces in some sectors of 10 Russian soldiers for every Ukrainian defender. The Russian army is approaching Pokrovsk, an essential logistical crossroads, and some sources say Kurakhove has practically been taken. The fighting is fierce. On the military balance sheet for 2024, some experts criticize the Ukrainian incursion into Russias Kursk region in August, where Kyivs forces are losing ground. Oleksiy Melnyk, co-director of the Razumkov Centre for International Relations and Security Policy, defends the operation: Russia is expending bombs in Russia [to try to repel Ukrainian troops on its territory], it is destroying Russian houses and there are Russian internally displaced people, not Ukrainians [...] Ukraine needs as many asymmetric actions as possible, he argues, recalling another humiliation: the victory over the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. As Trumps inauguration on January 20 approaches, both sides are stepping up their operations to come to the negotiating table in a position of strength. In recent weeks, there have been at least 200 clashes a day on the front lines, and on many occasions the number has exceeded 250, compared to the average of 150 previously. Russia is not sparing any resources. It has launched 13 large-scale attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure this year and is punishing the entire country with daily bombings. In November, it sent a message to the West in the form of an experimental ballistic missile, the Oreshnik, and on December 20, it challenged Kyivs defences by attacking the city center. Ukraine is urging its allies to provide more weapons to achieve peace through strength on the front. Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden gave the green light in November to launch long-range missiles against targets on Russian soil, a decision he had previously avoided in order to prevent an escalation of the war. Experts agree, however, that such strikes have little ability to change the course of the conflict. In a war of attrition, the most important thing is the constant and massive supply of resources and systems, says Bielieskov. We have about 50 ATACMS and 50-60 Storm Shadows. Their use is effective, but there are about 100 of them. Only this morning Russia sent the same number [to attack Ukraine], said Melnik a few hours after a large-scale attack on Christmas Day. In a war of attrition, which requires troops in sufficient numbers to wage it, Ukraine faces one of its greatest difficulties: a lack of soldiers. The Prosecutors Office has recorded nearly 100,000 cases of abandonment of positions or desertion so far in the war, in addition to casualties incurred at the front. This is a figure that Kyiv does not usually report, but which Trump put at 400,000 a few days ago (and Zelenskiy later reduced). There is a clear problem and the government has not been able to solve it, says Melnik, who has more than two decades of military experience. In April, the age of conscription was lowered from 27 to 25, but the issue of demobilization of those who have served for a while, one of the demands of the population, was not resolved: People are extremely tired, physically and psychologically; they are not career soldiers, they are mobilized civilians. The United States is pressuring Kyiv to lower the conscription age to 18, but Zelenskiy is resisting. They are asking us to mortgage our future. It is not fair. What we need is more weapons, more training, notes Bielieskov. The Trump factor The change in the U.S. administration is tinged with uncertainty. Ukraine has already experienced the consequences of the temporary shutting off of the military aid tap, with the months-long Republican blockage of an aid package in the Senate. It allowed Russia to take the initiative, Melnik stresses. Trumps entourage has advocated ending the billions of dollars in aid to Kyiv. Keith Kellogg, the future U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, who is eagerly awaited in Kyiv in January, has given mixed signals on the issue. In April he proposed making aid conditional on forcing a ceasefire that would freeze the front line, which would include the ceding of the occupied territories to Moscow. In exchange, he proposed offering security guarantees to Kyiv, but ruled out its entry into NATO. Zelenskiy has abandoned his maximalist positions this year, but insists that the only way to achieve a fair and lasting peace is through the Atlantic Alliance. Ukraine is traumatized by Minsk 1 and 2. We must ensure that Putin abides by the agreements, stresses the defense expert from the CBA Initiatives Center, a close collaborator of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, referring to the agreements that were pushed through in the Belarusian capital after Russia took Crimea in 2014. If not, in five, seven or 10 years, we face disappearance, insists Bieleskov. Faced with the doubts generated by Trumps election victory, the EU is supporting Ukraine while studying alternative security guarantees to the Alliance, such as the French proposal to design a peacekeeping mission using European troops. But as the Ukrainian president said in Brussels on December 19, without the U.S. it is very difficult to maintain support for Ukraine. The EU has money, but not capabilities: missiles, ammunition, artillery shells. The United States is still indispensable, explains Bielieskov. Although it is far from certain that the Republican magnates entry into the war will work out well for Ukraine, after three years in which many consider that Bidens help has arrived either too late or insufficiently, there is some hope in the Trump factor as a disruptive element. According to a survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), published last Friday, 45% of Ukrainians believe that Trumps victory brings peace closer, compared to 14% who believe it moves it further away. Experts rule out the possibility of tangible results from possible negotiations before the summer. Vadym Denysenko, executive director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, reminds us that even Trump is no longer talking about solving the problem in one day. There are several elections in 2025: Canada, Germany... and Poland and Denmark will hold the EU presidency. The Ukrainian political class hopes to capitalize on this, explains Ivan Gomza, director of the Department of Public Policy at the Kyiv School of Economics. But as the political scientist says, Russia has given signs that it does not want to stop. It wants to change the world order, not a piece of Donbas. If it can, it wants to bite off parts of the EU as well. Many see Trump as the only leader capable of twisting Putins arm. Not so Gomza. In a cafe in Kyivs Podil district, he recalls that the businessman will be facing a former KGB agent accustomed to bending wills. The Russian president said last Friday that he is willing to hold talks in Slovakia, but no one is under any illusions about his real intention to negotiate. With his military superiority on the front, he does not need to. According to Denysenko, the only thing that can stop Putin is the battered Russian economy. Ukraine dreams of its collapse in the near future. The analyst points out that the final straw would be a reduction in the price of oil, which represents 40% of the Russian budget. It is at about $70 a barrel. If it falls to $50, it would be a big problem. His hope is that Trump, with Saudi Arabia, will do everything possible to lower the price for a few months, but this is only a wish. It is enough that Putin believes it is possible, he says. The year of exhaustion is coming to an end in a few days. The Kurepovas from Kharkiv are ending it with a visit to Kyiv. Asking them how they are after the Christmas attack, which devastated the city, immediately triggers tears in the group, with the other half of the family at the front. They want 2025 to be the year of peace, like everyone else, but not at any price: We have to keep fighting until the end. All those people who have given their lives for our freedom... we cant let it be for nothing, says the military doctor. Many people are exhausted. There is a lot of uncertainty. But deep down, we remain strong, she says. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A portrait of President Jimmy Carter hangs in the Georgia Capitol. Carter was governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder) Update: Gov. DeSantis, citing a proclamation from President Joe Biden ordering a national tribute to Jimmy Carter, ordered state flags to be flown at half staff. Pursuant to the Presidents orders and as a mark of respect, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida until sunset on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the governor said in a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement +++ Florida political leaders remembered former President Jimmy Carter for his faith, servant-centered lifestyle, and charitable work following the centenarians death Sunday. The president from Plains, Georgia, died less than three months after turning 100 and nearly 44 years after leaving the White House. The Nobel Peace Prize winner stayed involved as a humanitarian, author, and volunteer after leaving office. Both U.S. senators from Florida nodded to Carters public service in social media tributes. Through his decades of public service & charitable work, President 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. Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) December 29, 2024 President Carter lived a life of service that extended well beyond his presidency. He was a servant leader who felt called to action. As we reflect on his life, I hope we can channel his faith to better our communities and our nation. Jeanette and I have President Carters family Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 30, 2024 Attorney General Ashley Moody highlighted the former presidents attention to those less fortunate. President Jimmy Carter will be remembered as a devout Christian, loving husband and selfless public servant. After leaving the White House, President Carter and his late wife, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, spent decades serving the poor and less fortunate. Their legacy of service AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) December 29, 2024 Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis took to X to say that Carter had a devotion to God that is the kind of thing our society needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Ben Albritton shared his condolences, too. Missy and I are praying for the Carter family during this sad time. Regardless of political philosophy, the life of service he led was a high water mark for everyone. He was man of great faith, and we take comfort knowing he is with the Lord and reunited with his beloved wife. Ben Albritton (@Sen_Albritton) December 30, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried remembered Carter by recalling the former president welcoming Cuban refugees to Miami in 1980. President Jimmy Carter was a giant, and his influence on Florida wont be forgotten. In 1980 as Cubans faced a humanitarian crisis under Fidel Castros communist dictatorship, President Carter welcomed Mariel refugees to Miami, Fried posted to X, linking to a Miami Herald opinion column expressing gratitude from Cubans who fled to Miami during Carters presidency. Carter flipped Florida blue in 1976, beating Gerald Ford by more than 5%, although he lost the Sunshine State by more than 17% in 1980 when he ran against Ronald Reagan. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Extending sympathies President Carter truly exemplified the best of our nation and showed that love for public service and love of country lasts a lifetime. My heart is with the Carter family at this moment. Congressman Jared Moskowitz (@RepMoskowitz) December 29, 2024 Jimmy Carter led a life of public service & charitable work. A graduate of @NavalAcademy, he served as a @USNavy Lieutenant, a GA State Senator, Governor of GA, & President of the United States. Erika & I pray for the strength of the Carter family. May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/ffr9oSmW8F Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) December 29, 2024 My heartfelt prayers are with the family of former President Jimmy Carter. He was an extraordinary leader and a man of unwavering principle. He was kind and compassionate, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/aKQjPu4EEc Rep. Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) December 29, 2024 House Minority Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell posted to X, Rest in power, President Carter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Gov. Jeb Bush sent his condolences, too. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Florida Highway Patrol troopers said they arrested a man after he was clocked driving 120 miles per hour. FHP says it happened Saturday morning in Tampa on the Selmon Expressway. Troopers said they chased the driver and had to perform a PIT maneuver to get him to stop. Watch: Local teen who runs in honor of fallen heroes to lace up for final mile Monday FHP released va ideo showing the dangerous high-speed crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was taken into custody and is facing several charges. Read: 4 killed in a storm system that spawned tornadoes across the southern U.S. FHP officials said one of the troopers involved in the chase suffered minor injuries. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. As night fell on The Carter Center in Atlanta, flowers and candles, and even a jar of peanuts, appeared by its welcome sign. People in the neighborhoods near the center strolled past, reflecting on President Carters legacy. And I will just always remember him as this great humanitarian, said Susan Okada, who joined her husband Derek, in paying tribute to the 39th president. He loved his country and served his country so well. And I think he showed this country what can be done once youve left the White House. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Carter was the first president she ever voted for, and she said he redefined the role of an ex-president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shatul Parikh, who was born during the first year of Jimmy Carters presidency, joined his family on a walk past The Carter Center. He, too, said Carters work after leaving office continues to change the world. And in my opinion, he was one of the most prolific creators of peace and harmony in the world as a post-president, he told Channel 2s Bryan Mims. He continued on the world stage and the Carter Center has done a lot for world peace. Carter established the Carter Center in 1982. The nonprofit has wiped out Guinea worm disease, ended bloody conflicts, promoted human rights and democracy, and eased human suffering in more than 80 countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ravi Parikh, 17, has studied the speeches of presidents and world leaders whove been able to leave, as my dad said, an indelible mark, just via his ability to speak and draw groups together, he said. Dogged by world crises, and defeated in a landslide, Carter came home to Georgia after leaving the White House, only to keep changing the world with his humanitarian work. Its impressive to see a president from Georgia, Ravi Parikh said. And like my dad said, he leaves an indelible mark just via his ability to speak and draw groups together. The staff of the Carter Center says in lieu of flowers, President Carter requested those wishing to honor his memory do so through contributions to the Carter Center and to perform acts of service to humanity. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) When asked, former looks back on the summer of 1980 when he meets someone only very few did in our lifetimes. It was somewhat awesome to stand below the steps of Air Force One and see the President of the United States walking down and shake hands with him. I had my wife and daughter with me, and it was a memorable moment no question about it, Vandeveer says. Of course Vandeveer is talking about welcoming President Jimmy Carter to Evansville. The 39th President of the United States passed away Sunday at age 100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When also asked whether he thought he would meet President Carter as Evansvilles mayor, Vandeveer says not really. It certainly became a reality in July 1980: President Carter left Air Force One, met the Vandeveers and traveled to a fundraiser and procession in Henderson. The President at the time was running for his second term in the Oval Office. Its a summer day which leaves an impression to this day, especially how it made Mayor Vandeevers wife, Melissa, feel. It occurred to me that the man standing in front of me literally brought peace to the Middle East, with the card at Camp David with Anwar Sadat who was the Palestinian leader and I think that was a singular moment in his presidency. I think it resonates today with what is happening in that part of the world, Michael says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was so joyful, and when he greeted our daughter and you have that picture you saw a genuine response to a child. That joy radiated for us both throughout our brief moment, Melissa says. The Vandeveers went along with President Carter on his fundraiser and tour in Kentucky, but it was not the last time Michael would see the 39th President again. In August 1980, Vandeveer met President Carter again at the White House before the Democratic Convention. Now looking back 44 years later, the Vandeveers say they had faith in a president who they say invested in world peace and efforts to protect the environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think overall his presidency was a success, and Im sorry for his loss, Vandeveer says. More from Ben Walls Eyewitness News. Everywhere you are. 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). Armenia's former defense minister, Major General Arshak Karapetyan, was detained in Moscow on Dec. 29 and later released, the Armenian Interior Ministry confirmed for the Novosti-Armenia news agency. Karapetyan was detained at Armenia's request and was subsequently released from custody on bail, the Russian state-news agency TASS reported. The Armenian government previously placed the former defense minister on the international wanted list for "participation in illegal business activity," abuse of power, and abuse of official position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karapetyan served as Armenia's defense minister between August and November 2021 and as an advisor to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from 2018 to 2021. According to Pashinyan, the former minister was dismissed after reporting full control over the border on the morning of Nov. 14, 2021, even though Azerbaijani troops "invaded (Armenian) territory in several sections and even took up positions." Karapetyan subsequently launched an opposition political group called the All-Armenian Front, advocating for closer ties with Russia and Iran. Relations between Yerevan and Moscow, traditionally close military allies, have deteriorated after Russian peacekeepers did not prevent the Azerbaijani 2023 offensive that led to Baku's capture of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Read also: Armenia uncovers alleged coup plot with Russian trace Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Symone Sanders-Townsend, a former top adviser to Vice President Harris, said Monday that Harris will be back after her 2024 White House race loss, amid speculation about the outgoing vice presidents next steps. I dont think the world has seen the last of Vice President Kamala Harris. I dont know how she will show up again, but she is a young politician who garnered over 75 million votes in this election. And she will be back, Sanders-Townsend said on MSNBCs Morning Joe. She is a co-host of the networks The Weekend. With just a few weeks left in the Biden administration, questions are building about Harriss political future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a historic switch-up at the top of the Democratic ticket and a fast-tracked presidential bid this cycle, Harris saw dismal Election Day results as much of the country shifted toward President-elect Trump. She vowed in her concession speech that shell never give up on the fight that fueled her campaign but has been quiet about her future plans. Shes already topping lists of potential 2028 contenders, and early polling suggests Democrats would want to see her back in the running for the Oval Office. But the next presidential race is likely to be crowded with other Democratic rising stars and names like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are also in early chatter. Others think Harris could take a break from Washington and try for the governors mansion in her home state of California. Newsom who is among the rising Democratic stars seen as likely 2028 candidates is term-limited, leaving his seat up for grabs in 2026. A poll from the University of California, Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and the Los Angeles Times last month found nearly half of California voters would be likely to support Harris if she were to enter the 2026 gubernatorial race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts have stressed that, with the Biden administration still wrapping up its White House tenure, its early to predict the vice presidents next move. But Democratic voices are largely optimistic that Harris will remain a key figure for the party as it rebuilds after 2024 losses and readies to resist the incoming Trump administration. She always served this country with purpose and integrity, and she always will, President Biden said of Harris at a Democratic National Committee party in Washington this month. Youre not going anywhere, kid, because were not going to let you go, he quipped to the vice president. 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 The Hill. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Ann B. Walker is a Columbus media icon, former columnist, journalist, and radio host. She was the first woman to broadcast management in Columbus and first female African American journalist to cover Columbus City Hall, as well as the first woman broadcaster to cover the Ohio Legislature. Walker also started working at Channel 4 in the 1960s decades before working in Jimmy Carters White House. She recently spoke with NBC4 on her history working alongside the 39th President of the United States, including her first meeting with Carter in which she had a seat right next to him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter to receive state funeral in January And (Carter) said (to me), come up here. And so this (other) man was getting ready to sit here. But when the President says somebody come up here, (that man) cant sit there, Walker said. Walkers first encounter with Jimmy Carter was while covering a meeting for the Poor Peoples Campaign. The job was a special assignment for Columbus WVKO radio. This was in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Hubert) Humphrey was running for the presidency. Jimmy Carter was, and Jimmy talked about the things he would do if he were elected and the things that he did werent political, Walker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker recalled her question about a political coup in Ghana stood out from other questions asked by fellow reporters When it was over, he said you evidently did your homework, she said. Two years later, in 1976, presidential candidate Carter came to NBC4. Walker was working at the station producing and hosting TV specials and running an internship program. When an Associated Press reporter backed out of the Carter interview, Walker says news director and anchor Hugh DeMoss, who also interviewed the presidential candidate, called on her. Walker says DeMoss focused on the other candidates. But Ann Walker would say (to Carter), When you were in Little Rock, you said thus and so, that if you were elected, you would do this, do that. Would you still, once you were elected, would you still have that kind of programs to help people? Former NBC4 journalist Ann B. Walker with former President Jimmy Carter. (NBC4) Carter won the White House in 1980. His team called Walkers Columbus home where her husband had taken a message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They wanted a person to do PR for the poor Peoples Campaign for Peoples Organization, she said. Walker became a special assistant director to the director of the White House Public Affairs Office. Its how she ended up at the table. He genuinely was (a nice person). And so, when you look at the presidents there arent that many, you can say that about. I just knew he was a good guy, and it was just unfortunate that he could only serve one term. Governor DeWine issues statement on Jimmy Carters death Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement on 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Linda Lavin, Tony-winning actor who starred in the sitcom Alice, dies at 87 Mayor Ginther releases statement Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther released a statement on his Facebook page, along with a photo of him and Carter shaking hands. Ginther served as an intern at the Carter Center during the summers of 1995 and 1996. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blessed are the peacemakers, and President Jimmy Carter was truly one of the greatest of them. An incredible American, he spent his life dedicated to uplifting human dignity, both in the United States and around the world. I had the honor of interning for him at the Carter Center during the summers of 1995 and 1996, where I witnessed firsthand his deep commitment to humanitarian work. His legacy continues to inspire us today, as we strive to build peace in our neighborhoods and across the globe. An American hero, President Carters life reminds us that one persons devotion to service and justice can change the world. Congresswoman Beatty calls Carter a global peacemaker Ohios third congressional district representative Joyce Beatty said Carter was, a global peacemaker who showed that peace is not only forged through historic agreements and support for democratic efforts around the world, but also by advancing human dignity in areas like housing, healthcare, and more. His tireless dedication to the practical hard work of building a better world personified what it means to lead with intention and compassion. May this visionary leader, who served with unparalleled moral clarity and strength, rest in peace and power. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. LATTA, S.C. (WBTW) Several well-known News13 personalities were on hand Monday for the funeral of Don Luehrs, the stations longtime meteorologist who died Dec. 24. Among those in attendance to honor the 68-year-old were former anchors Nicole Boone, Bill Burr, Bob Juback and Jim McGee, along with ex-meteorologist Dave Williams and Cecil Chandler, who was news director during Luehrs tenure. Luehrs worked for News13 from 1988 to 2007. When News13 celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2019, Luehrs said of his time at the station that You had to almost pinch yourself to make sure you knew it was a job. It was like a family or best-friend atmosphere. It was a lot of fun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boone also took to Facebook to express her condolences. My heart aches as I think of Don Luehrs family, especially his sweet wife, Johnnie, as they face the unimaginable pain of losing Don. He wasnt just a great meteorologist, but a truly kind and caring soul. I had the privilege of working with Don at WBTW News13 CBS, and the memories of those days will stay with me, Boone said. As his family grieves, my prayers are with them. The world was brighter with Don in it, and his loss leaves a hole that can never be filled. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read more of his work 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 WBTW. The reasons behind the crash of the South Korean airline Jeju Air on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of 179 out of 181 people on board, are sparking intense controversy. This tragedy, the deadliest air disaster in South Koreas history, has left the victims families and much of the public demanding clear answers. Some aviation experts are questioning whether a bird strike, initially cited as the primary cause, could alone account for a crash of such magnitude. International analysts are urging the government to avoid making definitive statements before the investigation is complete. This accident is also the deadliest aviation disaster worldwide in 2024. For now, South Koreas Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has avoided specifying the exact cause of the accident, stating that the investigation is ongoing. The ministry said that the priority is recovering the victims remains before beginning the analysis of the planes black boxes, which are crucial for understanding the incident. These devices record both flight data and cockpit conversations, providing vital information for reconstructing what happened. Initial investigations suggest that the planes landing gear malfunctioned, leading to an emergency descent. This was followed by the plane skidding down the runway at high speed with the fuselage in direct contact with the asphalt, and unable to deploy the landing gear, as seen in videos released shortly after the accident. According to sources at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province (southwest of South Korea), Flight 7C2216 from Bangkok was scheduled to land at 8:30 a.m. local time (00:30 CET). The twin-engine Boeing 737-800 was forced to abort its first landing attempt due to a landing gear issue, which was later linked to a bird strike, which the airport control tower warned of at 8:57 a.m., according to the Ministry of Transport. South Korean media have shared a text message from a passenger to a loved one, in which they mention that a bird struck one of the wings, where the engines are located, and the passenger wondered if they should say their last words. At 8:58 a.m, the pilot requested help and attempted to land at 9:00 a.m., but the plane crashed three minutes later while trying to land without deploying the landing gear. Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended, Geoffrey Dell, an Australian aviation safety expert, told Reuters. While a bird strike could, in theory, damage the planes CFM International engines if the bird was sucked into a flock, Dell believes that even in such a scenario, the engines would not shut down immediately, giving the pilots enough time to manage the situation. Witnesses on the ground told South Korean media that they saw flames coming from one of the engines and heard explosions before the plane attempted its emergency landing. These accounts, along with the sequence of events, suggest that although a bird strike may have occurred, it is unlikely to be the sole, or even the primary, cause of the crash. It is also unclear why the plane failed to brake after touching down. One video shows the plane skidding off the runway, crashing into concrete structures marking the airport perimeter, causing it to explode and burst into flames. Geoffrey Thomas, editor of Airline News, questioned why emergency services were not on-site in time for the crash landing. In a typical belly landing, Thomas told Reuters, you are going to land on your engines and youre going to have a bumpy ride. You come in with minimum fuel, you have fire tenders in attendance, covering the runway with foam, and you land at the furthest end of the runway and usually it ends up being an OK situation. The issue of the runways length has also been raised. Vice Transport Minister Ju Jong-wan dismissed speculation that the relatively short runway was a contributing factor to the tragedy. The runway is 2,800 meters long and has been used by C-type airplanes [with wingspans of 24 to 36 meters]. It would be safe to assume that the length of the runway is not why the accident occurred, said Jong-wan. The plane that crashed had a wingspan of 35.8 meters. Both ends of the runway have safety zones with green buffer areas before reaching the outer wall. The airport is designed according to standard aviation safety guidelines, even if the wall may appear closer than it actually is, he added. Transport authorities reported that the flight data recorder was found about two and a half hours after the accident, at 11:30 a.m. local time, while the cockpit voice recorder was recovered at 2:24 p.m. The data from these devices will provide critical insight into what happened during the flight. Experts caution that air accidents often result from a combination of factors, and it could take months to fully reconstruct the events, both inside and outside the plane. Jeju Air has refrained from commenting on the cause of the crash during recent press conferences, citing the ongoing investigation. In line with international aviation protocols, South Korea will lead a civil investigation, which will automatically involve the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) since the Boeing 737 is designed and made in the United States. The Boeing 737-800 model involved in the crash is one of the most widely used aircraft in the world and has a generally good safety record, having been developed long before the Max variant, which was at the center of Boeings recent crisis due to malfunctioning issues. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who dedicated his life after he left office to brokering international peace, has died at age 100, his office confirmed Sunday. Carter, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his human rights work around the world, had been in hospice care since February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he lived with his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter. The former first lady, 96, died on Nov. 19, 2023. Carter was the first U.S. president to reach his 100th birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, for Carters 100th birthday, President Joe Biden recognized him in a direct-to-camera birthday message shared with CBS News, saying: Mr. President, youve always been a moral force for our nation and the world. I recognized that as a young senator. Thats why I supported you so early. Youre a voice of courage, conviction, compassion, and most of all, a beloved friend of Jill and me and our family. Biden said he would order an official state funeral to be held in Washington and issued a proclamation later Sunday declaring Jan. 9 to be a national day of mourning. On Monday, the U.S. Army Military District of Washington said Monday morning that the state funeral would be held on that same date, and Biden ordered federal offices closed "as a mark of respect" for Carter. A Georgia native and a Democrat, Carter was elected president in 1976, defeating the Republican incumbent, Gerald Ford, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. Carter served one term before he lost re-election in 1980 to Ronald Reagan, his bid hobbled by an inability to resolve the Iran hostage crisis, a standoff that lasted 444 days. Carter, the oldest living former president after George H.W. Bush died in 2018 at 94, was the first American president to have been born in a hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only 56 years old when he left the Oval Office, Carter would spend the next four decades focusing on good works that made him an almost universally revered figure, sometimes called Americas greatest ex-president a sharp contrast to his relatively low popularity when he exited the White House in January 1981. Jimmy Carter delivers a "fireside chat" from the White House library in 1978. For years, he and his wife could be found on construction sites hoisting beams and pounding nails to build homes for the disadvantaged with the nonprofit organization Habitat for Humanity. Around the world, Carter was recognized after his presidency for his tireless work promoting peaceful resolutions to conflict and advancing democracy, human rights and social justice, primarily through the Carter Center, which he and the former first lady established at Emory University in Atlanta in 1982. Working through the center, the Carters traveled to developing countries to monitor elections, help build democratic institutions, lobby for victims of human rights abuses and spearhead efforts to eradicate diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 1986, Carter secured the release of the journalist Luis Mora and the labor leader Jose Altamirano from prison in Nicaragua. In 1994, he traveled to North Korea at the request of President Bill Clinton and soon announced the negotiation of a treaty of understanding with the then-leader of North Korea, Kim Il Sung. Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, shared a statement on Carters death Sunday afternoon, commemorating Carters commitment to civil rights, environmental conservation and his efforts to broker peace internationally. 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, they wrote. 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. Carter was also credited with having helped to persuade Egypt and Tunisia to ease violence in the Great Lakes region of Africa in 1996, and he helped negotiate the Nairobi Agreement to end the war between Sudan and Uganda in northern Uganda in 1999. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts and his outstanding commitment to human rights. The award was something of a mark of rehabilitation after a presidency that ended with one of the lowest public approval ratings on record, averaging just 45.5% over his single term in office, according to Gallup. As president, significant successes and notable failures In 1978, Carter brokered the Camp David Accords, a historic peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. The deal, which capped 16 months of negotiations, led to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begins winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, President Jimmy Carter and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin after they signed the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at the White House in 1979. Many historians also credit the Carter administration with having been at the forefront of events that led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Carter and his hard-line national security adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski, used human rights to put Moscow on the ideological defensive, and their forceful support for Lech Waesas Solidarity movement in Poland helped fuel a revolutionary wave in Eastern Europe that eventually sparked the fall of communism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Carter was often characterized as an ineffectual micromanager whose efforts to rally the American people during a time of economic recession and energy shortages landed with a thud. He was mocked for wearing sweaters in the White House to encourage Americans to turn down their thermostats in the winter to conserve energy, and his declaration in a nationally televised address in July 1979 that the United States was suffering a crisis of confidence was widely panned, given that it came after 2 years into his leadership. It came to be known as Carters malaise speech, even though he never used the word. Reagan would present himself as the sunny alternative to Carters scolding demeanor to win the 1980 election in a landslide. A college student watches a televised speech by President Jimmy Carter at a service station in Los Angeles in 1979. In addition, Carters decision to boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow in protest of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan was popular domestically, but it remains controversial among historians, with some characterizing it as a missed opportunity to open warmer relations with Moscow and others declaring that it led to a decade of intensified Soviet repression before the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The final year of Carters presidency was dogged by the Iran hostage crisis, which began Nov. 4, 1979, when Iranian students took more than 60 U.S. hostages at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran after Carter had allowed the deposed shah of Iran to receive medical treatment in the United States on humanitarian grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 1980, Carter sent an elite rescue team into the embassy compound, but a desert sandstorm crippled several of the military helicopters. One of them crashed into a transport plane on takeoff, killing eight U.S. service members and leading Carter to abort the mission. The debacle prompted Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, to order the hostages scattered among numerous locations to prevent another rescue attempt, and it gave him more ammunition with which to denounce the United States as the Great Satan. Students with an American hostage at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, on Nov. 11, 1979. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An official investigation into the rescue attempt found major deficiencies in planning, command and control, and it identified critical shortcomings in communication and coordination among the U.S. military branches, bolstering perceptions of Carter as a weak leader and leading to the passage of the GoldwaterNichols Act, which ordered a top-to-bottom reorganization of the Defense Department in 1986. Fifty-two of the hostages would remain captive for 444 days, each day ticked off by Walter Cronkite at the end of the CBS Evening News, until they were released on Jan. 20, 1981 the day Reagan was inaugurated as president. From naval officer on a nuclear submarine to Georgia governor James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in the tiny Sumter County town of Plains in southwest Georgia, where he grew up on a peanut farm. His intellect was recognized early, and he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated in 1946, and the same year married Rosalynn Smith, a 19-year-old childhood friend who was a star student at Plains High School. Carter became a submariner in the Navy, where he was spotted by Adm. Hyman Rickover, who is considered the father of the U.S. nuclear submarine program. Rickover selected Carter as an aide and assigned him to Schenectady, New York, where the family relocated while Carter studied reactor technology and nuclear physics at Union Graduate College. Eventually, Carter would become a senior officer of the USS Seawolf, the United States second nuclear submarine. Jimmy Carter on his peanut farm in Plains, Ga. Speaking about Rickover in a 1984 interview with CBS 60 Minutes, Carter said, There were a few times when I hated him, because he demanded more from me than I thought I could deliver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter appeared set for a stellar military career under Rickovers tutelage, but in 1953, he left the Navy after his father died, returning to Georgia to run the family peanut business. As the company grew, Carter became prominent in south Georgia politics, speaking out as a rare advocate of civil rights in church addresses and as chairman of the Sumter County School Board. He was elected as a Democrat to the state Senate in 1962 in a special election after he challenged his defeat in what an investigation revealed to have been a fraudulent vote. Carter rose quickly, becoming a member of the Democratic Executive Committee and chairman of the Senate Education Committee in just his second two-year term. After just four years in the Senate, Carter launched a campaign for governor, losing the Democratic primary but winning enough votes to force a runoff between the presumed front-runner and an outlandish segregationist chicken-restaurant owner, Lester Maddox. Maddox would win the runoff and the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter tried again in 1970, this time compromising his civil rights record by declaring himself basically a redneck and complimenting the divisive Maddox who was famous for having used an ax handle as a weapon to drive Black activists from his restaurant in 1964 for being steadfast and honorable in his beliefs. Carter, believe it or not, ran a segregated race, one that he was connected with George Wallace of Alabama, his main Democratic opponent, former Gov. Carl Sanders, said in a 2014 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, adding that Carter hoodwinked enough people to make them believe that he would work to undermine integration. I can win this election without a single Black vote, Carter told The Atlanta Constitution in July 1970. Carter was forced into a runoff in the Democratic primary, which he easily won. And then he changed strategy to one he would use for the rest of his career reaching out to Black voters and campaigning in Black churches and easily defeating a Republican news broadcaster in the general election. In his 2014 biography, Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter, the Dartmouth College religion historian Randall Balmer wrote that Carter regretted the 1970 campaign for the rest of his life. A modest presidential candidate for a scandal-weary nation Barred from running for re-election as governor in 1974 and seizing on the opening left by disarray in both major parties after the Watergate scandal, Carter leaped into the 1976 presidential campaign, starting out near the bottom of the polls in a Democratic field of more than a dozen candidates. He was generally derided as Jimmy who? Relying on his reputation as a reformer with deep ties in the Baptist church and promising voters I will never lie to you and capitalizing on political cartoonists depictions of him as a peanut with a big smile by adopting them in his campaign Carter entered a record number of state primaries and caucuses. He campaigned tirelessly in Black and other minority communities and slowly chipped away at the opposition. Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter campaigns in New York with his wife, Rosalynn, in 1976. Turning back a liberal Anybody But Carter movement led by California Gov. Jerry Brown and Sen. Frank Church, D-Idaho, by June he had wrapped up the nomination. Helped by a colossal blunder by the Republican vice presidential nominee, Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas who dismissed the U.S.-led victories in both World War I and World War II as Democrat wars Carter defeated President Ford with 50.1% of the vote. Carter took pains to project a modest image to a scandal-weary nation. He walked down Pennsylvania Avenue during his inaugural parade. He carried his own bags on Air Force One. And there were his constant messages to Americans that he couldnt address the nations problems alone, often in self-effacing, sweater-wearing public appearances. Absolutely and completely at ease with death Throughout his busy post-presidency, Carter wrote a lot. He wrote more than two dozen books, some with his wife. And as always, his faith and his humble roots remained his guides. He continued to teach Sunday school at his hometown church, Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, until the pandemic hit in early 2020, forcing him and his wife to forgo most public engagements. Carter still participated in church activities by video amid the pandemic. When I got through being governor, I went back to Plains, he told the congregation in August 2015. When I got through being president, I went back to Plains, and now no matter where we are in the world, you look forward to getting back home to Plains. Carter was the only living president aside from Donald Trump not to attend Bidens inauguration in 2021, because of the pandemic. It was the first inauguration Carter had missed as a former president. Trump sent the Carter family his condolences Sunday afternoon, saying he owed a debt of gratitude to Carter for his work. 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, Trump wrote. 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. Biden and first lady Jill Biden visited the Carters in Georgia in April 2021. We sat and talked about the old days, Biden said afterward. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden visit the Carters at their home in 2021. Biden paid tribute to Carter on Sunday night, addressing the nation from St. Croix, where he is on vacation. Biden praised Carter, whom he called a dear friend, for his decency and character. Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words, but by his deeds, Biden said. He remembered Carters work in and out of the Oval Office, saying his compassion and moral clarity lifted people up and changed lives all over the globe. Just look at his life, his lifes work. He worked to eradicate disease, not just at home, but around the world. He forged peace, advanced civil rights, human rights, promoted free and fair elections around the world. He built housing and homes for the homeless, Biden said. Biden said in a statement earlier Sunday that he and the first lady mourned Carters passing. Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. 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, Joe and Jill Biden wrote. Former President Barack Obama commemorated Carter on X, saying he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. In a longer statement, Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said Carter had embodied those values. 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. 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, the Obamas said. Former President George W. Bush similarly sent his and former first lady Laura Bushs heartfelt condolences to the Carter family. 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. 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, Bush wrote. We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family, he added. Habitat for Humanity issued its own statement mourning the death of its longtime ally. President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago, and soon brought worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing. We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world, said Habitat for Humanitys CEO, Jonathan Reckford. When Carter reached his 100th birthday in October, his grandson Jason Carter told The Journal-Constitution that he had said he wanted to hang on until November to cast his vote for the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris added her voice to the choir of mourners, saying in a statement Sunday evening that "the world is a better place because of President Carter." "Jimmy Carters life is a testament to the power of service as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion," she said. Carter was diagnosed with melanoma in 2015, a virulent form of skin cancer that had spread to his liver and his brain. He underwent experimental treatment with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda, and a few months later he announced that doctors had ended his treatments after having found no signs of tumors. Carter spent much of the second half of 2019, right before the pandemic hit, in the hospital for brain surgery, infections and two falls that resulted in a broken hip and pelvis. He was back teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church two weeks after he fractured his pelvis. He told the congregation at the time that since doctors told him in 2015 that cancer had spread to his brain, he had been absolutely and completely at ease with death. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died Sunday. Former President Carter marked his 100th birthday in October, the first former president to do so. I dont know if anybody in the family expected that wed be here for 100. And its just amazingHes an amazing person. Hes an amazing grandfather, said grandson Josh Carter. A milestone in a life Georgia Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock described as dedicated to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What an incredible person, an incredible human beingHeres a man who committed his whole life to service, said Warnock. Illinois Democrat Dick Durbin says Jimmy Carters biggest legacy wasnt his four years as commander-in-chief, but what he did after he left the White House. He has done more good for the world since he served as president than any previous president in history, said Durbin. Carter and his wife Rosalynn dedicated their post-Washington life to service. In 1982, they opened the Carter Center to promote democracy and human rights around the world. Every president can see a role model in Jimmy Carters post presidency, said NewsNation Political Editor Chris Stirewalt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carters were also champions for Habitat for Humanity, helping volunteers build, renovate and repair more than 4,000 homes. He set an example for all of us who feel we have an obligation to help our neighbors, said Durbin. Stuart Eizenstat, an advisor to Carter in the White House, says from his time as lieutenant in the U.S. Navy to commander-in-chief, to his years of diplomacy and philanthropy, Carter was an honest and honorable man who devoted his life to serving his country. Hes had a life thats been full and complete, so varied that its remarkable, and its been a life well lived, said Eizenstat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his last public outing in November of 2023, the former president appeared at the funeral of his wife Rosalynn, who hed been married to for 77 years. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. 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) Editors Note: This story was updated to include additional comments. ATLANTA President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever occupy the White House, died Sunday after spending more than a year in hospice care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Former President Jimmy Carter begins work at a future Habitat for Humanity home in Nashville in 2019. (Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity International) 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. 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. Carter visited Nebraska at least twice, once in 1977 to the Omaha area and Offutt Air Force Base and again to tour the damage after tornadoes struck Grand Island in 1980, during his re-election campaign. He never won Nebraska. 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. 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) 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Biden family at their home in Plains in 2021. Back in 1976, President Joe Biden, then a senator, was one of the first elected officials outside Georgia to back Carters presidential run. In a statement Sunday afternoon, 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 Bidens said. 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, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts. Reaction from Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen: Suzanne and I join our fellow Americans in mourning the death of former President Jimmy Carter. President Carters life was defined by public service. He wore the uniform of our nation as an officer in the U.S. Navy, served the people of his beloved state of Georgia as governor, and served America as president. His service to others continued long after he left the presidency, particularly through his work with Habitat for Humanity. His unwavering faith in almighty God and his dedication to his family were a model for us all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb.: Throughout his long life, President Carter served his country and his fellow man. He showed his love for others through many actions serving in the Navy, as our 39th President, teaching Sunday School, and most memorably as a home builder for Habitat for Humanity. Bruce and I extend our deepest condolences to his family. U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb.: Jimmy Carters life was marked by faith, family, and service. He defended our country as a member of the U.S. Navy. He served as our 39th president. After leaving office, he faithfully taught Sunday school and advocated for human rights around the world. His 77-year marriage to Rosalynn Carter modeled love and dedication. Susanne and I send our condolences to the Carter family as they grieve. U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb.: President Carter will long be remembered for his kindness towards others, his marriage and devotion to Rosalynn, and his love for Georgia. He reminded the world that presidential leadership wasnt just about the time in office its about character and leading by example even in retirement. After leaving Washington, he rolled up his sleeves to build houses for Habitat for Humanity. He quietly taught Sunday School for decades. And along the way, he used his time and talents to help some of the least among us. Mandi and I join our fellow Americans in mourning his passing and remembering the legacy of service to others that he leaves. U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.: I am saddened to hear of President Jimmy Carter s passing today. From his time as a naval officer, then as a state senator and Governor of Georgia, and finally as President, Jimmy Carter gave a lifetime of service. After serving our country, he set the standard of post-political life with his service to Habitat for Humanity. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb.: Beginning with his service in the U.S. Navy, President Carters lifetime of service was consistent across many areas of his life and carried on long after he left the presidency. His charitable endeavors well into his 90s are emblematic of American resilience and our dedication to giving back to community and neighbor alike. This article first appeared in the Georgia Recorder, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network. It has been updated by the Examiner. President Carter leaves behind a solid record of advancing progress for Black Americans, former administration officials reflect with theGrio. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and longest-lived former commander-in-chief, has died at the age of 100. In February of this year, Carter made the decision to begin in-home hospice care without further medical treatment for brain cancer. Carter was diagnosed in 2015 and initially recovered from the cancer before it later returned. In November, Carter notably achieved his goal of living long enough to cast his ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election though Harris ultimately did not win the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden divulged in March that Carter requested that he deliver the eulogy. The pairs relationship dates back decades as Biden supported Carters 1976 presidential campaign when Biden was a young Democratic U.S. Senator for the state of Delaware. Carter is remembered as a man of faith, a scientist, and a retired naval officer. He also leaves behind a record of advancing progress for Black Americans. President Carter elevated expert thought leaders from the community within his administration and conferred with trusted leaders outside his administration on ways to move forward the efforts of the 1960s Civil Rights movement into the 70s and beyond. What many people did not know is that President Carter was closely connected to Martin Luther King Sr., also known as Daddy King, and the father of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The senior King, who was said to be a member of Carters kitchen cabinet, was a close counselor to President Carter. King advised him on ways to advance civil rights for Black Americans, Earnie Green, Carters former assistant labor secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor, shared with theGrio exclusively. During his presidency from 1977 to 1981, Carter worked to implement civil rights-era policies and laws and made a record number of Black appointments to his administration, including the first Black woman to serve on a presidential cabinet, Patricia Harris, who was appointed secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and also served as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Green and Harris, Carter appointed Andrew Young as the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Alexis Herman as secretary of the Labor Departments Womans Bureau. Carter also appointed a record number of Black federal judges that has since been eclipsed by President Biden. Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, recalls that to achieve his goals of advancing Black rights, Carters White House relied on civil rights and advocacy organizations like the National Urban League and Operation PUSH while reflecting on President Carters legacy with theGrio. The organizations were enlisted to train Black workers and place them in jobs as a result of the Civil Rights Act, which Morial said began to open doors for Black Americans. I was honored when he asked me to come to Washington, D.C., as the director of the Womens Bureau in the Labor Department, working then for Secretary of Labor Ray Marshall, Herman told theGrio, reflecting on being the youngest person appointed by Carter at 29. Herman was first introduced to Carter by Ambassador Young, a fellow giant in Georgia politics. ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, UNITED STATES: Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman (R) walks away from Air Force One as US President Bill Clinton walks to Marine One at Andrews Air Force Base, MD 12 August after attending events in St. Louis, MO. Herman talked with UPS officials and their mediator while aboard Air Force One, and said talks will continue later 12 August. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/STEPHEN JAFFE (Photo credit should read STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP via Getty Images) I moved to Washington from Atlanta, Georgia, and the rest is history, as they say, said Herman. She continued, I had the opportunity to work so closely with him when he served as president, as he took such an interest in womens issues in particular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kurt Schmoke, the former mayor of Baltimore, worked in the Carter White House Office of Public Engagement. He told theGrio exclusively, We were inspired by President Carters commitment to social change at home and human rights abroad. Herman boasted of Carters unheralded successes, including a record of so many firsts that I think he doesnt get enough credit for. Carter was also a consequential president who established for the first time a Department of Education, she noted. And in addition to being a proponent for advancing women in the workforce and business, Herman recalled President Carter created first-ever federal daycare centers for federal employees. UNITED STATES NOVEMBER 15: Jimmy Carter, the Shah and their wives in Washington in United States on November 15th, 1977. (Photo by Francois LOCHON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) It was Jimmy Carter who advanced the very first women business owners initiative, said Herman, who served as co-chair and then head of SBA. Carter issued the very first executive order, the first policy at the federal level that recognized the need for women in business and to encourage that opportunity for women in business. He [built] the foundation that were working from now, said Green, who said as assistant labor secretary he met President Carter about three or four times a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green remembered Carter as a leader who was impactful on issues of race in America. He was a southern farmer, so he knew the issue and knew the potential of ownership of the land and thatproducing it healthwise was very important to the Black community, he recalled. In 1977, Carter issued Proclamation 4507 Black Press Day, becoming the first U.S. president to issue a proclamation recognizing the Black media. Black journalists worked for decades before getting a foothold in the White House, where a mostly white mainstream press had considerably more access. On Feb. 16, 1977, the Black press was invited to the White House for a day-long session that included lunch and meetings with cabinet officials and a chance to talk with President Carter. Those who attended the session were given copies of the days proclamation signed by the president. That same year was the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Freedoms Journal, the nations first Black newspaper, in 1827. After his historic four years in the White House, Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter continued their life of service. Until last year, 2022, Carter was still conducting Sunday school classes at his church in Georgia. The former first couple was also known for taking part in building homes through Habitat for Humanity throughout the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting on Carters legacy, Mayor Schmoke said, His service to the country after his term in office deservedly ranks him as one of the countrys greatest ex-presidents. More must-reads: (NewsNation) The state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, will be held Jan. 9 at Washington National Cathedral, the White House has announced. Carter will be honored with a state funeral spanning six days from Jan. 4-9. The ceremonies will include events in Georgia and Washington, D.C., concluding with a private interment in Plains, Georgia. The funeral marks the first presidential state funeral since George H.W. Bushs in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former president will be laid to rest beside his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who passed away in 2023 at age 96. Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Jimmy Carters funeral: Full schedule The Carter Center has detailed the full funeral plans on its website. The Carter Family invites the public to honor and celebrate the life of former President Carter by paying their respects during either of the public viewings; the funeral procession in Washington; in the downtown area of Plains, Georgia; or along the motorcade routes in Georgia and Washington, the website states. Here are the highlights of the program. All times in ET: Saturday, January 4 10:15 AM: Beginning at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia 10:50 AM: Motorcade pause at Carters boyhood farm, where the National Park Service will ring the historic farm bell 39 times 3:00 PM: Motorcade stops at Georgia State Capitol for moment of silence 3:45 PM: Arrival ceremony at Carter Presidential Center 4:00 PM: Service at Carter Presidential Center 7:00 PM: Public viewing begins Sunday-Monday, January 5-6 Continuous public viewing at Carter Presidential Center Tuesday, January 7 9:30 AM: Departure ceremony from Carter Presidential Center 10:40 AM: Departure via Special Air Mission 39 from Dobbins Air Reserve Base 12:45 PM: Arrival at Joint Base Andrews 2:00 PM: Funeral procession with horse-drawn caisson from U.S. Navy Memorial to U.S. Capitol 3:00 PM: Congressional service in the Capitol Rotunda 7:00 PM: Public viewing begins Wednesday, January 8 Continuous public viewing at the Capitol Rotunda Thursday, January 9 10:00 AM: National Funeral Service at Washington National Cathedral President Joe Biden expected to deliver eulogy Additional eulogies by: Jason Carter (grandson and Carter Center board chairman) Son of former President Gerald Ford Son of former Vice President Walter Mondale 2:00 PM: Arrival at Lawson Army Airfield, Fort Moore 3:45 PM: Private funeral service at Maranatha Baptist Church, Plains 5:20 PM: Private interment at Carter residence U.S. Navy to conduct missing man formation flyover before interment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter is an example of simple decency: Joe Biden NewsNation confirmed Monday that President Joe Biden, who addressed the nation Sunday night after Carters passing, is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral. More details are expected to be announced soon. The funeral will take place three days after Carters body is flown to Washington from Atlanta, where the former president will lie in repose Saturday and Sunday at the Carter Center. The Carter Center announced Sunday that public observances for the 39th president will be held in Atlanta and Washington before private interment will be held in Plains, Georgia. A state funeral is a national tribute that is traditionally reserved for a head of state, according to the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Military District of Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States conducts the funerals on behalf of all people who hold, or who have held, the office of president, president-elect and other people who have been designated by the president. A state funeral is typically made up of three stages and typically lasts seven to 10 days. In former President Carters case, however, this weeks New Years holiday will delay the start of the process. Carter Center CEO describes Jimmy Carters humanitarian impact Stage 1 of the state funeral takes place in the former presidents state of residence. The New York Times reported Carters body will be taken by motorcade from Plains to Atlanta, which is the site of the Carter Center. Stage 2 includes ceremonies that are held in Washington before the state funeral culminates with interment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington ceremonies may involve Armed Forces color guards, elite military bands and other representatives from service academies, the JTR-NCR/USAMDW said. Any services held outside of Washington include Washington-based honor guards and local service units as well as active duty, National Guard and Reserve for logistical, military band or salute guns support. Jimmy Carter wasnt a good president but tried to be: Bill OReilly Who will attend Jimmy Carters state funeral? State funerals are typically expected to be attended by other former presidents, including Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. President-elect Donald Trump told reporters on New Years Eve that he will attend the funeral, which will take place 11 days before Trumps inauguration. Former President Jimmy Carter, right, and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, hold hands as they walk from a state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File) Biden has also declared Jan. 9 as a national day of mourning. Biden ordered all flags across the nation to remain at half-staff for the next 30 days. ABC News reported Carter asked Biden in 2023 to deliver his eulogy upon his passing. Biden endorsed Carter as the Democratic nominee for president during his first term as a U.S. senator and was the first member of Congress to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think that what Jimmy Carter is an example of is just simple decency, Biden said about Carter. And I think thats what the rest of the world looks to America for. NewsNation has confirmed that in addition to Biden speaking at the state funeral, eulogies will also be delivered by Jason Carter, Jimmy Carters grandson, who is the chairman of the board of the Carter Center. Other eulogies will be delivered by the son of former President Gerald Ford and the son of former Vice President Walter Mondale. Mondale was Carters running mate when Carter defeated Ford in the 1976 presidential election. Jimmy Carter was most impactful one-term president: Stuart Eizenstat What will happen before and after the national funeral? Once Carters body arrives in Washington on January 6, the former president will lie in state at the Capitol, where presidents dating back to Abraham Lincoln have been publicly remembered. Thousands of people are expected to pass through the Capitol Rotunda to pay their respects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carter Center issued a statement Monday saying that the U.S. Congress graciously extended an invitation to allow the former president to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Washington National Cathedral is located just a few miles north of the White House and has been the venue used for several state funerals, ABC News reported. Other former presidents whose service was held at the church have included Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush. Geraldo Rivera recalls Jimmy Carters life, legacy Carter will be returned to Georgia by military flight for burial after the national funeral. The New York Times reported that Carters body was initially set to be returned to Georgia by train but that the former president objected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you take my cold, dead body across the U.S. by train, Ill haunt you until the day you die, he told a staffer, according to the report. Carter is expected to be buried next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, who died last year at the age of 96. The Carter Center family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to the nonprofit Carter Center, which is located at 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway, N.E. in Atlanta. 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. The Iowa Judicial Branch's mission is to provide independent and accessible forums for fair and prompt resolution of disputes, administering justice equally to all persons. (Gavel photo by Getty Images; seal courtesy the State of Iowa) The former attorney general of South Dakota is objecting to a proposed six-month suspension of his Iowa law license due to his involvement in a 2020 traffic fatality. In September, the South Dakota Supreme Court suspended for six months the South Dakota law license of Jason Ravnsborg, who served as that states attorney general from 2019 until his impeachment and removal from office in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because Ravnsborg is licensed to practice law in Iowa, he was recently notified that his Iowa license may also be subject to a six-month suspension based on South Dakotas actions. Ravnsborg recently filed a written response to that notice, arguing that an identical suspension in Iowa would be too severe. In his response, he cites the fact that he was born on an Iowa farm in Cherokee County and later served three military deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. In his response, Ravnsborg also says he believes that South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, whom he had been investigating at the time of the fatality, did everything she could to intimidate, interfere and influence what he calls the automobile investigation. He adds that he still believes she had to get me, otherwise she would be exposed for her actions. Both Noem and Ravnsborg are Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ravnsborg also says resigning would have been the easier path for him to take but he opted to remain in office to serve my client, the state of South Dakota, who repeatedly shows up on lists as one of the most corrupt states. Ravnsborg has also informed the Iowa Supreme Court that he is willing to sit before the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board and answer questions or appear at a hearing before the Iowa Supreme Court. He adds that he believes he should be given no more than a private reprimand so he can move forward after four years of dealing with the matter. The Iowa Supreme Court has yet to issue a decision in the case, but a hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2025. The death of Joe Boever Court records indicate Ravnsborg graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2001 and was later admitted to the bar in both South Dakota and Iowa. In 2018, he was elected to serve as South Dakotas attorney general, and he took office in early 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2020, according to court records, Ravnsborg was driving from a political event in Redfield, South Dakota, to his home in Pierre, South Dakota, when he struck and killed a man, 55-year-old Joe Boever, who was walking on the shoulder of the road near the town of Highmore. According to court records, Ravnsborg slowly brought his vehicle to a stop and called 911, telling the operator, Im the attorney general. And I am I dont know I hit something. The operator asked whether he had hit a deer or something, and he allegedly replied, I have no idea, yeah, it could be, I mean it was right in the roadway. Hyde County Sheriff Mike Volek was dispatched to the scene but couldnt locate anything Ravnsborg struck. Because Ravnsborgs car was so damaged it could not be driven, Volek then offered Ravnsborg the use of his personal vehicle to complete the drive home to Pierre. Court records indicate that the next day, Ravnsborg returned to Highmore with his chief of staff to return the sheriffs vehicle. On the way, they stopped at the site of the crash and found Boevers body lying just off the side of the road. They then informed Volek of their discovery, and Volek advised Ravnsborg to go back home to Pierre. The sheriff then contacted the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials later revealed that within two days of the accident, Ravnsborg received a text message about Boever from an unnamed consultant saying, Well, at least the guy was a Democrat. When he was interviewed by investigators, Ravnsborg denied having consumed any drugs or alcohol on the night of the accident which, according to court records, was confirmed by a blood test. Investigators also concluded that excessive speed was not a factor in the accident and while Ravnsborg had been on his phone for some of his commute between Redfield and Highmore, both of his phones were locked at the time of the accident. Ultimately, investigators concluded Ravnsborg had been driving outside the lane of travel, just off the roadway, when the accident occurred. Ravnsborg pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor offenses operating a vehicle while using a cell phone and improper lane driving and a charge of careless driving was dismissed. Ravnsborg then entered into a confidential civil settlement with Boevers estate. In June 2022, he was impeached by the South Dakota Senate, removed from office and barred from ever holding public office again in South Dakota. Board cites lack of apology and condolences The Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of South Dakota subsequently investigated the matter and recommended a 26-month suspension of Ravnsborgs law license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board noted that in the immediate aftermath of the accident, the South Dakota governor publicly asked Ravnsborg to resign or take a leave of absence, which Ravnsborg refused to do. The board also alleged that when responding to questions by investigators, Ravnsborg did not appear to be forthright, and (was) only willing to acknowledge certain conduct after being confronted with evidence by the investigators. The board also alleged that Ravnsborg frequently identified himself as the attorney general when encountering law enforcement for minor traffic violations, such as speeding, running a stop sign, and when making a 911 call from the highway shortly after killing Joe Boever. In its written findings, the board also stated that Ravnsborg was not sincere in his remarks concerning how badly he felt for Boevers family and bluntly stated, And Im going down the road and my life changed, and that, I had no idea, to be clear, until the next morning when I found the body and it changed my life forever. The board also noted that from the night of the accident and continuing throughout his service as attorney general, Ravnsborg made no public or private apology, never expressed his condolences to the Boever family, and he never acknowledged any culpability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ravnsborg, the board concluded, was more concerned with the impact of the incident on his political and military careers than the victim, the victims family and the public he served. Ravnsborg challenged those findings and the matter went before a retired circuit judge to act as referee in resolving the dispute. The referee concluded Ravnsborg had not been dishonest or misleading and that he had conducted himself in a manner befitting of an attorney. He did, however, recommend that Ravnsborg be censored for identifying himself as the attorney general when dealing with the police in order to win favorable treatment from officers. Court settles on six-month suspension In opting for a six-month law license suspension, the South Dakota Supreme Court stated that several of Ravnsborgs statements after the accident raise questions about his honesty and truthfulness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court noted that Ravnsborg had repeatedly denied using his phones during his drive from Redfield to Highmore. According to the court, the metadata on one of Ravnsborgs phones showed that minutes before he called 911, he had unlocked his phone, checked his Yahoo email account, accessed the Dakota Free Press website, and clicked on a political news article. It was only after investigators informed him of that evidence, the court said, that Ravnsborgs story took another turn and he admitted looking at stuff on his phone before the accident. Ravnsborgs responses demonstrated a concerted effort to avoid criminal liability through dishonesty and misrepresentations, the court concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court also made note of Ravnsborgs decision to conceal himself from the public eye in the aftermath of the accident, even while refusing to take a leave of absence. Each decision he made was influenced by personal aspirations and political survival rather than his responsibility to serve the public and uphold the integrity of his office, the court stated. The court also noted two instances of Ravnsborg being stopped for minor traffic offenses once in Nebraska and once in Iowa and informing the officers that he was the South Dakota attorney general. In both cases, he was released without a citation being issued, the court stated. Correction: This story has been updated to correct the locations of Ravnsborgs deployments. Jason Ravnsborg, former attorney general of South Dakota, speaks during a hearing about the future of his law license on Feb. 14, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre while his legal team looks on. (David Bordewyk/SD NewsMedia Association) The former attorney general of South Dakota is objecting to a proposed six-month suspension of his Iowa law license due to his involvement in a 2020 traffic fatality. In September, the South Dakota Supreme Court suspended for six months the South Dakota law license of Jason Ravnsborg, who served as that states attorney general from 2019 until his impeachment and removal from office in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because Ravnsborg is licensed to practice law in Iowa, he was recently notified that his Iowa license may also be subject to a six-month suspension based on South Dakotas actions. Ravnsborg recently filed a written response to that notice, arguing that an identical suspension in Iowa would be too severe. In his response, he cites the fact that he was born on an Iowa farm in Cherokee County and later served three military deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. In his response, Ravnsborg also says he believes that South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, whom he had been investigating at the time of the fatality, did everything she could to intimidate, interfere and influence what he calls the automobile investigation. He adds that he still believes she had to get me, otherwise she would be exposed for her actions. Both Noem and Ravnsborg are Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ravnsborg also says resigning would have been the easier path for him to take but he opted to remain in office to serve my client, the state of South Dakota, who repeatedly shows up on lists as one of the most corrupt states. Ravnsborg has also informed the Iowa Supreme Court that he is willing to sit before the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board and answer questions or appear at a hearing before the Iowa Supreme Court. He adds that he believes he should be given no more than a private reprimand so he can move forward after four years of dealing with the matter. The Iowa Supreme Court has yet to issue a decision in the case, but a hearing on the matter is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2025. The death of Joe Boever Court records indicate Ravnsborg graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2001 and was later admitted to the bar in both South Dakota and Iowa. In 2018, he was elected to serve as South Dakotas attorney general, and he took office in early 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2020, according to court records, Ravnsborg was driving from a political event in Redfield, South Dakota, to his home in Pierre, South Dakota, when he struck and killed a man, 55-year-old Joe Boever, who was walking on the shoulder of the road near the town of Highmore. According to court records, Ravnsborg slowly brought his vehicle to a stop and called 911, telling the operator, Im the attorney general. And I am I dont know I hit something. The operator asked whether he had hit a deer or something, and he allegedly replied, I have no idea, yeah, it could be, I mean it was right in the roadway. Hyde County Sheriff Mike Volek was dispatched to the scene but couldnt locate anything Ravnsborg struck. Because Ravnsborgs car was so damaged it could not be driven, Volek then offered Ravnsborg the use of his personal vehicle to complete the drive home to Pierre. Court records indicate that the next day, Ravnsborg returned to Highmore with his chief of staff to return the sheriffs vehicle. On the way, they stopped at the site of the crash and found Boevers body lying just off the side of the road. They then informed Volek of their discovery, and Volek advised Ravnsborg to go back home to Pierre. The sheriff then contacted the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Division of Criminal Investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials later revealed that within two days of the accident, Ravnsborg received a text message about Boever from an unnamed consultant saying, Well, at least the guy was a Democrat. When he was interviewed by investigators, Ravnsborg denied having consumed any drugs or alcohol on the night of the accident which, according to court records, was confirmed by a blood test. Investigators also concluded that excessive speed was not a factor in the accident and while Ravnsborg had been on his phone for some of his commute between Redfield and Highmore, both of his phones were locked at the time of the accident. Ultimately, investigators concluded Ravnsborg had been driving outside the lane of travel, just off the roadway, when the accident occurred. Ravnsborg pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor offenses operating a vehicle while using a cell phone and improper lane driving and a charge of careless driving was dismissed. Ravnsborg then entered into a confidential civil settlement with Boevers estate. In June 2022, he was impeached by the South Dakota Senate, removed from office and barred from ever holding public office again in South Dakota. Board cites lack of apology and condolences The Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of South Dakota subsequently investigated the matter and recommended a 26-month suspension of Ravnsborgs law license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board noted that in the immediate aftermath of the accident, the South Dakota governor publicly asked Ravnsborg to resign or take a leave of absence, which Ravnsborg refused to do. The board also alleged that when responding to questions by investigators, Ravnsborg did not appear to be forthright, and (was) only willing to acknowledge certain conduct after being confronted with evidence by the investigators. The board also alleged that Ravnsborg frequently identified himself as the attorney general when encountering law enforcement for minor traffic violations, such as speeding, running a stop sign, and when making a 911 call from the highway shortly after killing Joe Boever. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE In its written findings, the board also stated that Ravnsborg was not sincere in his remarks concerning how badly he felt for Boevers family and bluntly stated, And Im going down the road and my life changed, and that, I had no idea, to be clear, until the next morning when I found the body and it changed my life forever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board also noted that from the night of the accident and continuing throughout his service as attorney general, Ravnsborg made no public or private apology, never expressed his condolences to the Boever family, and he never acknowledged any culpability. Ravnsborg, the board concluded, was more concerned with the impact of the incident on his political and military careers than the victim, the victims family and the public he served. Ravnsborg challenged those findings and the matter went before a retired circuit judge to act as referee in resolving the dispute. The referee concluded Ravnsborg had not been dishonest or misleading and that he had conducted himself in a manner befitting of an attorney. He did, however, recommend that Ravnsborg be censored for identifying himself as the attorney general when dealing with the police in order to win favorable treatment from officers. Court settles on six-month suspension In opting for a six-month law license suspension, the South Dakota Supreme Court stated that several of Ravnsborgs statements after the accident raise questions about his honesty and truthfulness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court noted that Ravnsborg had repeatedly denied using his phones during his drive from Redfield to Highmore. According to the court, the metadata on one of Ravnsborgs phones showed that minutes before he called 911, he had unlocked his phone, checked his Yahoo email account, accessed the Dakota Free Press website, and clicked on a political news article. It was only after investigators informed him of that evidence, the court said, that Ravnsborgs story took another turn and he admitted looking at stuff on his phone before the accident. Ravnsborgs responses demonstrated a concerted effort to avoid criminal liability through dishonesty and misrepresentations, the court concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court also made note of Ravnsborgs decision to conceal himself from the public eye in the aftermath of the accident, even while refusing to take a leave of absence. Each decision he made was influenced by personal aspirations and political survival rather than his responsibility to serve the public and uphold the integrity of his office, the court stated. The court also noted two instances of Ravnsborg being stopped for minor traffic offenses once in Nebraska and once in Iowa and informing the officers that he was the South Dakota attorney general. In both cases, he was released without a citation being issued, the court stated. Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. There are hundreds of alphabets and writing systems in the world. The brilliant invention of a symbolic code to record human history, however, ironically did not preserve the details of its own origin. We still cannot pinpoint with certainty when or where the alphabet was first created. Until now, it was widely believed to have emerged around 1900 BCE in what is now Egypt. A recent discovery in Syria, however, suggests that the alphabets origin may date back an additional 500 years. Egyptian hieroglyphics were in use as early as 3250 BCE, but an even older precursor existed in the cuneiform script of Mesopotamia. Neither hieroglyphics nor cuneiform were alphabets in the modern sense, relying instead on symbols and syllables. The first alphabet is thought to be the Proto-Sinaitic script, discovered in 1904 in the Sinai Peninsula by Egyptologist William Matthew Flinders Petrie. Around 1900 B.C., the time when this script was in use of which only a few dozen examples survive the inhabitants of the Sinai were Semites under Egyptian rule. It is believed that they adapted the Egyptian hieroglyphs to their own language, inventing a consonantal alphabet, which would later lead to the Phoenician and Greek alphabets. But was this truly the first? In 2004, an excavation at Tell Umm-el Marra, an ancient city about 35 miles east of Aleppo, Syria, unearthed a tomb containing six skeletons, jewelry, cooking utensils, a spearhead, ceramic vessels, and four perforated clay cylinders inscribed with symbols. In 2010, Glenn Schwartz, co-director of the excavation and a professor at Johns Hopkins University, suggested in a paper that these marks might represent a form of writing. I was cautious not to push the similarity to alphabetic characters too far, because Im an archaeologist, not a philologist or an expert on ancient writing systems, Schwartz explains. A unique invention The response to his study among philologists was nonexistent; no one commented or engaged with his hypothesis. However, convinced that the marks on the cylinders were comparable to the ancient alphabets of the region, Schwartz presented his proposal again in 2019 at a conference and in 2021 in a new study. This time, two experts on ancient alphabets, Christopher Rollston and Madadh Richey, agreed with him. With two experts now in agreement, I decided it was time to share it more widely, says Schwartz. He has now presented all the details of his discovery at the annual meeting of the American Society of Overseas Research These four inscriptions display the hallmarks of alphabetic writing, based on the morphology and the shape of several of the signs, says Rollston, a professor of Biblical and Near Eastern languages and civilizations at George Washington University, who had worked with Schwartz in the past but was not involved in the discovery. It seems reasonable to me to consider them alphabetic writing. Rollston says that he studied Schwartzs discovery for years before issuing his verdict, which he posted on his blog in 2021. If the marks on the cylinders indeed represent a form of writing, they would also rewrite the history of the alphabet. Carbon-14 dating places their origin around 2,400 BC, which suggests that the Tell Umm-el Marra alphabet predates the Proto-Sinaitic alphabet by half a millennium. According to Rollston, the alphabet was invented once, and all alphabetic writing systems derive from the original alphabet, meaning that this would be the first alphabet from which others, including the Proto-Sinaitic, originated. Rollstons only doubt concerns the reliability of the dating and whether the cylinders could be from a later period, but Schwartz stands by his findings. The mystery of Silanu Not all experts are convinced. Philippa Steele, a researcher in classical culture at Cambridge University, notes that while she is not a complete skeptic and believes it is a writing system, she questions whether it can be classified as alphabetic. The main problem is that there are too few signs to definitively prove that it is an alphabetic system, she explains. Steele argues that an alphabet typically consists of 20 to 40 signs, whereas a syllabic script contains more than 50, and in this case, its unclear which category it falls into. Some of the signs resemble other alphabetic signs from Proto-Sinaitic, but theres no obvious relationship in others. Steele would like to see additional examples from a larger sample, but such evidence has yet to be found. Schwartz not only defends the alphabetic nature of the inscriptions but also offers a possible reading of one of them: Silanu. My colleague Ted Lewis, a professor at my university and an expert on ancient Semitic languages, suggested this interpretation, which I think is worth considering, he says. As for the meaning of the word, one can only speculate. Schwartz suggests that it could be a name, with the hollow cylinders perhaps serving as labels tied to vessels, and Silanu potentially referring to the giver or recipient of a gift. However, Steele cautions that it is difficult to make such a suggestion beyond mere speculation. Steeles objections also stem from the lack of context, as well as geographical and chronological consistency. She questions whether an entire alphabet, which would have required time and effort to develop and was believed to have been widespread, could have remained hidden, with such few surviving samples. But Schwartz explains why this may be the case: The clay cylinders are small, fragile, and blend in with the color of the soil. At first glance, they look like pieces of dirt, so it would be easy to overlook them. Moreover, its possible that the people of that time wrote on more perishable materials. He concludes: If the excavations in Syria continue, perhaps more examples will surface. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalyn converse prior to the start of a 2010 Atlanta Braves playoff game. Carter, who served one term from 1977-1981, died Sunday at age 100, two years after the death of his wife. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images. President Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived president in American history, died Sunday Dec. 29, 2024, after spending more than a year in hospice care. Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1, 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. Maryland officials were quick to echo those sentiments, with statements praising Carters commitment to human rights and democracy. Gov. Wes Moore, noting Carters 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, said in a statement that the former president made the world a better place and his legacy will be remembered by generations. Moore ordered the state flag to be flown at half-staff through Jan. 28 to mark the former presidents death. The Maryland Democratic Party said Carter, as well known for what he did in the years after his one term in office as for his administration, had an extraordinary life in office and after his presidency, [that] will continue to inspire all those working towards a future where everyone can pursue their dreams unbound by circumstance and realize their potential regardless of their backgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) said in a statement that Carter was as humble and genuine as they come and that he was a role model who showed that you can be honest and straightforward with the American people and you could accomplish a great deal. Rep. David Trone (D-6th), who worked on Carters 1976 campaign, focused on the former presidents help brokering peace between Egypt and Israel in the Camp David Accords, and his negotiation of a nuclear limitation treaty with the former Soviet Union. He said in a social media post that Carter will forever be remembered as a man who aimed to create a more peaceful world and protect our environment for future generations. President Joe Biden said the nation lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. He ordered flags flown at half-staff for the next month, set an official state funeral for Carter in Washington and designated Jan. 9 as a national day of mourning. Public services are planned for Atlanta and Washington, with a private burial service following in Plains. A full schedule has not yet been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 age 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. Former President Jimmy Carter begins work at a future Habitat for Humanity home in Nashville in 2019. Credit: Habitat for Humanity International. The former presidents passion for helping others and devotion to his faith, family and country garnered praise from Georgias political leaders. Carter is the only Georgian ever to serve as president. In a statement, Georgia 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. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) 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, Warnock said. 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 work what a legacy to leave. Georgias other senator, Democratic 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. Jimmy Carter embraces his wife, Rosalynn, after learning of his 1976 presidential election. Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images. 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 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 a Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church until 2020, ending a four-decade run that became part of Georgia political lore. Carter overcame brain cancer in 2015 and several accidents in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 last year that Carter said he was hanging on so he could cast a ballot for Harris. A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Carter also threw his endorsement behind top Democrats including Warnock and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and hosted the Bidens at the 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. 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. 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 2010 MLB Playoffs between the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants on 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, Nov. 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. 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. (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. 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. A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder) 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 are shown 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. The former president died on Sunday at age 100 after spending over a year in hospice care. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) This story originally appeared on Georgia Recorder. President Jimmy Carter, the only Georgian to ever occupy the White House and the longest-lived president in American history, died Sunday after spending over a year in hospice care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter, who turned 100 on Oct. 1, 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Public services are planned for Atlanta and Washington, with a private burial service following in Plains. A full schedule has not yet been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 in November 2023 at age 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. (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. 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. 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. 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. A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder) 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A former U.S. lieutenant general warned Sunday that Elon Musk, the tech billionaire who has become intricately involved in President-elect Trumps transition, may pose national security risks due to his ties to China and Russia. Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore pointed to the Tesla and SpaceX CEOs business interests in China, as well as his reported conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The fact that Mr. Musk spent a quarter of a billion dollars to help re-elect Mr. Trump does not give the incoming White House the license to look the other way at the national security risks he may pose, Honore wrote in a New York Times op-ed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Mr. Trump and his appointees mean what they say about getting tough on Americas adversaries, then they will act on this matter without delay, he continued. There is too much at stake to ignore whats right in front of them. China is a major market for Musks Tesla, which owns a factory in Shanghai. Honore noted that Chinese law requires companies doing business in the country to turn over information if requested. This means Mr. Musks business dealings in China could require him to hand over sensitive classified information, learned either through his business interests or his proximity to President-elect Donald Trump, the retired general wrote. Honore also voiced concerns about the tech moguls comments about China and related political issues. Musk previously praised Chinas economic prosperity and suggested Taiwan become a special administrative zone of China a comment that was received well by leaders in Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musks companies hold extensive contracts with the U.S. government Tesla and SpaceX have secured at least $15.4 billion in federal contracts over the past decade, according to a New York Times analysis. These contracts have come under scrutiny since The Wall Street Journal reported in October that Musk had been in regular contact with Putin since late 2022. The report prompted two Democratic senators to ask for a federal investigation into Musks involvement in SpaceXs contracts. If the federal investigations demonstrate deep connections to China and Russia, the federal government should consider revoking Mr. Musks security clearance, Honore added. It should already be thinking about using alternatives to SpaceXs launch services. 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 The Hill. Former US president Jimmy Carter has died aged 100, the Carter Center confirmed on Sunday. "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," the Carter Center said in a statement. Carter served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981. After losing reelection to Ronald Reagan, Carter and his wife Rosalynn founded the Carter Center, which seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2002, the former president was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition "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," the citation states. He turned 100 on October 1 and was the longest-lived president in US history. In 2023, he stopped his medical treatment after several hospital stays and went into hospice care. "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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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 will be held in Atlanta and Washington, followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia, the Center said. Carter is survived by his children Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. US President Joe Biden paid tribute to Carter, calling him a man of principle, faith, and humility. "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian," Biden said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong." Biden ordered an official state funeral be held in Washington for Carter. Former president Barack Obama said Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth. "And he did advocating for the public good, consequences be damned," Obama said in a statement. "He believed some things were more important than reelection things like integrity, respect, and compassion," Obama said. "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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Olaf Scholz honoured Carter's achievements as a peacemaker and a fighter for democracy and human rights. "We join our American friends in mourning the loss of their former President Jimmy Carter. The US has lost a committed fighter for democracy," Scholz said in a post on social media platform X. "The world has lost a great mediator for peace in the Middle East and for human rights." FORT LAUDERDALE Two weary flood-prone neighborhoods regularly pounded by severe rainstorms now have stronger protection against the next storm: A modern new pump station worth more than $10 million. The project, part of $50 million in stormwater upgrades meant to protect River Oaks and nearby Edgewood from severe flooding, represents a major milestone in Fort Lauderdales ongoing mission to upgrade its infrastructure, Mayor Dean Trantalis said. A total of 25 neighborhoods are on the citys drainage upgrade list, but flood-prone River Oaks and Edgewood were the first in line for what will be a $700 million investment over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This project is a key component of our citywide Fortify Lauderdale initiative, which focuses on strengthening our resilience to climate change impacts, particularly in our most vulnerable neighborhoods, Trantalis said at a ribbon-cutting for the pump station this month. By investing in projects like the River Oaks Pump Station, we are taking proactive steps to protect our community from flooding and sea level rise. A crowd of more than 50 people came out to the River Oaks Stormwater Preserve to take in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and welcome the new pump system. After the customary speeches, the pumps were switched on. The mayor and Kitty McGowan, president of the Edgewood Civic Association, did the honors. Hundreds of homes including many in hard-hit River Oaks and Edgewood were damaged by floodwaters in April 2023 when a historic rainstorm dumped nearly 26 inches of rain on Fort Lauderdale in a matter of hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, McGowan spoke of how some are still working on repairing the damage done by last years deluge and just about everyone still worries about the next big storm. Its not if, its when, McGowan said. And its hard to kind of plan and to live your life without constantly being on edge. Theres a lot of us who are still digging out, who are still putting things together. Ted Inserra, president of the River Oaks Civic Association, praised Fort Lauderdale for getting the job done. The pump station itself took 18 months to build. But altogether, the entire drainage project took two years to complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those two years, the neighborhood endured more than its share of dust, noise and detours, Inserra told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. This was major construction, Inserra said. They had heavy equipment parked all over the neighborhood, left overnight. It was a mess. But was it all worth it? Inserra said that all depends on whether the drainage upgrades actually keep the neighborhoods dry. Were still very skeptical, Inserra said. The project was not without controversy, bringing a hefty fine from the county over environmental violations. The city and contractor split the $175,450 fine, with Fort Lauderdale paying $78,808 and Ric-Man Construction paying $96,642. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the county, crews discharged water into both the canal and a nearby wetland preserve last year, increasing turbidity above allowable limits. They also dumped gravel into a canal that runs through River Oaks and removed mangroves from an area county officials say was beyond the area allowed under their permit. To make up for it, crews took out fewer mangroves in another area. In the end, fewer mangroves were removed overall, city officials say. In addition to the fine, $4,800 in credits were paid toward wetlands restoration outside the county in the Everglades Mitigation Bank near Homestead. Now that work is done in River Oaks and Edgewood, Fort Lauderdale plans to spend $150 million installing and upgrading storm drains in six more neighborhoods that are part of the projects first phase: Durrs, Dorsey-Riverbend, Progresso Village, Southeast Isles, Victoria Park and Melrose Manors/Riverland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next phase calls for spending $500 million to upgrade drainage infrastructure in the following 17 neighborhoods: Riverland Landings, Sailboat Bend, Tarpon River, Flagler Village, Harbor Isles/Inlet, Poinsettia Heights, South Middle River, Melrose Park, Shady Banks, Croissant Park, Middle River Terrace, Imperial Point, Lake Ridge, Riverland Manors/Woods, Chula Vista, Riverland Village and Lauderdale Isles. In some cases, homeowners will have to wait years for the work to begin. For neighborhoods who land at the end of the list, the work wont start until 2031 and wont be completed until 2034. Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan Choirmaster Boris Bohmann of Freiburg Cathedral in south-western Germany has been sacked with immediate effect following disruption of Masses at the cathedral over the Christmas period, Archbishop Stephan Burger announced on Monday. "The Masses were deliberately disrupted. The disruptions have no place here, certainly not at Christmas," Burger said. "The head of the choirs at least approved of this," he said, adding that there had to be consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bohmanns lawyer said he was considering legal steps, according to a report in the Badische Zeitung newspaper. Bohmann had been dismissed and was to leave the cathedral at the end of February next year, after serving as choirmaster for 22 years. The manner of his dismissal led to protests among the parents of the choirboys. The protests culminated in the disruption of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and Mass on Christmas Day, where the choirmaster led the choir. A live broadcast was interrupted as well. The reasons for Bohmann's original dismissal have not been disclosed by the archdiocese. Spokesman Marc Mudrak said there was a long history to the decision. "There were numerous conflicts within the cathedral music school," he said, adding that repeated attempts at mediation had failed. Fremont teen charged with possession of gun, stolen vehicle (KRON) A search warrant executed at the Fremont home of a 15-year-old uncovered an unserialized handgun with an extended magazine, according to police. The search stemmed from the arrests of five juveniles who fled from the Fremont Police Department in a stolen vehicle on Dec. 7. The five juveniles, whose ages range from 14 to 16 years old, took off in the stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed after Fremont officers attempted to stop it, police said. While officers on the ground did not pursue the stolen vehicle, a California Highway Patrol Air Operations helicopter followed it into Milpitas. The vehicle crashed on East Calaveras Boulevard and all five suspects were found and arrested. Locked door loophole bill set to take effect Wednesday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four phones were located in the stolen vehicle, and warrants were granted so that authorities could search their contents. One phone, Fremont PD said, had photos of a 15-year-old suspect holding a firearm with an extended magazine. A search warrant for the teens home in the area of Mowry Avenue and Mission Boulevard was obtained. During the Dec. 19 search, K-9 Nala, a dog trained in gunshot residue detection, alerted officers to a laundry area where the handgun and 30-round extended magazine were located, police said. There were 27 rounds of ammunition in the magazine. The firearm matched the one that was seen in the photos, according to Fremont PD. (Fremont Police Department) The 15-year-old was arrested and booked into the Juvenile Justice Center. The Alameda County District Attorneys Office is pursuing felony charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle and minor in possession of a firearm, Fremont PD said. Charges against the other four other teenage suspects remain under review by the DAs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KRON4. Suchir Balaji was a researcher at OpenAI who later accused his employer of violating copyright law. One of his OpenAI colleagues told BI that he was one of the "true geniuses" at the startup. Friends described Balaji as a brilliant person with a passion for artificial intelligence. Longtime friends and former colleagues gathered at a private memorial service at the India Community Center in Silicon Valley on Saturday to remember Suchir Balaji, who many said was an intelligent but humble individual with impressive technical prowess. "He was the sharpest person I ever met," Aayush Gupta, who interned with Balaji at Scale.AI in 2019, told Business Insider, adding that he was an "independent thinker." In his speech to the assembled crowd, Gupta said Balaji "seemed like he was entirely self-taught." That brilliance didn't go unnoticed at OpenAI, where the 26-year-old Balaji worked for nearly four years before he left the company in August and later accused his employer of violating copyright law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarun Gogineni, a research scientist at OpenAI since 2022, told Business Insider that he often bounced ideas about artificial general intelligence with Balaji and that his colleague was a "contrarian thinker" who could be seen getting into long debates on Slack and expressing his opinion. "He was one of the true geniuses at OpenAI," Gogineni said. Gogineni recalled how Balaji worked with key figures at OpenAI, including cofounders Ilya Sutskever and John Schulman, to help launch WebGPT. Gogineni described the project as "in all meaningful ways, a spiritual predecessor" to ChatGPT. "He worked closely with Ilya and John Schulman and some of the top people at OpenAI to come up with new algorithms for post-training," Gogineni said, referring to the process of fine-tuning an AI model after its initial training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Balaji's death, which authorities have ruled a suicide, Schulman wrote in a social media post that Balaji was "one of the three lead contributors" to the WebGPT project. "I worked with Suchir on and off since around 2021, and he was one of my favorite and most talented collaborators," Schulman wrote. Sutskever and Schulman left OpenAI in May and August, respectively. They did not respond to a request for comment. Balaji goes public on OpenAI Two months after Balaji left OpenAI, The New York Times published a profile in which the researcher said his employer violated copyright law to train ChatGPT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OpenAI has denied the accusation. In a statement, an OpenAI spokesperson said the company was "devastated to learn of Balaji's death" and that "our hearts go out to Suchir's loved ones during this difficult time." Gogineni said he was surprised to read about Balaji's concerns. In the nearly two years he overlapped with Balaji at OpenAI, Gogineni said he never recalled his coworker bringing up concerns about copyright violation. "It was very surprising," Gogineni said. "I mean, I can't claim I was best friends with him. He was a work friend. But I had never ever seen him express any concern about copyright." Close friends and family left flowers at a private memorial service on Saturday for Suchir Balaji. Lloyd Lee/Business Insider Friends and Balaji's parents described Balaji as an independent person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Gan, who had known Balaji since ninth grade and also attended the University of California, Berkeley, told BI that Balaji usually maintained a sense of humor. If he ever shared concerns about AI, Gan said Balaji would always be "super jokey" and lighthearted. "If you ever followed 'Dune,' how they've outlawed machines in that universe, that's what he would joke about that he'd want," Gan said. In serious matters in his life, however, Gan said Balaji could be reserved. "I feel like, for example, if he had something serious going on at work or otherwise, he might not necessarily share that openly," Gan said. "I think that was just part of who he was to some extent." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gan said he never talked to Balaji about his plans to speak with a New York Times reporter. "He just told us at some point before the article released that he was going to do this, and we were hyping him up and stuff like that," Gan said. "It wasn't like we were discussing, 'Oh shit, what are the ramifications' and stuff like that." Balaji's mom, Poornima Ramarao, previously told BI that she scolded her son for talking with a reporter and doing it so publicly without remaining anonymous. Ramarao said she is working with an attorney to try to get the SF police to further investigate Balaji's death. Balaji also had plans to provide documents to The New York Times Co. for its copyright lawsuit against OpenAI, court filings showed. His name appeared in a letter from the Times' attorney on November 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gan said he last saw Balaji during a weeklong trip to Catalina Island on November 22. Authorities found Balaji's body on November 26. "We were all together in Catalina," Gan said of the trip. "And he seemed fine on that day." Read the original article on Business Insider Friday was just another day on Elon Musks social media platform X. Aided by an algorithm that always seems to favor the owner, his nearly 210 million followers now greeted with the phrase The people voted for major government reform watched as Musk clashed with the racist far right over the visas Silicon Valley companies use to recruit skilled foreign workers. They also received a mixed array of promotional messages from his companies Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, and X itself heard Musk (a father of 12) warn of the global decline in birth rates, and listened to his promises of colonizing Mars. They also saw Musk amplify the argument of a Covid denier with just 327 followers, who defended Americans right to buy guns so we dont get locked in camps for having a virus with a 99.9% survival rate. Even in this era of hypernormalization, when the absurd has become commonplace and vice versa, its difficult to grasp that behind this flurry of messages is not only the richest man in the world but one of the most influential figures on the planet. Musk is also a player with sudden political power in the United States. Hes the guy who whispers in Donald Trumps ear, a businessman who wields great influence over the new administration of the worlds leading power even though no one voted for him. Critics have even begun calling him President Musk in an attempt to address two egos so massive that they seem destined to collide sooner or later. For now, the Musk-Trump relationship is holding up. The president-elect addressed those comments last Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona, during one of his signature long, rambling speeches, denying any fear that Musk who is always by his side and practically lives at Trumps Florida home, Mar-a-Lago might take his job. It was surprising, given his penchant for putting himself above others, that Trump offered a purely practical reason to debunk those concerns: Musk wont do it because he cant. The law prevents it. You know why he cant be? He wasnt born in this country, said Trump of Musk, who was born in South Africa. Musks rise in the circles of influence surrounding the new occupant of the White House could hardly have come as a surprise to the voters who backed the Republican candidate. By re-electing Trump, they were effectively supporting Musk, who donated at least $260 million to Trumps campaign. Not only did they believe in Trumps ability to improve their lives by lowering prices, cutting taxes, expelling illegal migrants, and, ultimately, make America great again, but they also trusted his business skills. After all, Musks fortune continues to shatter records: as of Saturday, it had reached $450 billion, more than double the fortune of the second richest person, Jeff Bezos, Amazons founder. Perhaps those voters were unaware that Musks successful business strategies include using chaos as a redemptive weapon a playbook he began applying in Washington last week, when a series of tweets were enough to derail a bill negotiated between Democrats and Republicans that would temporarily prevent a government shutdown. Or perhaps, driven by a shared resentment of elites, these Trump supporters were looking for just that: someone to shake things up and see what remains after the cataclysm. Readers of Walter Isaacsons authorized biography on Musk, published last year, will spot the parallels between Musks actions last week and his business playbook. In one of the books most revealing passages, Musk fires 75% of Twitters workforce (chaos) after buying the platform for $44 billion in 2022, then rehired only those who met his criteria (purification). Elsewhere, Musk tells Isaacson that when he first met Trump in 2016, he thought he was the world champion of bullshit. What happened afterwards to radically change his opinion of the president-elect is a question that Isaacson does not answer. Destroy and rebuild All of his companies have undergone this kind of traumatic restructuring, said Chuck Collins, an expert on inequality at the Institute for Policy Studies, in a phone interview last week. Collins, a scion of the Oscar Mayer fortune who gave up his inheritance to study the tactics of American billionaires seizing political power, explained: Musk always says that if you fire people and the company continues to operate as before, then you havent fired enough. He believes in making deep cuts and then rebuilding. Thats his leadership model. Now, Musk seems poised to apply this model to the U.S. administration. Trump has appointed him, alongside fellow billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, to head the so-called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This entity is not part of the executive branch, has no clear powers as of yet, and its mandate saving money and streamlining the government is vague. Its not even an original idea; similar efforts have yielded few results since the Reagan era. The proposed spending cuts also clash with Trumps signature promises, such as tax cuts and mass deportations of illegal immigrants. During Trumps first term, U.S. debt soared to $8 trillion. The first setback of Trump 2.0 came last week during the government shutdown crisis, when he failed to persuade Congress to lift the spending cap, which would have allowed him to get started on those costly projects as soon as possible. The recent government shutdown crisis served as a clear reminder that Musk and Ramaswamy will not have an easy task ahead. U.S. public debt exceeds $36 trillion, and the Congressional Budget Office forecasts it will reach 166% of the gross domestic product by 2054 (compared to a record 99% this year). The duo has stated their goal of cutting $2 trillion from a system that spent $6.7 trillion in 2024. Of that staggering sum, $800 billion was allocated to military spending a sector that many Republican representatives are reluctant to touch, as defense contracts significantly impact their districts economies. Another unpopular option would be to reduce health benefits or food stamp programs. The shutdown crisis also revealed that Musk has a direct line to a handful of Republican politicians, some of whom proudly boasted on television that they are in regular contact with him. Part of the American dream is accumulating vast wealth, and financial success is no stranger to a system where at least 50 members of Congress have more than $10 million in the bank. Yet, as economic historian Jonathan Levy pointed out in an email on Saturday, the symbiosis between these politicians and the richest man in the world is historically novel. Levy, author of Ages of American Capitalism (2021), a revealing alternative history of the country, offers a perspective on the present era that began in 1980, which he describes as the Age of Chaos. According to Levy, capital left fixed physical structures, to become more financial, intangible, leveraged, roving and unsettled. He argues: Americans have lionized businessmen and entrepreneurs for a long time, including Silicon Valley entrepreneurs since the 1980s. Musks intervention is far more brazen. He has, even before he bought it, used Twitter to build a popular constituency of his own. His public and transparent alliance with Trump is perhaps unprecedented in the annals of US politics. During the government shutdown crisis, Musk received support from other notable disruptors, including Kentucky Representative Rand Paul and Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia), who suggested naming Musk as Speaker of the House a proposal that would place him third in line for the presidency. Nothing would disrupt the swamp more than electing Elon Musk, Paul said. While such a scenario seems unlikely, Musk who will not receive compensation for his role leading DOGE has made it clear that he does not want to be a civil servant. Instead, he appears content with what Collins calls the ultimate oligarch movement the blatant exercise of the power of wealth to shape culture to his liking. As Collins points out: This is not the first time this has happened, but the speed with which Musk has gone from accumulating his fortune to consolidating his political influence is unprecedented. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket for the Polaris Dawn mission lifts off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Sept. 10. Joe Raedle (Getty Images) That power is driving him to accumulate even more wealth, which has doubled since the election. Teslas stock price has risen by 90%, even as sales have stalled, with Wall Street relying heavily on Musks influence in Washington to secure the rollout of electric cars and advance autonomous driving legislation. Analysts also expect that SpaceX, which has already taken over some core functions of NASA, will benefit from Musks close relationship with the White House. The big question, then, is not whether Musk will benefit from his association with the president-elect, but how long the honeymoon between the two will last, given how little the latter has traditionally tolerated those who overshadow him. It is hard to believe that Trumps ego will be able to share the same stage with Musk, says Levy. Collins notes that at least the business interests of the real estate magnate and the titan of aerospace, automobiles, media, and telecommunications do not overlap, which could help maintain peace but he does not rule out the possibility of gladiator fights between billionaires. That idea harks back to Peter Turchins influential book, End Times, which describes a society drained by the elite, who control all the wealth. In this vision, the growing number of elites battle each other for dominance over a disenfranchised populace drawn to disruptors like Trump. Turchin not one to shy away from apocalyptic narratives; he is famous for predicting in 2010 that Europe and the United States were entering an era of escalating instability, which would peak around 2020 described Novembers elections as a bloodless revolution in which the ruling elites [the Democratic Party] were ousted by counter-elites [Musk and Trump]. In this atmosphere of latent confrontations, speculation abounds about how long the alliance between the hardline wing of Trumpism predominantly white and staunchly nationalist and the duo of Ramaswamy, a first-generation Indian immigrant, and Musk, an iconoclastic libertarian rather than a conventional conservative, can last. The first skirmish erupted online over Christmas. The spark was the appointment of Indian-born Sriram Krishnan as a White House adviser on artificial intelligence, a relatively low-profile position. This triggered a defense by both billionaires of H-1B visas the program tech companies use to recruit talent, much like Musk himself benefited from in the 1990s against attacks from Laura Loomer and other figures on the racist far-right, who argued that such policies undermine American workers and contradict Trumps anti-immigration stance. The controversy spiraled into a heated debate about whether American culture fosters the education of top engineers, the boundaries of free speech online, and Silicon Valleys growing influence on the new administration. Unsurprisingly, Musk, with his penchant for provocative humor, seized the moment in what some Washington media outlets perhaps prematurely described as Trumpisms civil war. On Friday just another normal day on Musks X the South African business magnate dismissed Loomer and other far-right MAGA figures who opposed him as contemptible fools [who] must be removed from the Republican Party, root and stem. In an unusual show of restraint, Trump remained silent amidst the uproar. However, by Saturday night, he broke his silence, telling the New York Post that he has always been a supporter of visas. The comment served as a subtle but clear signal that his relationship with Musk remains intact. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition MANSFIELD, Ohio (WJW) With the help of new technology, Mansfield police have closed a murder case from 1981. During a press conference Monday afternoon, Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann announced a wanted fugitive who was fatally shot during a standoff in November at a North Canton hotel was responsible for the brutal beating death of 18-year-old Debra Miller in 1981. The young woman was found murdered in her apartment on April 29, 1981. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SWAT officer, suspect in hotel standoff shooting IDd: US Marshals The case has been reopened several times in the more than 40 years since the murder. Bammann said one person continued to draw their attention, but there was never enough evidence to bring an indictment. Debra Millers apartment where she was found murdered in April of 1981 In 2021, Det. Terry Butler reexamined the case after a discussion with retired MPD Lt. Dale Fortney. Detective Butler and and DNA Analyst Dawn Fryback reopened the case and started over. They examined the case as if it happened yesterday through an entirely new lens, Bammann said. Their findings were staggering. With the advancement of of new DNA technology and techniques, a firm DNA profile began to form with various pieces of evidence, Bammann said. After further investigation, that profile was linked to the suspect, James Vanest. Vanest reportedly lived above Debra Miller at the time of the murder, Bammann said. He had been questioned initially but was never identified as a potential suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November of 2021, Vanest was again questioned about the murder. During that interview, detectives felt he was trying to create an alibi about why his DNA was found in her apartment, even though that topic had never been breached by the detectives, Bammann said. Vanest also admitted to lying to investigators during his first interview in 1981. In another interview in 2024, Bammann said Vanest ended questioning before it could even begin and requested a lawyer. He stated he felt that detectives were trying to build a case against him. 5 people charged in death of former One Direction star Liam Payne Weeks later, he sold his residence in Canton, bought a pickup truck and enclosed trailer and went to West Virginia. He left several firearms in his residence, Bammann said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In West Virginia, he was stopped by police and arrested and indicted on state firearms charges, Bammann said. He had two firearms with him at the time of his arrest. The ATF took over the case and he was later indicted on federal firearm charges. He bonded out on his state charges and was later located in the Canton area. On Nov. 18, members of the Northern Ohio Fugitive Task Force tracked him to a hotel in the 6800 block of Sunset Strip Avenue in Jackson Township to serve the indictment on the federal weapons charges. During the attempted arrest, US Marshals say Vanest pointed a firearm at them and barricaded himself inside a hotel room. A Canton Regional SWAT team responded to the standoff situation, and according to US Marshals, Vanest fired multiple shots toward officers, striking a SWAT team member and a law enforcement vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say Vanest was shot by officers during the shootout and died at the scene. Officers found two firearms and spent bullet casings inside the hotel room. Stories most clicked by FOX 8 viewers in 2024 The DNA evidence collected from multiple items when analyzed alongside the findings, and Detective Butlers investigation, established proof beyond a reasonable doubt that James Vanest committed the murder of Debra Miller on April 29, 1981. Because of this, we now consider this case closed. Investigators called it a sad and tragic case. Brammann said he hopes that the closure of the case brings closure to Millers family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. As the country mourns the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, Channel 2 Action News has learned the timeline of events surrounding public viewings for people to say their final goodbyes to President Carter, as well has his funeral arrangements. The events will span about a week. Heres a breakdown of what will happen: SATURDAY, JAN. 4, 2025 The state funeral begins with the arrival of the Carter Family at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, at 10:15 a.m. Current and former Special Agents in Charge from the United States Secret Service Carter Protective Division will carry Carters remains to the hearse and walk alongside the hearse as the motorcade departs from the medical center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motorcade then travels through Carters hometown of Plains, Georgia, to his boyhood home for a brief pause in front of his familys farm at 10:50 a.m. During the pause, the National Park Service will render a salute to the late president and ring the historic farm bell 39 times. After the pause, the late president officially begins his final journey to Atlanta at 10:55 a.m. As the motorcade arrives in Atlanta, it will stop at Georgias State Capitol for a moment of silence by Gov. Brian Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Mayor of Atlanta Andre Dickens, members of the Georgia Legislature, and Georgia State Patrol Troopers at 3 p.m. Carters remains are then transported to the Carter Presidential Center for an arrival ceremony at 3:45 p.m. and service at 4 p.m. Following the service, he will lie in repose for mourners to come and pay their respects from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. RELATED STORIES: SUNDAY, JAN. 5, 2025 The late president continues to lie in repose 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. The public is invited to pay their respects throughout this time. MONDAY, JAN. 6, 2025 The late president continues to lie in repose until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. The public is invited to pay their respects throughout this time. TUESDAY, JAN. 7, 2025 Carter departs the Carter Presidential Center one last time with ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The late president and his family then travel to Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, at 10 a.m., where they will board Special Air Mission 39 to travel to Washington at 10:40 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special Air Mission 39 arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, at 12:45 p.m. where Carters remains are transferred with ceremony to the hearse. Carter and his family will then travel by motorcade at 1:15 p.m. to the U.S. Navy Memorial where his remains are transferred from the hearse to a horse drawn caisson for a funeral procession up to the U.S. Capitol at 2 p.m. Upon arrival at the U.S. Capitol, the late president is carried by military body bearers into the Rotunda where members of Congress will pay their respects during a service at 3 p.m. Carter will then lie in state while the military maintains a guard of honor. The public is invited to pay their respects as he lies in state from 7 p.m. to midnight. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8, 2025 The late president continues to lie in state while the military maintains a guard of honor. The public is invited to pay their respects from 7 a.m. on Jan. 8., 2025 until 7 a.m. on Jan. 9, 2025. THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025 Carter departs the U.S. Capitol with ceremony for his last time at 9 a.m. The motorcade then travels to Washington National Cathedral for a brief arrival ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by the National Funeral Service at 10 a.m. Upon conclusion of the service, Carter and his family will travel by motorcade at 11:15 a.m. to Joint Base Andrews, Md., where they board Special Air Mission 39 at 11:45 a.m. for his final journey home to Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special Air Mission 39 arrives at Lawson Army Airfield on Fort Moore, Georgia, at 2 p.m., where Carters remains are transferred with ceremony to the hearse. Carter and his family then travel by motorcade to Maranatha Baptist Church, Plains, Georgia, arriving at 3:30 p.m., followed by a private funeral service at 3:45 p.m. After the funeral service, the late president, and his family travel by a motorcade at 4:45 p.m. to the Carter residence for a private interment at 5:20 p.m. The public is invited to line the motorcade route as Carter and his family travel through his beloved hometown of Plains, Georgia to the late presidents final resting place. Prior to interment, the U.S. Navy will conduct a missing man formation flyover in honor of former President Carters naval service and time as commander-in-chief shortly after the motorcades arrival at the residence. People will see a large law enforcement presence in Clark County to pay tribute to a sheriffs deputy on Monday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Clark County Sheriffs Deputy Summer Jenkins died on Dec. 19, at the age of 27, according to her online obituary. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. at Littleton and Rue Funeral Home on Limestone Drive. TRENDING STORIES: Springfield Police posted on social media that a procession will take place after the service and may cause traffic delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expect heavy presence of police and first responder vehicles in the area around Littleton and Rue Funeral Home, particularly near E. Cassilly St., Madison Ave., N. Limestone St. and Mason St. between Madison Ave. and E. Cassilly St. The procession will depart from the funeral home and travel south on N. Limestone St., over the Spring St. overpass, west on Main St., north on Fountain Ave., and west on North St. as it exits the City. Jenkins attended the University of Dayton where she studied mechanical engineering and went to the student police academy, her obituary said. She graduated from the Sinclair Law Enforcement Academy in July 2020 and started her law enforcement career with the Colerain Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jenkins spent four years with the Cedarville Police Department and provided security detail for Governor Mike DeWine and comedian Dave Chappelle. Chief Deputy Michael Young told News Center 7 that Jenkins was in the field training program after joining the sheriffs office on Sept. 3. The loss of Summer will be felt by several jurisdictions and first responders along with her family and friends. From my experiences with Summer, she was excited to be a part of the Clark County Sheriffs Office family, and her smile was like a warm hug. She was polite, friendly, and displayed an energy that was comforting to others. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A funnel cloud was spotted in a Houston suburb on Saturday, December 28, as multiple tornadoes hit Texas leaving one killed, officials said. Footage here by Brando Calrissian shows a funnel cloud over Katy, a western suburb of Houston, on Saturday morning. A tornado warning was in effect for the area as authorities urged people to seek shelter immediately on the lowest floor of buildings, to avoid flying debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazoria County Sheriffs Office reported that at least one person was killed and four were injured as a tornado touched down between Liverpool and Hillcrest, located about 45 miles from Houston. 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. (NEXSTAR) Wonder Woman actor Gal Gadot revealed Sunday that she underwent emergency surgery earlier this year after a massive blood clot was found in her brain while she was eight months pregnant. In a long post to Instagram, Gadot called 2024 a year of profound challenges and deep reflections. She went on to explain that in February, while awaiting the arrival of her fourth daughter, she had been enduring excruciating headaches that confined me to bed. An MRI showed Gadot had a massive blood clot in her brain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one moment, my family and I were faced with how fragile life can be, she wrote. 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. Gal Gadot arrives at the fourth annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Gadot said they rushed to the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. My daughter, Ori, was born during that moment of uncertainty and fear, she explained, adding that Ori means my light. Before the surgery, I told Jaron that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel. According to Gadot, she had been diagnosed with CVT, or cerebral venous thrombosis. Such a diagnosis is uncommon, according to the University of Michigan Health Systems Comprehensive Stroke Center. It refers to blood clots that form within veins that drain the blood from the brain. A similar diagnosis, cerebral venous sinus thromboses (CVST), refers to clots that form in the sinuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Symptoms of CVT and CVST, a rare form of stroke, include headache, blurred vision, fainting or loss of consciousness, loss of control over body movement, seizures, and coma, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Keanu Reeves stolen watches located in Chile: reports Treatment plans can vary, but can include fluids, medication, and surgery. While Gadot did not provide any additional details, experts say elevated levels of estrogen during pregnancy and the post-pregnancy period have been known to cause CVT. Gadot said she is fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life Ive been given back. The journey has taught me so much, she wrote. First, its vital to listen to our bodies and trust what its telling us. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry deeper meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life saving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gadot, who plays Wonder Woman and has appeared in the Fast and Furious series, among other films, is married to film producer Jaron Varsano. In addition to Ori, born in March, the couple share three daughters, People reports. 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 KTLA. The authorities of Transnistria, a separatist region of Moldova, cut off gas supplies to several government institutions on Sunday due to the expiration of the agreement that allowed the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine. Source: Reuters Details: The shutdown occurred just two days before the expiration of the transit agreement, raising concerns about widespread power outages in Moldova over the New Year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiraspoltransgaz, the company that distributes gas in the pro-Russian separatist territory, reported that 12 public institutions were cut off near the cities of Dubasari and Bender, which are on the border with government-controlled areas of Moldova. The affected institutions included four educational facilities, a medical centre, as well as a police station and a prosecutor's office. This shutdown followed an announcement by Russian energy giant Gazprom that it would stop gas supplies to Moldova from 05:00 on 1 January due to unpaid debts. Moldova denies owing any debt for previous gas supplies and accuses Russia of trying to destabilise the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Russia's Gazprom announced that from 1 January 2025, it will stop supplying gas to Moldova's Transnistria due to "failure to fulfil payment obligations". Support UP or become our patron! A prominent Palestinian hospital director who was arrested by Israel in a raid that closed the last major functioning health facility in northern Gaza is being held at a controversial military base that doubles as a detention facility, recently released former detainees have told CNN. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya has not been seen publicly since Israeli forces raided Kamal Adwan hospital on Friday. Staff members accused Israeli forces of starting a fire in the hospital and said they were all rounded up outside and forced to remove their clothes, a process that took hours, before being forced to leave. Local journalist Mohammad Al-Sharif said he was among those who were detained from the hospital before his release 11 hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We endured extremely difficult moments in inhumane conditions, he told CNN. The occupation army made no distinction between medical staff, patients, civilians, or journalists. The Israeli military said on Saturday it had detained Dr. Abu Safiya because he was suspected of being a Hamas terrorist operative, and claimed that the hospital was being used by Hamas as a command and control center. The military did not provide any evidence to support the claims. His family had issued appeals for his whereabouts following his arrest. Former detainees of Sde Teiman, a shadowy military base in Israels Negev desert near the Gaza border, say the doctor and other medics from the Kamal Adwan raid are being held there. Two Palestinian prisoners released this weekend from the facility 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. The Israeli military has not confirmed to CNN whether Abu Safiya is being held at the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahmad Al Sayyed Saleem, 18, said a doctor from the Abu Safiya family was brought into the prison on Saturday. Saleem, who is from northern Gaza and said he knew Dr. Abu Safiya, was detained 42 days ago at an Israeli checkpoint when he evacuated northern Gaza and was on his way to Gaza City. Yahya Zaqout, who was arrested 42 days ago, said he did not see Dr. Abu Safiya but was in the cell next to his. I heard them calling his name between the names they call every morning and night, and we had men that were brought to our cell and told us they were detained along with Dr. Hussam, he said. Alaa Abu Banat, a former inmate who was detained 43 days ago on his way home, said he knows Dr. Abu Safiya and a medical team from Kamal Adwan hospital was brought into Sde Teiman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are all still in detention. They treated them really badly especially the doctors, he said. Abu Banat said one man who shared his cell told him he is a doctor and said he was beaten until his eye was bleeding. The cellmate added had spoken to Dr. Abu Safiya. Dr. Abu Safiyas family told CNN: Sde Teiman is known for brutality and torture, we cant imagine what our father is going through in that place and if he is well or not, warm or cold hungry or in pain. It is widely known the immense efforts he has made since the beginning of the war to support the only healthcare system for the residents of north Gaza, the statement read. Long siege Dr. Abu Safiya has been one of the last doctors in northern Gaza over recent months and has documented the horror inside his hospital in the wake of a renewed Israeli offensive that began in early October in what the Israeli military said was targeting a resurgent Hamas presence there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two-month onslaught has razed streets to carpets of debris, killed entire families, and severely depleted food, water and medical stocks. Since then, the Israeli military has fired on Kamal Adwan Hospital on a daily basis, and raided the facility at least six times, Dr. Abu Safiya told CNN earlier this month. Four doctors were killed at the hospital after Israeli forces stormed the compound, killing and injuring dozens of people in surrounding areas, eyewitnesses told CNN in early December. During an Israeli military operation in October, dozens of medical personnel were detained; Dr. Abu Safiya was interrogated for hours, he told CNN at the time. Shortly after, his 21-year-old son was killed in an Israeli strike at the hospitals gates. Dr. Abu Safiya buried his son Ibrahim in the facilitys makeshift graveyard. MedGlobal, the US-based nonprofit Dr. Abu Safiya was lead physician in Gaza for, expressed concern for the doctor and condemned the latest Friday raid on the hospital, which it described as a lifeline for northern Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Zaher Sahloul, president and co-founder of MedGlobal and a close colleague of Dr. 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. The call for Abu Safiyas release has been echoed by numerous organizations, including the WHO, Amnesty International and the Council on America-Islamic Relations (CAIR). On Monday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus criticized in a statement on X the forced patient and staff evacuation and the detention of (Kamal Adwan Hospital) director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, and called for his release. The shadowy Sde Teiman prison in Israels Negev desert is notorious for conditions of extreme abuse which CNN and others have documented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Israel transferred hundreds of Palestinian detainees out of the detention center, a state attorney told Israels Supreme Court during a first-ever hearing about the facility. The hearing came in response to a petition by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and other human rights groups, which drew heavily on CNN reporting about the makeshift prison to make a case for it to be shut down. Kamal Adwan hospital has now ceased to operate. All patients and medical staff have evacuated from the area, of Kamal Adwan hospital, the Israeli military has said. Patients were forced to move to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, the staff said, a facility the WHO has described as destroyed and nonfunctional. Some staff members arrived in other parts of Gaza. Among them is Dr. Hani Badran, a cardiologist who lost 17 members of his family in an Israeli strike in November, including a newborn niece who he had delivered just weeks earlier. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com George Conway slid in a barb about his ex-wife, Kellyanne Conway, during a recent talk about the looming impacts of Donald Trumps election victory. The conservative attorney joined political commentator Jennifer Rubin for a live taping of her Green Room podcast in New York earlier this month. During the discussion, Conway criticized ABC News controversial decision to agree to a $15 million defamation settlement with the president-elect. At one point, Conway said he doesnt think its actually possible for Trump to win a libel judgment, because how do you damage that mans reputation? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comment prompted laughter from the audience. You laugh, but Im not saying that to denigrate him, Conway said, per a recording of the discussion shared Sunday by the 92nd Street Y, which hosted the event. He argued that a large portion of Americans, himself included, could not lower their opinions of the president-elect any further. Think about it, Conway said. Youve got a group of people on one side who you could tell me tomorrow that he shot a bunch of people on Fifth Avenue, and it would not change my opinion of him, because I think hes the lowest form of life on Earth. Conway then referenced his ex, who served as a senior counselor in Trumps White House and continues to boost the president-elect as a Fox News contributor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then theres the other chunk of people who basically will not believe anything bad or at least admit to it, like my ex-wife anything bad about Donald Trump, and they wont admit to it, they pretend not to believe it, he said. They watch Fox News and Newsmax and pretend none of the bad stuff actually exists, and its all just a giant conspiracy involving half of America. At the start of their talk, Rubin and Conway joked that they might be punished for their comments about Trump, who has threatened legal retaliation against media organizations over perceived unfair coverage. Later on, I thought we would pass around a tip jar so we could collect money for our libel, you know, defense fund, Rubin quipped. Also, air conditioning at Guantanamo, Conway added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Conways divorced last year following more than two decades of marriage. In a joint statement in March 2023, they said the divorce, in its final stages, was amicable and that they remain united as parents of their four children. Their marriage bewildered many spectators during its final years, as George Conway emerged as one of Trumps most heated critics while his wife continued to ardently defend the president-elect. Related... Editors note: This story originated from our news partners at the Tribune Content Agency. It originally published in February 2023 and is being shared following Jimmy Carters death on Sunday. SACRAMENTO, Calif. My name is Jimmy Carter, and Im running for president. And hed grin. Always that friendly, down-home grin. Thats how the Georgia peanut farmer and former governor began every campaign speech I heard during the unique election year of 1976. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I heard many of them while covering Carter for The Times from early January through the Democratic convention in mid-July. After that, I covered Carters November opponent, Republican President Gerald Ford, whom the sure-footed Washington outsider narrowly defeated. Ive thought a lot about 1976 since the announcement in February 2023 that the 98-year-old former president had entered hospice care at home and decided to forgo additional medical intervention. Carter was a terrific presidential candidate in 1976 politically, the right person at the right time. Its not likely well find such a candidate or experience such a time in the foreseeable future, if ever. A Jimmy Carter probably wouldnt be accepted by voters today. Theyd see his smile as a sign of weakness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he meshed perfectly with the cynical mood in 1976. It was a decidedly anti-Washington time after disgraced President Nixons Watergate scandal and years of protests against the Vietnam War. The country also was weary from a decade of fighting over civil rights. People were looking for a calm, straight-shooting, honest leader and thought theyd found him in Carter. As it turned out, the intense, idealistic, perhaps naive Democrat from tiny Plains, Georgia, was not a good fit for the sharp elbows in Washington and was walloped in 1980 by another former governor, California Republican Ronald Reagan. Afterward, Carter arguably became Americas greatest ex-president with his humanitarian and diplomatic contributions. And thats how hell be remembered by most Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But back in 1976, during the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses, Carter needed to identify himself because hardly anyone outside Georgia had heard much about the guy. He began the campaign with only 4% national support in a Gallup poll. But within the next two months, he would outdistance a crowded field including California Gov. Jerry Brown and become the partys front-runner. Even after attaining a high name ID, the grinning Carter kept identifying himself at the start of every speech including his nomination acceptance speech because that became his trademark opener. And it reminded people of how swiftly he had climbed the steep political ladder. Then he would immediately follow with this: My wife, Rosalynn, and I have been married 29 years. She is the only woman I have ever pause loved. I thought the my only love bit was a little weird, frankly. Was it really necessary to tell voters he had loved only one woman? But voters must have eaten it up. He won contest after contest in states against more established rivals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another essential part of Carters stock speech was this solemn declaration: I want a government as full of compassion and decency and openness and honesty and brotherhood and love as are the American people. A Sunday school teacher, he might also toss in some biblical quotations. And hed always promise, in another trademark line this one spoken without grinning: I will never mislead you; I will never tell you a lie. OK, but truthfully, he left a lot of people confused about where he exactly stood on many issues, including such hot topics as abortion and busing to integrate public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Des Moines after Carter won the Iowa caucuses, the state Democratic chairman who was neutral in the race was asked whether he thought a lot of Iowans misunderstood the Georgians abortion position. Misunderstood it, misunderstood it? Carter has three different positions on it, the party leader replied. Campaigning in the Wisconsin primary in Milwaukee one morning, I heard Carter outline a stance on school busing that seemed to please a predominately Black church congregation. Then at noon, speaking to white voters at a bowling alley, he got nods of approval by asserting that busing should be voluntary and locally controlled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carters winning campaign was built on the thesis that voters, especially in 1976, were not real concerned about how specific presidential candidates were on the issues. What the voters are looking for, he said in a TV interview, is someone who can run the government competently, who understands their problems and will tell the truth. Were not dealing in ideologies this year. I found Carter easy and exciting to cover. Unlike many politicians then and especially today, he was very accessible and not afraid to banter with reporters. In the early campaign days, hed travel many miles to be interviewed by a small-town Iowa newspaper reporter. Later, hed routinely set up news conferences on downtown sidewalks. He realized thats how a candidate could connect with the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter was a farm boy at heart, but showed in the Illinois primary he could also deal with machine bosses namely Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. Elsewhere, Carter attacked political pros. But in Chicago, he and Daley developed a strong political alliance. At the opposite end of the world, there was charming and comfy Plains, population 683. One fascinating day I covered Carter in his hometown. Town folks gathered around a loading dock to watch reporters sitting in swings and rocking chairs query the future president. A freight train interrupted. Well have to wait until the train goes by. Its not a frequent occurrence, Carter said. But its the custom in Plains to watch the train go by. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill remember Carter in 1976 for his energy and self-confidence a small-town peanut farmer who knew he could compete against the big boys. And Ill always visualize that perpetual, welcoming grin. ___ (Political columnist George Skelton has covered government and politics for nearly 60 years and for The Los Angeles Times since 1974.) 2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Junko Horiuchi, KYODO NEWS - Dec 30, 2024 - 13:59 | All, Japan Elections in 2024 in Japan, both regional and national, highlighted social media's influence, with underdog candidates surprisingly winning after positive portrayals and convincing narratives boosted their popularity online. As more people acquire information from social media rather than traditional news outlets such as TV, what circulates online should no longer be a "black box," analysts said, adding the press and political parties must promote a balanced digital space. A recent telephone survey by Kyodo News, meanwhile, showed that 85.5 percent of respondents expressed concern about the spread of unverified information on social media during election campaigns, casting doubt on the rapidly evolving circumstances. Information about candidates running in elections in Japan is widely shared online, often posted by individuals trying to attract reactions and earn advertising revenue. Frequent exposure to such content seems to be affecting how people vote. In the Hyogo gubernatorial election in November, Motohiko Saito was reelected as governor despite automatically losing the job after a no-confidence motion was unanimously adopted by the prefectural assembly, accusing him of abuse of power. Many news organizations expected Saito to struggle, as the race was held amid an assembly investigation into accusations against him, including the punishment of a subordinate who reported misconduct to the whistleblower's office and later died by apparent suicide. During the campaign period, however, narratives on social media claiming that there was "no abuse," that "reform-minded" Saito was forced to resign, and that a "lone victim" was fighting "vested interests" as a "hero" may have led to his triumph, analysts said. Saito's victory backed by his online popularity was reminiscent of the strong run in July in the Tokyo gubernatorial race by relatively unknown Shinji Ishimaru, a former mayor of a small city in Hiroshima Prefecture, who had no support from any major political party. Although he finished behind Gov. Yuriko Koike, who was reelected with the ruling bloc's support, Ishimaru used live YouTube streams and short TikTok videos to secure second place ahead of Renho, a popular female politician backed by Japan's main opposition party. In the House of Representatives election on Oct. 27, a small opposition group, the Democratic Party for the People, quadrupled its seats to 28, with its founder Yuichiro Tamaki, an active YouTuber since 2018, admitting he studied Ishimaru's social media tactics. The analysts warn adept social media strategies by candidates could boost voter turnout or enhance their recognition, but opinions on the platforms can become biased and extreme when users seek attention to drive advertising revenue, harming proper democracy. "What's important is that some people are using elections to make money" by posting related information online and "Japan's legislation does not prohibit it," said Jun Iio, a professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. Iio's observation is echoed by many other pundits as Saito's victory marked an unprecedented development with the entry of Takashi Tachibana, head of the fringe political group NHK Party, who said he did not want to be elected himself but aimed to help Saito succeed. Tachibana, a controversial politician with over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, released more than 100 videos on the platform during the campaign, criticizing "old media" for "hiding the truth," while presenting what the pundits call information of unknown authenticity. The clips were watched nearly 15 million times, more than ten times the number of views on Saito's own social media channel, the Net Communication Research Institute said, adding videos posted by Tachibana's followers also garnered millions of views. The institute, a think tank analyzing internet communication, said, "The Hyogo gubernatorial election can be considered a turning point" where traditional media outlets "ceded the leading role in election coverage" to online platforms. Another contention Iio raised is that news organizations, which take pride in providing evidence-based information, exercised restraint in their coverage during the campaign period to ensure "fair" reporting of publicly run elections. "I think it means they are not fulfilling their duty" as journalists to improve how social media should be used during elections in a bid to prevent distorted information from being exploited by people attempting to benefit from the trend. Efforts to thwart the spread of false rumors, slander and other forms of social media abuse designed to undermine candidates have become a new challenge in safeguarding the soundness of Japanese democracy during elections. Kazumi Inamura, a former mayor of a Hyogo city who was initially seen as the front-runner in the gubernatorial race, said her loss to Saito was due in part to social media propagating misinformation, including a fabricated promise to allow foreign residents to vote if she was elected governor. Yoshiaki Hashimoto, professor emeritus in social psychology at the University of Tokyo, said online content is dangerous because it contains more lies than traditional media, while those targeted find it difficult to defend themselves. On social media, "once users resonate with a message, whether true or false, they tend to accept only information they are willing to regard as fact, blocking out anything that contradicts their perceptions," Hashimoto said. He also cited the "echo-chamber" phenomenon, saying, "Users who believe in information in the same direction tend to exchange it and bond with each other, while becoming increasingly confrontational toward others who disagree." In 2025, key political events, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly and House of Councillors elections, are scheduled, with Hashimoto urging candidates to avoid slander on social media and focus more on clarifying their policy pledges. Hashimoto said that if there is "unreliable" information on social media, news organizations should actively report it, along with evidence, to those who are convinced it is true, after thoroughly checking its accuracy. Related coverage: Reelected Hyogo governor denies violating election law in his campaign Ruling bloc loses lower house majority Japan's top news story of 2024 Trump's U.S. presidential win Kyodo News' top int'l story of 2024 Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr (R) encouraged the states top court to not take up Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss (D) appeal of a ruling disqualifying her from criminally prosecuting President-elect Trump. Lawfare has become far too common in American politics, and it must end. As such, I would encourage the Georgia Supreme Court to not take her appeal, Carr said in a statement posted to the social platform X. The Georgia Court of Appeals, the states intermediate court, in a ruling earlier this month disqualified Willis and her office from the prosecution over the district attorneys romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, a top prosecutor she hired for the case. Once Wade stepped aside, the trial court had allowed Willis to move forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willis is now appealing to the Georgia Supreme Court, hoping to revive her ability to prosecute Trump and more than a dozen of his allies for entering an alleged months-long criminal conspiracy to unlawfully overturn the results of President Bidens 2020 victory. Mr. Carr is a witness in the case he is trying to influence. Apparently, he is more focused on the politics of the 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary rather than the law, Willis responded in a statement. If Mr. Carr cannot separate his ambition to become Governor from his duties as Attorney General, he should resign and focus on being a full-time candidate rather than serving as a constitutional officer sworn to uphold the Constitutions and laws of the United States and Georgia, Willis added. Steve Sadow, Trumps lead defense attorney in Georgia, applauded Carrs statement, calling the case a one-time situation that doesnt meet the state Supreme Courts criteria for granting review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AG Carr is right, Sadow wrote on X. Though Willis has been disqualified, Trumps Georgia charges are not yet officially dismissed. If the court doesnt take the case, a nonpartisan stage agency would take over and have several options for how to proceed, including dropping the charges. Trump has separately argued his Georgia charges must be dismissed now that he is president-elect. His election similarly led to the dismissal of his two federal criminal prosecutions, and Trump has a pending effort to dismiss his New York criminal case that stems from a 2016 hush money payment. Updated at 5:33 pm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 The Hill. Immigrant farm workers harvest broccoli on March 16, 2006, near the border town of San Luis, south of Yuma, Arizona. David McNew/Getty Images Attorney General and announced gubernatorial candidate Chris Carr is hoping a new administration in Washington will mean relief for Georgia farmers who are set to pay more to migrant agricultural workers, but advocates say the laborers often dont receive what they are owed despite working in difficult and unsafe conditions. Our offices request is to work with you and the Trump Administration to address the rising (wage rate) before Georgia farming simply becomes unaffordable, Carr wrote in a letter to President-elect Donald Trumps nominees to lead the U.S. departments of agriculture and labor for his second term, Brooke Rollins and Lori Chavez-DeRemer. We believe the health of our farms is directly tied to the food security, national security, and economic security interests of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal H-2A program offers temporary work to people from foreign countries when there are not enough U.S. workers available for the job. The federal government sets their pay rate by region, and the rate is typically higher than the going rate for U.S. workers. Thats in part to prevent farmers from importing cheap foreign laborers and leaving American farmhands jobless. On average, the rate for H-2A workers is set to rise 4.5%, according to the U.S. Farm Bureau, but the actual changes will vary by region. In Georgia, the rate is set to rise from $14.68 to $16.08, or 9.5%. Nationwide, wages for civilian workers increased 3.9% between September 2023 and 2024, according to the Bureau for Labor Statistics. Overall, the lowest rate for H-2A workers is set to be $14.83 in Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas and the highest is $20.08 in Hawaii. Last December, Carrs office reached out to Biden administration officials Julie Su, the acting labor secretary, and agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack to express concern about the effect rising wages could have on Georgia farmers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrs office says farmers are actually paying more because of visa fees and travel and lodging expenses and they argue that the government is not transparent in the methods it uses to calculate rates. Agriculture and related industries contributed $83.6 billion and 323,000 jobs to Georgias economy in 2022, according to the University of Georgias Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. Carr argues that raising costs for farmers could put that industry at risk. But H-2A workers are already at risk from bad working conditions and often do not even see the money they are owed, said Solimar Mercado-Spencer, director of the Farmworker Rights Division at Georgia Legal Services, a nonprofit law firm. In a 2021 sting known as Operation Blooming Onion, law enforcement officers charged two dozen people with fraudulently using the H-2A program to traffic workers into south Georgia to work under conditions prosecutors called modern-day slavery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three years later, H-2A workers are dealing with exploitation and dangerous conditions. Georgia currently hosts more H-2A workers than any state except Florida. Most of the workers are men and about 90% of them come from Mexico, Mercado-Spencer said. They rarely speak any English and are usually unfamiliar with the U.S. and its legal system. Many use the money to support not only their wives and children, but also extended family, so theyre typically eager to work, but sometimes they are taken advantage of by recruiters who charge them illegal junk fees to come work in addition to bona fide fees and expenses. Since they pay all these expenses up front, they took a loan back in their country to afford that, Mercado-Spencer said. So since they started their work, they already have this debt that they have to pay, theyre thinking about that, and then they come here with overcrowded housing in really bad shape, extreme temperatures, no AC, or heating when its cold, you see workers sleeping on mattresses on the floor, in living rooms, because they put so many workers in one spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the workers in Georgia work in the southern part of the state and often work harvesting labor-intensive crops like onions, blueberries and green peppers, Mercado-Spencer said. They can work long hours, theres no right to breaks, they dont have to provide breaks, its very hard work, and then sometimes they get shorted on their hours, so theyre not getting paid all their hours, or theres amounts deducted from their paychecks that sometimes are bogus, not legitimate deductions, so theyre not getting paid what theyre supposed to get paid, Mercado-Spencer said. Then since they have this debt and theyre only authorized to work for the employer that hired them with this visa, they have no choice really but to stay and just withstand those conditions, so they can at least make some money and try to pay that loan back, she added. Mercado-Spencer said a wage increase would make law-abiding farmers pay more or improve conditions to attract American farm laborers, but without enforcement, shes skeptical the workers that complain to her would benefit from a raise at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of us, including farmers, including consumers, we all are benefiting from this labor, from these farm workers, she said. So we should be treating them fairly. It shouldnt be all about benefiting farmers and consumers. Weve got to think about the workers too when we are looking at these issues and be respectful and grateful for their service. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A car chase which began in Georgia ended Monday afternoon in Anderson County. According to Lavonia Police Department and Anderson County Sheriffs Office, 39-year-old Eric Devitis, who was wanted in the Atlanta area was found Monday by police in Lavonia. When police attempted to arrest Devitis, he reportedly fled, leading officers on a chase which extended out of Georgia and into South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Anderson County Sheriffs Office, when the chase crossed into Anderson County, deputies joined the chase to execute a forcible stop. Once his car was stopped, Devitis reportedly refused to get out of his car, and a sheriffs office K-9 and a taser had to be used to take him into custody. In addition to the charges he was wanted for in Atlanta, Devitis will now also be charged with aggravated assault and fleeing and attempting to elude police, according to Lavonia Police Department. The Anderson County Sheriffs Office charged Devitis with failure to stop for blue lights, 2 counts of a controlled substance, malicious injury to property and resisting arrest. 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 WSPA 7NEWS. Georgia patients, particularly those living with chronic health conditions, are struggling to balance high costs at the pharmacy counter with other daily necessities. Yet, a growing industry of insurance middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are compounding these struggles by meddling in our local health system, increasing health care costs, and blocking access to critical medications. Georgia lawmakers must prioritize reforming PBM practices that are putting life-saving treatments out of reach and to help improve access to care for patients. PBMs are hired by health insurance companies to negotiate drug prices with manufacturers for the health plans they represent. Today, these middlemen have evolved into one of the most influential stakeholders in the health care industry. Making enormous profits, they exert significant control over what treatments patients can access and how much they will be required to pay. PBMs are able to operate with little transparency or oversight, and their decisions are often based on what is most profitable for a health plan, not what is best for a patient. This profit over patients business model is putting critical care out of reach for many Georgia patients. PBMs receive significant rebates and discounts from pharmaceutical manufacturers for the cost of medications and treatments, but they dont pass those savings on to patients receiving the care, increasing what patients are required to pay out of pocket when they pick up their medication at the pharmacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As someone who has lived with multiple chronic conditions, including cancer, arthritis, and lupus, and spent my career as a nurse, I know firsthand how dangerous not being able to access a prescribed treatment can be. PBM reform is long overdue in Georgia last year, Arkansas state lawmakers passed legislation requiring PBMs to pass 100% of manufacturer rebates directly to patients at the point of sale. Several other states across the country, including West Virginia and Florida, have either passed legislation to increase PBM transparency or require passing savings directly to patients. Access to consistent treatments is critical for Georgia patients, particularly those living with chronic health conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, to manage symptoms and lead healthy lives. In 2021, almost 70% of Georgians reported experiencing a health care affordability burden in the previous year, and nearly 40% of Georgians reported cutting their pills in half, skipping doses, or not filling their prescription to accommodate for high costs. When patients are unable to access or afford treatments they need, they are more likely to experience worsened health outcomes and even higher medical costs due to unnecessary hospitalizations or additional doctors appointments. Access to doctor-prescribed treatments can help patients avoid these adverse outcomes, but PBMs continue to stand in the way of necessary care. Scrutiny of these middlemen and their predatory practices has rightfully grown over the past year, with federal and state bipartisan policymakers and regulators calling attention to the outsized role PBMs play in driving up health care costs. After a two-year investigation, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) found that PBM integration with chain pharmacies and insurers has allowed them to dominate the broader health system. The FTC even moved forward to file suit against the three of the nations largest PBMs in September, citing their anticompetitive tactics as a barrier to health care access. In addition, a recent New York Times report found that PBMs often act in their own financial interest, including pushing patients towards drugs with higher out-of-pocket costs because its more profitable for the PBM. Its clear that PBMs have a significant role to play in rising health care costs here in Georgia. Unfortunately, last session Georgia legislators failed to help vulnerable Georgia patients by not passing a bill that would give the designated discounts directly to patients. During next years legislative session, state lawmakers must take action to implement meaningful reform. Policies that would increase transparency and accountability of PBM practices, such as requiring them to share any negotiated medication savings directly with patients, would bring immediate relief to patients struggling to manage high costs for care. At the federal level, Congressman Buddy Carter has been a longtime champion of PBM reform and Congressman Jake Auchincloss is cracking down on inflated drug costs its time our state lawmakers do the same. Policies that improve PBM transparency and accountability and ensure PBMs arent profiting at the expense of Georgia patients are commonsense solutions that should be a top priority when our state lawmakers reconvene next year. A statue of former President Jimmy Carter stands on the state Capitol grounds in Atlanta. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (file photo) Flags will be at half-staff across Georgia and the United States for the next month in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, the only U.S. president to hail from Georgia. Carter died Sunday at 100. His death sparked a wave of fond remembrances across the nation, but nowhere more intensely than in his own state, where he rose in power from a peanut farmer in rural south Georgia to a state senator to Georgias 76th governor and eventually the nations 39th president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After losing his re-election bid, Carter returned to Georgia and his hometown of Plains in 1981, and for many Peach State leaders, the work in his remaining decades outshone his time in the Oval Office and cemented his legacy as a man devoted to serving others. I know of no man in his post presidency who has had a greater impact on humanity than President Carter, said Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson, a Lithonia Democrat. His selfless service to mankind is unparalleled, as was his humbleness and fortitude. A portrait of President Jimmy Carter hangs in the Georgia Capitol. Carter was governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Carter was a prolific humanitarian, largely through the Atlanta-based Carter Center, an organization he founded with former first lady Rosalynn Carter, which has helped fight diseases and promote human rights and democracy around the world. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his efforts. He was also heavily involved with Habitat for Humanity, and he would often be seen donning a hard hat and working on job sites well into his later years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He exemplified the pragmatic wisdom of a peanut farmer, the work ethic of a homebuilder, and the unyielding faith of a Sunday school teacher, said Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, a Newington Republican, adding that Carter will forever be remembered and revered as one of our nations finest public servants. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, an Atlanta Democrat, said the man who shared the stage with world leaders was also humble and kind. My husband, Leslie, and I named our only son, Carter, after this great President, she said. 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. Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, a Jackson Republican, said Carter exemplified what it means to be a public servant and to put the needs of others before your own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, Jones said. Our 39th President represented small towns like Plains, Georgia and never forgot where he and his family came from. President Carters legacy will live on in the numerous nonprofits, charities and organizations Rosalynn, his family and him started, Jones added. Through the Carter Center, the former president served as a diplomat and helped to mediate disputes between nations, negotiate the release of hostages and oversee elections in countries with histories of disputed results. Carter said that marrying Rosalynn Carter was the smartest decision he ever made, and people who knew them described the couple as deeply in love, often flirting or holding hands when the news cameras were away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the longest-lived president in history, perhaps his greatest distinction is the happy marriage he enjoyed with First Lady Carter, spanning over 77 years also the longest of any former president, said Gov. Brian Kemp in a statement. 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. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter smiles during a book signing event in 2018. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at 96. Kemp issued a state of emergency Sunday, allowing him to dedicate state resources to assist in security and transportation logistics for a planned ceremony and interment in Plains. Other ceremonies are set to be held in Washington and Atlanta, but a schedule has not yet been announced. The Carters were devout Christians, and the former president continued to teach Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains for decades, until 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said Carter lived his faith and exemplified the biblical lesson that faith without works is dead. U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, a Baptist preacher, said Carter represented the biblical mandate to care for those in need. He got his hands dirty, literally building peoples homes while helping them build their lives. President Carter was a Matthew 25 Christian, Warnock said. 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Former U.S. president and Georgia legislator Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. Carter died Sunday afternoon at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, according to The Carter Center. Carter had been in hospice care at home since February 2023 following a series of short hospital stays. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 1, 2024, the first time an American president has lived a full century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carters wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, died on Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 96. Health journey Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States, has suffered health problems in recent years. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2015 but announced just months later he no longer needed treatment. In 2019, Carter fell at his home in Plains, while leaving to go turkey hunting. A spokesperson said he underwent surgery at a medical center in Americus, Georgia, and recovered quickly. Plains embraces Jimmy Carters humble beginnings Later that year, he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain from bleeding linked to a fall. The month prior, he fell twice, once hitting his head and another fracturing his pelvis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2019, Carter was admitted to a hospital in Americus for treatment of a urinary tract infection. FILE Former President Jimmy Carter smiles as he is awarded the Order of Manuel Amador Guerrero by Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela during a ceremony at the Carter Center, Jan. 14, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) Carter leaves behind a great legacy as the only Georgian to be president of the United States. He was in office from 1977 to 1981 but his service began early in life. Path to the Oval Office After receiving a degree from the United States Naval Academy and working in the nuclear submarine program, Carter and his wife Rosalynn returned home to take over the family farm. It is community involvement that led him to the Georgia Senate, the governors office and, ultimately, the Oval Office. His campaign for president has a Savannah connection, but as Georgia Historical Society senior historian Dr. Stan Deaton says, his visit to a Hostess City staple is not quite as significant as many think. Jimmy Carter at The Original Pinkie Masters, a staple Savannah dive bar. (Savannah Morning News) Jimmy Carter memorabilia displayed at Pinkie Masters (Savannah Morning News) The legend was, of course, that he announced his candidacy for the presidency from Pinkie Masters that turned out not to be true, Deaton explained. Its well documented that he announced it somewhere else, but he did come to Pinkie Masters on several notable occasions when he came here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deaton said Carter overcame incredible odds, leading an underdog campaign to become the 39th president. He said Carter was considered an outsider who came a long, long way from nowhere. If I were running for office, I would study and figure out exactly what he was able to do, Deaton said, adding, Post-Watergate, there was a lot of cynicism about executive power and I think President Carter restored the sense that the office had some integrity, some accountability and some honor. A crisis of confidence Carters successes in the West Wing include the Camp David Accords secret meetings that were the first significant step toward peace in the Middle East even though it didnt last. Which was a huge coup for him, Deaton said. A huge victory in the Middle East and, quite frankly, one that no other president since then has been able to replicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While peace made progress in one part of the Middle East, a revolution in another led to a big challenge for Carter: the energy crisis of 1979. The Iranian Revolution disrupted oil production and led to gas shortages and long lines in the U.S. Official presidential portrait of Jimmy Carter The problem inspired a national address where Carter spoke about what he called a crisis of confidence. In the half-hour speech, he asked Americans to reduce their usage to refocus on a common purpose instead of self-interest. On the battlefield of energy, we can win for our nation a new confidence and we can seize control again of our common destiny, Carter said in his July 15, 1979 speech. The lowest point in the Carter years, many believe, ultimately cost him a second term: the Iran hostage crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held a group of Americans hostage for more than 400 days. A failed rescue attempt killed several American servicemembers. Jimmy Carter, trounced in 1980, gets fresh look from history There were just several things that imprinted in the popular mind that President Carter was ineffective, that he was weak, that in many ways he was naive about the world and the way it operated, Deaton said. But Carter launched several other careers after his stay in the White House, becoming an author, humanitarian and diplomat. Life after the White House Hes kind of the model of what presidents should do when they get out of office, Deaton said, Which is still serve in some way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and his wife founded The Carter Center, based in Atlanta, and spent decades helping to bring peace, health and hope to 86 countries all around the world. Its a monumental effort that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter is one of only two native Georgians to do so. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes and we must, the president said in his 2002 speech. A champion of Habitat for Humanity, he and the former first lady spent more than 35 years volunteering for the Americus-founded nonprofit. After brain surgery, Jimmy Carter returns to hometown church Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains. (WSAV) Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains. (WSAV) Carter took a stand for social change often, whether in front of world leaders or his hometown crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A time when everybody will live in peace with each other; when there will be no more war, and when people will relate to each other as equals, he said in a Sunday school class. Is that an impossibility? I would say noit depends on the collective will of the people on Earth. 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. Mikheil Kavelashvili, the anti-Western "President" of Georgia, whose legitimacy is not recognised by much of the international community, incumbent Georgian leader Salome Zourabichvili along with the opposition signed several laws on his inauguration day, including a ban on masks and pyrotechnics at protests. Source: European Pravda, citing Radio Liberty Georgian Service Details: A total of 28 laws signed by Kavelashvili were released in The Legislative Bulletin of Georgia, the official website for the publishing of laws in Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the laws signed were amendments to the law On Assemblies and Mass Demonstrations, which ban protesters from wearing masks or other face coverings and prohibit the use of laser devices and pyrotechnics. Kavelashvili also approved amendments to the law on state security, stripping Salome Zourabichvili of her state protection. He further signed changes to the law on civil service, which human rights activists say make it easier to dismiss employees for political reasons. Several of the laws signed by Kavelashvili came into force immediately upon being signed. Background: On 29 December, the Georgian parliament inaugurated Mikheil Kavelashvili, whose legitimacy is not recognised by incumbent Georgian leader Salome Zourabichvili, the opposition and much of the international community. On the morning of 29 December, Zourabichvili addressed her supporters and announced her decision to leave the presidential palace. Prior to that, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, threatened her with imprisonment. Earlier, the Baltic states, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Finland called on the Georgian authorities to consider holding new elections. Support UP or become our patron! BERLIN (AP) The German government on Monday sought to downplay efforts by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk to get involved in the country's general election campaign by again endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party. Musk caused uproar over the weekend after backing the AfD in an opinion piece in a major newspaper, leading to the resignation of the papers opinion editor in protest. Freedom of expression also includes the greatest nonsense," government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said, adding that she wouldn't comment further on Musk's statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did, however, say that it is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statement." In that context, Hoffmann also pointed out that the AfD is being monitored by Germany's domestic intelligence service on suspicion of being right-wing extremist and that it has already been recognized as such in some individual German states. 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. Musks guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he had supported Alternative for Germany, or AfD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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! 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newspaper was attacked by politicians and other media for offering Musk, a foreigner, a platform. Musks opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag was accompanied by a critical article by the future editor-in-chief of the Welt group, Jan Philipp Burgard, who wrote that while some of Musk's diagnoses of Germany's problems may be correct his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally wrong. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said she plans to extend border controls beyond March 2025, citing success in limiting irregular migration and combat people smuggling. "Our comprehensive measures to limit irregular migration and combat people smuggling are working," Faeser told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper in remarks published on Monday. Faeser said that the controls would be necessary until the European Union significantly strengthens its external border protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German Interior Ministry decided to expand border checks to all of the country's land borders in mid-September to limit irregular migration. Police had previously been conducting checks along Germany's borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland, officially on a temporary basis. The checks at the land borders with Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are new. Germany and all of its neighbours are members of the Schengen Area, which normally means people can cross borders without any need for visas or checks. Schengen rules allow countries to reinstitute checks on a temporary basis. The German border controls are limited to six months, but can be renewed. Controls along Germany's border with Austria, for example, were first instituted on a temporary basis in 2015 but have remained continuously in place since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police figures from November, 6,889 attempted unauthorized entries were detected in October. The figure is very similar to the number of people stopped in September. From March to August, the number was between 7,000 and 7,800 each month, according to the Federal Police, and lower in January (6,906) and February (5,998). KYODO NEWS - Dec 30, 2024 - 11:45 | All, Japan Eel has been selected as Japan's "Dish of the Year" in 2024, reflecting its popularity among inbound tourists and progress in research to pursue its sustainability amid dwindling catches, a restaurant search website operator said. Gurunavi Inc. also said opportunities to consume eel have expanded beyond celebratory occasions due to an improvement in processing technology, making the fish available in such forms as "onigiri" rice balls. In Japan, researchers are conducting studies to realize a complete aquaculture process, where eels raised from eggs are artificially inseminated to produce the next generation. "We want people to enjoy eels in various forms in daily life, while being aware of the importance of natural eels as a resource," a Gurunavi official said in early December. Japanese craft gin came in second. Domestically distilled products are winning increasing recognition overseas, with various areas of the country starting to create their own gin with different flavors, Gurunavi said. Premium ramen noodles were given the "Inbound Award" on the back of their rising popularity among travelers visiting Japan, the company said, as the recent weakness of the yen has increasingly made it a reasonable yet high-quality dish. An increasing number of ramen shops are differentiating themselves from rivals by adding value to ingredients, noodles and soups, while some have started taking reservations or introducing priority entry, Gurunavi said. The company selects its "Dish of the Year" based on the search history on its website and the results of a questionnaire. Related coverage: Japanese sake in spotlight as tourists enjoy brewing experiences FEATURE: Return of mystery "baseball soba" a home run for diners in Morioka Foreign tourists showing appetite for Japan's art of food replicas A German newspapers opinion section editor has resigned in protest over an Elon Musk op-ed supporting the far-right AfD party, which has called for mass deportations of immigrants from Germany. Musks piece claimed the portrayal of the AfD as rightwing 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 said his significant investments justified his piece delving into German politics, but he did not outline them. He is not German and does not vote in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the piece was published online, the editor of the Welt am Sonntag opinion section, Eva Marie Kogel, used Musks own X platform to post that she had submitted her resignation to the newspaper, which is part of the Axel Springer media group, which also owns the U.S. politics website Politico. I always enjoyed heading the opinion department at Welt and Wams. Today a text by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. Yesterday I submitted my resignation after printing, Kogel posted. She included a link to the Musk commentary article. Senior Welt Group figures weighed in online over Musks article on Saturday, the day before it hit print. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression. This includes dealing with polarizing positions and classifying them journalistically, the newspapers editor-in-chief designate, Jan Philipp Burgard, and Ulf Poschardt, who takes over as publisher on 1 January, told Reuters. Underneath Musks commentary, the newspaper published a response by Burgard. Musks diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally false, he wrote. Musk and Weidel both later posted a link to the article on X. The AfD backing from Musk comes as Germans are set to vote on February 23. The AfD is running second in opinion polls. The post German Newspaper Editor Resigns Over Elon Musk Op-ed Supporting Far Right Party appeared first on TheWrap. German officials have widely condemned Elon Musks attempts to meddle in the upcoming German elections by boosting the far-right AfD party. After praising the party on social media, Musk published an op-ed over the weekend touting AfD (or Alternative for Germany) as the countrys last spark of hope and backing its anti-immigrant stance as necessary for the preservation of German culture and security. In the piece, he argued the party is not "right-wing extremist" and argued it represents "political realism" on the economy. For my history buffs: This op-ed read eerily similar to Charles Lindberghs infamous antisemitic Des Moines speech against U.S.'s involvement in World War II by invoking nationalism. Several German government officials have denounced Musks attempts to sway German voters, and a government spokesperson based in Berlin said on Monday that Musks nonsense despite being protected speech showed he was clearly trying to influence the federal election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With his outsized wealth and the massive megaphone he purchased in the social media platform X, Musk has fashioned himself into an international far-right benefactor by aligning himself with illiberal and pro-extremist movements around the globe. And hes taken a particular interest in Europes far-right movements, which may have something to do with his reaction to the European Union's efforts to hold him accountable for the abusive behavior hes allowed on his social media site. The E.U. has been the most aggressive body on earth in cracking down on social media manipulation, and Musk, in turn, has backed far-right movements in the United Kingdom and Italy, as well as Germanys AfD party, whose leader has been known to use Nazi rhetoric and whose members have been involved in acts of violent extremism. Unsurprisingly, members of AfD have shown fondness for President-elect Donald Trump and some parts of the GOP. Its abundantly clear Musk wants to use his perceived status as a U.S. presidential kingmaker and his status as the worlds richest man to dislodge governments that may be unfavorable to him. Having helped Trump ascend to the presidency, he sees Europe as his next political playground. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com German political leaders across the mainstream have strongly condemned Elon Musk for his op-ed piece in German newspaper Die Welt am Sonntag in which he endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of Germanys Feb. 23 federal elections. Friedrich Merz, the chancellor candidate for the conservative CDU party, called Musks intervention overreaching and presumptuous, describing it as an unprecedented interference in Germanys democracy. I cannot recall a comparable case of interference in the election campaign of a friendly country in the history of Western democracies, Merz told the Funke Media Group. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lars Klingbeil, co-chair of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), drew parallels between Musks actions and those of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Elon Musk is attempting nothing different than Vladimir Putin, Klingbeil stated. Both want to influence our elections and deliberately support the AfDs enemies of democracy. They want Germany to be weakened and plunge into chaos. In his controversial op-ed, Musk claimed that Germany stands on the brink of economic and cultural collapse and portrayed the AfD, Germanys most extreme right-wing political party, as the countrys sole hope for recovery. The essay expanded on Musks AfD-friendly posts on his social media platform, X, including one last week where he claimed only the AfD can save Germany. The commentary piece in German was launched online on Saturday and published on Sunday in Die Welt am Sonntag, the flagship paper of the Axel Springer media group, the company that also owns U.S. political news site Politico. Shortly after the piece was published online, Eva Marie Kogel, the editor of Die Welts opinion section, posted on X that she had submitted her resignation over the article. I always enjoyed heading the opinion department at Welt and Wams. Today a text by Elon Musk appeared in Welt am Sonntag. Yesterday I submitted my resignation after printing, she posted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germanys domestic intelligence agency has classified the AfD at the national level as a suspected extremism case since 2021. Regional branches of the party in the states of Saxony and Thuringia are designated as confirmed right-wing extremist groups. Despite this, the party is currently polling second nationwide ahead of the February elections. Germanys proportional representation system means no single party is likely to secure enough votes to form a government on their own. All the other parties in the German parliament have said they will not govern together with the AfD. Die Welt editor Jan Philipp Burgard published an opinion article alongside Musks, under the title: Why Elon Musk is betting on the AfD and why he is wrong in which Burgard praised the Tesla founder as the greatest entrepreneurial genius of our time and broadly agreed with his critique of Germany, but noted that the AfD is partly xenophobic and anti-Semitic. That is why it is a danger to Germany. Burgard also pointed to AfDs official policy to take Germany out of the European Union, something he argued would be economically disastrous for Germany, which is a major exporter nation. SPD co-chair Saskia Esken criticized both Musk and the newspapers decision to publish the piece. Our democracy is resilient and not for sale, Esken told Reuters. She characterized Musks intervention as part of a broader pattern of attempted external influence on German democracy, whether state-organized from Russia or through the concentrated money and media power of Elon Musk and his billionaire friends. The controversy comes amid fresh revelations about the AfDs extremist connections. Investigative outlet Correctiv recently reported on a meeting in Switzerland attended by AfD representatives, members of the banned neo-Nazi network Blood & Honour, and others, where topics such as revoking citizenship from naturalized Germans and privatizing deportations were allegedly discussed. Correctiv broke a similar story in January about a secret meeting between members of the AfD, neo-Nazis, and sympathetic German business leaders in which they discussed the forced deportations of millions of people currently living in Germany, including those with German citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch condemned Die Welts decision to provide Musk with an official platform to campaign for the AfD, calling it shameful and dangerous. Green Party deputy parliamentary group leader Konstantin von Notz criticized the newspaper for being historically oblivious in offering a platform to a Western oligarch like Musk to advertise for these enemies of democracy. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stricter regulation of social media platforms. Klingbeil urged for more aggressive measures to limit the influence of major internet platforms like Musks X, emphasizing the need for EU-wide legal instruments against disinformation and the concentration of power in the hands of tech billionaires. Musks messing with German politics comes five years after the launch of his Tesla factory in Brandenburg outside Berlin. The project was fast-tracked and built at record speed. Today it employs some 12,500 workers and produces 5,000 vehicles weekly. However, early tensions emerged over environmental concerns, particularly regarding water usage in the drought-prone region. Musk publicly dismissed these worries, but environmental groups successfully pressured Tesla to reduce its water consumption. Musk justified his op-ed piece by arguing as someone who has made a significant investment in the German industry and technology landscape he had the right to speak about Germanys political direction. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The German government on Monday accused Elon Musk of trying to influence its February election after the worlds wealthiest person penned an op-ed this weekend backing the far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD). It is indeed the case that Elon Musk is trying to influence the federal election through his statement, government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said at a Monday media briefing, according to media reports. Hoffmann sought to downplay the significance of Musks efforts to rally support behind AfD, saying, Freedom of expression also includes the greatest nonsense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments come after Musk, who first backed the AfD earlier this month, detailed his position in the German Welt am Sonntag newspaper, touching on a range of issues he said Germany must address as it nears an economic and cultural collapse. He defended his efforts to get involved in the political climate, saying he has the right to do so because he has made significant investments in Germanys technological and industrial sectors. Musk has also called for the resignation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. In the op-ed, Musk, a close adviser of President-elect Trump, argued that Germanys economy is handicapped by regulatory overreach and bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, he wrote, according to a rough translation. 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 has been tapped by Trump to lead a Department of Government Efficiency alongside fellow tech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy. 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 The Hill. Germany's foreign minister urged new European Union sanctions on Russia's dark fleet. As part of a probe into a cut cable, Finland said last week it detained a ship that may be from the dark fleet. The case is being investigated as "aggravated criminal mischief," Finnish police said. Germany's foreign minister has called for further sanctions against Russia's dark fleet of oil tankers following damage to an underwater cable linking Finland and Estonia last week. "Ships are damaging major undersea cables in the Baltic Sea almost every month," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told the Funke media group. "Crews are leaving anchors in the water, dragging them for kilometers along the seafloor for no apparent reason, and then losing them when pulling them up," Baerbock said, per an AFP translation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's more than difficult to still believe in coincidences. This is an urgent wake-up call for all of us," she added. Baerbock urged new European Union sanctions against Russia's dark or shadow fleet of oil tankers that transport sanctioned Russian oil and energy products. The EU has also sanctioned 79 vessels from Russia's shadow fleet. These ships are banned from accessing EU ports and services. Many of these vessels are aging, operating under opaque ownership, and sailing without adequate insurance coverage. They pose environmental and financial risks to coastal countries. A heavy storm earlier this month caused two tankers to spill thousands of tons of low-grade fuel oil into the Kerch Strait, between the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baerbock's comments came after Finnish authorities detained the Eagle S oil tanker on Thursday as part of an investigation into the cutting of an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea. The cable transmits electricity from Finland to Estonia. The case is being investigated as "aggravated criminal mischief," Finnish police said in a press release. Finnish customs authorities and the European Union's executive commission said the tanker might be part of Russia's dark fleet of tankers. The Kremlin declined to comment on Finland's seizure of the oil tanker on Friday. "I cannot say anything for sure, for this is a highly specialized issue that the presidential administration is hardly in a position to comment on," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in response to a question on the Finnish move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on X that he had spoken to the Finnish president about the investigation into the "possible sabotage of undersea cables." "#NATO will enhance its military presence in the Baltic Sea," Rutte added. Read the original article on Business Insider The German government is limiting its support for Georgia due to the country's plans to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union. Cooperation with Georgian authorities has been scaled back, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office in Berlin said on Monday. This also applies to projects that have been suspended. According to the Ministry of Development, projects totalling 237 million ($246 million) have been halted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim of the cooperation was to support Georgia on its European path, the ministry spokeswoman said, adding that this was unfortunately no longer possible with the current government. The aim was not to stop all cooperation, she noted. Projects should continue if the benefits for the mainly pro-European population outweigh the disadvantages, and rapprochement with Europe continues to be supported. For weeks, thousands of people in Georgia have been demonstrating for a return to the pro-EU course and a rerun of October's parliamentary election, which saw the nationalist ruling Georgian Dream party declare itself the winner. The party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, had put EU accession negotiations on hold until 2028, triggering the protests in the South Caucasus republic. Germany has commissioned several aid projects worth 60 million ($62.5 million) in Syria following the fall of ruler Bashar al-Assad, according to Development Minister Svenja Schulze. "The humanitarian situation of the people in Syria is catastrophic," Schulze told RND media group in comments published on Monday. She emphasized that nearly 14 years of civil war had left much of the country in ruins, with 90% of the population living in poverty and reliant on international assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the future of Syria remains uncertain, Schulze expressed cautious optimism, noting that there is potential for positive change and stressing the need to provide support to help make it happen. She explained that the planned aid projects would be carried out solely through UN agencies and non-governmental organizations. According to the Development Ministry, 25 million will go to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), which will focus on rehabilitating schools and providing psychosocial support for traumatized children. Additionally, 19 million will be allocated to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), which organizes short-term job opportunities for internally displaced persons, such as clearing rubble and debris. The funding comes from Germany's 2024 budget, which allocates a total of 132 million for Syria-related projects BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany said on Monday it would back 60 million euros ($62.70 million) worth of projects in Syria to boost education, women's rights and other areas in the aftermath of the overthrow of president Bashar al-Assad. Development Minister Svenja Schulze said a "historic window" had opened since rebels seized control of Damascus on Dec. 8, forcing Assad to flee after more than 13 years of civil war and ending his family's decades-long rule. "What will happen next has not yet been decided. But the opportunity for positive development is there and we should now do everything we can to support it," she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around half the projects were focused on education with 25 million euros going to the U.N. children's agency UNICEF, and 6 million euros for aid group Arche Nova, which runs schools for about 3,000 children. "We have clearly formulated our expectations: an education system free of ideology, discrimination and exclusion," Schulze said in the statement. Another 19 million euros will go to the United Nations development agency UNDP, Syrian NGOs will get 7 million euros, and 3 million euros will go to a special U.N. fund supporting Syrian women's groups, the statement said. All projects would be run through non-governmental organisations and U.N. aid agencies, not Syria's new authorities, the ministry added. ($1 = 0.9569 euros) (Reporting by Miranda Murray; Editing by Andrew Heavens) BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Olaf Scholz appealed to his fellow Germans to vote in snap elections in February as the country argues over immigration and the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), according to a New Year's speech seen in advance. "I appeal to you today: Please go vote! By looking around in the world, you will know what a great accomplishment free and fair elections are," Scholz said in the address, which is set to air at 1910 GMT. Germans will head to the polls in a parliamentary election on Feb. 23 after a fractious Scholz-led coalition government comprising his Social Democrats, the Greens and the pro-business FDP ended in collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the address, Scholz also alluded to a recent stand-off with U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, who has endorsed the AfD and called for Scholz to resign in the wake of a deadly attack in Magdeburg. The future of Germany "will not be decided by the owners of social media channels," Scholz said in the address. "It won't be the person who yells loudest who will decide where Germany goes from here - rather, that will be up to the vast majority of reasonable and decent people," he added. Five people were killed and some 200 people injured in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Dec. 20, stoking the flames of a debate over limiting immigration and a harsher stance on deportations. (Reporting by Friederike Heine, Editing by Miranda Murray) KYODO NEWS - Dec 30, 2024 - 09:05 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism Japan's education ministry has urged that school trips be planned for the off-season due to a recent labor shortage in transportation and accommodations amid a boom in inbound tourism, according to sources familiar with the matter. Schools tend to have their trips between May and June or from September to December, according to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Avoiding peak travel seasons would benefit schools as they would not need to suddenly change schedules due to the unavailability of charter buses or hotels. The ministry sent notices on Dec. 12 to education boards and schools after the bus and travel industries requested its cooperation regarding the scheduling of school trips. "The recent acute labor shortage makes it difficult for schools to secure charter buses and accommodations," the ministry said in the notice, urging more flexible timing. The most popular travel season for junior high schools in fiscal 2023 was May, while that for high schools was October, according to a survey by the Japan School Tours Bureau, a nonprofit private organization. Many schools decide timing of their trips based on annual academic schedules and weather, with Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Okinawa prefectures among the favored destinations. There has been a shortage in bus driver availability since the government earlier this year restricted their working hours to improve conditions, with some schools opting for trains instead. Related coverage: Driver overtime cap introduced as worker shortage worsens For the past two months, 91-year-old South Milwaukee resident Dorothy Wiza's phone has been bombarded with spam calls. Starting in November, while Wiza ate meals at her kitchen table or sorted through the mail, her Panasonic wall phone rang and rang while flashing the message "Spam Risk" across the caller ID line. At first, Wiza said she thought "Spam Risk" was the name of a company trying to reach her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They were calling up to five times a day and then seven times by Christmas," she said. Wiza asked Public Investigator for a solution to the ongoing problem. "This goes on every single day. I don't know how this can be stopped," Wiza said. "I can't take this anymore." Like Wiza, many consumers field dozens of scam calls and robocalls every day. Americans receive an average of 4 billion robocalls per year, according an October report by the Federal Communications Commission Robocall Response team. Scam calls are the federal agency's top consumer complaint. "The FCC estimates the cost of these calls to consumers is at least $3 billion per year from lost time alone," Babette Boliek, the former FCC chief economist, wrote in a 2019 report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though scam calls can sometimes be hard to avoid, experts have shared a variety of tips to keep in mind. How do I know if I am receiving a scam call? The Federal Trade Commission's Office of the Inspector General details that scammers often employ four common tactics to keep people on a call. They pretend to be from prominent organizations that people are familiar with They state that there is a problem or emergency that puts you or a family member at physical or financial risk They pressure you to share personal information and threaten you with things like hacking, lawsuits or arrest They demand that you send them money through wire companies, cryptocurrency, payment apps or gift cards How can I block unwanted spam calls or robocalls? According to the Federal Trade Commission, the best way to block and prevent unwanted phone calls is through call blocking and call labeling. Many types of call blocking software and devices are available for both cellphones and landlines to reduce the number of scam calls and robocalls you receive. Meanwhile, many cellular devices are equipped with software or devices that scan for illegal robocalls or scam calls and alert you if an incoming call is coming from a suspicious number. This is known as call labeling. What does it mean if I get a call that is labeled 'spam risk' or 'spam likely'? Many phone providers have embedded software into cellular devices that scan for potential scam calls. These calls might appear on your caller ID with a label of "spam risk" or "spam likely." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is up to you to decide whether or not to pick up the call. If you answer and the call appears to be a scam or robocall, you can report it to the FCC or Federal Trade Commission. If certain phone numbers are improperly identified as spam calls, users can notify their phone provider for correction. How can I block scam calls on my cellphone? A variety of scam call blocking apps are available in mobile device app stores like the Apple Store, Google Play or the Galaxy Store. Some apps are free, while others charge fees for additional features. The Federal Trade Commission advises users to read the reviews on each app and choose which app best serves their needs. Cellular providers like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Spectrum also usually provide anti-scam services such as "Scam Shield" or "Spectrum Call Guard," which provide additional scam blocking and reporting features if you sign up for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you report a suspicious caller on these platforms, the cellular companies can prevent those numbers from contacting other people in the future. From the archives: Text message scams are on the rise in Wisconsin How can I block spam calls on a traditional landline? If you have a home phone or landline, call blocking devices can be attached to your phone. The systems are commonly sold at stores like Target, Walmart, Best Buy and other electronics retailers. According to the FTC, these devices use a database of known scam numbers to track and block scam calls, but also allow users to add numbers to the device. Other call blocking devices require users to create their own list of numbers to block. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call blocking devices can have a variety of features, including flashing a blinking light when receiving calls from a blocked or unwanted number, connecting scam callers to a recording, sending calls to voicemail or providing do-not-disturb hours that only allow certain numbers to get through. More: A Wisconsin woman received a $750,000 prize in the mail. She's one of thousands to be targeted by scammers. Why do so many spam calls come from local area codes? This is because of something called caller ID spoofing. Caller ID spoofing is when a person falsifies the information displayed on caller ID to disguise their identity. This might be through presenting themselves as a prominent company or government agency, or by acquiring a number with a local area code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These callers might attempt to steal money or valuable information by falsely presenting themselves on a call. What is the government doing about scam calls? Since 2021, the FCC has worked to implement laws that require all phone companies to implement robocall defense software for consumers. While there is no single cure-all when it comes to robocalls, having this technology in our networks is real progress and we will continue to push forward with this and every other tool we have to fight these junk calls," said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a June 2023 statement. As of October, more than 4,000 companies have completed installation of the required robocall-fighting standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. PIRG Education Fund, a consumer protection advocacy group, reported that scam robocalls and illegal telemarketing calls have dropped by 17% since 2021 due to the new FCC laws. However, consumers have since noticed an increase in robotexts, which are not monitored by the system. Other resources to avoid scam calls If you receive a scam call, file a complaint with the FCC Consumer Complaint Center You can also report an unwanted call by completing a form at DoNotCall.gov Register your telephone numbers in the National Do Not Call Registry File complaints with the FCC by going to fcc.gov/complaints Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at tfowlkes@gannett.com. About Public Investigator Government corruption. Corporate wrongdoing. Consumer complaints. Medical scams. Public Investigator is a new initiative of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and its sister newsrooms across Wisconsin. Our team wants to hear your tips, chase the leads and uncover the truth. We'll investigate anywhere in Wisconsin. Send your tips to watchdog@journalsentinel.com or call 414-319-9061. You can also submit tips at jsonline.com/tips. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here are some tips to deal with spam calls and robocalls in Wisconsin GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) The 20th Annual Chanukah on Main kicked off Sunday with the lighting of a giant menorah at NOMA Square. Jewish, non-Jewish, the community comes together to celebrate the message of light, the message of freedom and really what Hanukkah represents is the freedom of religion, said Rabbi Leibel Kesselman, the Rabbi of the Chabad Jewish Center of Greenville. For two decades, lighting a giant menorah was the Greenville communitys version of the Jewish Festival of Lights. Attendees got the chance to experience a live band play holiday classics like Oh Hanukkah and Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel while they munched on fried foods like a special Jewish donut and potato-like pancakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its called sufganiyot which is donuts, also fried in oil because of the miracle of the oil when the Jewish people came and rededicated the temple 2,000 years ago, said Kesselman. According to Kesselman, when the Jews reconsecrated the temple from the Greeks in 169 B.C.E, there was only enough oil for one night. The miracle was that it was able to be lit for eight days, said Audrey Pasin, a festival attendee. Pasin says she identifies as Jewish and says the Greenville community as a whole was welcoming to a transplant like herself, despite acknowledging the area is predominately Christian. There are not a lot of jews in Greenville, but we have a beautiful history here starting with Mayor Max Heller who came here many years ago and helped the city to develop, said Pasin. I find the Christians here are very welcoming to the Jews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WSPA 7NEWS. PARIS (AP) The ex-husband of Gisele Pelicot won't appeal his 20-year prison sentence for drugging and raping her and allowing dozens of other men to rape her while she was unconscious, in a case that revolted France, his lawyer said Monday. Dominique Pelicot wants to spare his ex-wife a new ordeal of another trial, lawyer Beatrice Zavarro said in an interview with broadcaster France Info. She said 17 of the 50 other men also found guilty this month have decided to appeal their sentences after a more than three-month trial that turned 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot into an icon against sexual violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court in the southern French city of Avignon handed down sentences ranging from three to 15 years' imprisonment for the 50 men found guilty of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault on Gisele Pelicot over nearly a decade of shocking abuse orchestrated by her then-husband and inflicted on her unwittingly. The court found Dominique Pelicot guilty of rape and all other charges against him and sentenced him to 20 years in prison, the maximum possible. At age 72, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. He wont be eligible to request early release until hes served at least two-thirds of the sentence. Zavarro, his lawyer, said: He believes that the judicial page should be turned and that this chapter should be considered closed." The appeals trial is expected to be in the last third of 2025, the appeals court in the southern city of Nimes said in a statement. It confirmed that 17 of those found guilty filed appeals ahead of a Monday night deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial spurred a national reckoning about the blight of rape culture. Dominique Pelicot laced his wife's food and drink with tranquilizers to render her unconscious. He then invited strangers he met online to take part in sordid rape and abuse fantasies that he acted out with them and filmed in the couples retirement home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere. Gisele Pelicots courage during the bruising trial and her appalling ordeal, inflicted on the retired power company worker in what she had thought was a loving marriage, galvanized campaigners and triggered calls for tougher measures to stamp out rape culture. She waived her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual abuse and successfully pushed for the hearings and evidence including her ex-husbands homemade videos to be heard in open court, insisting that shame should fall on her abusers, not her. (KRON) Matthew Muller, the notorious convicted kidnapper in the Vallejo Gone Girl case has been charged in a series of home invasion sexual assaults stemming from 15 years ago. The incidents took place in Mountain View and Palo Alto, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office. Muller, 47, was one of the central figures in the Netflix documentary series American Nightmare about the 2015 kidnapping of Denise Huskins. Authorities initially suspected the kidnapping as being a hoax perpetrated by Huskins and her boyfriend. On March 23, 2015, Muller broke into Huskins home where he drugged and tied up the couple. He kidnapped Huskins and drove her to a cabin in South Lake Tahoe where he sexually assaulted her. Denise Huskins talks to a Santa Cruz County Sheriffs deputy in Seaside on March 21, 2024. (KRON4 / Amy Larson) Two days later, he drove her to Southern California where he released her. The case drew comparisons to the film, Gone Girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muller was later identified as a suspect and arrested. The Vallejo Police Department eventually paid Huskins and her boyfriend $2.5 million in a settlement. Timeline: Matthew Muller and Gone Girl Vallejo kidnapping case According to the Santa Clara County DA, a new lead led to coordinating with the Palo Alto and Mountain View police departments. Evidence was sent back to the DAs crime lab for further testing. Mullers DNA was found on straps used to bind one of the victims. The DA and the police departments conducted a follow up investigation resulting in these new charges. Muller, according to the DA, now faces two felony counts of committing a sexual assault during a home invasion for the 2009 crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The details of this persons violent crime spree seem scripted for Hollywood, but they are tragically real, District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. Our goal is to make sure this defendant is held accountable and will never hurt or terrorize anyone ever again. Our hope is that this nightmare is over. CHP discovers firearm, nearly 29 lbs. of marijuana during North Bay traffic stop On Sept. 29, 2009, Muller allegedly broke into a Mountain View womans home, attacked her, tied her up, made her drunk a concoction of medications, and said he was going to rape her, the DA said. After the victim, a woman in her 30s, talked him out of it, he suggested she get a dog and fled. The second incident occurred on Oct. 18 of the same year. Muller allegedly broke into a Palo Alto home, bound and gagged a woman in her 30s and made her drink Nyquil. He began to assault her, the DA said, before being persuaded to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muller gave the victim crime prevention advise and fled. Both cases were investigated but went unsolved, the DA said. Muller pleaded guilty to kidnapping in the Gone Girl case in 2016 and to the sexual assault of Denise Huskins in 2022. This week, Muller was transferred from a federal prison in Tucson, Arizona, to a Santa Clara County jail to face the new charges. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Hall of Justice in San Jose Monday afternoon. If convicted, he will face a life prison sentence, prosecutors said. 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 KRON4. The man convicted in the 2015 kidnapping of Denise Huskins in Vallejo, California, is scheduled to appear in Santa Clara County court on Monday to face new charges for a different case. Matthew Muller is currently serving a 40-year sentence in an Arizona prison for the rape and false imprisonment of Huskins in what police initially thought was a hoax. Forensic DNA testing has now led to new charges in connection to a series of home invasion sexual assaults in Mountain View and Palo Alto, the Santa Clara County district attorney's office announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What are the new charges against Matthew Muller? The Santa Clara County district attorney's office alleges that Muller broke into the homes of women in Mountain View and Palo Alto. Muller is suspected of medicating, and then sexually assaulting both women, prosecutors say. Both attacks happened within weeks of each other in 2009, from September to October, and had gone unsolved. Investigators did initially identify Muller as a possible suspect in the Palo Alto case. However, detectives said they didn't have enough evidence at the time to charge him. Muller is scheduled to appear in Santa Clara County court at 1 p.m. Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Real "Gone Girl" case Muller, a Sacramento-area native, was convicted in 2022 for the 2015 kidnapping and rape of Vallejo resident Denise Huskins. Police initially believed the disappearance was a hoax and accused Huskins' boyfriend of perpetrating it, reminding many of the plot of the popular novel and movie "Gone Girl." However, Muller was eventually linked to the case and arrested for both Huskins' kidnapping as well as a home invasion in Dublin. Huskins' kidnapping received renewed interest in 2024 after the release of the Netflix documentary "American Nightmare" which detailed the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vallejo police also received renewed criticism for its handling of the case after the release of the documentary. The department had already been sued for its handling of the kidnapping. Trump says he plans to change Gulf of Mexico's name to "Gulf of America" Windy conditions may be improving near Eaton Fire How historic weather conditions fueled the Los Angeles area wildfires 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered all U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff until late January in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, served as president from 1977-1981, but was better known for the humanitarian work he undertook after leaving office. Flags will be flown at half-staff until sunset on Jan. 28, 30 days after the former president died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden had ordered flags on federal buildings and grounds in the U.S. and its territories, as well as all naval vessels, to also fly at half-staff. In accordance with the orders issued by the President of the United States of America, in honor of the life and service of former President James Earl Carter, Jr., I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as the Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio for a period of 30 days from the day of his death. The flags shall remain lowered until sunset on January 28, 2025. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Jimmy Carter: 1924-2024 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. Fast fashion is a huge problem for our planet, and a new report released by the United States Government Accountability Office shows exactly why that is, Teen Vogue reported. The report was requested by Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat from Maine's 1st Congressional District who founded the Slow Fashion Caucus to fight the waste and pollution caused by the fashion industry. The findings will not be surprising to anyone who has been following this issue, but they attempt to quantify the amount of damage that fast fashion causes, which has been difficult to this point, as the industry has not been forthcoming about its wasteful practices. What should the government do about the fast fashion industry? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind One of the report's findings is that there has been a 50% increase in the amount of polyester in landfills over the last 20 years. The report also explained that cheap clothing is being produced and distributed at a rate that is far from sustainable, as consumers buy poor-quality items made essentially from plastic, wear them briefly, and throw them away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the clothes are sent to landfills, they sit there, taking up space, shedding microplastics, releasing methane, and leaching other chemicals into the surrounding soil and water. "[The report] makes it clear that we're not doing much about the problem. Everything from the number of packages that come in from China that go directly to consumers that are basically from Temu and Shein," Pingree told Teen Vogue. "We're not putting any of the burden back on the manufacturers through a sort of more circular economy type legislation." Ultimately, Pingree hopes that the report will help the members of the Slow Fashion Caucus push for more legislation that disincentivizes polluting companies such as Temu and Shein from continuing to do business as usual. As Teen Vogue pointed out, there are multiple pieces of legislation in the works that could help achieve this goal, such as the Americas Act from American Circular Textiles and The Fabric Act, although given the incoming Republican White House, House of Representatives, and Senate, it is difficult to be optimistic that any such laws will pass in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pingree, however, is not swayed from her mission, telling Teen Vogue, "The cost of municipal landfills is a burden on every government across the country, and if we're thinking about how to shift that burden back under the manufacturer, I think we'll get some traction. So we may have to be a little bit creative in the way we work about this, go about doing this." 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. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Governor-elect Mike Kehoe announced on Monday several individuals who will make up senior staff in the governors office after his inauguration in January. Kehoe will continue to announce administration appointments in the coming weeks leading up to his inauguaration on Jan. 13. Chief of Staff Adam Gresham was named Chief of Staff after serving as Kehoes transition director and various positions in stage government, such as in the Missouri Senate. Deputy Chief of Staff Policy and Legislation Kehoe named Bill Anderson as Deputy Chief of Staff in Policy and Legislation after previously serving as vice president of state legislation at the Missouri Hospital Association. Deputy Chief of Staff Operations Casey Adrian was named Deputy Chief of Staff in Operations while currently serving as the director and tourism liaison for Buy Missouri in the governors office. She also previously served in various positions in the Missouri Senate. General Counsel Lowell Pearson was named General Counsel after previously serving as deputy Director of Revenue and general counsel to Missouri Governor Matt Blunt from 2005 to 2009. Policy Director Kehoe named Jamie Birch as policy director after joining the governors office in 2020 while managing a policy portfolio with 17 executive branch agencies in Missouri. Legislative Director Drew Dampf was named legislative director after working in the Missouri Senate as chief of staff to the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and majority floor leader. Communications Director Grabrielle Picard served as Kehoes communications director during his gubernatorial campaign and will continue to serve as the offices communications director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 2. Ruslan Kravchenko, the governor of Kyiv Oblast, and Filip Pronin, the governor of Poltava Oblast, were dismissed on Dec. 30 and are expected to be appointed to new positions soon. According to a Telegram post from lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak, the two are slated to be appointed heads of the Tax and Financial Supervision Commissions, respectively. The move comes shortly after President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his team is "preparing several important personnel decisions" that will be "announced soon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kravchenko served as governor of Kyiv Oblast since April 2023. Prior to his appointment as governor, he was the chief prosecutor of Kyiv Oblast's Bucha District Pronin has been governor of Poltava Oblast since October 2023. He previously held anti-corruption roles at various government agencies. Their dismissals were approved by the government a few days ago before the official decrees were signed. Read also: Ukraine quadruples domestic gas transit fees as Russian gas pipeline deal expires Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A worker drives out of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel along the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) URUMQI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes once operational. It is a key project of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, which runs from the regional capital of Urumqi in northern Xinjiang to Yuli County in southern Xinjiang. The expressway is expected to be fully completed and open to traffic in 2025. The driving time between the two locations will be reduced from about seven hours to just over three hours. Qadir Abliz, a truck driver from Urumqi who makes regular trips between the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, said the winding mountain roads would often freeze in the winter, and many trucks carrying coal, agricultural produce and livestock products would be stranded on the way across. "There will be no need to worry about such situations anymore when the tunnel opens next year," he said. The construction of the tunnel began in April 2020 and has faced challenges such as extreme cold, high altitudes, high ground stress, strong seismic activity and strict environmental requirements, according to Mao Jinbo, an engineer on the project. The Tianshan Mountains are known as a "geological museum," featuring numerous fault zones, 16 of which the tunnel passes through. Its No. 2 ventilation shaft reaches a depth of 706 meters -- taller than China's highest building, the Shanghai Tower. To address the immense challenges, the builders broke down the construction into smaller, more manageable segments, allowing for faster excavation. As a result, the original construction time was shortened by more than 25 percent. To minimize the environmental impact on the Tianshan No. 1 Glacier and snow leopard habitats, on-site facilities were established to contain wastewater and fully utilize gravel, helping the project meet key environmental protection goals. A drone photo taken on Dec. 25, 2024 shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) A drone photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows the entrance of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Urumqi County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) This photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows a ceremony held to mark the drill-through of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel along the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) A drone photo taken on Dec. 25, 2024 shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) This photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows a ceremony held to mark the drill-through of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel along the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) This photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows a ceremony held to mark the drill-through of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel along the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) A drone photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) A shepherd herds sheep near the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) This photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows the interior view of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) A shepherd herds sheep near the construction site of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) A shepherd is pictured near the construction site of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) A performer from Hejing County presents a hada, a silk scarf used to express respect and greeting, to a constructor of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel at the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) Local people watch a performance in celebration of the completed tunneling of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel at the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) This aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel and a nearby expressway which is under construction in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) A shepherd herds sheep near the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Dec. 30, 2024. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Wang Fei) A drone photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024 shows the exit of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel in Hejing County of Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, completed tunneling Monday morning, paving the way for the opening of a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) Dec. 29After six years in office, Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham continues to misrepresent herself as a crime fighter. In the realm of state government, she is part of the problem. The biggest part. Lujan Grisham last summer called a special legislative session on crime. She offered a package of bills she said would make the state safer. The governor made no mention of drunken driving, a chronic and deadly crime. Lujan Grisham proposed measures that were poorly thought out. Some were retreads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, she said "inconsistent crime and ballistic reporting by local law enforcement agencies hampers effective criminal investigations." Lujan Grisham called on legislators to pass a law to channel all this information to the state Department of Public Safety. She didn't know New Mexico has had such a law on the books since 2007. It's called the Uniform Crime Reporting System. Lujan Grisham's administration already is responsible for establishing standards, procedures and training for law enforcement agencies to make sure details on crimes and arrests are reported to the Department of Public Safety. Another law wasn't necessary. Better management at the highest level of state government was needed. Instead of being embarrassed by her poor preparation for the special session, Lujan Grisham was riled because none of her proposals advanced. She did what government executives often do. She blamed someone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Legislature as a body walked away from their most important responsibility: keeping New Mexicans safe," Lujan Grisham said in a statement. The governor is back with another public relations campaign, reaching this time to the national level. The New York Times last week featured Lujan Grisham in a story with a familiar headline: "In New Mexico, a Democratic Governor Wants to Get Tough on Crime." A subhead expanded on that theme: "Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has clashed with her own party over how to tackle the nexus of addiction, mental illness and violence in New Mexico." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times also devoted space to one of the governor's old talking points. "Ms. Lujan Grisham, 65, said her state must face a hard truth: Mentally ill or drug-addicted people living on the streets must be compelled to get help." Help is elusive, a deficiency that can be traced to Lujan Grisham. Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, who was a social worker, explained why during the special session. "We don't have the services adequately now for people who want them, who voluntarily would eagerly go into into a treatment program, but there's no room," said Ortiz y Pino, D-Albuquerque. New Mexico has been awash in new money from the booming oil industry during Lujan Grisham's run as governor. Legislators have been steadfast in appropriating cash to provide help for addicts and, they hope, to curb crime. Ortiz y Pino said money wasn't enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We gave the Behavioral Health Services Division $20 million to expand services. The $20 million we appropriated three years ago was not spent. We reappropriated it last year and $2 million was spent, maybe." The Legislature is about to lose the expertise Ortiz y Pino provided. At 82, he did not seek reelection after 20 years in the Senate. Lujan Grisham has two years remaining in her second and last term. She is running out of time to fix a monumental mess she inherited. Her predecessor, Republican Susana Martinez, dismantled New Mexico's network of businesses that provided behavioral health services. In an act of foolishness, Martinez moved against companies she said might have committed Medicaid fraud totaling $36 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation eventually found no Medicaid fraud. But the damage was done, as 15 businesses were crippled or ruined. Professional help diminished for addicts and people with mental illness. Working in an era of riches for state government, Lujan Grisham hasn't rebuilt the behavioral health system. That failure in part accounts for crime and chaos she pointed out to the Times, even directing its reporter to visit Albuquerque. A vivid description of that city's most distressed areas appeared in the story about Lujan Grisham. "In neighborhoods like the International District, people in drug-induced psychosis wander into busy streets and parking lots, oblivious to traffic. At one store in that neighborhood, there have been seven murders since 2020 and one shootout that injured a police officer." Those sobering details don't make a case for Lujan Grisham's leadership. Martinez left office in December 2018. Lujan Grisham has been in charge since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez, stubborn and hostile, fought with a Legislature dominated by the rival party. No good came of it, at least not for state residents. Lujan Grisham fights with lawmakers of her own party. By now it should be clear 15 more rounds in the legislative session starting Jan. 21 won't make the streets safer. Ringside Seat is an opinion column about people, politics and news. Contact Milan Simonich at msimonich@sfnewmexican.com or 505-986-3080. NEW YORK (AP) If you think your Spotify playlist is getting a little too long, consider the one shared by the members of Khruangbin. It's got 51 hours of songs. Im trying to listen to as many different things as possible before they all start to sound kind of the same, says Mark Speer, the trio's guitarist and musical explorer, capturing interesting sounds from Thailand to the Middle East. We lose Mark sometimes for a small period of time because hes on an anthropological dig, says bassist Laura Lee. Drummer Donald DJ Johnson finishes her thought: "For the quintessential Chinese funk." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mainly instrumental Khruangbin's sonic explorations have paid off of late, with a warmly received 2024 album, A La Sala, that reached the top 40 of the Billboard 200 and a Grammy Award nomination for best new artist. Not that any of that is going to their heads. I think were just going to keep leaning in what we do and keep trying to be more the silhouette version of ourselves as much as we can and let the music speak for itself, because thats who we are. We dont like the spotlight in that way, says Lee. The Texas trio makes music that's hard to describe, a mix of soul, surf rock, psychedelic and funk that creates a melodic, Afro-pop-inspired, reverb-heavy sound with nods to other cultures. The band's name is appropriately travel-related Khruangbin is the Thai word for airplane. Mark's storytelling feels like words, even though there are no words. And my storytelling feels like math even though there are no numbers necessarily. And D.J. is the translator between my language and Mark somehow, says Lee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are highly collaborative, working in the studio and performing live with Leon Bridges on two EPs, Paul McCartney, Vieux Farka Toure, Wu-Tang Clan, Childish Gambino, Toro Y Moi, Men I Trust and more. For A La Sala, Khruangbin focused on the trio, realizing that they didn't need anyone else in the studio. They say that was empowering. I think because we had just been through a process of collaborating quite a lot, it felt important for us to just huddle, just the three of us, says Lee. When its just the three of us, its like a deep breath and a collective sigh. Most of their music is instrumental, but vocals either ghostly or a full-on lyric song have been employed, like on May Ninth from the new album, with the lyrics Memory burned and gone/A multicolored gray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The music comes first, says Johnson. And when we finish putting everything together, if we feel that it needs one more thing, something missing, or we just want a vocal texture, then usually we go down the path of adding that. The trio, especially early on, faced pressure from record executives who liked the instrumentals but wished there was a vocal on top. I think its just human nature. I dont think it comes from like any sort of bad place," says Lee. "But people just want to sing on top of it. And people are used to hearing a vocal. Theyre like, This sounds so good. Lets add a vocal. "A La Sala" is the trio's fourth studio album, with Pitchfork saying each member of the trio has several opportunities to shine while making each track sound individual, and it all comes together cohesively. The Guardian said Khruangbin make their intricate music sound so gentle that it lulls the listener into a newly imaginative state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although they formed in 2010, the Grammy administrators chose Khruangbin as a best new artist nominee alongside Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, RAYE, Chappell Roan, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims. The rules of the category have changed over time and now offers inclusion for any act that has attained a breakthrough or prominence. The members of the band see their albums like snapshots in time. If their third, Mordechai," was the sound of energy and movement as the band toured relentlessly, then A La Sala is more sedate, born from the pandemic and with a title that means To the Room." It's a more chilled-out sound, even cozy. One song, Three from Two even celebrates the home birth of Lee's first child. We needed some quiet, and it felt nice to put out something quiet in a world thats not so quiet anymore," she says. The band has heard their music playing at the oddest places, like Texas Sun becoming a popular tune played on TikTok by people making out in Australia or Two Fish and an Elephant heard at yoga studios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope that our music is malleable enough to communicate to later generations in whatever way it works, says Speer. Thats how language happens. Thats how music happens, thats how cultures happen. So, Im super into it. They don't know what direction their next album will take, but they have lots of ideas, like maybe the quintessential Chinese funk. We have a ever expanding folder full of stuff that may or may not ever see the light of day, says Speer. When its time, its time. And if its not time for it, its not time for it. Dont dig in your heels move on to the next thing. ___ The 67th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The show will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. For more coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/grammy-awards. MONDAY 12/30/2024 12:51 p.m. (COLORADO SPRINGS) The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) said the fire on Circle Drive off Galley Road is under control. CSFD was dispatched to Circle Drive, and upon arrival, they found the fire moving quickly. The fire department said the wind also shifted putting homes in the area at risk. The cause of the fire? A discarded cigarette. Thirty firefighters responded and had the fire under control in under 20 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were better than this, friends! wrote CSFD. We have been talking about the winds and Red Flag Warnings for several days. Please be fire smart so we can keep our community safe. According to CSFD, the fire was about two acres, and fire crews are currently in the mop-up stage. CSFD said Galley Road would open in the next half hour. MONDAY 12/30/2024 12:33 p.m. The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) is currently on scene and working on a grass fire on Circle Drive off Galley Road. On Monday, Dec. 30, at around 12:02 p.m., fire crews asked, via X (formerly known as Twitter), that people avoid the area near 1121 Circle Drive as crews respond. As of 12:23, all of Galley Road is closed at Circle Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FOX21 News has a crew on scene and will update this article when more 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 FOX21 News Colorado. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) The Greensboro Police Department has released plans for the funeral of one of their officers who was killed in the line of duty. On Monday, Greensboro Police Department shared the plans for Officer Michael Horans funeral on their Facebook page. Monday marks 1 year since Sgt. Dale Nix of Greensboro Police Department was killed According to the department, a public funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. The service will take place at Westover Church, located at 505 Muirs Chapel Road. Space will be a first-come, first-serve basis, so if any member of the public wishes to attend, theyre encouraged to come early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those who cannot make it, Westover Church will be livestreaming the event on their website. More information will be available on Westover Churchs website. Horan was shot and killed on Dec. 23, responding to a call at the Food Lion on Lawndale Drive. Tarell Isaac McMillian is accused of shooting Horan and was charged with first-degree murder after a chase through multiple counties. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) During the daily Sioux Falls police briefing, SFPD spokesman Sam Clemens reported a handful of weapons violations, which included shots fired at a local park. 29-year-old charged in Sioux Falls stabbing One of them was at Tomar Park, said Clemens. There was some shell casings found no reports of any damage. Clemens said the report of the shots fired at Tomar Park came in early Monday morning, around midnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gunshots were also reported early Sunday morning in the area of the 600-block of South 3rd Ave. Casings were found, but there were no reports of injuries or damage. The final weapons violations occurred on Friday. Clemens said a man cleaning his gun accidentally fired it. There were no charges in that incident. 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 KELOLAND.com. While politicians are remembering former President Jimmy Carters political legacy, others are reflecting on his humanitarian work. Our Quad Cities News spoke with Tom Fisher-King, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities via Zoom about Carters legacy. One of the biggest misnomers that people have is they think the President and Mrs. Carter created Habitat for Humanity, and that is not the case, he said. President and Mrs. Carter got involved in March of 1984, so it was after he was out of office. Habitat aligned with his other humanitarian efforts. The Carters believe, and still do within advocacy, even after death, that everyone deserves a simple, decent hope. The Carters really became our largest volunteers, and their names are what brought more notoriety to Habitat than Habitat itself. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File) (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) (Robert Franklin/South Bend Tribune via AP, File) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carters began their work with Habitat at a build near their home in Plains, Georgia and President Carter sat on the International Board for Habitat from 1984 87. That wasnt the only project where they volunteered, said Fisher-King. President and Mrs. Carter in September 1984 began what is called the Carter Work Project. Each year, generally its the fall, but it kind of moves around just a little bit, but they would sponsor a pretty large build. Since then, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have taken that over for the Carters. Weve had a Carter Work Project going since September of 1984. The next one is going to be held in Austin, I believe in 2025, so this is going to continue in what theyre doing again, even after death. The Carters did more than sit on boards and give speeches. There was always something to do, and he found his way to do it, both of them, quite frankly, Fisher-King said. There got to be a point that he wasnt doing roofs or such anymore, but he was staying down low and being very involved. They both were pounding nails and installing doors and windows, and theres many pictures of that through the years of the two of them working together. Since the first Carter Work Project in September 1984, the organization has renovated and repaired 4,447 homes in 14 countries. Fisher-King says Carter will be remembered for his extensive volunteering career. President Carter will certainly be remembered for all that hes done for Habitat through 35 years, and will continue with the Carter Center and their belief in Habitat and what he did and to be able to impact homes, affordable homes, and making sure that people had a safe, decent and affordable place to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The cybercriminals who hacked Rhode Islands IT system for health and benefits programs have released a set of files from the system on the dark web, Gov. Dan McKees office announced Monday. At this early stage it is unclear if the criminals released all of the files or just some of the files, McKee said early Monday afternoon at a State House news conference about the breach. The system, RIBridges, is used for a host of programs including Medicaid, SNAP and HealthSource RI. McKee previously said the state has identified about 650,000 people whose personal information including Social Security and bank account numbers was stolen from the system by the group Brain Cipher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 12 Responds: What you need to know about RI data breach Brain Cipher had set a deadline of Monday morning for officials to pay a ransom in order to avoid release of the files. It seems that it was easier to pay and calmly fix everything, the group wrote above a long list of downloadable files from the system, according to a screenshot posted on social media by a cybersecurity expert. Right now, IT teams are working diligently to analyze the released files, the governors office said in a statement. This is a complex process and we do not yet know the scope of the data that is included in those files, but as weve been saying for several weeks, we should assume that data contained in the RIBridges system has been compromised. The dark web refers to an encrypted part of the internet that can only be reached using alternative browsers and other tools that allow users to keep themselves anonymous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials directed questions about negotiations with Brain Cipher over a ransom payment to Deloitte, the company that built and maintains RIBridges. No representatives from Deloitte were on hand for the news conference, and the company has previously declined to answer most questions about the situation. BACKGROUND: 650K people affected by RI cyberattack; HealthSourceRI extends open enrollment McKees office said the state continues to work with Deloitte to compile a list of all individuals whose personal data was exposed in the cyberattack. Those people will be sent letters that also include instructions on how to obtain free credit monitoring. State officials are urging anyone whose information may have been stolen to freeze and monitor their credit, including for minor children; request a fraud alert from credit agencies; turn on multi-factor authentication for all financial accounts; and be cautious about sharing information. Updates are being posted to the website cyberalert.ri.gov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RIBridges system has remained offline since Dec. 13, the day state leaders first disclosed the attack publicly. Some state departments have switched to paper applications, but HealthSourceRI has opted against doing so, and is instead extending its open-enrollment period through February. MORE: How to protect your personal data after RI cyberattack The state programs that use RIBridges include Medicaid, SNAP, HealthSource RI, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Rhode Island Works, Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), the General Public Assistance (GPA) program, and AT HOME cost-sharing. McKee said Monday there will be no interruption in the payment of benefits from any of the programs that use RIBridges. He also said insurance coverage will continue for the roughly 44,000 people with active HealthSource RI accounts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RIBridges is on track to be back online by mid-January, according to Brian Tardiff, the states chief digital officer. State officials dodged questions about whether Deloitte had been in compliance with all state requirements for the cybersecurity of its technology systems. We know that our contracts require protection, McKee said. I think that well find the answer to that when we find the answer to that. The state did what it had to do. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News 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 WPRI.com. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota put on its ninth annual Hanukkah celebration today. Over the years, the turnout has grown, leading to a new venue for this years event. This is a big one compared to when I was growing up, we didnt have these when I was growing up, said Allan Wasserman, who attended the event. Weve seen explosive growth in the Jewish community and were so glad to have needed to find a larger venue to host this Hanukkah celebration. Thats why were holding it here today at The Alliance. We have so much activity and excitement. Many families, children are joining here. Its a real special day, said Rabbi Mendel Alperowitz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hanukkah celebrations last eight days, but the holiday isnt about gifts. Its been about coming together as a family and celebrating what Hanukkah really is, which is going to the desert with just enough oil to last those eight nights and it lasted, said Genna Toreson, who is attending the event for the first time this year. Although the holiday commemorates an important moment in the religion, Toreson says she enjoys another tradition- Making latkes. Its all about the hand- You dont you dont use a food processor, you dont do anything like that. You grate the potatoes, you grate the onions, its all by hand. You come out of it feeling really buff at the very end, said Toreson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides food, the event featured games and activities for the whole family, as well as a gelt drop and a 7-foot-tall menorah. Mayor Paul TenHaken attended the event to help with the public menorah lighting. But this years menorah is differentits made from LEGOs. We wanted something extra exciting. And it also involves the children. This menorah, seven foot tall, built out of thousands of pieces of LEGO, was built by children in the local community, and were so glad to have that here as a special addition this year, said Alperowitz. 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 KELOLAND.com. HANOI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's pangasius exports in 2024 are on track to reach the 2 billion U.S. dollars target set at the beginning of the year, Vietnam News cited the Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers on Monday. This highlighted the appeal, competitiveness and potential of Vietnamese catfish in the global market, said the association. By the end of November, the exports reached 1.8 billion dollars, marking a 10 percent year-on-year increase. The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong remained the largest export markets for Vietnamese catfish. According to the association, the sector continues to face challenges, particularly the increasing competition from other white-fleshed fish. Vietnamese businesses must adopt more diverse and proactive strategies to maintain and expand their market share in the global market, according to the association. TOWANDA, Pa. (WETM) A Harrisburg woman could be facing up to 14 years in prison for her role in the death and dismemberment of a man in Springfield Township in March, as reported by the Bradford County District Attorneys Office on Monday. Summer L. Heil, 37, has been sentenced to a minimum of nine months to a maximum of three years in state prison for one felony count of hindering apprehension of prosecution in the third degree after pleading guilty to the crime on Oct. 17. Hearing held for three involved in Bradford County killing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heil was originally charged with only misdemeanors in connection to the killing of Michael Pruitt in Ronda Parkers trailer home in Springfield Township. District Attorney Richard Wilson noted that Heil played no role in the actual death of Pruitt, which was supported by evidence from an investigation conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police. Although Heils original charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence are only misdemeanor crimes, she faces a felony charge for the intent behind the crime. However, because she abused the corpse and tampered with the body in order to help those responsible for the killing avoid prosecution, the additional felony charge was appropriate. said District Attorney Wilson. Death penalty could be appropriate in this case, Bradford County DA provides more information into Springfield Twp homicide Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heil was already serving another sentence in the state and on parole for drug-related offenses when she committed this crime. This sentence has been added to her current sentence for a total minimum of three years and nine months to a maximum of 14 years in prison. Heil is the first of three to be sentenced after being arrested in March for their involvement in Pruitts death. It is alleged that Ronda and Terry Parker lured Pruitt to Rondas home where he stayed for several days before Terry arrived and shot him several times. The three then attempted to hide the evidence and dispose of Pruitts body. This is a progressing case that 18 News will continue to follow as it moves through the court system. 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. HONOLULU (KHON2) Former President Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived president in United States history, peacefully died in Plains, Ga. on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 100 years old. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Former President Jimmy Carter gets in limo with former U.S. Reps. Cec Heftel (D-HI) and Daniel Akaka (D-HI) on July 1, 1979. (Courtesy: John A Titchen) Former President Jimmy Carter walks and greets at then-Hickam Air Force Officers Club on July 1, 1979. (Courtesy: John A Titchen) Photo of former President Jimmy Carter on July 1, 1979. (Courtesy: John A Titchen) Former President Jimmy Carter gives a speech at then-Hickam Air Force Officers Club on July 1, 1979. (Courtesy: John A Titchen) Jimmy Carter and his late wife Rosalynn had several ties to Hawaii. The family of six lived on Oahu while Carter was a Navy officer assigned to the USS Pomfret based at Pearl Harbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos: Jimmy Carter, from the White House to building houses Decades later, the 1976 election was so close that Hawaiis four electoral votes helped make a difference in his favor, along with a handful of other states that were still counting overnight. In 1979, Jimmy Carter spoke in front of a crowd at Hickam Air Force Base and called Hawaii one of the places on earth closest to our hearts. He was welcomed by then-governor George Ariyoshi and late-senator Daniel Akaka. The former president is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. While the nation mourns his passing, multiple Hawaii leaders shared their testament, sending their heartfelt aloha to President Carters family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Governor Josh Green M.D. said Carters life was defined by service, compassion and his commitment to justice and peace. His tireless efforts for human rights, global diplomacy and humanitarian causes exemplify the values of aloha that we hold so dear in Hawaii. He reminded us all of the power of humility, kindness and a deep care for others, said Green. Green added that his work left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring future generations. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said President Carter embodied the true meaning of leadership grounded in integrity and a deep care for humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carters lifelong dedication to peace, justice, and helping those in need resonated long after his time in the White House. His commitment to initiatives like Habitat for Humanity and his relentless efforts to eradicate disease and poverty were reflections of a heart driven by empathy and purpose, Blangiardi said. His legacy will continue to guide us in our pursuit of a kinder, more just world. Aloha Mr. President. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) highlighted President Carters efforts to protect the environment, expand clean energy, champion human rights and advance Middle East peace. His legacy of service, kindness and generosity will live on. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Carter family, Schatz added. Check out more news from around Hawaii Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Green has issued a flag order to honor the life and legacy of President Carter. All United States and Hawaii state flags must be flown at half-staff at the Hawaii State Capitol and all other state offices and agencies. The flag order will be in effect for 30 days starting Dec. 29. 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. The Rainbow Warriors volleyball team is getting ready to start their 2025 season this week. Before the Bows hit the floor for a regular season game, they are gearing up for an exhibition match. Hawaii will host British Columbia at 6:00pm at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on Monday. Im very excited to see what we can do and show what we need to work on and show what we are capable of doing this season, said Hawaii Libero, Eleu Choy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bows will be giving fans a sneak peak at their new look roster, as they have 8 returners and 11 newcomers. Were excited to, have the fans and the community meet some new players that theyve never seen before. Weve got a very new team, lots of young new guys and a lot of names that are unfamiliar to some of the fans in the community. Were really excited to show and demonstrate what they can do, said Hawaii Middle Blocker Kurt Nusterer. Tickets to the exhibition match on Monday December 30th, 2024 are free and will not be broadcasted live. Hawaii will get their regular season underway on Friday, Jan. 3rd vs McKendree at 7:00pm at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The Gavel outside the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.) This monthly newsletter provides updates on Ohios ongoing utility corruption scandal. Was this forwarded to you? Click here to subscribe. The Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel and the Ohio Manufacturers Association Energy Group asked the Ohio Supreme Court on Dec. 16 to reverse Ohio regulators rulings allowing millions of dollars in contested charges for two 1950s-era coal plants subsidized by House Bill 6. The financial ratings agency Fitch recently said it expects the plants will remain uneconomical for the foreseeable future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 6 is the nuclear and coal bailout law at the heart of Ohios ongoing corruption scandal. In other developments: FirstEnergy failed to comply with Ohios law requiring corporate separation between utilities and their affiliates for years before HB 6, according to challengers in one of several HB 6 cases before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. FirstEnergy claims there were no violations. An evidentiary hearing on two other HB 6 regulatory cases and the corporate separation issues related to the bailout law is currently set to start in February. Challengers efforts may continue to be frustrated by a lack of complete answers from witnesses. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled oral arguments for Feb. 5 in appeals of the HB 6-related racketeering convictions of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Matt Borges. Ohio Supreme Court appeal filed The Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel and the Ohio Manufacturers Association Energy Group want the Ohio Supreme Court to reverse the PUCOs Dec. 4 refusal to reconsider an order approving contested charges paid to American Electric Powers Ohio utility in 2018 and 2019 for two coal plants that are now subsidized under HB 6. The challengers also want the court to reduce future HB 6 charges for the two 1950s-era plants by $74.5 million. The PUCOs earlier orders said it allowed the contested charges because, among other things, the auditor did not expressly say they were imprudent. But the Dec. 16 notice of appeal claims the PUCO acted unlawfully and unreasonably in reaching its conclusions, especially when evidence showed that its staff had influenced the filed audit report. At a minimum, the notice of appeal said, there was an appearance of impropriety after the staff asked the auditor, London Economics, to tone down language from its draft audit report that running the coal plants was not in the best interests of the ratepayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio lawmakers have repeatedly failed to advance bills that would repeal HB 6s subsidies for the two plants owned by the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation, or OVEC. On Dec. 6, the bond ratings agency Fitch reported it expects OVECs operation of the plants to remain uneconomical for the foreseeable future. Unless HB 6s coal plant subsidies are repealed or reined in by regulators, Ohioans could pay nearly $1 billion through 2030, according to an estimate by RunnerStone for the Ohio Manufacturers Association. Read more: Corporate separation claims Audit reports are also at the heart of arguments in another regulatory case dealing with whether FirstEnergy violated Ohio law requiring separation between regulated utilities and their unregulated affiliates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filings by challengers in November and December argue that although the PUCO-ordered audit reports were flawed, regulators should nonetheless find the company failed to prove it complied with Ohios corporate separation law. The hearing in the case this fall excluded issues relating to the 2019 bailout law. Yet challengers post-hearing briefs describe a scenario that, if true, would have made it easier for HB 6-related violations of the law to take place, including violations the company admitted to in a 2021 settlement with federal prosecutors. The PUCO began the corporate separation case in 2017, a few years after an earlier case decided audits were necessary to make sure utilities didnt subsidize their generation affiliates. Sage Management Consultants May 2018 report focused mainly on procedures, including a 2009 corporate separation plan filed with the PUCO. The audit did not determine dollar amounts for any specific cross-subsidies. Yet Sage found that the utilities former generation affiliate, FirstEnergy Solutions, got marketing advantages as a result of ties to FirstEnergys utilities. And having retail sales and services workers designated as shared services employees was highly inappropriate, the report said. Sage made multiple recommendations for improvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Months after the first HB 6-related criminal charges came to light, the PUCO ordered an additional corporate separation audit. Daymark Energy Advisors September 2021 report found FirstEnergy complied with 23 of 44 requirements. Daymark characterized 13 of the remaining requirements as having opportunities for improvement and put the remaining eight into a category for minor non-compliance. FirstEnergy, for its part, denied any violations occurred and argued the company should not be liable for penalties. Neither of the Auditors identified any violations of the corporate separation laws. Nor did the Auditors identify any areas of major non-compliance or issues requiring immediate remediation, company lawyers wrote in a Dec. 13 filing. The companys filings said it implemented auditors recommendations, so any forfeiture would be excessive. But FirstEnergy failed for years to resolve the problems identified in the first audit, argued the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel and Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition. As a result, those problems have been ongoing and many, their lawyers wrote in a December 13 brief. In their view, FirstEnergy seeks to defend their failures through mischaracterization of the audits findings and semantics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interstate Gas Supply, a competitor in the generation market, wrote that regardless of how FirstEnergy and auditors labeled them, the fact that these violations occurred is undisputed. A violation of law, however minor, is still a violation. FirstEnergy bears the burden of proof to show that it complied with the law, said a Nov. 15 filing by the Ohio Manufacturers Association Energy Group. The audit reports found multiple violations. Moreover, Daymark and Sage failed to review materials necessary for proper audits, the group argued. In particular, Daymark failed to obtain and review four years worth of records for FirstEnergys former chief ethics officer, whom the company fired in the fall of 2020. Nor did FirstEnergy or the PUCO require that those documents be subsequently produced. Allowing FirstEnergy to shirk its responsibility to maintain and/or fully disclose these required records ultimately enables FirstEnergy to avoid liability for the cross-subsidization and other violations that Ohios corporate separation laws are meant to prevent, the Manufacturers Association groups Dec. 13 filing said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Challengers also argued that the administrative law judges wrongly excluded some testimony by experts for the Consumers Counsel and Interstate Gas Supply, while allowing testimony from a FirstEnergy witness about steps taken after the relevant audit periods. The administrative law judges also limited the challengers ability to cross-examine the auditors, they wrote. The Consumers Counsel and Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition want the PUCO to make the companies pay roughly $53 million, noting that each violation can result in penalties of $25,000 per day. Other parties said the forfeiture should be at least that amount, and some suggested the specific calculations be done after a hearing wraps up on the HB 6-related portion of the case. Read more: The rest of the case The PUCO plans to hear testimony on the HB 6-related parts of the corporate separation case as part of two rider cases currently scheduled to start a joint evidentiary hearing on Feb. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parties are supposed to pre-file written testimony in January, but depositions have not yet wrapped up in the cases. Those proceedings let lawyers question people under oath before a trial or an evidentiary hearing takes place. Several witnesses refused to answer multiple questions, invoking their rights against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. One of the latest is Dennis Chack, a former FirstEnergy executive whom former CEO Chuck Jones once texted that Sam Randazzo would get a task done for the company while serving as PUCO chair. But an Ohio statute would grant immunity for testifying at least under state law. On Dec. 4, the PUCO asked the Ohio Attorney General to seek court orders compelling the testimony. Even with such orders, completing pretrial fact-finding will be a major task for challengers. Read more: Oral arguments scheduled After months of briefing, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled oral argument in the appeals of former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and lobbyist Matt Borges from their HB 6-related racketeering convictions in 2023. Both are currently serving their sentences: 20 years for Householder and five years for Borges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oral argument provides a chance for parties lawyers to answer judges questions about issues in a case or to drive home points made in briefs. The judges questions also sometimes provide hints about which matters might be troubling them or how they might ultimately lean in a case. A three-judge panel will hear arguments in each defendants case on Feb. 5, starting at 9 a.m., at the federal courthouse in Cincinnati. Householders and Borges lawyers will each be limited to 15 minutes, with the government getting a similar amount of time for its arguments against each defendant. This article first appeared on Energy News Network and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TOPEKA (KSNT) A Topeka dental office is joining a new family of healthcare clinics in northeast Kansas to provide quality care for those in need in the community. Tomi Francis-Ramirez with AllWays Community Health Center announced in a press release that the Marian Dental Clinic in Topeka will be combining with the Saint Vincent Clinic in Leavenworth and Atchison Community Health Clinic. These healthcare offices are joining together to form the AllWays Community Health Center, a group of federally-qualified health centers in northeast Kansas. We focus on the poor and vulnerable, said Dr. Nathan Laskowski, a dentist at AllWays Health. I always ask, how long has it been since you went to the dentist? and a lot of times its been 5, 10, even 15 years. And its not that they dont want to care for their teeth, its that they didnt have the financial resources to do so. Thats one of the best things about working here is that we can accommodate, we have the resources so they can get the treatment they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Infections of bacteria causing violent coughing fits is rising in Kansas Francis-Ramirez said the Saint Vincent Clinic and Marian Dental were established in the 1980s by the Sisters of Charity to provide free healthcare to people in need. The Atchison Community Health Clinic, established in 2009 and having a similar objective, was a natural fit for the other two clinics. Its an exciting time for our team at AllWays Community Health Center, said Brandi Oom, AllWays Health executive director. By bringing these clinics together under a common banner with a single leadership team, we feel were going to be able to provide even better care. Its our goal to honor the decades of service offered by these three clinics, and to celebrate their good work under a new name and set of common goals, as they continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities, with expert care and compassion, each day. AllWays Community Health Center focuses on a Care for All approach in serving patients in northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. People can find behavioral, dental and medical options through AllWays and can learn more about the services it offers by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas homeless population is increasing: HUD report For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf 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 KSNT 27 News. NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) Delays at Tweed come on a busy travel day as many hit the sky, roads and rails to get home from holiday destinations. AAA Had predicted a record number of travelers this holiday season. They projected more than 120 million Americans would go at least 50 miles from home over the holidays. About eight million of those travelers are expected to fly and more than 100 million are driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were trying to get home today, we were home with my wifes family and my family, said Gregory Wormstedt from South Carolina. Our flights been delayed a little bit with the weather, but it could kind of be expected. Weather continues to impact flights across the country. Sunday evening at Bradley a flight was diverted to New Haven Airport due to fog. With New Years Day on Wednesday, AAA says holidays are typically better days to travel than weekends. 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 WTNH.com. Arizona leaders are mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, who was the longest-living president in the history of the U.S. at his death Sunday at age 100. Carter died at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, according to an announcement from the Carter Center. He served as president from 1977 to 1981 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In the Grand Canyon State, leaders reflected on Carter's leadership and humanitarian legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter was a fighter for everyday Americans, and that commitment continued after his presidency through extraordinary humanitarian work with his wife Rosalynn, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, a Democrat, said in a statement. I looked up to President Carter not only because he brokered landmark peace treaties or spearheaded major domestic energy policies but because he overcame historic challenges and accomplished incredible feats while remaining his authentic self. I especially appreciated his commitment to elevating young women to spheres of influence, and he appointed more women as federal judges than all previous presidents combined. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., praised Carters work on foreign policy, including the Camp David Accords, which led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel in 1978. Above all, he was an honorable man with unimpeachable character, Stanton said in a statement. Guided by his deep Christian faith, he built homes for the needy and taught Sunday School well into his 90s. He set a fine example for each of us for what it means to love thy neighbor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., also reflected on Carters community service. Always humble, President Carter showed us that public service isnt limited to elected office, Kelly posted on social media. He leaves a legacy not just as a president, but as a great American who wore the uniform, built homes for his neighbors and worked for human rights across the globe. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement that Carter showed what it means to live for others. America has lost a true servant leader, Mayes, a Democrat, posted on social media. President Jimmy Carters century-long life was defined by his integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving his country and his fellow man. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaders from across the political divide offered condolences at the news of Carters passing. Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, wrote on social media, May God bless Jimmy Carter. Politics aside, a life well lived, starting from humble beginnings. May he rest in peace. President-elect Donald Trump posted that he and his wife Melania were thinking warmly of the Carter family. 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. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Arizona political leaders, including Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and Senator-elect Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., posted condolences online and offered prayers to the Carter family. According to the Carter Center, public memorial observances will happen in Washington, D.C., and in Atlanta, followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to Carter at www.jimmycartertribute.org. Reach the reporter at cvanek@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X @CorinaVanek. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona leaders react to death of President Jimmy Carter KIEV, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine will keep fighting even if the incoming U.S. administration suspends the aid, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Monday, citing the President's Office head Andriy Yermak. "We will continue to fight, work with the new (U.S.) administration, and develop domestic production," Yermak said. He acknowledged the risk of reduced U.S. support and emphasized that Ukraine would strengthen its ties with Europe if such a cut occurs. Yermak said that Ukraine's performance on the frontline will significantly influence the position of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's administration regarding the aid. Since the start of the full-scale Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United States has provided Ukraine with about 61.4 billion U.S. dollars in military assistance as of mid-December, according to the U.S. Department of State. Susan Montoya Bryan Associated Press Federal officials have joined with the state of Arizona to begin fulfilling a settlement agreement that was reached with the Hopi Tribe nearly three decades ago, marking what tribal officials described as a historic day. Government attorneys filed condemnation documents on Friday to transfer dozens of square miles of state land into trust for the Hopi. The tribe will compensate the state nearly $4 million for more than 31 square miles (80 square kilometers) of land near Winslow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could mark the first of more transfers of land into trust to help eliminate the checkerboard of ownership that characterizes much of the lands used by the tribe for ranching in northeastern Arizona. A long time coming Friday's filing was born out of the 1996 passage of the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute Settlement Act, which ratified an agreement between the Hopi and federal government that set conditions for taking land into trust for the tribe. The wrangling over land in northeastern Arizona has been bitter, pitting the Hopi and the Navajo Nation against one another for generations. The federal government failed in its attempt to have the tribes share land and after years of escalating conflict, Congress in 1974 divided the area and ordered tribal members to leave each other's reservations. The resulting borders meant the Navajo Nation the countrys largest reservation at 27,000 square miles surrounded the 2,500-square-mile Hopi reservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the 1996 settlement, the Hopi Tribe has purchased private land and sought to take neighboring state lands into trust in hopes of consolidating property for the tribe's benefit. A historic day There have been many roadblocks along the way, including in 2018 when the tribe sought the support of local governments in northern Arizona to back a proposed transfer for land south of the busy Interstate 40 corridor. Those efforts were stymied by the inclusion of national forest tracts in the Flagstaff area. Hopi Chairman Tim Nuvangyaoma said in a statement Friday that he was grateful for everyone who worked to make the condemnation filing a reality and that the timing for this historic moment was fitting. Within Hopi, it is our time of the soyalang ceremony the start of the New Year and the revitalization of life, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Katie Hobbs, who first visited the Hopi reservation in 2023, acknowledged that the tribe has been fighting for its rights for decades and that politicians of the past had refused to hear the voices of tribal communities. Every Arizonan should have an opportunity to thrive and a space to call home, and this agreement takes us one step closer to making those Arizona values a reality, she said Friday. More transfers and economic opportunities In November, the Navajo Nation signed a warranty deed to take into trust a parcel of land near Flagstaff as part of the federal governments outstanding obligations to support members of that tribe who were forcibly relocated as a result of the Navajo-Hopi dispute. Navajo leaders are considering building a casino on the newly acquired land, saying such a project would provide significant economic benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Hopi, bringing more land into trust also holds the promise of more economic opportunities. The state lands near Winslow that are part of the condemnation filing are interspersed with Hopi-owned lands and have long been leased to the tribe for ranching and agricultural purposes, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Federal officials said Friday's filing is the first of an anticipated series of condemnation actions that ultimately would result in the transfer of more than 170 square miles (440 square kilometers) of state land into trust for the Hopi Tribe. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful prostate surgery on Sunday, the Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem said. On Saturday, Netanyahu's office said the surgery was to treat an infection caused by a benign enlargement of the prostate. The 75-year-old was operated on under general anaesthetic and was in good condition, the hospital said after the surgery. Netanyahu would remain under observation in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jerusalem court hearing Netanyahu's corruption trial has postponed hearings set for next week due to the operation. The hearings will now be held on January 6 and subsequent days. Netanyahu has been hospitalized due to health problems on a number of occasions in recent years. He was operated on under general anaesthetic for a hernia in late March, and was fitted with a pacemaker in 2023. BANGKOK (AP) A fire broke out at a hotel near Bangkok's Khao San Road, a popular tourist destination, killing three foreigners and injuring several other people, Thai police said Monday. The three who died in the fire on Sunday night were all foreign tourists, Police Colonel Sanong Saengmanee told The Associated Press. One was found dead at the scene and the other two died after being transported to the hospital. Police later identified the dead as a Brazilian woman, a Ukrainian man and an American man. Five people were hospitalized, including a Japanese woman in critical condition. The others were identified as a Japanese man, two Germans and a Thai electrician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire erupted on the 5th floor of the six-story Ember Hotel, police said. Khao San Road is a popular backpacker street in the Thai capital that's also known for its lively nightlife. The flames were eventually contained and the cause of the blaze is under investigation. Seventy-five people were staying at the hotel at the time of the fire. Sreekanth Kolamala, a 37-year-old Indian national who lives in Singapore and was in Thailand on vacation, witnessed the rescue operation and said that firefighters "broke the glass over there to try to pull people out. Sanga Ruangwattanakul, the president of the Khao San Road Business Association, stood outside The Ember Hotel on Monday, looking at the damage. He said 20,000 people were expected at a New Year's Eve countdown event on Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now everybodys scared about what happened and theyre scared it will affect the event tomorrow. But definitely theres no worry because we already had a meeting with the police station and we have over 150 police and district staff to cover on Khao San Road for security, he said. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also emphasized the importance of safety following the incident, especially as New Year's Eve approaches, with fireworks and other celebrations planned across the city. Associated Press journalists Jerry Harmer and Tian Macleod Ji contributed to this report. Im old enough to remember when the GOP railed against the purported imperial presidency of Barack Obama how dare that tyrant try to give Americans health care! so I never miss an opportunity to highlight Republicans hypocrisy as theyve prostrated themselves to Donald Trump and seemingly tried to march the country into a dictatorship. In the latest news, several House Republicans want Congress to relinquish control over the budget process and hand it over to the incoming president after he takes office in January. As Ive reported previously, some conservatives including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy contend that the Impoundment Control Act, a 1974 law that requires all funds authorized by Congress to be spent, gives the president broad latitude to determine whether the funds are spent at all. You may remember this issue coming up during Trumps first impeachment over his withholding of aid to Ukraine for personal, political reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Republicans now seem intent on removing all doubt that Trumps power is supreme. More than a dozen House Republicans sponsored a bill earlier this month that would repeal the Impoundment Control Act entirely, giving Trump unprecedented power to determine which funds are spent. (You can read more about Trumps hopes for impoundment in this ProPublica article.) It should go without saying that giving a vindictive man known for his business failures effective control of the federal budget is a bad idea. But todays Republican Party seems to exist for little more than stroking Trumps ego and lining his pockets. Business Insider got quotes from some of the GOP lawmakers backing the bill that would let Trump usurp their budgetary powers, and theyre just as sheepish as you might imagine: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the spending is just out of control, and I think Congress is gutless. I just dont think were capable of making changes without some other interference, whether it be the executive branch or the voters. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn. Quite ironic for Burchett to accuse others of being gutless precisely as he tries to pass the buck to Trump. But he wasnt alone in his deference: If the power is reducing expenditures, then Im all for it. Something has to be done. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo. And there was more: You look at where we are in this country, why not give him that power? At this point, Im willing to take that risk. Anything can be abused. I can drink too much water, and suffer from it. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. This bill attempting to repeal the Impoundment Control Act would face hurdles if its reintroduced in the upcoming House session, given that Republicans will hold an even smaller majority than they do now. And the repeal could face an even steeper climb in the Senate, if it were to reach that point. But with a budget fight on the horizon, the proposal to hand Trump complete control of the federal coffers shows weve reached new and even more dangerous levels of pro-Trump obsequiousness. At minimum, its a warning about the fervent horde of Trump sycophants who are eager to give him whatever he wants. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Hundreds of Scottish pupils are being forced to trek miles for lessons because SNP teacher cuts mean certain subjects are not available at their own schools, it has been claimed. Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show the number of consortia arrangements allowing pupils to travel between schools for certain lessons has more than doubled from 189 in 2019/20 to 471 in 2023/24. The number of pupils forced to travel to another school to access a subject not available at their own has also surged over the same period, from 651 to 1,599. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data, obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats, also disclosed that pupils in Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, East Lothian, Orkney, Perth and Kinross, the Scottish Borders and South Ayrshire all travelled more than 10 miles to get to lessons. Children in East Lothian were forced to travel 23 miles to attend lessons in business skills, while pupils in Perth and Kinross had to travel 12 miles to access Advanced Higher Maths, Advanced Higher Physics and Advanced Higher History lessons. Scottish Lib Dem education spokesman Willie Rennie blamed the SNP for failing to promote teaching as a rewarding career - Fraser Bremner/PA The Lib Dems said this showed there were not enough teachers in key subjects and blamed SNP ministers for overseeing a decline in teacher numbers. Official figures published earlier this month revealed teacher numbers have declined by 621 over the past year, while the proportion of probationers who secured a teaching post fell from 71 per cent to 65 per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the third consecutive year that overall numbers have fallen despite the SNPs 2021 Holyrood election manifesto promising to increase teacher numbers by 3,500. Scotlands schools have tumbled down international league tables on the SNPs watch, with pupils falling behind their English counterparts in literacy, maths and science. Willie Rennie, the Scottish Lib Dem education spokesman, said: The SNP once claimed that education would be their defining mission. Instead, it has become their defining failure. On their watch, young people are having to trek miles and miles to attend lessons in key subjects. These journeys take up huge chunks of the school day, precious time that could be better spent learning or engaging in extracurricular activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are not enough teachers in key subjects. By failing to promote teaching as a rewarding career, the SNP are denying young people the guidance and support they need, especially in more rural and remote communities. He argued that this creates a vicious cycle that diminishes the skills of future generations and undermines teacher recruitment for years to come. Children in East Lothian were forced to travel 23 miles to attend lessons - Ian West/PA The figures also disclose that the number of consortia arrangements between schools has also risen over the past year, from 399 in 2022/23, while the number of pupils affected has increased from 1,468 over the same period. A Scottish Government spokesman said: While it is disappointing that teacher numbers have declined, the Scottish Government has reached an agreement with local authorities to restore teaching posts to 2023 levels next year and is providing 186.5 million to support them to do this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scotland has more teachers per pupil and the highest paid teachers in the UK. We are investing more per pupil than any other UK nation, and this investment has seen record levels of literacy and numeracy in the most recent figures and record levels of positive destinations for school leavers. 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. Just keep spinning. Bryant Parks iconic carousel is back up and running two days after a fire tore through a nearby stall at the green spaces famed holiday market and shuttered several kiosks until further notice, workers told The Post on Sunday. Bryant Parks iconic holiday market is back up and running two days after a fire tore through one of its vendors stalls and shuttered several kiosks until further notice. LP MEDIA Despite the swift recovery effort, not all businesses seemed to get back up on their feet as quickly as others. LP MEDIA A 19-year-old carousel worker who only gave the initials KM estimated that the carousel ride, located steps away from where Fridays fire erupted, lost thousands of dollars on the day of the blaze when it had to be shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The park attraction was back up and spinning the next day. We had to close for the day, KM said. I was coming into work that day, but then before I left my house, I got a message from my boss, and they were like, Hey, theres a fire. So you cant come in to work today. The raging fire at Seapark a kiosk offering lobster rolls and seafood fries was accidental, caused by cooking oil coming in contact with combustibles, the FDNY said. Provided by Matthew Lief The blaze appeared to have started as a trash fire, sources told The Post, and then spread to the 6-foot-by-40-foot kiosk. The fire was placed under control by around 10 a.m., officials said later Friday. Robert Miller for NY Post Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trinity Thompson, a stall worker at nearby Babka Bailout, said the fire clean-up effort was just really fast. The fire department came [and] blew it out. And then I think two, three hours later, it was just cleaned up in the parking lot. Its business as usual, said Thompson, 24. The employee wasnt working when the fire broke out about 9:20 a.m. She said the blaze didnt have a big impact on Babka Bailout, which is near the Seapark seafood kiosk where the fire originated. The raging fire at a stall for Seapark which offers lobster rolls and seafood fries was accidental, caused by cooking oil coming in contact with combustibles, the FDNY said. Seapark is one of four kiosks that remain closed until further notice because of the blaze. LP MEDIA The blaze appeared to have started as a trash fire, sources told The Post, and then spread to the 6-foot-by-40-foot kiosk. The fire was placed under control by around 10 a.m., officials said later Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was slight damage to the adjacent kiosk, and there was some heat impingement on the roof of the ice-skating rink behind the kiosk on fire, FDNY Chief of Battalion 9, Joe Castellano, told reporters at the time. No real fire spread, just some flame impingement, and you see a little browning of the white roof structure. Despite the swift recovery effort, not all businesses seemed to get back up on their feet as quickly as others. Seapark is one of four kiosks that remain closed until further notice, according to the vendors social media pages. Kiosks for Down the Chimney, Criollas and 44 Burger were also shuttered fornow, Seapark said. The holiday market is due to close its doors Jan. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My parents and I have worked so hard to keep this business going for the last few years, and we are now going to endure an extremely heavy lost [sic], Seapark founders son Daniel Xie wrote in a GoFundMe post for the eatery, which amassed nearly half of its $9,000 goal in 48 hours. While most vendors told The Post their business hadnt been affected by the blaze and unaffected stalls were able to open starting later in the day Friday KM reported the carousels workers werent paid for the day off. Im not too worried about the carousel making money, but I did not get paid for not coming in that day, KM said. It was kind of a bummer, but, you know, st happens, he said. But still, that kind of sucks, especially during the holidays [not] being able to help out my family with the extra cash. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Maranatha Baptist Church 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. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. Donald Trumps incoming border czar, Tom Homan, has led a consulting firm that openly brags about helping private companies secure federal contracts. Asked about this work, Homan says he has recused himself from any involvement, discussion, input, or decision of any future government contracts. Homan, who previously directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the first Trump administration, has also led a conservative nonprofit group, Border911, alongside an executive for a major federal contractor. Homan is notorious for orchestrating the first Trump administrations family separation policy, when migrant children and parents were torn apart at the border. According to a Department of Homeland Security report, as of April 2024, there were still about 1,400 children who were not confirmed to have been reunited with their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Homan made headlines for once again publicly pitching the idea of family separation this time, with a twist. Homan said he would present families with children born in the U.S. with an impossible choice: Separate or leave America together. Heres the issue, Homan said. You knew you were in the country illegally and chose to have a child. So you put your family in that position. Advocates arent only concerned with Homans deportation plans, but also about his ties to government contractors. His consulting firm, Homeland Strategic Consulting LLC, advertises its ability to get its clients work with the federal government. The firm says on its website: We have a proven track record of opening doors and bringing successful relationships to our clients, resulting in tens of millions of dollars of federal contracts to private companies. The firm also touts its working relations with DHS [Department of Homeland Security], DOJ [Department of Justice], DOD [Department of Defense], and numerous foreign governments around the world. Homeland Strategic Consulting was incorporated in May 2018, days after Homan announced his resignation as Trumps acting ICE director, according to Virginia state records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tony Carrk, executive director of liberal watchdog group Accountable.US, says he is worried about potential conflicts of interest. When not presumably working on President-elect Trumps kids-in-cages policy 2.0, does Mr. Homan intend to exploit his new title to steer more lucrative federal contracts to his homeland security clients for his own personal gain? he asks. Homan tells Rolling Stone: As the incoming border czar, I have recused myself from any involvement, discussion, input, or decision of any future government contracts that may be awarded by the government. Therefore, there is no conflict of interest. Asked whether he would name his clients, Homan did not answer. He did, however, say, I will be filing all appropriate documents as required by ethics rules including financial disclosures. Homan is also an adviser for the Government Technology & Services Coalition (GTSC), a homeland security industry group. Members include the Chertoff Group, founded by Michael Chertoff, who was secretary of homeland security under George W. Bush. Homan has also served on the editorial board of GTSCs publication, Homeland Security Today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border911, Homans charitable nonprofit group, fearmongers about undocumented migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Its slogan is: Every state is a border state. The group holds events across the country, and in April, it held a gala at Mar-a-Lago. According to the flyer, Trump was confirmed to attend. Other members of Border911s team include Rodney Scott, who was former chief of the United States Border Patrol under Trump, and Fox News contributor Sara Carter. Derek Maltz Sr., another member of the Border911 team, is the former director of the Drug Enforcement Administrations Special Operations Division. He is currently the executive director of government relations for PenLink, a software company that makes surveillance data analysis products for law enforcement. The company has worked with ICE, the FBI, and the DEA, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety. But in the end, this is nothing new. Homan will soon join a growing club of top Trump administration aides with glaring conflicts of interest that create perfect conditions for corruption and insider special treatment at the expense of everyone else, Carrk says. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Croatia's incumbent President Zoran Milanovic has secured a clear lead in the first round of the presidential election, but is set to face a run-off in January. With nearly all votes counted on Sunday evening, Milanovic, a former social democrat, had garnered 49.1% of the vote, according to provisional results from the electoral commission. His challenger Dragan Primorac, who is supported by the conservative ruling party HDZ, had meanwhile collected 19.4% of the vote, provisional results showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As no candidate achieved the necessary 50% majority, there will be a run-off election on January 12 between Milanovic and Primorac. Originally from the Social Democratic Party, 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. Independent right-wing politician Marija Selak-Raspudic received 9.3% of the vote, while Ivana Kekin from the green-left party Mozemo garnered 8.9%, according to preliminary results. Some 3.8 million citizens were eligible to vote in the Balkan country, a member of the European Union since 2013. 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! SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korean police on Monday booked the current acting president Choi Sang-mok for charges relevant to insurrection, triggered by the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol's martial law declaration, according to multiple media outlets. A civic group, called candlelight action, filed a complaint against Choi, who also serves as minister of economy and finance and became acting president following the impeachment of both Yoon and the prime minister, for his participation in a plot to commit the rebellion and his connivance at the insurrection. The special investigative unit of the National Office of Investigation reportedly booked Choi and others earlier in the day for treason-relevant charges. It was known that Choi participated in a cabinet meeting to endorse the emergency martial law, which was declared by Yoon on the night of Dec. 3 but revoked by the National Assembly hours later. The police allegedly asked the impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who also took part in the cabinet meeting, to appear for questioning for the second time, becoming the first cabinet member to be interrogated by the police twice over the martial law imposition. Han was impeached on Friday after refusing to appoint three constitutional court justices, who will fill vacancies on the nine-member bench for Yoon's impeachment trial. The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14 and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended. To oust Yoon from office, at least six out of nine constitutional court justices are required to uphold the impeachment motion. An Indiana Army National Guardsman deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve died Saturday in a non-combat incident, Defense Department officials announced Monday. Capt. Eric Richard Hart, 34, of Indianapolis, Indiana, died on Dec. 28, according to a brief release. The Pentagon did not provide additional details regarding Harts death, which is currently under investigation. Hart was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 38th Infantry Division, of the Indiana National Guard in Indianapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indiana National Guard extends our heartfelt and sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Capt. Eric Hart who died in a non-combat incident while overseas serving with the 38th Infantry Division in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, the Indiana National Guard said in a statement. Our thoughts are with them and the soldiers who worked and served alongside Capt. Hart. He was an integral part of our team and the Cyclone Division team as well. He will be missed. Hart was a quartermaster officer for the 38th Infantry Division, according to the Indiana National Guard. He commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2015 from the officer candidate school at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, among others. Editors note: This report has been updated with additional information about Harts service record and a statement from the Indiana National Guard. Indiana Army National Guard Capt. Eric Hart, 34, of Indianapolis died Saturday in Iraq as a result of what the Department of Defense called a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation, according to a DoD statement. The Indiana Army National Guard logo. Hart was assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion, 38th Infantry Division, Indiana National Guard, based in Indianapolis. He was in Iraq supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, according to the statement. No additional details were immediately available. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana National Guard captain from Indianapolis died in Iraq HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Pet Friendly Services of Indiana, in partnership with Public Vet mobile clinic, has announced the success of The FIX is IN! program for 2024, and that this program helped the organization fix over 14,000 cats. Officials explain though this partnership, Public Vet hosted 155 spay and neuter clinics across the state. In total, 14,007 cats were fixed this year, reducing shelter intake across the state and helping many communities address cat overpopulation. 1,000 warm clothing items distributed at 4th Giving Tree of Warmth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pet Friendly Services of Indiana says it provided financial assistance to 4,345 of those surgeries. In Evansville, this organization says 788 cats were among the total amount of cats fixed. Sportsmans offering part-time shifts to Sauced & Madeleines staff after fires Every cat we fix represents fewer homeless kittens, fewer shelter intakes, and more lives saved, said Cheri Storms, Executive Director at Pet Friendly Services. Thanks to our supporters, were easing the burden on shelters and rescues, and we look forward to helping even more cats in 2025. Public Vet has posted upcoming clinic dates for January and February of 2025. Cat owners can schedule an appointment here. People can make a donation to the organization here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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). LITTLE ROCK, Ark. At 100-years-old, the 39th president of the United States has passed away. Jimmy Carter was a Georgia native, and the longest-living U.S. president. Skip Rutherford, the former dean of the Clinton School of Public Service said he got the chance to meet Carter 20 years ago. He came to Little Rock for the opening of the Clinton Presidential Library. And that was on November 18, 2004, Rutherford said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Clinton, Arkansas lawmakers react to the death of former President Jimmy Carter Rutherford said Carter lived an incredible life, leaving behind a legacy in human rights, rural healthcare and even building the Carter Center in 1982, working for decades to advance democracy. He had political problems. But he had some really strong accomplishments, Rutherford said. Particularly, in the area of international relations. Duck hunting & campaigning: Former President Jimmy Carters connections to Arkansas Rutherford said he hopes to see the nation paying tribute. He was very much a person from a small town in Georgia. And I think a lot of people can relate to that, Rutherford said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) As a part of its investments in central Ohio, Intel Foundry debuted a scholarship pilot program for Ohio students pursuing degrees relevant to semiconductor manufacturing. The Intel Foundry Scholarship for Advanced Manufacturing will give $5,000 per school year to as many as 15 students studying programs like electrical engineering, robotics or other relevant STEM degrees. The funding will be awarded through the Licking County Foundation, which is working in tandem with Intel to help support Licking County students. Students across a variety of educational paths may be eligible to apply for the funding, which is part of a larger push from Intel to invest in semiconductor education in Ohio. The scholarship lists eight eligible programs and degrees specifically, but does not limit scholarships to these pursuits. However, the program notes that students in medical, nursing, veterinary and computer science software fields are not eligible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One-year Semiconductor Certificate Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology AAS Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology AAS Mechatronics/Robotics/Automation Engineering Technology AAS Microelectronics Associate degree Mechanical Engineering Technology AAS Chemistry or Agricultural Sciences Associate degree Equipment Maintenance-related Associate degree Other relevant STEM fields, as approved Students must have graduated high school or be high school seniors who understand they will not receive funding until after graduation to be eligible. Students also had to be enrolled full-time or prepared to enroll for spring 2025, with preference given to currently enrolled students for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. Although all Ohio residents are eligible, preference is given to Licking County residents. Although the Licking County Foundation is helping to organize the Intel Foundry Scholarship, the foundation clarified it is separate from its 2025 scholarship program, which has a deadline of Feb. 3. The Intel Foundry Scholarships inaugural program closed its application on Dec. 2, but there will be additional opportunities to apply in the spring as funds are 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. An international battery technology and electric vehicle services company is adding cryptocurrency to its portfolio, giving the industry hope for a greener future. Sustainable energy solutions firm VivoPower announced that its subsidiary Caret Digital will begin mining for dogecoin at the start of the new year through renewable energy-powered hosting centers in Wisconsin and Oregon. The mining operations will utilize 255 Antminer L9s at the Wisconsin facility before eventually scaling up to an additional 745 Antminer L9s at the Oregon facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While VivoPower intends to sell most of what it mines, its foray into crypto is part of its plan to capitalize on dogecoin's profitability. Based on current market values and Antminer GPU costs, it projects to earn up to $25 million in annual revenue and as much as $12 million in cash earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The firm will then reinvest its profits from this venture to support its Tembo electric light vehicles business and "further its commitment to delivering on the triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet." In the meantime, Caret Digital is developing a solar farm that could generate up to 55 megawatts of power to mine dogecoin. According to The Crypto Updates, VivoPower's grand scheme aligns with dogecoin's core value of social responsibility. The Dogecoin community has pursued many philanthropic endeavors, such as donating to the American Cancer Society and funding dog shelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, that list can include a more sustainable mining practice a potential "game-changer" that would stand out in an industry notorious for its energy-intensive and polluting processes. One university found that Bitcoin mining requires 172 terawatt-hours of electricity a year and produces 105 million tons of carbon dioxide. Mines in Texas alone use 2,600 megawatts of power annually and could double that by the end of the decade. Luckily, the sector is taking steps to improve its eco-friendliness. One region in Switzerland is planning to use excess energy from the grid that would otherwise be wasted to power crypto mines, while the cryptocurrency network Ethereum is now using a mechanism that cuts its energy needs by nearly 100%. 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. DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran confirmed the arrest of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala for "violating the laws of the Islamic Republic", Iran's official IRNA news agency reported on Monday. Sala, 29, who works for the newspaper Il Foglio and the podcast company Chora Media, was detained in Tehran on Dec. 19, according to the Italian foreign ministry. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Saturday declined to say whether the case might be linked to the arrest of an Iranian in Italy this month at the request of the United Sttates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case of the Italian journalist being held in Iran is "complicated", but Rome hopes to bring Sala home quickly, Tajani said. "Italian national Cecilia Sala traveled to Iran on Dec. 13 with a journalist visa and was detained on Dec. 19... for violating the laws of the Islamic Republic," a statement by Iran's Culture Ministry said, according to IRNA. Chora Media said Sala had left Rome for Iran on Dec. 12 with a valid journalist visa and had conducted several interviews and produced three episodes of her "Stories" podcast. She had been due to fly back to Rome on Dec. 20. Sala has been in contact by phone with her family and the Italian embassy in Tehran was notified of her detention, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, Iran's security forces have arrested dozens of foreigners and dual nationals, mostly on charges related to espionage and security. Rights groups have accused Iran of trying to extract concessions from other countries through such arrests. Iran denies taking prisoners to gain diplomatic leverage. (Reporting by Parisa Hafezi and Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Louise Heavens) MOSCOW, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Eurasian region has remained a focal point on the global stage throughout 2024, grappling with persistent conflicts and instability. Despite these challenges, the complex international landscape has not deterred Eurasian countries from their historical pursuit of peace, cooperation, and development. Their aspirations for lasting peace and common prosperity remain unwavering. ESCALATING UKRAINE CRISIS, RISING TERRORIST THREATS The Ukraine crisis, now exceeding 1,000 days, shows no signs of abating. It has inflicted mounting casualties, devastated infrastructure and displaced countless families. The risk of spillover into neighboring regions grows with each passing day, further complicating prospects for peace. In August, Ukrainian forces launched cross-border operations in Russia's Kursk region, supported by U.S.- and NATO-supplied long-range precision-guided weaponry. In response, Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine's military and energy infrastructure. November saw Russia firing its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile on the city of Dnipro. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved updates to the country's nuclear doctrine, allowing the use of nuclear weapons in response to conventional missile attacks supported by nuclear powers. Beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the region continues to face the menace of terrorism. In March, a tragic terrorist attack at Moscow's Crocus City Hall claimed over 140 lives and left 550 injured, marking one of the deadliest attacks Russia suffered in decades and underscoring the urgent need for enhanced regional security measures. HEIGHTENED TENSIONS The year 2024 witnessed heightened tensions between Russia, the region's major country, and the West, as the United States and its NATO allies continued to exacerbate the situation in Ukraine. In March, Putin was re-elected Russian president with a landslide victory of 87.28 percent of votes. For many observers, Putin's reelection is a sign of continuity and a reaffirmation of Russia's resolve to resist Western pressure while emphasizing national sovereignty, security, and stability. Russia has repeatedly cautioned against NATO's growing presence in Asia-Pacific and its expanding influence in the South Caucasus. In December, Putin warned that Western countries are pushing Moscow to its red line and announcing plans for the mass production of its advanced Oreshnik weaponry. In response to the conflict, the European Union imposed three additional sanction packages against Russia in 2024, the latest in December targeting shadow fleets seeking to evade the Western oil price cap on Russian exports. Most analysts agree that the conflict has profoundly reshaped relations between Russia and the West, making any kind of partnership extremely difficult. MULTILATERAL COOPERATION Amid rising geopolitical tensions, regional nations are increasingly turning to multilateral frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS to foster stability and development. In July, leaders of the SCO member states convened in Astana, Kazakhstan to discuss cooperation in political security, economic and trade investment, transportation, energy, and culture and people-to-people exchanges, and adopted 25 key documents. The summit underscored the importance of maintaining regional security, combating the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism, and separatism, upholding the SCO Charter's objectives, and advancing the Shanghai Spirit with determination. According to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the SCO has become an effective mechanism for fostering interstate relations, guided by the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. The recently concluded BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia once again emphasized the region's growing interests in achieving lasting peace and sustained development. During the summit, leaders from the Global South and Eurasian countries discussed important issues such as world peace and stability, governance reforms, development, and the international financial structure. CHALLENGES AND HOPE As winter grips Ukraine, the human toll of its conflict with Russia has grown ever more dire. According to the UN, over 14.6 million Ukrainians required humanitarian assistance in 2024, with millions expected to remain dependent on aid into 2025. Public sentiment on both sides increasingly favors peace, with over half of Ukrainians now supporting negotiations, according to a recent Gallup poll. Similar trends are emerging in Russia. While U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to resolve the conflict quickly, most experts consider an immediate resolution improbable due to fundamental differences in negotiation stances. Analysts predict prolonged negotiations will be interspersed with continued fighting, as both Ukraine and Russia seek to strengthen their positions ahead of Trump's inauguration. Meanwhile, the year 2025 promises to be pivotal for the region, with significant events on the horizon. The year 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II with commemorative events planned in countries, including Russia, to reaffirm a shared commitment to upholding historical justice. Besides, SCO member countries will convene for their annual summit, aiming to promote shared prosperity and steer global governance toward a more equitable global governance framework. Amid the uncertainties and challenges, the call for peace and collaboration grows stronger, offering hope for a more stable and cooperative future in Eurasia. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Tehran confirmed Monday that an Italian journalist has been arrested on charges of violating the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran, state media reported. The countrys Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which oversees media activity, said in a statement that Cecilia Sala traveled to Iran on Dec. 13 on a journalist visa and was arrested six days later, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. The statement said Salas case is under investigation, adding that the Italian embassy in Tehran was informed after her arrest. The ministry said Salas arrest was carried out under relevant regulations and she was granted consular access. She has contacted her family by phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Italys foreign ministry said the Iranian police detained Sala in the Iranian capital on Dec. 19, while she was working with Iranian authorities to clarify the legal situation of Sala and to verify the conditions of her detention. Sala is a reporter for the Italian daily Il Foglio, which said she is being held in Tehrans Evin prison. Il Foglio said Sala was in Iran on a regular visa to report on a country she knows and loves. Since the 1979 U.S. Embassy crisis, which saw dozens of hostages released after 444 days in captivity, Iran has used prisoners with Western ties as bargaining chips in negotiations. Italian media said Salas detention was believed to be aimed at securing the release of Mohammad Abedini-Najafabad, an Iranian-Swiss expert in drones who was detained in Italy on Dec. 16 on a U.S. warrant to be extradited to the United States. Without attribution, Italian daily Corriere della Sera said Irans vice foreign minister had implied such a swap to the Italian ambassador to Iran, Paola Amadei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani referred to the arrest of Abedini in an appearance with Italian broadcaster Rete4 about Sala's case. An Iranian-Swiss citizen was arrested in Italy, not because he committed crimes in Italy but because there was an international arrest warrant from the United States for this person, Tajani said. Now the Italian courts are evaluating if extradition is possible or not. Tajani noted that the situation was delicate but said he he hoped to bring Sala home as soon as possible. In September 2023 five Americans detained for years in Iran were freed in exchange for five Iranians in U.S. custody and for $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets to be released by South Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roxana Saberi, an American journalist, was detained by Iran in 2009 for some 100 days before being released. Also detained by Iran was Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, who was held for over 540 days before being released in 2016 in a prisoner swap between Iran and the U.S. Both cases involved Iran making false espionage accusations in closed-door hearings. BERLIN (AP) Germany's federal prosecutor on Monday charged an Iraqi couple with enslavement, torture and war crimes, alleging they kept two young Yazidi girls as slaves and sexually and physically abused them. The man and the woman, identified only as Twana H.S. and Asia R.A. in line with German privacy rules, were arrested in Bavaria in April. The were members of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria between October 2015 and December 2017, the prosecutor said in a statement. They allegedly kept a 5-year-old Yazidi girl as a slave starting in late 2015, and a 12-year-old from October 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors alleged that the man raped both girls repeatedly and that the woman prepared the room and put makeup on one of the girls. The couple also exerted harsh physical violence on the girls, who were prevented from practicing their own religion and coerced into household work and childcare, prosecutors said. The man on one occasion allegedly hit the older girl with a broomstick, the woman is accused of scalding the younger girls hand with hot water and both children were repeatedly forced to stand on one leg for half an hour as punishment. Before they left Syria in November 2017, the suspects handed the girls over to other members of IS, the prosecutor's statement said. All of this served the organizations objective to destroy the Yazidi religion, the statement said. HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) Indiana State Police reported that a man from Missouri was placed in custody following an early morning shooting at a Lynnville gas station and a standoff with local authorities on Monday. ISP reports that at approximately 12:01 am., officers were dispatched to a gas station at 107 IN-68 Lynnville after a woman was reportedly shot at. ISP said Eli Gunden, 35, drove up to a female inside her car in the parking lot of the gas station and fired a gun two times into her vehicle. Authorities say the woman was not hit by the gunfire, and Gunden fled the scene. Deputies with the Dubois County Sheriffs Office were able to locate Gundens vehicle on I-64, but according to a report, Gunden fled from the authorities and a pursuit was engaged. A report from ISP said Gunden eventually pulled over on the side of the road on US 231, but he refused to exit the vehicle for approximately two hours during a standoff with authorities from ISP, Dubois County and Spencer County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An affidavit says Gunden told authorities he did approach the womans vehicle and shot two times at her vehicle in an attempt to shoot out her tires so she could not leave. He also reportedly said he is afraid of police, which is why he did not stop for law enforcement while driving. Gunden was booked in the Warrick County Jail for multiple felony offenses, and he is being held without 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). Geneva The head of the United Nations' World Health Organization called Monday for the immediate release of Hossam Abu Safiyeh, director of the war-torn Gaza Strip's Kamal Adwan Hospital, who is being held by Israel's military following a major raid on the facility. The Friday-Saturday assault on Kamal Adwan in Beit Lahia left northern Gaza's last major health facility out of service and emptied of patients, the WHO said. "Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X. "Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza is out of service following the raid, forced patient and staff evacuation and the detention of its director. His whereabouts are unknown. We call for his immediate release." Israel's military said Sunday that its forces had killed approximately 20 Palestinian militants and apprehended "240 terrorists" in the raid, calling it one of its "largest operations" conducted in the territory. The Israeli military said it had detained Abu Safiyeh, suspecting him of being a Hamas militant. When asked if he had been transferred to Israeli territory for further questioning, the military did not offer an immediate comment. Israeli officials have consistently accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, positioning its weapons and fighters in and underneath hospitals, schools and other vital infrastructure. The group, which has long been designated a terrorist organization by Israel and the U.S., has denied those accusations. Tedros said the patients in critical condition at Kamal Adwan had been moved to the Indonesian Hospital, also in northern Gaza, "which is itself out of function." "Amid ongoing chaos in northern Gaza, WHO and partners today delivered basic medical and hygiene supplies, food and water to Indonesian Hospital and transferred 10 critical patients to Al-Shifa Hospital," he said. "We urge Israel to ensure their health care needs and rights are upheld." He said seven patients along with 15 caregivers and health workers remained at the "severely damaged" Indonesian Hospital, "which has no ability to provide care." "Al-Ahli Hospital and Al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital in Gaza City also faced attacks today and both are damaged," Tedros added. "We repeat: stop attacks on hospitals. People in Gaza need access to health care. Humanitarians need access to provide health aid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The London-based charity Amnesty International also called on Israel to immediately and unconditionally release Abu Safiyeh, saying in a series of social media posts that the hospital director had become the "voice of Gaza's decimated health sector." 1/5 We are extremely concerned over the fate & wellbeing of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan hospital who was detained by Israeli forces along with others during a raid on the hospital on 27 December. He must be released immediately and unconditionally. pic.twitter.com/nwqq95pLEc Amnesty MENA (@AmnestyMENA) December 29, 2024 The charity has accused Israel's military of genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza an accusation Israel has repeated and vehemently rejected and it accused the Israeli military of detaining "hundreds of Palestinian healthcare workers" without charge and subjecting them "to torture and other ill-treatment." Since October 6 this year, Israeli operations in Gaza have focused on the north, with officials saying their land and air offensive aims to prevent Hamas from regrouping. Health officials in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory said Monday that the overall death toll in Gaza from Israel's offensive had risen to 45,541, including 27 people the Health Ministry said had been killed over the previous 24 hours alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry said at least 108,338 others had been wounded since Israel launched its offensive against Hamas. The war was launched in response to Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack, which saw the militants kill some 1,200 people in Israel and kidnap 251 others. Palestinians walk among debris following the Israeli attack on the courtyard of Kamal Adwan Hospital and its surrounding buildings in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, Dec. 25, 2024. / Credit: Khalil Ramzi Alkahlut/Anadolu/Getty Frigid winter temperatures have compounded the misery for Palestinians in Gaza after more than a year of war. Medics in the enclave have reported infants dying of hypothermia in recent weeks. Dr. Fidda Al-Nadi, a doctor at the Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, which has not functioned fully since Israeli raids early this year, told CBS News last week that it was admitting one or two cases of hypothermia every single day, and that the youngest patients were the most vulnerable. "In the stress we are living in, many children are born prematurely, and this predisposes them more to hypothermia," Al-Nadi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hail and Farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2024 Dr. Leana Wen says for bird flu, "we should have learned our lesson from COVID" in testing How Japanese mochi brings communities in America together Northern Gazas last remaining major hospital is now out of service after a raid by Israeli forces severely damaged the building and emptied its wards of patients and doctors. On Friday, Israeli forces raided the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, putting some 75,000 Palestinians remaining in the north of the enclave at risk, the United Nations said. They also arrested the hospitals prominent director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, accusing him of being a suspected Hamas terrorist operative. The raid has rendered the hospital empty of patients, some of whom are critically ill, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those in critical condition were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital, which is itself out of function, WHO said. Some patients were also transferred to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, WHO added. A view of destruction following the Israeli attack on the courtyard of Kamal Adwan Hospital and its surrounding buildings in Beit Lahia, Gaza on December 25. - Khalil Ramzi Alkahlut/Anadolu/Getty Images The UN said that WHO is planning a mission to the Indonesian Hospital to move the evacuated patients to southern Gaza for continued care. Mohammed Salha, director of Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, which is barely functioning and severely damaged due to recent airstrikes, told CNN Monday that Kamal Adwan Hospital is totally out of service and that his own medical facility has very little fuel and is overflowing with patients, despite limited supplies. We have one surgeon who is only performing when a case is in a life-threatening situation, Salha told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The health system in the north is completely deteriorated, he said. We are working to save what is left. Salha said his hospital must wait for approval from the Israeli military to allow the Red Cross to move cases that require specialist treatment from the north of Gaza further south. The UN Human Rights Office published a report on Tuesday saying, the conduct of hostilities in Gaza since 7 October has destroyed the healthcare system in Gaza, and the situation has reached a catastrophic level since last year. The report said that hostilities resulted in the killing of hundreds of health and medical professionals, as well as patients and civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is essential that there be independent, credible and transparent investigations of these incidents, and full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights law which have taken place, the report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said. The raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital came amid renewed Israeli aerial and ground operations in several parts of northern Gaza, aimed at targeting what the IDF called a resurgent Hamas presence in the area. The onslaught has left streets as carpets of debris, killed entire families, and severely depleted food, water and medical stocks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) over the weekend said it had detained at least 240 Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists around the hospital, alleging the facility was being used as a Hamas terror stronghold. It said Monday that troops had also operated to identify and eliminate multiple terrorists in the area overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, after detaining the hospital director, Dr Abu Safiya, the Israeli military claimed that the facility was being used by Hamas as a command and control center. The military did not provide any evidence to support the claims. Abu Safiyas arrest was met with outrage by Palestinians, the UN and rights groups. Amnesty International on Sunday called him the voice of Gazas decimated health sector, adding that since the war, Israel has detained hundreds of Palestinian healthcare workers from Gaza without charge or trial. In a statement on X, Amnesty said that health workers have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment and been held in incommunicado detention by Israel. Trickling aid As Gazas northern hospitals are forced out of service, aid is barely reaching the few hundred thousand Palestinians still trapped in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since October 6 of this year, when Israels concentrated operation in the north began, 5,565 truckloads of aid have entered the enclave, according to data from the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Since December 1, Israeli authorities have denied 48 of 52 UN attempts to coordinate humanitarian access to northern Gaza, OCHA said on December 24, adding that the four approved movements all faced impediments. OCHAs database says that on December 26, 27 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. There are no records of aid into the enclave after December 26, according to the UN database. Jonathan Whittall, acting head of office at OCHA, said on Monday that his team has been denied entry into northern Gaza more than 140 times. A volunteer stirs a food pot as Palestinians wait to collect humanitarian aid portions, in al-Shati camp near Gaza City on December 26. - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images We dont have the ability to provide the level of assistance that is needed to meet the most basic requirements, Whittall said in a video posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The basics of human survival are being destroyed in Gaza, he said. However, the IDF said on Saturday that prior to its weekend operation against Kamal Adwan in north Gaza, it evacuated patients and delivered tens of thousands of liters of fuel, food, and medical supplies. According to COGAT, the Israeli agency that approves aid shipments into Gaza, one fuel truck went to northern Gaza for the refueling of bakeries, the group said on Monday. The multiple humanitarian crises in Gaza food shortages, lack of shelter and medicine have been compounded by a snap of cold weather. Gazas Health Ministry said a 20-day-old newborn died from the cold, the fifth in the last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One surgeon in Gaza, Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, said on X that hypothermia, malnutrition and injury represented the triad of death. In Gaza this means that people will die of hypothermia at higher temperatures, will starve to death much quicker and will succumb to less severe wounds, he wrote. This report has been updated with additional developments. CNNs Abeer Salman, Irene Nasser, Jomana Karadsheh, Tareq Al Hilou and Hira Humayun contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Daphne Psaledakis and Jonathan Landay (Reuters) -Israel's ambassador to the United Nations on Monday issued what he called a final warning to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants to halt missile attacks on Israel, saying they risked the same "miserable fate" as Hamas, Hezbollah and Syria's Bashar al-Assad if they persisted. The ambassador, Danny Danon, also warned Tehran that Israel has the ability to strike any target in the Middle East, including in Iran. He added that Israel would not tolerate attacks by Iranian proxies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But hours later, the Israeli military announced that it had intercepted a missile fired from Yemen, prompting sirens to sound across the country. The Houthis targeted Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and a power station south of Jerusalem using a hypersonic ballistic missile and a Zulfiqar ballistic missile, respectively, the group's military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on Tuesday. The Houthis would not end attacks on Israel, Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the Houthis' supreme revolutionary committee, said after the Israeli military announced the missile interception. "The pounding of the entity (Israel) continues and the support to Gaza continues," he posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Houthis repeatedly have fired drones and missiles towards Israel in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli fire in Gaza. Danon, in addressing the U.N. Security Council, said that Israel would not tolerate further Houthi attacks. "To the Houthis, perhaps you have not been paying attention to what has happened to the Middle East over the past year," he said. "Well, allow me to remind you what has happened to Hamas, to Hezbollah, to Assad, to all those who have attempted to destroy us. Let this be your final warning. This is not a threat. It is a promise. You will share the same miserable fate," Danon said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the meeting, Danon told reporters: "Israel will defend its people. If 2,000 kilometers is not enough to separate our children from the terror, let me assure you, it will not be enough to protect their terror from our strengths." Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the Houthis that Israel was "just getting started" following Israeli strikes on multiple Houthi-linked targets in Yemen, including Sanaa airport, ports on the country's west coast and two power plants. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said he was about to board a plane at the airport when it came under attack by Israel. A crew member on the plane was injured, he said. Israel's elimination of the top leaders of the Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah and the destruction of their military structure along with Assad's collapse represents a succession of monumental wins for Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Briefing the Security Council meeting, Assistant U.N. Secretary General for the Middle East Khaled Khiari reiterated grave concern about the escalation in violence, calling on the Houthis to halt attacks on Israel and for international and humanitarian law to be respected. "Further military escalation could jeopardize regional stability with adverse political, security, economic and humanitarian repercussions," Khiari said. "Millions in Yemen, Israel and throughout the region, would continue to bear the brunt of escalation with no end." Russia's ambassador to the U.N., Vassily Nebenzia, while condemning Houthi missile attacks on Israel, also criticized Israel's retaliatory strikes on Yemen, as well those by what he called the "Anglo-Saxon coalition" of U.S. and British warships in the Red Sea, saying they were "clearly not proportional." (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Jonathan Landay; additional reporting by Jaidaa Taha in Cairo and Clauda Tanios in Dubai; Editing by Howard Goller, Leslie Adler and Michael Perry) The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has analysed Russian ruler Vladimir Putin's new strategy for countering "extremism". Putin is forced to please his electorate while balancing the Russian Federation's need for manpower for its economy and army. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: Analysts note that Putin has enshrined his so-called policy of "denazification" of Ukraine in a new state strategy document on countering alleged "extremism", demonstrating that he continues to make the same demands for the removal of the Ukrainian government that he made in 2022 when he launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin signed a new strategy for countering extremism in Russia on 28 December. The report points out that Putin signed the last iteration of the strategy in 2020. The 2024 strategy, for the first time, references "Russophobia", defining it as "unfriendly, prejudiced and hostile" attitudes, along with "discriminatory actions," targeting Russian citizens, language, and culture by states considered unfriendly to Russia. Quote from ISW: "The 2024 document, unlike the 2020 version, also lists Ukraine as a main source of extremism and accuses Ukraine of disseminating neo-Nazi ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document states that Russia needs to eliminate the source of extremist threats that come from Ukraine." Details: Experts recall that in February 2022, when Putin initiated the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, he justified it by claiming that Russia was "denazifying" Ukrainea narrative used to legitimise the ousting of Ukraine's legitimate, democratically elected government. Experts add that Putin has made similar statements recently, reiterating his refusal to consider compromises on his demands made in late 2021 and early 2022. Quote from the ISW: "The document's mentions of Russophobia and discrimination against Russian citizens, language, and culture also align with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's recent talking point that such alleged discrimination by the current Ukrainian authorities is a root cause of Russia's war against Ukraine that any future negotiations must address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin will likely exploit this new strategy document to justify its calls for the removal of the Ukrainian government as anti-extremist measures." Details: The review notes that the strategy signed by Putin includes elements designed to appeal to Russia's pro-military ultranationalist community, which is likely part of the Kremlin's strategy to consolidate and strengthen support from this influential group. The document claims that migrants in Russia are involved in illegal activities that contribute to the spread of extremism across Russia's federal subjects. It calls for stricter migration policies, including efforts to combat "propaganda activities" in areas where migrants reside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, it recommends revising educational programmes in the South Caucasus and Central Asia to curb the spread of Russophobia. ISW highlights that Russias ultranationalist war bloggers have repeatedly called for stricter migration policies and have expressed concerns about "Russophobia" in former Soviet republics such as Kazakhstan. Quote from the ISW: "ISW continues to assess that Putin must cater to his xenophobic and ultranationalist constituency some of the staunchest supporters of Russia's war in Ukraine while also balancing Russia's need for migrant labour for its economy and military." To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 29 December: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov explicitly rejected two suggestions reportedly considered by US President-elect Donald Trump's team in early November 2024 as conditions for ending the war in Ukraine the delay of Ukraine's membership in NATO for 20 years and the deployment of European peacekeepers in Ukraine. Russian ruler Vladimir Putin enshrined his alleged policy of Ukrainian "denazification" in a new state strategy document about countering extremism, demonstrating how Putin continues to make the same demands for the removal of the Ukrainian government that he made in 2022 when launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of shooting the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 passenger flight over the Republic of Chechnya on 25 December and of attempting to cover up Russia's responsibility for the plane's crash in Kazakhstan effectively rejecting Russian ruler Vladimir Putin's lacklustre apology. Ukrainian forces are successfully innovating to combat Russian guided glide bomb strikes against Kharkiv Oblast. The US delivered its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment to Ukraine on 27 December. Salome Zurabishvili announced her departure from the Georgian presidential palace on 29 December but stated that she considers herself to be Georgia's "legitimate" president. Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk and Vuhledar and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russia reportedly continues to face labour shortages that Russian military recruitment and persistent demographic problems are likely exacerbating. Support UP or become our patron! TEHRAN, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran and Oman are on the same page about the necessity to form an inclusive government in Syria. He made the remarks at a joint press conference with visiting Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi following their meeting in the Iranian capital Tehran earlier in the day, where they discussed Syria's situation in detail. Araghchi said, "We agree on the necessity to maintain Syria's territorial integrity, unity and solidarity, respect all ethnic and religious groups in the country and form an inclusive government in the Arab state." He said Iran's positions on Syria have many similarities with those of Oman and many other regional countries, all of which seek to ensure Syria's independence and stability. The Omani foreign minister, for his part, said his country supports the policy of non-interference in other states' internal affairs. He said the Syria issues should move in a direction that enables the Arab state to play its role on the international stage. A militant alliance led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) In just a few days, Kansans will see the state sales tax on some grocery items go to zero. Its part of the Governor Laura Kellys Axe the Food Tax legislation she signed back in 2022. Starting in 2023, the sales tax dropped from 6.5% to 4%. In 2024, the sales tax dropped from 4% to 2%. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the sales tax will be reduced from 2% to 0%. The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) states that customers will no longer get taxed on food and food ingredients for human consumption and certain prepared foods on its website. This includes foods like eggs, breads and fruits. Non-food items sold at grocery stores will still be sold with a 6.5% sales tax. These items include things like alcohol and silverware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What punishments are in store for illegally dumping a deer carcass? Some food items, classified as prepared food by the KDOR, will still have the 6.5% sales tax applied. Food items kept in a heated state or heated up prior to being sold, like a rotisserie chicken, would have the tax applied at the checkout. Baked goods sold as a single item are not counted as being a prepared food under state law. This doesnt mean there is no sales tax at all: Kansans will still see two lines on grocery bills. The city and county sales tax still applies, according to the KDOR. In Topeka, the city sales tax is 1.5% and the sales tax for Shawnee County is 1.35%. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KSNT 27 News. Josef Madison, the man convicted of murdering a 17-year-old in February, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, Madison shot and killed Blaise Conner near a Murray Hill church on Feb. 13, 2024. READ: JSO makes arrest in Murray Hill shooting that killed 17-year-old Blaise Conner READ: This didnt need to happen; new arrest report and video show what led to teens murder Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madison entered a guilty plea on Dec. 20. He was found guilty of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a juvenile delinquent found to have committed a felony act. According to the February arrest report, in Jan. 2023, Madison previously entered a plea deal for carrying a concealed firearm and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. For that reason, he was prohibited from having a gun until age 24. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. A January special election to fill a vacant seat in the Minnesota Senate will determine control of the chamber. Gov. Tim Walz on Monday ordered the special election in response to the passing of longtime Sen. Kari Dziedzic, 62, who died Friday. A Democrat from Minneapolis, Dziedzic represented Senate District 60 for more than a decade and served as Senate Majority Leader. In February, Dziedzic announced her ovarian cancer returned and stepped down from her leadership role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vacant seat creates a 33-33 tie between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, which means voters in the deeply-blue Minneapolis district will decide control of the chamber when they vote in the Jan. 28 special election. The Minnesota State Capitol. File photo by Christine Schuster | Bring Me The News. Roseville-area voters will also vote in a Legislative special election on Jan. 28. Walz ordered the election on Friday to fill a vacancy in House District 40B after the resignation of Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson. Johnson, a Democrat, was found to have violated candidate residency requirements. Ahead of the House special election, Republicans hold a one-vote advantage with a 67-66 split of power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both special elections, a special primary election for nomination of candidates is set for Tuesday, Jan. 14. Affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions must be filed with the Secretary of State or the county auditor of Ramsey County by 5 p.m. on Tuesday December 31, 2024. Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com. Have the latest Reality Checks delivered to your inbox with our free newsletter. A year after police said there was no foul play in the death of 13-year-old Jayden Robker of Kansas City, an autopsy report finally released by medical examiners leaves unanswered questions as to how Jayden died, and police records reveal investigators did not interview family members after he was found dead. Despite unusual circumstances surrounding his death and allegations of abuse in the home before and at the time of his disappearance, no one was ever charged in Jaydens death. Investigators provided little explanation of how they determined no foul play was involved, and for more than a month the medical examiner refused to release the autopsy, saying the record was closed when it had been open for nearly a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jayden was last seen alive on Feb. 2, 2023, on surveillance video outside a QuikTrip gas station less than a mile from his home, trying to sell Pokemon cards. He was found dead in a pond about a mile from his home in Kansas Citys Northland on March 10, 2023. Family said he left home after school to ride his electric skateboard and sell Pokemon cards, but never returned. Jaydens body was eventually found with the help of a Kansas City Police Department drone in a wooded area near Northwest Englewood Road and North Broadway in Gladstone. According to the Gladstone police case file, he was found wearing the same clothes he was reportedly wearing the day he went missing. Investigators found a wallet in his pocket containing eight to 10 Pokemon cards and $12. Near the pond, investigators found a navy blue jacket, a sock and a pair of broken sunglasses. In a dive operation, investigators found a firearm in the southwest section of the pond, the case file said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jayden went missing two years after he had first alleged abuse by his stepfather, according to state child welfare records. The records also show that around the same time Jayden went missing, a second child accused the stepfather of abuse. The Star reached Susan Deedon, Jaydens aunt, by phone in November. She said having no answers about how he died all this time has been hard on his family. I just feel like theres been zero accountability, Deedon said. Susan Deedon, whose nephew Jayden Robker was found dead in a Gladstone pond Friday after he had been missing for weeks, lights candles at a vigil Wednesday where roughly 150 people gathered Wednesday evening. The Star received the Gladstone Police Departments case file for Jaydens death the day after the request was made. But the six-page file details little information about how police determined there to be no foul play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case file includes no interviews with family members, does not detail a search for witnesses or mention state-documented accusations of abuse in the home. Capt. Karl Burris with the Gladstone Police Department said this was because KCPD and social services had already conducted an extensive missing person investigation prior to Jayden being located. That investigation conducted while it was still a missing persons case included interviews of multiple family members, attempts to locate witnesses and details of searches for Jayden. The departments shared relevant information, like interviews with family, Burris said. Gladstone detectives kept in close contact with Jaydens mother after the teens body was found, but Burris said those contacts are not considered interviews. There is no definitive answer as to how Jayden passed, Burris said. The forensic examination could not determine a cause of death no other evidence was discovered that would lead to the conclusion that foul play was involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three months after The Star requested KCPDs missing person case file on Jayden, the department has not yet provided the file. Capt. Jake Becchina, a spokesperson with KCPD, said in an email Dec. 17 that the department had been working on redacting areas of the file that are not public record. A Missouri State Highway Patrol Dive Team incident report listed drowning in the injuries section, though medical examiners never determined that to be the official cause of death. In the report, an officer said he searched the pond for evidence related to the drowning. The search came up empty. A pond in a wooded area near Northwest Englewood Road and North Broadway in Gladstone, where 13-year-old Jayden Robkers body was found in March 2023. A year after police said there was no foul play in his death, questions still remain about how the teen ended up dead less than a mile from his Kansas City home. Autopsy details an undetermined cause of death The official cause and manner of Jaydens death are undetermined, according to the autopsy. Manner of death, in an autopsy report, is a determination of how a person died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The autopsy explained that Jaydens body was extracted from a pond and he was pronounced dead at the scene. It also said the pond was up to approximately 6 feet deep and ice was reported on the pond around the time of Jaydens disappearance. The autopsy said body decomposition was consistent with the location and timeline for which the body was found, and showed no evidence of internal or external trauma that would point to foul play. Alan Martinez, the doctor who completed the autopsy, declined interviews with the media about the case. Diane Peterson, chief medical examiner in Johnson County, Kansas, reviewed Jaydens autopsy report at The Stars request. She said that an undetermined cause of death is made by a medical examiner when there is no clear evidence of something that could become fatal in a person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres nothing in there that necessarily points to (Robker) drowning, Peterson said. Dr. Martinez called it undetermined because he had nothing definitive to point one way or the other toward any cause of death. Peterson said that when she reviewed Jaydens autopsy, she, too, saw nothing that pointed to a definitive cause of death. And when the manner of death is also undetermined, she said, there is no clear indication of how a person died. Or, sometimes, manner of death might be undetermined if a person is between an accident and suicide, like, for example, in an overdose or something like that, Peterson said. Maybe theyre between two (causes), but they dont know which way, and itll be called undetermined. So either you have no idea, or you have some idea but you cant pick one either way (its) undetermined, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peterson said there is nothing in Jaydens autopsy that could help medical examiners indicate if he died before or after coming in contact with the water. The autopsy did reveal a small hematoma on the back of Jaydens head, but it was not associated with any skull fractures or internal head trauma, the report said. Hematomas are a collection of blood that forms inside the body, usually due to an injury. Due to decomposition of the body, assessment of this apparent scalp trauma is difficult the autopsy summary said, indicating that the hematoma could have happened after Jayden was already dead. A cross sits surrounded by tributes to Jayden Robker, a missing Kansas City 13-year-old whose body was found Friday in a pond in Gladstone. Robker had been missing since early February Forensic Medical of Kansas and Topeka initially refused to release the autopsy report, which is a public record under state law, in response to multiple requests from The Star in September and October. It had been completed since April 4, 2023. The agency cited the provision for jeopardizing an investigation in its response, claiming investigations were ongoing in relation to Jaydens death. But all police investigations were closed by December 2023 according to records from the Gladstone Police Department, Kansas City Police Department and Missouri Department of Social Services Childrens Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Gladstone Police Department claimed the autopsy was sealed by the medical examiner due to Jaydens age. But there is nothing in state statutes that gives the examiner that power. After The Star confirmed all investigations were closed, and sent records of the closed investigations to Forensic Medical, the medical examiner did finally release Jaydens autopsy more than a month after the initial request. Delayed information, few answers Capt. Karl Burris, a spokesman for the Gladstone Police Department, said Jaydens case was tragic and difficult for everyone involved. Since its not a crime, since its involving a juvenile, I really dont have a whole lot of comment about it, Burris said. It was just a terrible, terrible thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The six-page case file provided by Gladstone police included summaries of anonymous tips, but few other details of the investigative process. The case file did not include police interviews with family members apart from one encounter with Jaydens stepfather, Eric Givens, and mother, Heather Robker, soon after the medical examiner determined there was no foul play involved in Jaydens death. At the time, Givens told police he was relieved to hear there were no findings of foul play. Officers offered Heather Robker resources, the case file said, then left the residence. The case file does not specify what resources were offered, or include any conversations with other witnesses or mention police searching for potential witnesses to the death. The Gladstone case file also does not mention the state-documented accusations of abuse by Givens or whether police interviewed family about the accusations. Burris said Gladstone police handled the case the same way they would handle other cases. The department worked with other agencies who started investigating when Jayden went missing, he said. But Gladstone police did not conduct their own independent interviews of family members. We work closely with DSS and the Childrens Division, Burris said in an email. We strive for open communications with DSS to avoid further traumatizing families with duplicate interviews, while ensuring we both are getting all the information we need for our investigations. Detectives were also unable to find evidence of foul play throughout their investigation, Burris said. We could find absolutely no evidence of any kind of crime surrounding his actual death, Burris said. Timeline of a mystery When Jayden first went missing, KCPD issued a missing persons bulletin four days later. Heather Robker and missing person advocates initially criticized the delay in alerting the public. KCPD said the bulletin was delayed while officers worked to obtain a recent photo of Jayden from the family. Jayden was seen at a QuikTrip at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 2023, less than a mile from home and the site where his body would be found more than a month later. Heather Robker, police and a manager at the convenience store have said Jayden was seen on surveillance video visiting the bathroom and then heading east past the Family Dollar next door. Local advocates, nonprofits and Jaydens family led volunteer searches up to the day his body was found by police. But more than a year before he was found dead, Jayden ran away from home and told a Gladstone police officer he was being abused by his stepfather, Eric Givens. The Missouri Department of Social Services looked into the allegations and twice closed its assessments after finding no evidence of abuse, according to state records. Both times, Jayden was living with other family members by the time the case was closed, DSS records show. According to state records dating back to 2021, Jaydens mother, Heather Robker, declined state services after the assessments and Givens refused to cooperate with the state agency. Once a case is concluded, the Childrens Division of Social Services no longer has the authority under state law to follow up with the family except in instances where additional services were accepted, a spokesperson from the agency told The Star last year. Experts and advocates inside the child welfare system have also raised concerns about whether Missouri DSS focus on keeping families together has left children in unsafe environments. Recent reporting from The Star revealed at least seven children died while living in their biological homes since February 2022, not including Jayden. The Childrens Division is believed to have been informed about problems in at least four of those families before the deaths occurred. Deedon told The Star that Heather Robker refused to sign guardianship papers prepared by the state. Jayden had been living with her brother Derek at the time. Reports to DSS require varying levels of follow-up from the agency, depending on whether it is classified as an assessment or investigation. According to state statutes, an assessment is when the agency works to determine if abuse or neglect has occurred, and an investigation is when there is an indication that a crime may have been committed against a child, and the agency needs to collect physical and verbal evidence. Following Jaydens death, his mother and stepfather moved away from the Kansas City area. The Star has not been able to reach Jaydens mother Heather Robker or stepfather Eric Givens for comment after multiple attempts over several months. Jaydens uncle, Derek Robker and other loved ones previously told The Star they feel the Department of Social Services failed Jayden, regardless of how he ended up in the pond. Derek Robker said he feared Jayden was living in an unsafe home environment prior to his disappearance. Volunteers gather to canvass for missing 13-year-old Jayden Robker in the Lakeview Terrace neighborhood on Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Kansas City. Robker was last seen Feb. 2 at N.W. Plaza Drive and N.W. Plaza Ave. He was later found dead in a pond about a mile from his home. Derek Robker said Jayden came to live with him for about eight months after one of the two times he ran away from home. While living with him, Derek Robker said, Jayden did not want to talk about the situation with his stepfather, who married his mother in January 2021. Derek Robker said he was vocal with Social Services about his concerns. I told them, Somethings going to happen if he goes back to this home, he said in an interview with The Star last year. Records released by Social Services also showed that, around the same time Jayden went missing, another child accused Givens of abuse. At that time, the agency opened an investigation. In an interview with The Star last year, Heather Robker said she felt like she and Givens had been wrongly placed under the microscope. I kept telling people, Something is wrong, she said at the time. My son did not run away. Someone took him or did something to him. But Social Services records indicate she did tell state investigators that Jayden had run away from home, and that the agency was later given several different stories as to his status. Since then, authorities have said little about Jaydens death, other than there was no foul play suspected, and that the case was tragic. How Jayden ended up dead is still a mystery. I dont understand how (Childrens Services) has reports how (Jayden was) saying he doesnt want to go home because he gets beat; how hes with my brother and then they force him back home because Heather refused to sign guardianship papers, Deedon said. Deedon said she has not kept in contact with her sister, Heather, who she feels has not taken accountability for family circumstances leading up to Jaydens death. You know, the system let him down, Deedon said. His mother let him down, first and foremost thats her responsibility. But then, the system let him down by not making sure he was safe and that he would stay safe. And then the police department, FBI, whatever, let him down by not getting him justice. The medical examiners office told Social Services officials in March 2023 that Jaydens autopsy showed no signs of trauma, according to state records. The small hematoma on the back of Jaydens head could have been caused by a fall if he tried to walk or skateboard across ice in the area, officials said at the time. But the autopsy noted the hematoma could have also happened after he died. X-rays found no healing fractures or other internal damage. The medical examiners office told Social Services they didnt know how long he had been in the water, but said its possible he had been in the pond since the time he first went missing. Its just a train wreck and I feel like Jayden never got justice, Deedon said. Previous reporting from Jenna Thompson, Andrea Klick and Anna Spoerre contributed to this article. A plane crashed at an airport in South Korea on Sunday, killing nearly all of its passengers. An aviation expert told BI that the pilots were possibly overwhelmed after a bird strike. South Korea has transformed its air travel industry from a 'pariah' to one of the world's safest. A plane crashed in South Korea, killing nearly all on board and surprising an industry that has come to view the nation as one of the world's safest for air travel. Flight 7C2216, a 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 operated by the Korean budget airline Jeju Air , crashed while landing at Muan International Airport just after 9 a.m. local time on Sunday. Of the 181 people on board, there were just two survivors, both crew members. A Jeju Air plane crashed on Sunday, killing 179 people. Chris Jung/NurPhoto via Getty Images In recent years, South Korea has been considered among the safest for air travel, but it wasn't always that way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "25 years ago, South Korea was a pariah in the aviation industry," Airline News editor and aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas told Business Insider. He said the nation's safety standards have since improved "dramatically." Sunday's crash marks the first fatal accident for Jeju Air, founded in 2005 and named one of the best low-cost airlines in the world in 2024 by aviation ranking website AirlineRatings.com. The airline was founded after decades of fatal crashes prompted the nation to rehabilitate its aviation safety culture. Years of deadly crashes South Korea had a decadeslong history of crashes due to pilot errors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before 2000, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines were the two main airlines operating in South Korea. In mid-December, Korean Air completed a $1.3 billion acquisition of Asiana Airlines, marking a new era in the country's aviation industry. Korean Air the country's flag carrier and its biggest struggled with safety during the latter part of the 20th century. The airline had seven fatal passenger and cargo crashes between 1978 and 1999, according to data from the Aviation Safety Network. Pilot error was cited as a contributing factor in each. In 1997, Korean Air Flight 801 crashed in Guam due to a slew of factors, including pilot error. credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images Some 75 passengers and crew, plus four people on the ground, died in 1989 when Korean Air Flight 803 crashed while attempting to land at Tripoli International Airport in Libya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Associated Press report published in 1990 said the Seoul Criminal Court sentenced the pilot, who cited poor visibility, to two years in prison for causing the crash. One of the worst incidents happened in 1997 when Korean Air Flight 801 flew from Seoul to Guam. The Boeing 747 plane attempted to land at the A.B. Won Guam International Airport when it crashed, resulting in the deaths of over 200 passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board published a report on Flight 801, which said the probable cause for the crash was the "captain's failure to adequately brief and execute" the approach, combined with the first officer and flight engineer's failure to monitor or challenge the captain. Two fatal Korean cargo flights in 1999 also pointed to serious safety problems, including failed crew communication and cooperation. Korean Air Cargo Flight 8509 crashed in 1999 due to pilot error and a technical fault. In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images Founded nearly 20 years after Korean Air, Asiana only had one fatal crash before 2000, when a Boeing 737 landed short of Mokpo's airport in South Korea in 1993. Reuters reported that an inquiry found that pilot error was the cause of the crash, which killed over 60 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The series of crashes made Korean Air a pariah in the aviation industry. In 1999, Delta and Air France suspended their code-share partnerships with Korean Air, temporarily severing their airline alliances. Around the same time, the US Department of Defense banned its employees from flying on Korean Air planes. In 2001, the Federal Aviation Administration downgraded South Korea's safety rating, citing its failure to meet international standards representing a particularly low point for the nation. From unreliable to the gold standard In the late 1990s, South Korea embarked on an effort to rehabilitate its air safety reputation. It hired a retired Delta executive to help overhaul training and hiring practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigations of several Korean Air crashes found that cultural issues in the cockpit wherein first officers and flight engineers didn't communicate effectively with the captains or hesitated to challenge them were partly to blame for the deadly accidents. According to a 2006 report from The Wall Street Journal, the airline shored up its training by increasing shared responsibilities among pilots and reducing its hiring of Korean Air Force veterans who struggled to collaborate with others who they considered inferior in rank. The cultural changes paid off in the years to come. By 2002, Delta and Air France resumed their partnerships with Korean Air, and the FAA upgraded the airline's safety rating. Likewise, the US Department of Defense lifted the ban on employees flying on the airline. Korean Air is part of the SkyTeam Alliance with Delta and Air France. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 2008, South Korea performed better than US airlines in the International Civil Aviation Organization's safety audit. Korean Air is today considered among the world's safest airlines, and is part of the international SkyTeam Alliance which requires strict high levels of safety to join. "They certainly have cleaned up," Thomas, the editor from Airline News, told BI. He added that Jeju Air had an "excellent" record since its founding and that the 737-800 is "the workhorse of the world." "It is the most reliable aircraft out there, so everybody knows how it works," Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Sunday's crash, Thomas said the pilots were likely overwhelmed as they were dealing with "a disaster." "I think the issue is multiple bird strikes and then multiple failures resulting from that," Thomas said. "I would expect by the end of the week we will have critical information about exactly what went on, the multiple failures, and the cockpit discussion about what was going on." But some information may not be immediately available to the public, he said. "As a responsible country, any safety learnings from this would come out immediately so this information could be passed on to other operators of the 737 model of aircraft," Thomas said. "It may not necessarily be transmitted to the general public, but it would be transmitted to airline operators to alert them to a particular failure to check their own aircraft." Read the original article on Business Insider Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States who dedicated much of his life to humanitarian causes, died in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, his family announced Sunday. The former president was known for his work with philanthropic organizations like Habitat for Humanity and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. In the White House from 1977 to 1981, Carter negotiated the landmark Camp David peace accords between Israel and Egypt, transferred the Panama Canal to Panamanian ownership, dramatically expanded public lands in Alaska and established formal diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter, who had been in ailing health during the past decade, was in hospice care for more than a year. Tributes to Carter poured in from around the world after he died Sunday. Biden on Jimmy Carter: 'The world lost a remarkable leader' On Sunday night, President Joe Biden honored his "dear friend" Jimmy Carter, pointing to his accomplishments as president and his time as Georgias governor. This is a sad day, but it brings back an incredible amount of good memories, Biden said during remarks in Christiansted, Saint Croix, where the president is currently on vacation. "Today, America and the world, in my view, lost a remarkable leader." Biden was on the phone with Carters family before delivering remarks, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president shared his fondest memory with Carter, saying it was when he first endorsed his candidacy for president. "My fondest memory of Jimmy Carter was when he grabbed me by the arm and said, 'I need you to help me with my campaign,'" Biden said. "I said, 'I've only been around a couple years, Mr. Governor.'" Biden said he wasnt sure whether he would make a difference in supporting Carters candidacy, but the then-Georgia governor said he would. I told him when I was endorsing him, that it was not only his policies, but his character, his decency, the honor he communicates to everyone, Biden said, adding that he also appreciated how "very kind" Carter was to he and Jill Biden after his son Beau Biden died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden later commended Carter as a "model of what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose" and how he treated people with respect. "Jimmy Carter is an example of just simple decency," Biden said. "And I think that's what the rest of the world looks to America for." Biden added: "Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone that needs something and just keep walking? Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or where they talk? I can't." Rebecca Morin Plains community member: 'Well miss him dearly' PLAINS, Ga. In the hours after President Jimmy Carter's death, the only business open at 8:30 p.m. Sunday in Plains was Dollar General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People bustled through the grocery store including Penny Smith, who has lived in Plains for 48 years. She married into the town, she said with a smile, adding later that she knew Carter. Its been an experience. I actually worked for the city for many years and was very involved in President Carters dealings," Smith explained. Smith said she served on the Better Hometown Program with Carter and helped form the Friends of Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. He loved his community, and he did a lot for his community," Smith said. "Well miss him dearly." She described a time Carter came to her for advice after he was having difficulties with zoning for a house he was building in Plains. She was aghast that the former president of the United States was coming to her for advice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that's just the way Carter was, according to Smith. "He loved everybody," Penny Smith said. "He is a natural. He, I think, has a God-given talent, I think, at making peace. Ive experienced him through the years how he would negotiate and talk to people." Brad Bagwell, who drove to the store a few minutes after Smith, described Carter as inspiring. Bagwell lived in Plains as a kid and was back to visit family. Id say hes kind of the fabric of the community and something that everybody rallies around," Bagwell said. "Hes always been around to care about, not just the town, but the people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Alex Gladden, Montgomery Advertiser Harris says Carter's 'life is a testament to the power of service' Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that "Jimmy Carters life is a testament to the power of service as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion." Harris also reflected on Carter's efforts to protect the environment, promote government transparency and work toward peace around the world. "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 said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter told his son, Chip Carter, earlier this year "Im only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris," in the 2024 election the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The Carter Center confirmed to USA TODAY the former president voted by mail for the vice president in Georgia. Marina Pitofsky and Sarah D. Wire Obamas reflect on Carter's faith, 'decency' Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama on Sunday remembered Carter's commitment to his faith, reflecting on his decades of teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia and the worshippers who flocked to the church. "Some who came to hear him speak 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," the Obamas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Others were likely there because of what President Carter accomplished in the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history," they said, noting "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. Marina Pitofsky Bushes say Carter 'dignified the office' of the presidency Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush on Sunday said Carter "dignified the office" of the presidency during his lifetime of service. "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," they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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," they added. Marina Pitofsky Clintons say Carter worked for 'a better, fairer world' Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sunday praised Jimmy Carter for his efforts for a better, fairer world. Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life, the two said in a statement. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others until the very end. The Clintons met Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign, they said in their statement. Bill Clinton said he was proud to have presented Carter, and his wife Rosalynn, with the Medal of Freedom in 1999. Bill and Hillary Clinton in the statement highlighted his work throughout his political career, from state senator, to president and to his efforts post presidency. Rebecca Morin Bidens reflect on Carter's 'compassion and moral clarity' President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden in a statement said "America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian" in the wake of Carter's death. "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 president and first lady said. "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." Marina Pitofsky Trump says Americans owe Carter 'a debt of gratitude' President-elect Donald Trump shared in a post on Truth Social that "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," he added. Trump frequently criticized Carter on the campaign trail. For example, earlier this year he told a crowd of supporters in Wisconsin "Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison," while criticizing President Joe Biden. Marina Pitofsky Jason Carter, Jimmy Carter's grandson, pays musical tribute to his grandfather Jason Carter, Jimmy Carter's eldest grandson, shared a musical tribute to his grandfather on Sunday, simply sharing a link to a performance of Jason Isbell's song "Last of My Kind." The chorus of the song tells listeners "I'm the last of my kind, Try to find another just like me, You'll be looking for a real long time." Marina Pitofsky Jimmy Carter funeral: Former president's viewing arrangements, planning underway Citizens across the globe praised former President Jimmy Carter as family members prepared for a memorial journey from Plains, Georgia, to Atlanta and Washington, D.C., before returning for burial at his home in south Georgia. According to the Carter Center, public memorial observances will take place in both Atlanta and Washington, D.C., for the 39th president of the United States, who died Sunday at 100. Final arrangements for Carter's state funeral are pending, with a formal schedule to come from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. The Carter Center urged members of the public to visit the official tribute website, which includes an online condolence book and other materials commemorating the life of the nation's longest-living former president and only one to reach the century milestone. David Jackson Remembering Jimmy Carter Contributing: Alex Gladden, Montgomery Advertiser This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmy Carter dies: Latest news, reaction on death of former president (NewsNation) The domestic and charitable achievements of Jimmy Carter, the nations 39th president, extend well beyond his four years in office. Carter envisioned a competent and compassionate government. From his championing of human rights to his environmentally conscious track record to his negotiating, policy-setting and personal contributions, echoes of Carters influence are still noticeable today. Heres a look at his legacy, both in the White House and in the years after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Camp David Peace Accords In 1978, Carter played a significant role in the Camp David Accords, a pair of agreements that helped stabilize an otherwise tumultuous relationship between Egypt and Israel. From the outset of his presidency, Carter hoped to reconvene the Geneva Conference to end Arab-Israeli tensions. Ultimately, two weeks of secret negotiations at the U.S. presidential retreat Camp David yielded results. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed a series of agreements in September 1978. The Camp David Peace Accords are thought to be a framework for a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt the following year. The Carter Center Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter went on to establish a non-profit organization centered on human rights in 1982. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the Carter Center is responsible for observing 114 elections in 39 countries to help establish and strengthen democracies and was a leader in new public health approaches to prevent and control diseases in Africa and Latin America, according to the organizations website. By 2002, Carter would be awarded a 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. How Jimmy Carters marriage to Rosalynn Carter helped shape his legacy Creation of the Department of Education President Andrew Johnson first attempted to create a U.S. Department of Education in 1867, but it was downgraded to the Office of Education out of fear it would have too much power over local schools. Under Carter, the Department of Education was officially created in 1980 with a different vision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Johnsons department would have existed primarily to collect data about the nations schools, Carters was born out of growing efforts to help foster equal access to education, according to the departments website. Congress passed the Department of Education Organization Act in October 1979, and the department began carrying out its duties the following May. Established national energy policy Carter created the U.S. Department of Energy and is behind policy establishing national energy goals. The National Energy Act focused on reducing annual growth in energy demand and oil imports and gasoline consumption as well as improving the efficacy of heating and cooling systems, increasing coal production and introducing solar energy in American homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes also been lauded for decontrolling domestic petroleum prices to stimulate production. The Carter Work Project Carter was in New York to speak at a church in 1984 when he stopped by a Habitat for Humanity construction site, according to the organizations website. Wanting to secure more volunteers for the project, Carter and his wife returned to the site with dozens of people and helped renovate an apartment building. So began the first Carter Work Project, which is now a weeklong annual tradition. To date, the Carters have joined more than 103,000 volunteers across 14 different countries to repair and build thousands of homes, according to Habitat for Humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Back in March 2023, President Joe Biden shared that former U.S. president Jimmy Carter has asked him to deliver his eulogy when he passes away. "I spent time with Jimmy Carter and it's 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 told the audience at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser in Rancho Santa Fe. "He asked me to do his eulogy," Biden continued. "Excuse me, I shouldnt say that." Carter, who passed away in December 2024 at age 100, was the oldest living president in U.S. history. Biden last saw him in person during a visit he and First Lady Jill Biden took to Plains, Georgia in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1976, Biden, then a Senator from Delaware, endorsed Carter when he ran for President. He was the first Senator to do so. "Some of my colleagues in the Senate thought it was youthful exuberance," Biden said in the documentary Carterland. "I was exuberant, but as I said then, 'Jimmys not just a bright smile. He can win and he can appeal to more segments of the population than any other person.'" When Biden ran in 2020, Carter endorsed him in the general election, calling Biden his "first and most effective supporter in the Senate" and a "loyal and dedicated friend." Upon Carter's passing, Biden paid tribute to him, calling him "an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian." "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 great nation because we are a good people decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong," Biden wrote, in part. More details about Carter's funeral will be announced in the coming days. You Might Also Like China's Ministry of Finance has unveiled measures to encourage government agencies to make their fleets greener by introducing new energy vehicles (NEVs), as the country accelerates its green transition. #XinhuaNews PLAINS, Ga. (AP) Johnny Jones found out about Jimmy Carter's death within a matter of minutes. That's how it works in a small town, even for a former U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize winner known throughout the world. Somebody texted my wife and told her about it thats when I found out, Jones said Monday, a day after the 39th president died at the age of 100, surrounded by family in the one-story house he and his late wife, Rosalynn, built before he launched his first political campaign more than 60 years ago. His presence here in Plains has really boosted the morale of everyone who lives here, said Jones, 85, as he recalled warm exchanges with Mr. Jimmy and Ms. Rosalynn, who died in November 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the Carters put this town of fewer than 700 people not much bigger than when Carter was born Oct. 1, 1924 on the world stage. His remarkable rise to the White House, landslide defeat in 1980 and rehabilitation thereafter as a freelance diplomat and global humanitarian were reflected Monday in tributes from Plains' residents and around the world. Not far from where Jones sat on his front porch, black ribbons hung alongside U.S. flags flying in front of the souvenir shops and cafes that make up the nucleus of Plains' main street, which spans just a few blocks from Carter's 1976 presidential campaign headquarters the old train depot to where the family once operated its peanut warehouses. TV cameras and news trucks lined the street that runs in front of the old gas station where the former president's late brother, Billy Carter, once would hold court with national journalists who covered his older brother. Across the railroad tracks, Philip Kurland stood in his political memorabilia shop, which he opened years after the Carters returned from Washington, and recalled the former president not as a famous figure but an approachable neighbor who once prayed with him when he was sick. Were in a state of denial, he said. I was telling people: Lets start planning for his 101st birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Maranatha Baptist Church, where the Carters long taught Sunday school, a handful of residents trickled in for a silent vigil Monday evening. A piano played softly as people lit candles at the altar, with lighted Christmas trees standing on either side. In Washington, plans continued for the state rites that will affirm Carter's global status. President Joe Biden confirmed that Jan. 9, 2025, will be a day of national mourning, with federal offices closed for Carter's state funeral at the National Cathedral. Biden, a longtime Carter friend and political ally, will deliver a eulogy for his fellow Democrat. Congressional leaders have confirmed to the Carter family that the former president will lie in state from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9, when his remains will be transported to the cathedral for the state funeral. In New York, the 15 members of the U.N. Security Council stood in silent tribute to the Nobel Peace Prize winner. U.S. deputy ambassador Dorothy Shea read a statement from the U.N.s most powerful body at the start of an emergency meeting on Yemen. President Carter was a peacemaker who worked tirelessly and effectively in support of conflict mediation, the furtherance of human rights and the strengthening of democracy, both while he was in office and during his many years of service thereafter, the Security Council statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas deputy U.N. ambassador, Geng Shuang, remembered Carter as a driving force in establishing relations between Beijing and Washington. We highly commend his achievements, Geng said, stating that Carter made great contribution over the years to ... cooperation between the two countries. Prominent Egyptian rights defender Hossam Bahgat, a fierce critic of the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sissis government, said Carter was among the first to warn of Israeli apartheid against Palestinians a position that put Carter at odds with much of the U.S. foreign policy establishment. Such a profile of courage, Bahgat wrote on Facebook. He warned of Israeli apartheid as early as 2007. He stood by his principles and moral standards because he understood his mission and stayed true to his beliefs without seeking to placate donors or please hedge-funder packed boards. Back in Georgia, neighbors of the Carter Center in Atlanta congregated near the grounds where Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter would redefine what a post-presidency can be. The Carters established the Carter Center in 1982 and for four decades oversaw diplomatic missions, election monitoring and public health programs with operations that spanned five continents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really appreciate him as an ex-president, what hes done since leaving office, said Richard Hopkins, an Atlanta resident. Hopkins said Carter's public service went beyond elected office. A Korean War veteran, Hopkins noted that Carter, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was a submarine officer after World War II. He also highlighted the Carters' work with Habitat for Humanity, which builds houses for low-income people. The Carters' Habitat involvement came in addition to their Carter Center work; they headlined their own annual builds into their early 90s. Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford said the Carters were integral to Habitat's growth. Most people think President Carter started and ran Habitat, which is not actually true, he said Monday. But what is true is Habitat was founded in 1976, and it was a tiny organization in 1984 when President and Mrs. Carter famously rode a bus up from south Georgia to spend a week sleeping in a church basement and rehabbing a tenement building on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Thats when the world found out about Habitat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jason Carter, the former president's grandson who now chairs the Carter Center's governing board, said in a recent interview that the former president formed that lifelong commitment to service because of Plains. My grandfather could go to a village anywhere in the world, the younger Carter said, and help people without patronizing them. Because he was from a village like that himself. Some residents like Jones are worried about their small town now that the Carters are gone. Interest in Plains will dwindle, he predicted. Jill Stuckey, a longtime Carter friend who oversees the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park for the National Park Service, is more optimistic. She expressed personal sadness but commended the Carters for ensuring a lasting impact in Plains, just as they have globally through the Carter Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the moment Rosalynn passed, he wanted to be with her. So knowing that hes finally reunited with Rosalynn is a wonderful thing. But those of us who selfishly wanted to keep him here forever, Im in that camp, Stuckey said. But the Carters, she emphasized, planned long ago to be buried in the same town where they were born, married and spent most of their lives. Rosalynn Carter already is buried in a plot visible from the front porch of the family home. The house and gravesite eventually will be added to the National Park. Said Stuckey: I think theyve kind of set us up for success. ___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press journalists Samy Magdy in Cairo, Haya Panjwani in Houston, Edith Lederer in New York and Ron Harris in Atlanta contributed. (NewsNation) The longest-lived U.S. president in history, Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 100. Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died Sunday in Plains, Georgia. Carter was the third-oldest living person to have served as a state leader. He had been receiving hospice care since February 2023. The Carter Center confirmed his death via X. Sitting President Joe Biden addressed the nation in the hours following Carters passing, honoring the friend and fellow politician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden also said in a statement. Biden described Carters life as one of principle, humility, and service, adding, He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe. Politicians mourn Jimmy Carters death 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. Presidential historian and friend of Carters, Dr. Larry Cook, remembered Carter as a gracious and caring man guided by his faith and values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes let it be known that his faith has guided him since he was a child and up through his adult life and through the presidency and beyond, Cook said. Its who he is, his faith is who he is. Carter was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died Nov. 19, 2023. The former president and first lady had the longest marriage of any first couple in U.S. history and celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary in July 2023. Theyve experienced everything that you can together. I think the beautiful thing is that they are still together, the Carters grandson, Josh Carter, told People magazine. They are still holding hands its just amazing. How Jimmy Carters marriage to Rosalynn Carter helped shape his legacy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, James Earl Carter Jr. was the first person on his fathers side of his family to graduate from high school. He was the only United States Naval Academy graduate to be elected to the White House. Presidential historian Robert Dallek said Carter will be remembered for his post-presidential work than his time in office. Hell never be seen as a great president. But he will be seen as a great humanitarian, Dallek said. A month after Carter graduated, he married Eleanor Rosalynn Carter in 1946. Shes the girl I want to marry, Jimmy Carter told his mother after his first date with Smith, who had grown up as a friend and neighbor of the Carter family in Plains, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 1953, Carter gave up his military career to save his familys peanut farm and later became involved in local politics when he served on an education board. Carter served as the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975 and as a Georgia state senator from 1963 to 1967. After Carters presidency, in 1982, he founded the Carter Center, which has played an active role in human rights and disease prevention issues globally. The Carters helped publicize Habitat for Humanity as well. Public observances will be held in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., along with a private internment in Plains, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The details of his final arrangements have not been confirmed yet by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. 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. A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder) The news of Jimmy Carters passing takes me back to 1976, a year that marked my own passage to adulthood. As the bicentennial year dawned, I took first notice of Carter upon his victory in the Iowa Caucuses. I followed his campaign through my high school graduation and into the summer, when I shuttled in my first car between my summer job at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida and New Smyrna Beach. I studied Carters campaign in my first college course on American politics that fall and proudly cast my first vote for Carter in November. My enthusiasm for Carter was driven by many things his comparative youth, his progressive brand of politics and his promise of honesty and integrity after the scandals of the Nixon years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My interest in Carter endured. Enrolled in a Ph.D. program in political science a few years later, I proposed to write my dissertation on Carters foreign policy. Although my adviser initially gave thumbs down, he relented after I persisted in making my case that this was a worthy topic. A one-term president who left office with low approval ratings, Carters presidential performance is often dismissed as a failure. The widespread admiration Carter gained over the years was associated with his post-presidency, which he devoted to fighting tropical disease, monitoring elections, promoting human rights and extolling the power of dialogue as a path to peace. Yet as I argued in my book Reversing Course, Carter compiled an extraordinarily successful diplomatic record that was unjustly obscured by events, especially the Iranian revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, over which Carter had little control. With Americas global reputation in tatters following the Vietnam War and Watergate, Carter recognized the urgency of restoring a moral foundation for American foreign policy through the championing of human rights. He understood that a sense of moral purpose was not only essential to American leadership abroad but also necessary to gaining domestic support for an expansive U.S. role in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carters human rights policies also had significant practical consequences. Vocal U.S. support for human rights gave added legitimacy and weight to the growing human rights advocacy of non-governmental organizations and international organizations. Authoritarian governments came to realize that systemic human rights violations brought real costs. Arguably, the global diffusion of human rights norms contributed to the later fall of the Soviet-controlled communist bloc and to the spread of democracy in many countries around the world. Even more impressively, Carters presidency illustrated the power of diplomacy. Carter employed diplomacy as a tool for both resolving insipient conflicts before they spun out of control and, where escalation had already taken place, finding a path toward peace and reconciliation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This approach paid major dividends. The SALT II arms control agreement with the Soviet Union capped a dangerous and costly nuclear arms race (while never ratified by the Senate, both countries abided by the terms of the accord). The Panama Canal Treaties removed potential threats to the Canals security, while eliminating a constant irritant in U.S. relations with Latin America. Diplomatic recognition of China set the stage for Chinas growing integration with the existing global political and economic order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Camp David Accords removed Egypt and Jordan as military threats to Israels security while the transition to majority Black-rule in Zimbabwe, brokered by the United States and Great Britain, brought an end to the bloody civil war there. The successful conclusion of the Tokyo Round trade negotiations sustained progress toward a more open global economy. It is difficult to think of another president who used diplomacy to better effect in serving major American interests. Carters record was not unblemished. As domestic political opponents unfairly painted Carters emphases on human rights and diplomacy as evidence of weakness, Carter increasingly and unwisely sought opportunities to prove his toughness, with little effect. A foreign policy that prioritizes diplomacy and broadly-shared values cannot solve all problems. Nevertheless, at a moment in which the American Century faces unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, we as a nation would do well to seek lessons from Carters presidential and post-presidential records. I was fortunate to finally meet and shake hands with Jimmy Carter a number of years ago when he and Rosalynn Carter spoke at Drake University. As Carter has for so long served as both a political inspiration and a scholarly subject for me down through these many years, I will miss his presence in our national life. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder) The news of Jimmy Carters passing takes me back to 1976, a year that marked my own passage to adulthood. As the bicentennial year dawned, I took first notice of Carter upon his victory in the Iowa Caucuses. I followed his campaign through my high school graduation and into the summer, when I shuttled in my first car between my summer job at Walt Disney World near Orlando and New Smyrna Beach. I studied Carters campaign in my first college course on American politics that fall and proudly cast my first vote for Carter in November. My enthusiasm for Carter was driven by many things his comparative youth, his progressive brand of politics, and his promise of honesty and integrity after the scandals of the Nixon years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My interest in Carter endured. Enrolled in a Ph.D. program in political science a few years later, I proposed to write my dissertation on Carters foreign policy. Although my adviser initially gave thumbs down, he relented after I persisted in making my case that this was a worthy topic. A one-term president who left office with low approval ratings, Carters presidential performance is often dismissed as a failure. The widespread admiration Carter gained over the years was associated with his post-presidency, which he devoted to fighting tropical disease, monitoring elections, promoting human rights, and extolling the power of dialogue as a path to peace. Yet as I argued in my book Reversing Course, Carter compiled an extraordinarily successful diplomatic record that was unjustly obscured by events, especially the Iranian revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, over which Carter had little control. With Americas global reputation in tatters following the Vietnam War and Watergate, Carter recognized the urgency of restoring a moral foundation for American foreign policy through the championing of human rights. He understood that a sense of moral purpose was not only essential to American leadership abroad but also necessary to gaining domestic support for an expansive U.S. role in the world. Practical consequences Carters human rights policies had significant practical consequences. Vocal U.S. support for human rights gave added legitimacy and weight to the growing human rights advocacy of non-governmental organizations and international organizations. Authoritarian governments came to realize that systemic human rights violations brought real costs. Arguably, the global diffusion of human rights norms contributed to the later fall of the Soviet-controlled communist bloc and to the spread of democracy in many countries around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even more impressively, Carters presidency illustrated the power of diplomacy. Carter employed diplomacy as a tool for both resolving insipient conflicts before they spun out of control and, where escalation had already taken place, finding a path toward peace and reconciliation. This approach paid major dividends. The SALT II arms control agreement with the Soviet Union capped a dangerous and costly nuclear arms race (while never ratified by the Senate, both countries abided by the terms of the accord). The Panama Canal Treaties removed potential threats to the Canals security, while eliminating a constant irritant in U.S. relations with Latin America. Diplomatic recognition of China set the stage for Chinas growing integration with the existing global political and economic order. Camp David The Camp David Accords removed Egypt and Jordan as military threats to Israels security while the transition to majority Black-rule in Zimbabwe, brokered by the United States and Great Britain, brought an end to the bloody civil war there. The successful conclusion of the Tokyo Round trade negotiations sustained progress toward a more open global economy. It is difficult to think of another president who used diplomacy to better effect in serving major American interests. Carters record was not unblemished. As domestic political opponents unfairly painted Carters emphases on human rights and diplomacy as evidence of weakness, Carter increasingly and unwisely sought opportunities to prove his toughness, with little effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A foreign policy that prioritizes diplomacy and broadly shared values cannot solve all problems. Nevertheless, at a moment in which the American Century faces unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, we as a nation would do well to seek lessons from Carters presidential and post-presidential records. I was fortunate to finally meet and shake hands with Jimmy Carter a number of years ago when he and Rosalynn Carter spoke at Drake University. As Carter has for so long served as both a political inspiration and a scholarly subject for me down through these many years, I will miss his presence in our national life. This story first appeared in the Iowa Capital Dispatch, a member with the Phoenix in the nonprofit States Newsroom. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DHAKA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- With 2.42 billion U.S. dollars received in the first 28 days of December, Bangladesh has recorded its highest remittance inflows in the first half of this fiscal year 2024-25 (July 2024-June 2025), an official has said. Husne Ara Shikha, spokesperson and executive director of Bangladesh Bank (BB), told journalists Sunday that "remittance inflows reached 2.42 billion dollars in the first 28 days of December." With three days remaining in the month, she said the total inflow of remittances in December this year is expected to rise further. The figure was recorded at 1.99 billion dollars in December last year. Bangladesh's remittances grew 10 percent year-on-year to 23.9 billion dollars in fiscal 2023-24, with the receipts in June standing at 2.54 billion dollars. The remittances mostly came from the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. By Jonathan Allen and Brad Brooks (Reuters) -A state funeral for Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. president who died on Sunday at the age of 100, will be held at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9, according to the U.S. Army. U.S. President Joe Biden, who last year said that Carter had asked him to deliver the eulogy at his funeral, has directed that Jan. 9 be a national day of mourning for Carter throughout the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official six-day state funeral for Carter begins on Saturday as his remains travel by motorcade through his hometown of Plains, Georgia, the Army said in a statement. The motorcade carrying Carter will stop at the farm where he grew up. There, the National Park Service will ring the historic farm bell 39 times - Carter was the 39th U.S. President. Carter's remains will then be carried to Atlanta, where he will lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center until the morning of Jan. 7. His body will then be flown to Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol until his national funeral ceremony. The family will hold a private funeral and interment in Georgia later on Jan. 9, after the ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter will be buried in a plot next to his wife, Rosalynn Carter, on the grounds of their longtime home in Plains. Carter, a Democrat, became president in January 1977 after defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. His one-term presidency was marked by the 1978 Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt, bringing some stability to the Middle East. Carter spent his long post-presidential career devoted to humanitarian work, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. World leaders and former U.S. presidents have paid tribute to a man they praised as compassionate, humble and committed to peace in the Middle East. (Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York and Brad Brooks in Colorado; Editing by Howard Goller and Leslie Adler) Two public observances will be held for former President Jimmy Carter who died Sunday at the age of 100, and he will receive the full honors of a state funeral in the nations capitol. Carter, who was the longest-living former American president, died at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday according to his family. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nation will now see the first funeral for a Democratic president in more than 50 years. What we know about his funeral The public observances will be held in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia, The Carter Center said in a statement. Details of the state funeral are still pending and will be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, although Joe Biden confirmed in a statement that his dear friend would have a state funeral in Washington D.C. The state funeral is a formal ceremony that includes traditions of lying in state, processions, religious services, military honors, and national mourning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In lieu of flowers, the Carter family has requested contributions to The Carter Center. Tributes will be collected in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Enduring Hope Fund, according to the website. Where will Carter lie in state and be buried? According to FOX News, Carter is likely to lie in state in the Capitol rotunda eight or so days after his death. The last president to lie in state was the late President George H.W. Bush in December 2018. A report in the New York Times, suggested that, while no formal announcements have been made, a plan calls for Carter to be taken by motorcade to Atlanta. Once there, he will be brought for a brief stop at the Georgia State Capitol before arriving at the Carter Center, which has been the home of his post-presidential philanthropy and other activities, where he will lie in repose for 36 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet says he will then be flown to Washington, D.C. for the traditional televised ceremonies. He will also lie in state at the United States Capitol for a day and a half before the state funeral at Washington Cathedral, where Biden is expected to speak. From there, he will be flown back to Georgia to be interred at the family plot in Plains. What happens when a president dies? 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. President Biden announced a national day of mourning will take place on January 9. Flags will be flown at half-staff on federal buildings, military posts, naval stations and naval vessels for 30 days. People across Florida are mourning the loss of Jimmy Carter. He is not just remembered as a former Georgia governor and a U.S. president, but by the legacy he left behind. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] In Jacksonville, that legacy includes his trip here in 2000. President Jimmy Carter had many ties to this area- possibly the biggest was his work with Habitat for Humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 76-year-old Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn spent days building 100 homes in Jacksonvilles Moncrief neighborhood. Executive director for Habitat in Clay County said this is a hard time for Floridians and all Americans. Jimmy Carter affected so many lives, including 100 local families who could say a president helped build their home. He helped build 100 houses and he worked with the volunteers in the cold or hot. It didnt matter what kind of weather he was in, said Carolina Morrow. Carter worked with Habitat for Humanity for 40 years and built nearly 4,400 homes in that time. Organization officials said Carters passion for making low-income homeowners drives the organization to this day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is still a need of affordable housing in the community. Morrow said the organization will soon work on a project to build 10 houses in Clay County. She said the organization holds dearly to a quote Carter said about Habitat of Humanity. He said in parts: Habitat has given us the ability to share, side-by-side, and build a home with families that have never had a decent place to live. This is really sad, but his legacy is forever and that is what we want to carry. Jimmy Carter did much of his work in the United States, but he was a global force for peace. He built homes in 14 countries and the Carter Center has worked around the world to eliminate diseases and protect elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter later received the Nobel peace prize for his work in 2002. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. JARWENG, South Sudan (AP) Nobel 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itd be the most exciting and gratifying accomplishment of my life, Carter told The Associated Press in 2016. Even after entering home hospice care in February 2023, aides said Carter kept asking for Guinea worm updates. Carter died Sunday at age 100. Thanks to the Carters' efforts, the worms that afflicted an estimated 3.5 million people in 20 African and Asian countries when the center launched its campaign in 1986 are on the brink of extinction. Only 14 human cases were reported across four African nations in 2023, according to The Carter Center. The World Health Organizations target for eradication is 2030. Carter Center leaders hope to achieve it sooner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That meant recently returning to Jarweng, in a remote area of South Sudan in northeastern Africa. The village of 500 people hadnt seen Guinea worm infections since 2014, until Nyingong Aguek and her two sons drank swampy water while traveling in 2022. A fourth person also got infected. Having the worm pulled out is more painful than giving birth, said Aguek, pointing to scars where four worms emerged from her left leg. The center's staff and volunteers walked house-to-house distributing water filters and teaching people to inspect dogs, which can also carry the parasite. If someones hurt, The Carter Center will help, said villager Mathew Manyiel, listening to a training session while checking his dog for symptoms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An audacious plan In the mid-1980s, global health agencies were otherwise occupied and heads of state largely overlooked the illness afflicting millions of their citizens. Carter was still defining the center's mission when public health experts who had served in his administration approached him with a plan to eliminate the disease. Only a few years had passed since the WHO declared in 1979 that smallpox was the first human disease to be eradicated worldwide. Guinea worm, the experts told Carter, could become the second. President Carter, with a political background, was able to do far more in global health than we could do alone, said Dr. William Foege, who led the U.S. Centers for Disease Controls smallpox eradication program and the CDC itself before becoming The Carter Centers first executive director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who worked closely with Carter suspect Guinea worms toll on poor African farmers resonated with the former president, who lived as a boy in a Georgia farmhouse without electricity or running water. Nobody was doing anything about it, and it was such a spectacularly awful disease, said Dr. Donald Hopkins, an architect of the campaign who led the centers health programs until 2015. He could sympathize with all of these farmers being too crippled from Guinea worm disease to work. Eliminating other diseases Theres no vaccine that prevents Guinea worm infections or medicine that gets rid of the parasites. Treatment has changed little since ancient Greece. Emerging worms are gently wound around a stick as theyre slowly pulled through the skin. Removing an entire worm without breaking it can take weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So instead of scientific breakthroughs, this campaign has relied on persuading millions of people to change basic behaviors. Workers from the center and host governments trained volunteers to teach neighbors to filter water through cloth screens, removing tiny fleas that carry the larvae. Villagers learned to watch for and report new cases often for rewards of $100 or more. Infected people and dogs had to be prevented from tainting water sources. The goal was to break the worms life cycle and therefore eliminate the parasite itself in each endemic community, eventually exterminating Guinea worm altogether. The campaign became a model for confronting a broader range of neglected tropical diseases afflicting impoverished people with limited access to clean water, sanitation and health care. Expanding its public health mission, the center has supplied training, equipment and medicines that helped 22 countries eliminate at least one disease within their borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mali became the latest in May 2023 when the WHO confirmed it had ended trachoma, a blinding eye infection. Haiti and the Dominican Republic are working to eliminate malaria and mosquito-borne lymphatic filariasis by 2030. Countries in Africa and the Americas are pursuing an end to river blindness by 2035. A personal mission Having a former U.S. president lead the charge brought big advantages to a nonprofit that relied on private donors to fund its initiatives. Carters fundraising enabled the center to pour $500 million into fighting Guinea worm. He persuaded manufacturers to donate larvicide as well as nylon cloth and specially made drinking straws to filter water. His visits to afflicted villages often attracted news coverage, raising awareness globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went to so many of the localities where people were afflicted, said Dr. William Brieger, a professor of international health at Johns Hopkins University who spent 25 years in Africa. The kind of attention that was drawn to him for getting on the ground and highlighting the plight of individual people who were suffering, I think that made an important difference. Carter first saw the disease up close in 1988 while visiting a village in Ghana where nearly 350 people had worms poking through their skin. He approached a young woman who appeared to be cradling a baby in her arm. But there was no baby, Carter wrote in his 2014 book A Call to Action. Instead she was holding her right breast, which was almost a foot long and had a worm emerging from the nipple. Carter used his status to sway other leaders to play larger roles. Some heads of state got competitive, spurred by the center's charts and newsletters that showed which countries were making progress and which lagged behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worms in a war zone In 1995, Carter intervened when a civil war in southern Sudan made it too dangerous for workers to reach hundreds of hotspots. The ceasefire he negotiated enabled the center and others to distribute 200,000 water filters and discover more endemic villages. Carters efforts not only stopped transmissions in much of what became South Sudan, but also built trust across communities that resulted in a significant peace dividend, said Makoy Samuel Yibi, the young nation's Guinea worm eradication director. Pakistan in 1993 became the first endemic country to eliminate human cases. India soon followed. By 1997, the disease was no longer found in Asia. By 2003, cases reported worldwide were down to 32,000 a 99% decline in less than two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some setbacks frustrated Carter. Visiting a hospital packed with suffering children and adults amid a 2007 resurgence in Ghana, Carter suggested publicly that the disease should perhaps be renamed Ghana worm. Ghana was deeply embarrassed, Hopkins said. Ghana ended transmission within three more years. Even more inspiring: Nigeria, which once had the most cases in the world, reached zero infections in 2009. That was a thunderclap, Hopkins said. It was important throughout Africa, throughout the global campaign. To the last worm Even after being diagnosed with brain cancer, Carter remained focused: Id like the last Guinea worm to die before I do, he told reporters in 2015. Despite dwindling cases, total success has proven elusive. Historic flooding and years of civil war have displaced millions of people who lack clean drinking water across central Africa. Of the 13 total cases reported in 2023, nine occurred in Chad, where infections in dogs have made the worms harder to eliminate. These are the most challenging places on planet Earth to operate in, said Adam Weiss, who has directed the campaign since 2018. You need eyes and ears on the ground every single day. The campaign still relies on about 30,000 volunteers spread among roughly 9,000 villages. Staying vigilant can be difficult now that cases are so rare, Weiss said. I would still like to think we will beat the timeline, Weiss said of the 2030 eradication goal. The Carter Center is committed to this, obviously, no matter what. ___ This story has been updated to show there were 14 human Guinea worm cases reported across four African nations in 2023, according to The Carter Center. - Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. There was no keeping it a secret when former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, arranged to have dinner in Chapel Hill, former Crooks Corner chef Bill Smith said. In his book, Seasoned in the South: Recipes from Crooks Corner and from Home, Smith writes that Secret Service agents visited the restaurant in 1997, a week before Carter was scheduled to be in town to visit his granddaughter at Duke University. The restaurant was packed that night, Smith recalled, and the host seated the Carters at a table in the back. After dinner, Carter visited the kitchen, intent on meeting the staff who made his dinner a group of mostly Mexican immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After inquiring about their lives in the United States, he returned to his table, asking for a glass of buttermilk, Smith recalled. He always had some on hand for cornbread and fried chicken batter, he said. When (Carter and his wife) got up to leave, the whole restaurant, as if on cue, was suddenly on its feet applauding. It was remarkable, Smith noted. Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn Carter pose for a photo in 1997 with the staff of Crooks Corner in Chapel Hill. The president returned many years later for a second dinner at the iconic restaurant, former owner Bill Smith said. The Carters posed for pictures with the restaurants staff on the way out, returning several years later during a visit to Chapel Hill for their grandsons rehearsal dinner. Carter brought with him an inscribed copy of his memoir, An Hour Before Daylight, Smith said. I couldnt believe that he had remembered me, Smith said in his own book. I had remembered that Mrs. Carter liked liver, so I had made her a little chicken liver terrine. They seemed equally amazed at my memory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter died Sunday at age 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia. Carters roots in NC The Carter family roots run deep in North Carolina, beginning with Carters sixth-great-grandparents Moore and Jane Carter, who settled in northeastern North Carolina in the early 1700s, according to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The area today includes Bertie, Edgecombe and Hertford counties. A couple of generations later, Carters branch of the family tree broke off to Georgia, where his fourth-great-grandfather Kindred Carter and his brother James settled to raise their families. But Carter visited North Carolina many times for fun, for family, and to campaign for fellow Democrats during and after his time in the White House. Former President Jimmy Carter jokes with WCNC staff in Charlotte while getting makeup applied before a taped interview in January 2009. Carter was in town to sign copies of his book, We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land at a Walmart in Charlotte. They made several stops in the 1970s, beginning with their tour of the country as Carter campaigned against then-Republican President Gerald Ford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 1976, Carter made a star appearance at a campaign fundraiser in Asheville hosted by former U.S. Sen. Robert Morgan and William A.V. Cecil, the grandson of George Washington Vanderbilt III and former owner of the Biltmore Estate. Later that year, he spoke at a Democratic rally in Winston-Salem alongside former state Agriculture Commissioner Jim Graham and former Gov. Jim Hunt. Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter and former N.C. Agricultural Commissioner Jim Graham share a moment during an Oct. 19, 1976, campaign rally in Winston-Salem. Others attending the event included former Lt. Gov. Jimmy Green and Gov. Jim Hunt (at left), U.S. Rep. Steve Neal (middle) and Attorney Gen. Rufus Edmisten (right). Roughly 56% of N.C. voters chose Carter for president just two weeks later, making the state one of six across the South that handed Carter a decisive win that year, and giving him a big boost in his narrow defeat of Ford. The legendary Chapel Hill party band Liquid Pleasure played his inaugural ball that year making Carter the first of many presidents to invite them to perform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 1977, Carter and his wife returned to North Carolina, landing in Fayetteville, where they were greeted by his sister, Ruth Stapleton, and brother, Billy Carter, along with other dignitaries, at what was then Pope Air Force Base. After a rehearsal dinner that night for their nephew, who was getting married, the Carters spent the night at the home of Stapleton and her husband, Bob. Harold Webb, former chairman of the Wake County Commissioners, speaks with former President Jimmy Carter and his daughter Amy Carter at a 2009 event. Webb worked in Carters 1976 campaign and served as a commissioner from 2003 to 2010. He died in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1978, Carter returned to Asheville, addressing a crowd of dignitaries and residents outside Air Force One before attending a 300-person campaign event for Democratic candidate John Ingram, who subsequently lost his campaign that year against incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms. Carter also campaigned that year for Ingram in Wilson, where he spoke to a crowd gathered outside the Wilson County Public Library before making additional stops at the Heart of Wilson Motor Inn for a Democratic Party luncheon and at the Growers Cooperative Warehouse. At the warehouse, Carter spoke with local farming families before touring the tobacco sales area and watching a tobacco auction. Habitat for Humanity houses built in NC Years later, in 1991, Carter spoke at the Emerging Issues Forum at N.C. State University in Raleigh, and in 2014, he appeared at a book signing hosted by Quail Ridge Books. Press photographers also were on hand for book signings in 2008 at a Sams Club in Durham and in 2009 at the Galleria Walmart Supercenter in Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter returned the following year to Durham, where he signed copies of his new book, White House Diary, at The Regulator Bookshop on Ninth Street. In October 2023, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project returned to Charlotte, where over 1,000 volunteers built 27 family homes. Its a small number compared with the 4,417 homes that Habitat for Humanity reports the program built in 14 countries over 40 years. The Carters became Habitat volunteers in 1981, after leaving the White House, and remained active until 2019. The 2023 project was the first since COVID-19 hit pause on the nonprofits construction plans. In 1987 former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn and hundreds of local volunteers built 14 Habitat homes in Optimist Park in Charlotte. The Carters founded Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project which was a home building blitz organized by Habitat for Humanity. The Carters werent able to attend. Rosalynn Carter died a little over a month later in November 2023 at the age of 96. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in 1987, they were in Charlotte, hammering and sawing wood alongside 300 volunteers to build 14 homes and help kickstart Habitat for Humanitys mission, according to Charlotte native and project leader Bob Wilson. It is not an accident that we chose to come to Charlotte, Carter said at the time. There are 205 communities in the country with Habitat projects. We could have gone to any of them, but Charlotte, for us, is special. Former White House Advisor to the Carter Administration Stuart Eizenstat joins Alex Witt to discuss the major accomplishments of the late former-President Jimmy Carter and the legacy of trust he built with the American people in the post-Watergate era. In North Carolinas small towns and countryside, Jimmy Carter looked like a different kind of Democrat in 1976 the first major presidential candidate from the Deep South since before the Civil War, a political moderate and a devout Southern Baptist. Carter would accomplish what no Democratic presidential candidate has done in nearly a half century since carry North Carolina by a landslide. But the honeymoon would not last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After four years in the White House, many Tar Heels soured on Carter, as his administration clashed with the states leaders over smoking and tobacco and efforts to end the vestiges of segregation in the University of North Carolina system. I thought the world of him personally, and still do, former four-term Democratic Gov. Jim Hunt told his biographer, Gary Pearce, several years ago. But I thought that a lot of the people in the White House with him didnt work with Congress very effectively and that he didnt necessarily handle his politics particularly well. Carter died Sunday at age 100, McClatchy and other news outlets reported. No cause was announced. He had entered hospice care in February 2023. Tributes poured in after his death from members of both parties, including Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who called him the epitome of what it means to be a true public servant in and out of office and a kind, calm, giving and sincere man of faith. Before Carter, the Democratic outlook in North Carolina looked as desolate as a moonscape. The two previous Democratic presidential nominees liberals Hubert Humphrey and George McGovern had failed to crack 30% of the states vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter first demonstrated his ability to connect with North Carolina voters in the states Democratic primary in March 1976. The primary featured an Old South/New South confrontation between Carter and Alabama Gov. George Wallace, best known for his segregationist stands. Wallace called Carter a McGovern, card-carrying liberal and blasted him for hanging a portrait of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in the Georgia Capitol when he was governor. Wallace called King a communist-associated civil rights agitator. Carter gladly took credit for hanging the portrait when he spoke at St. Augustines College, a historically Black campus in Raleigh. Carter easily defeated Wallace, trouncing him by a 54% to 35% margin, winning 86 counties and helping end Wallaces national ambitions. Baptist faith and Southern accent Part of it was Carters cultural appeal from his Southern accent to the fact that his sister, Ruth Carter Stapleton, an evangelist and faith healer, lived in Fayetteville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was during the North Carolina primary that Carter first talked at length about his deep faith and what he called his profound religious experience in 1967. In Winston-Salem, Carter said, I spent more time on my knees the four years I was governor in the seclusion of a little private room in the governors office, than I did in all the rest of my life, according to journalist Jules Whitcover. Such talk won him converts in the South, but it made some people in the north uncomfortable. When he returned to North Carolina as president, he would be greeted by such hand-painted signs as Jesus Loves You Jimmy, propped up against an idle tractor in a Wilson County tobacco field. Carter was a Sunday school-teaching Southern Baptist in a region where Protestants dominated, wrote Tom Eamon, a political scientist at East Carolina University. North Carolinians welcomed the symbolism of a God-fearing man walking out of a small-town Baptist church on Sunday morning, a candidate of faith and deep abiding morality. In the fall, Tar Heel politicians readily climbed on board the Carter train. In the past, leading Democrats fled from their presidential nominee for fear it would jeopardize their own chances. But in 1976 they scrambled to appear on the stage with him and used his likeness in their campaign brochures. They were all Jimmy Carter Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wont it be great to have a president who doesnt speak with an accent? Carter would say with his famous grin. Among Carters admirers was Hunt, who appreciated Carters ability to build a broad coalition that included African Americans and conservative rural whites, and who enthusiastically embraced him when he ran for governor in 1976. Carter carried North Carolina with 55% of the vote over Republican Gerald Ford. No Democratic presidential nominee since has won a majority in the state, let alone a landslide like Carter. (Democrat Barack Obama carried the state in 2008 with a 49.7% plurality.) But Carters popularity in North Carolina would soon hit turbulence. Tobacco flap On Jan. 11, 1978, Joseph Califano, Carters secretary of health, education and welfare, launched the most serious anti-smoking effort ever, saying cigarettes were killing 320,000 Americans each year from heart and lung cancer. He called for anti-smoking public service TV commercials and an increase in the federal tobacco tax, and urged school superintendents to launch their own anti-smoking efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1970s, tobacco was still king in North Carolina holding the same privileged position as oil in Texas or automobile manufacturing in Michigan. The state not only grew the most tobacco, but its factories also produced the most cigarettes. Many of North Carolinas leading colleges, hospitals and foundations were founded with tobacco money, and money from cigarette profits greased the states political machinery. The anti-smoking campaign created a political backlash. Soon there were bumper stickers that read: Califano is Dangerous to My Health and Califano Blows Smoke. Jim Graham, the long-time agriculture secretary, hung a sign in his office that read: Thank You for Smoking. The states two top Democrats, Hunt and Sen. Robert Morgan, met with Carter in February 1978, to warn him that the anti-smoking campaign was damaging both his reelection chances and the partys efforts to unseat Republican Sen. Jesse Helms that year. Califano refused to back off, despite gentle hints from the president. Carter seemed to undercut his Cabinet secretary during two appearances in North Carolina. Speaking in Winston-Salem in March 1978, he declared that it was an honor to be in the greatest tobacco state in the world. And in August while speaking in Wilson, he talked about his family producing the two greatest crops in my life peanuts and tobacco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I asked Joe Califano to come down here with me, Carter quipped in Wilson. But he told me that North Carolina makes more bricks than cigarettes. Califano would later say Carter fired him because of pressure from North Carolina Democrats and other tobacco-state politicians. A decade later, Califano said, Carter apologized to him, saying that his secretary was right on the issue. You dont see me crying, Hunt said when asked about Califanos ouster. But tobacco was not the only point of contention between the Carter administration and North Carolina. Segregation and UNC In a yearslong dispute, the Health, Education and Welfare department pressured North Carolina to eliminate the vestiges of segregation in the 16-campus UNC System. The campuses had been desegregated for two decades, but most Black students still attended historically Black colleges and universities, and most white students attended historically white institutions. There was broad agreement that the facilities at the five HBCUs in the system were inferior to those on the 11 white campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Carter administration wanted to eliminate duplication, such as the nursing programs at UNC-Greensboro and at nearby N.C. A&T State University, an HBCU. Hunt countered by agreeing to forgo a proposed tax cut and investing the $40 million into improving the HBCUs. To influence public opinion, Califano sent top HEW officials to North Carolina for a well-publicized tour of the historically Black campuses, pointing out the leaky roofs and inadequate laboratories. The governor said he was troubled by what the federal officials found, but privately was upset with the visit, which he viewed as unwarranted interference. This was, as historian William Link wrote, an exceedingly complex story that defies any easy characterization as a conflict between integrationists and Southern segregationists. Both sides dug in, and the issue was not resolved until Republican President Ronald Reagan took office in 1981, with Helms strongly lobbying for the federal government to reach a settlement that favored UNC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the conflict, top North Carolina Democrats maintained cordial relations with Carter. Hunt was photographed jogging with the president at Camp David. He supported Carter in 1980, against his Democratic primary challenge by Sen. Edward Kennedy. Carters strong support for the Panama Canal Treaty a process begun under previous administrations would have consequences in North Carolina. In the treaty, the U.S. agreed to turn over control of the canal to Panama. The canal was also used to help defeat Sen. Morgan, a Carter ally and Canal Treaty supporter, in 1980. The Helms forces ran a campaign focusing heavily on Morgans support for the treaty and tying him to Carter. Reagan, the former California governor, carried North Carolina in 1980 by a 49.3% to 47.18% margin. It is impossible to say how much the tobacco and UNC issues hurt Carter, because there were other factors in the race, including the Iran hostage crisis, a gas shortage and a troubled economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Carters rise in which North Carolina played a part was, according to Whitcover, a signal that first-class political citizenship had come to Dixie. Rob Christensen wrote about politics for The News & Observer for 45 years. He is the author of two award-winning books about Tar Heel politics and is currently working on a book about The N&O and the Daniels family. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Jimmy Carter was widely considered to have one of the greatest post-presidencies in United States history. So when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his lifetime of work advancing human rights and world peace efforts, it was a great honor but not a particular surprise. In fact, Carter had been nominated for the Nobel Prize at least five other times before winning it, according to Douglas Brinkleys book The Unfinished Presidency. He nearly won it in 1978 for his role in the Camp David Accords, and many expected him to win in 1994 for his diplomatic efforts in Haiti, for which U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan said he deserved five Nobel Prizes alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, its hardly common for an American President to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Only four have ever received the honor, including Theodore Roosevelt , Woodrow Wilson , and Barack Obama . Carter, who died in late December at age 100, is the only one to win it after leaving office. Theodore Roosevelt Getty Images The larger-than-life 26th president of the United States became the first statesman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906, in recognition of his efforts to broker a peaceful end to the Russo-Japanese War. Like so much in Roosevelts life, the decision was controversial. The award was criticized by leftists who condemned the president as a military mad imperialist responsible for the American takeover of the Philippines. Swedish newspapers at the time wrote that Alfred Nobel was turning in his grave over the decision, according to the Nobel Foundation . For his part, Roosevelt used his Nobel acceptance speech to advocate for the formation of an international body for world peace. Roosevelt said : It would be a master stroke if those great powers honestly bent on peace would form a league of peace, not only to keep the peace among themselves, but to prevent, by force if necessary, its being broken by others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More About Theodore Roosevelt Woodrow Wilson Getty Images The type of organization Roosevelt envisioned would later become a reality with the foundation of the League of Nations. Woodrow Wilson, the 38th president of the United States, was one of the primary architects of the international organization, and it was for that reason he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919. Wilson also received the recognition for his role in helping end World War I , a conflict he sought to keep the United States out of in the first place. Wilsons Fourteen Points statement of principles for peacewhich addressed territorial issues, arms reduction, and trade conditions, among other factorshelped inform the peace negotiations. As with Roosevelt, Wilsons Nobel Prize was considered controversial. The World War I peace negotiations were difficult and contentious, and the League of Nations was significantly weakened when the United States refused to join it. For this reason, some on the Nobel Committee disagreed with the decision to give Wilson the award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More About Woodrow Wilson Jimmy Carter Getty Images Twenty-one years after leaving the White House, Carter received 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, according to the Nobel Foundation . Carter was particularly praised for creating The Carter Center with his wife, Rosalynn, in 1982. The nonprofit organization seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.Obviously, Im very grateful to the Nobel Committee for choosing me, Carter said after the decision was announced. I think theyve announced very clearly that the work of The Carter Center has been a wonderful contribution to the world for the last 20 years. Nobel officials also publicly admitted that honoring Carter was an implicit criticism of then-President George W. Bush s initiation of the Iraq War, according to CNN . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More About Jimmy Carter Barack Obama Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barack Obama was only nine months into his first term when it was announced in October 2009 that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize. The decision sparked mixed reactions from both sides of the political aisle , with even Obama himself appearing dubious as he addressed the considerable controversy that your generous decision has generated during his acceptance speech . Perhaps the most profound issue surrounding my receipt of this prize is the fact that I am the Commander-in-Chief of the military of a nation in the midst of two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama said. I come here with an acute sense of the costs of armed conflictfilled with difficult questions about the relationship between war and peace and our effort to replace one with the other. The committee awarded Obama for his promotion of nuclear nonproliferation and his support of multilateral diplomacy and a new climate in international politics. Nobel committee chairman Thorbjorn Jagland defended the decision : The question we have to ask is who has done the most in the previous year to enhance peace in the world. And who has done more than Barack Obama? Read More About Barack Obama You Might Also Like It was confirmed that on Sunday (Dec. 29), Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100. The 39th U.S. president was in hospice care at his home in Plains, GA, following a series of health challenges and was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Trending Jimmys post-presidential achievements, including his Nobel Peace Prize-winning work and advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, have been celebrated as hallmarks of his legacy. My father was a hero, not only to me, but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love, his son, Chip Carter, expressed in a statement provided 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. President Joe Biden described his late peers many accomplishments as extraordinary. Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words, but by deeds, the sitting president stated. Just look at his lifes work. Biden also announced Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning, along with plans for an official homegoing in Jimmys honor. In a Medium post, Barack Obama said that he lived with grace, dignity, justice, and service. Other U.S. leaders took part in celebrating Jimmys legacy. Bill Clinton remarked that the former commander-in-chief's long, good life was guided by his faith, and he lived to serve others until the very end. George W. Bush shared that he set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations. On Truth Social, President-elect Donald Trump wrote that we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Internationally, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called Jimmy a model of compassion, empathy, and hard work. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended his role in brokering peace through the Camp David Accords, while French President Emmanuel Macron recognized him as a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable. You can check out additional messages regarding Jimmy Carters death below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You Might Also Like BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- China deeply mourns the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter who had long contributed to the development of China-U.S. relations, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday. Mao described Carter as a promoter and decision-maker in the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. China highly commends his significant contributions to the development of China-U.S. relations and the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries over the years, Mao said at a press briefing. According to the Carter Center, Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died on Sunday at the age of 100. During Carter's presidency, in December 1978, China and the United States issued the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America. On Jan. 1, 1979, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations. Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at 100 but not before making a lasting impact on Nashville and the state of Tennessee. Here's a collection of reactions from local and statewide figures to Carter's death. Gov. Bill Lee shared a message about Carter's impact in Tennessee on X, formerly known as Twitter. Lee said Carter's service extended "far beyond his presidency," particularly in one area many local leaders echoed when honoring Carter: his work with Habitat for Humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee said Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, "put their faith into action" and were an inspiration to many. President Carters work to serve extended far beyond his presidency, including projects with @Habitat_org in TN. He & Rosalynn put their faith into action & were an inspiration to many. @MariaLeeTN & I are lifting the Carter family up in prayer during this time of immense loss. Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 29, 2024 Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti also posted about Carter on X. Skrmetti highlighted Carter's humble roots as a peanut farmer and praised Carter for his life of service, humility and gratitude. Jimmy Carter, a peanut farmer who rose to become the 39th President of the United States, dedicated a life of service, humility, and gratitude to this great nation. Let us join in prayer for the Carter family and thank him for his service to our country. pic.twitter.com/C74syRxcTT TN Attorney General (@AGTennessee) December 29, 2024 Other elected officials like Sen. Marsha Blackburn pointed to Carter's decadeslong partnership with Habitat for Humanity, even into his old age. Rep. Mark Green, meanwhile, highlighted Carter's work to build homes for veterans. After his service as 39th President, Jimmy Carter spent his time helping others. He partnered with Habitat for Humanity for decades, even volunteering to build homes in Nashville at age 95. Chuck and I extend our condolences to his family during this time. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) December 29, 2024 President Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his decades of humanitarian work. I am especially grateful for his not-for-profit construction of homes for veterans. Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) December 29, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Go deeper: 'I saw how desperate they were for help': How Jimmy Carter became a Habitat humanitarian State Rep. Bo Mitchell was yet another figure who pointed to Carter's volunteerism, and called him the "greatest former president." Mitchell cited Carter's efforts to create peace in the Middle East, his status as a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and his work to build thousands of homes as reasons he could be called "one of the most moral persons to hold the office." Jimmy Carter may not be considered the greatest President, but there is no doubt he was the greatest former President. He was one of the most moral persons to hold the office. He created peace in the Middle East, won a Nobel Peace Prize and only built 4447 Habitat homes!! pic.twitter.com/cbki2ETIBX Bo Mitchell (@VoteBo) December 30, 2024 Another state legislator representing Nashville and Davidson County, state Rep. Caleb Hemmer, also shared a statement about Carter on X applauding a "great life lived" and an example to follow of someone continuing to give back and do good throughout the world. Rest in peace President Carter. A great life lived and an example for us all to follow of continuing to give back and do good throughout the world. https://t.co/XnyOuaxLix Caleb Hemmer (@CalebHemmer) December 29, 2024 The Tennessee Democratic Party released a statement Sunday lauding Carter for championing "human rights, peace, and fairness," and called him a leader defined by selflessness and compassion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Lee and many others, the TDP also recognized Carter's work with Habitat for Humanity. "President Jimmy Carters legacy is a beacon of hope, compassion and moral courage," the statement reads. "He leaves behind an indelible mark on the hearts of the American people and the global community. As we reflect on his extraordinary life, let us honor his memory by striving to emulate his enduring commitment to kindness and service." The country music president: Jimmy Carter's long legacy with Nashville, country music Nashville Register of Deeds Karen Johnson also released a statement about Carter on Sunday. Johnson said America hasn't just lost a former president, it's also lost "a beacon of dignity, leadership and compassion at a time when we need it more than ever."From every hall of government in our land, we should follow President Carters example, always putting what is right before politics, what is true before that which benefits only a few," Johnson's statement reads. "The standard he set for us is high, but its worth the effort of every elected official." Members of the Metro Nashville Council also shared statements on Carter's death Sunday through their social media pages. Jeff Gregg, who represents District 15, called Carter a "champion for peace" who modeled decency, patriotism and service to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joy Styles, representing District 32, was yet another figure who applauded Carter's post-presidency work, calling him "the epitome of leading by example." Styles said he led an exemplary life post-presidency, displaying a commendable passion, dedication and commitment toward making others' lives better. Styles also shared a bit about her experience working on a Habitat for Humanity project with the Carters several years ago in 2019. "It was an awesome experience," Styles said in the post. "President Carter was an extremely humble man and never wanted the spotlight to be on him. It was all about the service. We should all want to leave behind a legacy of making our world a better place." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jimmy Carter: Nashville, TN leaders mourn 'greatest former president' As the nation mourns the loss of Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders look back on the historic contribution the then-president made to the community. Following a push from several Asian American lawmakers, Carter, the countrys 39th president, signed a proclamation that designated May 4, 1979, as the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. It was the first time in the countrys history that the racial group had a nationally recognized celebration. Decades later, the week would be extended, becoming the heritage month now celebrated annually. Unfortunately, we have not always fully appreciated the talents and the contributions which Asian-Americans have brought to the United States, Carter wrote in his proclamation. Yet, Asians of diverse origins from China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and Southeast Asia continued to look to America as a land of hope, opportunity, and freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madalene Mielke, president and CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, said that Carters declaration was a profound step in acknowledging the racial groups critical role in the countrys legacy. It really created this idea that we arent disposable constituents, Mielke told NBC News. That is really how this country has started to recognize us as a community and as people who have been active citizens and participants in the growth of this country. Carters proclamation followed the work of then-Reps. Norman Mineta, D-Calif., who was Japanese American, and Frank Horton, R-N.Y., who introduced legislation in June 1977 that would have formally established a heritage celebration of 10 days. Then-Sens. Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga, both Democrats of Hawaii and fellow Asian Americans, followed suit, introducing sister legislation in the Senate. While neither bill passed, Horton pushed for a second joint resolution that would designate a week of celebration and include the seventh and tenth of the month. The effort was successful and eventually signed by the president. The commemorative week later became a month under President George H.W. Bush in 1992. Railroad track construction on Humboldt Plains, Nev., between 1865 and 1869 included Chinese railroad workers. May was chosen for the occasion to commemorate the first Japanese immigrants who came to the U.S. on May 7, 1843. It also coincides with the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which was built in large part by Chinese railroad workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mielke underscored that the national recognition from Carter wouldnt have been possible without decades of work from Asian American and Pacific Islander advocates and legislators themselves, who had long championed the racial group. This is something that former Secretary Mineta really believed in not having homogeneity. He really believed that we were woven pieces of cloth as a country because each of our identities really bring about the creation of this country, Mielke said. This type of recognition is a part of understanding that we are not blending into society; we are also becoming, changing what society looks like and what is deemed American. The proclamation was, in a way, a display of solidarity from Carter, she said. I think his legacy is really the work that he has done to support all the people in Congress who wanted to be sure that this was a recognition for our community, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proclamation also served as an important symbol of allyship and encouragement for legislators from other communities to value AAPI, Mielke said. That does not mean its validation. Its really how you work allyship, she said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Memorial services for former President Jimmy Carter who died on Sunday at the age of 100 are planned to span several days in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. President Biden announced that Thursday, Jan. 9, will be a national day of mourning for Carter, who will be buried next to his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died in Nov. 2023, in a private ceremony in his hometown of Plains, Ga. Federal government executive departments and agencies will be closed on Jan. 9 in honor of Carter 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, Biden said of Carter, the longest-lived U.S. president, on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carters state funeral is scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9. In honor of Carter, Biden ordered the flags at every government building across the country to be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days. Carter gives his acceptance speech after accepting the Democratic nomination for president on July 15, 1976, at New York's Madison Square Garden. (AP) What is a state funeral? After a former president dies, the current president works with the Defense Department to plan a state funeral that typically lasts seven to 10 days and is open for U.S. residents to participate in or watch. State funerals usually have three stages, according to the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), which is a military unit that plans, supports and executes military support within the U.S. capital region and oversees state funerals. These stages include ceremonies in the state where the former president lived, in Washington, D.C., and in the state where the former president has said they want to be buried. State funerals arent limited to former presidents. Rather, they are planned 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last former president to die was George H.W. Bush in 2018. His state funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral, where over 3,000 political leaders and family members congregated. Carter was in attendance, along with former presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and then-President Donald Trump. What we know so far about state funeral plans for Jimmy Carter The first stage of state funerals is a ceremony held where the former president lived. Carter is first expected to lie in repose on Jan. 4 and 5 at the Carter Center, a humanitarian organization in Atlanta that was founded by the Carters. On Jan. 6, he will be transported to Washington, D.C., for the second stage of the state funeral. He is expected to lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda so people can walk in and pay their respects. The first president to lie in state at the Capitol was Abraham Lincoln in 1865, and the most recent was Bush in 2018. On Jan. 9, Carters state funeral will be held at the Washington National Cathedral. In 2023, while Carter was in hospice care, Biden said the former president had asked him to give a eulogy at his funeral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, Carter will be returned to Georgia for a private ceremony in Plains, where he will be buried next to his wife. Carter hugs his wife, Rosalynn, at his Atlanta campaign headquarters on Sept. 15, 1966. (AP) Who is expected to attend Carters funeral in Washington, D.C.? World leaders and former presidents are expected to attend Carters funeral services. In 2018, former presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump, along with their spouses, all attended Bushs funeral ceremony in Washington. Biden orders flags flown at half-staff The White House flag flies at half-staff in honor of President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 29. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Biden has announced that flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of Carter through most of January, including on Jan. 20, when President-elect Trump will be inaugurated. Trump said in a Dec. 29 statement on Truth Social that while he strongly disagreed with Carter philosophically and politically he worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. In his first year as president, Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100, urged Congress to decriminalize low-level marijuana possession, saying "penalties against possession of a drug should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself." Forty-three years later, Joe Biden, who for decades had been one of the Senate's most zealous drug warriors, promised to follow through on Carter's recommendation. "As president," his campaign said, "Biden willdecriminalize the use of cannabis and automatically expunge all prior cannabis use convictions." That did not happen. Nearly half a century after Carter said he wanted to "eliminate all Federal criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana," those penaltiesa minimum fine of $1,000 and up to a year in jailare still on the books. But in other respects, the legal landscape for cannabis consumers is dramatically different than it was in 1977, and Carter's speech is a revealing snapshot from that long journey. In his "Drug Abuse Message to the Congress," Carter noted the conclusions of the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse, a blue-ribbon panel appointed by President Richard Nixon and chaired by former Pennsylvania Gov. Raymond P. Shafer, a Republican who had served two terms as Crawford County's district attorney. Nixon hoped the commission would deliver "a goddamn strong statement about marijuana," as he put it in a recorded conversation with H.R. "Bob" Haldeman, his chief of staff. "Can I get that out of this sonofa-bitching, uh, domestic council?" he wondered. "I mean one on marijuana that just tears the ass out of them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By "them," Nixon meant his political opponents, whom he identified with the cause of marijuana legalization, and left-leaning Jews in particular. "Every one of the bastards that are out for legalizing marijuana is Jewish," he remarked to Haldeman a couple of weeks after the conversation about the Shafer Commission. "What the Christ is the matter with the Jews, Bob, what is the matter with them? I suppose it's because most of them are psychiatrists, you know, there's so many, all the greatest psychiatrists are Jewish. By god, we are going to hit the marijuana thing, and I want to hit it right square in the puss. I want to find a way of putting more on that." Nixon did not get what he wanted when the Shafer Commission issued its conclusions in 1972. The report's titleMarihuana: Signal of Misunderstandingwas not promising, and it got worse from there. "The criminal law is too harsh a tool to apply to personal possession [of marijuana] even in the effort to discourage use," the commission said. "It implies an overwhelming indictment of the behavior which we believe is not appropriate. The actual and potential harm of use of the drug is not great enough to justify intrusion by the criminal law into private behavior, a step which our society takes only with the greatest reluctance." Based on that assessment, the report recommended that "possession of marihuana for personal use no longer be an offense" and that "casual distribution of small amounts of marihuana for no remuneration, or insignificant remuneration, no longer be an offense." Unsurprisingly, Nixon was not keen on that idea. "I do not believe you can have effective criminal justice based on the philosophy that something is half legal and half illegal," he told reporters. But that decade, nearly a dozen states, beginning with Oregon in 1973, took the commission's advice, typically changing low-level possession from a criminal offense to a civil violation punishable by a modest fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "States which have already removed criminal penalties for marijuana use, like Oregon and California, have not noted any significant increase in marijuana smoking," Carter said in his message to Congress. "The National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse concluded five years ago that marijuana use should be decriminalized, and I believe it is time to implement those basic recommendations." Carter's proposal, which did not cover noncommercial sharing of marijuana, was less ambitious than the commission's, and its practical consequences would have been modest, since only a tiny share of pot possession cases are prosecuted under federal law. It was nevertheless a milestone in drug policy reform, because this was the first time a president had publicly rejected the idea that cannabis consumers should be treated as criminals. "I support legislation amending Federal law to eliminate all Federal criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana," Carter said. "This decriminalization is not legalization. It means only that the Federal penalty for possession would be reduced and a person would received a fine rather than a criminal penalty. Federal penalties for trafficking would remain in force, and the states would remain free to adopt whatever laws they wish concerning the marijuana smoker." That year, according to Gallup, 28 percent of Americans thought marijuana should be legal, up from 12 percent in 1969. But that number fell amid the reaction against high rates of adolescent pot smoking in the late 1970s and the Reagan administration's escalation of the war on drugs, hitting a low point of 23 percent in 1985. Public support for legalization rose during the following three decades, reaching a record 70 percent in 2023 before falling slightly to 68 percent this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Carter recommended federal decriminalization, marijuana was illegal for all uses in every state. Today it is legal for medical use in 38 states, 24 of which also allow recreational use. In 2024, for the first time ever, both major-party presidential candidates supported state or federal legalization. And even Republicans who have misgivings about legalization, such as Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, generally seem to agree with Carter's longstanding position that people should not be arrested for using marijuana. Biden's evolution on the issue reflects this broader trend. "We have to hold every drug user accountable," he said in a 1989 speech that slammed President George H.W. Bush for insufficient toughness on the issue, "because if there were no drug users, there would be no appetite for drugs, and there would be no market for them." By 2020, Biden was declaring that "no one should be in jail because of cannabis use." After he took office, Biden issued mass pardons for people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law, decrying the unjust consequences of the policies he had supported for most of his political career. Since those pardons did not cover people convicted of growing or distributing marijuana, they did not free any prisoners. Nor did they "decriminalize the use of marijuana" or "expunge" related criminal records, both of which would have required new legislation. And despite his promise to "leave decisions regarding legalization for recreational use up to the states," Biden always resisted the repeal of federal pot prohibition. Carter, for his part, eventually extended his criticism of excessively harsh marijuana laws to the war on drugs generally. In 2011, he agreed with the Global Commission on Drug Policy's conclusion that "the global war on drugs has failed, with devastating consequences for individuals and societies around the world." Carter endorsed the commission's "primary recommendations" to "substitute treatment for imprisonment for people who use drugs but do no harm to others, and to concentrate more coordinated international effort on combating violent criminal organizations rather than nonviolent, low-level offenders." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter stopped short of identifying prohibition as the underlying cause of those "devastating consequences." Writing in The New York Times, he recommended "balanced drug policies, including the treatment and rehabilitation of addicts," rather than an emphasis on "futile efforts to control drug imports from foreign countries." Nixon, despite his reputation as an enthusiastic drug warrior and his animus against Jewish marijuana legalizers, arguably pursued that sort of "balanced" approach, urging harsh penalties for drug traffickers and compassion for addicts. Carter did mention the commission's suggestion that governments experiment with "models of legal regulation of drugsthat are designed to undermine the power of organized crime and safeguard the health and security of their citizens." But that was as close as he came to a full-blown critique of drug prohibition. The following year, Carter said he was keen to see the results of state experiments with marijuana legalization. "I'm in favor of it," he said on CNN. "I think it's OK. I don't think it's going to happen in Georgia yet, but I think we can watch and see what happens in the state of Washingtonand let the American government and let the American people see does it cause a serious problem or not." In response to a follow-up question from Politico, Carter said, "I have always favored decriminalization and think we should observe what happens in Washington before going further." Since then, one state after another has followed the example set by Washington and Colorado in 2012. But except for an annually renewed spending rider that bars the Justice Department from interfering with medical marijuana programs, Congress has done nothing to address the resulting conflict between state and federal law. Even the modest step that Carter recommended in 1977, which Biden re-upped in 2020, remains an unfulfilled promise. The post Jimmy Carter Supported Federal Pot Decriminalization for Half a Century. It Still Has Not Happened. appeared first on Reason.com. Editors note: This story originated from our news partners at Kaiser Health News. It was originally published in March 2023 and is being shared following Jimmy Carters death on Sunday. Jimmy Carter took great pride in pointing out that the United States didnt start any new wars during his term as president. But after he left office, he launched a war against neglected diseases diseases in far-off lands that most Americans will never suffer from and may not have even heard of. Diseases like lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, river blindness, schistosomiasis and a disease caused by a nasty little bug called a Guinea worm. Guinea worms are spread through contaminated drinking water and eating undercooked fish. The female worms, which can be up to 3 feet long once mature, cause incredibly painful, open blisters usually on the infected persons lower legs and feet through which the worms emerge. It can take a toll for weeks or months, and sometimes permanently, leaving some people unable to support a family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If someone with Guinea worm has contact with water perhaps to cool the burning pain caused by a worms emergence the worm may release tens of thousands of baby worms, contaminating the whole body of water. The effort to end this disease did not rely on high-tech methods. Guinea worm disease has no cure, no vaccination, basically the entire eradication effort is built on behavior change, said Kelly Callahan, a public health worker who spent years fighting Guinea worm disease in southern Sudan with the Carter Center, the charity the ex-president and his wife created in partnership with Emory University. That has meant teaching people in vulnerable areas to filter their water and giving them the low-cost tools to do so. Other strategies include providing access to safe water supplies, better detection of human and animal cases, cleaning and bandaging wounds, preventing infected people and animals from wading into water, and using larvicide to kill the worms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of Carter, the world has come incredibly close to wiping out Guinea worm. I would like to see Guinea worm completely eradicated before I die, Carter said at a news conference in 2015. Id like for the last Guinea worm to die before I do. I think right now we have 11 cases. We started out with 3.6 million cases. It did look as if the last Guinea worm was going to die before the 39th U.S. president. Then, a few years ago, scientists discovered that the parasite was spreading among stray dogs in Chad and that baboons in Ethiopia were also carrying the parasite. This long-overlooked reservoir of the worms was a setback for the global eradication program and showed that killing the last Guinea worm would be harder than previously thought. Whats more, as the number of cases has dwindled, new challenges have emerged. In 2018, Guinea worm disease was found in Angola, a country not known to have had cases in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, in 2019 the World Health Organization pushed back its expected eradication date for the disease a full decade from 2020 to 2030. Researchers are now looking for a treatment for infected dogs, and public health workers have turned to new interventions, like paying people to report infected animals. Nonetheless, Carters campaign has been remarkably successful. In an interview with NPR in 2015, Carter recalled the origins of his crusade. Carters former drug czar, Peter Borne, was working on a U.N. initiative called the Freshwater Decade. Borne came to the Carter Center to talk about overlooked diseases spread by drinking bad water. One of them was Guinea worm. The main reason (Borne) came to the Carter Center was because he couldnt get anyone else to tackle this problem, Carter recalled. Its a despicable disease. And it was in such remote villages that no one wanted to take on the task. So, we decided to take it on. That was in 1986. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Paul Farmer, the founder of Partners in Health and a champion of global health causes who died in 2022, spoke to NPR in 2019 about Carters efforts. Farmer said the former president deserves much of the credit for pushing Guinea worm to the brink of extinction. Smallpox, Farmer said, is the only human disease (thats) ever been eradicated. And if Guinea worm is right behind, thats going to be thanks to Carter. I mean, there were millions of cases when he got involved after his presidency in the mid-80s. And now we are down to fewer than a hundred last year. In 2022, the Carter Center reported, there were only 13 recorded human cases of the disease, a provisional number that will be officially confirmed, likely this month. When you take on a problem like this, like Guinea worm, you have to sweet-talk the ministry officials, the political figures, the nurses, the doctors, the community activists, the farmers, the people who are most at risk. Carters had to sweet-talk all those people. And thats something thats been very inspiring to many of us, Farmer said. Christopher Plowe, adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, agrees that Carters advocacy has helped governments and public health agencies around the world stay focused on eradicating Guinea worm disease. The Carter Center has pitched in, too, investing about $500 million since 1986. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think we should be optimistic that it is achievable, said Plowe. I think we shouldnt be overly optimistic about how quick its gonna be. Guinea worm was just one of the targets of Carters war. Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, has been eliminated from most of the Americas and dramatically reduced in Africa due to the work of Carter and the Carter Center. Major inroads have also been made against other neglected diseases including lymphatic filariasis, which causes horrific swelling of the legs and genitals. Those who know Carter well said it was his upbringing in an impoverished part of the South that left him with a strong sense of self-reliance and self-sacrifice, and a duty to help others. Born in Plains, Georgia, in 1924, he stayed close to his roots, returning home after his Navy career to run the familys peanut farm. Church was a central part of his life in Plains he taught Sunday school there into his 90s and friends said his Christian faith drove him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did what he did out of a love for mankind, said Linda Fuller Degelmann, a co-founder of Habitat for Humanity, which has counted Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter among their many volunteers, hammering nails by day and sleeping in bunk beds by night. The Carters worked on Habitat projects in 14 countries. In February 2023, Carter entered hospice care, forgoing additional medical treatment to extend his life. But his death will not mean the end of his work. In a statement, the Carter Center has pledged to continue the fight to wipe out Guinea worm. When the disease does come to an end, it will become one of Carters signature achievements an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects a simple yet profound tenet of his personal philosophy: to try to help one another instead of being willing to go to war with one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This article is from a partnership that includes NPR and KHN. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.) ___ 2023 Kaiser Health News. Visit khn.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Former President Jimmy Carter's funeral proceedings will take place over six days following his Dec. 29 death at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States died at his home in Plains, Ga., after spending almost two years in hospice care. Carter's wife, Rosalynn, had been by his side for much of his time in hospice until her death in November 2023. The former president attended her funeral, marking his last public appearance. In Carter's last interview with PEOPLE, in 2019, he reflected on his life and legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to live until youre 95 years old, Carter said. 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. Related: Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's Relationship Timeline: Inside Their 77-Year Marriage Now, Carter's family, supporters and Americans across the country will come together to mourn the loss of the political leader and beloved humanitarian. Here's everything to know about Jimmy Carter's funeral. When will Jimmy Carter's funeral take place? Bettmann Archive/Getty Columbia, S.C.: Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter is in a serious mood as he waits to speak during rally recently in his campaign for the presidency. On the eve of the national elections pollsters across the country are predicting a very tight race between Carter and incumbent Gerald Ford. Columbia, S.C.: Democratic candidate Jimmy Carter is in a serious mood as he waits to speak during rally recently in his campaign for the presidency. On the eve of the national elections pollsters across the country are predicting a very tight race between Carter and incumbent Gerald Ford. Former President Jimmy Carter's funeral proceedings will take place over six days following his Dec. 29 death in hospice care, ending in a Jan. 9 ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral, per The New York Times. On Sunday, Dec. 29, President Joe Biden declared the 9th a National Day of Mourning to honor the former president's funeral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the official ceremony, after the New Year, Carter's body will be taken by motorcade to Atlanta where he will lie in repose for two days at the Carter Center. The philanthropic building houses many of Carter and Rosalynn's post-presidency nonprofit activities, including peace and human rights initiatives. Related: All About Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter's Children and Grandchildren Then, on Tuesday, Jan. 7, the former president's body will be transported to Washington, D.C., for the official presidential funeral, following in the tradition of many of the nation's leaders before him. Flags at all federal buildings will fly at half-mast for 30 days after Carter's death, including during Donald Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration. Where will Jimmy Carter's funeral be held? Hum Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Jimmy Carter delivers his Fireside Chat from the library in the White House. ca. 1 February 1978. Jimmy Carter delivers his Fireside Chat from the library in the White House. ca. 1 February 1978. The main part of Carter's funeral will be held at the Washington National Cathedral, in the tradition of past U.S. presidents leading back to Abraham Lincoln. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the elongated nature of Carter's funeral proceedings, he will also lie in repose at the Carter Center in Atlanta and the Nation's Capitol before finally flying via military jet to Georgia to be buried. Related: How Jimmy Carter Formed an Unlikely Friendship with a Terminally Ill Boy and Brought Joy to His Final Years (Exclusive) Who will attend Jimmy Carter's funeral? Bettmann Archive/Getty Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter accepts the support of Senator Joseph Biden, D-Del, at a news conference in the Sheraton Hotel in Madison. Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter accepts the support of Senator Joseph Biden, D-Del, at a news conference in the Sheraton Hotel in Madison. Although no official word has been given about the attendees of Carter's Cathedral ceremony, his extended family is expected to attend and President Biden will deliver a eulogy. Before the funeral, many thousands of people are anticipated to walk through the Capitol's Rotunda to pay their respects to the former president, including lawmakers and everyday Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Who Were Jimmy Carters 3 Siblings? All About the Late Presidents Brother Billy and Sisters Gloria and Ruth Shortly after the news of Carter's death was announced, mourners created a memorial at the sign for the Carter Center in Atlanta. They nodded to his history as a peanut farmer from Georgia by placing peaches, peanuts and peanut butter around a sign that read "We love you President Carter," per NPR. Will Jimmy Carter's funeral be televised? Eddie Mullholland-WPA Pool/Getty Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter receives delivers a lecture on the eradication of the Guinea worm, at the House of Lords on February 3, 2016 in London. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter receives delivers a lecture on the eradication of the Guinea worm, at the House of Lords on February 3, 2016 in London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes. The Associated Press is streaming all of Carter's key funeral services on YouTube. The livestream can also be found on the Jimmy Carter tribute website. Where will Jimmy Carter be buried? Bettmann Archive/Getty President Carter, shown waist-up, waves as he boards a helicopter on the White House lawn to fly to Camp David, Maryland, where he will spend the Thanskgiving holiday. He cancelled a holiday in Georgia because of the Iranian crisis. President Carter, shown waist-up, waves as he boards a helicopter on the White House lawn to fly to Camp David, Maryland, where he will spend the Thanskgiving holiday. He cancelled a holiday in Georgia because of the Iranian crisis. Carter will be buried next to his wife, Rosalynn, in their family plot in Plains, Ga. The Habitat for Humanity champion will be interred near his lifelong home next to a willow tree at the edge of a pond that he helped to dig many years ago. Read the original article on People SYDNEY, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of Queensland shot a knife-wielding man who allegedly threatened officers on Monday. The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said the man in his 40s was shot at a business in the southern Brisbane suburb of Rochedale in the early hours of Monday morning. Officers were deployed to the warehouse at about 5:50 a.m. local time following reports of a disturbance, the QPS said, and upon arrival located a man armed with a knife who advanced towards police whilst making threats. "Responding police deployed a taser, however, it was ineffective and as the man continued to advance on police, they discharged one shot which struck the man," a police statement said. The officers immediately rendered medical assistance before the man was transported to a nearby hospital in a serious but stable condition. No police officers or members of the public were injured. QPS Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes told reporters that initial investigations had not established any link between the man and the business or why he was there. He said that police were called after the man started behaving in a threatening manner towards workers while armed with a knife. Holmes said the two officers involved were being given support. The police service's internal Ethical Standards Command has commenced an investigation into the incident, with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission. The official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will be held on January 9, a day that President Biden has declared a national day of mourning. NBC News' Priya Sridhar has details on the services and the plans in Carter's hometown. Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at 100 years old. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter died in 2023 at the age of 96. Together, they had four children and 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter were married for 77 years before the former first lady's death on November 19, 2023 at the age of 96. Jimmy Carter lived to be 100 years old before his death on Sunday. Together, they shared four children, 11 grandchildren (one grandson died in 2018), and 14 great-grandchildren. Meet the Carter family. Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Smith Carter, were married for 77 years. Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter at the White House. AP Photo/Ira Schwarz, File Jimmy and Rosalynn's families were friends and neighbors growing up in Plains, Georgia. The two began dating in 1945, while Rosalynn was a student at Georgia Southwestern College and while Jimmy was enrolled at the US Naval Academy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After their first date, Jimmy told his mother, "She's the girl I want to marry," according to the White House. They wed on July 7, 1946. As first lady, Rosalynn championed mental-health research, and she continued her advocacy after leaving the White House until her death at age 96. Rosalynn Carter at The Carter Center. Ron Harris, File/AP Rosalynn served as the honorary chair of the President's Commission on Mental Health from 1977 to 1978, which helped pass the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980. After her time in the White House, she remained active in humanitarian work with the establishment of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers and a longtime partnership with Habitat for Humanity. She also wrote five books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 2023, The Carter Center shared that Rosalynn had dementia. She celebrated her 96th birthday that August, and she died a few months later on November 19, 2023. Her funeral in Atlanta was attended by all living first ladies as well as President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, former president Bill Clinton, and members of Congress. They had four children: Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy. A portrait of President Jimmy Carter and his extended family. Left to right: his daughter-in-law Judy Carter, grandson Jason James Carter; son Jack Carter, daughter in law Annette Carter, son Jeff Carter, wife Rosalynn Carter, daughter Amy Carter, Jimmy Carter, daughter-in-law Caron Griffin Carter holding James Earl Carter IV, and son Chip Carter. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images The Carters have 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, The Carter Center said in a statement following Rosalynn's death. Their oldest son, 77-year-old John William "Jack" Carter, followed his father into politics. Jack Carter. John Locher/AP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack and his first wife, Judy Langford, had two children. Their son Jason James, born in 1975, was a toddler when Carter took office in 1977. Their daughter, Sarah Rosemary, was born in 1978. They eventually divorced, and he married Elizabeth Brasfield in 1992, gaining two stepchildren. In 2006, Jack ran for a Nevada seat in the US Senate, the first major office the Carter family has sought since 1980. He earned the Democratic nomination, but was unsuccessful against an incumbent Republican senator in the general election. Jack holds a law degree from the University of Georgia, but he spent most of his career in the investment and finance industry, The New York Times reported. James Earl "Chip" Carter, 74, worked for his family's peanut-farming business and has participated in the Democratic National Committee. James "Chip" Carter at Rosalynn Carter's funeral. Brynn Anderson-Pool/Getty Images Chip worked as vice president, then president and CEO at Friendship Force, a not-for-profit that organized international exchanges for adult homestays. He also served as a member of Plains City Council in Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has been married three times and has a son, James Carter IV, and a daughter, Margaret Alicia Carter. Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter, 72, launched a computer-electronics company. Jeff Carter. R. Diamond/WireImage/Getty Images Jeff and his wife, Annette, met at Georgia Southwestern University. They married in 1975 during Carter's presidential campaign and lived in the White House for the first years of their marriage. "While living in the White House, Jeff and Annette helped host everybody from Bob Dylan to Pope John Paul II," their son Josh wrote in Annette's obituary in September 2021. "In some of Annette's favorite White House memories, she greeted the cast of Star Wars after the release of 'A New Hope' and John Travolta after he starred in 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'Grease.' These experiences were quite extraordinary for Jeff and Annette's first few years of marriage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff co-founded Computer Mapping Consultants, a firm that became a consultancy for the World Bank in 1978 and held foreign government contracts, The Bryan Times reported. He and Annette had three children together. In 2018, their 28-year-old son Jeremy died from a suspected heart attack. A former political activist, 57-year-old Amy Carter sits on the board of The Carter Center, the nonprofit founded by her father. Amy Carter at Rosalynn Carter's funeral. Brynn Anderson-Pool/Getty Images Amy was 9 years old when her father's presidency began. She had a pet Siamese cat named Misty who accompanied her to Camp David and took up residence in her doll house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amy became a political activist in the '80s and '90s, and she was even arrested at a CIA recruitment protest, the Los Angeles Times reported. She later received a master's degree from Tulane in art history and wed computer consultant James Wentzel in 1996. At her wedding ceremony she was not given away, saying she did not belong to anyone, People magazine reported. She had one child with Wentzel, a son named Hugo James Wentzel. They later divorced, and she married John Joseph "Jay" Kelly in 2007. They share another son, Errol Carter Kelly. Amy worked with her dad on the 1995 children's book "The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer," which Jimmy wrote and she illustrated, about a boy who befriends a monster. She remains a board member of The Carter Center, but she has otherwise stayed out of public life. The Carters have 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jason Carter. Jessica McGowan/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among their grandchildren is Jack's son Jason James Carter (pictured), a former Georgia state senator who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2014. His sister, Sarah Rosemary, earned a PhD in neuroscience from the University of California San Francisco in 2007 and works as the principal at Science Policy Consulting LLC, according to her LinkedIn profile. Jack also has two stepchildren: Sarah Chuldenko, a painter, and John Chuldenko, a filmmaker. Chip's son, James Carter IV, works as an opposition researcher. He made headlines during the 2012 presidential election, after he helped unearth the infamous "47%" video that ostracized nominee Mitt Romney, NPR reported. He later received a thank-you note from former President Barack Obama, CBS News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chip's daughter Margaret has remained out of the public eye. Jeff's oldest son, Joshua Jeffery Carter, hosts a podcast called "Unchanging Principles," a reference to a line from Jimmy's inaugural address. Jeff's youngest, James "Jamie" Carlton Carter, married his longtime girlfriend Anna in a backyard pandemic wedding in October 2021, then held a larger ceremony a year later at the Carter Center, according to their wedding website. Amy's son, Hugo James Wentzel, and stepson, Errol Carter Kelly, have attended public events with their grandparents, but they have otherwise kept a low profile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Correction: November 29, 2023 An earlier version of this story misstated the number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren shared by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. They had 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, not 22. Read the original article on Business Insider President Joe Biden on Sunday emphasized a quality that Donald Trump should grab from the life of Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100. Decency. Decency. Decency, Biden told a reporter who asked him what Trump should take from the late president. Biden, who had just wrapped remarks on the peanut farmer-turned-president that later became known for his post-White House humanitarian work, went on to declare that everybody deserves a shot before offering examples to describe Carters goodwill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. I cant, said Biden, who paused his holiday trip in the U.S. Virgin Islands to honor Carter. The president added that the bulk of our nation has laid out what our values are. We said we believe. Its not just in the declara We hold these truths to be self-evident, but its theres a feeling. The rest of the world looks to us. Looks to us. And he was worth looking to, Biden said. Trump, in a change of tune from past jabs at Carter, paid tribute to the late president on his Truth Social platform on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect, the president-elect wrote. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family! Trump mocked Carter on the campaign trail including on his 100th birthday back in October when he claimed that the late president was the happiest man because hes considered a brilliant president in comparison to Biden. Carter, who warned that reelecting Trump in 2020 would be a disaster and reportedly fulfilled an end-of-life goal by voting for Vice President Kamala Harris in this years election, was asked by Stephen Colbert in 2018 whether his prayers for the then-president were being answered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, I used to have a pastor who would say, When you pray, God has three answers: one is yes, the other one is no and the third one is youve gotta be kidding. So Im not sure which one it is yet, said Carter, a lifelong Baptist, as he let out a laugh. Related... The morning of Dec. 16 started out quietly enough in the Journal Sentinel newsroom. Then a voice could be heard saying, "Oh, no!" Everyone looked up. Fragments of sentences began breaking through the murmur: a school shooting in Madison ... maybe five killed ... a Christian elementary school ... no, the number of dead was three ... at least one student ... and the shooter was dead. In moments, we were trying to figure out the extent of the incident, the size and location of Abundant Life Christian School, which of our journalists were in Madison, who could jump in cars and join them, did anyone know people connected to the school, who was watching social media, how would editing be divided up and all the additional things that are second nature in a good newsroom when breaking news happens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, with a bit of distance, we asked a few of those who covered the shootings to share their thoughts. Kelly Meyerhofer Kelly Meyerhofer As an education reporter, you work with young people all the time. No tragedy is easy to cover, but are those involving children particularly difficult? Meyerhofer: In a word, they're awful. The days covering the Madison shootings were utterly tragic. I stood across the street from the reunification center, watching as relieved parents shepherded their kids into their cars and wondering about those who wouldn't be reunited. It wasn't easy, but I approached some of the parents to ask if they had a few minutes to chat. Some ignored me. Some shook their head, saying they needed to get home. Some gave me an are-you-kidding-me look. Every response was valid. I didn't push them. I apologized for intruding and let them move on from what must have felt like the worst day of their lives. Still, it's my job to ask. Other school shootings, such as the 2022 shootings in Uvalde, Texas, have shown the importance of seeking accounts from sources other than law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Madison, one father outside who agreed to talk really wanted to share his thoughts. He waited for hours that day, wondering if his three children made it out of school alive. They did, and talking about it with me seemed to become a way for him to process what he went through. Ricardo Torres How do you approach stories that are so senseless and hard to explain? How do you talk to family, friends of victims? Torres: These are the hardest conversations I've ever had. I often think, "Why would they want to talk to me?" I'm not sure I would be as receptive to a reporter at my door. But some people do want to talk. One of my go-to questions in these situations is, "For those who didn't know them, what would you want to share?" This gives family members and friends an opportunity to tell strangers about who their loved one was, and why they mattered. And my last question is, "What's a memory of them that makes you smile or laugh?" I hate ending these conversations in a bad place. I think people can heal through laughter. Even the readers can heal through a warm or funny story about a person who lost their life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I try to keep in mind the only thing I have to offer is trust. I'm not a police officer, lawyer or judge, so I can't offer justice. I'm not a doctor or nurse, so I can't offer medicine. I'm not a philanthropist, so I can't offer money. But I can listen and offer trust that I'm going to put what they say in proper context. Erik S. Hanley You wrote about the funeral for Rubi Patricia Vergara, the Abundant Life freshman who was shot and killed. How do you report on a funeral, particulary of a child? Hanley: Part of a reporter's responsibility when covering a funeral is to amplify what those who speak have determined is meaningful enough to share in honor of the loved one. If covering a funeral in person, I'm respectful, stay silent during the service, and sit toward the back or side to maintain some separation. If I have an opportunity to ask questions, I try not to pry. I'm aware of where I'm conducting any interview and who is nearby. The funeral of Rubi Patricia Vergara, the 14-year-old victim, was at City Church Madison, and I could not be there in person, but I could feel the emotion of the room watching the livestream. I learned Rubi had a gift for music, a love of God, of animals, and a taste for deep-dish pizza. Many people called her their gift. It was a privilege to get to know her a little bit and share some of the stories her family and friends chose to tell of a life tragically cut short. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A persons legacy isnt how long they lived or how they died, its about what they passed along to those around them this is the essence of a memorial story. As Pastor Tom Flaherty said during the service, Though Rubi has passed, her faith is still speaking to us. Mark Hoffman Mark Hoffman How did you get to the scene so quickly? And as a photojournalist who has covered numerous difficult events, have they become easier to cover over time or harder? Hoffman: I was squeezing in a rare December motorcycle ride and happened to be in Cambridge, 20 minutes away, when I stopped to look at my phone and saw all the folks who had called and texted me. I immediately headed toward the school. Ive covered so many shootings that I know what to do, where to go and how it plays out. Im looking for a photo thats a metaphor, has emotion and a sense of place. It sounds cold, and in some respects, that's the hardest part I struggle to feel more. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photojournalist Mark Hoffman's motorcycle is shown near police vehicles are parked across the road from Abundant Life Christian School which was the scene of a shooting Monday, December 16, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. A teenage student and teacher were killed and six others were injured. The shooter, a 15-year-old student at the school, also died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Hoffman was off that day on a motorcycle ride, went to scene after learning about it and being 20 minutes away. Im full of practical advice. Always pack a warm coat and at least one camera, and have a way to send a photo. Most of my images on the first day were made with a 600mm lens, something I use mostly for sports. For perspective, your eye sees like a 50mm lens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But emotional advice? To be honest, were not interacting with anyone; in fact, we're trying not to do that. Beyond that, all I can say is that if all politicians keep offering are thoughts and prayers, I don't see these human tragedies abating any time soon. Alison Dirr Alison Dirr covers Milwaukee city and county government for the Journal Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, after reporting on this story, is it hard to leave it at work? Does it take a toll? Dirr: First, its important to recognize that the sadness I feel as a journalist covering an event like the Abundant Life shooting is incomparable to the grief experienced by the parents, friends and loved ones who have lost someone suddenly and tragically. Whether it's a widely covered event like a school shooting or a death that doesnt make the news, attention and care should be directed to those remaining loved ones and the emergency responders. To answer the question: As a journalist who covered police, breaking news and courts for years before coming to the Journal Sentinel, I can say definitively that these stories never leave you. Not in the days and nights after the event itself, and not in the years to come. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Some of our journalists reflect on covering Madison school shootings A 17-year employee with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office was arrested Thursday following a domestic incident. Corrections Sgt. Donald Boston was charged with one count of domestic battery, a first-degree misdemeanor. Boston is accused of grabbing a family member who fell to the ground during the incident, police said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Boston was hired by JSO in May 2007 and promoted to sergeant in October 2022. Boston has been stripped of his authority as a corrections officer and placed on administrative status as a result of his arrest, Joe Cowan, director of JSOs department of patrol and enforcement, said at a news conference Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Boston is the 14th JSO employee arrested this year, Cowan said. Read: Names of victims in Palatka triple shooting on Christmas night released Read: Legacy Rain Dogs music venue closes its doors this week Read: State funeral for Jimmy Carter will be Jan. 9 [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Several Kansas lawmakers are expressing their condolences over the death of former President Jimmy Carter. Carter died at the age of 100, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. President Carter lived a life of service to his nation as a member of the U.S. Navy, the Governor of Georgia and the President of the United States. Today, we mourn the loss of a leader and champion of human rights. Robba and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to the Carter family. Sen. Jerry Moran R I am saddened to hear the passing of President Jimmy Carter. His story is one of unwavering commitment to public service, extending long before and far beyond his time in the White House. His life was a devoted journey of protecting and serving our great nation, and giving back through his commitment to humanitarian service. We are praying for his loved ones during this time. Sen. Roger Marshall R Today we honor the prolific life of the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter. He was dedicated to service and volunteerism throughout his long life well beyond his presidency. Our prayers are with the Carter family. Rep. Ron Estes R Five defining moments of Jimmy Carters presidency President Jimmy Carters legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to lifting others up will continue to inspire generations. From his tireless work on global human rights to his decades of dedication to Habitat for Humanity, he showed us what it means to lead with heart and integrity. My thoughts are with the Carter family and everyone mourning his passing. Rep. Sharice Davids D President Jimmy Carter was a truly moral man. His innate humanity, his humility, his devotion to serving his community and his country, and his belief that the world could live in peace is the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. A corresponding order for flag honors is to come. Gov. Laura Kelly D KSN.com has more coverage of President Jimmy Carters death. 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. Photo: Julia Beverly (Getty Images) The son of the legendary Isaac Hayes recently shared a disturbing video on Instagram of a Karen who tried to prevent him from entering his gated community. In the clip, the womanwho was seemingly intoxicatedalso told him that he should be white. Candace McDuffie Read More Because its a day that ends in y, yet another video has surfaced on social media of a Karen doing what they do best threatening to call the police on someone because they feel they have been wronged. Angela Johnson Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More Candida Affa - Screenshot: WFMZ A Black deputy city clerk in Allentown, Penn. is speaking up about the hostile workplace environment that shes been dealing with for the last 15 years primarily at the hands of one woman Noah A. McGee Read More Photo: X/TikTok (Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airports are inherently chaotic, and apparently they serve as the perfect breeding ground for Karens to act out. Earlier this last year, there was one being downright rude to a Spirit Airlines employee at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Candace McDuffie Read More Photo: Noam Galai (Getty Images) Eternal Karen Megyn Kelly is once again running her mouth about MSNBC host Joy Reid. This time, Kelly believes the network will fire Reid after her latest comments about President-elect Donald Trump. Candace McDuffie Read More Photo: JEFF KOWALSKY (Getty Images) On Wednesday, reality star and resident internet Karen Bethenny Frankel took to Instagram to share her thoughts on why Vice President Kamala Harris lost the presidential election. Candace McDuffie Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More Photo: Clark County Ohio Government Website (AP) As Election Day crept up, voters have been rather loud in publicizing who theyre voting for. But in some cases, shouting out their candidate of choice went loud and wrong...enter John Rodgers. Noah A. McGee Read More Defendant Susan Lorincz, left, who fatally shot a Black neighbor through her front door during an ongoing dispute, listens to proceedings during her sentencing hearing Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Ocala, Fla. - Photo: Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner via AP, Pool (AP) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over a year after four Black kids lost their mother to a shooting stemming from a neighborhood feud, the white woman who fired the fatal bullet is finally facing her punishment for the heartbreaking incident. Kalyn Womack Read More Photo: Henry County Jail Division Indiana law enforcement said last week they received a disturbing call from a white woman admitting to unleashing her violent Karen tantrum on her neighbor. However, the condition of victim made matters even more concerning. Kalyn Womack Read More Screenshot: FOX 13 Seattle A Washington white woman who initially claimed that a teenager assaulted her is now the one on the wrong end of the law. Noah A. McGee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More Screenshot: CNN A CNN panel featuring Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) quickly went to hell after the GOP Karen repeatedly mispronounced Vice President Kamala Harriss name. Candace McDuffie Read More Screenshot: TikTok/@erin.walton5 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing thats guaranteed to happen when you run into a Karen is that they are going to overreact over the smallest inconvenience. Just look at this white woman in Connecticut who lost her cool after a Black child mistakenly sat in her reserved seat during a screening of Despicable Me 4. Noah A. McGee Read More Photo: The Detroit News A racist suburban Detroit judge was recorded making homophobic and anti-Black remarksand the Karen was ultimately removed from her docket because of it. Oakland County Probate Judge Kathleen Ryan had her phone conversations secretly recorded by the courts administrator who was deeply disturbed by her comments. Candace McDuffie Read More Screenshot: TheVolunteerTexan It seems like everyday there is a new Karen wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting person of color. Recently, a group of them ganged up on a Black worker at a Burger King in Chappell Hill, Texas. Candace McDuffie Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More Photo: Johnny Nunez (Getty Images) The Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef is the most exciting moment in music right now: On Saturday, K. Dot once again dragged Drake for utter filth with his latest diss track Not Like Us. Candace McDuffie Read More Screenshot: TikTok/@swanoforlando Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black people are unique. We do things differently. The way we dress, the way we interact with each other, how we speak, and even how we spell our names. Its what makes Black culture, the greatest thing in the world. Noah A. McGee Read More Photo: Jeff Dean/Slaven Vlasic (Getty Images) Leave it to Megyn Kelly a keeper of many words but few coherent thoughts to insert herself into the Caitlin Clark discourse without much of a clue regarding anything about the WNBA. Ebenezer Nkunda Read More Photo: Jamie McCarthy (Getty Images) Since he transitioned from rapper to business mogul, Curtis 50 Cent Jackson has found himself in some interesting situations. But even he was probably shocked to find himself hanging out at the White House on Wednesday. Stephanie Holland Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More Photo: Joshua Roberts, Marco BELLO / AFP (Getty Images) Guess which one of Trumps minions is getting dragged this week? A white nationalist personality who was caught on social media putting all types of racist slander and expletives on Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who recently passed from pancreatic cancer. Kalyn Womack Read More Photo: WESTOCK PRODUCTIONS (Shutterstock) A Black man was accused by a nosey (male) Karen of harassing a homeless person when it was revealed in court that the homeless person was the one acting erratically. The incident ended up in the Black man getting charged, but luckily a jury saw through the bull. Kalyn Womack Read More Photo: Biloxi Sun Herald A Black grandmother in Biloxi, Mississippi was the victim of a racist road rage incident and managed to record the disturbing episode on camera. Neco Eley was driving down U.S. 90 on her way to a doctors appointment with her 6-year-old son when a white man in a silver Mercedes-Benz started driving erratically near her. Candace McDuffie Read More Screenshot: Comic Sands Valentina Gomez, a Colombia-born secretary of state candidate in Missouri, has gone viral for another hateful online tirade. In addition to using homophobic rhetoric to boost her GOP campaign, she disparaged Black Americans and the holiday of Juneteenth on Juneteenth. Candace McDuffie Read More Screenshot: X/@llddiiss What a world we live in. Instead of a white woman facing the consequences and backlash for wrongly using a racial slur in a video online, she is now turning it into a career opportunity. Noah A. McGee Read More Photo: Jason Davis (Getty Images) On Friday, it was announced that obnoxious conservative commentator Candace Owens has seemingly been let go from the Daily Wire. Daily Wire and Candace Owens have ended their relationship, the companys CEO Jeremy Boreing stated in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Candace McDuffie Read More Screenshot: TikTok The unmitigated gall of some white people. Despite the number of times we tell them not to use the N-word casually, too many of them still do. Noah A. McGee Read More L-R: Kelly Rowland, Massiel Taveras - Photo: Getty Images The cantankerous Cannes security guard who had a red carpet run in with Kelly Rowland is in the news again. This time, her beef was with a Dominican actress after a video of their confrontation went viral. Angela Johnson Read More U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) (Left), Deputy Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) (Right). - Photo: Anna Moneymaker, Alex Wong (Getty Images) Outspoken GOP congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene once again has her sights set on sabotaging Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) this time over a mistranslated speech. Jessica Washington Read More You know the feeling: You arrive at the airport nearly two hours early only to end up dashing to your gate like an Olympic sprinter minutes before your flight because the person in front of you in the security line just doesnt want to part with that 5-ounce shampoo bottle in their carry-on. Angela Johnson Read More Screenshot: Tallahassee Police Department A few Tallahassee cops were just exposed for their shiesty behavior during the DUI arrest of a Black man who says his life was nearly ruined because of their shoddy work. Kalyn Womack Read More For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The flight recorders of the Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft that crashed at the airport in Aktau, Kazakhstan, will be sent to Brazil for decoding. Source: Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Telegram Quote: "According to the standards of Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, the state conducting the investigation ensures the retrieval of flight recorder data and decides on the country for reading and decoding the black boxes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The ministry noted that Kazakhstan ratified the convention [Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation ed.] in 1992 and is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The decision was made based on the Convention on International Civil Aviation and following consultations with aviation authorities in Azerbaijan and Russia. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport added that Brazil is the country where the Embraer aircraft involved in the crash was manufactured. Background: 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. According to Azerbaijan Airlines, 67 people were on board, including five crew members. Of these, 42 were citizens of Azerbaijan, 16 were Russians, 6 were Kazakhs, and 3 were Kyrgyz nationals. KazAeroNavigation believes that the crash was caused by a bird strike and a steering failure. Russian media outlets have not ruled out the possibility that the plane may have changed course due to the threat of a drone attack on Chechnya. Early reports indicate that Grozny was being attacked by several UAVs at the time, which led to the announcement of a Kovyor (Carpet) plan at the city's airport [a Kovyor plan is an operational safety procedure for airport services and personnel when an unidentified object appears in the sky ed.]. The crash killed 38 people, said Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev, chair of the state commission leading the investigation into the causes of the crash. Ukraines Center for Countering Disinformation said the plane had been shot down by a Russian anti-aircraft missile system. According to Euronews sources, the crash was caused by a Russian surface-to-air missile that exploded nearby. Support UP or become our patron! KANSAS CITY, Mo. Shonna Hymans nonprofit, Prettys Village, aims to give back and meet community needs. On Sunday, Prettys Village was on Prospect Avenue, giving food, clothes and other necessities to people in need. The organization honors Hymans late sister, who went by Pretty. I always give in the community every day, so Im like, okay, I can start a nonprofit so her name can really be out there because I dont want to forget about her, and I dont want others to forget about her, she was well known in the community, Hyman explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: Opossum porch pirate swipes package overnight in Osawatomie Hymans sister Maryanna Pennington was killed on November 12th, 2016. In 2019, Deandre Jackson, a Raytown man, was sentenced to 26 years in prison for killing Pennington and wounding three other women. She really didnt deserve that, and they didnt deserve that, so I want to keep her name alive and make sure she is going to live through the community, Hyman explained. Earlier this year, Hyman formed her nonprofit Prettys Village with the mission of meeting the needs in the community. We give back to the community. We give them food, clothes, covers, toys, and anything they can use for a house. We donate and give it all for free, Hyman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Making sure that people know I am here to give food, clothes, whatever you need if you call me and I can help you. Im there to help you. Hyman says she hosts events like the one on Sunday afternoon twice a month, where people in need can pick up clothes, food, shoes, and other essential items. On Sunday, people could also donate items like coats, sweaters, and gloves to Prettys Village. Seeing her do this and knowing her passion for this, it takes a village, and the only way the village can look good is when we make it pretty because right now our village is torn apart; the murders, the violence. So once we realize that we are all we have and when we put everyones differences aside, we can come together as one, and we can do stuff like this every day, said Troy Robertson, founder of HONK 4 Peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. JERUSALEM, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Israel's national carrier EL Al announced Monday the extension of its suspension of flights between Tel Aviv and Moscow until the end of March next year. "The decision comes after ongoing dialogue with Russian and Israeli authorities to understand the situation," the airline said in a statement. On Thursday, the airline announced the immediate suspension of flights between Tel Aviv and Moscow for at least a week, citing "developments in Russian airspace." Israel's state-owned Kan TV News channel reported then that the decision was taken due to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian airports, including those in Moscow following the crash in Kazakhstan of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia. El Al operates five weekly flights between Ben Gurion Airport outside Tel Aviv and Moscow Domodedovo Airport. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City police are investigating after an armed robbery at American restaurant Earls Premier on Saturday evening. When officers arrived to the restaurant, located at 651 E. 59th St, the business and multiple customers had been robbed. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri The suspects entered the restaurant and demanded money from the business and patrons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One victim sustained injuries after being assaulted during the robbery. The suspects are two unknown males. This incident is still under investigation. FOX4 will keep you updated as more information comes along. 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. UPDATE: Rachel Sherman was found safe according to KCPD. ____ KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City police are asking for your help to find a missing woman. KCPD is looking for Rachel Sherman. Shes 30 years old, 5 foot 4 and 120 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes. View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com She was last seen Sunday night near 2nd and Brooklyn. Shes wearing a blue buttoned shirt, blue jeans, converse and glasses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sherman needs her medication. If you see her, youre asked to call Kansas City Police. 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. LOS ANGELES (KTLA) Stolen luxury watches belonging to Keanu Reeves, including a Rolex worth almost $10,000, have been found far from where they were stolen. According to multiple reports, law enforcement officials in Chile recovered a $9,000 Rolex Submariner in the capital of Santiago earlier this month, a year after it was thought to be stolen from Reeves Los Angeles home in December 2023. The Los Angeles Times reported that the watch was found during a raid of four houses connected to a series of local robberies. A 21-year-old was arrested, the LA Times added. FILE Keanu Reeves appears at the Oscars in Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 2020. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) CNN, citing their Chile affiliate who in turn cited local authorities, stated that the watch which is engraved with Reeves name and the words 2021, JW4, thank you, The John Wick Five was one of three belonging to the actor that was recovered in the police raid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video below: Is property crime going up in America? The CNN report also said that Chilean authorities had been working with their United States counterparts in the investigation. The 2023 incident was not the first time the John Wick star had his house broken into in 2014, his home was the site of two back-to-back break-ins. Ironically enough, the John Wick movie saga began when the title characters house was broken into and ransacked while his dog was killed. 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. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has led a host of tributes from UK politicians to former US president Jimmy Carter, who has died aged 100. Sir Keir said Mr Carter who was the longest-living former American president will be remembered for the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, as well as his decades of selfless public service. Praising a lifelong dedication to peace that saw him win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, Sir Keir added: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister joined in paying tribute to the 39th president by other leaders including the King, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey and former PM Tony Blair. The King remembered former US president Jimmy Carters 1977 visit to the UK with great fondness and praised his dedication and humility. 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) (PA Archive) In a message to Mr Biden and the American people, Charles said: 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. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My thoughts and prayers are with President Carters family and the American people at this time. Former Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair said former US president Jimmy Carter fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need. Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, US President Jimmy Carter and Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace (PA Wire) Jimmy Carters life was a testament to public service; from his time in office, and the Camp David Accords, to his remarkable commitment to the cause of people and peace round the world over the past 40 years, the former British prime minister said in a statement. I always had the greatest respect for him, his spirit and his dedication. He fundamentally cared and consistently toiled to help those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Carter will be remembered for generations. Jimmy Carter was an inspiration, Mr Davey wrote on X. He led a truly remarkable life dedicated to public service with a genuine care for people. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who loved him. He will be remembered for generations. Retired Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz has died. Berkowitz, who retired in 2022 after serving as Cantons police chief for 17 years, died on Saturday, according to preliminary obituary information released by Brezniak Funeral Directors. The town will not be releasing a statement on his death at the request of Berkowitzs family. Berkowitz worked for the town of Canton as a police officer for three decades, retiring from his role of police chief in June 2022, according to a report published that year in The Canton Citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A longtime Canton resident, Berkowitz joined the Canton Police Department as a patrol officer in 1992 and was promoted to sergeant and later lieutenant before being appointed the towns 13th chief of police in 2005, the newspaper reported. To the police officers out there, youre nothing short of amazing to me, Berkowitz said during a July 2022 retirement speech in a video posted online. To the residents and the people whom I met during their darkest hours, I hope and pray that I was able to erase some of your pain, or at least, make it a little more bearable, Berkowitz said at the time, in reflecting on his career in law enforcement. Berkowitz was on the defense witness list in the murder trial of Karen Read, but he never took the stand. Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John OKeefe, by striking him with her SUV and leaving him in a snowstorm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Berkowitz was serving as Cantons police chief when OKeefe was found dead in a snowbank outside a Canton home. Reads first trial for murder ended with a hung jury and a mistrial, and a retrial is scheduled for Jan. 27. In June, Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the murder case involving Read, testified during Reads first trial that Berkowitz was with him near the back of Reads vehicle in the Canton police sallyport video. Berkowitz was actively involved with the International Association of Chiefs of Police and previously served as president of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, or MetroLEC a consortium of 45 area police departments offering regional services such as crisis negotiation and SWAT, The Canton Citizen earlier reported. Berkowitz was a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the DEAs Drug Unit Commander Academy as well as its Group Supervisor Institute, the newspaper reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A memorial service is planned for noon on Thursday at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton St., in Sharon. Remembrances may be made to Cops For Kids With Cancer, P.O. Box 850956, Braintree, MA 02185. Additional information is expected to be posted at this website. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW King Charles and Queen Camillas October visit to Australia cost significantly less than Queen Elizabeths visit there 18 years prior. When Queen Elizabeth visited in 2006 a five-day trip that included stops in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and the Commonwealth Games it cost $899,701 (716,774), according to The Telegraph. In 2011, during what would prove to be her final visit to Australia, the Queen visited Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth over 11 days; the trip cost over $1.6 million (1,328,461). Alex Coppel - Pool/Getty Queen Elizabeth II greets the crowds on arrival at Fairbairn base on Oct. 19, 2011 in Canberra, Australia Queen Elizabeth II greets the crowds on arrival at Fairbairn base on Oct. 19, 2011 in Canberra, Australia Comparatively, the King and Queens trip two months ago cost $372,797 (297,000) which The Telegraph reported is less than half the cost of the late Queens short visit 18 years prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total cost of Charles and Camillas six-day tour which breaks down to just over $62,000 per day includes travel, accommodation, meals, events, hospitality, transport and making flags, according to The Telegraph. The royal tour, which preceded a second stop in Samoa, was the Kings first visit Down Under as monarch. The trip was adjusted to include a rest day as he continues his cancer treatment, which will reach into 2025 but is headed in a positive direction, according to a Dec. 20 report from the palace. Charles and Camillas Australia tour seemed to be well-received by the public there, save for being heckled by a senator during a Canberra reception at Parliament House. The couple undertook up to 10 engagements daily and were welcomed by an estimated 10,000 supporters at the Sydney Opera House. Dean Lewins - Pool/Getty King Charles III and Queen Camilla depart following a service at St. Thomas's Anglican Church on Oct. 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia King Charles III and Queen Camilla depart following a service at St. Thomas's Anglican Church on Oct. 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia Though they flew part of the way (from the U.K. to Singapore and back) via commercial airline, the figures of the tour published in the Sydney Morning Herald are likely to spark criticism from the republican movement as Australia grapples with a cost-of-living crisis, The Telegraph reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australias Resolve Political Monitor found that 31% of people thought the King, 76, was doing the job well, down from 45% immediately after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in 2022. Support to make Australia a republic rose from 36% to 41% of those surveyed, and the King said ahead of his tour of Australia this year that Australia keeping him as head of state is a matter for the Australian public to decide. Related: King Charles Believes Australia Keeping Him Head of State Is a Matter for the Australian Public to Decide Arthur Edwards/Pool/Getty Queen Camilla and King Charles III visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia Queen Camilla and King Charles III visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia Related: Jamaica Makes First Move Towards Removing King Charles as Head of State Australia remains one of 14 countries globally to retain the British monarch as its head of state. In 2021, Barbados became the most recent nation to become a republic, and Jamaica which currently considers Charles its head of state recently made a move towards removing the King in that capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.K., a recent IPSOS survey found that 43% of the British public think the royal family is a good value for money for the U.K. taxpayer. When it comes to dollars and cents, Travel costs are among the largest bills of the royal finances each year, The Telegraph reported. For example, Charles and Camillas three-day state visit to France last year cost nearly $148,000, and a state visit to Kenya cost $209,000. Tracey Nearmy/Getty King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive for a visit in Canberra at Defence Establishment Fairbairn, Canberra Airport on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive for a visit in Canberra at Defence Establishment Fairbairn, Canberra Airport on Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra, Australia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! For the Australia royal tour specifically, the bulk of the money was spent foremost on travel, accommodation and meals, followed by expenses for event management and hospitality; ground transport; and expenses including a national contribution to the conservation project Greening Australia. Read the original article on People King Charles is one of many world leaders to send condolences upon learning of the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Carter, the longest-living U.S. president and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, died at age 100 on Dec. 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia. His final public appearance was over a year prior, when he mourned the death of his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November 2023. She was 96. It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of President Carter, King Charles wrote Dec. 29. 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. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty National leaders and royalty in London, 1977, left to right: Pierre Trudeau, (Prince Charles far background), Princess Margaret, Takeo Fukuda, James Callaghan, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Jimmy Carter, Giulio Andreotti, Helmut Schmidt, as part of the 1977 G7 meeting National leaders and royalty in London, 1977, left to right: Pierre Trudeau, (Prince Charles far background), Princess Margaret, Takeo Fukuda, James Callaghan, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Jimmy Carter, Giulio Andreotti, Helmut Schmidt, as part of the 1977 G7 meeting Related: Jimmy Carter, Longest-Living U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize-Winning Humanitarian, Dies at 100 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My thoughts and prayers are with President Carters family and the American people at this time, added the King, 76. The message concluded with Charles R., indicating that the message came from the King himself. King Charles and Jimmy Carter met only once at the G7 Summit in London in 1977. That same year, Carter visited Buckingham Palace to meet with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip and had a now-infamous interaction with the Queen Mother. Carter who served as president from 1977 to 1981 had dinner with the royals at the palace following a NATO Ministerial Meeting at Lancaster House in London, according to the White House Historical Association. When Carter went to say goodbye to the Queen Mother at the end of the night, it has been reported that Carter broke royal protocol and gave her a peck on the cheek, as opposed to the customary curtsy. At the time, the British media claimed the Queen Mother said the president kissed her on the lips. PA Images via Getty The Queen Mother and U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1977 The Queen Mother and U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1977 He is the only man since my dear husband died to have had the effrontery to kiss me on the lips, the Queen Mother reportedly told her biographer, according to Town & Country. Her husband, King George VI, had died unexpectedly 25 years prior in 1952 at just 56 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I took a sharp step backwards not quite far enough, the Queen Mother also reportedly said of the encounter. Carter addressed the moment in his autobiography A Full Life: Reflections at 90, calling the British medias description of the kiss upsetting, writing that he only gave her a kiss lightly on the cheek following dinner. More than two years later, there were reports in the British papers that grossly distorted this event, stating that I had deeply embarrassed her with excessive familiarity, Carter wrote. I was distressed by these reports, but couldnt change what had happened nor did I regret it. Bettmann/Getty President Jimmy Carter stands with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, at a dinner for summit leaders President Jimmy Carter stands with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, at a dinner for summit leaders Carter maintained a friendly relationship with the royal family, and when Queen Elizabeth died at age 96 on Sept. 8, 2022, Carter expressed his own condolences, writing that Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom. Her dignity, graciousness and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: King Charles Privately Congratulates President Jimmy Carter on Turning 100 When Carter turned 100 years old on Oct. 1, PEOPLE understands that the King expressed warm personal greetings and great admiration for Carters lifetime of duty and public service, according to a spokesperson for the monarch. In a private message, the King congratulated Carter on becoming the first former president to become a centenarian. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Former US President Jimmy Carter departs following a funeral service for former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, on Nov. 29, 2023 Former US President Jimmy Carter departs following a funeral service for former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, on Nov. 29, 2023 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter entered hospice care nearly two years ago, in February 2023, and leaves behind four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He has had a very full, wonderful, productive life, his 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. Read the original article on People BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- With the latest relaxation and extension of its immigration policies, China is expected to become a popular destination for foreign tourists this upcoming New Year holiday. The number of inbound and outbound passengers will reach 2.05 million per day during the New Year holiday in China, up 18.8 percent year on year, as the National Immigration Administration has forecast. Peak hours are expected to occur mainly on the evening of Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025. During the holiday, four major airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu are expected to handle nearly 200,000 international passengers per day. Earlier this month, China announced a significant relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the initial 72 hours and subsequent 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days. Under the updated policy, eligible citizens from 54 countries can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region. These travelers may enter through any of the 60 ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities and stay within the designated areas for up to 240 hours. Besides, China has implemented a complete mutual visa exemption for 26 countries and issued a unilateral visa-free policy for 38 countries. "This is my second visit to China. In the past, I had to go through visa and other formalities before I could come here. With this new policy, it is becoming more and more convenient to come to China," said Beschetnov Stanislav from Russia. Upon landing at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, he planned to use the visa-free transit policy to take his family to the Bund, Nanjing Road, and other scenic spots in the city. According to the statistics of Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection, from Dec. 17 to 24, the station issued 240-hour temporary entry permits to nearly 1,000 foreigners. The top five countries are Russia, the United States, Britain, Sweden and Canada. "We are on a five-day vacation in Shanghai this time. It is more convenient to come to China now, taking just over an hour to fly here, without complicated procedures or costs of a visa application," said Lim Seung-hwan from the Republic of Korea (ROK). Since China extended its visa-free policy to ROK and Japan last month, 11,000 passenger flights between Shanghai and the two countries and 363,000 ROK and Japanese tourists have been logged at Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection. The passenger number increased by more than 20 percent compared with the same period from September to October. In the meantime, the southern Chinese island province of Hainan has always enjoyed the best visa-free entry policy in China. Since the beginning of this year, more than 350,000 foreign tourists have entered Hainan visa-free, a year-on-year increase of more than three times, accounting for 85 percent of the foreign tourists visiting the tropical island. Visa-free entry has become the main way for foreigners to enter Hainan. The Mohan railway port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, an important gateway on the China-Laos Railway that entered operation in April of 2023, has welcomed over 33,000 foreign tourists this year, a year-on-year increase of 99.5 percent, including over 9,500 visa-free entries, an increase of ten times from last year. China recorded nearly 29.22 million inbound foreign visits between January and November 2024, up 86.2 percent year on year. Of these, 17.45 million entered the country visa-free, marking a significant 123.3 percent year-on-year growth. Following news of Jimmy Carter's passing, world leaders have released tributes to the late U.S. presidentincluding King Charles. "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. 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," King Charles wrote to President Joe Biden. King Charles and Jimmy Carter met just once in 1977, at the G7 Summit in London. Universal History Archive - Getty Images While Carter didn't have much interaction with the British royal family during his lifetime (though there's a story that he allegedly kissed the Queen Mother), upon the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, he wrote, "Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom. Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader." You Might Also Like BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) New Years Eve is on Tuesday and Buffalo is getting ready to host the annual ball drop downtown. Here is everything you need to know about the event. Location The ball drop will take place at the top of the Electric Tower, located at Roosevelt Plaza at Washington, Genesee and Huron streets. Hours Festivities will begin at 10 p.m. with live performances from local musicians. Headlining the music is The Strictly Hip, one of Canadas most popular bands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fireworks will go off downtown at midnight. Road closures Portions of roads around the Electric Tower will shut down beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday. They include: Huron Street from Pearl Street to Ellicott Street Washington Street from Chippewa Street to Mohawk Street Genesee Street from Ellicott Street to Huron Street For more information on New Years Eve festivities, click here. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. 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 News 4 Buffalo. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korea has vowed thorough investigations to find what caused a plane crash that killed 179 people, saying Monday that it will also inspect all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by the countrys airlines. Sunday's crash, the nation's deadliest aviation disaster in decades, has sent a shock wave through South Korean society, which is already facing a political crisis that led to the successive impeachments of the country's top two officials President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duk-soo. Here are things to know about developments on the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement __ What happened and what might have caused it? Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 had departed from Bangkok and was making its landing at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea. After an initial failed landing attempt, the Boeing 737-800 plane received a bird strike warning from the ground control center. The pilot then issued a distress signal before the plane came down with its front landing gear closed, overshot the runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into a fireball. Observers say videos of the crash showed the plane was suffering from suspected engine trouble, but the landing gear malfunction was likely the main reason for the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korean Transport Ministry officials said Monday they will examine whether the fence the plane hit which housed a set of antennas designed to guide aircraft safely during landings should have been made with lighter materials that would break more easily upon impact. They said they were also trying to establish whether there were any communication problems between air traffic controllers and the pilot. Ministry officials said Monday the planes flight data and cockpit audio recorders were moved to a research center at Seoul's Gimpo International Airport ahead of their analysis. Ministry officials earlier said it would take months to complete the investigation of the crash. Does the crash represent another setback for Boeing? The crash wrapped up a troubling 2024 for U.S. aviation giant Boeing, which has grappled with safety problems, a machinists strike and plunging stock prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say the 737-800 aircraft is a more proven model than the companys much-maligned 737 Max jetliners, which were linked to fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Still, South Korean authorities said they'll conduct safety inspections on all of the 737-800s operated by domestic airlines, including 39 by Jeju Air. Representatives from Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board were to travel to Seoul to participate in the South Korean investigation. On Monday, another Boeing 737-800 plane operated by Jeju Air returned to the Gimpo airport shortly after takeoff when the pilot detected a landing gear issue. Jeju Air said the issue was resolved through communication with a land-based equipment center but the pilot decided to return to Gimpo as a precautionary measure. What do we know about the victims? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only two people both crew members survived. They were rescued from the plane's tail section, the only part of the aircraft that remained relatively intact after the crash. One of the survivors was treated for fractures to his ribs, shoulder blade and upper spine. Ju Woong, director of the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital who treated him, said the man told doctors he woke up to find (himself) rescued. The passengers were predominantly South Korean, although they included two Thai nationals. The Transport Ministry said Monday that authorities have identified 146 bodies and are collecting DNA and fingerprint samples from the other 33. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Park Han Shin, a representative of the bereaved families, said they were told that the bodies of their loved ones were so badly damaged that officials need time before returning them to their families. He called for the government to mobilize more personnel. Will South Korea's political crisis affect its handling of the aftermath? The crash caps a tumultuous month for South Korea that began with Yoon's extraordinary but short-lived martial law imposition. Following that, the opposition-led legislature voted to impeach Yoon and then his replacement, Han. Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok is now the country's acting president. Also, the safety minister resigned and the police chief was arrested over their roles in the declaration of martial law. The absence of the top officials directly responsible for handling disasters has caused concerns among many people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choi quickly traveled to the crash site, met bereaved families and presided over emergency meetings to discuss the incident. On Monday, Choi instructed authorities to conduct an emergency review of the countrys overall aircraft operation systems. He said that South Korea should use the crash as a chance to formulate steps to prevent the recurrence of similar disasters and build a safer country. What has reaction been from around the world? World leaders expressed their sympathies as South Korea dealt with the tragedy. Thailands prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed deep condolences to the families and ordered the countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement saying he was deeply saddened by the tragedy. 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, he said. The office of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Korea during this difficult time. Pope Francis offered condolences from St. Peters Square, while Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives. By Hyunsu Yim SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean investigators have sought an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over this month's short-lived imposition of martial law, an official said on Monday, the first time an incumbent president has faced such action. Yoon has failed to respond to summons for questioning by police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials who are jointly investigating whether his Dec. 3 martial-law declaration amounted to insurrection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have tried but failed to successfully raid the presidential office as part of the investigation. A Seoul court will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant following the request. Insurrection is one of the few charges for which a South Korean president does not have immunity. Yoon Kab-keun, a lawyer for the suspended president, said the arrest request was "unfair" and the anti-corruption agency has no authority to do so. "Emergency martial law is within the president's authority," the lawyer told reporters outside the Seoul Western District Court after submitting a written opinion about the arrest warrant request as well as a letter of appointment of lawyers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yoon was suspended from presidential powers after being impeached by parliament over his decision to briefly impose martial law. Masked martial law troops equipped with rifles, body armour and night-vision equipment entered the parliament where they faced off with staffers who opposed them with fire extinguishers. The decree lasted just hours until the parliament voted it down and Yoon backed down. The move shocked the nation, which has been a democracy since the 1980s, caused international alarm amongst allies like the United States and trading partner's with Asia's 4th largest economy. A Constitutional Court trial has commenced into whether to reinstate Yoon or remove him permanently from office. It has 180 days to reach a decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the court held its first preparatory hearing where a request by Yoon's lawyers for a postponement in proceedings to better prepare was denied. The court said it would move swiftly. The next hearing is due on Jan. 3. (Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Kim Coghill and Michael Perry) A few weeks ago, Krispy Kreme reported a cyberattack that led to "operational disruptions" including online ordering over parts of the country. Now the doughnut company wants to make it up to their customers with some new deals for the New Year. As we close out 2024, we are so grateful for Krispy Kreme fans, including for their patience as we experienced problems with online ordering," Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme's chief brand officer, said Monday in a statement. "Now that online ordering is 100 percent back, were saying thanks with great online and offline deals to start the New Year right for all of us! Krispy Kreme's year-end, New Year's deals Beginning Monday, Dec. 30, Krispy Kreme has deals running all week into the new year, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dec. 30-Jan. 1: Get free delivery with $5 minimum purchase. Dec. 30-Jan. 1 : Get two dozen Original Glazed doughnuts or one Original Glazed dozen paired with either a Classic Assorted dozen or specialty dozen for $20.25 with the New Years Double Dozen deal (offer good in shop, drive-thru and online for pickup or delivery; limit four per guest). Jan. 3-5: Get a dozen Original Glazed or Classic Assorted doughnuts for $12 (in shop, drive-thru and online for pickup or delivery; limit four per guest). Where can I find Krispy Kreme stores in Florida? There are 32 Krispy Kreme locations in the Sunshine State, in 24 cities. Here's the list. Is Krispy Kreme open on New Year's Day? Yes, Krispy Kreme will be open normal hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Contributing: Mike Snider, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Krispy Kreme donut deals into the new year, here are Florida locations Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed Kyiv's position on Russia's military presence in Syria to leaders of the new Syrian administration during a diplomatic visit to Damascus on Dec. 30, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said at an online meeting attended by the Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian delegation "informed our colleagues" about their position, and Syrian counterparts hold "a similar view," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on Dec. 30 in response to the Kyiv Independent's query. Tykhyi did not elaborate further on the specifics of the conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has moved quickly to restore ties with Syria after rebels overthrew the Russia-backed regime of former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8. Sybiha's visit marked the first official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in years and is a sign of efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties cut by Ukraine in 2022 after Assad sided with Russia following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During his visit, Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine is ready to restore diplomatic ties, trade, and educational exchanges with Syria if the country's new leadership respects international law and its territorial integrity. On Dec. 27, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine had sent 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria as part of its "Grain from Ukraine" initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraines foreign minister meets with Syrian leadership in Damascus Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A worker clocks in in this file photo. Federal officials and advocates say that failure to pay hours worked, overtime, or for work performed pre-shift or post-shift are among the most common reasons workers are denied wages they are owed. Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images. The federal government is trying to reunite 5,243 workers in Maryland with more than $6.8 million in unpaid wages it says they are owed. All the workers have to do is ask. U.S. Department of Labor officials are encouraging workers who think they may be owed money for hours they clocked but werent paid for, for overtime they didnt collect for any reason to check out the departments Workers Owed Wages, or WOW, database to see if the agency has money for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We collect back wages for folks that didnt get paid properly, said Nick Fiorello, the Baltimore District director of the Labor Departments Wage and Hour Division. Fiorello said the wage and hour division will investigate complaints from workers who think they have been wronged, or it can initiate an investigation of a company on its own. But once it collects back wages from an employer, he said, Were only able to keep the wages for three years and then we have to pass it on to the Treasury. Which is why the department is encouraging people to make checking the database part of their year-end routine. Fiorello said the workers most often victimized by unpaid wage violations are those in low-wage industries, construction workers and those in building services, such as security guards or custodial workers. That was echoed by Lucy Zhou, an attorney with the Public Justice Center in Baltimore, who said those affected are often the workers who are least able to fight back on their own. They dont have the money to pay for lawyers, or they have substantially justified fears of retaliation if they were to speak up against their employers, or fears about immigration status, Zhou said. There are a whole myriad of reasons why a worker wouldnt speak out about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the millions currently being held by the Labor Department is likely only a fraction of what workers in Maryland are owed what advocates are more likely to refer to as wage theft pointing to a 2016 report by the Center for Popular Democracy that estimated that as many as 580,000 workers in the state could be denied as much as $875 million a year that they are owed under the law. Its a really difficult problem to quantify in some ways, because so much wage theft goes undetected and unreported for a variety of reasons, she said. Fiorello said his office investigates violations of child labor laws, of the Family Medical Leave Act and others, but that most of its complaints involve violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs minimum wage, overtime, regulations for tipped workers, and more. In addition to those, Zhou said her office often sees workers who are pressured to do work off the clock, such as pre- or post-shift setup or cleanup, or those who are not compensated for travel time for work. But she said one of the biggest problems is misclassification of workers as contractors, which allows employers to skirt wage and hour laws, workers compensation, leave requirements and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if a worker has been pressured to sign on as an independent contractor, they should come forward, Zhou said, since those agreements are often not enforceable. Courts have found that it doesnt matter what it says on a piece of paper, its the reality of the situation that matters, she said. Was this person actually an employee, such that theyre subject to the control of their employer? The employer is the one dictating when they show up, how they do they do the work. The employers the one providing the tools in order to do the work, she said. That person is properly classified as an employee versus an independent contractor whos in business for themselves. Neither Zhou nor Fiorello was able to compare the problem in Maryland to other states, or to say whether the problem is getting better or worse. But both encouraged workers to reach out to the state or federal Labor departments, to an attorney or to advocacy groups like the Public Justice Center for help if they think they have been wronged by their employer. Zhou said it is still to soon to determine the impact, but her office is optimistic about a new law in Maryland that took effect Oct. 1. The pay stub transparency law spells out a specific list of information that employers are required to provide each pay period, including hours worked, pay rate, cost and reasons for deductions, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE While that law shakes out, she said, workers who think they have a claim should continue to keep as many documents as they can, including pay stubs, photos of any contracts they may have been pressured to sign and more. That is true for undocumented workers as well, she said: Regardless of their documented status, those workers have rights under federal and state law to be paid for the work they have performed. Fiorello said workers can check the WOW database to see if they are owed money or for directions on how to file a claim. He said workers can also ask questions or ask for an investigation by calling the Wage and Hour Divisions nationwide toll-free number, available in English or Spanish, at 866-487-9243 during regular business hours. Because an investigation of a company can take several years to resolve, workers should still check the database even if its been years since they worked in a job where they think they are owed wages. All thats required to start the process in the database is the employers name and the workers name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhou said there are lots of resources for workers to take advantage of if they think theyve been wronged. We do encourage folks to reach out to the Maryland Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor, and then we always say, you know, we at the Public Justice Center can be a resource, or speakto any attorney to try to figure out whether their wage rights have been violated and what they can do about it, Zhou said. (Whether youre going out on the town or celebrating from home, you can watch #Coast2CoastNYE countdown to 2025 on KLAS TV, channel 8, or experience it with a commercial-free live stream on 8NewsNow.com) LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The countdown to 2025 is underway. More than 400,000 people are expected to attend the New Years celebrations on the Las Vegas Strip and in downtown Las Vegas. Traffic/Road Closures: The I-15 off-ramps at Flamingo Road and Tropicana Avenue will be shut down in both directions starting at 5:30 p.m. Road closures on Las Vegas Boulevard from Spring Mountain Road to Reno Avenue will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Las Vegas Strip will be completely closed to all vehicle traffic by 8 p.m. Transportation: The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is offering free rides on all transit routes on New Years Eve to ensure a safe travel option for locals and visitors celebrating the holiday. The area in red shows the closures that will be in effect on New Years Eve. (KLAS) From 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 (New Years Eve) through 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 (New Years Day), transit riders can board any RTC bus route without purchasing a pass or presenting fare. New Years Eve traffic along Las Vegas Boulevard on Dec. 31, 2023. (Matt Adams/KLAS) There are also multiple safety measures in place for Americas Party 2025. Heres what to know before you head out to celebrate. SafetyTips: Glass and metal containers, coolers, strollers, and bags larger than 12 x 12 x 6 including backpacks, purses, and luggage will not be allowed on the Strip or downtown. A curfew will also be enforced for individuals under 18 in these areas unless accompanied by a parent. Attendees can also anticipate a significant law enforcement presence not only on the Strip and downtown but also in neighborhoods across the valley. Police urge anyone who sees something suspicious, to call (702) 828-7777 or report it to a nearby officer or National Guardsman. Celebrations: Fireworks will light up the sky from various resorts and casinos, spanning from Fontainebleau Las Vegas at the north end of the Strip to the MGM Grand Hotel at the south end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The firing locations include: ARIA Resort & Casino Caesars Palace MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Resorts World Las Vegas The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod Treasure Island Las Vegas The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Fontainebleau Las Vegas Downtown Las Vegas will host the New Years Eve Time of Your Life Festival, kicking off the citys celebrations. The event will showcase live performances by top musical artists and an iconic countdown to the New Year, culminating in a spectacular display of pyrotechnics and digital fireworks on Viva Vision, the worlds largest screen. The Plaza Resort and Casino will light up downtown with its annual fireworks show. 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 KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Former President Jimmy Carter has passed away, prompting responses from Nevada officials, as well as tributes from President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Former President Donald J. Trump. Senator Cortez Masto released a statement and said, President Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving the American people and working for a more peaceful future. He was a shining example of public service, and his love of his country, his family, and his fellow Americans will always be remembered. Paul and I extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family during this difficult time. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden released a statement saying in part, Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congresswoman Dina Titus representing Nevadas 1st district said, As President, Jimmy Carter founded the Department of Education to give all of Americas children a better chance to achieve their potential. He championed human rights nationally and internationally, dedicating himself to the proposition that we should all be equal under the law. Former President Donald J. Trump posted on Truths Social and said President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family! Congresswoman Susie Lee posted on X and said President Jimmy Carter a Nobel Peace Prize winner was a champion for working families, environmental conservation, human rights, & education. He was a man of faith who continued to serve those in need long after he left office. Pres. Carters legacy will never be forgotten. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo released a statement saying, Donna and I join our nation in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter. President Carter lived a life of exemplary service and humility, and well forever honor his legacy of intentionality and kindness. Were praying for peace and comfort for his family, loved ones, and many friends across the world during this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Jacky Rosen posted to X stating, President Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to serving others and improving the lives of Americans everywhere. He inspired generations to make the world a better place, and were all better off because of his service to our nation. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. 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 KLAS. Laura Loomer still isnt done with Elon Musk. Appearing on Steve Bannons War Room, the anti-immigration activist on Monday torched the billionaire as a welfare queen and technocrat with outsize influence on U.S. politics thanks to his ongoing relationship with Donald Trump. If you have a bunch of tech bros with billions of dollars and direct unfettered access to the vice president and the president of the United States, and then they are also very cordial with our adversaries as in China and Iranwe see that Elon Musk is having these meetings off the books with Iranian officials, with Chinese officialswhat does that mean for us? Loomer posited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The self-described white advocate has been in a social media brawl with the Tesla CEO for the last week over Musks ardent defense of the H-1B work visa program, which he claimed offers a solution to a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent in the U.S. Far-right opponents of the immigration programand Musks positionclaim that the H-1B visa disincentivizes companies to hire American labor. In several posts, Loomer accused Musk of having bought his way into MAGA, claimed he was a pawn of China, and said that the divorce between the stage 5 clinger and President-elect Donald Trump was on the horizon. That was apparently enough back talk to strip Loomer of her verified status on the sitea loss that, for her, warranted a public appeal to Musk to reinstate her blue check. Loomer has been banned from practically every other social media platform for her incendiary and violent rhetoric. The H-1B visa program has an annual cap set by Congress, admitting 65,000 foreign workers per year. In 2023, it was estimated that there were more than 700,000 H-1B visa holders in the U.S., according to data from the American Immigration Council. TOKYO, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- A power outage left 260 passengers on board a Shinkansen bullet train stranded for about four hours overnight in northern Japan, local media reported Monday. The train, bound for Akita from Tokyo, stopped between the Kakunodate and Omagari stations in Akita Prefecture, when the power failed at about 10:35 p.m. local time on Sunday, public broadcaster NHK reported. Heating and power sources in the cars were also knocked out, but no passengers have reported any discomfort, the report said. The operator JR East has transported all the passengers to Omagari Station by bus and taxi. A Pennsylvania bill introduced last month by Sen. Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe, would create a Near-Zero-Emission Truck Incentive Program. Older models of large trucks sold in the early 2000s release about 10 times the amount of pollution than models sold today. About 34% of trucks in Pennsylvania are pre-2010 models that release high amounts of pollution. Brown wrote in a memo to state senators, "The proposed grant program will lead to the replacement of these trucks with newer, much cleaner trucks, resulting in lower emissions from the trucking industry and cleaner air for all." In the bill, Brown specifies that the state Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection would apply for federal funds to reduce pollution. Pennsylvania would then use those funds to create a grant program to incentivize the purchase of model year 2010 or newer trucks to be titled and registered in the state with a trade-in of an older, pre-2010 model. How much would you pay for a brand-new EV? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind "No other single technology transfer can affect Pennsylvania's air quality and provide immediate health benefits as much as replacing pre-2010 trucks with post-2010 models," wrote Brown in the memo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the upgraded technology in post-2010 trucks that became equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, a drastic reduction in pollutants from the vehicles followed. One 2022 study on the air quality and health impacts of diesel truck pollution found that "older diesel trucks are responsible for a large share of total emissions and resulting premature mortalities." Where pre-2007 engine model year trucks made up 6-10% of the testing fleet, they contributed to 64-83% of the truck tailpipe pollution. In 2022, cars and light trucks in the U.S. accounted for 16% of the country's total planet-warming gas pollution. Pennsylvania's incentive program, combined with the growing popularity of electric vehicles, is likely to change the state's total planet-warming gas pollution from cars. Evergreen Action put it simply: "If you buy a newer car, it will be better for the environment because older cars, bound by older emission standards, were allowed to pollute more than newer ones." This bill comes at a time when the government is actively encouraging citizens to choose greener options. Tax break incentives for choosing greener options, such as installing solar panels, a heat pump, or switching to an electric vehicle, could total benefits from the IRA that exceed $20,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association is in support. Rebecca Oyler, PMTA president, told the Land Line publication that "[P]roviding an incentive program at the state level helps offset this impediment and avoids costly mandates that would cripple the trucking industry." 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. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) New year, new laws. Starting Jan. 1, many new laws will be taking effect including a new minimum wage, a ban on flavored vapes, and more. Minimum wage Rhode Island is raising its minimum wage to $15 per hour. Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation in 2021 that would increase the states minimum wage to $15 over a four-year period. The Ocean State now has the same minimum wage as Massachusetts, while Connecticut will increase its minimum wage to $16.35 per hour. The federal minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour. Flavored vapes As of Jan. 1, it will be illegal to sell flavored vaping products in Rhode Island. Local businesses have since challenged the ban and filed a lawsuit against the R.I. Department of Revenue, Division of Taxation and Department of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also a new tax on electronic nicotine delivery system products. LEOBOR changes A series of changes were approved to the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) which lays the groundwork for what information can and cant be shared with the public when an officer is disciplined. Under the new legislation, the LEOBOR panel will be expanded to five members: three randomly selected officers, an attorney whos in good standing, and a retired judge who is appointed by the Rhode Island Supreme Courts chief justice. The law also allows police chiefs to publicly comment on the officer in question, as well as release video evidence. The length of an officers suspension will also be extended. Medical debt Starting Jan. 1, debt collectors will be prohibited from reporting all medical debt to credit bureaus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will also be rules related to communication with consumers and false and misleading representation by debt collectors. Collections during insurance appeals will be prohibited. Retirees Starting Jan. 1, the exemption for taxable retirement income increases from $20,000 to $50,000. In other words, if a retiree is earning money from retirement accounts, such as a pension or a 401(k), they would not need to pay any tax on the first $50,000 they receive each year. Cameras in nursing homes Residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities can choose to have cameras installed in their rooms for families to monitor starting Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consent can be withdrawn at any time and there will be safeguards to protect residents privacy. Housing More legislation aimed at making it easier to build housing in the Ocean State will take effect on Jan. 1. One law will allow municipalities to combine zoning and planning boards into one as long as the agenda reflects what authority an application is being heard under. This law may expedite the process or allow municipalities that cant get members to fill their boards to use one board for both. ALSO READ: What new laws go into effect in Massachusetts in 2025? Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes 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 WPRI.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) A Travis County judge dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the validity of property tax rate allocations to Austins Project Connect mass transit program, according to documents obtained by KXAN. A group of plaintiffs filed the suit in late August against Austin City Council, alleging the approved property tax rate for fiscal year 2025 violated Texas Tax Code. As part of their claims, the plaintiffs argued the 2020 property tax rate increase for Project Connect is no longer viable, given to changes made to the light rail systems scope and claims the tax rate isnt being used as promise, per the original suit. PAST COVERAGE: Project Connect trial halts, punted to Third Court of Appeals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also alleged that $456 million in taxpayer dollars have been stockpiled, unused for the past four years. Plainly, the taxpayers of Austin are getting nothing, absolutely nothing, this year from this annual appropriation of the Project Connect tax, the lawsuit read. Austin City Council submitted a motion to dismiss request for the suit. On Dec. 17, the court considered that submittal, and ruled on Dec. 20 in favor of the city of Austin. In a statement to KXAN Monday, a city spokesperson thanked the court for its consideration of their dismissal request. The City is pleased with the Courts decision to dismiss this lawsuit in its entirety and looks forward to continuing to move forward with Project Connect. We thank the Court for its time and careful consideration of the legal arguments in this case. City of Austin spokesperson That dismissal order is detailed below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2024-12-20OrderDismissingLawsuitDownload In a Dec. 28 statement, Bill Aleshire co-counsel for the plaintiffs alongside Rick Fine said the two are very likely to appeal Shepperds decision. With this lawsuit, we tried to prove the current law protects taxpayers from a bait-and-switch scheme where the City of Austin tricked its voters into approving the biggest property tax increase in its history for a citywide light rail plan connecting to the airport, but then keeps the full tax increase while shrinking the rail plan in half, to just a central city plan that doesnt connect to the airport. By losing this case, so far, the court is saying that the law doesnt provide that taxpayer protection. That court decision will entice the Legislature to fix this once and for all. Bill Aleshire in Dec. 28 statement regarding dismissal of Project Connect tax rate lawsuit RELATED: New lawsuit takes aim at Project Connects property tax funding in latest Austin budget Legal challenges to Project Connect This lawsuit wasnt the only legal challenge the Project Connect mass transit program has faced. In May 2023, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion that questioned the legality of the debt and funding structure behind Project Connect as well as the creation of the Austin Transit Partnership to create and deliver the program. That opinion offered a non-binding interpretation, which city officials and Austin Transit Partnership leaders have rebuked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of plaintiffs represented by Aleshire and Fine filed a suit in November 2023 related to the revised light rail plan adopted by Project Connects leadership in June 2023. The Austin Transit Partnership then filed a bond validation lawsuit in February 2024. The bond validation petition filed by ATP aimed to expedite a determination from an impartial court to affirm ATPs bond program, per a February statement from the local government corporation. On June 17, a trial was set to consider both ATPs bond validation lawsuit and the November 2023 suit filed against the light rail plans adopted scope. That trial quickly halted, following an interlocutory appeal from Paxtons office to delay its proceedings. The 15th Court of Appeals later dismissed Paxtons appeal in early October, citing lack of jurisdiction. His office then filed in late October a motion requesting a rehearing of his appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aleshire and Fine confirmed Paxton filed an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court on Dec. 20, following the 15th Court of Appeals decision to dismiss his June interlocutory appeal. Once again, I think the Texas Legislature will be interested in stopping Project Connect from becoming a model for bypassing bond elections (where the tax expires automatically when the bonds are paid off) and, instead, mis-using tax-rate increases to the General Fund that put a tax in place in perpetuity regardless of what changes the City makes to what voters approved in exchange for the tax increase, Aleshire added in an email. 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 KXAN Austin. HOOPER, Utah (ABC4) Elder Caleb Preisler has served as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints under President Jason Soulier since June 2024. After Souliers sudden passing, Preisler looks back on the lessons he learned, and Souliers legacy on the France Lyon Mission. Jason Michael Soulier, 54, passed away Saturday in Lyon, France while serving as a mission president for the church with his wife, Jennifer H. Soulier. Together, they oversaw about 200 full-time missionaries. President Soulier was a friend to his missionaries. He was our leader, but it felt like he was one of us working side by side trying to help the people of France, Preisler said. Elder Preisler (left) meets with President Soulier (center) at a mission conference (Courtesy: The Preisler Family) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preisler has been serving in France for 21 months and welcomed President and Jennifer Soulier to the mission when they arrived six months ago. LDS mission president from Utah dies unexpectedly in France Elder Preislers parents, Ben and Melinda Preisler, say the Souliers were great at communicating with parents, which was greatly appreciated by the Preisler family. To get a text from France is pretty exciting, Melinda Preisler said. Our son felt really strongly that his mission president had a great leadership style, and he really felt strongly that President Soulier truly had his best interests at heart, Ben Preisler said, adding that Soulier had a great drive for missionary work and sincere love for his missionaries. President Soulier (center) shares a meal with his missionaries (Courtesy: The Preisler Family) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Elder Preisler, Soulier also had the unique ability of knowing what a missionarys talents were and teaching them how to magnify those talents for spreading the gospel. Preisler also added that he feels President Soulier prepared the missionaries to do what theyre supposed to do, even after his passing. I know that he wants us to keep going. He wouldnt want something, even as tragic as his death, to get in the way of this great work that [is] happening in France and Switzerland, Elder Preisler said adding that President Soulier has changed his life for the better. 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 ABC4 Utah. Friedrich Merz, the conservative German politician leading polls ahead of February's elections, called for Syrian and Afghan migrants found guilty of crimes to be repatriated, in remarks to dpa on Monday. Merz, the candidate for chancellor for the CDU/CSU alliance, acknowledged that the situation in Syria was unstable. "But we in the CDU/CSU have long been of the opinion that people can and should in principle be deported to Afghanistan and Syria. We will do this," he said. Close attention now had to be paid to who should be allowed to come to Europe from Syria, he said. "I would in any case not like to see the members of the al-Assad militias who committed serious crimes in Syria here in Germany," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The clear message has to be: We will send you back at the borders immediately," Merz said, calling for coordination on this with all other European Union countries. According to the authorities, there are around 975,000 Syrians currently living in Germany, most having arrived since 2015. More than 300,000 of them have lower-level protected status and have not been taken in on grounds of individual persecution. Merz said that Germany had helped many refugees, but the number in the country was now at a level where local authorities were overextended. "We need a political change in immigration policy as well," he said. The CDU/CSU proposed to strictly separate immigration for economic and for asylum reasons, with separate procedures for each, he said, calling for changes at EU level to manage the migration crisis. The CDU/CSU is polling in first place at above 30% in the run-up to the February 23 elections, ahead of the far-right AfD on around 18%, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats on around 16% and the Greens on around 13%. ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) At least 66 people have died after a truck plunged into a river in southern Ethiopia, a hospital director said Monday. The accident took place Sunday when an old, overcrowded truck that was contracted by wedding guests fell off the Gelan Bridge, where villagers said traffic crashes have happened before. The medical director at Bona General Hospital in the southern Sidama region, Lemma Lagide, told The Associated Press on Monday that 64 people died on site and two others at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said those patients in need of more sophisticated critical care were transferred to a bigger hospital in Hawassa. Delays in rescue efforts in the remote village were blamed for the high number of casualties. Villagers said they tried to save people from the raging river only with sticks. A villager, Serak Boko, told AP that moments before the accident, music was blasting out of the truck and people dressed in suits were dancing and waving. It is common for people in rural Ethiopia to hire trucks instead of buses to transport them to social events like weddings because they are more affordable and carry many people. Most of those on the truck were men because they are culturally required to escort the bride from her home to the groom's house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area always has regular accidents around the river as it is poorly constructed, said resident Fasil Atara, referring to the road lacking bumps and warnings. With desolate infrastructure and overcrowded public transportation, Ethiopia has had similar accidents in the past. In August, 38 people died after a bus rolled over in Amhara region. At least 71 people were killed after a truck full of passengers plunged into a river in southern Ethiopia over the weekend. The truck fell into a river on Sunday evening in the Bona district of Sidama state, around 300km south of the capital Addis Ababa, the regional communication bureau said. Five passengers were admitted to hospital in a critical state and were under treatment, according to Wosenyeleh Simion, spokesperson for the Sidama regional government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least three women were among those killed in the accident, he told Reuters. Some of the passengers were returning from a wedding ceremony, Mr Simion said, adding that traffic police in the area had reported the truck was overloaded, which likely caused the accident. Police said the truck missed a bridge on a road with many bends and fell into the river. People try to pull the submerged vehicle out of water (Sidama National Regional State Health Bureau/Facebook) Authorities did not reveal how many people were on the truck or provide details about the victims. But it was reported that multiple members of some families were killed. Pictures shared by the Sidama Regional Health Bureau on Facebook showed a crowd of people trying to pull out the vehicle with the help of ropes. One picture showed the dead bodies lying on the ground covered in blue tarpaulin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly traffic accidents are common in Ethiopia, where driving standards are poor and many vehicles badly maintained. At least 38 people, mostly students, were killed in 2018 when a bus plunged into a ravine in Ethiopia's mountainous north. WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 14: Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) speaks during a markup of the Republican tax reform proposal November 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Today, Senate Republicans announced their intention to include a repeal of the mandate for taxpayers to have health insurance in the Affordable Care Act as part of their tax reform proposal. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) On his way out of town, Ohio Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown was able to notch one final long-sought legislative victory that will benefit public sector workers in Ohio and around the country. The Social Security Fairness Act ensures former government workers like police, firefighters and teachers can collect their full retirement benefits by repealing two provisions that reduce social security payouts. Many public sector workers arent covered by Social Security because their employer runs a pension program for their retirement. But eventually, a lot of those workers move on to other jobs that do pay into the Social Security system. Even though many of them end up working the requisite 40 quarters to be fully eligible for Social Security benefits, the program reduces their payouts because theyre also collecting retirement benefits from their other pension program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX William Johnson, who heads up the National Association of Police Organizations explained, Most police officers must retire after specific time served, usually in their early to mid-fifties, (but) many look for new opportunities to serve their community. Those workers are penalized by whats known as the Windfall Elimination Provision, he explained. Instead of receiving full support from their rightfully earned Social Security retirement benefit, their pension heavily offsets it, thus vastly reducing the amount they receive, Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surviving spouses can come off even worse though. The Government Pension Offset requires reductions in Social Security dependent benefits if one spouse receives benefits from a public pension. Johnson argued that offset often results in eliminating most or all of the payment. Those provision were approved by lawmakers in the 1970s and 80s in a bid to keep the program solvent. In all, Browns office said, the reductions affect 3 million Americans including almost a quarter million Ohioans. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, leading a panel discussion on public workers Social Security benefits. (Photo by Nick Evans for Ohio Capital Journal.) How we got here Following an election in which Republicans criticized Browns long service in Washington, passage of the Social Security Fairness Act offers one data point in favor of experience. Brown held a field hearing in Columbus discussing the proposal earlier this year and hes been working to pass it since serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He last served in that chamber 17 years ago. In a press release following the vote Brown described working for years to eventually cobble together more than 60 cosponsors. We have spent decades working to pass this legislation and tonight is a victory for all the public servants who will finally get the Social Security they have earned, he said. Tonight, Congress ensured that police officers, firefighters, teachers, and public servants across Ohio will be able to retire with the Social Security they spent their lives paying into. Browns effort has also been the beneficiary of shifting attitudes in the Republican Party. For many, many years, a core tenet of Republican politics was searching for a way to get Social Security spending under control. Former House Speaker Paul Ryans chief legislative goal was privatizing the program. More recently U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL, proposed a Rescue America Plan in 2023 that would sunset Social Security and Medicare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But since the emergence of Donald Trump as the leader of the Republican Party, efforts to overhaul the retirement program have largely taken a back seat. Within weeks of introducing his plan, for instance, Scott backtracked on sunsetting Social Security and Medicare. Last week, he even voted in favor of the Social Security Fairness Act. Its not hard to see why. With Trump leading the party theres no longer a top-down rhetorical push for cutting spending on a popular program. At the same time, traditionally Republican-leaning constituencies like police have a strong case that its unfair to limit Social Security benefits they earned simply because they earned other benefits from a different career. All the same, the measure does nothing to improve the long-term balance sheet for Social Security. The most recent report on the Social Security Trust Fund puts its depletion date at 2033. Meanwhile, although Trump has not proposed cutting retirement benefits he has proposed cutting the taxes that pay for that trust fundpotentially burning through its reserves more quickly. Reactions In the moment however, passage of the bill was met with praise from organizations representing public sector workers. National Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes argued the WEP and GPO are inherently unfair provisions that unjustly penalize our nations public employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one, even those who did not vote for our bill today, argued that the provisions treated workers fairly, he went on. If this scheme were being run by a pension board or private money management group, instead of the social security administration, they would not call it an elimination of a windfall or an offset it would be considered embezzlement. International Association of Fire Fighters General President Edward Kelly chimed in that for over 40 years, firefighters and other public workers have had retirement benefits stolen by Congress. But today, he said, the United States Senate, in a rarely seen bipartisan effort, stood up to say, No more, voting to ensure retirees finally get the benefits they paid into and earned. Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro said, for too long, the federal government has failed to provide the full Social Security benefits many public school educators earned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, he added, potentially great educators have chosen not to enter this profession because they would lose much of the Social Security benefits they had previously earned if they entered a life of public service. That changes now. Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE KANSAS CITY, Mo. Lees Summit police are investigating after a fatal motorcycle crash on Friday night. According to LSPD, around 6:15 p.m. Friday, emergency crews were sent to US 50 Highway near Todd George Road for an injury crash involving a motorcycle. View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com When officers arrived at the scene, they located the motorcycle and its driver; the driver was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motorcycle driver was identified as Landon L. Hedrick, a 29-year-old man from Blue Springs. The second car involved in the accident was found on 50 Highway near Blackwell Road on the shoulder of the roadway. Police said the driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated. According to police, the initial investigation indicates that the motorcyclist struck the cars rear while traveling on 50 Highway and then lost control. 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. After former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn started volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in 1984, the nonprofit known for building affordable homes became a household name. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh Dr. Howard Slaughter said that the 40-year partnership with the Carters has made a big difference for the families theyve helped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter was really one of the individuals who really put Habitat on the map, Slaughter said. Without his efforts, we would not be able, I would say, to reach as many people as we as we have over the years. PHOTOS: Jimmy Carter through the years Carters wide-reaching influence can be seen in Larimer where homes were recently built by the nonprofit he championed. When you say President Carter and Rosalynn Carter, people come to the table. Theyre excited, Slaughter said. We will miss him, but his legacy will live on. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Former President Jimmy Carter dies: Leaders react to statesmans death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allegheny County Democratic Committee Chair Sam Hens-Greco also admired Carters humanitarian efforts. He was very much this, you know, man of the people, Hens-Greco said. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Significant milestones in life and career of Jimmy Carter Hens-Greco went to the Presidents inauguration in Washington, D.C. in 1977 where he said he spoke about a return to a more humble presidential demeanor. I just like the sort of the human nature of him, he said. He had this sort of sort of style of saying he was going to de-emphasize the presidency, the imperial nature of the presidency, under Nixon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RELATED COVERAGE >>> Jimmy Carter: What you may not know about the former president and humanitarian After graduating from college, Hens-Greco worked on Carters re-election campaign. He ran the phone banks in Tennessee when he was 19 years old. It was an honor he said he feels privileged to have. The Carter Institute and the work he did with elections around the country just spoke to his integrity, said Hens-Greco. His dedication to public service, all of those, I think he was quite a remarkable, remarkable man when you stack all of that together. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW 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. SHIJIAZHUANG, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese court on Monday sentenced a teenager to life imprisonment and another to 12 years in prison for killing their 13-year-old classmate. The two, surnamed Zhang and Li, were convicted of murdering the victim. They killed the victim and buried the body in March 2024, when they were both 13 years old. Another defendant, who was also involved in the process but did not directly participate in the killing, was not given criminal punishment. The court ruling said the acts of the two sentenced were particularly brutal and they were both between 12 and 14 years old at the time of the crime, so they should be held criminally responsible for their acts. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) On Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, the longest-living former president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, died at the age of 100. He passed away peacefully and surrounded by family, according to a statement from the Carter Center. In the wake of the former presidents death, several political leaders and other officials in Utah offered their condolences. Heres a look at what theyve said about the former president. LEARN MORE: Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement on Twitter/X that the former presidents life was full of service, integrity and faith. As a man deeply devoted to his country and to humanitarian efforts around the globe, he leaves a legacy that transcends politics, Cox wrote. Our prayers are with his family and all who mourn his passing. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson also addressed Carters passing on Twitter/X, saying that he was a man of compassion and deep faith who served others as Jesus would. We express our gratitude for his service to our country and admiration for his service to humanity, Hendersons statement reads. The world is a better place because James Earl Carter Jr. was here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Facebook, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said Carters legacy of service will live on and continue to improve local communities. President Jimmy Carters unwavering commitment to peace, equality, and service reminds Americans that true leadership is rooted in compassion and a tireless dedication to uplifting others, Mendenhall said. The Attorney Generals office issued a statement on behalf of AG Sean Reyes and the office via Twitter/X as well. The office said Carter was leaving a legacy as a champion of human rights and humanitarian service. Utah State Democrats issued a statement via Twitter/X and said Carters commitment to human rights and social justice spoke of his character and legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is an integral figure of the Democratic Party, the statement said. We honor his memory and service for the United States of America. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) asked his followers on Twitter/X to join him in prayer for the family of the former president. 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, Lee wrote. The Carter Center, founded by the former president and his wife in 1982, said Carter asked for his memory to be honored through contributions to the center and acts of service. The official condolence book, as well as updates on ceremonies, can be found at jimmycartertribute.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 ABC4 Utah. ROME Austria is to purchase 12 Italian Leonardo M-346FA jets to serve in both a training and defense role, Austrias defense minister has said. A contract for the buy is currently being negotiated on a government-to-government basis between Vienna and Rome, the Austrian defense ministry said in a statement, which added that funding was already budgeted for. The two seater M-346FA is a light fighter version of Leonardos widely sold M-346 advanced jet trainer. It offers seven external hard points and can integrate air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions and targeting pods linked to helmet-mounted displays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Leonardo struck a deal to mount Nexters 20mm 20M621 gun pod on the jet. Austria will use the aircraft as a trainer to replace its Saab 105 training jets that were decommissioned in 2020, but also envisages an air defense role for the Italian-built aircraft. By purchasing the jets, we are closing a significant capability gap in our air force, Austrian defense minister Klaudia Tanner said in a statement. This not only brings 100 percent of our pilot training back to Austria, but also significantly strengthens air defense. This increases the protection of Austria, the Austrian population and our neutrality against threats from the air, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The M-346 pure trainer is now in service with the air forces of Italy, the Republic of Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece, while Turkmenistan and Nigeria have purchased the light fighter version. The Austrian defense ministry said the contract would involved offset work for Austrian industry. The jets will be based at Vogler Air Base in Linz-Horsching in Austria. The purchase of new jets to replace the Saab 105 fleet will strengthen the air bases military relevance, said local governor Thomas Stelzer. This will enhance the site in the long term and secure many high-quality jobs for decades to come, he added. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said, This cooperation is further proof of the good cooperation and friendship between Italy and Austria. My special thanks go to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who made a significant contribution to the conclusion of this agreement. Its wonderful seeing President Joe Bidens woke, diversified Cabinet members being replaced with actual qualified people. Attorney General Merrick Garland weaponized the Justice Department against Republicans, Catholics and concerned parents at school board meetings. Garland and Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas were woke jokes. I believe Americas decline started with the election of Barack Obama, a president who had neither American nor Christian values. His influence came from mentor Frank Marshall Davis. Obama was introduced to Davis by his grandfather Stanley Dunham when Obama was about 9. Davis was a card-carrying member of the Communist Party (card number 47544), as revealed in Paul Kengors book The Communist. Davis was a founding editor of the Communist newspaper The Chicago Star or The Red Star. Then we have Vice President Kamala Harris, whose father was a professor with Marxist leanings. Read his writings on Marxism. Perhaps that influenced her to promote a bailout fund for the 2020 rioters. Also the founders of Black Lives Matter bragged of being trained Marxists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe communism has gained footholds in America, especially in the Democratic Party. Wake up and check these accusations yourselves. Kengors book explains where Obamas radical views originated. If you dont have the nerve, just continue on with your heads buried in the sand. Keith FolkGilbertsville Why doctors are leaving I have been going to the same health center in South County for eight years. In that time, I have had at least two health providers leave each year. The level of provider has gone from a doctor to physician assistant to nurse practitioner. And while they have all been sufficient, as they have changed the level of expertise and initiative has decreased. When the last doctor told me he was leaving (the third in 14 months), I asked why. He told me that the reimbursement levels for Medicare on the Central Coast were set to rural area rates in the 70s, 50 years ago, and we are still classified as rural, and therefore at a much lower reimbursement level than urban areas. A few things have changed in those 50 years: The Central Coast has gone from agriculture to a technology-based economy, the cost of living (particularly housing) is outpacing many urban areas and the region has become a premiere area for retirees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you do a search for information on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates, you will discover the total morass Congress has made of the whole subject. Congress has, since 1971, tried to decrease the reimbursement rate numerous times to hide the increasing deficits, only to reverse course at the last minute. Next year, the reimbursement rate is to go down to a rate not seen since 1992! And the Geographic Cost Index has not been adjusted, so Central Coast providers will be further under-reimbursed, meaning medical providers will continue to go where the money is better and the cost of living lower. We need to let our senators and representatives know they need to act to improve the heath care we have available. I just do not think RFK, Jr. and Dr. Oz will be able to manage the job on their own. Ron Gottesman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arroyo Grande Hes no hero Daniel Penny is no hero, epitome of masculinity (as Fox News says) or deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest awards given to civilians for distinguished contributions to the country (as legislation introduced in Congress by 10 Republicans claims). For 30 years, I worked directly at the level of care at Atascadero State Hospital in California, a maximum-security facility for the criminally insane who were so violent and dangerous that other institutions couldnt handle them. Penny murdered Jordan Neely, a reportedly homeless black man with mental health problems, with a six-minute choke hold guaranteed to kill anyone. Over my 30 years of work restraining some of the biggest and strongest humans known, we never used a choke hold, because we didnt need to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penny was trained in the military, the goal of which is to kill people considered the enemy. His action demonstrated no training in the consequences of cutting off the blood supply to the brain and air to the lungs, or de-escalation of an obviously disturbed, vulnerable and potentially violent individual. This is another incident in which our failures to address our negligence of homelessness, mental illness and racism are evident. We must do better. David Broadwater Atascadero Cat cafe I just read the article about the new cat-friendly cafe opening in Grover Beach and while I think its a great idea, charging $15 per session for an with extended visit with kitties is going to make this adventure too expensive for families with children and for many folks on limited incomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a foster/adopting mom to dogs, I certainly realize the cost involved in their care. I wonder if, rather than charging a set amount, the owners of the cafe wouldnt make an equal or higher amount of money if donation containers were available? Ive found people are very generous in supporting our four-legged friends. Cynthia Logan Cayucos Record of failure SLO is known as the Happiest City in America, but our local law enforcement is nothing to be proud of. Despite being among the highest-paid in the country, our law officers routinely fail to protect and serve. From mishandling high-profile cases like Kristin Smart to escalating tensions at peaceful protests to leaving loaded weapons in public toilets, their incompetence is glaring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take the tragic death of Tommy Jodry, who fell from a downtown parking structure while allegedly trying to escape a convicted sexual predator during WOW weekend. Instead of conducting any investigation, police hastily ruled it a suicide. Now, a couple was brutally killed in a hit-and-run, and the driver is getting off with a slap on the wrist because SLOPD failed to process the scene properly. These failures are not isolated. They compound grief and deny justice. Everyone in SLO should be paying attention, because next time, it could be your loved ones death they mishandle. Frankly, youd get better results calling the Paw Patrol. We pay a premium to live here, yet were stuck with a force that consistently fails. Its time to demand accountability through citizen oversight. Enough is enough! Sandee Hunt San Luis Obispo Sanewashing It appears the normalization (or sanewashing) of MAGA and TFG (the former guy) will continue full force. Leading the charge to deny women bodily autonomy gets you Time Person of the Year. I guess the field was quite narrow? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Bringle Grover Beach Oppose Wildlife Habitat Protection Plan If San Luis Obispo County genuinely cared about the natural habitat of the Arroyo Grande Creek, it would oppose the Wildlife Habitat Protection Plan (WHPP) recently released by State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Division (OHVD). Vehicle crossings of the creek on Oceano Beach cause significant environmental harm, and the WHPP does nothing to mitigate these ongoing issues. During a public presentation, Ronnie Glick, the State Parks chief biologist, stated We do these projects to sustain OHV use, a declaration that starkly contradicts the WHPPs stated purpose of protecting wildlife. This statement reveals the true priorities of State Parks, underscores its failure in conservation, and undermines any hope for a better environmental stewardship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 2023, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) gained national and international attention when vehicles and individuals became stranded and rescued while attempting to cross the creek. This incident illustrates the dangers posed by unrestricted vehicle access and the lack of enforcement at this critical crossing. Despite the risks, State Parks rangers often stand by as vehicles cross the creek under hazardous conditions, demonstrating that signage alone is inadequate to protect the ecosystem or public safety. Oceano Beach Community Association Thanks from Community Cares This years SLO Community Holiday Feast for the unhoused was the perfect way to end 2024 on a positive note. Our guests were served a decadent feast with live music provided by Billy and Charlie Foppiano, Geert DeLange, Pozo Eric, Steve Alhgrim, Paul Della Pelle and Kevin McCrackin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All guests received winter care packages containing new duffle bags, sleeping bags, sweatshirts, jackets, socks, gloves, beanies, scarves, hand warmers, grocery gift cards and toiletries. More than 700 meals and care packages were served at Odd Fellows Hall and delivered throughout SLO County. A tremendous number of individuals and organizations were instrumental in bringing this event to life, including Congregation Beth David, Temples Ner Shalom and Ohr Tzafon, Ride-On, Talley Farms, SLO Camp-N-Pack, San Luis Sourdough, Sunset Honda, Old Mission School, Rogers Jewelry, ARISE Central Coast, JCC of SLO, Kim Boege, Roman Bukachevsky, MSSD Mgmt., Mary Qualls, Cathy Ragle, Terri Elbaum, Diane McKeague, Julie Martin, M.B. Lions Club, Renaissance Charitable, Jayne Devencenzi, Bob and Laurie Neumann, Ryan Fitzsimons, Suzanne Werle, Caroline Walters, Darla & Cameron Tapp, CB Automotive, Gold Coast Toyota, Mr. Pickles, Petra Mediterranean, Rita Federman, Mary Stenbeck, Naomi Blakely, Specialty Construction, San Luis Garbage, Harveys Honey Huts, Kathleen Roberts, Brian Marsalak, Dan and Elizabeth Krieger, Kathleen Long, Lisa Leutwyler, Monic Racz, Idlers, California Fresh, Sprouts, Kathy ApRoberts, Kathleen Moore, Karen ODonnell, Toland Group, Roger Steele, Margaret Levine, Creekside Community, Lee Burgunder and Smart & Final. This event is truly a collective effort, and it is a powerful reflection of the compassion that defines our community. Sheri Eibschutz, CEO SLO Community Cares Public figures reacted Sunday to the news that 100-year-old former President Jimmy Carter had died in Plains, Georgia. Officials with the Carter Center confirmed the news on social media Sunday afternoon. The Nobel Peace Prize winner entered hospice care in February 2023, Carters family announced at the time. 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, President Joe Biden said in a White House statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden added that he will order an official state funeral to be held for Carter in Washington, D.C. Former President George W. Bush described Carter as a man of deeply held convictions. 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 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, Bushs statement reads. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi took to X Sunday afternoon to share their condolences, with Johnson calling Carters story one of humble beginnings. Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carters story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 29, 2024 Today, our nation and our world has lost a leader who embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness. Paul and I join in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter and in giving thanks for his life, which was saintly in its devotion to public service and peace. At the pic.twitter.com/CJNnm2mkmi Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 29, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Carter lived a life marked by selfless service. Cecilia and I mourn the loss of former President Jimmy Carter alongside millions of Americans across the country. Our nation remains the greatest beacon of freedom and opportunity in the world because of our fearless chief executives who are our guiding force through the best and worst of times. For that, we owe President Carter our enduring gratitude for his service as the 39th President of the United States. Having led a life marked by selfless service to the American people, President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many. Cecilia and I send our prayers and deepest condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the entire Carter family, Abbotts statement reads. Texas Senator John Cornyn issued a statement, calling Carters legacy a cherished part of our great American story. As a naval officer, Georgia state senator, governor, and President of the United States, Jimmy Carter served our nation with honor. His love for his home state of Georgia and for those he served through his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church and charities like Habitat for Humanity was evident throughout his life, and his legacy will remain a cherished part of our great American story. My prayers are with the entire Carter family during this time, Cornyns full statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his presidency, Carter awarded the Medal of Honor twice and restored the honor to the first and only woman to receive it, said Chris Cassidy, president of the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington. President Carter lived a life of service, Cassidy said in a statement. I am grateful that his kindness extended to the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, which he graciously supported as an honorary director. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The Jewish community came together to light up the night at the annual menorah lighting ceremony Sunday. Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of the eight lights, and people came near and far to the Marketplace for the annual menorah lighting celebration. First, went to Death Valley, and were coming back and the Chabad here was like, Oh, you guys can come stay over here at our place,' said Noam Itzikowitz from Santa Cruz. So, we came. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itzikowitz is one of many remembering the second synagogue destroyed in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago. They do this by lighting the menorah a symbol of freedom for the Jewish people. Were alive, said Itzikowitz. Were still here showing that we could still spread light in the world. Boy Scout Troop 712 picking up Christmas trees until Jan. 12 The Jewish people remember the miracles, including the small group of soldiers who defied the odds. Three miracles: That the Maccabees won the fight, and that they found the jar of oil and that it lasted for eight days, said Maayan Haim-Itzikowitz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People celebrate by eating foods fried in oil, including potato pancakes and jelly donuts. We use a lot of oil, yes, said Aimee Roghkopf. A lot of oil. Rothkopf also says its important to honor the past so we dont repeat it. Its such an honor to be out here to celebrate it, with the difficult things that have been going on in our country and the world, said Roghkopf. For the Jewish people, its more than a festival, and more than a menorah. Its a symbol showing that even after the eight candles are lit and Hanukkah is over, the people will continue to bring the light to the darkness. We are united, said Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh. We are united to make sure that we can say, In God We Trust.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just dont forget the food. 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 KGET 17. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) The fifth night of Hanukkah is a time for celebration and also for remembrance. Thats because its also the 8th Annual International Holocaust Survivors Night. As one of the largest menorahs in the world was lit in Manhattans Grand Army Plaza, there was singing, dancing, juggling, and jelly donuts. More Local News And there were also solemn memories. Many in this crowd were remembering the Holocaust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My grandparents were Holocaust survivors. They went through hell and inferno that was Auschwitz and they survived, Moshe Rosen, a Crown Heights resident, told PIX11 News. They lost their original families but found new families and generations of us. 85-year-old Sami Steigmann arrived early to share with others his experiences during World War II. As an infant Sami was subjected to medical experiments at a labor camp. If it wasnt for an anonymous German woman who snuck him milk, Steigmann says he wouldve died of starvation. If you ask a survivor, how come youre alive they always say it was luck, Steigmann, a motivational speaker born in 1939, told PIX11 News. I was lucky that I was never separated from my family. I was subjected to medical experiments. The side effects I feel every single second of my life. The Holocaust must be taught forever and ever. Holocaust survivors in Brooklyn receive hearing aids to restore hearing Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The theme for the virtual 8th annual International Holocaust Survivors Night focused on how they inspire with strength, resilience, and hope, a message Rabbi Butman echoed. All of those millions of souls looking down from heaven are very proud that we can stand here in the center of the universe and be proud of our identities, something they went to the deaths for, Rabbi Velvl Butman, of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, told PIX11 News. Am Yisrael Chai, were here forever. We live on and the lights will continue shining brightly. 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 PIX11. A wind advisory was in place for hours as strong winds blew through Western Pennsylvania on Sunday. It covered all Pittsburgh area counties, parts of West Virginia and Ohio. It ended at 1 a.m. Wind Advisory 12/29/24 UPDATE 11:30 P.M. Tarentum Borough said power is out in the area of East 10th and East 11th Avenues. West Penn Power has been called to make repairs. UPDATE 11:05 P.M. Ridge Road is closed, Bentleyville firefighters said Sunday night. UPDATE 11:00 P.M. Rostraver Central Fire Department says a tree has fallen on Fells Church Road. It is closed between Route 51 and Eagles Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE 10:55 P.M. Duquesne Light Company has issued an update to its customers and power outages for PA First Energy Corp continue to rise. Click here for more details. UPDATE 10:33 P.M. A tree fell on a vehicle in Brighton Heights during strong wind storms on Sunday. The winds uprooted trees and downed power lines throughout the area. UPDATE 10:20 P.M. The Seville Volunteer Company in Allegheny County said a tree ripped down electrical service at a house in the 300 block of Preston Avenue. UPDATE 10:15 P.M. Wind speeds continue to rise, with the highest hitting 63 mph at the Allegheny County Airport. Winds at the Allegheny County Airport reached 63 mph. UPDATE 10:07 P.M. A tree was completely uprooted in the area of Claysville, Washington County. The winds uprooted trees and downed power lines throughout the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winds have exceeded 60 mph in parts of Allegheny County and exceeded 50 mph in parts of Beaver County and West Virginia. Winds have exceeded 60 mph in parts of Allegheny County and exceeded 50 mph in parts of Beaver County and West Virginia. Over 50,000 people are without power because of the strong winds. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Over 50K people without power as strong winds hit Western PA Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW OHIO (WJW/AP) 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, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter dies at 100 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. Shorty after his death, politicians including President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, issued statements remembering Carter. President Joe Biden Biden said in a statement the world lost an extraordinary leader, statement and humanitarian. He went on to say: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts. President-elect Donald Trump Trump shared the following on social media: 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 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. Barack and Michelle Obama 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The Clintons 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement recalled Carters 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. VP-elect JD Vance Vance tweeted Sunday: 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 VP Al Gore 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine In a statement, DeWine said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Fran and I extended our sincerest condolences to President Carters children Jack, James, Donnel, and Amy, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Five defining moments of Jimmy Carters presidency Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Carter Center, there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. There will be a private interment in Plains, Ga. Final arrangements for Carters state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are pending. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Sunday marks day four of the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa. Beulah Baptist Church in Youngstown spent the day honoring the annual celebration of African-American culture. The service included vendors and music as the last day of gathering for the church. Dr. Kevin Strickland with Beulah Baptist Church says the celebration is about unity. Thats what Kwanzaa is about is bringing everyone together. It doesnt matter about the racial barriers, whether youre Black, white, it does not matter. Its about bringing everyone together in unity and also about learning the African-American heritage, Strickland said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service also included kids in the community participating in cultural dance. Strickland said its important for kids to understand their culture and where they come from. Tino DiCenso contributed to this report. 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 WKBN.com. BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Finance has unveiled measures to encourage government agencies to make their fleets greener by introducing new energy vehicles (NEVs), as the country accelerates its green transition. A circular released to the public on Monday detailed new requirements for NEV procurement in government agencies. It aims to support the widespread adoption of these vehicles and aligns with broader national strategies, including the central authorities' guideline on accelerating green economic and social development. Under the new guidelines, government agencies are encouraged to prioritize NEVs in their procurement plans, aiming for a minimum of 30 percent of annual vehicle purchases to be NEVs where feasible. The policy also outlines standards for certain government vehicles with fixed routes, primarily used within urban areas, such as those for confidential communications. For these vehicles, it is recommended that they strive to reach 100 percent NEV procurement. The circular also calls on government agencies to prioritize NEVs when leasing vehicles. As tackling climate change becomes a global priority, NEVs play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. According to the International Energy Agency, global sales of NEVs will need to reach 45 million units by 2030 to meet carbon neutrality targets. According to official data, the NEV market share in China was just above 1 percent in 2015 but has since surged thanks to an expedited green transition of the Chinese economy. In July this year, NEVs made history by surpassing fuel-powered vehicles for the first time in terms of market share, with retail sales nationwide hitting 878,000 units -- accounting for 51.1 percent of the domestic market. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Several local leaders have reacted to the news that former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100 on Sunday. READ MORE: Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 Heres how local leaders reacted to Carters death: RI Gov. Dan McKee Today our nation lost a great man, a compassionate leader and a true humanitarian. In everything he did, President Jimmy Carter put service above self. May his humility and integrity continue to inspire us all. During this difficult time, we hold the Carter family in our hearts. RI Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos President Jimmy Carters lifelong dedication to service, his advancement of education and environmental protections, and his deep-seated humility set an example for us all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His work with Habitat for Humanity and his leadership in the construction of thousands of homes is a personal inspiration to me. President Carter has left this world better than he found it, and we should use this solemn moment to commit to furthering his efforts. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed From the Naval Academy to the White House to Habitat for Humanity, Jimmy Carter led a life of public service and personal integrity. He and his late, beloved wife, Rosalyn, were true champions for human rights, peace, and democracy. Whether it was serving in the Navy or in office, President Carter dedicated his life to public service. He was ahead of his time on issues like climate change, clean energy, and environmental conservation. Jimmy Carter was a man of uncommon principle, compassion, caring, kindness, and faith who truly lived his values and made the world a better place. U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse RIP Jimmy Carter. Thank you for your humaneness and decency. Congressman Gabe Amo With the passing of President Jimmy Carter, we mourn a legend in public service and the North Star of what it means to truly love thy neighbor. I will remember his devout focus on global human rights, commitment to ethical leadership, and steadfast faith in the better angels of America. May he rest in peace. Congressman Seth Magaziner President Jimmy Carter devoted his life to pursuing peace, ending poverty, and supporting democracy during his presidency and in the decades that followed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter will be remembered as an honorable man who led with honesty and decency. May his example inspire generations to come. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi President Carter was a very humble and consequential gentleman who worked tirelessly to better the lives of countless Americans. In many ways, his legacy is even more impressive due to his great public service in his post-Presidential years. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio The @RISenate joins a grateful nation in mourning the loss of a great American, a man of integrity, faith, and charity. We are thankful for his lifetime of service. Rest in Peace, President Carter. Treasurer James Diossa President Carters lifetime of public service has changed our country and the world for the better. May he rest in peace. Secretary of State Gregg Amore Today, we mourn the loss of former President Carter, and celebrate his life and contributions to our country. In my classroom visits, I often talk to students about the importance of civility in civic engagement, a value exemplified by President Carter and his late wife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his long life after his time as President, President Carter prioritized philanthropy and family. We all have something to learn from his legacy of service. RI Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik Today, we lost our 39th President when Jimmy Carter passed at 100. When an American President dies, we reflect and celebrate their accomplishments in the White House. But for Jimmy Carter, what he did after he left the Oval Office is almost as consequential as his Presidential record. When reflecting on his work for Habitat for Humanity or his founding of the Carter Center we are reminded of James Chapter 2, Verses 14-17: (14) What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, (16) and one of you says to them, Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well, but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? (17) So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Jimmy Carters faith was always accompanied by action. He worked for over 40 years helping Habitat for Humanity build homes for millions around the world. He founded, with his beloved wife and partner, Rosalyn Carter, the Carter Center whose motto Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope, epitomizes the goals of his great lifetime. The American Presidency often selects the right president for the moment. When Jimmy Carter was sworn in 48 years ago, he tried to heal the pain of Vietnam and Watergate. He lived up to his promise of a government as good and as decent as are the American people. He brought a moral compass to foreign policy that brought us closer to true peace in the Middle East than at any time in modern history. As a young naval officer he met with the founder of our nuclear submarine fleet Admiral Rickover. Admiral Rickover asked him if he had always done his best in life. When Jimmy Carter honestly responded, No, Rickover ended the interview with one question: Why Not? Jimmy Carters biography was entitled Why Not the Best? For the rest of his beautiful life, he lived each day trying to do his best. His drive took him to the White House and from there to the most impactful post-presidency bar none. He leaves a legacy of excellence, faith and humility. We can celebrate and honor the extraordinary life of our 39th President by striving to be the best we can be. Mass. Democratic Party Chairman Steve Kerrigan Today, we honor the life and service of former President Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a true servant leader whose impact on the world and the lives he touched can never be fully measured. During his long and purpose-driven life, President Carter was guided by his faith, love of country, and sense of responsibility to his community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From his formative years as a Naval Officer to his humanitarian work later in life, President Carter was always in service of others. In the days to come, many memories will be shared about President Carter, and I hope that we can use them as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the difference one person can make. President Carter was an optimist, and that is a gift he leaves each of us. I am grateful our Party can count President Carter as one of our own and for the leadership he provided our country, during his time as President, and for the many years after. May President Carter rest in eternal peace and may the thought of his reunion with First Lady Rosalynn Carter bring his family and all who loved him comfort at this time of loss. RI GOP Chairman Joe Powers The Rhode Island Republican Party joins the nation in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter, whose remarkable legacy of public service, dedication to humanitarian causes, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place has left an indelible mark on history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of the Rhode Island Republican Party, Chairman Joe Powers expressed heartfelt condolences to President Carters family. President Jimmy Carter exemplified a life of service and humility. From his tenure as the 39th President of the United States to his decades of work with Habitat for Humanity, he demonstrated a deep and abiding love for his country and his fellow man. His compassion, humility, and faith were evident in everything he did. President Carters tireless efforts to promote peace, fight disease, and alleviate poverty stand as a testament to his enduring belief in the power of service. His work with Habitat for Humanity, in particular, provided countless families with the hope and dignity of homeownership, inspiring people across the world to take action for those in need. President Carter reminded us all that leadership doesnt end after leaving public office. His legacy as a statesman and humanitarian will continue to inspire generations to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rhode Island Republican Party extends its deepest sympathies to the Carter family during this difficult time and joins the nation in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of a truly remarkable man. RI Young Republicans Chairman Ken Naylor The entire Rhode Island Young Republican Organization and myself are expressing our condolences to the Carter Family. Thank you for your service to this country Mr. 39th President. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News 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 WPRI.com. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Photojournalist Lewis Levine, a freelancer at WSAV for more than a decade, has told thousands of stories through the lens of his camera. Some of his most gratifying assignments included covering American presidents like Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at the age of 100. Hes the first president I got to interview in my career, Levine remembered. So being in his presence was exciting. You dont always get to meet a president or former president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter visited Georgia Southern University in February 2013 to talk to students about a number of topics, including volunteerism. I think everything that a human being can do to take whatever talent or ability or resources we have, personal resources or financial resources and share it with others is not only doing what the Christian faith or other faith requires, demands, the former president said, but also it gives you an exciting and unpredictable and adventurous life. Kemp gives statement on former President Carters death Levine said each reporter got to ask Carter one question. I asked him, does President Obama ever seek advice from you? President Carter said Nah, I dont think he needs to seek any advice from me. Hes doing fine by himself, Levine said, adding, Then he posed for photos with each of us. He asked each of us where we were from and kind of interacted with us very personably. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The photojournalist called Carter a fantastic former president. His humanity towards our country and helping folks in need, I mean its beyond reproach, Levine said. I mean, you cant compare him with really anybody else at this point who has held that office. Photographers usually dont interview presidents, but this moment was once in a lifetime. But given that opportunity that day, it was awesome, Levine said. Its something I can tell my grandchildren about, and I kept the photos and it was a nice experience. He called Carter a very humble man who gave so much of himself. There will never be another one like him, Levine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Californias locked door loophole bill is set to go into effect Wednesday as one of several new 2025 laws statewide and nationwide. Authored by California State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Senate Bill 905 was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom last summer. SB 905 will no longer require California car owners to prove their car was locked when it was broken into. Instead, signs of forcible entry a broken window for example will suffice to prove that the crime of auto burglary was committed. On Wednesday, a car break-in law I wrote goes into effect, wrote Sen. Wiener on Reddit Monday. Itll make it easier to hold people accountable for breaking into cars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CHP discovers firearm, nearly 29 lbs. of marijuana during North Bay traffic stop Wiener has been a long-time proponent of a bill to end the locked door loophole, which, under current law, requires car owners to be willing to testify under penalty of perjury that their car was locked when broken into. He first sponsored a bill to close the loophole back in 2018. SB 905 represents the third time the San Francisco state senator has authored a bill to close the loophole. Previously, Wiener described the existing law as a senseless barrier to holding auto burglars accountable. Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener speaks during the Senate session at the Capitol on Jan. 21, 2020, in Sacramento. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) Senate Bill 905 ends the absurd loophole requiring proof not just of a break-in but also that all doors to the car were locked, Wiener said. Under long standing law in California, if you own a car but dont recall (i.e. cant testify under penalty of perjury) whether you locked all of the doors or if youre a visitor who rented a car here and youre now far away and no longer here to testify you locked the doors the case can be lost even with proof that the person broke into the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With SB 905s passage, this dumb locked door loophole will finally end, Wiener said. The bill was backed by the office of outgoing San Francisco Mayor London Breed. 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 KRON4. LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) In Laurel County, questions surround an officer-involved shooting that led to the death of a local man. Many are still wondering if the police were at the wrong house when the incident happened. FOX 56 spoke with London community members who said the town was rattled and heartbroken by the loss of 63-year-old Douglas Harless. RELATED l London police dispatch audio indicates officers allegedly served warrant at wrong address: KSP investigating Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Kentucky State Police (KSP) said London police officers tried to serve a warrant on Vanzant Road. Bobby Ellison, an independent journalist in Kentucky who lives just minutes from where Harless lived, said there has been a lack of transparency from police, which he said is concerning. Its mind-blowing, honestly, Ellison said. Were supposed to look up to these cops; were supposed to have our kids look up to these cops, and Im not bashing cops at all because Ive gotten really close with a lot of them. But its just hard when something like this happens, and not knowing all the facts, it makes everyone scared. Read more of the latest Kentucky news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to previous reporting, a London police officer was placed on administrative leave following the shooting, which is standard protocol according to the LPD. Ellison said law enforcement should be held accountable if an incorrect call was made. He added that he hopes answers are provided for the actions of police, not only for the sake of Harless family but for the community as a whole. 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 56 News. (NEXSTAR) Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died peacefully in his Georgia home Sunday, the Carter Center confirmed. He was 100 years old. Carter, the longest-living American president, underwent a series of short hospital stays before being placed in hospice care in February 2023. He had decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To pay tribute to Carter, and in accordance with federal law, the flag was lowered to fly at half-staff Sunday. Flags on federal buildings and grounds in the U.S. and its territories, as well as all naval vessels, will also fly at half-staff. You will likely also see your governor issue a proclamation ordering flags to fly at half-staff at state government facilities. According to a proclamation signed by then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, because Carter is a former president, flags are to remain at half-staff for 30 days from the day of Carters death. This is the longest period possible for the flags to fly at half-staff, reserved for the death of the sitting president or former presidents, per the proclamation. Should the sitting vice president, chief justice (current or retired) of the Supreme Court, or the sitting speaker of the house die, flags would be ordered to half-staff for 10 days from the day of death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos: Jimmy Carter, from the White House to building houses For other officials associate justices of the Supreme Court; a Cabinet member; a former vice president; the president pro tempore of the Senate; and majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate flags are to fly at half-staff from the day of death until interment. Flags are flown at half-staff when the whole nation is in mourning, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains. 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 PIX11. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. From crime to canceled parades, a variety of stories made up our top performers on Ozarksfirst.com and captivated the Ozarks. Heres a look back at the biggest stories from 2024: January: Work starting on new Target in Springfield News of a second Target location in Springfield created a lot of buzz among residents and fans of the retailer. Plans filed with the city showed the new Target near West Bypass and Sunshine Street is set to have 150,000 square feet of space. Construction on the planned Sunshine Towne Centre, which will include a new Target store for Springfield, started in January. The store is part of a development called Sunshine Towne Centre, which will include space for several other retailers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement February: Youve got to stop with the closures: Six extended stay hotels in Branson shut down due to safety concerns The City of Branson launched a lodging safety initiative in September 2023 with the intention of cracking down on extended stay motels that werent meeting basic health and safety standards. Six were closed in February 2024, with eight more slated for shut down. While the city uses local nonprofits to help people relocate, not everyone was happy, including one resident who had moved twice in three months and was forced to move once again. March: 22-year-old Springfield native and Mizzou student Riley Strain found in Cumberland River Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riley Strain was in Nashville, Tennessee on a fraternity trip when he was kicked out of a bar on March 8, 2024. Riley Strain (Courtesy: Family of Riley Strain) One of his friends called 911 the next day to report Strain missing, launching a nearly two-week-long search that ended when a worker reported finding a body in the Cumberland River near 61st Avenue North. April: What new stores are coming to the Battlefield Mall? The Battlefield Mall announced the addition of eight new retailers joining the lineup in the coming year, including Warby Parker and Kendra Scott. May: USPS refusing delivery service for two Springfield streets People living on opposite sides of Springfield experienced similar frustrations as their mail wasnt getting delivered. Some residents on north Lyon Avenue near Kearney Street said they went three weeks without mail delivery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors told OzarksFirst they were having to pick up their mail at the post office because of loose dogs and one residents threats to postal workers. June: High priority, high cost: Springfield Amtrak rail report released The numbers from the Federal Railroad Administrations Long-Distance Study show an Amtrak route through the Ozarks could be a success, but the project wont come cheap. The estimated cost to establish a line from Dallas to New York City, by way of Tulsa, Springfield, and Saint Louis would be about $5 billion, which includes new passenger trains and locomotives, track upgrades, station construction and other startup costs. This map shows the proposed Amtrak route going through Springfield via the Federal Railroad Administration. No money has been allocated or timeline has been provided about the planning, funding and implementation of the projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement July: Springfield-Greene County Health warns public of increased risk of illness The Springfield-Greene County Health Department warned that it had seen an increase in highly contagious bacteria like shigellosis, salmonella and E. coli. Drinking, cooking and brushing your teeth with contaminated water can cause people to get sick. Illness can be prevented by avoiding drinking water from ponds, lakes and untreated swimming pools, along with with good hand hygiene and disinfecting practices. August: Cassidy Rainwater: Everything we know about her death, disappearance, the suspects, and the house fire The family of Cassidy Rainwater was finally able to lay their loved one to rest, just over three years after her death. Rainwaters remains were found on a property belonging to two men who are now serving life sentences for her kidnapping and murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement September: MO Dept. of Conservation wants to buy your seeds The Missouri Department of Conservations White State Forest Nursery purchased seed from different species of Missouri native trees, including persimmon, Ohio buckeye, wild plum, witch hazel, eastern wahoo and more. October: Springfield woman uses tracker to find stolen election signs After Laura McCaskill had four election signs stolen from her front yard, she decided to include a surprise with the next sign she planted: an Apple AirTag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A young man from Nixa (who is now charged with a misdemeanor for receiving stolen property) had over 50 stolen election signs in the trunk of his car when McCaskill confronted him and caught the interaction on video, which was later posted to TikTok. November: Largest hobby and toy store in MO being built in Springfield A store that caters to kids of all ages is making a big move and expanding on the citys south side. Tim Weyers, owner of HobbyTown USA, said the pandemic was good for business and kept the store on Battlefield Road busy. The growth has necessitated a move into a new, bigger home in the previous Kmart location on south Glenstone (pictured below). HobbyTown Springfield, Missouri December: Main organizer cancels Battlefield Christmas Parade over dispute Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deziree Marsh, the main organizer for Battlefields parade, told OzarksFirst that a dispute over a permit with city leaders led her to cancel the event. The city, however, said in a statement that it had not instructed her to do so only that it was unable to provide traffic control and law enforcement services due to liability concerns. 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 KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Dec. 29Less than one hour into the New Year of 1933, an 18-year-old man was fatally shot by a Nanticoke police officer during a robbery at a butcher's shop on North Market Street. The robber, Stephen Zanza Jr., of Railroad Street, Nanticoke, went on a burglary spree, ransacking several stores in the Nanticoke business district beginning New Year's Eve. Nanticoke police Captain Robert Davis and Patrolman Anthony Switras were patrolling the outskirts of Nanticoke when they received information from a police box of the burglary spree. Davis and Switras immediately responded to the business district at about 12:40 a.m. on Jan. 1, 1933, and quickly learned the Empire Beef Company was in the process of being burglarized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After placing Patrolman Switras at the front entrance of the Empire store to prevent the escape of anyone on the inside, Capt. Davis went around to the rear of the building and was just in time to witness a number of men drive away in a car," the Wilkes-Barre Record reported Jan. 2, 1933. Davis returned to the front of the butcher's shop and summoned Switras to pair with in the rear of the store as a back door had been kicked in. Davis entered the butcher's shop and encountered Zanza using a pry bar to open a locked interior door. "At the command of Capt. Davis to surrender, the robber launched a furious attack upon him with a heavy iron bar striking him in the head and knocking him to the floor," the Record reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hearing the commotion, Switras entered the dark store and fired his revolver at the burglar, striking him in the torso. Davis regained his posture and as he got to his feet, Zanza struck him a second time with the pry bar inflicting a severe laceration to his head. At the same time, Davis fired his revolver striking Zanza, instantly killing him. Switras then pulled Davis outside the building and summoned assistance from Dr. Henry Shemanski, who lived nearby. Luzerne County Coroner Dr. Isaiah M. Morgan arrived at the scene and declared Zanza deceased and ordered the body removed to Tubbs and Harter morgue on Shea Street, Nanticoke, where a postmortem examination was performed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The autopsy revealed Zanza's first gunshot wound passed through his heart and the second gunshot wound to the head caused instant death, the Record reported. "An investigation of the scene of the burglary by police revealed a burglary attempt had been made tat the American store and Leed's clothing store, both adjoining the Empire Beef Company," reported the Record. The Record reported Zanza had a criminal career and had been sent to the St. Michael's Industrial School at an early age and then served three terms at Kis-Lyn, a reformatory school in Butler Township. A coroner's inquest consisting of six men heard evidence at Tubbs and Harter morgue on Jan. 4, 1933. "In rendering their decision in the case, the jury made the following statement: Justifiable homicide as a result of being shot by police officers in performance of their duties," the Record reported Jan. 5, 1933. As the nation remembers former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin took a look back through its archives to remember several stops by the former president in central Wisconsin in the 1970s. Carter served just one term as president, from 1977 to 1981, but he became well-known for his humanitarian work around the globe after his presidency and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter held the status of former president longer than anyone in U.S. history, and in 2019 he surpassed George H. W. Bush as the nation's oldest living ex-president. Carters first Wausau stop came days ahead of presidential primary Jimmy Carter, Democratic candidate for his partys presidential nomination, is shown here as he fielded questions from reporters prior to a public appearance March 30, 1976, at the Wausau Labor Temple. He restated his plans for reorganization of the federal bureaucracy and touched on a variety of domestic and foreign issues. Former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter spoke to a crowd of over 600 people at the Wausau Labor Temple on March 30, 1976. Many of those who attended were local students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stop came just days ahead of Wisconsin's presidential primary election. Carter stressed his desire for an honest and open government, telling the crowd: I see no reason why a politician should ever tell a lie," the Wausau Daily Herald reported. He also addressed price supports for farmers, reorganizing and streamlining the federal government, foreign affairs and more. Stevens Point campaign stop was one day before primary Jimmy Carter shook hands with a voter in the lobby of the Berg Gymnasium at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point fieldhouse on April 5, 1976. The Portage County Sheriff's Office deputies closest to him are Doug Warner and Stan Potocki. Carter also spoke in Berg Gymnasium at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point fieldhouse on April 5, 1976, just one day before Wisconsins presidential primary election. The Stevens Point Journal reported that Carters visit was almost an afterthought. An earlier speaking engagement in the city was canceled, but a volunteer worker, Lonna Anderson, called his state headquarters and urged that he come and told his staff he could draw a crowd at UW-Stevens Point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter had previously canceled a March 30, 1976, stop at UW-Stevens Point. The April 5 stop drew a crowd of over 2,500 people, mainly students, the Stevens Point Journal reported. Carter repeated many of the same campaign talking points from this Wausau rally and also discussed his views on abortion, a national moratorium on nuclear power plant construction (including a potential nuclear power plant in Rudolph), strip mining and more. The Democratic presidential primary election the next day was a nail-biter with Carter earning 37% of the votes in the Dairy State to 36% for Arizona Rep. Morris Udall. The race was so close that some publications printed the wrong winner prematurely. Carter went on to become the 39th president of the United States, defeating Republican President Gerald Ford. Carter honors David Obeys 10th year in Congress President Jimmy Carter waves to welcomers March 31, 1979, at Central Wisconsin Airport after disembarking from Air Force One. Behind Carter is U.S. Rep. David Obey, D-Wisconsin, who hosted the presidents visit. Flanking the president are Secret Service agents, while trailing him are members of television crews and the White House press corps. Carters second visit to Wausau came on March 31, 1979, to celebrate U.S. Rep David R. Obeys 10th anniversary in Congress. The Democrat was first elected to Congress in April 1969 and served Wisconsins 7th District for 42 years, retiring in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carters 1979 visit marked the first visit by a sitting president to Wausau since President Calvin Coolidge arrived by train in 1928 to address the state convention of a veterans group, according to the Wausau Daily Herald. Carter arrived via Air Force One at Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee along with Obey, his wife and two sons. Obey told the Wausau Daily Herald at the time that Carter was impressed by the crowd of 3,500 to 4,000 people who gathered to greet him as the plane landed. My God, look at the crowd, Obey quoted the president as saying as he looked out a window of Air Force One. He was also surprised by the amount of snow still on the ground. He told me later that he probably shook more hands here Saturday than he had anywhere else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead of jumping into his limousine and departing immediately as planned, Carter headed toward the crowd and was greeted with cheers and applause. The president then proceeded along a roped-off spectator area, which extended about half a block, shaking hands. He spent about 12 minutes with the crowd, according to the Wausau Daily Herald. President Jimmy Carter plunges into the crowd to shake hands with well-wishers March 31, 1979, at Central Wisconsin Airport. The president waved to the crowd as he exited from Air Force One and as he walked toward his car. At the last moment, he decided to personally greet some of the spectators. Carter spent about 12 minutes shaking hands at the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter and others addressed a packed crowd that filled the gymnasium of Newman High School in Wausau, before a private fundraising reception for Obeys Better Way Club. The Wausau Daily Herald stated that Carters brand of presidential humor was on display during his speech, and the crowd loved it. Carter recalled the first time he came to Wisconsin: I made the mistake of going to the University at Madison A southerner. A peanut farmer. I was bombarded with peanuts, Carter told the crowd. I was thankful I didnt grow watermelons. Planning underway to honor former President Carter According to the Carter Center, public memorial observances will take place in both Atlanta and Washington, D.C., for the 39th president of the United States. In a statement honoring Carter, President Joe Biden said he'd order an official state funeral in the nation's capital for the longest-living former president and only one to reach the century milestone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Final arrangements for the Carter state funeral are pending, the Carter Center said, adding that a formal schedule will come from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. Members of the public are also encouraged to visit the official Jimmy Carter tribute website, which includes an online condolence book and other materials commemorating the former president's life. Carter has long said he would be buried in Plains, Georgia. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter was buried in their shared hometown after her death in 2023. The burial site will be part of the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park. USA TODAY contributed to this story. Editor Jamie Rokus can be reach at jrokus@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @Jamie_Rokus. This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Former President Jimmy Carter visited Wausau and Stevens Point OHIO (WJW) The late President Jimmy Carter only served one term in the highest office in the country, and one night in Cleveland had a big impact on the 1980 presidential race that he ended up losing to Ronald Reagan. Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Fox 8s Joe Toohey looks back on the one debate from that election cycle that happened right here in Cleveland in the video 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. This photo taken on Dec. 29, 2024 shows a "Happy New Year 2025" message on an advertising screen of a building on General Sudirman Street in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Treasure hunters dedicated to recovering millions of Lego pieces that fell into the ocean in 1997 said hundreds of pieces were found this year, including the first reported discovery of a sunken Lego shark. The Lego Lost at Sea project is dedicated to finding and chronicling the discovery of the pieces lost into the water when a wave swept 62 shipping containers off the Tokio Express cargo ship about 20 miles off the coast of Land's End, England, on Feb. 13, 1997. One of the containers was loaded with 4,756,940 Lego pieces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracey Williams, founder of Lego Lost at Sea, said hundreds of the lost Lego toys were found during 2024, including the first discovery of a Lego shark. Plymouth fisherman Richard West, 35, found the shark on one of his nets about 20 miles south of Penzance. "I could tell straight away what it was because I had Lego sharks in the pirate ship set when I was little," West told the BBC. "It's priceless -- it's treasure!" Williams said the shark was one of 51,800 lost in the shipment, but West's discovery marked the first one known to have been recovered. "Interestingly, after Richard's find, another Lego shark came to light -- found not by a fisherman or fisherwoman in their nets but by Andrea Hunt from a beach in St. Ives," Williams said. "The sharks sink, which explains why so few have been found. There are probably some 50,000-plus still lying on the seabed, some making their way ashore, others heading into deeper waters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said many of the lost Lego pieces turn up on beaches, but some have traveled as far away as Norway. "The aim of the Lego Lost At Sea Project is primarily to raise awareness of the problem of plastic in the ocean -- how it gets there, what sinks, what floats, how long it lasts, how far it drifts -- both on the surface of the ocean and along the seabed -- and what happens to it over time and as it breaks apart," she said. Pauly Denetclaw ICT The sunset on one presidential administration ushers in the dawn of another. The unpredictable political storm in the nations capital begins to slow in anticipation of a new head of state, and a new Congress. The calm before the storm starts anew. There were so many gains made for Indigenous nations under President Joe Biden. The first Native American to lead the U.S. Department of the Interior, becoming the first-ever cabinet secretary. The first Native American to become U.S. Treasurer. The appointment of over 80 Indigenous people throughout the federal agencies. These appointments helped to address issues that have plagued Indigenous nations for decades smoothing the land-into-trust process, historic tax reforms, 400 co-stewardship agreements, and an unprecedented number of tribal consultations. The historic investments of $45 billion directly to Indigenous nations. In November, Donald Trump became president-elect and will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. Republicans gained control of the U.S. Senate, and maintained control of the U.S. House granting the Republicans a governing trifecta. There is a lot of uncertainty in how Trumps administration will engage tribal nations during the next four years, leaving Indian Country to wonder what will be gained or lost by January 20, 2029. The major Trump policies that could impact Indigenous nations are the expansion of energy development, dismantlement of the U.S. Department of Education, and the promotion of patriotic education in school curriculum. He plans to nominate North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, both departments are important to Indigenous nations. Indigenous people will be appointed by Trump but in nontraditional not Native American-specific positions. It's (Trumps policy) going to lean heavily towards the more energy producing tribes, quite frankly, and I see him allowing them to do more. His whole goal, I think, this administration, is to cut back on the regulatory regime of Washington, and allow the states and the tribes to determine their own destinies, which is what we want to see, said Michael Stopp, Cherokee, ICTs regular political contributor. The peaceful exchange of power begins with all 50 states and the District of Columbia certifying their presidential election results by mid-December. Then, members of the electoral college gather at their states respective capital to cast their ballots for president and vice-president on Dec. 17. Next, these ballots are sent to the president of the Senate, who is Vice President Kamala Harris, and the archivist of the United States, Colleen J. Shogan. Finally, the electoral college ballots are counted by both chambers of Congress during a joint session on January 6, 2025, and the results are announced by Harris. The vice president just acknowledges the votes. That's called certification, said Angelique EagleWoman, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Indigenous law professor at Hamline University. The process ends with the inauguration of Trump as president and J.D. Vance as vice president. Vance will be the first millennial as vice president. Inauguration is the official, formal presentation of the oath of office for the U.S. president, and it is usually done by one of the U.S. Supreme Court justices, usually the Chief Justice, and then the transfer of power occurs, and that person is officially there to uphold the U.S. Constitution for their term in office, EagleWoman said. A second Trump administration On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. Since its creation the department has been enthralled in political controversy, according to a 2015 Politico article. Andrew Johnson in 1867 was the first president to attempt to create an education department. It was unsuccessful and short-lived. So, Trumps promise is just the most current iteration. The issue lies in the U.S. Constitution which doesnt explicitly say that the federal government has any role in education, and the 10th Amendment says that anything not listed in the constitution is given to the states to decide. Republican presidential candidates as far back as the 70s have said that the U.S. Department of Education is unconstitutional and needs to be abolished. If we're going to have programs like this, it's got to go through the states. We've got to get (a Constitutional) amendment to allow that to happen, Stopp said. That's my perspective and my viewpoint. But we have found ways around that, and people just kind of live with it. So that's why I say it's unconstitutional. You can't find in the Constitution anywhere that grants the federal government that type of authority. The Bureau of Indian Education is under the U.S. Department of the Interior. The bureau educates a small portion of Indigenous students in the country. The majority, over 90 percent, of Indigenous students are educated in public schools whether in their rural or urban communities, according to Rob Maxim, a researcher at the Brookings Institute. Any changes to the education department could drastically affect Indigenous students. The dismantling, if that were to happen, of the Department of Education, would be disastrous for Indian Country, Maxim, Mashpee Wampanoag, said. Even just funding reductions for education and across the federal government is going to be hugely impactful for Indian Country. We make the case in our piece that Native education is already underfunded, and so further reductions are only going to strain schools serving Native students even more. Congress passed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1965 to strengthen and improve educational institutions that serve low-income families according to the act itself. This act drastically expanded the federal governments roles in education. The act states that low-income communities werent able to sustain adequate education programs, and federal funding needed to be deployed to address this inequity. One in three American Indian and Alaska Native children live in poverty, according to a 2021 National Institute of Health. The act was updated and became the No Child Left Behind Act under former President George W. Bush. In 2015, it was once again updated and became the Every Student Succeeds Act. All iterations of the act had two main goals: detail how federal funding would be allocated to public schools, especially for low-income communities, and dictate the educational standards students needed to meet. The issue for conservatives is that educational standards should be determined by each individual state. Ironically, Trump issued an executive order to create the 1776 Commission under the Department of Education in 2020 to promote patriotic education, and the commissions final report outlined in detail what that history curriculum would look like. Rather than learning to hate ones country or the world for its inevitable wrongs, the well-educated student learns to appreciate and cherish the oases of civilization: solid family structures and local communities; effective, representative, and limited government; the rule of law and the security of civil rights and private property; a love of the natural world and the arts; good character and religious faith, the report said. Civics and government classes should rely almost exclusively on primary sources. Trumps vision for education revolves around a single goal: to rid Americas schools of perceived wokeness and left-wing indoctrination. The president-elect wants to forbid classroom lessons on gender identity and structural racism. He wants to abolish diversity and inclusion offices. He wants to keep transgender athletes out of girls sports. Throughout his campaign, the Republican depicted schools as a political battleground to be won back from the left. Now that hes won the White House, he plans to use federal money as leverage to advance his vision of education across the nation. Trumps education plan pledges to cut funding for schools that defy him on a multitude of issues. On his first day in office, Trump has repeatedly said he will cut money to any school pushing critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children. This puts the history of Indigenous people in, what is now, the United States in jeopardy. There's actual scholarly studies that show that the vast majority of schools in the United States don't teach any Native American history after the year 1900, Maxim said. What does that mean? It's a couple of things. Really fundamental aspects of Native existence in the United States today, and in the 20th century don't get talked about. That includes things like the (federal Indian) boarding schools. Growing up, I knew all about it because I had ancestors that went to them, and most Native people did. Whatever the changes that could be made to the education department, it is very clear in the U.S. Constitution that treaties are the supreme Law of the Land. There were over 300 treaties signed between tribal nations and the federal government, many of those include provisions about education. Therefore education is a treaty right. Another goal for the Trump administration that could impact tribal nations positively and negatively is, drill, baby, drill. Trump has made it clear that he will support oil and gas development. He wants to see this regulatory regime all across the federal government get cut back so that people can make decisions and grow the economy, Stopp said. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I tend to think it's a good thing. The state of Oklahoma can do much of its own decision making. The Cherokee Nation can do the same. We don't need the federal government doing that, getting in the way. Oil rich tribal nations could see an increase in production and profits. According to a 2014 report by the Property & Environmental Research Center, Indian reservations have nearly 30 percent of the countrys coal reserves that are located west of the Mississippi River, 50 percent of possible uranium reserves, and 20 percent of the oil and gas reserves that are known. These resources, at the time, were worth nearly $1.5 trillion, or $1.5 million per tribal member. There have been various eras of U.S. Indian policy, and, as tribes know, the type of political party doesn't necessarily reflect what kind of policies will come out, EagleWoman said. In the recent past, Republican initiatives have been about self determination, and have been about greater economic development for tribal nations. I know many energy tribes are excited about working with the Trump administration. So it's hard to forecast exactly what the impact will be. On the other side, an increase in oil and gas production puts tribal lands and sacred sites at risk of being developed without appropriate consultation. The extraction and use of fossil fuels does impact the global environment and climate. The theme of his (Trumps) outlook has been 'drill, baby, drill.' Totally filling his cabinet and many positions with people who did not believe that climate crisis was, in fact, spurred on and sparked by human activity, human activity for profit, fossil fuel extraction and the denial of the impact of careless for profit development of land and water, Judith LeBlanc, executive director of Native Organizers Alliance, said. I think that characterizes his relationship with tribal nations, a lack of consideration for tribal nations, and foremost a priority on policies that, in fact, damages Mother Earth. One of the biggest issues for Indigenous people is addressing global climate change, and the protection of sacred sites. Indigenous people and nations have been at the forefront of the movement to protect land and water. What policies are we going to fight for, not just advocate, but fight for, and to bring a majority of people to their senses and with us to address climate change, LeBlanc, Caddo Nation, said. The United Nations has said in order to secure a liveable future, and avert the worst possible outcomes of climate change, countries across the globe have to work toward net zero emissions. The 2030 goal is to reduce emissions by 45 percent, and be at net zero by 2050. This was a cornerstone of Bidens policy. Key cabinet positions Trump has announced that he will nominate North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to Interior Secretary. Burgum is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who grew up on his familys farm in a small North Dakota town. He represents a tame choice compared to other Trump Cabinet picks. Burgum has a strong history of working with tribes, and engaging in regular consultation with tribal leaders. He signed the states version of the Indian Child Welfare Act into law, and has been credited with drastically improving the relationship between the state and tribal governments. North Dakota tribes have such a great relationship with Gov. Burgum, Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire said in a statement. "We all have such an admiration and respect for the friendship, partnership and collaboration with Gov. Burgum. He always reached out if we had an issue." Leaders from the Standing Rock Sioux and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, both located in North Dakota, were elated at Burgums potential nomination. The Interior oversees the management of public lands and the protection of wildlife, national parks and monuments. It also manages the nation-to-nation relationship with the federal government and federally recognized tribal nations. It houses the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education. One of the things that we are seeing this time around is the announcement of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as the proposed next Secretary of the Interior, who does have a lot of experience in collaborative partnerships with the five tribes that have relationships in North Dakota. Trump chose Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services despite his reputation as one of the most prolific spreaders of unfounded theories about the supposed danger of vaccines. In a 2023 interview with ICT, Kennedy denied that he was an anti-vaxxer. The track record for Robert F Kennedy Jr. in health care isn't very strong for tribal nation leaders to put a lot of faith in, EagleWoman said. There are things tribal nation leaders have put forward as reforms that the Indian Health Service should undergo to be more responsive, (and) to have more government efficiency. So there can be ways the incoming administration can support healthcare initiatives that make a difference for tribal nation members. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services oversees Indian Health Service, which provides healthcare services to 2.8 million American Indian and Alaska Native people. (Kennedy) is an interesting decision, Stopp said. He's certainly willing to push back against some of the accepted norms in the medical community, and public health sector. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. I think it's okay to shake things up from time to time, but we do have to base our decisions in science. Kennedy has a strong record of supporting and engaging tribal leaders and nations when it comes to environmental issues. He comes from a line of politicians who understood and supported tribal sovereignty. In 2016, he stood with activists during the No DAPL protests in North Dakota. As a presidential candidate, he touted his strong belief in upholding treaty rights. Under a Kennedy administration, historic wrongs done to Native Americans will be addressed and made right. The spirit as well as the letter of treaties must be honored as the highest law of the land: documents made between sovereign nations, his presidential website stated. Healthcare provided by the federal government for Indigenous nations is a treaty right. The Indian Health Service has been chronically underfunded. Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to shrink the federal government. The possible consequences for Indian Health Service are unknown. Though Kennedy did tell a group of tribal leaders in 2024, if elected president, that he would triple the budget to support tribes. Stopp said its unlikely that U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Cherokee, will join the Trump administration. Its possible he will head the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. There will be Native Americans appointed throughout the Trump administration, said Stopp. He is in communication with the transition team about who they could be but declined to share any names. They will likely not be in stereotypically Native roles like tribal liaisons in various federal agencies and departments or at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I will say that you may see some of the similar characters that we saw from the previous administration coming back, Stopp said. Going forward Indigenous nations have engaged with 46 United States presidents, some of whom, committed what would be considered today, acts of genocide against Native people. The history of this engagement began 235 years ago when George Washington became the first president. Today, there are 574 federally recognized tribal nations. These nations make up 7.2 million American Indian and Alaska Native people, according to the U.S. Census. Tribal nations are very resilient and often offer to collaborate, work closely with every U.S. administration, and I think that won't be different here with the Trump administration, EagleWoman said. Stopp encourages all tribal leaders to, despite their public support of Harris during the election, keep engaging with the Trump administration. How many of your tribal members voted for Trump and why? Stopp said. I think it's very important for tribal leaders to understand that, especially when moving forward to work with this administration. It's going to be difficult, especially those tribal leaders who are publicly in favor of the Harris-Walz ticket, but they still need to engage on behalf of their people with the Trump administration, and I certainly hope they continue to do that. There are gains to be made during every administration, LeBlanc said. Public support I think can grow under those conditions where we're educating people with policies that will continue after Trump is in the presidency, LeBlanc said. We have to think big sky. We have to think not just seven generations ahead, but seven presidential election cycles ahead. The Associated Press contributed to this report. ICT is owned by IndiJ Public Media, a nonprofit news organization. Will you support our work? All of our content is free. There are no subscriptions or costs. And we have hired more Native journalists in the past year than any news organization and with your help we will continue to grow and create career paths for our people. Support ICT for as little as $10. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter. The civil war between Donald Trumps billionaire tech bro backers and everyday MAGA loyalists ramped up on Monday after Trump ally Laura Loomer called Elon Musk a welfare queen. What is it going to mean for the future of our country, our national security and the incoming Trump administration if we have a bunch of technocrats, who are also essentially welfare queens because their companies are receiving government subsidies, and they want to take over our defense industry? Loomer said to Steve Bannon on his War Room podcast. The welfare queen quickly became a Republican bogeyman after Ronald Reagan frequently spoke of a woman who defrauded the government for hundreds of thousands of dollars during his 1976 presidential campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While stats on government fraud are notoriously unclear, Musk has enjoyed billions of dollars of subsidies for his companies, Space X and Tesla. USA Today estimates that Musk has received around $20 billion over the past 16 years, according to federal contracting data. Trumps coalition fractured last week during a debate on H-1B visas, which allow companies to hire foreign workers for specialized occupations. The worst person you know just made some great points pic.twitter.com/26uPBN0xzD Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 30, 2024 Two Silicon Valley bros turned Trump allies, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, came out swinging in support of the visas. Musk said he would go to war on immigration and told one MAGA critic to go FK YOURSELF in the face. Ramaswamy said the country needs foreign workers because American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sparked the ire of the America First diehards like Loomer and Bannon, two major MAGA mouthpieces who were quick to turn on Musk. We see that Elon Musk is having these off the book meetings with Iranian officials, Chinese officials. What does that mean for us, and the future of our constitutional republic? Loomer said. For his part, Trump took the side of his billionaire backers, though he has been a critic of the visa program in the past. 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 New York Post on Saturday. Bannon said on War Room Monday that foreign workers should be deported and Americans should receive reparations for having to compete with them for jobs. Bannon added that billionaires like Musk and David Sacks are just coming to the party and their ideas are not MAGA economics, not America First economics. ATHENS, Greece (AP) Greece announced plans on Monday to enhance parental oversight of mobile devices in 2025 through a government-operated app, that will help get digital age verification and browsing controls. Dimitris Papastergiou, the minister of digital governance, said the Kids Wallet app, due to launch in March, was aimed at safeguarding children under the age of 15 from the risks of excessive and inappropriate internet use. The app will be run by a widely used government services platform and operate in conjunction with an existing smartphone app for adults to carry digital identification documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a big change, Papastergiou told reporters, adding that the app would integrate advanced algorithms to monitor usage and apply strict authentication processes. The Kids Wallet application will do two main things: It will make parental control much easier, and it will be our official national tool for verifying the age of users, he said. A survey published this month by a Greek research organization KMOP found that 76.6% of children aged 9-12 have access to the internet via personal devices, 58.6% use social media daily, and 22.8% have encountered inappropriate content. Many lack awareness of basic safety tools, such as the block and report buttons, authors of the study said. Papastergiou said the government was hoping to have the childrens app pre-installed on smartphones sold in Greece by the end of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While facing criticism from some digital rights and religious groups, government-controlled apps and online services many introduced during the pandemic are generally popular in Greece, as they are seen as a way of bypassing historically slow bureaucratic procedures. The planned online child protection measures would go further than regulations already in place in several European countries by introducing more direct government involvement. They will also help hold social media platforms more accountable for enforcing age controls, Papastergiou said. Whats the elephant in the room? Clearly, its how we define and verify a persons age, he said. When you have an (online) age check, you might have a 14-year-old claiming they are 18. Or you could have someone who actually is a genuine 20-year-old Now we can address that. Government and civic leaders across the Carolinas remembered former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday in the hours after he died at his home in Georgia at the age of 100. Today we lost an icon who was the epitome of what it means to be a true public servant in and out of office, Gov. Roy Cooper wrote in a post on X. In a political world of hate and bombast, President Carter was a kind, calm, giving and sincere man of faith. Well done, good and faithful servant. Jimmy Carters many NC visits, from dining in Chapel Hill to building houses in Charlotte Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the 39th President, Carter served in the White House from 1977 to 1981. He lived longer than any U.S. president. In the decades after his presidency, Carter earned accolades for his humanitarian work, a legacy largely tied to Habitat for Humanity work that many North Carolina officials referenced when giving condolences. He received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work through the Carter Center. He represented the best of America: guided by faith and service and dedicated to our nations promise, Gov.-elect Josh Stein wrote on X and Bluesky. Former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt (left) works with former President Jimmy Carter (center) in 1987 on building homes in Charlotte for Habitat for Humanity. U.S. Senator Thom Tillis in a statement Sunday said Carter will be remembered for his passion for helping those in need, his robust and unshakable faith, and his commitment to public service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The son of the Rev. Billy Graham wrote on Facebook Sunday about his fathers relationship with the president also a man of faith. (Carter) and my father Billy Graham had a close relationship, and we were honored to have him join us for the dedication of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte in 2007. I know that his family would appreciate your prayers, wrote Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans Purse. In a Sunday evening statement, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-SC, said, President Carters public witness of his faith was a blessing to his family, the church, and our country. His legacy as a Sunday school teacher, faithful husband to his bride, and a man of deep Christian conviction in private and in public service will inspire Americans for generations to come. May his memory be a blessing to his family and our nation. Former President Jimmy Carter holds up his book The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer to third grade students at Byron Elementary in this Telegraph file photo. Carter died Sunday at age 100. A former Georgia Governor, Carter won both North Carolina and South Carolina in 1976. It was the last time a Democrat carried both states in a presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admiration for Carter came from both sides of the political aisle Sunday, including North Carolina native and Republican National Committee chair Michael Whatley who posted on X that Carter lived a life of service to the Navy, his home state of Georgia and the United States. A man who epitomized humility Carters celebrated work with Habitat for Humanity began when he and his wife, Rosalynn Cater, started volunteering near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago, according to a statement from the nonprofit. From 1984 to 2019, the couple every year worked alongside homeowners to build or improve houses for those in need through the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. There something to said about a persons life when President of the United States could easily be a scant mention in his obituary, wrote U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, who serves South Carolinas 5th congressional district, on Facebook Sunday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carters administration overlapped with that of North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt, a fellow Democrat. On Sunday, the Hunt Institute (a nonprofit policy organization Hunt founded in 2001) called Carter a leader whose dedication to service and education made the world a better place in an X post. Melba Evans, the former vice president and current president emeritus of Charlottes National Organization for Women chapter, said she had the privilege of working on a Habitat house in Charlotte with the former president and first lady. What amazing human beings they both were, Evans wrote posted on Facebook minutes after news of Carters death broke. She ended her post with the words Former President Bill Clinton spoke when presenting Carter and his wife with the Presidential Medal of Freedom: 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. The former U.S. presidents visit here in the summer of 1987 proved to be an extremely pivotal moment both for Habitat for Humanity and for the city. In Matthews, a town just over 10 miles southeast of Charlotte, commissioner Ken McCool had this to say about the only U.S. President Ive ever had the privilege to meet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter was a man who epitomized humility, service, and dedication to others... His incredible work after the presidency whether building homes through Habitat for Humanity, advocating for human rights, or fighting disease around the globe has always been an inspiration, McCool wrote. Reunited with Rosalynn Carter Finally, U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C., in a statement Sunday said Carter restored dignity and humility to the White House when it was sorely needed. He challenged Americans to walk a path of common purpose, to reject war and materialism, and to take bold steps to protect our planet and future, she wrote. Jimmy Carter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams noted that Carter was a family man, too. Having built new homes for those in need until he couldnt even lift the tools anymore, Adams wrote, President Carter has now gone home himself, to his dear wife ... his equal partner in everything he did ... Rosalynn. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. The Quiet Before The Storm Many of you have have enjoyed this quiet interregnum between Christmas and the New Year to unplug from the news and focus on family and friends. I did, too, but it has felt like an uncanny quiet, a pause after the GOPs self-own chaos over the last-minute passage of a CR to fund the government and before the grueling pace of Trump II destruction begins in earnest. Morning Memo will be around most of this week (except New Years Day). Well begin the week with a roundup of things you may have missed over the Christmas holiday and a few things to look ahead to this week. Great Scoop Just before the holidays, NPR had a great scoop headlined Louisiana forbids public health workers from promoting COVID, flu and mpox shots about a new policy being low-key implemented by the Louisiana Department of Health: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the employees, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they fear losing their jobs or other forms of retaliation, the policy would be implemented quietly and would not be put in writing. Staffers were also told that it applies to every aspect of the health departments work: Employees could not send out press releases, give interviews, hold vaccine events, give presentations or create social media posts encouraging the public to get the vaccines. They also could not put up signs at the departments clinics that COVID, flu or mpox vaccines were available on site. Listen here: Trump Border Czar Wants To Use Military As Force Multiplier Donald Trumps team is looking at using military bases to detain migrants and military planes to boost deportations, the president-elects incoming border czar Tom Homan said.WSJ How Much Did You Pay To Have Your Daughter Raped? Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) latest grandstanding over immigration is a $100,000 billboard ad campaign to deter migrants from crossing the border with crude messages like How much did you pay to have your daughter raped? Sign Of The Times WSJ: Some Justice Department Lawyers Look for Protectionand the Exits Elon Musk Watch Donald Trump dismisses talk that hes ceded the presidency to Elon Musk as a hoax. Musk doubles down on support for German far-right party. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore: Elon Musk Is a National Security Risk For Your Radar When the new Congress convenes for the first time Friday, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) will try to retain the speakership after the pre-Christmas debacle over the continuing resolution to fund the federal government until mid-March and avoid a shutdown. Its an early measure of how chaotic GOP rules in Washington will be. Matt Glassman has everything you could possibly want to know about the speaker election. Texas Congresswoman Suffering From Dementia Retiring Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX), until April the chair of the House Appropriations Committee, has been little-seen in Washington since then and is residing in an independent living facility in Texas where she is suffering from dementia issues, according to reports over the holidays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grangers situation was first reported by The Dallas Express. Some aspects of the initial report were disputed by Grangers office, but the upshot is that her health issues have made serving out the remainder of her term difficult at best. ICYMI TPMs Kate Riga: Ethics Committee Finds Substantial Evidence That Gaetz Committed Statutory Rape Rudy G Faces A Reckoning After dressing up as Santa Claus to promote his Rudy Coffee, Rudy Giuliani faces a contempt of court hearing Friday in the defamation case against him by Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. The judge is already signaling it may not go well for the former NYC mayor. This Is Trumps America Now A Colorado man was arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second degree assault and harassment for a Dec. 18 incident in Grand Junction when he allegedly attacked TV reporter JaRonn Alex, who is of Pacific Island descent: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After arriving in Grand Junction, Egan, who was driving a taxi, pulled up next to Alex at a stoplight and, according to an arrest affidavit, said something to the effect of: 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! Alex, who had been out reporting, then drove back to his news station in the city. After he got out of his vehicle, Egan chased Alex as he ran toward the stations door and demanded to see his identification, according to the document laying out polices evidence in the case. Egan then tackled Alex, put him in a headlock and began to strangle him, the affidavit said. Coworkers who ran out to help and witnesses told police that Alex appeared to be losing his ability to breathe during the attack, which was partially captured on surveillance video, according to the document. Target On My Back Nashville TV reporter Phil Williams was targeted by the Christian right in a pre-Christmas wave of online abuse: Rarely in my nearly 40-year career as a journalist have I felt the target on my back as continuously and intensely as I have in the last 15 months. Trump Files Brief In TikTok Case At SCOTUS The Trump brief, on which Trumps intended nominee to be Solicitor General, John Sauer, is counsel of record (indeed, Sauer is the only listed counsel), is a striking document. It includes a series of wholly irrelevant platitudes about Trump; and, even though it takes no position on whether the TikTok statute is or is not constitutional, it urges the Court to stay the January 19 effective date to allow for Trump, once he comes to office, to pursue some (unspecified) political solution to the dispute.Steve Vladeck Joe Biden Agonistes Jimmy Carter dying in the waning days of the Biden presidency felt like a passing of the baton from the last one-term Democratic president whose legacy has been debated for half a century to the next. The debate over Joe Bidens legacy is just beginning but will probably last at least as long, depending on how destructive the return to Trump turns out to be. The WaPo gives Biden world an early chance to weigh in. Jimmy Carter, 1924-2024 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) My own memories of Jimmy Carter are those of a child: As a bleary-eyed six-year-old barging in on my shaving father the morning after the 1976 election demanding to know why he hadnt woken me in the night, as promised, with the result. He had, he assured me. Or driving the old family station wagon with the Carter-Mondale bumper sticker on it through a good chunk of high school deep into the Reagan 80s. If youre feeling a little nostalgic, too, our slideshow may spark some memories. Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) Former President Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 on Sunday, Dec. 29 in Georgia. He was the 39th president who served from 1977 to 1981. Leaders from Louisiana have reacted to the passing of the former president. Gov. Jeff Landry said on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sharon and my deepest condolences go to President Jimmy Carters family. He was a true public servant. May he rest in peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Mike Johnson said, Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carters story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace. Sen. John Kennedy also gave his thoughts on the passing of the former president. He said, Becky and I extend our deepest condolences to the entire Carter family. We will continue to remember President Carter for his service, and we join all Americans in keeping his loved ones in our prayers tonight. Biden remembers dear friend Jimmy Carter: a remarkable leader Sen. Bill Cassidy mentioned Habitat for Humanity in his tribute to Carter. He said, In a Jazz funeral, the procession plays a dirge on the way to the cemetery and after the burial then plays, When the Saints Go Marching In. The believer is entering eternal joy and this is a cause to celebrate. Everyone who lives in a home built or rebuilt by the organization that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter helped lead, Habitat for Humanity, is in that number. This is especially true for those in New Orleans whose homes were restored after Hurricane Katrina. Until we meet again, Godspeed President Carter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman Steve Scalise also reacted to Carters passing by highlighting his service to the country. Scalise said, 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. Jimmy Carter set the standard for post-presidential service through his work with Habitat for Humanity. Jennifer and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family. Congressman Troy Carter praised the former president in this post on X. President Jimmy Carter led our nation with strength and grace while always putting the American people first. His political legacy, humanitarian efforts, and countless other contributions will never be forgotten. Im grateful that he was able to enjoy a long, fulfilling life in the democracy he helped shape. My prayers are with the Carter family. May he rest in peace, Carter said. Representative Clay Higgins talked about what Carter did after his time in the Oval Office. He said, I recall as a young teenager thinking well, its good that the President is a farmer from the south. It was a more innocent time. In the decades after his Presidency, the man constantly worked with his own hands building homes for the poor. Thats how my family will remember Jimmy Carter. As a kind man, loving and compassionate of heart. May he rest in peace. A state funeral will be held for Carter in Washington on Jan. 9, 2025. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 BRProud.com. DENVER (KDVR) Loveland Pass on U.S. 6 is closed in both directions due to safety concerns. At 7 a.m., the Clear Creek County Sheriffs Office said there was a backup on Interstate 70 West between Empire and Georgetown due to the road conditions. Just before 8 a.m., the sheriffs office said both Loveland and Berthoud Pass heading to and from the mountains were closed. Denver weather: High winds, fire danger and mountain snow, Pinpoint Weather Alert Day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Loveland Pass from mile point 222 to mile point 228.7 was closed due to safety concerns and drivers should expect delays. Meanwhile, CDOT isnt showing a road closure on Berthoud Pass, but the department said there are icy and snow-packed spots and to expect up to four inches of accumulated snow and wind gusts up to 68 mph. Loveland and Berthoud Pass closed (Courtesy of the Clear Creek Sheriffs Office) CDOT cameras are showing whiteout conditions on both passes. Monday is a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day due to the mountain snow, high winds and dry conditions over the Front Range and Eastern Plains. Denver, Colorado weather resources Stay prepared for storms and forecast changes, a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day and other important weather information: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day. 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 FOX31 Denver. NATCHEZ, Miss. (WJTV) The death of a teenager in Natchez has shaken the community. Storms swept through Mississippi on Saturday, December 28, causing tremendous amounts of damage. Tykeria Rogers, 18, was a senior at Natchez High School and was set to graduate in May. She died when a tree fell on her home on Westwood Road. All of our emergency law enforcement, fire, police, EMS and of course, the emergency management, responded to the call. They had two residents in the home, as well, that were injured, and they were able to get out safely, said Dr. Neifa Hardy, Public Information Officer for the Adams County Emergency Management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Entergy Mississippi crews work to restore power to thousands of customers Family, friends and neighbors have banded together to begin cleanup efforts and to make sense of the tragic incident. She was a loving person. You couldnt help but to love her seriously. She was the best that everything based a dance to anything. I would put her up against anybody to do anything, said Tyra Johnson, Rogers friend. Jasmine Buchannan, a family friend, asked for prayers and donations to help the family heal and push forward. Anything, any donations, anything they could give, because she lost everything. And you know the main thing. I mean, she lost was her child is something you dont want to lose, said Buchannan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Rogers family pay for funeral expenses and for shelter aid. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News 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 WJTV. TEHRAN, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian here on Monday called for "more serious" interaction with Oman to promote peace and security in West Asia and among all Muslim states, according to a statement released by Pezeshkian's office. In a meeting with visiting Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi, Pezeshkian said his administration's foreign policy is based on expanding relations and enhancing cooperation with all Muslim, neighboring and friendly states, stressing that Oman has an "outstanding" place for Iran among those countries. Calling Iran-Oman relations "age-old, cordial and friendly," Pezeshkian said Iran attaches great importance to the continuation and further promotion of bilateral constructive ties. It is not acceptable and favorable at all that countries in the West Asia region and Muslim states have differences with each other, and that Israel uses the situation to deal blows to them, he said. The Omani official said the two countries have formed, expanded and strengthened "deep-rooted and historical relations" based on mutual trust and goodwill. Oman is very interested in and insistent on expanding relations with Iran, he noted. According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, Badr, who arrived in Tehran earlier in the day, also discussed bilateral ties and regional issues of common interests with Iran's parliament speaker and foreign minister. The downtown headquarters of the Omaha Police Department. (Cate Folsom/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA The Nebraska chapter of a national Latino-focused civil rights organization is pressing the Omaha Police Department to accept more formal input from the people it polices. Local leaders with the League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, say they want the City of Omaha to formalize a new citizens advisory committee for local police. A national delegation from the League of United Latin American Citizens, accompanied by local LULAC members, toured the Automotive Training Center on south campus of the Metropolitan Community College on Aug. 9. Metro President Randy Schmailzl, right, addresses part of the group, which also heard from Metro Vice President Maria Vazquez. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) The group hosted a closed-door meeting to discuss the ideas Dec. 11. The meeting included invited guests from other communities of color, Omaha police and the U.S. Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push for federal involvement from the Justice Department followed the February shooting deaths of Fernando Rodriguez-Juarez and Jonathan Hernandez-Rosales by off-duty officers. Police said the men were killed after Rodriguez-Juarez fired a shot from a car in the direction of the off-duty officers and others in a parking lot. The officers returned fire with 21 rounds. Some in South Omaha criticized the delay in letting paramedics help the men. Police said the officers were not sure the scene was secure. Others also were upset about public police discussion of the suspects immigration status. Neither officer involved was charged with a crime. Oversight sometimes helps Some academics who study policing credit citizens advisory boards in cities like Dallas, Texas, for boosting Latino community trust in police and improving public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omaha police sent a deputy chief and an OPD lieutenant on a trip to Dallas with LULAC national leaders in November to show them what the Dallas Police Department was doing, the group said. While there, they visited with local experts from Texas A&M University on how the program works and why its effective. Dallas police are known for Latino engagement efforts. Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer (Omaha Police Department) Billy Mendez, who represents the Omaha chapter of the National Latino Peace Officers Association, told KETV that bringing together people from different cultures cant hurt. Two members of the local LULAC council are Latino officers. Police Chief Todd Schmaderer has previously said he is open to considering similar ideas. But adopting any such change would require sign-off from the Omaha Police Officers Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Dec. 11 meeting, Schmaderer told reporters he thought there was a lot of common ground that police and the communities they serve can find. On Thursday, Schmaderer declined to share more about what he said were supposed to be confidential discussions. People familiar with the discussions said they continue but are complicated. Unions sometimes resist Historically, efforts to increase civilian oversight of police actions is resisted by the union that represents officers and negotiates protections for them in its local labor contracts. Omaha police union leaders have said officers spend enough time worrying about their actions under duress and dont need the additional cost or stress of outside reviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LULAC national leadership is working with Omaha police to share what sorts of structures have worked elsewhere, national spokesman David Cruz said. But they expect changes. We want to make it very clear that our lives have value, Cruz told the Examiner. We do not take lightly the injury or the loss of life of any person in our community. LULAC wants Omaha police to improve department processes for identifying, hiring and promoting more Latino police officers, said Elsa R. Aranda, director of LULAC for Nebraska. Omaha Police Department data shared with the Examiner last week show that 83 of the 809 full-time sworn officers are Latino, or about 10%. Thats roughly the same percentage of Black OPD officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latinos make up nearly 16% of Omahas population, compared to the nearly 12% of the citys population that is Black. What LULAC wants Screenshot from a YouTube video posted by the Omaha Police Department of the nightclub parking lot where events that proceeded a deadly shooting occurred. (Courtesy of the Omaha Police Department) LULAC also would like more say in the cultural sensitivity training officers undergo in dealing with people from Spanish-speaking backgrounds, some of whom are suspicious of police, Aranda said. Our people are doubly handicapped by the language and the lack of cultural knowledge like if somebody yells at them in English, its scary, she said. Some who were not included in LULACs meetings have criticized the group for trying to speak for more people and groups than they represent and for being left out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful tried to attend the December meeting and were turned away. LULAC said it broadened the number of people included and that at least 35 people attended its meetings on the topic. The Justice Department did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the status of the talks or the departments role in them nearing a change in presidential administrations. In other similar instances, the department has served as an intermediary or mediator. But it rarely discusses its role. Many expect it to fill a similar role in Omaha. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country. * As a result of a residency dispute over a Democratic state legislator, Republicans will start the new year with a 67-66 majority in the Minnesota House. It might not last too long: There will be a Jan. 28 special election to elect a new legislator in an area where Democrats tend to fare well. * Following two failed statewide campaigns in successive election cycles, Kari Lake announced last week that she does not intend to run for elected office again. The Arizona Republican, however, is Donald Trumps choice to lead Voice of America in his second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * As House Speaker Mike Johnson prepares for Fridays vote on his political future, hes picked up a fresh endorsement from the president-elect. * Speaking of Trump, the Republican has, in recent days, begun claiming that Democrats illegally paid celebrities to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris candidacy. Theres literally no evidence to support such an allegation, which the president-elect appears to have made up out of whole cloth. * As Gov. Roy Cooper prepares to leave office after two successful terms, the North Carolina Democrat has made unsubtle comments about running for office again in the near future. He has not yet said, however, which office he intends to seek. * In case Florida wasnt already a red state, yet another state legislator has joined the GOP, just one month after running successfully as a Democrat with the backing of the Democratic Party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * And in West Virginia, Republican Gov. Jim Justice easily won his U.S. Senate race last month, but hes delaying his swearing-in on Capitol Hill until his gubernatorial successor is inaugurated on Jan. 13. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays edition of quick hits. * A big investment: President Joe Biden said Monday that the United States will send nearly $2.5 billion more in weapons to Ukraine as his administration works quickly to spend all the money it has available to help Kyiv fight off Russia before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. * Striking new allegations: A state-sponsored actor in China hacked the U.S. Treasury Department, gaining access to the workstations of government employees and unclassified documents, the Biden administration said on Monday. The announcement comes after revelations in recent months that China had penetrated deep into U.S. telecommunications systems, gaining access to the phone conversations and text messages of U.S. officials and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * At the U.S./Mexico border: Arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico in December are little changed from a month earlier, a U.S. official said Monday, hovering near the lowest levels since July 2020 and indicating that an anticipated surge ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration as president hasnt happened. * A story worth watching: The leader of Azerbaijan directly blamed Russia on Sunday for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet last week, calling on Moscow to accept responsibility and offer compensation to victims. President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with Azerbaijans national broadcaster that a vague apology issued by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia a day earlier would not suffice to preserve friendly relations between the two former Soviet states. * Musks political interests are not limited to the United States: Tech billionaire Elon Musk doubled down on his support for Germanys far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, calling it the last spark of hope for the country, in an opinion piece in the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. Musks piece, which expanded on his endorsement of the AfD on X last week, was posted online on Saturday and prompted the editor of the newspapers opinion section to resign in protest. * On a related note, the government spokesperson in Berlin is obviously correct: Billionaire Elon Musk is trying to exert influence over the German election taking place in February, a government spokesperson said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * I have the same concern: Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who famously cleaned up trash after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, said he is concerned that day is being papered over. * A terrifying story out of Grand Junction: A Colorado man is facing possible bias-motivated charges for allegedly attacking a television news reporter after demanding to know whether he was a citizen, saying This is Trumps America now, according to court documents. * Best wishes to the Carter family: Former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who dedicated his life after he left office to brokering international peace, has died at age 100, his office confirmed Sunday. The holiday schedule is a little unusual this year, and Ill be off on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. That said, Im planning to return to a normal publishing schedule on Thursday, Jan. 2. See you then. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com After the 2022 midterm elections, expectations were low about the Congress that would soon follow. Voters increased the size of the narrow Democratic majority in the Senate, but they also handed a narrow majority to far-right Republicans in the House, leaving little doubt that very little would get done. The question wasnt whether the 118th Congress would be awful, it was just how awful the Congress would prove to be. Now we know: To a historic degree, it was a cover-your-eyes debacle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around this time a year ago, The Washington Posts Dana Milbank wrote a column with a memorable headline that read, Worst. Congress. Ever. As 2023 neared its end, the columnist wrote that members were wrapping up the most ineffective session of Congress in nearly a century and quite possibly in all of American history. A year later, federal lawmakers cant exactly boast that they turned things around in the second year of the session: Legislative productivity slowed to a generational low, which was far worse than other modern Congresses that were divided between the parties. HuffPost recently described this as the dumbest Congress ever and ran a striking assessment from the Brookings Institutions Sarah Binder, whose expertise on such matters has few rivals. So, how crazy was the 118th, historically speaking? Its fair to say it was one of the craziest ever, Binder said. To be sure, the fact that lawmakers passed such a paltry number of bills would automatically get this Congress included in a worst-ever conversation. But lets not forget what else Capitol Hill has produced over the last couple of years: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charitable observers might be inclined to argue that this Congress couldve been even worse. Thats true. Republicans sparked a debt ceiling crisis, but they did not actually allow the United States to default on its debts and obligations. Republicans also pushed the government close to a shutdown, but thanks to Democratic votes, that didnt happen, either. But when assessing the merits of the last couple of years, its tough to celebrate these as silver linings. Parents with unruly children generally arent in a position to argue, We successfully prevented the kids from setting our home on fire, so obviously we should be in contention for Parents of the Year awards. By any objective measure, the current Congress, which technically ends in a few days, was an embarrassment to itself. Thanks almost entirely to radical Republican tactics and refusals to compromise, this Congress was a chaotic and dysfunctional mess, which even GOP members conceded failed to do much of anything meaningful. So long, 118th Congress. We knew you all too well. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Robert OBriens tenure as Donald Trumps White House national security advisor was a difficult one, stemming from the fact that OBrien didnt seem to fully appreciate the precise nature of his responsibilities. The New York Times published a rather extraordinary report in early 2020, for example, noting that when OBrien convened National Security Council meetings, he had a habit of starting the gatherings by distributing printouts of Trumps latest tweets. The Times report, which wasnt independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, added that the move amounted to an implicit challenge for those in attendance: Their job was to find ways of justifying, enacting or explaining Mr. Trumps policy, not to advise the president on what it should be. For the better part of the last century, the White House National Security Council existed to offer presidents advice and information. In the Trump era, the model was flipped: OBrien told NSC members what the then-president already believed and directed them to offer support for the positions Trump had already adopted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years later, the president-elect, for reasons unknown, decided that the United States should own Greenland, prompting O'Brien to do the same thing he did four years ago. The Hill reported: 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. OBrien got the ball rolling on Saturday with a thread published to social media, insisting that Trump is 100% right again, this time about Greenland. If our great ally Denmark cant commit to defending the Island, the US will have to step in, as [the president-elect] said, he added. A day later, on Fox News, OBrien went further. [Greenland is] 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, he argued, suggesting that some Republicans only accept the reality of climate change when trying to expand the United States territorial boundaries. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In case that werent quite enough, the former White House national security advisor went on to say in the same on-air interview that if Denmark is reluctant to pay the United States to defend Greenland, he had an alternative in mind. They can let us buy Greenland from [Denmark], and Greenland can become part of Alaska, OBrien said. 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. He did not appear to be kidding. I wont pretend to know why Trump became fixated on U.S. ownership of Greenland which still isnt for sale or how this odd preoccupation will be resolved. But with three weeks remaining before the Republicans inauguration, its hardly reassuring to see his former White House national security advisor on national television making veiled threats against a NATO ally. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com The last time Donald Trump was in the White House, the Republican made no effort to hide his opposition to TikTok. In fact, it was just four years ago when he announced plans to go after the platform, and an executive order soon followed. That policy ultimately failed in the courts, but Trump was explicit in arguing that the app should not exist on Americans phones. As far as TikTok is concerned, were banning them from the United States, the then-president said during his 2020 re-election campaign. Trump, true to form, ended up reversing course after chatting with a billionaire hedge fund manager and prospective campaign donor who had a multibillion-dollar stake in ByteDance, TikToks parent corporation. The Biden administration, however, stuck to Trumps original position and advanced a policy that would effectively ban TikTok in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move sparked litigation, and the case is currently pending at the U.S. Supreme Court. As NBC News reported, it was against this backdrop that the president-elects lawyers filed a curious brief. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday asked the Supreme Court to pause implementation of a law that would ban TikTok in the U.S. starting Jan. 19 if the app is not sold by its Chinese parent company. The court is due to hear arguments in the case on Jan. 10. Ordinarily in a court filing such as this one, wed expect to see an argument urging the justices to rule one way or another based on legal merits. But in the filing from D. John Sauer the president-elects lawyer whos slated to be nominated for U.S. solicitor general Team Trump instead asked the high court to simply delay the current laws deadline in order to allow the incoming administration to pursue a new and different policy. This is, to be sure, a strange approach to jurisprudence. But I was also intrigued by the specific pitch included in the court filing. President Trump alone possesses the consummate deal-making 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 concerns which President Trump himself has acknowledged, the brief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same filing went on to describe the president-elect as one of the most powerful, prolific and influential users of social media in history. In terms of errors of judgment, its hard to even know where to start with such over-the-top boasts, but I was especially intrigued by the idea that Trump has unique deal-making expertise. Its a line thats come up repeatedly of late, largely because its one of the more persistent myths in GOP politics. During the recent mess surrounding a possible government shutdown, for example, Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said Trump understands negotiations better than any president weve ever had. Around the same time, Fox News Laura Ingraham asserted as fact that the president is the best negotiator ... in the United States. Im mindful of the fact that the public is certainly supposed to believe this, but has anyone seen any evidence at all that Trump has had any success as a political dealmaker? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a candidate in 2016, Trump told Fox News, The problem with Washington, they dont make deals. Its all gridlock. And then you have a president that signs executive orders because he cant get anything done. Ill get everybody together. It was a familiar boast. Indeed, not long before launching his campaign in 2015, the Republican identified this as his greatest strength. Deals are my art form, Trump claimed. Other people paint beautifully or write poetry. I like making deals, preferably big deals. Thats how I get my kicks. After the election, the White House bought into the hype. In 2019, then-press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters, The president is, I think, the ultimate negotiator and dealmaker. But the evidence of Trump actually succeeding on this front does not exist. There were literally zero instances in which he successfully brought Democratic and Republican leaders together and negotiated a major legislative breakthrough. Indeed, toward the end of his first term, Trump largely gave up on even trying to make deals with Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Washington Post reported in August 2020, The president who pitched himself to voters as the consummate negotiator and ultimate dealmaker has repeatedly found his strategies flummoxed by the complexities and pressures of Washington lawmaking. This came on the heels of the Posts Jackson Diehl explaining, in reference to Trump: Hes not up to serious negotiation. He cant be expected to seriously weigh costs and benefits, or make complex trade-offs. Hes good at bluster, hype and showy gestures, but little else. In short, he may be the worst presidential deal maker in modern history. With this in mind, as Trumps lawyers tell the Supreme Court that the president-elect alone possesses the consummate deal-making expertise ... to negotiate a resolution to save TikTok, I have a follow-up question: Why in the world would anyone believe this, given his record of failed negotiations? This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Lawyers for former House Speaker Michael Madigan want the jury in his corruption trial to see evidence that then-Ald. Daniel Solis allegedly cheated on his taxes while cooperating undercover with the federal government. Madigans lawyers said in court Monday they want to call Solis longtime accountant as well as a former IRS employee to testify about the then-aldermans tax returns, which the defense has alleged failed to claim hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments Solis received from his sister. Madigans legal team began putting on their case Dec. 19 before a long holiday break, but the identities of their upcoming witnesses had not been discussed in full on the public record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelation came before what was supposed to be a lengthy hearing about which legal instructions the judge should read to jurors before they deliberate. That never got off the ground, however, since attorneys needed much more time than anticipated to review a set of proposed instructions that numbers well over 100 pages. The charge conference discussion is now scheduled for Thursday. Given the amount of defense witnesses yet to testify, it now seems likely that closing arguments will not be presented until mid-January. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey told the attorneys late Monday that it was important to take the time to get it right. This is not a straightforward set of instructions, Blakey said. It is a complex piece of litigation, and the Supreme Court and other matters have added to the complexity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solis, the former head of the influential Zoning Committee, became a mole for the FBI in June 2016 and made a series of undercover audio and video recordings of Madigan that form the backbone of the prosecutions case. What we are demonstrating is that he was committing crime while cooperating, Madigan attorney Daniel Collins told Blakey. The evidence would also show Solis had additional reason to curry favor with the government. Prosecutors objected to some of the evidence coming in, saying any bias Solis had was fully explored on cross-examination last month, and that including the evidence would risk creating an irrelevant sideshow about tax law. There is no need to add this additional layer for the jury, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur said Monday. She said assuming there was a crime here in regard to the tax returns is riddled with problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collins, however, said the jury didnt need to make any determination of guilt to conclude that Solis was compromised as a witness. Im not going to ask the jury, Hey, find Danny Solis guilty of this crime,' Collins said. Frankly, the government needs to investigate this information and determine whether a crime has been committed and whether it will be charged. During cross-examination of Solis in November, Collins grilled the former alderman over his connections to the Vendor Assistance Program, a venture started by his friend Brian Hynes and Solis sister, longtime Democratic operative Patti Solis Doyle. The program made millions by buying up unpaid bills from the state and then collecting late fees. As a referral fee for connecting her with Hynes, Solis sister paid the alderman more than half a million dollars over a period of about seven years, much of which was never reported on Solis tax returns, Collins revealed in his questioning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats more, Soliss sister was recorded by the FBI telling her brother to revise financial records in his tax filings and claim the $230,000 shed paid him in 2016 as capital gains on a prior investment which was not true. Solis testified he generally did not understand how taxes work and was acting on his sisters recommendations. Did you realize that your sister was recommending tax fraud? Collins asked. No, Solis said. It was also revealed Monday that the defense intends to call Madigans former law partner, Vincent Bud Getzendanner, to testify about long-standing ethical controls they used to avoid any potential conflicts of interest involving Madigans public positions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getzendanner, who was seen and heard on several of the undercover recordings made by Solis pitching the firms services to developers, is also expected to testify about the history of the firm and how it helped clients navigate Chicagos complicated property tax assessment process. Prosecutors said they object to Getzendanner testifying about what their firm would do in situations besides the ones at issue in the trial. Blakey said he would rule on the witness issues before they take the stand. Madigan, 82, a Southwest Side Democrat, and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, 77, of downstate Quincy, are charged in a 23-count indictment alleging Madigans vaunted state and political operations were run like a criminal enterprise to amass and increase his power and enrich himself and his associates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to pressuring developers to hire the speakers law firm, the indictment accuses Madigan and McClain of conspiring to have utility giants Commonwealth Edison and AT&T Illinois put the speakers associates on contracts requiring little or no work in exchange for Madigans assistance on key legislation in Springfield. ComEd allegedly also heaped legal work onto a Madigan ally, granted his request to put a political associate on the state-regulated utilitys board and distributed bundles of summer internships to college students living in his Southwest Side legislative district, according to the charges. Both Madigan and McClain have denied wrongdoing. The trial, which began Oct. 8, is expected to head to closing arguments as soon as next week. Though jury instruction conferences are typically tedious, its taken on added importance in Madigans case after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June raised the bar for what prosecutors have to prove when it comes to the federal bribery statute contained in Madigans indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its decision in the bribery case of former Portage, Indiana, Mayor James Snyder, the high court ruled that gratuities or gifts given as a thank-you for actions a public official has already taken are not criminalized under the federal statute, and that prosecutors must prove there was an agreement ahead of time. A jury appeared to be struggling over that very issue before deadlocking in September in the trial of former AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza, who was accused of bribing Madigan in an alleged scheme that also is part of Madigans case. Earlier this month, La Schiazzas attorneys lost a bid to throw out the charges, and the case is now set for retrial in June. Blakey, meanwhile, declined to dismiss any of the bribery counts against Madigan, saying the indictment clears the hurdle set in the Snyder case by alleging Madigan performed official acts in exchange for various things of value, including the ComEd jobs for his associates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the high courts ruling is sure to influence the language the jury receives in the legal instructions, which will lay out what prosecutors need to prove on the five bribery counts included in the indictment. Blakey had hoped that by the time the trial wrapped, the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals would have new pattern jury instructions that would deal with the Snyder ruling. But earlier this month the judge told the parties the new pattern instructions would not be ready in time. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com In 2024, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)programs at several of the nations largest companies came undone as prominent figures like Elon Musk voiced their disapproval. And it looks like the trend of coming for the programs will continue in 2025. According to NBC News, major companies like Toyota, Lowes, Ford and Walmart lessened or completely gutted their DEI programs. Social-media campaigns, like the one orchestrated by Robby Starbuck, also played a part in these decisions. This trend also affected several states regarding their college admissions process. States like Iowa, Utah and Alabama joined Texas and Florida by getting rid of DEI offices in their public universities. Three others states Kansas, Indiana, and Idaho banned colleges from requiring diversity statements in hiring and admissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following George Floyds murder at the hands of Minneapolis police in 2020, there was a vast call for nationwide diversity efforts in the midst of a momentous social justice movement. However, President-elect Donald Trump and his administration have pledged to completely do away with federally funded diversity programs. As reported by Reuters, Trump admitted as much in a July campaign video when he said he would direct the Justice Department to pursue civil rights investigations into universities that were seized by the radical left. We are going to get this anti-American insanity out of our institutions once and for all, Trump said in the clip. Vice President-elect JD Vance ran with this sentiment when he co-introduced the Dismantle DEI Act in June, as he called DEI a destructive ideology that breeds hatred and racial division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of his first presidential term in 2020, Trump signed an executive order barring federal DEI programs. However, President Joe Biden reversed the decision when he took office shortly after. Though Trump has threatened to rescind federal funding and accreditation of universities and colleges that do not abide by his rules, he would still face significant legal challenges. However, Trump remains determined to scrap diversity reporting requirements and use civil rights enforcement mechanisms to combat diversity initiatives he views as discrimination. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 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. Matt Lewis and Charlie Sykes discuss. KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's attorney-general's office said all petitions for prisoners in Malaysia to serve their sentences under house arrest, including jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak, must be submitted to the pardons board chaired by the country's king. Najib is serving a six-year jail sentence for corruption linked to the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal. The Court of Appeal is set to hear on Jan. 6 a bid by Najib to overturn a lower court decision in July that struck out his request to confirm the existence of and execute a royal order entitling him to serve his sentence under house arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Saturday, the attorney-general's office said that under the constitution the king has the power to grant pardons, postpone sentences, relieve punishments for any offences, as well as commute, suspend or mitigate any punishments imposed by a court. "If any party wishes to propose that any prisoner, including Najib Razak, serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, an application should be submitted for consideration by the pardons board chaired by the king, according to established legal procedures and channels," the office said. The office said under the constitution, decisions made by the king on the advice of the pardons board could not be challenged in court for being unlawful. Malaysia practices a unique form of monarchy, where the country's nine sultans take turns to be king for a five-year reign. (Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by John Mair) BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- China has released its first report detailing the progress made in scientific research and applications related to the country's space station over the past two years. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), which compiled the report to "mark the two-year anniversary of the space station's full establishment," said that the report will be released annually based on the progress of ongoing space missions. The report, released Monday, focuses on areas such as space life and human research, microgravity physical sciences, and new space technologies and applications. It highlights 34 representative scientific research and application results selected from previously returned samples, research data, in-orbit experiments, and notable progress in scientific and application projects, as well as various science promotion activities, showcasing China's capabilities and innovative spirit in the field of space technology, according to the CMSA. Of the representative results, 13 are related to space life and human research, 12 are related to microgravity physical science research, and nine are related to new space technology and application research. The initial batch of space science experiments, application projects, and technology testing aboard the space station has progressed smoothly, yielding important results, the CMSA noted. As of Dec. 1, a total of 181 scientific and application projects have been carried out in orbit, with nearly two tonnes of scientific materials delivered and close to 100 types of experimental samples returned, generating over 300 terabytes of scientific data. Notable achievements include the world's first rice and ratoon rice germplasm resources developed in space, and the first human embryonic stem cells differentiated into hematopoietic stem/precursor cells in space. China's space station entered its application and development stage on Dec. 31, 2022. Currently, it is operating stably and demonstrating significant efficacy, according to the CMSA. Over the past two years, China has organized four crewed flights, three cargo resupply missions and four spacecraft return tasks. Five astronaut crews, totaling 15 astronauts, have undertaken lengthy stays in orbit, completing 10 extravehicular activities and multiple payload operations outside the capsule. Multiple extravehicular maintenance missions have also been carried out, including one mission that set a world record for the duration of a single extravehicular activity in space. China has completed the selection of its fourth group of astronaut candidates, which includes two payload experts from Hong Kong and Macao, and begun developing a low-cost cargo transportation system. These results are the contributions of 63 scientific research teams across the country, which have collectively published more than 500 high-level SCI papers and obtained over 150 patents. The CMSA report noted that plans for the space station, which it envisions as a national space laboratory, include more than 1,000 research projects to be carried out over the next 10 to 15 years. These projects will promote scientific outreach and international cooperation, while fostering collaboration among high-level scientific teams both domestically and globally. A Malden man has won the $1 million prize in the Massachusetts State Lotterys $4,000,000 Bonus Money instant ticket game. Andrew Carr purchased his ticket from Dandeas Superette on 790 Main Street in Malden. The store, due to selling a winning ticket, will receive a $10k bonus for the sale. Carr chose the one-time payment, receiving $650,000 (before taxes). Carr said he plans on investing his winnings. Congrats to Andrew! Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus police have arrested one of three men accused of sucker-punching and attacking two people over the weekend in the Short North. According to court records, police responded to reports of several assaults occurring along North High Street in the Short North on Saturday night. Officers found two victims with injuries just after 9 p.m. Police said one victim suffered a deep laceration to his chin, which required hospitalization, while a second victim said he briefly lost consciousness after being sucker punched during an attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitehall and officer accused in death of man with disabilities respond to allegations Video surveillance footage led police to a group of three suspects, including 23-year-old Daz Quan Anderson, who reportedly was seen punching two people without provocation. One person appeared to be knocked out, police said, and Anderson admitted to doing so during a police interview. Anderson told police that he and the other suspects were antagonizing and clowning, though also claimed one victim called him a racial slur, in response to the antagonizing. Anderson told police that the second victim said something, though not directed at Anderson himself. Two other victims were allegedly assaulted around the same time, but Anderson denied being involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, a Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued Anderson a $100,000 bond and ordered him to next appear in court on Jan. 8 for a preliminary hearing. Two other suspects named in a criminal complaint, Dale Seymore and Phillip Moore, have not yet been arrested. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. A Northern Kentucky man accused of threatening to shoot and kill Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders had followed the prosecutor into the gym on several occasions, a detective testified in court on Monday. Brian Keith Tucker, 48, of Morning View, Kentucky, is charged with retaliating against participants in a legal process in connection with those threats, court filings show. He's also accused of threatening Kenton County Circuit Court Judge Patricia Summe, who presided over Tucker's 2019 felony arson trial and a subsequent lawsuit. Tucker appeared via webcam before Kenton County District Judge Douglas Grothaus for a preliminary hearing on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Parents who adopted young boys admit abusing them, keeping them in 'dungeon-like' room The investigation began when a friend of Tucker's reported to police that he had been making threats, according to a criminal complaint. Investigators said Tucker told a friend he wanted to harm Sanders, the county's elected felony prosecutor, and Summe because he was unhappy about not being paid from his civil suit. When Boone County Sheriff's Office deputies arrested Tucker in November, they confiscated a handgun, said Kenton County police detective Jill Stulz, adding that more firearms were seized during the execution of a search warrant at Tucker's home. Brian Tucker, 48, is accused of threatening to kill Kenton County's top prosecutor and a judge who presided over his criminal and civil cases. The detective spoke with Tucker at the St. Elizabeth Florence Hospital after his arrest and he told her that he hadn't threatened anyone, although Tucker admitted to stating in conversations that "he could do things to people because he could," Stulz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show Tucker was indicted in 2018 on counts of complicity to commit arson and insurance fraud, but was ultimately acquitted of those charges at trial. Tucker sued the Kentucky Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and Green Light Fire Investigations following his trial and alleged the companies provided false evidence to law enforcement that implicated him in a 2016 fire that destroyed his friends home. In July, Summe dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice meaning it cannot be refiled. Tucker specified the gym where Sanders works out and articulated plans to either sneak up behind Sanders and slit his throat or hide in the woods and snipe Sanders with a rifle, the complaint states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police spoke with Tuckers girlfriend and brother who relayed that Tucker had been acting strangely, investigators said, adding that his brother reported Tucker was suffering from a mental break and going through violent mood swings. Stulz said investigators confirmed Tucker attends the same gym as Sanders and there were several instances where he entered the gym shortly after Sanders. In a phone call from jail, Tucker said that "if somebody wanted to off Sanders, all they had to do was sit on the hill and wait for him to come out of the gym," according to Stulz. He also said in a jail call that "if they bring me a check of $10,000 ain't none of them goddamn safe." Grothaus determined there were reasonable grounds to send the case for consideration by a grand jury, which will decide whether Tucker is indicted in Kenton County Circuit Court, where felonies are tried. He's being held on a $500,000 cash bond pending trial. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police: Man tailed NKY prosecutor into gym before death threats arrest WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A man is facing charges after police say he barricaded himself inside his apartment to avoid an eviction. According to the Williamsport Bureau of Police, on December 30 around 8:00 a.m., a Pennsylvania Constable tried to serve 64-year-old Kenneth Austin with court-ordered eviction documents from his apartment building. When the constable spoke with Austin he pointed a handgun at the constable before he went back inside the apartment and barricaded the door, police stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch: Police smash window to arrest driver after chase Williamsport Bureau of Police Multiple officers responded to the scene and during the incident nearby residents were evacuated to a safe location. Investigators say they were able to talk with Austin and gain entry to the apartment where he was disarmed and taken into custody. Officers noted that Austin was known to have a history of threatening behavior. Austin faces aggravated assault, terrorist threats, and other related offenses. 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 PAhomepage.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man armed with a gun was arrested in a restaurant after an assault in Southwest D.C., police said. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that officers arrested 25-year-old Nathan Cinada of Silver Spring, Md. PHOTOS: Suspect arrested for arson that caused over $40K in damages Officers first responded to Main Avenue near The Wharf for a reported assault around 1:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim told police that he was parking his car in the area but the suspect, who wanted the same parking space, rolled down his vehicle window and pointed a handgun at him, a news release said. Police found Cinadas car nearby and used CCTV footage to find him in a nearby restaurant. Officers recovered a gun from him during the arrest. MPD charged him with carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of unregistered ammunition, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device and assault with a dangerous weapon. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego Police have arrested a man for stabbing another man multiple times in Barrio Logan Sunday night. Officers with the San Diego Police Department responded to reports of a stabbing at S 28th Street and Boston Avenue near the Harborside Trolley Station in Barrio Logan at 7:19 p.m. Sunday. Man in sheriffs custody dies at Vista Detention Center When officers arrived on the scene, they found one man with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to the hospital in unknown condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police report they did arrest a man in connection to the stabbing. His identity, and the identity of the victim, have not yet been released. This is developing. Check back for updates. 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 5 San Diego & KUSI News. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A man was arrested after a shooting in east Bakersfield Saturday night. Kern County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Niles Street near Highway 184 about 6:30 p.m. for reports of shots fired and an injured person. Human remains found in Lake Isabella home; man arrested has criminal history Deputies searched nearby residences located on West Drive and Occidental Street. The suspect, a man, was found driving a blue four-door sedan and was stopped and arrested at Haley and Height streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The identity of the suspect or any injured persons has not been released. An investigation is underway. 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 KGET 17. A man is facing charges after his relatives death was determined to be suspicious, according to Minster Police Department Chief Eric Morris. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Minster police officers were called to The Heritage Center on N. Hamilton Street at approximately 5:25 p.m. on Dec. 17. TRENDING STORIES: Upon arrival, officers spoke to The Heritage Center administration about the recent death of a resident involving suspicious circumstances, according to Morris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sammy L. Huston, 30, of Celina, was arrested for practicing medicine without a license or certificate. Morris said Huston was booked into the Auglaize County Jail. The Minster Police Department, Auglaize County Sheriffs Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation are investigating this death. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEWINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) Newington police say a Waterbury man was arrested Sunday after allegedly robbing a Lowes Home Improvement store and fleeing from police in a stolen vehicle. Hes also accused of striking a state police cruiser during a subsequent chase. Man accused of robbing Newington gas station at knifepoint on Christmas Day Scott Tenney, 35, faces nearly a dozen charges, including second-degree robbery and engaging police in pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police said a passenger in his vehicle at the time was also arrested on drug charges. Samantha K. Tobey, 34, of Enfield was charged with use of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance. Newington police said they were dispatched to the Berlin Turnpike store around 8:21 a.m. Sunday after store employees reported a robbery. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect- Tenney- in a Honda CR-V at the Panera Bread parking lot. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Tenney allegedly fled. 3 arrested after Newington police notice suspicious vehicle Connecticut State Police troopers located the vehicle around 1:30 p.m. and Tenney also engaged them in a pursuit, which continued through New Britain, Plainville, and Farmington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State police said the Honda struck a troopers cruiser during the pursuit. They were able to stop him with assistance from New Britain and Farmington police, by boxing the vehicle in. State police also determined the vehicle was reported stolen out of Hartford. Newington police responded and took Tenney into custody. He was held on a $60,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Dec. 30, Newington police said. State police said Tenney was released from their custody on a $25,000 bond before being turned over to Newington police. 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 WTNH.com. Dec. 30A 21-year-old man is in custody following a shooting early Sunday that injured two people in Tipp City. Tipp City Police Department identified the suspect as Javin J. Williams, 21, of Tipp City who has been charged with one count of felonious assault. Williams was arraigned Monday in Miami County Municipal Court, where he pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $500,000, records show. Crews responded shortly after 3 a.m. to reports of a shooting in the 700 block of Comanche Lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Williams fired one round during a party at the residence, striking one person in the ear and a second person in the stomach. A 21-year-old gunshot victim was treated and released from a local hospital. The second gunshot victim, an 18-year-old, is recovering following surgery and has improved from critical to stable condition, police said. Williams is in custody at the Miami County Jail. Additional charges are pending police said. SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean passenger jet returned to the airport of departure following take-off Monday over the same landing gear issue that led a passenger jet to crash while landing Sunday, according to Yonhap news agency. The Jeju Air flight 7C101 departed from Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul for the southern resort island of Jeju at 6:37 a.m. local time (2137 GMT Sunday). A landing gear issue was found shortly after it took off. The Boeing 737-800 returned to the Gimpo airport at 7:25 a.m. local time after informing the 161 passengers on board. A separate Boeing 737-800 passenger jet of the Jeju Air crashed while landing at Muan International Airport, around 290 km southwest of Seoul, on the previous day. Because of the estimated landing gear failure, the airplane landed without wheels, skidded off runway and crashed into the outer wall of the runway, with its fuselage broken apart and catching fire. Officials announced that a man died in the hospital on Sunday, six days after he was hit multiple times in a Riverside County shooting. The Riverside County Sheriffs Office identified the victim as 42-year-old Rene Diaz from Elsinore. According to preliminary reports, deputies with the Perris Sheriffs Station were dispatched just before midnight on Dec. 23 to an assault with a deadly weapon call in the 2500 block of Spectacular Bid Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon arriving at the residential area, the sheriffs office said deputies found Diaz suffering from what was only described as multiple gunshot wounds. Details are limited, authorities did not immediately disclose where on his person Diaz was shot, or where he was found. Deputies rendered medical aid and requested paramedics to the scene, the sheriffs office said in a release. Diaz was transported to a local area hospital for medical treatment, where he remained in critical condition. Diaz remained in critical condition until he succumbed to his injuries on Dec. 29. The sheriffs office said that as of Sunday night, Central Homicide Unit investigators do not have any suspects in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to this being an active investigation, no further information will be released at this time, officials stated. Authorities encourage anyone with any information related to this investigation to contact Investigator D. Brown or Master Investigator D. Robertson of the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777. 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. MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11) A person of interest in a subway slashing was found with a screwdriver and knife, police said. The attack happened after an argument on a northbound C train near the 50th Street station around 1:21 a.m. Monday, according to the NYPD. Person fighting for their life after Brooklyn fire: FDNY A 48-year-old man was slashed in the neck and rushed to an area hospital in stable condition, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man was taken into custody but had not been charged Monday morning, police said. On Sunday evening, a man was stabbed inside the Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues station in Brooklyn, police said. He was taken to an area hospital in stable condition. Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter 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 PIX11. LISBON, Ohio (WKBN) A man from Riceville, Tennessee will appear in court this week on charges of gross sexual imposition after he was secretly indicted by a Columbiana County grand jury. Read next: Man tries to take child, assaults childs mother days later: Report Allen Owens, 59, is facing two felony charges of gross sexual imposition. He is accused of having sexual contact with a child under the age of 13, according to the secret indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The indictment states Owens had sexual contact with a child born in 2012 from April 2018 through December 2023 in Columbiana County. The indictment was filed Nov. 13 and a warrant was requested the same day. That warrant was issued Nov. 15. Officials with Columbiana County Sheriffs Office told First News Owens was recently extradited from Tennessee. He is set to be arraigned Jan. 2 before Judge Scott Washam. 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 WKBN.com. Kevin Fair initially had a lien placed on his home after he was unable to pay $588 in overdue property taxes When Fair couldn't pay a private investor that purchased the lien, Scotts Bluff County in Nebraska awarded the home title and equity to that investor But then, following a Nebraska Supreme Court ruling August, Fair and the private investor reached a settlement resulting in the return of Fair's home After a six-year legal battle, a Nebraska man will get his home back after initially losing it over just a $600 debt. According to the Associated Press and NBC affiliate WOWT, Kevin Fair and his wife had lived in their Scottsbluff, Neb., house for nearly 30 years. However, Fair lost title to the home when he was unable to pay $588 in overdue property taxes, after his wife was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013, the AP reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scotts Bluff County then placed a lien on the home and, in 2015, sold that lien to a private investor, which paid the homes taxes for the following three years. When Fair couldnt pay the accrued $5,268 in taxes, interest and fees to the investor, the county gave the house's title and equity to the investor. According to the Pacific Legal Foundation, an appellate law firm that represented Fair, the home which was originally given to Fair and his wife as a wedding present was worth about $60,000. According to Legal Aid of Nebraska, the states law at the time allowed counties to sell property tax liens to private parties when homeowners fall behind on their real estate taxes By paying the tax lien and any subsequent taxes, these private parties can take ownership of the property after three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nebraska law allowed private tax collectors to keep such windfalls at the expense of property owners like Kevin and Terry [Fairs wife], Pacific Legal Foundation said in a news release. Related: 'Grandmother of Juneteenth' Opal Lee Gifted New House, Built Where Her Family Home Was Burned Down 85 Years Ago In an interview with WOWT, Fair said: They stand to make the money, and I wont have anything after living here for 25 years. The AP reported that the Nebraska Supreme Court initially decided against Fair in 2022. However, the U.S. Supreme Court then asked the state court to reexamine its ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This past August, the Nebraska Supreme Court ultimately decided in favor of Fair and ordered the private investor to pay just compensation, the Pacific Legal Foundation said adding this week that Fair and the investor reached an amicable settlement resulting in the return of his home title. In 2023, Nebraska revised its law to help homeowners who fall behind on their property taxes and prevent home equity theft, according to the AARP and The Nebraska Examiner. But Fairs legal victory is bittersweet, the AP reported, as his wife, Terry, died in 2019. And Fair himself is facing health issues: According to a GoFundMe established to help him, he suffered a stroke in November. As a result, his home needs a new ramp to accommodate his need for a walker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: How 4 Generations of Family Helped Fulfill Beloved Matriarch's Wish Even After She Died (Exclusive) Christina Martin, a senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, said in a statement following the settlement that "we are so happy that Kevin can stay in his home that he shared with his late wife." "Kevins case affirmed that home equity is property protected by the Constitution," Martin said. "The government cant take it without paying just compensation. That Mr. Fair will be able to keep his home is especially good news, given recent health setbacks. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. As of Friday, Dec. 27, the GoFundMe for Fair has raised more than $11,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE contacted Scotts Bluff County's government on Friday, Dec. 27, for comment. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) released more details after a man was shot and killed in Northeast on Monday. Police said that around 4 p.m., a man was shot in the 1800 block of Benning Road. He died at the scene from his injuries. In an update on Tuesday, D.C. police identified the man as 31-year-old Damion Hill. Two seriously injured after fire raged through DC apartment building Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police released a photo of the suspect, who was wearing dark pants, a dark puffer jacket and light-colored shoes. A photo of the suspected shooter. (Courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department) Anyone with information is asked to contact MPD at (202) 727-9099 or text the departments tip line at 50411. The 1700-1800 block of Benning Road NE from 17th Street to 19th Street NE was closed as police continued to investigate. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) It was May 1978. Jimmy Carter was about halfway through his term as President of the United States when he wanted to show he was not a royal president, as former President Richard Nixon had been painted. So Carter, 53 at the time, came to Portland. But rather than staying in a fancy hotel, he stayed with an ordinary couple Janet and Paul Olson at their house. President Jimmy Carter spent the night at the Portland home of Janet and Paul Olson in May 1978 (KOIN, file) Their house was turned into, you know, the White House for the night with connections to the White House phones. And he famously read the kids bedtime stories, had breakfast with them the next morning, wrote one of their daughters an excuse note, Please excuse so-and-so from school today, you know, signed Jimmy Carter,' Oregon Historical Society Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk told KOIN 6 News. A man of the people thats how he saw himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos: Jimmy Carter, from the White House to building houses While that is a great story, Tymchuk believes Jimmy Carter will be remembered for a lot more. I think what Oregonians and most Americans will remember most is not the 4 years of his presidency, but the 44 years of his post-presidency. This coming January 20 will be 44 years since he left office, the longest serving ex-president in US history, he said. And what he did in those 44 years with so many causes fighting disease, promoting free and fair elections, working for democracy, an amazing record of working for peace around the world. Justifiably, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and thats what hell be remembered most for. Carter came to the Pacific Northwest through the years. In 1980, he came to see firsthand the destruction caused by the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tymchuk said Carters last visit to Oregon was just 6 years ago when he was 94. The Carter Center, his signature library and center in Georgia, had some sort of fundraising retreat in Skamania Lodge. And he came across the bridge to tour and look at Multnomah Falls, Tymchuk said. But in both presidential elections, Oregonians voted for someone other than Carter. Oregon Historical Society Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk, December 29, 2024 (KOIN) Oregonians did not support him in either election. In 1976, when he was running against Gerald Ford, he lost very narrowly in Oregon. In 1980, the landslide of Ronald Reagan, he lost more substantially to Ronald Reagan. Though they didnt support him with electoral votes, they supported him in other ways in the 44 years since he left office, Tymchuk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he was never bitter. Losing an election doesnt mean you lose your life. Instead of moping, he used his power, his influence for such great causes eradicating disease in Africa, for democracy around the world, for Habitat for Humanity, Tymchuk said. Humanitarian Barbara Roberts didnt become governor of Oregon until 1991, more than a decade after Carter left the White House. But she has a firm view on Jimmy Carter and his legacy. Former Oregon Gov. Barbara Roberts, December 29, 2024 (KOIN) He was always clear what he was there for, what side of whatever the issue might be, Roberts told KOIN 6 News on Sunday. I think his legacy you can almost say in one word. And that is humanitarian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you look at the 40 years since hes been president, said KOIN 6 Political Analyst Rick Metsger, theres probably no president in history who has had a greater impact on society post-president than Jimmy Carter. Roberts said Carter wanted to be sure what the impact was on people, what the impact would be on a river or a forest. Those who met him in person had similar views of Jimmy Carter. Really down to earth, Metsger said. Warm. Very warm and very real, said Roberts. Tymchuk said Carter was friendly and charming and made you feel like he cared what you were saying. Elected Leaders pay tribute President Carter embodied what it means to be a public servant in both elected office and in his personal life by working to make our country and world a more peaceful, humane, and democratic place. May he now rest in peace with our gratitude for his service. Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 A fighter for civil rights, climate champion, protector of public lands and iconic rivers, builder of good family homes, Navy veteran, humanitarian whose tireless efforts have saved millions of livesthe enduring legacy of Jimmy Carter is proof a life of service can be lived to the absolute fullest. My heart is with his loved ones, family, and all those grieving his loss in America and around the world. Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley President Carter was one of the first presidents to truly understand the value of protecting and preserving our nations public lands and waters. Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell 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. A man who was pulled from a burning home in Burlington on Sunday morning has died from his injuries, officials said. Emergency crews responding to a 911 call from a passerby who reported flames at 16 Evelyn Street just after 4 a.m. found heavy fire shooting from the roof of the home, Burlington Fire Chief Andrew Connerty, Burlington Police Chief Thomas P. Browne, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a joint news release. A Burlington police officer rushed into the home and discovered 60-year-old Paul Spencer unconscious inside. Spencer was taken to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, where he later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of Spencers death. The roof of the single-story home partially collapsed as fire crews fought the fire for around 40 minutes before getting it under control. Neighborhood resident John Fitzpatrick told Boston 25 that he believes a dog also died in the fire. Fitzpatrick remembered Spencer for his kindness. Hes got a snowblower. Ive got a snowblower. His is bigger than mine, Fitzpatrick said. He would go up and down the neighborhood with it. The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Rescuers clear debris along a road affected by a Russian missile and drone attack in Kiev, Ukraine, Dec. 20, 2024. (Photo by Roman Petushkov/Xinhua) Amid the uncertainties and challenges, the call for peace and collaboration grows stronger, offering hope for a more stable and cooperative future in Eurasia. MOSCOW, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Eurasian region has remained a focal point on the global stage throughout 2024, grappling with persistent conflicts and instability. Despite these challenges, the complex international landscape has not deterred Eurasian countries from their historical pursuit of peace, cooperation, and development. Their aspirations for lasting peace and common prosperity remain unwavering. ESCALATING UKRAINE CRISIS, RISING TERRORIST THREATS The Ukraine crisis, now exceeding 1,000 days, shows no signs of abating. It has inflicted mounting casualties, devastated infrastructure and displaced countless families. The risk of spillover into neighboring regions grows with each passing day, further complicating prospects for peace. In August, Ukrainian forces launched cross-border operations in Russia's Kursk region, supported by U.S.- and NATO-supplied long-range precision-guided weaponry. In response, Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine's military and energy infrastructure. November saw Russia firing its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile on the city of Dnipro. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved updates to the country's nuclear doctrine, allowing the use of nuclear weapons in response to conventional missile attacks supported by nuclear powers. Beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the region continues to face the menace of terrorism. In March, a tragic terrorist attack at Moscow's Crocus City Hall claimed over 140 lives and left 550 injured, marking one of the deadliest attacks Russia suffered in decades and underscoring the urgent need for enhanced regional security measures. HEIGHTENED TENSIONS The year 2024 witnessed heightened tensions between Russia, the region's major country, and the West, as the United States and its NATO allies continued to exacerbate the situation in Ukraine. In March, Putin was re-elected Russian president with a landslide victory of 87.28 percent of votes. For many observers, Putin's reelection is a sign of continuity and a reaffirmation of Russia's resolve to resist Western pressure while emphasizing national sovereignty, security, and stability. Russia has repeatedly cautioned against NATO's growing presence in Asia-Pacific and its expanding influence in the South Caucasus. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks during his annual press conference in Moscow, Russia, Dec. 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi) In December, Putin warned that Western countries are pushing Moscow to its red line and announcing plans for the mass production of its advanced Oreshnik weaponry. In response to the conflict, the European Union imposed three additional sanction packages against Russia in 2024, the latest in December targeting shadow fleets seeking to evade the Western oil price cap on Russian exports. Most analysts agree that the conflict has profoundly reshaped relations between Russia and the West, making any kind of partnership extremely difficult. MULTILATERAL COOPERATION Amid rising geopolitical tensions, regional nations are increasingly turning to multilateral frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS to foster stability and development. In July, leaders of the SCO member states convened in Astana, Kazakhstan to discuss cooperation in political security, economic and trade investment, transportation, energy, and culture and people-to-people exchanges, and adopted 25 key documents. The summit underscored the importance of maintaining regional security, combating the "three evil forces" of terrorism, extremism, and separatism, upholding the SCO Charter's objectives, and advancing the Shanghai Spirit with determination. According to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the SCO has become an effective mechanism for fostering interstate relations, guided by the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. The recently concluded BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia once again emphasized the region's growing interests in achieving lasting peace and sustained development. This photo taken on Oct. 23, 2024 shows the logo of the 16th BRICS Summit at the press center of the summit in Kazan, Russia. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) During the summit, leaders from the Global South and Eurasian countries discussed important issues such as world peace and stability, governance reforms, development, and the international financial structure. CHALLENGES AND HOPE As winter grips Ukraine, the human toll of its conflict with Russia has grown ever more dire. According to the UN, over 14.6 million Ukrainians required humanitarian assistance in 2024, with millions expected to remain dependent on aid into 2025. Public sentiment on both sides increasingly favors peace, with over half of Ukrainians now supporting negotiations, according to a recent Gallup poll. Similar trends are emerging in Russia. While U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed confidence in his ability to resolve the conflict quickly, most experts consider an immediate resolution improbable due to fundamental differences in negotiation stances. Analysts predict prolonged negotiations will be interspersed with continued fighting, as both Ukraine and Russia seek to strengthen their positions ahead of Trump's inauguration. Meanwhile, the year 2025 promises to be pivotal for the region, with significant events on the horizon. The year 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II with commemorative events planned in countries, including Russia, to reaffirm a shared commitment to upholding historical justice. Besides, SCO member countries will convene for their annual summit, aiming to promote shared prosperity and steer global governance toward a more equitable global governance framework. Amid the uncertainties and challenges, the call for peace and collaboration grows stronger, offering hope for a more stable and cooperative future in Eurasia. California lawmakers expressed their condolences Sunday after former President Carter's death at 100. He was remembered for the role he played in a post-Watergate world and for leaving one of the most consequential post-presidency legacies in history. Today, our nation and our world has lost a leader who embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness," former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. "Paul and I join in mourning the loss of President Jimmy Carter and in giving thanks for his life, which was saintly in its devotion to public service and peace." Vice President Kamala Harris said she would always remember his "kindness, wisdom, and profound grace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His life and legacy continue to inspire me and will inspire generations to come. Our world is a better place because of President Carter," she said in a statement. Carter, the 39th president of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, ended his presidency on rocky terms after losing his reelection bid in 1980 but went on to forge a memorable post-presidency legacy, including public service work and leadership in an energy transition through his creation of the Department of Energy. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said Carter left his mark on the region through the work he did building low-income housing with Habitat for Humanity back when Hahn was on the City Council. Together, she and Carter worked on a project that built 16 homes for low-income families in San Pedro. Read more: Full Coverage: Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Gavin Newsom called the late president "a man of rare character." "He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home," Newsom said. "Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered." Former California Gov. Jerry Brown was Carter's presidential challenger in 1976 and again in 1980 and campaigned vigorously against him. He told the San Francisco Chronicle, however, that there was no ill will between them and that Carter had subsequently invited him to spend a night at the White House in the Lincoln Bedroom. The former governor praised Carter as "conscientious" and said he had "a real sense of morality." Carter, remembered as "a clean energy champion, a staunch defender of democracy, and a fundamentally decent person," was also mourned by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who issued a statement Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His lifelong commitment to service led us through turbulent moments," he said, "and he leaves behind a shining example of how to better treat one another." Sen. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) said Carter was "ceaseless in his service, unbending in his dignity, and revered for his commitment to our common humanity." Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles mourned Carter's death, saying she was "fortunate" to sit and speak with the former president years ago. Read more: Jimmy Carter, nation's 39th president who became influential human rights advocate, dies "I will cherish the conversation we were able to have, and am grateful for his wisdom and guidance," she said. "I send my deepest condolences to the entire Carter family and his loved ones on this difficult day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) said that she was "saddened" and that Carter inspired her "and countless others." President Biden was set to deliver remarks about the late president's death Sunday evening on CNN. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Jimmy Carter died on Sunday, leaving behind not only the legacy of serving as the 39th President of the United States, but a lengthy and eventful post-presidency full of humanitarian efforts. He was 100 the first former president to live to the century mark. As someone would expect of a man with a history as involved in American politics as his, politicians from across the spectrum gathered to remember the former President on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos: Jimmy Carter, from the White House to building houses In a post to social media, President Joe Biden, who is now the oldest-living person to serve as president, called Carter a man of great character and courage. With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote fair and free elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us, Biden said in part. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people across the globe. In this photo released by The White House, former President Jimmy Carter, center left, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, center right, pose for a photo with President Joe Biden, right, and first lady Jill Biden at the home of the Carters in Plains Ga., April 30, 2021.(Adam Schultz, The White House via AP) President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social to react, and made the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, he said. 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. Former President Barack Obama said Carter had the most impactful post-presidency in American history in a post to Medium. Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didnt just profess these values, Obama wrote. 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. 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. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, former President Jimmy Carter and former President Bill Clinton wave as they leave 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington where Martin Luther King Jr., spoke, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) In a statement, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass remembered Carter not only as a politician, but for the man he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Years ago, I was fortunate to sit and speak with President Carter, she said in part. I will cherish the conversation we were able to have, and am grateful for his wisdom and guidance. I send my deepest condolences to the entire Carter family and his loved ones on this difficult day. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said serving others was simply a way of life for the former President in a statement made Sunday. President Carter was a man of rare character whose beliefs ran true and ran deep, whose moral compass never wavered, Newsom said in part. He saw the common humanity in all of us, building bridges between people of different faiths and factions abroad while working to meet the needs of those at home. Despite daunting challenges and trying times, his bright energy and spirit never faltered. Luis Zuniga contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Two Niagara County Sheriffs deputies rescued a man who was allegedly impaired by drugs from an overturned car that officials said was filling with water after it flipped over into a ditch. A call to 911 around 2 p.m. Sunday reported that a car had overturned and was underwater in a ditch. A citizen attempted to a break one of the cars windows to rescue the driver, officials said. Two deputies arrived as the passenger side was filling with water and were able to break the rear passenger side window, open the door, and bring the driver to safety, officials said. Robert Prange, 40, from the Town of Wheatfield was charged with a traffic violation of driving while ability impaired by drugs and taken to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Latest Local News Latest Local News *** Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12. 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 News 4 Buffalo. Atlanta police are investigating after they said a man was shot near the downtown connector Sunday afternoon. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Just before 12:30 p.m., officers were called to the area of Interstate 20 westbound expressway and Interstate 75/85 southbound expressway regarding a person shot. When APD arrived, they found a man with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital and is currently stable. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, the man was shot after being involved in an argument with the suspect. The victims age and identity were not released. APD did not say if they made any arrests. The investigation is ongoing. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] PEARL RIVER COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) Mississippi deputies announced that a man and a woman, who were wanted in Colorado, have been captured. Pearl River County deputies said they received a call from a citizens around 8:15 a.m. concerning a man who matched the description of Johnny Morris, 46. The citizen reported Morris was attempting to break into her vehicle. Deputies and Picayune police responded to the scene and began a search of the area. They located Morris and Hailey Cole, 43, around 9:00 a.m., camping in a shed. They were both taken into custody without incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris and Cole were wanted in connection to an alleged homicide in Colorado. The investigation spanned multiple counties in Colorado, and the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO) confirmed the discovery of the vehicle, which had been the focus of a multi-state search. Man arrested for aggravated assault in Hattiesburg According to the EPSO, the investigation began just before 7:00 p.m. on December 19 when deputies responded to a home on Pima Drive. While on scene, deputies discovered large quantities of blood in multiple locations throughout the home. On Monday, December 23, EPSO asked the community for help looking for a black Audi A4 with Colorado license plate MYZFYT that was tied to the missing persons case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, Park County deputies responded to a home on Campfire Road near Hartsel for a welfare check. While responding, deputies found a black Audi at a trailhead about half a mile from the Campfire Road home, and it matched the BOLO for the El Paso County missing persons case. EPSO was contacted, and deputies responded to the scene in Park County. Meanwhile, Park County deputies searched the Campfire Road home on the welfare check, where they found an adult man dead. Johnny Morris was captured by Mississippi authorities. (Courtesy: Pearl River County Sheriffs Office) Hailey Cole was captured by Mississippi authorities. (Courtesy: Pearl River County Sheriffs Office) According to the coroner, the person was identified as 65-year-old Timmy L. Hudson, of Hartsel. Hudsons death is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the coroners office, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Park County Sheriffs Office, and the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. The EPSO asked the community to be on the lookout for a blue 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck with a distinct HUNTER sticker on the left fender, as well as Morris and Cole. Authorities said they both had familial ties to Pearl River County. The vehicle was later located on Saturday, December 28 in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morris and Cole were booked into the Pearl River County jail on outstanding Mississippi warrants from Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) for failure to appear for receiving stolen property and for contempt of court failure to appear. Additionally, Morris and Cole were charged with commercial burglary and attempted residential burglary. The Pearl River County Sheriffs Office is in close contact and coordinating with Colorado law enforcement. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News 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 WJTV. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Market Street Bridge in Youngstown will be closed throughout Tuesday in preparation for a downtowns New Years Eve fireworks display. According to a media release, the bridge will be closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 8 a.m. Tuesday until 1 a.m. Wednesday. The fireworks will begin at midnight, and free parking will be available at the Covelli Centre. 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 WKBN.com. Esther Yoo, Assistant Law Professor and Director of the Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic at the University of Hawaii Richardson School of Law joins producer/host Coralie Chun Matayoshi to discuss whether the Trump administration has the infrastructure to carry out mass deportations on Day 1, laws and tactics that can be used, which immigrant groups will be targeted first, and whether Hawaii should consider establishing itself as a sanctuary state. Q. President-elect Trump pledged on Day1 to conduct mass deportation of immigrants but does the Trump administration have the infrastructure or capacity carry out this plan? One point that analysts have made recently is that the federal government doesnt currently have the capacity to start deporting millions of people right away, i.e., on Day 1. If President-elect Trump is really going to carry out mass deportation, his administration will need to build up the capacity and infrastructure to do so. One area where the government currently lacks capacity is staff to find and arrest undocumented immigrants. In 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (or DHS) employed less than 8,000 Enforcement and Removal Operations staff. Enforcement and Removal Operations is the agency the public typically thinks of as ICE. It primarily handles immigration enforcement in the interior, i.e., not at the border. Its different from Border Patrol, which handles immigration enforcement primarily at the borders and employs about 20,000 agents. These staffing numbers are obviously not enough to detect and arrest millions of undocumented immigrants, especially since many of them do not have any criminal history that would help put them on ICEs radar. Because of the natural limitations in resources, past presidents have prioritized using these limited resources to apprehend and deport noncitizens who pose either a national security risk or have serious criminal records. President-elect Trump is upending this practice again by promising to go after and deport every unauthorized immigrant, regardless of whether they are a security risk or not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, the immigration court system doesnt have the capacity to process millions of new cases. The immigration courts already have years-long backlogs. Third, theres the issue of detention capacity. Some though not all of those awaiting their deportation hearings would be subject to mandatory detention. And those who have already been ordered deported but not yet physically removed would need to be detained under the law. Finally, the Trump administration would need to get various countries to agree to accept their deported citizens. In 2020, only 18 percent of people who had received orders of deportation were actually deported. Its typical for a country with whom the United States does not have good diplomatic ties, such as China, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, to resist accepting their deported citizens. However, just because President-elect Trump does not have the capacity to carry out mass deportation on the first day, or even the first year, doesnt mean that we shouldnt take his threats seriously. He is certainly going to pour a lot of taxpayer dollars into building the machinery to carry out mass deportation. The American Immigration Council, an immigrant advocacy group, estimated the cost of deporting 13 million unauthorized immigrants in the United States to be $968 billion over about a decade. Also, certainly one of the reasons President-elect Trump and others in his administration are constantly in the media talking about mass detention and deportation is that they hope people will choose to give up and self-deport, which will help accomplish their goals for them. Q. What are some of the ways that the Trump administration could rapidly increase deportation capacity? With respect to finding and arresting deportable noncitizens, the administration could hire many more ICE agents. However, its more likely that the government will try to conscript state and local law enforcement agencies to help with immigration enforcement actions by entering into agreements with state and local governments called 287(g) agreements. These agreements deputize state or local law enforcement to carry out certain functions of federal immigration officials. But certain states where one might find the most undocumented immigrants, like California, are not going to enter into these agreements. According to the ICE website, none of the cities and counties in Hawaii have 287(g) agreements with the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President-elect Trump has also threatened to use the military to carry out mass deportation. This would be a legally questionable move. Analysts have pointed out that the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of the military to enforce domestic policies. However, President-elect Trump has threatened to invoke the Alien Enemies Act, which allows the president to detain and deport non-citizens when the nation is at war, or when the president proclaims an invasion or predatory incursion by a foreign nation. The last time this law was invoked was by FDR during WWII to justify the Japanese internment camps. Its never been invoked when the U.S. was not at war. President-elect Trump, however, has constantly characterized migrants arriving at the border as an invasion. And historian Brianna Nofil, who wrote The Migrants Jail: An American History of Mass Incarceration, has pointed out that the idea of immigration as invasion is actually not new in U.S. immigration law. In Chae Chan Ping, an 1899 Supreme Court case concerning the Chinese Exclusion Act and which firmly established federal control over immigration, the court described immigration as an act of foreign aggression and encroachment. Its conceivable that President-elect Trump is echoing the rhetoric of invasion, which was used in the past against Chinese nationals and Japanese nationals, to lay the groundwork for the mass arrests, detention, and deportation of noncitizens in 2024. So, its possible that Trump will invoke this law, but if he does, he will certainly be challenged in the courts. With respect to the immigration courts and removal proceedings, President-elect Trump could simply hire more ICE attorneys, judges, and court staff to process more cases faster. However, this seems unlikely to me. I think he will do what he did last time, which is impose case completion quotas on immigration judges. Immigration judges are not Article III judges, so they dont have lifetime tenure. They are essentially lawyers employed by the Department of Justice, which is under the control of the president. So, as he did last time, he could impose case completion quotas to force judges to shortchange due process and deport people faster. If they dont meet their quotas, they can be fired. I can also see the Trump administration trying to process more cases under the expedited removal system, which empowers immigration officials to deport someone without providing practically any due process. In certain years, as much as 44% of deportations were carried out via expedited removal. Typically, expedited removals apply to people seeking admission at a port of entry, or who are caught within two weeks of unlawfully entering the 100-mile border zone. The 100-mile border zone is any area within 100 miles of any border the southern border, the northern border, and the maritime borders. (All of Hawaii is within this zone because everywhere in Hawaii is within 100 miles of the sea.) Generally, expedited removal has not applied to people caught in the interior, i.e., not within the 100-mile border zone, but the Immigration and Nationality Act does allow for the executive to expand the expedited removal authority to the interior, to anyone who cannot prove their physical presence in the United States for the last two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, I mentioned detention. The federal government already has a lot of detention space. In the areas of the country that see the highest levels of migration, the federal government has large immigration detention centers. Over time, migrant detention has become a big business. Today, the federal government actually owns and operates very few detention centers; theyre largely privately run and generate a lot of profit for private prison corporations. In other parts of the country, the government acquires detention space by using local jails. The federal government will make a contract with a county or city government for detention services called an intergovernmental service agreement. However, if President-elect Trumps goal is to deport 13 million unauthorized immigrants, which is mass deportation on a scale thats never happened before, he will have to expand the immigration detention network dramatically, either by paying private prison corporations to build and run detention centers/camps or by entering into agreements with a lot more local governmental entities to use their detention space. Q. There are about 50,000 undocumented immigrants in Hawaii. In FY2024, there were 888 new deportation cases, the highest since 2008, and 1,200 pending cases, the highest on record. The vast majority of immigrants involved are from China, with smaller numbers from Guatemala, Mexico, Russia and Vietnam. Should Hawaii consider establishing itself as a sanctuary state? According to the ICE website, none of the city or county governments in Hawaii have 287(g) agreements with the federal government that allow ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations to delegate authority to state and local law enforcement officers to perform specified immigration officer functions like identifying and removing non-citizens with criminal or pending criminal charges or serve and execute administrative warrants on non-citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the other hand, Hawaii has not passed any sanctuary laws, which would prohibit state/local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE. During the last Trump administration, the Hawaii state legislature did consider a sanctuary state bill called the Hookipa bill, but it didnt pass. At the time, local law enforcement agencies testified against it because they were concerned that they would lose other federal funding they receive if the law passed. At the time, President Trump was threatening to cut off federal funding to cities and states if they pass sanctuary laws. In reality, though, that may not be legal, and if he actually tried to act on that threat, it would certainly be challenged in court. One argument for sanctuary laws is that local and state governments should not be using local or state money and resources to do the federal governments work for them. The other obviously is that mass deportation will devastate our close-knit island communities, especially since many longtime undocumented immigrants are part of mixed-status families. We dont need to assist the federal government with that devastation. Also, immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, make up large percentages of our agricultural, construction, hospitality, and caregiving workforces in Hawaii. Mass deportation will hurt our states economy and raise prices for essential goods and services for everyone. Again, we dont have to help the federal government in doing this work. To learn more about this subject, tune into this video podcast. Disclaimer: this material is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The law varies by jurisdiction and is constantly changing. For legal advice, you should consult a lawyer that can apply the appropriate law to the facts in your case. 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. A Massachusetts teen has pleaded guilty after he allegedly attempted to drown a Black juvenile in a Cape Cod pond in 2023. John Sheeran, 15, who is White, pleaded guilty to charges of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, the Barnstable Juvenile Court clerk's office confirms to PEOPLE. He was charged by prosecutors as a "youthful offender," which means he could be sentenced as an adult by a judge, per the Cape Cod Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheeran entered his guilty plea on Dec. 13 and is awaiting sentencing on Feb. 5, per the clerk's office. According to prosecutors, Sheeran, along with another White juvenile, met up with the victim at Goose Pond in Chatham on July 19, 2023. Prosecutors said the victim put on his life jacket and told the other two teens that he couldnt swim before entering the pond. The three teens entered the water together and Sheeran proceeded to pull on the victims life jacket and submerged him underwater four to five times, causing the victim breathing distress, according to a Cape and Islands District Attorneys Office press release. The third juvenile laughed at the victim during the attempted drowning and referred to the victim as George Floyd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said the near-fatal drowning continued as Sheeran swam underneath the victim and attempted to grab his feet. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The victim called for help and a bystander intervened, helping the victim to shore. In a statement to police, the bystander said he witnessed Sheeran pushing the boys head underwater and heard the victim tell Sheeran "to please not splash or push him because of his inability to swim," according to NBC10. "When I finally get to them they were smirking," the bystander said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim reported the incident two days later, according to an investigator's affidavit, NBC10 reported. Prosecutors said the incident was "racially motivated," per the press release. At a Sept. 2023 hearing, Sheeran's attorney, Kevin Reddington, said his client had absolutely no intent to murder his friend, per WCVB. It was a stupid act that was carried way too far." Reddington could not be reached for comment. To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations: Campaign Zero works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies. ColorofChange.org works to make the government more responsive to racial disparities. National Cares Mentoring Movement provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond. Read the original article on People The death of the longest-lived American president is bringing attention to his legacy of compassion and decency. Flags at Massachusetts state buildings were ordered at half-staff through January 28th in honor of Jimmy Carter. The 39th president of the United States made an impression during a visit to Clinton, Mass., back in 1977 during a push to connect with Americans in small towns. Boston University presidential historian Tom Whalen said Massachusetts ultimately played a role in Carters landslide loss in 1980 after a single, tumultuous term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, for Jimmy Carter, the tie-in to Massachusetts is basically the ending of his political career, said Whalen. Whalen said Senator Ted Kennedy split the democratic party in 1980 and left Carter scrambling to hold on to the nomination. He was able to but at great costs, explained Whalen. By the time the fall election rolled along, Carter did not have the full support of the Democratic Party, and it arguably cost him the election. According to Whalen, Carter cemented an impression as the first president to push forward on renewable energy and for his deregulation of the trucking and airline industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the first time, regular, every day middle Americans could afford to fly across the country on an airplane, he said. Carter was famous for his work with Habitat for Humanity outside of his political career. The non-profits Cape Cod branch posted a statement about his unwavering dedication that said, He was a rare politician who didnt just talk the talk, he wholeheartedly walked the walk as a Habitat volunteer and cheerleader. Incredibly, President Carter and his late wife, Rosalyn, had been stalwart supporters of Habitat since 1984. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW HANGZHOU, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 39 members of major criminal groups based in northern Myanmar were prosecuted in China on Monday for telecom fraud and other crimes targeting civilians in China. The suspects, including Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, face charges of fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution. The case was filed to a local court in Wenzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. Procurators reported that 16 defendants of the transnational criminal case are citizens of Myanmar. Additionally, several thousand other suspects linked to the criminal groups are currently under investigation by procuratorates in Wenzhou and other locations across China. Over 10,000 confirmed cases of telecom fraud associated with these suspects have been reported, amounting to billions of yuan, with several Chinese citizens having lost their lives. Chinese procurators emphasized that the case reflects China's dedication to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the nation and its citizens. "These crimes partially took place within Chinese borders, specifically targeted Chinese citizens, and jeopardized the shared interests of the international community, thus granting China jurisdiction under its Criminal Law and international treaties," stated the procurators overseeing the case. Through a coordinated law enforcement mechanism, police from China and Myanmar conducted on-site investigations, collected evidence, interviewed personnel, and apprehended and transferred criminal suspects. Chinese prosecutors indicated they have heightened legal oversight, ensuring compliance with the Criminal Procedure Law of China and relevant regulations for collecting evidence from abroad, thereby upholding its legality. The prosecutors affirmed their commitment to protecting the legal rights of the Myanmar defendants by informing them of their rights during legal proceedings, facilitating the appointment of defense attorneys, and offering legal aid. Translators were provided and consular protection was assured. In recent years, telecom fraud syndicates operating in northern Myanmar have been unscrupulously targeting Chinese citizens, luring them to travel to their sites and participate in their fraudulent schemes against residents in China. These criminal activities posed a significant threat to the safety and property of Chinese citizens. In July 2023, Chinese police launched a special campaign to combat telecom and internet fraud originating from the region, successfully busting several crime dens. According to Chinese police sources, in one incident from October last year, the criminal gang led by the family of Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung attempted to evade crackdowns by relocating people working for their gang ahead of an upcoming site inspection. On the evening of Oct. 19, the gang, in collaboration with telecom fraud "sponsors," organized armed escorts to transfer the members from a site controlled by Mye Shout Hkyann to other locations managed by Ma Thiri Maung, Mye Shout Hkyann's granddaughter. According to Ma Thiri Maung's confession, her grandfather instructed her to relocate the personnel before the inspection and return them afterward. During the relocation, some individuals attempted to escape but were shot by the armed escorts. Four Chinese nationals were killed, and four others were injured. Ma Thiri Maung confessed that upon learning about the incident, she ordered the bodies to be buried in a field under her family's control. The killings were just the tip of the iceberg of the family's criminal operations. Police investigation found that at the height of their activities, the family-controlled compounds housed nearly 10,000 individuals engaged in telecom fraud. The gang provided armed protection for these operations, colluding with "sponsors" to exert violent control. Lower-level workers who disobeyed orders or failed to fulfill fraud tasks were subjected to abuse, beatings, rape, and even murder. According to a man surnamed Li, who returned to China after being lured to northern Myanmar to work for the family's crime syndicate, he only realized he had been "sold" to the group upon arriving at their site. "We were forced to make deals every day, and if our performance were poor, the 'supervisor' would beat us with a white rubber tube," Li recalled. "After about 10 days, I tried to escape but failed. They brutally beat me and locked me in a small dark room. I ended up with several broken ribs." According to the confession of a suspect responsible for guarding the site, the "small dark room" served as a solitary confinement cell. "Inside the cell, the space was only large enough for one person to sit, but there was no room to lie down, sleep, or even turn around. People were kept there for five or six days, or sometimes as long as 10 days," said the suspect. Through such violent tactics, the gang carried out numerous unlawful activities. "We have identified and linked over 10,000 fraud cases targeting individuals in China by the network," said Yang Guoqiang, a senior criminal investigation officer with the Wenzhou police. After the October killing, China's Ministry of Public Security ordered police in Kunming, Lincang and Wenzhou to form a special investigation team. "We mobilized over 100 police officers to screen more than 10,000 telecom fraud personnel who were transferred back during that period. Among them, we identified over 400 individuals who were either direct witnesses or had knowledge of the killing, which helped us gather crucial evidence," said Na Xin, a criminal investigation officer with the Kunming police. Based on the evidence, Chinese police issued a public reward and wanted notice in November last year for key members of the family-led gang, including Mye Shout Hkyann, Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin, and Ma Thiri Maung. On the night of Nov. 15, Myanmar authorities launched an operation to arrest Mye Shout Hkyann, during which the suspect took his own life. The following day, three other key members of the family were apprehended and transferred to Chinese police. Joint police investigations uncovered the bodies or some cremated remains of the victims at the relevant sites. Other critical evidence also provided a solid foundation for a thorough investigation, according to Chinese police sources. A task force of over 800 personnel meticulously examined, screened, and analyzed the vast amount of the targets' information lists, fraud script manuals, account books, and electronic evidence provided by Myanmar authorities, ensuring the coherence and consistency of the evidence chain. China's Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) has vowed to step up foreign-related prosecution work. In a recent document, the SPP pledged to impose severe penalties for crimes endangering China's national security in accordance with the law. The SPP vowed to punish foreign individuals who infringe upon the national interests of China and the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and businesses, as well as crimes committed by Chinese citizens abroad that fall within the scope of international treaty obligations for China. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A massive tree was blocking all lanes of Monroe Road in southeast Charlotte. The tree was down at Monroe Road near Colonnade Drive. It likely fell during Sundays storms and it is unclear if anyone was injured when it came down. Queen City News went to the area and didnt see any crews working to clean it up. Track issues along your commute with the QCN Traffic Interactive Map Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) A McDonalds employee who was on the loose after a shooting that killed a DoorDash delivery driver Thursday night has been taken into custody. According to Major Lee Hicks Jr. with the Fayetteville Police Department, 25-year-old Kevin J. Holland was taken into custody on Friday afternoon. Thursday night around 8 p.m., investigators said that a delivery driver, identified as 25-year-old Somari Husamudeen went into a McDonalds on Santa Fe Drive for a pickup order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators gathered that Husamudeen got into a confrontation with Holland who then pulled out a gun and shot him. Husamudeen was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting and Holland was on the run for several hours and into Friday. Shortly before 1 p.m., Holland was located by the Spring Lake Police Department near the Walmart shopping center in Spring Lake, according to Fayetteville police. Police said Holland is charged with first-degree murder. He is being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond. The local McDonalds owner/operator said in a statement, Yesterdays 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. Because this is an open and active police investigation, we ask that all questions be directed to the Fayetteville Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DoorDash said in a statement, We are devastated by this tragic loss and our hearts are with Mr. Husamudeens 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 investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. 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. The 2025 session will have few new dollars not swallowed up by Medicaid, limiting options for lawmakers to address health concerns.(Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A revenue report from mid-December determined that incoming monies would be sluggish over the next two years, with barely any new dollars expected to hit Indianas coffers. Much of that funding will be swallowed up by Medicaid costs, which are growing at a faster rate than the states revenues. Unlike many of his colleagues, Sen. Ed Charbonneau remains upbeat, noting that projected funds are still above current levels and not dipping lower allowing for some wiggle room. Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, addresses a crowd on Dec. 18, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Im approaching this next session, I think, a little bit more positively than most everybody else, said the Valparaiso Republican at an annual legislative conference in mid-December. My fear was that if the revenue projections were not as good as they are (budget writers would) go ahead and start looking for places to cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Republican leaders quickly dismissed any notion that 2025 could be the year Indiana ends its prohibition on marijuana. In addition to Charbonneau, House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate Majority Leader Rodric Bray both expressed concerns about legalizing the drug for either medicinal or recreational use. Bray said states like Colorado, one of the first to legalize the drug for recreational use, arent making much tax revenue because proceeds have to be reinvested into social services and crime prevention. Huston, R-Fishers, pointed to an uptick in cannabis use disorder and conflicting studies about mental health benefits. Its no secret that I am not for this. I dont have people coming to me with really compelling medical cases as to why its so beneficial, said Bray, R-Martinsville. And any case that Ive ever seen, or any state that Ive seen, pass medical marijuana is essentially passing recreational marijuana. Senate Majority Leader Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, talks on a panel on Dec. 18, 2024. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Gov.-elect Mike Braun, also a Republican, has indicated his openness to exploring medical marijuana but opposed legalizing cannabis for recreational use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats, on the other hand, pushed for legalization, pointing to the potential for revenue, its popularity among Hoosiers and potential for treating medical conditions. Polls suggest it is very highly desired by Hoosiers, I think, and brings in additional tax revenue. Sooner or later, Were going to have to create more policy because all the states around us (have access), said Sen. David Niezgodski, whose South Bend district borders Michigan, which has recreational access. People are going across and theyre buying more than the residents, the Democrat continued. The future of Medicaid Even as funds dwindle, Democrat Rep. Robin Shackleford said the services provided by Medicaid are also a way to measure the program, which covers nearly two million Hoosiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know we have less revenues coming in and Medicaid rates increasingly keep going up, but, at the end of the day, Im going to define success in what our Medicaid program looks like, Shackleford said. Shackleford, an insurance broker, pointed to the need for more dollars invested in prevention. For elderly Hoosiers, falls which can be averted by installing bars or using bath seats are the number one cause of injury-related deaths. Every dollar that we talk about has a face behind it ... We never lose sight of the fact that its not numbers, its people were dealing with. Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso And though elderly Hoosiers account for a smaller portion of Medicaid enrollees, just 6%, this same population accounts for 44% of Medicaid expenditures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, most of Indianas Medicaid costs are covered by the federal government roughly two-thirds of most programs and 90% of Healthy Indiana Plan beneficiaries. The remaining 10% of the latter program is covered by cigarette taxes and hospital fees. Rep. Brad Barrett, at the same panel, noted that both the state and federal governments will have new leaders, bringing the potential for massive change. Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis, and Rep. Brad Barrett, R-Richmond, at the Dec. 18, 2024 annual legislative conference. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Where all these other pieces are changing, I feel like we have an opportunity, said Barrett, a Republican from Richmond. One particular focus for Shackleford and Barrett will be lowering Indianas obesity rate, which Shackleford said cost the state economy $9.3 billion in 2022, $966 million of which had a direct impact on the state budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of my pieces of legislation is to see if Medicaid can cover those drugs for chronic obesity, Shackleford said, referring to the coverage of GLP-1s. That drug category includes medications produced by Eli Lilly but can be prohibitively expensive for insurance plans to cover. I havent received the fiscal impact on it but, in my eyes, to do a true cost-benefit analysis on it you will have to think about what is our investment that we pay for this drug versus someone now having to come off of all their diabetic drugs, Shackleford said. What to expect in terms of legislation At least one bill in the upcoming session will be familiar to the legislature: a bill seeking to restrict the use of prior authorization. Emergency room physician Sen. Tyler Johnson said he regularly saw patients in the emergency department whose health worsened while waiting for prior authorization approvals or had previously been denied care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre in the physician world for two seconds, you realize very quickly that its just a strain on the system, said Johnson, R-Leo. I didnt go into medicine to fight back and forth with the insurance company to get paid for something or give the patient an appropriate procedure, right? Sen. Tyler Johnson, R-Leo. (Photo from Indiana Senate Republicans) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats really the answer: were providing something that we think the patient needs and now the insurance company is saying, Well, they dont need that, he continued. According to the American Medical Association, 94% of physicians reported care delays due to prior authorization, including 24% who reported that such delays had led to a serious adverse event. Johnsons effort in the 2024 legislative session was considered a priority by his caucus but didnt get out of the chamber. To improve its chances in 2025, Johnson said he spent the interim meeting regularly with stakeholders to identify sticking points. Weve found a very good framework on how to (improve) the back and forth between the insurer and the hospitals. They both really didnt like how they interacted with each other, but could never really come to a solution, Johnson said. hopefully we can streamline and get a lot of questions and inefficiency out of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other familiar topics include the potential to regulate pharmacy benefit managers, non-compete agreements for health care providers, scrutinizing medical debt and increasing tobacco taxes. The House has passed such an increase a handful of times but Johnson and Charbonneaus chamber has declined to act. Charbonneau said circumstances could be different in 2025 with such a tight budget. With the revenue picture looking like it does, with Medicaid being such a huge part of the problem, maybe its time we really look at this, Charbonneau said. The committee chair also had at least one previously unheard idea: prohibiting any Hoosier born after June 30, 2004 from ever purchasing tobacco products. He said he believed the fiscal impact would be relatively small but rewards could be huge Indiana has a higher adult smoking rate than the national average, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. Curbing tobacco use is frequently a target of public health funding efforts because it brings down Indianas overall health metrics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the states public health program, youth e-cigarette use or vaping has exploded, increasing from 3.8% in 2012 to 19.8% in 2021. Its going to take 50 years or something but well be smoke free, Charbonneau said. Another potential target could be gathering information on Indiana hospital enrollment in the national 340B program, which is funded by medication discounts meant to help safety net hospitals. Some question whether the program actually assists needy patients or simply helps hospitals generate more revenue. I think thats why we need data to really understand and for the public to understand whats going on, Charbonneau said. And it may be totally legal, but it just doesnt seem right. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Memorial services have been announced for an Ohio corrections officer. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: New details released after Ohio corrections officer assaulted, killed by inmate As previously reported by News Center 7, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) officer Andrew Lansing died following an inmate assault at the high-security prison in Ross County on Christmas morning. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visitation and funeral will be at Chillicothe High Schools Hatton Memorial Gymnasium, according to his online obituary. The visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 2, from noon to 6 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, Jan. 3, at 1 p.m. Burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery where military graveside ties will be conducted by the United States Army and Ross County Veterans Honor Guard, his obituary said. ODRC Director Annette Chambers-Smith said on Dec. 27 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chamber-Smith said the attack occurred when Cannon and his unit were heading to the dining hall. She said the inmate veered off from his group to find Lansing in his guard shack in the middle of the prison yard. Chambers-Smith said the building was not locked. She said it was 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. Instead of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to Shriners Hospital. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexico's president said Monday that prosecutors are investigating officials in a town where a sign was posted thanking a drug lord for holiday season gifts for children. In the past, drug cartels in Mexico have often handed out gifts or bags of food to local people around the holidays, to try to improve their image or build local support. The cartels often want local people to warn them of army raids, but at the same time the gangs usually extort protection money from local residents. Videos posted on social media last week from the town of Coalcoman, in the western state of Michoacan, showed a sign at a Christmas fair thanking Jalisco cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, better known by his nickname El Mencho, for the gifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The children of Coalcoman thank Mr. Nemesio Oseguera and his sons, 2, 3, and Delta 1, for their noble gesture. Thank for your gifts, the sign read. A person speaking over a loudspeaker repeated that message, but it was unclear how much local officials were involved in or aware of the message, or whether they had approved of it. Such fairs are often in part organized by civic, neighborhood or other groups. President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that local officials were being investigated for any possible links to the sign. Obviously we condemn these signs," she said. A criminal group cannot hold a public event to promote the acceptance of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheinbaum said federal prosecutors were investigating whether the town's mayor has ties to criminal groups, or who put this this sign up. In areas of Michoacan along the border with Michoacan that are dominated by the powerful Jalisco cartel, it is not unusual to see signs of the gang's control. The cartel set up checkpoints on roads in the area, and attacked their rivals with roadside bombs and bomb-dropping drones, while at the same time donating trampolines for the children of local residents. The cartels have also obliged some local residents to join demonstrations against army operations. The Mexican government's policy of not confronting the cartels has often left local officials in the uncomfortable position of having to deal with the local gangs, and even in some cases, hand over part of the municipal budget to them. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A Michigan lawmaker has made some waves for his comments on the fallout of the Matt Gaetz ethics report not for any scathing judgment against the former congressman, but for using the report to call for some major legal changes. Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use While no criminal charges were filed against Gaetz, the House Ethics Committee report, released last week, found substantial evidence to support allegations that the congressman had regularly paid for sex and unknowingly had sex with a 17-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the fallout, U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit, shared an article from The Guardian on the Gaetz report, stating his support for decriminalizing sex work. He believes that decriminalizing and regulating sex work would cut down on human trafficking and the exploitation of minors. We should decriminalize sex work to maximize sex workers legal protection and their ability to exercise other rights, including unionization, justice and health care, Thanedar said. Thanedar told The Detroit News that he was looking into this issue and will speak with other members to see if there is willingness for reform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Sex work is only legal in Nevada, which is allowed to run a limited number of brothels, but soliciting sex and prostitution is still illegal. The concept of decriminalizing sex work has become more of a talking point in progressive circles in recent years, primarily for protecting sex workers and for challenging the stigma attached to it. Last year, Maine became the first state to decriminalize selling sex. Soliciting sex remains illegal. Hawaii law differentiates buyers and sellers, but both are still illegal. 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. This story has been updated with statements from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Ford Motor Co. Public officials from Michigan joined national leaders with an outpouring of fond memories and words to honor Jimmy Carter, the longest-living president in United States history and Nobel Peace Prize winner, who died Sunday. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, released a statement remembering Carter for his legacy of "tireless work, selflessness, and service to his nation and neighbors." Dingell said Carter's environmental advocacy is still important and relevant, while also celebrating his work to expand Habitat for Humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Carter cared about humanity and believed so deeply in the importance of public service and giving back, and I hope we all continue to learn from the example he set, Dingell said. Similarly, Democratic U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who will soon represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, lauded Carter's legacy. "President Carter was a shining example of a principled, compassionate leader. Through an extraordinary life that began over a century ago in a small town in Georgia, he gave decades of service to his country as a Navy officer, governor, president and humanitarian," Slotkin wrote. "That legacy of humility and commitment makes President Carter maybe the most successful former president in our nations history. May his memory be a blessing," the statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Obituary: Jimmy Carter, 39th US president and noted humanitarian, has died Carter's impact in Michigan: A look back at Jimmy Carter's legacy in Michigan U.S. House Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit, posted on X soon after news of Carter's death, calling the news "devastating." "Thank you for a lifetime of service, Mr. President," Thandear wrote. "May his memory forever be a blessing." Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in a joint statement with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, said Carter's legacy is an important one. After serving as the most powerful person on the planet, (Carter) dedicated decades of his life to helping those around the world who had the least," Whitmer said, adding, President Carter lived an impressive life, driven by fundamental core values that so many of us share: faith, patriotism, and love. My thoughts are with his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gilchrist wrote that Carter exemplified the best qualities of an American leader. As a state legislator, governor, president, statesman, and Nobel Peace Prize winner, he understood the unique mission and meaning of public service: helping his fellow citizens live their best lives and reach their full potential," Gilchrist wrote. Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who is soon to conclude her decades-long political service, also took to X to remember the former president. "America and the world have lost a truly incredible leader. Thank you President Carter for showing all of us what it means to lead with your values both in and out of public service," Stabenow wrote. "You showed us what 'faith and works' really mean." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a statement said: We should all cherish the example he left us, of a lifetime of model citizenship and decades of selfless service to his fellow Americans. "Among his lifetime of accomplishments, President Carter will surely be remembered for his service to our nation, his pioneering civil rights activism, his staunch commitment to environmental policy, and his extensive post-presidency humanitarian work. His legacy will honor our country for generations to come. Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama remembered the Carters with a similar fondness, celebrating a Christian "decency" that many seemed to appreciate about Carter. "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," the Obamas' statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter's life in (and after) politics, was largely defined by efforts to pursue human rights. For these efforts, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter is the only former U.S. president to hold that honor. And to the Obamas, these post-presidency efforts make for "the longest, and most impactful, post-presidency in American history." President-elect Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform to remember Carter as well. "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 wrote. "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." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden also commended Carter for his time in and out of office calling Carter a "dear friend." "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 wrote. "He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe." The Bidens also remembered Rosalynn Carter, Jimmy Carter's wife who died just over a year ago, at age 96. "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, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts," they wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford Motor Co. released a statement, calling Carter "a leader of vision and compassion. "As president, he championed lasting measures that made motor vehicles safer and more efficient. He also took farsighted action to rescue the Chrysler Corp. After his presidency, he led an extraordinary life of service to others and was a tireless champion for peace and human rights. News reporter Liam Rappleye can be reached at LRappleye@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan officials recall Jimmy Carter's work as a humanitarian Michigan Reconnect, the program that allows Michiganders to attend community college for free, is approaching its deadline for application. The scholarship program allows Michigan residents to earn a tuition-free degree or skills certificate at their in-district community college. Students who enroll in out-of-district community colleges receive a tuition discount. The deadline to apply is Dec. 31. To be eligible for the largest effort in state history to educate Michiganders, a person must: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be at least 21 years old when you apply Have lived in Michigan for a year or more Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency (GED), or certificate of completion Have not yet completed a college degree (associate's or bachelor's) All public community colleges, including tribal colleges, in Michigan qualify. The program allows Michiganders to enroll in any Pell-eligible skill certificate or associate degree program. When is the deadline? Michiganders must submit the Michigan Reconnect application by Dec. 31, 2024, to qualify. They must enroll in a community college by summer 2025. The numbers across the state As of Dec. 30, here are the top five counties where Michiganders have applied to the Reconnect program: Wayne County: 42,261 Oakland County: 19,784 Macomb County: 17,304 Kent County: 12,432 Genesee County: 10,945 In spring 2024, there were 22,325 people enrolled in college who were a part of the Reconnect program. So far, 5,595 reconnectors have earned a degree or certificate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can view the status of your scholarship application or any other state scholarship youve applied for using the MiSSG Student Portal. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Reconnect scholarship deadline is Dec. 31. What to know A Farmington Hills-based chain known for its sliders and hand-breaded chicken finger sandwiches is adding a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, burger chain to its portfolio of restaurants. Savvy Sliders announced it is acquiring 85 BurgerFi restaurants across 15 states that will continue to operate as BurgerFi, according to a news release. BurgerFi is being acquired by Michiagn based Savvy Sliders. A Sunday evening Facebook post officially announced the acquisition, calling BurgerFi a premium QSR brand serving delicious all-natural burgers, fresh fries, and more. Michigans only BurgerFi location, according to burgerfi.com, is in Northville Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BurgerFi joins the Savvy Sliders group of restaurants now numbering more than 200 stores, including Happys Pizza, with 60 locations in Michigan and Ohio, and Fat Boys Pizza, with nine locations in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. According to a news release, Happy Asker, CEO and founder of Savvy Sliders, said BurgerFi shares its same commitment to using quality ingredients and customers' dining experience. We are pleased to add their award-winning chain to our family of restaurants and look forward to working with the wonderful franchisees and great team at BurgerFi, Asker said in a news release. We are excited about the infrastructure we have in place to run all our great growing brands and will continue to build and serve on the great quality of the Never Ever Program that BurgerFi customers know and love. Chef-founded in 2011, BurgerFis Never Ever Program is its restaurant's commitment to serving all-natural, steroid, antibiotic and hormone-free 100% American Angus beef. BurgerFi's menu includes wagyu beef burgers, antibiotic-free chicken, fries, all-natural hot dogs and custard shakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savvy intends to have BurgerFi as a sister company, to follow in their core beliefs of offering extremely high-quality, friendly service and efficiency in our restaurants," Asker said in an email to the Free Press. Asker added that this acquisition will increase its beef purchasing power for both brands. Savvy Sliders is acquiring BurgerFi locations in severeal states. "Savvy Sliders will be able to provide USDA prime beef at a very affordable price for our consumer, which will result in our 2025 menu," he said. BurgerFi landed at No. 3 on USA Today's 10 Best Fast Casual Restaurants list. In September, BurgerFi, which also acquired Anthonys Coal Fired Pizza & Wings in 2021, filed for bankruptcy protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savvy Sliders began in 2018 with its first location in Commerce Township. Since then, the fast-growing chain now has 52 locations, including those throughout Michigan and in Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas. Savvy sliders mneu also includes chicken tenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Savvy Sliders makes its beef sliders to order, the chain says, using fresh, never frozen Angus beef. In 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Asker was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison after he was convicted of filing false income tax returns and payroll tax returns for several of the Happys Pizza franchises. Contact Detroit Free Press food and restaurant writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news and tips to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter. Subscribe to the Free Press. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan's Savvy Sliders acquires Florida-based BurgerFi chain ISTANBUL, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Monday detained 16 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) in Turkiye's western port city of Izmir. Based on detention warrants issued by the Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office Terror Crimes Investigation Bureau, police teams conducted simultaneous raids at the suspects' addresses, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The warrants targeted 15 Syrian nationals allegedly involved in conflict zones on behalf of the IS, and two other individuals for spreading "terrorist propaganda" on social media, whose nationalities were not disclosed, it reported. Efforts are ongoing to capture the remaining suspect, it added. Turkiye designated IS a terrorist organization in 2013 and has been targeted by the group in several attacks. Ankara has conducted counter-terrorism operations both domestically and abroad in response. Israels military said it intercepted a missile fired toward the country by Yemens Houthi rebels, setting off sirens late Monday in central areas including Tel Aviv. The Houthis have been firing drones and missiles at Israel, as well as attacking shipping in the Red Sea corridor attacks they say wont stop until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 45,500 people, over half of them women and children, according to the territorys Health Ministry. Its count does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. The Health Ministry said Monday that Israeli airstrikes and bombardments had killed at least 27 people over the past day alone. Israel says its forces only target militants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Syria, Ukraine is pledging support for the new government that ousted Bashar Assad, who had been a key Russian ally in the Mideast. The Ukrainian foreign minister met with Syrias de facto leader on Monday during a visit to Damascus. Heres the latest: UN gives updates on humanitarian situation in Gaza UNITED NATIONS The United Nations humanitarian agency said Monday that Israel allowed a U.N. and Palestinian Red Crescent team to deliver medical supplies, food and water to critical patients in northern Gaza a day earlier. The patients had been forced by Israeli soldiers to leave Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza and had been taken to the Indonesian Hospital, which is not functioning, the U.N. said. Some of those patients were later detained by Israeli soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ten patients were evacuated from the (Indonesian) hospital, four of whom were arrested by Israeli forces at the checkpoint leaving the area, the U.N. humanitarian office known as OCHA said. Seven patients along with 15 caregivers and health workers remain at the facility, which is severely damaged and has no ability to provide medical care, it said. The U.N. humanitarian office is warning that the Israeli onslaught on health care and humanitarian access in Gaza, combined with relentless strikes that kill and wound civilians daily, is dismantling the means for Palestinians to survive. OCHA stressed that humanitarian access to Gaza remains hindered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the past three days, over 60% of the 42 U.N.-coordinated movements were denied, interfered with or impeded on the ground across all of Gaza, it said. Israeli military says it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen TEL AVIV, Israel Israels military said it intercepted a missile fired toward the country by Yemens Houthi rebels, setting off sirens late Monday in central Israel including Tel Aviv. There were no reports of injuries from Magen David Adom, Israels rescue service. The Houthis have been firing drones and missiles at Israel as well as attacking shipping in the Red Sea corridor attacks they say wont stop until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has carried two waves of intense strikes in recent weeks in Yemen in response to the missile attacks. The latest launch raises the likelihood of further Israeli retaliation. At a U.N. Security Council meeting on Monday, Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon vowed his country will respond decisively to Houthi attacks. Wounded Palestinians describe harsh treatment by Israeli soldiers who expelled them from a hospital GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Wounded Palestinians who Israeli soldiers expelled from a northern Gaza hospital over the weekend described harrowing conditions where they were forced to strip down to their underwear in cold winter weather for hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They surrounded the hospital at 4 a.m. and burned all the buildings around the hospital, said Wissam Warsh, a 45-year-old father of five who spent almost a week at Kamal Adwan Hospital receiving treatment. He said soldiers made the hospital director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, bring all the patients outside before detaining him. They told him over the loudspeaker that he had 10 minutes to evacuate them, and they began firing shells around the hospital as a pressure tactic, Warsh said. He and other patients were recuperating at Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where he spoke to The Associated Press from a hospital bed on Sunday. Israels military says its troops entered the hospital because Hamas militants were using it as a base, and said over 240 militants were detained, including Abu Safiya. Hospital officials have denied those claims. Other patients said the Israeli army refused to provide them with food or water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most difficult thing was that we were in the cold and winter and we could not find clothes, in addition to the moments of insults. All the moments were difficult, said Ramadan al-Aswad, who was a patient at the hospital. Staff at Kamal Adwan Hospital say it has been hit multiple times over the past three months as Israeli forces wage an offensive against Hamas fighters, who the army says have regrouped in northern Gaza. Israel has virtually sealed off the areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya from food or medical aid. Syrias new rulers crack down on alleged Assad loyalist militias ADRA, Syria Syrias new government said it deployed dozens of soldiers in the Damascus suburb of Adra on Monday in search of alleged militiamen loyal to ousted President Bashar Assad, with military police vehicles seen transporting detainees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A security campaign was carried out in Adra town which led to the arrest of the militia leaders in the area, said Abu Yaarub, a security official who did not give his full name in accordance with regulations. He added that five top militiamen were detained. Clashes erupted last week in several cities across Syria between Assad supporters and the new government, which is led by Islamist rebels. Since Assads fall, dozens of Syrians have been killed in acts of revenge, according to activists and monitors, the vast majority of them from the minority Alawite community, an offshoot of Shiite Islam to which Assad belongs. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Leo Correa and Ghaith AlSayed. Gaza hospital director's family pleads for his release JERUSALEM The family of a hospital director in northern Gaza is pleading with the international community and the Israeli military for his release, after soldiers detained Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya over the weekend. Abu Safiya's family says he's being denied medical care and kept in the freezing cold in Sde Teiman, an Israeli detention center that been sharply criticized for its inhuman conditions. Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said Abu Safiya is currently being questioned regarding his potential involvement in terrorist activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, Israeli soldiers expelled staff and patients from Kamal Adwan Hospital, where it detained 240 people who it said were militants and took them for interrogation in Israel. The military said some militants attempted to pose as patients and hid in ambulances, without providing evidence. Israel alleged that Hamas had been using the facility, which hospital officials have denied. Israels latest military offensive in northern Gaza has largely isolated the area, with little medical or other aid allowed to reach hospitals there. On Monday, the International Committee of the Red Cross said Israeli operations have obliterated the health care system in northern Gaza, noting that Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals are now completely inoperable. Ukraines foreign chief pledges support for a new Syria on a trip to Damascus DAMASCUS, Syria Ukraines foreign minister met with Syrias de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus on Monday, days after Kyiv announced the delivery of a large shipment of wheat flour to the country following the ouster of Bashar Assad, Russia's ally. Syria is gradually shifting away from Iran and Russia and rekindling ties with Western and Gulf Arab nations that had opposed Assads rule, as well as Turkey, which backed opposition forces during the civil war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine will send 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria through the U.N. World Food Program to help improve the countrys food security and economic crisis. About 90% of Syrians live in poverty, while over half dont know where their next meal will come from, according to the U.N. "The Ukrainian delegation held important talks with the Syrian administration, leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa and ministers. We support the Syrian people in overcoming decades of dictatorial rule and restoring stability, security, and normal life in Syria, Zelenskyy wrote on X. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he hopes that a new Syria would become a country that respects international law." He said Ukraine is ready to share its experience in gathering evidence and conducting investigations to hold war criminals accountable. "The Russian and Assad regimes supported each other because their foundation is violence and torture, he said. Syria appoints first female interim Central Bank governor BEIRUT Syria on Monday appointed its first female interim Central Bank governor, as the country navigates through recovering its battered economy after the downfall of the Assad dynastys rule. Maysaa Sabreen is the second woman appointed in a leadership role under Ahmad al-Sharaa and his Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led Assad's ouster in an offensive in early December. Sabreen had served as the Central Bank's first deputy governor. She inherits a dire financial crisis following a decade of civil war, mismanagement and sanctions, which has led to the Syrian pound drastically losing its value against the U.S. dollar. The United Nations estimates that some 90% of Syrians live in poverty. Turkey ready to export electricity to Syria and Lebanon ANKARA, Turkey Turkey is prepared to export electricity to Syria and Lebanon to assist them in addressing power shortages, Turkeys energy minister said, adding that a Turkish delegation was already in Damascus to evaluate Syrias energy infrastructure. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also said Monday that the Turkish delegation included experts who would be assessing how Syrias oil and natural gas could be used to improve the economy. We can see the picture a little more clearly after seeing the situation of the transmission network, the state-run Anadolu Agency quoted Bayraktar as saying. He said Syria's electricity capacity had dropped significantly due to the civil war. The vast majority of the people meet their electricity needs through generators, he said. There is a serious need for electricity. Turkey has backed insurgents who ousted President Bashar Assad and has expressed readiness to support the new administration. Rebel forces in Syria are building a transitional government after toppling the regime of President Bashar Assad in a lightning-quick advance across the country. The Israel Defense Forces continues its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza, particularly in the north of the strip around several Palestinian hospitals. Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks. Latest Developments Dec 31, 4:28 AM Israel intercepts missile from Yemen, threatens Houthi leaders A missile launched from Yemen was intercepted by Israeli air forces, the Israel Defense Forces said in a Monday night statement, amid continued Israeli and Houthi long-range attacks. PHOTO: Israeli security forces remove a fragment of a Houthi ballistic missile launched from Yemen at Israel that crashed in the central Israeli town of Bet Shemesh, near Jerusalem, on Dec. 31, 2024. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images) Sirens sounded "due to the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception," the IDF said. The latest missile launch came shortly after Danny Danon -- Israel's ambassador to the United Nations -- said Israelis "have had enough" of attacks from the Houthis in Yemen, ongoing since October 2023 in protest of Israel's war in Gaza. "Israel will not stand by waiting for the world to act," Danon said. Addressing the Houthi leadership, he added, "Let me remind you what happened to Hamas, to Hezbollah, to [former Syrian President Bashar] Assad and to all those who thought to destroy us." "This is not a threat, it is a promise," Danon said. "You will share the same miserable fate." -ABC News' Will Gretsky, Dana Savir and Ellie Kaufman Dec 30, 6:27 AM Ukraine foreign minister meets Syrian leader in Damascus Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Monday met with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa -- also known by nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Jolani. PHOTO: Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) receives Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Damascus, Syria, on Dec. 30, 2024. (Bakr Alkasem/AFP via Getty Images) Sybiha became the latest foreign representative to meet with Sharaa in Damascus, where the latter's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces and their allies are establishing a transitional government having toppled former President Bashar Assad. Sybiha wrote on X that he "personally conveyed the message" of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "We are with you and ready to assist in restoring normal life, stability and food security," Sybiha said. "We rely on the new Syria respecting international law, including Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added. "This will pave the way to fully restoring our diplomatic ties, political dialogue and diplomatic presence. We are ready to develop cooperation in a number of areas." The visit came days after Zelenskyy announced Kyiv's dispatch of 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria as part of the "Grain from Ukraine" humanitarian program in cooperation with the World Food Program. Dec 30, 4:24 AM Gaza hospitals become battlegrounds, WHO chief says World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said early Monday that Gaza's beleaguered hospitals "have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat." PHOTO: Ambulances transport wounded Palestinians from the Kamal Adwan Hospital to the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City, on Dec. 28, 2024. (Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images) Ghebreyesus said the Kamal Adwan Hospital in the north Gaza town of Beit Lahia "is out of service," following an Israeli raid which itself came after several weeks of encirclement and bombardment. Israeli forces raided the compound on Friday, forcibly evacuating all remaining patients and staff. The Israel Defense Forces said it detained 240 alleged militants, among them hospital director Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya. The IDF said the hospital was a "command center" for Hamas "military operations" in the surrounding area. Ghebreyesus said Safiya's "whereabouts are unknown. We call for his immediate release." Kamal Adwan patients were transferred to the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, both of which have also reported repeated Israeli attacks. The latter "is itself out of function," Ghebreyesus said. "Seven patients along with 15 caregivers and health workers remain at the severely damaged Indonesian Hospital, which has no ability to provide care," he added. Four patients were detained by the IDF during their transfer out of Kamal Adwan Hospital, the WHO chief said. Two other facilities -- the Al-Ahli Hospital and Al-Wafa Rehabilitation Hospital in Gaza City -- were also attacked and sustained damage on Monday, Ghebreyesus said. "We repeat: stop attacks on hospitals," he wrote. "People in Gaza need access to health care. Humanitarians need access to provide health aid. Ceasefire!" Dec 30, 4:24 AM Family of Gaza hospital director asks international community to help find him The family of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Gaza Strip, is pleading with the international community to help learn his whereabouts, alleging he was detained by Israeli forces during a recent raid on the medical facility. The family posted a message on Abu Safiya's official Instagram page, on which the doctor had been posting updates about the hospital's functioning, pleading, "We do not know the fate of our father." "We appeal to every compassionate individual and all international organizations and institutions to take action," said the family, asking the international community to apply media pressure and make appeals to "help us push for his swift release from captivity." The message said Abu Safiya is still recovering from injuries he suffered a month ago while working at the hospital. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement released on Saturday that Abu Safiya is suspected of being a Hamas terrorist and is being held in Gaza. Abu Safiya had not been arrested in previous IDF raids of the hospital. -ABC News' Camilla Alcini and Nadine Shubailat Dec 30, 4:24 AM IDF issues statement on Kamal Adwan Hospital raid The IDF released a statement outlining their operations in and around Kamal Adwan Hospital in the last few days. The Israel Defense Forces said the hospital was a "command center" for Hamas "military operations in Jabaliya," although the statement and attached media do not provide corroborating evidence of this. The statement says the IDF faced heavy fighting in areas near the hospital, and says the IDF detained 240 terrorists, including the director of the hospital, Dr Hossam Abu Safiya, whom it says is is "suspected of being a Hamas terrorist operative. PHOTO: WoWounded Palestinians evacuated from Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza, after Israeli forces raided the medical facility, arrive at Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, Dec. 28, 2024. (Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abu Safiya was one of the only male staff members at the hospital not detained during the IDF's raid of the hospital in October, and he would have helped coordinate numerous resupply and patient evacuations with Israel over the last several months. Kamal Adwan is the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza and is operating at a limited capacity due to a lack of medical supplies and the repeated attacks on the hospital. -ABC News Victoria Beaule Despite direct orders from President-elect Donald Trump, some House Republicans appear to be teeing up to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump voiced his support for Johnson Monday, just two weeks after the speaker went toe-to-toe with several House Republicans outraged that he had offered a lengthy bipartisan bill to fund the government. And despite Trumps endorsement, not every Republican is following his lead. Representative Andy Biggs was the latest to signal a reticence to follow the president-elects marching orders. During an interview on Fox News Monday, the Arizona Republican said that he wasnt in the bag for Johnson, yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I havent publicly or privately committed yet, said Biggs. I do want to speak with the speaker just to see what his plans are, because there are some issues that I think need to be worked out, specifically dealing with the budget issues. Representative Thomas Massie doubled down on his opposition to Johnson in a post on X Monday, reckoning back to another unpopular House speaker Trump once championed. I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan, Massie wrote. Weve seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget. Beneath his statement undermining Trumps judgment, billionaire technocrat Elon Musk replied, You might be right, but lets see how it goes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie wasnt the only one to bring up Ryan. Representative Victoria Spartz demanded Monday that Johnson outline how he would follow Trumps agenda to the letter before she could deign to support him for speaker. I understand why President Trump is endorsing Speaker Johnson as he did Speaker Ryan, which is definitely important. However, we still need to get assurances that @SpeakerJohnson wont sell us out to the swamp, she wrote in a post on X Monday. Spartz sent Johnson a list of demands, including a request for unbiased non-swamp professionals to help her do her job. The two are expected to discuss the list at a meeting Monday. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Sunday and Monday will be the warmest day for many of us over the next several days. Stronger winds will pick up again on Monday. A Red Flag Warning and a Fire Weather Watch were issued on Monday for parts of eastern New Mexico. We will see winds gust between 35-60 mph with humidity percentages between 10-15%. Elevated to critical fire conditions will be present. Forecast Continues Below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Temperatures are expected to rebound once again, heading through the end of the week. 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A teenager died two days after being shot in Milwaukee. Milwaukee Police Department said a 14-year-old victim of a Saturday shooting died at the hospital on Monday. The shooting happened at about 9:14 p.m. on the 3300 block of North 21st Street, police said in an initial news release. On Monday, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office identified Bryan Triplett as the victim. The Journal Sentinel could not immediately reach the teenager's family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, authorities said the teenager was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Police took an 18-year-old into custody and were investigating the circumstances of the shooting, according to the news release. Police said charges are pending review by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. The Saturday shooting was part of a number of shootings in Milwaukee to close the year. Among those was a double homicide of two teenagers on Christmas Day and a 6-year-old child shot that morning. This year, there have been 131 homicides in Milwaukee, according to police data. That's down 23% from 2023 and 38% from 2022. David Clarey can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee teenager dies two days after being shot Former president Jimmy Carter has died at the age 100, marking the end of a post-White House career that came to define the role of the modern ex-president. Though he was famously a Georgia peanut farmer, and the first president to be elected from the Deep South since the Civil War, Carter's connection to Minnesota was undeniable. Not only was his vice president, Walter Mondale, a lifelong Minnesotan, but the solidly blue Land of 10,000 lakes was also one of the few states Carter won in his failed 1980 re-election bid against Ronald Reagan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota political leaders of both parties paid tribute to the 39th president after his death Sunday: President Carter defined what it means to be a servant leader. He fought for our democracy, our climate, humanity, and civil rights around the world. We can find peace today knowing that he is reunited with the love his life, Rosalynn. Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) December 29, 2024 "President Carter earned a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans when he invited Senator Walter Mondale to join his presidential ticket," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar. "On the wall in the Carter Museum in Atlanta are Vice President Mondales words uttered shortly after their 1980 defeat, summing up their four years in office: We told the truth. We obeyed the law. We kept the peace. In the years following his presidency, President Carter showed the world that public service transcends public office. He founded the Carter Center, which to this day is advancing peace, public health, and human rights across the globe," Klobuchar noted. Jimmy Carter personified moral leadership for our country & the world. I was blessed to meet him several times. My favorite moment (when this pic was taken), he had just finished an energetic conversation w/ Archie about the virtues of fly fishing. May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/YriPM8z8Du Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) December 29, 2024 Jacquie and I join the rest of the country in honoring the life and legacy of our 39th President, Jimmy Carter. We are grateful for his decades of service from his time in the military to public office and beyond and pray for peace and comfort for the Carter family during Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) December 29, 2024 I am saddened to hear of the passing of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100. There is no denying that he was a compassionate man who dedicated his life to serving others. My heart goes out to his family. Pete Stauber (@RepPeteStauber) December 29, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saddened to hear that President Jimmy Carter has passed. His commitment to serving the United States and his work for humanitarian causes will always be remembered. My heart and prayers go out to his family at this time. Congressman Brad Finstad (@RepFinstad) December 29, 2024 A remarkable man who brought honor, integrity, kindness, and compassion to the Oval Office. Rest in peace President Carterhttps://t.co/UEXKsrfoZ1 Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) December 29, 2024 Known for spending decades after his presidential term building houses for the poor through Habitat for Humanity as well as numerous other humanitarian efforts, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his "untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." A high point of his presidency was brokering the Camp David Accords, which brought about a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel that has lasted since the accords were signed in 1979. Carter was the first president to be born in a hospital. Having died at the age of 100, he is also America's longest-lived president. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) An investigation is ongoing after a man was carjacked at gunpoint outside an apartment complex on Monday morning, according to the Mobile Police Department. Damage reported in News 5 viewing area after tornado warning (photos) The department said in a news release that officers responded to 379 Azalea Road around midnight on Dec. 30 for a reported carjacking. Police said they arrived and found that a male victim had been carjacked at gunpoint outside of the Crossings at Pinebrook apartments. INCIDENT LOCATION: Officers discovered the victim was sitting in his vehicle at a nearby apartment complex when a male subject forced him out of the vehicle at gunpoint, the MPD release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One airlifted after gas station fight in Loxley There were no injuries reported in the carjacking. MPD said this is an ongoing investigation. 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 WKRG News 5. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) Merely a week after Greensboro Police Department was struck by tragedy, they mark the anniversary of another one. Monday, Dec. 30, is the first anniversary of the shooting death of Sergeant Philip Dale Nix, who was killed after confronting suspected thieves at the Sheetz on Sandy Ridge Road in 2023, where a memorial plaque now sits. Coffee cup marks Sgt. Dale Nixs regular spot at the Sheetz where he was fatally shot one year ago (WGHP/Sarah Winkelmann) Nix, who was off-duty at the time, reportedly approached Jamere Justice Foster and the other suspects after they allegedly stole around $85 worth of beer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say that Foster shot him, and they fled the scene. Another off-duty Greensboro police officer and a Guilford County paramedic were able to render aid immediately, but the sergeant died at the hospital. Carolina Hurricanes honor Greensboro officer Michael Horan Foster was charged with felony first-degree murder, misdemeanor larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny the day after the shooting. John Walter Morrison, 28, of Winston-Salem, was initially charged with misdemeanor larceny, conspiracy and felony accessory after the fact to first-degree murder, according to police. Zquriah Lepearce Blackwell, 18, of Winston-Salem, was charged with felony accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Warrants accuse Blackwell of knowingly assisting in Fosters attempting to escape, and telling Foster they needed to get out of there because he just killed a cop. Documents further allege that Blackwell joined Foster to sell stolen merchandise and talked about destroying evidence including the alleged firearm used in the homicide and a registration plate of the suspect vehicle. Jamere Justice Foster, then 18, of Winston-Salem John Walter Morrison, then 28, of Winston-Salem Zquriah Lepearce Blackwell, then 18, of Winston-Salem Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morrison and Foster were given no bond, and Blackwell was given a $500,000 bond at the time of their arrests. Foster has remained in custody, and, in mid-July, he was additionally charged with with assault inflicting serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor conspiracy. Documents state that he assaulted another man in jail with a sock full of batteries. Triad coffee company honors memory of Sgt. Dale Nix In September, all three suspects went in front of a grand jury. Foster was indicted for first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury, robbery with a dangerous weapon and possession and intent to sell cocaine. Morrison was indicted on charges of first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon, and Blackwell faces a charge of accessory after the fact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jurors for the State upon their oath present that on or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant named above unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did of malice aforethought kill and murder Phillip Dale Nix, the indictments for both Foster and Morrison read. Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson said the department and the community are one big family and are all mourning together. He knew Monday would be a difficult day, but back-to-back losses made it so much more challenging. It is not something that goes away quickly, Thompson said. He had such a large presence and such passion for supporting victims of domestic violence and vulnerable members of our community, said Catherine Johnson, the executive director at the Family Justice Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nix is remembered as an advocate, a police officer, a leader, a mentor and an inspiration. He had a fire in his heart to do what was right. When Sgt. Nix was murdered, I thought our light upstairs was going to be snuffed out, but it wasnt A spark turned into a flame that we are burning to help people and do the right thing, Johnson said. The fight to keep the flame of Nix alive continues each day at the FJC and across the street at the Greensboro Police Department. Sgt. Nix really grew over his career to understand the role of compassion and how to connect with victims, how to help them in the process, but he was still a cop, and he still wanted to make sure that those who did harm were held accountable, Thompson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nix left behind shoes that are incredibly difficult to fill. I dont know that we have one person that can fill those shoes here, and we have had to lean on multiple people to really do the work that he did in the community and his role. Its been challenging, Thompson said. Its a challenge that the FJC, the police department and the community tackle together side by side. Dale never did anything alone. He would expect that we would stay aligned and connected to do what is needed to get done, Johnson said. Officer Michael Horan Just a week before the Greensboro Police Department was set to remember the loss of Nix, Officer Michael Horan was shot and killed at the Food Lion on Lawndale Drive after responding to the store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple agencies escort Officer Michael Horans body back to Greensboro Police say that Tarell Isaac McMillian, who was reportedly working as an InstaCart driver at the time, shot and killed Horan and fled the scene around 11 a.m. on Dec. 23. He was taken into custody around 1 p.m. that day at the Duplin County/Sampson County line. He was charged with first-degree murder and various traffic charges after a chase through multiple counties. 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. A majestic moose was seen braving a snowstorm in Grand Teton National Park, western Wyoming, footage shared on social media on Saturday, December 28, showed. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that up to 19 inches of snow fell in the Teton Mountains during the winter storm from Thursday through Friday. More snow was expected to fall across western Wyoming through Monday, according to the NWS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage from Tyler Cantrell shows a moose braving the snow in Grand Teton National Park, which he described as a winter wonderland. 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. Almost $8bn (6.4bn) has been wiped off the value of Boeing as the embattled plane maker faces an investigation into the deadliest air disaster in South Korean history. The companys shares plunged by as much as 6pc after authorities launched an investigation of all of the Boeing 737-800s the model involved in the Jeju Air crash operated by South Koreas domestic carriers. It knocked $7.9bn off the US giants value, which previously stood at $135bn, and caps off a torrid year for the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The losses pared later on Monday but still left Boeing nursing a multi-billion dollar hit as Wall Street digested the news. All 175 passengers and four of the six crew aboard a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 were killed in the crash on Sunday. The aircraft landed on its belly before skidding along the runway and crashing into a wall at Muan International Airport. Beforehand, the pilots had warned air traffic control that the aircraft had suffered a bird strike and issued a mayday warning. They are thought to have abandoned a first landing attempt before coming in for a second try. However, experts have raised several questions about the disaster, including why the plane appeared to be travelling so fast and why its landing gear did not appear to be lowered as it hit the tarmac. Investigators are examining the possible impact of bird strikes, whether the aircrafts control systems were disabled, and the apparent rush by the pilots to attempt a landing soon after declaring an emergency as possible factors in the crash, authorities said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, said his countrys transport ministry would conduct an emergency safety inspection of the entire aircraft operation system to prevent recurrence of aircraft accidents. Boeing has said it is in contact with Jeju Air and ready to support the airline. The jets flight data recorder was recovered but appeared to have sustained some damage and it was not yet clear whether it could be properly analysed, officials said. Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead the civil investigation into the crash. It will also involve the US National Transportation Safety Board, since the plane was designed and built by Boeing in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boeing 737-800 jet involved in the crash is an aviation industry workhorse that is widely seen as one of the most reliable aircraft in the market, with more than 4,000 in service globally. It predates Boeings troubled 737 Max jets, a later iteration, which were involved in crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia that were just five months apart. The 737 Maxs safety was further called into question when a door plug blew off an Alaska Airlines jet at 16,000 feet, triggering a corporate crisis at Boeing that forced the departure of chief executive Dave Calhoun. Jeju Airlines 787-800 jet was 15 years old and was brought into service by the airline in 2017, having previously been operated by low-cost carrier Ryanair from 2009. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was configured to seat as many as 189 passengers. The plane had seen regular maintenance and there were no signs of malfunction before Sundays incident, Jeju Air has said. According to the Aviation Safety Network, the death toll exceeds an Air China plane crash near Busan in 2002 that killed 129 people making it South Koreas deadliest aviation accident. 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. BANGKOK, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and seven others injured as a fire broke out at a hotel in the Thai capital Bangkok, the local fire department said on Monday. The fire broke out at a six-story hotel near Bangkok's popular backpacker area of Khao San Road, at about 9:21 p.m. local time (1421 GMT) on Sunday. The fire started from a room on the fifth floor, resulting in the immediate death of a foreign woman. Two foreign men later died from their injuries at hospitals. Among the seven injured, there were two Thai men and five foreigners, as reported by the local fire department. The hotel has been ordered to close for a security inspection, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. HIGH RIDGE, Mo. (KTVI) A Christmas Eve hangout turned deadly when a High Ridge, Missouri, father allegedly pulled a gun on his son and his sons pregnant fiancee. Kathy Ward has been forced to face the reality no mother should have to go through: her sons father is now facing charges in the death of his own son. More US and World News According to investigators, 61-year-old Harold E. Luster fatally shot his son, Kevin Ward, Tuesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kathy spoke to Nexstars KTVI about the incident, saying, He took an innocent boys life. A 26-year-old that was going to be a father. He took his life over something selfish. According to charging documents, Luster had argued with another family member earlier in the day and was worked up. Investigators explained Luster believed Wards mother was cheating on him and accused Wards fiancee of helping cover it up. Wards mom told police Luster called her before the shooting, threatening to kill Kevins fiancee. The shooting allegedly happened after Luster gave Kevin a chilling choice: take the bullet himself or let his pregnant fiancee be the target, Kathy said. If I could have (Kevin) here now and I could get one last talk to him, Id tell him thank you. He saved that baby that night. He was so happy to be a first-time father, but hell never get that chance, Kathy told KTVI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luster is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the death of his son. He is currently jailed in Jefferson County without bond. Kathy added that she is channeling her grief into being a voice for her son. Im fighting, fighting, fighting every single day. I will be at every hearing to make sure justice is served, she said. Hes going to be forever in our hearts; we will never forget he died a hero that night. His innocent life was taken for no reason at all; its unjustifiable. A GoFundMe has been started for Kevins surviving fiancee and their expected child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 PIX11. Mourners honored former President Jimmy Carter's humble roots while paying their respects after his death at age 100 on Sunday, Dec. 29. Photographers captured a makeshift tribute to the 39th president of the United States outside of the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in the hours after Carter's death was announced. Among the traditional flower bouquets, well wishers also placed peanut containers, peanut butter and peaches around the Carter Center sign, NPR's Stephen Fowler reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the evening, a chalkboard sign reading "We love you President Carter" was also added, as seen in a Getty image. Related: U.S. Flags Will Fly at Half-Staff for Jimmy Carter During Donald Trumps Inauguration The peaches, are, of course, a nod to Georgia's most iconic export. The peanuts and peanut butter honor Carter's personal and family history. Diana Walker/Getty Jimmy Carter in 1980 Jimmy Carter in 1980 Carter was born into a family of primarily peanut farmers. Much of his youth was spent working on the Plains peanut farm that his family had cultivated, and Carter used the money he earned to jumpstart his career. Later, he oversaw the farm, himself, after it had fallen on hard times before Carter's father's death, according to the Miller Center of Public Affairs. It was not smooth sailing in fact, it took him many years to turn a decent net profit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: All About Jimmy Carters Humble Life Before Politics, Which Set the Stage for His Decades of Public Service Carter, of course, attended the Naval Academy and worked as an engineer before moving into politics, eventually becoming Georgia's governor before his one term as commander in chief. He was the longest-lived president in United States history a title he held since March of 2019, and a record he broke with each birthday thereafter. Carter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died in Nov. 2023, at 96. Alongside Rosalynn, the former president founded the Carter Center in 1982 as a humanitarian, nongovernmental and nonprofit organization. Read the original article on People Former Illinois Representative Joe Walsh left an MSNBC panel in fits of laughter after suggesting that he could see Donald Trump and the Republican Party getting behind Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker. The lower chamber will convene to select its new leader on Friday and, with the GOP holding a slim 219 to 215 majority, embattled Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford one party defection to keep the job. Joining several Republicans voicing opposition to Johnson after Congress passed a bill cementing the extension of the debt ceiling earlier this month, Walsh threw his weight behind former Speaker McCarthy to return to the role after he was ousted by the hard-right in October last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opening the segment on Sundays episode of The Weekend, co-host Symone Sanders claimed that Johnsons prospects of keeping the role are bleak. So hes got some real issues. But Michael puts the real question on the table. If not Mike Johnson, then who?, she said. Kevin McCarthy, Walsh chimed in without hesitation leaving the panel of five in silence before co-host Michael Steele placed his head in his hands, unable to contain his laughter. Former GOP congressman Joe Walsh left an MSNBC panel in stitches after suggesting that Kevin McCarthy could return as House Speaker (MSNBC/YouTube) Walsh suggested that the president-elect may also back McCarthys return to lead the House. 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, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Kevin McCarthy. I could see Donald Trump getting behind Kevin McCarthy. What a wonderful turn that would be. Im just saying! Political contributor April Ryan shared her disdain, retorting: How many votes were there to oust Kevin McCarthy? Do we want to go through that again? Walshs comments come amidst Republican infighting after Trump and Johnson failed to secure a spending bill in Congress earlier this month. The Senate voted to pass a stopgap funding bill on December 21 that didnt include a debt ceiling increase a key demand from the president-elect and of his key MAGA allies. Former Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, was attacked by Trump on Sunday over his 2023 debt extension deal (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) On Sunday, Trump said that the debt ceiling extension agreed by McCarthy and President Joe Biden in 2023 will go down as one of the dumbest political decisions made in years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extension of the Debt Ceiling by a previous Speaker of the House, a good man and a friend of mine ... will go down as one of the dumbest political decisions made in years, he wrote on Truth Social. The Democrats must be forced to take a vote on this treacherous issue NOW, during the Biden Administration, and not in June. They should be blamed for this potential disaster, not the Republicans! Despite the controversy, New York Representative Mike Lawler argued that Johnson should be reelected after inheriting a disaster. The fact is that 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, he said on Sunday on ABC Newss This Week. Two cold fronts are expected to hit Florida in the early days of 2025, after the new year arrives Wednesday with above-normal temperatures. Temperatures are forecast to be around freezing later this week in the Panhandle and North Florida, followed by temperatures dropping into the 20s next week for the same area. And then it will get really cold as a blast of cold air from the Arctic moves into Florida. How cold? Depending on several factors, temperatures could be around the freezing mark even in South Florida, according to Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather long-range meteorologist in a phone interview Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we have to look forward to in early January. Multiple cold fronts forecast to send Florida temps down in early 2025 Low temperatures forecast for Jan. 4, 2025. "Multiple shots of cold air will be coming into the eastern U.S. during the first two weeks of January," DaSilva said The first front is expected to arrive around Jan. 3-4, bringing some below-average temperatures across Florida. Temperatures around the state could be: Panhandle/North Florida: around freezing Central Florida: low to mid 40s South Florida: upper 40s to low 50s After that front, temperatures may "creep up a little bit for a day or so," especially in South Florida, DaSilva said. Then the next cold front is expected to arrive around Jan. 8. This front "could bring some pretty chilly weather," DaSilva said, predicting temperatures could be: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panhandle/North Florida: below freezing; some areas could drop into the upper 20s Central Florida: above freezing, with some areas in the upper 30s and low 40s South Florida: upper 40s into the low 50s Then it will get progressively colder. Arctic blast expected to hit Florida Jan. 11-12 Temperature forecast for Jan. 6-12, 2025. The timing of a blast of Arctic air reaching Florida could change, but current forecasts call for it to arrive around Jan. 11-12. "This looks to be the coldest one for Florida," DaSilva said. Freezing temperatures could even reach South Florida, depending on how far south the cold air can come down. Currently, the data "supports the idea we could see below-freezing temperatures into central and possibly into South Florida. Some areas in Florida could challenge record daily lows. "This is going to be an impactful event," with temperatures: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panhandle/North Florida: It's possible some aeras could see temperatures in the teens Central Florida: mid to upper 20s, even in Orlando South Florida: It's hard for Arctic air "to get all the way down there, but temperatures could be around the freezing mark. It would take a lot to get Miami around freezing but interior locations could potentially slip below freezing," DaSilva said. Several factors need to be in place for Arctic air to reach as far south as Central and South Florida: Winds have to come from just west of north to push cold air down the Florida peninsula. If too far to the west, they warm up over the Gulf of Mexico. Snow. If the Arctic air is moving over snow across the Midwest and north-central U.S. The Jan. 5-6 storm in the central U.S. will play a role in Florida's Arctic blast Jan. 11-12. If it brings snow, "that helps cold air to stay cold. More snow there will help determine how far south the cold will be in Florida," DaSilva said. Will it snow in Florida during coming cold fronts? "I would say its zero chance with the Jan 3-4 and 7-8 events," said Michael Doll, AccuWeather senior meteorologist. "If the blast is intense enough during the second week of January, then its possible some people in Florida can see some snow flakes," she added. Florida citrus groves could suffer during polar vortex There is potential for damage in Florida's northern citrus groves, DaSilva said. Even groves in the southern portions of the state could "flirt" with potential damage," which occurs when temperatures hit around 28 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm a little concerned more about the northern citrus groves from Orlando north, where temperatures could be in the upper or even mid 20s," DaSilva said. South of Lake Okeechobee could see temperatures around freezing. What comes up must come down: As Florida freezes, western US to be warm Cold temperatures are dipping well into the South Jan. 3-12, 2025. Cold air moving down from northern Canada from the Arctic and even Russia will be forced over the top of a large area of high pressure over the western U.S. Temperatures will be above average west of the Rockies, but "what comes up must come down, so east of the Rockies will get that dump of cold air," DaSilva said. What is the polar vortex? The polar vortex is a large area of circulating winds about 30 miles above the Earth's surface, according to NASA. Those winds spin at speeds of around 155 mph, according to the U.K. Met Office. That's almost the speed of a Category 5 hurricane. "Most of the cold air in the northern hemisphere is trapped near the North Pole," DaSilva said. "Sometimes a piece breaks off, and comes down into Canada and the U.S., bringing extremely cold temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "During winter, we see that several times a year. Obviously, the strength varies and it may not last long. This time, it looks like a stronger piece is coming down." January 2025 outlook from NWS Climate Prediction Center January 2025 temperature outlook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's a potential for above-normal temperatures to end 2024, which could continue into New Year's Day 2025, bringing a warm start to the new year, the Climate Prediction Center said. New Year's week, winter 2024 forecast How will weather affect your Florida New Year's Eve plans? See the forecast Climate Prediction Center issues winter outlook for 2025 Seasonal temperature outlook for January through March 2025. Remember La Nina? The Pacific system that influences hurricanes in the Atlantic by setting up conditions that help tropical cyclones build and strengthen, never did develop as expected during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. But the system also affects winter weather across the U.S. and it's slowly developing, according to the Climate Prediction Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This winter, NOAA is predicting warmer-than-average temperatures for several areas, including along the Gulf Coast. And while 2024 is ending with rain across much of Florida, it may not last in early 2025. "The greatest likelihood for drier-than-average conditions are in states bordering the Gulf of Mexico," according to the Climate Prediction Center. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Arctic blast Florida: Where freezing temperatures are expected MUNCIE, Ind. A Muncie man faces felony charges over allegations he had videos showing juveniles engaged in sexual activity stored on his cellphone. William David McConnell, 28, was charged last week in Delaware Circuit Court 2 with six Level 6 felonies, each carrying up to 30 months in prison. According to an affidavit, a witness told Muncie police on Dec. 19 that McConnell was boasting about having the videos on his phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that day, McConnell arrived at Muncie City Hall and reported he was ill. After being examined by emergency medical responders, he was questioned by police about the allegations against him. He reportedly admitted there was a video saved on his phone that showed two juveniles, who investigators said both appeared to be about 12 years old, committing sex acts. More: Jay County man accused of posting nude photos of juvenile on Russian website According to the court document, an inspection of the phone showed "child sexual abuse videos" had been saved from online sites on Oct. 7, Nov. 3 and Nov. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In total over 50 videos depicting children being abused and engaged in sexual activity were saved on the device," an officer wrote. A witness reported McConnell had showed her one of the videos recently. An initial hearing in the case is set for Thursday, Jan. 2. Court records reflect no previous charges against McConnell. The Muncie man, arrested on Dec. 19, continued to be held in the Delaware County Jail this week under a $25,000 bond. Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie man charged over juvenile sex videos allegedly found on phone Elon Musk is getting closer and closer to Donald Trump, quite literally, with a new report that the tech billionire is currently renting a cottage on the grounds of the president-elects Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. According to The New York Times, Musk is staying at Banyan a cottage located just several hundred feet from the main house of the estate which costs at least $2,000 to stay in per night, per sources with knowledge of the costs. The news comes as concerns continue to grow in Washington about the extent of the SpaceX bosss influence over Trump, having sat in on personnel meetings, conducted talks with foreign leaders and helped to tank a bipartisan spending bill in congress. Musk is reportedly staying at Banyan a cottage located just several hundred feet from Trumps main house which costs at least $2,000 to stay in per night (AFP/Getty) The president-elect has boasted that the worlds richest man is renting one of the residential spaces at Mar-a-Lago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The property contains multiple cottages that have reportedly been used by others in Trumps inner circle, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, during the transition period. The Times reports that Musk moved into the cottage around Election Day and watched the results at Mar-a-Lago with Trump and other MAGA cheerleaders including Marjorie Taylor Greene. He left the property around Christmas and has been expected to return some time in the New Year. It is unclear how much the tech boss is paying for the cottage, though guests at the Mar-a-Lago club are typically not billed until the end of the stay. A US Coast Guard boat manned by armed officers patrols the Lake Worth Lagoon off Mar-a-Lago (AFP/Getty) The ultimate cost of Musks stay may come down to the president-elect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The best buddy relationship between the pair appears to be going strong. Last week Trump posted what appeared to be a personal message to Musk on Truth Social, claiming that fellow billionaire Bill Gates asked to come to Mar-a-Lago. Where are you? When are you coming to the Center of the Universe, Mar-a-Lago. Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Years Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! Trump wrote. He signed it DJT. The story comes as concerns continue to grow in Washington about the extent of the SpaceX bosss influence over Trump (AFP/Getty) X appears to have been a reference to Musks son, X A-Xii, who he calls X for short, While staying at Mar-a-Lago, Musk has been accompanied by at least two of his children though he is reported to have at least 11 and their nannies. The Times also reported that the Tesla boss is known to make inconvenient requests like meals outside the normal kitchen hours. Elon Musk flip-flopped on standing behind Donald Trump Monday, minutes after the president-elect threw his support behind embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson. Musk first tweeted his agreement with Trump in giving his support to Johnson, who will lose his gavel if he loses more than two of his members in a vote on Friday for the speakership. But minutes later the billionaire Tesla CEO echoed Rep. Thomas Massies concerns over letting Johnson keep his crucial role as head of the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan, Massie wrote. Weve seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget. Musk replied simply: You might be right, but lets see how it goes. You might be right, but lets see how it goes Kekius Maximus (@elonmusk) December 30, 2024 The sentiment was an apparent about-face for Musk, who less than an hour before tweeted that the speaker had his full support. It underlines how mercurial Musk can be, making his presence at Trumps side an extra dimension of chaos for Johnson and other Republican leaders in Congress. Massie went on to say that he would not be voting for Johnson, and hoped that other Republicans would join him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a small majority, Johnson cannot lose more than two GOP votes unless Democrats step in. The Democratic minority leader Hakeem Jeffries has suggested that he will leave the civil war inside the Republicans to the party, meaning he is unlikely to give a lifeline to Johnson. The MAGA world has erupted into a public series of running battles in recent days, with Musk at the center of many of the skirmishes. Less than two weeks ago, a government shutdown loomed after Musk disagreed with Johnsons hard-fought bipartisan spending bill. Trump later agreed with the SpaceX founder, sealing the bills fatethough Congress ultimately patched together a stopgap measure to stave off the shutdown for a few months. Democrats, however, have reveled at the battles within the opposing party, even jokingly referring to Musk as the actual incoming president. NASAs upcoming Artemis II mission is slated to return astronauts to the Moon no sooner than April 2026. Astronauts were last on the Moon in 1972 during the Apollo 17 mission. Artemis II will utilize NASAs Space Launch System, which is an extremely powerful rocket that will enable human space exploration beyond Earths atmosphere. The crew of four will travel in an Orion spacecraft, which the agency launched around the Moon and successfully returned during the Artemis I mission. But before Artemis II, NASA will send two missions to scout the surface of the lunar south pole for resources that could sustain human space travel and enable new scientific discoveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planetary geologists like me are interested in data from Lunar Trailblazer, one of these two scouting missions. The data from this mission will help us understand how water forms and behaves on rocky planets and moons. Starting with scientific exploration PRIME-1, or the Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment, will be mounted on a lunar lander. Its scheduled for launch in January 2025. Aboard the lander are two instruments: The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain, TRIDENT, and the Mass Spectrometer for Observing Lunar Operations, MSOLO. TRIDENT will dig down up to 3 feet (1 meter) and extract samples of lunar soil, and MSOLO will evaluate the soils chemical composition and water content. Joining the lunar mining experiment is Lunar Trailblazer, a satellite launching on the same Falcon 9 rocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think of this setup as a multimillion-dollar satellite Uber pool, or a rideshare where multiple missions share a rocket and minimize fuel usage while escaping Earths gravitational pull. Bethany Ehlmann, a planetary scientist, is the principal investigator of Lunar Trailblazer and is leading an operating team of scientists and students from Caltechs campus. Trailblazer is a NASA Small, Innovative Mission for PLanetary Exploration, or SIMPLEx. These missions intend to provide practical operations experience at a lower cost. Each SIMPLEx mission is capped at a budget of US$55 million Trailblazer is slightly over budget at $80 million. Even over budget, this mission will cost around a quarter of a typical robotic mission from NASAs Discovery Program. Discovery Program missions typically cost around $300 million, with a maximum budget of $500 million. Building small but mighty satellites Decades of research and development into small satellites, or SmallSats, opened the possibility for Trailblazer. SmallSats take highly specific measurements and complement data sourced from other instruments. Missions like NASAs TROPICS use a network of small satellites to take more data than one satellite would be able to do alone. NASA Applied Sciences Multiple SmallSats working together in a constellation can take various measurements simultaneously for a high-resolution view of the Earths or Moons surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIMPLEx missions can use these SmallSats. Because theyre small and more affordable, they allow researchers to study questions that come with a higher technical risk. Lunar Trailblazer, for example, uses commercial off-the-shelf parts to keep the cost down. These low-cost, high-risk experimental missions may help geologists further understand the origin of the solar system, as well as what its made of and how it has changed over time. Lunar Trailblazer will focus specifically on mapping the Moon. A brief timeline of water discoveries on the Moon Scientists have long been fascinated by the surface of our closest celestial neighbor, the Moon. As early as the mid-17th century, astronomers mischaracterized ancient volcanic eruptions as lunar mare, derived from the Latin word for seas. Nearly two centuries later, astronomer William Pickerings calculations suggested that the Moon had no atmosphere. This led him to conclude the Moon could not have water on its surface, as that water would vaporize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, in the 1990s, NASAs Clementine mission detected water on the Moon. Clementine was the first mission to completely map the surface of the Moon, including the lunar poles. This data detected the presence of ice within permanently shadowed regions on the Moon in low resolution. Scientists first water detection prompted further exploration. NASA launched the Lunar Prospector in 1998 and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2009. The India Space Research Organization launched its Chandrayaan-1 mission with the Moon Mineralogy Mapper, M3, instrument in 2008. M3, although not designed to detected liquid water, unexpectedly did find it in sunlit areas on the Moon. These missions collectively provided maps showing how hydrous minerals minerals containing water molecules in their chemical makeup and ice water are distributed on the lunar surface, particularly in the cold, dark, permanently shadowed regions. Novel mission, novel science But how does the temperature and physical state of water on the Moon change from variations in sunlight and crater shadows? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lunar Trailblazer will host two instruments, the Lunar Thermal Mapper, LTM, and an evolution of the M3 instrument, the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper, HVM3. The LTM instrument will map surface temperature, while the HVM3 will measure how lunar rocks absorb light. These measurements will allow it to detect and distinguish between water in liquid and ice forms. In tandem, these instruments will provide thermal and chemical measurements of hydrous lunar rock. Theyll measure water during various times of the lunar day, which is about 29.5 Earth days, to try to show how the chemical composition of water varies depending on the time of day and where it is on the Moon. These results will tell researchers what phase solid or liquid the water is found in. Scientific significance and whats next There are three leading theories for where lunar water came from. It could be water thats been stored inside the Moon since its formation, in its mantle layer. Some geologic processes may have allowed it to slowly escape to the surface over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or, the water may have arrived on asteroids and comets that collided with the lunar surface. It may even have been created by interactions with the solar wind, which is a stream of particles that comes from the Sun. Lunar Trailblazer may shed light on these theories and help researchers make progress on several other big science questions, including how water behaves on rocky bodies like the Moon and whether future astronauts will be able to use it. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Cesar Leon Jr., Washington University in St. Louis Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cesar Leon was previously affiliated with the California Institute of Technology in 2023 for a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. He worked in Professor Bethany Ehlmann's lab (Principle Investigator of Lunar Trailblazer) on a different, non-Lunar Trailblazer project. NATO allies met on Dec. 30 to address the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, following damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland several days earlier. The Estlink 2, a 170-kilometer (106-mile) undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia, sustained significant damage on Christmas Day. Authorities are treating the incident as a potential act of sabotage. At a press conference on Dec. 26, Finnish police announced that damage to the cable in the Gulf of Finland was likely caused by a Russian tanker suspected to be part of Moscow's 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The damaged cables, currently under investigation by Finnish authorities, are among several recent incidents in the Baltic Sea being examined as potential sabotage. As a response to the incidents, NATO is increasing its military presence in the Baltic Sea to bolster vigilance, enhance situational awareness, and deter future threats. Allies are also exploring further measures to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure, leveraging support from NATOs Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure, established in May of this year. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has also raised concerns about the "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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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, adding that the string of incidents over recent months is unlikely to be coincidental. Read also: Russian shadow fleet tanker likely caused damage to undersea power cable, Finland says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. "It will certainly reshape regional logistics, bringing significant economic benefits." BISHKEK, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The commencement ceremony for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan, on Friday. Representatives from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan highlighted the railway's potential to promote regional connectivity and prosperity. Sanjar Mukanbetov, director of the National Institute of Strategic Initiatives under the President of Kyrgyzstan, told Xinhua that the support of China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan's leaders has made the railway project possible. "Residents and nearby settlements will directly benefit from the economic impact of the project," Mukanbetov said. "It will certainly reshape regional logistics, bringing significant economic benefits." According to the current progress of the project, the construction of the Kyrgyz section of the railway project is scheduled to begin in July 2025 and last for six years, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. said. Igor Shestakov, an expert from Kyrgyzstan, said the railway would help showcase Belt and Road cooperation projects and significantly benefit projects under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Kyrgyz economist Iskender Sharsheev said he believed that the project would attract more investments in energy, transport, and agriculture. "The infrastructure will open opportunities for logistics, product processing, and export-oriented production," he said, adding that the railway will drive change, fostering economic growth and social stability in the region. Abdurasul Abdukhalilov, head of Uzbekistan's Tashkent regional department of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the railway will link China with European and Middle Eastern markets, facilitating freight transport. Calling the railway the "road of the new century," Azamat Seitov, head of the Laboratory of Anthropology and Conflictology at Uzbekistan's University of World Economy and Diplomacy, said there is no doubt that it will open up new opportunities for trade, tourism and industry, while strengthening regional economic interconnectivity. BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday extended condolences to his U.S. counterpart, Joe Biden, over the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences over the passing of Carter and extended sincere sympathy to the Carter family. In his message, Xi called Carter a promoter and decision-maker in the establishment of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, noting that the late U.S. leader had long contributed to the development of bilateral ties, as well as the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Xi said that he deeply regrets the former president's passing. Noting that the China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral ties in the world, Xi said that China is ready to work with the U.S. side to focus on the fundamental interests of their people and meet the common expectations of the international community, and advance China-U.S. relations along the right track of sound, stable and sustainable development. Steven Troxler, commissioner of the NC Department of Agriculture, details the damage caused by Hurricane Helene (Photo: NCGA Screengrab) If there was one story that dominated the news this past year aside from the election and left a lasting imprint on North Carolina, it was Hurricane Helene. The storm ravaged western North Carolina in late September causing an estimated $58 billion in damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, the Republican-controlled legislature passed only modest relief measures in the fall, while pledging that more help would be coming from the federal government in the new year, but that remains in the distance. Meanwhile, the looming question is whether many of affected businesses and households will be able to hang-on until then. State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told House lawmakers earlier this month that the only way he could describe this year was absolutely awful. One industry that makes its money in December and was left reeling by Helene is the states Christmas tree industry. Rodney Buchanan, president of the NC Christmas Trees Association, told lawmakers few people appreciate how specialized this business is and how hard it will be for these family farms to recover. In this segment, we revisit some of the testimony from a recent legislative hearing highlighted the devastating impacts that Hurricane Helene had on agriculture, and well hear some of the powerful testimony. The author says that it's imperative for North Carolina to build on recent environmental policy successes like the expansion of clean energy in 2025. (Photo: Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom) Working together, states and the federal government have been able to achieve significant climate progress over the last four years. At the federal level, landmark legislation is boosting the clean energy industry, funding home weatherization, and reducing pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In North Carolina, transitioning to clean energy and growing electric vehicle manufacturing have already created significant job growth and economic benefits. During eight years with Gov. Roy Cooper in office North Carolina has added more than 20,000 new clean energy jobs and over $24 billion in clean energy industry investment. Solar capacity in the state has nearly tripled since 2017, rising from 2,631 megawatts to more than 7,450 megawatts. Governor Cooper has not only led the creation of our clean energy economy, but under his leadership, weve become the leading state in the country for rural clean energy jobs. But over the next four years, states will increasingly have to lead the way to ensure U.S. climate action continues, and that the progress weve made to build a clean energy economy doesnt stall. It will be up to us and Governor-elect Josh Stein to keep ambition high and build on his own record and a strong environmental legacy left behind by Gov. Roy Cooper. As attorney general, Stein has already shown how that can be done including by holding corporations accountable for dumping toxic chemicals in our waterways. Following a massive coal ash spill in the Dan River, Attorney General Stein stood up against Duke Energy in court and saved energy customers over 1.1 billion dollars. Again and again, he has forced corporate polluters such as Duke Energy, Chemours, and DuPont to clean up their mess and pay the bill for their pollution instead of passing on the costs to everyday North Carolinians. Additionally, the most recent climate crisis, Hurricane Helene, is shaping the future of our state and has shifted the way we view the impact of weather, especially in Western North Carolina. Gov. Cooper has worked tirelessly with FEMA to ensure an urgent and comprehensive response, while calling on the legislature to do more. And AG Stein took on those who attempted to price gouge families trying to dig out from the storm. On the campaign trail and since his election, Governor-elect Stein promised to take action to make sure North Carolina is better prepared for future storms by improving infrastructure and building more resilient housing. This is more important than ever, as climate change drives more extreme weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Climate action can grow new industries in our state and reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels while protecting the natural beauty we cherish from the mountains to our coastlines. But we cant count on the federal government to get the job done. Were relying on home-grown climate leadership to keep our drinking water clean and our air healthy to breathe. To keep North Carolinas progress going and to meet national climate action goals we are excited to have a leader like Governor-elect Stein, who will set an example for what state climate action looks like during a Trump administration. Fortunately, he has already committed to reduce carbon emissions while creating good-paying jobs in every corner of the state. We cant afford to slow down our progress toward a clean energy economy with good-paying jobs for North Carolinians or allow runaway climate change to impact the natural beauty of our state. Regardless of what happens in Washington, D.C., North Carolina is counting on bold environmental leadership in Raleigh now more than ever. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent a successful prostate removal surgery Sunday, officials said. Netanyahu, 75, has had a series of health issues in recent years. His doctor, Ofer Gofrit, the head of the urology department at Jerusalems Hadassah Medical Center, said in a video statement that Netanyahus procedure went well and there was no fear of cancer or malignancy, The Associated Press reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the operation, Netanyahus close ally, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, served as acting prime minister. Netanyahus health amid the ongoing war in Gaza with Hamas and his trial for alleged corruption is of international concern. In a statement, Netanyahus office said the surgery was successful and did not have complications. His office said he was awake, fully alert, and was taken to an underground unit for recovery in case of missile attacks, the AP reported. Netanyahu was expected to remain in the hospital for several days for observation. The surgery comes as Netanyahus office attempts to bolster his international appearance, though the leader has experienced several setbacks over recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a video posted in July 2023, Netanyahu informed the world he felt excellent but his doctors recommended he get an emergency pacemaker. The Associated Press contributed. 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. Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration has drafted a conceptual plan to help undocumented immigrants under threat of deportation after President-elect Donald Trump takes office. But some advocates worry the proposal doesn't do enough to protect those who are detained amid immigration proceedings. "Trump's promise to use militarized raids against our state will have devastating consequences for our communities and our economy," said Hamid Yazdan-Panah, advocacy director for Immigrant Defense Advocates. "California needs a strategy on detention that ensures access to counsel and prevents family separation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: As mass deportations loom, ICE eyeing new detention facility in California Yazdan-Panah said his and other advocacy organizations prefer a plan put forth by the state Senate, which includes funding for lawyers to represent detained immigrants as they go through immigration proceedings. Detention is anticipated to increase as Trump carries out mass deportation plans, and federal officials are eyeing a new facility in California. "This document is an internal and deliberative draft document meant for internal discussions as part of a number of possible considerations given the incoming federal administrations public remarks," said Scott Murray, deputy public affairs director at the California Department of Social Services. "It is not a final proposal." A fact sheet obtained by The Times, titled "Immigrant Support Network Concept," offers few details about Newsom's proposal, which is under review. Under the plan, the California Department of Social Services would establish regional hubs to connect "at-risk individuals, their families and communities" with legal services, labor unions, local governments and other resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The document offers an early indication of how California's Democratic leaders will fight back against the Trump administration's plans for mass deportation. Newsom called a special legislative session just after the election to approve $25 million in additional state funds for possible litigation against the incoming federal government. Trump, throughout his campaign, repeatedly singled out California and its leadership of "radical left lunatics," threatening to withhold federal emergency aid. Newsom's immigration proposal says the Social Services department would provide funding to nonprofits for community outreach, legal services staffing positions and other costs associated with hub operations. It says the department is still determining funding, geographic focus areas and an implementation timeline, with a goal of announcing the program in mid-January. "While there is a robust network of immigrant-serving organizations and other community supports, there is no centralized coordination mechanism, which limits the ability of providers to effectively leverage available resources; share critical information and expertise; and identify (and adopt) best practices," the fact sheet states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom's proposal doesn't mention immigrant detention, though advocates say funding to help vulnerable detainees is critical. Advocates have questioned how the regional hub strategy would respond to immigration arrests across the state and have not received a clear answer from state leaders, said Yazdan-Panah of Immigrant Defense Advocates. The state Senate proposal, meanwhile, seeks funding beyond the $25 million sought by Newsom for legal aid services related to issues of reproductive health, climate, LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant rights. Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener's proposed legislation seeks $60 million and would establish a program for representation of detained immigrants. Read more: With deportations at the top of Trump's list, California immigrants 'prepare for the worst' Sen. Sasha Renee Perez (D-Alhambra) noted in a statement that the Senate proposal was formulated in partnership with advocates working on the front lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As we brace for the threat of mass raids and deportations, the Senate will remain steadfast in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Californians," she said. "Our strategy focuses on defending the human rights of Californias diverse communities and ensuring our residents will receive the resources they need to thrive, no matter their background." Unlike in criminal proceedings, people detained for civil immigration violations are not entitled to free legal representation. Immigrants who are represented by a lawyer are significantly more likely to win their case compared to those without a lawyer. But those in detention often lack legal representation. "That is why advocates across the state are united in their support for the proposal put forth by the senate," Yazdan-Panah said. Dozens of advocacy groups signed a Dec. 18 letter to Newsom, Wiener and Senate leader Mike McGuire seeking $25 million for detention and deportation legal representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a critical time for California to take bold action and expand its historic investments in immigrant communities," the organizations wrote. Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Young African voices are gaining popularity on social media the world over, using these platforms for comedy and political debate and often for political debate thats also funny. One of the new generation of TikTok celebrities in Africa is Charity Ekezie, a Nigerian humourist and journalist. Shes gained 3.3 million followers on TikTok (and 570,000 on Instagram). Her skits poke fun at the worlds perceptions of the continent as backward and barbaric. Rowland Chukwuemeka Amaefula is a theatre and performance scholar who has analysed Ekezies TikToks, her sarcastic brand of humour and how she uses social media as a space for politically relevant performance. We asked him about his study. Who is Charity Ekezie? Charity Chiamaka Ekezie is a journalist, influencer and content creator. She studied mass communication in Nigeria before working at a radio station for three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like many Nigerians who took to social media to escape boredom during the COVID-19 lockdown, Ekezie began making creative videos and sharing them. Before TikTok became popular in the country, she had been creating informative content on Facebook and YouTube (where she has almost 1 million subscribers) for years. She gained fame when she participated in a TikTok trend showcasing the cultural outfits of different African countries. The video went viral. This wasnt just because of the beautiful cultural dress she displayed but also because of unprovoked attacks from non-Africans who deride her African origin. They posed questions that suggested that Africa is a continent (though some thought it was a country) lacking in resources, technology and modern comforts. She responded by producing acts that answered these ignorant questions, using humour to mock them. The more questions she was asked, the more videos she produced. Her acts enlighten non-Africans who disrespect and stereotype Africans even when they have not travelled to or read up on life in the continent. What are her TikTok skits about? She enacts funny responses to actual questions asked by non-Africans on her social media feeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although she seemingly accepts these stereotypes in her performances, her actions unseat them and cast light on negative perspectives. Asked if there is candy in Africa, for example, she answers that there is, in fact, no candy in Africa Africans kiss bees and suck their honey out when they want something sweet to eat. She does so standing in front of a table full of candy and eating some. She gives hilarious explanations of how Africans can smell good without perfume, co-habit with wild animals, drink saliva in place of water, or travel long distances by foot. She explains that clean water, cars, aeroplanes or tarred roads dont exist on the continent while appearing alongside these things. A common question shes asked is about whether its safe to visit Africa. In one TikTok she admits that Africa is not safe. In fact, she says, glancing around nervously, a lion is roaming in her vicinity as she speaks. She advises that if the person were to visit Africa, they must be sure to ask for some vanishing lotion at the border of Africa so that wild animals wont see them. So, Ekezie uses sarcasm as a major instrument for refuting negative stereotypes. Sarcasm is the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say. It can be a biting form of humour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her responses seem to confirm the wild imagination of the questioner, but in fact reveal the question to be bizarre and deserving of a bizarre answer. It is through audience laughter in the form of online comments especially from her followers of African descent that naive enquirers realise how meaningless their stereotypes and misconceptions are. What is your analysis of Ekezies social media acts? My study views Charity Ekezies TikTok performances as important contributions to ongoing efforts at decolonisation. Thats to say, they undo the damaging effects of colonial rule and European views imposed on Africa. Before social media, several notable cultural producers were engaged in addressing similar long-standing attempts to demonise Africa. Among these I include Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe, Botswana academic Peter Mwikisa, British dramatist Robin Brooks and Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. What is spectacular about Ekezies strategy is its hilarious nature. I analyse a selection of her TikTok acts to show that her approach is less combative and more entertaining. She dispels ignorant views in a playful way that places the joke on the questioner. She flips the script. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She highlights the need for people who are genuinely ignorant about the continent to carry out basic research before going public with their views. But her comedy goes further. She uses an accessible medium to refuse misconceptions and re-make perceptions of the lived experiences of Africans. I call it a form of political refusal. She refuses to accept typecast narratives pigeonholing Africans as barbaric. Why does this matter? Ekezies acts are important because they interrupt conscious efforts at demonising Africa and Africans. When such wanton or ignorant attacks are left unanswered, they harden into mainstream portraits. These portraits simplify the complexity of life in African countries and diminish human beings to stereotypes. Judging by their responses, many of the non-Africans who engage with Ekezie do not even know that Africa is not a country but the second largest and second most populous continent, composed of 54 heterogeneous countries. This is given added significance by the fact that she is part of a rise in pan-African content on social media and that many of the leading voices are those of African women. Angella Summer Namubiru from Uganda, for example, produces similar content to Ekezie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These new TikTok stars produce pointedly political perspectives that push back against widespread negative portrayals and projections about Africa and affirm the creativity, joy and complexity of African life. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Rowland Chukwuemeka Amaefula, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Read more: Rowland Chukwuemeka Amaefula receives funding from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) There are no new updates in the December 26th homicide in eastern Sioux Falls, according to Sioux Falls Police Monday. Downtown Brookings blaze destroys building 38-year-old Michael Christopher McDaniel died after being shot in the area of 11th Street and Sneve Avenue in Sioux Falls, and police say that no arrests have yet been made. Were still investigating, said SFPDs Sam Clemens, Monday. The autopsy was planned on being conducted this morning, so well wait on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clemens said the police are working closely with the States Attorneys office, and no arrests have yet been made. He said they do not believe there is a danger to the public. 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 KELOLAND.com. Nearly 180 new laws in Florida went into effect in July and 34 more started in October. As of Wednesday, just nine more bills will become state law. But some of them make some sweeping and controversial changes that have already been challenged in court. Here's what goes into effect as of Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. HB 3: Online Protections for Minors As of Jan. 1, no one in Florida under the age of 14 will be allowed to have a social media account. This controversial bill replaced one that Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed because he wanted parents to have more of a role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media platforms will be required to terminate any accounts suspected of belonging to someone under 14. Account owners will have 90 days to dispute it. Anyone 14 or 15 years old whose accounts are targeted will have 90 days for a parent or guardian to provide consent. The law adds hefty fines and civil liabilities for any social media sites that knowingly violate the law. However, you won't see accounts shut down this week. The part of the law addressing social media has already been challenged on First Amendment grounds and Attorney General Ashley Moodys office announced last month that the state would not be enforcing it on major social media platforms until the court rules on a motion for preliminary injunction. A hearing will be held in late February. Last month, Australia passed a similar law, blocking social media use for children under 16. The law also requires any website with "materials harmful to minors" such as sexual content that is visible in Florida to add age verification to prevent access by anyone under 18 years old. Again, hefty fines will be levied against sites that do not comply. Adult megasite PornHub has announced they will be blocking all Florida users on Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit Free Speech Coalition has filed a federal lawsuit against the age verification portion of the law, saying it is intentionally vague, it could restrict sites without erotic content, and it creates "a substantial burden on adults who want to access legal sites without fear of surveillance. Moody has asked the court to issue a stay on this new lawsuit and allow the age verification law to go into effect anyway, at least until the Supreme Court rules on a similar lawsuit the group filed in Texas, the News Service of Florida reported. As of Monday morning, no decision has been announced. HB 135: Voter Registration Applications This bill states that a voter's party affiliation may not be changed without the written consent of the voter, in a variety of situations. This addresses a glitch in some areas, such as Palm Beach County, where voters' political affiliations were reportedly changed to No Party Affiliation when they renewed their driver's licenses. SB 184: Impeding, Threatening, or Harassing First Responders This bill makes it illegal to remain within 25 feet of a first responder who has verbally warned the offender to back off, while the responder is performing a legal duty. The bill specifies that the offender must be staying with the intent to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Block or interfere with the first responder's ability to perform the duty Threaten the first responders with physical harm, or Harass the first responder. Violations will be a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail. "Harassment" is defined as an action directed at a first responder that "intentionally causes substantial emotional distress in that first responder and serves no legitimate purpose." What "emotional distress" and "legitimate purpose" mean and who gets to decide if they apply was left undefined. Gov. Ron DeSantis said this was in support of law enforcement officers and accused news media outlets of warping narratives about police for attention and "clicks." Critics say it's to keep people from taking videos of law enforcement officers breaking the law or brutalizing people. HB 267: Building Regulations This bill modifies the Florida Building Code so that sales drawings are not required to replace windows, doors or garage doors in existing homes as long as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They're installed to meet the manufacturer's instructions for the wind zone They meet design pressure requirements They're the same size as the previous windows, doors or garage doors, and A copy of the manufacturers instructions are included with the permit application SB 362: Medical Treatment Under the Workers Compensation Law Increases the maximum for a witness fee paid to a health care provider who gives a deposition from $200 to $300 per hour, or $300 per day for an expert witness who never provided direct professional services. Also dramatically increases the maximum reimbursement for a physician allowed by Medicare. SB 556: Protection of Specified Adults Under this law, financial institutions who believe someone is using a power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship to take exploit certain individuals can put a hold on transactions for 15 business days (which can be extended to 30) and start an investigation. The individual protected by the law include: Adults 65 years of age or older "Vulnerable adults," defined as people 18 and older with an impaired ability "to perform the normal activities of daily living or to provide for his or her own care or protection" The law adds restrictions and timelines for investigations and requires financial institutions to establish training programs for employees. SB 892: Dental Insurance Claims A contract between a health insurer and a dentist for services to an insured person may not specify credit cards as the only acceptable method for payment from the health insurer to the dentist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill also prohibits a health insurer from charging a fee to pay dentists through Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer without consent from the dentist, from denying claims for procedures included in a prior authorization, and other restrictions. HB 1093: Florida Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act Florida has used its version of the Uniform Fiduciary Income and Principal Act (FUPIA) to govern the allocation of trust and estate receipts and disbursements when the terms of the trust didn't provide for them. In 2018, the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws updated the UPIA to account for changes in preferred investment styles and modern trusts. This bill adapts a lot of the UPIA's new language to modernize Florida's laws and provide more flexibility and a governing law provision to reduce jurisdictional disputes. SB 7054: Private Activity Bonds This bill provides legislative intent to increase the number of private activity bonds that can be issued in Florida each year to finance "improvements, projects, and programs" serving public purposes and benefitting the "social and economic well-being" of Floridians by combining bond application pools into a single pool available for all bonds, with two exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Half of the state volume limitation must be allocated for affordable housing, and 25% must be allocated to a corporation pool. Are Floridians banned from driving in the left lane? A bill to restrict drivers from using the furthermost left lane (unless they were passing another vehicle, using an exit or directed by emergency signs) passed this year and would have gone into effect Jan. 1, but DeSantis vetoed it. (This story was updated with new information.) This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Social media ban, police video buffer zone: New Florida laws in 2025 The U.S. Capitol is where the Senate will confirm presidential nominees for a new administration. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom) The New Year brings a say so for Nebraska U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts as the president-elect fills a new cabinet. Advising and consenting on such matters is part of Fischers and Ricketts responsibilities as members of the worlds greatest deliberative body. We have neither the inclination nor the word count to argue the accuracy of such a boast, believed to have originated with President James Buchanan. The hope here, however, is that the tag rings true. Thats because at this iteration of the separation of powers, some of the president-elects cabinet nominees have kept the Beltway in a permanent raised eyebrow. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb, addresses a business forum in Ashland as, from left, Sen. Pete Ricketts, Rep. Adrian Smith, Rep. Mike Flood and Rep. Don Bacon listen. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) To wit: His first pick for attorney general allegedly paid for and had sex with a high schooler and bought drugs from his Congressional office, according to a House Ethics Committee report. Former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, who has denied wrongdoing, wisely bowed out early. Doing so saved his confirmation hearings from taking on the patina of a Caligula-themed bacchanal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite being spared that distraction, whom the Senate confirms as defense secretary, FBI director and national intelligence boss will draw some serious attention. No nominee, however, will attract as much scrutiny as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., tapped to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, the agency whose policies and procedures are designed to better our lives and keep us alive, which it calls enhancing the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services. RFK Jr., conversely, has been a leading voice in anti-vaccine movements based on debunked medical theories. He wisely couches most of his ideas as trying to better the health of others, a worthy cause. However, one of his lawyers filed a petition with the FDA a couple years to forgo approving the polio vaccine. Cue the large red flags. It is more than that, however. The anti-vaccine movement is a subset of a burgeoning anti-science faction in the U.S., which exploded during the pandemic when too many Americans took medical advice from radio talk show hosts and bloggers rather than epidemiologists and health professionals. Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard speak to supporters of former President Donald Trump in Omaha. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Separating support for RFK from the questioning of settled science requires some tortured calculus, making the RFK vote an especially hard call for Nebraskans Fischer and Ricketts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least we hope so. Nebraskans depend on science and not simply to keep us healthy in medical offices and hospitals. The state also provides the world life-sustaining food with giant machines designed to plant such sustenance using the science and technology of precision planting in fields from Falls City to Fort Robinson. Vaccines can also provide a sense of civic responsibility. Yes, the medicine is administered to individuals but designed to prevent major communicable diseases such as polio and measles with widespread use. Indeed, vaccinations provide the safest way to achieve herd immunity, medical protection against a particular malady. Obviously, the other way to achieve herd immunity is surviving the disease, the key there being survival. Last thing: Enough with the mandate talk or bring some better math. Fischer told iHeart Radio on Dec. 12 that President Trump had a strong showing in this election. He has a mandate If that means a rubber stamp for all his nominees for cabinet posts, the arithmetic is flawed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yes, Fischers and Ricketts team won the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives. But if youre keeping score at home and you should be 50.1 percent of the nearly 155 million people who voted pulled the lever for someone other than who was elected president, the first GOP winner of the White House to capture the popular vote in a couple decades. If you include the eligible voters who apparently couldnt be bothered, throw in those too young to vote and other assorted ineligibles, out of Americas 336 million or so souls, just 76,735,585 (at last count) of them made the decision for everyone. Nebraskans, however, moved the needle in the opposite direction, coming in at nearly 60 percent for the president-elect. One could argue that with such overwhelming math, Fischer and Ricketts could phone in their cabinet votes. The problem with that take, of course, is that while Fischer and Ricketts are there to represent Nebraskans, senators make decisions for the entire country. Their advice and consent have consequences well beyond our states borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The presidents cabinet not only run their respective departments, they are some of his closest advisors, getting their appointments per Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution. That kind of power greatly deserves serious deliberation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Nordic Baltic Eight countries have urged Georgia to investigate and consider holding new elections following disputed parliamentary elections in October and the inauguration of the new president, according to their statement published on Dec. 29. The countries include Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. Georgian anti-Western politician Mikheil Kavelashvili, an ally of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was inaugurated as the country's sixth president on Dec. 29 in a move seen as illegitimate by the opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eight countries expressed concerns over reported irregularities during the elections, violence against peaceful demonstrators, and threats to Georgias fifth and previous President Salome Zourabishvili, who disputes the legitimacy of the election results. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze emphasized the need to restore public confidence in Georgia's democratic institutions and called for implementing OSCE electoral recommendations as a step toward resolving the crisis. As long-standing friends of Georgia, and supporters of the European aspirations of the Georgian people, we are alarmed by the countrys path toward deeper polarisation and crisis, the statement said. Georgia urgently needs a way out of the crisis, and to restore public trust in its democratic institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement condemned the use of intimidation and urged the Georgian authorities to take immediate action. Read also: Protests in Georgia, explained Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEW YORK (PIX11) Winter may be notorious for the flu, but right now there is another contagious virus spreading across New York City. Sometimes known as the stomach flu or the stomach bug, the norovirus illness causes vomiting and diarrhea. More Local News There have been 2,231 reported cases of the norovirus in the city since October, according to the New York City Health Department. Over half of the cases were reported in December. What are the signs and symptoms? Symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches, can develop 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vomiting and diarrhea may also lead to dehydration. People with the virus get better within one to three days but are still able to spread the virus for up to a couple of weeks after, according to the CDC. How does the norovirus spread? The virus can spread through direct contact with an infected person. This includes sharing food or eating utensils with them or consuming food they have handled. Additionally, the virus can be transmitted if you touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then put your unwashed fingers in your mouth or eat food or drink beverages that are contaminated. Bird flu virus likely mutated within a Louisiana patient, CDC says Prevention Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after changing diapers, touching common surfaces, shaking hands, and caring for people who are ill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables. Disinfect contaminated surfaces. Wash laundry in hot water. Stay home when sick for two days after symptoms stop. Treatment There is no specific medicine to treat norovirus. The CDC states that antibiotics are ineffective because they target bacteria, not viruses. Those who contract the virus should drink plenty of liquids. In the case of severe dehydration, contact your doctor. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. 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 PIX11. DAMASCUS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Syria's interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Monday he has accepted an invitation from Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to visit the country, which would be his first official trip abroad in his current capacity. "I gladly accept this invitation and look forward to representing my country on this inaugural visit," al-Shaibani said on social media platform X, stressing the importance of forging "strategic ties with our brothers" in Saudi Arabia across various fields. There was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities regarding the timing or agenda of the visit. Al-Shaibani's announcement came as Syria navigates a sensitive political transition following the downfall of the previous government on Dec. 8. VIRGINIA Norovirus is quickly spreading, exceeding past seasonal averages for outbreaks of the wretched stomach bug that sickens millions of people every year. The Virginia Department of Health reported COVID-19 and flu activity is growing in the region, while Norovirus remains elevated. Norovirus remains elevated in the region, according to VDH data. CDC test positivity data and wastewater surveillance both show elevated Norovirus activity in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norovirus outbreaks spiked to 91 for the week ended Dec. 5, up from 69 in the last week in November, according to the latest available Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. In the past few years, a maximum of 65 outbreaks have been reported during the first week in December, the agency says. The CDC says the 91 reported outbreaks are likely an undercount. State, local and territorial health departments arent required to report individual norovirus cases to the agency. Also, symptoms violent diarrhea and vomiting last for one to three days, and most people dont seek medical treatment, the agency says. Illnesses are going up across the nation. Minnesota had 40 norovirus outbreaks in the weeks leading up to Christmas, state public health officials said in a Dec. 23 news release. In California, at least 80 people were sickened earlier this month at an event in Los Angeles celebrating the citys top restaurants, the countys Department of Public Health confirmed to ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the Food and Drug Administration warned of a potential Norovirus contamination of oysters from growing areas in Canada. FDA advised consumers, restaurants and retailers to avoid oysters that were harvested Dec. 1-9 in British Columbia. The oysters were harvested by Pacific Northwest Shellfish and Union Bay Seafood and sold as Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi oysters. The potentially contaminated oysters were sold in Washington, DC as well as Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Norovirus causes 58 percent of foodborne illnesses in the United States, according to the CDC. Annually, between 19 million and 21 million norovirus illnesses are reported to the CDC, including 109,000 hospitalizations and 900 deaths. Outbreaks are common in restaurants and catered events, schools and daycare centers, health care facilities, cruise ships, jails, and any other place where people are close together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norovirus is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact with someone who is sick, sharing food or utensils with them, touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching their face or mouth, or by consuming contaminated foods or liquids. Symptoms usually come on within 12 or 48 hours of becoming infected. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain, but also may include fever, headache and body aches. Theres no antiviral medication for norovirus. The most important thing is to make sure people who have it get plenty of liquids. People who have norovirus may vomit or have diarrhea several times a day and are at risk of dehydration especially in young children, older adults and people with other illnesses. Symptoms of dehydration include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Decreased urination Dry mouth and throat Feeling dizzy when standing up Crying with few or no tears Unusual sleepiness or fussiness The best way to prevent norovirus is to wash hands in hot, soapy water for 20 seconds after using the toilet, changing diapers and before eating, preparing or handling food. Hand sanitizer isnt particularly effective at controlling the spread of the virus. Also, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, and to cook shellfish to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent norovirus contamination. Norovirus Cases Are Surging, CDC Says: What To Know In VA originally appeared on the Fairfax City Patch Norovirus cases are surging across the country this winter, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. There were 91 outbreaks reported by state health departments during the week of Dec. 5, up from 69 in the last week of November, according to the CDC. The highest number for the same period over the last several years was 65 outbreaks. But the data are not comprehensive. Currently, state, local and territorial health departments are not required to report individual cases of norovirus illness to the CDC, and only 15 states participate in the National Outbreak Reporting System. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the CDC pointed out some people may not seek health care for their illness, and most hospitals and doctors offices do not generally test for norovirus. Norovirus is extremely contagious and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain within 12 hours to 47 hours after being exposed, the agency said. Most people with norovirus get better within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. Each year, there are about 2,500 reported outbreaks. They can occur throughout the year but are most common between November and April, the CDC said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus, and people of all ages get infected during its outbreaks. However, anyone who consumes raw shellfish is at higher risk of contracting norovirus. Children younger than 5 years old, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections. A person gets infected by getting tiny particles of feces or vomit in their mouth from a person infected with norovirus. The virus spreads through contaminated water, food and surfaces; it only takes a few norovirus particles to make people sick, the CDC said. The best prevention is for people to wash their hands well with soap and water; hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The virus often spreads in spaces including prisons, cruise ships, day care centers, and college dorms where people are living in close proximity. 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. North Bay deputies rescue 2 after kayak overturns on Lake Berryessa (KRON) The Napa County Sheriffs Office is stressing the importance of life jackets after deputies rescued two men from Lake Berryessa on Sunday. The sheriffs office Marine Patrol unit responded in the morning to a report of an overturned kayak at the lake east of Putah Campground. Arriving deputies located two men in the water yelling for help. Napa County approves $7.26M purchase of 874-acre park Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, both men were wearing life jackets, the sheriffs office said. (Napa County Sheriffs Office) (Napa County Sheriffs Office) (Napa County Sheriffs Office) After deputies reached the kayakers and pulled them from the water, they were treated on scene for mild hypothermia, authorities said. Cal Fire, American Medical Response, California Highway Patrol Air Operations and the Bureau of Reclamation assisted in the rescue response. The life jackets and swift response by all agencies allowed both kayakers to make it home safely, the Napa County Sheriffs Office said. 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 KRON4. North Koreas new warship design has emerged and it appears to be the largest the country has yet constructed. The vessel, which looks to be around the size of a typical modern frigate, or at the least a very large corvette, also appears to be designed to accommodate a vertical launch system (VLS) for missiles and a phased-array radar two advanced items not previously seen on a North Korean design. Photos of the new warship, the name of which has not been disclosed, were recently released by North Koreas state-run Korean Central Television (KCTV). The vessel is seen being inspected by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while under construction in a dry dock at Nampho Shipyard on the Taedong River estuary, on the west coast of the country. A view of the bow of the vessel, with shipyard officials and Kim in attendance, reveals its impressive size. KCNA The photos are undated, but the oldest image shows the construction facility covered by netting to hide it from view. It is later seen replaced by a more permanent roof structure. According to NK Pro, which provides data analysis on North Korea, the earliest photo was probably taken before October of this year since this is when the roof was added. Kim is pictured visiting the new warship under construction, likely in October or some time after. KCNA Imagery analysis from the same outlet suggests that Kim visited the warship under construction on at least one other earlier occasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous photos of the vessel appeared in November, during a defense exhibition in North Korea, but they only showed the bow area with very limited detail as they can only be seen in wide-angle images released of the event. The first photos of the new warship appeared on a display at a North Korean military exhibition in November. KCNA/NK Pro Before that, in September, Kim was photographed inspecting the ship and this photo was also published by state media. However, the photo was heavily cropped and there was little idea of the scale or overall appearance of the vessel. One of the four new photos also appears to have been taken during that same visit. As for the size of the new vessel, Joseph Dempsey, research associate for Defence and Military Analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), determined that its likely a destroyer and the largest warship ever constructed in the DPRK. According to Dempseys previous analysis, the design appears to have an approximately 15-meter (50-foot) beam, making it around one-third wider than the Amnok and Tuman class corvettes, which are the largest warships that North Korea has built for decades. The Amnok and Tuman class are both approximately 250 feet long, a typical length for a modern corvette, although the distinction between warship types especially frigates and corvettes is increasingly blurred. One of North Koreas Amnok class corvettes. KCNA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larger than the Amnok and Tuman class are the Najin class frigates dating from the 1970s, with a beam of around 33 feet and a length of 328 feet. Only two or three of these aging vessels are thought to still be in North Korean service. An aerial port-side view of a North Korean Navy Najin class corvette underway. U.S. Navy Allied Navy Dempsey suggests that the new warship is more than 100 meters (328 feet) long, although it would have to be significantly longer than this to be considered a destroyer in the modern understanding of that classification, with modern frigates already typically longer than 328 feet. The Franco-Italian FREMM frigate is 465 feet long, and the Chinese Type 054 frigate is 440 feet long, for example. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the new warship design is the apparent provision for some kind of vertical launch system (VLS), the presence of which is suggested by a large space immediately forward of the bridge. While there isnt a VLS that has been installed so far, this would make sense considering the design and would reflect the weapons configurations on many other modern surface combatants. A view of the area forward of the bow reveals an aperture that may well be intended to accommodate a VLS. KCNA Provided that the new warship is intended to have a VLS, there are a variety of different kinds of missiles that might be considered as payloads. These would include naval versions of surface-to-air missiles, as well as possibly anti-ship missiles, but North Korea is also increasingly focusing on the development of land attack cruise missiles including some that are claimed to be nuclear-armed. More importantly, should a VLS be fitted, it would therefore provide the warship with much more magazine depth than previous North Korean warships, and the ability to field multiple types of weapons in a single launcher. An Amnok class corvette fires a cruise missile. Reportedly, these missiles can be fitted with nuclear warheads. KCNA Notably, North Korea has also previously said it had plans for constantly deploying a ship loaded with new-type anti-aircraft missiles. That might also be a reference to the new warship, and its potential VLS capability. The statement was an explicit threat to U.S. reconnaissance aircraft operating off the North Korean coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While North Korea is currently busy with a wide range of military developments with its missile programs gaining the most attention for its rapid advances Kim has, in recent months, made statements focused on the maritime domain especially. Earlier this year, state media quoted Kim as saying that increasing the power of its naval forces is the most important issue in reliably defending the maritime sovereignty of the country and stepping up the war preparations at present. He also called for pushing ahead with the planned building of ships and unconditionally completing them within the period of the Five-Year Plan. Kim observes a missile firing drill from aboard a North Korean patrol boat. KCNA Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although not explicitly named as such, it seems likely that the new vessel is part of this warship-building program, and it certainly fits within aspirations to develop naval capabilities, although its unclear how many of the hulls might be planned. Should the first of the new vessels be completed within the period of the Five-Year Plan, this would imply that it would be finished by January 2026. Based on the progress made so far, that would seem feasible, although it remains to be seen exactly what kinds of weapons and sensors might be installed and there would still be a period of testing and working up before the warship is actually commissioned into service. Another view of an Amnok class corvette. KCNA There has already been speculation that the new warship might end up going to sea with a phased-array radar, due to the large apertures on the sides of the superstructure that would accommodate the antennas for such a system. A combination of VLS and phased-array radar would strongly suggest the warship is intended to serve in an air-defense-optimized role, filling a long-standing gap in the fleet for an anti-air picket ship. Apertures cut into the forward part of the superstructure are in line with the typical locations of phased-array radar antennas. KCNA With the previous Amnok and Tuman class, a handful of vessels have been completed in shipyards on the east and west coasts, and its possible that the new design might supersede these less-capable designs in the same yards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As well as the new vessel, North Korea is meanwhile working on other surface combatants, including smaller anti-submarine warfare vessels and missile boats, and some more innovative designs like the Nalchi class very slender vessel (VSV) with a wave-piercing hull. In addition, North Korea is also developing underwater capabilities, although with mixed successes so far. However, there has been recent evidence that Pyongyang might be developing its first nuclear-powered submarine design, which also underscores its significant naval ambitions. You can read more about that here. A satellite image of the Pongdae Submarine Factory on the northeast coast of North Korea, the center of its submarine development activities. Google Earth For now, while the size of North Koreas latest warship design is impressive and it certainly has the potential to carry a comprehensive range of armament and sensors, major questions remain about Pyongyangs abilities to field higher-end naval military technologies in a fully applicable, integrated form. Even if North Korea is able to introduce a new warship with a usable radar system and a VLS array able to launch multiple types of missiles, it still remains to be seen whether the country has the shipbuilding capacity to build a more meaningful number of these warships. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to solidify the country's comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in his letter to President Vladimir Putin on Monday, state media KCNA reported on Tuesday. In the message, Kim sent New Year greetings to Putin and all Russians, including their troops and expressed his willingness to further step up bilateral ties, which he said the two leaders have elevated to a new height this year, through new projects, KCNA said. Kim "wished that the New Year 2025 would be recorded as the first year of victory in the 21st century when the Russian army and people would defeat neo-Nazism and achieve a great victory," KCNA said. Kim and Putin signed a mutual defence treaty at a summit in June, which calls for each side to come to the other's aid in case of an armed attack. North Korea has since dispatched tens of thousands of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, and Seoul and Washington said that more than a thousand of them have been killed or wounded. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Sandra Maler) A North Shore man is facing a slew of criminal charges after police say he drunkenly drove onto a beach and into the ocean, nearly crashing into pedestrians last week. Angel Montas, 21, of Lynn, was arraigned Friday in Lynn District Court on charges including operating under the influence of liquor, assault with a dangerous weapon on a person over the age of 60, assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, operating a motor vehicle with an obstructed window, marked lanes violation, no inspection sticker, and number plate violation, according to Nahant Police Chief Timothy Furlong. In a news release on Monday, Furlong said officers responded to the Nahant Beach Reservation just before 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, after the department received a report of a vehicle doing doughnuts on Long Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A preliminary investigation indicated that the driver, later identified as Montas, made multiple trips onto the beach, speeding through the sand in the vicinity of beachgoers, according to Furlong. A video shared with Boston 25 News showed a dark-colored Infiniti sedan leaving tire tracks in the sand and veering off into shallow water as the beachgoers looked on with concern. Montas was arrested after officers investigated at the scene, according to Furlong. No pedestrians were injured during the incident. It was totally dangerous, I wasnt nervous, I was cautious, I was watching out for the other people, I knew what my escape route was, was making sure he wasnt getting near anybody else, said Frank Mushrush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mushrush says that the driver got pretty close to him and there were about 20 people on the beach that day. There were people down there walking their dogs, their kids and actually there were surfers out there surfing and you know he was just being a fool on the beach, said Mushrush. He says the driver left and came back to do this multiple times, and at one point he almost drove right into the water. How do you drive on the beach doing donuts, revving the heck out of your engine, missing gears and almost driving into the ocean? said Mushrush. If the wave had come a little stronger he would have been stuck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now theres a new barrier there to prevent any cars from driving onto the beach. Montas is due back in court on Jan. 23, 2025, for a pre-trial hearing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW CONVERSE, La. (KTAL/KMSS)Converse, a rural village in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, has a prominent place in the education of African Americans post-Reconstruction era. But the little village may also have ties to hundreds of enslaved people who were given the chance to immigrate from Mississippi to the northwest coast of Africa before the American Civil War era. Dr. Rolonda Teal, a professor in the Anthropology Department at Houston Community College, has spent years studying the history of the small community of Converse. Teal specializes in African American studies, and she began researching the history of Bapsoline, a small community within Converse, because her stepfather was born and raised there. Teal said Bapsoline earned the nickname because its where the Baptists of Saline once lived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the research for this article, specifically information about Bapsoline/Converse, was completed by Teal. Early formation of African American community in Converse Records indicate that an African American community formed within the confines of Converse by 1872, only six years after the Civil War. The little community became home to as many as forty African American farming families. Historic family surnames from the community include Belton, Loran, Canada, Jacobs, Woods, Brown, and Cotton. Edmund Belton is considered to be the father of Bapsoline, the African American community in Converse. He arrived in Converse in the 1870s, as is stated in the History of Louisiana Negro Baptists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Edmund Beltons sons, Riley, raised bees and sold honey in Converse. Riley also operated a small store called The Shack where residents could buy things they couldnt make themselves. In May 1872, less than a decade after the Civil War ended, members of the Babsoline community decided to build a place to worship God. Edmund Beltons cousin George built a brush arbor, and later, the congregation upgraded to a log cabin. Edmunds daughter Ellen decided to name the little log cabin Saline Baptist Church. One of Edmund Beltons sons, Riley, raised bees and sold honey in Converse. Riley also operated a small store called The Shack where residents could buy things they couldnt make themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May 1872, less than a decade after the Civil War ended, members of the Babsoline community decided to build a place to worship God. Edmund Beltons cousin George built a brush arbor, and later, the congregation upgraded to a log cabin. Edmunds daughter Ellen decided to name the little log cabin Saline Baptist Church. Native Americans in NWLA traded ancient salt from Saline Bayou; now you can camp near the site Meet one of Edmund Beltons descendants Edmund Belton died on Apr. 13, 1903 and was buried in Saline Cemetery in Converse. He was 90 years old. Edmunds grandson Robert attended and graduated from Coleman College in Gibsland, Louisiana. Professor Robert E. Jacobs, as he became known after graduating from Coleman, was the oldest son of Solomon and Ellen Jacobs. (Ellen was Edmunds daughter.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what we know about Professor Jacobs, Ellens eldest son. Image of Professor Robert E. Jacobs wearing a suit. (Source: History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914) Robert Jacobs was born at Converse near the Sabine River on May 22, 1877, a region formerly called No Mans Land. He attended a public school near the familys home, and his uncle Jack Butler encouraged him to go to college. On Jan. 1, 1897, Jacobs began attending Coleman College in Gibsland, La., paying his tuition by working. When money was short his landlord and the President of the school, Prof. O. L. Coleman, helped him get by. Coleman College: First African American college in North Louisiana Robert Jacobs graduated with honors in 1892 and was the class valedictorian. In the spring of 1903 Robert became a professor at Coleman College, but he left the position at his fathers request and moved home. Robert then helped create the Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute wasnt the first school in the community. The very first school was begun by W. B. Purvis, a Baptist minister. W. B. Purvis A Macedonian Cry came from Saline Baptist Church in Converse around the turn of the century, and W. B. Purvis answered it. Purvis was a young Baptist minister from Cotton Port in Avoyelles Parish. He was born on Oct. 7, 1870, and was the oldest boy in his family. His parents had been denied education while enslaved in Louisiana, and they wanted their children to become educated. W. B. Purvis grew into adulthood and was encouraged by Professor Jonas Henderson and Sister J. P. Moore to attain a higher education. Purvis attended Alexandria Academy and Leland University, then moved to Northwest Louisiana, where he bought a farm in 1892. He became the pastor at Saline Baptist Church in Converse and married Jennie Lee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometime between 1899 and 1902, Purvis started a school in Converse under the auspices of the Farmers Union. After his wife Jennie Lee died, Purvis left Converse and returned to school, graduating with honors from Coleman College. He then spent the rest of his life in the ministry. But the small school Purvis started in Converse merged with Professor Robert Jacobs dreams and became the Sabine Industrial Institute, which was said to be one of the best schools in Louisiana. Converse becomes home to Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute On Jan. 28, 1904 Professor Jacobs married Miss Mary Lee, one of the students from Coleman College in Gibsland. The next year, Professor Jacobs enrolled at the University of Chicago. He also helped raise seven buildings on Sabine Normals campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By 1912, 203 students, many from Texas, were enrolled at Sabine Normal. This was the main building on the Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute campus in Babsoline, Louisiana. (Source: History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914) By 1914, the campus was valued at $30,000. Professor Robert Jacobs was the President, S. B. Belton was the First Assistant, Miss Flora M. Goode was the Second Assistant, and Secretary. E. D. Tyler was the Third Assistant and Business Manager. W. M. Tyler was the Fourth Assistant and Field Agent. Mrs. M. L. Jacobs taught Domestic Science, Miss Lillie Mae Baddie taught music, and A. J. Jones taught agriculture. The school was supported by funding from several sources, including the Slater Fund. John Fox Slater created the Slater Fund to uplift the emancipated population of the Southern States. The fund helped create southern industrial schools, which specialized in helping African Americans to learn trades. The fund was a part of a national movement that encouraged wealthy northern owners of wildly profitable corporations to divert money into American philanthropy. Another source of funding for Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute in Converse was the Jeanes Fund. Anna Thomas Jeanes was a Quaker in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who inherited her entire familys fortune. She used the money to better society by establishing a school fund for rural African Americans in the American South. Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute campus in Babsoline, Louisiana. (Source: History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914) The Sabine Parish School Board, the school farm, and private subscriptions also helped meet the Sabine Normal and Industrial Institutes financial needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sank Belton, Robert Jacobs first cousin, oversaw the construction of male and female two-story dormitories with outhouses. Sabine Normal also had a dining hall, carpentry shop, laundry room, two-story school building, barn, and concrete pond for the students to use and enjoy. The school wasnt just a shining beacon for Black education. It was also key in the history of womens education. Sabine Normal, a coed institution, was created just after the first colleges for women in world history were being built in the United States. In Feb. 1917, Professor Robert Jacobs was appointed to an examining committee for the City of Shreveport. After he moved, community elders gave control of the institution to the Sabine Parish School Board so the school could continue without Robert Jacobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1918, the school board changed the name of the Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute to Sabine Industrial Institute. A little more than a decade later, Sabine Industrial Institute held its last graduation exercise. Only five students were given diplomas during the last commencement. But the Sabine Normal and Industrial School isnt the only reason why Converse can be considered significant to Louisiana history. The African American community in Converse, Louisiana, is also connected to a country in West Africa. Heres what we know about the legend. Converse, Louisianas ties to Liberia According to the Belton family, the founder of the African American community in Converse, Louisiana (Edmund Belton) is related to a plantation in Jefferson County, Mississippi. Prospect Hill Plantation was founded around 1808 and owned by Captain Isaac Ross, a Revolutionary War veteran. But Prospect Hill Plantation was quite unusual. Captain Ross believed in education and did not abide by rules meant to prevent the enslaved from finding enlightenment. He helped fund a university campus in Mississippi that later became Alcorn State University. And thats not the only unusual thing Ross did. In Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the Supreme Court, High Court of Errors and Appeals, and the Superior Court of Chancery of Mississippi, published in 1910, we learn of a controversial case involving the executors of Captain Isaac Ross estate. When he died in August 1834, Rosss will was specific: Those enslaved on his plantation were to be given transportation to Africa, emancipated, and given financial support as they set up their new lives on another continent. A stipulation of Rosss will was that those enslaved on his plantation who chose not to emigrate to the old world should be sold, and the proceeds used to build a university atthe new settlement in Western Africa. He then instructed that Prospect Hill would be sold and the money used to pay for his slaves to go to the West African colony of Liberia, which had been set up for the purpose of repatriation by a group known as the American Colonization Society, we read on the Archaeological Conservancys webpage. The Archaeological Conservancy now owns Prospect Hill Plantation because of the locations historical significance. Members of the Ross family, who wanted the property for themselves, contested the will. The court system took more than a decade to decide on the contested will, and during that time animosity grew between some people involved in the case. According to A record of the descendants of Isaac Ross and Jean Brown by Annie Julia Mims Mrs. W. R. Wright, printed by Press of Consumers Stationary and Printing Company, Jackson, Mississippi, 1911, Captain Isaac Ross old home, Prospect Hill, was burned by his former slaves before the court ruled on the case. At 1 a.m. April 15, 1825, this house was set on fire by some of the Prospect Hill Slaves, and completely destroyed in a very short time. My father, mother, and three small children, Isaac, Dunbar, and Catherine. were asleep in the house at the time. The coffee for supper on the night of the fire had been drugged by the cook, and the older members of the family drank of it except Dr. Wade and Miss. Girault. The house was a large, two-story house, and Dr. Wade, Mr. Bailey, Mrs. Richardson and children and Miss Girault occupied the rooms in the second story. Dr. Wade was the first occupant to discover the fire, and immediately set to work to arouse the family. This he found a difficult task, and probably would not have succeeded, owing to the size of the house, had it not been for the assistance of one of my fathers own slaves and body servant Major, who was faithful, and rendered every assistance in his power. They all succeeded in escaping save Marth Richardson. Miss Girault, who occupied the room with Mrs. Richardson, did not drink the drugged coffee, so was active and alert, and discoverd that Mrs. Richardson was dazed and stupefied. She took charge of the two youngest children, Cabell and Addie, and requested Mrs. Richardson to bring down Martha, the oldest. Martha died in the fire. When the family were aroused, my father went to the outer doors to open them that all might escape, wrote Thomas Magruder Wade. The front door was hard to open, but after some efforts he succeeded in throwing it open, but did not go out. Mrs. Ross immediately ran through the door, and to her horror there stood Esau, one of the estates slaves, with a drawn ax, evidently with the purpose of killing my father, whom he expected to pass out that door, as it was nearest his room. Esau, with six or seven other leaders, were burnt or hung. This was all done by the neighbors, without my fathers knowledge, as he was then with his mother, Mrs. Ross, at Oak Hill, two miles away. He did not know of the vengeance taken upon these guilty slaves until it was reported to him by his overseers, Peter Stampley Thomas continued his statement in Annies book by explaining why he believed the uprising had occured. It was not expected that the heirs of Captain Ross would quietly permit this valuable estate to pass out of their possession. So the will was contested to the bitter end, and after twelve years of litigation the highest court of the state sustained the validity of the will. During this long litigation and strife the slaves became restless; as they knew their old master had given them their freedom and his estate. They could not understand the delays of the law, and became insanely imbued that my father, the acting executor, was responsible for the delay, and if they could get rid of him their longing to be delivered from bondage and transported to their native shores would be quickly consummated. This alone was the cause of the burning of the house and the attempted murder of my father and family. Thomas also wrote that the enslaved were sent to Liberia in 1849. He believed there were 210 in all, though other sources claim there were more than 300 people who left for Africa. He said his father received letters from them until the beginning of the Civil War in the United States. The decision in the controversial Ross case was that a testator (person who made the will to distribute their possessions) could use his will to direct slaves to be sent out of the state for the explicit purpose of emancipation. However, those arguing the case found there were still rules about ownership that had to be addressed. Thats why the ruling further stated, In this case, however, it matters not whether the slaves to be freed can take (possession of the Ross estate) or not. From the peculiar character of the trusts in the will the complainants (American Colonization Society) can take (the possessions) for them. The complainants are a charitable association. Their chief object is to transport free negroes, among whom are those entitled to freedom when removed to Africa. The right of directing and superintending this removal is conferred in the will. It is a right consonant with the purpose of the corporate creation, and a right which they can enforce. The case allowed the American Colonization Society to assist the formerly enslaved with the acquisition of land, one-way tickets to West Africa, and other details related to their freedom from bondage. The American Colonization Society funds were able to bypass societal rules and implement Captain Ross will, which included providing financial means to the colonizers after they arrived in what would later become Liberia. Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction, so for time purposes this article will not discuss the complex subject of the Mississippi Colonization Societys intended purpose(s), or those of other related societies that developed in the United States before the Civil War. But further research is recommended for those who wish to know about history that connects several places in the American South with the West African country of Liberia. The Converse connection? The story of what happened to those enslaved on Captain Isaac Ross plantation is undoubtedly a complex subject. But the possible connection between Edmund Belton, the father of the African American community in Converse, Louisiana, and Captain Ross is just as captivating. According to Alan Huffman in his book Mississippi In Africa: The Saga of the Slaves of Prospect Hill Plantation and Their Legacy in Liberia Today, University Press of Mississippi, Edmond Belton and his brother Wade Belton were part of the uprising at Prospect Hill. Huffman claims that Edmund Belton was possibly the leader of the uprising, and that after Edmund escaped he was last seen crossing the Mississippi into Louisiana after the fire in 1845. Huffman writes, in Mississippi in Africa, that no one knew what became of Edmond or Wade Belton until the 1990s when James Belton traveled to Converse, Louisiana, and met with Edmond Beltons descendants. A Facebook post by Prospect Hill Plantation, Apr. 17, 2019, shows that James Belton is the great-great nephew of William Belton, whose mother (Marian Belton) was the mother of Edmond and Wade Belton. The Archaeological Conservancys website states that the sale of Captain Rosss plantation helped the formerly enslaved gain control of their destiny. Hundreds of enslaved people left Prospect Hill Plantation in 1845 and traveled to New Orleans and then on to West Africa. When you have to resort toI guess you could call it violence, to burning the house that the slaves themselves had built, when the little girl lost her life, thats sad. I dont like that page of the story. Everything else, though, Im proud of it, said James Belton, a relative of Edmund (Edmond) Belton, on pp. 277 of Huffmans book. If James Beltons claims are true, then the African American community founded by Edmund Belton in Converse, Louisiana, is connected to another colony founded after Ross will was enforced a colony that was created through the American Colonization Society. Mitchell Map of Liberia colony, No. 17, A Map of Africa, 1839. Notice the Mississippi Colony, where those who were freed by Captain Isaac Ross will resided. Converse, Louisiana history The Edmund (Edmond) Belton who founded Converse might or might not be the same Edmond Belton who was connected to the Ross family in Mississippi. Further research is required to prove or disprove James Beltons claims. Either way, a man named Edmund Belton was still the founder of the African American community in Converse, Louisiana, in post-Civil War NWLA. And as generations passed, Edmund Beltons family made quite a difference for African Americans in Converse and throughout the ArkLaTex. Staff of Sabine Normal and Industrial School in Converse, Louisiana. (Source: History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914) Them being mulattoes, they might have just blended in, James Belton hypothesized in Mississippi in Africa. Today, few people remember the village of Babsoline as it once existed in Converse. Only four African American families are still left in the community known as Babsoline. The story of Edmund Beltons escape to Louisiana can be found in Alan Huffmans book Mississippi in Africa. Huffman writes that Edmunds mother, Mariah Belton (born in Virginia in 1775), chose to stay in the United States and face being sold instead of going to West Africa with other relatives. She stayed behind because her sons Edmund (1812) and Wade (1815) escaped after the fire at Prospect Hill Plantation and could not go with her. Captain Isaac Ross focus on education at Prospect Hill Plantation in Mississippi may have influenced the development of a pro-education culture in Converse, Louisiana that resulted in the creation of Sabine Normal and Industrial Institute, one of the first educational institutions for African Americans in Northern Louisiana. The history of Converse also shows us what life may have been like for those who chose not to immigrate from Mississippi to West Africa. opting to stay in the pre-Civil War American South instead. Those are just a few of the reasons why the connection between Edmund Belton, Captain Isaac Ross, and Converse, Louisiana is important in Louisiana history, Mississippi history, the history of the American South, and Liberian history. For more information about the Mississippi Colony that formed in West Africa, consider learning about the known history of Liberia. To visit Edmund Beltons grave, make your way to Sale Cemetery in Converse. If you would like to know more about Captain Rosss Prospect Hill Plantation home, the Archeological Conservancy now owns the property. The existing 19th-century home, which was built to replace the burned plantation home, still stands today. Sources: History of Louisiana Negro Baptists From 1804 to 1914 by William Hicks, B. A., D. D. Mitchell Map of Liberia colony, No. 17, A Map of Africa, 1839 American Colonization Society history Mississippi In Africa: The Saga of the Slaves of Prospect Hill Plantation and Their Legacy in Liberia Today, University Press of Mississippi, Alan Huffman Slater fund history 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. The head of a board that doles out state charter school licenses says Gov. Kathy Hochul and the legislature should lift the cap on the number of city charters next year so Big Apple students can succeed. The charter licenses approved by lawmakers last year have already been passed out, which means no more of the schools can be approved in the Big Apple because of the cap. We should focus more on kids not politics, said Joseph Belluck, chairman of the State University of New York committee that reviews and licenses charter schools. There are currently 282 charter schools serving nearly 150,000 students in the city. Matthew McDermott Lifting the cap will help us provide more slots to kids who need it, said Belluck, whose group, along with the state Education Department, distributes the licenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are currently 282 charter schools serving nearly 150,000 students in the city. The charters make up about 15% of publicly funded Big Apple schools. The alternative, privately managed, publicly funded schools are popular with parents for their rigor but fiercely opposed by the teachers union and traditional public school educators, who say the charters provide unwanted competition, draining them of students. Most charter schools have a longer school day and school year than traditional public schools, and studies show their students outperform their peers on standardized math and English exams. The cap should not only be lifted, but there should be no cap on opportunity, insisted Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy, which runs 56 charter schools. William Farrington Most charter schools have a longer school day and school year than traditional public schools, and studies show their students outperform their peers on standardized math and English exams. Gregory P. Mango The overwhelming majority of charter schools are also non-union, a point of contention in Big Labor New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cap should not only be lifted, but there should be no cap on opportunity, insisted Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy, which runs 56 charter schools, the largest charter network in the country. All parents deserve a choice about where their kids go to school, Moskowitz said. Lester Long, founder and CEO of the Classical Charter Schools Network, said, New York City needs great schools so more students can get a great education. Lifting the charter school cap is one prong in improving education in the city, Long said. A New York school choice and education reform group also said its time for Albany to do what it considers best for parents and kids. Lester Long, founder and CEO of the Classical Charter Schools Network, said, New York City needs great schools so more students can get a great education. South Bronx Classical Charter Schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its long past time to treat students in charters fairly: They deserve equitable funding and access to rental assistance for their buildings, said Crystal McQueen-Taylor, executive director of StudentsFirstNY. The artificial cap on great schools has also passed its expiration date. Parents and advocates will continue to fight for what our children deserve, the charter proponent said. There is a cap of 460 charter schools statewide. But there is a subcap within that cap for New York City that restricts the opening of more charters. Under the law, there are 84 charters left to be issued outside the city, where there is less demand. If Albany just eliminated the regional cap, New York City would have access to those 84 charters, proponents say. The head of a board that gives out state charter school licenses says Gov. Kathy Hochul and the legislature should lift the cap on the number of city charters next year. Seth Harrison/The Journal News part of the USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images In 2023, Hochul proposed lifting the cap in the five boroughs but was rebuffed by lawmakers. The compromise was to allow the reissuance of 14 so-called zombie licenses from shuttered schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on Sunday claimed there is no public appetite to lift the charter school cap in the city. The charter cap was codified in order to strike the balance between offering some school choice and fulfilling the mandate to keep public schools open, and that balance is needed now more than ever, said state Sen. John Liu (D-Queens), chairman of the panel on New York City schools. It would be nonsensical to lift a statutory limit simply because its been reached, he said. State Assembly Education Committee Chairman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx) said, My chamber has always been resistant to charter schools. I dont see a change happening right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochuls office said the governor will lay out her education agenda when she submits her executive budget plan early next year. Governor Hochul has made record investments in education, increasing school aid by $6.5 billion since taking office, and she will continue working with the Legislature to deliver high quality educational opportunities to New York students. The Governor will unveil her FY26 Budget this winter during the 2025 Legislative session, a spokesperson for the governor said. NEW YORK More than 600 rookie cops still in training will be part of the NYPDs Times Square security coverage on New Years Eve, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday. Police will also use six drones above Times Square and nearby blocks, up from four last year, with additional drones patrolling other parts of the city. Tisch said there are no specific credible threats targeting Times Square, where more than one million people are expected to gather to watch the ball drop and ring in the near year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she noted that since the Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack in Israel, police have been operating in a heightened threat environment and remain vigilant. In addition to scores of cops in plainclothes there will be highly-trained Emergency Services cops on rooftops, Aviation Unit cops in helicopters and bomb-sniffing dogs on the streets. Manhole covers will be sealed, Tisch said, and mailboxes and garbage pails will be removed from sidewalks. And, as usual, cops set to graduate the Police Academy next week, more than 600 this year, will be out here tomorrow working their first detail and taking their front row seat to the greatest show on earth, Tisch said. Two years ago, one such cop was among three attacked and wounded by self-declared jihadist Trevor Bickford, 19, who was armed with a machete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polce at the scene Eighth Ave. and W. 52nd St., just outside the frozen zone then shot and wounded Bickford, who was later convicted of federal charges and sentenced to 27 years in prison. Interim NYPD Chief of Department John Chell Monday said police responded last year by creating a ring of police officers around the zones perimeter and will do so again this year. JERUSALEM, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli police and Shin Bet security agency said in a joint statement on Monday that an Israeli man has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran in exchange for payment. The suspect, a 29-year-old Jewish resident of Petah Tikva, a city west of Tel Aviv, allegedly torched eight vehicles, spray-painted pro-Iranian graffiti, and filmed an infrastructure facility, according to the statement. He also allegedly filmed the entrance to the residential neighborhood of Benny Gantz, a member of parliament and former Israeli defense minister, and sent the footage to his handlers, the statement said. Documents submitted on Monday to the Central District Court indicated that an indictment is expected to be filed in the coming days. This is the 13th time an Israeli citizen has been arrested on charges of spying for Iran since the beginning of 2024. Black political leaders remember the former president as a champion for civil rights and advancing racial equity for Black Americans. Tributes are pouring in from Black political leaders following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at 100 after battling cancer. Weeks after Jimmy Carter cast his 2024 election ballot in Georgia in hopes of electing Kamala Harris as the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian president of the United States, the historic vice president praised Carter as a man who was guided by a deep and abiding faith in God, in America, and in humanity and said his life was a testament to the power of service. As a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States, said the vice president, He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doug and I send our love and prayers to the Carter family, said Harris, who remembered Carters presidential achievements and his post-office commitment to fighting for peace, democracy, and human dignity. Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pauses while speaking on stage as she concedes the election, at Howard University on November 06, 2024 in Washington, D.C.(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Credit: Photo Andrew Harnik / Getty Images I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and profound grace, the vice president added. His life and legacy continue to inspire me and will inspire generations to come. Our world is a better place because of President Carter. Vice President Harris joined a long list of high-ranking political leaders who publicly saluted President Carter for his legacy of advancing civil and human rights, commitment to diversity, and promoting peace around the globe. Other tributes poured in from President Joe Biden, who delivered live remarks while vacationing for the holiday in St. Croix, President-elect Donald Trump, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, and former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Barack and Michelle Obama celebrated Carters pioneering efforts to diversify the federal judiciary, including nominating more Black judges than any president before him and womens rights trailblazer Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court. The Obamas also noted that the former president, who served from 1977 to 1981, established groundbreaking environmental reforms and became one of the first leaders in the world to recognize the problem of climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Obamas said that President Carter will be most remembered for his character. He believed some things were more important than reelection things like integrity, respect, and compassion, they said. 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. LAGRANGE, GA JUNE 10: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter signs a quilt for new home owner Jeffrey Hearn at Hearns Habitat for Humanity home being built June 10, 2003 in LaGrange, Georgia. More than 90 homes are being built in LaGrange; Valdosta, Georgia; and Anniston, Alabama by volunteers as part of Habitat for Humanity Internationals Jimmy Carter Work Project 2003. (Photo by Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images) Jimmy Carter is remembered as a champion for civil rights and equity for Black Americans. The former president considered Martin Luther King, Sr. father of Martin Luther King, Jr. a close confidant and a part of his kitchen cabinet. Following his death, Dr. Bernice King, daughter of King Jr., praised Carter for signing legislation that established the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. Reflecting on his civil rights legacy, she told CNN that the former president was always very sensitive to marginalized communities and always championed issues economically and socially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is not given the honor that hes due sometimes, unfortunately, when people pass away, we really realize the void that they left and realize what they really gave to our nation, said Bernice King. Kings brother, Martin Luther King III, echoed those sentiments in a statement honoring Jimmy Carter as a trailblazer and fighter who punched above his weight. While history may have been hard on President Carter at times, today, he is remembered as a global human rights leader, said King III, who shared that the King family over the years found wise counsel and strong leadership in the former president. Even after he left office, he carried on the legacies that my family has long championed, the eradication of the triple evils poverty, racism, and violence, added King III. We will truly miss President Carter, but we know that he would not want us to be saddened by his death, but proud of the work weve accomplished together and resolved to continue the work he started for the generations that come after us. More must-reads: To create accurate climate models, scientists need to understand how long conditions persist in the ocean. A new study led by scientists from the University of Liverpool analyzed the memory of the North Atlantic and created a new framework for understanding ocean memory. They discovered that temperature fluctuations persist for a full 10 to 20 years, which is much longer than current models predict. Memory can be a flighty thing. The past can be recalled with rose-colored glasses, and many of our memories dim as we agetheres a reason eyewitness testimony is considered one of the most unreliable forms of evidence in a judicial proceeding. However, the ocean doesnt have these same failings when it comes to memory. While this doesnt indicate some form of neurological oceanic hive mind, this aquatic form of memory refers to the ability of oceans to retain certain ecological conditions. Climate scientists are eager to understand the strength of this memory, as an inaccurate representation could throw off current models and predictions for the future as the world warms. However, determining ocean memory isnt easy, as the continual alteration of atmospheric forcinghow changes in the atmosphere impact land and sea modelingmasks the more long-term effects of ocean circulation. To help clear up this oceanic misunderstanding, scientists from the University of Liverpool set out to answer a simple question: How long does the ocean remember? The results, which were published earlier this year in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, indicate that the North Atlantics memory lasts anywhere for one to two decades, which is far longer than current estimates of only a handful of years. The study addresses a fundamental question of what ocean memory truly is, University of Liverpools Hemant Khatri, a lead author of the study, said in a press statement. The new ocean memory framework reveals physical mechanisms responsible for multi-year ocean memory and paves the way for new methods for evaluating climate models. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study focused on how the North Atlantic Oscillation influences subpolar North Atlantic Ocean temperatures. This new ocean memory framework accounted for short-term local effects involving air-sea heat fluxes, as well as long-term impacts created by ocean circulation. These long term effects include gyre circulationsthe largest systems of rotating ocean currentsand meridional overturning, such as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) that brings warm water north and cool water south (and has been slowing in intensity since the 90s). The results of the teams various models showed that temperature anomalies in the ocean persisted for a full 10 to 20 years before fully dissipating, though the team notes that variability can occur from region to region due to differences in background circulation and basin size. Ocean memory in the subpolar North Atlantic is estimated to be approximately 18 years based on observations, while climate models suggest a range of 812 years, the authors wrote. The significant discrepancy between ocean memory in observations and climate models suggests that climate models may be too dissipative in terms of ocean memorypotentially underestimating multi-decadal climate variability. This underestimation of natures memory only highlights the existential need to lower emissions. The World Economic Forum reported in 2022 that if the world magically went to zero emissions overnight, thered still be a 42 percent change in temperatures, exceeding safe limits. Because of this memory, its vital that humans end this self-inflicting greenhouse trauma as soon as possible, so that the healingand the forgettingcan begin. You Might Also Like School resource officers Chase Boyd and Brandon King sprinted toward the sound of gunfire inside Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, navigating the disorienting echoes of shots that felt far removed from their training. Before them would be a half-minute of chaos and split-second, life-or-death decisions that, in retrospect, must have been guided by God, Boyd said in an interview posted online Sunday. Four people two students and two teachers were killed in the school on September 4. Seven others were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Georgia grand jury indicted accused shooter Colt Gray, 14, on 55 charges, including four counts of felony and malice murder. His father, Colin Gray, was indicted on 29 counts, including two counts of second-degree murder. The indictment alleged Colin Gray gave his son access to a firearm and ammunition after receiving sufficient warning that Colt Gray would endanger the bodily safety of another. Both have pleaded not guilty. When Boyd and King heard gunshots in the school, they raced toward a smoke-filled hallway, propelled by instinct. We didnt have a whole lot of information, but then all of a sudden we hear gunshots, and we both kind of looked at each other for that split second, Boyd said in an interview with River Hills Church, a community-focused Christian church in Winder, a community of 19,000 residents about 50 miles east of Atlanta. The sounds were disorienting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It didnt quite sound like what we would expect a gunshot to sound like inside a building, Boyd said. As he and King navigated the hallway, Boyd communicated their situation over a radio: Weve got an active shooter at Apalachee High School. When they reached a hallway intersection, Boyd described encountering a black silhouette obscured by smoke and dust. We cant shoot because we dont know if its a teacher, a student, the shooter. We have no idea whats at the end of that hall, Boyd said in the interview. We start yelling some things that Im not going to repeat, he said, as he described telling the silhouette to get on the ground. Officer describes confronting the shooter The figure quickly complied and Boyd heard a clack sound. He assumed a gun had been dropped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the ground near the person now lying face-down was an assault-style rifle and what Boyd initially thought was a duffel bag. It turned out to be a victim. There was nothing we could do for him, unfortunately, Boyd said in the interview. Students embrace near a makeshift memorial at Apalachee High School on September 5 in Winder, Georgia. - Jessica McGowan/Getty Images The officers quickly got the shooter handcuffed, Boyd said. But he didnt stay quiet. He loses his mind in the handcuffs and tries to get up and starts cussing and being aggressive, Boyd said. If the shooter had shown that intensity when they first confronted him, Boyd said, an awful tragedy couldve been much worse. There was no reason for him to stop shooting at all. Had he just opened fire into that hallway at us, he could have killed us, Boyd said, noting the shooter had the ammunition to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I took several full magazines of ammunition out of his pockets like he wasnt done, Boyd recalled. And then he reflected on the carnage that ammunition could have created. The shooter walked around the cafeteria that morning There were 130-some-odd kids if not more in that cafeteria, he said. Why he didnt open fire in that cafeteria or fire on himself and King in that hallway intersection it had to be a God thing, Boyd said. And that may have saved the shooters life, too, he said. The shooter lived because we couldnt see him. By the time we got to him he was no longer a threat, Boyd said. Because he wasnt a threat, we cant just execute him. CNNs Dakin Andone contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A rare pudu fawn was born in Argentina, and researchers are excited about their chance to study the animal as part of an effort to save it from extinction. Named Lenga, the fawn was born in a biopark and is being taken care of by Maximiliano Krause at the Temaiken Foundation "It's a very enigmatic animal, it's not easy to see," Krause told Reuters of the animal, which got its name from a tree species from the Andean Patagonian forest of Chile and Argentina. Pudu fawns are very small and fragile animals, according to the report, and there are only about 10,000 of them left. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has listed the creatures as near-threatened after the introduction of new predators like wild dogs to their native ecosystems. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind The birth of Lenga comes not long after the Queens Zoo in New York introduced a tiny pudu deer. Eight pudus have been born in the zoo since 2005, per DW, as the zoo has been making efforts to boost the population in a safe and monitored environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting biodiversity is important because it helps keep the planet in balance. For example, a smoothly running ecosystem ensures the reliable production of food crops. When an animal species is lost, the system can inch closer and closer to collapse. Protecting wildlife can also boost local economies. GVI detailed how "wild animals are a great source of ecotourism, attracting visitors from all over the world who are interested in viewing these species in their natural habitats." In other words, an influx of visitors can create job opportunities like guiding tours and providing hotel services. Think of how national parks in the United States, like Yosemite and Yellowstone, attract tourists from far and wide because of their awe-inspiring wildlife (though, of course, it's always smart to read up on park rules to ensure the creatures are treated with respect). "This pudu birth is obviously a source of joy," said Cristian Guillet, the director of zoological operations at the Temaiken Foundation in Buenos Aires. "[This] offers hope of saving them from extinction." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also expects that the birth will help the foundation with other conservation efforts for other Patagonian deer, like the huemul, which is suffering from loss of range and has seen its population size drop by 99%, according to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species. 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. Ohio elected officials including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Vice President-elect JD Vance, an Ohio senator, praised former President Jimmy Carter for his service to the nation. Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, died Sunday at 100. 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," DeWine said in a statement late Sunday. "He founded the Carter Center to support democracy and fight disease across the globe." Sen. Vance, who takes the oath as vice president on Jan. 20, made his statement on X, formerly Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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. More: 'I give my highest respect': Trump comments on death of former President Jimmy Carter Here are some reactions from other Ohio officials: Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus "Mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a global peacemaker who showed that peace is not only forged through historic agreements and support for democratic efforts around the world but also by advancing human dignity in areas like housing, healthcare, and more." Congressman Mike Carey, R-Columbus "The century of President Jimmy Carter's life was dedicated to serving the American people. From his time in the Navy and the Oval Office to his work for the civil rights movement and Habitat for Humanity, President Carter's legacy is one of kindness and humanitarianism." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 'His abiding grace': Global praise rings out for Jimmy Carter. Live updates Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, D-Akron "President Carter was an influential figure who lived his values of peace and dignity for all human beings through an incredible legacy of service. He was a decent and kind man who served as a model for every public servant to emulate. May his memory continue to bless us all." Congressman Brad Wenstrup, R-Cincinnati "Jimmy Carter was a good and honest man who devoted his life to service, through his time in the military, the government, and his work helping with affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity. My prayers are with his family. May his memory be a blessing." Congresswoman Shontel Brown, D-Warrensville Heights "Rest in Peace, President Jimmy Carter. President Carter was a leader who could negotiate with world leaders or pick up a hammer and build homes for those in need." Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost "Former President Jimmy Carter was a man who lived out his faith and his principles. May he rest in peace." Congressman Max Miller, R-Rocky River "President Carter was a man of integrity who served this great country as a naval officer, as a state senator, as Governor of Georgia, and as President of the United States. Thank you for your example, Mr. President." Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich "My wife and I had the honor of meeting President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. They were truly lovely people. His life is a reflection of a man of faith with a deep commitment to serving others. Rest in peace, Mr. President." Congressman Mike Turner, R-Dayton "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." Congressman Troy Balderson, R-Zanesville "President Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and a servant leader, both during his time in elected office and as a private citizen. My thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace." This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: DeWine, Vance, other Ohio officials honor President Jimmy Carter Flags are flying at half-staff across the country today to honor the memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100. He was the longest-living president by several years. So how long do flags fly at half-staff when a president or other government official dies? Here's the protocol. Former President Jimmy Carter speaks during the memorial service for the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh on March 4, 2015, at the Purcell Pavilion at the University of Notre Dame. Remembering Jimmy Carter: President Biden marks Jan. 9 as national day of mourning after Jimmy Carter's death Why are flags at half-staff today? How long will they stay that way? Flags will fly at half-staff for 30 days following Carter's death. That protocol was set in a proclamation from President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, per the National Archives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That proclamation states "that the flag of the United States of America be flown at half-staff on Federal buildings, grounds, and facilities upon the death of principal officials and former officials of the Government of the United States and the Governors of the States, Territories, and possessions of the United States as a mark of respect to their memory." The proclamation goes on to set time limits: 30 days from the day of death for the president or a former president. 10 days for the vice president, the chief justice or retired chief justice of the Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives. From the day of death until interment for an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority and minority leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives. Jimmy Carter state funeral: President to be honored in Washington before burial in Georgia Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine orders flags to half-staff On Monday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags to fly at half-staff "in honor of the life and service of former President James Earl Carter, Jr." through Jan. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. flag and State of Ohio flag will "be flown at half staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio," per DeWine's order. 'An exceptional man': Jimmy Carter state funeral set for Jan. 9. Live updates Why are flags flown at half-staff? The American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning, according to USA.gov. Flags can be ordered to fly at half-staff by the president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia. In most cases, flying the flag at half-staff marks a significant death, such as a government official or military member, a national tragedy, or a national day of remembrance, such as Patriot Day or Memorial Day. What is the difference between half-staff and half-mast? Half-staff refers to flags on land. Flags are flown at half-mast on nautical vessels, such as a naval ship. But the purpose is the same for both. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Flags fly at half-staff after death of Jimmy Carter. Here's how long 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. Fran and I extended our sincerest condolences to President Carters children Jack, James, Donnel, and Amy, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Oklahoma City Council to vote on $875K settlement to family of Stavian Rodriguez OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) If an agreement is reached in a proposed settlement, the family of 15-year-old Stavian Rodriguez would get $875,000 from the city of Oklahoma City. The on-going lawsuit was filed nearly four years ago by Rodriguezs mother, Cameo Holland. Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 years old The night of November 23, 2020, Oklahoma City Police say the 15-year-old was robbing an Okie Express convenience store at gunpoint. 15-year-old Stavian Rodriguez. In surveillance video, Rodriguez is seen climbing out of the drive-thru window holding a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After dropping the gun, Rodriguez reaches towards his pants moments before being shot and killed by five Oklahoma City Police Officers. According to an autopsy report obtained by News 4, Rodriguez was shot 13 times. The incident sparked outrage in the metro community and led to protests outside of the Oklahoma City Police Department. Hollands attorney, Rand Eddy said, Theres been statements that Stavian didnt obey commands like drop his gun or raise his hands or drop his hands which he all obeyed. What command did he not obey? In 2021, officers Bethany Sears, Jared Barton, Corey Adams, John Skuta and Brad Pemberton were charged with First Degree Manslaughter by former District Attorney David Prater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont understand why the Oklahoma City Police Department would need a conviction for them to lose their job. They did not need a conviction for my son to lose his life, said Holland. In 2023, the charges against the five officers were dropped by District Attorney Vicki Behenna. Behenna said in a 2023 press conference, This decision that has been made is difficult. Police officers can use deadly force and that force can be justified. Even though charges against the five officers were dropped last year, the federal lawsuit continued. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Former US President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, is remembered in China for bringing an end to decades of hostility and establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing at the expense of Taiwan. The diplomatic switch in 1979 led to profound changes in US-China relations in the following decades and its implications are still being felt today, as tensions flare across the Taiwan Strait. During the height of the Cold War, the Carter administration held months of secret negotiations with Chinese officials to normalize relations, which had been estranged since the Chinese Communist Party took power in 1949. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, Washington had recognized the Republic of China in Taipei as the sole legal government of China, after the Kuomintang was defeated by the Communists in the civil war and fled from the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan. A rapprochement with the Peoples Republic of China began during the presidency of Richard Nixon, who made an ice-breaking visit to Beijing in 1972. But it was Carter who oversaw Washingtons formal switch of diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing. On December 15, 1978, Carter announced that at the start of 1979, the US would end its diplomatic relations with the Republic of China in Taipei and recognize the Peoples Republic of China in Beijing as the sole legal government of China. While celebrated in Beijing, the announcement came as a shock to many in Taiwan, followed by anger and a bitter sense of abandonment and betrayal even leading to violent anti-American demonstrations in Taipei. The US also terminated its mutual defense treaty with Taiwan and pulled its military personnel from the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On January 1, 1979, the US and the Peoples Republic of China formally established diplomatic ties, opening embassies in the two countries respective capitals. At the end of that month, Carter welcomed Chinas paramount leader Deng Xiaoping on the South Lawn of the White House the first visit by a Chinese Communist leader to the US. We expect that normalization will help to move us together toward a world of diversity and of peace, Carter said at the welcoming ceremony. For too long, our two peoples were cut off from one another. Now we share the prospect of a fresh flow of commerce, ideas, and people, which will benefit both our countries. In response, Deng praised Carters farsighted decision in playing a key role in ending the period of unpleasantness between us for 30 years. Bilateral ties flourished in the following years, from trade and investment to academic and cultural exchanges. One area of engagement Carter facilitated was student exchange. During negotiations for normalizing relations, Deng raised the question of whether Chinese students would be allowed to further their studies in the US. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When posed with that question, my adviser, Dr. Frank Press, thought it important enough to call me at 3 a.m. in Washington to be sure, Carter wrote in a letter addressed to the Chinese Embassy in Washington and the US State Department in 2019. Deng asked me if China could send 5,000 students, and I answered that China could send 100,000, Carter wrote. US President Jimmy Carter and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in Washington DC, United States on January 30, 1979. - Gilbert UZAN/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images Proponent for engagement and democracy As bilateral ties worsened in recent years, some critics in the US have questioned the strategy of engagement with China. Under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Beijing has taken a stark authoritarian turn domestically and become increasingly assertive abroad, dashing the once widely held hope that China would move toward a more liberal political model following economic growth and its integration with the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid escalating tensions and calls for decoupling, Carter has remained a cool-headed voice and firm supporter of continued engagement. On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the normalization of US-China relations, Carter warned in The Washington Post that the two nations critical relationship is in jeopardy and a modern Cold War between our two nations is not inconceivable if the deep mistrust continues. At this sensitive moment, misperceptions, miscalculations and failure to follow carefully defined rules of engagement in areas such as the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea could escalate into military conflict, creating a worldwide catastrophe, he wrote. After he left the presidential office, Carter remained a key figure in US-China relations. He visited China multiple times and was received by successive Chinese leaders, from Jiang Zemin who called him an old friend of the Chinese people to Xi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, at the height of a bruising trade war with China, former US President Donald Trump sought Carters council in a rare phone call to discuss ongoing trade negotiations with Beijing. But Carters experience with China far predated his presidency. It was his visit to the Chinese coast in 1949 as a young submarine officer in the US Navy that sowed his interest in China, according to an interview Carter gave to the Council on Foreign Relations. As the civil war raged in China, Carters submarine was operating in and out of Chinese seaports, from Shanghai all the way up to Qingdao. And so, I got to see the transformation in China between the nationalist Chinese forces who were just occupying a few of the seaports and the communist forces whose campfires we could see on the hillsides, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few months after Carter left China, the nationalists fled the mainland to Taiwan. So, I saw the birth of China which, by the way, was born on my birthday, October the 1st, 1949. And I think that has precipitated my intense interest in China ever since, he said. In China, Carter remains a well-respected figure, despite the rocky relationship in recent years. On Monday, Beijing offered its deep condolences over Carters death, hailing him a key promoter and decision-maker in the establishment of diplomatic relations between the US and China. Over the years, he made significant contributions to the development of China-US relations and the friendship between the two countries, which we highly commend, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told a regular news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reports about his death, Chinese state media outlets noted Carters legacy on US-China relations. On Chinese social media, many users hailed him the good old man. Less mentioned by the Chinese government and state media, however, was Carters role in promoting religious freedom and grassroots democracy in China. At a banquet he hosted for the Chinese delegation in 1979, Carter secured Dengs agreement to permit unrestricted worship and the distribution of Bibles in China. (Under Xi Jinping, Christians have experienced a significant crackdown). The Carter Center had supported and monitored village elections in rural China for more than a decade since the late 1990s. Carter himself visited a village in eastern China to monitor one such election in 2001, witnessing villagers casting their votes and greeting elected local officials on stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That kind of engagement is nearly unthinkable in todays China, with the Chinese Communist Party repeatedly attacking Western values and viewing foreign non-profits especially those promoting democracy, rule of law and rights advocacy with deep suspicion. Complicated legacy in Taiwan In Taiwan, Carters legacy is more complicated. When Carter made his first visit to Taiwan in 1999, he still faced plenty of questions and criticism over his abrupt announcement to break diplomatic relations with Taipei 20 years ago. At a speech in Taipei, Carter was confronted by veteran Taiwanese opposition politician Annette Lu, who accused him of having set back the democratization process in Taiwan and demanded an apology from him to the Taiwanese people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter declined to apologize, insisting that his decision had been a right one. In a guest lecture at a university in Atlanta in 2018, Carter said he had a big argument with Deng over the status of Taiwan during negotiations in 1978. China always wanted us to declare that Taiwan was a province of China, and they wanted us to break our treaty with Taiwan and stop all our military assistance, he said. I was insisting that we should break our treaty with Taiwan only in agreement with our treaty, which required a one-year notice. I also insisted that we continue to provide defensive assistance to Taiwan and that the differences between China and Taiwan be resolved peacefully. Following the diplomatic switch, the US Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which allows Washington to retain close unofficial ties with Taipei, facilitating commercial, cultural and other exchanges through the American Institute in Taiwan the de facto US Embassy in Taipei. The legislation also requires the US to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character to maintain a sufficient self-defense capacity, though it did not specify how the US would respond in case of a Chinese invasion of the island which became known as a policy of strategic ambiguity. As relations between China and the US plummeted in recent years, the Taiwan issue has become a key source of tension between the two countries. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BEIJING, Dec. 30 (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 China's contribution to world peace and prosperity: Yi Xin, a political observer based in Beijing. Guest Opinion: The Global Security Initiative -- China's way forward in a turbulent world -- Absolute security can only be achieved when all countries feel secure. In its Global Security Initiative (GSI), China proposes the vision of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, where one country's security does not come at the insecurity of others, and the legitimate security concerns of all countries are taken seriously. -- Peacefully resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation is what the GSI advocates. -- Confrontational moves like supplying weapons, imposing sanctions and military revenge only fuel the fire. The only way to calm fiery antagonists is to bring them to the table. Julia Roknifard, an assistant professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Guest Opinion: China's stabilizing efforts will help calm tensions in the Middle East -- China presents a distinct model that emphasizes leveraging international organizations to quell tensions. The Asian country has actively worked to empower these organizations as platforms for dialogue and peacebuilding. -- China has already built a solid track record as a major provider of humanitarian aid, a champion of development and integration and, most notably, a broker of an unprecedented rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. -- As a steadfast advocate for globalization, free trade and development through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, China promises a better future -- a reality not lost on the people of the region. Liu Hong, a research fellow at the Center for China and Globalization. Guest Opinion: China can promote interregional cooperation between BRICS, Gulf Cooperation Council -- Having a distinct position within BRICS and strong connections with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), China has the potential to promote interregional cooperation. -- China's unique role within BRICS and its strong relationship with the GCC will drive both organizations towards greater complementarity and mutual benefit. -- In the pursuit of a more cohesive global order, China's efforts to promote interregional cooperation between the GCC and BRICS serve as a compelling example of this endeavor. Gulnar Shaimergenova, director of Kazakhstan's China Studies Center. Guest Opinion: SCO plays pivotal role in promoting regional stability, development -- China has played a leading role in shaping the SCO's vision and boosting cooperation among member states. -- Chinese wisdom says: "To become rich, build roads." This fully applies to the ancient Silk Road, which served as the first example of globalization in human history. -- Synergizing with the SCO's agenda, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) fosters infrastructure development, trade, and investment across Eurasia. I am sure that the BRI will provide a solid foundation for building a community with a shared future for mankind. Carlos Martinez, a writer based in London, Britain, and a co-editor of Friends of Socialist China. Guest Opinion: Why China is a peaceful country instead of an aggressive one -- Regarding China's foreign policy principles, China has peaceful development literally written into its constitution. -- There's a tendency to see China's rise and assume that it will follow the same aggressive trajectory as Europe, Japan, and the United States. And yet China's rise has been remarkably peaceful. It hasn't been at war in over 40 years. -- China does not engage in destabilization or impose unilateral sanctions and economic coercion. Rania Aboelkheir, secretary-general of the Global Forum for Future Studies, an Egyptian think tank. Guest Opinion: 2024 FOCAC Summit -- Towards a closer China-Africa community -- It is worth noting that since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2000, the focus has been on achieving shared prosperity and sustainable development for the Chinese and African peoples, through a commitment to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. -- The trajectory of China-Africa relations over the past decades has recorded numerous positive indicators, demonstrating a consistent upward trend in strengthening and expanding cooperation across various fields. -- It goes without saying that China's support for African integration efforts stems from Beijing's desire to be a partner in the continent's modernization, development, and progress along the independent path its people have chosen. Joseph Matthews, a senior professor at the BELTEI International University in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Guest Opinion: China major contributor to global poverty alleviation, peace -- Besides significant contributions to global poverty alleviation and development, China has played a leading role in promoting peace, security and stability in the Middle East and actively solving international conflicts. -- China does not have any hidden agenda. -- The BRI, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative -- all put forward by China -- have significantly advanced global peace, security, stability, governance, sustainable development, and common prosperity, injecting strong momentum into the establishment of a community with a shared future for all humanity. Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, has died at the age of 105. Upton died Wednesday at a Los Gatos, Calif., hospital. He had pneumonia, Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, said, according to The Associated Press. Upton was the last remaining survivor of the USS Utah. The battleship was at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese bombed the naval base in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack launched the United States into World War II. Upton died just shortly after the 83rd anniversary of the attack. Democrats and Republicans came together earlier this month to honor the surviving veterans and those who were killed in the attack. President Biden shared his thoughts online, honoring the Americans who perished and the service members who then went to war on the countrys behalf. In their memory, let us carry forward their mission of forging a better future for humankind, Biden said. In 2020, Upton spoke with the AP and said he was beginning to shave when he felt the first torpedo hit his battleship many decades before. A second torpedo hit the ship, and it began to capsize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upton, who was 22 at the time, swam ashore to Ford Island and hid to avoid Japanese planes. He said he was upset to lose so many surviving crew members over the years. After Uptons death, just 15 survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack are alive, the AP reported. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Olga T. Valentin, 54 of Youngstown, passed away early Friday morning, December 27, 2024. She was born on September 21, 1970, the daughter of Jose Valentin and Luz Maria Torres and was a lifelong area resident. Find obituaries from your high school Olga attended South High School and was a proud homemaker. She was known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family. She devoted her life to nurturing those around her and brought joy to everyone she met. She always enjoyed making people laugh, listening to music and dancing. Olga was an exceptional cook and baker along with her sense of fashion and talent for decorating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Loving memories of Olga will be carried on by her daughter, Princess (Lamarcus Belcher) Garcia; her mother, Luz Maria Torres; her grandchildren whom she adored, Kevin, Jr., Kelina and Keniel; her fiancee, Tiffany Moore; two sisters, Sonia Lamboy and Faith (Richard) Cortez; her BFF/sister, Lucy Rosado Griffin and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Olga was preceded in death by her father, Jose Valentin and her brother, Jose Valentin, Jr. Family and friends may pay their respects to Olga on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 3:00 3:55 p.m. at the Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market Street, Boardman, where a memorial service will take place at 4:00 p.m. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to send condolences to Olgas family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Olga T. Valentin, please visit our floral store. 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 WKBN.com. VERNON, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Around 3 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, an Oneida County Sheriffs deputy was patrolling in the area of State Route 5 when called to a house fire. The home was found to be fully involved when police arrived, and one person was unaccounted for. Over an hour-and-a-half later, the fire was maintained and the person they were looking for was found dead inside the home. The Oneida County Sheriffs Department and New York State Fire Investigators responded to investigate the fire and death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That investigation is ongoing, but it appears that the fire started in an attached garage in the rear of the residence, said the Vernon Fire Department. Vernon Center Fire Department, Oneida Castle Fire Department, Sherrill Fire Department, Verona Fire Department, Westmoreland Fire Department, Clark Mills Fire Department, Clinton Fire Department, Oriskany Falls Fire Department, Oriskany Fire Department, and Munnsville Fire Department assisted Vernon firefighters. 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 WSYR. The death of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday led to a swift outpouring of support and condolences from notable figures in both political parties. President Joe Biden and president-elect Donald Trump issued statements Sunday, and both said Carter was a president who worked to better Americans lives. He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Carter dealt with enormous responsibility that only other presidents could relate to. 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 said in a post to Truth Social. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Vice President Harris: Carter a testament to power of service Vice President Kamala Harris, who Carters family said had Carters strong support in last months election, said in a statement Sunday that Carter 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, Harris said. 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. One of my heroes Fellow Georgia politicians, including Democratic Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, issued passionate statements following the news Sunday. Warnock referred to the Plains native as one of my heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His leadership was driven by love, his lifes project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity, Warnock said. 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. Ossoff said Carters work changed the lives of many across our state, our country, and around the world. The State of Georgia and the United States are better places because of President Jimmy Carter, Ossoff said. Former Sen. Sam Nunn, from Georgia, lauded Carter for his spine of steel and intrepid focus and determination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colin Powell and I had front row seats to these unique Carter traits in Haiti in 1994, he said in a statement. I will never forget nervously watching President Carter negotiate every word of the Haitian militarys peaceful turnover of authority, while the U.S. Armys 82nd Airborne prepared to land on the roof of the military headquarters, where we were finishing the agreement. Brad Raffensperger, Georgia secretary of state, said Carter devoted his life to serving the U.S. As a true servant-leader, he devoted his post-presidency to spreading the very best of American ideals across the globe, Raffensperger said in a statement Sunday. His commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights has left an indelible mark on the world. The Democratic Party of Georgias Chair, Rep. Nikema Williams, said Carter leaves one of the greatest legacies of humanitarianism in history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My husband Leslie and I named our son Carter after our 39th president because he showed us that ordinary Georgians can do extraordinary things, Williams said. He was one of the greatest public servants of our time and he was also a peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia. From a southwest Georgia town of a few hundred people to the Oval Office, President Carter went from sowing crops to sowing the seeds of peace around the world. Georgia Lt. Gov. Ines Owens said Carter represented small towns like Plains, Georgia and never forgot where he and his family came from. Georgias Carter had calm spirit and deep faith Major national lawmakers outside the Peach State offered their thoughts too, including GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell. McConnell said Carters calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakable during difficulties in his presidency. President Carter lived a truly American dream, McConnell said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate majority leader, called Carter one of our most humble and devoted public servants. President Carters faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy, Schumer said. 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. The best America, and Georgia, can produce The Atlanta Braves shared a statement to social media Sunday, honoring Carter for his work and service. While the world knew him as a remarkable humanitarian and peacemaker, we knew him as a dedicated Braves fan and we will miss having him in the stands cheering on his Braves. This is a developing story and will be updated. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Authorities are investigating a shooting involving an off-duty reserve deputy and the suspects who were allegedly trying to steal his vehicle. The incident occurred at a gas station in the 3200 block of Medgar Evers Boulevard in Jackson before 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 29. Detective Tommie Brown said an off-duty reserve deputy with the Hinds County Sheriffs Office entered the gas station. Shortly afterwards, the reserve deputy noticed that a tan Kia SUV with several individuals pulled up near his vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three wanted for carjacking Jackson Lyft driver According to Brown, one of the suspects tried to take the reserve deputys vehicle. Brown said the other suspects noticed the reserve deputy and fired shots at him. The reserve deputy returned fire. Brown said two of the suspects ran away, returned to the scene to retrieve the Kia and began to fire at the reserve deputy again. During the shootout, Brown said a citizen was grazed by a bullet and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported. Brown said the Kia SUV was reported stolen the same day. The suspects have not been identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) will investigate the shooting. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News 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 WJTV. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) One person was injured in a shooting today in the parking lot of Holy Family Apartments on Louisiana Avenue, Lafayette police confirmed. Police said the shooting was reported around 4:30 p.m. One person was shot in the incident and was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said. This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mother of St. Landry Parish shooting victim says she tried to save his life Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Latest News 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 KLFY.com. VERNON, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) An early-morning fire on Monday on State Route 5 in the town of Vernon has left one person dead, according to Oneida County Sheriffs. A deputy sheriff came upon the fire at approximately 3:10 am on Monday, December 30 on State Route 5. Upon their arrival, the structure was fully involved and no one was located outside of the residence. Ten fire departments were dispatched to the scene, and the deputy unsuccessfully attempted to call out any occupants still inside. Eventually, the fire was extinguished and the Oneida County Sheriffs Criminal Investigation Unit was called to the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, one person was found deceased inside the residence. Their identity will be released upon a positive identification and notification of their next of kin. Oneida County Sheriffs were assisted on the scene by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, as well as the following fire departments: Vernon, Vernon Center, Verona, Sherrill, Oneida Castle, Clinton, Oriskany Falls, Westmoreland, Clark Mills, and Oriskany. Oneida County Sheriffs say that the cause of the fire is still being investigated and does not appear to be suspicious. This is an ongoing investigation. We will provide more information as it becomes available to us. 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. Gov. Eric Holcomb celebrates federal approval of the state's broadband application in a call with reporters on Monday, July 8, 2024. (Screenshot) Gov. Eric Holcomb is giving a one-time bonus to all state employees, but no pay raises this year after a modest revenue forecast. It is important to recognize your efforts to improve the lives of Hoosiers but also in a way that our current state biennial budget, which ends June 20, 2025, will support, he said in a letter sent to state employees Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most years, we have been able to provide employees with a base-building salary adjustment; this time, full-time employees of the executive branch employed on or before Dec. 20, 2024, will receive a one-time, non-base building stipend of $1,250 in their Jan. 15, 2025, paycheck. Part-time and intermittent employees will receive $650. That stipend will cost state coffers between $20 million and $22 million, according to budget officials. Indiana has about 32,000 full-time state employees the highest in recent memory. The number has grown steadily except for a dip around the pandemic. Last year, state employees received a performance-based bonus between $500 and $1,500 as well as a 3% cost-of-living adjustment or pay raise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To address low pay, Holcomb previously implemented a $1,300 salary increase, followed by a 2.5% salary increase for all state employees in January 2022; this salary adjustment resulted in an average increase of 5% for employees and was the first general salary increase in Indiana since 2008. The move to deny pay raises comes as statewide elected officials will receive substantial hikes starting in January. Lawmakers included the increases in the current budget. For instance, the governors pay will jump from about $133,000 to $221,000. Similar hikes were included for lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, treasurer and secretary of state. After back-to-back years of explosive revenue growth, fueled by federal dollars and an uptick in consumer spending, Indianas incoming dollars have slowed to pre-pandemic levels. Budget writers have urged their fellow lawmakers to tighten funding requests and prepare themselves for a lean two-year cycle. In the letter to employees, Holcomb praised the significant contributions state employees made to improve the lives of Hoosiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was my great honor to cut the ribbon on the final leg of I-69 from Evansville to Indianapolis this summer, opening even greater opportunities for us from border to border. The Department of Health is finishing the first year of Health First Indiana, bringing more resources to local communities to improve the health of their residents. And Ive traveled across the state to see the progress were making on capital projects that will impact Hoosiers in a variety of ways, from the Indiana Archives building in downtown Indianapolis to the new lodge at Potato Creek State Park and a state-of-the-art facility for the Department of Correction at Westville that will be known as the Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility. Im so proud of these efforts and so many more that you are working to execute each and every day. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) Residents whose properties were damaged or destroyed by the effects of Hurricane Helene have one week left to apply for disaster recovery assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to a release from FEMA, East Tennesseans who live in the following counties can apply for disaster assistance through Jan. 7: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. FEMA may be able to help with home repairs, rental assistance for your family to stay somewhere safe while you put your house in order, and grants for replacement of a car or other personal items you lost, the release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to FEMA, community members wishing to apply for assistance can do so online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA app, or by calling a helpline at 800-621-3362. Residents can also visit a local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to receive help and information regarding federal disaster assistance. All DRCs will be closed for the New Years holiday on Tuesday and Wednesday. After that, DRCsexcept for Carter County, which has different hourswill operate on the following schedule: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; closed Sunday. Carter Countys DRC operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. A list of local DRCs and their addresses can be viewed below: Carter County : Carter County Public Library, 201 N. Sycamore St., Elizabethton, TN 37643 Cocke County: Old Walmart behind Krystal Fast Food, 593-B W Broadway St., Newport, TN 37821 Johnson County : TN National Guard Armory, 1923 S. Shady St., Mountain City, TN 37683 Unicoi County : National Guard Armory/Unicoi Emergency Operations, 615 South Main Ave., Erwin, TN 37650 Washington County: Cherry Grove Baptist Church, 104 Cherry Grove Rd., Jonesborough, TN 37659 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Under the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, the outgoing Biden-Harris administration continues to pour billions of dollars into the construction of huge new microchip plants, a signature domestic policy and one primed to continue into the next. Those plants will have significant continuing environmental impacts through their energy use, water use and release of hazardous substances into the environment. Documentation of those environmental impacts was abruptly abandoned in early October, when President Biden signed another bipartisan bill, the Building Chips in America Act, exempting the vast majority of CHIPS Act projects from mandatory environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act. The consequences of those pen strokes could likely show up in American bloodstreams for generations to come. The semiconductor industry argues that these environmental reviews cause delays that could undermine the federal effort to re-shore chip production. Industry lobbyists successfully reassured lawmakers that their operations pose little environmental risk. Ive heard those arguments from the semiconductor industry many times before and the groundwater under my community as I write this would beg to differ, if it could. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Santa Clara County, the heartland of Silicon Valley, contains the highest concentration of federal Superfund sites that is, extremely toxic sites of any county in the U.S. This is the often overlooked legacy of the birth of Silicon Valley. For decades, many of the worlds microchips were fabricated here. Though over time the industry relocated its chip fabs elsewhere, the poison remains, primarily in the form of toxic groundwater plumes. The fabrication of semiconductors today is largely automated, but was highly labor intensive in the industrys early years. Santa Claras chip fab workers were primarily women of color, and their exposure to solvents and other chemicals used in the production process resulted a wide range of health complications, from miscarriages to cancer. And it wasnt only workers who suffered, as improper handling of these poisonous substances caused leaks and spills that contaminated the regions groundwater and soil. Then, as now, the industry insisted that it was clean and safe. And they didnt have to do environmental reviews then either. Bringing semiconductor wafer fabrication back to the U.S. is a good idea and worthy of government support. But funding from the government should only come on the condition that workers and host communities are not endangered by the industrys domestic revitalization. Exempting CHIPS awardees from environmental review makes it easier for the industry to degrade the environment and threaten public and worker safety. And it denies crucial information to the public in the process of siting and permitting massive new plants in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new exemptions are essentially a return to the old policy approach that poisoned Santa Clara County, but the names of the contaminants have changed. The semiconductor industry has become hooked on PFAS perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances a class of thousands of highly toxic, extremely persistent and now ubiquitous compounds commonly known as forever chemicals. A vast number of studies have demonstrated that PFAS, which are building up in our environment and in our bodies, cause numerous, serious health conditions. This research has sparked a movement to remove PFAS from a number of products and manufacturing processes, but the semiconductor industry insists there are no substitutes for the hundreds of distinct PFAS chemicals that serve roughly a thousand essential uses in microchip fabrication. The use of PFAS by the semiconductor industry is unregulated, and in most cases unmeasured. However, data collected by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation found a variety of PFAS chemicals being released into the Winooski River, and researchers at Cornell University found that most PFAS in chipmaking effluent is not identified. I call that dark PFAS. As CHIPS Act projects come online, this wastewater remains unmonitored, untested and unregulated, as are the plants releases of potent, persistent greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Ive spent more than four decades fighting to get companies and regulatory agencies to clean up the mess the industry left behind in Santa Clara County. That work is far from finished, and to this day residents are exposed to harmful solvents in the ground that enter their homes and workplaces as vapor, resulting in an increased risk of health issues such as cardiac birth defects, Parkinsons disease and cancers. This is the result of industry self-regulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning in the 1980s, through organizations such as the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, we in Santa Clara Country raised awareness of the dangers the industry posed to our communities, and forced the adoption of rigorous standards for the use and management of hazardous substances. Eventually, many of these standards were widely adopted throughout the nation and across the globe. Communities hosting new and future chip plants still have an opportunity to press for protective permits under other environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and to insist upon transparency from the companies and their government funders. If the government wont hold the industry accountable for putting our bodies and futures at risk, then its up to the rest of us. Lenny Siegel is executive director of the Center for Public Environmental Oversight. 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. SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will submit a written opinion and appoint defense counsel to the Seoul Western District Court, Yonhap news agency reported Monday citing Yoon's side. Yoon Kab-keun, lawyer and former prosecutor, was quoted as saying that Yoon's written opinion will be submitted later in the day to the court, to which the joint investigation unit sought an arrest warrant for Yoon over his martial law imposition. The lawyer noted that the appointment letter for Yoon's defense counsel will be delivered to the court. Everyone makes mistakes, including judges. Sometimes they acknowledge it. Mostly, they dont. A commendable example of the former is senior U.S. District Judge Michael Ponsor, who published an opinion essay in the New York Times in May criticizing Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alitos involvement in what is sometimes called Flag-gate. Although Ponsors criticism was entirely sensible, he subsequently apologized for going beyond the proper boundaries for commentary by a sitting judge. Alito himself has not been so forthcoming, at least in part due to the absence of a formal process for reviewing the ethics of a justices conduct. In January 2021, at the height of the attempts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, a flagpole at Alitos home in Virginia was seen displaying an upside-down American flag. Long used as a signal of distress, the inverted flag had been conspicuously brandished in the mob that attacked the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ponsors essay, which was published eight days after the Times first reported the flag story, accurately explained that the controversial flag created an appearance of partisanship under the circumstances, which any judge with reasonable ethical instincts would have realized immediately. Flying it then and in that way was improper, he wrote. A judicial misconduct complaint was subsequently filed against Ponsor by the Article III Project, a conservative advocacy group, charging that he had violated the Code of Conduct for United States Judges by failing to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. The matter was assigned to Chief Judge Albert Diaz of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, who forwarded the complaint to Ponsor, along with his own preliminary conclusion that misconduct had occurred, including commentary on partisan issues that tended to diminish public confidence in the independence of the judiciary. To his credit, Ponsor did not protest or challenge Diazs assessment. He responded instead with a written apology, recognizing that his essay could have been interpreted as a call for Alitos recusal, and thus a comment on pending litigation. Diaz determined that the apology constituted sufficient voluntary corrective action under the applicable rules, and terminated the proceeding earlier this month. (As a retired legal ethics professor, I consider this a relatively close question, with several potential defenses available under the Code of Conduct. Ponsor admirably chose to forgo self-justification.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alito wasnt half as classy. A group of Democratic legislators called on the justice to recuse himself from two cases involving the 2020 election, arguing that the inverted flag appeared to indicate support for the Stop the Steal movement. Alito refused, asserting that his wife had flown the flag, despite his objection, in reaction to a neighborhood dispute unrelated to the election. A more gracious jurist would have acknowledged the legitimate question raised by the apparently concurrent overlap between his flag and that of the Capitol insurrectionists. Instead, Alito castigated his congressional critics. Although nobody could previously have known about Martha-Ann Alitos evident fondness for flag flying, said to have been over the justices protest, Alito charged that the Democrats were motivated by political or ideological considerations or a desire to affect the outcome of Supreme Court cases. The contrast with Ponsor reveals more than Alitos thin skin. His irate reaction to the Democrats recusal request amounted to a partisan counterattack. In a less indignant response, Alito would have at least allowed the possibility of misinterpretation or misunderstanding occurring before he revealed his wifes role with his political resentments omitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More broadly, the two episodes demonstrate the need for some formal procedure for raising ethics issues regarding Supreme Court justices. In Ponsors case, a complaint was brought under the rules applicable to the lower federal courts. Judge Diaz then reviewed the facts and arrived at an objective view of the political implications and undertones of the Times essay, which he communicated to Ponsor. This process allowed Ponsor to take stock of his own conduct in a manner that Diaz called respectful, reflective and responsive. Ponsor concluded that he had in fact undermined public confidence in the judiciary, unintentionally at the time but clear in retrospect. Although the Supreme Court finally adopted a code of conduct in late 2023, there is no similar process for enforcing it or even determining compliance. There is no central place to lodge complaints, no dispassionate judge to review allegations, nobody to convey an objective view of the political implications of a justices activities and no incentive for the justices to reassess their own conduct. Even recusal motions are presented only to the individual justice, rather than the full court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would probably be too much to expect the notably combative Alito to acknowledge that waving an upside-down flag in January 2021 was at best an unfortunate coincidence, much less to apologize for creating an appearance of identification with the Capitol mob. Without a formal process, however, it is impossible even to request it. Steven Lubet is the Williams Memorial Professor Emeritus at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. 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. During the 1976 presidential campaign, The New York Times ran a front-page story on Jimmy Carters Baptist faith. There has been no serious challenge to Mr. Carters sincerity or his spiritual credibility, the reporter concluded. Most uneasiness appears to stem from a fear that an evangelistically minded President might use his power to advance his beliefs or violate the separation of church and state. Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia, went on to win the presidency and spent the decades of his post-presidency championing human rights around the world and building houses through Habitat for Humanity. He taught Sunday school classes before, during, and after his time in the White House. No matter what you think of his actions as president, there was no serious challenge to his spiritual credibility. Jimmy Carter faithfully followed Jesus. And as for the aforementioned uneasiness, it turned out that the most devoutly Christian president in modern American politics was also an ardent defender of the separation of church and state. Carter modeled what it looks like for a Christian to engage in politics while steadfastly guarding against theocracy and Christian nationalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itd be difficult to find a starker difference in how a president wields religion than the juxtaposition of Jimmy Carter and President-elect Donald Trump. As the Times noted in the same 1976 article, Mr. Carters supporters say that Baptists have been in the forefront of struggles to maintain a wall of separation between church and state and that the candidates record shows nothing that could raise any objections on this score. President Carter stood strong in support of healthy boundaries between religion and government as president. He opposed coercing students to pray in public schools. He understood the difference between his duties as president and as parishioner, ending the practice of inviting evangelical pastors, like the Rev. Billy Graham, to have services in the White House. Instead, he worshipped with his family at a Baptist church near the White House. Carter understood the history of religion and politics in the United States, and that religious freedom is protected by not allowing the government to promote or denigrate religion, something he succinctly summarized in a speech to Southern Baptist Brotherhood Commission in 1978: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separation is specified in the law, but for a religious person, there is nothing wrong with bringing these two together, because you cant divorce religious beliefs from public service. And at the same time, of course, in public office you cannot impose your own religious beliefs on others. President Jimmy Carter, 1978 Carter also called out Christians who weaponized the faith to serve their own political interests. During the last two decades, these principles [of church-state separation] have been challenged, often successfully, by Christian fundamentalists, he wrote in 1996. Under the banner of the Christian Coalition, they have merged with the conservative wing of the Republican Party, becoming an active force in politics and enjoying a series of election successes. Still, the merging of right-wing politics with Christian fundamentalism continued to gain more strength, culminating with Trumps wins in 2016 and 2024. Mr. Carter rejects any suggestions that he has a messiah complex, the Times reported in the 1976 article. By contrast, Trump actively plays up his messiah complex. I dont think God is going to make me president by any means, Carter said on the campaign trail in 1976. Carter said he didnt ask God, Let me succeed, but, Let me do the right thing. Trump suggested that surviving an assassination attempt was evidence God wanted him to be president. Honesty is a consistent theme of Christian teaching. Carter promised to restore faith in government, telling Americans he would never knowingly lie to them. According to The Washington Post, Trump made 30,573 false or misleading claims during his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And perhaps the biggest difference between Carter and Trump in terms of Christian living was that Carter didnt enter public service to enrich himself. He returned to live in the modest house in Plains, Georgia, that he and his wife of 77 years built in 1961. Compare that to Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago while reading Jesus in the Beatitudes proclaim, Blessed are the meek. It may at first seem ironic that Carter was devout and didnt push his Christian beliefs on others while in office, while Trump uses religion as a political tool divorced from personal devotion. But the lesson here is that true faith doesnt boast. True faith doesnt coerce. True faith sets an example. True faith isnt a stunt like selling branded Bibles. Its steadfastly teaching the Bible in Sunday school week after week. Jimmy Carter was an example for all Christians, and one we desperately need to embrace in the era of growing Trumpian, far-right fundamentalism. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com President-elect Donald Trump has set global nerves on edge with a trifecta of venturous provocations musing about purchasing Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal and annexing Canada, even in jest. Delivered through a blend of social media flair and public bluster, these remarks blur the line between calculated strategy and impetuous theatrics. With his return to the Oval Office nearing, Trumps comments echo the unpredictability that defined his prior tenure. His statements have rattled allies and adversaries alike, forcing world leaders to parse his true intentions while bracing for potential fallout. This rhetoric reflects a broader trend of disruption at the core of Trumps foreign policy ethos. By injecting ambiguity into U.S. positions on sovereignty and strategic assets, Trump is challenging established norms and unsettling traditional alliances. Whether deliberate posturing or habitual attention-seeking, these remarks presage a foreign policy defined by turbulence and recalibration of American priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 21, Trump fired a broadside on his social media platform, Truth Social, decrying Panamas tolls for using the canal as ridiculous and warning of a potential Chinese foothold in the region. In his signature style, he suggested a drastic remedy: If Panama failed to address these perceived issues through reforms, the United States would demand the Panama Canals return, fully and unconditionally. The rhetoric further escalated when Trump doubled down the following day during a fiery rally in Arizona. His words were accompanied by a striking visual an image of the canal, overlaid with an American flag seemingly rising from its waters. Beneath the photo, a caption proclaimed: Welcome to the United States Canal. Trump emphasized that he would not let the canal fall into the wrong hands, alluding to Chinas growing influence in the region. It was vintage Trump: hyperbolic, theatrical and designed to captivate. Yet, as his words rippled across global corridors of power, one question has emerged Was this calculated rhetoric or a prelude to diplomatic disruption? Only time, and Trumps next headline, will tell. This episode has not only ruffled feathers in Central America but also set the stage for a potential new conflict with China. Trumps remarks, made in the run-up to his second presidential tenure, emphasized that It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panamas president, Jose Raul Mulino, quickly responded, rejecting Trumps claims and noting the countrys sovereignty over the canal. Mulino dismissed the notion that Panamas fees were inflated and reiterated that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zones is part of Panama, and it will continue to be. Similarly, Chinese foreign ministry also retorted with a blunt response: The Panama Canal is a great creation of the Panamanian people, and China has always supported their just struggle to maintain sovereignty over Panama Canal. China is the second-largest user of the Panama Canal after the U.S., and its investments in Panamas ports and infrastructure have grown significantly in recent years. China doesnt control the Panama Canal, but the narrative grows murkier. Since 1997, CK Hutchison Holdings, a Hong Kong-based firm, has managed key ports at the canals Caribbean and Pacific gateways. This arrangement fuels broader concerns about Chinas expanding global influence, though direct control of the canal remains firmly with Panama. This has raised concerns in Washington about Beijings strategic ambitions in the Western Hemisphere. Over the years, Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has seen significant Chinese involvement in Latin America. Panama, with its strategic location and the canal, is a key node in this initiative. Chinese companies have invested heavily in Panamanian ports, and there are fears that Beijing could leverage its economic influence to gain strategic advantages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps remarks have the potential to escalate tensions between the U.S. and China. By framing the issue in terms of sovereignty and economic fairness, Trump is tapping into nationalist sentiments that resonate with his base. However, this rhetoric also risks provoking a strong response from China, which is unlikely to take kindly to any perceived threats to its interests in Panama. So far, Chinas response to Trumps comments has been measured, but it may turn bitter if Trump keeps on pushing for the canal issue. For obvious reasons, any move by the U.S. to reclaim control of the canal could be seen as a direct challenge to Chinas influence in the region. Trumps remarks about the Panama Canal are part of a broader pattern of his foreign policy rhetoric, which often stresses American sovereignty and economic interests. This approach has resonated with many of his supporters but has also led to tensions with allies and adversaries alike. In the context of U.S.-China relations, the Panama Canal issue is likely to be another point of contention in an already complex and fraught relationship. The U.S. and China are engaged in a strategic competition that spans multiple domains, from trade and technology to military and geopolitical influence. The canal, with its strategic importance and symbolic value, is a natural focal point for this competition. Throughout his political career, Trump has been vocal about his concerns regarding Chinas influence and actions on the global stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His rhetoric often framed China as a strategic competitor that needed to be countered to protect American jobs and industries. This stance has continued, with promises of even higher tariffs and tougher measures against Beijing in his second term. By highlighting Chinas investments in Panama and suggesting that the U.S. should reclaim control of the canal, Trump is signaling a willingness to confront Beijing on multiple fronts. While the immediate impact of his remarks may be limited, they have the potential to ignite new tensions with China and complicate an already complex geopolitical landscape. Imran Khalid is a physician and has a masters degree in international relations. 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. Tensions between Iran and the United States are likely to be one of the first major foreign policy challenges for the incoming Trump administration. Tehrans recent moves have brought Iran closer to developing a nuclear weapon than any point in the countrys history, and the risk of war between Israel and Iran with direct U.S. involvement remains high. Though serious distrust remains between Washington and Tehran, diplomacy is possible. President-elect Trump should reengage Iran and capitalize on the limited window that currently exists to both defuse Tehrans nuclear program in a peaceful manner and deescalate tensions with the Islamic Republic. Missing this chance risks pushing the United States closer to another disastrous Middle East war, something he promised voters he would avoid. The first Trump administration offers instructive lessons for the second one. Having scrapped the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement with Iran, Trump enacted a policy of maximum pressure with the objective of isolating the Islamic Republic both economically and diplomatically. Trump imposed the largest-scale U.S. sanctions against Iran to date and militarily increased pressure on Tehran, assassinating the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel took action as well when it assassinated Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh near Tehran in 2020 and carried out a sabotage operation against Irans chief enrichment facility in Natanz in 2021. Shortly thereafter, Iran began enriching uranium to 60 percent still short of the 90 percent needed for weaponization but higher than ever before in the countrys history. Trumps policy of maximum pressure largely continued by the Biden administration ultimately failed to curtail Tehrans nuclear program and to limit its malign behavior at home or abroad. It further helped empower hardliners inside Iran. Iran has sharply increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium, sufficient to develop enough fuel for several nuclear bombs if Tehran were to move toward weaponization. Irans breakout time is estimated to be as small as a few weeks, though it would still likely take Tehran several months to a year to produce a usable nuclear weapon. With Trump set to reenter the White House in January, there are mixed signals from Trump and his advisors. On the one hand, there are reports that the president-elect wishes to renew his maximum pressure campaign against Iran and is even considering airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. On the other, there are signals that the former president is entertaining the prospects of a deal with Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump cautioned against U.S. efforts at regime change in Tehran, and just days after the U.S. presidential election, Elon Musk, a close confidant of the president-elect, met with Irans ambassador to the United Nations to discuss reducing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Trumps Middle East advisor, Massad Boulos, recently claimed Trump is ready for serious negotiations with Iran. For its part, Tehran recently moved toward a more conciliatory albeit cautious tone under reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was elected on promises to address Irans economic crisis by engaging with the West. Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi told state television in November that Tehran is ready to resume negotiations over its nuclear program, but warned that the window for such talks is limited. Ayatollah Khamenei who maintains ultimate authority inside Iran and would need to sign off on any potential agreement claimed in August that there is no barrier to negotiations with Washington, while also warning against trusting the United States. However, with traditional elements of Irans defense strategy degraded namely, the blows against the so-called axis of resistance Iran may view nuclearizing as its best chance at security. This window for negotiations may not remain open for long. There are two chief obstacles to negotiations on the U.S. side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, decades of policy inertia is pushing Washington toward confrontation with Iran. This is rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of the threat posed by Iran to U.S. interests. This threat has been greatly inflated inside Washington. Iran is a brutal dictatorship engaged in a slew of malign activities across the Middle East, yet its ability to threaten key interests of the United States is limited. Iran lacks the military and economic prowess to dominate the Middle East in the policy-relevant future. Its military is not equipped for conquest and its economy is dwarfed by those of its neighbors such as Saudi Arabia. Portraying Iran as capable of dominating the Middle East is tantamount to doing the Islamic Republics propaganda for it. The second obstacle to negotiations stem both from objections from Israel and the continued escalation in the Middle East. In the 14 months since Hamass terror attack against Israel and Israels subsequent wars in Gaza and Lebanon, the Middle East has seen a wave of escalation spanning the region including the first direct military exchanges between Iran and Israel. Any agreement between the United States and Iran is likely to face fierce opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long welcomed escalation with Tehran. During the most recent episode in this ongoing tit-for-tat, Israel targeted Iranian air defenses, missile production sites, and a site connected to the countrys nuclear program in October. Iran has vowed to respond to Israels attack, but has thus far refrained from doing so, providing the United States with an opportunity to stop this cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The likely alternative to diplomacy is war between the United States and Iran, which would be disastrous for regional stability and U.S. interests. It will also have the opposite intended effect in Tehran. Preventive strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities which would likely fail to eliminate the entirety of Irans nuclear program risk further incentivizing Tehran to make a sprint for the bomb. Irans air defenses and ballistic missile capabilities would inflict considerable financial and human costs on the United States military. American troops scattered across the Middle East would be sitting ducks for reprisal attacks from Iran or its regional partners. With no clear path to victory or vision of how such a protracted conflict would end, Washington would be throwing itself into the abyss. When it comes to Iran, Trumps best option is diplomacy. He should work to defuse tensions with Tehran, a necessary first step toward a much-needed U.S. disentanglement from the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jon Hoffman is a research fellow in defense and foreign policy at the Cato Institute. His research interests include U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, Middle East geopolitics, and political Islam. 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. The College Park Cafe has been a mainstay in Orlando for more than 70 years. But in one instant on Christmas Eve morning, everything started to go catastrophically wrong. First, a buildup of grease behind the stove caught fire. Then the fire-suppression system failed, with the sprinklers not producing the solvents specifically designed to put out such fires. The fire extinguishers, supposedly serviced and ready, were the last fail-safe. They were all empty, said co-owner Joey Eckenfels. So we didnt have a choice but to run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result was a total loss of the kitchen, including the primary cooking line where all the food is prepared. But thanks to the generosity of the community it has served for decades, the beloved neighborhood restaurant is slated to reopen as soon as Jan. 10. We sold coffee on the street yesterday, just to bring in a little cash for the employees, said co-owner Joey Eckenfels. Someone threw a $100 bill out the window. The College Park Cafe calls itself the oldest diner in Orlando, dating back to 1951 when it opened as Clara Johnsons College Park restaurant, with an Orchid Room banquet hall next door. It became the College Park Cafe in the 1980s under a new familys ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a brief period as a Cuban restaurant, Eckenfels and his business partner Alan Saunders bought the place in 2021 and restored it to its nostalgic mid-century look. We saw the potential, Eckenfels said. He and Saunders crafted a menu of classic American diner favorites and hearty breakfast favorites, according to the restaurants website, as well as vegetarian entrees and a few Cuban and Tex-Mex dishes. College Park residents, he said, want their classic, simple food. Theyre not looking for any frills. And they want the community. To have the opportunity to own a little slice of Americana, if you will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Customers have shown their loyalty in turn. Weve had people whove been coming since the 50s, and theyre still eating here with their grandkids or great-grandkids, Eckenfels said. Its just a special place. The day of the fire, though, he had his doubts that the restaurant would survive. I was like, I dont know if were gonna be able to recover from this, just because the buildout is so expensive, he said. But from day one, the neighborhood has come together to help. Regulars frequently swing by to give hugs and share some coffee. An employee started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay staff which has brought in more than $2,700. Patrons have even helped with reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a guy that used to own a company that did gas lines, and hes providing a lot of equipment to us to help reduce those costs, Eckenfels said. The gentleman you just saw in here was our food rep, so hes working on things on the back end to save us. Its just been a little bit of everything. Theres a lot of heart here. On social media, customers shared their support. We know you will be back better than ever, one wrote on Facebook. You will rise like a phoenix from the ashes, wrote another. Wonderful cafe, see you on the other side. When the restaurant reopens, however, one thing will be different. Weve taken it back to those historic roots of a traditional diner, he said. So its going to be renamed College Park Diner when we reopen. Were going to bring back some of the nostalgia. A horrifying mishap at Orlandos holiday drone show that severely injured a boy is grounding New Years Eve displays from Texas to New York City and sparking further scrutiny into what went wrong. Drone shows planned for New Yorks Central Park and Austin and Dallas, Texas, have been canceled. Those events planned to use drones from Sky Elements, the same Texas-based vendor that operated Orlandos holiday show, according to organizers. Two Central Florida tourist spots also halted drone shows in recent days as Orlandos botched event put the safety of such synchronized spectacles into question. The shows feature drones flying in formation and creating dazzling light displays in the sky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Aviation Administration restricted Sky Elements operations as it investigates the drone mishap at Orlandos Lake Eola Park. Footage captured during the Dec. 21 display showed drones falling from the sky as spectators watched. One of the drones appeared to shoot toward the crowd of spectators and struck a 7-year-old boy in the chest, sending him to the hospital, according to a Dec. 22 GoFundMe post from his mother. The boy is recovering from emergency heart surgery, she wrote the next day. The FAA on Friday said it suspended a Sky Elements permit known as a Part 107 waiver, which allows for the operation of more than one drone at a time, as it conducts its probe. Without that waiver, the company apparently is unable to stage drone shows in the U.S. The National Transportation Safety Board is reviewing the processes and standards the FAA uses to evaluate and approve drone shows as part of its investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drone shows can be conducted safely, but it requires keeping spectators at a safe distance, said Ryan Wallace, a professor of aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The incident at Lake Eola will force both operators and regulators to take a hard look at the industrys spectator safeguards, he said. The challenge we have is drones are a new technology, Wallace said. We dont have a full understanding of all the risk involved when we apply that new technology to new applications. At the end of the day, they are going to want to review the procedures they use, the technology they use to ensure they can continue to conduct their operations safely. Sky Elements did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. In a previous statement, company officials said they are diligently working with the FAA and Orlando city officials to determine the cause of the mishap and establish a clear picture of what transpired. On its website, the company wrote that drone shows are completely safe when professional teams follow proper safety guidelines and regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sky Elements does not allow anyone to go under the show, the website states. The drone crew creates a perimeter around the grid to protect onlookers from stumbling below the show. Additionally, the pilot creates geofences before the show to prevent drones from straying away from the designated flight zone. New York Road Runners had planned a drone show for its New Years midnight run in Central Park but called it off due to circumstances out of our control, group spokeswoman Crystal Howard said. The city of Austin nixed its New Years Eve drone show, which was operated by Sky Elements, city spokeswoman Maggie Holman said. Sky Elements was also dropped from a New Years Eve show in Dallas as company officials carefully review their processes for future shows following the Orlando incident, Texas media outlets reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universal Orlando last week suspended the use of drones during Universal CineSational, its end-of-night show at Universal Studios theme park. Drone shows scheduled at Orlando World Center Marriott were also canceled. Organizers dropped drones from a New Years celebration in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, according to a report from WMBF News. Its unclear whether Sky Elements or another company was under contract for the planned Orlando and Myrtle Beach displays. Orlando Sentinel staff writers Natalia Jaramillo and Ryan Gillespie contributed to this report. Amber Saxs frustration grew each time she saw a new report of a U.S. military Osprey aircraft crashing over the past two years, often taking service members down with it. Sax, the wife of Capt. John Sax, who was among five Marines who died in a 2022 crash in California, decided earlier this year that she had to do something about it. She joined others in a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the Osprey, formally called the V-22, accusing Bell Textron, Boeing and Rolls-Royce of failing to address known issues with the aircraft. Amber Sax, who is raising two children, said she was worried that other families could lose their loved ones in an Osprey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so that also carries with it some additional grief, and even just trauma in general, of living in fear that this could happen to another family and wondering if everything is being done to prevent it, she said. Its scary if another Osprey were to go down, and it were to be the same cause, she continued. I want to know that I did everything I could to speak up and make noise. The Osprey, flown by the Marines, Navy and Air Force, has crashed or been involved in an accident dozens of times, killing more than 60 people since it was rolled out nearly 40 years ago. The latest deadly crash, near Japan in November 2023, killed eight U.S. service members, forcing the Pentagon to ground the fleet for months before lifting the order, with a plan to fully resume flights in spring 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another crash this November, a minor accident in which no one died, temporarily grounded flights again. It bore similarities to the Japan crash. But the Pentagon is adamant that the Osprey is safe and has continued to operate it despite mounting public concerns from family members, experts and lawmakers. On Capitol Hill, the House Oversight and Accountability Committee is investigating the controversial aircraft and its propensity to crash. And Democratic senators recently urged the Pentagon to ground the Osprey after an Associated Press investigation found that safety issues with the aircraft have spiked over the past five years. The federal watchdog group the Government Accountability Office is also investigating the aircraft. The Hill examined several mishap reports, spoke with multiple experts and reviewed key crash data on the Osprey that underscores its troubled history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there does not appear to be one common fault in the Osprey crashes that stretch back to the early 1990s, the aircraft has unique problems that are not found in many other similar aircraft operated by the U.S. military, raising questions about whether it can ever overcome those issues. There are long-standing safety issues that have never been addressed, said a congressional staffer who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The fact that theyre still having problems with them crashing 20 years or so after it became operational is significant. There are multiple design flaws in the aircraft, the official continued. This is not a broken widget or gadget, this is a fundamental design flaw. The Hill reached out to the Pentagons V-22 office and the two military services that have seen the most crashes, the Marines and the Air Force Special Operations Command. None of them provided comment for this article. A troubling history When it was unveiled in the late 1980s, the Osprey was touted as a hybrid aircraft that can take off and land like a helicopter and fly like a plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its birth reportedly came out of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis and the failure of Operation Eagle Claw, as the military weighed whether a more versatile aircraft could have helped secretly transport hostages out of Iran. The promise was that it could navigate harsh environments much faster and longer than a helicopter, helping troops move quickly into and out of combat zones, with enough space to seat up to 24 people. However, it faced skepticism from the start, with then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney looking to cancel the costly program in the mid-1980s. Prototype aircraft crashed in 1991 and 1992, the latter of which caused seven fatalities. It crashed twice in 2000, killing 23 service members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, by 2007, the Osprey had been cleared for combat deployment. There have since been deadly crashes all over the world: Morocco, Hawaii, Australia and Japan twice. Since 2022, Ospreys have crashed in fatal incidents four times, including the California crash that killed Saxs husband, the son of retired Los Angeles Dodgers player Steve Sax. Anytime an aircraft goes down, its like the world freezes again, Amber Sax said. Everything stops again, and it brings back memories from that day, knowing what those family members are going through. The Marines plan to fly the Osprey at least through 2050. Whats to blame? The $78 million Osprey stretches 57 feet long and 22 feet high. There are more than 400 Ospreys that have collectively flown more than 750,000 flight hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft, meaning it uses powered rotors on top of a fixed wing to lift vertically like a helicopter, and those rotors are then angled horizontally during flight to operate like a plane. The large rotors, run on two powerful engines, make it more vulnerable to rotor wash, or a powerful downward swing of air. A 2012 crash was attributed to powerful downwash from one Osprey that forced another to crash. The Osprey is hard to fly, especially if the aircraft enters a vortex ring state (VRS), a condition that affects helicopters and forces them to lose lift when entering their own downwash. Researchers have found that the Osprey can struggle with VRS more suddenly and more violently than helicopters, but the issue can be overcome with experience and training. In recent years, experts have wondered if the gearbox is to blame. The 2023 Japan crash cause was traced earlier this year to a crack in a gearbox part and pilot error, because the pilot ignored warning signs that the aircraft was failing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full investigation said a part of the proprotor gearbox, known as a pinion gear, had cracked and was the contributing factor to the crash, though the Air Force does not know why it failed. A November crash in New Mexico had a similar fault with a crack in the gearbox. The Hill confirmed the U.S. military is now putting restrictions on Ospreys with proprotor gearboxes that have flown for a a lower number of flight hours, reportedly to get at the problem sooner. The Associated Press reported 609 proprotor gearboxes have been removed for repair in the past 10 years and the military has reported 60 incidents involving the gearbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gearbox is the aircrafts transmission and contains five pinion gears that spin to send energy from the engine to the Ospreys masts and rotor blades. The 2022 crash that killed John Sax was attributed to dual hard clutch engagement (HCE), which created a gearbox malfunction and drive system failure. HCE, when the clutch dis-engages and then reengages, has also been listed as a recurring problem. To date, the Pentagon and manufacturers dont know what the cause of HCE is, but it is one part of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation. The hard clutch engagement has definitely been a present and contributing factor to accidents, an official familiar with the matter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person added that the GAO is looking at a wide range of issues, including human error, environmental and mechanical issues. The causal factors are typically associated with human factors more than they are mechanical factors, and so it would not be surprising to see that theres some percentage of the accidents that have occurred with the Osprey that are more human-factor related, the person said. Several mishap reports The Hill reviewed have blamed pilot error, a conclusion that families of the victims have often been resistant to accept. Amber Sax said she was upset that some reports have listed pilot error as the reason for a crash. A loss of power in either of the engines creates serious challenges for a pilot. The gearbox is meant to ensure that one engine at least can keep the aircraft flying, but a clutch problem can cause a failure to switch the transmission. There has been some speculation that a common failing part is the input quill assembly connecting an engine to the drive system. This issue was identified in the lawsuit this year for the 2022 California crash. A 2010 crash in Afghanistan that killed four could not find a clear contributing fault for the mishap, but the accident investigation board president determined that an unanticipated high rate of descent and engine power loss were contributing factors. Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, commander of Naval Air Systems Command, said at a House Oversight hearing on the Osprey earlier this year that theres been 22 known HCE events over the aircrafts lifetime. The failure mode that we are seeing is called a wear-out mode, over time the clutch wears out and has a higher susceptibility to slipping, he said. Supply chain issues are also persistent. The GAO has previously found issues with parts and maintenance for the Osprey, and there are concerns that at least one supplier, Universal Stainless, has provided alloys that have weakened and failed over the years. Ivan Eland, a defense analyst and senior fellow at the Independent Institute, said the Osprey crashes are a symptom of a larger issue with the defense industrial base because theres not much competition. Theres so many regulations and so little competition, he said. The whole system is messed up. Debate over crash rates Although the Ospreys crashes have sparked concern for years, the Marines and other military officials who operate the aircraft have argued it is actually safer than other similar types. But an analysis of Air Force crash rate data shows that the Osprey has an average class A mishap rate meaning the incident results in severe damage or fatalities of 6.23 over its lifetime. Thats higher than the Black Hawk helicopter, the best available comparison, which has an average of 3.52. The Osprey has an average fatal rate of 2.97, but it only has around 5,600 average annual hours, compared to the Black Hawks 6.50 at more than 21,000 annual hours. The Osprey has largely been involved in accidents outside of combat zones. The Black Hawk is more frequently in combat, but military officials have said that in general, most mishaps involve training accidents. The Air Force does not have comparable data for the Chinook, the most similar helicopter to the Osprey, but as of 2019 the Chinook had an average Class A mishap rate of 1.37. Winslow Wheeler, a former researcher at the Project on Government Oversight who has studied the Osprey over decades, said the innate design of the Osprey is so complex that its prone to failure and it has high maintenance costs. Never should have been built, he said. Too complex, too expensive, too unreliable. The performance is too limited. While the Pentagon and the Marines fiercely defend the aircrafts unique abilities for special and combat operations, Wheeler argued a properly designed helicopter could do a better job with less risk. Advocates keep on saying it flies like an airplane and lands like a helicopter. Neither statements are true, he said. It flies like a slow, sluggish, maneuverable airplane. And lands like an incompetently designed helicopter. Bell is currently making a successor to the Black Hawk helicopter called the Valor, which is supposed to be a new tiltrotor aircraft. The Valor makes a critical change that could help a pilot: In flight, the engine does not tip forward, only the rotors do, as opposed to the Osprey, in which the engine leans in as well. Designs are tricky and often criticized after the fact. But Dan Grazier, senior fellow and director of the national security reform program at the Stimson Center, said the Osprey is such a complicated aircraft it requires a very experienced pilot to instantaneously respond when something goes wrong. Grazier added there are obvious mechanical design issues with the Osprey. The Department of Defense really owes it to not just the American people but [also] the young men and women who have to trust their lives it to this aircraft, he said. Its just important for the DoD to fully explain what the issues are and what steps theyve taken to mitigate them, and to explain a clear path forward. Families want justice Despite the widespread concern about the aircraft and the repeated incidents the military has no plans to halt the flights. And families of crash victims have few options for recourse. The lawsuit for the California crash is the most action victims and families have taken yet. It accuses the manufacturers of making recklessly false statements for an unsafe and unairworthy aircraft. The victims in the 2022 crash were Sax, Capt. Nicholas P. Losapio, Cpl. Nathan E. Carlson, Cpl. Seth D. Rasmuson, and Lance Cpl. Evan A. Strickland. In an interview, Timothy Loranger, the attorney who filed the lawsuit, said the manufacturers have known about HCE and the gearbox issues but have failed to address them. Theres a flaw in the design of the whole system, he said. The problem has been known for a long time, and now, all of a sudden they figured it out. So what is it that prompted this [and] were enough resources given over to this problem in the past? Loranger hopes more evidence will come out in discovery. As to whether the U.S. military knows of the flaws, Loranger noted it cant be sued because there is a prohibition on civil suits involving active-duty deaths. Michelle and Brett Strickland, who lost their son, Lance Cpl. Evan Strickland, in the 2022 California crash, said they are frustrated that known issues with the aircraft have gone unaddressed for years. There isnt a day that goes by that we dont miss and think of our son, Michelle Strickland said. I dont want to see another family go through this. Brett Strickland said he wanted accountability and answers through the lawsuit after receiving few answers to his questions from a military briefing after his sons death that failed to include engineers from the manufacturers of the Osprey. Just hearing them say we know whats happening, we just dont understand why its happening it stuck with us, he said. We cant bring Evan back. What we can do, all we can hope for, is that this will improve the safety and reliability of the airframe. For Amber Sax, the lawsuit is the best way to get answers and justice. It was filed near the second anniversary of the crash that killed her husband. I want to make sure I get all the answers, not just for me, but for my kids, she said. I want to be able to tell my daughters I fought for every answer I could. 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. During 2024, the Russians fired more than 1,600 times at Kyiv, using attack drones, cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Air-raid warnings were issued 500 times in the capital. Source: Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram Quote from Serhii Popko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration: "2024 was a difficult year for Kyiv, as well as for the whole of Ukraine... In 2024, 500 air-raid warnings were issued in Kyiv. During which the Russian armed forces conducted almost 200 air strikes on the capital of Ukraine. In them, Russian troops used more than 1,600 weapons of various types against peaceful Kyiv." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: In particular, the Russians launched: more than 1,300 UAVs; more than 200 cruise missiles (Kh-101/Kh-59/Kh-69/Iskander-K/Kalibr); 24 ballistic missiles (Iskander-M/KN-23); 22 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles; 7 Zircon hypersonic missiles. During the most large-scale attack, 78 weapons were used simultaneously, including 49 Kh-101 missiles and 10 Kinzhal aerial ballistic missiles. In 2024, the Russians damaged almost 550 residential buildings in Kyiv, leaving almost 120 people homeless. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kyiv has increased by almost 11,000 over the past year. "The strikes on energy facilities have forced us to save energy and learn to live without electricity. For almost 100 days last year, Kyiv residents lived under emergency or rolling power outages. The average duration of the power outage for an average resident of the capital was about nine hours a day," Popko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, the Kyiv City Military Administration also mentioned the pleasant events of this year. In particular, despite the war, attacks, lack of electricity and other difficult problems, almost 21,000 children were born in the capital in 2024. Support UP or become our patron! The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) issued a construction license to Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) for Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), on Dec. 26. PAEC applied for the construction license in April this year, along with the preliminary safety assessment report (PSAR) and other licensing submissions covering design and operational aspects of nuclear safety, radiation protection, emergency preparedness, waste management, and nuclear security. PNRA said it issued the license after a thorough review and assessment of the licensing submissions and on satisfactory fulfillment of all regulatory requirements in compliance with the relevant national and international standards. C-5 will be an advanced third-generation pressurized water reactor (PWR) of Chinese Hualong One design (HPR1000). The unit will have active and passive safety features including a double-shell containment and reactor filtered venting system. It will have a 60-year design life. C-5 will be the third HPR1000 unit constructed in Pakistan. The other two HPR1000 unitsK-2 and K-3are installed at the Karachi nuclear power plant. K-2 entered commercial operation in May 2021 and K-3 followed suit in April 2022. However, C-5 will have a larger capacity than previous versions1,200 MWe vs. 1,100 MWemaking it the largest electricity producing nuclear power unit in Pakistan. In addition to the Karachi units, two HPR1000 units are also operating in China at the Fuqing plant in Fujian province. Those reactors, Units 5 and 6 at the site, began commercial operation in January 2021and March 2022, respectively. In late November, China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC), one of the makers of the HPR1000, announced Unit 1 of the Zhangzhou nuclear power plant in Chinas Fujian province was connected to the grid. The unit is the first of four HPR1000 reactors under construction at that site. Meanwhile, China General Nuclear (CGN) also offers the Hualong One design. It has commissioned two of its units at the Guangxi Fangchenggang Nuclear Power Plant in western China. According to CNNC, at least 33 Hualong One units are currently in operation or under construction, making it the dominant third-generation nuclear power technology being deployed in the world. In Pakistan, C-5 will join four CNP-300 units (another Chinese design with a capacity of about 300 MWe), which are currently in service at the Chashma facility. Those unitsC-1 through C-4entered commercial operation in 2000, 2011, 2016, and 2017, respectively. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), natural gas is the largest source of electricity generation in Pakistan, providing more than 27% of the supply in 2022. Hydropower ranked second with 20%, while oil, coal, and nuclear all fell within a percentage point of each other at 16.6%, 15.9%, and 15.6%, respectively. Notably, the IEA says more than 40 million people in Pakistan remain without access to electricity. Aaron Larson is POWERs executive editor (@POWERmagazine). A Palatka city commissioner has scheduled a town hall meeting with the discussion topic, violence in our community. The meeting, called by Commissioner Justin Campbell Sr., is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at Palatka Price Martin Center, 220 N. 11th St. This meeting will serve as a platform for the community to discuss issues related to violence among other topics, Campbells invite on Facebook states. This will not be a session for criticism. ... May we transition from Facebooking the problems to facing the problems. The planned town hall comes as police continue looking for the killer responsible for a deadly triple shooting on St. Johns Avenue on Christmas Eve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Police were called to the 100 block of North 19th Street at about 9:40 p.m. Dec. 24 where a large crowd was gathered. Officers were clearing the crowd when they heard gunfire nearby, Palatka police said. When officers reached the area where the shots were fired, they located the three victims. Tyree Gilyard, 23, of Crescent City, and Dorrion McKinnon, 17, of Palatka, were killed in the shooting that occurred at 1825 St. Johns Ave., police said. A third victim, Dazail Dennis, 21, of Crescent City, was hospitalized in critical condition. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Police are still looking for the shooter. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Scene Unit and the State Attorneys Office Homicide Investigative Unit are assisting in the investigation, a Palatka police news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at 386-329-0115 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477. Read: Names of victims in Palatka triple shooting on Christmas night released Read: Legacy Rain Dogs music venue closes its doors this week Read: State funeral for Jimmy Carter will be Jan. 9 [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. BEIJING, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- As the year 2024 comes to a close, here are the key takeaways from Chinese President Xi Jinping's diplomacy throughout the year. Over the past year, Xi has engaged in extensive head-of-state diplomacy both at home and abroad, making four overseas visits to Europe, to Central Asia, for the BRICS Summit, and to Latin America, as well as holding over 130 talks and meetings with foreign dignitaries. He also attended the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and made personal efforts to reach out to peoples of other countries. HEAD-OF-STATE DIPLOMACY Guided by head-of-state diplomacy, China's major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics has expanded its international influence in 2024, with its vision of peaceful development and win-win cooperation gaining wider global recognition. Xi has demonstrated his strategic vision and strong leadership in maintaining close communication with leaders of other major countries. The China-Russia partnership saw continued high-level engagement. President Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met three times this year, enhancing bilateral comprehensive strategic coordination. Regarding China-U.S. relations, Xi met with President Joe Biden and sent congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump, providing strategic guidance for bilateral relations at pivotal moments. Xi's diplomatic initiatives with leaders of European countries, including France, Germany, Britain, Spain, and Italy, have focused on deepening strategic dialogue and fostering win-win cooperation. The meetings with leaders of regional major countries like India and Japan have aimed at building mutual trust and advocating peaceful coexistence. Throughout the year, Xi has focused on strengthening neighborly ties through close cooperation and interactions, such as making plans to usher in a "golden 30 years" of bilateral relations with Kazakhstan, and advancing a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era with Tajikistan. A diplomatic breakthrough came in January this year when Nauru made the political decision to adhere to the one-China principle and restore diplomatic relations with China. Two months later, at Xi's invitation, Nauru's President David Adeang visited China. During the visit, Nauru agreed to participate in the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Friendship, no matter it comes early or late, will usher in a bright future; and cooperation, regardless of scale, will be productive as long as it is sincere, Xi said during his talks with Adeang. MODERNIZATION FOR ALL The year 2024 saw China's unwavering commitment to embracing the world through high-level opening up, and the win-win cooperation has brought broad opportunities for other countries in their pursuit of modernization. Over the years, more than 100,000 freight trains have traveled between China and Europe. So far, 155 countries have joined the Belt and Road cooperation, and 54 countries now enjoy transit visa exemptions. This year also saw the arrival in Shanghai of the first batch of goods from the Peruvian port of Chancay, and the official commencement of construction on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. In the face of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China remains committed to high-level opening up. Just as Xi noted, China is ready to share its development opportunities with other countries and promote the modernization of all countries that features peaceful development, mutually beneficial cooperation and common prosperity. China has lifted 800 million people out of absolute poverty, and met the poverty reduction target of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule, thus contributing to the global efforts in poverty alleviation. "If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too," said Xi, highlighting that China's successful experience in poverty alleviation has resonated with other countries around the world. World leaders have praised China's remarkable achievements and its role in shaping global development. Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar stated that China's development serves as an example for other developing countries. Gambian President Adama Barrow emphasized that China represents hope and the future, and that deeper cooperation with China is key to national development. PROMOTING DEVELOPMENT OF GLOBAL SOUTH From Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Astana, to the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan and the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, China is playing an increasingly significant role in world affairs as a major country, and a leading role in the Global South. China has actively engaged in interactions with partners and friends from the Global South in 2024. Calling on the Global South to be the staunch force for peace, the core driving force for open development, the construction team of global governance, and the advocates for exchange among civilizations, Xi elaborated on the mission of the Global South, and offered a Chinese solution to addressing the global deficits in peace, development, governance and trust. Concrete efforts were also made to better support Global South cooperation. When addressing the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in Beijing, Xi announced eight initiatives, covering such areas as personnel training, youth exchanges, economic development, free trade, agriculture, digital economy and green ecology. In September, Xi delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, announcing ten partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernization. "No matter how the international landscape evolves, we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South," said Xi as he delivered an important speech at the "BRICS Plus" leaders' dialogue in Kazan, Russia. NEW CHAPTER IN BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH SHARED FUTURE During President Xi's visit to Brazil in November, the two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a "community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet." From Latin America to the wider world, the effort to build a community with a shared future for mankind has gained significant momentum over the past year, with active participation from various parties. A notable example is the launch of the China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era this year, the first of its kind in China's relations with European countries. Also, the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC saw the announcement of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, embodying the common will of the 2.8 billion Chinese and African people to stand united through challenges. With the bigger picture of the future of mankind in mind, Xi stressed that at the historic moment when mankind has to choose between peace and war, prosperity and recession, unity and confrontation, "we must always strive tirelessly for the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind." China has worked actively for the restoration of peace and stability in hotspot areas. While maintaining an objective and just stance on the Ukraine crisis and actively promoting peace talks, China, working together with Brazil, issued six common understandings for a political resolution to the crisis, and brought other Global South countries together to launch the Group of Friends for Peace to gather consensus for finding a path to peace. Furthermore, on the Palestinian-Israeli issue, China has pushed for the adoption of the first resolution by the UN Security Council on a ceasefire in Gaza, and facilitated a reconciliation dialogue among Palestinian factions and the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by 14 Palestinian factions. On many occasions, President Xi has advocated the concept of shared responsibility as dwellers of the same planet and noted that "countries are not riding on more than 190 small boats, but instead on a big boat with a common destiny." He called for solidarity, coordination and win-win cooperation as the overarching trend of the times. Under Xi's leadership, China is pooling global strength to advance the cause of peace and development, opening a new chapter in the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. UPDATE 4:15 pm: Panama City officials said there is a precautionary boil water notices for residents in the following areas: W 14th St. to W 8th St. and from Florida Ave. to Balboa Ave.; 11th St. from Buena Vista Ave. to Hub Drive; South on W 15th St between Arnoldware Dr. and Mulberry Ave.; Entera Dr.; Arnoldware Dr.; Jinks Middle School, Bay County Government Center, Bay Co Public Library, Palm Bay Preparatory Academy, Creative Kids Academy. Officials said residents may experience discolored water for about 24 hours after their water has been restored. If you have any questions, contact the Public Works Office at 850-872-3000, option 3. The County Health Department can also assist with answers to questions. PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) According to Panama City officials, a water main break at 14th St. and Florida Ave Monday morning caused a loss of water pressure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said they are working on the issue and should have it resolved by the end of the day. Some residences and businesses may have their water turned off while this work is ongoing. Once it is restored, you will be under a precautionary boil water notice, which will remain in effect until the problem has been corrected and a bacteriological survey shows that the water is safe to drink. Questions regarding this break should be directed to the Public Works Office at 850-872-3000, Option 3, PC officials said. 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. Dec. 30A divisive bill that passed the Ohio Legislature this month was backed by multiple parental rights and religious groups but opposed by groups representing LGBTQ+ people and public school employees. House Bill 8 was divisive because it requires school officials to report significant changes in a student's mental health to the student's parents, including if a student begins to identify as a different gender at school. The bill also includes a requirement that Ohio's public schools allow kids to leave class during the school day to attend third-party religious instruction if their parents opted into it. Most of the written testimony submitted to the Ohio Legislature was in opposition to the bill. One opponent of the idea was the Ohio School Counselor Association, which provided testimony against the bill on three separate occasions. Both teachers' unions opposed the bill, as did several school boards, including the Toledo and Columbus public school boards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heather Fairs of the Ohio School Counselor Association said one of the first questions counselors ask when a student comes into a school counselor is if a parent is aware of whatever they're discussing. If the parents aren't, the counselor works with the student to get the tools they need to have the conversation. Fairs said parents can already opt out of school counselor sessions, argued the disclosure requirements are too broad and said the bill could potentially harm students who are being abused by their parents. "We have heard very sad stories from our children about how they are being used by their parents to sell drugs or being sex trafficked," she said. "Without the trust students have in schools, these children will not have a place to report the horrible things that happened to them. Our fear is this bill will be detrimental to children in these situations." But several proponents of the bill said it was important for parents to be able to raise their children according to their own beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Activist teachers are having conversations with students they are not qualified to have nor should they be having on moral grounds," said Lisa Chaffee, director of Ohio Parents Rights In Education. "The topics of sex and sexual identity are between children and parents." Release time A later add-on to the bill included a requirement that Ohio's public schools adopt a policy to allow students to leave class in the middle of the day to attend third-party religious instruction, a concept that has been legal in Ohio but not mandatory for local schools to participate in. Since 2019, a newer organization called LifeWise has begun to advocate released time classes in local school districts across Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Ohio law, released time for religious instruction is permitted if the public school is not funding any of the religious practices and no public school personnel are providing the religious instruction. The student cannot miss any core classes, and by law, the religious instruction is limited to one hour per week. In the last two years, LifeWise has exploded in popularity. LifeWise says the program is in 591 schools across 29 states. The Dayton Daily News found in February that of the 57 school districts in Montgomery, Miami, Greene, Warren, Clark and Butler counties, LifeWise Academy works with 12, including Clark-Shawnee, Northridge, Brookville, Tipp City, Piqua, Bethel Local, Vandalia and Springboro. Most of those districts say the program is offered to elementary school students. Troy Schools declined to allow LifeWise when it was approached, but Troy was not the most controversial district. The Columbus Dispatch reported that Worthington, a Columbus suburb, rescinded their policy of allowing release of public school students to religious programs like LifeWise, following Westerville schools rescinding their policy in October. House Bill 8 was approved 24-to-7 in the Senate, with one Republican objector, and 57 to 31 in the House mostly along party lines with state Rep. Andrea White, R-Kettering, being one of the few Republican opponents. GCSE students forced out of private schools by Labours VAT raid are unlikely to secure places in nearby state schools, a council has warned. Oxfordshire County Council is one of several local authorities urging parents not to remove their children from independent schools in the middle of their exam years. It follows repeated warnings from campaigners that thousands of pupils risk failing their GCSEs due to disruption caused by the policy, which comes into effect on January 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for Oxfordshire County Council said: Schools are unlikely to offer places while children prepare for their final GCSE exams. We havent amended our admission arrangements in the light of the VAT in independent schools issue. The arrangements have remained the same for a while. Councils in Newcastle and Wales issued similar warnings. This week, invoices for the next academic terms fees have started to arrive with parents, with many schools passing on the full cost of the 20pc levy. The Governments own estimates suggest 37,000 pupils will be forced out of independent institutions as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, defended the policy this weekend as she insisted middle-class parents had been priced out of private schools already which is why there was such support for our policy. But critics warn state schools do not have the capacity to accommodate affected pupils. Earlier this month, Surrey County Council admitted it had no vacancies for pupils in Year 9, 10 or 11 in the next academic year. Children in the middle of their exam years are particularly hard to place as they must be matched with schools that use the same exam boards as their previous institution. It is of particular concern for the more than 30,000 pupils who study IGCSEs, a qualification typically only taught in private schools after it was phased out of state schools in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie Robinson, the chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), which represents 1,400 schools, previously told The Telegraph: Thousands of students GCSE results could be put at risk, with a knock-on effect for their future studies. The problem is further complicated by subjects such as English, music, art and drama where students in Year 10 or Year 11 will already have completed coursework as part of their exam. A Government spokesman 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. 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. Ukrainian partisans in Russia's Moscow Oblast set fire to two locomotives overnight on Dec. 30 destined for occupied regions of Ukraine, according to Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the exiled mayor of the Russian-occupied Mariupol. In his Telegram post, Andryushchenko shared several videos showing the trains ablaze. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims. Members of the Mariupol resistance destroyed an electric train worth 50 million rubles ($460 million), while members of the Azov resistance group destroyed a diesel train, Adriushchenko wrote. Both trains suffered irreparable losses, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian partisans have claimed several attacks recently on Russian transit infrastructure, including earlier this month when the Atesh partisan group said it had sabotaged a key railway line linking Russia's Moscow and Kursk oblasts, disrupting Russian supply lines. The group reported a similar act of sabotage on a railway in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast last month. 0:00 / 1 Read also: Ukrainian partisans sabotage railway line linking Moscow to Kursk Oblast, group claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Tens of thousands of passengers are reportedly canceling flights with Jeju Air, South Korean media said. That's after one of its jets crashed on Sunday. 179 people almost everyone on board died in the crash, officials said. The cause is being investigated. Passengers with the South Korean airline Jeju Air are canceling tickets after one of its aircraft crashed, killing 179 people. The airline said that 68,000 flight reservations had been canceled as of 1 p.m. on Monday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. Most of the cancellations happened after Flight 7C2216 crashed on Sunday. Some 33,000 of the cancellations were for domestic flights, and 34,000 for international flights, the report said. Jeju is South Korea's biggest low-cost airline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boeing 737-800 crashed while trying to land at South Korea's Muan International Airport at 9:03 a.m. 179 of the 181 people on board were killed, local authorities said. Footage showed the plane slide on the runway before it came off, hit a barrier, and burst into flames. The CEO of the airline, Kim E-bae, issued a public 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. Regardless of the cause, as CEO, I feel profound responsibility for this incident," he said, according to The Guardian's translation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, most of the homepage of the airline's website had been cleared. A black banner on its English-language version said: "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." Mass cancelations have happened before after major accidents. This includes customers canceling bookings with Malaysia Airlines after two deadly incidents in 2014. Investigations into the South Korean crash are underway and no cause has been concluded yet. A bird strike is one possible factor, with an official in South Korea's transport ministry reportedly saying the airport's control tower issued a bird strike warning before the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But experts are skeptical that it would likely be the only reason, as planes are designed with fail safes and with bird strikes in mind. Video footage showed the plane landing without its landing gear deployed. Why that was the case is not yet clear. Read the original article on Business Insider As part of an increase in security assistance, the United States is providing Ukraine with a US$1.25 billion military aid package that includes the transfer of weapons from Pentagon warehouses, which will, in particular, strengthen Ukraine's air defence. Source: European Pravda, citing a statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Details: Blinken said that as part of an increase in security assistance, the United States is providing another significant package of much-needed weapons and equipment to Ukrainian partners defending themselves against Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This additional assistance, which includes the transfer of weapons from Pentagon stockpiles, is valued at US$1.25 billion. This package and the US$1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package were announced by US President Joe Biden on 30 December. Blinken said that the US$1.25 billion military aid package for Ukraine includes: counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions; air defence munitions; ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS); 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; air-to-ground munitions; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; ammunition for crew-served weapons and fragmentation grenades; demolitions equipment and munitions; communication, training, software, clothing and individual equipment; spare parts; ancillary equipment, training and transportation. Quote from Blinken: "The United States and more than 50 nations stand united to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russias aggression." Background: As reported, the Pentagon suggests that the Biden administration is unlikely to spend all the remaining funds for armed support to Ukraine under the PDA programme (US$5.6 billion), which Congress has allocated to send weapons and other military assistance to Ukraine. The WSJ wrote that the Biden administration will not have time to send military aid to Ukraine with all the funds approved by Congress before the end of its term in January 2025, and some of the relevant powers will be transferred to Donald Trump's team. The Pentagon says it has reached the limit of weapons it can send to Ukraine on a monthly basis without compromising its own combat capability, and is also facing logistical problems in delivery. Support UP or become our patron! A deadly swell struck Perus northern coastline triggering tsunami-like waves that ravaged local communities and forced 75 percent of the nations ports to close, potentially devastating local economies. The over 13-feet waves crashed onto the shores of Lobitos, Mancora, and Cabo Blanco 700 miles north of Perus capital Lima Friday from around midday, according to local reports. The extreme weather phenomenon coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami which struck India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia, among other nations, in 2004 killing more than 230,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people were reported to have died in Ecuador's southwestern Manta region and a 30-year-old man was found dead at a beach in Chile no deaths have been reported in Peru, according to AFP. The extreme weather phenomenon came the day after Peru declared an environmental emergency following a shipment from state oil firm Petroperu on December 21 that sent 10,000 square meters of crude oil spilling into the sea, reported Reuters. The huge waves have caused significant damage to several beaches in northern Peru (Handout/Samantha Watson) According to the agency, a vessel that had been carrying out pre-shipment maneuvers caused the crude spill at a terminal in the Talara refinery just a few miles from the small town of Lobitos. Petroperu has not yet declared exactly how much oil was spilled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enrique Varea, the chief of Hydrography and Navigation for Perus Navy, said that three-quarters of all ports in Peru have closed as a result of the forceful waves. In videos taken by Peruvian locals, huge waves can be seen crashing against Muelle de Lobitos a fishing pier rattling local fishing boats as the waves hurl towards the shore. Peru declared an environmental emergency Thursday following a crude oil spill in Talara on December 21 (Mateo Lazo) Another video shows a huge set of waves broaching a pier on the nearby beach of Cabo Blanco. The gigantic waves were reportedly triggered by an extreme event, according to Ecuador's secretary for risk management Jorge Carillo. Carillo warned that possibly more disastrous weather events were to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sebastian Sulca Cordova, 25, told The Independent that locals were alerted to the deadly waves while many had been listening in at a meeting to discuss the disastrous oil spill. Suddenly, a megaphone announcement called out stating: Please all fishermen approaching the dock, boats are sinking and friends are drifting away. As waves struck and shook the pier, people were knocked down and others were spotted fleeing back to land. A video captured the moment waves crashed into the roof of the fishing pier Friday (Handout/Samantha Watson) The houses are not damaged, but the boats are. There are boats that are tied together and lost. We are trying to help find and track what is submerged and get the engines out, which is the most important thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are entire boats underwater. Yesterday we turned over three boats and took out two engines. Even the water is contaminated with oil and we do what we can and what is within our reach." Local wildlife in the area was found drenched in crude (pictured) along the shores of Lobitos (Mateo Lazo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cordova added that locals remain on high alert: We are awake in case something happens at the dock and they want our help we are ready at any time. Videos taken by locals and NGOs operating in Lobitos showed the despairing consequences of the spill with sealife left smothered in crude and typically pristine sandy beaches tarred black. The environment ministry declared that at least seven beaches and local wildlife had been affected, according to Reuters. The Independent contacted the Peruvian Navy Coast Guard, the US Embassy in Peru, and Petroperu for comment. It's never a good time to run out of medication you need after your pharmacy closes. With New Year's Eve just around the corner, it's a good time to know whether your pharmacy will be open if you need to pick up something. The holiday falls on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. New Year's is a federal holiday, meaning business stops across most federal institutions and some private businesses, so you likely won't be able to run errands requiring government action or documents, or conduct in-person banking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you need to know about major pharmacy chains, like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, and whether or not they'll be open on New Year's Eve this year. Since pharmacy hours vary widely among retailers, it is recommended that you call your local pharmacy or store, or check their websites, for more specific information. Is New Year's a federal holiday? Yes, New Year's Day is a federal holiday in the United States. All federal offices, including courts, post offices, social security offices and others, will be closed. More: Michigan embraces frigid season with winter festivals. Here's where to chill with friends Is New Year's a state holiday in Michigan? Yes, New Year's Day is a state holiday in Michigan. State offices, such as the Secretary of State, will be closed and state employees will get the day off. Are banks open on New Year's? The answer is no. New Year's is one of several federal holidays, so banks and credit unions are not open. New Year's Eve is not a bank holiday, but specific banks may close branches early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ATMs at banks should remain operable. Will Kroger be open on New Year's? Yes, Kroger will be open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Kroger pharmacies will be open until 4 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Check online for hours at your nearest Kroger in Michigan. Will Meijer be open on New Year's? Yes, Meijer stores will be open for regular hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Will Target be open on New Year's? Yes, Target stores will be open on New Year's, the company said. Most Target stores will be open until 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve and regular hours on New Year's Day. You can check hours for your nearest Target in Michigan online with the Find a Store locator. Will Walmart be open on New Year's? Yes, Walmart stores will be open for normal hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Which Michigan state park is best? Here's your chance to choose Is CVS open on New Year's Eve? CVS stores will be open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the company said. Some locations may be open for reduced hours. Call ahead or check online for hours at your nearest Michigan CVS. Is Walgreens open on New Year's Eve? Yes, Walgreens stores will be open for regular hours on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the company said. Walgreens 24-hour pharmacies will be open for regular hours on New Year's Eve. Most pharmacies will be closed on New Year's Day, except 24-hour locations and select other pharmacies, per the company. Check online with the store locator to see hours for your nearest Walgreens pharmacy in Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pharmacies: What's open, closed for New Year's Eve, Day in Michigan Stealing from the company's bank accounts could earn you time in the big house. But embezzlement from a quantum ledger might not be against the law. In fact, a new study finds it might be a handy way to entangle particles without messing up their mathematics. Earlier this century, quantum computing researcher Wim van Dam and physicist Patrick Hayden described a process they called embezzling entanglement, named for the light-fingered approach some systems could potentially take to combining their numbers without leaving a trace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theoretical physicists Lauritz van Luijk, Alexander Stottmeister, Reinhard F. Werner, and Henrik Wilming of Leibniz University Hannover in Germany have now identified fields that could be key players in this unusual quantum heist. Our physical Universe where objects have very clearly defined properties like location, momentum, and energy emerges from an unresolved version of reality consisting of maybes and likelihoods. As uncertain as this existence is prior to being locked down by a measurement, the laws governing its operation are as strict as those of any casino. Interactions with additional particles can upset the odds as easily as an extra deck of cards could change how a game of poker is played. The laws governing our physical Universe are as strict as those of any casino. ( Netfalls/Canva Entanglement is both a handy tool and a foil for any physics card counter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Done right, entanglement can be used as the basis of powerful algorithms combining the probabilities of hundreds or even thousands of quantum card games. In the form of random intrusions, they can turn a useful quantum state into meaningless chaos. Mathematically speaking, it's possible to show some quantum transformations are more subtle than others. One type of change returns to a state that doesn't appear to be disturbed, for example. Described as a kind of catalyst, this reversal allows for computing operations that wouldn't have been possible in cases where end states are altered. Where van Dam and Hayden demonstrated that catalysts could universally flip any entangled state on a whim, the researchers at Leibniz University have now algebraically demonstrated that a combination of general relativity and quantum field theory can result in a bottomless pit of catalysts. In theory, a relativistic quantum field could serve as an infinite resource of embezzlement, entangling with particles in ways that wouldn't alter their delicate states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since the bank is in the same state before and after the embezzlement, that means that no one can detect it," van Luijk explained to New Scientist's Karmela Padavic-Callaghan. "It's the perfect crime." To become a practical system, a physical equivalent of a suitable field would need to be identified. Right now, embezzling entanglement is more of a mathematical abstraction than a 'how to' guide for silently stealing from the Universe. Yet knowing infinite levels of entanglement could naturally be occurring in absolute nothingness could point the way to a whole criminal underworld of physics, where different classes of theft occur right under our noses. This research has been accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters. Related News NEW DELHI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Normal life in the northern Indian state of Punjab Monday remained affected due to a bandh call from farmer organizations demanding a legal guarantee of a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops from the federal government. Shops, businesses and commercial establishments remained shut in several places of the state and traffic was off the roads. Reports said at many places farmers blocked roads and rail tracks to stage sit-in protests to enforce the bandh. However, emergency services were allowed to operate. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader, said the bandh was observed from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (local time) across the state. Public transport remained off roads and even private bus operators suspended services in support of the farmers' bandh call. The rail traffic was also affected in the wake of the strike call. Train services were completely suspended and no trains entered Punjab. According to India's state-run broadcaster, All India Radio (AIR), railways cancelled 150 trains in view of the Punjab bandh. "The cancelled trains include Shatabdi and Vande Bharat Express operating between Delhi and Punjab," the AIR said. "According to Northern Railways, 13 trains have also been rescheduled, apart from the cancellation." Meanwhile, the 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike Monday entered its 35th day. While refusing medical treatment, he had earlier said he would not break his fast until the federal government agreed to the farmers' demands. Hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Punjab-Haryana border since Feb. 13 this year to press for their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP for their crops. Their multiple efforts to march to India's national capital earlier this month were met with strong force from the police who fired tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charging to dispel the protesting farmers. In September 2020, Indian government passed three contentious laws aimed at "modernizing" the country's agriculture sector. However, farmers feared the new laws would weaken their position and make them dependent on corporates. Thousands of farmers have been on strike calling for the law's revocation. The strike has dragged on for over a year after which the government announced it was repealing the laws. DENVER (KDVR) Sunday night into Monday in Colorado is a tale of fire and ice, as dry conditions and gusty winds present dangerous conditions for fires, and a winter storm passing through the high country presents possible travel issues from accumulating snow. Because of the high fire danger in the Eastern Plains and Front Range, Monday is a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day. FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It all begins in the mountains overnight Sunday into Monday, where much of Colorados high country is under avalanche warnings. Snowfall is expected to taper off throughout the afternoon on Sunday, but gusty winds will continue and the snow is forecasted to restart in the mountains in the evening and continue through Monday. The Park Range could get upward of a foot of snow on Monday, with wind gusts of up to 70 mph. The Front Range Mountains and Summit County are forecasted to see between 4 to 8 inches of snow overnight Sunday through Monday evening, with wind gusts also potentially reaching 70 mph. However, Monday is a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day due to critical fire weather conditions. The strong wind, dry air and dry conditions on the ground could lead to rapid fire spread. The wind is due to the warm weather that passed through Denver as the pressure changes with a new system coming into the area, the winds will pick up. Behind the winds are much cooler temperatures about 10 degrees cooler across the board than the weather was on Sunday. The Colorado State Patrol was warning drivers to prepare for the storm, which could impact travel through Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current forecast is showing an additional cumulation between 4-10 inches across the northern and central mountains, CSP posted on social platforms Sunday. Plan ahead if you need to go out, go before the storm rolls in. Have an emergency bag in your vehicle with warm change of clothing, and top off any fluids such as windshield washer fluid if you need to head out during the storm. Fuel mitigation a year-round factor In the Town of Superior, Community Park is temporarily home to 300 goats, courtesy of the Goat Bros, where the goats perform fuel mitigation duties for the next 90 days. After the Marshall Fire, municipalities like Superior have taken a greater interest in managing their vegetation, which helps in the long run when it comes to fire weather days like Monday. We take this seriously and we are doing everything in our power to get ready for anything that might crop up, Rick Tillery with Mountain View Fire Rescue told FOX31s Rachel Saurer. Station 5 was ground zero three years ago during the Marshall Fire, and since it is still fresh in the minds of those who live nearby, Tillery said he wants the community to know they are ready to act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is similar fire weather to what we saw the day of the Marshall Fire. Thankfully, the winds are not predicted to be as severe as they were that day. The humidity is not quite as low also, he said. We brought on additional crews for tomorrow for the Red Flag warning day. We are also bringing additional fire apparatus online too. Full coverage of Marshall Fire, reconstruction The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for most of the Front Range and Colorados eastern plains beginning Monday at 5 a.m. The warning stretches from the Wyoming border near Walden to the New Mexico border near Trinidad and is scheduled to last through 5 p.m. Monday. The National Weather Service in Boulder is forecasting northwest winds of about 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of up to 60 or 75 mph projected. Portions of Front Range could have excessively high wind However, there is an area of uncertainty stretching from southern Douglas County toward Red Feather Lakes in the Front Range area. The National Weather Service of Boulder said there is potential for stronger winds to develop in that area, with localized wind gusts exceeding the high wind criteria which is about 75 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather agency warned that on the eastern plains, blowing dust will reduce visibility to less than a quarter mile in places. The organization also warned that the high winds could create difficult driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles like semitrailers. The high wind warning largely coincides with the same area impacted by a Red Flag Warning, which was put into effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, due to the wind and low relative humidity on the southern Front Range plains and Interstate 25 corridor. Red Flag Warnings are issued when critical fire weather conditions are occurring or will soon occur. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up for weather alerts from the Pinpoint Weather team The dry, downsloping winds will create opportunities for any spark or fire to spread rapidly. Due to this, fire bans have been activated in the Denver metro area. All areas served by the North Metro Fire are under a level 2 fire ban through Monday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban restricts residents from all outdoor fires, grilling or burning unless the grill or fire pit is fueled by propane or natural gas that can be turned off with a switch or knob. Indoor fireplaces and electric smokers that do not use solid fuels are also exempt. A full list of whats allowed and what is not is online here. Xcel Energy is not planning pre-emptive power outages FOX31 asked Xcel Energy about its plans to ensure power is connected to customers during the high winds. In April, Xcel preemptively disconnected thousands of customers power due to a strong wind storm. The goal was to prevent any power lines from sparking wildfires, and the company said in a plan proposed this summer that it would not shut off anyones power without 24 or 48 hours of notification. Xcel told FOX31 that it would not be turning off power before the storm. Any outage caused by weather is unpredictable in other words, we dont know when or where they will occur, other than in the areas that are anticipated to get weather that would cause an outage (wind, blowing snow, etc.), the power provider told FOX31. We advise our customers to always be prepared for an outage, as they can also happen in good weather. We regularly provide this information through news releases when we know extreme weather is forecasted. It is also available on our website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX31 Denver. BOSSIER PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Louisiana State Police say a Plain Dealing man was killed in a crash early Monday morning. According to a press release, shortly after 5:30 a.m. on Monday, troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 3 north of Louisiana Highway 160. The crash claimed the life of 27-year-old Chiner Long. Officials say a 2021 Toyota Corolla, driven by Long, was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 3. At the same time, a 2018 Hyundai Sonata and a 2022 Ford F-250 were traveling south on Louisiana Highway 3. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota crossed the centerline and collided with the Hyundai and the Ford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say Long, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and passenger in the Hyundai, who were properly restrained, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the Ford was properly restrained and sustained no injuries. Impairment on the part of Long is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation. 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. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., is warning against the repercussions of his own party's attempt to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who is facing harsh criticism for the U.S. spending bill that passed last week to avert a government shutdown. The fact is that 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, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said on ABC News on Sunday. With that said, removing Mike Johnson would equally be as stupid," he continued. "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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote when Congress votes on its new leader later this week. A conservative hardliner and staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, Johnson was selected as the House speaker in Oct. 2023 following the removal of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Though the president-elect has previously said he is with Johnson all the way, he slammed the Louisiana Republicans proposed stopgap U.S. spending bill last week for failing to raise the debt ceiling and including Democrat handouts. The most foolish and inept thing ever done by Congressional Republicans was allowing our country to hit the debt ceiling in 2025. It was a mistake and is now something that must be addressed, Trump said in a statement, adding that any legislation without his demands is a betrayal of our country. Trumps comments prompted further GOP infighting. Billionaire Elon Musk, who will head Trumps "Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), repeatedly called the bill criminal. DOGE co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy compared the bill's debt-fueled spending sprees to giving cocaine to an addict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the pushback from Trump and his allies, the stopgap bill that finally passed did not include a debt ceiling increase, which sparked further outrage and dissent among the GOPs most conservative members. Last week, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., told The Hill that he wouldnt vote for Johnson in Fridays speakership vote. Other lawmakers, including Ralph Norman, R-S.C. and Eric Burlison, R-Mo., have also publicly shared their dismay with Johnson. I think that its shameful that people that celebrate DOGE coming in, I cant, and yet were going to vote for another billion dollars to be added to the deficit, and so its ironic. Personally, Im disappointed, Burlison told reporters on Tuesday, The Hill reported. But Lawler warned that the GOP is only weakening itself by trying to oust Johnson, who he said was arguably the most conservative speaker ever. Finding a more right-wing speaker than Johnson is a futile battle that distracts from Congress work on behalf of the American people," namely certifying Trumps presidency, Lawler added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November, Lawler won a key congressional race in New York, 57-41, earning him a significant voice in the Republican Party. Hes said the countrys top priority should be a crackdown on illegal immigration. "We can't get anything done unless we have a speaker, including certifying President Trump's election on January 6th. So, to waste time over a nonsensical intramural food fight is a joke," he said. Johnson's fate will be decided when the 119th Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3. Is the Trump coalition coming apart before the Trump administration even begins? That seemed possible amid last weeks cage match between Elon Musk and Laura Loomer. This conflict previewed divisions that will make the Trump White House leak to reporters like a sieve. But the plutocrats almost always win, and they did so here. The fight pitted the anti-immigrant wing of Trumps coalition against the people President Theodore Roosevelt famously labeled malefactors of great wealth. Stripped of its racially toxic content, it was a dispute over whether the United States should grant more visas to high-skilled foreign guest workers. On Saturday, Trump ended the argument by declaring himself in favor of the H-1B program, which admits as guest workers foreigners of distinguished merit or ability, two-thirds of them in tech. Trump told the New York Post: Ive always liked the visas, I have always been in favor of the visas. Thats why we have them. Youd think that Trumps declarative stance in favor of the plutocrats would drive away his true believers. But that never happened in Trumps first term and its unlikely to in his second. In cultlike fashion, the MAGA faithful, guided by chief propagandist Steve Bannon, accept whatever crumbs Trump tosses their way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has not always been in favor of the visas. In a March 2016 CNN debate, Trump had this to say: I know the H-1B very well. And its something that I frankly use and I shouldnt be allowed to use it. We shouldnt have it. Its very bad for our workers and its unfair for our workers. And we should end it. Either Trump doesnt remember he said this or he doesnt care. Very likely Trump has forgotten what the H-1B program is. I have many H-1B visas on my properties, Trump told the Post. No, he doesnt. Trump has many holders of H-2A visas, which are for lower-wage agricultural workers, and of H-2B visas, which are for lower-wage seasonal workers (typically landscape workers). Even more than last time, Trump administration policy on H-1B visas will have to be settled by others because, as I argued last month, Trump is a weak leader too ignorant and now too impaired cognitively to provide much direction. These othersTrumps underlingswill duke it out, but in the end theyll likely favor the H-1B program because pleasing big business is what Republicans do. Neither side of this donnybrook came with clean hands. It began after Trump chose an Indian immigrant and venture capitalist named Sriram Krishnan to be senior White House policy adviser on artificial intelligence. (Now a United States citizen, Krishnan arrived not on an H-1B visa but an L-1 visa, which allows American companies to transfer employees to the United States from overseas.) The appointment prompted a vicious attack on Krishnan by Loomer. Loomer is a twice-failed candidate for Congress from Florida, a 9/11 conspiracist, and a self-described white advocate and proud Islamaphobe who shocks even Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene; in September Greene told CNN, I have concerns about her rhetoric and her hateful tone. But for some reason Trump is fond of Loomer. Although campaign aides successfully resisted Trumps directive that she be given an official role in his reelection effort, Loomer traveled frequently with Trump. It became evident in September that the fetid bouquet of Loomers racial prejudices includes a revulsion toward people of Indian heritage. The evidence was her toxic tweet that, If @KamalaHarris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center. On December 23, Loomer tweeted that Krishnans appointment was deeply disturbing. After somebody answered, This nation was built by immigrants, Loomer replied: Our country was built by white Europeans, actually. Not third world invaders from India where people are still shitting in the water they bathe and drink from. After more posts along these lines, Musk wrote on Twitter, Loomer is trolling for attention. Ignore. The next day, Loomer and 13 other conservatives taking her side lost their blue-check verification badges and said that Musk, a self-professed free speech absolutist, was censoring them. Looks like Elon Musk is going to be silencing me for supporting original Trump immigration policies, Loomer posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid all this Sturm und Drang it was easy to overlook that, buried under Loomers racism against Indians, there was a legitimate disagreement about immigration policy. Krishnan, Loomer pointed out, posted on X after the election (but before Trump named him as White House aide), Anything to remove country caps for green cards / unlock skilled immigration would be huge. That was in reply to Musks request for suggested policies for his Department of Government Efficiency (which is really just a White House commission). Loomer answered Krishnan by saying that without country caps and other such restrictions, skilled foreign labor might displace American STEM students. Bannon weighed in on Loomers side by stating on his War Room podcast, The H-1B visa program is a total and complete scam from its top to the bottom. Bannon overstates the case, but its true that the H-1B program has been grossly abused to displace domestic tech workers, not because these workers are inferior but because H-1B workers are cheaper and easier to control. The most notorious instance occurred in 2014 when Disneyland fired 250 tech workers and subcontracted their work out to an India-based firm staffed by Indian guest workers here on H-1B visas. Ten years later, the outsourcing loophole remains unplugged, and in April 2023 the nonprofit Economic Policy Institute reported that the top 30 H-1B employers over the previous 15 months laid off 85,000 workers and hired 34,000 H-1B workers. Staffing agencies have even been known to place H-1B workers inside the same Labor Department thats supposed to police this program. Given all that, corporate testimonials praising the H-1B program warrant considerable skepticism. Musk said the hiring of skilled guest workers was necessary because the number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low. Thats true up to a point. But trusting Musk to decide where that point lies would be no less foolhardy than trusting Loomer, Bannon, or Trump adviser Stephen Miller, who from his White House perch will try to kill off H-1B. Loomer and Bannon arent the only excitable ones. Musk conducted his side of the argument with only a smidgen more decorum than Loomer. Take a big step back and FUCK YOURSELF in the face, Musk answered an X post (not from Loomer) that said H-1Bs shouldnt exist. I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend. Musks DOGE co-chair, Vivek Ramaswamy, meanwhile, used the occasion to share a long-festering wound from his Cincinnati childhood: A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers. As Dr. Spielvogel says at the end of Portnoys Complaint, Now vee may perhaps to begin. Yes? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps youre wondering what the last Trump administration did about H-1B visas. The short answer is, very little, though not for lack of trying. Initially, Miller and his agency allies tried to deny H-1B applications en masse, but so many of these denials were overturned in court that they gave up and sought to limit the program through regulation instead. But the rules werent issued until 2020, many of them after Trump lost the election, and were either vacated by federal judges or blocked by incoming President Joe Biden. In the end, the number of H-1B visas issued actually rose on Trumps watch until the Covid epidemic drove them down in 2020 and 2021. Miller will try again in 2025. He cant have been happy to lose Round One to Musk. I think it will be difficult for Miller going forward because Trump is more feeble mentally than four years ago and more vulnerable financially. The latter probably explains why Trump so often allows Musk to steal the spotlight. Because of these frailties, I expect Trumps second presidential term to be more oligarchical than the first. I hope these last few days have taught all of you something, Loomer posted Sunday on X. What they taught me is that the business lobby likely has less to fear from Trump than it thinksand the rest of us likely have more. Bone-chilling cold will advance from Canada into the United States next week and it's going to be the talk of the country because it'll be impacting the East Coast and southern states. It'll also drop the temps in Minnesota, but the national media won't say a word about it because the Bold North is used to the frigid air. "It's going to come in like a lion," wrote The Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore on X. "January gets COLD again with a couple shots and by time we get into the first weekend of January it looks like WINTER WEATHER will accompany that cold. Details will come later, but the purpose of this tweet is to key in on the cold. The first shot rolling in on New Year's Day looks manageable with the second getting deeper into the south with longer lasting cold." The temperature outlook looks colder than normal Jan. 6-12. NOAA Temps around Jan. 10 could dip into the 20s in the Deep South. It might dip into the teens in Washington, D.C. There might be frost on the grass in Charlotte. The hearty folks in Indianapolis might go all the way to zero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iguanas might be falling out of trees if temps go below 50 in Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa, Florida. When temperatures dip below 50, iguanas slow down and if the temp goes under 45 the lizards can start falling from trees. While there will probably be a rush for canned goods and toilet paper in places not used to the cold, Minnesota will probably be falling below zero and going about business as usual. "After incredible warmth the last 7 to 10 days, not just in Minnesota but across most of North America, the coldest air in the hemisphere is shifting from Siberia to the North American side of the hemisphere," says meteorologist Sven Sundgaard. "While the polar vortex will stay well north of Hudson Bay, that shift will bring polar air back into the central and eastern U.S. late this week into at least next week. That means a shift of 7-10 days of above normal temps to 10 days to maybe even two weeks of colder than normal temperatures." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can see in the images below that the current pocket of extreme cold is over Siberia (left image), while the forecast calls for that blob of frigid air to advance south (right image). WeatherBell WeatherBell The polar vortex, however, stays north of Hudson Bay. So, yeah, it's going to get colder but the polar vortex is not coming to Minnesota or anywhere in the U.S. Temp anomalies the last seven days versus what's coming Jan 3-10. You can see in the images on the left and right below that the greens and blues represent much colder air flowing into the U.S. WeatherBell Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WeatherBell That said, the incoming cold bast wont be as cold in Minnesota as what we had in early December when the temps Dec. 11-13 were 14 to 23 degrees colder than normal. Those days saw low temps between minus-1 and minus-7 degrees, with wind chill values reaching negative-20 or colder. Will it get colder in the Twin Cities than the low of minus-7 on Dec. 12? It's possible, but the National Blend of Models (NBM), which takes the average from all models, is giving the Twin Cities a maximum low of minus-5. Reaching minus-20 is possible and some of the individual models are showing that potential, but the reality is that the Twin Cities has hit an air temp of minus-20 just three times in the last decade, and not since 2019. Related: What's the January snow outlook in Minnesota? According to Sundgaard, the statistical probability of it reaching minus-20 in the Twin Cities is just 2%. There's about a 1 in 3 chance of the temp plummeting to minus-10 during next week's polar bast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hitting minus-20 is much more of a possibility in northern Minnesota. Hallock, for example, has a good chance to get that cold, just like it did in the far northwestern Minnesota town earlier in December. Wind chills, however, are an entirely different story. If it's breezy when the cold air arrives next week, it's going to be brutal outside. Will the wind chills drop as cold as single model updates from the European and American models are showing as possibilities? We'll see... DENVER (KDVR) Denver and Englewood police took three people into custody after a barricade situation in Englewood on Sunday night following an alleged robbery in Denver. Denver police said the incident began at about 3:30 p.m. when officers responded to a robbery at a business in the 2200 block of South Colorado Boulevard. Police did not say what was stolen from the business, but said the suspects reportedly stole the victims vehicle to get away. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Englewood officers were called at about 3:48 p.m. to assist the Denver officers in locating several suspects and a vehicle involved in a robbery. Denver police told FOX31 that officers engaged in a brief pursuit, but later located the vehicle in Englewood in the area of West Mansfield Avenue and South Inca Street Police said multiple suspects fled from a vehicle on foot and entered a nearby residence on South Inca Street. The Denver Police Department also shared that there were a number of people inside the house, but many exited while the barricaded people remained inside. Englewoods SWAT team responded to the scene, and successfully ordered several individuals to exit the residence, according to an Englewood police release. At about 9 p.m., three people were in Denver police custody and the investigation was ongoing. No charges or official arrests had been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Denver Police Department said it would investigate to see if there is a connection between the people who left the house and the suspects. 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 FOX31 Denver. A St. Paul gas station employee is jailed after he allegedly shot two men during an argument at the business Sunday morning, according to police. The St. Paul Police Department said officers responded to the shooting on the 300 block of Larpenteur Avenue around 7 a.m. and found two men with gunshot wounds. The men were taken to Regions Hospital, where they are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested a 23-year-old gas station employee in connection with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person. Courtesy of Google Streetview. In a statement, police said surveillance footage appears to show an argument between the employee and the two men led up to the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcements latest version of events, and may be subject to change. Related: Polar air set to arrive in US: What will the impact be in Minnesota? Portage Police arrested a Hobart woman Thursday on felony drug charges after they found more than 10 grams of marijuana in her car during a traffic stop, according to a report. Nicole Maggio, 42, told police she worked at a marijuana dispensary in Michigan and was on her way home from a Christmas party when police stopped her at 12:14 a.m. on Dec. 26 at Willowcreek Road and Lute Avenue. Maggio, driving a white Tesla, disregarded a traffic signal, according to police. Police allegedly smelled raw marijuana during the traffic stop and Maggio admitted she had some in her car, according to the report. A K9 officer arrived at the scene to assist with the investigation, during which police found 10 grams of raw marijuana; three containers of THC wax or resin; 10 containers of THC edibles; two glass pipes with burnt residue; and a grinder. Maggio faces two Level 6 felony charges, for dealing in marijuana and possession of marijuana, and a misdemeanor count of possession of paraphernalia. This photo shows Kawa Ningbo, the first cargo ship that will sail on the Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route, docking at Ningbo Zhoushan Port in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 30, 2024. This ship loaded with over 1,700 TEU containers of lithium batteries and e-commerce goods set sail on Monday from east China's Ningbo port for Wilhelmshaven in Germany, marking the opening of a "China-Europe express" shipping route. The Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route will reduce transport time to 26 days, saving 12 days compared to the same route with multiple stops, according to Sun Xuejun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co., Ltd. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) HANGZHOU, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- A cargo ship loaded with over 1,700 TEU containers of lithium batteries and e-commerce goods set sail on Monday from east China's Ningbo port for Wilhelmshaven in Germany, marking the opening of a "China-Europe express" shipping route. The Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route will reduce transport time to 26 days, saving 12 days compared to the same route with multiple stops, according to Sun Xuejun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co., Ltd. Upon arrival in Wilhelmshaven, goods can be distributed and transported to Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea coastal areas through waterborne shipping, to Western Europe, including France and Belgium, by land, and even further to Central and Eastern Europe, such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland, within 30 days. "The launch of the express shipping route offers Chinese lithium battery companies an excellent opportunity to save on transport time and costs, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience," said Ma Quanlin, a senior manager with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL), China's leading battery maker. The cargo shipping service is currently expected to operate once a month, with the possibility of more frequent trips based on logistics demand, Sun said. This aerial drone photo shows Kawa Ningbo, the first cargo ship that will sail on the Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route, docking at Ningbo Zhoushan Port in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 30, 2024. This ship loaded with over 1,700 TEU containers of lithium batteries and e-commerce goods set sail on Monday from east China's Ningbo port for Wilhelmshaven in Germany, marking the opening of a "China-Europe express" shipping route. The Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route will reduce transport time to 26 days, saving 12 days compared to the same route with multiple stops, according to Sun Xuejun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co., Ltd. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) This aerial drone photo shows Kawa Ningbo, the first cargo ship that will sail on the Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route, docking at Ningbo Zhoushan Port in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 30, 2024. This ship loaded with over 1,700 TEU containers of lithium batteries and e-commerce goods set sail on Monday from east China's Ningbo port for Wilhelmshaven in Germany, marking the opening of a "China-Europe express" shipping route. The Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route will reduce transport time to 26 days, saving 12 days compared to the same route with multiple stops, according to Sun Xuejun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co., Ltd. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) Immigration administration police officers conduct security check aboard Kawa Ningbo, the first cargo ship that will sail on the Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route, at Ningbo Zhoushan Port in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 30, 2024. This ship loaded with over 1,700 TEU containers of lithium batteries and e-commerce goods set sail on Monday from east China's Ningbo port for Wilhelmshaven in Germany, marking the opening of a "China-Europe express" shipping route. The Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route will reduce transport time to 26 days, saving 12 days compared to the same route with multiple stops, according to Sun Xuejun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co., Ltd. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) Containers are loaded onto Kawa Ningbo, the first cargo ship that will sail on the Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route, at Ningbo Zhoushan Port in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 30, 2024. This ship loaded with over 1,700 TEU containers of lithium batteries and e-commerce goods set sail on Monday from east China's Ningbo port for Wilhelmshaven in Germany, marking the opening of a "China-Europe express" shipping route. The Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route will reduce transport time to 26 days, saving 12 days compared to the same route with multiple stops, according to Sun Xuejun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co., Ltd. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) Kawa Ningbo, the first cargo ship sailing on the Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route, departs from Ningbo Zhoushan Port in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Dec. 30, 2024. This ship loaded with over 1,700 TEU containers of lithium batteries and e-commerce goods set sail on Monday from east China's Ningbo port for Wilhelmshaven in Germany, marking the opening of a "China-Europe express" shipping route. The Ningbo-Wilhelmshaven direct route will reduce transport time to 26 days, saving 12 days compared to the same route with multiple stops, according to Sun Xuejun, chairman of Zhejiang Seaport Logistics Group Co., Ltd. (Xinhua/Jiang Han) The Plymouth County District Attorneys Office confirmed Sunday night that the death of a man is being investigated as a homicide by local and state police. Police say 43-year-old Anthony Leverone was found unresponsive in his backyard on Friday around 7:30 pm after a well-being check was called in earlier by his family. Abington fire crews pronounced Leverone dead at the scene at 563 Plymouth Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abington police and Massachusetts State Police immediately launched a death investigation that is now considered a homicide investigation. Investigators said preliminary evidence points to blunt force trauma injuries as Leverones cause of death. The states medical examiner has yet to confirm the cause and manner of death. Police have not reported any arrests in connection with their active and ongoing investigation. Anyone who has information that may help the investigation is urged to contact Massachusetts State Police at 508-894-2584. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 RosaParks Street if the front entrance is not available, Flechet added. This story was updated to fix a typo. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Taste of Belgium building damaged at The Banks after car crash Update: The Clark County Coroners Office identified the man killed as Dasjan Winn, 35. His cause of death was listed as a gunshot wound of the head with the manner being homicide. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) One person is dead following what police are calling a possible road rage incident between two vehicles in the west valley. A person called police around 11:45 p.m. Sunday to report they were taking their friend, a passenger who had been shot, to University Medical Center, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting victim was pronounced dead at the hospital. According to Las Vegas Metropolitan police, the person who drove to the hospital told police they were traveling southbound on S. Jones. Boulevard and got into a verbal dispute with the driver of a dark-colored truck and then shots were fired and the passenger was struck. The suspect vehicle fled southbound on Jones. The shooting occurred on Jones between Charleston Boulevard and Alta Drive. Streets in the area were closed to traffic while the police investigated. The roads reopened around 5 a.m. Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the internet at this link. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KLAS. A suspect in a double homicide last week that left two women dead in a home on the 300 block of Miami Street has been taken into custody, Park Forest police said Tuesday afternoon. Coleman Franklin was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing two women Thursday and a warrant for his arrest was issued Monday. Police said in a news release they believe Franklin and the two women, 51-year-old Lillian Brown and 30-year-old Sabrina McCain, knew each other. Police told the Chicago Tribune Thursday they responded to a report of a gunshot victim and found both women with gunshot wounds at about 6 p.m. They also found two unharmed children in the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Park Forest police and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force have investigated. The Park Forest police department and the Village of Park Forest extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lillian Brown and Sabrina McCain as we work to seek justice for them, the statement said. Police ask anyone with information to call the investigations unit at 708-748-1309. ostevens@chicagotribune.com HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) The governors of North and South Carolina and members of Congress were among those on Sunday who paid tribute to president Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100. Heres what they had to say. President Joe Biden 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. President-Elect Donald Trump 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. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson Today, the thoughts of Americans and the prayers of Congress are lifted up on behalf of the Carter family. President Carters story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation. Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper Today we lost an icon who was the epitome of what it means to be a true public servant in and out of office. In a political world of hate and bombast, President Carter was a kind, calm, giving and sincere man of faith. Well done, good and faithful servant, Cooper said on his X account. North Carolina Gov. Elect Josh Stein President Jimmy Carter was a principled man, a committed humanitarian, and a true public servant. He represented the best of America: guided by faith and service and dedicated to our nations promise. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his memory be a blessing. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster There will be countless tributes to President Jimmy Carter and deservedly so because he devoted three quarters of a century to serving his country in the Navy, the state senate, the governors office, the White House and as a humanitarian. But it was in the face of illness and ultimately death that President Carter taught us the most. His faith in God and love of Rosalynn remained the foundation of his life and an example for each of us about what matters the most. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) President Carters legacy as a Sunday school teacher, faithful husband to his bride, and a man of deep Chrisitan conviction in private and in public service will inspire Americans for generations to come. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) President Carter leaves an enduring legacy of international peace and diplomacy. On his second day of office, Carter pardoned all Vietnam War draft evaders. He brokered historic peace agreements between Egypt and Israel, created the Departments of Energy and Education, led efforts to negotiate a hostage crisis in Iran, signed the Panama Canal Treaty, created the Carter Center, and so much more. He was ardently committed to preventing and resolving state conflict, promoting freedom and democracy, and fostering the health of millions of people around the world. He was a man of faith, a proud son of Georgia, and a patriotic American who loved his country. He believed in better days ahead, togetherness, and the promise of America. Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison There is no one in my lifetime who has embodied public service more than former President Jimmy Carter. President Carter broke the mold. He demonstrated that it isnt a title that defines you, but the work that you do to improve your community and the lives of those in that community. We are a better nation because of his servant leadership. Thank you, Mr. President! May you rest in peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. 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 WBTW. Members of the political world offered condolences and warm wishes for the family of former President Carter, who died Sunday afternoon. They honored Carters decades of achievement and service to the country. Carter, who turned 100 earlier this year, died peacefully in Plains, Ga., according to the Carter Center. President Biden and first lady Jill Biden released a statement, mourning Carters death and highlighting his lifetime of service as an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Bidens statement said. The Bidens said they will miss both Carter and his late wife Rosalynn Carter dearly but take solace knowing they are reunited. Rosalynn Carter died in November 2023. The Bidens shared gratitude for the Carter family and their staff. 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, their statement said. He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Biden said he will be ordering an official state funeral for Carter to be held in Washington, D.C. President-elect Trump shared a message online to say he and his family were thinking of Carters family. 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, Trump said. The president-elect said Carters presidency and the challenges he faced in office came at a pivotal time for our country. Carter did everything in his power to improve the lives of Americans, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude, Trump posted. Vice president-elect JD Vance (R-Ohio) reposted Trumps message about Carter and shared his own thoughts in a post on the social platform 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, Vance said. Vice President Kamala Harris celebrated Carters life of service and said he promoted decency and compassion. I had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years, Harris said in a statement. I will always remember his kindness, wisdom and profound grace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris said she and second gentleman Doug Emhoff send love and prayers to the Carter family. The world is a better place because of Carter, she said. His life and legacy continue to inspire me and will inspire generations to come, Harris said. Former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shared a message online honoring Carters career as a state senator, governor of Georgia and the 39th president. Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his Presidential campaign, former President Clinton said in a statement. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clintons said their prayers are with Carters family. Former President Obama shared a statement online about Carters legacy. He said many people in Plains, Ga. would go to the Maranatha Baptist Church on Sunday morning to hear Carter speak, likely for his achievements in office and in his post-presidency. 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, Obama said. Obama highlighted Carters career and promise for public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection things like integrity, respect, and compassion, Obama said, adding that Carter embodied those values and made the world a better place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marantha Baptist Church 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. Obama said he and former first lady Michelle Obama send their thoughts to Carters family and everyone who was touched by his legacy. Former President George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush send their heartfelt condolences to Carters family. James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country, the Bushes statement said. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didnt end with his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) released a statement honoring Carters legacy. Carter served as the Peach States governor from 1971 to 1974. As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact of our state and its people have on the country, Kemp said. 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. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) also offered his condolences, calling Carter a true servant-leader who promoted the best of America. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released a statement mourning the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity, Schumer said. Schumer highlighted the decades of service that Carter and Rosalynn Carter dedicated to the country. He said it will leave a strong legacy and inspired millions of people toward justice. As we remember President Carters extraordinary life, we also honor the countless lives he touched through his vision and generosity, Schumer said. May his memory be a blessing and an enduring reminder of what it means to truly serve. Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock (D) said Carter was one of his heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His leadership was driven by love, his lifes project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity, Warnock said in a statement. Warnock said he developed a meaningful relationship with the Carters, calling the couple some of his favorite people. The Georgia senator said Carter was a moral powerhouse and democracies around the world are better off because of his long career. Fellow Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff (D) extended condolences to Carters family in a statement online. He highlighted the former presidents accomplishments, both in office and out of office. 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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) shared a message about Carters character, commitment and infamous peanut crops. 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, McConnell shared, per Fox Newss Chad Pergram on X. Former Vice President Mike Pence (R) said Carter served the country through distinction. 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. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said the American people and Congress are thinking of the Carter family. President Carters story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation, Johnson said in a statement. Because of his work brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. Johnson said no one can deny that Carter led an extraordinary life of service to the country. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said with Carters death, the world has lost a leader that embodied dignity and decency, grace and goodness. At the heart of President Carters public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person, Pelosi said. After leaving the White House, he carried on his service leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Carters legacy is of compassion, kindness, empathy and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it, Trudeau said in a post on X. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement about Carters death, noting that Carter will be remembered for his Camp David Accords negotiations and his lifelong dedication to peace. 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. Starmer said his thoughts are with the Carter family for their loss. Updated at 6:59 pm ET. 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. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) An opposition politician and several other protesters were arrested in Kenya on Monday during street demonstrations calling for an end to alleged abductions, that recently targeted young government critics. Senator Okiya Omtatah had joined hundreds of protesters who sat down on the streets of the capital, Nairobi while chanting that police should free seven people abducted this month. Police hurled tear gas canisters at the protesters and when Omtatah and several others did not disperse and held on to a long chain, they were arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on Thursday raised concern over a growing number of alleged kidnappings of government critics, saying that the total number of such cases stands at 82 since the anti-government protests in June. President William Ruto on Saturday said the government would stop the abductions so that young people live in peace. Rights groups allege the countrys police force is behind such kidnappings, but police have denied involvement and have said that they are investigating the disappearances. Senator Omtatah on Monday filed a case at the High Court in Nairobi seeking to compel the government to free seven youths, accusing the police of abducting them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they have committed a crime, let them be prosecuted and presented in court to defend themselves, he said. Young protesters said they were in solidarity with those abducted while going about their daily lives. We are existing at a time where we have to live in fear, a protester, Orpah Thabiti said. Four social media users went missing after they shared AI-generated images of President Ruto that were deemed offensive by government supporters. The rights commission had warned that Kenya was heading back to the dark days of the disappearance of government critics. The abduction and torture of the opposition were common under the administration of the late President Daniel Moi. (NewsNation) Leaders across the political spectrum united in mourning Sunday following the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at age 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. The nations 39th president, who died peacefully at home surrounded by family, drew bipartisan tributes highlighting his humanitarian work and dedication to public service. Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden described Carters life as one of principle, humility, and service, adding, He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe. Biden announced plans for a state funeral to honor Carter, recognizing his service as a naval officer, Georgia governor and president, as well as his lifelong dedication to faith and public service. President-elect Donald Trump praised Carters efforts during a pivotal time for our country, noting that he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., reflected on Carters journey from peanut farmer to president. President Carter lived a truly American dream, McConnell said in a statement. His calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp emphasized Carters connection to his home state. 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, Kemp said in a statement. Vice President Kamala Harris in a statement praised Carter as a leader guided by deep faith, decency and compassion. She highlighted his achievements as president, including environmental protections and the historic Camp David Accords. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former President Barack Obama said 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. Former Vice President Mike Pence in a statement said, Carter served America with distinction throughout his life. His work on humanitarian causes at home and abroad impacted the lives of millions and will inspire generations. May President Carter rest in peace. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recalled their early support of Carters 1976 presidential campaign. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve othersuntil the very end, they said in a joint statement. Jimmy Carters accomplishments, in and out of office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., who developed a personal friendship with Carter, called him one of my heroes and praised his commitment to public service. 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, Warnock said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom described Carter as a tireless champion for human rights and democracy whose unparalleled life of service made the world a better place. Former President George W. Bush said Carter dignified the office. 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. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, in a statement said, at the heart of President Carters public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person. His work to restore integrity to the political arena and his beautiful partnership with Rosalynn Carter will be forever remembered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said, 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. Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, preceded him in death on Nov. 19, 2023. 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. Bygone pickings: William Gladstone was paid the equivalent (in relative income terms) of over 4 million a year as prime minister One contented eighteenth-century patriot thought that The greatest advantage a sensible Englishman derives from seeing foreign countries is the knowledge he thereby acquires of the incomparable superiority of his own. A few days in France have not given me quite that satisfaction if only! but a rather different feeling: that we live in an identical climate of discontent. Crumbling infrastructure, fragile health services, everyday criminality, high taxes, spiralling public debt, uncontrolled borders, unaffordable housing and, not least, general disillusionment with unpopular and seemingly unaccountable elites are all daily topics of conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing is working, is a lament in Britain, in France, and certainly in Germany. Italians perhaps dont expect things to work. I am not suggesting that problems are less serious because they are widely shared but I do believe that the worst way to understand Britains problems is through insularity. When we talk loosely about broken Britain, our bankrupt political system, and our failing society, we are assuming that problems are essentially British and essentially of now. We thereby miss the obvious. What if other countries are broken too? What if that is the usual condition? We are not unique and there never was an age when things worked. Todays basic problems are those of post-industrial welfare democracies around the world. Most are the penalties of globalisation, including social disruption, glaring inequalities and mass migration, no longer camouflaged by economic growth. A huge public sector fuelled by ever-growing expenditure, so that taxes and debt rise while efficiency stagnates. Voters wanting more for less. Political parties that were once mass movements now resembling commercial organisations dependent on large donors. Populists promising radical change but, so far, not providing it once in power. If todays political system is broken, I do not know when it ever worked. Political history is largely a story of mediocrity and failure, which later generations forget. At best, states keep themselves going and avoid disaster, which ours has managed for centuries despite ever-changing problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who claim it is now broken do not explain exactly how, and no other system offers a credible model. Once the Left pointed to Moscow. Until recently, centrists admired Germany. Liberals praised America, but if Trump succeeds, it will have been despite the system, not because of it. Our home-grown panaceas (proportional representation, reform of the Lords, more devolution) convince only their advocates, who never explain how ideas unsuccessfully touted for generations might now solve 21st century problems. The future is unusually opaque. For three centuries at least, Western European states and their offshoots could be confident that the destiny of the planet rested in their hands a confidence based on economic, technological, military, political and above all intellectual ascendancy. Even the mortal challenges of Communism and Nazism came from within. Colonisation seemed to consolidate global Westernisation, as independent former colonies at first pursued Western models. Now, rising forces Chinese nationalism, Islamism and Hindu authoritarianism no longer even pay lip service to Enlightenment values. Those values, and what were once hailed as Western achievements, are decried as colonialist. To the applause of many of its estranged elites not least Green radicals Europe is being decentred from a new and guilt-laden narrative of world history. After a lifetime of peace and prosperity, we struggle to accept the reality of global dangers and the cost of security. Politicians no longer have the cultural certainties or the social consensus to demand blood, toil, tears and sweat. We need politicians who can understand, explain and manage new conditions as unpredictable as those during the Reformation, the French Revolution, and the World Wars. We might still hope that democratic nations are in the more resilient than authoritarian regimes or post-national bureaucracies, but they need leaders who not only respond to democratic aspirations but help to shape them. I dont think the everyday business of politics today is inherently more difficult than in the past. Some of its conditions have changed; yet dealing with Laura Kuenssberg and the internet is less testing than facing famines, threats of invasion or mobs rampaging through London. Disraeli would have relished social media and Gladstone would have dominated Question Time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Great leaders of the past Pitt, Gladstone, Disraeli, Lloyd George, Churchill, Thatcher and why not add Elizabeth I, the three Cecils and Walpole were not ordinary people. They experienced major failures, were detested by many and left chequered legacies. Yet all of them were indispensable in their time. They tried to make sense of their world and knew the limits of their power. They confronted immediate dangers and, to some degree, they controlled, mitigated or just postponed them. Even winning wars, as they knew, was only the avoidance of worse disaster, not the triumphant solution of problems. Did they have things in common? Things lacking today? They were all career politicians: like it or not, we need and have always needed people whose whole lives revolved around the Westminster bubble. They were not representative that is the role of back-benchers. They came from different backgrounds, intellectually, culturally and socially, and most were, to some degree, outsiders. Many were workaholics. The best were both communicators and decision-makers: successful politicians can be one of these things but leaders must be both. They were all ambitious egoists, and were not necessarily very nice; but they were exceptionally intelligent and bold. In the eternal poker-game of power, history is now dealing Britain and the West weaker hands. However, we havent had a formidable player for over 30 years. Every party has provided mediocrities who are out of their depth. And now? Starmer stands blinking in the light. Farage knows how to bluff. Badenoch is still shuffling the pack. We depend on competent players coming forward when needed, and they are needed now. We must make political careers attractive to the most brilliant and ambitious. Gladstone was paid the equivalent (in relative income terms) of over 4 million a year and Churchill received the equivalent of 2.6 million. Just a thought. Bi-partisan tributes from politicians are being released in the wake of former president Jimmy Carters death on December 29. FILE In this Sept. 28, 2009, file photo former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn look at a new interactive exhibit at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) I had the pleasure of campaigning with Jimmy Carter in 1975 in the old fifth congressional district I was represented during my first term in the US Congress. There was no group of Democrats too small for him to meet with, and I remember him driving to Atlantic, Iowa to meet with 10 people on a cold winter night. During his presidency, I vigorously supported his human rights policy, and just as vigorously opposed his grain embargo on the Soviet Union. All in all, he was an intelligent, decent, compassionate person, whose post-presidential years showed America at its best. Ruth and I send our condolences to the Carter family. -Retired Senator Tom Harkin and Ruth Harkin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter lived a great life marked by service to his country. Volunteering his time to build homes for those in need well into his 90s, President Carter never stopped living his faith through service. His belief in putting Gods love into action has inspired generations of Americans, and Kevin and I are praying for his family during this difficult time. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds Jimmy Carter proved that excellence in public service can extend beyond the White House. His life was an inspiration to those of us who aspire to lead a life of service. I offer my condolences to the entire Carter family, to his friends and former staff members, and to the untold millions of people throughout the world whose lives are better because Jimmy Carter lived. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. HANGZHOU, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 39 members of major criminal groups based in northern Myanmar were prosecuted in China on Monday for telecom fraud and other crimes targeting civilians in China. The suspects, including Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, face charges of fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution. The case was filed to a local court in Wenzhou, a coastal city in east China's Zhejiang Province. The Nevada Legislature is once again under Democratic control despite having a Republican Governor. We look at what we can expect from the next session Student chair and desk in classroom. (Photo by Catherine McQueen/Getty Images) Florida schools removed books at record rates; university presidents left under the gun, and ostensibly nonpartisan elections featured partisan endorsements during a year in which our Republican-dominated state Legislature and a governor seeking to remake the education system shared the drivers seat in Tallahassee. Here is the Phoenix list of top education storylines from 2024: Church in public schools In February, the Phoenix detailed how about a dozen states, Florida included, contemplated welcoming chaplains in public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the spring, the Legislature voted (89-25 in the House and 29-12 in the Senate) to allow religious chaplains to provide counseling in the schools with parental consent. DeSantis signed the bill in April. Pushback came from the ACLU, the Council of Florida Churches, and other organizations arguing the measure violated the First Amendments disfavor of state establishment of religion and created an environment for religious coercion and indoctrination. No school districts initially signaled interest in the voluntary program although Miami-Dade County took a step toward voting on the program bit in the end has not. The Marion County School Board voted against allowing chaplains this month and Osceola County voted against chaplains twice, most recently in September. While the program has yet to put chaplains in front of students in Florida, the new law escalated discourse around government and religion and put on record some Republicans vision for how those two interact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Education defined religion and chaplain in a letter to school districts offering model policy for implementing the voluntary program. The Satanic Temple pushed back against the departments model policy, including its definition of religion, as too narrow, arguing it would exclude Satanists, Buddhists, Humanists, Jains, Confucianists, and many others. The department argued the policy would ensure that credible chaplains can volunteer in Florida schools. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX State adjusts book removal policies, lawsuits play out The Legislature and DeSantis toggled with a law permitting Floridians to challenge public school library materials deemed inappropriate after districts faced a high volume of book challenges from community members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HB 1285 was a response to a 2022 law that opened the ability to object to these materials. The 2024 law limits nonparent residents of a county to one objection per month. But the DeSantis administration seemed to blame the laws opponents rather than parents-rights advocates who by far issued the most challenges. Anyone who creates a cottage industry of going around the state and just creating challenges just to gunk up the system and put schools in arrears as far as reviewing these books, that person wont be able to do it anymore, Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said during a news conference in April. Then-Senate President Kathleen Passidomo conceded people overdid it on book challenges. Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. Credit: Florida Department of Education The 2022 law continued racking up headlines in 2024 as schools and the state face lawsuits that are still playing out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This month, a federal judge advised the Escambia County School Board to settle a book removal lawsuit, the USA Today Network-Florida reported. According to the report, the school has paid attorneys more than $640,000 to defend against lawsuits. In August, book publishers and authors of some of the most-removed books filed suit, arguing the states interpretation of pornographic and content that describes sexual conduct in the law is unconstitutional, overbroad, and has caused a chilling effect. The Department of Education and PEN America released separate lists using different methodology detailing the number of books removed statewide in the 2023-2024 school year. According to the state, 732 titles were removed during the year. According to PEN America, the number is about 4,500 books. Nonpartisan elections with partisan endorsements In advance of the primary and general elections, DeSantis and the Florida Democratic Party rolled out school board candidate endorsements. Notably, the people vying for a school board spot do not formally adopt a political affiliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amendment 1, placed by the Legislature on the November ballot, would have made school board races partisan, again theyve been nonpartisan since 1998, when voters approved a constitutional amendment to make it so. Needing 60% voter approval, it drew just under 55%. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried rallied against the amendment in August, saying that instead we should all be focused on one thing only, teaching our children, making sure that we are creating an environment that is healthy for them. Screenshot of Zoom call with FDP Chair Nikki Fried on June 26, 2024. DeSantis endorsed 23 school board candidates in primary races. Eleven lost and six had their fate delayed until November. Four of those six won in the General Election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Party endorsed 17 candidates and won 10 races. University presidents surrounded in controversy Three Florida universities took steps to fill their top leadership spots, each entailing its own controversy. Former University of Florida President Ben Sasses exit citing his wifes health problems left state leaders calling for an audit into his spending and prompted the universitys trustees to tighten oversight of the presidential offices hiring and spending. Following his resignation, The Independent Florida Alligator first reported that Sasse spent $17.3 million in his first year as president, spending mostly on his former U.S. Senate staffers and their travel and on private consultants, tripling Sasses predecessors spending during his last year in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following news of Sasses spending, lawmakers, the governors office, and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis demanded accountability. Florida Atlantic restarted its presidential search this year after officials called off the first attempt following a Board of Governors investigation that determined the search committee violated Floridas Sunshine Law and state regulations. Previously, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education, then-state Rep. Randy Fine, a Brevard County Republican, said DeSantis had told him that he was a shoo-in for the FAU presidency. Days after Fine was not named as a finalist, the Board of Governors suspended the search and requested it be restarted. State Sen. Randy Fine via Florida Senate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Florida A&M University, a botched $237 million donation preceded the resignation of President Larry Robinson. During FAMUs spring graduation ceremony, Texas hemp farmer Gregory Gerami announced the money is in the bank, the Tallahassee Democrat reported, referring to the donation, which would have been the largest gift to a historically black college or university in history. A state-commissioned investigation concluded the donation was fraudulent, and blamed poor communication and a lack of understanding by FAMU leaders of private stock values. Robinson stepped down in July. Since then, the Phoenix reported that a search consultant recommended FAMU seek a business executive. Additionally, officials voiced concern that potential search firms would not abide by the new state policy disfavoring consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring. The result was to slow down selection of a search firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overall trend is that the 12 state universities are coming under increased oversight from the Board of Governors, especially pertaining to presidential selections. The board gave itself permission in September to appoint two of its members to university search committees, an increase from the previous single appointee. Also new, a search committees list of finalists must be approved by the Board of Governors chair before a university board of trustees can vote on it. Students protest Israel, universities react Floridas college and university students started the academic year greeted by warnings from administrators and Attorney General Ashley Moody about how to express their views on campus. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. (Office of Attorney General) Those warnings came after protests on campuses escalated in 2023 following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israels military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, and carried into 2024. In April, the Phoenix was on the scene when lawn sprinklers dampened students in the area where pro-Palestinian students were calling for FSU to divest from companies with ties to Israel. The university told the Phoenix the sprinklers had been scheduled to turn on at that time. Moody sent a letter to all 40 Florida public college and university presidents in August reminding them of the zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism in the State of Florida. Trustees across the system imposed time, place, and manner restrictions on protests and encampments, barring use of amplified sound, indoor picketing, and other actions that one pro-Palestine protester told the Phoenix amounted to targeted and absolutely political repression. University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues instructed university presidents to scan their syllabi for material deemed antisemitic or exhibiting anti-Israel bias in August, following concerns raised by Fine. The concerns centered around a Florida International University course reportedly using a textbook that asked students, When Israelis practice terrorism, they often refer to it as _____, and, In which country did the Zionists purchase land to create their new homeland? SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and the longest-lived American president in history, died on Sunday at the age of 100. Carter was famously a peanut farmer born and raised in Plains, Georgia. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy during World War II where he learned to fly seaplanes and served on battleships and submarines. He became a civil rights activist and served in the Georgia senate and as governor of Georgia. Joe Biden was the first senator to endorse Carter's bid for president and he defeated Gerald Ford in 1976. His years in office coincided with an energy crisis, the meltdown of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and a 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. President Carter meeting with U.S. Senator and future president Joe Biden in 1978Photo courtesy The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library After returning to Georgia, Carter established a human rights foundation and won the Nobel Peace Prize. He wrote several books and won two Grammy awards for his spoken word albums. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter traveled the world as goodwill ambassadors for the United States. Well into his 90s Carter had a regular engagement speaking at the Maranatha Baptist Church, where admirers would line up before dawn to get a seat. One of the ex-president's greatest legacies in L.A. are the homes he and wife Rosalynn (who died in 2023) helped build, and the thousands more their work inspired, through Habitat For Humanity. The couple spent a week each year building houses for needy families starting in 1984. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habitat has completed more than 35 work projects to help people build their own affordable homes with aid from the organization. Carter told reporters that the couple get "more out of it than we put into it." Recipients put in over 100 hours of hands-on construction and other work for the organization to qualify for homes that the organization was selling for about the same price families were paying in rent. President Carter addresses a crowd including Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley and California senator Alan CranstonPhoto by Tom LaBonge/Los Angeles Public Library In 1995, the Carters helped build 26 new homes in Watts. They later noted that original residents stayed in the homes for many years and hoped that they would be passed down through generations. Celebrities would pitch in on occasion, including Patricia Arquette, Ed Begley, and Bo Derek, who spent five days building a house in Wilmington. When Brad Pitt showed up to a Habitat site in India, a massive crowd showed up and work had to stop temporarily. Cher designated proceeds from a huge sale of her collections to go to the organization. In 2001, the group turned an abandoned railroad right-of-way in Wilmington into 26 new homes, and in 2007, the organization chose L.A. as the host city for the "Jimmy Carter Work Project," a five-day event where the Carters joined hundreds of volunteers at Vermont and 112th Street to build 14 townhomes and a playground called Vermont Village before starting on 16 homes in San Pedro. Volunteers fanned out to make repairs on 70 other homes of low-income families all over the city. Habitat for Humanity has built more than 1,000 homes in L.A., half of those just in the last decade. Today, the group is at work from Lancaster to Long Beach, creating affordable housing. Their current projects include Washington Villas, an eco-friendly group of townhomes with solar panels and recycled insulation, the largest project in the group's history. Getting involved as a volunteer would be a fitting tribute to President Carter, or just shop at one of their Habitat ReStores and think of the former president as you shop. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Days after a judge ruled Stephen Marlow incompetent to stand trial, the prosecution made it case to retain jurisdiction over him Monday. Man accused of murdering 4 faces another competency hearing At the Montgomery County Courthouse in downtown Dayton Dec. 30, Prosecutors presented evidence and called a key witness to argue why the state should retain legal authority over Marlow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bird flu detected in nearly 1M chickens in Darke County Marlow is accused of killing four people in Butler Township in 2022. If eventually found competent and guilty, he could face the death penalty. In the most recent competency ruling on Dec. 23, the court found Marlow incompetent and un-restorable to stand trial for the murders of Clyde and Eva Knox, and Sarah and Kayla Anderson. Experts said Marlows delusional disorder, which has become more rigid, makes it unlikely his competency can be restored by the January 2025 deadline, despite multiple treatments, medications and exams this year. The prosecution brought the motion to retain jurisdiction over the case to keep the possibility of a trial open. According to law, with this motion, they have to show strong evidence that Marlow committed the crimes hes charged with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local pharmacy closing all locations after 108 years To that end, the prosecution called Det. Jesse West, who responded to the crime in August 2022, to the stand. West detailed the investigation, including video footage of Marlow shooting a victim, as well as Marlows phone and the weapon found in Marlows vehicle. Kelly Brockman, the father of Sarah Anderson and grandfather of Kayla Anderson, also spoke in court. Waking up each morning, knowing that we are living with the emptiness of our loved ones no longer here, is overwhelming beyond measure, said Brockman. Grief, depression, anxiety, pain, lack of joy, lack of happiness. So we ask this at a minimum: We hope that the accused is locked up in a secure facility for the rest of his life without any chance of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court said it will review everything presented and render a written decision soon. In November, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine released recommendations to improve mental health care access the state, aiming to free up beds in state psychiatric hospitals and expand local treatment options. Among those recommendations were plans to support crisis services; increase the number of hospital beds in facilities; hire more mental health professionals; and create more local programs for those both in the criminal justice and mental health systems. Implementation of these recommendations is already underway. 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. The man accused of killing four people in Butler Twp. in 2022 was in court again on Monday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Stephen Marlow was in court on Monday for a motion to retain jurisdiction hearing. It comes after the judge in Marlows case found that he was not competent to stand trial and would not be restorable by Jan. 17, the 12-month deadline to have him declared competent trial for the killings of Clyde and Eva Knox, and Sarah and Kayla Anderson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the courtroom, prosecutors asked the judge to keep the case in his court to preserve criminal trial possibilities down the road. Prosecutors told News Center 7 that for this motion, they have to convince the judge there is clear and compelling evidence that Marlow committed the crimes hes charged with. TRENDING STORIES: As shown on News Center 7 at 5:00, a never-before-seen video from inside the Anderson familys garage was shown in court. It showed Sarah Anderson on the phone when a man, identified by police as Marlow, walks up with a gun in his hand and fires a shot at the 41-year-old mother of two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marlow can be seen walking into the home where police said he shot 15-year-old Kayla. He can be seen walking back out through the garage and firing a second shot at Sarah while she was on the ground. Sarahs father, Kelly Brockman, addressed the court on Monday. As shown on News Center 7 at 6:00, his frustration towards Marlow not facing a trial was clear during his statement. It must be understood that our family has been given a sentence, a life sentence, of traumatic grief that we know will never go away, Brockman said. He told the court the hole left behind in the familys lives due to Sarah and Kaylas shocking shooting deaths will never be filled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waking up each morning, knowing that we are living with the emptiness of our loved ones no longer here is overwhelming beyond measure, he said. Brockman told the judge that what he believes Stephen Marlow did left his family, and the family of Eva and Clyde Knox, stuck in an emotional spiral that never ends. He also said the reality is that there may not be an end to their search for justice since Marlow is not any closer to trial than he was on Aug. 5, 2022. As previously reported, Marlow claimed the victims, his neighbors, were part of a mind control group out to control his thinking. His lawyers entered not guilty by reason of insanity pleas, which led to several evaluations and, ultimately, the current ruling of incompetence which left the family with a simple request for the judge. We ask this, at a minimum, we hope the accused is locked up in a secure facility for the rest of his life, without any chance of parole, Brockman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge said he will go through all the exhibits, including an interview with Kansa police and the FBI that Marlow did after being taken into custody in Kansas, and then issue a written decision on the motion to retain jurisdiction. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said two people were arrested after a puppy was killed and a person was stabbed in the back in Northwest Sunday night. D.C. police said that on Dec. 29 around 9:15 p.m., officers were called to the 1600 block of Park Road for an assault and an animal cruelty incident. Upon arrival, officers found a man conscious and breathing with cuts on his face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the investigation continued, police officers learned that the man was involved in an argument with two people about puppies. Heavy police presence shuts down roads in Montgomery County According to the police report, one of the suspects had bought a puppy from the man but wanted a second one. Police said as the argument escalated, one of the suspects stomped on a puppy, killing it. During the altercation, the second suspect and the man got into a fight, resulting in cuts to his face and being stabbed in the back, according to the police report. Police said other puppies were injured during the incident, but their conditions are unknown at this time. The puppy that died was removed from the scene by the Humane Rescue Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was taken to the hospital for treatment. Both suspects were located and arrested. According to D.C. police, one person was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and the other person was charged with first-degree cruelty to animals. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. An amateur actor who plays Vladimir Putin in a satirical movie about the Russian leader says a Kremlin goon tried to bribe him in a bid to derail their bosss portrayal. The Polish-made movie, Putin, was announced in 2022, and will be released this coming January. A trailer shows Putin wearing a soiled diaper, taking part in martial arts, and confronting former president Boris Yeltsin. Putin appears to soil himself in one part of the movie / Patryck Vega / Vega Investments In May, the films director Patryk Vega claimed that Russian spies attempted to interfere in the production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, the man who plays the strongmanwith the help of artificial intelligencehas shared more details. Slawomir Sobala, 55, from Wroclaw in Poland, told the Daily Beast that he was offered $50,000 to hand over Vegas scriptbut he turned down the tempting deal. Yes, there were attempts to interfere with the film, and I experienced this firsthand. At one point, I was approachedlikely by individuals connected to Russian agentswho made an offer to buy the script from me," he said. The proposed price reached as high as $50,000. While tempting on the surface, I immediately knew I couldnt agree to such a deal. Slawomir worked part time as a Putin impersonator before shooting the movie / Slawomir Sobala An AI deepfake image of Putins face was joined to Slawomirs body for the film. He said he studied Putins mannerisms for months before shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He showed the Beast a screenshot of a WhatsApp message he received from a person he believed was a Russian agent. In it, the agent says that they and a second person are willing to fork out $1,000 for insider information and up to $50,000 for the full script. But Slawomir, who runs a transport company in Poland, said the overall message of the film was worth more than money. A message Slawomir says he received from apparent Russian agents / Slawomir Sobala The films message and purpose were far too important to compromise, he said. Accepting that offer would have meant undermining everything we were trying to achieve. Im proud to say I stood my ground, and despite these attempts, we were able to complete the project and stay true to its vision. In May, Vega told The Telegraph in London that he and his crew were bombarded with messages from people posing as U.S. political advisers or Ukrainian film executives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vega said that he was offered hundreds of thousands of dollars to hand over the script. He said: They started messaging these people, for example saying things like, I am an assistant to a congressman from South Dakota, I hear you made this film. My boss would like to pay $100,000 for a screening of this movie, and also for a script. Slawomir told the Beast that the fact that Vega was receiving similar proposals makes me think this was part of a broader effort to disrupt the project. "", , . pic.twitter.com/d2Qusbb4zp (@VictorKvert2008) February 6, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We both stayed firm in our decisions, though. The integrity of the film was always the top priority for us, and no amount of money could change that, he said. The actor added that he could only send a small part of the correspondence because it is being checked by international secret services. The movie follows Putin through six decades of his life, from the age of 10, and includes an imagined version of his death. It is set for release on Jan. 10, 2025. Its creation and release in Poland reflects the countrys deep hostility to Putin and concern that he has territorial ambitions greater than the takeover of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has largely held back from sending New Year wishes to Western leaders, with the exception of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, the Kremlin revealed on Monday. Former German chancellor Gerhard Schroder is on a list of telegrams sent out, as is Orban. While Fico is not formally on the list, Putin had sent greetings to the Slovakian prime minister, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. In Russia's view, both Hungary and Slovakia refrain from "Russophobe" policies. Both countries are also heavily dependent on Russian gas supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Orban and Fico have paid visits to Moscow since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago, whereas other Western leaders have stayed away. While both leaders have been critical of arms supplies by European Union countries to Kiev and of EU sanctions on Moscow, they have largely supported EU policies to date. Fico and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently traded verbal blows regarding Ukraine's decision not to renew a transit agreement for Russian gas to Slovakia. Fico threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine in return. On Sunday, Slovakian Defence Minister Robert Kalinak said that Ukraine would need to cede territory to Russia to secure peace, an option repeatedly rejected by Zelensky in the past. Russia currently controls some 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. SINGAPORE, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Further Upgrade Protocol, set to come into effect on Tuesday, will benefit businesses in three key areas, Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry said in a statement on Monday. First, Singaporean investors and service providers will enjoy more liberal and transparent rules, leveling the playing field for investment and trade with China, the ministry said. Second, Singaporean businesses will benefit from expanded market access to China through a "negative list" approach, which means that, by default, all sectors will be open to investors, except those specifically listed, it said. Third, the introduction of a standalone Telecommunications Services Chapter will enhance transparency in domestic regulatory processes, foster competition, and encourage industry participation in collaborative activities for innovation and development, the ministry said. The protocol, announced by China and Singapore in 2023, was agreed to enter into force on Dec. 31 in November. China has been Singapore's largest merchandise trading partner since 2013, accounting for 13.9 percent of Singapore's total merchandise trade with the world in 2023, the ministry reported. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The News Qatar is intensifying efforts to broker a Gaza hostage and ceasefire agreement, but skepticism remains over whether a deal can be reached before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Senior US and Israeli officials spent several days in Doha last week for talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt, Axios reported. Qatars prime minister also met with a Hamas delegation on Saturday. At stake are the fate of over 100 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza nearly half believed to be alive and an end to Israels offensive, which has left much of the enclave in ruins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has warned there would be hell to pay in the Middle East if the hostages arent released by Jan. 20, when he takes office, heightening regional pressure to resolve the crisis and avoid a potential Iran-Israel-US confrontation. Know More Qatar paused its mediation efforts in November, saying it was being used as a reason for blackmailing Doha. The gas-rich country which has made itself indispensable at times as a diplomatic hub for intractable conflicts faces growing pressure to expel Hamas. The country has deepened contacts with its rival the UAE in recent months, a signal that it may scale back its involvement in Gaza during the Trump presidency and cede the post-conflict reconstruction role to Abu Dhabi, according to a Qatari analyst. NEW YORK (PIX11) The front that brought rain to the area will continue to move offshore as high pressure drifts in from the west. New York and New Jersey can expect gradual clearing Monday morning followed by sunshine in the afternoon. NYC forecast and PIX11s Weather Center Temperatures will fall throughout the day through the low 50s and into the low 40s by the evening. Tuesday will be sunny early followed by increasing clouds as another area of low pressure moves into the area from the west. The high will be 52 in the city, and low to mid-50s in the suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday will be partly cloudy and mild with a high of 50 in the city, and upper 40s to low 50s in the suburbs. Thursday will be mostly sunny, breezy and noticeably cooler as high pressure brings Canadian air back into the region. The high will be 40 degrees in the city, and the upper 30s to low 40s in the suburbs. Friday will be mostly sunny and colder with a high of 36 in the city, and mid to upper 30s in the suburbs. 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 PIX11. No one deserves to be left in such conditions Bellerose: Our local and state politicians, including Gov. Hochul, need to show more compassion for our homeless, who need help now. We also need to show more concern for those who are mentally ill and commit crimes, not to mention illegal migrants who commit violent crimes on our transportation systems, like the woman who was burned to death for no reason on a subway train. I feel more must be done. I fully understand the homeless issue because I was homeless 50 years ago, after leaving the Navy in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War. I had no family or friends who could help me. I found myself homeless. It was February, it was cold and I had body sores from not bathing. I was alone, felt very depressed and hungry and had lost hope. But due to the kindness of a stranger named Cyril from Nigeria, who showed me kindness and compassion, I had a room where I could stay until I got on my feet. You see, he knew how difficult life can be because he was there. I did get help from Nassau County social services and did find a job so I could support myself. We have veterans today who are homeless and have mental health problems as well. Our government has a responsibility to help these homeless veterans and those who are mentally ill, who will surely die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too much time has passed and the homeless and the mentally ill are slowly being forgotten. This is so very sad. Frederick R. Bedell Jr. In the limelight Smithtown, L.I.: Rev. Kevin McCall held a prayer vigil for the still-unidentified woman set on fire in the subway by an illegal immigrant. This is the reverend signaling that hell be the family spokesperson for the next of kin and will team up with Sanford Rubenstein in a lawsuit against the MTA and NYC for not having a fire extinguisher. Mark my words. Andrew Ross Potential crime Manhattan: Letters have showed that the public is mixed on its feelings about the outcome of the Daniel Penny case. However, no one made the case for the fact that the crazed victim would have undoubtedly, in the near future, injured or killed some unsuspecting rider. This very important circumstance must be integrated into any discussion of the rightness or wrongness of the death of the victim. What if the new victim was your loved one? Jack Weiss Justice & injustice Bronx: I agree with Justice for Robert Brooks (editorial, Dec. 28) that there was no excuse for beating to death a shackled and chained prisoner. But you dont deal with why Brooks only received a 12-year sentence for stabbing his ex-girlfriend. Why does attempted murder, as well as all cases of murder, not result in a sentence of life without parole? You never asked why Jordan Neely got no jail time for breaking a 67-year-old womans jaw? If he had been in jail, there would have been no reason for Penny to subdue and accidentally kill him when he threatened subway passengers. If you want to show sympathy for someone, how about American Indian Movement leader Leonard Peltier? A Freedom of Information Act release in 1980 showed that the FBIs own ballistics test proved Peltier was innocent of the killings of two FBI agents that he was convicted of. But he remains in prison. Richard Warren Save your ire Staten Island: Memo to the buffoon known as the mayor: Its hard to believe you were once an NYPD officer. You dont have a clue when you have a lieutenant who made $400,000, and its guaranteed she was never on patrol. What do you think she was doing? Hiding! Stop putting the cops down and do something about the understaffed and overworked officers. Wake up! Thomas Fraumeni Jr. Superior puzzle Ridge, L.I.: I agree with Voicers Esther Berkowitz and Gene Speroni. Bring back Jacqueline Matthews for the TV Crossword. Ricky Cruzs versions are terrible! Peter DeMauro Hedging hard Holbrook, L.I.: As we get closer to Donald Trumps inauguration, right-wing media has stepped up their bogus attacks on the Biden crime family. Theyre making up bogus stories in anticipation of Trumps world-class corruption. The Trump family has already taken more than $4 billion from Saudi Arabia; $2 billion for Jared Kushner, $2 billion for Trump Tower, and another $1 billion from other Middle East countries for Kushners investment firm. MAGA needs to sully Bidens reputation so they can turn to the slavish librul media and say, Dont look at us, look at that Biden crime family. The media will fall in line and say, Oh well, nothing to see here. Both sides do it. They dont. Trump, his wife, his family and his hangers-on, are the most corrupt group to ever run Washington, which is saying something. America is counting on papers like the Daily News to not fall for this. Michael L. Wilson Hes one of them Carlstadt, N.J.: Re The Matt Gaetz facts (editorial, Dec. 27): I read the following with incredulity: The notion that this man could have been however briefly considered a candidate for United States attorney general is, to be blunt, an embarrassment to the Republican Party, the country and our current body politic. The Republican Party has chosen a 34-times convicted felon and sexual assaulter to be its supreme leader. It would appear that Gaetz fits right in. They act without embarrassment, only self-aggrandizement. Susan Misiewicz Overstated threat Brooklyn: Voicer Rose S. Wilson writes: I am afraid this country has been infected with a stupid virus. I guess she has been infected, too. The nuclear plants that Russia has been attacking are power plants, not the type of nuclear plants that produce nuclear weapons. She then states: The idea is that Russia will take over those plants and they will have the greatest advantage over us. Since Trump is Vladimir Putins buddy, he will then have the power to become not our president but our dictator. Wow, talk about ignorance. Rose wins the prize! Her final gem of wisdom: Elon Musk is South African and he does not believe in workers having any rights. Well, she got the South African part correct, but Musk obviously knows workers have rights. He employs some of the smartest engineers and scientists in the world who could get jobs anywhere but continue to work for him. Joe Altamura Decisive action Rocky Point, L.I.: Maybe what we should do with these drones is what the North Koreans, China and Russia would do. The drones would be gone sooner rather than later. Al Glass Doomsday scenarios Itasca, Ill.: Your doomsday event list is just as valid as mine, but for me, the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedys 1963 assassination and Y2K qualify as wake-up-call events. The first two left my parents and teachers speechless. Seeing my elders not have answers for possible nuclear war or losing our president was sobering. Y2K had our IT departments guessing a sure sign of peril. Lyndon Johnson vs. Barry Goldwater (1964), Richard Nixon vs. George McGovern (1972) and Ronald Reagan vs. Walter Mondale (1984) were theres never been a clearer choice contests, but America would have survived Goldwater, McGovern and Mondale presidencies. Wed go to work the next day. We once brushed ourselves off when the dust cleared, shook hands and found common ground. What has happened to us since then? Jim Newton Follow your path Cibolo, Texas: Epiphany, on Jan. 6, celebrates the day that three Magi from the East visited the infant Jesus. It also marks the end of the Yuletide season. For that reason, it is customary to take down Christmas decorations on Epiphany eve, also known as Twelfth Night. Yet, there is much more to Epiphany: It actually serves as a viable lesson to all of us. Just like the three Magi followed a star to reach their destination, Epiphany reminds us to follow our own stars to reach our destinies, goals and dreams. Perhaps, by following our stars and working toward our dreams, we shall achieve our goals and fulfill our destinies. Epiphany reminds us that our dreams can become our realities. John Di Genio Former President Jimmy Carter speaks at the 2004 funeral in Wheaton for Matthew "Mattie" Stepanek, a 13-year-old boy who died after a lifelong battle with muscular dystrophy. Housing advocates credit Carter's visits to the state with Habitat for Humanity for boosting home rehab efforts in Maryland. Photo by Bill O'Leary-Pool/Getty Images. Sonia Street still vividly remembers the summer day in 1992 when she met Jimmy Carter outside her West Baltimore home and he taught her how to hold a hammer. The former president, who died Sunday at age 100, arrived that day in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood with his wife, Rosalynn, in work clothes and anxious to begin rehabbing vacant row houses. It was the Carters second visit to Baltimore to promote Habitat for Humanitys worldwide mission of revitalizing decaying communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I worked side by side with Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn. He really inspired me, and he and his wife were mentors to me. I really enjoyed his company and him teaching me how to hold a hammer, said Street, who still lives in the same house on North Gilmor Street. With help from the Carters, her house was the first of hundreds either built or rehabbed in Sandtown-Winchester. We made a promise to each other, that since he came to my house, I could come to his house in Plains and get some of his peanuts, said Street, a retired preschool teacher. So I did. With help from Habitat for Humanity, Street not only visited Georgia but became an ambassador for the nonprofit group, traveling with the Carters to Los Angeles, South Korea and Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Baltimore Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke, the current president of the University of Baltimore, remembers accompanying the Carters on their Sandtown-Winchester visits. He wasnt just supervising. He had a tool belt on, and he was hammering away in the buildings and was actively involved assisting the crew in rehabbing the house, Schmoke recalled. The former mayor also remembers Carter was not interested in small talk with the many elected officials who showed up. He said he wanted to focus on rehabbing homes and encouraging folks in Sandtown to work with Habitat for Humanity to help revive the community, Schmoke said. Nonprofit groups like Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development (BUILD) and the Enterprise Foundation had already begun projects to rehab vacant houses in Sandtown-Winchester. But Schmoke says Carters partnership with Habitat for Humanity gave a huge boost to those projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his 1992 visit, Carter was not shy about criticizing the housing policies of then-President George H.W. Bush, telling reporters during a break that federal funding for low-income housing had dropped precipitously under the first Bush administration. John Best, a longtime Habitat employee, helped coordinate the former presidents visits to Sandtown-Winchester. Jimmy Carter was a man of faith, and I knew all of this grew out of that, Best recalled. He was a skilled carpenter and a peanut farmer before he was president. He had a good farm, and it was very successful. I was so blessed by the community opening their arms to us coming in there. Baltimore resident Sonia Street, right, outside her Sandtown-Winchester in 1992 when former President Jimmy Carter, left, in maroon shirt, helped rehab the home with Habitat for Humanity. Photo courtesy Sonia Street. Best credits the Carters highly publicized visits with helping to recruit thousands of volunteers. Habitat officials say that more than 300 homes in 15 square blocks in Sandtown-Winchester were either built from the ground up or rehabbed, some of the more than 800 homes it has worked on in Central Maryland. Major corporations and banks donated money and supplies to accelerate the redevelopment project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best, who was Habitats senior construction manager, says once the former president began rehab work inside a house, he could be prickly at times. If he was focused on a project, he didnt want you asking him questions. He wanted to work and get it done, he said. Mike Posko, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake, says the organization is still actively involved in rehabbing houses not only in Sandtown-Winchester but in Curtis Bay, Pigtown and in East Baltimore. He called Carters impact on their ongoing work priceless. Just the value that he added to bring other volunteers out and churches out and other companies that wanted to be part of the mission, Posko said. Its been outstanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a long days work rehabbing row houses 1n 1992, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter attended a celebratory worship service at Baltimores New Shiloh Baptist Church. Street, who was there, remembers the former president also delivered the sermon. He told us to be hopeful and keep the faith, she said. I thank God Jimmy Carter came here and helped me out to build my house, because Im grateful for it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Do you recognize these tattoos, necklace or yoga mat found in a New Jersey state forest? Authorities in New Jersey are asking the public for help as new clues emerge after human remains were found dead in a refrigerator on Sunday, Dec. 22. The unidentified humans remains were discovered in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County, according to New Jersey State Police (NJSP). State police believe the remains belong to a white or Hispanic woman who was about 5'1" tall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said the person had two tattoos on their body: a koi fish tattoo on the shoulder blade area of her back and a rose tattoo on her left ribs that extended from her chest to her hip. New Jersey State Police The necklace recovered at the scene after unidentified human remains were discovered in Belleplain State Forest. The necklace recovered at the scene after unidentified human remains were discovered in Belleplain State Forest. Related: Body Matching Description of Missing Retired Teacher, 84, Found in New Jersey Creek: Worst News Possible Police released photos of what the body presumably looked like before the victim's death, as well as images of a distinctive yoga mat and necklace that were both recovered at the scene. The necklace appears to have a small star and other tiny holes punched into it, and the black-and-green yoga mat includes various intricate designs. New Jersey State Police The yoga mat recovered at the scene after unidentified human remains were discovered in Belleplain State Forest. The yoga mat recovered at the scene after unidentified human remains were discovered in Belleplain State Forest. Related: Man Found Dead on Conveyor Belt at N.J. Recycling Center Was Not an Employee, Company Says Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police have not released any other information about the remains, including how old the victim may have been, how she ended up in the fridge or when she may have died. Anyone with information about the remains is asked to call the NJSP Troop A Woodbine Station at (609) 861-5698 or the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office at (609) 465-1135 ext. 3480. Callers can opt to remain anonymous, according to police. Read the original article on People Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen participates in an election forum on Sept. 19, 2024, at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) A trust controlled by a South Dakota regulators relatives still owns land along a proposed pipeline route, but the regulator has not recused herself from the projects second permit application after recusing herself from the first one. Two years ago, Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen disqualified herself from Summit Carbon Solutions first carbon dioxide pipeline application. She cited state law prohibiting commissioners from participating in hearings or proceedings when they have a conflict of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fiegen wrote a recusal letter in February 2022 that said the pipeline would cross land owned by my sister-in-law (my husbands sister) and her husband. Gov. Kristi Noem assigned State Treasurer Josh Haeder to fill in for Fiegen. In September 2023, Haeder and the other two commissioners rejected Summits initial application, citing the pipeline routes conflicts with several county ordinances that mandate minimum distances between pipelines and existing features. Summit reapplied in November 2024 with an adjusted route. Fiegen has not filed a recusal letter in the new application docket, and she participated in a procedural hearing about the application on Dec. 17. Fiegen did not respond to questions from South Dakota Searchlight about her participation in the new docket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public Utilities Commission spokesperson Leah Mohr said ex parte rules bar Fiegen from discussing the matter. Those rules prohibit direct communication with commissioners about dockets theyre considering. Mohr also declined to discuss the matter, and declined to discuss how conflicts of interest are defined for commissioners. The Attorney Generals Office declined to say whether Fiegens participation complies with state law, or whether she sought the offices legal advice. Defining a conflict of interest The chapter of state law Fiegen cited in her 2022 recusal is specific to public utilities commissioners, and it leaves conflicts of interest undefined. It merely says if a commissioner determines that the commissioner has a conflict, the commissioner should file a recusal letter. Meanwhile, a 2016 law required the state Board of Internal Control to create a conflict-of-interest policy for use by state agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy says officials involved in quasi-judicial actions such as reviewing a permit application must be disinterested and free from actual bias or an unacceptable risk of actual bias and must abstain if a reasonably-minded person could conclude they are not impartial. Land owned by Fiegens relatives The $9 billion Summit pipeline would span five states, transporting some of the CO2 captured from the production processes at 57 ethanol plants to underground injection sites in North Dakota. The project would capitalize on federal tax credits that incentivize the prevention of heat-trapping carbon emissions. This map shows a portion of the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline route where it would cross McCook County land owned by the Jeffrey A. Ordal Living Trust, of which Jean Fiegen-Ordal and Jeffrey Ordal are trustees. The couple also formerly owned land in Minnehaha County, not shown here, that would be crossed by the pipeline. Jean Fiegen-Ordal is the sister-in-law of South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen. (Map by South Dakota Searchlight) The originally proposed pipeline route would have crossed three parcels of land in Minnehaha County owned by Fiegens sister-in-law, Jean Fiegen-Ordal, and Fiegen-Ordals husband, Jeffrey Ordal, plus another three parcels of land in McCook County owned by the Jeffrey A. Ordal Living Trust, for which the couple serves as trustees. Summit said it paid $175,000 in total compensation for easements and future crop damages on the land owned by the Ordals or their trust. An easement is an agreement granting access to land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summit said $88,000 of the money went to the Ordals. The company did not disclose further details, but public records show the Ordals completed a sale of their Minnehaha County land several months after signing the easement documents in 2022. The new pipeline route would cross the same parcels of land: the Minnehaha County land that Fiegens relatives no longer own, and the McCook County land that the Ordal trust still owns. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Joe Biden issued an executive order Monday to have the federal government close on Jan. 9, 2025 in honor of former President Jimmy Carters passing. That day, a funeral for the former president will be held in the nations capital. Biden also declared Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning in honor of Carter, who was our nations 39th president and the 76th governor of the state of Georgia. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Carter, who died Sunday night at the age of 100, was honored in a variety of statements and tributes following news of his passing by figures across the political aisle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bidens executive order announced that all executive departments and agencies in the federal government would be closed on Jan. 9, though heads of executive departments and agencies may choose to remain open or have some employees report for duty if needed for reasons of national security, defense or public need. The former president will also lie in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. The exact dates for that have not yet been announced. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] In tribute to former President and Georgia native son Jimmy Carter, several events will be held in his honor, including in Atlanta, his hometown of Plains, Ga. and in Washington. All of the events will honor the life and legacy of the former president, humanitarian and peacemaker. Former President Jimmy Carters memorial journey will begin and end in his hometown of Plains, in Sumter County, Ga., about three hours south of Atlanta. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] There will be a motorcade carrying him from Plains to the Carter Center in Northeast Atlanta on Jan. 4, and his body will then lie in repose there, at the international humanitarian nonprofit founded by himself and his late wife Rosalynn Carter in 1982. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After lying in repose at the Carter Center, the former president will be flown to the nations capital, where there will be a ceremony in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. RELATED STORIES: Carters body will then lie in state in the rotunda, where the public can pay their respects. Then, on Jan. 9, there will be an official state funeral held at the Washington National Cathedral. President Joe Biden has also declared Jan. 9 as a national day of mourning with all federal agencies closed. After the official state funeral, the former presidents body will be flown back to Plains for a private service at his lifelong church, Maranatha Baptist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hell then be laid to rest next to his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carters marriage is the longest presidential marriage in United States history. Mrs. Carter passed away in 2023 at the age of 96. The two had known each other since childhood and were true partners in life. They will now lie in peace together in Plains. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] * The year 2024 has seen accelerated efforts in China's green transition, with progress made in multiple areas spanning green energy production, government planning, ecological conservation and consumption upgrades. * China's achievements in green transition are closely tied to top-level planning, as reflected in a series of policy announcements in 2024. * Driven by the "dual carbon" goals, China boasts vast investment opportunities in green transition, particularly in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy and sustainable lifestyles. by Xinhua writer Zhu Shaobin BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The year 2024 has seen accelerated efforts in China's green transition, as the world's second-largest economy continues to prioritize green growth and work toward achieving its "dual carbon" goals. Green transition progress over the past year has spanned multiple areas, including green energy production, government planning, ecological conservation, and consumption upgrades. On the global stage, China's collaboration with partners on green transition technologies has continued to strengthen. As China continues to pursue green and low-carbon development alongside reform strategies aimed at building a beautiful country, its actions and achievements are making a significant contribution to, and driving, the global green transition. RAPID RISE OF WIND AND SOLAR The vast deserts of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, once seen as a development disadvantage, have been transformed into an asset for clean energy production with the rapid rise of green technologies. Boasting ample sunshine and wind resources, Xinjiang's installed capacity of new energy including wind and solar hit nearly 87 million kilowatts as of the end of November this year, accounting for more than half of the region's total installed power capacity. This achievement also put Xinjiang among the top-ranked Chinese regions in clean energy production. According to Xun Chuanbao, head of a converter station in Xinjiang's Hami, electricity from Hami reaches Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, approximately 2,400 km away, in just about 7 milliseconds through an ultra-high-voltage direct current transmission line. Xun also noted that over 40 percent of the electricity transmitted via this line is clean energy. Xinjiang's progress in clean energy development exemplifies China's stellar achievements in this field. According to data from the National Energy Administration, as of the end of November, total wind power installed capacity in the country reached 490 million kilowatts, rising 19.2 percent year on year, while solar power installed capacity surged 46.7 percent to about 820 million kilowatts. Since 2013, China's wind power installed capacity has grown sixfold and that of solar power has surged more than 180 times, according to official data. Jiang Peixue, chairman of the China Energy Conservation Association, noted that China has made significant strides in green development, with energy intensity dropping 26 percent since 2012, making it one of the fastest countries globally in reducing energy intensity. TOP-LEVEL POLICY DESIGN China's achievements in green transition are closely tied to top-level planning, as reflected in a series of policy announcements over the past year. In July, the third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee in a resolution decided to deepen reforms with a focus on building a "Beautiful China" through efforts that include ramping up the green transition in all areas of economic and social development and prioritizing ecological protection. In August, detailed guidelines were released to accelerate the green transition across all areas of economic and social development, providing systematic arrangements to advance this agenda. Southwest China's Yunnan Province, known for its rich biodiversity and warm climate, highlights local efforts to protect the ecological environment and promote the green transition. According to official data, clean energy -- comprising hydropower, solar and wind -- now accounts for over 90 percent of the province's total installed power capacity. Since 2007, the plant and bird species along the once-heavily polluted Dianchi Lake in the provincial capital Kunming have risen to 303 and 175, respectively, while the number of fish species in the lake has increased to 26, following years of efforts to reduce pollution and restore the water quality. "Green is the defining feature of China's development in the new era and remarkable progress has been made in the country's green and low-carbon transformation," said Tian Chunxiu, deputy director of the Policy Research Center for Environment and Economy of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Speaking to Xinhua, she said that in terms of water quality, 89.4 percent of surface water bodies nationwide were classified as having "fairly good" quality in 2023. GREEN CONSUMPTION BOOM China's Central Economic Work Conference held earlier this month has outlined major tasks for 2025, calling for more efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development and boost economic growth with a concerted approach. Xu Guangjian, a professor at the Renmin University of China, said that the key to promoting the green transition is cultivating green and low-carbon industries, developing advanced manufacturing, fostering green and healthy consumption habits, and promoting green production and sustainable lifestyles. As a major manufacturer and consumer market for new energy vehicles (NEVs), China saw domestic NEV sales exceed 10 million units in the first 11 months of 2024, marking a 40.3 percent year-on-year increase. In comparison, exports reached about 1.14 million units, up 4.5 percent. The NEV penetration rate in the domestic market has reached nearly 45 percent for the January-November period. A government-initiated consumer goods trade-in program has also served as a boost for green transition efforts. A wide range of consumer goods such as home appliances have seen their combined sales revenue surpass 1 trillion yuan (about 140 billion U.S. dollars) so far this year under the program, which offers consumers subsidies of up to 20 percent of the sale price in the purchase of energy-efficient products. Fu Linghui, spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, said last week that in implementing policies, China has focused on strengthening weak areas and key links while promoting green and low-carbon transformation, laying a solid foundation for sustained and healthy economic development. "DUAL CARBON" GOALS China has announced the "dual carbon" goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. As the country makes steady progress in its green transition, it has also expressed its willingness to strengthen international cooperation by taking a leading role in the process, with the goal of promoting the establishment of a fair, equitable and win-win global environmental and climate governance system. Kenya's leading news media Nation, in a recent opinion article, said that China has become a critical development partner in green energy transition and green development. "China is today the largest source of technologies and products needed to tap the renewables, which are critical in creating a more livable and sustainable world," the article states. "China is now an indispensable nation for global climate efforts," and it is essentially "impossible for the world to go green without China," said Erik Solheim, former UN Under-Secretary-General, in a November interview with Xinhua. He said that China plays an important role in the global green energy transition, accounting for 60 percent or more of global production in key green sectors, including solar, wind and hydropower, as well as electric cars and batteries. The country has in recent years also trained more than 3,000 officials and technical personnel from more than 120 developing countries on ecological and environmental protection and addressing climate change, becoming a role model in South-South cooperation. Looking ahead, the green transition will continue to offer growth potential and business opportunities. Zhao Chengfeng, an official with China's National Development and Reform Commission, said that driven by the "dual carbon" goals, China will have vast investment opportunities in green transition, particularly in areas such as green infrastructure, green energy and sustainable lifestyles. (Video reporters: Sun Lei, Hua Hongli, Du Honggang, Du Gang, and Deng Haoran; Video editors: Liang Wanshan, Liu Xiaorui, Cao Ying, and Li Ziwei) UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for making 2025 "a new beginning" in his message for the New Year. "Throughout 2024, hope has been hard to find. Wars are causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement. Inequalities and divisions are rife -- fueling tensions and mistrust," Guterres said. He said that the globe has just endured a decade of deadly heat and the top ten 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024. "This is climate breakdown -- in real time," Guterres stressed. "We must exit this road to ruin -- and we have no time to lose." The UN chief urged countries to put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. "It is essential and it is possible," he added. "Even in the darkest days, I've seen hope power change," Guterres said, hailing the activists raising their voices for progress, as well as the humanitarian heroes overcoming enormous obstacles to support the most vulnerable people. The UN chief said he also sees hope in developing countries fighting for financial and climate justice. He underscored that the Pact for the Future, adopted in September, "is a new push" to build peace through disarmament and prevention, reform the global financial system, and stick to the values and principles enshrined by human rights, international law and the United Nations Charter. "There are no guarantees for what's ahead in 2025. But I pledge to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people," Guterres said. "Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning," the UN chief said. "Not as a world divided. But as nations united." 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Maranatha Baptist Church 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. 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 Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, on Dec. 18, 2024 during a Kansas Reflector podcast interview. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector) Democrats didnt see the results from the November election they expected or hoped for, in Kansas or much of anywhere else across the United States. But Democrats still won seats and still have to represent their voters. One of the partys state representatives, Brandon Woodard of Lenexa, was not only reelected but ran for minority leader in the Kansas House. He won the contest and will help the caucus navigate political waters throughout the next two years. In a conversation with me for the Kansas Reflector podcast, Woodard gave a brief autobiography and sketched his plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are five takeaways explaining where Woodard and the House Democrats want to go. 1. Trump hurt down-ballot Democrats, but theyre not giving up Ive spent more than my share of words on analyzing what happened on Election Day. The 34-year-old Woodard sees the results as part of a larger and longer story in Kansas, one in which voters routinely support leaders from both parties. In Johnson County alone, folks showed up and voted for Kamala Harris for president, for Sharice Davids for Congress, for Republicans for the House and Senate, and then Democrats for sheriff and the county commission, he said. In Kansas, there are people out there that voted for Laura Kelly for governor two years ago, and Kris Kobach for attorney general. I think more than anything, people want to be heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states rejection of an anti-abortion constitutional amendment two years ago proves that all Kansans dont subscribe to hard-right beliefs. But Democratic candidates have their work cut out for them to reach persuadable voters. 2. That means a different approach on the campaign trail Woodard already has his eyes on 2026, and he wants Democrats to embrace a quicker pace of campaigning. Our candidates have to be able to respond in real time to negative and or oftentimes false advertisements against them, he told me. When we have Republicans on TV during a Chiefs game saying, I voted with Gov. Kelly to fund public schools, we need to respond and say, No, that person voted against Gov. Kelly 167 times. Sending a mail piece two weeks later isnt the right response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One has to imagine such an approach would help. But as long as Republicans can massively outspend their opponents, I see obstacles to significant Democratic gains. 3. Woodard wants a unified caucus for challenging days ahead I grew up in Topeka, I went to school in Lawrence, and Ive been in Lenexa, so I feel like more like a Kansan more than anything else, said Woodard, who will begin his fourth term in January. And I knew that what our caucus needed right now, after losing a couple of seats, was someone who could get us all on the same page, get us on the same team, and really elevate our voices. Democrats in the House will field 37 members. They need 42 votes to prevent overrides of Gov. Laura Kellys vetoes, which puts the minority party in a difficult position. They will need to find five Republicans to cross the aisle or make their case to the public in such cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I knew we would have to elect someone to the leadership role that can work and negotiate where were able to find common ground with the Republicans, but also could stand up and be the voice of the opposing side when we have to, Woodard said. 4. Housing costs and property taxes are top priorities for both parties If youre lucky enough to own property, youve likely seen your real estate values zoom skyward in recent years. Those valuations can mean higher property taxes, and would-be homebuyers have been priced out of the market. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have been hearing from constituents. Housing affordability, is a top issue, Woodard said. I know its a top priority for us in the Democratic caucus. I know that Speaker (Dan) Hawkins has talked a lot about property tax relief. I think well be able to meet somewhere in the middle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, theres not a single lever that folks at the Statehouse can pull to reduce property taxes. Municipalities and counties levy most such taxes to support public services. Renters face problems, too. In Lenexa, where I live, just my rent alone for my apartment has doubled in eight years, Woodard said. And so if were able to address property tax relief, weve got to be doing something for renters as well, which are a huge portion of the state. 5. Politics in Topeka dont always split like you expect In previous columns, Ive made the point that political disputes in Topeka dont necessarily break down along familiar party and ideological lines. Senators and representatives have competing priorities, some of which indeed align with the R or D after their name, but others of which decidedly dont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People often think of the Legislature being Republican versus Democrat, but a lot of issues are much more urban versus rural, Woodard said. He highlighted Democrats including Rep. Rui Xu, for talking about sustainable farming, and Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, for talking about the importance of the Ogallala Aquifer and protecting that to make sure that that source of water for the farmers out in western Kansas still exists. Weve got to be talking to folks to really make them realize that Democrats from urban areas care just as much about the success and prosperity of our agricultural industry, Woodard added. Outside of educated young people leaving the state, our other biggest export is agricultural products, and so weve got to be working with them. Looking ahead Woodard and I chatted about many more issues for the podcast, including possible legislation and his relationship with Hawkins. He also broke down relationship between the House and the Senate chambers (expect further conflict this year). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we wrap up an election year, full of sound and fury, attention now turns to governing. Republicans and Democrats in Kansas will have to get along to improve life for Kansans across the board. Well see how they manage. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. (FOX40.COM) A Woodland man has been charged with a retail felony under Proposition 36. According to a press release from the Office of the District Attorney, Kenneth Mattews had 10 prior convictions before being charged with a retail felony. On Dec. 20, Mattews was arrested by the California Highway Patrols Valley Division at a Target in Woodland as he left the store with unpaid merchandise, said Melinda Aiello Chief Deputy District Attorney in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they arrested Mattews at Target they noticed he had 10 qualifying convictions which turned the offense into a felony. Former president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Mattews was also out on bail for two previous felony cases that involved numerous thefts including retail theft. Before his arraignment, the bail was set to be at $25,000 with a request of it being $50,000 but the court denied increasing his bail. District Attorney Jeff Reisig said, Retail theft is a serious problem, and for too long thieves knew there would be little to no consequences regardless of how many times they stole. California voters have spoken by an overwhelming majority, passing Prop 36 by about 70%, demanding change and accountability for repeat theft offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 FOX40. Amanda Zurawski, Josh Zurawski, Kaitlyn Joshua and Hadley Duvall speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Hadley Duvall speaking at a June event in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo: John Partipilo) 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Allie Phillips stands in her home next to a calendar of Taylor Swift, her favorite artist. (Photo by John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) 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. 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. 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 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Amanda Zurawski, Josh Zurawski, Kaitlyn Joshua, and Hadley Duvall speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Ill., on Aug. 19, 2024. (Phot by 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. 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 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 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. Dec. 29By Clay Masters, Minnesota Public Radio News Republicans will start the 2025 legislative session with a Minnesota House majority at least for the purposes of organizing the chamber now that a DFL candidate has opted against appealing a court defeat. Last week, a Ramsey County judge disqualified Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson on residency grounds amid a challenge by his Republican opponent. Johnson said Friday in a Facebook post that he would let the ruling stand despite his belief it was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson said it became clear "there is no viable pathway for me being allowed to retain my seat." In a letter to Gov. Tim Walz, Johnson said he would give up the seat "immediately and irrevocably." That paved the way for the governor to call a special election just a couple of weeks into session. The outcome gives Republicans a 67-66 edge until the seat is filled in a special election. The election won't occur until Jan. 28, with candidate filing closing on Dec. 31. The next session starts on Jan. 14. Republicans said they were evaluating whether the rapid timing was legitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court ruling said Johnson had failed to properly establish residency in the Roseville-area district within six months of the November election. Johnson owns a home in Little Canada, but he had rented an apartment inside the district's borders. He had said his family was searching for a permanent house. Paul Wikstrom, who lost to Johnson by a wide margin, sued over the election. He and allies presented evidence that suggested the living arrangement was a sham. Ramsey County District Court Judge Leonardo Castro found that there were too many questions and inconsistencies with Johnson's account and declared him ineligible to hold the seat. Republican Rep. Lisa Demuth, who is in line to become House speaker, said she is pleased by the decision to end the legal dispute. "This confirms that Republicans will have an organizational majority on day one, and we look forward to ensuring that a valid candidate represents District 40B in the upcoming legislative session," Demuth said in a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That interpretation is also in dispute by the House DFL. A caucus spokesperson insisted "68 members are required to conduct House business." In an interview with MPR News, Demuth raised questions about the quick turnaround for an election. She said state law appears to be clear that no election could be scheduled until the House convenes and the seat is declared empty at that point due to a successful legal challenge. She said Johnson is attempting to relinquish a seat he never legitimately held. The timing matters because a delayed election would extend Republican control of the House for longer. "My hope would be that the governor would reevaluate the decision that he came out with and recognize that he, along with everyone else, needs to follow the statute," Demuth said Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson with the Secretary of State's office tells MPR News that Johnson's letter sufficiently creates an imminent vacancy. The special election writ cites another law that allows for planning of a special election when a vacancy is "certain to occur." DFL Rep. Melissa Hortman, the current House speaker, expressed confidence her party would win a special election. "A prompt special election will allow the voters of District 40B to ensure that they will be represented in the Minnesota House for the bulk of the session," Hortman said in a written statement. "We expect the district will again vote to elect a Democrat by overwhelming margins." DFLers initially said Johnson would appeal, but doing so would have required him to post bond and could have put him on the hook for legal fees for him and Wikstrom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Walz and a Senate narrowly controlled by the DFL could stop Republicans from passing any bills into law, they could use the slim majority to further party goals. They will have working control of committees, allowing them to advance bills to the floor for votes. It takes 68 votes to pass a bill, but some Democrats from swing areas could face tough decisions on legislation. Republicans can also begin long-desired investigations into the Walz administration and problems agencies have had stopping fraud in programs. A second legal dispute over the November election remains. In a Shakopee-area race, DFL Rep. Brad Tabke's 14-vote win was challenged in court. Republican Aaron Paul argues the election is invalid because 20 ballots were cast but never counted before disappearing. A trial last week included testimony from voters who submitted those ballot; they appeared to show Tabke's lead is durable. A judge is deciding whether to order a new election. The House has the ultimate power to determine its membership and could move to deny Tabke's seating when the House begins regardless of what the judge rules. WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) Residents in a Wyoming neighborhood were evacuated from their homes after a man threatened to cause an explosion, police say. After an argument, a man turned on the gas in a home in the area of Maplelawn Street and Buchanan Avenue, threatening to cause an explosion, the Wyoming Police Department said. Officers evacuated nearby homes while DTE and the fire department turned off the gas in the house. The man stayed inside for several hours before coming out, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear when gas service in the neighborhood might be restored, police said. 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 passenger walks with his luggage at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, Aug. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) JERUSALEM, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Passenger traffic at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport fell by 34 percent in 2024 compared to last year, according to a press release issued by the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) on Monday. The IAA said that 13.8 million passengers onboard 84,100 international flights passed through the airport this year, down from 21 million passengers onboard 144,869 flights in 2023. The sharp decline is attributed to the outbreak of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict on October 7 last year, which led many foreign airlines to reduce or suspend their operations in Israel. Only 20 foreign airlines remain in operation in Israel, continuing to fly to 50 destinations, the IAA added. According to the statement, the drop in foreign flights to Israel caused an operating loss of 105 million shekels (28.74 million U.S. dollars) for the IAA in the first three quarters of this year. The IAA's revenues in the first nine months fell by 35 percent to 2.22 billion shekels, it noted. Elon Musk has been branded a national security risk by a former U.S. army general, who cited his concerns over the tech billionaires close ties with the Chinese government. Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, who retired in 2008, highlighted Musks history of appeasing and praising the Chinese Communist Party and his multiple business deals with the party, particularly in the modern space race. In a scathing op-ed, published in The New York Times, Honore noted that Musk and his company SpaceX already face federal reviews for failing to provide details of meetings with foreign leaders, but said that such infractions were just the beginning of my worries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has previously borrowed at least $1.4 billion from banks controlled by the Chinese government to help build a gigafactory in Shanghai for Tesla. The factory was responsible for more than half of Teslas global deliveries in the third quarter of 2024. The Tesla boss was responding to calls to build a new plant for his electric cars in Scotland (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) (PA Archive) China does not tend to give things away, Honore wrote. The countrys laws stipulate that the Communist Party can demand intelligence from any company doing business in China, in exchange for participating in the countrys markets. This means Mr. Musks business dealings in China could require him to hand over sensitive classified information, learned either through his business interests or his proximity to President-elect Donald Trump. The close relationship between Musk and Trump has already raised eyebrows in Washington, with many on both sides of the aisle questioning the amount of influence the tech boss has been allowed. The close relationship between Musk and President-elect Trump has already raised eyebrows in Washington, with concerns raised over the tech boss levels of influence (AP) The pair recently joined forces online to tank a bipartisan congressional spending bill, allegedly because it did not have Musks stamp of approval. Along with former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk will head up the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even Ramaswamy has raised concerns about potential national security concerns surrounding Musk and China. In May 2023, Ramaswamy publicly stated, I have no reason to think Elon wont jump like a circus monkey when [Chinese leader] Xi Jinping calls in the hour of need. The U.S. needs leaders who arent in Chinas pocket, he wrote in a separate post on X, although he did not name Musk. In his op-ed, Honore also noted SpaceXs near monopoly on U.S. rocket launches. The last thing the United States needs is for China to potentially have an easier way of obtaining classified intelligence and national security information, he said. Vivek Ramaswamy, with whom Musk is set to head up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has also previously raised concerns about the billionaires close ties with China (Getty Images) The former general also highlighted the federal reviews faced by Musk and SpaceX over his meetings with foreign leaders the details of many have not been disclosed and other potential violations of national-security rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His concern, he wrote, was whether the Trump administration would take such potential threats seriously. The fact that Mr. Musk spent a quarter of a billion dollars to help re-elect Mr. Trump does not give the incoming White House the license to look the other way at the national security risks he may pose, Honore wrote. If Mr. Trump and his appointees mean what they say about getting tough on Americas adversaries, then they will act on this matter without delay. There is too much at stake to ignore whats right in front of them. When Nathan Hecht ran for the Texas Supreme Court in 1988, no Republican had ever been elected to the states highest civil court. His election foreshadowed a transformation of the court, civil legal procedure and Texas itself. Hecht is the longest-tenured Supreme Court justice in Texas history. He won six reelections and led the court as chief justice for more than a decade. He heard more than 2,700 oral arguments, wrote 7,000 pages of opinions, and is retiring Tuesday not because hes had enough, but because state law requires him to. The mandatory retirement age for state justices is 75. Late on a Friday afternoon, just two weeks before hanging up his robe, he was still in his office, his mind mired in the work that was left to be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is always a really busy time for us, because the opinions are mounting up to be talked about, he said. Itll be busy next week. Hecht began as a dissenter on a divided court, his conservative positions on abortion, school finance and property rights putting him at odds with the Democratic majority and some moderate Republicans. But as Texas Republicans began dominating up and down the ballot, his minority voice became mainstream on one of the countrys most conservative high courts. In his administration of the court, Hecht has been a fierce advocate for the poor, pushing for more legal aid funding, bail reform and lowering the barriers to accessing the justice system. "If justice were food, too many would be starving," Hecht told lawmakers in 2017. "If it were housing, too many would be homeless. If it were medicine, too many would be sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hechts departure leaves a vacancy that Gov. Greg Abbott, a former justice himself, will get to fill. He may elevate a current justice or appoint someone new directly to the chief justice role. Whoever ends up in the top spot will have to run for reelection in 2026. In his typical understated manner, so at odds with the bombast of the other branches of government, Hecht told The Texas Tribune that serving on the court has been the honor of his life. I have gotten to participate not only in a lot of decisions shaping the jurisprudence of the state, but also in trying to improve the administration of the court system so that it works better and fosters public trust and confidence, he said. So I feel good about the past, he said. And I feel good about the future. A sea change Hecht, born in Clovis, N.M., studied philosophy at Yale University before getting his law degree from Southern Methodist University. He clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and then returned to Texas, where his reputation preceded him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a young lawyer, Tom Phillips, a former chief justice and now a partner at Baker Botts, reached out to a Dallas law firm that had promised to hire him the next chance it got. I called them a few months later and said, So I assume you never got a vacancy, Phillips recalls. And they said, Well, we did, but we had a chance to hire Nathan Hecht, so youll understand why we went ahead and did that. Hecht was appointed to the 95th District Court in Dallas County in 1981 and quickly made a name for himself, pushing the court to modernize its stenography practices and taking the unusual step of writing opinions as a trial judge. He was elected to the 5th District Court of Appeals in 1986 and ran for the Texas Supreme Court two years later. That race came at a low point for Texas judiciary, after a string of scandals, ethics investigations, eyebrow-raising rulings and national news coverage made several sitting Supreme Court justices household names and not in a good way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seeing an opportunity, Hecht challenged one of the incumbents, a Democrat whod been called out in a damning "60 Minutes" segment for friendly relationships with lawyers who both funded his campaigns and argued before the court. Hecht teamed up with Phillips and Eugene Cook, two Republicans who had recently been appointed to the court, and asked voters to Clean the Slate in 88, separating themselves from the Democrats by promising to accept only small donations. Party politics were changing in the state at the same time, but the broader issue on our court at the time was to ensure that judges were following the law, Hecht said. That was a driving issue. Since Phillips and Cook were incumbents, Hecht was the only one who had to take on a sitting Supreme Court justice. And he won. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It really was a sea change in Texas political history, Phillips said. He was the first person ever to do that in a down-ballot race, to defeat a Democrat as a Republican. Chief Justice Nathan Hecht swears in Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick before the first day of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons impeachment trial in the state Senate chamber Sept. 5, 2023. Paxton was acquitted largely along party lines. The Texas political scene has shifted dramatically since Hecht won election to the state Supreme Court. Political changes Republican dominance swept through the Supreme Court as swiftly as it did Texas writ large. The last Democrat would be elected to the court in 1994, just six years after the first Republican. But even among Bush-era Republicans filling the bench, Hechts conservatism stood out. In 2000, he wrote a dissent to the majority ruling that allowed teens in Texas to get abortions with a judges approval if their parents wouldnt consent, and a few years earlier, he had ruled in favor of wealthy school districts that wanted to use local taxes to supplement state money. His pro-business bent stood out from the courts history of approving high-dollar payouts for plaintiffs. Alex Winslow, the executive director of Texas Watch, a consumer advocacy group, told The New York Times in 2005 that Hecht was the godfather of the conservative judicial movement in Texas." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Extremist would be an appropriate description, Winslow said. He's the philosophical leader of the right-wing fringe." The only other justice who regularly staked out such a conservative position, according to The New York Times, was Priscilla Owen, whom President George W. Bush appointed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2005. Hecht and Owen, who now goes by her maiden name, Richmond, wed in 2022. Wallace Jefferson, Hechts predecessor as chief justice, said Hechts sharp intellect and philosophical approach to the law improved the courts opinions, even when he ultimately didnt side with the majority. He was a formidable adversary, said Jefferson, now a partner at Alexander Dubose & Jefferson. You knew that you would have to bring your best approach and analysis to overcome Nathans approach and analysis. You had to come prepared, and Nathan set the standard for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hecht briefly became a national figure in 2005 when he helped Bushs efforts to confirm Harriet Miers to the U.S. Supreme Court. As her longtime friend, Hecht gave more than 120 interviews to bolster Miers conservative credentials, jokingly calling himself the PR office for the White House, Texas Monthly reported at the time. Nathan Hecht listens as the Supreme Court hears arguments on Senate Bill 14, a prohibition on gender-affirming care for transgender youths, in January. This advocacy work raised ethical questions that Hecht fought for years, starting with a reprimand from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, which he got overturned. The Texas Ethics Commission then fined him $29,000 for not reporting a discount on legal fees he paid challenging the reprimand. He appealed that fine, and the case stretched until 2016, when he paid $1,000. Hecht has largely stayed out of the limelight in the decades since, letting his opinions speak for themselves and wading into the political fray mostly to advocate for court reforms. While Democrats have tried to pin unpopular COVID-19 and abortion rulings on the justices in recent elections, Republicans continue to easily win these down-ballot races. Hecht is aware of the perception that the one-party dominance creates and has advocated for Texas to turn away from partisan judicial elections. In his 2023 state of the judiciary address, Hecht warned that growing political divisions were threatening the judicial independence essential to the rule of law, pointing to comments by both Democratic politicians and former President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in an interview, Hecht stressed that most of the cases the Texas Supreme Court considers never make headlines and are far from the politics that dominate Austin and Washington. There's no Republican side to an oil and gas case. There's no Democrat side to a custody hearing, he said. That's the bread and butter of what we do, and that's not partisan. Hechts reforms Unlike its federal counterpart, the Texas Supreme Court is often a temporary port of call on a judges journey. Many, like Abbott, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, leave for higher office. Others, like Owen and 5th Circuit Judge Don Willett, leave for higher courts. Most, like Phillips, leave for higher pay in private practice. But Hecht stayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt plan it like this, he said. I just kept getting reelected. Nathan Hecht laughs during a question-and-answer session after hearing two civil cases at the University of Houston Law Center in October. The Supreme Court travels twice a year to hold oral arguments in different areas of the state. Hecht had been considering retirement in 2013, when Jefferson, the chief justice who replaced Phillips, announced he would be stepping down. He wanted me to consider being his successor, Hecht said. So I did, and here I am. I didnt say, Let's spend 43 years on the bench, but one thing led to another. In 2013, Hecht was sworn in as chief justice by then-U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, another great dissenter whose views later became the majority. While the Texas Supreme Courts political makeup has changed largely without Hechts input, the inner workings of the court have been under his purview. And that, many court watchers say, is where his greatest legacy lies. Hecht ushered in an era of modernization, both to the technology and to the rules that govern justice in Texas. He led a push to simplify the appellate rules, removing many of the trapdoors and procedural quirks that led to important cases being decided on technicalities. The court scaled back how long cases could drag on by limiting discovery, including how long a deposition can go. And he ensured every case was decided before the term ended, like the U.S. Supreme Court. I think people generally don't understand the impact the rules can have on the equitable resolution of disputes, but they're enormous, Jefferson said. Nathan recognized that at an early juncture in his career. Hecht pushed Texas to adopt e-filing before many other states, which proved prescient when COVID-19 hit. Hecht, who was then president of the national Conference of Chief Justices, was able to help advise other states as they took their systems online. Hecht also dedicated himself to improving poor Texans access to the justice system, pushing the Legislature to appropriate more funding for legal aid and reducing the barriers to getting meaningful legal resolutions. He helped usher through a rule change that would allow paraprofessionals to handle some legal matters, such as estate planning, uncontested divorces and consumer debt cases, without a lawyers supervision. Some people call it the justice gap. I call it the justice chasm, Hecht said. Because its just a huge gulf between the people that need legal help and the ability to provide it. Hecht said hes glad this has been taken up as a bipartisan issue, and hes hopeful that the same attention will be paid even after he leaves the court. No judge wants to give his life's energy to a work that mocks the justice that he's trying to provide, he said. For the judiciary, this is an important issue, because when the promise of equal justice under law is denied because you're too poor, there's no such thing as equal justice under the law. What comes next Despite the sudden departure of its longtime leader, the Texas Supreme Court will return in January to finish out its term, which will end in April. Among the typical parsing of medical malpractice provisions, oil and gas leases, divorce settlements and sovereign immunity protections, the high court has a number of more attention-grabbing cases on its docket this year. Earlier this year, the court heard oral arguments about the Department of Family and Protective Services oversight of immigration detention facilities, and in mid-January, it will consider Attorney General Ken Paxtons efforts to subpoena Annunciation House, an El Paso nonprofit that serves migrants. It will also hear arguments about SMUs efforts to cut ties with the regional governing body of the United Methodist Church. Other cases will be added to the schedule before April. Phillips, who has argued numerous cases before the Texas Supreme Court since leaving the bench, said Hechts loss will be felt, but he expects the court to continue apace. Its not a situation like it might have been at some point in the past where if one justice left, nobody would know what to do next, he said. Its an extremely qualified court. As for Hecht, hes tried to put off thinking too much about what comes next for him. He still has opinions to write and work to finish. He knows he wants to stay active in efforts to improve court administration nationally and in Texas, and hes threatened his colleagues with writing a tell-all book, just to keep them on their toes. But beyond that, hes waiting for the reality of retirement to sink in before he decides on his next steps. Weve got 3,200 judges in Texas, plus adjuncts and associate judges and others, he said. I really think its such a strong bench, and I am proud to have been a part of it. I look forward to helping where I can. The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs and engages with Texans about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Conservative Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht retiring President Jimmy Carters legacy includes a shelf of over 30 books that he wrote over the course of his long life. Carter, who died Sunday, published more books than any other president, other than Theodore Roosevelt. Like Roosevelt, Carter wrote his own books without the help of ghost writers. As a result, Carters distinct voice and point of view comes through in every book that he published. Carters literary legacy provides a window into the workings of his mind. His books reflect his diverse interests, his deeply held values, and his creative spirit. He wrote books on a wide variety of topics, including politics, history and religion. He wrote several memoirs. He is one of only three presidents to publish a book of poetry, and he is the first president to publish a novel. Mark I. West Carter launched his career as an author in 1975 with the publication of Why Not the Best? He wrote this campaign autobiography in an effort to introduce himself to the nation. Many politicians publish autobiographical books as part of their campaigns, but Carters book differed from most in that Carter took a surprisingly introspective approach to telling his story. He wrote candidly about growing up in the segregated South, and he discussed how that experience helped shaped his commitment to civil rights. He wrote about the stresses of serving in the navy during World War II, and he reflected on the loneliness that he occasionally experienced as a politician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Arkansas Press republished Why Not the Best? in 1996 with a new introduction by Douglas Brinkley. Brinkley describes the books introspective passages as vulnerable poetry...hidden by the more potent political message. Ten years after the publication of his first book, Carter published The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East. This book stands as one of Carters most important works of history. In addition to covering the histories of the individual countries in the Middle East, he discussed how these countries religious backgrounds have contributed to the ongoing conflict in this region. Carters keen insights into the history of the Middle East help explain why he was able to negotiate the Camp David Peace Accords involving the President of Egypt and the Prime Minister of Israeli. Former President Jimmy Carter jokes with WCNC staff in Charlotte while getting makeup applied before a taped interview in January 2009. Carter was in town to sign copies of his book, We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land at a Walmart in Charlotte. Carters interest in creative writing is reflected in his books Always a Reckoning and Other Poems, which came out in 1995, and The Hornets Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War, which was published in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His poetry book is deeply personal. His poems deal with his childhood, his love of nature, and his family life. His historical novel reflects his long-standing interest in the role that the South played in the American Revolution. In researching his family history, Carter learned that some of ancestors fought in the American Revolution. Intrigued, he based several of the characters in the novel on these ancestors. Carter wrote several memoirs, but perhaps the best of them from a literary point of view is An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood. Published in in 2001, this book was a finalist for the 2002 Pulitzer Prize in Biography. One of the reasons this memoir is so successful is that it goes beyond recounting Carters experiences growing up on the family farm. These experiences are connected to larger issues, such as the impact of the Jim Crow laws on the day-to-day lives of real people. In many ways, this memoir is also a history the South during the Great Depression. Carters last book, Faith: A Journey for All, came out in 2018. While it has a religious focus, it is as much a memoir as it is a work on theology. Its about the role that faith played in Carters personal and public life. Part of the book, for example, is about how his volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity was an extension of his religious faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter also had faith in his fellow humans. As he wrote in the book, The human challenge now is to survive by having sustained faith in each other. Mark I. West is a professor in the Department of English at UNC Charlotte where he also holds the position of Bonnie E. Cone Professor in Civic Engagement. West and Frye Gaillard co-authored The Literary Legacy of Jimmy Carter, a collection of essays that was released earlier this month. (CUSTER COUNTY, Colo.) An active rockslide has closed the junction of Highway 96 and Highway 165 for safety concerns on Sunday, Dec. 29, around 3:30 p.m., according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Courtesy: FOX21 Viewer Sierra Wright Courtesy: FOX21 Viewer Sierra Wright Courtesy: Custer County Sheriffs Office Courtesy: FOX21 Viewer Sierra Wright According to COTrip, CO 96 is closed in both directions at County Road 358, 11 miles east of Silver Cliff at Mile Point 16.5. Highway 165 is also closed in both directions between CO96 and County Road 386, 29 miles south of Colorado City at Mile Point 1. Road closures are expected to last overnight. Courtesy: Colorado Department of Transportation According to the Custer County Sheriffs Office (CCSO), alternate routes include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rye to San Isabel to McKenzie Junction via Highway 165 or Canon City to Westcliffe via Oak Creek Grade (CR255) or Canon City to Westcliffe via Copper Gulch (CR 215) or Texas Creek to Westcliffe via Highway 69 As of 4:40 p.m., CCSO reported that the rockslide was still a danger and that an initial CDOT assessment determined that a geologist would need to respond to assess the situation. At 6 p.m., CCSO reported that CDOT anticipates a multi-day highway closure to allow an inspection by the geologist before crews can enter the slide zone and begin cleanup. Specialized rockfall mitigation may also be needed. CDOT will set up electronic sign message boards in Silver Cliff, Wetmore, and Rye. 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 FOX21 News Colorado. Russia launched more than 1,300 drones and over 250 missiles of various types against Kyiv in 2024, Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, announced on Dec. 30. Throughout the year, the capital endured over 500 air raid alerts and nearly 200 airstrikes. Among the missiles targeting Kyiv were over 200 cruise missiles including Kh-101, Kh-59, Kh-69, Iskander-K, and Kalibr 24 ballistic missiles such as the Iskander-M and KN-23, 22 air-launched ballistic missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and seven Zircon hypersonic missiles, according to Popko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are terrifying numbers. But the most horrifying fact is that these rockets and drones killed our residents and destroyed our homes," Popko wrote on Telegram. Nearly 550 residential buildings in Kyiv were damaged by Russian attacks in 2024, leaving around 120 people homeless, Popko said. "But the state will rebuild everything, ensuring housing for all, including Kyivans whose homes were destroyed by the aggressor and internally displaced Ukrainians who have made the capital their home," he added, noting that Kyiv saw an increase of nearly 11,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past year. Energy infrastructure was also heavily targeted, forcing Kyiv residents to endure approximately 100 days of power outages, with daily blackouts averaging nine hours, according to Popko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Although Kyiv has officially not been considered a zone of potential hostilities for two years, the war 'reminds' us of itself every day," he wrote. Earlier on Dec. 29, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that 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. "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. However, Popko ended his statement on a positive note, saying that in 2024, almost 21,000 babies were born in Kyiv hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So, we all have something and someone to fight for!" Read also: Its excruciating Ukrainians describe surviving Russian attacks that cost them health, loved ones, and homes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced that Russia will lift its moratorium on deploying medium- and short-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Source: Radio Liberty, citing Lavrov in an interview with Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti Details: Lavrov attributed this decision to the deployment of similar weapons by the United States. He said the US had "ignored warnings from Russia and China and has practically begun deploying weapons of this class in various regions of the world". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov mentioned the Oreshnik missile strike on Ukraine as an example of "combat testing" of a medium-range ballistic missile. When asked if Russia might withdraw from the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) before its expiration in February 2026, Lavrov stated that "it is now clear, for example, that our [Russian] moratorium on deploying medium- and short-range missiles is practically unviable and we will have to abandon it." For reference: Medium- and short-range missiles are ground-based ballistic and cruise missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres, usually designed to carry nuclear warheads. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed in 1987 in Washington between the United States and the Soviet Union, remaining in force until 2019. The US administration then stated that Russia had violated the treaty by deploying the 9M729 missile system and announced its withdrawal. The Russian Foreign Ministry officially declared the treaty had ceased to be in force in August 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that if US medium-range missiles were deployed in Europe, Russia would be compelled to deploy them as well but emphasised that Russia would not be the first to deploy such missiles in Europe. The US and NATO have since claimed that Russia has effectively violated its self-declared moratorium, citing the deployment of 9M729 missiles. Western experts assert these missiles have a range exceeding 500 kilometres, a claim Moscow denies. Background: Russian leader Vladimir Putin said in a speech to the Russian Defence Ministry that the West was "pushing Russia to the red line", and Moscow could not help but respond. Putin also said that US plans to deploy medium- and short-range precision-guided missiles in Europe were "causing concern" and that Russia would lift its restrictions under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty if the US started deploying such systems. Support UP or become our patron! A woman walking down the street in the village of Kivsharivka, Kharkiv Oblast, was killed in a Russian attack on 30 December. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration Quote: "A woman walking on the street was killed in an enemy attack in the village of Kivsharivka. Her identity is yet to be confirmed." Details: Reportedly, the Russians also damaged an apartment building. Law enforcement officers are currently working at the site. Support UP or become our patron! Al Jazeera has released a new video that it says shows Russian combat jets still at Khmeimim Air Base in Syria despite ongoing withdrawals. The fate of Russias presence at Khmeimim, as well as at its Tartus naval base, remains a hot topic of interest globally three weeks after the fall of long-time Syrian dictator and ally of Moscow Bashar Al Assad. Just this weekend, the head of the rebel coalition that ousted Assad pushed back on calls for a complete disengagement with the Kremlin, including when it comes to military affairs. Al Jazeera released the footage of Khmeimim (also written Hmeimim) earlier today, taken using a drone and seen below, but did not say when it was shot. A machine translation of the accompanying Arab text says exclusive footage from Al Jazeera shows a large presence of warplanes inside the Russian Hmeimim base. TWZ was not able to directly align what is seen in the clips with available satellite taken of the base recently. Other similar, but distinctly different footage of Khmeimim captured using a drone emerged back on Dec. 12. # pic.twitter.com/uECy9iUndG (@AJA_Syria) December 30, 2024 The footage from Al Jazeera does show three Flanker-series fighters and a swing-wing Su-24 Fencer combat jet under protected shelters at the northeastern end of the base. Another view shows what looks to be four more Flankers and/or Su-34 Fullbacks, which both have prominent stingers that extend from their tail ends, as well as six additional Fencers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video from Al Jazeera also shows additional aircraft and other activity at Khmeimim, including two Russian Il-76 Candid cargo planes and another one belonging to Syrian Airlines, on an open apron at the northwestern end of the facility. The Syrian Airlines Il-76 may be the one that went missing in the final chaotic moments before Assads fall, as you can read more about here. Smaller An-26 Curl and An-72 Coaler cargo aircraft, as well as an An-30 Clank, are visible elsewhere at Khmeimim in the latest footage from Al Jazeera. The An-30 is ostensibly an aerial survey aircraft, but can also be used as a transport. The video prominently shows ground-based radars still in operation at the base, as well. At least one of the radars looks to be a variant of the P-18, which can be used for air traffic control and general air surveillance. At the same time, even in the drone footage Al Jazeera published, there are signs that Russia is continuing to withdraw from Khmeimim. The video shows smoke billowing from an area just off to the side of the open apron where the Il-76s are parked, which could be from the burning of materiel. Destroying certain assets in place using fire and other means is commonly seen when military forces depart overseas facilities, especially if they have to do so on relatively short notice following major upheaval in a country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This newer drone video of Khmeimim Air Base in Syria appears to show the Russians burning whatever this collection of items is, visible here on Maxar images from December 13th. https://t.co/l8Z8OwsyHH pic.twitter.com/NDbByGun5k Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) December 30, 2024 The fact that drones can be flown so close to Khmeimim highlights the current vulnerability of Russian aircraft and other assets on the ground at the base. Russias military had already removed air defenses, including an S-400 surface-to-air missile system, and other materiel from Khmeimim. Russian forces that had been deployed elsewhere in Syria have also been congregating in recent weeks at the base, which is now under the watchful eye of rebel forces. Representatives of the new Syrian authorities are inspecting Russian Armed Forces armored vehicles at the gates of the checkpoint of the Russian airbase Khmeimim in Latakia. In fact, there can be no talk of defense or resistance the fate of the base is entirely in the hands of pic.twitter.com/283hQeS5vk WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) December 29, 2024 Hard to tell these days if the gate at Khmeimim airbase is meant to keep the Syrians out or the Russians in pic.twitter.com/Ihfl3YZBEE Preston Stewart (@prestonstew_) December 30, 2024 Russias forces have been separately massing at the Tartus naval base along with other signs of plans to withdraw from that facility. A Monolit-B coastal surface and air surveillance radar that had been in place for years to provide important situational awareness around the facility notably looks to have at least been packed up weeks ago. The December 17th Maxar imagery shows that Russia has now removed its Monolit-B coastal sea-surface and air radar from its fixed location at Tartus where it was deployed for years.A major asset for the base and another sign that Tartus will cease to operate in the near future. Oliver Alexander (@oalexanderdk.bsky.social) 2024-12-20T18:45:09.402Z Satellite imagery has continued to show Russian warships holding just off the coast of Tartus amid reports that amphibious warfare ships and commercial cargo vessels are headed there to collect personnel and materiel. The Russian cargo ship Ursa Major, which may have been headed for Tartus, notably sank in the Mediterranean last week after reportedly suffering an explosion in its engine room. Much about the circumstances surrounding the incident remains unclear, as you can read more about here. Med Sea Flotilla Sentinel 2 from 25 Dec 2024 of the port of Tartus and the anchorage Piers still empty and equipment waiting to load North of the piers are Adm Grigorovich and Golovko Caveats apply but Ropucha Class Shabalin may be inbound pic.twitter.com/ezj1OPYCC6 MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) December 25, 2024 Even before Assad fell, TWZ highlighted the significance of Russias Khmeimim and Tartus bases and explored questions about what might happen to them if Assad were to be ousted from power. The facilities offer the Kremlin highly strategic and unique air and naval power projection nodes for operations in the Mediterranean and Africa. Russias intervention in Syria beginning in 2015 was instrumental in keeping Assad in power and, by extension, retaining access to these important facilities. The regime in Damascus rewarded Moscow by essentially gifting it the bases through a 49-year lease deal in 2017. There are reports that Russia could be redeploying forces from Syria to bases in Libya and elsewhere in Africa. A view of a gate to Khmeimim Air Base on Dec. 29, 2024. The Russian soldier, at right, is said to be inspecting a petition from a Syrian man from Aleppo who was a former resident of Russia, asking to repatriate his daughter back to Syria. AAREF WATAD/AFP via Getty Images AAREF WATAD Russias relationship with Assad and its active operations against the same rebels now seeking to form a new Syrian government have raised obvious questions about the future of its bases in the country. Combat jets at Khmeimim were still flying strikes against rebel forces right up until the collapse of the former regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, we dont want Russia to exit Syria in a way that undermines its relationship with our country, Ahmad Al Sharaa said in an interview with Saudi Arabian state-owned news outlet Al Arabiya this weekend. We do not want Russia to leave Syria in the way that some wish. Al Sharaa, still better known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad Al Jolani (and other simply just as Jolani), is head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the rebel coalition that deposed Assad. All of Syrias arms are of Russian origin, and many power plants are managed by Russian experts, Al Sharaa further told Al Arabiya, while also highlighting the deep strategic interests of what he described as the second most powerful country in the world. Ahmad Al Sharaa addresses a crowd at Umayyad Mosque in Damascus in the immediate aftermath of the fall of Assads regime on Dec. 8, 2024. Aref TAMMAWI/AFP via Getty Images In his interview with Al Arabiya, Al Sharaa also said that Syria cannot continue without relations with an important regional country like Iran, but stressed that relations must be based on respect for the sovereignty of both countries and noninterference in the affairs of both countries. The HTS leader has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the regime in Tehran, another one of Assads major foreign benefactors, and how it wields its regional influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the fall of Assad, Al Sharaa has been very actively working broadly to present the new government HTS is working to form as a pragmatic and moderate entity. HTS is an evolution of an Al Qaeda franchise in Syria, but claimed to have broken ties with the international terrorist organization in 2016. HTS itself remains a designated terrorist group in Russia, as well as the United States and many other countries. The U.S. government is reportedly set to withdraw a $10 million bounty on Al Sharaa personally following a visit to the country by an American delegation earlier this month. As the fledging government in Damascus works to move Syria beyond its pariah status under Assad, it is also facing pressure to realign itself, particularly away from Russia. Ukraine has notably been positioning itself as an alternative partner for the new Syrian government. Ukrainian operatives had reportedly worked with Syrian rebel groups, particularly when it came to providing assistance in expanding their kamikaze drone capabilities, in the lead-up to the fall of Assad. We believe that from a strategic point of view, the removal of Russias presence in Syria will contribute to the stability of not only the Syrian state but the entire Middle East and Africa, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a statement around an official visit to Damascus just today where he met with Al Sharaa and others. The Russian and Assad regimes supported each other because they were based on violence and torture. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, at left, meets with Ahmad Al Sharaa, at right, in Damascus, on Dec. 30, 2024. Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images For their part, Russian authorities have persistently claimed that no final decision has been reached on Khmeimim and Tartus, despite reports that they could be on the verge of being forced out of Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HTS-led authorities in Damascus still face broad challenges in establishing a functional nationwide government in a country where various other domestic and international actors continue to hold significant sway. Fighting between Turkish-supported and U.S.-backed forces in the northeastern end of the country has spiked since the fall of Assad. Israel is also now occupying a portion of southern Syria, ostensibly as a buffer zone amid the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Israeli and American forces have also taken advantage of the newly permissive airspace over Syria, especially the once heavily guarded western end of the country, to launch major airstrikes in recent weeks targeting former regime military assets and ISIS terrorists, respectively. For the moment, at least, Russia does continue to maintain a military presence in Syria, including combat jets still at Khmeimim, despite continued signs of withdrawal. Editors note: The headline for this story was supposed to have read Signs Russian Fighter Jets Still At Syrian Base, Top Rebel Leader Pushes Back On Total Exit For Moscow. This was fixed after publishing. Contact the author: joe@twz.com GAZA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned on Monday that the "obliteration" of the healthcare system in the northern Gaza Strip puts civilians at grave risk. "Repeated hostilities in and around hospitals have obliterated the healthcare system in northern Gaza, putting civilians at an unacceptable risk of losing access to lifesaving care," the ICRC said. The statement urged respect and protection for medical facilities under international humanitarian law, stressing this is not just a legal duty but a moral necessity to protect human lives. It added that hospitals are lifelines for the injured and sick during conflicts. Currently, Al-Awda Hospital, which the ICRC had previously supported with supplies, is facing increased pressure as one of the few medical facilities still struggling to operate in northern Gaza, it noted. The statement highlighted that Kamal Adwan and Indonesian hospitals are now out of service. For months, the two hospitals have struggled to care for patients amid bloodshed which has damaged the facilities and put medical staff and patients at risk. It warned that the medical needs of patients can no longer be fully met, and the influx of patients, their companions, and displaced civilians seeking shelter has created an overwhelming situation that healthcare workers cannot deal with. The Israeli military has been continuing its raids and strikes in northern Gaza. It recently completed a targeted operation against Kamal Adwan Hospital there, claiming a "Hamas command center" was embedded within it. The military announced Saturday the arrest of more than 240 Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives in this operation, saying some of them tried to disguise themselves as patients or escape in ambulances. Among those arrested was Hussam Abu Safia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital. (Reuters) - Ukrainian forces staged a new attack on the town of Lgov in southern Russia's Kursk region on Monday, badly damaging a two-storey apartment building, the region's acting governor said, a week after four people were killed in another strike. Alexander Khinshtein, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said one person was injured in the latest attack in the region, where Ukrainian forces have seized a chunk of territory after launching an incursion in August. Khinshtein said power lines were down in two areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their purpose is to frighten people, sow confusion, panic and chaos," Khinshtein said of the Ukrainian attack. "And to deny children the chance to enjoy the forthcoming New Year." Ukraine's military reported the damage and posted pictures of what it said was a fire in the town, but made no mention of who was behind the attack. Reuters could not independently verify the account. Khinshtein last week said four people were killed and five injured in Ukrainian shelling of residential buildings and other sites in Lgov. Five people were killed earlier this month in a Ukrainian missile attack on Rylsk, another town in the Kursk region. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Sandra Maler) US Abrams tanks have seen combat in Ukraine, where Soviet-style tanks are by far the most prevalent. Soviet-style tanks are smaller and lighter than their American counterparts. Both designs have their strengths and weaknesses. Both Russian Soviet-style tanks and the American-made Abrams are at war in Ukraine, as well as in Russia's Kursk region. From the design and combat capability perspectives, the two tank styles are very different. The Soviet-style T-series tanks, like the popular T-72 tanks that both the Russians and the Ukrainians use, are smaller and lighter than the Abrams and are operated by fewer crew members with less protection. They are less heavily armored but have a lower profile than the heavy Abrams tanks now being used by Ukrainian forces. The Russian tanks feature notoriously dangerous autoloaders but are also easier to mass-produce. Ukraine operates a small force of M1A1 Abrams tanks that were built for a war with the Soviets and defeated Soviet-made armor in the Gulf War. The Iraqi tanks were downgraded T-72 models, similar to how Ukrainian Abrams are export models without the top upgrades. Still, Ukraine's soldiers have praised the Abrams. American M1A1 Abrams tanks in Iraq in 1991 during the Gulf War. Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images "It's better than T-72, T-62, and even Russian T-90," a Ukrainian tank commander recently told Business Insider. Ukraine has operated both Soviet-style and Western-style tanks, giving its troops a clear picture of the differences between the two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like other tanks and armored vehicles in Ukraine, the Abrams is facing challenges with the constant threat of drones, land mines, and anti-tank missiles, forcing it into an atypical role, but the tank is still valuable. Along with the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, it has strengthened the combat capability of the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade. "It's an infinitely superior system," Robert Greenway, a retired Army officer who was assigned to the Abrams for a time and is now a national security expert at the Heritage Foundation think tank, told BI when the Abrams tanks were arriving. "The A1 may be old in the sense that it's been in our inventory for quite some time, but it's far superior to anything that the Russians have." Russian tanks were built with quantity and mobility in mind Ukraine has operated both its own Soviet-style tanks and Western-style tanks. ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP via Getty Images Soviet-style tanks are smaller targets that can be harder to hit and easier to hide. That smaller size means less material demand, allowing Russia to turn out more of them. The US took a different approach. "We were never going to produce as many tanks as the Russians," Greenway told BI in the fall. "We were just going to produce one that was able to take out multiple Russian tanks and survive the process." Tanks like the T-72 weigh roughly 20 tons less than the Abrams and are visibly shorter and less long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Soviets wanted more for less with greater mobility, while the US, thinking about the need to make a stand against a Soviet armor onslaught, was more focused on firepower and survivability. "A lot of this comes down to the philosophies, the general overarching military philosophies of each side," said Jeffrey Edmonds, a former US Army tanker who is an expert in national security. "You have the Soviets that viewed quantity as a quality of its own and the American side, which had a technological advantage across most domains." Russian tanks are designed to be smaller, more compact, and harder to hit. Raj K Raj/Getty Images Throughout the war in Ukraine, Russia has relied on its T-72s, T-80s, and T-90s, which share certain design features. That Soviet-style design smaller, lighter, and lower to the ground makes the tanks somewhat harder to engage in certain environments and more mobile, but the tanks lack the kind of thick armor that shields Abrams crews. In the Abrams, ammunition is stored behind the turret and separated from the crew by blast doors in protected racks for safety. The Soviet-style tanks store ammo in the turret, leading to catastrophic ends if ammo is ignited by a hit on the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All design considerations were guided by general principles of mass and mobility," Edmonds said of Soviet tanks. Abrams tanks are bulkier and more powerful The Abrams boasts hefty armor designed to emphasize crew survivability. Cpl Tyler L. Main/USMC/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US originally planned to send the Ukrainians newer M1A2 tanks but decided to expedite the process by opting for the older M1A1 instead. Kyiv received only 31 Abrams tanks, which have been operated by Ukraine's 47th Mechanized Brigade. Though the M1A1 is older, it's still a capable asset. The Abrams' original purpose was to counter Soviet-style tanks in a land war in Europe, boasting stronger armor to take more hits and prioritize crew survivability. During the Gulf War, US Army assessments noted multiple instances of enemy fire bouncing off of the tanks, which were able to survive multiple hits and continue dealing damage. Despite being heavier, the Abrams boasts maneuverability thanks to its powerful engine. JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images The Abrams' lethality stems in part from its depleted-uranium penetrator rounds, which are highly effective at piercing enemy armor because the rod sharpens on impact and the metal fragments may also ignite, potentially leading to a catastrophic kill. Most Russian tanks don't fire this ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its powerful gas-turbine engine, which is sometimes compared to a jet engine, can get the 60-ton A1 up to 45 mph, offering the heavy tank sufficient agility. The Abrams, however, is complicated to maintain. When Ukraine received its tanks, experts said keeping a consistent supply chain of spare parts and materials to repair damaged A1s would be difficult, but US officials have said they've sent "a lot more spare parts" to keep the line going. The limits of the tank Drones have been a persistent threat in the war in Ukraine. MikeMareen via Getty Images In Ukraine, both the Soviet-style and American-made tanks are struggling. Drones, a relatively new and now persistent threat, as well as anti-tank weapons and land mines, have proved particularly problematic. Both Ukraine and Russia have been building increasingly complex cages on their tanks to defend against drones. These have hurt Soviet-designed tanks, eliminating their low profile, but tank battles are less common, potentially making that less of an issue. Russia has suffered massive tank losses in the Ukraine war. ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images The Abrams has played less of a role, and, instead, US-provided Bradley infantry fighting vehicles are a significant asset. The US has sent more than 300 Bradleys to Kyiv since early 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bradleys have been seen transporting troops and materiel around the front lines and even duking it out with Russian T-90s, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed as the best tank in the world. Ryan Pickrell contributed to this reporting. Read the original article on Business Insider UCG/Getty Images The resurgence of the American labor movement is being led in no small part by a cohort of young, diverse, fired-up workers around the country. Union density remains embarrassingly low overall, but last month the National Labor Relations Board, or NLRB, released some genuinely inspiring numbers that suggest the perceived upswing in union activity is more than just a vibe. During the 2024 fiscal year, which ended in September, the number of union petitions filed jumped 27% compared with 2023 and was more than double what the agency received in 2021. Why does this matter? Basically, filing these petitions is a concrete sign that more people are trying to unionize their workplaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take We already know that unions are popular, especially among young people. A 2022 report from the Center for American Progress found that Gen Z is the most pro-union generation in the US, and young organizers have been at the forefront of many labor actions in recent years, including the Starbucks union campaign. This new generation of organizers is embracing all sorts of strategies, including one of the oldest tactics in the pro-union handbook: salting. Salting is an organizing tactic in which a person gets a job at a specific workplace with the goal of unionizing their coworkers. This kind of shop-floor organizing has a long history within the labor movement, and was once so common it was thoroughly unremarkable; if you were a young worker with socialist or progressive ideas in, say, the early 1900s, it was the most normal thing in the world to start talking to your coworkers about unionizing as soon as youd learned their names. Compared to being a full-time union [organizer] supporting from the outside, it's easier to organize people when you're in the trenches with them as a co-worker, building personal relationships and trust day-by-day on the shop floor, explains Eric Blanc, an assistant professor of labor studies and employment relations at Rutgers University and trainer for the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee, which connects workers with union organizers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salting popped up again in a big way during the 1960s and '70s, when workers who were already involved in anti-Vietnam War protests and the Black power movement found themselves also organizing on the job. Former salt and factory worker Jon Melrod wrote in his memoir, Fighting Times: Organizing on the Front Lines of the Class War, Along with thousands of other student revolutionaries, I believed that our generation could organize workers and poor people to fight for an end to exploitation, racial oppression, and sexual discrimination, and to bring to birth a new world in which hunger, poverty, inequality, and environmental destruction were forever banished. Melrods time organizing auto workers in the tumultuous 1970s and into the '80s may seem like a world away from making cappuccinos in a coffee shop in western New York, but when Teen Vogue reached out to Jaz Brisack, one of the most well-known salts in the modern labor movement, their experiences started to sound awfully familiar. When Brisack started working at the Starbucks on Buffalos Elmwood Avenue in 2020, they brought plenty of prior organizing experience with them. Fresh off a successful organizing campaign at another local coffee chain, Spot Coffee, and motivated by the sting of an earlier, failed union drive at a Nissan factory in Mississippi, Brisack decided to start working at Starbucks after witnessing what they believed was a friends unjust firing. Within a year, Starbucks Workers United was born. I had learned about salting at Inside Organizer School trainings, and knew that it was an amazing tactic because it allows you to build relationships with co-workers, map your workplace, and get ready to launch a campaign with the speed necessary to take a company by surprise, Brisack tells Teen Vogue via email. With a team of 10 salts across Starbucks cafes in Buffalo, we were able to launch a campaign with enough support quickly enough that Starbucks wasn't able to prepare their union-busting efforts ahead of time which was essential to our ability to win. Four years after starting their job at Starbucks, Brisack is currently a practitioner in residence at the UC Berkeley Labor Center, where theyre working on building out the Insider Organizer School. Their goal for that project is to give young people a path into the labor movement and to help unions build salting programs and take advantage of this incredible tactic so that they can help more workers organize. Meanwhile, Starbucks Workers United has continued to organize store after store, and recently hit a major milestone: The union represents 507 stores and more than 11,500 workers nationwide, as of late October, and is in the midst of bargaining its first contract with Starbucks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brisack and the other salts involved in that campaign obviously did a hell of a job, but theyre far from the only pro-union workers trying to spice up the workplace. The Rank & File Project (RFP) is a national organizing effort founded last year to recruit young progressive and socialist activists to join the labor movement. Explains Cyn, a 24-year-old pre-nursing student whos planning to pursue a union job in nursing in the Bay Area, Specifically, we're hoping that people join the labor movement at the level of rank and file, where we can have trusting relationships with our co-workers and organize together as equals. Cyn, who has asked to withhold their last name given the sensitive nature of their work, is a member of the RFPs steering committee. We believe that in order to transform the world, to fight for an ambitious, radical agenda, we need to build not just any kind of labor movement, but a strong, democratic, and increasingly left-wing labor movement, Cyn continues. There have been political events, especially within the past decade, that have really radicalized a lot of young people and created a generation that's hungry to practice radical politics, and we want to show them that one really potent way to do that is to join the labor movement as rank and file workers, especially in industries where organizing can have an outsized impact. RFP has received support from movement stalwarts like Labor Notes and Teamsters for a Democratic Union, both of which boast members with personal experience in salting from its 1960s and '70s glory days. Another RFP member (who requested anonymity to avoid outing himself at work) is currently employed at the United Parcel Service, or UPS, and has joined their Teamsters local. He has previous experience as a student at Cornell Universitys School of Industrial and Labor Relations and working as a union staffer, but felt he could make more of a difference on the shop floor. My job is to get in here, do a good job, and help my co-workers understand the contract and build solidarity with people, he tells Teen Vogue. Its a lot of fun. Personally, I feel like I can relate to my co-workers at this job a lot better than I could at my white-collar jobs. Since his workplace already has a strong union, he sees his role as more political, and tries to use shared circumstances as an opportunity to make the connection between desired changes in the workplace and taking collective action. You don't have to slam the socialism button, he says. Usually someone will bring up an issue to me, and I will use socialism like, my analysis, all the things that I learned through my struggle and through school and try to connect the dots for them; explain what I understand about collective action and how that can be an answer to some of their problems; and what it looks like to build collective action and use our labor power you just kind of talk like a normal person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Changing the world for the better has been the goal of many generations of workers; some pulled it off and some didnt, but the most important thing for all of us is to keep trying. Salting is just one way out of many to go about it, but Brisack is a big fan: Unions are at 6% density in the private sector, and yet there are millions of workers who would like to organize their workplace, they say. Salts can help show their co-workers that a better life is possible and get things rolling in that direction. Yet as romantic or glamorous as the undercover aspects of salting might seem (especially if youve watched Boots Rileys absurdist anti-capitalist epic Sorry to Bother You), Blanc says its just as important for young workers to stick around and organize at their current jobs. There are union drives happening in tech, higher ed, media, and so many other industries. Theres no need to run off and try to get a new gig at an auto factory if youre already late for your shift at Amazon though salts have reportedly been pretty busy there too. As Rutgers' Blanc sees it, the bottom line is simple: Every job would benefit from a union and any job can become a union job if you're willing to put in the work to organize your co-workers. You heard them. Lets get to work! Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more labor coverage? VICKSBURG, Miss. (WJTV) The Salvation Army is encouraging individuals and businesses to consider year-end giving to help meet the growing needs in their communities. The end of the year is a time of reflection, gratitude, and generosity, said Major Janna Torgerson, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army. For many, the holidays are joyful, but for others, they bring significant challenges. Year-end giving makes a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed not just during the holidays, but throughout the entire year. How can you help Mississippi storm victims? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations made before December 31 are tax-deductible for the current year and go directly to helping individuals and families in need within the local community. Those interested in supporting The Salvation Army can make a donation in several ways: Online : Visit Give Now Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi Division or vicksburgkettle.org By Mail: Send a check to The Salvation Army of Vicksburg 530 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39183 We want to thank everyone who gave during the holiday season, said Torgerson. We look forward to continuing to minister and do good this next year. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News 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 WJTV. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) Volunteers in San Jose achieved a major milestone on Sunday, surpassing their 2024 goal of donating 40,000 pounds of food. 10 years later: Where is the San Francisco SantaCon bank bandit? The Farmers Market Project, run by volunteers from St. Francis of Assisi Church, has been collecting unsold food from the Evergreen Village Square Farmers Market for the past 15 years. This year, their efforts resulted in over 41,000 pounds of fresh produce being donated to those in need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every Sunday, rain or shine, the volunteers gather to collect unsold food that farmers cant sell or dont want to take back to their farms. The food is then delivered to the Family Supportive Housing Project on North King Road. This shelter supports about 80 adults and 104 children, providing them with fresh vegetables year-round. They do not buy any canned goods or vegetables because were able to supply them year-round with the donations we get from the vendors, one volunteer told KRON4. This is one of the better years we have on record now. It has to do with the generosity of the vendors giving us this produce and the number of volunteers who come every Sunday to help. 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 KRON4. Sandy Springs police have arrested a man they said waved a gun at a child. Police caught the gunman in some woods off of Spalding Drive Tuesday afternoon after a brief manhunt. Neighbors said they were surprised that something like this happened in their neighborhood. So far, police have not released the name of the suspect. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Expendable troops are essential to Russia's costly advance in Ukraine. Criminals allow Russia to expand its army without resorting to a larger mobilization. Convict troops may be more useful in urban warfare than in open terrain or mechanized warfare. To Westerners, the solution was inhuman. To compensate for the dismal performance of its troops in the early months of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia formed assault units of convicts and other "expendables" in 2023. But for Vladimir Putin's government to whom only victory mattered sending waves of troops meant to absorb bullets has enabled more valued Russian regulars to seize more ground from Ukraine. The laboratory for this ruthless approach came at the Battle of Bakhmut in late 2022 and early 2023, when the Wagner Group a mercenary outfit employed assault units consisting mostly of imprisoned people who were pardoned in return for fighting in Ukraine. This approach, combined with area battering of glide-bombing, has outlasted Wagner Group's involvement, allowing Russian forces to seize more land without triggering the unrest back home that could threaten Putin's rule. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Wagner and the battle for Bakhmut, to some extent became a test bed for Russian forces to determine how best to exploit convicts as an expendable force," the researcher Michael Kofman wrote in a study of Russian military adaptation for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank in Washington, DC. "Wagner's methods were brutal and coercive, but effective. The Russian military was interested in the latter and less concerned with the former." Turning criminals into soldiers isn't a new idea. Judges in America routinely offered defendants a choice between going to jail or going into the service (today's US military frowns on applicants with criminal records, though waivers are possible). But Russia has taken this to a new level out of deep need. After losing an estimated 700,000 troops to death, injury, or desertion in the nearly three years since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia should be resorting to mass conscription to replace its losses. Prisons and jails provide an easy pool of expendable manpower without sparking popular discontent among the Russian public over the draft. As for the criminals, the fact that many volunteer for suicide squads says much about conditions in Russian prisons. Not that Russia has ever been particularly solicitous about the lives of its soldiers. In World War II, the Red Army frequently used penal battalions for tasks such as clearing minefields under fire. But even by those standards, Wagner was ruthless. Its tactics "depended on simplicity and severe punishment to enforce compliance," Kofman wrote. Soldiers who refused to advance, or who retreated without orders, were simply executed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wagner warfare was waged on the cheap. "Convict units were given cheap commercial cell phones without SIM cards," Kofman wrote. "The phones had offline maps installed with numerically indicated waypoints and GPS. Wagner commanders would order assault groups to move forward with these preset waypoints over cheap, unencrypted radios, and the convict assault groups would pass back their locations with code words." Russia's capacity to outfire Ukrainian artillery has also made it more difficult for Ukrainian defenders to hold their positions. Russian Defense Ministry/Anadolu via Getty Images One of the tragedies of the Ukraine war is that these tactics have some efficacy for nations willing to treat their citizens as disposable. After nearly a year of bitter combat, Bakhmut was captured in May 2023. Russia may have suffered as many as 100,000 dead and wounded, according to the US government. "The attrition ratio was favorable to Ukraine, at an average rate of one to four in terms of those killed or seriously wounded, with the bulk of Russian casualties coming from convict-staffed formations employed by Wagner," Kofman wrote. "Publicly available sources suggest that 88 percent of Wagner's losses over the course of the battle for Bakhmut were among convicts." Ukrainian losses were smaller but more keenly felt. "The fight drained experienced personnel on the Ukrainian side, while the Russian military could concentrate artillery, and expendable infantry formations around Bakhmut in a grinding attritional battle," Kofman noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, while the Russian military has been criticized for rigid tactics, the Wagner convict units proved adaptable under desperate circumstances. For example, the selection of its leaders was impromptu. "Wagner regulars determined who the best convicts were during training, and they would be appointed as the commanders of assault groups," Kofman wrote. In some cases, the convict units infiltrated and enveloped Ukrainian positions. In others, they attempted to overwhelm the Ukrainians with multiple waves coming from different directions. By returning fire, Ukrainians disclosed their positions, and repeated Wagner attacks sought to expend their ammunition. Once the convicts had worn down the Ukrainians, Wagner regular (non-convict) troops would go to finish the job. "Execution was tactically flexible, with units changing course of action depending on the conditions," the report said. "If a position was too strong, they could switch to another." "The main factors enabling Wagner's operations were availability of expendable convicts from Russia's prison system, artillery support from the Russian army which provided a fires advantage, and the presence of supporting Russian units holding Wagner's flanks to secure their campaign." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wagner's power in Russia ebbed after the group's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, died in a mysterious plane crash in 2023 after mounting a failed mutiny. Its mercenaries have found profitable employment overseas, especially in mineral-rich and human rights-challenged countries in Africa whose governments need military support against Islamist groups and other insurgents. But Wagner's legacy lives on in what Kofman calls the "Wagnerization" of the Russian military. The Russian army now relies on Storm-Z (now Storm-V) assault units consisting of ill-trained and ill-equipped people drawn from prisons. Soldiers complain their chance of surviving the war is no more than 25%, according to the BBC. The question is whether the convict-soldier concept is effective. The Carnegie study suggests they are in some cases, especially in urban warfare, where structures provide more cover for small units of lightly armed infantry to get within striking distance of enemy strongpoints and armor. But convict units haven't fared well in open terrain and in mechanized warfare where tanks and other heavy weapons are needed. As such, they are best used as auxiliaries for regular troops. Wave assaults over open ground fed to the soaring toll as Russia advanced in November. Either way, the Russian people pay the price. Those who survive the war come home to their communities as free citizens, where some former prisoners commit the same crimes such as murder that got them imprisoned in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds a master's in political science from Rutgers University. Follow him on X and LinkedIn. Read the original article on Business Insider AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced it will temporarily close and detour part of Atomic Road in Aiken County for bridge repairs starting Jan. 6, 2025. Atomic Road will be open to local traffic only except at the bridge sites. A detour route has been put in place. Please note that both the northbound and southbound sides of Atomic Road will be closed at the bridge sites during construction, a statement from SCDOT said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closures are expected to last until August 2025. Drivers are encouraged to slow down and pay attention to signs and crews when driving through work zones. 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 WJBF. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Shelby County Sheriffs Office deputy was taken to a rehabilitation facility Monday morning after receiving months-long treatment from Regional One Hospital. This comes after Deputy Samuel Lilley was involved in a motorcycle accident back in October that left him critically injured. Lilleys family says they are thankful for the love and support received over the past two months and asks that everyone continues to keep him in prayer during the next steps of his healing process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dedication and concern that the men and women of the Shelby County Sheriffs Office, as well as the citizens of Shelby County, have poured out for Sergeant Lilley has been heartwarming, and I ask that we all keep him in our thoughts and prayers, said Sheriff Floyd Bonner, Jr. ORIGINAL STORY: I pray that hes ok: 2 deputies injured in crashes on US-64 On October 15, two SCSO motorcycle deputies were injured during separate crashes by less than two miles in Lakeland on US-64. A SCSO motorcycle unit deputy was hit by a car on Highway 64 at Cobb Road. Deputy Lilley was struck by a vehicle at Highway 64, just east of Houston Levee while en route to the first accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first deputy was taken to Regional One Hospital in non-critical condition. Deputy Lilley was taken in critical condition and placed on life support. 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. ABU DHABI, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday to discuss bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, UAE's official news agency WAM reported. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a focus on developments in the Middle East, the report said. Both sides emphasized the importance of bolstering collaborative efforts to achieve peace, security, and stability for the peoples of the region, the report added. Meanwhile, a statement from Turkiye's president said that the two leaders discussed situations in Syria and Palestine, along with other regional and global issues. The Turkish president stressed the importance of establishing a Syria "where different ethnic and religious groups live side by side in peace, and of ensuring unity in the country," according to the statement. Erdogan said efforts must be made to prevent the Islamic State from capitalizing on the region's instability and urged measures to stop Israel from using the current situation to disrupt the evolving process in Syria. A 22-year-old man was stabbed in an unprovoked attack Sunday evening in downtown Seattle, according to police. Officers responded to the 1200 block of South Jackson Street at 6:39 p.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing. When they arrived, they found the victim with a stab wound to his lower back. Police provided first aid until Seattle Fire Department medics transported the man to Harborview Medical Center. He remains in serious but stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses reported that the suspect, described as a Hispanic woman wearing a black shirt and carrying a brown bag, approached the victim, punched him, and then stabbed him without warning. She then ran southbound. Officers recovered the knife at the scene, which will be processed as evidence. A search of the area for the suspect was unsuccessful. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. For the record: 12:33 p.m. Dec. 30, 2024: An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of author Craig Fehrman. After Jimmy Carter was defeated in the 1980 presidential election a reporter asked if hed write a memoir. The reply was certain, "Yes ... I intend to write more than one book, as a matter of fact. Carter who died Sunday at the age of 100 was, as always, a man of his word. Over the next four decades, Carter, without a ghostwriter, produced about 30 books, more than any other modern president. That output goes beyond memoirs to include books about aging, his mother, faith, peace, and good governance as well as a book of poetry, a historical novel and a childrens book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter doesnt factor in the rankings of most important presidents but as a presidential author hes incredibly important and unique, says Craig Fehrman, whose book Author in Chief looked at presidential writings. The only person in terms of sheer output that you can compare to him is Teddy Roosevelt. But with Carter its also that he wrote about so many different subjects. Richard Nixon wrote a number of books but almost all are variations on the same theme: Nixon as an international wise man. Fehrman, who notes that Carter was one of the first serious American writers to use a word processor it was bigger than a microwave and each floppy disk could save only 30 pages spoke recently by video about Carters library and legacy. Did Jimmy Carter write the sort of pre-campaign memoir, the way every presidential candidate now seems to? His first book, Why Not the Best? is really important. It was a campaign book. There wasnt a lot of interest, so he published it with a small religious press and it became a huge bestseller. It got republished as a mass market paperback and sold nearly a million copies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It felt like a sales pitch but it was a sales pitch voters wanted to hear. It was a very optimistic, sunny book focused on old-fashioned things like duty and honor. In that cynical moment America was excited to meet an outsider who cared more about doing the right thing than the advantageous or profitable thing. It does have some surprising and honest moments, talking about his fathers racial discomfort in Georgia and how he related to Black people and how he didnt necessarily agree with his father. What was he like as a writer? When he was president, Carter went back and read every inaugural address asking, "What should the speech do, how can I contribute something to this tradition? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And when you look at him as a writer you can also see what he was like as a human being he was a very sincere and studious writer and when you look at his process you see his humility. When he wrote his book of poetry, he asked some poets at the University of Arkansas Will you tutor me? Essentially, he had a graduate seminar in poetry. He would really work hard and make himself a student of every genre. He would do the work and respect the work that came before him and really take his time. That is unique among former presidents, who are busy people and confident people. He cared a lot about reading and writing and did not want to rush out a product. The process tells us as much about Jimmy Carter as the poems do. That studious approach makes sense given his engineering background. Thats an astute point. He took an analytical approach to writing. He thought in terms of genre and precedence, and hed break something down to understand how it worked and that would help him build something. So the engineering parallel is extremely apt. I also imagine thats why he liked the word processor. Most post-presidency books are about people touting their successes and justifying things deemed mistakes. How honest was Carter compared to other presidents? Asking how honest a presidential memoir was is a category error. Theyre not historians. Yes, its a presidents spin but its interesting Carter may have made the wrong choice but he had reasons, and hearing his account is fascinating and useful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter said, Im going to write a very personal book. But every president says that. And most memoirs are not personal theyre usually dull and one-sided. They worry about being statesmanlike or about settling scores. It feels inherent to the kind of person who becomes president and survives four or eight years facing those attacks. With Carter, a telling example is the story in his memoir about when the pope came to visit the White House. Rosalynn Carters memoir says that after the pope left they watched a Bo Derek movie. I love that detail it makes me like the Carters more, not less but his book doesnt include that detail. He probably thought it wasnt statesmanlike. Was his White House Diary from 2010, so long after his presidency, any different? That one is frustrating because he only includes about a quarter of his diary and it felt like a quarter of the book are his modern views on the diary. Its Here are selections from my diary and heres my take on why I was right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We finally get to see what he thought as president, but then Jimmy Carter from 2010 cant stop from grabbing the mic and chiming in, saying, You need to know this, or heres why I didnt get a fair shake. People often talk about Carters humility but you dont get to be president without a healthy ego. How much is that ego in his writings, or does he work to hide that because it is off brand? The presidential memoir and White House Diary are the best places to see that ego. In White House Diary" you see his arguments with Ted Kennedy and with Ronald Reagan, where Jimmy Carter clearly thinks he was right and he thinks those figures prevented him from doing things that he thought would have benefited America. But more than most presidents, Carter was able to write books where he could set that ego aside and didnt return to politics and score-settling and instead explained who he was and where he came from. Those are the most honest pictures of him as a person. President Carter greets the crowd at a town meeting in 1979. (Anonymous / Associated Press) Whats your favorite of his books? An Hour Before Daylight is a short memoir about him growing up in Georgia. Its a beautiful book I dont mean its a beautiful book for a president to have written, its a beautiful book for any American author. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It captures the messiness of the South that he grew up in. Its so detailed and simple and lyrical and honest that its also a good reminder of the America Jimmy Carter fell in love with when he was this long-shot outsider running for president. That personality doesnt always come through in his other books. If he could have written about the presidency with the honesty and intimacy he wrote about his childhood in An Hour Before Daylight, it would have been a book every American would have wanted to read. And it still should be read for a long time if people want to understand Jimmy Carter as a human being. Get the latest book news, events and more in your inbox every Saturday. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. As Britain is gripped by a prisons crisis, The Telegraph is publishing dispatches from an inmate at a Category B jail the second highest level of security to discover what life is really like inside. Recently, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) found the jail to be chronically overcrowded and understaffed, with self-harm and drug use rife. The inmate, a British professional and entrepreneur on the outside, is on remand awaiting trial charged with non-violent crimes, which he denies. To protect his identity, he is not named. Other names and nicknames have also been changed. At my nicking last week (formal disciplinary hearings are called nickings), the Governor punished my protest about curtailed exercise time. I lost my canteen privilege (which I had not understood as a privilege): I would not be able to supplement meagre prison food rations with items like milk, tinned fish, instant coffee and chocolate; I would not be able to buy vape caps, the prison currency; and worse, I realised later, I could not top up my telephone credits or even purchase stamps, so there was a danger of dropping out of contact with solicitors, friends and even of being unable to send my copy in to The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To my great surprise although, really, I should have predicted this the punishment has been almost entirely circumvented by the kindness of other prisoners. And a few side hustles. Yesterday, the day I would ordinarily have received my canteen delivery, I received what can only be described as a hamper: six quarter-pint milk cartons, two tins of mackerel in tomato sauce, a 100g Lyons decaf coffee pouch, and a variety of the small transparent plastic tubs which we are issued at lunch for portions of grated cheese or tuna mayo, which had been cleaned up and filled with sunflower seeds, raisins, chocolate mini eggs, sugar and dates, which I crave in prison. There was also fruit, some of it a little too tired to be called fresh, but edible. The goodies came from prisoners in the cells around mine. They had seen me hauled inside last week and perhaps noticed the damage done to my right forearm (nothing of any consequence beyond a cut and some bruising but enough to get a domestic abuser jailed for a couple of years if his partner had photographed the injury of course, in here we cant photograph such damage, let alone pass it to the police). I have noticed that one thing which dependably lifts ones spirits in prison is to give stuff rather than trade it. Pour a portion of instant coffee into a fellow inmates mug and youve made a friend. Not for life: shenanigans and allegiances in here are rather more unpredictable and fluid, but I would go so far as to say that, just like vape caps, kindness is a currency in here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two Lithuanians next to me, Y and M, do this very ingenious cheesecake recipe with Nutella, crushed digestive biscuit and (for the cheese) a thick goo made of coffee whitener and sugar. They leave it to set overnight in the external cage just outside our ground floor windows, which from November to April prisoners use as a sort of fridge. Rather than stuff themselves with it, when we are opened up for a bit more time on Saturday they host a sort of coffee morning. Chess and cards are sometimes involved. M is doing five years for cigarette smuggling (he sold packs of 20 for under a fiver), a crime which a growing number of smokers sympathise with. Apparently he has half a million quid stashed on the outside, so he might be someone to cultivate while Im in here! There are other kindnesses too, beyond food. Many prisoners are trained by the Samaritans to be Listeners. A former padmate who was on the Listeners roster would be on call two or three nights a week, and be unlocked by the guards to go and spend time with a prisoner who was self-harming or suicidal. Or just lonely. Other prisoners are nominated to be Here to Help reps, whose role is to welcome new arrivals onto the wing and show them the ropes. Some are completely useless, but the proactive ones make a real difference. Things like working out how to get your laundry done (if you have some of your own clothes) can require the input of an old lag: laundry done by a prisoner on the wing comes back folded and fresh in a few hours if you slip a can of mackerel into the bag. If you dont, you might not see your laundry bag for a week, and that nice fluffy towel you like wont come back in it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But of course, much generosity in prison is closely connected to reciprocity there has to be just a little bit of a margin to lubricate your kindness. I have discovered that most nitties will happily go and forage for a toilet roll or a Bic razor on your behalf in return for a breakfast bag. A better example is that, now I have no canteen for three weeks, I can rent another prisoners canteen sheet. This means that I arrange for friends on the outside to credit the canteen of another prisoner. (Remand prisoners do not have limits on their weekly spend, so my additional shopping can be done by them without penalty.) The price? The eminently reasonable rate of a box of caps for every 20 quid I get put onto their account. So, after nine months inside, I am now canny to the prison way and could even pipe in the money to get myself some weed or some Class A. Is prison making me a criminal? If I stay here much longer, who knows? Next week the Secret Prisoner writes about Encrochat the criminal messaging system that was hacked by French spies 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. ATLANTA, Ga. (WSAV) On Sunday, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger offered his condolences on the passing of Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States of America, stating: 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 an indelible mark on the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tricia and I mourn his passing and extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family. May President Carter be at peace, reunited with his true love Rosalynn in their eternal rest. Georgia native Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. president, dies at 100 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. Safety officials on Monday said that there are no known threats against the city of Boston ahead of Tuesdays big First Night celebration. As the city prepares to host tens of thousands of New Years Eve revelers on the final night of 2024, the message from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and public safety officials is clear: If you see something, say something. We want to emphasize that safety works when we all work together, so if you see something, say something by dialing 911, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays festivities will mark the 49th annual First Night celebration. This addition will be hosted at City Hall Plaza. The focus is on a family-friendly atmosphere with two separate fireworks displays at 7 p.m. for kids and midnight for those who prefer waiting until the calendar flips to 2025. A parade, live music, and tasty treats are also planned for the celebration. Wu and Cox reminded the public that drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and flying drones is prohibited. MBTA trains will be freed after 8 p.m. and run until 2:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to use public transportation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Oklahoma City is asking residents to not call 911 when reporting illegal fireworks on New Year's Eve. Whether it's because fireworks are illegal within city limits or because you think it's a nuisance, the city wants all of those calls made to a special hotline that will go live that night. Where to report fireworks in Oklahoma City To keep 911 phone lines clear for people experiencing life-threatening emergencies, OKC residents should instead call the Fireworks Hotline at 405-297-2222. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The telephone hotline opens at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and closes the following morning at 2 a.m. on New Year's Day. Callers must provide an address to report a violation. More: From New Year's Eve concerts to First Day Hikes, 25+ Oklahoma events ringing in 2025 You can also email the OKC Action Center at action.center@okc.gov, or text the Action Center at 405-252-1053. Complaints about fireworks overload 911 phone lines and can keep people experiencing an emergency from quickly connecting with a dispatcher, said OKC Fire Chief Richard Kelley. Residents should call 911, however, if fireworks cause an injury or start a fire. Fireworks are illegal in Oklahoma City Its illegal to buy, sell or use fireworks in the city of Oklahoma City, except for professional fireworks displays that obtain the proper documentation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ban includes popular small-effect fireworks like sparklers, snakes and bottle rockets, and it extends to all private and public property in Oklahoma City, including parks, lakes and areas along the Oklahoma River. Fireworks are a serious safety hazard to people and property and should be left to professional shows, Kelley added. Violators of the city's fireworks ordinances will face confiscation of fireworks, can be fined $500 and could be subject to a jail sentence. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Seeing New Year's Eve fireworks in OKC? Don't call 911, city asks Saugus police are asking for the publics help in the search for two teenagers who seem to run away from home. Chloe Murphy, 15, of Melrose, and Brenden Bruckler, 14, of Wakefield, were last seen Saturday afternoon at the Square One Mall in Saugus. Murphy is described as a white female, about 6 feet, 1 inch tall, with brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last known to be wearing black leggings and a gray and white Bruins sweatshirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Murphys parents have also stated that Chloe is on the spectrum. Bruckler is described as a white male, about 5 feet, 5 inches tall and 100 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last known to be wearing blue jeans, a Bruins jersey, and light blue Croc sandals. The two are friends and are possibly headed to Rhode Island or New York for New Years Eve, according to police. In a Facebook post, Saugus police wrote, Anyone with information is urged to call Police immediately, our #1 goal is to make sure these kids are safe and to bring them home ASAP. The Saugus Police Department can be contacted at 781-233-1212. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW STANTON, N.D. (AP) The adult son of North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer was sentenced to serve 28 years in prison Monday in connection with a wild chase in which he fled from a hospital and drove into a deputy's vehicle, killing the deputy. Ian Cramer, 43, pleaded guilty in September to all of the charges against him, including homicide while fleeing a peace officer, preventing arrest, reckless endangerment, fleeing an officer and drug- and driving-related offenses. Those charges related to a Dec. 6, 2023, chase and crash that killed Mercer County Sheriff's Deputy Paul Martin, 53. State District Judge Bobbi Weiler handed down the sentence of 38 years with 10 years suspended, three years of probation and credit for over a year served in jail. She also included recommended treatment for addiction and mental health. But he likely won't serve the full 28 years, the judge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The (state) Department of Corrections has their own policy on how much time you're going to serve, Weiler said. These are not mandatory minimums, which means that you're probably going to serve a small portion of that 28 years and be out on parole, so that'll ... give you an opportunity to have a second chance that Deputy Martin does not have, nor does his family have. Cramer, who wore orange and sat quietly next to his public defender, apologized to Martin's family when asked if he would like to speak. I had no intention to do any of this. It was an accident, and I just hope that someday they can forgive me, and I think the best thing for me is to go to a hospital and just get more help, Ian Cramer said. Much of the sentencing focused on Cramer's addiction and mental health. Mercer County State's Attorney Todd Schwarz, citing doctors, said Ian Cramer had been experiencing long-term effects of "taking drugs to put himself into a mentally ill state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cramer admitted to using methamphetamine and bath salts the day of the crash, Schwarz said. Cramer's mother, Kris Cramer, read a statement in which she said her son has hurt his brain a lot on his own and is dealing with a mental illness. She apologized and said, I really do feel responsible for what happened on Dec. 6 (2023). Bismarck police said she had taken him to a hospital because of mental health concerns. Court documents say he crawled into the driver seat of his parents vehicle after his mother got out and smashed in reverse through the closed garage door of the hospitals ambulance bay. He later fled from deputies when one confronted him in Hazen, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) from Bismarck, authorities said. Cramer hit speeds of over 100 mph (160 kph) and kept going even after a spiked device flattened two tires, according to court documents. More spikes were set up, and Cramer swerved and then crashed head-on into Martins patrol vehicle and launched him about 100 feet (30 meters), authorities said. Martin was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schwarz said Martin was loved by his colleagues and will be remembered for his kindly nature, which showed in his regular check-ins with a young girl who had a troubled father and a fear of officers. A week before the crash, Martin shared his retirement plans with Schwarz, who had known him since the 1990s. Cramer pleaded not guilty in the homicide case in April. He was initially charged with manslaughter, later changed to the homicide offense, which carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. He has been held at the McLean County Jail in Washburn on $500,000 cash bail. All of the offenses to which he pleaded guilty carry a maximum sentence of just over 38 years in prison, according to the prosecutor's sentencing brief filed earlier in December. In March, Ian Cramer pleaded not guilty to separate felony charges of theft, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment in connection with the events at the Bismarck hospital. A jury trial is scheduled for January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Kevin Cramer, a Republican, has said his son suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations. The senator told reporters his family commends the officers, court and jail, but said he is somewhat disappointed that mental health is so casually dismissed both by the court and by the prosecutor." But I don't think there's any question there's not one person, including Ian, who doesn't know that they were his choices that led to this, whatever they may be, under whatever condition, choices that go back many years, said Kevin Cramer, who handily won reelection to a second term in November. BELGRADE (Reuters) - Prosecutors in the northern Serbian city of Novi Sad filed an indictment on Monday against 13 people in connection with the collapse of a railway station awning last month that killed 15 people and sparked a wave of protests. The concrete awning of the recently renovated roof caved in on Nov. 1, killing 14 and injuring three. One of those hurt later died of their injuries. Students, opposition supporters and the public have taken to the streets repeatedly after the accident, which they blamed on rampant government corruption and nepotism that resulted in shoddy construction. The government denies the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Novi Sad, said it had indicted officials and executives including the former minister of infrastructure, his deputy and the designers and supervisors of the reconstruction project. "The indictment was brought ... due to justified suspicion that they have committed a serious offence against general safety, ... caused general danger ... and (for) irregular and improper construction works," it said. In line with Serbian law, the indictment only identified the defendants using their initials. Transport, Construction and Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesic, Trade Minister Tomislav Momirovic and the head of state-run Serbian Railways have resigned over the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 4, Vesic said he would resign, but that he could not accept responsibility for the accident in Novi Sad. On Nov. 21, police detained 11 people in connection with the accident, including Vesic, whom the court released from detention on Nov. 27. Serbia's populist president, Aleksandar Vucic, said those responsible must be held to account. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Sharon Singleton) BEIRUT, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Mahmoud Qomati, deputy head of Hezbollah's Political Council, said on Monday that Hezbollah would not "remain silent" if Israel fails to withdraw from Lebanese territories by the end of the 60-day ceasefire agreement. "Hezbollah is committed to the 60-day ceasefire with Israel for the sake of our people. But we will not remain silent if Israel does not withdraw from Lebanese territories by day 60" Qomati told Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar TV. "As for the agreement, it is clear: either everyone commits, or no one does," he added. Qomati also ruled out disarming Hezbollah, warning that such a move would lead Lebanon into chaos. He stated that Hezbollah could not allow Israel's occupation of land or its construction of settlements without resistance. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, came into effect on Nov. 27, aiming to end nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The agreement requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories within 60 days, with the Lebanese army taking over security control on the Lebanese-Israeli border and in southern Lebanon. Despite the ceasefire, Israel's military continues to carry out daily airstrikes in Lebanon, some of which have resulted in casualties. Israel said these strikes were to prevent violations from Hezbollah. BELGRADE (Reuters) - The parents of a boy who last year killed 10 people in a primary school in Belgrade in a mass shooting that shocked the country were sentenced on Tuesday to 14.5 years and three years in prison, respectively, for neglect and abuse of a minor. Vladimir Kecmanovic, the boy's father, was also sentenced for an aggravated crime against public safety, although his mother Miljana was not. On May 3, 2023, the boy, identified only as K.K., shot dead eight students and a security guard at his school in Belgrade and wounded five other students and a teacher, before surrendering to police. One girl died from her wounds later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Serbian law, the boy, who was 13 at the time of the shooting, could not be tried due to his age. He is being held in a psychiatric hospital for minors. An instructor at a shooting range where the boy and his father went for target practice was sentenced to 1.5 years in jail for perjury, the court said. The Tanjug news agency cited the judge as saying the parents did not provide their son with proper psychological support while the father also failed to secure his weapons in line with the law, instead keeping them where the boy could easily access them. Both the defendants and the prosecutor have the right to appeal to a higher court if they believe the sentence was too harsh or too lenient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 12 a court in Belgrade sentenced Uros Blazic, a man who killed nine people and wounded 12 others less than a day after the first shooting, to 20 years in prison. The two rampages shocked the country and triggered weeks of massive anti-government protests that eventually led to a snap election at the end of the year. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Hugh Lawson) 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were both taken to a hospital in Port Ghalib, around 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 behavior. Sharks were captured on film during a dive conducted by Tahsin Ceylan, Anadolu's underwater image director and documentary producer at Elphinstone Reef in Marsa Alam region of Red Sea, Egypt on January 15, 2024. / Credit: Tahsin Ceylan/Anadolu via Getty Images In June 2023, a shark attack killed a Russian man off the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada. In 2022, two women, one Austrian and the other Romanian, were killed in shark attacks within one week off the coast of Egypt's Red Sea. In 2020, a young Ukrainian boy lost an arm and an Egyptian tour guide lost a leg in a shark attack in the same region. In 2018, a Czech tourist was killed by a shark off a Red Sea beach. A similar attack killed a German tourist in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of deadly shark attacks doubled globally in 2023, with a disproportionate number in Australia, according to the International Shark Attack File a database of global shark attacks run by the University of Florida. "Hail and Farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2024 Dr. Leana Wen says for bird flu, "we should have learned our lesson from COVID" in testing How Japanese mochi brings communities in America together SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) Sharon Regional Medical Center will officially close one week from Monday. Read next: How strong were the wind gusts Sunday? According to a court order filed in the Southern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court, Judge Christopher M. Lopez of Houston approved a Steward Health Care motion to close the hospital by Monday, January 6. The order provides a rough timeline of closure procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of patients who are currently admitted will be discharged in the ordinary course. Inpatients will be transferred, along with their medical record information, to a hospital in the area or a hospital of the patients choice. Arrangements with an ambulance carrier will be in place to accommodate the orderly transition of all patients by the closure date. The order states that Sharon Regional has hired vendors to manage the disposal of medical waste and infectious materials. Steward will also retain an outside vendor to decontaminate hot rooms. Steward must contract with a medical records custodian to ensure records are properly stored and patients can access their medical records after the closure by Jan. 6. Notices for employees have already been issued per the WARN Act and will be paid until February 14, two months after the first closure announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Jan. 3 hearing is still scheduled before Mercer County Common Pleas Judge Tedd C. Nesbit to discuss the actual property the hospital sits on. Read next: Firefighter injured during Boardman fire rescue The Buhl Charity Trust sold the land in 2014 to Community Health System, which eventually sold it to Steward Health, which in turn sold it to Medical Properties Trust. Pennsylvania claims the last sale violated a purchase agreement. The commonwealth wants both the land and hospital returned to Buhl. The closure of the hospital was announced on Dec. 14 after Meadville Medical Center failed to secure $45 million needed to purchase the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, another buyer has not announced plans to purchase Sharon Regional. 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 WKBN.com. California and Los Angeles County are getting tougher on crime. The stiffer penalties on some drug and theft crimes that voters recently approved with Proposition 36 took effect this month. Weeks earlier, in L.A. County, former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman was sworn in as the new district attorney and kicked off his administration by reversing several policies that his progressive predecessor George Gascon put in place. The 2024 general election saw California voters reverse course against criminal justice reform policies and candidates . Proposition 36 overhauls key parts of Proposition 47 that passed handily in 2014. A closer look at L.A. neighborhoods reveals where Proposition 36 and Hochman made headway and how opinions shifted compared with 10 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, Proposition 47 was overwhelmingly approved by 90% of neighborhoods in L.A. County. It turned some nonviolent felonies into misdemeanors . Ten years later, 87% of neighborhoods that supported the ballot initiative voted to overhaul it. All of the few neighborhoods that voted against reduced crime penalties in 2014 voted for harsher penalties with Proposition 36. Those include Santa Clarita, Glendora and La Mirada. Longtime California pollster Mark DiCamillo, who directed polls for both Propositions 36 and 47, said both state measures were decided by the same swing groups: voters with no party preference and voters who consider their political ideology middle of the road. Those same swing voter blocks, which showed you there was support for Prop. 47 10 years ago, definitely changed their opinion and are now much more inclined to be supportive of Prop. 36, DiCamillo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Rep. Jackie Speier, who had previously supported Proposition 47, said in a public statement that Proposition 36 is a common-sense adjustment to the previous law . Comparing the polls for each ballot initiative reveals differences within age groups and political parties, adds DiCamillo. Among voters with party preferences, Republicans were mixed on Proposition 47, with Democrats almost 4-to-1 in favor of turning nonviolent felonies into misdemeanors. In 2024, Republicans were 9-to-1 in favor of overhauling Proposition 47. Democrats were more mixed. So opinions switched, obviously, but the same age differences were there; the same party differences were there, DiCamillo said. You had the same kind of subgroup variations that we saw 10 years ago, but a very different view of the initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executive Director Rev. Zachary Hoover of LA Voice, an interfaith community organization that helped pass Proposition 47 and organized against Proposition 36, said the team campaigned in L.A., Long Beach, Inglewood and the San Gabriel Valley. In L.A. County, both ballot measures passed with 64% of votes, though the 2014 midterm saw a record low turnout for a general election . LA Voices campaign against Proposition 36 reminded people of what Proposition 47 has accomplished, especially in places where people benefited from the initiative. But that was not the main message. We focused more on the deceptive nature of how 36 is being sold to us, and what it would really do and what we really need, which is strong investments in mental health and addiction support, Hoover said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we worked on Prop. 47, that was two years after the three strikes [law], Hoover said. That was the period when a lot of people were starting to wake up to the ways in which the justice system has been racist and persists in having racialized outcomes to this day. People havent backed away from that. Voters also havent changed their opinion on the importance of treatment. The September Berkeley IGS poll found that nearly half of those surveyed said they support rehabilitation or other alternatives for first-time offenders. However, imposing harsher penalties for repeat offenders was what drove support for Proposition 36 . Across the country, regardless of your D.A., crime went up in certain ways during the pandemic in the entire country, Hoover said. We were disconnected from each other for a long time. To a certain extent, the world is more complicated now than it was 10 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who would be the next D.A. and how they would handle increased crime rates was a high profile issue in L.A. County this fall. Support for Proposition 36 went hand in hand with support for former federal prosecutor Hochman for district attorney. A large majority (75%) of precincts backed both the increased crime penalties of Proposition 36 and Hochmans promises of law and order. Hochman beat incumbent Gascon by almost 20 points. A preelection Berkeley IGS Poll analysis of likely L.A. County voters for Proposition 36 and district attorney found that the largest combination was voters who planned to vote for both Proposition 36 and Hochman (40%). The next largest pairing those voting against the state measure and for Gascon represented only 14% of voters. In analyzing the two voter blocs, DiCamillo found that the biggest demographic differences were the political dimensions. L.A. voters who supported Proposition 36 and Hochman were a mix of those who considered themselves moderate or conservative. By contrast, 82% of those who voted for Gascon and no on Proposition 36 identified themselves as liberals. An even mix of registered Democrats, Republicans and those who registered as no party preference or with a third party supported Proposition 36 and Hochman. Among voters who were against the ballot initiative and for Gascon, 74% were Democrats while the remaining were independents or registered with a minor party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gascon had a base of the Democrats, but it wasnt enough, DiCamillo said. If they were voting no on 36 and they were Democratic, they were very likely to be for Gascon, but that was a relatively narrow segment. Forty-seven percent of Democrats supported Prop. 36. Ninety-two percent of the precincts that went for Trump also voted yes on 36 and for Hochman for district attorney. Gascon did not win any new neighborhoods in the general election. Hochman won all 33 neighborhoods that other candidates won in the March primary. LA Voice Action, a political affiliate of LA Voice, worked to get Gascon elected in 2020. Hoover, who is also LA Voice Actions executive director, said the group's campaign to reelect him focused on promises that Gascon followed through with while he was in office, including not charging children as adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes really been who he said he would be in a lot of ways, Hoover said. And those were things that people wanted then, and I think most of it hasnt changed. Hochman ran as a centrist with a campaign that offered a hard middle approach to fighting crime. On election night, he credited his victory to a bipartisan coalition of people who considered public safety a crossover issue during polarizing political times. With Proposition 36 now in effect, several other California officials have vowed to use the power of new legislation to hold people accountable, and criminal justice reform advocates show no signs of backing down . Hoover noted that Hochmans platform does include messages of moderation from the justice reform movement. During his inauguration speech, Hochman repeated his campaign promises to balance criminal justice reform and public safety and called Californias overpopulation in prisons a systemic failure. I think he understood that to win, it couldnt just be about Gascon is bad and crime is up, Hoover said. We see, even in the campaign that was against the progressive reformer, signs of progressive reform messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. 32-year-old Caleb Gannon, using a cane for support, was arraigned in Newton District Court, charged with assault and battery for his role in a violent altercation at a pro-Israel demonstration in August. Video shows Gannon yelling at demonstrators, and then running across the street and tackling to the ground 47-year-old Scott Hayes of Framingham, who was legally carrying a gun. Iraq War veteran accused of shooting, injuring pro-Palestine man at Newton rally posts bail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the struggle, Hayes gun was fired, and Gannon was shot. He was hospitalized for more than a month. Hayes is already charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for shooting Gannon. But now, Gannon is charged with assault and battery for tackling Hayes. Even the consideration that this man, Mr. Hayes felt like it was self-defense. Thats totally absurd, said Jill Charney a Newton, a Gannon supporter. But legal experts are not surprised Gannon is also facing charges. Passions may be at a fever pitch. But you are not allowed to physically assault somebody, no matter how hot the political or international affairs discussion goes, said Boston attorney Peter Elikann. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there is more to this case. In Massachusetts, there is no stand-your-ground law. Victims must not take the law into their own hands but instead, find a way to de-escalate and retreat unless they are at immediate risk of death or serious injury. It will be up to a jury to decide if by shooting the unarmed Gannon during the altercation, Scott Hayes crossed a legal line. He raised the stakes, he should be charged for shooting him, said Boston Attorney Phil Tracy. Youre supposed to try to de-escalate the situation and make it so nobody gets hurt. Caleb Gannon was released on personal recognizance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is due back in Newton District Court on February 3. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW DAMASCUS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- A Syrian national conference is set to take place in Damascus on January 4 and 5 to discuss the country's future after the fall of the Assad government, according to reports from various news outlets on Monday. Turkish broadcaster A Haber reported that the conference is expected to announce the dissolution of all armed factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who played a key role in toppling the Assad government on Dec. 8. This will be the first pan-national conference since the dramatic regime change in the Arab country. Organizers plan to invite around 1,200 Syrians from both inside and outside the country, with an additional 70 to 100 representatives from each province, covering a range of social groups, according to media reports. The conference is also expected to establish a constitutional drafting committee and propose the formation of a new government within a month. Representatives from youth groups, women's organizations, the clergy, and civil societies are set to participate. Al-Jazeera reported that a preparatory committee would be formed for this forthcoming national conference. The Syrian interim administration, led by al-Sharaa, has not issued any official statement concerning the conference. (COLORADO SPRINGS) After crashing into multiple downtown businesses, 24-year-old Fidencio Meza-Pelayo pleaded guilty to a few of the slew of charges he was charged with on Friday, Dec. 20. Now, Skirted Heifers owner is reacting to the sentence. Back in February 2024, Meza-Pelayo crashed into a downtown building after engaging in a dispute with his girlfriend who left the scene on South Prospect Street, east of downtown. According to CSPD, Meza-Pelayo believed his girlfriend had gone to a neighboring house and when he attempted to break into the home, he was shot by the homeowner. Skirted Heifer after downtown car crash, Courtesy: Owner Kevin Megyeri Skirted Heifer after downtown car crash, Courtesy: Owner Kevin Megyeri Skirted Heifer after downtown car crash, Courtesy: Owner Kevin Megyeri Meza-Pelayo then drove away from the area at a high speed and crashed into the building, which houses Skirted Heifer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I got up, we came down here and just saw the extent of how bad it truly was, said Skirted Heifer owner Kevin Megyeri. I mean, when it comes to structural damage, you know, that somebody hit it going really hard. The crash involved a parked car and sent a block of concrete through the AT&T store. On Friday, Dec. 20, Meza-Pelayo pleaded guilty to Kidnapping, and as a result, the other charges were dropped. The 24-year-old was charged legal fees and sentenced to four years of probation. Man who crashed into Skirted Heifer pleads guilty to Kidnapping A little bit of punishment would have been nice not probation for four years. Its nothing. Its nothing, expressed Megyeri. Youre out, Youre walking around. Youre doing things. Still, that just pisses me off. Skirted Heifer boarded up after downtown car crash, Courtesy: FOX21 News Reporter Rhea Jha During the crash, nobody was hurt, however, Skirted Heiger was forced to close for months and didnt open back up until the end of April two and a half months later Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not going to focus on that part. I am pissed about it. But everything else that has happened, we came out bigger, better, and stronger and it really showed how much my employees care, Megyeri said. They care, and everybody around me had my back. The city has had our back and that is the point that I am able to swallow the pill of him only getting four years of probation, even though I just think its a little outlandish, really outlandish. 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 FOX21 News Colorado. Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak said that Ukraine may need to cede some territory due to the realities on the ground, Slovak news agency TASR reported on Dec. 29. During a television interview, Kalinak claimed that Slovakias priority is for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations. While he stated that Russia is undeniably the aggressor in the conflict and has violated international law, he said that post-war stability is more important than its precise borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine does not realize it will never find itself between Germany and Switzerland, but will always share its longest border with the Russian Federation," he said. It is important that, above all, people stop dying. Under Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's leadership, Slovakia took a sharp foreign policy turn, halting military supplies to Ukraine from the Slovak Armed Forces' stocks and adopting more Russian-friendly rhetoric. Fico also recently announced he had accepted the Kremlin's invitation to attend the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow next May. Read also: Slovakia threatens to cut electricity supplies if Ukraine ends Russian gas transit Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has written a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in which he again complains about Ukraine's refusal to continue transiting Russian gas after 2024. Source: Fico published the open letter on his social media, as reported by European Pravda Details: In the letter, the Slovak prime minister writes to EU leaders that "tacit acceptance of the unilateral decision of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is wrong and irrational." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also notes that it will "lead to tensions and retaliatory measures". "There is no doubt that the unilateral decision of the Ukrainian president will have a significant negative impact on our common European efforts to keep pace with the world's fastest-growing countries," Fico wrote. He stated that he did not know whether the "vague approach" of the European Commission and most member states was based on the fact that the economic consequences of stopping gas transit through Ukraine "have not been analysed professionally at all and have been assessed only ideologically", or whether such an analysis had been carried out but not discussed openly with member states. In the letter, Fico argues that stopping gas transit would harm the EU more than Russia, citing "objective and convincing documents" from the Slovak oil and gas company SPP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In conclusion, the Slovak prime minister called on EU leaders to "pay due attention to this unprecedented situation and give it urgent attention". Background: Slovakia has repeatedly tried to achieve an extension of the agreement between Ukraine and Russia on the transit of Russian gas, which is due to expire in 2024. On 19 December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine was not considering renewing the agreement with Gazprom on the transit of Russian gas to Europe and made it clear that Kyiv would not agree to pump Russian gas under the guise of Azerbaijani gas. Against this backdrop, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made a controversial visit to Russia, where he met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The Slovak prime minister also threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Slovakia has expressed outrage over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has opened a "second energy front" with his threats to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine. Source: Slovak Foreign Ministry in a statement, as reported by European Pravda Details: Slovakia's Foreign Ministry emphasised that it perceived Zelenskyy's reaction to Fico's threats as "exaggerated". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We strongly reject any unfounded claims about the opening of a 'second energy front' which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is speculating about, as well as fabricated accusations of any alliance with Vladimir Putin," the statement said. The Slovak Foreign Ministry noted that "we have provided and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and seriously affected people in Ukraine to the best of our ability." "In addition, our Ukrainian counterparts in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should not lose sight of the fact that Russian gas transited through Ukrainian territory brings Ukraine significant revenues that are crucial for the country's economy," the Slovak Foreign Ministry stressed. The Foreign Ministry pointed out that since Ukraine is "in a protracted military conflict", it "should refrain from creating new enemies or inventing the idea of a 'second front'". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The government of the Slovak Republic is obliged to protect, first and foremost, the strategic interests of our country, citizens of our country and the European Union. It will act accordingly, regardless of whether the Ukrainian side approves of it or not," the Foreign Ministry summed up. Background: Fico has criticised the Ukrainian government for refusing to continue the transit of Russian gas after 2024 and promised to consider retaliatory measures. Among such measures, the Slovak prime minister mentioned the possibility of cutting off electricity supplies to Ukraine. Commenting on the Slovak prime minister's threats, Zelenskyy said, "It appears that Putin gave Fico the order to open a second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the Slovak peoples interests." Slovakia has repeatedly tried to extend the agreement between Ukraine and Russia on the transit of Russian gas, which expires in 2024. Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine was not considering renewing the agreement with Gazprom on the transit of Russian gas to Europe and made it clear that Kyiv would not agree to pump Russian gas under the guise of Azerbaijani gas. Against this backdrop, Fico paid a controversial visit to Russia, where he met with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin. Support UP or become our patron! The sounds of sobbing, prayers and anguish echoed through the departures hall of an airport in southwestern South Korea on Monday as families of the victims killed when a passenger jet crash-landed over the weekend waited for their loved ones to be identified. All but two people on a Jeju Air plane carrying 175 passengers and six crew died after it crashed at the airport in Muan County just after 9 a.m. local time on Sunday in what is the deadliest aviation disaster the country has seen in nearly 30 years. Loved ones inside Muan International Airport wept as medics announced the names of the victims who had been identified. So far, 146 victims have been identified, while efforts are underway to name the remaining 33 bodies, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the soaring atrium that normally serves as the airports departure hall, scores of families huddled together, murmuring hushed prayers. Some 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. Relatives of victims of the deadly Jeju Air crash gather at a makeshift shelter at Muan International Airport on December 30. - Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images Investigation underway Investigators are working to pinpoint what may have caused the crash of Jeju Air flight 7C 2216, which was flying from Bangkok to Muan. South Korean officials confirmed on Monday that the pilot had 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, said Kang Jung-hyun, a senior official at the transport ministry. The pilot said mayday, mayday, mayday three times and used the terms bird strike and go-around, the official said. A go-around is an aviation term that means a landing is aborted when a plane nears a final approach and instead the pilot will instead increase speed and ascend before attempting another approach or diverting elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage of Sundays crash broadcast by multiple South Korean news outlets showed that neither the back nor front landing gear was visible. Video showed the plane, a Boeing 737-800, sliding on its belly at high speed, hitting an earthen embankment and erupting in a fireball. Experts told CNN that the planes undercarriage specifically, the wheels used for takeoff and landing appeared not to have fully deployed. But what caused this failure to deploy, something analysts said was extremely rare, is still unclear. Two 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. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading a team of US investigators, including from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, to assist South Korean authorities. The NTSB said any information would be released by South Koreas Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Koreas transport ministry said Monday that the control tower had warned the pilot about birds in the area shortly before the pilot reported a bird strike, made the mayday call and asked to land in the opposite direction. The ministry made the clarification after saying Sunday the control tower had instructed the pilot to change course shortly after he made the mayday call. The landing attempt occurred about two minutes after the mayday call, according to the ministry. Uncertainty remains as to what exactly went wrong, with some aviation experts questioning how much impact a bird strike could have had in bringing down the Jeju Air plane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement unknown content item - 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. South Koreas acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has declared seven days of national mourning and ordered an investigation into the countrys entire airline system. The transport ministry will inspect all Boeing 737-800 planes in the country, according to Deputy Transport Minister Joo Jong-wan. A total of 101 planes of the model used by six airlines are subject to the inspection with authorities looking at each jets maintenance record on major parts, including the engine and landing gear, Joo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. A day earlier, Choi, also the countrys finance minister, had arrived at the scene of the crash and declared it a special disaster zone as he expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The tragedy comes only two days after he assumed presidential duties following parliaments vote to impeach prime minister Han Duck-soo, who had been acting president since President Yoon Sul Yeol was impeached and suspended from power following his short-lived martial law decree earlier this month. Choi is leading the centralized disaster control team, a responsibility typically assumed by the prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 700 personnel from the police, military, and coast guard have been mobilized for on-site response efforts, according to the transport ministry. Mourners have begun laying flowers and candles at a public memorial altar set up in Muan to honor victims of the crash, according to video by Reuters news agency. She was almost home 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, according to the rescue team. Two Thai nationals were among those on board, according to the South Korean transport ministry. All the other passengers were South Korean. Mourners stand at a memorial altar for victims of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, at Muan sport park in Muan, South Korea, December 30, 2024. - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His daughter, Jongluk, had been working in a factory in South Korea for several years, he told the AP. She had been in Thailand visiting family before departing on the flight from Bangkok to Muan. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another bereaved family member told CNN affiliate JTBC that it is taking time to recover the bodies of crash victims because they are severely damaged. I hope my siblings, my family, can be recovered and returned to us, even if only 80% intact, he said, his voice breaking. This article has been updated. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100, appears to have left a hard-to-escape reminder of his legacy for Donald Trump to see as the president-elect takes the oath of office next month. Following Carters death, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation that called for the U.S. flag to be displayed at half-staff at the White House, on public buildings and grounds, at military posts as well as naval stations and vessels for a period of 30 days from the day of his death. This is in line with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, which states that the flag should be displayed for such a period after a former presidents death at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the country and its territories. The flags are set to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Jan. 28 more than a week after Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, which happens to fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rare, likely scenario became the talk of social media users who called it Carters one last gift for Trump, who offered a tribute to the former president in a social media post on Sunday. Carter was notably a critic of the president-elect and once described him as a disaster. One last gift from Jimmy Carter, all flags will be at half-staff on Inauguration Day pic.twitter.com/vQsl8wlrXY Nick Field (@nick_field90) December 29, 2024 His final message. Colleen (@QuiltedBaseball) December 29, 2024 He did get the last laugh. Cork Off! Nalini4America (@CorkYou) December 29, 2024 Flag protocol requires all flags to be flown at half-mast for 30 days after the passing of a president. This means flags will be at half-mast for Trump's inauguration. Thank you for your final act of service, President Carter. Rhonda - Line drawn in the sand (@SilverARTicfox) December 30, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leave it to Jimmy to have our flag flying at half-mast on inauguration day to signify the death of democracy. Shtook (@shtooky) December 29, 2024 This isnt the first time that a presidential inauguration occurred as flags flew at half-staff to honor a former president. Then-President Richard Nixon after the death of Harry S. Truman on Dec. 26, 1972 took the oath of office for a second term on Jan. 20, 1973, as the D.C. sky was heavy with gray clouds while flags flew at half-staff and the sounds of a protest could be heard faintly in the distance, Time magazine reported. Nixons predecessor, former President Lyndon B. Johnson, would go on to die of a heart attack just two days later, which caused Nixon to call for flags to fly at half-staff for another 30 days. Related... (Bloomberg) -- A possible bird strike and an unusual landing-gear failure are the main points of focus as investigators prepare to analyze the flight recorders for clues on South Koreas worst civil aviation accident that left all but two of the 181 passengers dead. Most Read from Bloomberg The Boeing Co. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the aircraft was almost entirely destroyed, investigators will have valuable data to work with as they reconstruct the event. One key will be a readout of the two flight recorders, which were already pulled from the wreckage, though the flight data 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. In another incident Monday, a Jeju Air plane returned safely to South Koreas Gimpo Airport after it was found to have a problem with the landing gear immediately after takeoff, Yonhap News reported. South Korean authorities will launch a special inspection into all of the 101 Boeing 737-800 planes operating in the country, while asking Boeing and the maker of the engine, CFM International, to join the investigation. They will also probe other factors, such as whether the airliners personnel followed safety manuals properly, the airports measures to prevent bird strikes and if the planes power system was shut down before the crash, transport ministry officials said at a briefing Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They will also look into whether the so-called localizer, an instrument set to guide the landing of the plane, had any relevance to the crash. Authorities remain open to various possible scenarios, they said, as they prepare to open the two recorders and start the joint investigation with officials from the US National Transportation Safety Board who are visiting South Korea this evening. Shares of Jeju Air declined 8.8% to a record low in Seoul trading on Monday, while parent AK Holdings Inc. fell 12%. 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 the cockpit and control tower just before the landing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The pilot didnt seem to have sufficient time to try alternative measures such as dumping fuel, a transport ministry official said at Mondays briefing. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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, Jeju Air Chief Executive Officer Kim E-Bae said at a news briefing. The jet was returning from Bangkok a 4 1/2 hour flight. The plane, which Korean broadcaster YTN said had been chartered by a local travel agency for a Christmas holiday trip, earlier left Muan for the Thai capital on Saturday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 airports runway will remain closed in coming days. The two surviving flight attendants were taken to the 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. 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. The accident is the deadliest passenger airline disaster in South Korea, surpassing 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. --With assistance from Aradhana Aravindan and Youkyung Lee. (Adds additional information in eighth and ninth paragraphs.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. ULAN BATOR, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's livestock population fell to 57.6 million in 2024, representing a 10.9 percent decline compared to the previous year, the National Statistics Office (NSO) reported on Monday. The reduction is primarily attributed to extreme winter conditions known as "dzud," which severely impacted livestock survival during the last winter. "Dzud" is a Mongolian term referring to a severely cold winter when livestock struggle to survive due to frozen or snow-covered ground. According to the NSO's recent annual livestock census, the total livestock population includes 42.5 percent of sheep, 39.8 percent of goats, 8.8 percent of cattle, 8.1 percent of horses, and 0.8 percent of camels. Among the Asian country's 21 provinces, the northernmost province, Khuvsgul, has the largest number of livestock with 5.2 million, followed by the central provinces of Uvurkhangai and Tuv with 5.1 million and 4.2 million, respectively. Livestock herding is a crucial sector for Mongolia, a country known for its nomadic traditions. The promotion of livestock husbandry is seen as the most viable solution to diversify the landlocked country's mining-dependent economy. The News South Korea was hit by upheaval as authorities sought an arrest warrant for the countrys impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol while investigators launched a wide-ranging inquiry into a plane crash that killed 179 people. Law enforcement plans to question Yoon over allegations of abuse of power and insurrection linked to his short-lived imposition of martial law in early December. The South Korean Parliament last week also impeached Prime Minister and then-acting President Han Duck-soo. SIGNALS Disaster response may be more difficult amid political crisis Sources: The Guardian, Markets Insider Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two events may be ostensibly unrelated, but concerns have already been raised over acting President Choi Sang-moks ability to guide a disaster response while he continues to serve as both finance minister and deputy prime minister, The Guardian wrote. The countrys financial markets are reacting to the uncertainty: South Korea shares closed nearly 10% lower in 2024, Markets Insider reported, and trading is likely to be highly volatile in January, an analyst said. Political uncertainty couldnt come at a worse time for the West Sources: Al Jazeera, Atlantic Council, The Interpreter South Koreas political turmoil couldnt come at a worse time for its Western allies as tensions rise with China, North Korea, and Russia, Al Jazeera noted. It could be eight months before a new president is elected, long after US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, which will make it challenging to have high-level strategic coordination or make progress on key issues for the US-Japan-South Korea alliance in 2025, an Indo-Pacific expert wrote for the Atlantic Council. North Korea has been remarkably silent on its neighbors domestic crisis, perhaps because the regime currently favors coexistence over unification and is more focused on developing relations with China and Russia, an East Asia expert argued. South Korea is reviewing its aviation safety standards after a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crash that killed 179 people. One of the greatest aviation disasters in the country requires a swift government reaction to prevent future ones. Boeing (BA, Financials) fell 4% to $173.47 in Monday's trading. The fateful flight from Bangkok to Muan International Airport had serious issues upon arrival. After an unsuccessful initial attempt, ground control warned the aircraft of a bird attack. After landing without its front landing gear, the airplane overshot the runway, hit a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered an urgent investigation of all South Korean airlines' Boeing 737-800s. This rule covers 101 aircraft, 39 from Jeju Air. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport leads structural safety efforts. Boeing and NTSB personnel are supporting the investigation. According to reports, their perspectives are crucial to accident investigation and safety advise. South Korea's largest low-cost airline, Jeju Air, uses Boeing 737-800s. The airline, which has a good safety record, had an autopilot failure in 2018 and a wingtip hit in 2021. These instances cast doubt on airline maintenance practices. Since its inception in the late 1990s, the Next Generation Boeing 737-800 has been a global aviation staple. It has a solid safety record after making 7,000 units. However, recent instances have prompted a maintenance and safety review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeju Air has over 60,000 flight cancellations, indicating consumer distrust. Boeing shares fell more than 4% premarket, indicating investor concerns over airplane safety and liability. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. South Koreas joint investigation unit has requested an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief imposition of martial law on December 3, in what is the first arrest warrant sought for a sitting South Korean president. Since the impeachment, Mr Yoon no longer receives presidential immunity and if the court agrees to issue the arrest warrant, he could face criminal prosecution for rebellion or treason. The presidents actions are currently being investigated for insurrection among other charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move has sparked a political crisis, with authorities accusing him of abuse of power and attempting to orchestrate a rebellion, according to the Corruption Investigation Office. The martial law decree lasted only a few hours before Parliament voted to reject it and Mr Yoon backed down. The short-lived law banned political activity and censored the media, causing public outrage, political instability, and disrupting South Koreas financial markets, while halting democratic processes in the country. Despite numerous summons, Mr Yoon has repeatedly ignored requests to appear for questioning and blocked attempts to search his offices, raising more suspicions about his involvement. The Constitutional Court is currently deciding whether Mr Yoon will be reinstated or permanently removed from office, with a 180-day deadline for a final decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the first preparatory hearing on December 27, Mr Yoons lawyers asked for a delay to prepare, but the court rejected the request. It was confirmed that proceedings would continue as planned, with the next hearing scheduled for January 3. Shortly after the imposition of a martial law, Mr Yoon justified the move deeming it necessary to resolve the political gridlock and restore order. However, critics argued that it was a case of abuse of power and a major threat to the countrys democracy. Only a few days later, South Koreas parliament voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo. A total of 192 lawmakers supported Mr Hans impeachment, surpassing the 151 votes needed. The opposition party criticised Mr Han for not advancing Mr Yoons impeachment process, contributing to political turmoil. Mr Han had taken over after Mr Yoons impeachment. Legal experts suggest that while its unclear if the court will grant the arrest warrant, it may have little choice but to hold Mr Yoon accountable due to the gravity of the allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation has added to the challenges South Koreas political system faces after Mr Yoons impeachment. With national stability at stake, the country remains divided on whether Mr Yoons actions were a necessary response to a crisis or an unlawful power grab. 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. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korean officials said Monday they will conduct safety inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by the country's airlines, as they struggle to determine what caused a plane crash that killed 179 people a day earlier. Sunday's crash, the countrys worst aviation disaster in decades, triggered an outpouring of national sympathy. Many people worry how effectively the South Korean government will handle the disaster as it grapples with a leadership vacuum following the recent successive impeachments of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the countrys top two officials, amid political tumult caused by Yoons brief imposition of martial law earlier this month. New acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday presided over a task force meeting on the crash and instructed authorities to conduct an emergency review of the countrys aircraft operation systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The essence of a responsible response would be renovating the aviation safety systems on the whole to prevent recurrences of similar incidents and building a safer Republic of South Korea, said Choi, who is also deputy prime minister and finance minister. The Boeing 737-800 plane operated by South Korean budget airline Jeju Air aborted its first landing attempt for reasons that arent immediately clear. Then, during its second landing attempt, it received a bird strike warning from the ground control center before its pilot issued a distress signal. The plane landed without its front landing gear deployed, overshot the runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into a fireball. Alan Price, a former chief pilot at Delta Air Lines and now a consultant, said the Boeing 737-800 is a proven airplane that belongs to a different class of aircraft than the Boeing 737 Max jetliner that was linked to fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. But South Korea's Transport Ministry said Monday it plans to conduct safety inspections of all of the 101 Boeing 737-800 jetliners operated by the countrys airlines as well as a broader review into safety standards at Jeju Air, which operates 39 of those planes. Senior ministry official Joo Jong-wan said representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing were expected to arrive in South Korea on Monday to participate in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ministry officials also said they will look into whether the Muan airports localizer a concrete fence housing a set of antennas designed to guide aircraft safely during landings should have been made with lighter materials that would break more easily upon impact. Joo said the ministry has determined that similar concrete structures are in other domestic airports, including in Jeju Island and the southern cities of Yeosu and Pohang, as well as airports in the United States, Spain and South Africa. Video of the crash indicated that the pilots did not deploy flaps or slats to slow the aircraft, suggesting a possible hydraulic failure, and did not manually lower the landing gear, suggesting they did not have time, said John Cox, a retired airline pilot and CEO of Safety Operating Systems in St. Petersburg, Florida. Despite that, the jetliner was under control and traveling in a straight line, and damage and injuries likely would have been minimized if not for the barrier being so close to the runway, Cox said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other observers said the videos showed the plane was suffering from suspected engine trouble but the landing gear malfunction was likely a direct reason for the crash. They said there wouldn't likely be a link between the landing gear problem and the suspected engine issue. Earlier Monday, another Boeing 737-800 plane operated by Jeju Air returned to Seouls Gimpo International Airport shortly after takeoff when the pilot detected a landing gear issue. Song Kyung-hoon, a Jeju Air executive, said the issue was resolved through communication with a land-based equipment center, but the pilot decided to return to Gimpo as a precautionary measure. Joo said officials were reviewing whether there might have been communication problems between air traffic controllers and the pilot. Our current understanding is that, at some point during the go-around process, communication became somewhat ineffective or was interrupted, ahead of the landing and impact, he said. Ministry officials said Monday the planes flight data and cockpit audio recorders were moved to a research center at Gimpo airport ahead of their analysis. Ministry officials earlier said it would take months to complete the investigation of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Muan crash is South Korea's deadliest aviation disaster since 1997, when a Korean Airlines plane crashed in Guam, killing 228 people on board. The crash left many South Koreans shocked and ashamed, with the government announcing a seven-day national mourning period through Jan. 4. Some questioned whether the crash involved safety or regulatory issues, such as a 2022 Halloween crush in Seoul that killed 160 people and a 2014 ferry sinking that killed 304 people. The Transport Ministry said authorities have identified 146 bodies and are collecting DNA and fingerprint samples from the other 33. Park Han Shin, a representative of the bereaved families, said they were told that the bodies were so badly damaged that officials need time before returning them to their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I demand that the government mobilize more personnel to return our brothers and family members as intact as possible more swiftly, he said, choking down tears. The crash was yet more major news for South Koreans already reeling from a political crisis set off by Yoons martial law decree, which brought hundreds of troops into Seoul streets and revived traumatic memories of past military rule in the 1970-80s. The political tumult resulted in the opposition-controlled National Assembly impeaching Yoon and Han. The safety minister stepped down and the police chief was arrested over their roles in the martial law inforcement. The absence of top officials responsible for managing disasters has led to concerns. We are deeply worried whether the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters really can handle the disaster, the mass-circulation JoongAng Ilbo newspaper said in an editorial Monday. South Korean authorities had on Monday identified 140 of the 179 people killed the previous day when their plane crashed and caught fire in the deadliest aviation accident the nation has ever seen. Investigations continue into the cause of the crash of the South Korean commercial flight travelling from Bangkok to Muan that veered off the runway before bursting into flames. The pilots reported a bird strike shortly before their crash landing, the Yonhap news agency reported earlier, citing the Transport Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pilots had sent out a Mayday signal on Sunday morning after the bird strike at Muan International Airport in Jeolla province, about 288 kilometres south-west of Seoul, the report said. The information supported suspicions that the landing gear of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 could have been affected. According to the authorities, the control tower at the airport had issued a bird warning shortly before the crash. The pilots then carried out an emergency landing on the fuselage without the landing gear being deployed. The Boeing 737-800 skidded along the runway, smashed into a concrete wall and caught fire. It was carrying 181 people, 179 of whom were killed. The two survivors were both crew members. Apart from two Thai nationals, all aboard were Korean citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators hope the two black boxes that were recovered will provide further details, although one of them was damaged in the impact. The analysis could take months, Yonhap reported. Just a day after the accident, Yonhap reported on another Jeju Air aircraft with landing gear problems. Domestic flight 7C101 was en route from Gimpo, west of the capital Seoul, to Jeju Island in the south of the Korean peninsula. However, after take-off, the Boeing 737-800 returned to its departure airport. The South Korean government plans to have all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines inspected to determine whether the airlines are complying with the regulations for this type of aircraft, the Transport Ministry said. The process is to involve inspecting maintenance records and utilization rates. The aircraft type is widely used by low-cost airlines in South Korea, Yonhap reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joo Jong Wan, the ministry's head of aviation regulations, said that Jeju Air is known for the high rate of operations of its aircraft, Yonhap reported. Flight data shows that the aircraft involved in the accident operated 13 flights in the preceding 48 hours. Many people have cancelled bookings with Jeju Air, according to reports. The company said customers have returned some 68,000 tickets for domestic and international flights, mostly since the accident. US aircraft manufacturer Boeing contacted the airline shortly after the accident and the South Korean ministry said the company plans to send two representatives to South Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US National Transportation Safety Board is also due to be represented by two people. Outgoing US President Joe Biden said the thoughts and prayers of Americans are with those affected by the tragedy. "The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance," he said. The US authorities plan to help investigate the accident, the South Korean government said. Meanwhile the airline has apologized to the victims' relatives and its chief executive has taken responsibility for the accident. The bodies have been laid out at a temporary morgue set up at the airport. The disaster hits South Korea amid a deep political crisis, with president Yoon Suk Yeol having been suspended. Acting President Choi Sang Mok has declared a seven-day period of national mourning. On Monday, he met with the parliamentary speaker, Woo Won Shik, to discuss possible relief measures. Firefighters conduct search operations at Muan International Airport after a Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people crashed the previous day. -/YNA/dpa The pilots of the South Korean commercial flight that veered off the runway and caught fire reported a bird strike shortly before their crash landing, the Yonhap news agency reported on Monday, citing the Transport Ministry. The pilots had sent out a Mayday signal on Sunday morning after the bird strike at Muan International Airport in Jeolla province, about 288 kilometres south-west of Seoul, the report said. The information supported suspicions that the landing gear of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 could have been affected. According to the authorities, the control tower at the airport had issued a bird warning shortly before the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft landed without its landing gear deployed, skidded along the runway and smashed into a concrete wall before bursting into flames. It was carrying 181 people, 179 of whom were killed. The two survivors were both crew members. Apart from two Thai nationals, all aboard were Korean citizens. Firefighters conduct search operations at Muan International Airport after a Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people crashed the previous day. -/YNA/dpa Law enforcement authorities in South Korea requested an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol after being impeached two weeks ago for his martial law decree on Dec. 3 that shook the nation. Authorities are investigating whether his actions that day amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials confirmed to The Associated Press it requested the warrant from the Seoul Western District Court and that they plan to question Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. The presidents lawyer filed a challenge with the court, arguing the warrant was invalid and denounced the attempt to detain him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An incumbent president cannot be prosecuted for abuse of power, the lawyer said. Of course, there are differing academic opinions on whether a president can be investigated for abuse of power and some assert that investigations are possible. But even when investigations are allowed, the prevailing opinion is that they should be exercised with the utmost restraint. South Koreas parliament voted to impeach President Yoon in a 204-85 vote on Dec. 14. The nations Constitutional Court was subsequently tasked with deciding whether Yoon should be ousted from office officially. If so, an election would be held within 60 days, according to the AP. The Associated Press contributed. 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. A South Korean court issued an arrest and search warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday over his short-lived imposition of martial law, ABC News confirmed. A joint investigation team announced on Monday they sought the warrant on insurrection and abuse of power charges after Yoon ignored three summonses to appear for questioning. Under South Korea's constitution, if a sitting president is accused of insurrection, the police have the authority to arrest him while he is still in office. PHOTO: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers an address to the nation at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, December 12, 2024. (Korean Presidential Office via Reuters) MORE: South Korean president's chief of staff resigns after martial law lifted Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court's decision to grant the warrant marks the first for a president in the country's history. Immediately after the request, Yoons attorneys asked the court to dismiss it, claiming that the headquarters "does not have the authority to investigate an insurrection" and that declaring martial law was constitutional. Yoon declared martial law in a televised speech on Dec. 3. The president said the measure was necessary due to the actions of the country's liberal opposition, the Democratic Party, which he accused of controlling parliament, sympathizing with North Korea and paralyzing the government. The move sparked protests, and hours after the declaration, the National Assembly voted to demand that the president lift the martial law order. A majority of parliament -- all 190 members who were present, out of the 300-person body -- voted to lift the decree -- requiring that it then be lifted, under the South Korean constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the National Assembly's vote, Yoon said he withdrew the troops that had been deployed to carry out martial law and "will lift martial law as soon as we have a quorum in the cabinet." The State Council then convened to vote to officially lift it. The country's Democratic Party called on Yoon to resign following what it called the "fundamentally invalid" declaration of martial law. Without Yoon resigning, the opposition party worked to enact impeachment proceedings against the president. Yoon has been suspended from his position since Dec. 14, when the National Assembly voted for his impeachment in a 204-85 vote. Earlier this month, however, Yoon vowed to "fight until the last moment" and said that he had never intended to disrupt the "constitutional order" when he ordered hundreds of troops into the National Assembly on Dec. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: 'Unimaginable situation': South Korea endures fallout from president's martial law effort The public reaction has been complex and varied, reflecting the deep political, social, and generational divides in South Korea. But overall there is a mass consensus that putting the country under martial law was an inexcusable action, no matter what motivated the president to do so. "It was an unthinkable, unimaginable situation," Seo Jungkun, a professor at Kyunghee University in Seoul, previously told ABC News. "President Yoon attempted to suspend the functions of the national assembly. He ordered the removal of lawmakers, therefore he could be charged with treason," Seo explained, referring to a testimony by Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-geun, who oversaw the special forces dispatched to the National Assembly on the night of the martial law declaration. ABC News' Joohee Cho and Hakyung Kate Lee contributed to this report. Arrest warrant issued for South Korea's impeached President Yoon originally appeared on abcnews.go.com South Korean investigators looking into a jet crash that killed 179 people are examining the placement of a concrete barrier near the end of a runway after an expert called it verging on criminal. Jeju Airs Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and skidded down the runway on Sunday before smashing into a structure placed beyond the Tarmac and erupting in flames. Of the 181 people on board, 179 were killed. Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, ordered an emergency safety inspection of the countrys entire airline operation system as investigators worked to identify the victims and find out what had caused the deadliest air disaster in the countrys history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Sundays crash came after the plane was struck by birds at around 9am local time (midnight GMT), but experts have said a bird strike alone could not have caused the scale of the disaster. Credit: Lee Geun-young Footage of the crash showed that the pilot had successfully performed a belly landing, but that the plane could not slow down before smashing through a concrete-reinforced structure positioned at the end of the runway. Officials are now investigating what role the localiser antenna played in the crash, transport ministry officials told a media briefing. Localiser antennas are typically built at the end of runways to help bring planes in to land, but in this case they were built on top of a concrete-reinforced mound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Learmount, a leading aviation safety expert, said all the passengers could have survived the crash had it not been for the foundations of the structure. The landing was absolutely perfect, the pilot put it down wings level, doing a good job in bad circumstances, Mr Learmount told The Telegraph, adding: Even as it skids off the runway, the plane is still structurally sound and there is no fire. But then it hits the bank and all hell erupts. If it had not been there it would have sailed through it. Mr Learmount said that while it was normal for an instrument landing system antenna to be placed at the end of a runway, the structure was usually designed to be collapsable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the array had been designed as normal, the aircraft could have passed through it and continued to slow down as it passed through the perimeter fence, which was less substantial, and then come to a halt, he said. Joo Jong-wan, South Koreas deputy minister for civil aviation, said the localisers had been built on piled-up soil, and concrete structures have been installed within these soil layers. The connection between these localisers and the accident will be thoroughly examined during the investigation process, said Mr Joo, adding that the specific foundation on which these devices are placed varies from airport to airport as there is no standardised or uniform design. Mr Learmount, a former RAF pilot and qualified flying instructor, described the presence of the solid embankment with which the plane collided as verging on criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) sets out agreed international standards that the runway overrun should be cleared to ensure that damage to an aircraft is not severe, although it does not have the power to enforce these guidelines. I have never seen anything quite like this before, he said. There is no justification for the structure everybody knows it is meant to be frangible. It is much easier to build something above ground than dig below. That is a possibility. Sally Gethin, another aviation expert, said the onus was on individual nations to adopt international standards on overrun areas set out by the ICAO. I personally havent come across anything like this before, but that is not to say there are no other examples of these barriers, she told The Telegraph. My understanding is that they [the localiser antennas] were quite close to the overrun area. It has given rise to the idea that the concrete structure was the main culprit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On speculation that the landing systems could have been installed on an embankment to offset the slope of the runway, Mr Learmount said that if the antenna needed to be raised to work at a certain level this could have been done with a frangible frame. The plane could not slow down before it smashed through the concrete-reinforced structure - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters The wreckage of the Jeju Air plane - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Joo said maintenance records of systems such as engines and landing gear would be thoroughly reviewed for the 101 Boeing 737-800 planes operated by six airlines in the country. Transportation ministry officials said the jets flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder had been recovered, but it was not yet clear whether the data was sufficiently intact to be analysed. The Jeju Air pilot told air traffic control that the plane had suffered a bird strike before it crashed while landing, transport officials revealed on Monday. While the control tower had warned the pilots that birds had been seen in the vicinity shortly before the strike occurred, and footage emerged online, showing what appeared to be birds striking the engine, it is unclear whether this was the primary cause of the disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, said: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended. Credit: South Korea MBC TV Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, also said emergency services are typically prepared for a belly landing. Choi Kee-young, a professor 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christian Beckert, a flight safety expert and Lufthansa pilot, said the video footage suggested that, apart 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. Bird strikes have been a major concern for airports and aviation agencies for years. In the US, wildlife strikes cause more than $900 million (715 million) in damage to aircraft each year, and have resulted in more than 250 fatalities since 1988. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Last year, 19,603 strikes were recorded with 3.6 per cent causing damage. 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 such as bird hazing or removal. Radar systems are also used to detect bird activity along flight paths, providing pilots with key information to avoid potential hazards. Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, lays a flower as he visits a memorial for the crash victims - SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg A relative of one of the victims waits near a makeshift shelter at Muan International Airport - Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images On Monday morning, investigators were trying to identify some of the last remaining victims as anguished relatives waited inside the Muan airport terminal. I apologise deeply... but the extent of the damage to the bodies is profound, an official told families at a briefing Monday, trying to explain the immense hurdles facing workers trying to recover remains while also preserving crash-site evidence. There are many cases in which arms and legs have been severed, he said, his words causing cries of shock and horror among the relatives. Authorities said they had identified 146 of the victims of the disaster - Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images Using fingerprints and DNA analysis, authorities have identified 146 of the victims, and are working hard on the 33 still to be verified. The crash killed mostly local residents who were returning from holidays in Thailand, while two Thai nationals also died. Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash, said he was told by authorities that his brother had been identified, but he has not been able to see his body. We want the authorities to bring our loved ones back, even if they are only 80 per cent intact, he said. 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. JAKARTA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has set plans to enhance both extensification and intensification programs in the agricultural sector to accelerate the country's attainment of food self-sufficiency, according to ministers on Monday. The Ministry of Agriculture on Monday held a coordinating meeting attended by Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo, and Deputy Chief of the Indonesian Military Army Staff Lieutenant General Tandyo Budi Revita. Following the meeting, Dody said that an additional 2.08 million hectares of land had been identified for plant cultivation. Furthermore, Andi said that the government would construct irrigation infrastructures for 2 million hectares of land. "The development of tertiary, primary, and secondary irrigation systems will cover 2 million hectares," Andi explained at a press conference. He mentioned that the focus for building and normalizing irrigation infrastructures would be on Java Island, where most of the country's food production occurs. "Between 50 and 60 percent of our production happens on Java Island," he said, noting that the military would also be involved in supporting the irrigation efforts. In addition to irrigation, he also noted that preparations have been made across Indonesia to ensure the supply of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural tools and machinery. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has set a goal for the country to achieve food self-sufficiency within four years of taking office. A child was killed and two adults were injured Sunday in an apartment fire in the Greenhaven neighborhood of south Sacramento, according to the Sacramento Fire Department. When firefighters arrived just after 6:30 a.m. to the second-floor dwelling at Riverside Boulevard and Greenhaven Drive, one person, a child, was reported to be trapped inside. The crew was able to get into the apartment, but the juvenile inside was pronounced dead on the scene. Two adults, who were able to escape the same apartment, were taken to a hospital to be treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Sacramento Fire Department spokesperson said the cause of the fire was under investigation. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) heads to the House floor on Friday in hopes of being formally reelected Speaker. While Johnson has the endorsement of President-elect Trump to remain Speaker, one Republican is pledging to oppose him, and several others are not committing to supporting Johnson. That has raised questions about whether he can win enough votes to keep his gavel, given the House GOPs razor-thin majority. In short, Johnson can only afford to lose one Republican vote for Speaker assuming every member is present and voting for a candidate. But the details can get complicated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Speaker election is the first order of business for the House on the opening day of the new Congress, which is on Jan. 3 at noon, as dictated by the Constitution. By practice, the House can conduct no business until it elects a Speaker, meaning the chamber will be paralyzed until it does so. That scenario was last seen at the start of the 118th Congress in January 2023, when it took former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) 15 ballots over four days to clinch the gavel. Heres how the math breaks down: The Speaker is elected by a majority not a plurality of House members voting for a candidate by name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the first day of the new Congress on Friday, there are expected to be 219 Republicans, 215 Democrats, and one vacancy given that former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) says he will not return to take his seat, putting the total number of members at 434. Since a majority of 434 is 218, that means Johnson needs 218 votes in order to win the Speakership, assuming every member is present and voting for a candidate. Democrats signal they will all vote for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). In Speaker battles last year, Democrats never saw any defections. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) says he will vote for someone other than Johnson, angered by his handling of spending issues, Ukraine aid and other matters. If every other Republican votes for Johnson, he can still win the Speakership. In that scenario, the total would be 218 Johnson, 215 Jeffries and one vote for another candidate, still delivering Johnson a majority of the votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if one other Republican joins Massie in voting for someone other than Johnson, he does not get the gavel. In that scenario 217 Johnson, 215 Jeffries, two other no one would be elected Speaker since no one would have a majority of votes, and the House would vote again. The math gets more complicated if a member is absent or votes present, since the Speaker needs to be elected by only a majority of those voting for a candidate. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), a Republican who has also not committed to supporting Johnson despite Trumps endorsement, voted present during several Speaker rounds before McCarthy was elected. In a scenario where Massie votes for another candidate and Spartz votes present, Johnson can still win. The breakdown would be 217 Johnson, 215 Jeffries, one vote for another candidate and one present, handing Johnson the gavel because he won a majority of the 433 votes for Speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a scenario where Massie votes for a candidate other than Johnson and two members vote present could tank Johnson on that Speakership vote. If the vote is 216 Johnson, 215 Jeffries, one vote for another candidate and two present, Johnson loses because 216 is not a majority of the 432 votes cast for Speaker. Any absences on either the Republican or Democratic side could also change the number of GOP defections Johnson can afford, lowering the threshold needed to win. 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 The Hill. Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) urged President-elect Trump to personally call House Republicans and urge them to back Speaker Mike Johnsons bid to keep his gavel. 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, Comer said in a Sunday interview on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures. Its going to delay the certification of President Trumps election. Its going to delay the start of his first 100 days in office, which is the most important time frame of his whole presidency, he continued. Thats when you get the most done, historically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, I strongly encourage President Trump to get on the phone and try to get everyone united so we can work together as a team and make America great again, Comer added in the interview, which was conducted before Trump publicly backed Johnsons Speakership bid on Monday. Comer said he was concerned that Fridays Speakership vote could see a repeat of last years battle to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who was ousted from his post after a few Republicans voted with Democrats to remove him as Speaker. But Comer said he hopes Trumps forthcoming term in office will incentivize Republicans to unite behind Johnson, who cannot afford to lose any more Republican votes. Johnson needs 218 votes to be elected Speaker, and there will be 219 Republicans voting. Democrats have made clear they would not back Johnsons bid, and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) has come out against Johnson for Speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have seen it play out over the past two years. It was very difficult for Kevin McCarthy. Its been very difficult for Mike Johnson. It would be very difficult for whomever would be elected Speaker of our conference, Comer said. At the end of the day, the difference between the 119th Congress and the 118th Congress is, we will have a Republican president, a strong Republican president whos very popular with Republican congressmens constituents back home, and thats Donald Trump, Comer added. 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. Dec. 29Spokane police shot and killed a man Sunday evening in the North Hill Neighborhood. According to police, officers responded to calls from residents of the Northcliff Terrace Apartments at West Cora Avenue and North Post Street, after neighbors reported someone was shooting out of an apartment. Officers from the Spokane Police Department responded in under four minutes and after addressing the suspect, "at some point in time, felt there was a threat," police Chief Kevin Hall said at a news conference at the scene. He declined to elaborate on how the response escalated. As many as four officers fired rounds, Hall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hall said he didn't know if the suspect fired at officers. No officers were injured. Officers who fired their weapons will go on administrative leave, Hall said, and the Independent Investigative Response team are investigating. Elena Perry'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. Palettes of sandbags sit in front of a sign for Ruidoso Downs amid the South Fork and Salt fires this summer. The state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management coordinated the sandbag effort amid post-fire flooding. (Photo courtesy DHSEM) President Joe Biden issued two major disaster declarations in New Mexico in 2024, the first time since 2014 that pronouncement has been made twice in the same year, according to federal data. First, two wildfires erupted in the Ruidoso area in June. The South Fork and Salt fires and ensuing floods destroyed more than 1,500 homes and caused the deaths of two people. Then, in October, heavy rains caused devastating flooding in Roswell, a disaster that resulted in at least two deaths, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both instances, and for smaller emergencies before and in-between them, the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management responded. Disasters of that severity require a multi-faceted response and coordination between numerous officials and local and state agencies. Emergency Management was at the center of all that, running into disaster zones, marshaling resources and fielding questions at angry town halls. Recently, Deputy Secretary Ali Rye reflected on a year of disasters in an interview with Source New Mexico. She described a tiring year and a small-but-mighty agency that is struggling to keep up with the before, during and after disasters because there have been so many. I mean, my staff is spent. I think New Mexicans are spent, Rye said. I think everyone is just, theyre tired, and theyre constantly in this response or recovery mode. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before 2022, the state had a reprieve of nearly a decade from major disaster declarations, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency data, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic. (Rye doesnt really count the pandemic she said, Because everybody got impacted by COVID.) Ali Rye, second from right, joined Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham a senior FEMA adviser, Ben Krakauer (speaking) and Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar at a town hall in May 2024 regarding the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire. The 2022 federally declared disaster was a series of wildfires burning throughout the state simultaneously. On a single spring day in 2022, 20 wildfires were burning at the same time. Thats the same year that the state experienced the two biggest fires in its history the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in northern New Mexico and the Black Fire in southern New Mexico. Both burned more than 300,000 acres. The trial by fires, while devastating for communities and exhausting for staff, has at least been educational, Rye said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will tell you, though, we have learned a lot over the last two years, she said. And I think it showed this year with us being very proactive in areas that we knew were going to get hit, or us planning ahead for fire season, for monsoon season in a more proactive way. That meant meeting with residents and local officials in disaster-prone areas, purchasing needed equipment and staging it there in advance, Rye said. The ongoing fallout from the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire shows the long tail and cumulative nature of disasters. More than two years later, even as disasters unfolded in southern New Mexico, staff was still driving all over the state, offering state case managers to help northern fire victims navigate a tangle of bureaucracy and support to local officials still trying to rebuild roads or mitigate against future floods. The same staff that help in Roswell and in Ruidoso are also the same staff that help in Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon, Rye said. And so my staff, I mean, they travel all over the state to be able to provide the assistance and the resources to these individuals who are still in these communities that are still recovering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryes core staff is two people, she said, though the office does employ others with the help of federal grants. So, yeah, its a lot, she said. But its rewarding and vital work, she said, helping people on the worst days of their lives. The office is hiring, and Rye is hoping to convince lawmakers to increase its operating budget from about $3.2 million to about $5.6 million at the upcoming 60-day session. The extra funding would help attract and retain staff, many of whom are lured away by federal disaster response agencies or elsewhere. As it stands, the skeleton crew cant take as much time as needed to help a community recover or prepare before another flood, snowstorm or wildfire. Were going so much that we cannot put in those mitigation efforts the way we really, truly would like to, she said. Were kind of just putting Band-aids on situations to keep the state afloat. An exploding star that will be visible to the naked eye for the first time in 80 years is running late, with astronomers keenly looking out for the rare event. The explosion T Corona Borealis, also known as T Cor Bor, is a phenomenon caused by two stars that orbit one another 3,000 light years away. A tiny white dwarf star is orbiting a much bigger star and the smaller of the dyad is slowly sucking matter from its companion and accruing a thin hydrogen skin around its barren surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This flammable blanket of gas will ignite in a nuclear explosion when the layer is heavy enough that the pressure creates a temperature able to set the hydrogen alight. The process of accretion and ignition usually takes around 80 years and last occurred in 1946. The resulting blast, or nova, will be visible with the naked eye in the constellation of Corona Borealis, also known as the Northern Crown, and will be roughly as bright as Polaris. This flammable blanket of gas will ignite in a nuclear explosion with one last occurring in 1946 - Stu Gray/Alamy Stock Photo The white dwarf star is gathering material from the surface of the red giant, and this material is swirling around the white dwarf before being pulled down to the surface, Jessica Lee, astronomer at Royal Observatory Greenwich, told The Telegraph. This creates a layer of material on the surface of the smaller star, and when the temperature and pressure have built up just right a runaway thermonuclear explosion, or nova, occurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This nova clears away the surface material but doesnt destroy the star, so the process starts again and re-occurs approximately every 80 years. Michael Woodman, 94, from Newport, was the first person in the UK to see the nova in the night sky the last time it happened when the then-teenage amateur astronomer saw the bright star emerge. He wrote to the astronomer royal about his sighting, which he said felt like hitting the jackpot and received a letter back confirming he was the first person to see the event. Slightly overdue Lord Martin Rees, the current Astronomer Royal and former president of the Royal Society and a fellow of Trinity College at Cambridge University, told The Telegraph that the process should be coming around once more, and is perhaps slightly overdue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in 2024 astronomers noticed dips in activity in the binary system, which was heralded as a sign the explosion was imminent, with a timeline of before September expected. But the blast has yet to occur, with astronomers now keeping their keen eyes trained on the night sky. The amount of hydrogen is gradually accumulating on the surface of the white dwarf as it goes round and round the other star and when there is enough, there is an explosion, Lord Rees said. But its not going to be all that spectacular. The star is normally about magnitude 10, which is too faint to be seen without a telescope. But when its flaring, its going to be second magnitude, so one of the hundreds or so bright stars in the sky, no more than that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not going to be like a supernova or anything spectacular. One would expect this sort of thing, just on basic physical grounds to happen roughly with the same frequency all the time. If the gap between the second and third appearance is the same as between the first and second that we saw, then it is slightly overdue. But theres no particular reason to expect this sort of event to be completely regular. People bet it will happen in the next year or two, and I doubt that we can be confident of any more precise forecast. Once-in-a-lifetime event When it does happen, the flare from the explosion will be a once-in-a-lifetime event for astronomers, both professional and amateur. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nova are not rare. However, recurrent novae, ones that happen over and over again, are rare, with only 10 known ones in our galaxy, Dr Daniel Brown, associate professor in astronomy and science communication at Nottingham Trent University, told The Telegraph. It is even rarer to have one that is then visible to the naked eye and this one specifically will be very bright indeed, rivalling the brightest star in its constellation: Corona Borealis. It will remain visible to the naked eye for about 5 days only, even less if you live in light polluted areas, while it rapidly dims. Then it will only be observable with binoculars or telescopes. Astronomers are already preparing for the event, with equipment trained on the spot in the sky likely to light up because modern tools have never been able to study the event before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With more detailed observations including spectroscopy, X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes we will be able to understand more how such stars behave, Dr Brown added. It is always a treat when something doesnt happen as predicted. Thats always a sign that we are about to explore something new and expand our current understanding. 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. MASON COUNTY, Texas (Nexstar) The Texas Division of Emergency Management announced it is sending out additional wildfire resources to western parts of the state due to an increased risk in wildfire activity on Monday. The Texas A&M Forest Service identified extreme wildfire risks for parts of the Hill Country, West Texas, the Permian Basin, South Plains, and the Panhandle. The service provides a fire risk map on its website that highlights dozens of counties at a heightened risk. Texans are urged to avoid activities that cause sparks and follow instructions from local emergency officials. Please join me in thanking the first responders working around the clock to protect life and property during this holiday season, said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The support being sent to local fire departments across the state includes 35 pieces of equipment, including fire engines and bulldozers, nine federally contracted firefighting aircraft and 160 firefighters and personnel through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System. The Mason County Commissioners Court issued a 90-day burn ban on Monday in response to the heightened risk. The entire county is shaded in the extreme risk category according to the Texas A&M Forest Service website. Mason County is no stranger to the dangers of fire. In August this year, the North Art Complex fire burned 4,300 acres and even the county courthouse was burned down by an act of arson in 2021. Mason County Judge Sheree Hardin said the tragedies have given officials the experience to take on the next fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its very important to stay calm and collected, and just utilize our resources and our men and women, Hardin explained. The county has two active volunteer fire departments with a third one in the works. In Mason, there are 39 members a part of the volunteer fire department. The volunteer fire chief, Brandon Neece, said the department has 11 trucks with 18,000 gallons of water capacity. He said they rely on equipment from the state during dangerous brush fires because of the terrain in rural Texas. Theyve got dozers and maintainers readily available, already loaded up just need to be dispatched out. Lot of the country in Mason County is real real rough where you cant get a truck like this in and around, Neece explained. New Years Eve pose a threat Officials in Mason County and the Texas A&M Forest Service said fireworks are a huge threat as Texans get ready to celebrate ringing in the new year. Mike Dunivan, the area operation chief for Texas A&M Forest Service, said fires from fireworks could overwhelm local firefighting resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mason County burn ban prohibits fireworks, and officials there hope people follow the rules. Be smart and have a little common sense. Common sense can go a long ways, Neece said. 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 KXAN Austin. Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency after a spate of killings over the weekend added to what was already an exceptionally deadly year for the Caribbean nation. Under emergency powers announced Monday by the office of the Prime Minister Keith Rowley, the police will be able to search people and premises without warrants, and detain suspects for up to 48 hours, in an effort to bring down what the leader has called an unacceptable high level of violent crime. However, there will be no curfew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authorization came after gun violence claimed several lives over the weekend, bringing the countrys murder toll for 2024 to 623 the highest level in police records dating back to 2013. Trinidad and Tobago, population 1.5 million, already has one of the highest murder rates in the Caribbean, along with Jamaica and Haiti, according to the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), while violent deaths in the region are nearly three times the global average. And police warn they expect the amount of gang-related violent crime involving powerful assault weapons to increase. Acting Attorney General Stuart Young told a briefing Monday there had been 61 homicides so far in the month of December alone. These included a shooting Saturday involving a high caliber automatic weapon outside a police station that killed one person and an incident less than 24 hours later that left five dead and one injured in the Port of Spain area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds told the same briefing a further two people had been killed on Friday one in a gang-related incident, another in a domestic situation and 15 others killed in gun-related incidents since last Monday. Police were viewing the latest wave of incidents as an outbreak of gang violence, Hinds said, adding that the military would assist in enforcing the state of emergency. Attorney General Young added that the use of high-caliber firearms by criminal gangs had made the recent violence particularly concerning, leading to the state of emergency declaration. There is very little chance of survival due to the velocity and the caliber of these weapons. This has been a major concern not only for us here in Trinidad and Tobago, but throughout the whole CARICOM region, he said, referring to the regional Caribbean Community group of nations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A significant amount of the countrys violent crime such as murder, assault and kidnapping is related to criminal gang activity and narcotics trafficking, according to the US State Department. In July, the US State Department set its travel advisory for Trinidad and Tobago to Level 3, advising US citizens to reconsider travel due to crime. Exercise increased caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping, the travel advisory said. The attorney general said the government was in contact with the US, where many of the high-powered weapons come from, to discuss how to control the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Caribbean countries do not manufacture firearms, more than 7,000 firearms were recovered from them between 2018 and 2022. Nearly three-quarters of those came from the US, according to GAO. CNNs Michael Rios contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com VIENNA Twp., Ohio (WKBN) Monday morning the State Fiscal Commission will meet to approve or deny the plan to get Vienna out of a fiscal emergency. Two weeks ago, trustees in Vienna voted to adopt Plan 7 This aims to get the township out of fiscal emergency by the end of 2027. In July, Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber declared the township in a fiscal emergency after it was found that over $1 million of the townships money was misappropriated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, seven plans were discussed that could help them get back on the right track, with trustees voting on the plan to go with. The plan being voted on today calls for continued use of traffic cameras and eliminates two 1-mill levies for the fire department, replacing them with a 3.5-mill levy. If the levy passes, it would restart fire and EMS services. If this plan is denied, Vienna Trustees will have 30 days to come up with a new plan. 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 WKBN.com. 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. Heres the latest: Carters state funeral will be Jan. 9 President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Carters 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America and the world lost a remarkable leader with Carters death, Biden said, adding that he had spoken to several of the former presidents 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 couldnt 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. The president repeatedly praised Carters 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 Carters significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to say Carters 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 Carters 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Carters 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Carters 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 Carters 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. 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 FOX31 Denver. VALLETTA, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Switzerland will chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, in his capacity as chair-in-office of the OSCE, announced on Monday. The decision was reached by consensus among the 57 OSCE participating states, marking a "significant milestone" in ensuring the OSCE's continuity and resilience, according to a statement of Borg's office. Finland will assume the chairpersonship from Malta on Jan. 1, 2025, before passing it to Switzerland the following year. "Switzerland's leadership will be instrumental in steering the OSCE through these challenging times," Borg said, stressing its experience, commitment to multilateralism, and dedication to advancing peace and security. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Vienna, OSCE is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization, comprising 57 participating states across Europe, northern and central Asia, and North America. Jimmy Carter devoted his life to serving others, seeking peace, and improving the world around him. From creating the Department of Energy to protecting our rivers and wildlands in New Mexico, Alaska, and elsewhere, President Carters legacy was forward-loking, thoughtful, and visionary. Above everything, he stood tall for working people, never relenting in the fight for a better economic future for all. At a time of great polarizationa nd partisan divide in our nation, I hope each of us can draw from President Carters constant example of compassion, humility, and decency. Rep. Pricey Harrison (Photo: NCGA) The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina is rightfully provoking calls for more action than has been forthcoming from state and federal lawmakers, and one area in which one hopes such demands will bear fruit is in planning and prevention. Regrettably, state Republican legislative leaders have repeatedly blocked legislation and rules, and overrode gubernatorial vetoes, designed to protect against the impacts of hurricanes and other storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, advocates have long identified and championed policies that would better prepare our state for the storms that will inevitably come our way (and also combat the climate change thats helping to drive them) and one of the most knowledgeable is State Rep. Pricey Harrison of Guilford County. And as Rep. Harrison told Newsline during a conversation we had in October, its her hope that Hurricane Helene will finally spur her colleagues to action in this long-neglected area. This is a rebroadcast of our interview that originally aired on October 13, 2024 The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan) Editors note: This story contains language that may not be suitable for readers of all ages. A group of 19 Republican state senators, led by Sen. John Fuller of Kalispell, is asking the State Bar of Montana to issue an apology for partisan attacks against Republicans in Montana made by a lawyer and the organizations alleged endorsement of the remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter sent to State Bar President Toni Tease last week, the senators objected to disparaging remarks and name calling made by a Montana lawyer during a panel hosted by the State Bar this spring, and said the Bars sponsorship of the seminar amounted to implicit endorsement of the remarks. They request Tease appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 7 to respond to the letter. In a call with the Daily Montanan, Tease said the organizations executive committee had not yet discussed the letter or any response, but said she intends to appear before the Judiciary Committee. She added that individual lawyers do not represent the positions of the organization at large. The lawyer, Jim Goetz, said he was speaking on his own behalf and not as a representative for the State Bar. The move is the latest in a series of actions taken by Republican lawmakers who have expressed frustrations in recent years at alleged biases throughout the judicial branch of government, including the Montana Supreme Court, State Bar, and Office of Disciplinary Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one of the Bars continuing legal education (CLE) seminars in April, there was a panel for lawyers called Portraits in Courage-Unpopular Causes and Representing the Unrepresentable, moderated by Montana Supreme Court Justice Laurie McKinnon. The panel, one of eight seminars and forums on the days agenda, featured three attorneys Randy Cox, Goetz and Mark Werner and a retired Billings district judge, Michael Moses. During the panel, Goetz, an attorney known for his work helping establish Montanas stream access laws and who argued recent successful cases against the state and GOP-controlled legislature, criticized Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, the legislature and the Montana Supreme Court. In the letter, the senators pointed to comments made by Goetz deriding a recent Supreme Court decision as a piece of shit, calling Gianforte, Gianforeskin, and labeling some laws passed by the legislature as pieces of garbage that should be stricken, which they called hypocritical attacks on the Republican Party at a state bar-sponsored event while surrounded by a sympathetic panel, including a supreme court justice, retired judge and several hand-picked lawyers. The state bar certainly should not tolerate or sanction such conduct at its events, the letter states. Accordingly, we call on the state bar to apologize to its members, the Republican Party and Governor Gianforte for Mr. Goetzs conduct. We also request that the state bar publish guidelines for future bar presentations that encourage a diversity of offered viewpoints, including speakers who argue that separation of governmental powers is central to our constitution and the judiciarys role is to say what the law is, not what it should be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter from the legislators asks State Bar President Tease to respond with an apology and guidelines by Jan. 6; publish the letter and the Bar response in the next issue of The Montana Lawyer and distribute it to all State Bar members; and requests Tease appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan 7. This particular program took place eight months ago. Comments made by panelists do not reflect positions of the State Bar, nor does the individual hold any leadership position in the State Bar, Tease told the Daily Montanan. She added that she was not president this spring, did not attend the seminar and was not part of the planning of it. All practicing Montana lawyers are required to be members of the Montana State Bar, which was created by order of the Montana Supreme Court to maintain standards of integrity and conduct of members and provide continuing legal education to members, among other purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tease said that two different groups within the organization handle education; the Continuing Legal Education Commission, which sets standard for continuing education and is appointed by the state supreme court; and the CLE Institute, a State Bar committee charged with preparing, sponsoring and administering the CLE programs. The reality is most CLE programs arent political by nature, she said. Political affiliation isnt ever a reason behind selecting speakers. Goetz was not initially scheduled to be a member of the panel in question. He was invited to join the panel the day of the seminar by Justice McKinnon, after concerns that one other participant might not show up in time. The Bar had no idea what I was going to say, Goetz told the Daily Montanan. The Bar is not in the business of censoring, and its foolish to try to make it appear that my comments were anything but my own private comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Goetz added that he thought the legislators were using him as a pawn to defend the conduct of Attorney General Austin Knudsen. Earlier this year, the Office of Disciplinary Council filed a complaint alleging 41 counts of professional misconduct against Knudsen, and a Commission on Practice adjudication panel recommended the Montana Supreme Court suspend Knudsens law license for 90 days. The senators letter compares the statements made by Goetz and Knudsen, saying that Knudsens comments that the ODC considers rule breaking are much less inflammatory than Mr. Goetzs own statements. The misconduct complaints against Knudsen found he and his staff undermined public confidence in the judiciary by attempting to evade the authority of the Montana Supreme Court and assaulting the integrity of the judiciary and the individual Justices who were duly elected by Montana citizens to make decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A copy of the senators letter was sent to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel with a request that they investigate Goetzs conduct, using the same standard they applied to the Republican Attorney General. The letter insinuates that the ODC is also a partisan organization a wholly controlled subsidiary of the Montana Supreme Court and that the states highest court has a long history of hostility toward the Republican Party and conservatives. As an example, the letter points to three decades of appointments to the states redistricting commission, which were described as undeniable, consistent and intentional appointment of Democratic donors in this hyper-political process. The senators request for guidelines of future bar presentations includes encouraging a diversity of offered viewpoints, including speakers who argue that separation of governmental powers is central to our constitution and the judiciarys role is to say what the law is, not what it should be. Tease told the Daily Montanan that she agreed with the sentiment of encouraging a diverse set of viewpoints in the State Bars education programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State bars written policies acknowledge it is an organization of individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, she said. I take pride that our organization is a big tent. We have members from all over the state with a range of political views. Tease also quoted from an email she sent to members earlier this month that the Montana State Bar is fully prepared to engage constructively and effectively on legislative matters, during the upcoming legislative session. During the first week of January, the Montana State Bar will take part in an optional legislator training, Law School for Legislators, which will also feature faculty from the University of Montana Law School, Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, Montana Supreme Court justices, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, Attorney General Knudsen and the legislatures legal director, Todd Everts. Republicans on the interim Senate Select Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform will introduce more than two dozen bills in the 2025 legislative session aimed at reigning in the judiciary, including a bill by Sen. Fuller to make membership with the State Bar voluntary. Editors note: The Daily Montanan is party to a lawsuit with other news organizations who have retained the law firm Goetz, Geddes, & Gardner, P.C. as outside counsel. Fuller letter to State Bar COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Former President Jimmy Carter died at 100 years old on Sunday. Initial Report: Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 years old Statements from Georgia leaders and beyond are pouring in. You can find them below. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Jason Carter My family and I are saddened to inform you of my grandfathers passing. The Carter Center has been a vital part of his lifes work, and I thank you for all you have done to fulfill his vision of a world at peace that respects and promotes equal human rights for all, reducing human suffering. Your partnership in our work is a testament to his legacy, and I can assure you that the remarkable people at the Center will continue the important work he has led us in for over 40 years. We appreciate your continued friendship. Ga. Senator Reverend Warnock 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Ga. Governor Brian Kemp Marty, the girls, and I join all Georgians and the entire nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before becoming president, he worked to grow the states economic success and position on the national and international stages as a state senator and the 76th governor of Georgia. Under his leadership, the European and Japanese state trade offices were launched, as well as the Georgia Film Commission. He and former First Lady Rosalynn Carters support of the civil rights movement in the place of its birth is also remembered with deep appreciation. 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. As the longest-lived president in history, perhaps his greatest distinction is the happy marriage he enjoyed with First Lady Carter, spanning over 77 years also the longest of any former president. 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. Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King Arndrea and I send our heartfelt condolences to President Jimmy Carters family, especially his children and grandchildren. President Carter was a trailblazer, a fighter who punched above his weight. While history may have been hard on President Carter at times, today, he is remembered as a global human rights leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My father once said, As long as there is poverty in this world, no man can be totally rich even if he has a billion dollars. President Carter, like my father, saw poverty as one of the greatest threats and was determined to eradicate it. I was honored that he selected me to represent our country on two foreign delegations that led to the creation of the African Initiative, a program which sought to end starvation in Africa. Over the years, my family found comfort in President Carters wise counsel and strong leadership. Even after he left office, he carried on the legacies that my family has long-championed, the eradication of the triple evils poverty, racism, and violence. We will truly miss President Carter, but we know that he would not want us to be saddened by his death, but proud of the work weve accomplished together and resolved to continue the work he started for the generations that come after us. Rest in peace, President Carter. Youve earned it. Ga. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger 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 an indelible mark on the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tricia and I mourn his passing and extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family. May President Carter be at peace, reunited with his true love Rosalynn in their eternal rest. Ga. Senator Jon Ossoff I extend my deepest condolences to Jack, Chip, Jeff, Amy, and the entire Carter family on their loss. A former Georgia State Senator, Governor of Georgia, and President of the United States, President Carters lifetime of work and dedication to public service changed the lives of many across our state, our country, and around the world. 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. 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. 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. May Jimmy Carters memory be a blessing. Ga. Lt. Governor Burt Jones 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was 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. We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts. 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. 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 great nation because we are a good people decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong. To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country. President-Elect Donald Trump 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. 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. 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 WRBL. John Greene and his counselor, Emily Georgia, at Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, N.Y. Greene is four months into recovery for the first time since he started regularly using drugs at age 14. He credits a new program that the counseling center started with opioid settlement money. (Celia Talbot Tobin for KFF Health News) This article first appeared on KFF Health News. In the past few years, state and local governments across the U.S. have begun spending billions in opioid settlements paid by companies accused of fueling the overdose crisis. But where is that money going, who is getting it, and is it doing any good? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KFF Health News, partnering with researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on addiction, undertook a yearlong investigation to find out. Dozens of interviews, thousands of pages of documents, an array of public records requests and outreach to all 50 states resulted in a first-of-its kind database that catalogs more than 7,000 ways opioid settlement cash was used in 2022 and 2023. Its the most comprehensive resource to date tracking some of the largest public health settlements in American history. Among the findings: States and localities received more than $6 billion in opioid settlement funds in 2022 and 2023. According to public records, they spent or committed about a third of that amount and set aside about another third for future use. The final third was untrackable, as many jurisdictions did not produce public reports on the funds. Reports of spending tracked the minuscule to the monumental, from $11.74 to buy postage in Yavapai County, Arizona, to more than $51 million to increase the addiction treatment workforce in California. States allotted, on average, about 18% of their funds for addiction and mental health treatment; 14% for recovery services such as housing, transportation and legal aid; 11% for harm reduction efforts such as overdose reversal medications; and 9% for prevention programs that aim to stop people from developing substance use disorders. States committed, on average, about 2% for syringe service programs, through which people can get sterile needles. (A variety of entities received this money, from law enforcement to nonprofit organizations to government agencies.) Governments reported spending more than $240 million on purposes that did not qualify as opioid remediation. (Most settlements allow states to spend up to 15% of their funds this way.) Most of this tranche went to legal fees, but several jurisdictions funneled money to their general fund. One county even sent funds to its road and bridge department. Several cities and counties reported expenditures they said addressed the overdose crisis but that would leave an average person scratching their head such as $33.07 to an anti-abortion pregnancy center in Sandborn, Indiana, and $30,362 to screen first responders for heart disease in Oregon City, Oregon. When people know that people arent watching and theres no accountability, then they can kind of do what they want, said Tonja Myles, a community activist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who is in recovery. Thats why we have to have some kind of database and accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the recent decline in overall overdose deaths in the U.S., more than 90,000 people still died in the 12 months ending July 2024 and rates are rising in many Black and Native American communities. We cant mess up or miss this moment, Myles said. Opioid settlement payouts are expected to total about $50 billion over nearly two decades, paid by more than a dozen companies that made or distributed prescription painkillers, including Johnson & Johnson, Walgreens and Walmart. Although its a large sum, its dwarfed by the size of the crisis, making each dollar thats spent critical. KFF Health News and its partners reviewed hundreds of settlement spending reports, extracting expenditures line by line, and developed a methodology to sort the expenditures into categories like treatment or prevention. States were given an opportunity to review the data and comment on their spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, the database does not capture the full picture of opioid settlement spending nationwide. Some places do not publish spending reports, while others declined to engage with this project. The data presented here is a snapshot as of the end of 2023 and does not account for further spending in 2024. The differences in how states control, process and report on the money make apples-to-apples comparisons nearly impossible. Still, the database helps fill a gap left by a lack of national reporting requirements and federal government inaction. It is a tool for those who want to objectively measure whether everything that can be done is being done, said Matthew Myers, a former president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which compiles similar annual reports on tobacco settlement money. Treatment a clear winner The top priority to emerge from early opioid settlement spending was treatment, with more than $416 million spent or committed to residential rehabs, outpatient counseling, medications for opioid use disorder and more. The state of New York which spent the most on treatment allocated about $22 million of that for programs that make the gold standard for care as easy as possible for patients: providing same-day prescriptions for buprenorphine, a medication that decreases cravings for opioids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result was a program that John Greene said changed his life. Greene, 57, used to live in the woods down the street from Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, New York. He cycled through jails and hospitals, overdosing half a dozen times and trying rehab just as many. But now he has four months of recovery under his belt the longest stint since he started regularly using drugs at 14. John Greene at Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, N.Y. Greene is four months into recovery for the first time since he started regularly using drugs at age 14. He credits a new program that the counseling center started with opioid settlement money. (Celia Talbot Tobin for KFF Health News) He said its because the counseling centers new program funded by a mix of state and local opioid settlement dollars has a different approach. Counselors arent didactic and judgmental. They dont force him to stop smoking marijuana. Several staff members have experienced addiction themselves. They drive Greene, who doesnt have a car, to doctor appointments and the pharmacy for his buprenorphine prescription. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now Greene lives and works with his brother, looks forward to weekly counseling sessions, and is notching small victories such as buying his nephew toy cars as a stocking stuffer. It made me feel good to do something for somebody and not expect nothing back, Greene said. Emily Georgia, one of Greenes counselors, said the center has worked with nearly 200 people like him in the past year. Without the settlements, the program probably wouldnt exist, she said. John Greene at Family & Childrens Counseling Services in Cortland, N.Y. (Celia Talbot Tobin for KFF Health News) Across the country, the money supports other innovative treatment approaches: $21 million for a new program in Kentucky that diverts people with mental illness or addiction who face low-level charges away from incarceration and into treatment, education and workforce training More than $3 million for, in part, three new mobile methadone programs in Massachusetts, to bring the medication to rural and underserved areas Tens of thousands of dollars each in Iowa and Pennsylvania to cover out-of-pocket treatment costs for people without insurance or those with high deductibles Philip Rutherford, an expert on substance use disorder at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, said these efforts are really positive and many have been historically difficult or impossible to achieve with federal or state funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some funds are also flowing to treatment approaches that defy best practices, such as denying people medications for opioid use disorder. Some in the recovery community consider methadone and buprenorphine a crutch. But study after study show that the medications help people stay in treatment and reduce the risk of overdose and death. Research even suggests that treatment without these medications can be more harmful than no treatment at all. Although not everyone will want medication, settlement funds shouldnt prop up a system that doesnt allow people to have that choice, said Regina LaBelle, a professor of addiction policy at Georgetown University. Babies, forgotten victims of the epidemic While treatment received a windfall in early opioid settlement spending, another aspect of the crisis was neglected: neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition in which babies exposed to drugs in the womb experience withdrawal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, more than 59 newborns a day are diagnosed with it. Yet only about $8.4 million in settlement money was committed to the issue less than 0.5% of all funds publicly reported as spent or committed in 2022 and 2023. Experts in public health and addiction, as well as affected families, say its due to stigma. A mom using drugs and being a parent is a very uncomfortable reality to face, said Ashley Grant, a 38-year-old mother of three in Mesa, Arizona. Its easier to just push it under the rug or let them fall through the cracks, as sad as that is. It almost happened to her. Grant learned she was pregnant with her third child last year. At the time, her partner was in jail and she was using drugs after an eight-year period of recovery, was estranged from her family, and didnt know how shed survive the next nine months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a visit to a methadone clinic, she saw a booth about Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery that cares for substance-exposed newborns and their moms. Nursery staff connected her with a therapist, helped her enroll in parenting classes, and dropped off diapers and a playpen at her home. Registered nurse Ashley Beikmann checks over an infant who recently arrived at Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery in Mesa, Ariz., that helps care for substance-exposed newborns and their parents. (Ash Ponders for KFF Health News) After delivering at the hospital, Grant and her baby boy stayed at Jacobs Hope for about a week. Nurses showed her how skin-to-skin contact calmed his withdrawal symptoms and more frequent feedings and burpings decreased gastrointestinal discomfort, which is common among substance-exposed newborns. Today, Grant has roughly five months of recovery. She got certified as a peer recovery specialist and hopes to join Jacobs Hope one day to help moms like her. But the nurserys future is uncertain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After opening in 2019, Jacobs Hope nearly shut down this summer due to low reimbursements and delayed payments from insurers, said Lyndsey Steele, its associate director. Community donations kept the nursery afloat, but its still hanging on by a thread, she said. Shes hoping opioid settlement money can help. Jo Jones, left, is the founder of Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery in Mesa, Ariz., that cares for substance-exposed newborns. Lyndsey Steele is the nurserys associate director. (Ash Ponders for KFF Health News) In 2022, Jacobs Hope received about $250,000 from Arizonas opioid settlements. But this year, the legislature captured the states share of remaining funds and, in a controversial move, gave it to the Department of Corrections. Jacobs Hope has now turned to local governments, which control their own settlement dollars. Its home city of Mesa said a first round of grant applications should open in the spring. Steele prays it wont be too late for babies in need the epidemics forgotten victims, she called them. A certified nursing assistant comforts an infant who recently arrived at Jacobs Hope, a specialty nursery in Mesa, Ariz., that helps care for substance-exposed newborns and their parents. (Ash Ponders for KFF Health News) Heart disease screening, robot ambulances and more Some opioid settlement expenditures have sparked fierce disagreement. They generally fall into three buckets: money for law enforcement, funding for youth prevention programs and purchases unrelated to the opioid crisis. Settlement dollars nationwide have bought body scanners, K-9 units, bulletproof vests, patrol trucks, and laptops and printers for police and sheriffs. Some spending strayed even further from the spirit of the settlement. In Oregon City, Oregon, more than $30,000 was spent on screening first responders for heart disease. Police Chief Shaun Davis said his staff respond to opioid-related emergencies and experience trauma that increases their risk of heart attack. But some people question if settlement funds should be footing the bill. This looks to me like youre trying to defray other costs from the police budget, said Stephen Loyd, chair of Tennessees Opioid Abatement Council. I dont think that theres any way that this opioid money was earmarked for stuff like that. A second area of contention is youth prevention. Although most people agree that stopping children from developing addictions is important, the execution is tricky. Nearly half a million settlement dollars have gone to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, commonly known as D.A.R.E. Decades of research suggest its original curriculum is ineffective. Robeson County, North Carolina, spent about $10,000 in settlement money to buy Andy the Ambulance, a robot ambulance with big eyes and an audio system through which a human operator can discuss the dangers of drugs. EMS Director Patrick Cummings said his team has taken the robot to churches and elementary schools. We dont have any studies that show its working, he said, but educating kids seems like a good investment because if they never try it, they dont get addicted. An ad for a robotic ambulance. Then theres the chunk of money up to 15% of each states funds thats a free-for-all. Flint, Michigan, spent nearly $10,000 on a sign for a community service center. The city reported that the expense did not qualify as opioid remediation. In other words, its unrelated to addressing the crisis. But Caitie ONeill, a city spokesperson, said that the building sign makes it possible for residents to find the center, which houses city services, including Narcan kits, fentanyl testing strips and substance abuse referrals. The city of Flint, Mich., spent nearly $10,000 of settlement funds on a building sign. The city reported it as a non-opioid remediation expense. (Caitie ONeill) Jurisdictions across 29 states reported non-remediation spending in 2022 and 2023. Most opioid settlements require such reports but operate on an honor system. No one is checking if the other 21 states and Washington, D.C., were truthful. Jackie Lewis, an Ohio mother whose 34-year-old son, Shaun, died of an overdose in October 2022, finds that hard to stomach. This is blood money, she said. Some people have lost sight of that. Lewis is raising Shauns daughter, ensuring the 9-year-old receives counseling at school and can attend the hip-hop music classes she enjoys all on Lewis Social Security payments. This year they moved to a smaller town with lower costs. As settlement funds continue flowing, she wants officials in charge of the money to help families like hers. We still exist and were still struggling, she said. Jackie Lewis lost her 34-year old son, Shaun, in October 2022 to an opioid overdose. She is raising Shauns daughter, now 9 years old, on her Social Security payments. Lewis wants officials in charge of settlement funds to help families like hers. We still exist and were still struggling, she says. (Maddie McGarvey for KFF Health News) KFF Health News Henry Larweh and Megan Kalata, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Healths Sara Whaley and Vivian Flanagan, and Shatterproofs Kristen Pendergrass and Sahvanah Prescott contributed to this article. . The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has taken a leading role in providing guidance to state and local governments on the use of opioid settlement funds. Faculty from the school collaborated with other experts in the field to create principles for using the money, which have been endorsed by over 60 organizations. Shatterproof is a national nonprofit that addresses substance use disorder through distinct initiatives, including advocating for state and federal policies, ending addiction stigma, and educating communities about the treatment system. Shatterproof is partnering with some states on projects funded by opioid settlements. KFF Health News, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Shatterproof team who worked on this report are not involved in those efforts. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF an independent source of health policy research, polling and journalism. Learn more about KFF. Dec. 29The developers behind the plan to tear down the Steeplegate Mall in Concord to create a mixed-use development with 600 apartments have bought a small adjoining parcel to put an end to what could have been lengthy litigation. Onyx Partners purchased a half-acre at 277 Sheep Davis Road for $2.5 million. TD Bank is the current tenant, according to city assessor records. The purchase put an end to a lawsuit brought forth by the previous owner, Silver Holding LLC, which stalled the demolition, which is now set to start in the spring. Onyx also owns the former Regal Cinema parcel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans call for tearing down 425,000 square feet of the 550,000-square-foot building while keeping some of the existing structure, which includes JCPenney and the Altitude Trampoline Park. The existing Zoo Health Club will relocate next to Altitude. The first structure is planned as a 120-unit apartment building, construction for which is expected to begin in the summer 2026. A proposed "wholesale retail user" will buy a lot from the developer and will be responsible for the maintenance of their parcel, according to documents submitted to the city. Previous plans have identified Costco as the store. Parcel purchase Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interior of the mall has been closed since March 2022 with the remaining tenants without long-term leases asked to leave earlier this year. Ari Pollack, an attorney for the project, announced the purchase of the TD Bank parcel at the Dec. 18 Planning Board meeting as part of a non-binding discussion. Final approvals are still needed. "We can really think about planning without those items in our way," he said of buying the lot. Before the lawsuit, Onyx got approval waivers from the Planning Board to tear down a large chunk of the old mall because of vandalism and public safety concerns, including break-ins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans call for a total of 600 housing units within three buildings. The other two will have 310 and 170 units, respectively. New to the plans are 60 workforce housing units, Pollack told the board. "The program has evolved to have a nice workforce housing element," he said. Onyx Partners of Needham, Mass., bought the property in October and recently received needed variances from the zoning board for height, lot coverage and parking, among others. The mall opened in 1990 before a slow and steady decline. Only a few stores remained at the time of its closing. jphelps@unionleader.com Dec. 30STERLING 2024 has been a big year for Sterling, with several projects and plans that will shape the city's future underway. Here is a look back at five impactful stories to come out of Sterling in 2024: Riverfront Reimagined Sterling's $300-million-plus Riverfront Reimagined Project calls for the multi-phase redevelopment of the Lawrence Bros. and National Manufacturing sites. The first phase began in November with the construction of a new park, including a multi-age, accessible playground, splash pad, plaza, park shelter, stage facility and restrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city awarded a $4.7 million bid to Sjostrom and Sons Inc. of Rockford on Sept. 16 and expects the majority of the work will be finished by June, with a tentative park opening the following month. ExpandAutoplay Image 1 of 6 Artists' renderings are put on display Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at the site of Sterling's riverfront project. (Alex T. Paschal) In addition to the park, later phases could include an amphitheater, worker apartments, a hotel and events center, and a rooftop bar/restaurant for the four buildings at the Lawrence site. That could be followed by market-rate apartments, a fitness center and yet-to-be-determined uses of the National site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homelessness discussions Sterling's homeless population has been a growing point of discussion throughout 2024. City officials, along with the Sterling Police Department, were experiencing an increasing number of complaints from residents and business owners about unruly homeless individuals. Police Chief Alex Rivera said SPD responded to over 700 service calls regarding homeless individuals between Sept. 1, 2023, and Sept. 17, 2024. Those calls resulted in 113 custodial arrests and nine state citations ranging from property crimes, drug-related offenses, and violent crimes to disorderly conduct and public disturbance, obstruction and identification issues, as well as violations of sex offender registration and protection orders. Police and city officials have said many of those service calls involved homeless individuals dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues who refuse to accept help. The city began exploring options to help the situation following a U.S. Supreme Court action that now allows cities to establish an ordinance to ban sleeping and camping in public spaces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Supreme Court on June 28, in the case of City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, overturned a lower court's ruling that had prohibited cities from enforcing public camping ordinances, which had been deemed cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. Now, municipalities can create and enforce these ordinances, even if local shelters cannot accommodate their homeless populations. However, that poses a problem for Sterling's Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter, whose growing homeless population has pushed the shelter to capacity. Shelter Director Myles Newberry recently asked the public for assistance after the Sterling City Council passed an ordinance banning public camping on Dec. 2. The ordinance bans public camping, including setting up campsites, tents and bedding or sleeping in vehicles on public property, such as sidewalks, streets, parks and city-owned land. PADS can house up to 32 people per night. Newberry said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility averaged six guests per night. Now, the shelter averages nearly 30 each night with the need for services expected to rise as temperatures continue to drop and the city's ordinance has left many with nowhere to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterling's housing stock shortage The Sterling City Council is grappling with housing challenges as it plans for the future, aiming to address the city's aging housing stock, affordability issues and diverse population needs. The City Council met with city planner Dustin Wolff earlier this year to discuss how to diversify housing options for young professionals and seniors while balancing ownership and rental opportunities. Sterling's housing stock is mainly composed of single-family homes, with 78% of homes built before 1980, which often leads to costly renovations. A significant portion of the city's population faces housing burdens, especially for renters, with over 10% of renters spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of Sterling's 6,352 households, 38% are renting. The city's median rent is $757 per month; however, nearly a third of residents earn under $35,000 annually, making affordability a major issue. Wolff recommended that Sterling develop "middle housing" options like duplexes, triplexes and townhomes to offer more affordable choices for renters and seniors. Redeveloping existing buildings and infill projects could also help address the housing shortage. Sterling's proposed rental inspection program The City Council is considering a new residential housing code to improve living conditions in rental properties. The code would require landlords to register their properties, provide contact information and adhere to minimum living standards for things like heating, plumbing and sanitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The code would also establish an inspection program to check for substandard living conditions, including inadequate heating, broken plumbing and pest infestations. Rental units would be inspected when unoccupied, and landlords would be notified in advance. Owner-occupied homes, temporary lodging and properties already regulated by outside agencies would not fall under the code. Landlords would be given time to correct any violations found during inspections, with fines imposed if issues are not corrected within a given timeframe. Tenants would also be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and upkeep of their rental units. While the proposal aims to hold both landlords and tenants accountable, some landlords have expressed concerns over potential costs and vague definitions in the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City officials are seeking public input to refine the ordinance. If approved, registration could begin next year, with inspections following shortly thereafter. Train Town USA designation In August, Sterling was recognized as one of over 100 communities designated a "Train Town USA" by Union Pacific a tribute to towns founded by immigrants along the rail lines over 150 years ago. Sterling Mayor Diana Merdian worked for months to acquire the designation, which she expects to bring additional tourism to the city and help advance projects like Riverfront Reimagined. Sterling became the 18th Illinois community to receive the designation, which Union Pacific began in 2012 to celebrate the railroad's 150th anniversary. The city also became a whistle stop for the iconic Big Boy No. 4014 steam engine during its "Heartland of America Tour." Big Boy, the largest steam locomotive in operation, stopped at the Twin Cities Farmer's Market on Sept. 6. Steve Bannon thinks that Americans deserve reparations for having to coexist with immigrants on H-1B visas. We havent fought these battles over years and years and years to allow American citizens of every race, ethnicity, religion, be gutted by the sociopathic overlords in Silicon Valley, Bannon opined on his War Room show Monday morning. David Sacks, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Elon Musk theres no reform. We want it gone. We want reparations for the tech workers that you stole their lives. This is another installment in the current schism between the America First MAGA faithful and the tech-world MAGA plutocrats who want more high-skilled immigrants. Former presidential candidate and current DOGE co-lead Vivek Ramaswamy started the fire last week by declaring, A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers, asserting that it was American culture that was leading CEOs to look elsewhere for labor. This talking point was parroted by Elon Musk and other right-wing techies, inviting a MAGA backlash that even included Nikki Haley, the torchbearer of the old GOP establishment who was vanquished by Trump earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture, Haley wrote. All you have to do is look at the border and see how many want what we have. We should be investing and prioritizing in Americans, not foreign workers. This anti-H-1B energy has culminated in Bannons calls for reparations, something usually invoked for African Americans historically disenfranchised by slavery and racism. Were gonna get H-1B visas out, root and stem, and all the workers you brought in. Just like were deporting 15 million here, we want them deported, out, Bannon said later in his show. And give those jobs to American citizens today we demand they get reparations. You stole from them. Five years after the first cases of a new lung disease were reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the World Health Organization (WHO) is still waiting for full cooperation from Beijing to clarify the origin of the Covid-19 pandemic. "This is a moral and scientific imperative," the WHO said in Geneva on Monday. "We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of Covid-19." "Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics," the WHO warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the beginning of the pandemic, China had been concerned that it would be blamed for the global outbreak. Since then, the government and state media have been pursuing a massive opinion campaign focussing on the possibility that the virus could have come from abroad and not from China. It was not until 2021 that a joint commission of Chinese and WHO experts was able to travel to Wuhan. In its final report, the commission considered it "probable to very probable" that the coronavirus originated from a wild animal species and then spread in another animal species before jumping to humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the origin and route of transmission could not be clearly identified. In September, an international scientific study provided further evidence that Covid-19 originally came from wild animals traded at a market in Wuhan and that the virus did not escape from a laboratory in the central Chinese city. Fifty-four years ago, the Stonewall uprising ignited a movement that would change the course of history. When police raided that small West Village bar in 1969, they didnt expect resistancebut resistance is precisely what they met. LGBTQ people stood their ground and demanded their right to exist openly and defiantly. That night wasnt just a protest against police brutality. It began a bold journey toward dignity, equality, and the right to live freely. Stonewall wasnt just a flashpoint but a declaration that we would no longer be hidden or silenced. That defiance became the bedrock of our movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We fought back through the AIDS crisis, held each other up through unimaginable loss, and demanded recognition as citizens of equal worth. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges, and marriage equality became the law of the land, cementing our love as equal under the law. It was a moment that showcased decades of sacrifice and couragea milestone in a long, hard-won journey. But progress has continuously stirred backlash, and our journey has been anything but linear. In 2016, the Pulse nightclub shooting tragically reminded us of the hatred that still lurks in the corners of our society. 49 lives were stolen in a place that was meant to be a refuge. But in the wake of that tragedy, we stood together, refusing to let hate define us. Through grief, we found resilience; through pain, we found resolve. Today, however, our movement faces one of its most formidable challenges. Donald Trumps return to the presidency is not just a political shockwaveit is a direct threat to LGBTQ rights, one bolstered by Project 2025, a far-reaching agenda with chilling goals. This moment isnt simply about policy changes or legal setbacks; its about confronting a vision for America that dismisses LGBTQ identities as incompatible with its narrow definition of the traditional family. Project 2025 proposes to dismantle decades of progress, falsely claiming that only heterosexual, two-parent families provide a stable foundation for children. Its goal is to erase the protections, rights, and visibility that generations of LGBTQ people have fought to establish. But we know the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LGBTQ people have always been herecontributing to our communities, caring for our loved ones, and building families that enrich the American fabric. We are part of this countrys heart and soul, integral to its melting pot, and we have never needed permission to create love, safety, and stability for ourselves and those we cherish. Just as we did at Stonewall, we will defend our right to belong in every corner of this nation. Despite our threats, our movement is growing stronger by the day. This past election cycle was a testament to our resilience. Every LGBTQ+ incumbent in Congress was re-elected, including Senator Tammy Baldwin, who triumphed in a bitter race filled with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. We made history by electing Sarah McBride as the first openly transgender person in Congress, Emily Randall as the first openly LGBTQ leader from Washington State, and Julie Johnson as the first openly LGBTQ representative from the South. In contrast, others like Aime Wichtendahl broke barriers as Iowas first openly transgender state legislator. These victories are not isolated. They reflect a growing recognition of our voices. Hundreds of LGBTQ+ Americans will soon be sworn into office at state and local levels, advancing equality from the ground up. These victories are only possible because of the tireless work of our community and the support of organizations like the LGBTQ Victory Fund - the only national organization devoted to electing pro-equality, pro-choice LGBTQ leaders to public office at every level - which raised over $1.4 million to back these candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, what can we do now? Standing together is essential, but its not enough. We need action, which starts with our voices at the ballot box. We must hold accountable every politician who supports, even silently, the erosion of LGBTQ rights. We must mobilize our families, friends, and allies to elect leaders who see LGBTQ people not as a threat to the family but as part of it. Voting isnt merely a right; its a powerful act of resistance in this climate. Our history has also shown us that the courts are vital in this fight. Today, we must double down on our support of organizations like Lambda Legal, the ACLU, and the Human Rights Campaign, whose attorneys stand ready to defend our rights against discriminatory policies. Their work requires resourcesfunds, volunteers, and public support. Together, we can ensure these groups have the strength to protect our community in every court. Locally, we must push our cities, towns, and states to enact and uphold healthcare, housing, and education protections. When we build inclusive communities, we create sanctuaries of acceptance and resilience. And local victories become the foundation for broader change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, we must continue sharing our stories. Project 2025 and its proponents may try to erase us. Still, our lived experiences cut through their rhetoric of division and fear. By sharing our lives, love stories, and families, we remind the country of our humanity. Every time we make ourselves seen, we remind America that we are part of its story. Every space we occupy becomes an act of courage and defiance in person, online, in our workplaces, and in our neighborhoods. The stakes are high, but we are no strangers to high-stakes battles. Our movement has been forged in fire and built on resilience. The LGBTQ fight for equality has never been easy, but it has always been worth it. We owe it to the people who rioted at Stonewall, to the lives lost at Pulse, and to every person who has fought, loved, and sacrificed for our right to exist. And we owe it to ourselves to keep going. This is not the end of our storyits another chapter. Let it be one of resilience, solidarity, and unbreakable courage. We have faced hate before, and we have risen above it. In this fight, we will not merely survive. We will thrive, build, and continue to write a future that welcomes us all. Alex Gabriel is a political strategist and entrepreneur who was the senior advisor of LGBTQ+ and Youth Voter Engagement for Joe Bidens presidential campaign and co-chaired the Out for Biden coalition. VILNIUS, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall and two Lithuanian companies have finalized a joint venture deal for a 155 mm artillery ammunition plant in Baisogala, a small town in northern Lithuania, the Baltic News Service (BNS) reported on Monday. The 260-million-euro (270.4 million U.S. dollars) project will be implemented in cooperation with state-owned Epso-G Invest, a subsidiary of energy group Epso-G, and Giraites Ginkluotes Gamykla (GGG). The final agreement was signed remotely on December 20. Rheinmetall will hold a 51 percent stake in the newly formed Rheinmetall Defense Lithuania, while Epso-G Invest will control 48 percent. GGG will have a 1 percent share, Epso-G's representative Gediminas Petrauskas told BNS. While the exact contributions of each partner were not disclosed, BNS estimated that Rheinmetall will invest at least 133 million euros, Epso-G Invest around 125 million euros, and GGG about 2.6 million euros. According to Petrauskas, construction of the plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. (1 euro = 1.04 U.S. dollars) (WJW) 2024 has been a packed year. America elected a president, experienced a total solar eclipse, and saw the deaths of icons like Bob Newhart, Maggie Smith and Richard Simmons. Influential people who died in 2024 Of all that happened in 2024, these are the stories FOX 8 viewers read most on fox8.com. SNL alum Victoria Jackson announced in August that she had fewer than three years to live and had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. ENCINO, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 11: Actress Victoria Jackson attends the Los Angeles premiere of Final Frequency at Laemmle Town Center 5 on August 11, 2021 in Encino, California. (Photo by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images) They cannot operate and cut out the marble in my chest that is laying on my windpipe and eventually would suffocate me to death, Jackson shared on her Instagram, saying at that time she had 34.8 months to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson, 65, appeared on SNL between 1986 and 1992. Jackson is currently shooting the movie Ice Bros., which doesnt have a release date. Nineteen-year-old Gursimran Kaur was found dead in a walk-in oven at a Walmart in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in October. The teen was an employee of the store. The oven belonged to the stores bakery department. The police investigation determined the death was not suspicious, and there was no evidence of foul play. The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued quarantines for multiple Ohio counties in September, marking the spread of the spotted lanternfly. Cuyahoga remains one of the worst-hit counties hit by the invasive bug. Spotted Lanternfly bug with vibrant red wings flying toward camera against blue sky in Chester County, Pennsylvania in fall. According to the Ohio Department of Agricultures website, the spotted lanternfly, or SLF, is currently in its adult stage and will remain active until winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click here for the latest data on spotted lanternflies in Ohio. Longtime actor Michael Keaton said in the fall that he would be using a new stage name. According to the actor, on future projects hell use the name: Michael Keaton Douglas. His real name is Michael John Douglas. LONDON, ENGLAND AUGUST 29: Michael Keaton attends the UK Premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at the Cineworld Leicester Square on August 29, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) He couldnt use the name Michael Douglas when he began acting because of a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) rule that prevents actors from using another members professional name. Michael Keaton was the name used in the release of the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice film, but future post-credits are expected to reflect the name update. Keaton, he says, is a name that he picked out of a phone book. Police in Bedford said a little girl drove herself several miles to Target to go shopping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The September 15th incident was caught on a mans dash camera. In the video you can hear a man call the police and report a vehicle behind him swerving everywhere. Eventually, the swerving driver passes into view of the dashcam and the man can be heard telling dispatchers It looks like a kid! Police told the FOX 8 I-Team the girl was too young to be charged. No one was hurt. An extremely endangered and rarely-seen species of rattlesnake was spotted in Ohio this summer. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources shared a picture of the snake on Facebook. Getty Images Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) from Ontario, Canada Officials did not say where the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake was found in an effort to protect it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one of just three native snake species in Ohio that is venomous. ODNR asks people to report sightings here. An excavation crew made an unusual discovery at a construction site in Lorain County in February. The crew was digging sanitary sewer, when they hit something large under a couple of feet of soil. It was a boulder that was deposited in Northeast Ohio by a glacier thousands of years ago. The outdoor experiences manager for the Lorain County Metro Parks estimates the boulder was swept here 12,000 to 14,000 years ago by glaciers formed in Canada. Other top stories you clicked in 2024 Shoppers race to Target for $200 item ringing up for just $60 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How did Kelly Clarkson lose weight? Dont miss this once in a lifetime phenomenon! 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. SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) The City of Suffolk announced they have yet again brought home the National Night Out honors for 2024. According to a release, Suffolk ranked 10th for areas with a population between 100,000 and 300,000 for the citys efforts to promote community safety and engagement. This is also the citys first year in this specific population category. Suffolk held its National Night Out Event on Aug. 6, where it saw thousands come together to celebrate. Suffolk National Night Out Suffolk National Night Out Suffolk National Night Out Top 10 is quite the achievement right out of the gate, and as the chair of the Suffolk National Night Out Committee, I am proud of us, Jennifer Moore said. Thank you to the community, volunteers, and our public safety officials for throwing one heck of a party this year. We are looking forward to 2025! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual community-building event hopes to promote police-community partnerships through furthering relationships between neighbors and first responders, all while providing an opportunity to bring the groups together under a positive circumstance. Another notable Virginia community, James City County, ranked 15th for areas with a population between 50,000 and 100,000. For more information on National Night Out and to see additional winners, 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 WAVY.com. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: NOAA/SWPC/GOES-16 The sun is not quite done with 2024. Early Sunday (Dec. 29), the sun fired off a class X1.1 solar flare, one of the most powerful types of solar explosions possible, in what may be its last major flare of 2024. The solar flare erupted from the northwest region of the Earth-facing side of the sun at 2:18 a.m. EST (0718 GMT) and spawned a strong radio blackout on parts of Earth, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) wrote in an update Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Analysis is currently underway to determine if there was an associated coronal mass ejection, and any potential impacts," SWPC officials wrote in the update. Coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, are colossal eruptions of solar material that, when aimed at Earth, can amplify northern lights displays and interfere with satellites and power infrastructure on Earth. RELATED STORIES Solar Cycle 25 is still in max phase, so more aurora-boosting sun storms could be coming Are there more solar flares than expected during this solar cycle? Watch 4 solar flares erupt from the sun at nearly the same time in extremely rare event (video) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SWPC officials are tracking the impacts of the solar flare to determine if a CME event was associated with it. If so, it's possible that the flare could supercharge auroras on Earth in a sort of solar fireworks display in time for New Year celebrations. But while the X1.1 solar flare was one of the most powerful type of flares possible, it wasn't the biggest solar flare of 2024. That title goes to an X9 solar flare on Oct. 3. It was the third largest solar flare since 2011 and the fifth largest since 2005. SWPC officials watched the X1.1. flare erupt with an instrument on its GOES-16 weather satellite. GOES-16 is part of a fleet of NOAA and NASA spacecraft that monitor the sun continuously for solar flares and other space weather events. Editor's Note: Stanislav Aseyev is a Ukrainian writer, journalist, veteran, and a survivor of the Izolyatsia prison in Russia-occupied Donetsk, infamous for its torture of prisoners. He was the first Ukrainian journalist to see to the Sednaya prison and death camp in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in 2024. This piece was originally published in Ukrainian on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. It has been translated and republished with the author's permission. I conceived this piece as an attempt to compare the modern systems of dehumanization that still exist and function in different corners of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After spending 2.5 years in Russia's secret prison Izolyatsiya and enduring its torture regime, I felt it was essential, both as a survivor and a writer, to examine the elements of a similar system on another continent. Are these systems shaped by ethnic factors, or is the extreme cruelty humans inflict on one another simply a manifestation of our species inherent inclination for sadism? Syria's Sednaya prison serves as yet another argument for the latter view, challenging the very notion of humanitys ethical progress. Through the valley, to the shadow of death Beirut. It's 18 degrees Celsius. The hum of an Israeli drone overhead, chaotic traffic, bombed-out buildings, yellow Hezbollah advertisements, checkpoints, and men with bright balloons against a backdrop of ruins. I ask my guide who they are. "Refugees," they say Syrians and Palestinians trying to make a living, however meager, by selling balloons, fish, and birds literally pushing them into car windows. Meanwhile, motorcyclists narrowly avoid collisions, cut off by dented cars: Finding a car without damage in Beirut is nearly impossible, and no one seems to care anymore. This is where the road to Syria's Sednaya prison begins another of humanity's grim discoveries in the realm of torture and executions. An aerial photo shows people gathering at the Sednaya prison in Damascus, Syria on Dec. 9, 2024, following the fall of the ruling regime. (Omar Haj Kadour / AFP via Getty Images) One can now enter Bashar al-Assad's death camp only through Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I arrived in the country accompanied by officers from Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR). They are tasked with evacuating Ukrainian citizens from Syria and simultaneously ensuring my safe passage to Sednaya with the highest possible level of security. The issue of safety begins in the Beqaa Valley, where we must travel to reach the Syrian border. Like Beirut, the valley is fragmented into various zones of influence but in a more chaotic and informal way. The term "control" here is relative no one controls anything completely in Beqaa. The valley is divided between Hezbollah and local gangs involved in arms, drug, and human trafficking. It encompasses both small, ordinary towns and isolated hideouts in the mountains, where various groups take refuge. Additionally, some Russians have partially moved into Beqaa after fleeing Homs, which was the worst piece of news for me amid all the other risks. I was warned about this back when we were in Istanbul, heading here. Crossing the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon on the way to Sednaya prison in Syria on Dec. 20, 2024. (Stanislav Aseyev) Having received some guarantees of safety, we reach the Lebanese-Syrian border, where an unusual situation arises regarding our passports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue is that Syria does not currently stamp passports for entry or exit due to the ongoing change of power. This creates a strange scenario: You leave Lebanon seemingly for nowhere and return as if from nowhere, judging by your passport stamps. Before departing Beirut for the Syrian border, we had conflicting information about who controls the border, including the possibility that it might be entirely unguarded. However, at the very first checkpoint, we encounter men in military uniforms members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, effectively the new Syrian regime. The second checkpoint is under the same groups control, though the scene is slightly different: About a dozen armed civilians rush to the vehicle, shouting and gesturing for us to move quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon entering Syria, the changes in the country become immediately apparent: Syrians have removed or painted over Bashar al-Assads portraits wherever possible, replaced the red stripe on the national flag with a green one, and added a star, and just outside Damascus, you come across burned-out tanks and even a destroyed Russian Pantsir air defense system. 'The human slaughterhouse' In Damascus, we are met by Ali, a representative of the new regime, who has agreed to accompany us to Sednaya. The prison is about a 30-minute drive from the capital. Even as we approach this concentration camp, its scale is staggering. It resembles a small, enclosed city, surrounded by barbed-wire fences, watchtowers, and, reportedly, a perimeter laden with landmines. During our visit, the prison caught fire, shrouding its grounds and buildings in acrid smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first thing that catches your eye on the grounds of Sednaya is the haphazardly dug pits surrounding the camp. These are the results of searches for underground prison chambers, where the majority of the inmates were believed to have been held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though we arrived in Sednaya late in the day, even at that hour, we encountered a Syrian family walking through the prison grounds, desperately searching for any trace of their relatives who had been detained there. Every building had already been searched, but such families still hope to find hidden underground chambers whose entrances may have been overlooked. Relatives post photographs of their loved ones around the grounds people who disappeared behind the prisons walls many years ago. Of everything I witnessed in Sednaya, this was, for me personally, the most haunting sight. After the prison administration seemingly vanished into thin air, abandoning thousands of inmates in their cells, no one can definitively say how many people were held here or might still be here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is evident that if underground floors exist, no one has provided food or, worse, water to any prisoners there for weeks. This makes the likelihood of finding anyone alive in such chambers slim. The entire site feels like a cemetery, but one that still stirs with faint signs of life. On our way back, Ukrainian citizens evacuated from Syria by the Ukraine's Defense Intelligence recounted that in Latakia, nearly everyone has acquaintances or relatives who had been imprisoned during Assad's regime. One former prisoner recalled counting 72 stairs when he was led, hooded, up from his cell to another level, and then back. The use of underground detention practices was prevalent here, much like it is in Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: What Russias army in Syria stands to lose after fall of Assad Are they still in the dungeons or already executed? However, the search for underground chambers at Sednaya yielded no results, and by the time of our visit, it had been called off. According to our guide, Ali, the theory of underground facilities is based on information from two sources. Ali, a representative of the new Syrian regime, and Stanislav Aseyev (R) in Syria on Dec. 20, 2024. (Stanislav Aseyev) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, some of those released from Sednaya recount being held in windowless rooms for a time before being moved upstairs. Second, according to Syrias Interior Ministry, the number of prisoners at Sednaya was estimated to be in the tens of thousands, while only about 2,000 have been freed. However, this argument is undermined by the torture and execution chambers at the prison, which had been set up for large-scale operations. The discovery of a press used for crushing people, the so-called "acid room," and systematic executions that human rights organizations have documented all these years suggest that the Assad regime has simply killed the missing prisoners. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London and monitoring the war in Syria, more than 30,000 prisoners were executed or died from starvation, medical neglect, or torture between 2011 and 2018. The first floor of Sednaya housed administrative facilities such as the kitchen. There was also something resembling a "temporary detention isolation unit," where those recently brought to the camp were held in cages before being sent to the upper floors. Above these areas was the prisons administration's offices. The administrative staff of Sendaya has fled, all of them. The upper floors of Sednaya were designated for prisoners: Divided into three blocks, they housed thousands of inmates in nearly bare cells. Ali mentions that in some cells, up to 50 people were crammed in, forcing the prisoners to sleep on their sides, pressed together to fit on the floor. It's important to note that this took place in a desert environment, with extreme temperature fluctuations: from scorching heat during the day to freezing cold at night. I've heard of such sleeping arrangements from the criminals I met in the Izolyatsiya prison in Donetsk a similar practice existed in various penal facilities in Ukraine and Russia in the early 1990s. In general, the survival tactics of prisoners often mirror the methods of control over them, so places like Sednaya, Izolyatsiya, or Abu Ghraib share many common elements. What reminds about the executions in Sednaya now are the clothes of the condemned prisoners: their bright orange jumpsuits are scattered across the floor, hang from the ropes, and are intentionally placed near the prison building, for journalists to see. In the final years of its existence, Sednaya became primarily a death camp, where the torture and execution of prisoners were systematic, earning it the grim name of "human slaughterhouse" among locals. Prisoners had their spines broken by special boards, were beaten, raped, starved, and executed, with their remains dissolved in acid. Another eerie parallel with Izolyatsiya emerges: During Assad's reign, Sednaya instilled such fear among Syrians that its name was often whispered in hushed tones to avoid attracting unwanted attention. This evokes comparisons to the infamous Izolyatsiya prison, where even public transport in Donetsk would avoid stopping near the facility due to the fear it inspired. Today, Sednaya is a thing of the past. Now, as with any other abandoned Syrian building, the sun shines through its empty cells, illuminating the walls for the cameras of countless journalists, for whom it is just another job. Sunset at the Sednaya prison, north of Damascus, Syria on Dec. 20, 2024. (Stanislav Aseyev) One can hope that the suffering here has ended but only time will tell whether the Syrian people will truly leave it in the past. Read also: Fall of Assads regime disrupts Russian army recruitment in Syria Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A 33-year-old flight attendant, one of just two survivors of the Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea that killed 179 people, is awake and talking to medical staff, according to a hospital official. The survivor, who was only identified by his surname Lee, told doctors he had "already been rescued" when he regained consciousness following Sunday's fiery crash at the Muan International Airport, Ju Woong, director of the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, said during a news conference on Monday. Lee and another flight attendant on Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, who was identified by her surname Koo, were the only ones aboard the aircraft to live through what authorities said was South Korea's deadliest plane crash in decades and one of the worst in aviation history. PHOTO: Firefighters and rescue personnel work near the wreckage of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft after the plane crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, Dec. 29, 2024. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images) The 25-year-old Koo is reportedly in stable condition at a different hospital than the one where Lee is being treated. Koo suffered injuries to her ankle and head, medical staff at the hospital told the Yonhap News Agency. The medical staff treating her declined to answer further questions about her condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ju said Lee is being treated in the intensive care unit for multiple fractures. He said Lee is "fully able to communicate." "There's no indication yet of memory loss or such," Ju said. PHOTO: The wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft that went off the runway and crashed lies at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea, Dec. 30, 2024. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters) The hospital director said Lee is under special care due to the possibility of total paralysis. Ju said he did not question Lee about the details of the crash, saying he didn't believe it would be helpful with the patient's recovery. MORE: Survivors of Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash report hearing bangs, explosions during flight Lee was initially taken to a hospital in Mokpo before being transferred to the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash unfolded just before 9 a.m. local time on Sunday at the Muan International Airport after the air traffic control tower gave the flight crew permission to land on a south-to-north runway, according to an official timeline by the Korean Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport. PHOTO: Workers operate at the site of an aircraft that crashed after it went off the runway at Muan International Airport, in Muan, South Korea, Dec. 30, 2024. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters) Three minutes later, the flight control tower issued a warning of a possible bird strike, the transport ministry said. About two minutes after that warning, a pilot sent a distress signal, saying, "Mayday, mayday, mayday, bird strike, bird strike, going around," the ministry said. MORE: Air Canada Express flight evacuated after landing incident in Halifax The plane ascended and made a 180-degree turn before descending from the north side, crash-landing and slamming into a wall at 9:03 a.m., the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, skidded along a runway, crashed into a wall and burst into flames, officials said. A total of 181 people were onboard. The flight had originated before dawn Sunday at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, according to Flightradar24, a flight tracker. An official cause of the crash is under investigation by South Korea's Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board. Survivor of South Korea plane crash is awake and speaking: Hospital official originally appeared on abcnews.go.com HARTFORD, CT. (WWLP) The man accused in the Hartford shooting of a mother and her child from Springfield is back in Connecticut, and due in court Monday morning. Holyoke shooter arrested, charged with attempted murder Back on November 19th, 20-year-old Jessiah Mercado and her 4-month-old baby Messiah Diaz were shot and killed by a suspect who police believe to be 23-year-old Lance Morales. Now he is appearing in court on Monday in Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened in Hartford just before 2:30 p.m. and the following day, Hartford Police identified Morales and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Morales was arrested as a suspect by U.S. Marshals in Puerto Rico just days after. He was extradited back to Connecticut this weekend, where he faces two counts of murder, assault in the first degree, and criminal possession of a firearm. Hartford Police believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute over a car. According to the Massachusetts State Department of Children and Families, the four-month-old was in foster care in Massachusetts at the time of the shooting. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WWLP. The German government, under fire for failing to prevent a deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market, said Monday that the tragedy would have been hard to prevent and said that the suspect appeared to be mentally disturbed. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, along with security and intelligence chiefs, faced questioning by a parliamentary committee about the attack and on whether there had been missed clues and security lapses. Five people were killed and more than 200 injured in the Dec. 20 attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg. Faeser said no motive had yet been established but "there are striking signs of a pathological psyche" in the suspect, a Saudi-born doctor who had lived in Germany for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added that lessons must be learned about how to track potential attackers who don't fit conventional threat categories and who "are psychologically disturbed and... driven by confused conspiracy theories." The minister argued that "such attackers do not fit any threat profile" such as far-right extremist or Islamist and warned that German security services will need "other indicators and action plans" to deal with them in future. The suspect, referred to as Taleb A. by German officials, has been identified by BBC News and the AFP news agency as Taleb al-Abdulmohsen. He came to Germany in 2006 and was granted refugee status 10 years later. A policeman walks through the shuttered Christmas market the day after a car-ramming attack killed 5 and injured 200 in Magdeburg, Germany, Dec. 21, 2024. / Credit: Omer Messinger / Getty Images Police arrested him at the scene of the attack in which a motor vehicle was used as a weapon a method previously used in jihadist attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, an Islamic extremist plowed through a crowded Christmas market in Berlin with a truck, killing 13 people and injuring dozens more. The attacker was killed in a shootout days later. That same year, ISIS claimed responsibility after another attacker killed 86 people in a truck rampage in the French city of Nice. Abdulmohsen, by contrast, has in the past voiced strongly anti-Islam views and sympathies with the far right in his social media posts, as well as anger at Germany for allowing in too many Muslim war refugees and other asylum-seekers. Faeser said there were "tens of thousands of tweets" the suspect had posted over the years that were yet to be fully examined. "That explains why not everything is on the table yet," she said. "Who knew about which clues and what was passed on when must be carefully clarified." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters reported that he posted rambling commentary on X, among other things blaming Germany's supposed liberalism for the death of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, and accusing police of stealing a USB stick from him and destroying a criminal complaint he had filed. Abdulmohsen, 50, is the only suspect in the attack in which a rented BMW sport utility vehicle plowed through the crowd of revelers at high speed, leaving a bloody trail of carnage. He has been remanded in custody on five counts of murder and 205 counts of attempted murder, prosecutors said, but so far not on terrorism-related charges. The state premier of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, described it at the time as "a lone attack." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to media reports citing unnamed German security sources, the suspect had in the past been treated for mental illness and tested positive for drug use on the night of his arrest. German media investigations of Abdulmohsen's past and his social media postings have found expressions of anger and frustration, and threats of violence against German citizens and politicians. German police have said they had contacted Abdulmohsen in September 2023 and October 2024, and then repeatedly tried but failed to meet with him again in December. According to Reuters, Holger Muench, president of the federal criminal police office (BKA), said Abdulmohsen "made insults and even threats. But he was not known for acts of violence." Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who faces a general election in February, told the news site T-online that officials would "examine very carefully whether there were any failings on the part of the authorities" and whether any clues were missed in the run-up to the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia said it had repeatedly warned Germany about Abdulmohsen, but according to Reuters, police said they found the accusations too vague. Ahead of February's election, the Christmas market bloodshed has reignited heated debate about immigration and security, after deadly knife attacks this year blamed on Islamist extremists. After Monday's hearing, lawmaker Konstantin Kuhle of the liberal Free Democrats said "the federal and state authorities knew this perpetrator." But Kuhle said no authority had connected all the dots and that "we do not have a complete list of all contacts with the authorities as of today." Faeser said that having a fuller picture of all the data would have been good but would likely "not have prevented" the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmaker Gottfried Curio of the far-right and anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party was most scathing in his criticism. "Everything was foreseeable for everyone," he charged. "We have hundreds of dangerous people in this country, we let them run around. "What we need are deportations, instead we get naturalisations. What is needed now is a change in security policy in this country." "Hail and Farewell": A tribute to those we lost in 2024 Dr. Leana Wen says for bird flu, "we should have learned our lesson from COVID" in testing How Japanese mochi brings communities in America together ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss International Air Lines said on Monday a member of its cabin crew who ended up in intensive care last week when the flight he was on suffered engine problems and smoke inside the plane, has died in hospital. The Airbus A220-300 from Bucharest to Zurich made an emergency landing in the Austrian city of Graz on Dec. 23 after the problems arose. The man was then taken to hospital in Graz where he died. "We are all deeply shocked by the death of our beloved colleague. The news leaves us deeply saddened and stunned. Our thoughts are with the young man's relatives, whose pain must be boundless," said Jens Fehlinger, CEO of Swiss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airline said it was not providing further details about the late crew member or the cause of death out of consideration for his grieving relatives. The flight in question was carrying 74 passengers, 12 of whom received medical care. Those hospitalized were later able to leave hospital. Swiss said last week initial findings pointed to a technical problem in one of the engines, while noting their investigations were also focusing on the use of protective equipment for the cabin crew known as protective breathing equipment. (Writing by Dave Graham; Editing by Alistair Bell) HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) President Jimmy Carter spent significant time in the state of Connecticut over his 100 years of life. One of the most recent visits came in September of 2007 when Quinnipiac Universitys Albert Schweitzer Institute invited Carter to speak on campus. Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 To educate our students about the importance of global peace, we invite Nobel laureates from time to time, International Business professor Mohammad Elahee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elahee is part of the institute and was among the more than 700 people in the audience. The former president spoke about the Carter Centers work promoting global human rights. He also reminisced about his time in the White House, some of the challenges he faced, how he handled those challenges, Elahee said. Jimmy Carter returns to Groton for the christening of the USS Jimmy Carter in 2004 Carter also spoke about his work building houses with Habitat for Humanity. Elahee said after the visit, Quinnipiac students started their own chapter. President Carter met with people from the institute, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He asked me where I was born, and when I told him that Im from Bangladesh, he even mentioned about his visit to Bangladesh in the early 80s, Elahee said. He took a run in the morning in one of our parks, he mentioned that. Connecticut leaders react to Jimmy Carters passing Elahee said speaking to Carter was like speaking to a regular person, even though he knew Carter was so much more. He was the symbol of global peace, Elahee said. He was a symbol of democracy and human rights, but still, he was so humble and he could put people at ease. With a speech warning about trouble in the Middle East and sustainable energy, then 82-year-old Carter also seemed ahead of his time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WTNH.com. KASHGAR, Xinjiang, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, scheduled to begin construction in 2025, is expected to open a new shortcut between China and Europe, while elevating Central Asia's status in the global supply chain, according to companies and experts. With a designed speed of 120 km per hour, the railway is a key connectivity project between China and Central Asia and is expected to become a new demonstration project for cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The route will begin in Kashgar, located in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and pass through the mountainous terrain of Kyrgyzstan to reach Uzbekistan. Jiang Zhidong, chairman of the Kashgar-based Xinjiang Jiujiuxi International Trade Co., Ltd., looks forward to the railway's operation, which he said would reduce freight transport time between China and Europe by about a week. "Our coal imports from Kyrgyzstan will see a significant surge in quantity, while the transport cost will be cut by a third," Jiang said, adding that products made from the imported coal, including activated carbon, can then take this route to reach European markets in shorter time. Currently, land transport between China and the two Central Asian nations relies on road-rail routes or must detour through Kazakhstan. Once operational, the railway will not only cut transport time, but also exempt goods from multiple times of reloading, thus making it easier and cheaper to transport perishable goods such as farm produce. Moreover, the railway is expected to offer landlocked Central Asian nations access to the sea by connecting to the sprawling railway network in China that extends to Pacific Ocean ports. "The railway allows local resources and products to enter the global market rapidly. This will make Central Asia more important in the global supply chain," said Ravshan Nazarov, a senior researcher at the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, highlighting the railway's benefits to the region's logistics, mining, energy and agriculture sectors. In 2023, trade between China and the five Central Asian countries rose 27 percent year on year, reaching 89.4 billion U.S. dollars. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan experts have also highlighted the railway's catalyst effect for regional development and its benefits on local livelihood. Sergei Ponomarev, president of the Association of Markets of Kyrgyzstan, said Kyrgyzstan will receive a large increase in the passage of goods with the help of the railway. The expert said the project presents an interesting opportunity to not only create jobs and boost infrastructure development but also improve economic indicators. "In general, the main goal of the project is to improve the lives of citizens of Kyrgyzstan, China and Uzbekistan," Ponomarev said. Mederbek Shermetaliev, director of the Kabar News Agency of Kyrgyzstan, said apart from strengthening Kyrgyzstan's transit potential, the railway will also make the country more attractive to investors. "Opening a factory will become more economical in Kyrgyzstan, which boasts abundant human resources and skilled labor," said Shermetaliev. Zhong Feiteng, a researcher with the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the railway route highlights the vitality of the BRI and will play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity between Europe and Asia. "The construction of the railway demonstrates China's commitment to aligning its development with the interests of other countries to foster a win-win situation through greater openness," Zhong said. BELGRADE, Dec 30. (Xinhua) -- The Higher Court in Belgrade has sentenced Vladimir and Miljana Kecmanovic, parents of the perpetrator of the May 3, 2023, mass shooting at Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School, to prison. Vladimir Kecmanovic received 14.5 years for endangering public safety and child neglect, while his wife, Miljana, was sentenced to three years for child neglect, Serbian public broadcaster RTS reported on Monday. Their underage son used his father's firearms in the attack, killing nine students and a school security guard while wounding five students and a teacher. As the boy was under 14 at the time, he is not criminally responsible and remains in a psychiatric facility. Additionally, shooting instructor Nemanja Marinkovic was sentenced to 15 months for providing false testimony. The verdicts, delivered in open court, remain subject to appeal. Detailed reasoning behind the rulings is confidential. By Timour Azhari, Khalil Ashawi and Suleiman Al-Khalidi DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Syria's new rulers have installed some foreign fighters including Uyghurs, a Jordanian and a Turk in the country's armed forces as Damascus tries to shape a patchwork of rebel groups into a professional military, two Syrian sources said. The move to give official roles, including senior ones, to several jihadists may alarm some foreign governments and Syrian citizens fearful about the new administration's intentions, despite its pledges not to export Islamic revolution and to rule with tolerance towards Syria's large minority groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Syrian government spokesperson did not reply to a request for comment on the thinking behind the appointments. The sources said that out of a total of almost 50 military roles announced by the Defence Ministry on Sunday, at least six had gone to foreigners. Reuters was not able to independently verify the nationalities of the individuals appointed. Thousands of Sunni Muslim foreigners joined Syria's rebels early in the 13-year civil war to fight against the rule of Bashar al-Assad and the Iran-backed Shi'ite militias who supported him, giving the conflict a sectarian overtone. Some foreign fighters formed their own armed groups while others joined established formations such as Islamic State as it rampaged across Iraq and Syria, briefly declaring a so-called caliphate before being routed by U.S. and Iran-backed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other groups of foreign jihadists joined HTS, which disavowed previous links to al Qaeda and Islamic State and fought bloody battles against them before going on to spearhead the lightning advance that toppled Assad on Dec. 8. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the HTS-leader-turned de facto ruler of Syria, has purged dozens of foreign jihadi fighters as part of a campaign to Syrianise and moderate his group. In remarks broadcast on Sunday, Sharaa said the new Syria "cannot be run by the mentality of groups and militias". Syria's new rulers, drawn mainly from HTS, have indicated that foreign fighters and their families may be given Syrian citizenship and be allowed to stay in the country because of their contributions to the fight against Assad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defence Ministry on Sunday announced 49 appointments to the army that included leaders of key Syrian armed factions. Among them were several foreign fighters, three given the rank of brigadier-general and at least three others the rank of colonel, a Syrian military source said. 'TOKEN OF RECOGNITION' "This is a small token of recognition for the sacrifices Islamist jihadists gave to our struggle for freedom from Assad's oppression," an HTS source told Reuters. Chinese Uyghur militant Abdulaziz Dawood Khudaberdi, also known as Zahid and the commander of the separatist Turkistan Islamic Party's (TIP) forces in Syria, was appointed a brigadier-general, a TIP statement said and the Syrian military source confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other Uyghur fighters, Mawlan Tarsoun Abdussamad and Abdulsalam Yasin Ahmad, were given the rank of colonel, said the TIP statement published on its website, congratulating them and the Uyghur community on the appointments. All the names appear in Sunday's Defence Ministry announcement, though the nationalities are not included. The TIP is thought to have hundreds of fighters in Syria and aims to establish an Islamic State in parts of China and central Asia, where there is a large Uyghur Muslim population. Rights groups accuse Beijing of widespread abuses of Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic minority that numbers around 10 million in the western region of Xinjiang, including the mass use of forced labour in camps. Beijing denies any abuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The East Turkestan Islamic Movement is a terrorist organisation listed by the UN Security Council," Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, told a regular press conference on Tuesday, using China's name for TIP. "The international community should fully recognise the violent nature of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and resolutely crack down on it," she added. China also labels the TIP a terrorist organisation responsible for plots to attack overseas Chinese targets. Beijing has said TIP "gravely threatens" China's interests and security overseas and that combating the group was China's "core concern" in its counter-terrorism effort. Turkish citizen Omar Mohammed Jaftashi and Jordanian citizen Abdul Rahman Hussein al-Khatib were also made brigadier-generals, the Syrian military source and the HTS source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdul Jashari, an ethnically Albanian fighter also known as Abu Qatada al-Albani, was appointed colonel, the military source said. Jashari head the Albanian jihadist group Xhemati Alban and was designated a terrorist by the U.S. Treasury in 2016. Egyptian Alaa Mohammed Abdel-Baqi was also given a military rank, the source said. Egypt's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Khalil Ashawi in Damascus, Timour Azhari in Beirut and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman; additional reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by William Maclean and Michael Perry) Elections may not be held in Syria for up to four years, the countrys de facto leader has said, in his first comments on an electoral timeline since his rebel group overthrew the Assad regime earlier this month. After Ahmad al-Sharaas comments, it remains unclear how the interim government will hand over power after previously saying it would only stay until March 2025. We have to prepare the infrastructure before heading to elections, al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, said, the Saudi channel Al Arabiya reported Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), which earlier in December toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, said in an interview that his interim government also plans to write a new constitution that might take up to three years to draft. We are now in the re-foundation of the country and not just managing the country there is a lot of destruction in the country because of a regime that ruled for more than 50 years, Al-Sharaa said. The opportunity that was given to us today doesnt present itself every four or five years the constitution must regulate society so that the previous experience does not repeat itself and Syria heads to the same direction it was in for the past 60 years, he added. Al-Sharaa also told Al Arabiya that HTS will eventually be dissolved, the channel said, which will be announced at the upcoming National Dialogue Conference, a meeting that is meant to help with the transitional phase. No date is set yet for the conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Russia, a previous ally of Syria, Al-Sharaa said the new leadership does not want Russia to leave the country in [a] manner that does not fit its relations with Syria. Sources say Russia has been withdrawing a large amount of military equipment and troops since Assads toppling. International legitimacy A Ukrainian delegation led by foreign minister Andrii Sybiha landed in Damascus on Monday to meet Al-Sharaa, Syrian state media said. The Syrian and Ukrainian people have shared the same experiences and struggles, Syrias interim foreign minister Asaad Shaibani said in a news conference with Sybiha. The visit marks the latest in a series of regional and international diplomatic delegations who travelled to Syria to meet the de-facto leader, who, until recently, had a $10 million bounty on his head by the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Sharaa was informed by a high-level US delegation led by the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern affairs, Barbara Leaf, on December 20 that the US would remove the bounty. Leaf, one of three US officials who sat down with Al-Sharaa in Damascus, described the policy decision as one aligned with the need to work on critical issues such as combating terrorism. Al-Sharaa committed to this, Leaf said, and so based on our discussion, I told him we would not be pursuing the Rewards for Justice reward offer that has been in effect for some years. European delegations, including officials from the United Kingdom, France and Germany also met Al-Sharaa over the past month, while Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain and Turkey all dispatched diplomats for talks with the new leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former jihadist is seeking international legitimacy and distancing himself from his Al-Qaeda past. His style has gradually changed from Jihadist camo attires to statesmen-like suits as he engages in international diplomacy. Al-Sharaa is also warming up to regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia, telling Arabiya that the kingdom has a big role to play in Syrias future and that Iran should rethink its calculations about its interventions in the region. We are folding the old page of boycotts that [Syria] was under with the old regime, Shaibani said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DAMASCUS (Reuters) -Syria hopes for strategic partnerships with Ukraine, its new foreign minister told his Ukrainian counterpart on Monday, as Kyiv moves to build ties with the new Islamist rulers in Damascus amid waning Russian influence. Russia was a staunch ally of ousted President Bashar al-Assad and has given him political asylum. Moscow has said it is in contact with the new administration in Damascus, including over the fate of Russian military facilities in Syria. "There will be strategic partnerships between us and Ukraine on the political, economic and social levels, and scientific partnerships," Syria's newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, told Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Certainly the Syrian people and the Ukrainian people have the same experience and the same suffering that we endured over 14 years," he added, apparently drawing a parallel between Syria's brutal 2011-24 civil war and Russia's seizure of Ukrainian territory culminating in its full-scale 2022 invasion. Sybiha, who also met Syria's new de facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Monday, said Ukraine would send more food aid shipments to Syria after the expected arrival of 20 shipments of flour on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he hoped providing help to Syria would be beneficial to restoring stability in Ukraine, locked in a 34-month-old war with Russia. "We can help restore stability in Syria after years of Russian interference and this will undoubtedly help us restore peace for ourselves," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It will be the right step to renew our diplomatic relations with Syria and our economic cooperation. I am very hopeful that post-Assad Syria will respect international law in a way that Assad could not and did not want to." Zelenskiy announced last Friday the dispatch of Ukraine's first batch of food aid to Syria comprising 500 metric tons of wheat flour as part of Kyiv's humanitarian "Grain from Ukraine" initiative in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme. RUSSIAN INFLUENCE SQUEEZED Ukraine, a global producer and exporter of grain and oilseeds, traditionally exports wheat and corn to countries in the Middle East, but not to Syria, which in the Assad era imported food from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian wheat supplies to Syria have been suspended because of uncertainty about the new government in Damascus and payment delays, Russian and Syrian sources told Reuters in early December. The ousting of Assad by al-Sharaa's Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has thrown the future of Russia's military bases in Syria - the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia and the Tartous naval facility - into question. 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. Al-Sharaa said this month that Syria's relations with Russia should serve common interests. In an interview published on Sunday, he said Syria shared strategic interests with Russia, striking a conciliatory tone, though he did not elaborate. (Reporting by Clauda Tanios, Timour Azhari, Tala Ramadan, Nayera Abdallah and Ron Popeski; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alistair Bell) An 18-year-old man was injured in a shooting Saturday night at a Puyallup apartment complex, according to police. The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. in the 700 block of 43rd Avenue Southeast. Witnesses reported hearing an argument in the parking area, followed by multiple gunshots. Officers arrived to find the victim, a resident of unincorporated Pierce County, with a gunshot wound to the thigh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They provided medical aid until Central Pierce Fire and Rescue transported him to a hospital. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. Police recovered spent shell casings from the parking lot. Two suspects, described as young males wearing dark clothing were last seen running from the area. A drone and K-9 units were deployed to locate the suspects, but they were not found. Residents of the apartment complex are asked to check surveillance footage from the time of the incident or report any suspicious activity. Information can be submitted to the Puyallup Police Tip Line at 253-770-3343 or via email at tips@puyallupwa.gov. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) In the aftermath of Jimmy Carters death at the age of 100 Sunday, many Tennesseans are remembering the former president for his bipartisanship and service to others. Nashville attorney David King thought back to when he was 22 years old and met Carter, who was governor of Georgia and running for president at the time. It was his integrity, it was his willingness to answer questions that were just straightforward answers. He didnt seem to have a political spin to everything he had to say. He was so straightforward and honest with his beliefs, King described. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: Looking back at News 2s interview with former President Jimmy Carter in 2019 Retired Judge Hamilton Gayden recalled meeting Carter in 1964 and said he was a man who cared about others more than himself. He could talk to Democrats and Republicans alike, and when he finally got beat by Ronald Reagan, he was very gracious in that and carried onHe was a very kind person and giving person, said Gayden. Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus said he remembers Carter as a man of faith who lived his life caring about the betterment of others, striving for peace among nations. Significant milestones in life and career of Jimmy Carter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think right now, if we look back at Jimmy Carters life, the incoming president, the current president, and politicos in Washington, D.C. and all across the nation should take from him an example of how to truly put political differences aside to try to achieve common ground in ways that will truly help to benefit the lives of ordinary people, Remus told News 2. King and others said Carter had a great relationship with Tennessee, adding that former Gov. Ned McWherter, who was Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1973 to 1987, was one of the first to endorse Carter when he ran for president. To see more statements from Tennessee lawmakers about Carters legacy, 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 WKRN News 2. ERWIN, Tenn. As this Appalachian town grapples with the loss of its hospital, which was destroyed by floodwaters during Hurricane Helene, a KFF Health News analysis has identified about 20 across the state built on or near flood plains. The hospitals at risk span the length of Tennessee, from Memphis to Knoxville, and include big-city general hospitals, smaller rural hospitals, and behavioral health facilities. Before Helene forced its closure, Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin was one of them. In 2018, this small community hospital relocated from higher ground in the heart of Erwin to the southern edge of town, between Interstate 26 and the Nolichucky River. The new hospital was built in a known flood plain, but the facility wasnt designed to accommodate helicopter landings on its roof. When floodwaters during the September storm forced an emergency helicopter evacuation of 70 patients, staff, and first responders, it wasnt clear if the building could bear the weight of the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be honest, I really thought we might not make it back from the rescue mission, said Ballad Health flight nurse April Boyd, who assisted in the hospital evacuation. By many accounts, the evacuation of Unicoi County Hospital was considered a stunning success. The hospital was destroyed, but no one died. No one was even physically injured by the ordeal. Flood waters from the Nolichucky River rage near Jackson Love Highway and Interstate 26 in Erwin, Tenn., on Friday Sept. 27, 2024. Unicoi County Hospital, back center, flooded and had to be evacuated on Friday. Yet, earth scientists, emergency management officials, and others who spoke to KFF Health News describe the narrow escape as a cautionary tale. As climate change forces health care leaders and public officials to prepare for severe storms in landlocked parts of the country where residents havent historically paid much attention to hurricane warnings they must be strategic about both the infrastructure design and the locations selected for new projects, like hospitals. Patrick Sheehan, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, said past weather patterns can lull people into a false sense of security. But, he added, past is not always prologue. We're going to experience novel, new ways of having disasters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historically, the Southern Appalachian Mountains have been the place where hurricanes go to die, said Ryan Thigpen, an earth and environmental sciences professor at the University of Kentucky whose research focuses on flooding in the region. But as the Gulf of Mexico becomes warmer and storms, like Helene, that move northward into the mountains carry more moisture, weather events will become more severe. It's apocalyptic, said Thigpen, of the damage in Erwin. The next storm may come before they are finished recovering from this. And thats kind of scary." Hospitals in flood plains All week, Michelle Matson had been worried about Unicoi County Hospital in the oncoming storm. As a district coordinator for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Matson works with local officials to plan for worst-case scenarios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading up to Hurricane Helene, shed been in regular communication with the countys emergency management director. The hospitals vulnerability next to the river kept coming up. That was the only place we were worried about, Matson said. But concern over the hospitals location wasnt new. In November 2013, Unicoi County Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1953, was acquired by Mountain States Health Alliance on the condition that Mountain States would construct a hospital in Erwin to replace the old one. Two years later, Mountain States purchased a 45-acre tract of land next to a bend in the Nolichucky River, just off Interstate 26. A hospital system press release at the time explained that due diligence had been conducted to ensure, among other things, that the hospital building would not be in a flood plain. It also presented the location as desirable because it was near the interstate and the landscape would provide a healing environment by taking advantage of the natural beauty of Unicoi County, with the river running along the east side of the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dating back decades, though, flood maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency put the entire property in a flood plain. The building itself was in a 500-year flood plain (meaning a 0.2% chance of flooding in any given year), while the only road on and off the property was in a 100-year flood plain (meaning a 1% annual risk). But it wasnt only FEMA maps that forecast this possibility. In 2001, a report published by Unicoi County marked this land as being in a flood hazard area. The report warned of considerable pressure to develop flood hazard areas across the county due to population increase and the need for vacant land. The same report acknowledged a history of destructive flooding in the county and the risks it faced being situated along three major streams, including the Nolichucky River, which flows northward out of the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina straight through Erwin. If you start looking at the rivers history, there are a number of these notable flood events, and quite a few in the 20th century. They just did not reach this magnitude, said Philip Prince, a geologist with Appalachian Landslide Consultants. His YouTube videos about mountain flooding during Helene have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. People should have been expecting more than they did. But again, we have not seen anything like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matthew Rice, a former Unicoi County commissioner, served as chair of the Hospital Visioning Committee for the new hospital in 2015. He said some committee members raised questions during the planning process about the location, but he conceded there werent many large, flat places to build a hospital in Erwin. Amid a wave of rural hospital closures across the United States, Erwin residents celebrated when the new hospital opened in 2018. One lawmaker told the Johnson City Press it was the most modern facility on the planet." Alan Levine was CEO of Mountain States Health Alliance during that time and later became the head of Ballad Health, when Mountain States merged with a competing hospital system in 2018 to form the largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly in the country. Levine said Mountain States was aware the property carried flood risk but noted that the hospital system added levees to protect the building from river flooding at the recommendation of outside consultants. One levee already existed along the rivers edge. And the hospital itself was deliberately constructed on a high point of the land, at the same elevation as the interstate, Levine said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like everything we did when we built it was done the right way, said Levine, a former health care leader in Louisiana and Florida. Even so, Matson, who lives in Kingsport, about 45 minutes northwest of Erwin, said some residents were quietly critical of the new hospitals location. We all thought that it was a stupid idea to build a hospital in a flood plain. Its like, who does that? Matson said. She said her opinion doesn't represent an official position of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. But Unicoi isnt the only Tennessee hospital built in a flood plain. Eight others across the state were built in moderate- or high-risk flood zones, and a dozen other hospitals are situated just outside them, KFF Health News found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the hospitals are decades old. Parkridge East Hospital in Chattanooga, for example, was built in the 1970s inside a high-risk flood zone. Others are more recent like Creekside Behavioral Health in Kingsport. That building, which opened in 2018, straddles high- and moderate-risk flood zones. Then there are facilities like Pinewood Springs in Columbia. The 60-bed mental health facility, which opened in 2020, is in a low-risk area, but the main road leading in and out of the hospital lies in a high-risk flood area. To identify these facilities at risk for future flooding, KFF Health News looked for licensed facilities in or near areas that, according to FEMA, have either a high flood risk (with a 1-in-100 chance of flooding in any given year) or moderate risk (a 1-in-500 chance in any given year). But FEMAs maps likely underestimate the true flood risk, researchers and government watchdogs agree, because theyre largely outdated and dont account for current or future conditions, including more frequent and more intense storms and flooding associated with climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those maps are updated on an ongoing but slow and piecemeal basis. Meanwhile, the Biden administration finalized a rule this year designed to make the construction of such projects that receive funding from FEMA more resilient to flooding. The regulation expands areas considered at risk for current and future flooding and sets more stringent building standards for critical infrastructure projects located in 100-year flood plains that are funded by federal taxpayers. The rule became effective on Sept. 9, less than three weeks before Hurricane Helene ravaged the Southern Appalachians, but it is unclear whether the incoming Trump administration will preserve it. After he took office in 2017, President Donald Trump revoked federal flood protection standards set up under the Obama administration. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the incoming Trump administration, did not respond to emailed questions for this article. An antiquated and broken system On Sept. 24, three days before the hospital evacuation, the National Hurricane Center issued the first of several warnings predicting significant river flooding and landslides in the Southern Appalachians. Two days before the flood in Erwin, a satellite office of the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tennessee, predicted life-threatening flash flooding near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warnings kept coming. The National Weather Service in upstate South Carolina forecast on Sept. 26, a Thursday, that Helene would amount to one of the regions most significant weather events in the modern era. "I don't think people knew what that meant, said Prince, the geologist. We just didnt have a precedent. Ballad Health didn't anticipate that Unicoi would flood during the storm, Levine said, even though a hazard vulnerability assessment conducted annually for the hospital identifies external flooding as the second-highest risk facing Unicoi County Hospital, behind only a civil disturbance. The same 2024 assessment rated the hospitals preparedness for a flood as a 3 or low, the worst possible score. But a document outlining the hospitals emergency alert procedures makes no mention of flood risk. If anything, hospital leaders said they were anticipating a surge of patients during Hurricane Helene if Erwin and the surrounding area experienced widespread power outages. "There was no conversation I had with anybody, anywhere about the risk of flooding before Friday morning, Levine said. The Nolichucky River off of Temple Hill Road facing Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin., Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. The day before, Jennifer Harrah, the hospitals administrator, had called a meeting to discuss the storm. Sean Ochsenbein, an emergency medicine physician and the hospitals chief medical officer, recalled that the group gathered just to kind of circle the wagons, make sure everybody was on the same page. Later that day, Harrah spoke to Unicoi Countys emergency management director. But let me be very clear, Ochsenbein said. Nobody gave us as Ballad or our hospital any kind of indication that we would have floodwaters. And yet little more than 24 hours after their planning meeting, both Harrah and Ochsenbein were stranded on the hospital roof, literally praying to God for their rescue. I called my husband, and I called my sons, Harrah said. I told them that I loved them. One reason the impact of the storm seemed to catch people off guard was a disconnect between the strong warnings issued by the federal agencies and the low expectations that many people in the region, including Ballad Health leaders, had of the potential flood risk. It was sunny outside when people were evacuated from the hospital roof, Thigpen pointed out. It had rained about 5 inches in Erwin over several days, but that was nothing compared with places in the North Carolina mountains that received more than 20 inches over the same period. Rainfall at those higher altitudes eventually drained into the rivers and streams that ultimately destroyed places like Erwin. But residents in Unicoi County had no clue what was coming their way, Thigpen said, because there weren't river gauges upstream to sound alarms about dangerous water levels. I think that our warning systems are antiquated and broken, he said. These people in Erwin have seen floods and a lot of big floods and it's never been anywhere close to this. Tennessee state climatologist Andrew Joyner is one of several experts now calling for more river gauges to monitor water levels and a network of weather stations in every county designed to collect live precipitation data.Thirty-eight states already operate similar systems, he said, estimating that setting up and staffing weather stations across Tennessee would cost less than $4 million in the first year. But the state has failed to act before. Following a catastrophic flood in Waverly, Tennessee, that killed 20 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly denied a $200 million request to relocate 14 public schools across the state that had been deemed vulnerable to future flooding. Meanwhile, whats left of Unicoi County Hospital stands next to the Nolichucky in a field of mud and displaced river rocks. For now, Ballad Health has opened a temporary urgent care center and plans to establish an emergency department at the site of the former Unicoi County Memorial Hospital in downtown Erwin. Levine said Ballad Health will eventually rebuild a full-service hospital, but he estimated the project would cost $50 million, roughly twice as much as it did in 2018. It remains unclear where it would be built. Probably not in a flood plain, Levine said. I would avoid it if I could. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee hospitals: More than a dozen in or near flood plains KIEV, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 189 Ukrainians returned from Russian captivity on Monday as a part of a new prisoner swap, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Among those released were 187 servicemen, including officers, soldiers and sergeants, along with two civilians, Zelensky wrote in a post on Telegram. The freed troops included military personnel who fought for the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the city of Mariupol, and the Snake Island in the Black Sea, he added. Ukraine and Russia have conducted 59 prisoner exchanges to date, according to the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. These swaps resulted in the release of 3,956 people from Russian captivity, including 1,358 freed this year alone. In an election year defined by pivotal primaries and critical events, Texans flocked to our voter guides as essential resources for navigating the polls effectively. One of the most-read stories in March 2024 covered Pornhub blocking access in Texas after the 5th Circuit upheld a law requiring age verification and health warnings for adult content. Parent company Aylo criticized the law as ineffective and announced plans to appeal, while Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the ruling. In September, a Texas Tribune, ProPublica, and Vote Beat investigation revealed steps taken by Texas officials to clean up the voter rolls. The story not only shed light on the measures but also provided clear instructions for verifying voter registration. Inspired by the article, over 20,000 Texans checked their registration status, showcasing their dedication to active participation in democracy. From navigating elections to understanding the impact of new laws and government actions, these articles resonated deeply with readers across Texas. Top stories read by Texans: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, Texas Tribune readers exhibited a keen interest in stories about prominent political figures, especially Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Articles focused on Abbott attracted 1.7 million views in Texas, while those concerning Paxton garnered 1.4 million views. Stories that appeared most frequently on front pages across Texas Top stories read by people outside of Texas Although the Tribunes focuses on reaching as many Texans across the state as possible, we also have stories that reach a wider audience outside of Texas. Here are the stories that reached beyond just Texan readers. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott offered his condolences on Jimmy Carters death to his wife, Rosalynnneglecting to take into account that she died last year. The Republican governor released a statement saying he and his wife send our prayers and deepest condolences to First Lady Rosalynn Carter and the entire Carter family. Abbott also lauded Carter for his selfless service to the American people. President Carter leaves behind a great legacy as a husband, father, naval officer, governor, and Nobel prize winner, and he will be greatly missed by many, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two hours later, Abbott amended the statement on X to remove any mention of the former first lady, who died in November 2023, according to the Houston Press. Followers, however, were quick to notice the difference in the governors deleted and re-uploaded statement. Did anyone in the Governors Office Proof the Condolence note? a Democratic group in Texas wrote on X . You sent condolences to Rosalynn? What world are you living in? another user posted. Guess someone around your uninformed circle realized you sent condolences to Mrs Carter who preceded President Carter, a user wrote under Abbotts edited post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosalynn Carter died on Nov. 19, 2023 at the age of 96, shortly after entering hospice. The former president had been in hospice since February 2023. Abbott ordered all Texas flags to fly half-mast until Jan. 29 in response to Carters death, in line with Joe Bidens federal order to fly all U.S. flags at half-mast in honor of the late president. Abbott has had similar gaffes in the past. In 2023, he reposted a satirical article about country singer Garth Books being booed off stage after calling for tolerance during a fake music festival in Texas. Go Woke. Go Broke, Abbott captioned the article. Garth called his conservative fans assholes. Good job, Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott quickly deleted the post, but not before the satire websites owner took notice. Johnson Countys newest state representative, Republican Helen Kerwin of Cleburne, filed her first bill Friday, targeting an environmental problem that has struck her county: PFAS contamination in sewage sludge-based fertilizers. Kerwin said House Bill 1674 could reduce the presence of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, on Texas farms and ranches that use fertilizers made from treated sewage. PFAS, often called forever chemicals because they dont break down and can persist in water and soil indefinitely, are known to increase the risk of serious health and environmental problems. Kerwin said she filed the bill after Johnson County farmers sued a fertilizer company, alleging that PFAS-contaminated fertilizer made from municipal waste poisoned their land, killed their livestock and left them unable to sell anything produced on their farms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill requires manufacturers of products made from biosolids to test them monthly before selling them and sets limits on the concentrations of specific PFAS chemicals, including widely studied compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at 900 parts per trillion. If the samples surpass those limits, companies would be required to dispose of the product through incineration or at a landfill approved for toxic waste. The bill also requires companies to publish PFAS results on their websites. Companies that violate the law would face Class A misdemeanor charges, which carry a punishment of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine; repeat offenders could be charged with a state jail felony and face up to two years in a state jail and fines up to $10,000. Dana Ames, the environmental crime investigator for Johnson County who discovered the contamination on the farmers' land, said the limits on certain PFAS were determined by scientists who analyzed how the chemicals respond to soil and accumulate in animals and plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Farmers have been horribly taken advantage of, Ames said. I'm very proud that our legislators heard our cries for help, saw the problem, understood the issue and the magnitude of what we were dealing with, and stepped up. PFAS have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s because of their resistance to heat, stains and water. However, their durability comes with a cost: They dont break down and can accumulate in the environment, in animals and even in human bloodstreams. Exposure to certain types of PFAS has been linked to health problems including cancer, birth defects, liver damage and immune system disorders. For decades, fertilizers made from biosolids or sewage sludge have been promoted as a sustainable way to recycle municipal waste. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has even supported their use. However, many farmers and ranchers nationwide who used PFAS-tainted fertilizers on their land have been forced to shut down their operations due to poisoned land and livestock. The EPA does not require states to test biosolids for the chemicals. Some states have passed their own PFAS standards for biosolids; Texas is not among them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPA is evaluating the threats of PFAS in biosolids and is expected to share what it knows by the end of December. Kerwins bill comes as PFAS are under increasing scrutiny nationwide. Earlier this month, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against chemical giants 3M and DuPont, accusing them of misleading the public about PFAS sold in many of their consumer products. Environmental advocates praised the move as evidence that addressing PFAS contamination transcends party lines. Kerwin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support for the bill. I'm just looking for the support of fellow legislators, and hopefully we can present it as a nonpartisan bill, and all the elected officials realize it affects everyone, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kerwin said that when she was running for office, she told Johnson County officials and farmers that if she won she would make this bill her priority and take this home for them. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Rep. Helen Kerwin files bill to reduce chemicals in fertilizer A Texas teen is accused of killing a classmates show goat by force-feeding it pesticide. Aubrey Vanlandingham, 17, is charged with cruelty to livestock animals, a felony, according to court records. In an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, police accused Vanlandingham of using a drench gun to administer the pesticide to the goat, named Willie, at her high schools barn in Cedar Park, Texas, in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vanlandingham allegedly took a video of the goat and sent it to the animals owner, the affidavit claims. The goat died a day later, according to the affidavit, after convulsing and showing signs of respiratory distress. A necropsy confirmed that the animal died from pesticide intoxication, the affidavit states. Authorities allege that Vanlandingham confessed to killing the goat, saying that she did so because she believed the daughter of the animals owner was a cheater. Vanlandingham allegedly also confessed to previously trying to kill the goat. 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.. Police say they searched the teens phone and found evidence of internet searches inquiring, How much bleach can kill an animal, and poisoning pets, what you should know, among others, according to the affidavit. Vanlandingham also allegedly searched, How to clear search history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not immediately clear if Vanlandingham has entered a plea. Jail records indicate that she was released on $5,000 bond. Vanlandinghams listed attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The defendant is next scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 15. Read the original article on People BANGKOK (Reuters) - A family in northeastern Thailand are mourning the loss of Jongluk Duangmanee, one of two Thai nationals of the Jeju Air crash, and wish to bring her body home for a religious ceremony. All 175 passengers and four of the six crew were killed when the Boeing 737-800 crash-landed and skidded off the end of the runway at South Korea's Muan International Airport on Sunday. Boonchuay Duangmanee, 77, said he must come to terms with his 45-year-old daughter's sudden death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can only accept it, make peace with it," he told state broadcaster Thai PBS. "No matter what I do, my daughter won't come back." He had felt a "sense of unease" when neighbours told him of the Jeju Air crash, he added, as his daughter often travelled with the airline. Jongluk, the third youngest in the family, had been working in South Korea for seven years and would visit her home in Udon Thani, about 500 km (310 miles) north of the Thai capital, every year. Boonchuay said he wants to bring his daughter's body home for a proper religious ceremony as other relatives gathered at the family's home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bird strikes and poor weather are among possible reasons South Korean investigators are examining for the crash. The accident was the worst for any South Korean airline since a 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam that killed more than 200. (Reporting Napat Wesshasartar; Writing by Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) Police in San Marino are investigating a theft of landscaping equipment that ended with a suspect brandishing a gun at the victim. The theft happened Saturday around 11:50 a.m. on the 2800 block of Canterbury Road, according to the San Marino Police Department. Police say a vehicle pulled up to the victims truck, and then a passenger got out and grabbed a leaf blower and battery pack from the bed of the truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim witnessed the theft, and immediately followed the suspect to confront them, police said. After following the vehicle to the intersection of San Gabriel Boulevard and Huntington Drive in East Pasadena, the victim got out of the vehicle and began approaching the suspects. As they approached, the suspect rolled down the window and flashed a handgun, at which point the victim backed off and let them go. The investigation is ongoing, police said, and the suspects could face possible felony charges for grand theft and brandishing a firearm. The victims loss in the theft was said to be around $2,200. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 KTLA. Dig underneath the angry rhetoric that filled Logansport in 2024 and there were plenty of people working to build a better community. They contributed in many ways, from financial support to managing infrastructure logistics, supporting young peoples mental health or simply putting a smile on peoples face. Their efforts were much needed during a tumultuous year. Whether as an organization or as an individual, the following people filled Cass County with positivity and helped the community grow in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cass County Community Foundation Lilly Scholarship CEO and president Deanna Crispen, right, prepares to embrace Lewis Cass High School senior Nicholas Park. Park was named the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship winner in the Lewis Cass school library earlier this month. The Cass County Community Foundation saved its biggest gift for last: a $5 million dollar grant for a new farmers market that will forever change downtown Logansport. The CCCF has its fingerprints on so many areas of the community from local schools, the Emmaus Mission Center, the 4-H fairground, the State Theater and beyond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres just a short list of what the CCCF did this year. They launched the One School: One Book event at Pioneer Elementary, giving each student a copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so that they could read the book together. One School: One Book will expand to all elementary schools in 2025. They awarded $29,649 in opportunity grants and $194,136.30 in competitive community grants. They funded summer study opportunities for multiple high school students. They awarded a $250,000 Katy Anderson Props Fund grant to Emmaus for remodeling, honored Cass Countys top student, Lewis Cass senior Nicholas Park, with a Lilly Scholarship and so much more. Deanna Crispen is the CEO and president of the Cass County Community Foundation but she would never accept all credit for the work they do and couldnt change lives without the help of her board and others (such as those who helped on the farmers market proposal.) It may be years before Cass County truly sees the dividends from all of the foundations many investments into the community and thats ok. Nobody else knows how to help now but build for tomorrow like the Cass County Community Foundation. Bill Cuppy Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill Cuppy Mural Logansport/Cass County Chamber of Commerce President Bill Cuppy looks at a mural, created by Kevin Burkett, in the new interior of the Iron Horse Depot Museum. It takes many hands to build a city but Bill Cuppy, president of the Logansport-Cass County Chamber of Commerce and the Cass Logansport Economic Development Organization, is at the center of a lot of the logistics that goes into bringing new businesses to town. Cuppy was finally able to sigh in relief this fall as Jimmy Johns and Dunkin Donuts finally opened after a very long wait of nearly two years. But in the process, he also got to celebrate some big announcements along the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McAlisters brought a new dining option to Logansport and The Junction finally looks to be coming together as stores like Five Below, Marshalls and Ollies Bargain Outlet are choosing the it as a home to bring affordable shopping options to the city. In May, Cuppy said the Westside of town wasnt being neglected. National chains want to go where the traffic is and at the moment that is the Eastside of town. It Logansport continues to grow and attract attention from retail and restaurant chains, the Westside will see the benefits as well. While all the attention is on big businesses at the moment, the Chamber of Commerce is still working hard to promote the small local businesses, hosting ribbon cuttings for new shops, showcasing members of the month and offering a monthly workshop to its members. Logansport HS theater seniors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sam, Finley and Payton Logansport High School seniors Sam Fultz, Finley Gay and Payton Mucker team up for one final high school performance in The 39 Steps, a comedic spy thriller. A talented group of seniors graduated from Logansport High School in the spring and took their final bows at the McHale Performing Arts Center at the end of July. Their voices had been heard throughout the community during their childhood from the Logansport Childrens Choir, the Junior Civic Theater, church choirs and the Logansport High School theater club and choir. Their names are Leah Alder, Eli Bault, Carissa Dawson, Alexis Enyeart, Sam Fultz, Finley Gay, Payton Mucker, Kelsey Thomas, Ivy Padilla, Gretchen Prifogle and Layla Powell. Thank you for the songs and laughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you had the pleasure of seeing them perform you were lucky and know how special this group was. Unfortunately, too many in Cass County dont support the talented young people in the community. Local theater didnt end with these high school graduates. Logansport had a very talented group of students waiting for their moment and they shined in Novembers Matilda the Musical. Pioneer has their own class of super seniors to celebrate. They opened the year with a somber and powerful performance of the classic play Our Town and will bring Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to the stage in the spring. This summer the Logansport and Pioneer kids unite for the Junior Civic Theaters Shrek the Musical. There are many opportunities to see high level performances in Cass County. And with the Civic Players set to perform Young Frankenstein this summer, maybe some of those graduates can be tempted back to the McHale stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nikki Malott Nikki Malott has more on her slate than the local students she is trying to support. Theres Stand UP Cass County, Zero Suicide Task Force, Girl Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Project HOPE, Suicide and Overdose Fatality Review Team, Partners for Drug Free Cass County. Malott really wants to help Cass Countys young people live their best lives from offering mental health support to raising awareness about substance abuse. Not only is she involved in local schools, Malott hosts monthly events such as free skating for young people at the Logansport Skate World and Fun Center, board games at Black Dog, video games and movies at Mary Max Cinema. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not easy. Young people are busier than ever these days with school activities. Building a dedicated group who attends each weekly session, or a session of their choice on a regular basis, has been a yearlong struggle. But Malott isnt giving up. Her dedication to the young people of Cass County has been a moving effort to witness. Michele Starkey Logansport Community School Corporation superintendent Michele Starkey never expected shed be getting phone calls from WTHR, WXIN or seeing Fox News report about the school system, but there she was, caught in the middle of the Haitian immigrant panic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Starkey panicked, she never showed it. Throughout the ordeal she was calm and collected. One reason for that was that she and the school corporation were prepared to handle an influx of students. Starkey credited the experience she and her colleagues gained from integrating Hispanic students into the school system over 20 years ago for helping LCSC welcome new students from Haiti, Guatemala and beyond. When the media and locals in the community came at her with questions, she was ready. The amount of misinformation and anger displayed during the fall never phased the superintendent. Starkeys confidence in and passion for the schools mission spread to every level of leadership, teachers and students. Starkey showed true leadership when the community most needed it. Editors note: Some images and descriptions of events may be disturbing for viewers. Both lawsuits can be viewed in full at the bottom of this article. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The Marcy Correctional Facility, currently receiving pushback after the deadly beating of an inmate serving time for a Monroe County assault, has been the center of several other lawsuits alleging violence at the hands of correctional officers. At least one of the staff members allegedly involved in the deadly beating of Robert Brooks in early December, was also named in a lawsuit filed by a different inmate claiming he too was brutally beaten but survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York Attorney General releases video of Marcy Correctional inmate beating Adam Bauer filed a lawsuit in 2022 alleging that while he was incarcerated at the facility in 2020, he was viciously assaulted by multiple officers. Bauer was serving time for a non-violent drug crime and was less than a year out from his release date, according to the lawsuit. In February of 2020, Bauer claimed that officer Antonio Iodice went into the bathroom where Bauer had gone to smoke a cigarette and demanded a search for contraband. According to the lawsuit, Bauer immediately complied with Iodice, but despite being compliant he was then attacked without any justification or warning. Its alleged Bauer was punched in the head, thrown to the ground and kicked repeatedly while he laid there before several other officers joined in on the beating. The other officers named included Nicolas Anzalone, Sgt. Alfred Zeina, and Sgt. Thomas McNaney. Anzalone was among several officers involved in the 2024 beating of Robert Brooks, who ended up dying, according to court paperwork obtained by News 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Bauers lawsuit: One of the sergeants present hit Plaintiff over the head with a clipboard so hard that the metal clasp on the clipboard left a V-shaped gash in Plaintiffs forehead. Bauer was then brought to the infirmary where he was forced to lie face down on the floor while CO Anzalone kicked his feet, the lawsuit alleged. Images captured of Adam Bauer inside the infirmary following the alleged assault, per the lawsuit. The lawsuit claimed that following the beating, the officers told an in-house nurse the injuries were self-inflicted, but when Bauer was hospitalized, the officers told a different story: that Bauer had been attacked by another inmate. The lawsuit further alleged that when Bauer got back to the facility, an officer threatened him if he told anyone about the assault, and was taken to solitary confinement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bauer was found guilty at a disciplinary hearing over a week after the alleged assault and was penalized, but the decision was reversed two months later. News 8 reached out to the legal team representing Bauer, who confirmed that Anzalone was involved in the alleged beatings of both Bauer and Brooks. According to Bauers lawyer, Marcy Correctional knew about prior actions of Anzalone, but never did anything about it. My client Adam Bauer was brutally assaulted in 2020 at Marcy CF, the same prison where Robert Brooks was just murdered, by one of the same corrections officers. Adam thought he would die that day, as officers punched and kicked him to a bloody heap. The officers then lied to cover up the beating. No officer was ever disciplined. Although DOCCS and New York State leaders now say they condemn the actions of the officers who killed Mr. Brooks, their statements are too little too late. The reality is that DOCCS leadership has tolerated officers violence against incarcerated people for too long, allowing officers to beat people in their custody and cover up these beatings without consequence. The New York State Attorney Generals Office is equally complicit because it defends these officers in court case after case, no matter how absurd the cover-up or how vicious the assault. All of this is at New York State taxpayers expense. If DOCCS had done anything about the officers at Marcy who it knew were routinely terrorizing incarcerated people, Mr. Brooks would still alive today. Our deepest condolences go out to his family for his senseless death. Katherine Rosenfeld, Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel LLP We will not rest: Family of man who died after use-of-force at Marcy Correctional Facility reviews video Another lawsuit naming the Marcy Correctional Facility claimed another inmate was also beaten in 2020 in a similar manner. News 8 is still working to confirm whether any of the officers named in this lawsuit had any possible involvement in the Brooks case. News 8 reached out to the legal team behind the lawsuit and has yet to hear back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement William Alvarez was an inmate at the facility in 2020. In February of that year, its alleged he was complying with orders to clean the bathroom when officer Caleb Bause called for Alvarez twice. When Alvarez turned around the second time, the lawsuit claimed the officer then discharged chemical spray in his face. Alvarez ran out of the bathroom and into the main dorm area, only to be met with Bause again, who allegedly ordered other inmates to go back to their respective sleeping areas and he called for backup. Officers Caleb Bause, Skyler Tuttle, Anthony Farina and Sgt. Glenn Trombly reportedly responded to Bauses request for help, who claimed that Alvarez had attacked him, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit further alleges that Alvarez had his head slammed into a wall multiple times before he was handcuffed and kicked throughout his body and head while lying on the ground. He was then taken to the infirmary. According to the lawsuit: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the van arrived at the infirmary, [Trombly] finally intervened, telling Tuttle, Thats enough, whereupon the beating immediately stopped. Its reported that Alvarez was left severely hurt in the aftermath and required surgery. He also said he was left with a permanent facial deformity. Alvarez had nearly completed a Comprehensive Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment program at the facility, which would have allowed him to be released before the end of 2020 to go back home to care for his 2-year-old daughter suffering from cancer. However, the lawsuit alleged that a false Misbehavior Report from the previous incident put a halt to that. Alvarez was allegedly denied early release and instead transferred to maximum security Great Meadow Correctional Facility until his release in June 2021. Last weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul announced her push to fire the 14 people allegedly involved in the deadly beating of Brooks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 8 reached out to DOCCS for a comment on the matter and officials said they could not comment on pending litigation. Read through the lawsuits here: William-AlvarezDownload Adam-BauerDownload 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 RochesterFirst. HOUSTON, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- All living U.S. presidents condoled with the family of Jimmy Carter after the 39th U.S. president from 1977 to 1981 died Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. A state funeral has been announced. "To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr.," U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement issued by the White House, describing the longest-living former president 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 of Carter. On social media, President-elect Donald Trump said, "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," he said. Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said in a statement that they remembered Carter for his many years teaching Sunday school in his hometown Plains. "He taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service," the Obamas said. "James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions," former President George W. Bush said on social platform X. "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." Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remembered 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," Clinton said in a statement. The Carter Center said on Sunday that public memorial observances for Carter will take place in both Atlanta, the capital city of Georgia, and Washington, D.C. A formal schedule will come from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. According to the U.S. flag code, the U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days at "all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels" across the country and its territories in Carter's memory. If this tradition is observed, American flags will fly at half-staff at all U.S. federal buildings in honor of Jimmy Carter during Trump's presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. During Carter's presidency in December 1978, China and the United States issued the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America. On Jan. 1, 1979, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations. Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaties in 1977 which restored Panama's full jurisdiction over the Panama Canal Zone starting from 2000 and guaranteed its neutrality. He also witnessed the inking of the Camp David Accords, which were signed by then-Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and then-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1978. Since leaving the presidency, Carter and his wife established the non-governmental organization Carter Center. Carter was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in the southeastern U.S. state of Georgia. His father was a farmer who owned large areas of peanut land. Carter and his wife Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, had been married for 77 years, making them the longest-married presidential couple in U.S. history. A three-star U.S. Army general thinks that Elon Musks foreign business relationships could make him a significant threat to national security. Retired Lieutenant General Russel Honore argued in a Sunday New York Times column that the SpaceX CEOs willingness to capitulate to Chinese demands over the years should make his recent influence within Trumps circle all the more questionable. Honore referenced 2023 quotes from Musks DOGE buddy Vivek Ramaswamy to make his case. I have no reason to think Elon wont jump like a circus monkey when Xi Jinping calls in the hour of need, Ramaswamy said in an interview. Its deeply concerning that @elonmusk met with Chinas foreign minister yesterday to oppose decoupling and referred to the U.S. & Communist China as conjoined twins, he wrote in another statement that year. The U.S. needs leaders who arent in Chinas pocket. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaswamy has since made amends with Musk, but his concerns still apply. Musk and SpaceX have already been flagged thrice by the Air Force, the Defense Departments Office of Inspector General, and the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security for failing to disclose his meetings with foreign leaders, something his current security clearance requires him to do. And his China business isnt going anywhere either. Musk has borrowed at least $1.4 billion from Chinese governmentcontrolled banks to pay for his massive Tesla gigafactory in Shanghai. He borrowed this money knowing full well that Chinas laws allow the Chinese Communist Party to demand information from any company doing business in China in exchange for doing business therea huge red flag for Honore. Mr. Musks business dealings in China could require him to hand over sensitive classified information, learned either through his business interests or his proximity to President-elect Donald Trump. No federal agency has accused him of disclosing such material, but as Mr. Ramaswamy put it, China has recognized that U.S. companies are fickle, Honore wrote. Mr. Musks relationship with Chinas leaders could prove a problem for Americas national security given that SpaceX has a near monopoly on the United States rocket launches the last thing the United States needs is for China to potentially have an easier way of obtaining classified intelligence and national security information. This has drawn the ire of Democrats and Republicans alike. In 2022, Senator Marco Rubio accused Tesla of obstructing justice for the CCP, and in 2023 he introduced a bill to stop NASA and other federal agencies from giving contracts to companies connected to the Chinese Communist Party. Two Democratic senators very recently called for a probe into Musks reliability as a government contractor and a clearance holder because of his reported phone call with Vladimir Putin. The line between civilian and elected official has become blurrier as Musk further cements himself as part of Trumps inner circle. As Honore wrote, the worlds richest man funding Trumps return to the presidency does not give the incoming White House the license to look the other way at the national security risks he may pose. A masked man argued with a pair of teens at a Staten Island bagel store early Sunday, then followed them home and knifed them and another teenager, cops and law-enforcement sources said. Its unclear what sparked the 2 a.m. argument at Bagel Depot on Richmond Avenue, but the hoodie-wearing suspect pulled out a knife to settle it, police sources told The Post. The two victims at the deli a 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl had left the shop after the dispute and went to their Chesebrough Street house, sources said. A masked suspect argued with a pair of teens at this Staten Island deli, then followed them home and slashed them, cops said. Google Maps But the knife-wielding maniac followed them and pounced once they arrived at the residence, slashing the man on the right leg and cutting the girls arm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 14-year-old boy came out of the house during the dispute, and the suspect slashed him on the right knee, sources said. Cops arrived after a 911 call and found the wounded trio, the NYPD said. Authorities brought them to Staten Island University North Hospital in stable condition. There havent been any arrests, and the investigation is ongoing, cops said. NEW YORK (AP) The crystal-covered ball that descends down a pole in Times Square to ring in the new year was taken for a test run Monday, as New York City officials laid out their plans for the iconic New Year's Eve event. Officials flipped a switch to light up the dazzling geodesic sphere weighing almost 6 tons (5.4 metric tons) and featuring 2,688 crystal triangles which then successfully ran up and down a 139-foot (42-meter) pole atop the One Times Square skyscraper. Monday's rehearsal was just one of many pre-ball drop promotional events: On Sunday, fistfuls of confetti were flung toward crowds in the square in anticipation of the 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilograms) of brightly colored paper that will fill the air at midnight on New Years Eve. Some of those pieces will include wishes written by people ahead of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the crossroads of the entire planet right here in New York City, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said earlier Monday as he and law enforcement leaders discussed their plans for security at the celebration. People tune in at different locations and celebrate as we do the countdown for the New Year. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that although there were no specific credible threats to the Times Square celebrations, the public can expect to see a tremendous amount of police resources deployed throughout the area and across the city. Plans range from dedicated pickpocket teams patrolling the square to sealing off all mailboxes and vending machines in the area. A New Year's Eve ball has dropped in Times Square for nearly 120 years, with the exception of 1942 and 1943 when nightly dimouts occurred during World War II to protect the city from attacks. Following his conviction on federal wire fraud charges, the question remains about where Tom Girardi should serve his sentence. The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills husband will undergo a psychological evaluation to determine his mental state. His law team claims the 85-year-old suffers from dementia. They claim he was unfit to stand trial before his August 2024 conviction and request a new trial. On December 20, a U.S. District Judge ordered Erika Jaynes estranged husband to surrender on January 7 for an evaluation. Tom Girardi is flying across the country for a medical evaluation Photo Credit: Bravo Tom will travel to North Carolina, where hell undergo a 30-day evaluation at the Federal Medical Center. Doctors will decide if he qualifies for incarceration at a Bureau of Prisons facility for elderly patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afterward, hell return to California for a hearing to determine whether he can serve his sentence in prison or at a medical facility. Toms legal team isnt happy about his having to travel so far for his evaluation. Mr. Girardi has special needs relating to his memory, his attorney told Rolling Stone. We expect him to deteriorate and not do well [in Bureau of Prisons custody] Theres no reason this has to be done a continent away. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Paetty responded that the U.S. Marshals are well-versed in transporting defendants with medical issues. The defendant is ambulatory, he said. Hes not on a respirator, hes not on a ventilator. They can facilitate [his transportation] safely, humanely, and suitably. Tom Girardi was the thief-in-chief at Girardi Keese Photo Credit: Bravo via YouTube Tom was convicted in August 2024 of stealing more than $15 million from his clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, prosecutors accused Tom of using client settlement funds as a personal piggy bank. They described a massive Ponzi scheme of using client money to pay for private jets, luxury cars, and expensive jewelry. He also gave his then-wife $20 million to finance her singing career. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paetty told the jury, Girardi was a den of thieves, and Tom Girardi was the thief-in-chief. Girardi Keese was a house of cards built on the lies of Tom Girardi. At the time, the judge ruled Tom was competent to stand trial, though he was suffering some mental decline. Though prosecutors have asked for a 14-year sentence, the defense claims Tom should not serve time in prison. They say hes a broke, half-blind, incontinent, 85-year-old man with dementia who shouldnt spend time behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tom and Erika were married for 21 years. Even though she filed for divorce in 2020, proceedings stalled with the 2021 Girardi Keese bankruptcy filing. The firm owes more than $100 million in debt. Erika, who says she feels only contempt for her former spouse, did not attend her husbands trial. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills returns on January 7 at 8/7c on Bravo. TELL US DO YOU THINK TOM SHOULD BE IN PRISON? OR DO YOU THINK HE SHOULD BE HELD IN A MEDICAL FACILITY? The post Tom Girardi Will Face Psychological Testing Before Sentencing After Wire Fraud Conviction appeared first on Reality Tea. The flags of the United States and Alabama fly over the Alabama State Capitol on April 11, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Alabama politics are never sedate. That helps when youre pulling together a year-end list on the subject. One thing you can say for certain: we didnt lack for things to write about. Below, my choices for the top 10 Alabama political stories of 2024. 10. An improved public records law Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, speaks during a debate on the floor of the Alabama Senate on May 2, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Make no mistake, Alabama still makes it needlessly difficult to access public records. But a law sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, provides something that was missing: a requirement for state agencies to respond to requests within a set timeframe. Before, agencies could ignore requests, and those spurned had little recourse except for a lawsuit. 9. Ivey fires veterans commissioner Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis said in a video posted to the departments Facebook page on Sept. 8, 2024 that he would not resign from his position, despite moves from Gov. Kay Ivey to oust him. (Screenshot via Facebook) Gov. Kay Ivey in September demanded the resignation of Alabama Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis, accusing him of delaying applications for a federal grant program and criticizing him for bringing an ethics complaint against Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell, which was later dismissed. Davis initially refused to step down but offered his resignation after meeting with Ivey. But in October, the Board of Veterans Affairs asked Davis to withdraw his resignation, saying they found no wrongdoing. Ivey fired Davis after the board voted to retain him. Davis attorney suggested that he may consider a lawsuit. 8. Marilyn Lands flips Huntsville-area state House seat Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, won a special election for a Huntsville-area Alabama House district in March, notching the first net gain for Democrats in the Alabama Legislature since 2002. (Courtesy of Marilyn Lands) House District 10 became vacant in 2023 after former Rep. David Cole, R-Madison, resigned amid allegations that he did not live in the district when he was elected in 2022. Lands, a licensed professional therapist who ran on reproductive rights amid a national controversy over access to IVF in Alabama, defeated Republican nominee Teddy Powell for the seat. Lands victory was the first net gain for Democrats in the Alabama Legislature since 2002. 7. Reed out, Gudger in Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, speaks on his bill criminalizing certain forms of absentee ballot assistance in the Alabama Senate on March 19, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, announced in November that he would leave the Senate at the start of 2025 to take a job as a workforce development adviser for Gov. Kay Ivey. The Senate GOP, who hold 27 of the 35 seats in the upper chamber, chose Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, to succeed him. Gudger sponsored a bill in the 2024 session that criminalized some forms of absentee voter assistance. He was also the single Senate Republican to vote against a voucher-like school program last spring. 6. Medical cannabis woes A cannabis greenhouse. The Alabama Legislature in 2021 approved a medical cannabis program, but litigation has held it up. (Getty) Over three years after the Alabama Legislature authorized medical cannabis, Alabamaians are no closer to accessing it. A Montgomery judge has entered a restraining order against the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission issuing licenses for medical cannabis cultivation amid ongoing lawsuits over the commissions procedures and its method of awarding licenses in 2023. Attempts to address the issues in the Alabama Legislature went nowhere. 5. Legislature approves voucher-like education act The Alabama House of Representatives listens to an address from Elliott Wang, director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta, on April 11, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The CHOOSE Act extending up to $7,000 to children for nonpublic education expenses, such as private school tuition got pushed through the Legislature and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey within the first weeks of the 2024 session. The bill requires the Legislature to put at least $100 million into the program next year, and says the Legislature intends to increase that funding if demand rises. But lawmakers did not put any income caps on the program after 2027, and voucher laws in other states have blasted holes in education budgets. 4. Attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion programs bear fruit The Denny Chimes at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, reflected in water on campus. (Stock photo/Getty Images) The Legislature pushed through legislation that banned public funding of DEI programs and prohibited teachers from affirming so-called divisive concepts at the risk of losing their jobs. While educators protested, the states institutions of higher education meekly knuckled under. The University of Alabama shut down spaces for its Black Student Union and LGBTQ+ resource center. 3. Figures wins 2nd Congressional District race Shomari Figures, Democratic candidate for Alabamas newly-drawn 2nd Congressional District, embraces his mother, Alabama Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, during an election night party Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Battle House Hotel in downtown Mobile, Ala. (Mike Kittrell for Alabama Reflector) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an otherwise sedate election year in Alabama, the first contest in the newly drawn district configured to give Black Alabamians a chance to elect their preferred leaders proved to be contentious. Democratic nominee Shomari Figures and Republican nominee Caroleene Dobson, both attorneys, emerged from an 18-candidate field. The nominees offered starkly different visions for the congressional district in what became the most expensive U.S. House race in Alabama history. Figures won the seat, meaning that in January, Alabama will have two Black U.S. House representatives serving together for the first time in history. 2. Alabama conducts three nitrogen gas executions An oxygen mask. Alabama attaches a similar-looking mask to a condemned inmate when conducting executions using nitrogen hypoxia. (Getty Images) The state carried out three executions using nitrogen gas, the first known instances of the gas being used on human beings. The Legislature authorized the new protocol in 2018, with supporters arguing that it would be more humane. But witnesses reported all three men Kenneth Eugene Smith; Alan Eugene Miller and Carey Dale Grayson gasped and convulsed while being administered the gas. Those testimonies have not led state officials or federal judges to reconsider the execution method. 1. Alabama Supreme Court blocks IVF, causing national controversy Sarah Brown, a Birmingham resident and in vitro fertilization patient, holds a sign saying Im Here Because of IVF at the Alabama Statehouse on Feb. 28, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. Supporters of bills aiming to protect IVF access held a rally Wednesday ahead of committee hearings on the legislation. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) In a lawsuit over the destruction of frozen embryos at a Mobile clinic in 2020, the all-Republican Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos were children, and that the parents could sue for civil damages under an 1872 law. The decision led fertility clinics around the state to suspend in-vitro fertilization programs; sparked protests at the Alabama State Capitol and led Alabama lawmakers to scramble to pass a bill extending criminal and civil immunity to fertility clinics. The move led to most clinics resuming services, and the lawsuits that sparked the Supreme Court ruling were later dropped. But its unclear if the IVF law could survive a subsequent legal challenge, particularly with a 2018 constitutional amendment that says the public policy of the state is to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BROCKTON From a brazen shooting in a Brockton restaurant, to Stoughton's Frederick Richard participating in the Olympics, to Good Samaritan Medical Center being sold, the last 12 months were filled with many significant storylines in the Brockton area. A graphic surveillance video released by authorities showed the brazen shooting inside a Brockton restaurant that left one man dead on Jan. 10, 2024. A popular Easton restaurant failed inspection after report of that a cockroach was found in their food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an end of era as a Stoughton Jewish deli closed its doors after 30 years. Brockton was thrust into the national spotlight after four Brockton School Committee members set off a firestorm by requesting National Guard soldiers be deployed in Brockton High School to prevent a potential tragedy. In case you missed it, here are 10 stories from the past year throughout the Brockton area that resonated with our readers. Graphic surveillance video shows brazen fatal shooting inside Brockton sushi restaurant A graphic surveillance video released by authorities shows the brazen shooting inside a Brockton restaurant that left one man dead on Jan. 10, 2024. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office released the video that showed the fatal shooting inside Hibachi Sushi Supreme Buffet, at 718 Crescent St. The shooting left 22-year-old Joe Araujo, of Brockton, dead. In the video, children and families can be seen eating just feet from where Araujo, who was sitting at a booth inside the restaurant with a woman, was shot in close proximity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graphic surveillance video: Graphic surveillance video shows brazen fatal shooting inside Brockton sushi restaurant Two men indicted on murder charges: New details: Two men indicted on murder charges in fatal Brockton restaurant shooting Surveillance video inside Hibachi Sushi Supreme Buffet in Brockton shows a gunman fatally shoot another man on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. Popular Easton restaurant fails inspection after report of cockroach in food. What to know Like they did many times in the past, lifelong Easton residents Jessica and Ben Barsomian picked up an order of Chinese takeout from their "go-to" restaurant, Easton Lucky Corner, on May 15, 2024, they said. But unlike usual, when digging into their leftovers a day later, Jessica found a large dead cockroach in her fried rice, she said. After eating most of it, I happened to look down and there was the body and the leg sticking out which was very disgusting, Jessica said, noting that she immediately called the restaurant to report the incident. Easton restaurant fails inspect:ion: Popular Easton restaurant fails inspection after report of cockroach in food. What to know Easton residents Jessica and Ben Barsomian picked up an order of Chinese takeout from Easton Lucky Corner on May 15, 2024, and when digging into their leftovers a day later, Jessica found this large dead cockroach in her fried rice, she told The Enterprise. Should National Guard be deployed at Brockton High to 'prevent a potential tragedy'? Four members of the Brockton School Committee asked Mayor Robert Sullivan to consider contacting Governor Maura Healey to ask her to temporarily send National Guard soldiers to Brockton High School "to prevent a potential tragedy." The committee members Joyce Asack, Tony Rodrigues, Claudio Gomes and Ana Oliver sent a letter to Sullivan on Feb. 15, 2024, formally requesting that he ask Healey to deploy Massachusetts National Guard soldiers to the school "to assist in restoring order, ensuring the safety of all individuals on the school premises, and implementing measures to address the root causes of the issues we are facing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should National Guard be deployed?: Should National Guard be deployed at Brockton High to 'prevent a potential tragedy'? Brockton thrust into national spotlight: Brockton thrust into national spotlight over call to deploy National Guard at high school Brockton National Guard request hurtful: Brockton National Guard request especially hurtful in 'Blackest city' in MA, opponents say Brockton School Committee members, from left, Joyce Asack, Claudio Gomes, Ana Oliver and Tony Rodrigues, hold a press conference at Brockton High School on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, regarding their request that the National Guard be deployed at the school amid reports of high levels of violence and turmoil. Police captain sues Brockton for ignoring alleged cocaine use at headquarters One of the city's highest-ranking police officers makes shocking allegations in a whistleblower lawsuit. Capt. Arthur McNulty, a 20-year veteran of Brockton Police, sued the city, Police Chief Brenda Perez, and Mayor Robert F. Sullivan. McNulty claims Brockton failed to investigate criminal activity like snorting cocaine in a police station bathroom. He also slams the city for alleged biased and unethical hiring practices, political cronyism and illegal spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police captain sues Brockton: Police captain sues Brockton for ignoring alleged cocaine use at headquarters Best South Shore bar-style pizza in Brockton area? Our poll found out The South Shore is widely known for its bar-style pizza with sauce and cheese oozing to the edge. This area is super competitive about who has the best pizza around. The Enterprise wanted to hear from you to see who has the mouth-watering, cheesiest pizzas and readers responded. In an online poll conducted by The Enterprise, 44,258 votes were cast on where to get the best bar pizza in the Brockton area. Best bar-style pizza? Best South Shore bar-style pizza in Brockton area? Our poll will find out Here's who won best bar pizza: Results are in! Here's who won best bar pizza in Brockton and what makes it so special Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dave Portnoy's guide to best pizza: Dave Portnoy's guide to the best pizza in the Brockton area Christopher Knight visits Brockton: Christopher Knight, The Brady Bunch's Peter Brady, visits Brockton restaurants Justin Kelly, General Manager at Cape Cod in Brockton, holds a vegetarian pizza on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement End of era as Stoughton Jewish deli closes its doors after 30 years It's the end of an era as Maxie's Delicatessen in Stoughton closed permanently after more than three decades in business. The restaurant closed its doors but will forever be in the community's hearts. Hanging outside taped to the door was a handwritten letter from the owners thanking the community for the "beautiful years" and "support," while letting customers know they will be permanently closed. 'Beautiful memories": 'Beautiful memories': End of era as Stoughton Jewish deli closes its doors after 30 years From left, Steve Robbins, owner of Maxie's Deli, 117 Sharon St., Stoughton, with cook Joyce Ann Silva, on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022. Food blogger serves up hot Haitian food buffet-style at Brockton and Randolph supermarkets A local self-taught chef is sharing his gift of cooking and giving the community a taste of Haiti through his buffet-style cooking at the American Food Basket. Anyone can taste the delicious cuisine waiting in a warm pans for purchase and one group is thankful for the dishes that remind them of home. What makes this buffet so special is that it gives Haitian migrants a connection to their homeland through authentic recipes. Food blogger serves up hot Haitian food: Food blogger serves up hot Haitian food buffet-style at Brockton and Randolph supermarkets Chef Mirbentz Jean Francois of Brockton sells hot, prepared authentic Haitian food at America's Food Basket in Randolph on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. 'One in a million chance of survival': Stoughton police save lives of two people Stoughton Police officers saved the lives of two residents who suffered medical emergencies in November and December, Chief Donna McNamara said in a written statement. In the two separate incidents, Stoughton officers performed life-saving measures on two unconscious victims one in cardiac arrest and the other who doctors said had a "one in a million" chance of survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'One in a million chance of survival': 'One in a million chance of survival': Stoughton police save lives of two people 'This is exactly why I'm here':: 'This is exactly why I'm here': Emotional reunion for Stoughton cops and men they saved Gene Faynshteyn of Sharon hugs Stoughton Police officers Heather Cheever, Khang Lam and Lt. Timothy Hansler. Stoughton police officers reunited on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2024, at the Stoughton Police station with two men whose lives they saved over the past couple of months, Jeffrey Geloran, 60, of Bridgewater, and Gene Faynshteyn, 62, of Sharon. Stoughton's Frederick Richard, 20-year-old gymnastics sensation, finishes first Olympics Frederick Richard's first Olympic Games are in the books. The 20-year-old from Stoughton competed in the individual all-around finals and earned a 82.166 overall score, 15th-best among the 24 competitors. He dazzled as Team USA earned its first bronze medal in the team event since 2008. Frederick Richard finishes Olympics: Stoughton's Frederick Richard, 20-year-old gymnastics sensation, finishes first Olympics Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard in men's all-around final: Gymnast Frederick Richard of Massachusetts in men's all-around final at 2024 Olympics 'As cool as it gets': 'As cool as it gets': What commentators said on Frederick Richard's Olympic performance PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 31: Frederick Richard of Team United States celebrates his routine on the parallel bars during the Artistic Gymnastics Men's All-Around Final on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 31, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steward Health Care crisis Steward Health Care, the operator of eight Massachusetts hospitals, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, according to a statement posted on the companys website. The Dallas-based company has been at the center of a year-long financial crisis that began when they were forced to shut down Quincy Medical Center in 2014 after financial difficulties amid complaints of filthy conditions and neglected patients. Since then, flooding and fires at their hospitals, combined with lawsuits and business dealings gone wrong have plagued Steward. What to know about Steward Health Care: What to know about Steward Health Care amid bankruptcy, financial crisis 6 jaw-dropping revelations from filing: 6 jaw-dropping revelations from Steward Health Care's bankruptcy filing Whos is Steward CEO with $40M yacht?: Who is Ralph de la Torre? The CEO of Steward Health Care with a $40 million yacht Good Samaritan to change its name: Good Samaritan hospital in Brockton has to change its name. Why, when and what to know Right side of entrance to Good Sam ER entrance in Brockton on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: The top 10 stories from 2024 throughout the Brockton area The US military has warned that lifesaving "golden hour" care may not exist in future wars. The experiences of Ukrainian soldiers reflect those warnings. Getting treatment can take hours, if not days, leading to lasting injuries, amputations, and deaths. American generals predicted years ago that the intensity of future wars could upend lifesaving evacuations and medical care for injured troops. That prediction is now a reality in Ukraine, where soldiers often can't get proper medical care within the "golden hour" the critical first 60 minutes after severe injuries when treatment can increase chances of survival. "Until there's a real concrete answer for drones, it's going to continue to be pretty hectic when it comes to that type of care," a combat medic with a foreign volunteer unit in Ukraine told Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The medic, who uses the call sign Tango, has front-line experience with Chosen Company, including an ill-fated fight in the village of Pervomaiske where his team was devastated by Russian indirect fire in July 2023. Despite his own injuries, he helped provide first aid to a handful of wounded men, but they had to wait hours for more extensive care. Two men didn't survive. In Ukraine, swarms of drones and constant artillery strikes complicate timely evacuations, contributing to the war's soaring death toll and the severity of survivors' injuries. Ukrainian soldiers taking part in medical training on the front line in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast. Ignacio Marin/Anadolu via Getty Images Asked in 2019 by Congress whether the US military would be able to evacuate wounded troops during the golden hour in future conflicts, Gen. Mark Milley, then the Army's chief of staff and later the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave a grim response. "Probably not," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll try," he added, "but I'm not guaranteeing." Other military leaders have expressed similar concerns. "You may have previously heard a discussion of the 'golden hour,'" Maj. Gen. Anthony McQueen, now the Army's deputy surgeon general but formerly the head of its Medical Research and Development Command, said last year. "We're moving more to a 'golden window of opportunity.'" On any given day in Ukraine, wounded soldiers may be stuck near the front lines for hours or days and can be evacuated only during a break in the fighting or in the dim light of dawn and dusk. "Here in Ukraine," a US Army veteran fighting in Ukraine who goes by the call sign Jackie told BI, "we have a golden three days." A struggle to evacuate A Ukrainian combat medic who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the work she does told BI the struggle to quickly evacuate was "a big problem" that had only worsened with drones becoming more prolific. "Two years ago," she said, "it was a totally different war from what is going on now." The Ukrainian military operating a Punisher drone. Libkos via Getty Images An estimated 1 million people have been killed or injured in the Ukraine war, with casualties stemming heavily from drones and artillery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheap drones swarming the skies over Ukraine's battlefields can severely delay medical evacuations. The drones serve as aerial eyes for artillery, bombers that can drop grenades, and precision-strike munitions. The Ukrainian medic said Russian troops target vehicles known to be carrying out evacuations, a war crime. Other Ukrainian troops have made similar accusations in this conflict. Russia's defense ministry did not respond to BI's request for comment on the allegations. They aim for the combat medics, she said, because "if you kill a medic, it means that you killed thousands of soldiers," or all the people they might have saved otherwise. "If you look special or different, you are going to attract a drone," Tango said. "That goes especially for evac, and they specifically target medical vehicles or anybody with a backpack. You never wear a medic patch on the front line. That's a guaranteed drone strike." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drones are only one of the war's many causes of bodily harm and death. A 2023 medical study found that 70% of Ukrainian war injuries were caused by shelling or rocket fire. Graves at the Lychakiv cemetery in Lviv, Ukraine, of Ukrainian soldiers killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. AP Photo/Mykola Tys The Ukrainian medic said first responders sometimes reach injured soldiers quickly but can't evacuate if nearby roads are controlled by Russians or exposed to drones. That can mean waiting hours or even days. Extended delays in crucial care could lead to complications, such as amputations, or even fatalities that faster clinical care might have avoided. Leaving a tourniquet on too long, for example, can cause lasting nerve damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackie said a friend of his was wounded by shrapnel but couldn't leave his trench near the eastern city of Bakhmut for four days. His wounded leg became infected and ultimately had to be cut off. Jackie thought the injury would have been an "easy fix" if the friend had received care in the golden hour. "We don't have a field medic up there pushing antibiotics through IVs, right under direct fire in a trench," he said. Separately, a Ukrainian drone operator said that when he and his fellow soldiers were attacked by drones, one of his friends had to wait 12 hours before he could get proper medical treatment. One of the friend's legs later had to be amputated. Drones give rise to 'magic hour' evacuations In the cult-classic sci-fi film "Reign of Fire," "magic hour" occurs at dusk and dawn; it's the time of day when the dragons, deadly airborne dangers, are vulnerable. Tango said medics operating in Ukraine could find a similar respite at those times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's when they're switching out their surveillance drones from normal analog video to either thermal or night vision," he said. "You have that limited window to move people." Tango said, "You can't move during the daytime, or you'll get wrecked by drones." And the night has its own drone terrors. Fighting typically slows at dawn and dusk as soldiers rest and swap equipment, though the Russians sometimes use artillery to suppress the Ukrainians during this period. A soldier hit outside this time typically must wait hours for an evacuation. Once they can be moved, injured soldiers are typically taken back to a casualty collection point, like an underground bunker or concealed position, to be stabilized until it is safe for a truck or armored vehicle to take them to a field hospital. What it means for the West Ukrainian troops near Bakhmut. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drones have been used more in the war in Ukraine than in any other conflict in history, limiting battlefield movement. And the proliferation of sophisticated air defenses has prevented either side Ukraine or Russia from achieving air supremacy or even superiority. That makes it too risky for helicopters to rapidly pick up the wounded, as was standard in the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recalling his Iraq deployment a decade ago, Tango said, "I knew even if I got really messed up, there is a pretty good chance I'm going to survive." He said that he "could get wrecked and probably be at a hospital within an hour or two." In Ukraine, he said, "it's a gamble every time you step off on a mission." The US could face similar obstacles in the event of a large-scale conflict against an adversary like China or Russia. Military medics giving first aid to a wounded Ukrainian soldier at a medical stabilization point near Chasiv Yar in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukraine's 24th Mechanised Brigade via AP US Army Col. Matthew Fandre, then the senior medical officer for the Mission Command Training Program, wrote in 2020 that in a future large-scale war involving the US, the "golden hour will become a goal, not an expectation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not a paradigm shift; instead, it would be a return to the patterns and expectations of World War II operations and Cold War planning, exacerbated by current technology and lethality," Fandre wrote. He said that without air superiority, aerial evacuations could become limited, leaving ground evacuations as the primary method. But ground evacuations would most likely also have limits, he wrote, which could "dramatically increase died-of-wounds rates." George Barros, a conflict analyst at the US-based Institute for the Study of War, told BI that America and its allies needed a "tremendous amount of learning" to help "prepare to deter and, if necessary, defeat modern state peer adversaries like China and Russia." But there are also lessons from US experiences for Ukraine. A Russian soldier firing a howitzer toward Ukrainian positions. Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP The US special-operations community has experience in prolonged battlefield combat care, something medics like Tango are increasingly studying and applying in Ukraine. Expanding that to the military on a large scale could be challenging, though. Troops are also considering drone deliveries of supplies into contested battlespaces, but that capability is still in the early stages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until then, many soldiers will continue to fight the clock after injuries, hoping for breaks in the fighting that make lifesaving treatments more accessible. Read the original article on Business Insider A tourist has died after a shark attack near a popular resort in Egypt. Gianluca Di Gioia, 48, of Rome, died after he was attacked by the tiger shark in the Red Sea on Sunday, Dec. 22, according to Italian news agency ANSA. Di Gioia was visiting the resort with family to celebrate his birthday, which happened to be the day before on Saturday, Dec. 21, according to the report. The mans wife yelled for help as she witnessed the attack from shore, Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: How to Avoid a Shark Attack and What to Do If Bitten? An American Lifeguard Association Expert Weighs In The Egyptian Ministry of the Environment said Di Gioias 69-year-old friend attempted to stop the attack, which took place in deep water outside the bathing area" at the Marsa Alam resort, according to a translation from ANSA. Di Gioia was born in Italy but lived in France with his family, ANSA and Corriere della Sera reported. He and his wife got married in 2013. Gianluca Di Gioia/Facebook Gianluca Di Gioia, the man who was killed in a shark attack off the coast of Egypt on Sunday, Dec. 22. Gianluca Di Gioia, the man who was killed in a shark attack off the coast of Egypt on Sunday, Dec. 22. Additionally, Di Gioia was an official with the European Union, ANSA reported. He had worked at the European External Action Service since 2012. 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. Di Gioias body is now in the mortuary of the Port Ghalib hospital, according to the reports. An investigation into his death is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: How to Avoid a Shark Attack and What to Do If Bitten? An American Lifeguard Association Expert Weighs In Meanwhile, the friend who attempted to save him sustained superficial wounds, according to Corriere della Sera. The Egyptian Ministry of the Environment said the area where the attack took place is closed until Wednesday, Jan. 1. The Italian Embassy in Cairo is reportedly providing assistance to Di Gioia's family in the wake of the mans death. Read the original article on People COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Several bills impacting Ohios LGBTQ+ community became law in 2024, including a ban on certain medical care for transgender youth and legislation regulating school restroom use. The Ohio Statehouse passed three bills and advanced a few others this year that opponents deem anti-LGBTQ+, among more than 570 proposed laws nationwide that the American Civil Liberties Union has listed under the same designation. This years round of legislation continues an unprecedented wave after more than 725 similar bills were introduced in 2023. Whitehall and officer accused in death of man with disabilities respond to allegations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how each bill is shaping Ohios LGBTQ+ community. Ohio Statehouse voted to override Gov. Mike DeWines veto in January. A Franklin County judge ruled in August that Ohios law banning gender-affirming care for trans youth, House Bill 68, can go into effect after being on hold for several months. The ruling followed a five-day trial that took place in July after the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the measure in March on behalf of two families whose children are at risk of losing access to their healthcare. Children are just not old enough, theyre not mature enough to be able to make these lifelong decisions, said Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery), the legislations primary sponsor, when H.B. 68 was enacted. We wanted to put on the brakes and say, Wait a minute, this is an adult decision.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU argued the legislation violates the Ohio Constitutions single-subject rule, requiring bills to only be about one topic, given the measure addresses trans healthcare and also bans trans female athletes participation in womens sports. The legal challenge came after the Statehouse voted to override DeWines veto. Former President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 years old Mayors for Akron, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo said in a joint statement that while they are proud to offer trans-inclusive health care benefits to their employees, H.B. 68 prevents young people from accessing those benefits. While our city does everything we can to empower and lift up all our youth, the state law prevents parents in our city from making health care decisions for and with their child, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said. DeWine signed into law in November. Senate Bill 104, which also amends Ohios College Credit Plus program, requires academic institutions to set separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations based on students biological sex, meaning the sex listed on a students birth certificate. The bill prohibits the construction of any all-gendered restrooms in schools and will go into effect in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [S.B. 104] addressed the concern from many Ohio parents about their local schools allowing the opposite sex into shared restrooms or locker rooms, said Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), one of the bills primary sponsors. I support protecting women, and our daughters, by simply providing the specific facilities reserved for them. House and Senate bills pass, fail in final statehouse session of the year Ohios only statewide trans-led organization, TransOhio, said more than 10,000 people called, emailed and wrote to DeWine urging for a veto. Our trans students and educators deserve so much better. Trans people have been a part of Ohio long before it was Ohio, and we always will be, the group said. Passed the Ohio Statehouse in December, on DeWines desk for signature or veto. House Bill 8, named the Parents Bill of Rights, would require teachers to notify parents before teaching sexuality content and of any change in a students mental, emotional or physical health. Other legislation was folded into the bill to require public schools to adopt a policy permitting religious release time, or excused absences for students who attend religious instruction during the school day. Opponents worry the bill might result in the forced outing of LGBTQ+ students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill will put countless children in harms way while also unfairly restricting the way teachers can talk about LGBTQ+ issues, said Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin). Students deserve to feel safe and supported in school, not afraid they can no longer trust their teachers and school staff. The age of powerful parent voices is here, said Aaron Baer, Center for Christian Virtue president. The CCV-backed Parents Bill of Rights, which includes important provisions to protect programs like LifeWise Academy and religious released time, tells government bureaucrats across Ohio that parents are in charge of their kids education. Received a second Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee hearing in June. House Bill 245 would ban adult cabaret performances, defined as a show harmful to juveniles that features entertainers who exhibit a gender identity that is different from the performers or entertainers gender assigned at birth. The bill would prohibit these shows in all locations other than adult cabarets, meaning a nightclub, bar, juice bar, restaurant, bottle club or similar establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill allowing indefinite school expulsions for hitlists, threats passes Statehouse We want equality for all, we want everyone to be treated equally in the state of Ohio, that includes our entertainers, said Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania), the bills primary sponsor. Youre going to be held to the same standard, which is dont engage in obscene conduct in the presence of a minor. A conservative Lancaster group advocated for city council to adopt a measure with the same language after they argued a performance during a LGBTQ+ Pride event with a drag queen was pornographic. Small business owners in Lancaster said they experienced an influx of customers after their shops were included on a social media post tying them to the debated event. Bellefontaine, a rural Ohio city, was originally supposed to be the first in the state to vote on whether to ban such performances in public. However, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled last October that the proposed ordinance, which also used the adult cabaret performance wording, would not appear on the ballot given it was submitted fraudulently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know a lot of queens who are scared to do certain things now because we are being put under such a microscope, said Blonde Vanity, the Columbus-based drag queen who sparked Bellefontaines proposal. Received an Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee hearing in December. House Bill 556 would establish criminal liability for certain teachers and librarians for the offense of pandering obscenity. The bill would charge teachers and school librarians with fifth-degree felonies punishable by a sentence of six to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 for creating, reproducing, publishing, promoting or advertising obscene material. Rep. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon), the bills primary sponsor, said during the hearing the legislation is needed after he heard from substitute teachers who saw books in the classroom depicting actions that students dont need to be seeing. The bills hearing came shortly after an Ohio public school teacher was suspended for three days without pay for having four books with LGBTQ+ characters in her third-grade classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This deliberately vague law which flies in the face of the First Amendment while inviting inconsistent enforcement does nothing to serve students, said Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro. H.B. 556 would have a chilling effect in our classrooms by making trained, experienced professionals unsure whether the necessary, legitimate education materials they have been using with their students would be safe. Received an Ohio House Higher Education Committee Hearing in November. House Bill 686 would prohibit Ohios 14 public universities from using any application for student admission that asks for, or contains a field in which an applicant may indicate, an applicants preferred gender pronouns. Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County), the bills primary sponsor, argued asking for pronoun usage distinguishes groups based on their political ideology. The Spectrum: Looking back at 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have spoken to multiple Republican young adults, and they have told me that they would not include any answer on potential pronoun fields if asked on an application, Pavliga said during the hearing. Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) argued during the hearing that such questionnaires can be helpful and noted she often receives mail addressed to her as Mr. Piccolantonio. The lawmaker said she doesnt appreciate when correspondence is addressed to me in a way that doesnt actually match my gender identity. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. The U.S. flag flies at half-staff at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Dec. 29, 2024. Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died on Sunday at the age of 100, the Carter Center confirmed. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) HOUSTON, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died on Sunday at the age of 100, the Carter Center confirmed. "Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia," the center announced on social media X, formerly known as Twitter. During Carter's presidency, in December 1978, China and the United States issued the Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States of America. On Jan. 1, 1979, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations. Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaties in 1977 which restored Panama's full jurisdiction over the Panama Canal Zone starting from 2000 and guaranteed its neutrality. He also witnessed the inking of the Camp David Accords, which were signed by then-Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and then-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1978. Since leaving the presidency, Carter and his wife established the non-governmental organization Carter Center. Carter was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in the southeastern U.S. state of Georgia. His father was a farmer who owned large areas of peanut land. Carter and his wife Rosalynn, who died in November 2023, had been married for 77 years, making them the longest-married presidential couple in U.S. history. Carter was the country's longest-living former president. The U.S. flag flies at half-staff at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Dec. 29, 2024. Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died on Sunday at the age of 100, the Carter Center confirmed. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) The U.S. flag flies at half-staff at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Dec. 29, 2024. Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, died on Sunday at the age of 100, the Carter Center confirmed. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Parts of Orange County and Alamance County were under a tornado watch through early Sunday afternoon as the Triangle braced for the severe storms that are passing through the southern United States. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings for the towns of Mebane, Hillsborough, Saxapahaw, and Efland through 12:15 p.m. The NWS issued a separate special weather statement for Raleigh, Durham, and Fayetteville that encouraged people to seek shelter in a sturdy structure until 1 p.m. as winds were expected to reach 40 mph. Much of the Triangle region has a general severe thunderstorm warning until 5 p.m. Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly tornado swept through the Southeast this weekend, with three reported deaths so far. One of these fatalities occurred in North Carolinas Iredell County, north of Charlotte, where the local sheriffs office said a fallen tree killed a person in a car. https://weather.com/storms/severe/news/2024-12-28-severe-tornadoes-texas-louisiana-mississippi-alabama The Charlotte area was under a tornado warning until 1 p.m. Sunday. More than 600 flights have been delayed out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with more than 20,000 reported power outages in the region as of midday. As of 1:00 p.m. Sunday, the Duke Energy outage map showed around 3,000 customers without power in an area covering South Durham and Cary after an object hit power lines. Duke expects to restore service to the area by 2:15 p.m. (Reuters) - Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on Monday as the government braced for reprisal shootings after an attempt on a gang leader's life, officials said. The dual-island Caribbean nation off the coast of Venezuela will use the emergency to launch an anti-gang crackdown, authorities said. Defense forces will become de facto police officers and both are allowed to conduct searches without a warrant, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young said at a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bail will be suspended and those suspected of committing a crime can be held for 48 hours without a charge. That could be extended another seven days by court approval, Young said. On Saturday, armed gunmen shot at a known gang leader who was leaving the police station, killing a member of his crew, according to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. The report did not name the gang leader. On Sunday evening, five men were shot dead in what is believed to be an act of retaliation, Newsday reported. Trinidad and Tobago has seen a record number of murders this year. (Reporting by Curtis Williams and Kylie Madry; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Rod Nickel) Donald Trump isn't in office yet but his fans are already getting excited about hurting and stealing from people of color. Last week, Mother Jones reported on a letter circulating through Lincoln County, Oregon, calling on locals not to wait for Trump officials to start the promised mass deportations, but to take action for themselves. "Sit in your churchs parking lot and write down the license plate of brown folks," the letter instructed. "Schools, as you wait in line to pick up the kiddos or the grandkiddosif you see brown folksrecord the plate. Your neighborhoodyou know where the brown folks live in your neighborhoodagain record the plate." The goal, the letter explains, is to gather information to help Trump's incoming appointments for Homeland Security in their quest to deport millions of non-white people, which will necessitate rounding them up in concentration camps. The letter ends with a promise of material rewards for people who participate. "When the brown folks are rounded up, their properties will be confiscated," the letter promises. "So, within a short term, there will be a whole lot of homes on the market for us white folks to purchase and with the inventory so highthe prices will be very low and affordable." This is the full letter being distributed around Lincoln County Oregon pic.twitter.com/VlvbzFldzZ Rachel Bitecofer (@RachelBitecofer) December 20, 2024 Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. This promise has strong echoes from history. When Jews were kidnapped for the Holocaust during WWII, it was common for their Christian neighbors to ransack their homes, stealing everything and enriching themselves. "They raided Jewish peoples homes, businesses, and offices in search of valuables," reads the Holocaust Museum's online exhibit, which includes pictures of people going through piles of stolen goods and selling off looted valuables. It's unclear if the letter writer knows this history and finds it inspiring, or if they are unconsciously recreating the Nazi past. Either way, the main takeaway is whoever is behind this letter doesn't want to sit back and let the Trump administration do their own dirty work. They believe the MAGA masses can be harnessed to help, in a vigilante fashion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This brownshirt impulse has always been a part of Trumpism, as we saw with the rise of the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and other paramilitary gangs during the first Trump administration. It was one of the earliest and strongest indicators that MAGA is a fascist movement, and they later proved instrumental in the attempted coup on Jan. 6, 2021. Since that failed, the organized paramilitary arm of MAGA has died down, though far-right violence against minorities has continued to rise. The lengthy sentences that Proud Boys and Oath Keepers received especially compared to the much lighter sentences for the unorganized insurrectionists appear to have had a chilling effect on those who would want to keep paramilitary fascist violence going. Unfortunately, Trump won and has been promising widespread pardons for Jan. 6 defendants, even those convicted of violence or seditious conspiracy. This will likely embolden more far-right people to get back into the brownshirt business. That's almost certainly the point. Trump didn't hide his disappointment when his calls for his followers to "rally" at the courthouse to prevent his trials failed. MAGA spaces online showed they understood he was asking for them to storm the proceedings, but were afraid of being arrested like the Jan. 6 defendants. If he can remove that concern, the equation will change. Earlier this month, police in Colorado arrested Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, accusing him of assaulting TV reporter JaRonn Alex, who has Pacific Islander heritage. Witnesses say Egan followed Alex in his car for 40 miles, yelling, "Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trumps America now!" When Alex, who had been out reporting, returned to the station, Egan allegedly tackled him and strangled him so hard people on the scene feared he couldn't breathe. Trump has also nominated Kash Patel to head the FBI. Patel is extreme even by MAGA standards, parroting wild-eyed conspiracy theories that all point to the same conclusion: that Trump and MAGA are justified in doing whatever they wish to get "revenge" on people who tried to hold them accountable. Patel calls Trump "King Donald" and has showily drawn up enemy lists of people he wants to harass. The result of all this is predictable and likely desired: a strong signal shown to would-be domestic terrorists that they have nothing to worry about from the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most MAGA commentators are smart enough to avoid overt threats of violence after Trump's election, though there are incidents like popular Christian nationalist pastor Terri Copeland Pearsons telling her audience they must "take up the enemy's sword and cut his head off with it." But while sidestepping the inherent violence of their views, MAGA influencers are getting bold in their demands for what Trump's America must look like which is very white, very Christian, and with no tolerance for people who are different. Doug Wilson who runs the church attended by Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth has called for a ban on any non-Christian displays in public spaces. Christian nationalist pastor Lance Wallnau has declared that cities and counties that voted for Vice President Kamala Harris are infected with demons, which is an unsubtle way of justifying violence against them. Another pastor at Hegseth's church, Joshua Haymes, insisted that the Founding Fathers "didn't have in view mosques being erected" when they enshrined freedom of religion and that they only meant it for Christian churches. (This is flat-out false, not that any of these guys care about actual history.) In that same clip, Haymes declares, "We need 10,000 more Michael Cassidys," referencing a failed Republican congressional candidate who drove from Mississippi to Iowa to destroy a Satanic display in the state capitol. The display was part of a longstanding project of the Satanic Temple to put up shrines wherever Christians put up overtly religious displays on public property to illustrate the absurdity of such monuments on secular government lands. Cassidy avoided a felony hate crime charge by pleading down to criminal mischief. Haymes may think he's being cute by applauding a man who only attacked property and not people, but his implication is not subtle. He wants more white Christians to commit crimes to show their displeasure at having to share the country with people who aren't them. Similar word games were played by the pastors at Right Response Ministries, another popular group of Christian nationalists, in a video last month calling for the persecution of religious minorities. "When you establish a Christian nation and you say no more mosques, no more synagogues," argued Wesley Todd in a video released shortly after Trump's electoral victory. He insisted this wouldn't be "conversion at the point of the sword" or "going into peoples homes, holding a gun to them." In the real world, of course, people will rebel and attempt to hold services. Shutting that down would lead to violence. In general, there is no way for MAGA to get what it wants the elimination or serious reduction of the population of people they don't like without violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month at the New York Times, researcher Stuart Thompson published the results of watching 47 hours of MAGA content on the Rumble network post-election. "I expected many of the videos to feel triumphant," he said, but "their happiness quickly gave way to a relentless outpouring of anger and frustration, as they fixated on a cast of perceived enemies." What's striking about his report is how much the Rumble content centers on violence. Hosts claimed that the Department of Homeland Security is running a "sex-trafficking operation" and that Republican politicians are being targeted by the left for assassination. Intimations of imminent war were routinely made, with one host asking viewers to secure a "fallout shelter." This rhetoric isn't just dishonest. It keeps viewers in a violent state of mind, convincing them they are victims, so they feel justified in committing violence of their own. Trump made a lot of bold promises to get elected, leaving his followers with hopes that the U.S. will soon have the racial and religious homogeneity they crave. With 42% of Americans belonging to a racial minority, however, even Trump's outrageous deportation plans will do little to make the U.S. look as white as MAGA wants. The frustration Thompson clocked is likely MAGA's dawning realization that Trump is not going to make their racist dreams come true. Unfortunately, Trump and his mouthpieces have conveyed a "take measures into your own hands" message to the MAGA faithful. How this will manifest is still unknown, but there's every reason to worry it could get bad. Donald Trumps request for a new trial in E. Jean Carrolls defamation and sexual abuse case against him was shut down by a federal appeals court Monday. In a new 77-page filing, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the original verdict from the district court that Trump was liable for sexually abusing Carroll in 1996, then defaming her in 2022. On review for abuse of discretion, we conclude that Mr. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings, the filing stated. Further, he has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps attorneys had argued that the May 2023 verdict should be thrown out because U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan should not have allowed jurors to hear testimony from two other women, Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, who also accused the president-elect of sexual misconduct. The appeals court, however, ruled that the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting their testimonies into evidence. Trumps lawyers also tried to argue that the judge should not have allowed the jury to view the 2005 Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump claimed that when youre a star women will let you grab them by their genitals, a video that many people not on the jury have also seen. The court ruled that the inclusion of the tape into evidence was relevant to prove that the alleged sexual assault actually occurred. This story has been updated. Video above: FOX 5s Jaime Chambers reports President-elect Donald Trumps vow to use military for mass deportations. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Federal law is clear: aliens unlawfully present in the United States are subject to removal from the country, and it is a crime to conceal, harbor, or shield them. That was the opening message in a letter addressed to Nora Vargas, the current but outgoing chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The letter was signed by senior counsel for the America First Legal Foundation (AFL) and was reportedly sent via email on Dec. 23, according to information obtained by the Los Angeles Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFL is led by Stephen Miller, whos been selected as deputy chief of policy by President-elect Donald Trump. Miller formerly served as senior advisor for the entirety of Trumps previous administration and is known for his hardline stance on immigration policies. As for AFL, its mission, as proclaimed on its webpage, is to safeguard America First principles. Vargas wasnt the only one to receive such correspondence. Other California leaders were reportedly sent similar messages, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bas, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, the Los Angeles Times reported. In a gist, the letters threatened criminal liability for those abiding by sanctuary laws or policies. The foundations counsel noted, Because your jurisdictions sanctuary laws or policies usually require multiple officials to coordinate their activities, all such officials could be criminally liable under multiple federal criminal conspiracy statutes. More specifically, the letter penned to Vargas touched on a recent resolution by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. In a 3 to 1 vote earlier this month, the board decided to prevent the use of its resources and funding to assist federal immigration agents with deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means the county will restrict use of its jails, county buildings and personnel to help agents with federal immigration enforcement. According to the measure, however, it wont interfere with federal criminal investigations. At the time of the resolution, Vargas stated, Our county will not be a tool for policies that hurt our residents. On the contrary, the lone dissent vote came from Republican Jim Desmond, who called the vote an affront to every law-abiding citizen. In the letter to Vargas, AFL counsel noted, This resolution clearly violates federal law and subjects those who abide by it to significant risk of criminal and civil liability. Accordingly, we are sending this letter to put you on notice of this risk and insist that you comply with our nations laws. In the closing of the letter, AFL counsel urged Vargas to abandon sanctuary policies and quoted former President Theodore Roosevelt, who said, No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any mans permission when we require him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Diego is among several other counties in California that have enacted measures to make it harder for the federal government to deport unlawful residents. This came after President-elect Trump confirmed he would potentially declare a state of emergency and enlist the U.S. military to carry out the roundup, detention and deportation of millions of immigrants without legal status. FOX 5/KUSI has reached out to the office of the County Board of Supervisors for comment on the letter reportedly sent to Vargas by AFL and is still waiting for a response. 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 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Donald Trump has endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson for another term. The Republican congressman is a good, hard working, religious man, Trump wrote at the end of a lengthy statement on Truth Social celebrating his landslide victory and denigrating his opponent Kamala Harris for picking up endorsements from Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey and Al Sharpton. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN, Trump wrote Monday. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president-elects key endorsement ahead of Fridays vote to determine who wields the gavel sends a clear signal to House Republicans to line up behind Johnson, who has faced some resistance from the GOPs far-right flank after Elon Musk and inter-party chaos nearly derailed a must-pass spending bill hours before a government shutdown. Thank you, President Trump! Im honored and humbled by your support, as always, Johnson wrote in response to Trumps announcement. Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America. The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Lets get to work! Johnson, if he survives a vote to remain speaker of the House of Representatives, will be tasked with navigating the slimmest of Republican majorities while Trump, his allies and a fired-up base will demand swift passage of the incoming presidents agenda in Congress. Thank you, President Trump! Im honored and humbled by your support, as always. Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America. The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Lets get to work! pic.twitter.com/ljGrB08dRh Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) December 30, 2024 The congressman from Louisiana can only afford to lose two Republican votes in the speaker election, with all Democratic representatives expected to maintain their opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican congressman Thomas Massie said that while he respects Trump, his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan. Weve seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget, Massie said. House Speaker Mike Johnson received Trumps endorsement for another term leading the Republican-controlled House in 2025 (Getty Images) Another Republican representative, Victoria Spartz, said in a statement before Trumps announcement that she wanted the next speaker to COMMIT PUBLICLY to right-wing spending demands. I havent publicly or privately committed yet, Republican congressman Andy Biggs told Fox News Monday. I do want to speak with the speaker just to see what his plans are, because there are some issues that I think need to be worked out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican congressman Chip Roy is also reportedly fielding other potential candidates if Johnson is not able to secure the votes. Musk, meanwhile, is backing Johnson. You have my full support, he wrote on X in response to Johnsons statement. A bill to fund the government through mid-March passed by House lawmakers just before a midnight deadline on the Friday before Christmas marked a third attempt within two days to avert a shutdown, after Trump and the worlds wealthiest man commanded Congress to ditch the original bipartisan framework, leaving congressional Democrats and even some Republicans exhausted with Musks growing political influence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson told reporters after the December 20 vote that he remained in constant contact with Trump and spoke with Musk an hour before the vote. He knew exactly what we were doing and why, and this is a good outcome for the country, he said of his conversations with Trump. NEW YORK A federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million verdict against Donald Trump for sexually abusing and defaming magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll. A three-judge panel at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled Monday that Judge Lewis Kaplan didnt get it wrong when he allowed two other women accusing Trump of sexual misconduct to take the stand, and let the jury hear the infamous Access Hollywood tape. Carroll accused Trump of raping her in the dressing room in a Bergdorf Goodman changing room and defaming her on Truth Social after his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by todays decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties arguments, said Carrolls lawyer, Roberta Kaplan. Lawyers for Trump did not immediately return messages seeking comment Monday. A nine-person jury in May 2023 didnt find Trump liable for rape, but it found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. In January, a second jury that only considered damages determined Trump owed Carroll an additional $83.3 million for the comments he made as president, which accused her of lying about the assault to sell a book. Trump is also appealing that verdict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the appeals court found Judge Kaplan was correct to allow testimony from Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoyoff, two of 26 women who have accused Trump of sexual assault. The appeals court also ruled that the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump famously bragged, When youre a star they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the py showed a pattern of conduct by the president-elect. Mr. Trumps statements in the tape, together with the testimony of Ms. Leeds and Ms. Stoynoff establish a repeated, idiosyncratic pattern of conduct consistent with what Ms. Carroll alleged, the judges wrote. In each of the three encounters, Mr. Trump engaged in an ordinary conversation with a woman he barely knew, then abruptly lunged at her in a semi-public place and proceeded to kiss and forcefully touch her without her consent. The acts are sufficiently similar to show a pattern or recurring modus operandi.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps appellate lawyer, John Sauer, argued in September that Carroll was being funded and encouraged by Trumps political enemies, prompting one of the appellate panel judges to interrupt him and note that was not relevant to the appeal. Carroll, a longtime advice columnist, testified for almost three days at the 2003 trial, recounted the attack, and the death threats and abuse shed faced after speaking out. She and Trump bumped into each other by the Fifth Ave. luxury department stores revolving doors, she testified, and he invited her to help him pick out lingerie for an unnamed girlfriend. When they reached the changing rooms on an unoccupied floor, Trump closed the door, pushed her against a wall, and started kissing her without consent. Carroll testified Trump became increasingly violent and molested her with his hand before pulling down her tights and raping her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jurors determined Carrolls lawyers did not prove by a majority of the evidence that Trump raped her, though they found he forcibly penetrated her with his fingers. In comments to reporters at a September press conference, Trump claimed Carroll fabricated the sexual assault because she was looking to promote a book, and said, I should be suing her for defamation. His remarks were similar to the statements he made during his first term as president and after that led to the two blockbuster defamation verdicts. The case was among the first filed under the Adult Survivors Act, historic legislation lifting the statute of limitations to bring sex assault claims for one year. Some of the key e-commerce customs changes that could go into effect in January include Mexico eliminating the de minimis threshold for imports from all countries except the U.S. and Canada. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) Borderlands is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week: Mexican government aims to regulate Asian e-commerce imports; Emerson Electric plans $22.5M factory in Chihuahua; Chinese firm plans $20M machinery factory in Leon, Mexico; and Investment firm constructing logistics center in Laredo, Texas. Mexican government aims to regulate Asian e-commerce imports The Mexican government plans to enforce new customs regulations affecting e-commerce imports into the country starting in January. The requirements which include additional documentation and more detailed product information for cross-border transactions are aimed at cutting down on tax fraud, smuggling and other violations. According to Carlos Barbosa, vice president of e-commerce solutions for ePost Global, the changes are already impacting importers, parcel and courier providers in Mexico. Cypress, California-based ePost Global is a technology enabled global shipping solutions provider. The company has facilities in Chicago, New Jersey, Miami and Los Angeles. Theres an influx of brands from China, cheap stuff, low cost, low value, stuff, Barbosa told FreightWaves in an interview. A lot of these shippers, or people bringing stuff into Mexico, are abusing the system. The e-commerce customs regulations that will begin being enforced in January are separate from the Dec. 19 decree from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum aimed at cracking down on border-skipping e-commerce sellers. The measure introduced by Sheinbaum went into effect immediately and is part of Mexicos broader technology strategies focused on protecting the countrys domestic industries. The e-commerce customs regulations going into effect in January will affect the importation of everything from clothing, home decorations, jewellery, kitchen utensils, toys and electronics. Mexico has a threshold up to $50 where theres no duties or taxes, those are the minimums, Barbosa said. This year, there has been a huge influx in the volume of stuff under $50. Mexican authorities, they started kind of figuring out, hold on, is this really under $50? Are they declaring the actual value? So the government is tightening controls. The e-commerce customs regulations include a detailed description of each importation, such as type of items, quantity, quality and the tax identification number of the recipient in Mexico. The new regulations were introduced earlier this year and initially went into effect in October, but could be tweaked in January. The increased customs paperwork caused a large backlog of parcels waiting to clear customs in Mexico, prompting authorities to push enforcement of the regulations to January. A federal appeals court has upheld a $5 million verdict against Donald Trump for sexually abusing and defaming magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll. A three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled Monday that Judge Lewis Kaplan didnt get it wrong when he allowed two other women accusing Trump of sexual misconduct to take the stand, and let the jury hear the infamous Access Hollywood tape. Carroll accused Trump of raping her in the dressing room in a Bergdorf Goodman changing room and defaming her on Truth Social after his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by todays decision. We thank the 2nd Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties arguments, said Carrolls lawyer Roberta Kaplan. A nine-person jury in May 2023 didnt find Trump liable for rape, but it found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. In January, a second jury that only considered damages determined Trump owed Carroll an additional $83.3 million for the comments he made as president, which accused her of lying about the assault to sell a book. Trump is also appealing that verdict. On Monday, the appeals court found Judge Kaplan was correct to allow testimony from Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, two of 26 women who have accused Trump of sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeals court also ruled that the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump famously bragged, When youre a star they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the py showed a pattern of conduct by the president-elect. Mr. Trumps statements in the tape, together with the testimony of Ms. Leeds and Ms. Stoynoff establish a repeated, idiosyncratic pattern of conduct consistent with what Ms. Carroll alleged, the judges wrote. In each of the three encounters, Mr. Trump engaged in an ordinary conversation with a woman he barely knew, then abruptly lunged at her in a semipublic place and proceeded to kiss and forcefully touch her without her consent. The acts are sufficiently similar to show a pattern or recurring modus operandi. Trumps appellate lawyer John Sauer argued in September that Carroll was being funded and encouraged by Trumps political enemies, prompting one of the appellate panel judges to interrupt him and note that was not relevant to the appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carroll, a longtime advice columnist, testified for almost three days at the 2003 trial, and recounted the attack, and the death threats and abuse shed faced after speaking out. She and Trump bumped into each other by the Fifth Ave. luxury department stores revolving doors, she testified, and he invited her to help him pick out lingerie for an unnamed girlfriend. When they reached the changing rooms on an unoccupied floor, Trump closed the door, pushed her against a wall, and started kissing her without consent. Carroll testified Trump became increasingly violent and molested her with his hand before pulling down her tights and raping her. Jurors determined Carrolls lawyers did not prove by a majority of the evidence that Trump raped her, though they found he forcibly penetrated her with his fingers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defamation part of the $5 million verdict was based on an Oct. 12, 2022, Truth Social post in which Trump said he didnt know Carroll and that her allegations were a hoax and a lie. In comments to reporters at a September news conference, Trump claimed Carroll fabricated the sexual assault because she was looking to promote a book, and said, I should be suing her for defamation. His remarks were similar to the statements he made during his first term as president and after that led to the two blockbuster defamation verdicts. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung also referred to the case as a hoax in a statement about the appeals court decision Monday. The American people have reelected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the witch hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll hoax, which will continue to be appealed, Cheung said. The case was among the first filed under the Adult Survivors Act, historic legislation lifting the statute of limitations to bring sex assault claims for one year. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a $5-million verdict that E. Jean Carroll won against Donald Trump when a jury found the U.S. president-elect liable for sexually abusing and later defaming the former magazine columnist. A unanimous three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected Trump's argument that the trial judge should not have let jurors hear evidence about the Republican's alleged past sexual misconduct, making the trial and verdict unfair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court said that evidence, including Trump bragging about his sexual prowess on an "Access Hollywood" video that surfaced during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, established a "repeated, idiosyncratic pattern of conduct" consistent with Carroll's allegations. "Taking the record as a whole and considering the strength of Ms. Carroll's case, we are not persuaded that any claimed error or combination of errors in the district court's evidentiary rulings affected Mr. Trump's substantial rights," the court said in an unsigned decision. The May 2023 verdict stemmed from an incident around 1996 in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan, where Carroll, now 81, said Trump raped her, and an October 2022 Truth Social post where Trump denied Carroll's claim as a hoax. Though jurors in federal court in Manhattan did not find that Trump, 78, committed rape, they awarded the former Elle magazine advice columnist $2.02 million for sexual assault and $2.98 million for defamation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'HOAX,' TRUMP SPOKESPERSON SAYS A different jury ordered Trump in January to pay Carroll $83.3 million for defaming her and damaging her reputation in June 2019, when he first denied her rape claim. In both denials, Trump said he did not know Carroll, she was "not my type," and that she fabricated the rape claim to promote her memoir. Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, said in a statement that Americans "demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not clear if any appeal would go to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump tapped Cheung last month to be his White House communications director. Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer for Carroll, said in a statement: E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today's decision." Carroll's cases are continuing despite Trump's having won a second four-year White House term. In 1997, in a case involving former President Bill Clinton, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that sitting presidents have no immunity from civil litigation in federal court over actions predating and unrelated to their official duties as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EVIDENCE SHOWED PATTERN: COURT Trump argued the $5-million verdict should be thrown out because the trial judge, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who is not related to Roberta Kaplan, should not have let jurors hear testimony from two other women who accused him of sexual misconduct. One, businesswoman Jessica Leeds, said Trump groped her on a plane in the late 1970s. The other, former People magazine writer Natasha Stoynoff, said Trump forcibly kissed her at his Mar-a-Lago estate in 2005. Trump's lawyers also said the trial judge should not have let jurors watch the 2005 "Access Hollywood" video, where Trump boasted graphically about forcing himself on women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the appeals court said that in each of these encounters, "Mr. Trump engaged in an ordinary conversation with a woman he barely knew, then abruptly lunged at her in a semi-public place and proceeded to kiss and forcefully touch her without her consent." It said this was "relevant to show a pattern tending to directly corroborate witness testimony and to confirm that the alleged sexual assault (of Carroll) actually occurred." The court also rejected Trump's claim that Kaplan should have allowed evidence that a prominent Democratic critic, billionaire LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, funded Carroll's case, saying it had "little probative value." Carroll is also a Democrat. Judge Kaplan also oversaw the trial that ended with the $83.3 million verdict. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Luc Cohen; Editing by Louise Heavens and Rod Nickel) A federal appeals court upheld a ruling against Donald Trump after he challenged a jurys verdict that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming a former magazine writer. Mondays decision from a three-judge panel with New Yorks 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals follows a May 2023 verdict awarding E Jean Carroll $5m for the former presidents ongoing defamation by denying claims that he sexually assaulted her in a department store in 1996. In January, a second jury in a separate trial ordered Trump to pay Carroll more than $83m in damages for his defamatory statements about the former Elle magazine writer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump argued the verdict from the 2023 judgment should be tossed out on his claims that the trial judge should not have let jurors hear testimony from two other women who accused him of sexual misconduct. One of those women, Jessica Leeds, testified that Trump groped her on a plane in the late 1970s. Another woman, former People magazine writer Natasha Stoynoff, said Trump forcibly kissed her at Mar-a-Lago in 2005. Trumps lawyers also said jurors should not have listened to his comments on the so-called Access Hollywood tape, on which the president-elect brags about grabbing womens genitals. A federal appeals court has upheld a jurys verdict against Donald Trump finding him liable for sexually abusing and then defaming the writer E Jean Carroll (Gettys for Equality Now) Jurors could reasonably infer from their testimony and the contents of the Access Hollywood tape that Trump engaged in similar conduct with other women a pattern of abrupt, nonconsensual, and physical advances on women, the judges wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appellate judges denied Trumps demand for a new trial. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings, and Trump has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial, they wrote. The jury made its assessment of the facts and claims on a properly developed record, according to Mondays decision. Even if the trial judge somehow erred in some of these evidentiary rulings a proposition that we have rejected taking the record as a whole and considering the strength of Ms Carrolls case, we are not persuaded that any claimed error or combination of errors in the district courts evidentiary rulings affected Mr Trumps substantial rights, the judges wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both E Jean Carroll and I are gratified by todays decision, Carrolls attorney Roberta Kaplan said in a statement to The Independent. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties arguments. Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing while insisting he never met Carroll, whom he has branded a liar. He has called the case a hoax. After attending brief oral arguments in September in his appeal, Trump held a rambling press conference in Trump Tower, detailing the allegations against him in two defamation cases he lost and stating he was very disappointed in his legal team as several of his attorneys stood beside him. He also repeated allegedly defamatory statements that have landed verdicts against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive never met the woman other than this picture, which could have been AI-generated, said Trump, referencing a photograph included in a 2019 New York magazine article that shows Carroll laughing beside Trump with his then-wife Ivana Trump in 1987. Asked at the time whether Carroll will raise those claims in court or file additional defamation complaints, her attorney Roberta Kaplan told The Independent: Ive said before and Ill say it again: all options are on the table. Trump also brought up allegations from Leeds, saying, What are the chances of that happening? She would not have been the chosen one, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On December 28, the president-elect shared an image to his Truth Social account showing him and Carroll with the all-caps caption: SHOULD A WOMAN GO TO JAIL FOR FALSELY ACCUSING A MAN OF RAPE? RETRUTH IF YOU WANT JUSTICE FOR TRUMP, the message added. After attending brief appeals court arguments in September, Trump held a press conference at his Trump Tower to deny the allegations against him (Getty) Earlier this month, ABC and anchor George Stephanopoulos agreed to settle Trumps defamation suit against the network for Stephanopouloss on-air statements about the jurys findings in the first Carroll case. Stephanopoulos incorrectly said the jury found Trump liable for rape rather than sexual abuse, though the trial judge overseeing the initial Carroll case explained that the difference is largely a semantic one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The finding that Ms Carroll failed to prove that she was raped within the meaning of the New York Penal Law does not mean that she failed to prove that Mr Trump raped her as many people commonly understand the word rape, District Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote at the time. Indeed, as the evidence at trial makes clear, the jury found that Mr Trump in fact did exactly that. A jurys unanimous verdict was almost entirely in her favor, but of the only point on which Ms Carroll did not prevail was whether she had proved that Mr Trump had raped her within the narrow, technical meaning of a particular section of the New York Penal Law, Kaplan added. But the judge overseeing Trumps defamation suit disagreed that Stephanopouloss statements were substantially true teeing up what would become a protracted legal battle if it went to trial. The parties agreed to settle for $15m in the form of a donation to Trumps presidential library. A panel of three federal judges on Monday rejected president-elect Donald Trumps appeal to overturn a 2023 civil trial verdict that he was liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. The judges rejected Trumps request for a new trial and upheld the $5 million Trump owes Carroll in damages. The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Trump has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affect his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial. Trumps attorneys had argued in their appeal that the court initially propped up Carrolls empty he said, she said case with highly inflammatory, inadmissible evidence, like the 2005 Access Hollywood tape where he said you can do anything as a star, including grabbing women by the p-. The appellate court on Monday said the tape was admissible because a jury could have reasonably concluded that Trump had kissed women without their consent and then proceeded to touch their genitalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A jury previously found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll at a department store in the 90s, and later defaming her. He was ordered to pay about $2 million for sexual abuse and another $3 million for defamation, based on Trump saying on social media in 2022 that Carrolls allegations were a complete con job; he added that Carroll was not my type. Trump has denied he abused Carroll and told CNN last year he never met her. Trump has also appealed the ruling in a separate civil trial that he owes Carroll $83.3 million for defaming her, based on other comments he made about the former Elle Magazine columnist. That appeal is still pending. The Trump-Carroll legal battle has been in the news recently, with ABC News and George Stephanopoulos agreeing to pay Trump $15 million (plus $1 million in legal fees) for repeatedly claiming he was liable for rape. The civil jury found him liable for sexual abuse, which carries a different definition in New York, where the case took place. The post Trump Loses Appeal of E. Jean Carroll Verdict, $5 Million Damage Award Upheld appeared first on TheWrap. Donald Trump has lost his bid to overturn a jury verdict that he sexually abused former magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll. The federal appeals court ruling comes just a day after the president-elect hinted that he would seek retribution on Carroll for suing him over an alleged incident in a dressing room at Manhattans Bergdorf Goodman department store around 1996. Trump reposted a photograph of the writer on his Truth Social account with the sentence: Should a woman go to jail for falsely accusing a man of rape? Retruth if you want justice for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also hinted that he will take action against others who have crossed him, including Liz Cheney and President Joe Biden. However, the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found Sunday that Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings and has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial, according to ABC News. The jury in the May 2023 civil case awarded Carroll $5 million in damages after finding Trump liable for sexual abuse and for making defamatory remarks about the former Elle magazine columnist in 2022. Trumps lawyers argued the judge should not have allowed two women, Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff, to testify about sexual assaults allegedly involving Trump. They also claimed the case should not have included the infamous Access Hollywood tape in which he was heard talking inappropriately about women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appeal court judges ruled the evidence given by the two women showed a repeated, idiosyncratic pattern of conduct. They added that the tape was admissible as evidence of a pattern of behavior. Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by todays decision, Carrolls attorney, Roberta Kaplan, said of the appeals court decision. In a second trial verdict in Januarywhich Trump is also appealinga jury awarded Carroll $83 million in damages over his 2019 denials of her accusations. Trump has repeatedly denied all the allegations, insisting that Carroll was not my type and that hed never even met her. President-elect Donald Trump shared a surprisingly sentimental tribute to former President Jimmy Carter after his passing Sunday at 100just two months after mocking his predecessor at a campaign stop in Wisconsin. Taking to Truth Social , Trump wrote: 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. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. President Jimmy Carter addressing a town meeting. / Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images He later added in a second post: President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect, Trump added. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family! Carters son, Chip, confirmed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that his father died in his home in Plains, Georgia, at 3:45 p.m. after having entered hospice care in February 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden also penned a tribute to Carter Sunday and posted an old photograph of the two on X . Over six decades, Jill and I had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend, Biden shared. 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 president went on to describe Carter as a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism and sent his condolences to Carters loved ones. Over six decades, Jill and I 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. pic.twitter.com/irknhZ6CJY President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2024 Unlike Biden, Trumps stance on Carter has notoriously been fickle, with the president-elect mocking him as recently as two months ago on his 100th birthday in October while campaigning in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Trump called Biden the worst president in U.S. history and said that Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president in comparison. The president-elect also clapped back at Carter in 2019 after the commander-in-chief claimed that Russian interference won Trump the presidency in 2016 during a Carter Center event in Leesburg, Virginia. Theres no doubt that the Russians did interfere in the election, Carter said at the time. And I think the interference, although not yet quantified, if fully investigated would show that Trump didnt actually win the election in 2016. He lost the election, and he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf. In response, Trump called Carter a nice man but a terrible president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been trashed within his own party, Trump said at a June 2019 news conference after wrapping the G-20 summit in Japan. Hes been trashed, he continued before denying Carters claims and labeling him as the forgotten president per Politico . Carters critique on Trump continued throughout his first reelection campaign, where he said that if Trump were to be reelected for a second term it would be a disaster. I think it will be a disaster to have four more years of Trump, Carter said during a town hall event at the Carter Center in Atlanta on Sept. 17, 2019. You know, if I were just 80 years old, if I were 15 years younger, I dont believe I could undertake the duties that I experienced when I was President, he continued while stating his worries about Trumps age. From the Archives: Read the Daily Beasts Brilliant Jimmy Carter Stories Although the pair have shared public back-and-forths, their relationship wasnt always necessarily sour and even saw them sharing a civil moment during a pivotal 2019 phone call. In April that year, Trump called the late president for the first time to discuss U.S. relations with China after receiving a letter from Carter with advice on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Jimmy Carter wrote President Trump a beautiful letter about the current negotiations with China, a statement from the White House confirmed at the time. They had a very good telephone conversation about President Trumps stance on trade with China and numerous other topics. Melania Trump also attended the tribute service for Carters wife, Rosalynn, in Georgia after her passing in 2023, joining other former first ladies Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton. Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a roundtable with faith leaders at Christ Chapel on October 23, 2024 in Zebulon, Georgia. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before his death on Sunday, Carter made his support for Trumps 2024 opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, abundantly clear, repeatedly reiterating that he intended to vote for her throughout her campaign. Hes plugged in, Chip told The Associated Press in October. I asked him two months ago if he was trying to live to be 100, and he said, No, Im trying to live to vote for Kamala Harris. Monday morning on Truth Social, President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Mike Johnson, R-La., to remain on as speaker of the House. In a post discussing Kamala Harris presidential campaign funds and the Democratic Party at large, Trump wrote, The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration. He continued, Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!! We are the Party of COMMON SENSE, a primary reason that we WON, in a landslide, the magnificent and historic Presidential Election of 2024. ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, 312 ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES, AND THE POPULAR VOTE BY MILLIONS OF VOTERS (Despite large scale voter fraud taking Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 30, 2024 Johnson responded to the endorsement in an X post, writing, Thank you, President Trump! Im honored and humbled by your support, as always. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America. The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Lets get to work! Meanwhile on X, Trumps endorsement has spiked debate among Republicans on keeping Johnson as speaker. Some, including podcaster Nick Sortor, have called Johnson a weak candidate, while others have maintained support. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., also expressed concern on X over the endorsement, writing, I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan. Weve seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget. Massies concern over the budget may come from a 1,500-page continuing resolution Johnson helped broker just before Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vivek Ramaswamy, the soon to be head of the Department of Government Efficiency, found the bill to contain dozens of unrelated policy items. In an X post he added, Its indefensible to ram these measures through at the last second without debate. Several days later on Dec. 20, the bill was slimmed down to 118 pages and passed in both the House and the Senate. Donald Trump tried to stem the growing tide against House Speaker Mike Johnson Monday with a post endorsing his reelection, but whether all House Republicans are actually interested in getting back on the bandwagon is another issue entirely. In a rambling post on Truth Social Monday, Trump urged the Party of COMMON SENSE to support Johnsons bid to keep the gavel in the new year. LETS NOT BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN. The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration. Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!! he wrote. Most of the posts word count was dedicated to his own flawless reelection campaign. Truth Social screenshot Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump: We are the Party of COMMON SENSE, a primary reason that we WON, in a landslide, the magnificent and historic Presidential Election of 2024. ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, 312 ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES, AND THE POPULAR VOTE BY MILLIONS OF VOTERS (Despite large scale voter fraud taking place in numerous states, including California, where votes are ridiculously still being counted, or under review!), ALL WON WITH EASE, CALM, & PROFESSIONALISM. Republicans are being praised for having run a legendary campaign! Democrats are being excoriated for their effort, having wasted 2.5 Billion Dollars, much of it unaccounted for, with some being used to illegally buy endorsements ($11,000,000 to Beyonce, who never even sang a song, $2,000,000 to Oprah for doing next to nothing, and even $500,000 to Reverend AL, a professional con man and instigator, who agreed to interview their star spangled candidates, Kamala and Joe). We ran a flawless campaign, having spent FAR LESS, with lots of money left over. They ran a very expensive sinking ship, embracing DOJ & FBI WEAPONIZATION against their political opponent, ME. BUT IT DIDNT WORK, IT WAS A DISASTER!!! LETS NOT BLOW THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN. The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of t In voicing his support for Johnson, Trump has set up yet another loyalty test for House Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Johnson came under fire after introducing a 1,547-page continuing resolution to keep the government open until March, among a slew of other bipartisan provisions, inviting the outrage of small-government types like technocrat billionaire Elon Musk, and a slate of sycophantic Republicans. Republican Representative Thomas Massie was so distraught that he claimed he would not vote for Johnson in the upcoming House speaker election in January. Johnson then worked with Trump on crafting another spending bill that suspended the debt ceiling, one of the president-elects core demands. But this time, 38 House Republicans broke with Trump and voted against the bill. In the end, Trumps demand that Republicans find a way to raise or abolish the debt ceiling got left on the cutting room floor. Last week, Representative Andy Harris, who chairs the far-right House Freedom Caucus, said that Republicans need to think about whether their current leadership is what we need and that he was undecided on what House leadership should look like moving forward. More than a few other Republicans have similarly voiced their dissatisfaction with Johnson, as it seems that the GOPs antiestablishment bent has turned against the party itself. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday threw his support behind Mike Johnson to remain speaker of the House ahead of a threatened coup. But sources tell the Daily Beast Johnsons job security as the No. 1 leader in the House isnt a sure thing. Conservative firebrands, including members of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, are still mulling whether to put forth a challenger. Speculation had been mounting on Trumps level of support for Johnson in the aftermath of a mutiny against Trumps preferred government funding plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American people need IMMEDIATE relief from all of the destructive policies of the last Administration, Trump said in a Truth Social post. Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA! Trump comes out strong for Johnson amid threats to his gavel. pic.twitter.com/c4cTQk68Ii Juliegrace Brufke (@juliegraceb) December 30, 2024 The ethically challenged former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), a close Trump ally whose nomination to become attorney general failed, hailed Trumps endorsement of Johnson as the ultimate art of the deal and called attempts to oust Johnson futile. And he took a shot at his old nemesis, Kevin McCarthy, whose ouster Gaetz orchestrated, saying, Republican voters werent all that eager to see us getting back to being Bidens bit-- (which Kevin ultimately did anyway). Trump endorsing Johnson is art of the deal level practicality. We could never have held up McCarthy two years ago for concessions if a Trump certification hung in the balance. Now, it does. We were able to hold up McCarthy because Republican voters werent all that eager Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 30, 2024 Johnson enthusiastically welcomed Trumps endorsement, posting on social media, Thank you, President Trump! Im honored and humbled by your support, as always. Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America. The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Lets get to work! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps endorsement of Johnson came at the end of a long-winded post about the GOP Party he adopted when he first ran for president in 2016. We are the Party of COMMON SENSE, a primary reason that we WON, in a landslide, the magnificent and historic Presidential Election of 2024, Trump said in typical all-caps fashion. ALL SEVEN SWING STATES, 312 ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES, AND THE POPULAR VOTE BY MILLIONS OF VOTERS. (A victory, he claimedechoing allegations made by right-wing influencersthat came in spite widespread voter fraud.) Rep. Thomas Massie has publicly declared he will not support Johnson for speaker when the vote happens on Jan. 3, when the new Congress will be seated. Johnson, whose party has an incredibly thin majority, can lose no more than two GOP votesunless Democrats come to his rescue. Democratic leaders have signaled they will not support Johnson. Senior members of the House Freedom Caucus discussed possible speaker replacements as recently as a few days ago. Among the names floated was Rep. Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. But Jordan indicated Monday that he supports Trumps decision to back Johnson for speaker. Agreed, @realDonaldTrump! Time to do what we said we would do. https://t.co/3OKBLi9uyB Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) December 30, 2024 Trump isnt even in the Oval Office yet and already hes facing blowback from the independent-minded right flank in Congress as the MAGAverse implodes in civil war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The week before Christmas, a number of rebel Republicans, led by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), pushed back against Trumps demand that a short-term government funding plan include a provision to raise the debt limit. Johnson went along with Trumps demands, but the bill failedan epic snub to both Trump and Johnson. Not having a speaker of the House in place before Congresss scheduled Jan. 6 certification of the 2024 presidential election results could spell disaster for Trump. A speakerless House would be rendered paralyzed, and potentially unable to perform its official constitutional duties revolving around the presidential election and inauguration of the incoming 47th president. And several of the 38 House Republicans who voted against the Trump-Johnson debt limit bill are still bitter. Demands for inclusion of a debt limit increase came directly from the president-elect and his DOGE team leaders Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Trumps endorsement could provide Johnson a lifeline. He has some wind in his sails, a senior House Republican source told the Daily Beast. But he doesnt have the necessary support locked up. The Daily Beast Podcast episodes are released every Thursday. Like and download on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app. And click here for email updates as each new episode drops. (Reuters) -Cheniere Energy on Monday said it produced first liquefied natural gas (LNG)from a new Texas facility, becoming the second new U.S. export plant this year to increase supplies of the superchilled gas. The U.S. is the world's largest exporter of LNG and production of superchilled gas from Cheniere's Stage 3 and Venture Global's Plaquemines plants are expected to keep the U.S. as the top exporter of LNG in 2025. Cheniere said first LNG at the new Corpus Christi, Texas, plant was produced two and a half years after it gave its main contractor Bechtel Energy the go ahead to build the 10 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) plant. Train 1 of Cheniere's Corpus Christi expansion project can produce 1.5 mtpa. Commissioning is underway and substantial completion of the processing unit is expected by March 30, the company said. As of Nov. 30, the overall completion for the Corpus Christi Stage 3 expansion was 75.9%, the Houston, Texas-based company said in a statement. Cheniere shares rose a fraction to $211.32 in mid morning trading on Monday. The new plant consists of seven midscale trains that when fully operating will produce over 10 mtpa. The expansion project joins an existing Corpus Christi facility that can produce 15 mtpa. Last week, rival Venture Global LNG's tanker Venture Bayou departed its Plaquemines export plant in Louisiana for Germany, carrying the first LNG cargo produced at the facility. Plaquemines is ramping up its gas usage, pulling over 600 million cubic feet per day over the weekend and expected to pull 527 mmcf on Monday, according to preliminary data from financial firm LSEG. (Reporting by Anushree Mukherjee in Bengaluru, Curtis Williams in Houston, additional reporting by Swati Verma) LAKE TEXOMA, Okla. (KFOR) Two men were found dead Sunday at Lake Texoma after a multi-department search for several days. One of the men were from Edmond and the other was from Kingston, Oklahoma. | READ LOCAL NEWS > Durant ISD coach killed, search for his missing 8-year-old daughter continues after Christmas Eve crash > The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that Friday around 6 p.m. Danny Glenn and Leslie Glenn were driving a boat in the Alberta Creek area of the lake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around that time they attempted to cross under a railroad bridge but the boat hit a pillar, ejecting both into the water. Saturday and into Sunday officials searched for the men around the lake. Their bodies were found Sunday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. in the water near the accident scene. | READ > IRS is sending out unclaimed 2021 tax credits. Could you qualify? > According to officials the boat had a personal floatation device but it was not in use. 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Two men were treated at St. Elizabeth Health Center after they were wounded early Sunday morning outside a South Side bar. Read next: Bullet goes through cars windshield while woman drives on Market Street: Report Chief of Detectives Capt. Jason Simon said the two men were arguing at about 3:30 a.m. with a third person who then shot them at South and East Dewey avenues in the area of the Kings Court bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two men then drove themselves to St. Elizabeth Health Center on Belmont Avenue. Hospital staff then notified police there were two shooting victims at the hospital. Simon said the suspect fired several shots before driving away. No one else was injured. This raises the number of people shot in the city this year to 78. Last year, 71 people were shot in Youngstown. 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 WKBN.com. A teenager was arrested Saturday and a search is underway for another person after a shooting at a fast-food restaurant in Lexington County, according to the West Columbia Police Department. Two people were injured in the shooting, police said Sunday in a news release. At about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to the Bojangles at the intersection of 12th Street and Augusta Road, according to the release. Thats less than two miles from the Meeting Street bridge to downtown Columbia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims received medical treatment for what police called non-life-threatening injuries. Further information on the victims conditions was not available. No other injuries were reported. Later Saturday night, 18-year-old Marterius Byrd was arrested on two counts of attempted murder and a single charge of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, police said. Bond was denied on the attempted murder charges and Byrd remains in the Lexington County Detention Center, jail records show. Police said they are searching for a second suspect, but did not identify the person nor say what charges they would face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information about a motive for the shooting was not available, and it was not known whether the shooter and the victims knew one another prior to the incident at Bojangles. Police said they are continuing to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIMESC or submit an online tip. Violence at Bojangles in Lexington County A month ago a woman was shot and killed in an unrelated incident at another Bojangles in the Midlands. On Nov. 15, a 40-year-old Columbia resident was shot in the upper body in the parking lot of the Bojangles restaurant at 151 Harbison Blvd., according to the Columbia Police Department. She was taken to an area hospital, where she died, according to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was not the shooters intended target, but was hit when the shooter fired at a vehicle multiple times in an attempt to hurt two other people, Columbia police said. In 2022, an employee at another Bojangles in Lexington County shot and killed one of his coworkers. The 21-year-old victim was shot multiple times, according to the coroners office. He was shot after an argument with a 20-year-old who also worked at the fast-food restaurant at 566 Columbia Ave., the Chapin Police Department said. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter smiles during a book signing event in 2018. Drew Angerer/Getty Images This story was updated at 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday at his home in Plains at the age of 100, triggering an outpouring of tributes from prominent national figures from both sides of the aisle. President Joe Biden, Carters longtime friend and political ally, said Sunday that he will order an official state funeral to be held in Washington that Biden said would be a a major service. A public service is also planned for Atlanta, though the details have not yet been announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, the president and first lady Jill Biden said in a joint statement. He showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong. Biden pushed back on the idea that Carter represented a bygone era when talking to reporters Sunday evening during a visit to St. Croix. I see a man not only of our times but for all times, someone who embodies the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away, although sometimes it seems like it is, Biden said. Wed all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter. Carter had famously told his family that he hoped to live long enough to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in this years presidential race, which he did by absentee ballot in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith in God, in America, and in humanity, Harris said Sunday, calling his life a testament to the power of service. Incoming GOP President Donald Trump, whose inauguration is set for Jan. 20, said in an online post that he and Carter belonged to the same very exclusive club. 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, Trump said in the statement. Former President Barack Obama reflected on Carters legacy, including his many years teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in tiny Plains, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, Obama wrote. 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, he added. Carter may have suffered defeat at the ballot box when he sought another term but his impact is widely seen as extending well beyond his four years in the White House. President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad, said longtime GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, McConnell added. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said Carter taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others. At the heart of President Carters public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person, said former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat. He always defended that spark: whether teaching Sunday school in his beloved Maranatha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A group of rideshare drivers from MN Uber Lyft Drivers Association (MULDA) march around the Capitol building, demanding fair compensation from the transportation network companies Uber and Lyft Thursday, May 16. Photo by A.J. Olmscheid/Senate Media Services. Some of the more unexpected places this year took me to: a church basement full of dairy farm workers outside of St. Cloud; a parking lot next to the airport (multiple times); and a virtual classroom for Minnesota students with an instructor on the other side of the world. As for expected places, I spent a lot of time on picket lines, at job sites and in the state Capitol. As this year comes to a close, Im grateful for the opportunity to follow leads across the state to report stories on work, money and politics. Heres a look back at some of my favorite stories from 2024. Uber and Lyft drivers win minimum rates Minnesota became the second state to enact minimum pay rates for Uber and Lyft drivers through state statute in May after a rocky year-and-a-half campaign launched by drivers, which included a gubernatorial veto; feuding driver advocacy groups; threats by the companies to leave the Twin Cities; the largest study of its kind of driver pay; and a stand-off between Minneapolis City Council members and state lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the surface, the fight over pay rates seemed straightforward: low-wage drivers without employee protections against billion-dollar tech giants. But the details of how to improve working conditions created fault lines that divided drivers as well as lawmakers, which I wrote about here. The issue also led the Minneapolis City Council to play a game of chicken with Uber and Lyft, which threatened to pull out over minimum rates passed in the city. A slew of new companies that pushed the boundaries of spelling with names like Moov, Wridz and MyWeels announced their intent to fill the void if Uber and Lyft followed through on their threat, but the Legislature ultimately killed the Minneapolis ordinance by banning cities from enacting their own rates. None of those companies seem relevant in the Twin Cities today. The statewide deal on minimum pay rates, which took effect on Dec. 1, are expected to raise driver pay on average by about 14% over 2022. The law also provides greater protection for drivers against unfair deactivation; broader insurance coverage that begins Jan. 1; and a requirement that the companies contract with a nonprofit to provide driver services (although Uber and Lyft havent said who theyve partnered with yet.) If youre so inclined, you can travel with me deep into the weeds of the law. Evergreen Acres wage theft At one farm, workers lived in a converted barn that was infested with cockroaches. The kitchen sink was a utility sink next to a water heater. Photos from civil complaint. When Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a $3 million wage theft case against a central Minnesota dairy farm in January, it promised to set an example for a dangerous industry rife with labor abuses. Instead, it underscored how wage theft, despite being a felony, is seldom treated like a crime and reinforced the perception that the legal system is biased toward the wealthy and white. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit against Evergreen Acres and its related companies was one of the largest wage theft cases ever brought by the Attorney Generals Office, alleging hundreds of undocumented workers were robbed of millions in wages. The lawsuit also included startling details of abuse and squalid housing conditions that read like they were ripped from the pages of Upton Sinclairs The Jungle: Some employees who worked 12-hour day shifts shared the same bed with others who worked 12-hour night shifts, and they had their wages automatically deducted for rent. Workers lived in garages, barns and other buildings unfit for human habitation. Farm owner Keith Schaefer allegedly threatened and physically assaulted workers. Ellisons office settled the lawsuit for $250,000 less than a tenth of what the Attorney Generals Office estimated workers were owed. Schaefer and his daughter Megan Hill, who was also named in the suit, admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement but did agree to maintain worker housing in habitable conditions and submit payroll records to the Attorney Generals Office for three years. What are the other farmers going to say? Its minimal. Theyre going to keep doing the same thing, one worker, speaking in Spanish, told Attorney General Keith Ellison through an interpreter during a meeting in November I attended just outside St. Cloud. At the outset, I asked if there would be criminal charges. After all, if an employee stole $3 million out of the cash register, its hard to imagine the attorney general holding a press conference to announce the lawsuit while the thief walked free. Ellisons office pointed out that it doesnt have original criminal jurisdiction, and must refer criminal cases to local prosecutors. Theres no word from them on criminal charges. Ilhan Omars husbands failed winery U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and Tim Mynett attend the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards on September 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Congressional Black Caucus Foundations Annual Legislative Conference. One of the most surprising things I learned this year was that U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar and her husband owned part of a California winery with a longtime Democratic operative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar lists spousal income from the winery, eStCru, on her financial disclosures, but I found it out through a lawsuit filed by investor Naeem Mohd accusing Omars husband, Tim Mynett, and his business partner Will Hailer of fraud. According to the lawsuit, Mynett and Hailer failed to deliver on a sweetheart deal they made in 2021 promising to triple Mohds investment of $300,000 in just 18 months. The pair only returned Mohds initial investment, about a month late. The businesss winemaker, Erica Stancliff, also told me she worked for months without pay before finally resigning. Mohd reached a settlement with Mynett and Hailer in September, according to court filings that do not include details of the agreement. Mynett and Hailer told me at the time they were working to sell the intellectual property and trademarks associated with the brand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A failed winery wasnt the only business problem for businesses Hailer and Mynett started, as I detailed in my story. Two South Dakota cannabis companies also accused Hailer of fraud in a lawsuit against a company he founded with Mynett. Mynett was mentioned in the lawsuit but not named as a defendant, and he told me he withdrew from eSt Ventures in early 2022. Hailer paid $1.2 million to settle the lawsuit in August. Alleged scam of education tax credit Success Tutorings Abdijalil Sheik-Yusuf (left) and Achievers Tutorings Osman Sheik-Yusuf promise parents success in school and life for their children on social media. My final investigation of the year examined the alleged misuse of a state tax credit thats supposed to help low-income families pay for tutoring, music lessons and educational supplies. Three women approached me earlier this year telling me dozens of mothers had lost thousands of dollars from their tax refunds to two tutoring companies Achievers Tutoring and Success Tutoring that promised to help their kids recover from pandemic learning loss but only provided online instruction with foreign teachers. It took me a while to unravel exactly how another state government program was apparently being scammed. The story involves Filipino online tutors, an alleged scammer lobbying legislators in a Louis Vuitton scarf, violent threats against mothers, a state lawmakers former employer and a morass of bureaucracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The allegations surrounding the K-12 Education Credit come amid a larger crisis of fraud in state government, with hundreds of millions of dollars allegedly siphoned away from programs supposed to fund child nutrition, autism services, transportation and interpretation assistance. Ill be continuing to follow this story as the mothers try to get their money back and lawmakers promise to clamp down on fraud, waste and abuse in social service programs. Ukraine managed to bring back 189 Ukrainians from Russian captivity, including military service members and two civilians, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Dec. 30. The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs) called it one of the largest prisoner exchanges since the start of the full-scale war in 2022. "We are working to free each and every one from Russian captivity. This is our goal. We do not forget anyone," Zelensky said on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The freed captives included soldiers who defended Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the Snake Island, and other sections of the front. Eighty-seven Armed Forces service members, 43 National Guard members, 33 border guards, and 24 sailors were among those released, according to the headquarters. Azov fighters were also freed during the latest exchange, Zelensky said. Among the released were two journalists-turned-soldiers: Mariupol journalist Oleksandr Hudilin and former journalist of the Espreso channel Roman Borshch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Dec. 30, Ukraine freed 3,956 people from Russian captivity since the start of the full-scale war, including 1,358 who were released this year. Some of the freed captives have been held by Russia for more than two and half years and suffer chronic diseases and injuries, the headquarters said. At the same time, 150 Russian military service members were released from Ukrainian captivity as part of the exchange, the Russian Defense Ministry said. The United Arab Emirates helped mediate the prisoner swap, according to Moscow. Ukraine and Russia held numerous prisoner exchanges throughout the full-scale war with the mediation of a third-party country. The previous swap occurred in mid-October, with each side bringing back 95 prisoners. Earlier in December, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed that he approached Ukraine and Russia with an offer of a Christmas truce and a prisoner exchange, a proposition he said Kyiv rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's Presidential Office responded that a major prisoner swap by the end of the year was being discussed but denied any contact between Kyiv and Budapest on the matter. Read also: Ukraine considers 60,000 citizens as missing persons, official says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Preliminary data shows that Ukraines exports grew by more than 13% over the past year, primarily due to stabilizing the functioning of Ukrainian seaports, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on Dec. 30. As of Dec. 26, Ukraine exported 129.2 million metric tons of goods worth $41.043 billion, up from $36.1 billion the same time last year, a statement from the ministry said. Ukraine managed to restart maritime trade in the Black Sea despite Russian attempts at blockade, unilaterally opening a shipping corridor after Moscow withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recovery and development of production in Ukraine also played a role in export growth, Svyrydenko said. The European Union remained Ukraines largest trading partner, with $24.5 billion in exports 59% of the year's total and $1 billion higher than the previous year. Aside from the EU, Ukraines largest export trading partners this year were China ($2.3 billion), Turkey ($2.1 billion), Egypt ($1.6 billion), India ($986 million), and Moldova ($935 million). Ukraines top exports include processed and raw agricultural products and metallurgy products. Read also: Ukraines economy healthier than Russias in some indicators, The Economist reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian Finance Ministry received $41.7 billion in international aid in 2024, Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said in a televized statement on Dec. 30. The international aid helped Ukraine to ensure full social payments amid significant defense expenditures, he said. "This year, we have already secured $41.7 billion in aid from our partners, which allowed us to fully fund pensions, salaries in the education and healthcare sectors, and the entire humanitarian-social system," Marchenko said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Dec. 25, in response to Russia's mass attack on the country on Christmas Day, President Joe Biden directed the Pentagon to "continue its surge" of weapons deliveries to Ukraine. On Dec. 27, the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that the U.S. is planning to send $1.25 billion in military aid to Ukraine. Officials said the announcement is expected to come on Dec. 30. Also on Dec. 27, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in coordination with the World Bank under the PEACE in Ukraine program, has delivered $485 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine. "The funds will be allocated to compensate for social and humanitarian expenditures in the state budget," Shmyhal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine ends year battered, with Russian troops pushing north, east, and south Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine and Russia carried out a new exchange of prisoners of war on Monday, with the two sides bringing home a combined total of more than 300 former captives. Kyiv brought home 189 former captives, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russia's Defence Ministry said, while the Russian ministry said 150 Russian servicemen were returning home. The Russian ministry said the captives had been released in Belarus, Moscow's close ally in the 34-month-old war with Ukraine, and would be transferred to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters Television footage in Ukraine showed waiting spouses and some servicemen, many wrapped in blue and yellow national flags, weeping openly as they were reunited well after dark outside a building. A child's incredulous voice resounded over a mobile telephone: "Dad, is that you?" "My son is 5 years old now, the last time I saw him he was 2 years old," said Serhii, who was captured by Russian forces at the Azovstal steel mill in the southern port Mariupol, which withstood a siege for nearly three months in 2022. "That's why my son probably didn't recognise me. I used to have a beard and hair. I lost 20 kg (44 pounds)." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some former captives the return to freedom involved adjustment. "Even now I'm holding my hands behind my back, it has become a habit of mine," said Roman Borshch, 29. "Now I have to get used to being a free person again." Video posted by the Russian Defence Ministry showed smiling servicemen on a bus, some calling their families. "We'll soon be home. How are the children? How is our boy?" said one man. "I am overwhelmed by emotion," said another. "I still can't quite believe that this has happened, that I am back home, that the ministry made such efforts, that we are remembered and valued." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskiy thanked United Arab Emirates authorities and other partners for facilitating the swap. The United Arab Emirates acknowledged it helped arrange the exchange. "The return of our people from Russian captivity is always very good news for each of us. And today is one of such days: our team managed to bring 189 Ukrainians home," Zelenskiy said on Telegram. There was no immediate explanation for why more Ukrainians than Russians were listed as released; the freed Ukrainians included civilians who had been in Russian captivity. Zelenskiy said the returning Ukrainians included soldiers, sergeants and officers from frontline areas and two civilians who had been captured in Mariupol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BESIEGED STEEL MILL Denys Prokopenko, commander of the 12th Special Forces "Azov" Brigade that defended the Azovstal mill, said 11 of his men were among those returning. Prokopenko was brought home in an earlier swap. The Ukrainian body overseeing prisoner swaps said it was the 59th exchange between the two sides since Russia's February 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour. The swap brought to 3,956 the number of Ukrainian detainees brought home. It said those brought home this year included Ukrainian nationals serving what it described as "so-called sentences" imposed by Russian courts for various offences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the last swap in October, also carried out with assistance from the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Ukraine each brought home 95 detainees. (Reporting by Olena Harmash and Reuters Television; Editing by Kevin Liffey, Gareth Jones, Ron Popeski, Andrew Heavens and Leslie Adler) (Bloomberg) -- Ukraines president dispatched his top officials to Syria in a bid to restore ties after the collapse of the pro-Russian Assad regime. Most Read from Bloomberg A delegation led by Kyivs foreign policy and agriculture chiefs visited Damascus, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a post on social media platform X. The first batch of 500 tons of Ukrainian wheat flour is set to reach Syria on Tuesday, he said, with more shipments to follow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine severed ties with Syria in 2022, following former President Bashar Al-Assads recognition of Moscows partial occupation of two eastern regions. Assad became a staunch Russian ally, with Syria hosting strategically important Russian military bases. We proceed from the fact that the new Syria will become a state which will respect international law, including Ukraines territorial integrity, Kyivs Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Monday in an emailed statement. Sybiha visited Damascus on Tuesday as part of a Ukrainian government delegation which met with the countrys de-facto leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa, interim Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Bashir and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaybani. Ukraine is ready and is waiting for Syrias steps, in response to Kyivs announcement, Sybiha said. A restoration of diplomatic ties will allow for increased trade and technological cooperation, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Updates with Zelenskiys statements from first paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Under the weight of sweeping antitrust enforcement and intense competition for AI turf, Alphabet stock (GOOG, GOOGL) is enjoying a December resurgence. No Big Tech platform has risen so much this late in the year. And aside from Tesla (TSLA), shares of the Google parent are outshining the rest of the Magnificent Seven, rising 14% this month. Back-to-back catalysts from a quantum computing breakthrough to the demise of a chief rival in the robotaxi market lifted shares in the final weeks of 2024. They punctuated a year defined not so much by transformation but by rediscovery. The stock market rewards mystery and open-ended opportunities and Alphabet still has its mojo the recent announcements were a reminder of that, said Michael Smith, senior portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments. By the numbers, even Googles 40% year-to-date gains fall below the Magnificent Seven average of about 64%. The companys stock price growth is well behind the chart-topping appreciation of Nvidia (NVDA), Meta's (META) powerful comeback story, and Teslas post-election Trump bump. But the gap between Googles share price gain and those of the best-performing tech companies is partly why analysts see buying opportunities. Googles end-of-year rally also highlights changing perceptions of the company. Where earlier this year Google was still seen as playing catch-up to Microsoft (MSFT) and OpenAI in the burgeoning market for AI tools, Mountain View has since worked to even the playing field. People have been worried about the innovators dilemma affecting Googles commitment to staying on the right side of change, said Smith. More recently, it is clear that Google has the capabilities to stay at the front of the industry. Googles AI Overviews, the companys most public-facing AI offering, represented an overhaul of its core search product. And while questions still remain about how well the company can monetize AI-inflected search without cannibalizing its proven business model, CEO Sundar Pichai has said that AI Overviews has led to increased user engagement. If we get more confirmation that AI accelerates search growth, that would represent a major change to consensus thinking and lead to more upside for Google shares, said Smith. OpenAI might still have a first-mover advantage in generative AI, said Hanna Howard, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds. But maintaining that edge over a longer period is challenging as large-scale, well-capitalized players like Google spend meaningfully to develop their own AI capabilities. Ukraine shot down 21 Russian attack drones overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on Dec. 30. According to the report, Russia launched a total of 43 drones from its Krasnodar Krai region. The Air Force said it also lost track of the 22 decoy drones that Russia launched alongside the attack ones. The drones were shot down over the Kharkiv, Poltava, Chernihiv, Odesa, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, the Air Force said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The debris from downed drones damaged residential houses in Kharkiv and Odesa oblasts, reads the report. Earlier in the day, Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper said that facades and roofs of five residential buildings were damaged in his oblast following the attack. No casualties have been reported. Over the past several months, Russia has intensified its drone attacks across Ukraine, often targeting critical infrastructure to deprive civilians of power, water, and gas. On Dec. 29, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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. Read also: Russian drone strikes against Ukraine are surging to record levels how bad can it get? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As Russian troops continued to hold an advantage on the ground, Ukraine has been keen to level the power in the air. In 2024, Ukrainian forces bet on drones, hitting targets thousands of kilometers deep inside Russia. Ukrainian attacks have targeted dozens of oil refineries that aid Russia's war efforts, arms depots, weapon production plants, as well as military airfields harboring Moscow's air force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Strikes deep inside Russia would not stop the war but are said to have slowed down Russian advance, hindered logistics, and pushed arms depots further east. "Ukrainian long-range unmanned aerial vehicles can hypothetically operate up to 2,000 kilometers" "From what we can tell it's no longer a secret Ukrainian long-range unmanned aerial vehicles can hypothetically operate up to 2,000 kilometers," Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) spokesperson Andrii Yusov said on Dec. 27. Quantity over quality For Ukraine, 2024 was a breakthrough year in the deployment of long-range drones. In late September, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Ukrainian forces had destroyed or damaged over 200 military facilities in Russia using "drone swarm" technology. Both Ukraine and Russia use this technology, which involves launching dozens, sometimes hundreds of drones at once, to overpower air defenses, usually in waves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's outdated air defense systems, which are mainly designed to protect against large targets such as missiles or aircraft, do not always identify drones. Ukraine, producing long-range drones from scratch, managed to create thousands of them within a year. Ukrainian officials don't publicly confirm drone attacks, with the approximate number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched can only be estimated based on Russian reports, local independent media, or social media. According to Russian reports, Ukraine's largest drone attack on Russia took place on Sept. 1. Russian authorities claimed to have shot down 158 drones over 16 oblasts, including Moscow. The attack caused a fire at Gazpromneft's refinery in Moscow's Kapotnya district, after which the plant shut down half of its capacity, according to Reuters. This photo shows a damaged residential building following a drone attack in Ramenskoye in the Moscow Oblast on Sep. 10, 2024. (Tatyana Makeyeva / AFP via Getty Images) Power plants in Moscow and Tver oblasts were also targeted, and a gas distribution network in Tver Oblast's Konakovo was damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second largest attack on record took place on Sept. 10, when Russian officials claimed that Russian air defense shot down 144 drones. The highest number of drones, 72, was reportedly downed over Bryansk Oblast, followed by Moscow Oblast (20) and Kursk Oblast (14). Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov said the drone's debris had fallen on residential buildings. In the town of Ramenskoye, located 46 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of Moscow, a 46-year-old woman was killed, and three people were injured. The September attacks showed how vulnerable Russian air defense is, as it cannot cover not only most of Russia's territory but also the area around its capital, Moscow. Mattias Eken, a defense and security expert at RAND Europe, told the Kyiv Independent that Russia will likely need to upgrade its radar technology to counter the increasing presence of small, cost-effective drones. This technology integrates optical and acoustic detection systems to detect drones reliably at long ranges, and the upgrade could take years, according to the expert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Russia is trying to defend its skies by increasing the number of mobile fire groups, among other methods. Ukraine has already proven that this step would also require large resources, given the long-range capabilities of its drones. Thousand-kilometer range Ukrainian drones are much cheaper than missiles in production but have an equally impressive range. According to Umerov, Ukraine has increased its long-range military capabilities "several times" this year. In April, Ukraine, for the first time, hit a target 1,300 kilometers (807 miles) from its state border. A Ukrainian long-range drone targeted one of Russia's largest oil refineries, located in the city of Nizhnekamsk in Russia's Tatarstan. The attack on Tatarstan also hit a manufacturing facility for Shahed-type attack drones at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Yelabuga district. UAV attack in Tatarstan, Russia on April 2, 2024. (Screenshot from a video on social media) A source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent that the drone hit the refinery's primary oil refining facility with an annual production capacity of around 8 million tons, amounting to 2.6% of Russia's yearly oil-processing capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, a Ukrainian drone set a new long-range record by striking the Olenya military airfield in Russia's Murmansk Oblast and damaging a Tu-22M3 bomber. The target was located 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles) from the border. "This (Tu-22M3 bomber) is something that only the Soviet Union could produce, and that is why they are trying to hide them so far away," Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) spokesperson, Andrii Yusov, said on national television on July 29. Long-range attacks forced Russia to relocate its aircraft, affecting the strategic planning of its future strikes on Ukraine. So far, Russia has moved 90% of its aircraft used to attack Ukraine over 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border following the negotiations to allow long-range strike using U.S.-provided missiles deep into Russia. Yet, many Russian military facilities are immobile and thus are open targets for Ukrainian drones. Explosive storages Among the prized targets for Ukraine were Russian arms depots, storing weapons delivered to the front lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without direct access to the destroyed depots, it is difficult to calculate the scale of the destruction. In September, Ukrainian drones set ablaze at least 30,000 tons of ammunition, which allegedly included ballistic missiles. The depot in Toropets in Russia's Tver Oblast was supposed to withstand a nuclear strike, as promised by the Russian authorities, but it failed to cope with Ukraine-produced drones. A unit of Ukraines HUR military intelligence service launched Black Fury drones at a missile warehouse in an unknown location on Nov. 12, 2024. (Olga Ivashchenko) The attack "literally wiped off the face of the earth a large warehouse of the main missile and artillery department of the Russian Defense Ministry," a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent. The attack "literally wiped off the face of the earth a large warehouse of the main missile and artillery department of the Russian Defense Ministry." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in its intelligence report that strikes on Toropets and later on the depot in the town of Tikhoretsk destroyed a tonnage that is considered Russian "largest loss of ammunition" during its all-out war against Ukraine. Experts with whom the Kyiv Independent spoke said that even minor damage to warehouses, which may not be visible on satellite images, could lead to significant complications in Russia's logistics operations. "If you launch 10 strikes with drones, and then the facility can't unload or store new munitions for five hours, six hours, or eight hours, by itself, it is a major effect because that facility isn't working for a day. It might not have damaged anything, but it's still going to have a battlefield impact because those munitions aren't going to reach the front line," Michael Bohnert, a licensed engineer at RAND research organization, told the Kyiv Independent. Federico Borsari, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), added that more substantial losses, such as a month's worth of costly weapons, could slow down the pace of Russian troop advancement at the front line, as well as decrease the fire volume on Ukrainian soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Arms depot in Russias Tver Oblast built to withstand nuclear explosion heavily damaged by Ukrainian drones Russian oil on fire Energy exports have long been a key source of Moscow's revenue and have helped to sustain its ongoing war against Ukraine. Yet, the Russian oil industry has suffered the most from recent Ukrainian attacks, which have led to disruptions in production and a sharp rise in fuel prices in Russia. In late April, the cost of diesel went up almost 10%, while gasoline prices hit a six-month high, going up by more than 20% when compared to the start of the year, Politico reported. In the meantime, Russian gas giant Gazprom suffered net losses from January to June 2024, almost double those in the same period last year, according to its financial statements. In the wake of the attacks, many refineries also have been forced to suspend production. The Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries caused the output to fall by around 17%, according to NATO July calculations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, a Ukrainian strike on the Kavkaz oil refinery outside Proletarsk, a town in Russia's Rostov Oblast, sparked a fire that lasted over two weeks. The fire spread to a petroleum storage facility, making it extremely difficult to extinguish. The Russian authorities did not report the scale of the damage, but satellite imagery showed that the area affected was extensive. Oil storage tanks stand illuminated at night at the RN-Tuapsinsky refinery, operated by Rosneft Oil Co., in Tuapse, Russia, on March 22, 2020. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images) According to Reuters, as of November, at least three Russian oil refineriesTuapse, Ilyich, and Novoshakhtinsk had been forced to halt or scale back production due to significant losses and faced the risk of closure. Under regular Ukrainian attacks and pressure from Western sanctions, the Russian oil industry is finding new ways to continue its exports, including investing in the so-called "shadow fleet." Meanwhile, Ukraine's Western partners have not yet found effective countermeasures, and Ukrainian attacks have not been able to completely derail Russia's oil production. What is next? Ukraine can produce at least 4 million drones a year, and more than 1.5 million have already been contracted, Zelensky said at the second International Defense Industries Forum in October. The Ukrainian army is not only approaching 2025 with a commitment to increase drone production. Ukraine is also looking to ramp up missile production amid a possible decline in arms supplies from Western partners, particularly the U.S. Zelensky has called for investment in Ukraine's defense industry to keep production high. "Thanks to the defense industry, Ukraine will become one of the key global security contributors and a very strong player in the global arms and defense technology market. Everyone who is with us, who is with Ukraine, I am sure, will benefit," Zelensky added. The domestically produced missiles could be a potential game changer for Ukraine's attacks deep into Russia, especially since Kyiv will not have to rely solely on its allies. Yet, in the new year, the Ukrainian army will continue to face another, more dangerous threat the Russian grinding advance on the front line. And Ukraine still does not have enough missiles and drones to halt Russia's push north, east, and south. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Key developments on Dec. 30: Ukraine brings back 189 people from Russian captivity in prisoner swap Biden announces $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine Russian military suffers 427,000 casualties in 2024, Syrskyi claims Russia launched over 1,300 drone strikes, 250 missiles at Kyiv in 2024 Ukraine brought back 189 Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity on Dec. 30 in one of the largest prisoner exchanges during the full-scale war. Eighty-seven Armed Forces service members, 43 National Guard members, 33 border guards, 24 sailors, and two civilians were among those released. The freed captives included soldiers who defended Azovstal and Mariupol, the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, the Snake Island, and other sections of the front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, 150 Russian military service members were released from Ukrainian captivity as part of the exchange, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Some of the freed captives have been held by Russia for more than two and half years and suffer chronic diseases and injuries, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said. As of Dec. 30, Ukraine freed 3,956 people from Russian captivity since the start of the full-scale war, including 1,358 who were released this year. Ukraine and Russia held numerous prisoner exchanges throughout the full-scale war with the mediation of a third-party country. The previous swap occurred in mid-October, with each side bringing back 95 prisoners. Biden announces $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine worth nearly $2.5 billion on Dec. 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The package includes a $1.25 billion "drawdown package" of military equipment for Ukraine and $1.22 billion under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a Pentagon-led program that procures arms for Ukraine through contracts with U.S. defense companies. According to a White House statement, the resources will provide both immediate and long-term military support, including air defense systems, artillery, and other critical weaponry. "As I committed earlier this year, the Department of Defense has now allocated all remaining USAI funds appropriated by Congress in the supplemental that I signed in April, and my Administration is fully utilizing the funding appropriated by Congress to support the drawdown of U.S. equipment for Ukraine," Biden said in the statement. "Ive directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible including drawing down older U.S. equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes just weeks before Donald Trump takes office next month. Read also: Trumps China strategy hinges on crippling Russias economy Russian military suffers 427,000 casualties in 2024, Syrskyi claims Russian forces have suffered around 427,000 soldiers killed or wounded this year, mainly in battles in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Dec. 30. "Russia continues to carry out constant 'human wave' assaults, suffering record losses. Last week, Russian forces have been losing around 1,700 people killed and wounded every day," Syrskyi said on Telegram after visiting units deployed in Donetsk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian forces have been advancing at a rapid pace in late 2024, closing in on key Donetsk Oblast towns like Pokrovsk, Toretsk, or Kurakhove at the cost of record losses. Heavy battles continue also in Russia's Kursk Oblast, and Kyiv has warned about possible Russian advances in Ukraine's south. Read also: Russias losses may begin to outpace enlistment rates, medias analysis says Ukraine claimed that Moscow's troops suffered their highest casualties in November and December, putting Russia's overall losses throughout the full-scale war at nearly 790,000 by the end of the year. The figures could not be independently verified. Moscow does not reveal the scale of its war losses but alleges they are lower than those of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine had lost 43,000 soldiers on the battlefield since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, in addition to 370,000 injuries. Russia launched over 1,300 drone strikes, 250 missiles at Kyiv in 2024 Russia launched more than 1,300 drones and over 250 missiles of various types against Kyiv in 2024, Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, announced on Dec. 30. Throughout the year, the capital endured over 500 air raid alerts and nearly 200 airstrikes. Among the missiles targeting Kyiv were over 200 cruise missiles including Kh-101, Kh-59, Kh-69, Iskander-K, and Kalibr 24 ballistic missiles such as the Iskander-M and KN-23, 22 air-launched ballistic missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and seven Zircon hypersonic missiles, according to Popko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These are terrifying numbers. But the most horrifying fact is that these rockets and drones killed our residents and destroyed our homes," Popko wrote on Telegram. Nearly 550 residential buildings in Kyiv were damaged by Russian attacks in 2024, leaving around 120 people homeless, Popko said. "But the state will rebuild everything, ensuring housing for all, including Kyivans whose homes were destroyed by Russia and internally displaced Ukrainians who have made the capital their home," he added, noting that Kyiv saw an increase of nearly 11,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) over the past year. Energy infrastructure was also heavily targeted, forcing Kyiv residents to endure approximately 100 days of power outages, with daily blackouts averaging nine hours, according to Popko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Although Kyiv has officially not been considered a zone of potential hostilities for two years, the war 'reminds' us of itself every day," he wrote. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on the EU to ban the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: This came in response to a Financial Times article that mentioned that EU countries had imported a record amount of Russian LNG in 2024. Sybiha called this situation "unacceptable". Quote: "Russian LNG imports to the EU must be banned as part of further sanctions and replaced with supplies from the US and other partners. There is enough LNG gas on the market to not fund the criminal Russian regime with its aggression, war crimes and hybrid attacks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: Ten European Union member states have proposed that sanctions be tightened against Russia's energy sector, including LNG, as well as institutions that help Moscow circumvent existing restrictions. Support UP or become our patron! A Ukrainian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is currently in Syria and has met with the de facto leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Source: Syrian television; Al Arabiya, a Saudi state-owned international Arabic news television channel; Interfax-Ukraine Details: Reports indicate that the high-level Ukrainian delegation, in addition to the official spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, consists of Ukraine's agriculture minister and a special representative of the Ukrainian president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Update: During his visit, Sybiha conveyed a message of support for the Syrian people from Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "I am here to personally convey a message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Syrian people, which sounds very clear: we are with you, we are ready to help the Syrian people. Ukraine is interested in a stable Syria and the development of mutually beneficial cooperation," he said. For reference: The regime of Bashar al-Assad had ruled Syria for 53 years before collapsing following a 12-day offensive by rebels, led by the Islamist militant group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The offensive ended with the capture of Damascus on 8 December. Hadi al-Bahra, head of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, announced plans to form a civilian government. Mohammed al-Bashir became Syria's new acting Prime Minister. Ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his family were granted asylum in Moscow. Background: On 23 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Ukraine's Foreign Ministry to establish all necessary contacts with representatives of the people of Syria and rectify Assad's mistakes. On 27 December, Ukraine shipped 500 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat flour to Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine programme. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus on Dec. 30, marking the first official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in years. During the trip, he held talks with Syrias de-facto leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa. The visit follows the collapse of the Russia-backed regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, amid a large-scale rebel offensive. "This is the first visit of an official Ukrainian delegation to Syria in many years. It demonstrates our readiness to open a new chapter in bilateral relations with Syria," Sybiha said after the talks, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He outlined plans for potential cooperation, including joint ventures, the establishment of industrial and food production, technology exchanges, and collaboration in cybersecurity and information protection. "We also hope to see a greater share of Syrian goods in our imports," he added. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha meets the leaders of the Syrian administration in Damascus on Dec. 30. (Andrii Sybiha/X) During his visit, Sybiha also met with Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Bashir and Foreign Minister Asaad Hasan Al-Sheybani. Sybiha delivered a personal message from President Volodymyr Zelensky, pledging Ukraines support for Syrias stability and recovery. Earlier on Dec. 27, Zelensky announced that Ukraine had sent 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria as part of its "Grain from Ukraine" initiative. "This shipment will provide food for over 33,000 Syrian familiesor 167,000 Syriansfor a month. It is a free humanitarian aid package, and it is only the first batch. We are prepared to deliver significantly more," Sybiha said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine remains a guarantor of food security, helping others even in times of war. This stands in stark contrast to Russia, which exports bombs, death, and destruction to Syria, while Ukraine exports flour, life, and recovery." The minister also highlighted Ukraines readiness to restore diplomatic ties, trade, and educational exchanges with Syria, contingent on Syrias respect for international law, including Ukraines territorial integrity. He also announced that Ukraine is preparing to resume the education of Syrian students. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha meets the leaders of the Syrian administration in Damascus on Dec. 30. (Foreign Ministry) In his address, he also reflected on the atrocities the Russian-backed regime committed in Syria. "When we in Ukraine saw the horrifying images from the Sednaya prison, we immediately recalled the torture chambers in the territories liberated from Russian occupation. Ukraine is ready to share its experience in collecting evidence, conducting investigations, and holding war criminals accountable for their actions," Sybiha said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We firmly believe that, in the long term, eliminating Russia's presence in Syria will contribute to the stability of Syria itself, as well as the entire Middle East and Africaeven if it takes time." Read also: Fall of Assads regime disrupts Russian army recruitment in Syria Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who arrived in Damascus on a visit, said that Ukraine is ready to restore diplomatic relations with Syria and hopes that the new leadership will respect the country's territorial integrity. Source: Interfax-Ukraine, a Ukrainian news outlet Quote from Sybiha: "Under Moscow's influence, the Assad regime recognised Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea and temporary occupation of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. This forced Ukraine to break off diplomatic relations with the regime in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We assume that the new Syria will be a state that respects international law, including the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine." Details: Sybiha also expressed the hope that "mutual recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty will pave the way for the restoration of diplomatic relations, political dialogue and the work of diplomatic institutions". "We are ready and expect reciprocal steps from the Syrian side," he said. Sybiha noted that the resumption of diplomatic presence will help increase trade and cooperation in science, technology, culture and education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For reference: The regime of Bashar al-Assad had ruled Syria for 53 years before collapsing following a 12-day offensive by rebels, led by the Islamist militant group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The offensive ended with the capture of Damascus on 8 December. Hadi al-Bahra, head of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, announced plans to form a civilian government. Mohammed al-Bashir became Syria's new acting Prime Minister. Ousted President Bashar al-Assad and his family were granted asylum in Moscow. Background: A Ukrainian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is currently in Syria and has met with the de facto leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa. On 23 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Ukraine's Foreign Ministry to establish all necessary contacts with representatives of the people of Syria and rectify Assad's mistakes. On 27 December, Ukraine shipped 500 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat flour to Syria as part of the Grain from Ukraine programme. Support UP or become our patron! Ukraine's largest telecommunications operator, Kyivstar, signed an agreement to become one of the first countries with access to Starlink's direct-to-cell service, the Ukrainian telecom operator announced on Dec. 30. The new service will help stabilize the country's national communications infrastructure and is expected to launch messaging services toward the end of 2025, with voice and data transmission to follow, according to an announcement from Kyivstar. Telecom companies in Ukraine have periodically experienced network outages during the war due to hacks and blackouts. Cyberattacks have become an increasingly common tool employed by both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, the company reported that one large-scale cyber attack cost it nearly $100 million. According to the company's statement, Veon, the parent company of Kyivstar, has invested more than $10 billion in Ukraine since 2013 and has committed to invest another $1 billion in the restoration of digital infrastructure by 2027. Kyivstar serves around 23.3 million mobile subscribers and more than 1.1 million home internet subscribers. SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet terminals have played a crucial role in securing communications in the war in Ukraine. Last year, Ukraine said that approximately 42,000 terminals were in operation across the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about communications between Russian leaders and Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX. Russian forces have also been illegally using Starlink terminals for military purposes in Ukraine, though Musk denied any sales of the equipment to Russia. Read also: Democratic senators urge investigation into Musks calls with Russia, Reuters reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian police on Dec. 29 named the Russian commander who is suspected to be responsible for the murder of Iryna Filkina, the Ukrainian woman who came to symbolize the mass murder of civilians in Bucha in 2022. The photo of Filkina's hand with brightly painted fingernails went viral around the world, becoming one of the most well-known symbols of the massacre that Russian forces carried out against Ukrainian civilians in the Kyiv Oblast town in the early stages of the full-scale war. Russian officer Artyom Tarieiev, commander of the 234th Airborne Assault Regiment of the 76th Division of the Russian Airborne Forces, gave orders on March 5, 2022, to kill all civilians who appeared at an intersection during the occupation of Bucha, according to a statement by the Bucha City Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same day, Filkina was shot by more than 15 Russian bullets while riding a bicycle. Filkina was an employee of the Ukrainian hypermarket chain Epicenter. According to the National Police's investigation, 13 civilians were killed on the same street as a result of Tarieiev's order. "Identifying the suspect is an important step in the investigation of war crimes on the territory of Ukraine," said the Bucha City Council statement. "All those involved in the killings of civilians must be brought to justice internationally." After Bucha was liberated in March 2022, authorities uncovered mass graves of civilians who were killed during its occupation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2023, the Prosecutor General's Office said that more than 1,400 civilians were killed in Bucha District, including 637 in the city of Bucha, many of whom had gunshot wounds. The district figure included 37 children who were murdered by Russian forces. Read also: Ukraine struck hundreds of targets deep inside Russia in 2024. What did they achieve? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces launched 43 Shahed loitering munitions and other types of attack drones on Ukraine on the night of 29-30 December. Ukrainian air defence units have destroyed 21 of them, while 22 disappeared from radar. Source: Ukrainian Air Force Command on Telegram Quote: "The enemy attacked [Ukraine] with 43 Shahed-type attack UAVs and other types of drones from Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Russia, on the night of 29-30 December 2024 (starting at 19:00 on 29 December)." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The Air Force reported that 21 Shahed-type attack UAVs and decoy drones of other types had been shot down by anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare systems and mobile fire groups in Kharkiv, Poltava, Chernihiv, Odesa, Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. A further 22 Russian decoy drones disappeared from radar (causing no adverse effects). The fall of wreckage from downed UAVs damaged houses in Kharkiv and Odesa oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/rexford-industrial-price-target-lowered-to-47-from-48-at-scotiabank Safe and Green Development (SGD) is excited to share its expected timeline for completion of its joint venture developments in Southern Texas. The timeline below is only considering the existing portfolio of joint ventures; however, the company will look to continue to expand its portfolio of joint ventures and initiate development on its existing joint venture properties in Oklahoma and Georgia. 2025: The company expects to complete all 35 homes in the Sugar Developments throughout 2025. Additionally, the sitework for the 57 lots at Hacienda Olivia Phase II will be completed in the first quarter of 2025. The company then expects to build the first 20 homes of that development throughout the rest of the year. The goal for homes delivered in 2025 will be approximately 55 homes. In Q1 2025, the company will begin the sitework for Hacienda Olivia Phase IV for a total of approximately 113 lots with completion of the sitework expected in early 2026. 2026: The company expects to complete the remaining 37 homes from the Hacienda Olivia Phase II development throughout 2026. SGD expects to deliver 35 homes from the Hacienda Olivia Phase IV development throughout the year. The goal for homes delivered in 2026 is approximately 72 homes. Like the previous year, the company will begin sitework on Hacienda Olivia Phase III for 77 lots in Q1 of 2026. 2027: The company expects to complete the remaining 78 homes from the Hacienda Olivia Phase IV development throughout 2027. The company will also look to deliver 22 homes from the Hacienda Olivia Phase III development throughout the year. The goal for homes delivered in 2027 is approximately 100 homes. Don't Miss Our New Year's Offers: Discover the latest stocks recommended by top Wall Street analysts, all in one place with Analyst Top Stocks Make smarter investments with weekly expert stock picks from the Smart Investor Newsletter Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See the top stocks recommended by analysts >> Read More on SGD: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the European Union must be banned and replaced with supplies from the United States and other partners. "There is enough LNG gas on the market to not fund the criminal Russian regime with its agression, war crimes, and hybrid attacks," Sybiha wrote on X on Dec. 29. Sybihas statement came in response to a recent Financial Times report stating that Russian LNG imports to the EU "reached a record high" in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Financial Times, as of mid-December, the EU imported a record 16.5 million tonnes of Russian LNG, surpassing last years total of 15.18 million tonnes. The report noted the amount also exceeded the previous record of 15.21 million tonnes imported in 2022, citing data from analytics firm Kpler. In his statement, Sybiha called the imports "unacceptable" and reiterated that they should be replaced with supplies from the U.S. and other partners. On Dec. 27, Ukraine received its first shipment of U.S. LNG, which arrived via a terminal in Greece. While LNG exports have faced fewer sanctions than oil, recent restrictions have begun tightening around the sector. In June, the EU imposed historic sanctions on the Russian gas industry, including its first ban on LNG transshipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, while some EU countries like Germany no longer import Russian LNG directly, the German state energy company SEFE has a long-term contract with Russia's Yamal facility. The supplies from Yamal are routed to France before being fed into the European pipeline system. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen brought up the matter of Russian LNG in a phone conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump shortly after his Nov. 5 victory. Von der Leyen said she floated the idea of replacing Russian LNG with more imports from the U.S. "We still get a whole lot of LNG via Russia, from Russia," she said. "And why not replace it with American LNG, which is cheaper, and brings down our energy prices?" Read also: Ukraine receives 1st shipment of US LNG Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. U.S. and international energy companies are still eyeing projects in Mozambique despite reports of a massacre of scores of civilians by government troops and a raging Islamist insurgency that threatens the largest private investment in Africa. A door-to-door inquiry into the 2021 massacre identified at least 97 people who were slaughtered by Mozambican forces. After POLITICO reported on the deaths, European lawmakers and human rights activists called for investigations into the killings and the actions of the French energy giant TotalEnergies, which denies any culpability. TotalEnergies had engaged government security forces to guard the site in the midst of clashes between the government and an Islamist insurgent group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, despite further unrest following a disputed election in Mozambique and allegations that internationally funded energy projects have become a focus of insurgent anger U.S. and international companies are continuing to explore ways to tap into the southern African nations vast natural resources. U.S.-based Exxon Mobil, which has plans for its own gas project in Mozambique, told POLITICO it expects to make a final investment decision on its $30 billion Rovuma LNG project in 2026, which, if approved, is scheduled to ship its first cargo of the fuel by 2030. "We will continue to work in close collaboration with the Government of Mozambique and expect the security situation to stabilize and be managed through comprehensive, multi-layered security that builds on the lessons learned by [Exxon] and many others over the years, an Exxon spokesperson said. Meanwhile, the Australian-owned firm of Twigg Exploration and Mining, which received a $150 million loan from the federal U.S. Development Finance Corp., said it was moving ahead with its graphite mining project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the TotalEnergies Project itself which relies on U.S. equipment and services remains active. The U.S. Export-Import Bank, which helps fund overseas projects that involve U.S. companies, is still reviewing TotalEnergiess application for financing for its $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, an agency spokesperson told POLITICO. The decision will likely be left to the incoming Trump administration on whether to provide billions of dollars in project financing. Environmental group Friends of the Earth is pressuring the U.K. government to drop support for TotalEnergies Mozambique gas project, though the French company has said it had no knowledge of the alleged events described nor any information indicating that such events took place. Human-rights and environmental advocates have called on EXIM, as the import-export bank is known, to reject the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The TotalEnergies gas project follows a failed development model that promotes U.S. and European companies to extract fossil fuels while delivering few benefits to African citizens, said Collin Rees, U.S. program manager with environmental group Oil Change International. He said EXIM should reject a project that risks becoming an absolutely catastrophic human rights disaster, further destabilizing the region while producing more planet-heating fossil fuels. I think what you're seeing in this case is working hand-in-hand with a future Trump administration, essentially paving the way for this disastrous project to go forward, Rees said. EXIM announced in 2019 it would provide $5 billion in funding for the TotalEnergies project that would chill the Mozambique gas into a liquid form that can be exported by ship. It cut that figure to $4.7 billion before TotalEnergies suspended development under a force majeure declaration in 2021 after a previous ISIS massacre in March 2021 in the adjacent town of Palma, in which the jihadis killed 1,353 people and abducted another 209. Other Western-backed projects were also called force majeure until the security situation in the country improved. EXIM continues to conduct due diligence on the project operators plans to resume construction and development activities, an agency spokesperson said via email. As per its regular procedures, EXIM will review and evaluate any proposed changes to the terms of its approved financing of the Mozambique LNG project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EXIM is performing due diligence on the TotalEnergies project but there is no timetable for it to return to the banks board for a vote, a senior official at the agency said, and no disbursements have been made. The agency will have to establish that the situation in Mozambique is safe enough for investment. That it has yet to put consideration of the gas project on its official agenda to finalize the promised funding is likely a reflection that the four-person board is not comfortable making a decision yet. EXIM President and Board Chair Reta Jo Lewis is expected to resign her position with the change in administrations. But that would still leave the agencys executive board with two Democrats on the board, one of whom joined the remaining Republican to back the decision in 2019 to fund the project. It is unclear where the board members stand now given the latest security concerns and news of the alleged massacre at the TotalEnergies site. For its part, the Mozambique Defense Ministry has denied that its forces acted brutally or inappropriately in protecting the site, saying in a press release last fall that armed forces in the area had been exclusively focused on combatting terrorist acts, protecting populations and their assets, as well as ensuring security in areas threatened by terrorists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as POLITICO revealed details of the 2021 massacre allegations, security in Mozambique worsened. More than 100 people have died in protests against the government and intermittent general strikes after a disputed election in October. The State Department late last month lamented "escalating violence against civilians" in Mozambique, raising worries about deteriorating security in the southeastern African nation. The worsening security situation comes after Mozambique and TotalEnergies expressed concerns about the status of EXIM financing, according to a U.S. government summary statement of a Feb. 5 meeting between State and Energy department officials and Mozambique Ambassador Alfredo Fabiao Nuvunga that was reviewed by POLITICO. Nuvunga sought the meeting with State after a TotalEnergies representative urged him to get reassurance from the Biden administration on whether a pause on U.S. domestic LNG export license approvals would delay the EXIM financing for its planned facility, according to the meeting summary. State Department officials at the meeting said the pause would not affect that financing and offered to engage EXIM on whether a letter of comfort could be sent to Total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TotalEnergies declined to discuss the financing for its project. A State Department spokesperson did not confirm or deny details of the meeting. While the federal government continues to review the project, U.S. private investments in energy projects in Mozambique are expected to resume. Exxon leased the Mozambique Area 4 gas concession in December 2017 to tap into what are believed to be some of the worlds largest gas deposits, cooling the gas into LNG and shipping it to countries across the globe. But Mozambiques security later deteriorated to an extent that surprised Exxon officials, who had made office space in Maputo its local headquarters, said a person familiar with the plans. The bloodshed and unrest were major factors in Exxon putting off a final decision to invest in the Rovuma LNG project, said the person, who was granted anonymity to discuss internal company discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exxon was not aware of the alleged massacre at the TotalEnergies site when it occurred in 2021, the person said. Both TotalEnergies and Exxons projects are located on the Afungi Peninsula in the north of the country near the border with Tanzania. (Bloomberg) -- The US on Monday announced almost $5.9 billion in military and economic aid for Ukraine, some of the final funds to be disbursed under President Joe Biden before an expected shift in support by incoming President-elect Donald Trump. Most Read from Bloomberg The military aid includes $1.25 billion in so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority, which pulls weapons and ammunition from US stockpiles, and the final $1.22 billion from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Biden said in a statement. The aid includes air defense, artillery and other critical weapons systems, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, the Treasury Department announced the last $3.4 billion disbursement in direct budget support under last years Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. Ive directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible including drawing down older US equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the US defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons, Biden said in the statement. Trump has pledged to swiftly end the war in Ukraine once he takes office Jan. 20, saying he would be willing to both ramp up aid to Kyiv or end it completely to force both sides toward a settlement. Last week, Russia dismissed Trumps call for an immediate cease-fire, with the future of Ukraines relationship with NATO as a major sticking point. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the economic assistance, coordinated with the US Agency for International Development and Department of State, will help maintain critical government services as Russia intensifies attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military equipment from Pentagon inventories provided through the drawdown authority includes air-defense missiles, anti-tank weapons, and munitions for rocket systems and artillery. The Defense Department said in an email that Biden still has access to about $4.35 billion in drawdown authority, but officials have previously warned that withdrawing heavily from US stockpiles by the end of this term risks undermining US readiness. Whatever remains of the PDA after Biden leaves office will be available if Trump chooses to use it, it said. The separate security assistance funds will be used by Ukraine for long-term weapons contracts from US firms. The package announced Monday includes air defenses, air-to-ground munitions and drones, the Pentagon said. The US has provided more than $65 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russias February 2022 invasion. Ukraines military is struggling to fend off Russian advances in its east, and US officials said last week that Kyivs forces have lost about half the territory seized in Russias Kursk region and may lose the rest in a matter of months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement --With assistance from Michelle Jamrisko. (Updates with additional details about support from the seventh paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. A Germany-based artillery brigade is now the first Army unit fully equipped with the services next-generation Multiple Launch Rocket System. In November, soldiers with the 41st Field Artillery Brigade in Grafenwoehr, Germany, completed the replacement of their legacy M270A1 MLRS platforms with the A2 variant, according to an Army release. The major difference we have seen with the M270A2 is that they are a little bit faster and more mobile, said Capt. Kendal Peter, commander of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st FA Brigade. They have an improved cab that protects the soldiers which the M270A1 did not have, as well as a myriad of system upgrades that allow us to shoot faster and process missions more efficiently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Army eyes autonomous missile launcher and 1,000-kilometer strikes The M270, which has been in service since the early 1980s, is a tracked system built on the chassis of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle that can fire up to 12 guided rockets, four precision strike missiles or two ATACMS missiles, which have a 140-mile range. Other improvements with the new variant include a new engine, improved armored cabs, an upgraded transmission and a new common fire control system, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The A2 variant was first used in November during Exercise Dynamic Front 25. According to the release, the new equipment improved the soldiers live-fire artillery missions during the NATO exercise. Soldiers with the 41st Field Artillery Brigade occupy an M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System after a successful fire during exercise Dynamic Front 25 at Ravajarvi Training Area, Rovaniemi, Finland, Nov. 18, 2024. (Spc. Elijah Magana/Army) I am really looking forward to us being able to get in with our allies and execute long-range munition fires and seeing what we can do with them, Staff Sgt. Zariah Fernandez, a platoon sergeant with Charlie Battery, said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brigade is one of V Corps three permanently forward-deployed brigades. Being the only field artillery brigade that supports the European theater, we are the number one call when it comes to a conflict, Peter said. In April 2023, the Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $194 million contract for the A2 variant, as well as a $4.8 billion deal for the guided rockets. The company is also working on an extended-range version of the guided rocket, which would more than double the rockets roughly 40-mile range to more than 100 miles, Defense News reported. The M270A2 first arrived at the Armys Red River Depot in 2022 prior to unit fielding. Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom plan to adopt the new platform, according to the release. *Clarification: This article was updated to clarify the subordinate artillery units basing location. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has announced the disbursement of US$3.4 billion in direct budget support to Ukraine. Source: European Pravda with reference to the US Treasury Department Details: Yellen said on Monday that Ukraine needs critical resources amid intensified Russian attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. "Our direct budgetary support for Ukraine comes at a critical time when Russia is escalating its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Economic assistance from the United States and our allies is crucial for Ukraines ability to defend its sovereignty and achieve a just peace by maintaining the critical government services that underpin its brave fight," the minister said. This US$3.4 billion in assistance, coordinated with the US Agency for International Development and the US Department of State, is the final disbursement of funds under the bipartisan Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024. "Our direct budget support continues to be conditioned on reforms related to strengthening law enforcement, improving transparency and efficiency of government institutions, and bolstering anti-corruption rules and procedures," the secretary said. The latest disbursement brings the total amount of US budgetary assistance to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022 to just over US$30 billion. Most of these funds are used to support the work of the Ukrainian government by paying salaries to teachers and other civil servants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraines success is in Americas core national interest," Yellen said, vowing to continue to put pressure on Moscow through sanctions and help strengthen Ukraine to achieve a just peace. "We must not retreat in this effort," she said. The latest funding comes on top of the US$20 billion US portion of the US$50 billion Group of Seven loan to Ukraine that the US Treasury transferred to the World Bank's Ukraine Intermediary Fund earlier this month. The funds are backed by the proceeds of frozen Russian sovereign assets. Background: On Monday, 30 December, US President Joe Biden announced that the US will provide security assistance packages worth almost US$2.5 billion to Ukraine. One of the packages includes the transfer of weapons from Pentagon warehouses, including air defence equipment, which means that weapons and equipment will be delivered to Ukraine relatively quickly. Support UP or become our patron! The American-Uyghur community received a parting present from President Joe Biden: a renewal of Global Magnitsky human rights sanctions that ensures that the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, which was due to sunset next year, stays in place till at least mid-2030. Its a gift of hope for Uyghurs, Omer Kanat, executive director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project, an advocacy organization in Washington, D.C., said in a statement. Congressional leaders stand with the Uyghur people to dial up the pressure to end the atrocities in our homeland. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress on Dec. 19, then signed by Biden three days later, incorporates the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Reauthorization Act of 2024, as introduced by Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and James McGovern (D-Mass.) in their respective chambers in May to extend authorities to impose sanctions under certain laws relating to Hong Kong, Tibet and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The United States must continue to send a clear message that we will not be complicit in the Chinese governments persecution and genocide of Uyghur Muslims. Uyghurs and other ethnic groups in Xinjiang are being tortured, imprisoned, enslaved, forced into labor, and pressured to abandon their religious and cultural practices by the Chinese government, Merkley said at the time. Passing this bill is vital to holding China accountable for these grave human rights violations while protecting the victims of this genocide. Lawmakers also greenlit, for the first time, two extensions of the ban on Uyghur forced-labor-made imports in the United States to goods used by the Department of Defense elsewhere in the world: A procurement ban on the use of federal funds to buy any solar energy products made in the Uyghur region or any other place in China, which are known to be produced with forced labor and a requirement that the agency report to Congress about the policies and procedures it has to verify that it isnt buying seafood originating from China, where several fishing companies were found to be working with authorities to recruit and employ Uyghurs under coercive conditions. We thank the Republicans and Democrats who came together in the House and the Senate to re-authorize the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020, to ensure that sanctions continue, Kanat said. The United States will provide Ukraine with $15 billion, backed by future revenues from frozen Russian assets, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Dec. 30. The agreement was signed between Ukraine's Finance Ministry and the World Bank, Shmyhal said. "These funds are part of the PEACE in Ukraine project and represent a portion of the $20 billion U.S. contribution under the G7 initiative, which will be allocated to social and humanitarian expenditures," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We thank the United States and the World Bank for implementing and supporting this initiative, which forces Russia to pay for its aggression against Ukraine," he added/ Shmyhal previously announced on Dec. 20 that Ukraine had already begun receiving U.S. funds under the framework of the G7's $50 billion loan program, covered by profits from frozen Russian assets. On Dec. 24, Ukraine received $1 billion from the United States in profits from these assets, according to Shmyhal. Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in London condemned a similar plan by the U.K. to transfer more than 2 billion pounds ($2.5 billion) to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets, calling it a "fraudulent scheme." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loans were agreed upon in July by G7 leaders comprising the U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States along with senior European Union officials. The majority of the frozen Russian assets are held in EU countries. Read also: Japan to transfer $3 billion from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Zelensky says Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The United States made a $3.4 billion payment in direct budget support to Ukraine, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Dec. 30. The payment is the final portion of funds allocated under the bipartisan Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act 2024, Yellen's statement read. "Economic assistance from the United States and our allies is crucial for Ukraines ability to defend its sovereignty and achieve a just peace by maintaining the critical government services that underpin its brave fight," the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our direct budget support continues to be conditioned on reforms related to strengthening law enforcement, improving transparency and efficiency of government institutions, and bolstering anti-corruption rules and procedures." Earlier in the day, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine. The latest security package includes immediate and long-term military support, including air defense systems, artillery, and other critical weaponry. The announcements come a few weeks before Biden's term ends, and Donald Trump becomes the new U.S. president. Under the Biden administration, the U.S. provided more than $60 billion in military aid and $26 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in December, the U.S. announced the disbursement of $20 billion for Ukraine as part of the G7's $50 billion loan covered by frozen Russian assets' proceeds. Read also: Biden announces $2.5 billion security assistance package for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Thawani Pay, one of Omans biggest platforms for smart payment solutions, has partnered with Takaful Oman Insurance to introduce a motor insurance product through the Thawani App. The collaboration aims to transform customer experience by enabling users to easily obtain motor insurance, with plans to expand into comprehensive offerings in the near future. Harnessing the power of technology, the partnership is poised to set new benchmarks for accessibility and convenience in the insurance sector. Majid Al Amri, Founder and CEO of Thawani Pay, stated: Thawani has been at the forefront of innovation in Oman and our collaboration with Takaful Oman opens new avenues for our users, allowing them to access motor insurance directly through the Thawani App. This joint venture simplifies the insurance process and enhances accessibility, empowering our expanding user base with seamless transactions and payment options. Together, we are redefining the insurance experience, making it more convenient and integrated into their daily lives. Neelmani Bhardwaj, CEO of Takaful Oman Insurance commented: "We aspire to be the most technologically advanced insurer, delivering exceptional customer experiences through innovative digital solutions. Partnering with Thawani aligns perfectly with this goal, as they share our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. By streamlining the policy purchase process, insurance is more accessible than ever and significantly expands our market reach. This collaboration promises to transform how customers interact with insurance services, providing a seamless and flexible experience that meets their evolving needs. Merging Thawani Pays platform with Takaful Oman Insurances industry expertise, this partnership represents an advancement in insurance services in Oman Customers can conveniently obtain motor insurance through the Thawani App, conducting transactions and making payments via cards registered on the app or their Thawani wallet, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Thawani Technologies is an Omani company specialising in providing smart payment solutions while holding a global certificate in card security. Licensed by the Central Bank of Oman, the company has been providing payment solutions in financial technology to expedite payments processes, improve user experiences and make payments safer, faster and easier. "Thawani Pay partners with Takaful Oman to offer motor insurance to app users" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. The United States will allocate US$15 billion to Ukraine, secured by future proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Source: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Telegram Details: He said that the agreement was signed between Ukraine's Finance Ministry and the World Bank. Quote: "This funding is part of the PEACE in Ukraine project and includes US$20 billion pledged by the United States under the G7 initiative. The funds will be allocated to cover social and humanitarian needs," Shmyhal said. Background: Ukraine received US$1 billion from the United States, backed by proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Japan will provide Ukraine with an additional US$3 billion, also secured by frozen Russian assets. Support UP or become our patron! The Department of Justice in downtown Washington DC, USA. (Getty Images) A Utah-based film producer was sentenced last week to six years in prison after he was convicted of evading taxes and forcibly retaking his Cedar Hills home that was seized and sold at auction, allegedly using firearms and sandbags to fortify it. For years, Paul Kenneth Cromar ran Blue Moon Productions, a freelance film production company. According to his LinkedIn profile, Cromar directed TV infomercials, worked on animated features and produced several video projects for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX But, according to court documents, Cromar didnt pay any taxes from 1999 through 2005 after an audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, determined Cromar owed over $703,000 in taxes, interest and penalties. Over the next 10 years, Cromar did not make any payments on his debt while taking steps to obstruct the IRSs ability to collect his delinquent taxes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. With his debt ballooning to over $1 million, in 2019 a federal judge ordered Cromars Cedar Hills home to be sold at auction. Cromar, according to federal prosecutors, tried stopping the sale of his home by filing false documents on the propertys title and with the IRS, while intimidating potential buyers and filing several lawsuits in federal court against IRS employees. Cromar, according to police records, refused to leave the home. Before a sale was finalized, he allegedly broke into the house and occupied it for five months. According to a 2020 probable cause affidavit filed with Provos Fourth District Court, Cromar invited several members from an armed militia (to) come to his house to protect him. The home was fortified with wooden boards and sandbags, prosecutors said, and no trespassing signs were placed out front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Cromar was convicted and sentenced in state court for burglary, a second-degree felony, and wrongful appropriation, a third-degree felony. In June, a federal jury found Cromar guilty of tax evasion and forcibly retaking property. On Dec. 23, he was sentenced to a total of six years in prison and three years of supervised release after. As a condition of his supervised release, Cromar was ordered to pay roughly $723,028 in restitution to the U.S. government. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) One person is in custody after a man was shot and killed on Virginia Beach Boulevard Monday afternoon, Virginia Beach Police said. According to officials, just after midday, officers were dispatched to the 5400 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard in the Hunters Mill Shoppes for reports of a shooting, with the investigation appearing to focus on the Happy Smoke retail location. That area of Virginia Beach Boulevard is between North Witchduck Road and Newtown Road. Police said the man died before paramedics were able to take him to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scene had been active and police had been urging residents to avoid the area while they investigate, but the shopping center reopened around 4:30 p.m. A window at the Happy Smoke location was shattered and blood could be seen on the floor inside the business. Though it is not clear whether the shooting took place inside or outside the business, no blood was seen on the outside. [It was] very scary, said Peace Ledi, who was at the shopping center Monday. And this is my first time of seeing something like this. I was so scared. I dont know what is happening. Its so frightening. We dont want to see this in the area, not at all. A police forensics unit arrived to the scene around 6 p.m. No additional details on the incident have been provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. 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 WAVY.com. When Roger Utnehmer stepped up in summer 2024 to serve as a district governor for Rotary Clubs in northern Wisconsin, he decided to help steer the clubs toward making amends with Ojibwe tribes. Rotary needs to channel goodwill and behavior toward our American Indian neighbors, he said. Every (Rotary) club meets on stolen Indian land. Utnehmer ran a radio station in northern Wisconsin during the 1990s at the height of the so-called Walleye Wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a period when many non-tribal residents organized massive protests that often devolved into violence against Ojibwe spearfishers at Wisconsin boat landings. The courts had affirmed Ojibwe off-reservation and off-season fishing rights, as agreed in treaties with the U.S. government, in exchange for the government taking millions of acres of Ojibwe land. Many non-tribal residents felt that Ojibwe people were being given special privileges not afforded to them, and expressed their frustration through protests. Utnehmer visited some of these boat landing protests during the 90s and was sickened by what he saw, and would make public comments about it on his radio station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was impressed by Tom Maulson (former Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe president) and his restraint in the face of the most vile and ignorant racism you can imagine, he said. Utnehmer said he witnessed tribal members being spit on and having their vehicle tires slashed by mobs of angry people. Utnehmer said northern Wisconsin communities are still divided over spearfishing, as well as other issues concerning Indigenous peoples, such as school mascots and road easements. There are still about two dozen school districts in Wisconsin that use race-based Native American mascots, even though officials from every tribal nation in the state have expressed their opposition to their use. The road easement issue most recently is a dispute on the Lac du Flambeau Reservation over use of roads on tribal land by non-tribal residents to access their properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utnehmer said Rotary Clubs have started to foster understanding by inviting tribal speakers to their meetings to talk about some of the issues from a tribal perspective. Some of the speakers who have been invited include: Greg Biskakone Johnson, Ojibwe tribal rights advocate; Artley Skenandore, Oneida High School principal; Patty Loew, longtime Wisconsin media personality and broadcast journalist, whos Ojibwe; and Norbert Hill, Jr., an esteemed educator of the Oneida Nation. Utnehmer said some clubs have started reading land acknowledgements before their meetings that recognize that they are on Indigenous land. He said some of his Indigenous friends tell him such acknowledgements are nice, but what they really want is their land back. Utnehmer said he believes land acknowledgements are an important first step to helping non-tribal people understand the tribal perspective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said non-tribal people can start to empathize by understanding treaty rights and how Indigenous peoples have had their land taken, as well as their language and culture crushed by American society. Utnehmer hopes Rotary Clubs can help foster relationships with tribal nations and even assist in Indigenous-led service projects. We can start opening minds and opening hearts, he said. Utnehmer said Rotary Clubs in other parts of the country have already started healing relationships with Indigenous peoples. One example: Donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to provide clean water to tribes on reservations in New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Rotary Clubs in northern Wisconsin, so far, have been receiving this new initiative well and the speaking events have been very informative. Utnehmers district includes 42 Rotary Clubs across northern Wisconsin, with nearly 1,200 members. Sign up for the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter Click here to get all of our Indigenous news coverage right in your inbox Frank Vaisvilas is a former Report for America corps member who covers Native American issues in Wisconsin based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact him at fvaisvilas@gannett.com or 815-260-2262. Follow him on Twitter at @vaisvilas_frank. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rotary Club leader in northern Wisconsin healing relations with tribes Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander died Sunday night, local leaders have confirmed. She was 73. Alexander scaled back her duties as mayor after being diagnosed with cancer. Assistant City Manager Kelly Baker confirmed the mayors death, The Salisbury Post said, describing her as a legitimately warm individual who cared greatly about the city, its people and everyone who worked for it. ALSO: Belmont mayor dies after suffering stroke Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield said Alexander was not only a visionary leader, she was a mentor and a friend whose passion for this city knew no bounds. Sheffield added, Karen was not just a colleague but a dear friend, and she will be profoundly missed. She was truly a Mayor for all and I want to personally thank her family for sharing her with us. City Manager Jim Greene said Alexander consistently put the needs of Salisburys residents first. We are grateful for her enduring contributions and will honor her memory by continuing her work of creating a Salisbury for all, Greene said. Alexander was in her fourth term as mayor. Details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared once they are finalized. (VIDEO: Once you knew her, you loved her: Friend remembers woman killed in Salisbury) WACO, Texas (FOX 44) Waco Transit System (WTS) has announced the return of its Safe Ride Home program this New Years Eve. The program offers free rides to and from destinations for individuals who may otherwise be tempted to drive under the influence. WTS says this life-saving initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of Wacos streets during one of the most vulnerable nights of the year. Safe Ride Home is in partnership with Tow King, and also includes free vehicle tows for those needing an unexpected safe ride. WTS says Tow Kings service ensures both passengers and their vehicles can arrive home safely, removing additional barriers to making responsible choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea behind Safe Ride Home is to support responsible drinking and, ultimately, save lives. This has been a very successful program which WTS offers annually as a free service to the community. WTS says it could not offer this free program without all the support received from the Waco community. Safe Ride Home has become a trusted resource for residents, which was made possible through the contributions of Ben E. Keith as well as and donations from Subway and Chuys. This is the Safe Ride Home programs 19th year. Service hours are from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. on New Years Eve. You can call (254) 750-1620 to schedule your free trip or determine your coverage area (within the Waco urbanized area). Group bookings are also available. The groups need to be picked up and dropped off at the same location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reservations are preferred, but same-day requests will also be accepted (based on availability). Free vehicle tows can be arranged by calling Tow King directly at (254) 666-5484. For more information about the Safe Ride Home program, you can call (254) 750- 750-1620. 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 KWKT - FOX 44. A big change is coming in how the Wake County school system pays bus drivers and cafeteria workers. Starting in January, Wake County school bus drivers and child nutrition employees will begin getting paid twice a month instead of having all their monthly pay in one installment. These 1,350 people are the first group of Wake school employees who will make the transition to a twice-monthly payroll. The change wont increase how much people are paid. Its been promoted as a way to help employees improve their ability to manage their finances. But its also going to be an adjustment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are going to need to make some changes in how they budget their funds, pay their bills, Wake Schools Chief Business Officer David Neter told the school board recently. Workers support payroll change State law requires certified staff, such as teachers, to be paid once a month. But state law doesnt prevent school districts from paying hourly workers and other non-certified staff twice a month. Most North Carolina school districts pay their employees once a month. But Wake school board members urged the payroll change for non-teachers even as staff cited the logistical problems for a switch. The school board voted in March to make the switch for 6,364 non-teachers. Board members cited how 62% of the employees who responded to an anonymous survey said they wanted to make the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support was even higher among hourly workers, such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers, where 70% were in favor of the change. Hourly workers are among the lowest paid in the district with a minimum salary of $17.75 per hour. Brandon Johnson, a Wake County school bus driver, makes a loop around Jesse O. Sanderson High School in this 2019 file photo. Bus drivers are among the first group of Wake County school employees who will be paid twice a month beginning January 2025. Instructional assistants, or what used to be called teacher assistants, would be the largest single group affected by the change. Out of the 1,790 responses, 66% supported moving to two paychecks a month. Finance staff are phasing in the changes, they say, to make the transition go smoother. Phase 1 in January is for bus drivers and cafeteria workers. Phase 2 for the other eligible employees will be in July. Free financial literacy training for employees During the school boards retreat in December, school finance staff said theyre on track to make the payroll shift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bus drivers and cafeteria workers will begin getting paid twice a month on Jan. 15. Their next paycheck will be on Jan. 31. Administrators told the board that theyve been working hard to communicate the change so it wont be a surprise. This includes providing employees with free access to financial literacy training. It is a change in their payment, Trisha Posey, Wakes finance officer, told the board. There will be a change in how they budget their funds, and so we wanted to provide free access to those resources. Even with the communication, Neter, the chief business officer, told the board they expect to get questions from employees when the change happens in mid-January. There is someone in our own backyard who worked closely with President Carter. Margaret McKenna served as undersecretary of education and deputy white house counsel for the Carter administration. Shes also the former President of Lesley University and a past fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. McKenna spoke with anchor and reporter Kerry Kavanaugh to reflect on her time working under the Carter administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was only interested in the best interest of the American people. Said McKenna. He had very little concern about his own status and political blowback. He wanted to do whats right. McKenna, when asked what President Carter will be remembered for, said that he was a man who was a model of integrity, purpose, and courage. When asked what was the most overlooked part of his Presidency, McKenna said the strides he made towards women. In those 4 four years, he was in office, we put more than 40 women on the federal bench. Carter was a large gender equality activist throughout his 4-year tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you imagine not being able to get a credit card in your name? Or a mortgage? But at that time you could not. You had to have your father or your husband sign. He changed all of that. He created Title IX. He created domestic shelters for women who were being abused. Mckenna says Carter was also the first American President to talk about human rights, internationally. Something that he continued well beyond his presidency. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Dec. 29Regional lawmakers expressed their condolences, sharing memories and accomplishments of former President Jimmy Carter punctuated social media Sunday after the 39th president died at 100 as the oldest-living U.S. president in history. Prior to and during his presidency, Carter visited Washington state on more than one occasion. Years later, lawmakers from the Evergreen State took to social media to recognize the peanut farmer turned president and Nobel Prize winner. Gov. Jay InsleeOutgoing Washington Gov. Jay Inslee posted on the social media site X commending Carter's position on renewable energy. Carter famously installed solar panels near the White House at his presidential inauguration, and went on to promote individual energy conservation to preserve natural gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are many reasons to reflect on the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter," Inslee wrote. "One is the vision he had for renewable energy that is now being realized. Reagan took down Carter's White House solar panels, but now they are sprouting up all over the country." Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson Washington Attorney General and incoming Gov. Bob Ferguson shared a photo on Facebook of Carter speaking at a news conference after the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, behind him in the photo is then-Gov. Dixy Lee Ray with a hand over his face. "Jimmy Carter was a great American and lived a life devoted to service," Ferguson's post read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Maria Cantwell Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, who represents Washington, shared a memo with a statement on Carter's death, also applauding his environmental emphasis. "President Carter was one of the first Presidents to truly understand the value of protecting and preserving our nation's public lands and waters. We owe preservation of premiere Alaskan wilderness and many other wild places to his leadership," she wrote. Sen. Patty Murray Patty Murray, a Democratic senator alongside Cantwell, posted on X a recognition of Carter's continued efforts after his one term in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Jimmy Carter lived a life of public service long after he left the White House. His kindness and compassion whether through his philanthropy here at home or his tireless efforts to broker peace around the world were a model for all Americans. He will be greatly missed," she wrote. Idaho Gov. Brad Little Republican Gov. Brad Little of Idaho highlighted Carter's dedication for "service to others" on X. "Jimmy Carter will be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to his country," Little wrote. "His time in the Navy, as Governor of Georgia, President of the United States, and his humanitarian efforts after, remind us of the importance of service of others. May he rest in peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Jim RischIdaho's Republican Sen. Jim Risch posted on X on behalf of himself and wife Vicki Risch. "God bless President Carter and his late wife Rosalynn. His service to our country and faith-based efforts to help those in need deserve respect and gratitude," Risch wrote. "Vicki and I send our condolences to the Carter family." Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson Republican Idaho Rep. Mike Simpson, representing the state's 2nd Congressional District, took to X to share thoughts and prayers from himself and wife Kathy Simpson. "Kathy and I are saddened to hear of the passing of President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a dedicated champion for Habitat for Humanity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carter family during this difficult time," he wrote. Elena Perry'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. Va Tech Wabag (Wabag) has secured a 78m ($82m) contract for wastewater treatment plants in Zambia from Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC), which is funded by the European Investment Bank and Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau. The design, build and operate (DBO) contract involves engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of two wastewater treatment plants in Ngwerere and Chunga in Zambia. The plants have capacities of 54 megalitres per day (MLD) and 19MLD, respectively. The EPC phase will last 36 months, followed by 24 months of operation and maintenance. Wabag aims to meet most of the energy needs for the plants through sustainable sources, using biogas and solar power. This project is part of Wabags strategy to provide comprehensive water solutions in Africa. Wabag sales and marketing (Africa) head Guhan Kandasamy said: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to LWSC for their confidence in Wabag to deliver one of Zambias largest and most advanced sanitation projects in the recent decades. Through this project, Wabag is proud to contribute significantly to the Zambian governments mission to enhance water and sanitation infrastructure, positively impacting countless lives. Wabag has designed and built over 1,500 water and wastewater treatment plants worldwide in the last 30 years. The company operates in more than 25 countries. In May this year, Wabag introduced "BLUE SEED," an initiative aimed at driving innovation and supporting start-ups in the water sector. This programme seeks to identify and invest in early-stage water technology ventures with growth potential. By offering funding, resources, and guidance, Wabag aims to empower these "Waterpreneurs" to develop sustainable solutions for a secure water future. "Wabag receives $82m contract for wastewater treatment plants in Zambia" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The Washington state Capitol on Nov. 11, 2024. (Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) New restrictions on cosmetics tested on animals, tougher penalties for negligent drivers, requirements for hospitals to offer drugs to people possibly exposed to HIV. These are among the changes in Washington state law set to take effect Jan. 1, 2025. Washington state lawmakers passed roughly 340 bills during the 2024 legislative session, which wrapped up in March. Most took effect in July, but some wont until the new year arrives. A few laws approved in 2023 are also taking effect then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a look at some highlights: Cosmetics testing on animals Cosmetics manufacturers will be barred from selling products in Washington that were tested on animals. There are some limited exceptions for example, if a cosmetic was tested outside the U.S. to comply with a foreign countrys regulations. Companies that run afoul of the law could face fines of up to $5,000 for each violation. Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV Hospitals in Washington will need to have policies to provide post-exposure prophylaxis drugs used to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure. The 28-day treatment must be taken within 72 hours of exposure to be effective. Supporters of the bill said it addresses obstacles that sexual assault survivors, first responders, and others can encounter trying to get these medications, such as pharmacies not stocking the drugs, or doctors unfamiliar with prescribing the treatment. State IDs for people in state custody or care State agencies will have to provide valid state identification cards or drivers licenses to individuals who want one upon release from prisons, psychiatric hospitals, and other state rehabilitation or treatment centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The requirement covers people held at facilities run by the Department of Corrections and the Department of Social and Health Services. The agencies will have to pay the application fees and ensure people have a photo that can be used for the ID cards. Obtaining an ID cannot cause a delay in a persons release. Workplace protections for strippers More commonly known as the strippers bill of rights, this law added new workplace protections for adult entertainers. Some parts of the law which also cleared the way for alcohol sales in strip clubs already took effect earlier this year. Beginning Jan. 1, new training requirements will be in place for strip club employees. Employees other than entertainers will need to complete third-party training on topics like preventing sexual harassment and discrimination, identifying and reporting human trafficking, de-escalating conflicts between dancers and patrons, and providing first aid. Clubs must also offer entertainers the option to participate in the training. Another part of the law taking effect Jan. 1 is intended to block clubs from charging dancers excessive fees. There will be other new requirements for clubs as well, such as having dedicated security guards, installing keypad locks on doors to dressing rooms, and maintaining written policies for responding to problem customers. Increased cash assistance payments The Diversion Cash Assistance program provides families in tough financial situations with emergency grants that can be used for expenses like housing, food, or medical costs. The monthly income limit to qualify for the program for a family of four is $771. Its open to families who dont want to receive aid from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides monthly cash payments. Beginning Jan. 1, the maximum Diversion Cash Assistance payment a person can receive in a year will rise to $2,000 from $1,250. New penalties for negligent driving Negligent drivers who hit and kill pedestrians, cyclists, or other vulnerable road users can be charged with a new type of gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in prison, a $5,000 fine, and suspension of driving privileges for 90 days. State law defines negligent as doing something or failing to do something that a reasonably careful person would or wouldnt do in a similar situation. People can still face harsher penalties for other types of deadly crashes, such as those involving intoxication or reckless driving. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: ISRO India successfully launched twin satellites on the country's first-ever space docking test flight on Monday (Dec. 30), a mission that aims to demonstrate a key technology the country will need to build its own space station and return moon samples to Earth. The India Space Research Organisation will launch the two small satellites of its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) atop an Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on Monday. Liftoff occurred on time at 11:30 a.m. EST (10 p.m. IST, 1628 GMT) from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm really happy to announce the successful accomplishment of the launch of PSLV 60 for the SpaDeX mission," ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said shortly after the launch in a live webcast. "The rocket has placed the satellites in the right orbit." If all goes well, the first docking attempt could occur by Jan. 7, he added. The SpaDeX mission is made up of two satellites, a Target and a Chaser, on a mission to test autonomous docking technology in orbit. But ISRO hopes to do more than just test automatic docking gear. The mission also includes a secondary payload module with 24 different experiments aboard, including a small robotic arm, which are riding aboard the PSLV rocket's fourth stage independent of the SpaDeX satellites. Scientists hope to test the arm and other payloads after docking in a payload operations demonstration while also test dual spacecraft control and power transfer between the docked spacecraft. "This technology is essential for India's space ambitions such as Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), etc.," ISRO officials wrote in an mission overview, using the official name to India's planned space station. "In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The docking technology is vital ISRO's planned Chandrayaan-4 mission to the moon, which aims to return samples to Earth from the lunar south pole. A sample-return vehicle will have to dock in lunar orbit to transfer to sample to a return capsule. The ability to dock autonomously is also required for space station construction and operation as ISRO develops its human spaceflight program. Two small boxy spacecraft with docking ports face to face The SpaDeX docking demonstation is expected to take place in early 2025 while the Target and Chaser spacecraft fly in low Earth orbit 290 miles (470 kilometers) above Earth. The two spacecraft, each weighing 485 pounds (220 kilograms), are expected to test rendezvous operations from as far apart as just over 12 miles (20 km), with the Chaser vehicle approaching closer over time for the final docking. "After successful docking and rigidization, electrical power transfer between the two satellites will be demonstrated before undocking and separation of the two satellites to start the operation of their respective payloads for the expected mission life of up to two years," ISRO officials said in the mission overview. An Indian rocket nose cone nearly clamped together Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The non-docking payloads are flying on SpaDeX aboard ISRO's PS4-Orbital Experiment Module, or POEM-4, which "the scientific community to carry out certain in-orbit microgravity experiments for an extended duration of up to three months," ISRO officials wrote. Fourteen of the experiments were developed by ISRO officials, with the remaining 10 being flown for universities and commercial startups. The ISRO payloads include novel technologies for the space agency, such as a "walking robotic arm" that can move end over end like an inchworm, similar to the CanadArm2 robotic arm on the International Space Station. There is also a "Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator, a robotic arm that will attempt to catch tethered "debris" in a space junk cleanup test. You can see a full list of the different payloads on the ISRO mission site here. ISRO's SpaDex launch is expected to be the penultimate rocket launch of 2024. It follows on the heels of a two Falcon 9 rocket launches in three days by SpaceX, with one final Falcon 9 launch set for Dec. 31. Editor's note: This story was updated on Dec. 30 to reflect the successful launch of India's Space Docking Experiment mission. Three expensive watches stolen from Keanu Reeves home last year were tracked down in Chile, authorities said Saturday. One of the stolen watches was a $9,000 Rolex Submariner that was engraved with Reeves name and a personal message related to the film John Wick 4. Police in Chile raided four homes in and around the capital city of Santiago and recovered a number of stolen goods, CNN Chile reported. A 21-year-old man, who was not publicly identified, was arrested in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chilean police were investigating a robbery and burglary crew they believed was responsible for several local robberies, the Los Angeles Times reported. The watches were swiped from Reeves Hollywood Hills home in December 2023, according to police. Reeves was not home at the time when four masked men broke into the residence and made off with several items. Among the stolen goods was the Rolex Submariner, which was engraved with the message, 2021, JW4, thank you, The John Wick Five. Reeves had gifted the same watches to the stuntmen who worked with him on John Wick 4, the latest installment in the John Wick series. Coincidentally, the first John Wick film begins with thieves breaking into the home of Reeves character and killing his dog, setting him on an epic revenge tour. However, the real life thieves probably have less to worry about. You can never say never, Reeves told CBS Mornings last week, speaking of a possible fifth John Wick film. But my knees right now are saying You cant do another John Wick. _______ WATERFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Waterford police are asking for the publics help to find a person who robbed a gas station at knifepoint on Sunday. The person robbed the Bestway gas station at about 7:30 p.m., according to police. After stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, the robber then ran off on Bank Street into New London. The suspect was wearing a large black jacket, gray pants, black sneakers, black gloves and a black mask that had cutout eye and mouth holes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 WTNH.com. Dec. 30The Shell Rock River Watershed District on Friday sold about 35 acres of the former Albert Lea Country Club to the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency for about $258,000 with closing costs. Watershed District Administrator Andy Henschel said the sale has been in the works since the spring. "I think the board is excited to see something happen out there," Henschel said. "I think it has a lot of potential out there for whatever ALEDA has planned for it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The watershed district had initially purchased the land in 2013 as a staging area for the dredging of Fountain Lake, but it was ultimately not used for that purpose. He said they were close to a sale on the property with other developers at two different times, but it was difficult to sell because of the requirements the district was expected to fulfill. ALEDA Executive Director Phillip Johnson said ALEDA and the city of Albert Lea are actively working with a group on a housing development at the site, but said he could not release any further information until they get further in the process. The district had initially purchased 50 acres but used the remainder for wetland credits when it constructed the confined disposal facility north of Interstate 90 for the dredging material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district will retain ownership of the ponds at the site. Henschel said the money from the sale will go back to the district's general fund and will likely be put toward the third phase of dredging on Fountain Lake. District officials are meeting at the Capitol with state Sen. Gene Dornink, state Rep. Peggy Bennett and leaders of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Jan. 7 in hopes of moving toward the permit approval of the last phase of dredging. If the permit is approved by the end of January, the district will put the project out for bids shortly after that with the goal of dredging starting still in 2025. ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) After record warmth Sunday (and near record warmth again today as we were 62 just after midnight), colder air has returned to the region. Colder is obviously a relative description. Rochester is still in the 40s and will remain above freezing with just a few showers overnight. By next week, well be considering todays cold downright tropical. Windy conditions will relent into the night as low pressure pulls northeast. Hot on the heels, however, is a second low set to drive more rain after dark Tuesday. Our New Years Eve will be mainly cloudy but dry until the sun sets. From there, scattered rain showers will overspread WNY to ring in the new year. As colder air pours in behind this low, rain will transition to snow New Years Day and mark the start of an extended lake effect event. WINTER STORM WATCHES ARE UP FOR WYOMING AND WAYNE COUNTIES FROM WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY Lake effect snow will linger into the end of the week and into the weekend. Where these bands persist (especially across Wyoming & Wayne), significant accumulation will be possible. For everyone else, totals will be much more limited. The cold will not be limited, however. Once we drop below freezing Thursday, theres a compelling argument we might not see freezing again for several weeks. DEEP FREEZE: There is overwhelming evidence supporting an extended deep freeze coming to WNY. Euro ensembles suggest that once we drop below 32 Thursday, we don't come close to sniffing freezing again through at least the middle part of January. pic.twitter.com/KWyQPA0yIu Eric Snitil (@EricSnitilWx) December 30, 2024 8-Day Forecast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 RochesterFirst. Finland accused a Russian ship of dragging its anchor to sever undersea cables in the Baltic. Officials said the vessel, Eagle S, is part of a "shadow fleet" transporting sanctioned oil. The EU believes Russia is responsible for incidents that have disrupted power and internet service. Western nations have long suspected that Russia has been deliberately severing vital underseas cables but without much to prove it. That may have changed after officials in Finland pointed to an unusually vivid piece of evidence tied to a Russia-linked ship. Finnish officials on Sunday said they found miles and miles of tracks on the bed of the Baltic Sea that indicate a Russia-linked tanker could be responsible for slicing a cluster of valuable data and power cables. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sami Paila, the detective chief inspector of Finland's National Bureau of Investigation, said "dragging marks" from an aging tanker's anchor had been found beneath the Baltic Sea near the cables, Reuters reported. "The track is dozens of kilometers in length," Paila said. Germany's foreign minister on Friday cited the incident as a "wake-up call," saying it would be naive to consider it an accident. The minister, Annalena Baerbock, pushed for further European sanctions on the so-called "shadow fleet" of ships tied to Russia. Finnish officials boarded the Eagle S after the Estlink 2 subsea cable carrying electricity and four other cables carrying data were damaged on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estlink 2 is one of two cables carrying electricity between Finland and Estonia. Officials have said it might not be functional again until August, Reuters reported. The Finnish telecommunications firm Cinia said the damage caused disruptions in internet communications between Rostock, Germany, and Helsinki and could take weeks to repair. This is the latest in a series of similar incidents in the Baltic region. The Eagle S, registered in the Cook Islands, was carrying about 35,000 tons of unleaded gasoline loaded in Russian ports. It was traveling to Egypt when the Finnish coast guard stopped it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finnish officials say it's likely part of a "shadow fleet," a network of vessels registered through complex ownership deals that carry fuel in an effort to circumvent international sanctions on Russia's oil trade. This is the first time a part of the fleet has been accused of involvement in subsea cable sabotage. "The suspected vessel is part of Russia's shadow fleet, which threatens security and the environment, while funding Russia's war budget," Kaja Kallas, the chief foreign affairs official for the EU, said. "We will propose further measures, including sanctions, to target this fleet," Kallas posted on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has long denied any role in damaging subsea cables in the Baltic. The Russian embassy in the UK did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Internet cables between Germany and Finland and Sweden and Estonia were damaged in November. A Chinese vessel was detected in the vicinity when the damage occurred. Estonia on Friday said it would be stepping up efforts to defend the undamaged Estlink 1 cable. "We've decided to send our navy close to Estlink 1 to defend and secure our energy connection with Finland," Hanno Pevkur, Estonia's defense minister, said . Read the original article on Business Insider The Whatcom County Sheriffs Office recently announced it has secured funding for a local gun buy-back program. Details on how the program will work will be announced in the spring, according to a news release from the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office. As the Sheriff of Whatcom County, I want to emphasize that combating gun violence is extremely important to me, not only as a law enforcement officer but also on a deeply personal level, Sheriff Donnell Tanskley said in the release. Having tragically lost several family members to gun violence, I understand the devastating impact it has on families, communities, and our entire society. The $125,000 in funding comes from the Washington State Attorney Generals Office, and the Whatcom County Sheriffs Office is one of 12 law enforcement agencies across the state to receive such funding. Holiday travelers and residents who are celebrating the New Year in Milwaukee this year can expect slightly above average temperatures, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures will be in the upper 30s on Tuesday with overnight lows into the mid 20s, said National Weather Service meteorologist Ben Miller. During the evening hours, temperatures will fall into the mid 30s around sunset, landing around freezing about midnight, said Miller. Forecasters are expecting a slight chance of rain and snow on Tuesday morning, and snow in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures on New Year's Day will hover around the mid-20s with partly sunny skies, according to the NWS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures continue to fall later in the week, with highs on Thursday near 25 degrees. Friday will be sunny with a high around 21 degrees. RELATED: Looking for a place to ring in 2025? Check out these places in the Milwaukee suburbs New Year's Eve temperature records in Milwaukee: According to the National Weather Service, here's a look at New Year's Eve weather temperature records in Milwaukee: Highest recorded temperature on New Year's Eve: 59 degrees (1875) Lowest recorded temperature on New Year's Eve: -15 degrees (1963) Average high on New Year's Eve: 31 degrees Average low on New Year's Eve: 17 degrees RELATED: How much will climate change warm Wisconsin? Here's the latest data RELATED: Fireworks planned for downtown Milwaukee on New Year's Eve. What to know. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New Year's Eve 2024 forecast: Chance for rain and snow in Milwaukee China's transportation network has met growing demand brought by the country's rapid socioeconomic development, further promoting high-quality development, a Ministry of Transport official said at a news conference on Friday. Li Yang, vice-minister of transport, said that China's comprehensive and fully integrated transport network now spans 6 million kilometers, comprising overland, air and sea transport, among others. This year, notable progress has been made in transport services and capacity, he said. Several key transport projects were completed this year, such as Guangdong province's Shenzhen-Zhongshan cross-sea link, with five civilian airports launching operations and 50,000 km of highways added, including more than 8,000 km of newly built or expanded expressways, Li said. "The tremendous transport demand brought by the rapid development of the economy and society has become the driving force for transport development," he said. The volume of passenger trips is projected to reach 64.5 billion this year, with a daily average of 180 million trips, reflecting a 5.2 percent year-on-year increase, said Li, adding that the volume of freight transport is expected to total 56.5 billion metric tons, with a daily average of 150 million tons, marking a 3.5 percent year-on-year rise. In addition, port cargo throughput is expected to reach 17.5 billion tons, representing a 3.4-percent increase from the previous year, Li said. He also noted that economic policies introduced in September have further fueled transportation development, as both freight volume and port cargo throughput accelerated in November, rising by 4.2 percent and 3.7 percent year-on-year, respectively. Wu Chungeng, chief planner of the Ministry of Transport, said that total investment in transport-related fixed assets is likely to reach approximately 3.8 trillion yuan ($520 billion) this year. As 2025 marks the completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), goals set in the transport development plan will be accomplished next year, Wu said. Key transport projects in 2025 include the Pinglu Canal in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and a new high-speed railway linking Shanghai and Sichuan province via Chongqing, he said. Li, the vice-minister, said that logistics costs nationwide are expected to decrease by 300 billion yuan in 2025. "As transport constitutes part of logistics costs, the cost reductions resulting from transport improvements will provide strong support for the real economy, especially the manufacturing sector," said Li. In response to the development of electric vehicles, more than 5,800 of China's 6,000 highway service areas are now equipped with charging piles, achieving a 97-percent coverage. By the end of November, 33,000 charging stations and 49,000 charging parking spaces were installed at highway service areas, an increase of 12,000 and 17,000, respectively, compared to 2023. The transport sector's efforts in the green transition were also highlighted. Li noted that in 11 international hub ports in China, more than 60 percent of trucks transporting containers are clean energy vehicles, contributing to improved air quality in these ports and surrounding cities. Li Shangyi and Luo Wangshu contributed to this story. If you have any problems with this article, please contact us at app@chinadaily.com.cn and we'll immediately get back to you. Happy New Year, Minnesota! New Year's Day is a federal holiday, so expect many public services to be closed. But if you're looking to do some shopping, most stores will be open. Here's a look at what's open and what's closed in Minnesota on Wednesday: Local, state and federal offices Most city, county, state and federal offices, as well as service centers, the courts and other government functions, will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1 and will resume typical operations on Thursday, Jan. 2. Banks Most banks in Minnesota will be closed on Wednesday, including those inside grocery stores. This includes Huntington Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, which are all closed on New Years Day. Most ATMs remain open, however. Grocery stores Many grocery stores will be open with normal hours on New Year's Day, including HyVee, Cub Foods and Lunds and Byerlys. Whole Foods may have limited hours, so check your local store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aldi, Costco and Sams Club will both be closed. Most Target locations will be open for normal hours on New Year's Day, as will Walmart. Related: What stores, malls and museums are open on New Year's Eve and Day in Minnesota? Pharmacies Expect Walgreens locations to be open during normal hours, including its 24-hour locations. CVS locations will also be open, but pharmacy hours may differ. Check your location here. Liquor stores Unlike Christmas Day, liquor stores in Minnesota are legally allowed to be open on New Year's Day, so it's up to the individual liquor store if they'll be open or closed. Post offices Post office locations will be closed on New Years Day and will not deliver or pick up regular mail. USPS only will deliver priority mail express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both FedEx and UPS will only offer critical shipping services on New Years Day. Transit Metro Transit will operate on holiday hours on New Year's Day, though Northstar trains will not run. Southwest Transit will not operate, while Duluth Transit will run on a limited schedule. Malls/stores New Year's Day is a big shopping day, so most malls and retail stores in Minnesota will be open on Wednesday, though their hours may vary for the holiday. See here for full listings. Restaurants and movie theaters Most restaurants and movie theaters are open on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Garbage collection In most cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, garbage collection will be pushed back a day for residents the week after New Year's. Parking Many cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, wont enforce parking meters on New Years Day. Parking will also be free on the University of Minnesota campus. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The White House announced Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning and the official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter. Wed all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter, President Joe Biden said. President Biden remembered his predecessor, Jimmy Carter, as a dear friend, not only to him, but also to millions of Americans and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff in his honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words but by his deeds, Biden said. President Biden highlighted the work Carter did after leaving the White House from eradicating disease around the world, to advancing civil rights, to building homes for the homeless. Lifted people up and changed lives and saved lives all over the globe, Biden said. Carters grandson, Jason Carter, said he was proudest of that work he was able to do through The Carter Presidential Center. I think he will always appreciate how much he got to see of that lifes work being done even up until the very end, Jason Carter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work that didnt go unnoticed. Crowds of supporters waited in line Monday to sign a condolence book for Carter near the White House. Were going to do a major service in Washington D.C., Biden said. After the services in D.C., Carter will be buried outside his home in Plains, Georgia where his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, is also buried. 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 DC News Now | Washington, DC. WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH) Nearly two months after the city of Whitehall and one of its police officers were named in a wrongful death lawsuit, Whitehall has given its response. On Jan. 19, Alexander Menhenett was attempting to buy a heater at the Whitehall Walmart on East Main Street when he had an interaction with then-auxiliary Whitehall officer Kyle Schneider. Schneider went to arrest Menhenett and ended up sweeping his legs to take him down, after which Menhenett hit his head. He was taken to a hospital and died days later. Menhenetts estate is suing the city, Schneider, Walmart and a private security company Schneider worked for. According to Menhenetts estate, the 43-year-old had a disability and a traumatic brain injury from a car accident that left him deaf in both ears. His lawyers said he had a cochlear implant in his left ear but still struggled in noisy spaces and with lip reading, and they said he walked differently due to his injuries. His lawyers also said Menhenett suffered two other brain injuries since the accident and used alcohol to cope with his trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Joe Biden commutes death sentence of man who murdered Columbus police officer The lawsuit was filed Oct. 1, and on Dec. 2, Whitehall and Schneider filed a joint response to the claims, denying most of them. The city and Schneider said the complaint against them does not include anything that could be granted relief and said the lawsuit was filed outside of the statute of limitations. Menhenetts estate filed six claims, each with its own statute of limitations in Ohio, most of which have a statute of limitations of one or two years after the incident, which will be this upcoming January. The response also said the city and Schneider are protected under qualified immunity, or a doctrine that protects government officials from personal liability when performing their jobs. The city argues Schneiders response was within the bounds of his role, which protects him. They also said Menhenetts failure to follow instructions while being arrested protects Schneider from liability, something his estate has already denied. In total, Whitehall and Schneider denied 44 allegations in the original complaint, including that that Menhenett was calm and that his cochlear implant was visible and could clearly indicate a disability. According to Schneiders narrative of the incident filed with Whitehall police, he observed his implant in the conversation with Menhenett. The narrative did not specify if he knew Menhenett could not understand him well with the device in his ear, just that he was aware of it and knew it harmed communication when it was dislodged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They deny that there is no crime for public intoxication and that there was no probable cause to arrest Menhennett. Under Ohio law, public intoxication that causes alarm is a minor misdemeanor, which can be elevated to a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, under disorderly conduct law. Man charged in Franklin County 1992 cold case homicide They also deny that the use of force was unjustified, and deny that Schneider used deadly force at all. Menhenetts lawyers said it must have been deadly force because it killed him. Schneider was made to attend Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, which is protocol when an officer is involved in an incident that results in someones death, typical in deadly force cases. However, Whitehall argues Menhenetts pre-existing trauma contributed to the death, removing the blame solely from Schneiders action, which is supported by the findings of the autopsy report. Whitehall found the use of force to be justified, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation declined to investigate further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitehall and Schneider also denied two paragraphs in the complaint explaining the takedown. In the complaint, Menhenetts lawyers said Schneiders grip made Menhenett unable to soften his landing, leading to a large pool of blood pouring from his head and Menhenett becoming unresponsive. NBC4 has the body camera footage from the incident, and it is not immediately clear which portion of the claims Whitehall is denying. Schneider currently works as a part-time Whitehall officer, a paid position with the division of police. At the time of Menhenetts death, he was an unpaid officer. According to court records, the lawsuit will have a preliminary pretrial conference on Jan. 10. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. South Carolina flags are flying at half-staff beginning Monday, Dec. 30. Here's what to know about Gov. Henry McMaster's half-staff flag order. Why are flags at half-staff in South Carolina? McMaster ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff Dec. 30 in honor and tribute to the memory of former President James Earl Carter, Jr., and as an expression of public sorrow and in tribute to President Carters extraordinary legacy as a humanitarian and his lifetime of distinguished and patriotic service to the United States of America, according to a news release. U.S. flags around the nation were lowered to half-staff in tribute to former President Jimmy Carter service to the nation. President Joe Biden ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday. Carter died at age 100. Biden also declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning. A state funeral in Washington is scheduled for Jan. 9. This flag near the county line of Spartanburg and Greenville was at half-staff on Dec. 31, 2024. How long will flags be at half-staff? S.C. flags will be flown at half-staff from Monday, Dec. 30, until Tuesday, Jan. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is pursuant to 4 U.S.C. 7(m) and S.C. Code Ann. 10-1-161(D), and is consistent with the proclamation of the President of the United States, the news release said. Where will flags be flown at half-staff? McMaster ordered that flags be flown at half-staff atop the state Capitol and also requested that the flags over state buildings and buildings of the political subdivisions of S.C. similarly be flown at half-staff. Why do flags fly at half-staff? Usa.gov states that the American flag flies at half-staff when the country or a state is in mourning. The president, a state governor or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff. An American flag flying at half-staff generally indicates one of these three things: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The death of a government official, military member or emergency first responder. A national tragedy. Memorial Day and other national days of remembrance. Is it half-mast or half-staff? Previous reporting from Memphis Commercial Appeal explained that on ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff. Todd Runkle is the Carolinas Connect editor and a trending news editor for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trunkle@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why are flags at half-staff in SC? What to know about Dec. 30 order. Flags in Arizona and across the United States will fly at half-staff for several weeks in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died at 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, his family announced on Sunday. According to the U.S. flag code, flags must be lowered for 30 days following the death of a sitting or former president. As a result, flags across the country will be lowered through sunset on Jan. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the difference between half-mast and half-staff and reasons why flags are flown at half-staff. How long will flags be at half-staff? The 30-day mourning period for a deceased president is a federal mandate outlined in the U.S. flag code. For former President Jimmy Carter, this means flags will remain at half-staff until at least Jan. 28, covering both the presidential inauguration and the first week of Trumps second term. What is the difference between half-mast and half-staff? Typically, the difference between the two is where the flag is being flown. Half-mast refers to flags flown on ships, while half-staff is used for flags flown on land. When are flags flown at half-staff? There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States. The Arizona state website outlines those days as: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. Patriot Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Firefighters Memorial Day. U.S. presidents can also declare that flags be flown at half-staff on the death of a notable person, according to the site. In those cases, the flag would be flown at half-staff in these instances: 30 days from the death of the president or a former president. 10 days from the day of death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States, or the speaker of the House of Representatives. From the day of death until the interment of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a secretary of an executive or military department, a former vice president or the governor of a state. The day of death and the following day for a member of Congress. The governor can also order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff on the death of a notable present or former government official or member of the armed forces who dies while on active duty. In Arizona, the governor can also require that the state flag be lowered at all state, institutional and educational buildings. The law also allows the state flag to be lowered on the death of an incumbent elected state officer for seven days beginning on the day following the death of the officer. USA TODAY Network reporter J. Staas Haught contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why are flags at half-staff in Arizona through Jan. 28? Flags across Texas and the United States have been ordered to fly at half-staff until late next month to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100. This timeline will overlap with the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, adding a unique historical note to both Carters legacy and Trumps swearing-in. When Trump takes the oath of office, he will be the first president inaugurated while U.S. flags are officially lowered in mourning. The closest precedent occurred in 1973, when then-President Richard Nixon ordered flags lowered to honor former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who died just days after Nixons second inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the current proclamation is expected to remain in effect for its designated period, President-elect Trump does have the authority to adjust flag protocols upon taking office, as such orders are not governed by federal law. State flags are also lowered. Do I have to lower my flag? If youre flying the U.S. flag, it should be lowered to half-staff during the mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter, in accordance with the U.S. flag code. The code is a set of guidelines, not law, but private citizens and business are expected to follow the protocol of lowering to half-staff any U.S. flag displayed on a vertical pole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have an American flag on a 45-degree post, like the kind you mount to the side of your home, you cant actually lower it to half-staff. But, you could add a black ribbon to the top of the pole or, if your post has one, lower the flag to the 90-degree position. When are flags flown at half-staff? There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website. That includes: Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day. Patriot Day. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. National Firefighters Memorial Day. President Dwight Eisenhower also issued a proclamation on the proper times for flying the flag at half-staff when government officials die. That includes: 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president. 10 days at half-staff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives. From the date of death until interment for an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, or the minority leader of the House of Representatives. The date of death and the following day of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials. From the date of death until interment for the governor of a state, territory or possession. The president may also order the flag to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, in addition to tragic events. For instance, on Oct. 7, Gov. Greg Abbott declared Monday a statewide Day of Observance for Israel in Texas and asked residents to hold a moment of silence for the people of Israel and for the seven Americans who remain hostages. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Why are flags at half-staff in Texas? Why, how long they'll be lowered WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The American flag is being lowered nationwide to pay tribute to former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100. Federal law requires flags to be lowered to half-staff at all federal buildings and grounds after a presidents death. Governors can issue orders for their state to also lower the flag. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in New York, Oct. 27, 1999. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued her order on Monday. Former President Jimmy Carter was a truly moral man, Kelly said in a news release. His innate humanity, his humility, his devotion to serving his community and his country, and his belief that the world could live in peace is the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors order calls for the American flag to be at half-staff throughout the state for 30 days from the date of a presidents death. That means the flag will be lowered until sunset on Jan. 28. Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100 When the flag is flown at half-staff, federal law calls for the U.S. flag first to be hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to half-staff. The flag should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day. 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. This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Viking chieftains in Norways most sought-after archipelago had a novel way of ensuring their gatherings passed off without the customary bloodshed. Swords were left on one island, shields on another, with the power talks themselves staged on a third landmass, broadly equidistant between the two. That this is being explained to me with the trio of islands within eyeshot, and by a man with a robust resemblance to a Viking warrior, lends the point a splendid indelibility. With his imposing bulk and long russet beard, one could well imagine Vidar Hansen riding the prow of an advancing longship brandishing a double-edged sword and unleashing the odd ice-meltingly fearsome roar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alas, today the guide is wielding nothing more offensive than a kayak paddle, and the only pillaging on his mind is the snack bag stowed in the little hatch just behind his seat. Were on a four-day kayaking expedition in the Lofoten Islands, a destination that as those Vikings knew only too well is tailor-made for seafarers. This ostentatiously proportioned island chain probes nearly 100 miles into the Norwegian Sea: a bafflingly intricate network of inlets, skerries, natural harbours and gargantuan monoliths partitioned by abyssal depths. Through these slender channels, the longships that once terrorised the North Atlantic as far afield as todays Nova Scotia manoeuvred with skill and (fratricidal bloodletting aside) impunity. Setting off from the teeny settlement of Tennstrand an hours drive from the islands unofficial capital, Svolvr were following a 25-mile, broadly north east to south west trajectory. The area is whats known as the inside of Lofoten: the southern flanks that face the mainland, sheltered from the full force of the Arctic currents and storms from the north. You might say were island-hopping, though that would be to bestow on our enterprise a dynamism thats conspicuously lacking. Our progress is slow, serene even inspired by tranquil, sunny weather and the wonderfully pacifying effects of 24-hour daylight. When the suns in no rush, why on earth should we be? Kayak guide Hans Kristian Nilsen guides travellers around the island of Gardsya. Photograph by Scott Salt Kayakers need to carry their kayaks across the tidal flats between the islands of Kjepsya and Stormolla. Photograph by Scott Salt Our craft highly stable, and easily up to the odd skirmish with a recalcitrant rock are packed with sufficient water and snacks to survive an Arctic winter. Im quickly reminded of the inestimable joys of the bicycle of the ocean, as kayaks are known in these parts: nimble enough to probe even the tightest channel, yet sufficiently sleek to tick off multiple, largely effortless miles a day. Were low profile, in both senses doing nothing to intrude on a silence so comprehensive its almost disquieting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human encounters prove infrequent yet memorable. Theres the Ellingsen family husband John William, wife Hilda and their eight-year-old son William who we meet early on day two as they fish from their little white launch off the island of Arsteinen. John William has been visiting Lofoten for 32 years, he tells us. His is one of the summerhouses that dot the islands eastern shore. As we chat, Williams rod suddenly bows. He shouts excitedly and wrestles the fish to the surface: an infant coalfish, not yet of size. The boys father unhooks it and places it carefully back. A sea eagle, which has watched the encounter with rising interest from its perch on the honey-coloured cliffs, takes to the skies and flaps languidly away. Itll have to do its own fishing today. A mile or so further on, another John is spearfishing for halibut. We spot his bobbing neoprened head and bright orange swim buoy from a distance and glide over for a chat. John Sallebrant is a marine biologist from Bod the gateway town to the islands, situated around 70 miles south on the mainland. Eschewing the more convenient propeller plane or ferry, hes driven here with his family on holiday an epically circuitous journey that his manner suggests was worth every mile. Its truly beautiful, isnt it, he says joyfully, treading water with his flippers and gesturing to the ring of distant peaks that encircle us. The sea around him sways with the gloopy lethargy of brash ice, yet the water is so clear I can see the kelp strands fluttering on the seabed nearly 20 feet below. As we depart, I ask Vidar about the marine wildlife at the other end of the spectrum to coalfish and halibut specifically the mighty orca, or killer whale. His eyes light up. Sightings have risen exponentially in the past five years, he says. They come for the sild (young herring), best thought of, he says, as orca Haribo. Its not uncommon for a pod to pass by just a few yards from a vessel Vidar shows me footage of exactly this, captured from the RIB tours he also leads. Fortunately, were not really their type. What should we do if one were to pass underneath us, I ask my guide, a touch tentatively. He tugs his beard and beams. Enjoy the moment and just hope it doesnt tip you over, he says. From the look on his face, I sense that a sticky end courtesy of a killer whale is far from his worst-case scenario. Call it a Vikings death. Kayak guide Vidar Hansen guides travellers on a four-day kayaking trip of the Lofoten Islands. Photograph by Scott Salt Royal approval Humans have been trying to tame the Lofoten Islands for nearly six millennia, with limited success. Much of the 25,000-strong population still clings to the islands fringes, concentrated around Svolvaer and the town of Leknes further west. For centuries, the temperate Gulf Stream-vitalised waters have drawn spawning Atlantic cod by the tens of millions, creating one of the worlds greatest and most lucrative fisheries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the emblematic red rorbuer, or fishermens cottages, are often converted to accommodate visitors, but the cod is still hung and dried on large wooden racks called hjell, which rise from the shore throughout the islands like medieval gallows. Vikings would take this trrfisk (stockfish) on their voyages, both as sustenance and currency to trade. Vidar has brought some of this maritime biltong with him. He pulls it out as we bob contentedly in an inlet. The rocks above the tidemark are coated in a creamy-beige moss as thick and inviting as a deep-pile carpet. Through this insulating fleece, the elegant purple flowers of the blaklokke, or harebell, protrude, the head of each like an exquisite inverted vase. The stench as the bag is ripped open is enough to make my kayak rock. But the dry, unsalted trrfisk proves gently addictive and Im soon gnawing away as we push on, like a cowboy with a cheek full of tobacco. All of the properties in which we overnight during our expedition a blend of guesthouses and homestays owe their existence in some way to Lofotens oldest trade. The first night is in the fishing hamlet of Pundslett, on the island of Arsteinen. The cottage is set on the waters edge, meaning we can haul up outside and launch with a short portage at low tide the following morning. On the tour of the Lofoten Islands, kayakers explore an inlet on the island of Arsteinen. Photograph by Scott Salt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leading up to the peak above the property is a trail inaugurated in 2016, after Norways revered Queen Sonja then 79 years old tackled the three-mile hike to the top. At the summit is the Dronningvarden (Queens Cairn), which contains a plaque with a quote from the mountaineering royal. It reads simply: What a country! Do the royals come up to Lofoten often? I ask Vidar. All the time, he responds, sounding like a tour guide on autopilot. Yet, sure enough, later that day his phone bleeps with a local news update and there it is: KS Norge, the royal familys elegant, white-hulled 1930s royal yacht, negotiating the very same sheer-sided fjord into which wed ventured the previous day. The second nights accommodation is even more memorable. Around nine miles from Pundslett as the kayak meanders, draped around a large natural harbour on the southern shore of Stormolla, lies the settlement of Brettesnes. Of the dozen or so properties, one immediately catches the eye: white and stilted, with boathouse vibes and a small jetty that extends out across the clear water. Standing on this is a little wooden crane and a jovial woman in glasses and a green dress who waves as we approach. This is Anne Myrlund, daughter of the local fish dealer who used to receive fishing boats here to unload their catch. Mostly cod, perhaps some pollock. Anne and her husband Odd (as in not even, he says, when Im momentarily wrong-footed) live in the adjacent cottage and use this creaking, lovingly converted space for visiting friends and family. Also, it transpires, for the occasional peripatetic paddlers. There are a couple of bedrooms upstairs, a little kitchen and a space with a pedal-operated vevstol (loom), which Anne calls her therapy room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We unload our dry bags, shower, then stand on the edge of the jetty in the evening light as Anne takes us on a trip down memory lane. See the house with the green roof? she says, pointing across the bay. My old school. And the one with the brown? That was the shop run by my godfather in which I helped out as a child. The little road that I can see arcing round the bay wasnt built until 2000: 20th-century trappings arriving just in time for the onset of the 21st. Brettesnes marks the approximate midway point of the trip. Vidar has to depart for a family engagement. Dropped from the RIB that whisks him away is his 20-year-old replacement, Hans Kristian Nilsen. The younger man a kayaking-climber originally from Bergen in Norways south immediately hurls himself off the jetty for a quick cool-down swim, then further endears himself to me by preparing a feast of freshly caught fish, heaped vegetables, ice-cold lager from the Lofotpils microbrewery in Svolvr, and lefser traditional flatbreads, on this occasion served as a dessert, and filled with sugar and cinnamon. We study a map of the islands as we dine, Hans Kristian using a little piece of red string to calculate kayaking distances. Then I take advantage of the sun slipping behind the adjacent peaks in a horizontal sunset to turn in, and nod off to the sound of water lapping idly against the jettys timber supports a few feet below. Arctic beaches One of the many beguiling incongruities of Lofoten is that here high up in the Arctic Circle is one of the worlds great beach destinations. Over the first couple of days this has been apparent only in little smudges of sand here and there. As we leave Brettesnes at the start of day three, things go full Caribbean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We pass Kjepsya the gathering spot for Viking chieftains that Vidar had pointed out from afar, then swing right towards Oddvr, the smaller isle on which warriors swords were temporarily left. As we do, the most enormous arc of white sand opens up, so broad it almost meets to form a circle. Beyond, imposing even from a distance, are the muscular, snow-splashed peaks of Austvagya, Lofotens largest island. I accelerate towards land, raise my paddle and allow the kayak to slide up the beach to rest in the firm sand. An orange-beaked oystercatcher picks its way meticulously through the shallows, then skims off, beak full. At length, I peel the elasticated fringe of my spraydeck from the rim of the kayaks cockpit, stand up, take off my buoyancy aid and other gubbins, and plunge into the exhilarating cool of the bay. It sets the tone for the day, as we follow an impulsively meandering path through the skerries west of the island of Litlmolla like a brace of beach-seeking missiles. By mid-afternoon, our target island for the night is within sight. They call Skrova, not entirely convincingly, the Hawaii of Lofoten. Its a reference to those beaches again but also the long summer hours of sunlight even more protracted here, away from overshadowing mountains. One June day in 1972, locals will proudly tell you, the mercury touched 30C. Somewhat aptly, given the sobriquet, our approach yields the first surf of the trip a manageable half-foot or so that rises to stern as were crossing the glistening strait and speeds our path to harbour. Despite being high up in the Arctic, Lofoten is one of the world's great beach destinations. Photograph by Scott Salt A close-knit community of just a couple of hundred people lives here year-round. Amid the cottages and cabins that fringe the horseshoe-shaped harbour in the north west are art galleries and photo exhibitions. The two dozen children that attend the sole school are celebrated in pictures and quotes on the colourful rental bikes in the harbour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The focal point isnt hard to spot: a striking, ochre-hued timber building with a steeply pitched roof, green picture windows and wraparound decked terrace. This is Heimbrygga, a restaurant and guesthouse set on a fishing pier and dating back two centuries. Tonight, its seemingly playing host to every one of those 200 locals. We pull our kayaks up onto an adjacent pontoon, check into the stylishly refurbished rooms upstairs, and then I descend with the sort of thirst and appetite that only multiple days at sea can work up. Behind the pale-blue wood bar, Monica Viegas is battling to stay on top of the orders. Mounds of mussels, battered cod and wedges of homemade bread are being ferried out from the kitchen behind. Despite the frenzy, Monica who bought the place with her partner two years ago and thoroughly revitalised it has a smile and familiar word for everyone. During a lull later in the evening, I catch up with her taking a breather out on the deck. Its gone 10pm but the low sun shines with a late-afternoon lustre. Originally from Portugal, Monica arrived in Lofoten in March 2020, planning to spend just a couple of weeks on the islands. But I was trapped here by Covid! she says, sounding whatever the opposite of distraught is. She met her partner, Mario, bought Heimbrygga and now really cant imagine being anywhere else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She paints a picture of life on the island thats not unpleasing: of daily swims, year-round and wetsuit-free. Of the sunshine and optimism and energy of those endless summer days. When I ask what she loves most about life in Lofoten, she smiles broadly at the challenge, thinks for a moment, then says: The light. She immediately corrects herself: Sorry make that the lights. I ask what she means. The midnight sun. The Northern Lights. The polar nights [the period between early December and early January when the sun doesnt breach the horizon], and the weeks that follow when the sky is a delicate blend of purple and pinks. All are distinct. All are magical. A late, joyful night follows, necessitating a lie-in. In the morning Im presented with a choice by Hans Kristian: kayak the six or so miles back to base in Svolvr, or hop on the ferry moored just a few tantalising feet from our digs and scheduled to depart shortly. I think of the Vikings. Of their ferocious drive and hard-earned seamanship. Their never-a-backward-step mentality.Yeah, lets get the ferry, I say. My arms are a bit tired. Published in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). Many in Fort Worth remember Jimmy Carters festive visit to the city early in his presidency, when he spoke with candor and optimism to a crowd of 5,000 about the grave economic problems the nation was facing. Others may remember his visits decades later as the elder former president with the sole mission of serving the weakest among us with faith and humility. That included rolling up his sleeves at 90 years old to help build homes in Fort Worth. Carters willingness to serve stands out the most to those who reflect on their encounters with the 39th president, who died Sunday at the age of 100, his son told the Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His deep faith called him to lead by example, and that was never more true than when he came to Fort Worth in 2014 to build 20 houses with Trinity Habitat for Humanity, said Gage Yager, the nonprofit organizations CEO. Carters work ethic and dedication to service was inspirational, Yager said. He didnt sit on his hands. He was active, he said. May we all live to be his age and active at his age, because he didnt slow down. Former President Jimmy Carter in 2003, at his home in Plains, Georgia. During that trip with his wife, Rosalynn, the former president gave a 10 minute devotional speech to a crowd of about 600 people. He said people of faith can turn to a higher power when they wake up in the morning with problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont even have to close our eyes, Carter said. We can form a direct contact and communication with God almighty, recognizing God is filled with grace and mercy. We have competent available access to the presence of God. Thats a wonderful reassurance to any human being. The electricity in the air was palpable, Yager remembers. There were no politics. It was about Habitat, and it was about service, he said. Former President Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn help build a house in east Fort Worth with Habitat for Humanity on Oct. 6, 2014. Carters humility always stuck with Jacqueline Wills, an owner of a Habitat house he helped build. The fact that the former commander-in-chief would want to help her build her home was humbling, but his friendly demeanor and willingness to serve stuck with Wills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive always tried to serve Gods people, so meeting him and seeing the way he does it reinforced what I should do on a daily basis to serve other people, she said. Put me to work Jake Schrum was an administrator at Emory University in the 1980s when he got to know Carter, who established the Carter Center in Atlanta. They stayed in touch, and in 1992 the former president spoke at Schrums inauguration as president of Texas Wesleyan University. Beyond their acquaintance, Carter seemed a good choice for the speech because he and Texas Wesleyan stood for the same ideals, Schrum told the Star-Telegram at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now retired, Schrum said this week that he believes Carters appearance at his inauguration ended up helping efforts to improve the universitys relationship with the surrounding Polytechnic neighborhood. Stop gushing over me, Jake. Put me to work, Schrum remembers Carter saying before speaking to a crowd of roughly 3,000 people. He really wanted to do something to improve the human condition, Schrum said. Carter used the stage that day to challenge Fort Worth to reach out to the hopeless particularly people living in poverty. I would like to see Texas Wesleyan University as the focal point for these goals, Carter told the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to accept that most of you in front of me are rich people, he said. But if you have a home, a decent job, a semblance of education, health care and food for the family, you are considered rich. Many of our neighbors do not have these things, he said. President Jimmy Carters motorcade with Fort Worth police in downtown Fort Worth during his visit on June 23, 1978. The Tarrant County Courthouse is seen in the background. Foat Wuth Ah Luv Yew In 1976, Carter made a campaign stop in Fort Worth on the eve of his defeat of President Gerald Ford. That election was the last time that a Democrat carried the state of Texas in a presidential contest. Carter returned to Fort Worth two years later with much fanfare. On June 23, 1978, his motorcade rode through downtown to the convention center, where he arrived at a luncheon with nearly 5,000 guests to the song Eyes of Texas. Thousands of people gathered at the Tarrant County convention center in downtown Fort Worth for a luncheon hosting President Jimmy Carter on June 23, 1978. The Exhibits Hall of the center was transformed into a giant dining room, suitable for 5,000 persons for the presidents visit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In remarks before taking audience questions, Carter praised U.S. Rep. Jim Wright of Fort Worth, who had become House majority leader after the 1976 election. And Carter relished the events Foat Wuth Ah Luv Yew theme he took home a gifted T-shirt with the slogan, which was popular at the time on bumper stickers and coffee mugs. Carter concluded his brief speech by talking about the people of Texas. I feel a great compatibility with what you all believe in patriotism in its finest form, people who have shown in the past an ability to provide great leadership with Lyndon Baines Johnson and many others, and those who are always willing to face the future, not with fear or timidity or trepidation, but with courage, anticipation and confidence that our great nation and your great stat will be even greater in the years to come. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) have said they see Big Tech, in particular, as too monopolistic. Alex Brandon/Associated Press President-elect Donald Trumps top antitrust policy nominees are eliciting praise from anti-monopolists on the right and left, suggesting the bipartisan skepticism of corporate consolidation that gained traction under President Joe Biden especially in Big Tech will continue into the next administration. Clearly, antitrust reform and taking on corporate monopolies for their predatory behavior that raises prices and stifles innovation is a bipartisan issue thats also very popular, said Sacha Haworth, the executive director of the Tech Oversight Project who moonlights as a Democratic campaign strategist. Its not something that seems to be on its way out with the outgoing administration. Trump has tapped Gail Slater, a former adviser to Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, as assistant attorney general for the antitrust division of the Department of Justice; announced plans to promote Federal Trade Commissioner Andrew Ferguson to chair of the FTC; and selected antitrust attorney Mark Meador to serve as a third Republican member of the FTC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The antitrust left should be ecstatic. The Wu & Khan & Kanter mugs could be easily turned into Slater & Ferguson & Meador mugs, said Mike Davis, founder of the conservative Internet Accountability Project, referring to memorabilia some progressives made to commemorate Bidens selections of Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Jonathan Kanter, and Tim Wu as special assistant to the president on technology and competition policy. Economic progressives derided Trumps focus on tax cuts for the wealthy and mass deregulation in his first term, and his plans to prioritize similar moves in his second term. These left-of-center advocates are already warning of the potentially disastrous spending cuts that the Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory panel co-led by superrich entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, is expected to recommend. At the same time, Trump has nominated at least some officials to top executive branch posts some progressives see as a modest offset to the president-elects overall trickle-down approach to managing the economy. He has tapped Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a moderate, pro-labor Republican, to serve as secretary of labor; trade hawk Jamieson Greer to serve as United States trade representative; and Slater, Ferguson, and Meador to handle antitrust policy. Of course, Trumps antitrust picks must still withstand confirmation in the Senate. Meador, in particular, is at the mercy of the pro-corporate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who is set to chair the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the panel with authority to approve new nominees to the FTC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while progressives have viewed antitrust policy as an area ripe for common ground with Trump, he is still a pro-business Republican whose FTC will be more permissive than the body was under Khan. The business world clearly sees the incoming Trump administration as more open to mergers than Bidens team was, with bankers expecting more than $4 trillion worth of global mergers and acquisitions next year in part because of Trumps pro-business approach. Fergusons appointment, in particular, has been panned by even some of the antitrust advocates eager to forge bipartisan cooperation on anti-monopoly policy. In a one-page memo designed to make the case for his chairmanship directly to Trump, Ferguson sounded like a full-on MAGA culture warrior rather than someone thoughtfully looking to build a cross-ideological coalition. He promised to reverse outgoing FTC Chair Khans anti-business agenda and to investigate the practices of medical professionals administering gender transition care, but also to focus antitrust enforcement against Big Tech monopolies. As a rank-and-file FTC commissioner, Ferguson voted against the FTC rule banning junk fees, the click-to-cancel rule making it easier to unsubscribe from online subscriptions and the rule banning noncompete agreements, which he deemed to be outside of the FTCs rule-making authority. The noncompete ban, whose fate has been the subject of conflicting decisions in federal court, is now as good as dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the prospect of the Trump administration meaningfully cracking down on monopoly practices across the economy, Matt Stoller, director of research at the American Economic Liberties Project, pointed to what he sees as Trumps underwhelming antitrust record in his first term. I assume its going to be same-old, same-old, until I see otherwise, said Stoller, who co-authored an October report comparing Biden and Trumps antitrust policy records. A number of antitrust proponents nonetheless see Fergusons selection as a major win. These optimists note that he was picked over fellow Republican FTC member Melissa Holyoak, who has a more conventionally pro-corporate attitude toward antitrust policy. Ferguson, by contrast, has spoken about the need to break with the laissez-faire antitrust philosophy of conservative jurist Robert Bork, the key intellectual figure behind lighter enforcement from the 1980s through the 2010s. And, these antitrust proponents argue, no Republican president would ever appoint someone quite as aggressive as Khan. Its not even clear that Vice President Kamala Harris would have kept her in place anyway. Harris had signaled she would take a more business-friendly approach to governing than Biden, and several of her top supporters were publicly and privately lobbying for her to cut Khan loose. This is a 99th-percentile outcome from our perspective, said an official from a tech company that has grievances with the Big Tech giants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the tough line Trumps FTC is likely to take against Big Tech, and possibly other industries at least relative to other GOP administrations the antimonopoly tech official expressed hope that Holyoak would leave the FTC before her term is up. Her departure would enable Trump to appoint a third Republican commissioner with a less libertarian view of antitrust enforcement. Whats more, Slater and Meador Trumps other two top antitrust picks are widely viewed as unadulterated anti-monopolists. I am hopeful that Gail Slater and Mark Meador will very, very much be allies, said Dan Geldon, a former chief of staff to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who is now an antimonopoly consultant. Im cautiously optimistic based on [Trumps] appointments and public statements to date that hes going to continue the antimonopoly momentum that has built over the last couple of years. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), incoming chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, controls the confirmation processes for Federal Trade Commission nominees. Tom Williams/Getty Images Slaters appointment means that the federal governments court victories against Big Tech are unlikely to be walked back, and ongoing lawsuits are expected to continue full speed ahead. For example, the Biden administration won a lawsuit accusing Google of monopolizing online search and is arguing, among other things, for the federal courts to force Google to spin off its web browser, Chrome, on the grounds that it gives the companys search engine an unfair advantage. Trumps first-term DOJ actually initiated that lawsuit in October 2020, and his skepticism of Big Tech suggests he will continue the Biden administrations effort to press for a dramatic remedy to Googles violations of antitrust law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meador, who was previously an attorney for Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and an antitrust regulator at the DOJ, has expressed support for antimonopoly policies outside of just the technology industry. In July, he wrote an article in favor of enforcing the Robinson-Patman Act, a New Deal era law that prohibits distributors from giving large chains discounts on products that might enable them to undercut smaller competitors by retailing the products at lower prices. The law has rarely been strictly enforced in recent decades, but antimonopoly experts hold it up as a bulwark against big chain stores wiping out small producers. Meador has also mocked libertarians for opposing government tyranny but failing to appreciate how private companies can use excessive market power to restrict individuals freedoms as well. The distrust is mutual. Jack Nicastro, a writer at the libertarian outlet Reason, panned Meador in a mid-December takedown that cast his upcoming nomination as bad news for consumers. He has long opposed big business, from Google to Ticketmaster, and regards the free market as merely a means to the end of human flourishing, not as an end in and of itself, Nicastro wrote, describing a worldview that might make Meador something of an unexpected hero for liberals with a similar stance. Davis and Garrett Ventry, an antimonopoly Republican lobbyist who is well connected in Trump World, confirmed that Vance played an integral role in vetting and recommending Ferguson, Slater, and Meador. As a senator, Vance sometimes made common cause with progressives in the Senate on questions of corporate power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J.D. flexed his muscle and he is someone who has been very hawkish and open-minded and understanding Big Tech, not only on censorship, but on understanding there is a need to rein in these tech companies more broadly, said Ventry, a former chief of staff to outgoing antimonopoly Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.). Davis, who is in regular touch with Trump, made sure to emphasize Trumps role as the final decision-maker and a true believer in curbing Big Techs power. President Trump picked the antitrust Dream Team in Gail Slater, Andrew Ferguson and Mark Meador, he said. And J.D. Vance played a crucial role in that. Ventry and Davis also said that Trump made the selections over the objections of more corporate-friendly Republicans in the Senate and on his transition team, though they declined to specify who was lobbying against the picks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intra-party tensions over the governments role in regulating antitrust policies are likely to persist under Trump. Already some antimonopoly advocates are expressing concern that Pam Bondi, Trumps likely nominee for attorney general, has represented Amazon in the past. They are also concerned that Big Tech CEOs, several of whom have come to kiss Trumps ring at Mar-a-Lago and contributed to his inauguration festivities, might sway Trump toward their viewpoint. Trump has proven himself to be transactional. So thats why CEOs believe they can just throw their money around and hope to buy influence, Haworth said. But I would again point to the nominations of many crusaders against Big Tech in the government, as well as what J.D. Vance supported when he was in the Senate as proof that hopefully this administration cannot be so easily fooled. Josh Norris scored a go-ahead, power-play goal with 7 minutes, 18 seconds left in the third period to lift the Ottawa Senators to a 3-1 win over the Minnesota Wild Sunday night at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. The Wild (22-11-4) struck first when Freddy Gaudreau scored with 2 minutes, 41 seconds remaining in the first period, but the Senators (19-15-2) responded with three unanswered goals. Ridly Grieg knotted it up at 1-1 just 1 minute, 47 seconds into the second period. Claude Giroux added an empty-netter with 44 seconds remaining. Minnesota couldn't do much against Ottawa goalie Leevi Merilainen, who made 30 saves on 30 shots. Filip Gustavsson had 33 saves on 33 shots from the Senators. The Wild return to action Tuesday night for their final game of 2024 when they host the Nashville Predators for a 7 p.m. puck drop. Donald Trump darkly jokes about it. Steve Bannon is promoting it. Democrats shudder at the thought of it. But Trump cannot run for a third term under the Constitution. Which means the presidential primaries in both parties will be truly wide-open contests with no incumbent president, former president or quasi-anointed front runner largely clearing either field for the first time since 2008. And whether you like it or not, the 2028 presidential primary is effectively underway, with ambitious politicians in both parties already jockeying for advantage. Formal campaign announcements may come sooner than you think. Recall that John Delaney launched his 2020 presidential campaign in July 2017, six months after Trump was inaugurated the first time. But even short of official campaign kickoffs, anyone interested in making the big run has to start laying the groundwork for a campaign raising name identification, staking out ideological and policy turf, building donor networks or risk falling behind before the campaign starts in earnest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As 2024 comes to a close, its clear that some potential 2028 candidates made the most of the year, while others squandered opportunities. Heres who emerged best positioned for a White House run, with contenders tapped from the incoming and outgoing administrations, the Senate, governors mansions and the House. Kamala Harris OUTGOING ADMINISTRATION WINNER Yes, she just lost. But perhaps more than any other Democratic presidential loser since Adlai Stevenson, she appears to retain a significant reservoir of devout support. Her performance in her lone debate with Trump was dominating. (One of Trumps smartest strategic decisions was avoiding a humiliating rematch.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her gaffes on the campaign trail were few and less scandalous than her Democratic predecessors. (Remember Basket of deplorables? Cling to guns or religion? I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it?) In turn, a November poll from The Economist and YouGov found that only 6 percent of Harris voters blamed her for the loss, while 24 percent blamed Biden and 53 percent said it was just a bad year for Democrats. Another November poll by Echelon Insights asked Democrats for their 2028 preference, and Harris led the pack with 41 percent. No one else reached double digits. And a December poll from Echelon asked of Democrats, Would you like to see Kamala Harris continue to be the leading voice for Democrats?; a 49 percent plurality said yes, while 36 percent wanted someone new. Early presidential primary polls should be treated gingerly, as they are mainly about name recognition. It is doubtful that Harris would bring enough support to a 2028 campaign to clear the field. And she may not run at all. There are reports that her inner circle is debating whether to make another run for president in 2028 or pursue the seemingly safer option of running to be California governor in 2026. But if she does run for president again, she will likely start in the pole position, especially if she maintains a public presence, as expected, over the next two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also retaining a hardy band of fans is outgoing Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who continues to delight left-leaning cable TV watchers with surefooted appearances in the lions den of Fox News. And despite previous challenges with airline cancellations, no major disruptions have happened on his watch in the last two years. Democrats who believe aggressive antitrust enforcement is critical to wooing working-class Americans who have soured on the party also increasingly view Buttigieg as a fellow traveler, as noted in a recent POLITICO Magazine profile. But whether Buttigieg, whose prior job was mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has enough of a resume to mount a strong presidential bid is a lingering question. Its possible that he sees the Michigan governors office as a crucial first step on the path to another White House run further down the line. JD Vance & Donald Trump, Jr. INCOMING ADMINISTRATION WINNERS As I have noted before in previous year-end analyses of the invisible primary, current and former vice presidents have an incredible track record in the modern era of presidential primaries, with Walter Mondale, George H.W. Bush, Al Gore and Joe Biden each winning nominations. So simply by becoming vice president, JD Vance has almost surely punched his ticket to at least the top tier of the 2028 Republican presidential primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, we do have two cautionary tales. The only vice presidents to have come up short in primaries over the last 50 years each had the misfortune of running against someone with the last name of their former running mate. In 2000, Dan Quayle who suffered a reputation as an intellectual lightweight was sidelined by Bushs namesake son. And in 2024, Mike Pence could not overcome grassroots Republican fealty to his old boss, who had branded him a traitor for refusing to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump himself was given the opportunity to make a nod toward a successor in his Time magazine Person of the Year interview, when he was asked if there will be a Trump dynasty. To Vances potential chagrin, Trump said, I think there could be. While Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner were the most prominent family members in the first Trump administration, Donald Trump Jr. has played the largest role in shaping the second. He hasnt taken an official post, but hes played a gatekeeper role, ensuring only loyalists and ideological true believers populate the executive branch. And he appears poised to continue to be a major voice. To Time, Trump doled out some praise to several of his children, saying of his namesake, I think hed do very well. (Ivanka, he said, would be a superstar, but shes so family-oriented, Ivanka, and I understand that also it makes it more difficult.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also talked up his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as amazing, crediting her work as Republican National Committee co-chair for getting the cheating down to a minimum. (Fact check: There was no real cheating in 2020 or 2024.) He even lobbied Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to appoint her to the Senate seat about to be made vacant by Marco Rubio. But apparently DeSantis was not going to oblige, so Lara took herself out of the running, leaving Don Jr. as the Trump family member closest to the seat of power. Rubios attacks against Trump flopped in the 2016 presidential primary, but he has played the loyalist well enough in the subsequent eight years to win the high-profile Secretary of State job. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem thought about running for president in 2024, but took a pass and later won the appointment to lead the Homeland Security Department. Both may still have the presidential bug. And both have portfolios critical to the Trump agenda, including foreign policy and immigration. But their political future remains uncertain; just ask Rex Tillerson and Kirstjen Nielsen what happens when highly controversial and unrealistic Trump agenda items go sideways. The former presidential candidate with the easier gig is Vivek Ramaswamy. He didnt get a formal cabinet post, but a slot alongside Elon Musk leading an ad hoc commission dressed up to sound like a cabinet post: the Department of Government Efficiency. Ramaswamy can propose a slew of unrealistic agenda items without having any responsibility to carry them out. So Ramaswamy ends the year with a higher profile than when he began, which is not nothing for a political neophyte who dropped out of the 2024 primary after a fourth place Iowa finish. But he has a long way to go before becoming top-tier material in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One politically hungry former Trump administration member couldnt find her way back in and will struggle to remain a player going forward: Nikki Haley. She stayed in the 2024 GOP primary longer than any other Trump challenger, marking her in TrumpWorld as disloyal. Her belated endorsement of Trump for the general election proved insufficient to earn a speaking role at a campaign event, despite her overt interest, let alone a cabinet post. After futilely trying to rally conservative critics of Trump without alienating MAGA die-hards, she ends the year with a confused political brand and the tiny media perch of a weekly SiriusXM radio show. Ruben Gallego SENATE WINNER, DEMOCRAT Four Democrats won Senate races in states that Kamala Harris lost. But only Gallego won with a majority, not plurality, vote. Only Gallego outpaced Harris in vote share by more than half of a percentage point. Two of the four won despite earning fewer votes than the partys standard bearer, but Gallego won over 90,000 more. According to exit poll data, Gallego scored higher than Harris with both white and Latino voters, and both men and women. But his outperformance was particularly strong with Latino men, with whom Harris won by 12 and Gallego won by 30. As The New York Times reported, Gallego campaigned hard for Latino voters with an understanding of the political and cultural nuances that shape their community. For example, a Mexican-style campaign song recorded by an out-of-state group was deemed too techno, Florida-esque and rejected in favor of a song by an Arizona band. On immigration, Gallego successfully walked a tightrope, criticizing both Trump and Biden administration policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incumbents not on the ballot this year didnt have the same opportunity to prove their political savvy. But Pennsylvanias quotable John Fetterman has been working overtime to lay out a path toward the electoral middle, notably going on Fox News to pin some of the blame for Harris defeat on immigration: One area where we kind of lost ourselves was the border. We need a secure border. His bottom-line advice, in an interview with Semafor: Dont subtract, do addition. However, he may have subtracted some of his own progressive support thanks to his brusque approach on the war in Gaza. Over the past year, Fetterman has been an unapologetic defender of the Israeli governments military response to the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas, explicitly opposing a cease-fire, when most Democrats pressed for either a more targeted approach or an immediate cease-fire. Moreover, in a late December interview on ABC, Fetterman lectured Democrats to chill out about the incoming Trump presidency, and claimed political retribution as threatened by incoming FBI Director Kash Patel were never going to happen. Moderates can overcome progressive complaints to win Democratic primaries ask Joe Biden but Fetterman probably burned more bridges than necessary in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another swing state Democratic senator with national promise has been Georgias Raphael Warnock. But after winning two nail-biter elections in 2020 and 2022, he kept a relatively low-profile in 2024. In the presidential campaign, Democrats looked to Warnock to galvanize the African American vote in the Peach State, and he sounded ready to meet the challenge, telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in August, Im prepared to barnstorm all across Georgia. I know a little bit, after all, about how to win Georgia. But while Warnock stumped hard, he didnt have a political machine strong enough to get Harris over the finish line, finishing the year on a down note. Marco Rubio SENATE WINNER, REPUBLICAN While many senators want to be president, they often have a tough time connecting with voters after years inside the clubby upper chamber. Only three sitting senators have become president in the last 125 years: Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy and Warren Harding. And Obama wasnt in the Senate very long. Several Republican senators sought the presidency in 2016, only to be boot-stomped by a celebrity businessman. With so many chastened, as well as terrified of Trump, only Tim Scott tried it in 2024, and he quit before Iowa. Whats the best move for a senator with an interest in the presidency? Get out of the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marco Rubio, one of the 2016 also-rans, did just that by snagging an appointment to be Trumps next Secretary of State. As noted earlier, he has plenty of challenges ahead. And if he runs in 2028, he will likely face off against another senatorial escape artist: JD Vance. But spinning his wheels in the Senate would have likely been a political dead end. Andy Beshear GUBERNATORIAL WINNER, DEMOCRAT Looming large in the What If narratives of 2024 are two charismatic swing state governors: Pennsylvanias Josh Shapiro and Michigans Gretchen Whitmer. Had Harris tapped either of them for VP, would it have made a difference against Trump? Well never know. But at least off the ticket, neither was able to prove they had strong enough personal magnetism, or state political machines, to overcome national headwinds and deliver for their party. Not only did Harris lose both states, but Democrats suffered other down-ballot losses. Republicans flipped two U.S House seats in Pennsylvania and one in Michigan. Bob Casey, who never had a margin of victory of less than nine points in his three Pennsylvania Senate victories, lost by a hair. Elissa Slotkin managed to eke out a victory in her Michigan Senate race, but with fewer votes than Harris, aided by two third-party conservative candidates siphoning off Republican votes. Most painful for Whitmer: the end of full Democratic control of the state legislature, which had allowed her to enact a slew of progressive laws. Republicans will have a narrow state House majority. (The state Senate, which did not have elections in 2024, will continue to be led by Democrats.) And we can expect the Republican House to make Whitmers life as difficult as possible in the last two years of her final term. (Whitmer is term-limited.) Shapiro, first elected governor in 2022, has only been in office in tandem with a Republican Senate and a Democratic House. He hoped Democrats could take the state Senate in this years elections and, to that end, made four endorsements of Senate candidates targeting Republican districts. But only one won, and that flip was offset by a Republican pickup of a Philadelphia seat. Another Democratic governor who lost a trifecta is Minnesotas Tim Walz. Novembers election results turned the Democrats six-seat state House majority into an exact tie, adding insult to the injury of Walzs vice presidential loss. In the summer, Walz seemed to be the answer to Democratic prayers a plain-speaking Midwesterner who sold progressive policies with folksy charm, and who rattled Trump with simple labels like weird. But he got sidetracked with biographical embellishments, delivered an underwhelming debate performance against Vance and was little heard in the home stretch of the campaign. He failed to help much in his own state, which stayed blue but with a margin three points narrower than in 2020. The overtly ambitious Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Wes Moore of Maryland had less to prove on Election Day none were on the ballot or risked loss of their partisan trifectas. But amid the wreckage of the 2024 election, its not clear voters will be clamoring for another big blue state politician. They should not be written off. Few in December of 2004, on the heels of the defeat of John Kerry who personified liberal Massachusetts, would have said that Illinois Barack Obama was a sure thing in 2008. But theres no obvious argument that these contenders improved their 2028 positions in the past year, except for arguably raising their profiles a bit. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also kept his trifecta, but riled up many Democrats with his initially effusive praise of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Polis quickly sought to tamp down the outrage by noting that his own family has received vaccinations, but giving any sense of legitimacy to a vaccine skeptic like Kennedy a figure now loathed by many Democrats puts him out of step with most in his party. The clearest winner out of the gubernatorial bracket is Kentuckys Andy Beshear, who last year proved his electoral durability in a red state by winning reelection to a second term. Beshear doesnt have coattails either he has only governed alongside veto-proof Republican legislative supermajorities but that obstacle only lowers the bar for judging his accomplishments. Democrats, for instance, credit him for having the guts to veto anti-abortion and anti-transgender health care bills. While he wasnt able to strike bipartisan deals to expand Medicaid and cover dental, vision and hearing, he moved money around to expand coverage by executive action. Cannily, Beshear boasted about those successes to the Democratic donor class, via a New York Times op-ed published one week after Harris defeat. Perhaps to avoid being seen as immodest, Beshear didnt even mention the Morning Consult poll from July which ranked him the most popular Democratic governor in the country and the second-most popular overall. Brian Kemp GUBERNATORIAL WINNER, REPUBLICAN One indisputable gubernatorial loser of 2024 is Ron DeSantis. The combative Florida Republican was crowned DeFuture by the Rupert Murdoch-owned New York Post after his landslide reelection in 2022. But his strategy to sell himself as a more competent version of Trump found no traction among Republican primary voters devoted to the original. Worse, Trump humiliated DeSantis at every turn, creating a new narrative of him as a socially awkward, disloyal opportunist, and inflicting major damage to any hope for DeFuture. DeSantis cant even fully take credit for the strong Republican 2024 performance in Florida, since a certain Mar-a-Lago resident is even more associated with the Sunshine State than he. Virginias Glenn Youngkin didnt belly flop as hard as DeSantis, having avoided a cringe-tastic presidential bid sought by some GOP donors. But he didnt exactly endear himself to TrumpWorld by playing coy about running over the course of 2023, then refusing to endorse Trump until after the Virginia primary was held in March 2024. In Youngkins favor, the sunny, fleece-wearing conservative has managed to maintain a healthy job approval rating in center-left Virginia, clocking in at 57 percent in a September Washington Post poll. But his coattails remain short. He tried to help Trump flip the state, joining Trump in Salem just before the election and earning a compliment from the candidate: You have a very sane, very solid governor. Yet Virginia stayed blue. Trumps margin of defeat was better than in 2020 but slightly worse than 2016. And Republicans failed to flip any U.S. House seats, coming up short in two swing districts. The term-limited governor now has to decide whether to risk his political capital on a 2026 Senate campaign, which no Virginia Republican has won since 2002, or hope that a Republican outside of Trumps inner circle has a shot at 2028. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, on the other hand, already has TrumpWorld bona fides after serving as White House press secretary for two years. At a Trump rally during this years campaign, she leveled a harsh attack on Harris: My kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesnt have anything keeping her humble. The claim ignored that Harris is a stepmother, and insinuated that a woman who isnt a mother cant be fulfilled or grounded or worthy of public office. But Trump was likely appreciative of how far Sanders was willing to go to rhetorically kneecap his opponent. Sanders is not making the jump back to the Trump administration. But she doesnt need such validation having already served Trump once and retaining her own seat of power in Little Rock where she can implement a conservative agenda with little interference from Democrats. In a scenario where the Trump White House becomes another den of vipers, snake-biting all involved, residing far from the Beltway might be an advantage in 2028. But Georgias Brian Kemp might be best positioned to exploit such a scenario. Unique among the shrinking community of independent-minded Republicans, Kemp has withstood Trumps vehement wrath for refusing to echo Trumps baseless claims since 2020 about a rigged election in Georgia without a hint of erosion of support at home. Kemp won reelection in 2022 by a comfortable margin without Trumps help. In 2024, it was Trump who needed the help. And after a pointed back-and-forth on Twitter and some shuttle diplomacy led by Sen. Lindsey Graham, Kemp gave a public endorsement to Trump in late August and Trump accepted without mention of his past tantrums. They campaigned together in October, and Kemps political action committee helped with turning out the vote and eking out a two-point win in the state. Throughout it all, Kemps home state popularity has solidified, uniting conservatives and moderates. In an October poll from Emerson College of the seven battleground states, Kemps job approval among Georgians was 53 percent, and his disapproval just 26 percent. His net approve-disapprove margin of 27 points was by far the best among the swing state governors (Shapiros was 15 points and Whitmers just four). If Republicans are in the mood for a non-Trumpy Republican not an anti-Trump Republican, to be clear then theyll take a close look at Kemp. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez HOUSE WINNER, DEMOCRAT The House is an even worse launchpad for president than the Senate. Over the last 50 years, Mo Udall, Dick Gephardt, Dennis Kucinich, Eric Swalwell, John Delaney, Tim Ryan, John Anderson, Phil Crane, Jack Kemp, Bob Dornan, John Kasich, Ron Paul, Michele Bachmann, Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo all failed to become the first sitting House member since James Garfield to win a major party nomination for the presidency, let alone the presidency itself. But New Yorks Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is not your average backbencher. She has a much larger national profile than most senators and governors, with nearly 13 million followers on X and eight million on Instagram. According to data compiled by OpenSecrets, Ocasio-Cortez was the fourth biggest fundraiser among Democratic House candidates in the 2023-2024 cycle, eclipsed only by Hakeem Jeffries (House Minority Leader), Eugene Vindman (Trump administration whistleblower) and Adam Frisch (Coloradan who nearly knocked off far-right Rep. Lauren Boebert in 2022). Many presidential wannabes wish they had already built that much political infrastructure. Granted, 2024 was not the best year for the Squad. The small, pugnacious band of young-ish, socialistic lawmakers lost two members in Democratic primaries: Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush. After Trumps attacks on woke politics throughout the presidential campaign, some centrist Democrats have argued that their party needs to shed some ideological baggage. Ocasio-Cortez has pushed back on her BlueSky feed: A lot of folks w/ poor campaign fundamentals are now blaming wokism but havent held a town hall or knocked a door all cycle. While Ocasio-Cortez continues to fight such intraparty battles, in 2024 she took bold steps to bridge those divides. For the first time she gave money from her campaign account to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the official campaign of the House Democrats. Four years ago, her only remarks at the Democratic National Convention were to nominate the runner-up, independent Sen. Bernie Sanders. This year, she kicked off the partys national convention with an effusive endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket, in a subtle effort to help quell discontent on the left. She clearly has some work to do in winning over the party; House Democrats chose the more senior Rep. Gerry Connolly over Ocasio-Cortez to be the top Dem on the Oversight Committee. Yet the 35-year-old social media star competed for the post in a polite, old-school manner, without leaving any Democratic blood on the floor or earning new enemies. Shes a wonderful talent and the caucus really likes her, said 85-year-old Rep. Steny Hoyer. Something will come along because shes so dynamic and shes such a great communicator. Another ambitious progressive House Democrat also sought to raise his profile after the election, Californias Ro Khanna. Unlike Ocasio-Cortez, however, Khanna has shown interest in trying to work with the incoming Trump administration in hopes of steering it in a more progressive direction. Im ready to work with @doge, @elonmusk + @VivekGRamaswamy to slash waste, Khanna posted on Musks social media site X, referring to Trumps new Department of Government Efficiency (which is actually an ad hoc commission, not a real governmental department). Khanna wasnt embracing the whole of the extreme budget-cutting goals for the commission as articulated by Musk and Ramaswamy; he highlighted a need to focus on Pentagon spending. But rank-and-file Democrats who want to see fervent opposition to Trump will likely recoil at seeing a Democrat treat DOGE as an opportunity for bipartisan compromise instead of a dangerous attempt to hollow out the federal government. Perhaps Khanna is cleverly carving a distinctive path for himself, but at first blush, that path looks politically rocky. MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) The Marshall Police Department has identified Evelyn Luna, 22 of Marshall, as the person involved in the Dec. 19 shooting. Mugshot of Evelyn Luna, courtesy of the Harrison County Jail. Marshall police officers were dispatched to a disturbance call in the 100 block of Interstate 20 around 1:20 p.m. 4 arrested in connection to armed robbery at Palestine smoke shop Upon arrival, officers learned Luna was armed with a handgun and attempted to de-escalate the situation by calling for additional back up including the MPD Special Response Team (SRT), Crisis Negotiation Team and the Harrison County Sheriffs Office SRT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation through negotiations, Luna fired a handgun at officers, putting the public at risk. An MPD officer returned fire, striking her, the Marshall Police Department said. Medical personnel provided first aid and Luna was taken to a local hospital. After being medically cleared, detectives arrested Luna and took her to the Harrison County Jail. She has since been charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and is being held on a $250,000 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 KETK.com | FOX51.com. A Seattle woman is hoping for justice after she said someone shot and killed her dog at a cemetery earlier this month. It happened at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery, near graves east of Aurora Avenue, on December 17. Julia Einarsson told KIRO 7 she was finishing up a walk with her dog Remy and was nearly back to her car, when Remy was spooked by a coyote and a large group of people gathering by a grave. He started barking. She says she pulled him behind her car and tried to get him inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had him between my knees to hold him back, and he backed out of his harness and then ran around the car and barked at the family, she said. Scared the family. Einarsson said Remy didnt bite anyone but ran by them, and then barked at them from a few feet away. She said she told the group of people to please get into their car. All of them did, she said, except for one man. I asked him a few times to get into the car, but he wouldnt get in, she said. Einarsson said the man was trying to make Remy stop barking. She said she put her body between Remy and the man, but the man walked around her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moments later, Einarsson said the man walked over to his car and pulled a gun out of his jacket and fired at Remy. He repeated several times, Im very sorry, Im very sorry. Do you want me to call the police? Einarsson said. I said I dont even know what to do I just need to get my dog to the emergency room. She rushed off to get her dog help, and never saw the man again. Remy died about an hour later. Now, Einarsson is grieving an irreplaceable loss. I talk to [Remy] every day, she said. I tell him that Im sorry that I couldnt save him. Einarsson had Remy for about two and a half years, rescuing him after he was found on the streets and moved from shelter to shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was so smart and so sweet, so sweet, she said. The people he loved, he was just absolutely all in. He was amazing. Shes come back to the site several times, including with an officer from Seattle Police. Ive come back a few times, she said. I just I cant avoid it. I want to honor Remy so thats why I come back. Seattle Police confirmed to KIRO 7 they are investigating the incident and located a shell casing on scene. If anyone has any information about a large group that was visiting a grave on the east side of the cemetery on December 17, they can let police know. Einarsson hopes the man turns himself in. She left a note with a photo of Remy at the site of the grave he was visiting, hoping he sees her plea. Remy was my world, she said. Why did he have to kill him? Why couldnt he have just joined his family in the car? The woman shot on Christmas Day at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport who was said to have life-threatening injuries is expected to live, Phoenix police said Monday. It's unclear whether the woman, whose name has not been publicly released, was still in the hospital as of Monday afternoon. Phoenix police Sgt. Philip Krynsky said the department did not have that information, because hospitals are not required to notify investigators. The woman was part of a shooting and stabbing incident on Dec. 25 in Terminal 4 outside of the airport's security checkpoints around 9:40 p.m. Three people were shot, and one was stabbed. Police Sgt. Mayra Reeson said officers believe the incident, which involved five individuals, was a family dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Police said they found the teenage girl and man with the gun and stab wound in the parking garage and detained them. Four individuals were hospitalized: the woman with life-threatening injuries, two men and one teenage boy in stable condition, police said. The two men and teenage boy were treated, released and interviewed by investigators, according to a statement issued Thursday. No names have been released. Krynsky said the Police Department has not released names, because no one has been arrested or died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Airport shooting: 4 hurt as shots fired outside restaurant at Phoenix Sky Harbor Terminal 4. What to know In a news release Thursday, police said no arrests were made after speaking with officials from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. "A charging decision will be made once the investigation is complete," police said. Krynksy told The Arizona Republic on Monday he could not share whether the investigation was wrapping up or still in the early stages because it could jeopardize "the integrity of the case and the efforts of our investigators." He said there was "no indication the people involved in the shooting are from a different state," but declined to answer questions about why they were at the airport. Krynsky also declined to comment on what prompted the shooting. He responded to both questions saying the investigation was still ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours after the airport shooting and stabbing, 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. Firearms are only allowed at the airport before the security checkpoint. Reach the reporters: Taylor Seely at tseely@arizonarepublic.com and Elena Santa Cruz at elena.santacruz@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Woman shot at airport Christmas Day 'expected to live' Phoenix police say There are roughly 1,140 missing persons cases in Indiana, according to the Missing Person Bulletin run by the Indiana State Police. About 280 of these cases are under the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. IndyStar looked into some of those cases the 1990s and early 2000s to see where they stand. As of September, more than 185 people reported missing in Indiana a decade or more ago remain on the state's bulletin. 'The world just erased him.' The disappearance of Walter Tom Smith Alice Guy holds a poster of information about her brother, Walter Tom Smith, who has been missing since 2006. Walter Tom Smith was on the brink of making his dream a reality. It was just days before he was set to open Walter's Family Restaurant in downtown Edinburgh when he disappeared on Sept. 3, 2006. His sister, Alice Guy, said he was planning to serve "country cooking" biscuits and gravy and breakfast foods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walter was last seen in a rural mobile home community on Delchar Drive. His car, a black 2000 Daewoo Leganza was found about two months later on the north side of Franklin, Indiana. Guy said they told her the car was perfectly backed into a spot in an apartment complex there. She said it couldn't have been Walter driving. "I can tell you right now, we don't know how to back in," Guy said. "We can't park backward for nothing." Shortly before his disappearance, Walter was seen arguing with a man about some stolen checks the man was thought to have cashed. Guy believes police know what happened to Walter, but don't have enough evidence to prove it. Newspaper clippings inside a folder Alice Guy keeps for her brother, Walter Tom Smith. Smith went missing in September 2006. Walter's case is not cold. Guy said she continues to receive tips about where he might be and that police continue to search, although there have not been any recent updates. Just a few weeks ago, detectives with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office found remains from a different missing person and reached out to Guy to let her know that it wasn't Walter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guy said she always feels some disappointment when it's not her brother, but she's glad that for someone, the nightmare is over. "If you don't have faith or hope, you don't have anything," Guy said. Alice Guy has a "Tom box" for her keepsakes. Among other things, it stores a thick album of newspaper clippings and flyers of her brother. She also keeps a stack of flyers in her car to put up whenever she goes out. "I wonder what he would look like at 60," Guy said. "How would his life have been? Everything just gets taken. It's like, the world just erased him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on Walter Tom Smith's disappearance is urged to call the Shelby County Sheriff's Department at 317-392-6345 or CrimeStoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 (TIPS). The missing: Decades later, what happened to these Indiana cases? This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 'The world just erased him.' The disappearance of Walter Tom Smith World leaders have offered their condolences after the death of former President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100. Carter died in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday afternoon, the Carter Center wrote in a post to X. President Joe Biden led the tributes, saying that "America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian." Leaders abroad were quick to offer their own tributes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Carter's legacy "is one of compassion, kindness, empathy and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life -- and he loved doing it. He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me." PHOTO: Former President Jimmy Carter attends an interview with Reuters in Cairo, Egypt, on Jan. 12, 2012. (Amr Dalsh/Reuters) MORE: Former President Jimmy Carter, celebrated champion of human rights, dies at 100 "My deepest condolences to the Carter family, his many loved ones and the American people who are mourning a former president and a lifelong humanitarian," Trudeau added. "May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come." Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said in a post to X that, above all, Carter "was a lover of democracy and a defender of peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lula recalled Carter's pressure on the military dictatorship in Brazil in the 1970s to release political prisoners. "Later, as a former president, he continued to campaign for the promotion of human rights, peace and the eradication of diseases in Africa and Latin America," the president added. "Carter achieved the feat of having a job as a former president, over the decades, that was as important or even more important than his term in the White House," Lula wrote. A slew of tributes also came from leaders in Europe. Several alluded to one of Carter's landmark foreign policy achievements in brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978, which led to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty the following year. "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace," French President Emmanuel Macron said. "France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "very sorry to hear of President Carter's passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time." PHOTO: President Jimmy Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin join hands in celebration of the signing of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty at the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 1979. (Jimmy Carter Library/via Reuters) MORE: Jimmy Carter's improbable journey from defeated one-term president to our best ex-president: Analysis King Charles III expressed "great sadness" at the news. "His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote, "We join our American friends in mourning the loss of their former President Jimmy Carter. The U.S. has lost a committed fighter for democracy. The world has lost a great mediator for peace in the Middle East and for human rights." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted Carter's continued advocacy for democracy and human rights even towards the end of his life. "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," Zelenskyy wrote. "We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression," he added. "He devoted his life to promoting peace in the world and defending human rights. Today, let us remember: peace matters, and the world must remain united in standing against those who threaten these values." 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) MORE: Jimmy Carter's life in pictures Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Carter "served his country with honor -- and humanity, with compassion. His work advanced peace, health and democracy worldwide." "He will be remembered for his moral leadership," she added. "May his noble legacy live on." World leaders mourn Jimmy Carter, celebrate 'noble' legacy originally appeared on abcnews.go.com World leaders representing the country's closest allies memorialized former President Jimmy Carter as a peacemaker and humanitarian for the ages. Carter, who was elected in 1976 and served one term, died Sunday at 100. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to Carter's spirit of helping others, particularly his country, in helming the historic Camp David Accords, the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, during his presidency and, afterward, promoting democracy and low-cost housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His presidency will be remembered for the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and it was that lifelong dedication to peace that saw him receive the Nobel Peace prize," Starmer said in a statement late Sunday. Starmer noted that though Carter's presidential legacy is clouded by the Iran hostage crisis, which began in late 1979, he made bold and lasting moves long after he left the White House. "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. "Jimmy Carter lived his values in the service of others to the very end," he added. "My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron venerated Carter on Sunday for speaking for those without much voice and for fighting for a more peaceful world. "Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace," Macron said on X. "France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people." England's King Charles III echoed other world leaders Sunday. He praised Carter in a statement for "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," the king said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also extended his condolences to Carter's family and "the American people." Canadas prime minister, Justin Trudeau, praised Carter for his giving spirit and his advice. Jimmy Carters legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work, Trudeau said on X. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it. Trudeau called Carter a lifelong humanitarian and said, May his selfless service continue to inspire us all for years to come. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Jimmy Carter was a virtue signaler. That term and its sneering connotations didnt exist back in the late 1970s, when Carter who died Sunday at the age of 100 was president. But its true all the same. And thats admirable. He wanted to be good. Or, at least, he wanted to be seen as good. When youre a public figure, one of the most famous men in the world, it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So he taught Sunday school. He confessed to Playboy magazine that he had looked on a lot of women with lust. When the nation faced a seemingly intractable energy crisis in 1979, he spent days meeting privately with ordinary citizens to find out what they wanted and needed the kind of Pollyanna Frank Capra fantasy you only see in movies then gave a speech telling Americans what they really needed was a little faith. We simply must have faith in each other, faith in our ability to govern ourselves, and faith in the future of this nation, he said in a televised address. He got mocked for that. Eventually. Critics called his address the Malaise Speech, even though he never actually used that word. When Islamic revolutionaries captured American hostages in Iran, and when a rescue attempt went badly awry, Carter didnt spread the blame around. The responsibility is fully my own, he told the nation. Its almost impossible to imagine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nation believed him. When 1980 came around, voters rejected Carter for Ronald Reagan, an aging Republican who ran for the White House under the slogan, Lets make America great again. Sometimes, you suspect, Americans would rather be great than good. Greatness is tough. Goodness is weak. Which tells you how a lot of people perceived Carter and his presidency. But heres the crazy thing. When Jimmy Carter left the White House, he didnt go into hibernation. He didnt start painting pictures, or delivering speeches for tens of thousands of dollars a pop, or make big Hollywood deals like so many of his successors. He didnt even plot a path back to power or scheme for revenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, he tried to do good. He built houses for Habitat for Humanity. He used his platform to seek out peace deals where they could be found. He helped eliminate Guinea worm disease in West Africa. He went abroad to monitor elections, to ensure that democracy around the globe was being protected as well as any world-famous private citizen could protect it. He even, late in life, broke with his church when it backtracked on equality for women. I personally feel the Bible says all people are equal in the eyes of God, he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He lived virtuously, in other words. Or tried to, anyway. Who can really know a mans heart? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These days, of course, the idea of virtue in public life seems to be on life support. Soft-hearted liberals who want to help people are sneered at as virtue signalers as though it is better, more laudable, more authentic to wallow in vice, to celebrate and signal meanness and bullying. Its more fun to own the libs, right? Jimmy Carter its easy to forget this was once Americas most-famous evangelical Christian. When he left the White House, the evangelical movement left Democrats for Republicans, pretty much once and for all. That hasnt been good for Democrats, Republicans or the country. Its also easy to forget that he helped heal us. He came to the presidency in the wake of Richard Nixons resignation, after Vietnam and Watergate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill never lie to you, he told the nation. Lets be honest here: He didnt always keep that promise perfectly. And he could be egotistical. He was a politician after all. But he at least aspired to virtue. He asked the rest of us to do the same. America moved on. And now after a long and honorable life so has Jimmy Carter. Joel Mathis is a regular Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle Opinion correspondent. Formerly a writer and editor at Kansas newspapers, he served nine years as a syndicated columnist. Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. Foreign and business leaders celebrated Carter's humanitarian work. President-elect Donald Trump said the world owes Carter "a debt of gratitude." Former President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at the age of 100. World leaders responded with an outpouring of support, celebrating Carter's legacy as a humanitarian. The Georgia peanut farmer turned politician served as president from 1977 to 1981. But he is perhaps most known for his humanitarian work after leaving the White House. Carter championed human rights and pushed for peace in various corners of the world. In 1982, he founded The Carter Center to focus on such issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2002, Carter received a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and human rights. Carter also played an active role with Habitat for Humanity until the end of his life. "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love," Carter's son, Chip, said in a statement via The Carter Center on Sunday. Biden: Carter was "a man of principle, faith, and humility" President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he would order a state funeral in Washington for Carter. "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian," Biden said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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 added. "He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe." Biden said that the love Carter shared with his late wife, Rosalynn Carter, was "the definition of partnership" and that their leadership was "the definition of patriotism." Trump: "We all owe him a debt of gratitude" President-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Carter's presidency "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." "While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for," Trump said in a subsequent post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had earlier criticized Carter's decision to hand over control of the Panama Canal to Panama, saying in a Truth Social Post on December 21 that his predecessor had "foolishly gave it away." The president-elect recently accused Panama of charging US vessels "exorbitant prices" and threatened to retake control of the canal. Former presidents and lawmakers tout Carter's post-presidential record Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama said in a statement on Sunday 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," the Obamas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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," the statement added. 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 Former President George W. Bush said in his statement that Carter was a "man of deeply held convictions" who "set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations." "President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency," Bush said. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Sunday that Carter had "worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "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. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X that Carter led an "extraordinary life" that touched countless people's lives through his vision and generosity. As we remember President Carter's extraordinary life, we also honor the countless lives he touched through his 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 pic.twitter.com/NdDU43WTGk Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 29, 2024 Sen. Bernie Sanders said on X that Carter would be remembered as a "decent, honest and down-to-earth man" for both his time as president and his later humanitarian work. "He will be sorely missed," Sanders wrote. US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg shared a tribute to the former president on X, writing that Carter's "leadership, intellect, and moral example ennobled our country, during and ever since his presidency." President and Mrs. Carter were also extraordinarily gracious and kind to Chasten and me, receiving us warmly at their home and making us feel like friends even as we sat amazed by their presence and grace. pic.twitter.com/iZe4BDULht Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) December 29, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign politicians and business leaders hail Carter's peacemaking efforts On X, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared a photo of the former president wearing a tool belt in front of a construction site with the message: "Today, we honor President Carter's lifetime of service and his commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. May he rest in peace." Today, we honor President Carters lifetime of service and his commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/cXl99kT7lr Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 29, 2024 Melinda French Gates said in her tribute that Carter was her hero. The philanthropist said she knew Carter best as a "global health advocate" who took on "diseases that impact the world's poorest people, like Guinea worm disease." "When President Carter left office, there were more than 3.5 million cases of this painful, debilitating disease around the world each year. This year, thanks in no small part to the work of the Carter Center, that number was down to single digits," French Gates wrote. "One of my favorite teachings says: 'To know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived, this is to have succeeded.' We honor President Carter by remembering that because of him, life is healthier, better, and safer not just for one life, but for millions," she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carter's death prompted tributes from foreign leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "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," Zelenskyy said of Carter in his X post. "We deeply appreciate his steadfast commitment to Christian faith and democratic values, as well as his unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's unprovoked aggression," he added. Very sorry to hear of President Carters passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/IaKmZcteb1 Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 29, 2024 "Jimmy Carter's legacy is one of compassion, kindness, empathy, and hard work. He served others both at home and around the world his entire life and he loved doing it," Trudeau wrote on X. "He was always thoughtful and generous with his advice to me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King Charles one of the few living figures from Carter's presidency still active in public life also posted a tribute. 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 In the note, Charles said Carter's "dedication and humility served as an inspiration." He nodded to Carter's 1977 visit to the UK, where Charles appeared in the background of this photo (top left, you can see his head) showing Carter meeting with G7 leaders and Queen Elizabeth II. World leaders at a G7 summit in London in 1977. Pictured (left to right) are Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Prince Charles (in the far background), Princess Margaret, Japanese Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda, British Prime Minister James Callaghan, French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, US President Jimmy Carter, Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, and West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the original article on Business Insider CARBONDALE (KSNT) A Kansas native and World War II veteran will turn 100-years-old Monday. Sylvester Lira was born in Osage City on Dec. 30, 1924. When Japanese military forces attacked Pearl Harbor nearly 17 years later, Lira decided to enlist in the Navy. There was just one problem. He went to Kansas City, had to ask for directions on the street where to sign up for the military, Liras son Paul said. They took him in, gave him his physical and found out he was only 16 and wouldnt take him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navy officials told Sylvester to be on the next bus to boot camp in January, and so he was. He wasnt exactly forthright with his family when he took off. I told my mother I was going into town ended up in Kansas City joining the Navy! Sylvester said. They didnt know where I was at til I told em where I was at. In boot camp up North. He didnt see his family again until the end of the war in 1945 when he was honorably discharged. He started working for the Sante Fe Railroad, married and settled down in Carbondale. My mom told my dad she would not marry him unless he had a house that was paid for, Paul said. And so, he bought a house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Paul, his dad lived in that house for nearly 80 years until he moved last May. Sylvester said he never even thought about leaving Kansas. When I got married, my wife was from Carbondale, he said. She wanted to live here so we lived in Carbondale. Clemency for Christmas: Gov. Kelly commutes Manhattan mans sentence Despite living to be 100, Paul said his dad isnt showing many signs of slowing down. He only stopped driving not quite a year ago, Paul said, and the only reason he quit driving was because he got his insurance bill and he says, Im not gonna pay that bill!' More than 150 well-wishers showed up to Sylvesters birthday party. The Osage City native said he doesnt have much to complain about. He still feels good and enjoys spending time with his dog, Ida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive had a full life, Sylvester said. I really have. I sure thank the Lord that let me live this long. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. 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 KSNT 27 News. Utah leaders have slim expectations for how much funding the state Legislature will appropriate in 2025 to address homelessness. After years of record state spending on resource centers and deeply affordable housing, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox requested just $18.8 million from lawmakers earlier this month for homelessness alleviation efforts a fraction of the $186 million he proposed for homelessness initiatives a year ago. State Homeless Coordinator Wayne Niederhauser, who was appointed by Cox in 2021, said the diminished dollar amount might be attributed to delays in finding a location for a new, large low-barrier shelter that serves as the backbone of the states latest attempt to reimagine homelessness policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until we have some definition on what the future is going to be, as far as another facility, its best to wait for budget requests, Niederhauser told the Deseret News. And were going to get more traction with the Legislature on that basis. Where will the new shelter be? During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers dedicated $25 million in one-time funds for an ambitious 30-acre central campus somewhere along the Wasatch Front. Depending on the site, the massive centralized shelter could include anywhere from 600-1,200 beds, with the goal of providing wraparound services, like addiction recovery programs and trauma treatment plans, all in one place to help individuals exit homelessness for good. That is if they can find a place to build it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last few months, Niederhauser has scoured Salt Lake County in search of sites he can present before the newly assembled Utah Homeless Services Board. Niederhausers Office of Homeless Services presented several location options to the board at a private meeting on Dec. 15, with another meeting scheduled in January to narrow down the options. This is part of a longer process that includes extensive research and due diligence related to potential real property acquisitions, Niederhauser said in a statement. After a final site has been selected, there will be a public engagement process. Along with the states one-time appropriation, lawmakers also set a deadline of Oct. 1, 2025, for the completion of the new shelter. This date is still the goal, Niederhauser said, but with real estate prices so high and with land sometimes requiring lengthy remediation processes, it may take a little bit longer to find a suitable location. If the eventual site for the campus is a wetlands area, for example, it could take up to a year to prepare the property for construction, Niederhauser said. Taking this into account, as well as the cost of land, the $25 million appropriated to build a new facility might not stretch far beyond buying the dirt beneath the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I could probably spend our whole appropriation on land, and then we need money to actually create facilities on the land, Niederhauser said. Isa Empey, left, and Haley Kline, center, both hold vigil candles while listening to a prayer during the annual Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil, hosted by the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, in Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News Up against budget barriers Another obstacle to funding the construction of a central campus after land is purchased is a lack of available cash. The state revenue estimates presented to Utah legislative leaders earlier this month showed a $2.3 million deficit for fiscal year 2024 and nearly $24.5 million less in the general fund than anticipated in the current budget year that ends June 30, 2025. The shortfall, driven by disappointing sales and income tax collections, was coupled with cautious projections for the upcoming fiscal year. The consensus budget figures leave legislators with zero extra revenues for any additional spending, whether it be one-time or ongoing appropriations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means if lawmakers want any funding to complete the construction and staffing of the homelessness campus, they would need to reallocate money from other programs, which Rep. Steve Eliason, R-Sandy, said would be an extremely heavy lift because theres going to be lots of requests. The Utah House Republican majority has indicated that its focus for homelessness in 2025 will be on making enforcement of public safety measures more consistent across municipalities and heightening penalties to make shelters safer. But to make the vision of Niederhauser and the state Homeless Services Board a reality, the central campus will someday require $20-$30 million a year in ongoing funds to operate, including an initial $5 million to begin building a team of caseworkers, according to Jim Behunin, the House-appointed member to the board, who authored multiple legislative audit reports over the last five years recommending changes to how Utah addresses homelessness. These estimated costs are based on multiple trips Niederhauser and other state leaders have made in recent years to the Haven For Hope homelessness campus in San Antonio, Texas, and the homelessness centers in Miami-Dade County, Florida, Niederhauser said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both programs cost between $30-$40 million a year when Niederhauser last visited them, he said. The Texas campus was funded by a combination of city, county, federal and philanthropic dollars, while the Florida facilities relied on a dedicated funding stream from the state legislature, Niederhauser said. Candles adorned with the names of those who have died are honored at the center of the annual Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil, hosted by the Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness, in Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News Utah homelessness funding over time This year, Cox is asking the Legislature to find $18.8 million, including $3.8 million in ongoing money (in addition to $2 million in federal support) to fund the operations of a second family shelter in Salt Lake County that is under consideration, and $11 million to maintain the statewide emergency shelter system. Were in a position where I feel like were functioning pretty well, Niederhauser said. But Coxs proposal for next session is an entirely different kind of request from the one he made last year. In 2023, Cox called for a $120 million investment to maintain and expand the emergency shelter system, $30 million for deeply affordable housing for families making under $31,000 a year and several million to pay for additional behavioral health care workers and home health care programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators in the 2024 session ultimately gave state agencies the $25 million to expand the shelter system, another $11.8 million to support existing homeless services and $2.5 million to mitigate impacts on shelter communities, for a total of roughly $40 million in state funds that was matched by $15 million from philanthropists at the Utah Impact Partnership. But this sum was a steep decline from the investments made in previous years by the state. A decade ago, Utah leaders declared a brief victory over chronic homelessness, crediting the states groundbreaking statewide implementation of a housing first model, which poured resources into state-funded housing units and the Road Home emergency shelter just north of the Rio Grande Depot in downtown Salt Lake City. Within a few years, a series of legislative audits found that the hundreds of millions of dollars being spent every year on addressing homelessness in the state were having uncertain results or failing to help people exit homelessness permanently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Road Home shelters were eventually shuttered, and smaller resource centers were constructed with the aim of creating a more intentional environment to deliver services to individuals who are experiencing homelessness. However, critics say these services were never fully funded by lawmakers. Between 2016 and 2021, state spending on homelessness more than tripled. A record $50 million appropriated by state lawmakers in 2021 grew to $70 million in 2022 to help house those experiencing homelessness still far short of the $128 million Cox recommended in his budget. Over the last decade, the state has seen cases of chronic homelessness double from 14% to 27% of the homeless population, with a 96% increase in chronic homelessness since 2019. While Utahs homelessness rate is nearly half of the national average, and less than most of its western neighbors, the number of homeless Utahns who stayed in an emergency shelter increased from 10,414 in 2021 to 12,401 in 2023. Tiny packets of nicotine have quickly become a big problem for parents and schools. Theyre available at gas stations and convenience stores under names like Zyn, O! Rogue, Juice Head and VELO. Although the products are supposed to be sold only to people over 21, a growing number of children have reported using these types of smokeless oral nicotine packets. Because theyre relatively new to the market, parents and teachers may not know what to look for. And since young users dont have to stand outside and smoke or vape to get a nicotine fix, the products can be easy to hide and hard to spot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tiny white pockets, sometimes called lip pillows or upper deckies, are held between the inner lip and the gum. They contain nicotine or synthetic nicotine and filler that is mostly flavor like mint or fruit. Were very concerned about Zyn use right now, said Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a professor of pediatrics and the founder and director of the Tobacco Prevention Toolkit, an online curricular aimed at reducing and preventing youth tobacco use. Zyn and its competitors came to the US in 2014, and the number of adults who use them has remained relatively steady since around 2016. But they have quickly become one of the most-used nicotine products among kids and young adults, according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, second only to vaping. Its against the law for tobacco companies to promote their products with traditional advertising, like on TV or in magazines, but Zyn and its competitors seem to be everywhere online where a kid would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Embraced by some professional athletes and familiar personalities, the products have become so popular on TikTok that theres even a name for devotees: Zynfluencers. Swedish Match U.S., the maker of Zyn, said the product is marketed to existing nicotine consumers over 21. Working to ensure access is only for adults over 21 is built into our DNA. Nicotine products are among the most highly regulated on the market. Swedish Match North America, which markets ZYN in the U.S., doesnt use social media influencers and refuses requests for such partnerships. Its product websites are strictly age-gated, and its advertising features only individuals 35 or older, the company said in a statement. But there are so many oral nicotine products hitting the market that in December, the American Heart Association revised its policy paper on the topic for the first time since 2010. It calls for more research and for more education for doctors, parents and kids so people can be more aware of when young people are using them and what the health consequences may be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halpern-Felsher gave a talk at one school in the San Francisco Bay Area where she was told that Zyn is pervasive and really difficult to detect. Teens dont understand that this is nicotine, and they dont understand what it could do to them, she added. Health dangers of nicotine Promoted by users as a pick-me-up, nicotine may give young people a quick burst of energy. But in the long term, it has the opposite effect: It can have a profound impact on the structure, function and connections in the young brain, which may harm their ability to pay attention, learn and remember things. Levels of nicotine in these products can vary from about 3 milligrams per packet up to 12 milligrams, and we know kids are sometimes doubling up with these, Halpern-Felsher said, putting them at risk of nicotine poisoning. For context, the nicotine ingested from a 6 milligram Zyn pouch would be equal to smoking about three packs of cigarettes or one and a half e-cigarette pods of 2% vape juice per day according to the American Lung Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kids are also more easily addicted to nicotine than adults, studies show, which could lead to a lifetime of health issues. More research is needed on the effects in younger people, but adult use of nicotine carries a cardiovascular risk, raises the risk of cancer and can cause bad breath, tooth loss and gum disease. Theres also an increased risk of death from heart or cerebrovascular issues, studies have found. Although the number of teens who vape has fallen from a peak in 2019 and the number of people smoking combustible cigarettes has been declining for more than a decade, the CDC says, slightly more children are using oral nicotine products than in years past. The agency said in October that about 1.8% of middle- and high-schoolers about 890,000 young people reported using nicotine pouches. Thats up from 1.5% in 2023. The American Lung Association puts the numbers even higher, saying that a quarter of people who use nicotine pouches are underage. Their reasons for using can vary, Halpern-Felsher said. Some are trying to kick an addiction to e-cigarettes. Others just like the flavors and the head rush that come with the nicotine, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some may also be self-medicating for conditions like depression or anxiety. We know the mental health crisis is real, and were very concerned about self-medication, she said. Experts say parents should talk to their children about the risks of nicotine products and watch for sudden changes in behavior or secrecy, such as disappearing for a prolonged period of time. Nicotine may make them irritated or anxious and may curb hunger. Also watch for containers that look like a pack of mints or for the nicotine pouches themselves, which may become visible when theyre talking. If a child is using and want to quit, parents should help them come up with a plan. Its better to respond with support than punishment, according to the Truth initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people break a nicotine addiction. Efforts to tackle youth usage Philip Morris, the tobacco giant that bought Zyn maker Swedish Match, has leaned into smokeless products as people move away from cigarettes. Sales of Zyn have increased 300-fold since 2016. In the first quarter of 2024, Philip Morris said, it sold 131.6 million cans worldwide, up 8.2% from the same period in 2023. The company said it anticipates selling 560 million cans this year alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philip Morris website clearly requires users to verify that they are 21 and that they use tobacco products. If a person says they dont use tobacco products, they get a screen that says the product is not for them. After the District of Columbia went to court over sales of Zyn this year, arguing that they violate the areas ban on flavored products, the company stopped online sales, but it still offers incentives and rewards like Zyn branded merchandise and gift cards for people who purchase the products. In December, Swedish Match North America, a subsidiary of Philip Morris, reached a settlement with the district and said it would pay $1.2 million; it also promised to better monitor how its products were distributed. Earlier this year, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Federal Trade Commission to investigate Zyn sales, particularly to young people. Some Republicans criticized the effort with allegations of a nanny state, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, called for a Zynsurrection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FDA said in April that it has taken some action, sending 119 warning letters to retailers selling Zyn to underage buyers. More states and cities are banning flavored nicotine products, so they may be subject to further regulations. But often companies create new products or market them in a way that can be confusing. They will often will claim the products are tobacco-free and are a safer alternative to smoking combustible cigarettes, and while they are likely safer than smoking combustible cigarettes, the reality is, we just dont know the short- and long-term impact of these products, said Dr. Cheryl Dennison Himmelfarb, who helped write the American Heart Associations policy paper and is the vice dean of research at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and the School of Medicine and Public Health. Whether its nicotine delivered from tobacco or not, its addictive and not ideal for the developing brain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennison Himmelfarb hopes that more stores will enforce the legal age limit and that policy-makers will focus on restricting the use among young people. Halpern-Felsher said she and her team at Stanford are building a Zyn-specific prevention curriculum in addition to the smokeless tobacco prevention curriculum that they have taken to thousands of schools nationwide. We are that concerned about Zyn, she said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed human rights activist Olha Reshetylova to the newly created position of military ombudsman on Dec. 30. Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced in April that it would create the position to ensure soldiers had a way to report violations of their rights. The ombudsman "will be responsible for considering appeals and complaints of service members, providing primary legal assistance, conducting inspections, and investigating violations of the rights of service members and their families," the Defense Ministry said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reshetylova previously co-founded and headed the Media Initiative for Human Rights, which has investigated war crimes related to the Russian war in Ukraine since 2016 and advocates for changes in government policies and social practices related to protecting human rights. In 2014, Reshetylova co-founded Come Back Alive, one of Ukraine's largest civilian fundraising organizations that purchases military items. "Olha is a well-known, experienced, and effective Ukrainian human rights activist. She has already done a lot to build our state institutions and support Ukrainians," Zelensky said in his statement. "Now the main task is to prepare, together with the Ukraine's Defense Ministry and civil society, a draft law on the Military Ombudsman and all the necessary systemic foundations for the work of this institution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calls to fill the position grew sharper in recent days following allegations of abuse in the 211th Pontoon Bridge Brigade. Read also: Defense Ministry creates new role of military ombudsman Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed human rights activist Olha Reshetylova to the post of military ombudswoman. Source: Zelenskyy on Telegram Quote: "I have signed a decree appointing Olha Reshetylova (Kobylynska) as the Presidential Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Servicemen and Family Members of Our Soldiers." Details: Olha Reshetylova, 39, is a journalist, human rights activist, volunteer, and head of the Media Initiative for Human Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On 18 November, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov announced that Ukraine would have a military ombudsperson for the rights of servicemen. He also said that an announcement regarding the appointment would be made shortly. On 19 November, Zelenskyy said that he had instructed the Ministry of Defence and the military command to select and appoint a military ombudsperson in the near future. Since 2022, soldiers have sent the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights 1,964 complaints about military units. Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Roman Mashovets from the position of deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine. Source: a decree published on the website of the Presidents Office Details: The President's Office reported that Mashovets has been involved in organising military and technical assistance for the Ukrainian army since July 2014. He was among the founders of Ukraines Special Operations Forces and co-authored the law on amendments regarding the Special Operations Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mashovets undertook 25 deployments to the combat zone in eastern Ukraine. On 22 April 2020, he was appointed as deputy head of the Office of the President by presidential decree. Support UP or become our patron! It Happened here is a weekly history column by Yakima Herald-Republic reporter Donald W. Meyers. Reach him at dmeyers@yakimaherald.com. Sources for this weeks column include historylink.org, An Illustrated History of Klickitat, Yakima and Kittitas Counties and the archives of the Yakima Herald-Republic. You are the owner of this article. Each December, Climate Central reviews the years extreme weather events. The 2024 report highlights key findings and new analysis on dangerous heat days, proposing global resolutions for a safer and more sustainable 2025. Human-caused climate change has added 41 days of 'dangerous heat' in 2024, affecting health and ecosystems A scientific report released a few days ago reveals that human-caused climate change has added an average of 41 days of dangerous heat by 2024. This negatively affects human health and ecosystems. The analysis was carried out by World Weather Attribution (WWA) and Climate Central, two scientific groups specialising in the impact of climate change on extreme events. Dr Friederike Otto, director of WWA and professor at Imperial College London, said: The effects of fossil fuel-induced warming have never been so clear or devastating as they will be in 2024. We are living in a dangerous new era. The year 2024 will be the hottest on record and one of the worst for extreme events. Climate change driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas has been a driving factor. WWA has counted 219 major extreme events in 2024 and, after analysing 29 of them, found clear evidence of the influence of climate change in 26 events. The use of fossil fuels drives climate change, affecting life on our planet. "This year, extreme weather has killed thousands of people, forced millions from their homes and caused unremitting suffering ," Otto said. Floods in Spain, hurricanes in the United States, drought in the Amazon and flooding in Africa are just a few examples. The annual report by both scientific groups highlights that, although natural factors such as El Nino may have played a role, climate change has undoubtedly been the main cause of a 2024 full of extremes. Global warming in 2024: a global alarm One of the last major extreme events of 2024 was the DANA (segregated low tide) that affected several Spanish provinces, leaving more than 220 people dead in the city of Valencia alone. According to the WWA study, climate change made the rains that caused the subsequent floods 12% more intense and twice as likely. WWA 2024: 26 extreme events influenced by climate change, 2 less likely or severe, 1 with undetermined influence. Climate Central has noted that climate change has increased the likelihood of warming Atlantic temperatures adding moisture to storms by 50 to 300 times . Days later, the European ClimaMeter project determined that natural climate variability alone cannot explain the amount of precipitation observed. The year has seen devastating weather events, with floods in Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad being the deadliest, with at least 2,000 people dead and millions forced to migrate. In the United States, Hurricane Helene in September 2024 left 230 dead in six states, being one of the deadliest in the last 50 years , only surpassed by Katrina in 2005. According to WWA, climate change increased the likelihood of the high sea temperatures that caused Hurricane Helene by 200 to 500 times and increased its devastating rainfall by 10 percent. Climate Central reached similar conclusions for Hurricane Milton, which struck the southeastern U.S. two weeks later and was also intensified by global warming. Climate change is not just manifesting itself in one-off extreme events. It threatens to cause irreversible changes in ecosystems, as WWA's analysis of the Amazon drought pointed out earlier this year. The authors found that the likelihood of meteorological drought has increased tenfold , while agricultural drought has become roughly 30 times more likely due to climate change. The Amazon is crucial to global climate stability, but human-caused warming is pushing the rainforest into a drier state, potentially leading to mass tree die-off and the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the scientists warn. Proposals for 2025 Looking ahead to 2025, both WWA and Climate Central have proposed four crucial measures to combat climate change and protect people from extreme weather events. These measures include: Accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Improve early warning systems . Implement real-time notifications of heat-related deaths. Provide international financing to help developing countries increase their resilience. Friederike Otto, Director of WWA, emphasises: We have the knowledge and technology to move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy, reduce demand and stop deforestation. We must implement these measures without being distracted by technologies such as carbon dioxide removal, which will not be effective if we do not address the other actions first. News references: - World Weather Attribution. When risks become reality: extreme weather events in 2024. Russell Howard, one of the worlds top comedians (Sunday Times) is back for a brand new live tour of Europe in 2025 and for the first time ever, he will perform in Budapest. Join Russell, the uplifting Comedy King, as he puts the world to rights in his own uniquely hilarious way. Russell Howard is one of the best-selling acts in British stand-up, host of the smash hit TV show 'Russell Howards Good News' (BBC) and the current critically acclaimed show 'The Russell Howard Hour' (Sky). Russell is coming to Budapest for the first time with his biggest ever globe-spanning stand-up tour - this follows the record-breaking success of his 2017 tour 'Round The World' which become his celebrated Netflix special 'Recalibrate'. One of the worlds top comedians The Sunday Times, UK He's cheeky, he's charming, and he may be your new favourite British export in a Brexit world Time Out, USA Date and time: 2 May 2025 Timing: Doors open: 6 pm Showtime: 7 pm Venue: MOMkult 1124 Budapest, Csorsz utca 18. Source: Event Facebook page Who let the wolves into Colorado? Just two counties | Dick Wadhams Mumbai: Benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty declined in early trade on Monday amid unabated foreign fund outflows and weak trends in the global markets. The 30-share BSE benchmark Sensex declined 142.26 points to 78,556.81 in early trade. The NSE Nifty dipped 48.35 points to 23,765.05. From the 30 blue-chip pack, Infosys, Mahindra & Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Titan, Power Grid, Tech Mahindra, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Tata Motors were among the biggest laggards. Adani Ports, Zomato, UltraTech Cement and ITC were among the gainers. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 1,323.29 crore on Friday, according to exchange data. In Asian markets, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong were trading lower while Seoul quoted higher. US markets ended in the negative territory on Friday. Global oil benchmark Brent crude went up 0.07 per cent to USD 74.22 a barrel. The BSE benchmark climbed 226.59 points or 0.29 per cent to settle at 78,699.07 on Friday. The Nifty went up by 63.20 points or 0.27 per cent to 23,813.40. Delhi experienced cold to severe cold day conditions on Monday, as the maximum temperature settled at 15 degrees Celsius, 5.4 degrees below the normal. The Meteorological Department has predicted similar cold day conditions to persist in the coming days. Amid the chilling weather, the schools have opted for winter vacation. "For the past two days, maximum temperatures were recorded in the cold day category but the minimum temperatures remained above 10 degrees Celsius. Today (Monday), cold day to severe cold day conditions were observed over Delhi," a Met official said. As temperatures dip across North India, schools in Delhi-NCR have announced winter vacations to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Schools in the Delhi-NCR have sent messages to parents informing them about the winter vacation. Here's a quick update on the school holiday schedules: Delhi Schools Dates: Schools will remain closed from December 31 to January 15. Primary Classes (Up to 6th): Will remain completely shut during this period. Special Classes for 10th and 12th: These will continue as per the schools' routine to ensure students remain prepared for their board exams. Ghaziabad Schools Current Schedule: Schools are closed for primary classes up to January 6. Extension Possible: The closure may be extended depending on the orders from the District Magistrate, with updates expected soon. Schools in Noida is likely to follow suit. If the cold weather persists, online classes are most likely for senior wings in the schools. Parents and students are advised to stay in touch with their respective schools for any further changes to the schedule. The year 2024 was marked by multiple exam paper leak scandals, leading to protests, cancellations, and debates about the fairness of Indias exam system. From medical entrance tests to state recruitment exams, these controversies caused stress for students and raised concerns about the accountability of exam authorities. Paper Leak cases NEET UG exam: The student community expressed their concerns over irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2024. The results, announced on June 4, sparked widespread outcry, with aspirants raising issues like grace marks being awarded to over 1,500 students, an unusually high number of perfect scores, and allegations of a leaked question paper. In response, various student organizations across the country organized protests, demanding a retest and a comprehensive investigation to ensure the examination's transparency. UP Police Constable exam: In February, UP Police constable exam candidates protested, demanding a re-exam. They claimed the exam was unfair as the question paper was shared on social media just hours before the test. Around 48 lakh candidates had applied for 60,244 constable posts. BPSC Controversy: In Bihar, students have been protesting for over a week, demanding the cancellation of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination (CCE), 2024, conducted by BPSC, due to claims of a question paper leak. UPPCS and BPSC Normalisation Protest UPPSC Exam: Thousands of UPPSC job aspirants are protesting outside the commission's headquarters in Prayagraj. They are opposing the conduct of the Civil Services (Preliminary) and RO/ARO exams in multiple shifts and the use of score normalization. BPSC Exam: A large number of BPSC aspirants protested in Patna, demanding the withdrawal of the proposed rule changes for the 70th BPSC Preliminary Exam. The candidates want the exam to follow a "one shift, one paper" format instead of the suggested normalization process. On Friday evening, the police used lathicharge to disperse the protesters. One Nation One Subscription Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet has approved a new scheme called 'One Nation One Subscription' to provide access to research articles and journals across the country. The scheme aims to make academic and scientific knowledge easily available, boosting research and innovation nationwide. Around Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated for this initiative, which will run as a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) for three years: 2025, 2026, and 2027. No Detention change The central government has removed the 'no-detention policy' for students in classes 5 and 8 in its schools. This means students who fail the year-end exams can now be held back, officials said. Since the Right to Education (RTE) Act was amended in 2019, at least 16 states and two Union Territories have already ended the 'no-detention policy' for these classes. Vidya Lakshmi Scheme The PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, launched in 2024, aims to reduce financial stress for deserving students. It provides low-interest education loans to undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in the top 860 institutions across India. Internship scheme The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme has seen a huge response, with 6.21 lakh applications received for 1.27 lakh positions. The selection process is currently underway. Launched in the Union Budget 2024, the scheme aims to offer internships in the top 500 companies over five years. It focuses on improving employability and giving young people practical industry experience. PM SHRI schools The PM SHRI School initiative, launched by the Government of India, is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at developing over 14,500 schools. These schools will be managed by Central, State, UT Governments, or local bodies, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS). The goal is to create schools where every student feels valued and supported, enjoys a safe and encouraging learning environment, and has access to diverse learning opportunities. These schools will also ensure quality infrastructure and resources to promote effective learning for all students. SATHEE App The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced the SATHEE scheme, a free program to help students prepare for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and SSC. This initiative aims to support students from all backgrounds, especially those in rural and remote areas, by offering quality learning materials, expert guidance, and self-assessment tools. Patna : RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the lathi charge on BPSC aspirants protesting in Patna. The aspirants are demanding a re-examination of the 70th Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) prelims held on December 13. On Sunday, cops used water cannons and mild force to disperse the protesters in Gandhi Maidan, Patna. The incident has drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders. The former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister released a video statement saying, "It is very painful how BPSC aspirants were beaten up by the police. Many people are badly injured in this... We condemn this. The visuals that have surfaced are painful. I am a youth, and I can understand their situation. Firstly, people were protesting against normalisation..." He said his party raised the issue in the Vidhan Sabha and brought it to the government's notice. "We raised this issue in the Vidhan Sabha too on November 28. We wrote a letter to the CM but didn't get any answer," Yadav said. "Later on, BPSC clarified that normalization should not have happened. Why didn't they clear this earlier?" RJD leader also questioned the cancellation of the exam at only one center. "On December 15-16, BPSC announced the cancellation of the exam at one center. If the paper had been leaked, then why is the exam being canceled only at one center? It is a kind of normalization," he stated. Backing the protesting students, Yadav added, "That's why students are protesting for a re-examination. I also support this." Meanwhile, SP City Sweety Sahrawat defended the use of water cannons on BPSC aspirants protesting in Patna. "We requested the students to vacate the place, but they didn't listen. We told them we were ready to hear their demands. However, they pushed the police, after which we used water cannons," she said. The 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. (With ANI inputs) Kochi: Thrikkakara Congress MLA Uma Thomas is under critical care treatment after sustaining head and spinal injuries, reportedly after falling from a gallery at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here on Sunday evening. The severely bleeding MLA was rushed to a private hospital near the stadium by volunteers and others. 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. She reportedly hit her head on the concrete ground after falling from the VIP gallery of the stadium, approximately 15 ft high, sources said. Uma Thomas had arrived at the stadium to attend a dance programme which was scheduled to be inaugurated by Culture Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, the sources added. 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. Industries Minister P Rajeeve, who visited the hospital, said an expert medical team from the Health Department would soon join the hospital's doctors. Health Minister Veena George said that an expert medical team from the Health Department would assess the health condition of Uma 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 hospital's existing medical board. The health minister also held discussions with Minister Rajeeve, who is in-charge of the district, and interacted with the doctors overseeing Uma Thomas's 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. Uma Thomas had arrived to attend the event 'Mridanga Naadam' at the stadium, where approximately 12,000 dancers, including actor-dancer Divya Unni, performed Bharatanatyam in a bid for a Guinness World Record. 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. Meanwhile, Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya inspected the accident site. The police said they would register a case regarding the alleged security lapses. New Delhi: The All-India Imam Association on Monday escalated their demands for the release of pending salaries, warning of protests if their grievances remain unaddressed. A group of Imams gathered outside the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal to press for their demands. Speaking to IANS, Maulana Mahfooz Rehman said, We had come on Thursday and were assured we would get an appointment with Kejriwal on Saturday, but that meeting never materialised. This is now our third attempt. If we are not allowed to meet him today, we will stage a dharna (sit-in protest) and will not leave until our salaries are released. The Imams cited two key issues -- the overdue salaries and the lack of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the Waqf Board. There has been no response from Kejriwal or his office. We are not here for politics, we have real concerns. Without a CEO, even if funds are released, we will not receive our salaries. The CEO's immediate appointment is crucial, Maulana Mahfooz Rehman added. Gayyur Hassan, another Maulana, highlighted the severity of the situation. We have not been paid for the last 17 months. Despite repeated visits and appeals, nothing has been resolved. We have now decided to initiate a protest, he told IANS. Mufti Narajul Haq Kasmi, who has served as an Imam under the Delhi Waqf Board since 1988, said, If our demands are not addressed now, there will be no chance of resolution once the election notification is issued. Even with released funds, salaries cannot be disbursed without a functioning CEO. The appointment of a CEO is must. Several Imams said that their salary is too meagre, only Rs 18,000 and that, too, has not been paid for 17 months. They said they are facing a lot of difficulties due to non-payment of salaries. Earlier, the group had met Delhi Chief Minister Atishi to discuss the issues, but no concrete solutions were offered. As tensions rise, the Imams have made it clear that they are prepared to intensify their protests if their demands are not met promptly. After days of political slugfest over the cremation of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, now the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress are locked in a fresh verbal spat over Rahul Gandhi. The ruling party alleged that Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to celebrate when the entire nation is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stated that the Congress party has "abused and insulted" Dr Singh. "While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to bring in the New Year even as the nation observes seven days of mourning. Congress doesn't care for Dr Manmohan Singh. They abused and insulted him during his lifetime They continue to do so now. Yesterday nobody went to collect his ashes. Congress even denied Bharat Ratna to Dr Manmohan Singh as per the latest disclosures. This is their true face," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X. Poonawalla further lashed out saying that for Rahul Gandhi, tourism is nothing new. "Rahul Gandhi has changed the meaning of LoP from Leader of Opposition to Leader of 'paryatan' and Leader of the party....Rahul Gandhi and 'paryatan' is nothing new," said the BJP spokesperson, adding that at a time when the 26/11 attack happened in Mumbai, Rahul Gandhi was partying all night. Congress MP Manickam Tagore has launched a counterattack and called a 'diversion politics' by 'Sanghis'. "When will the Sanghis stop this 'Take Diversion' politics? The way Modi denied Dr. Saheb a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and how his ministers cornered Dr. Saheb's family is shameful. If Mr Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you? Get well in New Year," Tagore posted on X. Jaisalmer Tubewell News: News of the water burst in Jaisalmer spread like wildfire across social media, with many speculating that it could be the revival of an ancient stream from the Saraswati River, believed to have flowed through the region centuries ago. People shared the video on social media demanding an explanation for the unnatural event. Now, the government officials have shared an update about the same. The founation like water burst is now being said to be due to the gas leakage, pushing the water upwards. The gas leakage that occurred during a tubewell drilling operation in the Mohangarh Canal area of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has stopped, officials confirmed on Monday. Huge surge of water in barren desert land of Jaisalmer causing a deluge !!!! Ground water scientist Narayan Das suggests a possible resurfacing of River Saraswati pic.twitter.com/Tf2FPrqN8Y Sameer (@BesuraTaansane) December 28, 2024 The incident on Saturday caused the ground to collapse, unleashing water and gas under immense pressure. The eruption produced a high-pressure jet of water, triggering panic among local residents. Jaisalmer District Collector Pratap Singh Nathawat reported that the leakage stopped around 10 PM on Sunday and urged people to avoid the area for their safety. Mohangarh Sub-Tehsildar Lalit Charan also confirmed that the leakage ceased on its own but warned that experts believe it could resume at any time, potentially releasing harmful elements, including toxic gases. Can some geologist explain whats happening in Jaisalmer ?? It is verified that there is no water pipeline burst here, is this really a aqua-duct that we have found suddenly?? Where were our satellites before? I have confirmed with reliable people that the place is still pic.twitter.com/rrummViLgP Aryaman (@AryamanBharat) December 30, 2024 On Sunday, ONGC officials inspected the site and determined that the gas was neither poisonous nor flammable, easing immediate concerns. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita have been imposed in this area, he said. Charan also appealed to the public not to allow any person or cattle to enter within 500 metres of the excavation area. Farmers cultivating nearby fields have also been told to avoid the area. He said permission to bring out the equipment stuck in the pit would be denied until experts could weigh in on the issue. Jimmy Carter, the 39th US President passed away at the age of 100 in Georgia on Sunday. He was the longest-lived president in the history of the United States. He was the third American president to visit India, but the only one with a personal connection with the country. His mother, Lillian Carter, had served as a health volunteer with the Peace Corps in India during the late 1960s. The Story Behind The Name Carterpuri The Carter Centre noted that on January 3, 1978, former US President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter visited the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, located an hour southwest of New Delhi. The visit was so successful that shortly after, village residents renamed the area Carterpuri and remained in contact with the White House for the rest of President Carters tenure. The trip made a lasting impression: Festivities abounded in the village when President Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and January 3 remains a holiday in Carterpuri, the Carter Centre said. In fact, since the Carter administration, the US and India have worked closely on energy, humanitarian aid, technology, space cooperation, maritime security, disaster relief, counterterrorism, and more. In the mid-2000s, the United States and India struck a landmark agreement to work toward full civil nuclear cooperation, and bilateral trade has since skyrocketed, the centre said. President Jimmy Carter believed that shared democratic values were key to building a strong US-India relationship. This understanding laid the foundation for the two nations to grow closer in the decades after his presidency, according to the Carter Centre. During the signing of the Delhi Declaration with Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Carter highlighted the core of US-India friendship. He stated that the moral values of the people must guide the actions of both governments. Jimmy Carter And India-US Relations During his address to the Indian Parliament on January 2, 1978, President Jimmy Carter spoke against authoritarianism and commended India for upholding democracy. India's difficulties, which we often experience ourselves and which are typical of the problems faced in the developing world, remind us of the tasks that lie ahead. Not the Authoritarian Way, Carter stated. The following day, at the signing of the Delhi Declaration with Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Carter underscored the moral foundation of US-India relations. At the heart of the friendship between India and the US is their determination that the moral values of the people must also guide the actions of the states and the governments, he said. In fact, since the Carter administration, the US and India have worked closely on energy, humanitarian aid, technology, space cooperation, maritime security, disaster relief, counterterrorism, and more," the centre said. Carter believed that shared democratic principles were the cornerstone of a long-term partnership. The Carter Centre noted that since his administration, the US and India have collaborated on energy, humanitarian aid, technology, space, maritime security, disaster relief, counterterrorism, and more. In the mid-2000s, the two nations signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement, boosting bilateral trade. (With PTI inputs) Two people wanted for questioning connected to a death in Park County and a missing person from El Paso County have been found. Law enforcement in Picayune, Miss., with the Pearl River County Sheriffs Office and the Picayune Police Department found and arrested Johnny Morris, 46, and Hailey Cole, 43, early Monday morning. According to the Pearl River County Sheriffs Office, the agency received a call Monday morning that a man matching the description of Morris tried to break into a vehicle around 8:15 a.m. Deputies and officers from the Picayune Police Department responded and began searching the area. At about 9 a.m. Morris and Cole were found camping in a shed, and taken into custody at the Pearl River County jail. Both had outstanding Mississippi warrants from the Mississippi Department of Corrections for failure to appear, as well as other Mississippi-based charges of receiving stolen property contempt of court-failure to appear. Pearl River County Sheriffs Office investigations at the scene of Morris and Coles capture led to Pearl River County charges of commercial burglary and attempted residential burglary. A third person, Stephen Walker, 37, who went missing at the same time as Morris on Dec. 19, remains missing. Law enforcement had been seeking a blue Ford F-150 that Morris and Cole were believed to be driving. That vehicle was found Saturday in Hattiesburg, Miss. Featured Local Savings The Colorado investigation discovered both Morris and Cole had familial ties to Pearl River County. Law enforcement is asking anyone with information about the case to call 719-390-5555 or 911. A bloody mystery During a call for service on Dec. 19, deputies found large quantities of blood throughout a house in the 1800 block of Pima Drive in Cimarron Hills, in unincorporated El Paso County. Deputies said two men associated with the house were Morris and Stephen Walker, 37, who had also gone missing. While Morris has now been found, Walker remains missing. He is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds and has black hair, brown eyes and tattoos on his right arm. His family has asked through social media for anyone with any information about his whereabouts or well-being to contact authorities. The case became a death investigation on Dec. 24 when a check the welfare call came into the Park County Sheriffs Office and deputies responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Campfire Road in unincorporated Park County. Deputies from the Park County Sheriffs Office patrol unit searched the residence and discovered a deceased man, later identified as 65-year-old Timmy L. Huston. Public records indicate that Cole and Huston were both listed as residents of the same residence. Law enforcement then announced they were seeking Morris and Cole, and to consider them armed and dangerous. NEW DELHI: Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday expressed concern over AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal labelling Atishi a "temporary chief minister" and called it a "flagrant disregard for the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution". In a letter to the chief minister, Saxena said Kejriwal's remark was an insult to President Droupadi Murmu, who appointed her, as well as himself as her representative. Hitting back, Atishi alleged the lieutenant governor's office was working as a BJP "proxy" and asserted that Kejriwal was Delhi's "tallest leader". In his letter to Atishi, the Delhi lieutenant governor said, "A few days ago, when your predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, publicly declared you as a temporary or stopgap chief minister in the media, I found this highly objectionable, and I was hurt by it. This was not only an insult to you but also to the president of India, and to me, in my capacity as her representative." "The public explanation given by Kejriwal regarding the temporary or stopgap nature of your position has no constitutional provision and is a flagrant disregard for the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution created by BR Ambedkar," he added. Saxena also praised Atishi for working on addressing various administrative issues after taking charge. "During my two-and-a-half years of tenure, I have witnessed the person occupying the position of chief minister actually performing the duties of the chief minister," Saxena wrote to Atishi. The lieutenant governor also extended his new year greetings to her. "While your predecessor had no department under his charge and did not sign files, you have taken on the responsibility of various departments and have tried to address various administrative issues," he said. Saxena added the circumstances under which Atishi was made chief minister, the responsibility for failures in completing the various pending works would be attributed to her after her own party's leader declared her as "stopgap". "The way in which, in your presence, Kejriwal has made unauthorised announcements about senior citizens' and women's schemes in the name of the chief minister has tarnished the dignity of the office of the chief minister and the council of ministers," he said. Recently, through public notices issued by two Delhi government departments, people were warned to be cautious regarding registration for "non-existent schemes" initiated by the former chief minister, Saxena said in his letter to Atishi. "This incident is unprecedented and must have undoubtedly been uncomfortable for you," he added. "However, I also appreciate the departmental officials who, while fulfilling their duties, presented the correct facts to the public regarding the misleading schemes and their registration in the interest of the public," he further said. Saxena alleged that Kejriwal had been making public statements without any basis or facts, claiming that the transport department and other investigative agencies would probe into Atishi and send her to jail. "This is not only false but such statements also imply that you are unaware of the activities of the departments working under you. In fact, it has now come to light through newspapers that the additional chief secretary of the transport department has written to inform you that neither any such action is being taken by their department or the vigilance department, nor has there ever been any discussion about it. He has completely rejected Kejriwal's statements, labelling them as baseless and misleading," Saxena said. "As lieutenant governor, I am concerned about this level of public discourse and, at the same time, hurt by the conversation that portrays the full-time chief minister of my government as a temporary one," he added. In her reply, Atishi said Saxena should let go of "petty politics" and instead focus on fostering collaboration. "Obstruction of the 'Mahila Samman Yojana' is a clear testimony of politicisation of the lieutenant governor's office," she charged. Atishi questioned how anyone could be so caught up in politics that they did not care for the people. "The lieutenant governor's office is now working as a proxy of the BJP and, in its enthusiasm to protect the interest of the party, causing damage to the lives of ordinary Delhites," she added. She also pointed out that his responsibility was to maintain law and order. "It's the one job that you are directly responsible for and mandated to do. Unfortunately, you have miserably failed in keeping this city safe. A former MP is distributing money to lure voters right under your nose but you illegally gave him police protection," she charged, in a reference to BJP leader Parvesh Verma. Atishi expressed hope that Saxena would let go of the "baggage of politics" that "ailed" him and work towards the welfare of the citizens of Delhi in the new year. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has condemned the recent lathi charge on peaceful student protesters, accusing BJP governments of using force to suppress dissent on Monday. In a post on the social media platform X, Kejriwal highlighted the incident as an attack on democracy and criticised the government's response to student voices. He stated, "BJP governments want to suppress every voice of protest with the help of sticks. Lathicharge on peacefully protesting students is a direct attack against democracy." "Students are the future of the country; listen to their voice instead of suppressing it. Lathi's charge on the protesters shows the weakness and insensitivity of those in power. The country will never forgive such injustice to the youth. We stand with all these students," the post added. Earlier today, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her displeasure over the "inhumane" treatment of student protestors in Bihar who have been demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). She said that the double-engine government of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become a symbol of double "atrocities" on youth. Gandhi lashed out at the Bihar government over lathi charges against students by the police and the use of water cannons against them during the cold weather. She said that instead of curbing corruption, it was the students whose voices were being suppressed. "Students were oppressed for the second time in three days in Bihar. It is the government's job to stop corruption, rigging and paper leaks in examinations. But instead of stopping corruption, students are being prevented from raising their voices," the post added. "Water cannons and lathi-charges on youth in this harsh cold are inhumane. BJP's double engine has become a symbol of double atrocities on the youth," Gandhi, who is Congress MP from Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, posted on X. A recent remark by Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has ignited a political firestorm.The controversy erupted after Rane referred to Kerala as "mini-Pakistan" during a rally in Pune, prompting widespread condemnation from political leaders across the state. During a rally in Purandar Taluka of Pune district, Nitesh Rane, the state's Fisheries Minister, made the controversial statement, claiming that Kerala resembled "mini-Pakistan." Rane further alleged that this was the reason why leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were elected from the state. According to him, Kerala's voters, including those he described as "terrorists," supported the Congress party leaders. He also suggested that the Gandhi siblings' electoral success was due to their association with terrorists. His statement quickly gained traction in the media, sparking outrage among political figures and social commentators, especially from opposition parties. Opposition Slams Nitesh Rane The opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi, was quick to criticize Rane's remarks. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey condemned the statement, accusing BJP leaders of resorting to divisive politics due to the narrow victory margin of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dubey questioned the rationale behind Rane's comments and defended Kerala as a significant part of India. He further pointed out that if the situation in Kerala was as Rane described, it should be brought to the attention of the authorities, as the states Governor and central agencies like the Home Ministry are responsible for maintaining law and order. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil also voiced his displeasure, specifically calling out Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Patil questioned why Rane, who had made such statements, was allowed to remain in a prominent cabinet position, implying that his actions were part of a broader strategy of polarizing politics. Rane Clarifies His Statement Amid growing criticism, Nitesh Rane issued a clarification, stating that he was not criticizing Kerala as a whole, but instead was drawing attention to specific concerns. Rane explained that his reference to Kerala as "mini-Pakistan" was intended to highlight what he perceived as the challenges facing Hindus in the state, particularly the declining Hindu population and the rising incidents of religious conversions. Rane claimed that religious conversions, particularly among Hindus to Islam and Christianity, had become a regular occurrence in Kerala. He further mentioned incidents of what he referred to as "love jihad," where Hindu women are allegedly targeted by Muslim men, and expressed concern that these issues were increasingly similar to the treatment of Hindus in Pakistan. He clarified that his comments were not an attack on the state, but rather a call for attention to what he believed were growing societal challenges. In his defense, Rane emphasized that his remarks were based on facts. He mentioned that he had been accompanied by an individual who had helped 12,000 Hindu women avoid conversion. Rane reiterated that the situation he described in Kerala mirrored what is happening in Pakistan with regard to the treatment of Hindus. On the issue of the Gandhi family, Rane added that his comments about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were reflective of the political dynamics in the Wayanad constituency. He questioned the kind of support the Gandhi family received in the region, implying that it was linked to the groups he had mentioned. Punjab Bandh Today: The Punjab bandh was called over a week ago in response to the Centre's failure to address farmers' demand for a legal guarantee on the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced a complete bandh on Monday in the state and assured that the required emergency services will remain functional. The call for a total shutdown has gained support from a wide range of groups, including traders, transporters, employee unions, toll plaza workers, labourers, ex-servicemen, sarpanches, teachers' unions, and various social organisations. The bandh was announced last week by Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), who have been protesting at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13. Earlier, security forces had stopped their march to Delhi. Here Is The Key Updates Of Punjab Bandh - The bandh will be observed from 7 am to 4 pm. - The Railways cancelled 150 trains on Monday due to a Punjab bandh called by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. - Protesters plan to block rail tracks (rail roko) at several locations from 7 am to 4 pm, disrupting both passenger and goods trains. - Farmers blocked roads at several locations across the state as part of their Punjab bandh call which resulted a traffic disruptions. - Farmers staged a sit-in at Dhareri Jattan Toll Plaza, disrupting vehicular movement on the Patiala-Chandigarh National Highway. - The Punjab bandh called over a week ago in response to the Centre's failure to address farmers' demand for a legal guarantee on MSP. Maha Kumbh, the worlds largest religious gathering, is expected to attract over 45 crore devotees along the banks of the Sangam. Given the sheer number of people, it is no surprise that authorities have put in place stringent security measures. On the ground, the Uttar Pradesh police, ATS (Anti-Terrorist Squad), and NSG (National Security Guard) are deployed, while intelligence agencies remain on high alert. In today's episode of DNA, Zee News breaks this exclusive news. Watch Full Episode Here Intelligence Report: Terror Threat Looms Over Maha Kumbh Recent intelligence reports have indicated a potential terrorist threat during the Maha Kumbh Mela. There is a growing concern that terrorists could infiltrate the gathering disguised as sadhus (ascetics) or holy men. The idea is that terrorists could use the guise of innocent saints to carry out a large-scale attack. As a result, the authorities have raised the security level, with strict checks being conducted at every entry point to the Mela. Security forces are closely monitoring everyone entering the area, but the question ariseshow will the sadhus themselves identify any infiltrators posing as terrorists? Terrorists in Disguise In an alarming twist, intelligence agencies have warned that terrorists may attempt to blend in with the Naga sadhus or Aghori saints, who are an integral part of the Kumbh Mela. These ascetics are known for their distinct appearance, with ashes smeared on their bodies and a deep connection to their spiritual practices. However, their vigilance is also high, and these sadhus are uniquely positioned to spot any impostors or threats within their ranks. The Role of Naga Sadhus in Identifying Terrorists While Naga sadhus are typically immersed in devotion to Lord Shiva, they possess sharp instincts and an acute ability to recognize threats. Their experience allows them to spot fake sadhus or impostors who may be terrorists in disguise. The Naga sadhus are committed to ensuring that any such intruders are swiftly identified, and their weapons are ready if necessary to protect the gathering. Safety Measures Despite the heightened vigilance among sadhus, questions remain about how terrorists in disguise could be detected if they manage to infiltrate the Kumbh Mela. To address this, security agencies have taken additional measures at every entry point. No one is allowed entry without showing valid ID, and thorough checks are conducted on all individuals. This includes mandatory Aadhaar card verification, ensuring that terrorists posing as sadhus are kept out. Technological Surveillance: AI, Drones, and CCTV In addition to the traditional security measures, the Kumbh Mela area is equipped with cutting-edge technology. AI-powered systems, drones, and CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the crowd in real time. These cameras are integrated with facial recognition technology, which is helping security agencies identify any suspicious individuals entering the area. Authorities are prepared to neutralize any threat that may arise, including the possibility of terrorists posing as sadhus. With both law enforcement and the Naga and Aghori sadhus on high alert, the security forces are ready to take swift action against any infiltrators. The combined efforts of human vigilance and technological tools are ensuring that any terrorist trying to breach the security of Maha Kumbh will not go unnoticed or unchallenged. Weather Update: The temperature dropped but remained above normal in the Capital on Monday, as cold northwesterly winds improved the air quality to a moderate level, and shallow fog reduced visibility. The minimum temperature recorded was 10.3 degrees Celsius, which is four degrees above normal. On Sunday, the minimum was 13 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature is expected to drop further by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, hovering around 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Dense fog expected in the city A layer of fog covered several parts of Delhi on Monday, reducing visibility. The IMD reported that Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 10.3 degrees Celsius at 8:30 am, while Palam recorded 8.6 degrees Celsius. The weather forecast indicates that the minimum temperature could reach around 9 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain around 18 degrees Celsius. Dense fog is also expected to blanket the city. AQI level improved in capital region The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi improved on Monday morning, recording an average AQI of 179 (moderate) at 8 am compared to 225 (poor) at 4 pm on Sunday. This improvement came as northwesterly winds returned following a western disturbance that brought rain to the northwestern plains on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted the return of cold wave conditions in isolated areas of northwest India and issued an alert for moderate to dense fog in the National Capital Region (NCR) during the early hours until January 1. Temperature drop in other regions The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter for homeless individuals. In Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, people spent the night in shelter homes as the minimum temperature dropped to 12 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD, Ayodhya also experienced fog, with the minimum temperature falling to 9 degrees Celsius. A thin layer of fog covered Jalandhar in Punjab, but daily life continued as usual. The IMD also predicted a gradual drop in temperatures over the next few days in parts of northwest and central India, including Delhi. An IMD official stated that cold conditions are expected in regions like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana but clarified that "no cold wave" is expected in Delhi at this time. The arrival of the New Year is a universal celebration, yet every country and culture welcomes it with unique traditions that reflect their heritage and beliefs. Here's a journey around the world to explore the fascinating ways people mark this occasion. 1. Spain: Grapes for Good Fortune In Spain, revelers eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight, one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents a month of the coming year, and eating them is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. This tradition, called Las Uvas de la Suerte (The Grapes of Luck), is a fun and symbolic way to start the New Year. 2. Japan: Ringing in Purity In Japan, the New Year, or Oshogatsu, is a time for purification and renewal. Temples ring their bells 108 times to symbolize the cleansing of 108 earthly desires, according to Buddhist beliefs. Families also clean their homes and enjoy traditional dishes like osechi ryori, which includes delicacies like sweet rolled omelets and simmered vegetables. 3. Denmark: Smashing Plates In Denmark, people literally break into the New Yearby smashing plates! Residents hurl old dishes at the front doors of friends and family as a gesture of affection and good wishes. The bigger the pile of broken crockery at your door, the more love and friendship you have. 4. Scotland: First Footing Scotlands New Years Eve celebration, Hogmanay, is steeped in tradition. One of the most iconic customs is first footing, where the first person to cross a homes threshold after midnight brings gifts like coal, shortbread, or whiskey. A dark-haired visitor is considered especially lucky! 5. Brazil: Offering to the Sea In Brazil, many celebrate by dressing in white for peace and jumping over seven ocean waves while making wishes for the coming year. This tradition honors Yemanja, the goddess of the sea in Afro-Brazilian culture. Offerings like flowers and candles are also floated into the water as a symbol of gratitude and hope. 6. Philippines: Circles for Prosperity In the Philippines, round shapes symbolize coins and wealth. People wear polka-dotted clothing, fill their tables with round fruits, and even toss coins into the air to attract prosperity. Its a vibrant and optimistic way to ring in the New Year. 7. South Africa: Out with the Old In some parts of South Africa, residents start the New Year by literally tossing out the olddiscarding unwanted furniture and appliances from their homes. This symbolizes making space for new opportunities and positive energy in the year ahead. 8. Ecuador: Burning Effigies Ecuadorians celebrate by burning life-sized effigies, or anos viejos (old years), often crafted to resemble politicians, celebrities, or fictional characters. This act symbolizes letting go of the past and making room for fresh beginnings. 9. Germany: Pouring Lead A quirky German tradition involves Bleigieen, or pouring molten lead into cold water to create shapes. These shapes are interpreted as omens for the year ahead. For example, a heart might mean love, while a ring might signify marriage. 10. United States: The Ball Drop In the United States, the iconic New Years Eve celebration takes place in New York City's Times Square, where a glowing crystal ball descends as the final seconds of the year tick away. Watching the ball drop is a tradition that unites millions worldwide in anticipation and celebration. Seoul (South Korea): A passenger jet burst into flames while landing at an airport in South Korea on Sunday, killing 179 people in one of the deadliest air disasters in that nation's history. There were only two survivors, officials said. Video showed the plane skidding across the airstrip, overrunning the runway and crashing into a barrier at the airport about 290 kilometers (180 miles) south of Seoul on Sunday. Its front landing gear apparently was not deployed. Here are some things to know about crash: What preceded the deadly fire? The pilot sent out a distress signal shortly before the plane overshot the end of the runway, officials said. Footage aired by South Korean television channels showed the plane skidding and apparently without its landing gear deployed. The jet overran the runway and hit a barrier, trigging a fiery explosion. Footage showed thick plumes of smoke billowing from the plane, which was engulfed in flames. The 15-year-old Boeing 737-800 jet was arriving from Bangkok when the crash happened at 9:03 a.m. Sunday in the town of Muan. 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, Senior Transport Ministry official Joo Jong-wan said. What do we know about casualities? The jet operated by Jeju Air had 181 passengers and crew. Of those, a total of 179 people perished in the crash and ensuing fire; only two crew members survived, officials said. Family members wailed as officials announced the names of some victims at a lounge in the Muan airport. 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. Boeing also extended condolences and said in a statement on X that it is ready to support the company in dealing with the crash. The government declared Muan a special disaster zone. What about reports of a bird strike? It will take months to determine the cause. But there are some possible clues. Lee Jeong-hyeon, chief of the Muan fire station, said workers were looking into various possibilities about what caused the crash, including whether the aircraft was struck by birds. Transport Ministry officials said 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 plane was destroyed with the tail assembly being the only recognizable part among the wreckage, the fire chief told a televised briefing. What is the reaction from around the world? The incident came as South Korea is embroiled in a 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, leading Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok to take over. Choi, who traveled to the crash site, called for officials to employ all available resources to find the missing and identify the victims as soon as possible. The government 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 also expressed condolences to the victims. World leaders expressed their sympathies as South Korea dealt with the tragedy. Thailands prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expressed deep condolences to the families and ordered the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide assistance immediately. Pope Francis offered condolences from St. Peter's Square. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was deeply saddened by the loss of many precious lives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also extended condolences. Mumbai: The Anupamaa controversy continues to stir debates, with Rupali Ganguly, the shows lead actress, stepping forward to address allegations surrounding Alisha Parveens abrupt exit. Alisha, who portrayed Raahi, Rupalis on-screen daughter claimed she was blindsided by her removal and suggested behind-the-scenes conflicts, sparking rumors about Rupalis involvement. In a recent interview with ABP, Rupali categorically denied the accusations, asserting, I have no authority over casting decisions or other major show developments. Such matters are entirely handled by Rajan Shahi and the channel. Ive always prioritized professionalism and dedicated myself to this show for the last five years. She also dismissed claims about influencing scene edits or costume choices, labeling these rumors as baseless. Rupali reiterated her commitment to her craft and clarified that she steers clear of backstage politics. Alisha, for her part, described her bond with Rupali as purely professional, neither confirming nor denying rumors of disputes between Rupali and other cast members. She noted hearing about such tensions but refrained from questioning their authenticity, maintaining that she shared a neutral and amicable rapport with the senior actress. The controversy has polarised the fanbase. While some applaud Rupali for addressing the issue head-on, others remain skeptical about the lack of transparency surrounding Alishas sudden replacement. This behind-the-scenes drama has undoubtedly put a spotlight on the shows production dynamics, potentially overshadowing its long-standing success. New Delhi: As the world gears up to welcome the new year, stars across the industry are reflecting on their journeys and sharing their hopes for the future. Brinda Dahal, who portrays Vaishnavi in Sun Neo's popular show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, recently opened up about her thoughts on the upcoming year and expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the success of the show. In an interview, Brinda shared her excitement for 2024, stating, "I dont have any specific plans for the New Year yet, but if something comes up, we might go on a trip or celebrate in some way. Speaking of something special for me this year, its that I got the opportunity to be a part of Sun Neos unique show Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, and the show is doing well, which I hope continues. Thats my wish for this year." When asked about New Year resolutions, Brinda mentioned that she doesnt typically make them, saying, "I believe everything happens for the best, and God will guide me. However, I do plan to wake up early, as thats something I struggle with." Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, which airs daily at 7 PM on Sun Neo, tells the story of Vaishnavi, an orphan who finds strength and solace in her unwavering faith in Chhathi Maiyya, who serves as a motherly figure in her life. The show also features a talented ensemble cast, including Sneha Wagh, Sara Khan, Jaya Bhattacharya, Ashish Dixit, and Brinda Dahal. The intersection of Interstate 25 and Interstate 70 put Denver in the cross hairs of a car theft ring linked to the Sinaloa drug cartel in Mexico. Denvers highly populated metro area is a natural target for cartels but its the freeway corridors that draw criminal activity, according to David Olesky, assistant special agent in charge at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Rocky Mountain Field Division. Cartels use the freeways to transport stolen vehicles and drugs, leaving traces of their activity behind in nearby Colorado cities. Do they pick Colorado out and say they want to be here specifically? No. But they do operate everywhere, and Colorado is not immune to that, Olesky said. The Denver District Attorneys office has linked a group allegedly behind the theft of nearly 200 cars to the Sinaloa drug cartel. Some of those vehicles notably pickup trucks were exchanged in Mexico for illegal drugs that were then smuggled into the United States, according to officials. The district attorneys office indicted 17 people allegedly involved in the elaborate car theft ring. Prior to the indictment, members of various law enforcement agencies had been meeting over the past year to discuss an epidemic of stolen vehicles in the region. There were 32,976 reported stolen vehicles in 2023 and 41,656 in 2022, according to Colorados Auto Theft Annual Report. In one meeting, the Department of Justice asked federal agencies to commit resources to address the threat to public safety of the ongoing car thefts, according to Olesky. That work between various departments and agencies eventually led to the indictment and involved a taskforce including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the DEA and local police departments and sheriffs offices. Olesky called the car theft ring indictment which stemmed from investigations starting in September 2022 a perfect example of the collaborative work local police departments and federal agencies do in order to disrupt cartels. This is something that the public can see. They might not think that their stolen vehicle they use to get to work every day is showing up in the hands of the Mexican cartel, Olesky said. The operation Denver District Attorney Beth McCann and members of the Colorado Metro Auto Theft Task Force, including the DEA, met on the 53rd floor of the district attorneys office on Dec. 9, to announce the indictment of 17 suspects involved in a car theft ring that had stolen $9.5 million worth of property in Denver and at least 190 vehicles. The two-year operation saw members steal vehicles and drive them down to the El Paso border to meet with cartel members. The suspects would then exchange the vehicles for illegal drugs to smuggle back into Colorado, according to investigators. While the drugs mostly included cocaine and methamphetamine, fentanyl was also found. Featured Local Savings The sophisticated operation would target vehicles, deactivate key fobs and use counter surveillance to make sure no police were in the region, according to Olesky. Sometimes the members used methamphetamine to keep themselves energized for a night of thefts. They became so good at it that cars would be stolen in a flash and taken to Mexico within 24 hours. The majority of car thefts occurred near the Denver International Airport and included large pickup trucks a request by the Sinaloa cartel, which wanted to use the trucks to transport armor and weapons throughout Mexico, according to Olesky. The indictment shows the 17 suspects are facing 222 counts of vehicle theft, menacing, drug smuggling and identity theft and it details countless charges in which both vehicle theft and drug running were occurring. Not all of the 17 suspects are in custody. Eleven are, but six remain on the loose, according to the DAs office. Officials said some of the suspects were caught. Others are at-large either in Texas or Mexico. The suspected ringleader, Joaquin Orozco-Ponce known as Adrian Trocas remains at-large. He faces a $10 million bond once arrested on the felony charges, according to officials. Regarding why the DEA was involved even though the investigation started as a car theft operation, Olesky noted a correlation with drug smuggling and distribution. While the cause of drugs being involved in criminal enterprises can be debated, the connection is obvious. There is no doubt a correlation between illegal drugs, violent crime and organized crime and how often times illegal drugs are the source of revenue for these criminal groups, Olesky said. After hearing about the large quantity of cars being stolen, DEA officials knew that they needed to have a role in the CMAT investigation. We can use our investigative tools to have a bigger and more impactful result, Olesky said. Cartel presence in Denver When you hear Mexican cartel, you think of that as an organization happening somewhere else. The criminal activity that fuels the enterprise is within the United States, Olesky said. This particular operation showed that the stolen car enterprise was just another line for them to profit from. In an interview earlier this year, Rocky Mountain Field Division Field Intelligence Manager Scott Rowan said that every bit of fentanyl distribution in Colorado is linked to two major Mexican cartels, the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation. You might be focusing on a single distributor here, but if its elicit fentanyl it will trace back to one of them, Rowan said of the cartels. You may have to go back a few levels. An operation here may stem back to California and Arizona before Mexico, but it will go back there. Gal Gadot revealed surviving a brain blood clot during her fourth pregnancy. After emergency surgery, she welcomed her daughter, Ori, and shared her story to raise awareness about rare pregnancy complications. Actor Gal Gadot, best known for her role as Wonder Woman, recently shared an emotional account of the life-threatening complications she faced during her fourth pregnancy. In a heartfelt Instagram post accompanied by a photo of herself with her newborn daughter, Ori, Gadot opened up about being diagnosed with a massive blood clot in her brain during her eighth month of pregnancy. This year has been one of profound challenges and deep reflections, and Ive wrestled with how, or even if, to share a personal story. At the end, I decided to let my heart guide me. Perhaps this is my way of processing everything, of pulling back the curtain on the fragile reality behind the curated moments we share on social media. Most of all, I hope that by sharing, I can raise awareness and support others who may face something similar, Gadot wrote. Recalling the harrowing experience, the actor shared that weeks of debilitating headaches led her to undergo an MRI, which revealed the blood clot. In February, during my eighth month of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in my brain. 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, she added. Her condition required immediate medical intervention, leading to emergency surgery. Despite the uncertainty, Gadot gave birth to her daughter, Ori, whose name she said symbolises hope and light. Her name, meaning my light, wasnt chosen by chance. Before the surgery, I told Jaron that when our daughter arrived, she would be the light waiting for me at the end of this tunnel, Gadot shared. Expressing gratitude for the doctors at Cedars-Sinai Hospital and her recovery, she said, Thanks to an extraordinary team of doctors at @cedarssinai and weeks of dedicated care, I made it through and began the road to recovery. Today, I am fully healed and filled with gratitude for the life Ive been given back. Gadot also emphasised the importance of health awareness, particularly regarding cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), the condition she was diagnosed with. Its vital to listen to our bodies and trust what its telling us. Pain, discomfort, or even subtle changes often carry deeper meaning, and being attuned to your body can be life-saving, she said. Highlighting the rarity of the condition, Gadot noted, I had no idea that 3 in 100,000 pregnant women in the 30s+ age group are diagnosed with CVT (develop a blood clot in the brain). 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. Concluding her post, Gadot expressed hope that sharing her experience could inspire others to prioritise their health. If even one person feels compelled to take action for their health because of this story, it will have been worth sharing, she wrote. American actor Amy Purdy reacted to Gadot's post, commenting, This photo is miracle embodied. Thank you for sharing (sic). Several other fans of the actor also expressed gratitude for her openness. Gal Gadot, on March 6, announced the arrival of her fourth child, Ori. She posted a picture of herself with the newborn on Instagram to share the happy news. The actor married Jaron Varsano in 2008. They welcomed their first daughter, Alma, in 2011, followed by Maya in 2017, Daniella in 2021, and now Ori in 2023. C-drama actress Zhao Lusi, known for her roles in 'Hidden Love' and 'Please Feel at Ease Mr. Ling', was rushed to a hospital in Shanghai on December 18 after her health reportedly deteriorated. The news sparked concern among her fans, especially as rumors of her struggling with depression and exhaustion have circulated for some time. A viral video showed Zhao Lusi being wheeled into the hospital, visibly weak, slumped in a wheelchair with her face covered by a mask and cap. Fans quickly expressed their worry over the actresss condition. #ZhaoLusi (#RosyZhao) studio response of her health condition. https://t.co/OmFd7H1PCN Get well soon & speedy recovery Zhao Lusi. ~Weibo 27 Dec 2024~ ========== [!] Photo & short video not from her official. It's candid. pic.twitter.com/RcZqeZP1An fkshi (@FKShi) December 27, 2024 In response to the growing concerns, Zhao Lusis studio issued a statement on Weibo. The studio explained that after confirming her role in the Lovers project, Zhao Lusi had been diligently preparing for her role, participating in readings, makeup sessions, and filming. However, on December 18, she suddenly felt unwell and immediately sought medical attention. The studio confirmed that she is currently receiving treatment and following the doctors advice to focus on her recovery. The statement also announced that Zhao Lusi would be suspending all upcoming work to prioritize her health. "Ms. Zhao Lusi has always adhered to the original intention of an actor, cherishing every opportunity to perform. We will now take her health as the primary consideration," the statement read. Fans were urged to give the actress space to rest both physically and mentally, with the studio thanking them for their understanding. Fans have been vocal in their support, hoping for her swift recovery and return to the screen. Mumbai: Pictures from a lavish Christmas party hosted by Anant and Radhika Ambani in Jamnagar have gone viral. The party featured Bollywood star kids Janhvi Kapoor aong with beau Shikhar Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, and Ananya Panday along with their close circle, including Orry (Orhan Awatramani), Khushi Kapoor along with rumoured beau and Bollywood actor Vedang Raina, and Sharmin Sehgal. The images show the group letting loose and enjoying the festivities, sparking admiration and criticism online. While fans praised the glamorous looks and camaraderie, trolls took to the comment sections of viral posts, particularly those shared by celebrity paparazzo Viral Bhayani. One user commented on Janhvi Kapoors playful poses, calling her overacting Janhvi, trying to be cute. Another criticized Sara Ali Khan, suggesting she has changed her demeanour, stating, Sara was cute, innocent, and knowledgeable with a decent taste in dressing, but now seems like she is following Janhvi. Many labelled the group as rich brats for their carefree antics, reigniting debates about privilege and behaviour among star kids. Despite the trolling, the pictures continue to trend, showcasing the star-studded celebrations of Bollywoods elite. Mumbai: Aman Gupta, the co-founder of boAt Lifestyle, recently made waves with his comments about a Bollywood actors alleged arrogance. Speaking with Anupam Mittal on the Dostcast YouTube channel, Gupta shared his experience with an actor who, despite having a public image of being humble, reportedly displayed arrogance behind the scenes. In a viral clip that garnered 1.4 million views, Gupta said, There was an actor who was our brand ambassador. He was so full of himself and in the news, I would read about how sweet he was. Look how nicely he talks to reporters. See how well he interacts with the media. Oh, look, hes travelling in economy class. But with us, he would show so much arrogance. Gupta further explained, Over time, the world starts to understand. I believe the Indian public is very smart. They figure out who is real, who is genuinely humble, who is actually arrogant, who has an ego, and who is full of pride. The comments quickly sparked speculation among social media users about which Bollywood actor could be the subject of Guptas remarks. Some fans suggested Kartik Aaryan, citing his well-known image of being humble and travelling in economy class, while others pointed fingers at Ranveer Singh, known for his larger-than-life persona. There were also suggestions that the actor in question could be Diljit Dosanjh. One user commented, That is Kartik Aaryan. That was the news that he is so humble that he is travelling in economy. However, another user countered, Kartik Aaryan is really sweet Ive seen him for 30 minutes, and he kept giving selfies. I felt bad for him. While the identity of the actor remains unclear, the speculation has sparked a wider debate on how public personas can sometimes mask underlying attitudes. Guptas comments have given fans and industry insiders plenty to think about, as they try to unravel which Bollywood star might have mastered the art of appearing humble while allegedly displaying a different side behind closed doors. Midi skirts have become a fashion staple, where style, comfort, and versatility blend elegantly to make it perfectly comfortable with anyone. Usually reaching to just below the knee level and often coming to the middle of the calf area, midi skirts offer flattering silhouettes to match any body and style of dressing. Its ease and ability to transcend casual settings to professional to formal scenarios has made the midi a favorite among all those fashion-lovers. What really makes midi skirts appealing, other than their fashionable appeal, is their practicality. They offer the perfect blend of modesty and stylish fashion, which makes them a favorite for women to feel comfortable and confident in them throughout the day. 1. 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Neutral shade and A-line silhouette would make it perfect for the sunny days or casual gatherings, while the wrap detailing, tie fastening will definitely add a touch of sophisticated style. Key Features: Design: Neutral-toned solid knee-length wrap skirt. Purpose: Perfect for warm-weather wear or casual outings. Care: Machine washable for convenience. Material: Limited stretch, which may affect ease of movement for some wearers. 3.Vero Moda Merle Ankle Slit Skirt Image source: Zalora.com.my Order Now Make a fashionable statement in your wardrobe by wearing the Vero Moda Merle Ankle Slit Skirt. This sheeny black midi skirt has sleek high-rise fit and a stylish back slit for a modern and classy look. Its slim-fit A-line design will also make it perfect for all formal events or as part of evening wear. Key Features: Material: Eco-friendly 100% recycled polyester. Closure: Back zipper with hook and bar fastening. Care: Machine wash cold for easy upkeep. Design: Unlined design, which may require additional layering for comfort. 4. Cotton On Morgan Utility Midi Skirt Image source: Zalora.com.my Order Now This is a true example of style with function. 100% cotton makes this a comfortable piece for any event, especially considering that it has a regular fit, utility pockets, and even a slit hem on the back to enhance mobility. Key Features: Fit: High-rise, regular fit with a zip and button fastening. Details: 4-pocket design, belt loops. Care: Machine wash cold for effortless cleaning. Material: May wrinkle easily, requiring frequent ironing. Midi skirts are the perfect blend of elegance and versatility, offering styles that cater to every occasion, from casual outings to formal events. With their flattering lengths and diverse designs, they provide a chic and timeless addition to any wardrobe. Whether paired with a blouse for a sophisticated look or styled with a casual top for effortless charm, midi skirts are a go-to choice for expressing personal style. Embrace the comfort, femininity, and versatility of midi skirts to elevate your fashion game with ease. Disclaimer: The above mentioned article is a sponsored feature. This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of IDPL, and IDPL claims no responsibility whatsoever. Good news for stargazers and astrophiles alike! As we prepare to bid farewell to 2024, the cosmos has one last celestial spectacle in store: a rare 'Black Moon.' Mark your calendars for December 30-31, when this fascinating phenomenon will bring a touch of wonder to the night sky. What Exactly Is a Black Moon? You might be familiar with the term Blue Moon, often used to describe the second full moon in a calendar month or the third full moon in a season with four. Similarly, a Black Moon also defies its colorful nameit has nothing to do with the moons hue but refers to an intriguing rarity in lunar cycles. A Black Moon generally signifies the occurrence of two new moons in a single calendar month. Our moon takes about 29.53 days to complete a full orbit around Earth. If a new moon happens on the 1st day of a month, there's a chance for a second one to appear before the month ends, creating what we call a Black Moon. This is essentially the opposite of a Blue Moon, which involves two full moons within the same month. The Science Behind New Moons A new moon occurs when the moon and sun align in the sky, sharing the same celestial longitude in a position known as conjunction. During this phase, the moon becomes invisible to the naked eye because the side illuminated by the sun faces away from Earth. Why Black Moons Are Special New moon nights are particularly prized by astronomers. Without moonlight, the dark skies offer optimal conditions to observe faint celestial wonders, such as distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. And heres an extra treat: winter nights in regions like North America provide even clearer views, thanks to dry, crisp air that enhances visibility through telescopes. When and Where to Witness the Black Moon According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, the second new moon of December will occur on December 30, 2024, at 5:27 p.m. ET (2227 GMT). For India, the Black Moon will peak at 3:57 a.m. IST on December 31. Depending on where you are: Americas: Witness the Black Moon on December 30. Europe, Africa, and Asia: Mark December 31 for this celestial event. After this occurrence, the next Black Moon wont make an appearance until August 2025, when it will be the third new moon in a season that has four. Why Stargazers Should Be Excited While the Black Moon itself wont be visiblelike all new moons, it hides in plain sight, positioned between the Earth and the Sunits still a thrilling event for skywatchers. The absence of moonlight creates a perfect canvas for stargazing. With no bright lunar glow to compete with, stars shine more vividly, and meteor showers become easier to spot. So, grab your telescopes or simply head to a dark, open field and let the wonders of the universe take center stage. As 2024 wraps up, let this Black Moon remind us of the marvels that unfold when we look up at the night sky. Former US President James Earl Carter passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday (US local time) at his home in Plains, Georgia, ANI reported. He was the longest-serving US President. In a statement from February 2023, the Carter Center revealed that after several hospitalisations, the former US President chose to discontinue further medical treatment and spend his remaining time at home under hospice care. In recent years, he had been battling an aggressive form of melanoma, with tumours that had spread to his liver and brain. Jimmy Carter served as the 39th US President and 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. Jimmy Carter was a small-town peanut farmer, a US Navy veteran and the governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. Carter was honoured with 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. US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their sorrow over the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, honoring him as an exceptional leader, statesman, and humanitarian. In a statement released by the White House, they said, "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" "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", the statement added, according to ANI. (With ANI Inputs) Seoul: South Korea's joint investigation team said on Monday that it has sought an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law, making him the first sitting President to face arrest. The team said it sought the warrant on insurrection and abuse of power charges after Yoon ignored three summonses to appear for questioning. The request was filed with the Seoul Western District Court at midnight on Sunday, according to the team comprised of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the police and the Defence ministry's investigation unit. Investigators say Yoon led an insurrection and abused his power when he declared martial law on December 3 and allegedly ordered troops to the National Assembly to stop lawmakers from voting down the decree. Yoon has denied the charges, saying his declaration of martial law was an 'act of governance' to warn the opposition party against what he described as its abuse of legislative power. In response, Yun Gap-geun, one of Yoon's legal representatives, said they will submit a document of opinions to the court over the arrest warrant request and a notice of the appointment of lawyers later in the day, Yonhap news agency reported. Yun earlier vowed to take 'formal steps' in response to the CIO's move. "It's a request by an agency that does not have the authority to investigate (insurrection charges)," he told Yonhap News Agency, referring to the CIO. Earlier on December 26, South Korea's anti-corruption investigation body summoned President Yoon Suk Yeol to appear for questioning over his brief imposition of martial law. The CIO for high-ranking officials issued the summons, ordering Yoon to appear at its office in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul. This marked the CIO's third summons after Yoon ignored two previous summonses, including one for questioning on Christmas Day. The CIO had teamed up with the police and the Defence ministry's investigation unit to look into allegations that Yoon had incited an insurrection and abused his power when he declared martial law on December 3. Meanwhile, South Korean President Yoon's political future hung in the balance as the Constitutional Court deliberated on his impeachment trial over his short-lived martial law declaration, raising concerns about a leadership vacuum amid economic and security challenges. Yoon faced an uphill legal battle after being impeached and subjected to widening probes into his failed attempt to impose military rule on the nation's democracy on December 3. The impeached President defended his imposition of martial law as an act of governance and denied charges of insurrection. South Korean authorities have announced plans to inspect all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by the country's airlines in the wake of a tragic crash at Muan International Airport that resulted in the deaths of 179 people. The inspection aims to determine the cause of the accident and enhance safety measures in the aviation sector. Investigation into the Muan Airport Crash The crash occurred on Sunday, prompting an urgent response from the government. Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who is also the country's deputy prime minister and finance minister, convened a task force meeting on Monday to oversee an emergency review of South Korea's aviation safety systems. Choi emphasized that the government would take responsible actions to renovate aviation safety systems nationwide to prevent future tragedies. "The essence of a responsible response would be renovating the aviation safety systems on the whole to prevent recurrences of similar incidents and building a safer Republic of South Korea," he stated. Safety Inspections and Audit The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced that a comprehensive safety audit will be conducted on all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airlines. This audit will focus on identifying potential risks and ensuring that all aircraft meet the necessary safety standards. Jeju Air, the airline operating the crashed plane, owns 39 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The transport ministry's review will include the airlines safety protocols and procedures. Additionally, representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing will join the investigation to assist in uncovering the cause of the crash. Airport and Communication Review The investigation will also explore the conditions at Muan International Airport, particularly focusing on the localizer system. This system uses antennas to guide aircraft during landings. Authorities are considering whether the concrete structure housing these antennas should be replaced with lighter materials that could break upon impact, similar to structures used at other airports in South Korea, including Jeju Island, Yeosu, and Pohang. In addition, officials are examining potential communication failures between the pilot and air traffic controllers during the flight's final approach. It is suspected that a breakdown in communication may have occurred during the "go-around" procedure, leading to the crash. "Our current understanding is that, at some point during the go-around process, communication became somewhat ineffective or was interrupted ahead of the landing and impact," said a ministry official. International Support and Further Analysis Flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the ill-fated flight have been sent to a research center at Gimpo Airport for further analysis. The data from these black boxes will be crucial in understanding the events leading up to the crash. Political Turmoil and Public Concerns The investigation comes amid ongoing political turmoil in South Korea. The countrys former president, Yoon, was impeached after imposing martial law, sparking concerns among the public about the government's ability to manage the crisis effectively. The resignation of the safety minister and the arrest of the police chief for their involvement in the martial law controversy have only intensified these fears. The absence of key officials responsible for disaster management has raised doubts about the governments preparedness in handling such a catastrophic event. In a recent statement, a German government spokesperson accused Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, of attempting to sway the outcome of the country's upcoming federal elections. The elections, set to take place in February 2024, have already become a focal point for political debate, especially after Musk expressed support for the far-right political party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). Musks Controversial Endorsement Elon Musk's involvement in German politics came to light when he published a commentary in Welt am Sonntag, a prominent German newspaper owned by the Axel Springer media group. In his op-ed, Musk expanded on a post he made on X (formerly Twitter), where he had written that "only the AfD can save Germany." Musk described the AfD as "the last spark of hope" for the nation and claimed the party could lead Germany into a prosperous future marked by economic success, cultural integrity, and technological advancement. His comments have sparked widespread debate in the German media about the influence of foreign figures on national politics. Musks Justification In the commentary, Musk also asserted that his significant investments in Germany, particularly through Teslas operations in the country, gave him the right to weigh in on Germanys political landscape. He suggested that his business ties in the country afforded him an understanding of its issues and challenges, which he felt compelled to share. Musk also took issue with the portrayal of the AfD as a far-right extremist party, challenging those who label it as such. He pointed to the fact that Alice Weidel, the leader of the AfD, is openly in a same-sex relationship with a partner from Sri Lanka, implying that such a situation would contradict the partys alleged far-right and extremist label. Musk asked rhetorically, "Does that sound like Hitler to you?" German Government's Response A spokesperson for the German government addressed Musks remarks, confirming that the billionaire's actions appeared to be aimed at influencing the federal elections. However, the spokesperson also emphasized that Musk, like any individual, has the right to express his opinion. "Freedom of opinion also covers the greatest nonsense," the official remarked, acknowledging Musks right to voice his views, even if they were controversial. Political and civic leaders across Colorado reacted with sorrow and gratitude on Sunday following the news that former President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100. After serving as the nations 39th president from 1977 to 1981, Carter remained actively committed to human rights and other causes, founding the Carter Presidential Center at Emory University in Atlanta, and working extensively with Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s. Gov. Jared Polis: Today I join my fellow Americans to mourn the passing of Former President Jimmy Carter at age 100. A Naval Officer and peanut farmer turned Governor and President, Jimmy Carter advanced the American ideals we cherish most; human rights, international cooperation, compassion, and treating every American equally. I express my deep condolences to the Carter family during this difficult time and share my gratitude for Former President Carters leadership, service, and deep dedication to our strong and resilient nation during his time in office and beyond. Sen. Michael Bennet: Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. President Jimmy Carter campaigned on telling the truth to the American people, and he kept his promise. He was a devoted family man, principled statesman, and champion for rural communities. His post-presidency set a global standard for dignity and selflessness. Susan and I join Colorado in mourning his loss and recommitting ourselves to the common good he espoused. Shad Murib, Colorado Democratic Party Chair: We are fortunate to have had as many years with President Carter as we did. As President, he helped us move on from an era of American history punctuated by the Watergate scandal with his positivity, grace, and calm. In the years following his presidency, he set a high bar for the service we should expect of our former presidents alongside his beloved wife and incredible public servant, First Lady Rosalynn Carter. From his community-changing work building homes with The Carter Work Project and Habitat for Humanity, to his dedication to peace and courage in calling out injustice at home and across the world, President Carter exemplified the best of us. Sen. John Hickenlooper: "Jimmy Carter was first and foremost a good man, in the purest sense of the words. A champion of human rights. A trailblazer for affordable housing. A veteran. And a President who never forgot his roots as a peanut farmer." US President-elect Donald Trump has paid tribute to former US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, in Georgia, calling him "good man, very consequential" and said that "we all owe him a debt of gratitude." Trump issued two statements on his social media platform Truth Social following the death of Carter. In his first statement, Trump noted that Jimmy as President came at a pivotal time for US and made every effort to improve the lives of Americans. In his first statement shared on Truth Social, US President-elect stated, "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. 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," he added. In another statement, Trump stated that even though he disagreed with Jimmy Carter philosophically and politically. However, he has realised that Carter truly loved and respected US. Praising Carter's legacy, Trump said that former US President worked hard to make America a great place. He and his wife, Melania Trump, offered condolences to Carter's family. "President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family," Donald Trump posted on X. Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday (local time) at his home in Plains, Georgia, The Washington Post reported, 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, Carter 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. 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, The Washington Post reported. 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. Carter also played a role in pushing through the Panama Canal treaties, which placed the critical waterway under Panamanian control, improving US ties with Latin American neighbours. Piper Lindsay Arpan has had the kind of year that might easily go unnoticed, because while she has done it all in 2024, she has done it just a few steps out of the spotlight. Arpan is a freelance actor, director, teacher and choreographer who has performed on Broadway. Shes also a mom, wife and business owner. (She and her husband run the Cap City Tavern. Dont hold this against them but they welcome Timberwolves fans. We all make compromises to feed our families.) Arpan is the quintessential chorus girl and gifted comedic actress who always seems to be standing in statuesque support of somebody else, with her 50,000-megawatt smile beaming. But her 2024 record is as impressive as anyone in the Colorado theater community. She both directed and choreographed Parker Arts big, splashy Legally Blonde musical. At the Town Hall Arts Center, she played a hilariously frustrated Broadway wannabe in The Prom, and a journalist who gets a little too close to her interview subject (Franke Valli) in Jersey Boys while serving as dance captain for both shows. She then played a campy-sexy phantom in Beehive Productions all-star Halloween production of The Rocky Horror Show at Denver Improv. And shes finishing the year as the choreographer and assistant director of Denver Center Attractions Gutenberg! The Musical! running into May at the Garner-Galleria Theatre. Piper can play anything from a leading role in The Prom to an ensemble role in Rocky Horror and be equally impactful, said local director Steven J. Burge. "Piper knows the importance of every single role in telling a story, and she is not going to treat a smaller role with any less love and respect. If all actors would commit the way Piper commits, then more stories would shine. There are some performers who just have something special. Thats not something you can learn. You just have it, and Piper is one of those people who has it. She just knows how to draw your eye instead of pull your focus and that is something that cannot be taught. This is the time when we offer you a closer look at local theater artists who had exceptional calendar years on Colorado stages. 2024 brought opportunities for veteran local actors to shine in new lights, and gave others who have been waiting in the wings a chance to shine like never before. But before we begin, two caveats: Colorado Springs actor Anne Terze-Schwarz had such a spectacular calendar year, weve already dedicated a full day to talking about it. And secondly, attention must be paid to The Grande Dame of Creede, Christy Brandt. She didnt have a typically full year on stage. But she did celebrate her 50th season with the Creede Repertory Theatre by playing perhaps the most off-type role of her life: As Battle-axe Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest. Believe me: That role is plenty for a lady of 76. But Brandt also popped in for a fun cameo as Harold the Blind Hermit in Young Frankenstein. A standing-room-only crowd attended a summer celebration of Brandts 50 seasons encompassing 150 productions and, she estimates, more than a million lines. Creede officials say Brandt is beloved by generations of theatergoers and is a powerful example of the values of Creede Rep. She embodies community, intentionality, artistry and grit. OK, on with the list: Jake Bell Bell, originally from Tennessee, is a young chameleon who looked like a hippie from Hair in Urinetown and a choir boy in Jersey Boys. In carrying both enormous Broadway-scale musicals at the Town Hall Arts Center, he showed that his acting range is as impressive as the four octaves it requires to mimic Vallis legendary falsetto. Bobby Strong, Urinetown, Town Hall Arts Center Swing, The Full Monty, Miners Alley Playhouse Frankie Valli, Jersey Boys, Town Hall Arts Center Quotable: "From the challenges of endurance to meeting expectations, this role was terrifying." Jake Bell on playing Frankie Valli Laura Chavez Chavez built her career as an actor, facilitator and director around her full-time job with Kaiser Permanentes educational theater program. Just when she made the big move with her children to North Carolina last year, leading roles in two major regional premieres twice brought her back in 2024. In the political satire The Ballot of Paolo Aguilar, she played an ordinary Latina with fertility issues who is hired by an inept political consulting firm trying to win the Latino vote all of it for their candidate, by simply studying her. "Laura brought that enormous, open, porous, beautiful empathy that she has, and you needed it for that show to talk directly to people and challenge them," said Producing Artistic Director Jessica Robblee. Patricia, Dream Hou$e, Theatreworks Paola, The Ballot Of Paolo Aguilar, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company Evelyn, The 24-Hour Plays, Curious Theatre Quotable: When we heard Laura was moving out of state, luckily we were able to bring her back and remind her where her theatrical home really is. With Ballot, it was glorious to see Laura get to draw from all of her absolute superpowers for that role. Director GerRee Hinshaw, who directed Chavez in both plays Kristina Fountaine Fountaine got her start 20 years ago as a kid in the Denver Centers A Christmas Carol and has been killing it ever since graduating from Denver School of the Arts. She was cast in all of Curious Theatres last three provocations of 2024, bringing a spitfire energy and a kind of theatrical vigilantism to her every fiery role. Ensemble, We the People: The Democracy Cycle, Local Theatre Company Duck, The 24-Hour Plays, Curious Theatre Ainee, Cullud Water, Curious Theatre Chris, POTUS, Curious Theatre Luanne/Jade, Confederates Quotable: Fountaine is immensely enjoyable to watch in comic roles, but in Cullud Water (which explores the toxic Flint water crisis), she shows great dramatic depth. Alex Miller, Onstage Colorado Magally Luna Featured Local Savings Luna, a CU-Boulder grad, is yet another joyful mother and teacher (at Denver Waldorf) whose time on stages has become more regrettably precious in recent years. But in 2024, the longtime Su Teatro veteran made the most of her opportunity to show new audiences her astonishing range from drama (as a grieving mother in Guadalupe in the Guest Room) to outright hilarity (as a vapid art agent in Chayenne). Abuela, Cuauhtemoczin, Control Group Productions Lisa, Chayenne, Control Group Productions Guadalupe, Guadalupe in the Guest Room, Firehouse Theatre Quotable: In Chayenne, Magally Luna adds additional layers to the drama as a character who represents the complex intersections of race, gender and commerce in the art world. Joe Cantreras, Latin Life Denver Emma Rebecca Maxfield Maxfield, a relentlessly charming performer and recent graduate of Metropolitan State University Denver, made the quick leap to directing in 2024 with a massive challenge: Fun Home on a stage the size of a postage stamp. She's a proud member of Phamaly Theatre Company who both performs and lives with a connective-tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. On stage, she is, at heart, a clown, which is what she did to maximum effect in the commedia dell'arte farce Emperor of the Moon. This role is really special to me because my unfettered silliness gets to come out to play in a major way, she said. That was bookended with a gutsy romp as Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Director, Fun Home, Vintage Theatre Harlequin, Emperor of the Moon, Theatreworks Yitzhak, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions Quotable: Maxfields directorial debut is amusing and at times dark. It is also powerfully humane. Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post, on Fun Home Emma Messenger I dont know how many True West Awards this makes for Messenger. Five? Six? Twenty? Every year it seems one of Denvers most loved and most reliable veterans brings the goods to vastly different challenges. Amanda Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie, Vintage Theatre Mary, Misery, Miners Alley Playhouse Evelyn, The 24-Hour Plays, Curious Theatre Ma Barker, The Last Night of Red Barker, The Catamounts Quotable: As Tom, Matthew Murry spars fiercely with Messenger as his mother, Amanda. As she showed earlier as Annie in Misery, Messenger is an expert at bending reality to fit her characters desires. This is a towering performance. Toni Tresca, Boulder Weekly Colton Pratt Pratt, an Arvada native and graduate of Colorado Mesa University, is raising a family in Colorado Springs while continuing to demonstrate why he is one of our most natural and likable actors, too. Hes fun and funny but, as he showed in his sweeping portrayal of Prince Hal, he can in very short order appear to grow up and get real right before our eyes. Henry V, Henry IV & IV, Theatreworks Cassio, Othello, Theatreworks Director, The Play That Goes Wrong, First United Methodist Church Edward Ferrars and others, Sense and Sensibility, Theatreworks Quotable: Colton is an incredibly generous and supportive collaborator. He brings a deep attention to text, a desire to learn, and a passionate attachment to the truth of the moment whether he's inciting troops to battle with a famous speech or puppeting a fox. Theatreworks Artistic Director Caitlin Lowans Shannan Steele Pull Quote Steele 'It just proved that she can do anything.' Steven J. Burge on Shannan Steele making her Shakespearean debut in the Denver Center's 'Hamlet.' Steeles ascendance from being cast in I Love You, Youre Perfect, Now Change in 2002 and later in in six seasonal productions of A Christmas Carol to finally getting to play a small but meaningful role in the DCPA Theatre Companys Hamlet this year was symbolically significant to the entire local acting pool. It signaled a whole new level of respect and opportunity for a proven local actor by the regions largest performing arts center. And, as the Player Queen, she crushed it. Player Queen, Hamlet, DCPA Theatre Company Belinda Blair, Noises Off, Arvada Center Director, Reunion, Parker Arts Choreographer, Scrooge, Aurora Fox Directed two shows in Branson, Mo. Quotable: I think all of her work is impactful, but Shannan is known for musicals, and she had never, ever done Shakespeare before Hamlet. So I know it felt important to her to add Shakespeare to her resume. And the way she delivered her lines, she made that scene so heartbreakingly understandable. It just proved that she can do anything. Director Steven J. Burge Brian Watson Perhaps the most delightful emergence from seemingly out of nowhere was watching Watson and his unbridled energy joyfully unleashed on audiences from Arvada to Aurora to Littleton. He also has a second career as a scenic designer, and he's already winning awards for that in only his second year as a Coloradan. Old Prince Bolonsky, The Great Comet, Arvada Center Scenic Designer, Crazy for You," The Candlelight Scenic Designer, Jersey Boys, Town Hall Arts Center Scenic Designer, The Ballot of Paola Aquilar, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company Scenic Designer, High School Musical," The Candlelight Everyone Else, Around the World in 80 Days, Aurora Fox Chiron, The Lightning Thief: the Percy Jackson Musical, Aurora Fox Minstrel, Once Upon a Mattress, Arvada Center Quotable: "Playing a dozen or more characters, Watson shows us again his ability to morph into one character after another. Watson captures each with a telling accent or physicality, bringing hilarious results." Eric Fitzgerald, Onstage Colorado Honorable mention: Other 14-scaler seasons of note Including but not limited to: Noelia Antweiler, Jennifer Burnett, Dwayne Carrington, Patric Case, Cameron Davis, Tanner Kelly, Chris Kendall, Geoffrey Kent, Sara Kowalski, Colleen Lee, Shunte Lofton, Billie McBride, Daja McLeod, Jenna Moll Reyes, Michaela Murray, Leslie OCarroll, Jessica Robblee, Sean Scrutchins, Karen Slack, Carter Edward Smith, Gabriel Smothers, Elton J. Tanega, Jenny Weiss 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 hero of the day Young Xander Claypools name shows up more than once in Miners Alley Playhouse programs. Scenic carpenter. Painter. Production Electrician. Run crew. One job it never mentions is dresser. But he does that, too. And more. He stage manages childrens shows; he runs lights and sounds and he always stays dependable and calm, said actor Emma Messenger. Hes also, she added, the best dresser in the West. This young man saved my sanity and my butt many, many times during our run of Misery last January. Thank you, Xander, for always throwing the right cardigan on me, shoving the right weapon into my hands, and furiously whispering what scene was next. A rockslide prompted the closures of Colorado 96 and Colorado 165 in Custer County on Sunday evening, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. In a news release, CDOT said Colorado 96 was closed in both directions from Westcliffe to Wetmore due to an active rockslide around the area of McKenzie Junction. The closure points are located at the junction of highways 96 and 165 at mile marker 26.2 in Wetmore to Westcliffe at mile marker 0.01. Colorado 165 was closed northwest of Rye at mile marker 28. Local traffic will be permitted through closure points to access properties on either side of the affected area. CDOT said the area was unsafe to begin mitigation because rocks continued to fall Sunday. Geo-technical crews were scheduled to access the area Monday to determine the stability of the mountainside for clean-up. Here are the alternate routes, according to CDOT: Featured Local Savings Western CO 96: North on CO 67 to US Highway 50, West on US 50 to CO 69, South on CO 69 to Westcliffe Eastern CO 96: North on CO 69 to US 50, East on US 50 to CO 67, South on CO 67 to Wetmore CO 165: South on CO 165 to Interstate 25, North on I-25 to CO 96, West on CO 96 to Wetmore For immediate traffic updates, click here for CDOT's live traffic map. Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information and the correct county location of the rockslide. GREENSBORO When former President Jimmy Carter announced he had cancer in 2015, Kari Baumann was among people from around the country to flock to Carters Sunday school class at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. He had on a coat and a bolo tie and slacks, said Baumann, who was a member of Greensboros College Park Baptist Church at the time and is now pastor to children and families there. He taught about forgiveness. The class was held in the churchs sanctuary, which was overflowing, and Carter took pictures after regular services were over with anyone who asked. Baumann had already read all his books. I think that mostly what I walked away with was the humility of someone who had such an impact on our nation, Baumann said in February of 2023. The countrys 39th president, who had been a preacher at heart, died Sunday at the age of 100. North Carolinians who had brushes with the world leader who lived out his life post-presidency through his faith and public service shared those memories earlier this year after Carter decided to transition to hospice care. He was one of the only people Ive met who had enough and knew it, so he and Rosalynn could wake up every day and focus on doing the next right thing, said Gary Gunderson, who oversees spiritual-care services at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem. Gunderson, who worked for Carter to start the Interfaith Health Program in 1994 that collaborated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization to partner with faith communities on health issues, said Carter was a practical visionary with a sense of moral urgency. Where others would think of months, hed ask, Why not 4 p.m.? Gunderson said. The oldest living American president until his death, Carter visited the Triad numerous times during his 1976 presidential campaign and later, including a 1989 trip to Elon University on its centennial, where he met members of the campus Habitat for Humanity chapter. He had earlier partnered with the national Habitat group to build and promote affordable housing. We all thought, and I think its true, that he only came because we had a Habitat chapter, joked John Barnhill, one of the founding members of the chapter. Barnhill remembers watching Carter getting out of his motorcade at a house the group had been refurbishing. He took off his suit jacket and rolled up his sleeves and wanted to meet every person, Barnhill said. I remember him reaching up to Brinkley (then a young boy on someones shoulder), saying, Hey, Im Jimmy. He was as gracious as he could be. Barnhill was president of the chapter that year, and in a playful moment one of the other members stepped forward and said, Mr. President, Id like to introduce you to Jimmy Carter. Barnhill stepped in front of Carter. And hes standing there with this big smile, Barnhill said of Carter, who got the joke. It was one of those magical moments that stay with you. Carter did not take part in any Greensboro or Winston-Salem Habitat builds over the years, but he helped expand the ability of Habitat families to have homes of their own. We have certainly benefited from his involvement and the increased visibility he brought to the organization, said Christine Byrd of neighboring Habitat Humanity of Greater Greensboro. He will be greatly missed. Carter campaigns in North Carolina As a presidential candidate, Carter saw small towns and burgeoning cities like those in the heart of North Carolina as the route to the Democratic nomination. And those who showed up at his rallies saw a genuineness that would earn him votes. The future presidents visit to Hickory while a candidate included a stop in Morganton where he burst into fluent Spanish to the surprise of a Morganton crowd and accepted a basket of peanuts from a Girl Scout that are about as good as the ones I grow, according to the Hickory Records reporting from the time. He then went to Hickory where he addressed a crowd at Lenoir-Rhyne University then known as Lenoir-Rhyne College estimated at 1,600 people. Another Hickory resident, Doug Auer, also noted the significance of having a candidate from the South. During the 1976 election cycle, Auer was at two events with Carter in his role as a member of the Democratic Party committee of Tompkins County in upstate New York. Auer said people who lived in the Northeast were arrogant about the South. They did not think much about the South, and their perceptions were shaped by television shows such as Hee Haw, he said. Carter helped to challenge some of those preconceptions, Auer said. Former News & Record reporter Jim Schlosser was assigned to follow Carter several times as a candidate and as president. He always had that big smile and everywhere he went in High Point, people seemed to like him, Schlosser remembered of a 1976 campaign visit to that city. You had the feeling that he was going to win, and he did. Schlosser also got a closer view than most of the president during the Democratic National Convention and while being on the other side of a closed-door meeting between the president and North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt at the White House. Everyone used to call him a peanut farmer (as a slight), but he was very educated, Schlosser said. Yet he wasnt above being a peanut farmer, Gunderson said. He was a nuclear scientist, governor and president, but also a deacon who was not above mowing the lawn of his church, Gunderson said. Carter visits to the Triad as president As president, Carter was said to be shocked by the 1979 Klan-Nazi shootings in Greensboro and ordered an investigation into the deaths of five demonstrators shot and killed by members of the Ku Klux Klan and American Nazi Party. It was a story Schlosser also covered. The resurgence of the Klan, not only in the South but other parts of the country, is a matter of concern to this president and this administration, White House press secretary Jody Powell said at a new conference days later. In one of his visits to Winston-Salem in 1978 as president, Carter gave a speech at Wake Forest University on defense policy. During the speech, Carter warned Americans about the threat of the Soviet Union. On Oct. 9, 1980, Carter spoke at the Dixie Classic Fair. When he arrived, parents put their children on their shoulders so the kids could see the president. The Winston-Salem State University Band played. There were local and state Democratic politicians waiting for the president to arrive. When Carter showed up at Smith Reynolds Airport, he was with then-Winston-Salem Mayor Wayne Corpening and other high-ranking Democrats. Several hundred people crowded outside the fence at the airport to catch a glimpse of the president. An issue that meant a lot to local farmers was foreign tobacco that had been designated as scrap being sold in the United States cheaper than the price the farmers got for their crop. Carter told the crowd he would order the U.S. Department of Agriculture to look into the matter and close the loophole that allowed the price difference. He later attended a $500 a couple fundraiser at Tanglewood Park Manor House where he told 600 people from across North Carolina that the upcoming election against Ronald Reagan could be more important than how much money you make next year, or where your child goes to college. It could be more important than the quality of the automobile you buy or where you live in a neighborhood. Carter left immediately after speaking and went to Smith Reynolds to fly to Tallahassee, Florida. Jimmy Carter and Jesus The last time Carter visited Winston-Salem was April 25, 2009, for a regional meeting of the New Baptist Covenant, of which he was the co-chairman. He delivered a sermon during a worship service at Wait Chapel on the Wake Forest campus. While Baptists were dealing with divisive cultural issues, Carter delivered a message about the importance of Christians in general and Baptists in particular setting aside their differences to focus on the part of Christianity that matters. In Jesus Christ, you are all children of God, Carter said. He was thoughtful as president and as a person of his faith, said Michael Usey of College Park, who met Carter when he was a student at Emory University and participated on Habitat projects that the former president visited. He respects that Carter tried to do all the good that he could with all the power that he had, he said. A president cannot always turn the other cheek, Usey said, but part of peacemaking is validating the legitimate concerns of the enemy. Usey also recalls the time when, as book editor for Baptist Today, he wrote to Carter asking him to name his favorite book. He told me it was, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, Usey said of the book about the lives of impoverished tenant farmers. Ive just always admired him. Baumann likened Carters work to a saying she had picked up from what the late author and pastor Eugene Peterson called a long obedience in the same direction. He would never say that he did everything perfectly, but he tried to show up and be faithful to who he believed God was, Baumann said. Thats what I think of every time I think of Jimmy Carter. Bill Leonard, the founding dean of the Wake Forest University Divinity School, recalls Carter going on Bill Mahers Real Time with Bill Maher talk show to discuss a book he had written focusing on women and faith. Maher started in on him and said something like, Well, youve written this book about women and Christianity, but the church has not always treated women very well, recalled Leonard, who was watching it on television. Carter said something like, Yes, the church has not always treated women right, but Jesus did. Maher, who makes no secret of his disdain of religion, had to change the subject. The Sunday school teacher was always prepared, Leonard said. I always like to joke that he couldnt deal with Jimmy Carter and Jesus that night, said Leonard, who also spent time with Carter at The Carter Center in Georgia and on the Wake Forest campus. Although Gunderson thinks Carter would have loved to have more years to do more work, he isnt surprised that Carter chose to forgo additional medical care for end-of-life care. His decision to choose hospice care is consistent with the rest of his life practical, wise and selfless, Gunderson said. His choice will result in many thousands of others making this good decision in the same manner. Gunderson was speaking right after Carter made that decision in February of 2023. He died more than 22 months later, and about 13 months after the death of his beloved wife Rosalynn. Teaching till the very end of his life with his life, Gunderson said. The ACCC is urging consumers to shop around or at least to contact their electricity provider to ask if a cheaper electricity plan is available, following a decline in retail electricity prices in 2024 that many households are not currently benefitting from. According to the competition watchdog, more than 80 per cent of Australian households in the National Electricity Network (NEM) could move to a cheaper electricity plan if they shopped around or contacted their electricity provider, the ACCCs latest electricity inquiry report has found. Despite the price of electricity falling between 1 August 2023 to 1 August 2024, many households remain on offers priced above the government safety net price meaning they are missing out on lower prices. The government safety net price is the price consumers are charged if they have never shopped around for another price. They also serve as reference prices to make it easier to compare plans in the market. If you havent changed electricity plans in the past 12 months, chances are you are paying more for your electricity than you need to, ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said. The report found that households on offers which are more than a year old are paying $238 more per year than households on newer offers. It also found that the size of this loyalty penalty increases with the age of the offer (when examining three years of flat rate offer prices). We are urging Australians to take some time this holiday period to have a look on the Energy Made Easy or Victoria Energy Compare websites to see if there is a better plan, Ms Brakey said. Alternatively, people could simply call their retailers to see if they have a better offer available. We know that customers that havent done this in a while are probably paying too much. Further, it is important to read your electricity bill when it comes. Every three to four months, electricity companies are required to tell you on your bill if a cheaper plan is available. If you get this message, you are paying more than you need to, Ms Brakey said. Pricing in the retail electricity market is becoming more complex as more customers are on time of use or demand tariffs. There are also more customers on offers with multiple complex pricing elements, who may find it challenging to respond to these complicated price signals. The report found that customers on time of use offers have lower calculated annual prices on average than flat rate offers. However, customers on demand offers had higher calculated annual prices, with 51 per cent of these customers on offers priced at or above the government safety net price. Customers on demand offers are not subject to the protections of the Default Market Offer. The increasing complexity in pricing as the smart meter rollout continues, presents a real challenge to consumers who are trying to reduce their electricity bills, Ms Brakey said. While we are pleased that compared annual prices have decreased from 2023 to 2024 and more consumers are on offers below the government safety net price, a substantial proportion of households remain on prices above these levels, Ms Brakey said. What consumers can do Consumers should compare their current rates on the government comparison sites www.energymadeeasy.gov.au (for consumers in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and Queensland), and compare.energy.vic.gov.au (for consumers in Victoria). If customers dont want to or cant shop around, they can call their existing retailer and ask for a better deal. Their retailer is legally required to provide that information, as well as information on how the price compares to the government safety net price. Consumers should read their electricity bills, because the retailer is required to let them know, every 100 days (or every 4 months in Victoria) through a statement on their bill, if a better deal is available. Customers should also check with their retailer or on energy.gov.au/rebates, to ensure they are receiving all eligible concessions and rebates available to concession card holders. The full report, which also covers information about electricity retailers costs of supply and margins in 202324, is available at Inquiry into the National Electricity Market report - December 2024. Background Our retail pricing analysis presents customer-weighted calculated annual prices for flat rate, time of use and demand offers based on usage assumptions from the government safety net price. We present most of our results assuming customers achieve conditional discounts. Our results do not incorporate government rebates or solar feed-in tariffs. In 2018, the Australian Government directed the ACCC to hold an inquiry into the prices, profits and margins in relation to the supply of electricity in the National Electricity Market (which covers NSW, Victoria, South East Queensland and South Australia). This is the twelfth time the ACCC has reported as part of this inquiry. The ACCC is also responsible for monitoring compliance with the provisions introduced by the Treasury Laws Amendment (Prohibiting Energy Market Misconduct) Act, which is to ensure that any sustained and substantial reductions in retailers input costs are passed on to consumers, as well as provisions prohibiting specific conduct in the spot market and hedging contract market. The report is available on the ACCCs website at Electricity market monitoring 2018-2025. The ACCC is required to report at least every 6 months. The next report is scheduled for July 2025. Smart solutions need data, lots of it. Any substantial organisation has far-flung data everywhere, but Omnata can be your solution to centralising it all in Snowflake. Omnata - a play on "omni-data" because data is everywhere - is making huge waves as a simple, fast, effective tool to aggregate and consolidate transactional data into the data and AI cloud, Snowflake. Omnata has customers globally, but under the hood is a local Australian success story. In fact, the product was borne out of James Weakley's belief "there must be a better way" while wrangling with making discrete systems talk to each other, as a data architect with nib Health Funds. Weakley worked with the Newcastle-based Australian insurer for five years, tasked with designing a data architecture as the company modernised its classic statck of SQL Server, SAS, on-premises products, Excel, and other things, into a modern cloud-first world. Back then, Snowflake was still largely unknown and had only recently launched in Sydney. Yet, from his research Weakly knew there was something special about it. "I was really taken by Snowflake, it felt like a next-gen product. It had a clear advantage over the likes of RedShift," he said. "I took a punt and backed it internally." This decision made nib one of the first Snowflake customers in Australia, and - to the best of Weakley's knowledge - the first health insurer in the world. With Snowflake settled on as the central data repository, Weakley's challenge was to build cloud integration, including databases, SalesForce, and other SaaS tools. "That was a pain point," he said. "My job was to figure out how all these systems would talk together." The answer back then was to go and spend a few million dollars on products like Informatica or MuleSoft - "something you plonk in the middle and wire up." That was the industry-agreed approach, but it bugged Weakley. "It didn't seem right to me," he said. "All these products were in thre cloud, probably all in the same AWS data centre." "Why am I, as a customer, having to broker all these minute details of the integration?" Weakley knew there was a better way. And in the absence of other solutions, he created it himself. "At the time I was focused on SalesForce and prototyped a live query product that ran on SalesForce and could talk directly to SnowFlake." Whenever nib staff opened a SalesForce customer Weakley's app would live query from Snowflake and bring data in. "There was nothing like that at the time," he said. James Weakley The concept was exciting and now proven, and Weakley knew it had far wider-ranging applications than SalesForce and Snowflake communication. Of course, he was working with nib and committed to its success and moved onto his next company project but kept the idea in the back of his head, speaking about it time to time with others. "I wrote some articles and people came to me saying 'this is really cool, can you consult and help us set it up'," Weakley explained. "I didn't really want to do a bunch of little consulting roles that would get in the way of my day job with nib." Yet, as more and more people expressed interest in hos solution, the thought nagged Weakley; maybe it was time to make this a product. However, while a smart and clever technical guy, Weakley recognised he wasn't a businessman. "I'd never worked in anything but a tech role. I had no idea how to close a deal and ask people for money." Enter Chris Chandler; Chandler was working in sales at Tableau. He and Weakley met through a contact and began collaborating about what this idea could really become. And, with Chandler on side, before long the duo had some "serious customers" committing to the idea. It validated the concept was sound, the problem was widespread, and the solution was genuinely desirable. So ... "we jumped into it full time at the end of 2020," Weakley said. Omnata was born. Chris Chandler "The SalesForce use case was interesting, and we got a bunch of customers using it," he said, "but Snowflake felt like the bigger opportunity." By this time Snowflake was exploding in popularity. "What I was seeing was whenever I talked to anyone Snowflake was becoming the centre of thier data world. Whenever it was deployed it gained viral adoption." Also, "I knew Snowflake were working on a much bigger platform - SnowPark, machine learning ... all these things meant it was clearly going to become a whole big foundation." It was time to go all-in on Snowflake; "we started getting excited about what kind of product would suit that architecture. Similar to our SalesForce product, it had to be something that didn't look like the tools of the day." To this time, about the middle of 2021, Omnata's live query facility used external functions via lambdas. Weakley and Chandler spoke with Snowflake about its roadmap and new features. "We got connected in with their product engineering team and said we'd love it if we could run the whole product on your platform." Snowflake replied, "that's interesting," telling the pair Snowflake was talking about native apps internally. "We were in the early discussions. We helped shape it," Weakley said. "We were one of the main partners." And, knowing where Snowflake was going, Weakley and Chandler starting building their new app. "We ran it all locally but built it in such a way we could shift it into Snowflake when the time came." Well, that time did come - albeit "two years of uncertainty while we waited for Snowflake." The native app framework took several twists and turns in private preview before its public release. "We were able to stick with it as revenue from our Salesforce product continued to grow" But the day arrived! Snowflake brought its native app framework into general availability early in 2024, and Omnata was prepared from the start. "Then we could really start selling it." The Omnata Sync app, as you'll have guessed, is a native Snowflake app that can bring data into Snowflake from other sources. It handles the hard work so you don't have to. It ships on the Native App marketplace and can be charged directly to your Snowflake account based on consumption. The product is so useful, so significant, that out of every Snowflake collaborator, it was Omnata who won the Partner of the Year award at Snowflake Summit in San Francisco earlier this year, as well as a Native App Marketplace award. Pull data from, and push data to, all your SaaS apps with one tool. "Our model is we want to go through Snowflake and use the marketplace for distribution as much as possible," Weakley said. "We have a lean team, and if we can leverage 3,000 Snowflake sales reps talking to customers in all corners of the world, then we can do a lot with very little." One of Omnata's first customers for its native app was the Western Australia government, "and that would not have been possible if we were handling data across our infrastructure," Chandler said. Next came public-listed U.S. companies. "Some small startup from Australia couldn't do it, so going native on Snowflake helped us acquire customers. We're piggy-backing on Snowflake, and we have no burden of needing to handle the data ourselves." "The fact we can ship a product, and customers don't have to trust us to run it on their behalf, is such a boost for a startup," the duo said. "Normally, a startup would go after small customers with small budgets to get a foothold, but [by leveraging Snowflake native apps functionality] we have people talking to us who it has taken years for SaaS products to work up to." While Omnata has a registered entity in the U.S. for sales and marketing, it's still solidly headquartered in Australia. The company says as it grows it will maintain the core team locally but look at near-shoring certain types of roles in South-East Asia. "Some [international] customers are put off by the distance aspect, but when you're not hosting systems, when you're not directly running the day-to-day on their behalf, they become more tolerant of distant teams," Weakley said. "We go over each year to Snowflake Summit and it's always super valuable to meet people in person too," he said. More information The Nebraska State Patrol is fighting a federal judge's order forcing the state agency to comply with depositions about training for officers responding to mentally ill people in crisis. And more than a single civil case could be on the line. Attorney, journalist and civic groups have expressed concern about the state's position that sovereign immunity protects the state agency from having to provide information in civil cases like this one. The legal wrangling came in a civil lawsuit over Print Zutavern's killing in 2020 in central Nebraska by State Trooper Brandon Wilkie during a law enforcement operation aimed at getting Zutavern to a mental health facility. Zutavern, who had sought help at a mental health hospital during a crisis, was turned away, then was shot at the end of a lengthy standoff with law enforcement. Bryan Mick, the personal representative of Zutavern's estate, sued Wilkie and others who responded to the incident Feb. 24, 2020, in Custer County. Two days earlier, a deputy stopped Zutavern on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and came to believe he was having a manic episode. Deputy Lawrence Stump drove him home in his cruiser. Shortly after, Zutavern's wife called 911 saying her husband had "exploded in rage." She left the house, and a family friend agreed to stay with Zutavern and take him to an inpatient psychiatric facility the next day, according to court records. But early the next morning, the friend called the sheriff's office saying Zutavern wanted to go to the hospital immediately. Zutavern ended up stealing his neighbor's truck and driving himself to Richard Young Behavioral Health in Kearney, where he was turned away. The next day, his father called deputies saying Zutavern's manic episode had worsened. He had shot two calves and was making suicidal statements and sending photos of himself with a shotgun to his head. A standoff followed. When it was approaching its twelfth hour, law enforcement rammed the utility vehicle Zutavern was inside, and Zutavern got out and started walking toward Wilkie and another trooper. Wilkie shot Zutavern three times, and the 28-year-old died of his injuries. A grand jury later cleared the law enforcement officers of any criminal wrongdoing. Then, the civil case was filed in 2022. In an order in 2022, Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard dismissed a number of the troopers who had been sued, saying that though what happened to Zutavern was undoubtedly tragic, the complaint hadn't sufficiently established a civil rights claim against them. But Gerrard allowed the case to go forward against Wilkie, Custer County, Sheriff Dan Osmond and two of his deputies, Lawrence Stump and Barrett Gibbons. As the case moved forward, Zutavern's attorneys filed a notice to the State Patrol to produce for testimony those most knowledgeable in the training their officers get on responding to people in mental health crisis, resolving events with barricaded subjects and the use of force, among other things. The State Patrol, which isn't a party to the lawsuit, argued that sovereign immunity shields it from third-party discovery requests like the subpoena at issue. The patrol's attorney contended that the subpoena, if enforced, would force the state agency to do something it otherwise would not do. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline DeLuca rejected the argument, saying: "A subpoena, by its very nature, compels a party to do something it would not otherwise do." She said the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals expressly has permitted such requests on state entities. When Senior U.S. District Judge John Gerrard agreed, the State Patrol's attorneys appealed to the Eighth Circuit. In a brief filed in October, Nebraska Solicitor General Eric Hamilton asked the court to reverse the district court, saying complying with that subpoena likely would consume "more than 100 hours of taxpayer-funded time from five state law enforcement officers and their attorneys." "That is an imposition on Nebraskas treasury as well as a constraint on the states autonomy," he wrote. The American Association for Justice, Public Justice, Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys and Nebraska Defense Counsel Association, as well as Media of Nebraska and Common Cause, all sought to file friend of the court briefs in the appeal. Attorney Benjamin Siminou, writing on behalf of the attorney groups, asked the court to reject the State Patrol's invitation to "plow new ground by extending sovereign immunity to give states immunity from federal subpoenas." To grant the state immunity from federal subpoenas would wreak havoc on public interests, frustrating justice in many civil cases by depriving litigants of material evidence and blocking public transparency into government, he said. Attorney Daniel Gutman, on behalf of Media of Nebraska and Common Cause, pointed to the inscription above the main entrance of the Nebraska State Capitol that says, "Salvation of the State is Watchfulness in the Citizen." "For that inscription to have meaning, government must be open and accessible to the public. NSP's sweeping interpretation of sovereign immunity threatens this principle by foreclosing a critical source of information and evidence: nonparty discovery," Gutman wrote. Oral arguments could come as early as February. In October, President Biden formally apologized for the U.S. Indian boarding school systema brutal legacy of forced assimilation that inflicted profound harm on Indigenous communities and continues to reverberate today. For those who are unfamiliar, Native children at these boarding schools suffered horrific physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse, all while being isolated from their families and communities. By 1926, nearly 83 percent of Native children were attending these schools. The purpose of the Indian Boarding School Policy was explicitly to Kill the Indian in him, and save the man. To this end, Native children were often starved or brutally punished for speaking their Native languages. The abduction and forced assimilation of children also impacted families by erasing culture and connection, depriving families of healthy and happy relationships within the community. The trauma inflicted has affected Native communities for generations and continues to be passed on to this day. As a Native American medical student, I come from a long line of Indigenous women shapedand often scarredby the systems and policies forced upon us. When I heard this apology, I thought first of them. I thought of my great-great-grandmother, Cordelia, who spoke fluent Konkow, carried stories and songs of our people, and knew our ancestral lands intimately. I thought of her daughter, my great-grandmother Mary, who wore the stark white dress and stockings of the boarding schools, speaking less of our language and learning to tread cautiously around her culture. I thought of my grandmother, Judy, who entered public school in San Francisco, where Konkow was completely replaced by English and a sense of alienation. I thought of all of my relatives who never made it out of the boarding school era alive and those still living today with the mental and biological impacts of this intergenerational trauma. Madison Esposito reflects on the multigenerational impacts of these policies. Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of the physical, mental, and emotional effects of trauma across generations, whereby descendants of individuals who experienced historical and current traumas have significant health impacts and worse health outcomes. For Indigenous communities, the impacts of forced assimilation, land loss and displacement, cultural erasure, and systemic discrimination have created and perpetuated transmission of intergenerational trauma, resulting in the disproportionate burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, infectious diseases, substance use, mental health disorders, and suicide. Native communities have longstanding and well-established Indigenous knowledge on the individual and community impacts of trauma, including the biological manifestation of intergenerational trauma and its transmission to future generations. Western research is catching up in studying and understanding the mechanisms behind the generational transmission of trauma, including the epigenome and how epigenetic changes are transmitted during the prenatal period. Research has linked epigenetic processes with mental and behavioral conditions, cancer, immune system deficiencies, and chronic diseases. To be clear, these molecular findings are not meant to be understood as implicit, inalienable, or personal defects of the individual. A recent study showed an association between historical trauma in Alaska Native peoples with different patterns of gene methylation, while also demonstrating a protective effect related to cultural identification and general well-being. It is crucial to recognize the importance of cultural connection and identity in the overall health and well-being of AI/AN people, especially within the context of historical injustices that continue to profoundly impact communities. Despite changes in the expression of our genes due to trauma, Indigenous well-being can still flourish with connection to Indigenous ways of knowing and culture. It is in this type of connection that we need to focus our interventions and care practices as future and current physicians working with Native patients. We can accomplish this change through medical education, where providers can learn to respond not only to acute illnesses but also to the deep-seated, trauma-based health disparities Native communities face. The current default in the medical curriculum of reducing Native identity to a risk factor without any recognition of the root causes of these health disparities is not acceptable. This lack of understanding in medicine makes it harder for Native patients to find compassionate, informed care and contributes to the staggering levels of distrust Native people feel toward health care. To meet the needs of Native patients effectively, medical professionals must understand intergenerational traumas unique and pervasive impact on Native health. Integrate intergenerational trauma into medical education As intergenerational trauma manifestation is multifactorial and spans different aspects of a patients health, it is crucial for providers to understand the biological basis of trauma transmission and disease manifestation, such that treatment regimens can be directed toward addressing it. Providing education in the context of Indigenous historysuch as the boarding school era and Indian Relocation Actprovides critical context that connects history to current health outcomes. This could include case studies, workshops, and discussions that focus on a holistic approach to health and disease, looking beyond immediate presentation and focusing on long-term prevention and healing. Expand the concept of trauma-informed care Trauma-informed care is becoming a standard approach in health care but is limited by superficial ideas of trauma and the lack of experience and representation from members of marginalized communities. This means not only recognizing the patients trauma but also understanding the cultural and historical factors that shape it. For Indigenous patients, trauma-informed care should include knowledge of Tribal history (political disempowerment, identity loss, and genocide), cultural practices, and the systemic factors that contribute to health disparities. This can be accomplished through community-based participatory research, upholding Tribal sovereignty in research initiatives, and consulting with Tribal public health authorities. Providers who understand these factors are better equipped to build trust, communicate effectively, and avoid unintentionally retraumatizing patients. Promote cultural sensitivity and collaboration Respecting a patients cultural background isnt just politeits crucial for effective treatment and developing a therapeutic alliance. Medical professionals should engage with Indigenous communities, listening to their perspectives on health, healing, and wellness. Working in collaboration with Tribal health organizations or cultural liaisons can provide insight that enriches the patient-provider relationship. By integrating cultural knowledge into treatment plans, providers can create a safe and supportive environment for Indigenous patients. Encourage lifelong learning and humility Providers should approach Indigenous patients with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Intergenerational trauma is complex and doesnt look the same in every patient. Some may display resilience, while others may struggle with mental health or physical illnesses linked to trauma. Medical education should ideally instill the value of humility in health care, teaching providers that they may not have all the answers and that the best care comes from working collaboratively with patients and communities. It may seem daunting to ask for this information, and many providers may be overwhelmed with how to even start learning about the Native communities they serve, but there is a wealth of Indigenous organizations ready to help and collaborate with anyone interested in learning more about the Native experience within the U.S. Most, if not all, have websites that can be quickly found with a simple web search. An apology from President Biden is the first step in recognizing the traumas inflicted on Native people. However, it is equally important to move beyond apologies and take action. Despite investigations through the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, little has been done in the health care sphere to address the long-term implications on AI/AN health outcomes. As Native people experience high burdens of chronic disease and significantly decreased life spans compared to the national average, it is essential for health care to recognize the burden of intergenerational trauma on their patients and work toward treatment options and risk reduction, including efforts to reduce the emotional suffering experienced by Indigenous people. This is the first step in ensuring that Indigenous patients receive equitable, compassionate, and informed care that acknowledges the deep historical and current sociopolitical factors fostering mistrust in medical systems. Words cannot undo the lasting impacts of boarding schools on generations of Native peoples and cannot mend what has been stolen from us. Healing requires action. Our health care system can provide that action, not only as a system of power that has its own history with Native peoples but as a system that can address how intergenerational trauma shapes the health and well-being of Native communities. It is long overdue for both undergraduate and continuing medical education to take responsibility and work toward building trust and providing equitable care to the original peoples of the lands they live on. Madison L. Esposito and Katlin T. Wilson are medical students. Throughout 2024, we saw further development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and new legal action brought against technology companies. Here is a look back at some of the biggest tech stories we covered in 2024. AI continues to expand During the year, companies continued developing and deploying new AI tools. Among these were a new set of AI offerings announced by American software company Microsoft. Officials explained the new tools included personal agents designed to help users complete business activities with little or no human involvement. Microsoft says it designed the agents to expand on so-called chatbots AI tools that work by themselves to produce human-level writing or discussions. The company said it expects a full release of the agents sometime in 2025. In September, technology company Apple announced it was launching several new iPhones equipped with special chips to support AI operations. Apple chief Tim Cook said the new models had been designed for Apple Intelligence from the ground up. We reported in October about an effort by researchers to use AI to improve existing weather prediction models. One system works by combining past weather predictions with modern methods to provide the most complete picture of weather and climate data. More warnings AIs possible dangers In California, three legislative measures were enacted to ban the use of AI tools to create false images and videos during election campaigns. One main goal was to fight deepfakes. These are pieces of video or audio created to make it appear that people in it are saying or doing things they never said or did. Deepfakes were used in several world election campaigns in 2024. In May, an international gathering of major AI developers and top government officials in Seoul agreed on measures that aim to ensure that AI systems are safely built and deployed. Attendees from 16 different technology companies signed a promise to develop AI technology in ways that limit possible public harms. US legal moves against tech companies About one year ago, an American jury found that Googles app store operates as an illegal monopoly. Then in August 2024, a federal judge ruled that Google had violated trade laws by operating its search engine as a monopoly. The ruling accused Google of paying smartphone makers to ensure that its search engine was set as the default system on new devices. As part of the case, the U.S. government proposed in November a series of measures to limit Google from anti-competition business activities. Google criticized the courts ruling as an example of government overreach. U.S. officials have long warned that TikTok presents national security concerns. Earlier this month, video sharing service TikTok asked a U.S. appeals court to block a law requiring its Chinese parent, ByteDance, to divest itself of TikTok or face a U.S. ban. The request came after the same court had upheld a law forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 19 or face the ban. Lawyers for ByteDance and TikTok are seeking to have the U.S. Supreme Court rule on the case. Self-driving tech In May, U.S.-based Aurora Innovation said it was preparing to launch a series of driverless trucks to transport goods on a major public highway. Company officials said it planned to begin the service in Texas, with 20 tractor-trailers transporting goods between Dallas and Houston. The company hopes to expand the service to thousands of tractor-trailers within three to four years. Flying taxis In October, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it had issued final rules for operating air taxis. It also set training and approval requirements for pilots. The FAA said air taxis belong to a kind of aircraft known as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) flyers. They generally operate on their own on electrical power, with vertical take-off and landing abilities. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said such aircraft represent the first new category of aircraft in nearly 80 years. He added that the new rules are meant to mark the beginning of possible widespread AAM operations across the U.S. in the future. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Quiz - Top Technology Stories of 2024 Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ___________________________________________ Words in This Story chip n. a very small slice of silicon containing electronic circuits (as for a computer) monopoly n. complete control of the entire supply of goods or of a service in a certain area or market default adj. what exists or usually happens if no changes are made divest v. to sell something, especially a business or part of a business vertical adj. pointing straight up from a surface category n. a group of people of things of a similar kind A vicious house-to-house battle between rebel guerrillas, led by Fidel Castro, and the Cuban army is raging around the town of Santa Clara, the capital of the province of Las Villas. The capture of Las Villas is a key goal for the rebel force, known as the 26 July Army, before they advance on the capital, Havana. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the Cuban army, the rebels have enormous popular support and have won a number of significant victories. Just a few weeks ago, they were confined to their tiny mountain stronghold at the other end of the island. Now they have advanced into a position where they are poised to take the capital itself. The guerrillas have been fighting to overthrow the military government of Fulgeneio Batista for two years. But in the last 48 hours about 3,000 people have been killed or injured in some of the bloodiest fighting in the history of Cuba. The army has countered the rebel attack on Santa Clara with fighter and bomber aircraft, as well as guns and tanks. One of the rebel leaders, Dr Ernesto Che Guevara, has appealed to the government commander in Santa Clara for a truce to clear the streets of the casualties. Broadcasts on rebel radio said his appeal had been rejected. The president is reported to be preparing to take personal command of his forces to destroy a convoy of guerrilla soldiers currently moving south from Santa Clara. In a sign of how desperate the situation has become for the government, President Batista today removed the Commodore of the Navys air force, Joaquin Yarela Canosa, from his post. He was the second senior figure in the armed forces to be sacked this week. The army commander in Las Villas, General Alberto Rio Chaviano, lost his job a few days ago. Meanwhile, amid rumours that President Batista is preparing to flee the island, two of his young sons arrived in New York, accompanied by their grandfather, Manuel Perez Benitoa. Mr Benitoa denied that the two boys were being evacuated ahead of a government surrender, saying, I bring them every year to see the snow. Courtesy BBC News In context Two days later, on New Years Day 1959, President Batista fled the country to the Dominican Republic, his government overthrown and his regime at an end. He was to live the rest of his life in exile in Portugal and Spain and died in Spain in 1973. Fidel Castro was sworn in as premier on 16 February 1959. Since then, Cuba has been a one-party state in which Fidel Castro exerts control over virtually every aspect of Cuban life. From an early stage, his leadership put Cuba on a collision course with the United States. Antagonism between the two nations led to economic sanctions against Cuba from 1960. Two years later, Fidel Castro brought the world to the brink of nuclear war as his alliance with the USSR provoked the Cuban missile crisis. Diplomatic relations have never been restored, and the US continues to enforce trade sanctions against Fidel Castros regime. A passenger plane skidded off a runway at a South Korean airport yesterday, 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 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. 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. HYUNG-JIN KIM & KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP The Chinese government placed sanctions on seven companies on Friday in response to recent U.S. announcements of military sales and aid to Taiwan, the self-governing island that China claims as part of its territory. The sanctions also come in response to the recent approval of the U.S. governments annual defense spending bill, which a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said includes multiple negative sections on China. China objects to American military assistance for Taiwan and often imposes sanctions on related companies after a sale or aid package is announced. The sanctions generally have a limited impact, because American defense companies dont sell arms or other military goods to China. The U.S. is the main supplier of weapons to Taiwan for its defense. The seven companies being sanctioned are Insitu Inc., Hudson Technologies Co., Saronic Technologies, Inc., Raytheon Canada, Raytheon Australia, Aerkomm Inc. and Oceaneering International Inc., the Foreign Ministry statement said. It said that relevant senior executives of the companies are also sanctioned, without naming any. Any assets they have in China will be frozen, and organizations and individuals in China are prohibited from engaging in any activity with them, it said. U.S. President Joe Biden last week authorized up to $571 million in Defense Department material and services and military education and training for Taiwan. Separately, the Defense Department announced that $295 million in military sales had been approved. The U.S. defense bill boosts military spending to $895 billion and directs resources toward a more confrontational approach to China. It establishes a fund that could be used to send military resources to Taiwan in much the same way that the U.S. has backed Ukraine. It also expands a ban on U.S. military purchases of Chinese products ranging from drone technology to garlic for military commissaries. Zhang Xiaogang, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson, said last week that the U.S. is hyping up the so-called threat from China to justify increased military spending. U.S. military spending has topped the world and keeps increasing every year, he said at a press conference. This fully exposes the belligerent nature of the U.S. and its obsession with hegemony and expansion. The Foreign Ministry statement said the U.S. moves violate agreements between the two countries on Taiwan, interfere in Chinas domestic affairs and undermine the nations sovereignty and territorial integrity. Taiwans government said earlier this month that China had sent dozens of ships into nearby seas to practice a blockade of the island, a move that Taiwan said undermined peace and stability and disrupted international shipping and trade. China has not confirmed or commented on the reported military activity. MDT/AP A traffic accident on Hac Sa road in Coloane claimed the life of a motorcyclist Saturday morning, reigniting concerns over road safety in the area. The incident occurred around 8 a.m. when a motorcycle collided with a heavy goods vehicle, leaving the rider unconscious at the scene. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Ng Chi Long, vice chairman of the Hac Sa Village Mutual Aid Association, expressed alarm over the frequency of serious accidents in the area. There have been many serious accidents in this area in recent years, he said, urging local authorities to take swift action to enhance traffic safety. He pointed out the hazardous conditions, noting the accident site is near a youth activity development base and is surrounded by slopes, curves and various facilities. The area is bustling with private cars and construction vehicles, Ng added. In the past, vehicles have been suspected of not properly engaging their brakes and colliding. With plans for more facilities like a youth activity camp and Happy Farm, he fears increasing traffic could lead to more tragedies unless measures are enforced. Ng suggested several safety improvements, including installing speed bumps similar to those on Av. Marginal Flor de Lotus, adding fisheye cameras at vehicle entrances, and erecting clear signage to remind drivers to slow down. He also proposed considering a speed limit for this residential section and installing speed monitoring systems to protect pedestrians and vehicles alike. The police continue to investigate the cause of the collision and are appealing for witnesses with any information related to the accident. Nadia Shaw Five local residents, including a 16-year-old boy, have fallen victim to human trafficking schemes involving telecommunications and internet scams in Taiwan and Cambodia, the Judiciary Police (PJ) has reported late last week. According to the PJ, the victims were misled by false promises of high-paying jobs abroad. Four individuals, comprising three men and one woman, traveled to Taiwan, where they were coerced into participating in illegal activities before being detained by local authorities. The fifth victim, a 38-year-old woman, was lured to Cambodia but managed to escape and return to Macau, as reported by local media. As cited in media reports, the scammers had falsely claimed the relevant jobs did not require any skills or prior work experience, and that the compensation would be generous. The job seekers mistakenly believed these statements to be true. Additionally, some individuals were aware that the tasks they would be performing before traveling abroad were potentially illegal, but still decided to take the risk in pursuit of profit. The PJs investigation began in September after receiving reports of missing residents. Authorities discovered criminal organizations were using social media platforms to post fake job advertisements, often offering incentives such as airfare and accommodation. Upon arrival, victims had their passports and mobile phones confiscated, trapping them in exploitative situations, unable to contact their families. A report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights indicated hundreds of thousands of individuals, primarily Chinese nationals, have been trafficked to Southeast Asia for similar purposes. The report, published in August 2023, said at least 120,000 people were trafficked to Myanmar and around 100,000 to Cambodia. Cases of telecom and internet fraud in Macau increased 75.8% in 2023, with estimated losses amounting to MOP311 million. Official data released in February showed the region recorded 1,306 scams committed via phone or online last year, an increase of 735 cases compared to 2022. The PJ has launched an anti-fraud app on the Chinese social network WeChat, enabling users to check suspicious phone numbers, bank accounts and email addresses. Residents are urged to be cautious of high-paying job offers abroad and to avoid becoming unwitting accomplices in fraud schemes. The police said that in Taiwan, individuals involved in fraud or money laundering can face prison sentences of up to seven and 10 years, respectively. Victoria Chan The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has been criticized for failing to promptly report issues with faulty street signs. An internal investigation from the Office of the Secretary for Administration and Justice disclosed that the staff did not take immediate action to address these problems, leading to significant delays in remedial measures. In early September, IAM officials discovered several street signs had become detached, raising suspicions of fraudulent activity involving the contractor responsible for the signage replacement. A subsequent police investigation led to the arrest of individuals associated with the contractor, who were referred to judicial authorities. The IAM is tasked with the installation, maintenance and replacement of public street signage. A contract awarded to the lowest bidder, totaling MOP1.1 million, included MOP258,000 specifically for the production of signage. However, inspections revealed the new street name tiles, which began to be installed in January, were substandard. The tiles exhibited yellowing and glaze separation, which was attributed to a production method that deviated from the underglaze process specified in the contract. Despite the IAMs duty to monitor quality, inspection staff failed to promptly report these defects. It was not until Septemberafter further investigation revealed the extent of the problemthat IAM filed a police complaint and initiated the replacement of the faulty signage. The internal investigation report criticized the bureaus inspection protocols, noting a lack of rigor and ineffective internal communication. It revealed the organization did not adequately follow up on the issues that arose during inspections. This incident has negatively impacted society and exposed significant deficiencies in IAMs engineering practices and internal management, the report stated. In light of these findings, the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Andre Cheong, proposed a reshuffling of IAMs management, which included the replacement of Jose Tavares (who had previously announced his retirement) with Chao Wai Ieng as president. According to the report, the IAM has a history of successfully executing various municipal projects, including those related to sewage drainage and environmental hygiene, garnering public recognition. However, this incident has underscored the need for a comprehensive review of its operational procedures. The report called for the establishment of strict internal standards, a reevaluation of the organizations structure, and an increase in operational efficiency. Additionally, the investigation pointed to potential disciplinary infractions among IAM staff, suggesting the need for further inquiry into individual misconduct. Victoria Chan Macau experienced a festive boom this Christmas, welcoming approximately 117,000 visitors Dec. 25, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. According to Public Security Police (PSP) figures, about 110,000 visitors departed the city on the same day, reflecting the citys vibrant holiday atmosphere. In total, around 679,000 people crossed the borders of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) that day, with 361,000 being inbound travelers. The Border Gate, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, and Qingmao Port were the busiest crossings. Despite this Christmas Day surge, visitor arrivals on Christmas Eve saw a notable decline of 18% compared to last year, with only 98,000 entering Macau. However, the combined entries and exits for that day still showed a slight increase of about 4% from 2023. The fluctuations in visitor numbers reflect both seasonal trends and economic factors impacting travel, said Andy Wu, head of the Travel Industry Council of Macau. The lead-up to Christmas also saw significant activity. Last Saturdays Winter Solstice attracted around 110,000 touristsa remarkable 45% increase year-on-year. With an average of 95,000 visitors per day throughout November, the city is experiencing a tourism recovery that is nearing pre-pandemic levels. Former Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng indicated in a Legislative Assembly plenary session that visitor arrivals could indeed reach 34 million this year, surpassing initial targets. To attract tourists during this festive period, the MGTO has organized various events including the Light Up Macao festival and an outdoor concert. The annual Tap Seac Square Christmas Market is also ongoing until Jan. 1. Tourists have expressed diverse motivations for their visit. Some were drawn by fireworks displays and concert performances, while others came to experience Macaus cultural heritage. However, local business owners report that while foot traffic has increased, spending per visitor has decreased compared to last year. The weaker yuan has impacted purchasing power for many mainland visitors, one business owner noted. Nadia Shaw Bangsar woman left severely injured by snatch thief dies after two months, cops reviewing charges against suspect KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 Bangsar resident Lim Foong Mei, 78, who was severely injured by a motorcyclist who stole her handbag last October, has died. Lim had been recovering in a care home in Bangsar after the incident, but her condition worsened and she died today, Bangsar Park Residents Association president Nitesh Malani told news portal Free Malaysia Today. Lims cremation is scheduled for January 3, 2025, the news portal reported. The incident occurred early in the morning on October 7, when a motorcyclist snatched her handbag as she was walking to a shop on Jalan Limau Manis. Police are now revisiting the case to reassess the charges following Lims death, with the trial for the suspect set for January 10, 2025. ADVERTISEMENT The suspect, who was unnamed, was initially charged with voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery under Section 394 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term up to 20 years, and a fine, or whipping. Recommended reading: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) welcomed the inclusion of three Philippine natural wondersApo Reef Natural Park, Turtle Islands and Balinsasayao Twin Lakesamong the five newest ASEAN Heritage Parks. The latest milestone, announced recently by the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity. brings the total number of Philippine ASEAN Heritage Parks to 14, with unique habitats that serve as sanctuaries for endangered species and vital resources for local communities. - Advertisement - Apo Reef Natural Park, the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and the second-biggest in the world, is home to over 482 fish species and 63 coral genera, along with rare marine invertebrates and iconic species, such as dugongs and whale sharks. The Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary, recognized as the only major nesting habitat of the Green Sea Turtle in member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the 11th largest nesting site globally, plays a pivotal role in conserving this endangered species. Its critical importance for biodiversity conservation was recognized through various national and international legal frameworks, ensuring its long-term protection. Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, with its mountainous landscape and diverse ecosystems, is a vital source of clean water and supports a wide range of wildlife, making it essential to both biodiversity and local livelihoods. Ocean ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests, play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. They absorb vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as natural carbon sinks. Healthy marine environments also help regulate global temperatures and protect coastal communities from extreme weather events. We must integrate climate change considerations into the management of these protected areas. By prioritizing sustainable practices, such as reducing pollution and overfishing, we can enhance the resilience of our marine ecosystems and safeguard their contributions to climate change mitigation, CCC vice C\chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje said. The CCC highlighted the connection between the newly recognized ASEAN Heritage Parks and the two recently designated Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance: Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve and Del Carmen Mangrove Reserve. These Ramsar sites, like the ASEAN Heritage Parks, play critical roles in climate change mitigation and adaptation by providing vital ecosystem services, such as flood control and biodiversity protection. Their protection and sustainable management are key priorities as we implement the National Adaptation Plan and our Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan, Borje said. Amid the escalating impacts of climate change, these protected areas contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The CCC remains committed to supporting the protection and sustainable management of these areas in collaboration with local communities, stakeholders and government agencies. The inclusion of these parks in the ASEAN Heritage Parks network reaffirms the Philippines leadership in biodiversity conservation and climate action within the ASEAN region. The CCC urged continued cooperation and investment in safeguarding critical ecosystems for future generations. CCC News The Tijani Tariqa has contributed to enriching religious and spiritual communication ties between Morocco and African countries, in particular with Senegal, said, Saturday evening in Dakar, Moroccos Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq. Speaking at the opening of the 44th Islamic Cultural Days, organized by the Tijane Coordination of Dakar, under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the Minister stressed that Senegal has been able to enshrine civilizational and spiritual relations with Morocco, which has favored the spread of Sufi teachings to those who aspire to purification among Moroccans in the West African part, and particularly in Senegal. This role has enabled this Tariqa to play a historic part in bolstering religious and spiritual communication ties between Morocco and Africa, Toufiq stated, emphasizing the importance of these Islamic cultural days, which bring together eminent scholars of the Tijani Tariqa and its disciples to discuss the projects and actions of the Zaouias in Senegal, a fraternal country. On the same occasion, the Minister conveyed the greetings of King Mohammed VI to the Tijane brotherhood, highlighting the great care the Sovereign attaches to the Tijanes and his concern to preserve the distinguished fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal. In an address read out on his behalf, Khalife General of the Tijianes Sereigne Babacar Sy Mohamed Mansour, highlighted the role of King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, and his ongoing actions to preserve religious constants and strengthen spiritual relations between Morocco and Senegal, while expressing the commitment of both countries to promoting a supportive and active South-South cooperation. He also highlighted the key role played by the Institution of the Commandery of the Faithful in preserving religious values and strengthening common human ties in Africa. The official opening ceremony of the Islamic Cultural Days, held on the esplanade of Dakars Grand Mosque and placed under the honorary presidency of Senegalese Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was attended by Senegals Minister of the Interior and Public Security Jean Baptiste Tine, Moroccos Ambassador to Senegal Hassan Naciri, and other Moroccan and Senegalese personalities. Considered one of the most important Tijani Tariqa events in Senegal, the Dakar Islamic Cultural Days have been held, since 1986, under the high patronage of the Late King Hassan II, and subsequently under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI. Togos first senatorial elections, initially set for February 2, 2025, have been rescheduled to February 15 to allow political actors more time to prepare, per a presidential decree issued on December27 evening. This election is a key step in implementing the new Constitution, which has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and Civil society. The decree, announced via state media, confirms the new election date as Saturday, February 15, 2025, with the campaign period running from midnight January 30 to 11:59 p.m. February 13. The postponement follows requests from political parties for an extension to submit candidacy files. Opposition groups, including the National Alliance for Change (ANC), plan to boycott the elections, labeling them part of a constitutional coup detat aimed at consolidating the ruling partys power under the guise of reform. The Senate, created by a 2002 amendment but never activated, will include 61 members: 41 elected by regional and municipal councilors and 20 appointed by the President of the Council of Ministers. Critics argue the new Constitution, which replaces direct presidential elections with a parliamentary system, is designed to perpetuate President Faure Gnassingbes rule. Faure Gnassingbe, head of the Union for the Republic (UNIR), has governed since 2005, succeeding his fathers 38-year rule. UNIR dominated the April 2024 legislative elections, winning 108 of 113 seats. Critics assert the new system erodes democratic accountability and entrenches dynastic control over Togos governance. With roughly 8 million citizens, Togo approaches a pivotal moment as debates over governance and constitutional reform intensify. Venancio Mondlane, a presidential candidate and leader of the most significant challenge to Mozambiques electoral results since the countrys first democratic elections in 1994, has proposed sweeping changes, including revising the national flag and Constitution. Speaking during a live broadcast on Facebook, Mondlane stated: Next year, we want a new flag in Mozambique, and this weapon must be removed. The flag represents the spirit of a people, and if theres still a weapon on it, it reflects an armed mentality we need to move beyond. Mondlanes remarks come amidst nationwide protests contesting the electoral results, which have plunged Mozambique into turmoil. Since October 21, these demonstrations have led to nearly 300 deaths, with violent clashes between protesters and police intensifying after the results were announced on December 25. Mondlane, currently operating from abroad, has emerged as a central figure in the unrest, galvanizing opposition to what he and his supporters view as a flawed electoral process. In his speech, Mondlane announced plans to launch an open contest for new flag designs by January 10, advocating for symbols that better represent Mozambiques aspirations for peace and progress. Alongside this initiative, he called for a constitutional overhaul, emphasizing the need for locally elected district and neighborhood leaders across all provinces. All institutions, from local administrations to provincial governments, are suspended. The people must choose their true leaders, Mondlane declared, adding that a proposed draft for a new Constitution would be presented by January 15. Mondlane also criticized the persistence of communist references in the countrys public spaces, highlighting avenues in Maputo named after figures like Kim Il-Sung and Mao Tse-Tung as outdated and inconsistent with Mozambiques current aspirations. Furthermore, he claimed that several former leaders from the Southern African region have offered to mediate the growing political crisis, but accused the ruling party, FRELIMO, of resisting negotiations. The government has shown no interest in dialogue, Mondlane said. The protests have drawn global attention as the most violent post-election unrest in Mozambiques history. According to a report by the electoral platform Decide, released on December 29, at least 277 people have died, with half of the fatalities occurring after the controversial results were made public. Mondlanes proposals signal a broader call for systemic reform in Mozambique, as the country grapples with deepening divisions over its democratic processes and governance. Turnout in Chads legislative, provincial, and local elections on Sunday, December 29, remained subdued, with a national participation rate of 38% reported by midday, according to the National Agency for the Management of Elections (ANGE). By the close of polling stations, final turnout figures rose to 52.37%. The elections were marred by an opposition boycott, with critics branding the process a shame. Succes Masra, leader of the main opposition party, underscored the low participation as evidence of public dissent. All those who voted massively in the presidential election stayed home following our call, representing the overwhelming majority, he stated from Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Masra further claimed, Chadians trust our word, and when we tell them that the results are already fabricated, they know its true. The oppositions refusal to participate stemmed from their rejection of what they describe as a flawed electoral process. The government of Marshal Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, however, presented the elections as the final stage in a transitional process initiated after the April 2021 coup that brought Deby to power following the death of his father. Deby was officially legitimized through a May election. Despite calls for voter participation, turnout was sparse in districts like Farcha and Ardeb Timane, where government officials and the presidential family reside. Observers reported near-empty ballot boxes in these areas. Deby, describing the event as a historic day, used social media to urge citizens to cast their votes. Higher turnout was observed among specific groups voting a day early, with over 72% participation among military personnel and 54% among nomadic populations. Voting was conducted in 26,617 polling stations nationwide, under the supervision of around 100 foreign observers and party representatives. The elections took place against the backdrop of Chads shifting geopolitical dynamics, including the withdrawal of French forces after the termination of a long-standing military cooperation agreement, persistent Boko Haram attacks in the Lake Chad region, and allegations of Chads interference in Sudans ongoing conflict. These factors highlight the complex and contentious environment in which the elections unfolded. Egypt has inked two significant agreements to establish an MG car manufacturing facility with a total investment of $135 million. These agreements concluded on December 29, include a technical licensing deal between Al Mansour Automotive Group and Chinas SAIC Motor Corporation for local production of MG-branded cars, alongside a land allocation contract for the factory in the industrial zone of New October City. The technical licensing agreement was signed by Ankush Arora, CEO of MAC for Vehicle Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Al Mansour Automotive Group, and Emin Zao, Vice President of SAIC Motor. Concurrently, the land allocation contract was signed by Eng. Sayed Metwally, Head of the General Authority for Land Ports and Dry Ports, and Ankush Arora. Spanning 126,000 square meters, the state-of-the-art factory will commence operations in the second quarter of 2026. In its initial phase, the facility will produce 50,000 units annually, with plans to double this capacity to 100,000 units during the second phase. The plant is targeting a local component integration rate exceeding 45%, further aligning with Egypts strategy for industrial localization. This project underscores Egypts broader strategy to localize its automotive industry, enhance export potential, and reduce reliance on imports. The facility is expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and will serve as a center for training local talent, ensuring skill development and technological advancement. Nigeria has emphatically denied claims by Nigers military ruler, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, that it collaborated with France to destabilize Niger. In an interview aired on Christmas Day, Tchiani accused France of joining forces with militant groups in the Lake Chad region to threaten Nigers security, allegedly with Nigerias foreknowledge. Nigerias National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed Tchianis accusations as baseless and untrue. Ribadu stated that Nigeria would never harm a neighboring country or stand idly by while it faces danger. Similarly, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris described the allegations as pure fabrication intended to divert attention from the challenges facing Nigers junta since it seized power in 2023. Diplomatic tensions between the two West African nations have been high since the coup that ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum. Nigerias President, Bola Tinubu, who also serves as chair of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), led the regional bloc in imposing economic sanctions against Niger and threatened possible military intervention if constitutional rule was not restored. Ecowas came to Nigerias defense, praising its track record of promoting peace across Africa. It rejected any insinuation that Nigeria would finance or support terrorism. In parallel, Nigers relationship with France has also deteriorated, prompting calls for the withdrawal of foreign military bases and the formation of a security alliance with fellow junta-led neighbors Mali and Burkina Faso. As officials on all sides debate the future of regional security, analysts say the growing rift remains a serious concern for stability in the Sahel region. CCTV: A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on December 17, causing severe damage to buildings in the capital city Port Vila and other places. Its reported that China has sent engineering experts to carry out post-disaster assessment in Vanuatu. Can you give us more details? Mao Ning: In the wake of the earthquake in Vanuatu, China has taken active actions and provided disaster relief assistance for Vanuatu. At the request of the government of Vanuatu, four Chinese earthquake engineering experts have arrived in the capital city Port Vila of Vanuatu on December 30. They will look at the structure and assess the safety of buildings in hard-hit areas and conduct post-quake secondary disaster survey. This is the first post-disaster assessment team that China has sent to a Pacific island country. China is ready to do more to assist the post-disaster reconstruction effort in Vanuatu. The Chinese government stands ready to continue providing relevant assistance to Vanuatu in light of the situation on the ground and actual needs. AFP: Former US President Jimmy Carter, who with Deng Xiaoping helped establish formal diplomatic ties between Washington and the Peoples Republic of China, has died at the age of 100. Does China have any comment on the former US Presidents death? Mao Ning: China extends deep condolences on the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter. We pay high tribute to President Carter. He was a driving force and the decision-maker in the establishment of diplomatic ties between the US and China, and made important contribution over the years to the bilateral relationship and friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Yomiuri Shimbun: This year marks the 75th anniversary of the China-DPRK diplomatic relations and also the China-DPRK Friendship Year as announced by the two countries. What events did China take part in? How would you review the China-DPRK Friendship Year? The opening ceremony of the friendship year was held in Pyongyang in April this year. Why wasnt there a closing ceremony? Mao Ning: China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors and always enjoy a traditional friendship and cooperative ties. China stands ready to work with the DPRK to follow the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries and to maintain, consolidate and develop our bilateral relations. China Daily: Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi last week, and they had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East. The turbulence and instability in the region this year has drawn worldwide attention. Can you elaborate on Chinas position on the Middle East issue and the role China has played? Mao Ning: During the talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister Wang Yi put forward four respects on the Middle East issue, namely, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Middle East countries needs to be respected, their legitimate and reasonable concerns need to be respected, the choices independently made by Middle East people need to be respected, and the historical and cultural traditions of Middle East countries need to be respected. Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that the Middle East belongs to the people in the region. It is not a wrestling ground for major-power rivalry, nor should it become a victim of geopolitical contest of countries outside the region. To end the instability and restore order in the Middle East, the pressing priority is to end the fighting and violence at once, ease the humanitarian crisis, stick to political settlement, and resume dialogue and negotiations. This is the basic position of China on the Middle East issue. Over the past year, we have galvanized effort at the UN Security Council to adopt the first resolution on ceasefire in Gaza, brought Palestinian factions together for reconciliation talks which resulted in the adoption of the Beijing declaration, provided multiple batches of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, spoken up for Lebanon at the UN and other multilateral occasions, made consistent effort to advance the reconciliation process between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and supported regional countries in settling differences with an inclusive mind, enhancing mutual trust through cooperation, and building a sustainable security architecture in the Middle East. There will not be tranquility in the world with a Middle East in turmoil. China will continue to play a constructive role in upholding peace and stability in the Middle East, and firmly support countries in the region in exploring development path independently, settling issues through dialogue and consultation, and safeguarding sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. AFP: Yesterday, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the acting South Korean President on the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people. Would the Foreign Ministry like to comment further on Chinas reaction to the fatal plane crash in Muan, South Korea? Mao Ning: We are following the tragic air crash in the ROK, which resulted in heavy fatalities. President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to the ROKs Acting President Choi Sang-mok on the day the accident happened. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, President Xi expressed deep condolences over the death of the victims and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Mergers and acquisitions of U.S. hospitals and health systems rarely improve the quality of care delivered or result in lower health care costs and prices, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. The study, a systematic review of hundreds of published studies, comes amid accelerating health care integration, sometimes called consolidation. Nearly 70% of U.S. hospitals are now affiliated with a health system. "Proponents of health care integration have claimed it controls costs and enhances care quality," said lead study author Bhagwan Satiani, MD, MBA, FACS, professor of surgery emeritus at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio. "But we found that evidence is lacking that integration alone is an effective strategy for improving the value of health care delivery." The study results send a clear message to health care leaders, Dr. Satiani said. "These findings provide an opportunity to better define value with a focus on benefiting patients while balancing the financial stability of the health care industry," he said. "Quality improvement in health care cannot be achieved by mergers and acquisitions alone." Effects of health care integration The authors' systematic review included studies published from 2000-2024. Of these, 37 met inclusion criteria. Among the 26 studies that measured quality of care, nearly 77% (20 studies) showed reduced quality or no change due to integration, the investigators reported. Only 23% (six studies) showed improved quality, primarily due to better care management processes rather than outcomes. Just one study found fewer patient deaths after integration. Hospital charges increased with integration 93% of the time, according to 13 of 14 studies measuring price changes. Of 16 studies assessing health care spending, 81% (13 studies) showed higher costs or no change. The researchers also reported the net impact of integration on quality, price, and spending: Only eight of 37 studies (22%) showed that health care integration had a positive (improved) net impact. More than half (54%, 20 studies) showed a negative (worse) net impact. In noting limitations of their review, Dr. Satiani said none of the reviewed studies used standard measures of quality, price, or spending. Also, most studies did not explore reasons for a lack of change in health care value after integration. How this study differs from previous research Although other researchers have reached similar conclusions, Dr. Satiani said their study differed in two ways. First, most studies of health care integration appear in health policy and economics publications and do not reach many surgeons, he noted. Yet, surgical services affect health organizations' bottom line, accounting for about one third of U.S. health care expenditures. "Surgical outcomes also have a direct impact on overall health care quality," he said. Second, Dr. Satiani said few of the published studies were systematic reviews, which are intended to reduce bias. In this study, after screening 1,297 U.S. articles published from 1990 to 2024, the investigators systematically reviewed 384 of them that discussed either horizontal or vertical health care integration. They defined horizontal integration as two or more hospitals merging and vertical integration as hospitals acquiring independent physician practices. To be included in the review, articles must have reported at least one of three measures of value: quality, price, and spending. Quality referred both to patient outcomes, such as the number of 30-day readmissions or deaths, and to care management processes. Such processes included staffing levels and use of nurse care managers. Price denoted the amount the organization charges the consumer per hospitalization, and spending was the organization's costs per patient. Dr. Satiani said health care leaders should delineate organizational resources and infrastructure for quality improvement efforts and standardize quality metrics. As a model for quality improvement, he suggested the American College of Surgeons Quality Verification Program as a model improving surgical quality. Study co-authors are David Way, MEd; David Hoyt, MD, FACS; and E. Christopher Ellison, MD, FACS. More information: Bhagwan Satiani et al, Systematic Review of Integration Strategies Across the US Healthcare System: Assessment of Price, Cost, and Quality of Care, Journal of the American College of Surgeons (2024). DOI: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001229 Journal information: Journal of the American College of Surgeons 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: Millaa Millaa Falls. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Every summer, Australians look for ways to cool down. Millions of us head to the beach. Those inland head for rivers, waterholes and waterfalls. But cooling off comes with risks, from dangerous rips in the ocean to hidden logs in rivers. In recent years, a surprising number of people have died at waterfalls and waterholes. These natural spectacles have hidden dangers, from slippery rocks to unexpected currents, to turbulent water. While many of us know about the risks of drowning in the ocean, rivers are actually more deadly. Over the last 22 years, slightly more people have drowned in rivers and creeks than any other body of water. The drowning figures from 202223 show 76 people died in rivers and creeks, compared to 75 at beaches. Every drowning death leaves a trail of grief. Here's what you can do to stay safe. How common are these deaths? Deaths at popular waterfalls in recent years include: Isabella Falls, inland from Cairns: three deaths in the last two years Millaa Millaa Falls, inland from Cairns: two deaths this year Dangar Falls in northern New South Wales: three deaths since 2012. Then there are locations such as Babinda Boulders south of Cairns. While more waterhole than waterfall, this famous location has claimed 21 lives since 1959, leading authorities to fence off dangerous channels and pools where churning water can push swimmers under and keep them there. Even so, deaths continue. Why are waterfalls dangerous? As water cascades, it often carves out a deep pool, known as a plunge pool. Visitors often swim at these pools, drawn by the natural beauty and deeper water. But these idyllic scenes come with hidden risks. For instance, where the waterfall hits the pool, it creates turbulence and currents. If large volumes of water are falling, the pressure can be enough to push people underneath. Currents can also carry people underneath a rock ledge and trap them. Adrenaline-seekers might jump off the lip of the waterfall. This is very risky, especially if you don't know how deep the water is. Droplets and mist from the falls mean the rocky sides are inevitably slippery and often covered in algae or moss. Finally, there's the popularity factor. The more inexperienced people who go, the higher the chance of something going wrong. Social media reels of influencers at beautiful locations encourage more people to seek out secluded waterfalls. Are these deaths getting more common? We don't know. That's because deaths at waterfalls are rolled into statistics for river-related deaths. By one estimate, 5% of drownings in inland water sources took place at waterfalls or swimming holes over the 10 years to 2021. We do know there's been a surge in selfie deaths worldwide in recent years. Some of these deaths take place at waterfalls, usually when visitors jump the fence or make their way to the lip of the waterfall before slipping and dying. When you're searching for the perfect selfie location, you're not paying close attention to risks. If you do get into trouble, help is often a long way away. Rescuers can take hours to arrive, while drowning happens very quickly. While popular beaches usually have lifeguards able to spring into action, waterfalls, waterholes and rivers do not. How can we stay safe? Waterfalls are some of the world's great natural spectacles. The most famous attract millions of visitors each year, from Niagara Falls on the Canada-United States border to Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe to Venezuela's Angel Falls, the tallest uninterrupted waterfall. They are created when soft rock is washed away, or where a river meets a natural drop such as a cliff. We're drawn to these places, and that's not going to change. So how can we visit safely? Authorities have put up signs around many popular swimming spots, including waterfalls. These can be useful to indicate danger or prohibit an activity. But most people simply ignore them, according to a Queensland government spokesperson. The most important thing is to proceed with caution. Just as you would check a new beach for signs of rip currents or dangerous waves, you should check waterfalls and waterholes for hidden dangers. Don't assume picturesque places are safe because they're pretty. Familiarity matters too. Many people who have died at waterfalls have been visitors, whether from interstate or overseas. If you grew up near a waterfall or waterhole, you're more likely to have learned about the dangers. If you've checked the swimming hole, swimming should be reasonably safe. But it's best to avoid going directly under the waterfall. Climbing waterfalls is very dangerous. It might look fun, but slippery rocks can send you crashing to your doom, while turbulent water and hidden rocks under the surface can be lethal. The lip of a waterfall is extremely slippery and gravity is not on your side. Alcohol and waterfalls are a bad mix. Alcohol makes some people take more risks. Swim first, drink later. Check the chance of rain before you go, and not only at the waterfall but upstream. Intense rain upstream can create flash floods surprisingly quickly, sweeping you off your feet. And if you're in northern Australia, you need to do one more vital checkfor crocodiles. Many popular waterfalls and swimming holes are seen to be safe because they are elevated or far from the sea. But crocs can pop up in unexpected places. Does this mean you should avoid waterways entirely? No. As Paul McCartney advised: "Don't go jumping waterfalls/Please, keep to the lake/People who jump waterfalls/Sometimes can make mistakes." This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Laman Ismayilova A meeting dedicated to the state of digitalization within the Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture's system and to the year's achievements has been held at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum, Azernews reports. In his remarks, Minister of Culture Adil Karimov noted that the digitalization of the ministry's activities is a priority area: "Digitalization in the field of culture is a very challenging task. It should be noted that, until now, systematic work has not been carried out in this area. During our period of operation, significant work has been done in the direction of data collection and systematization in this field. The meeting will review our activities in this area, highlighting not only our successes but also the tasks that lie ahead." Later, the annual reports on digitalization were presented by the heads and employees of the ministry's relevant structural divisions. The discussions included topics such as clusters, modules, the "e-Culture" matrix, the "e-Culture" architecture, the ministry's information resources, the registry of cultural institutions and facilities across the country, the recognition of culture through a digital prism based on a single-window principle via a unified personal cabinet system, the electronic system for music and arts schools, and other related matters. During the report meeting, the heads of structural divisions presented reports on the work carried out in various areas in 2024, the events organized in accordance with the defined activities, and the results achieved. In conclusion, the minister provided tasks and recommendations related to the resolution of existing problems and the upcoming responsibilities. Founded in 1937, the National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decoratively applied arts in Western Europe. Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of brush. The museum has successfully organized and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists. A meeting of the Central Election Commission (CEC) has been held under the chairmanship of Mazahir Panahov, Azernews reports. The protocol of the CEC meeting held on December 21 was approved first. Then, the issue of changes in the composition of certain electoral districts' district election commissions was discussed. The CEC made changes to the district election commissions of the following electoral districts based on the requirements of the Election Code: No. 1 Sharur - Sadarak, No. 3 Babek - Shahbuz - Kangarli, No. 7 Sabail, No. 8 Binagadi First, No. 16 Yasamal Second, No. 20 Narimanov Second, No. 46 Sumgait Fifth, No. 47 Sumgait - Absheron - Garadag, No. 51 Shirvan, No. 56 Shabran - Khachmaz, No. 66 Saatli, No. 68 Sabirabad - Shirvan, No. 72 Jalaabad Village, No. 81 Imishli, No. 86 Agjabadi, No. 95 Zardab - Kurdamir - Ujar, No. 112 Zaqatala, and No. 116 Gabala. During the meeting, which was attended by representatives of media organizations, information regarding the progress of preparations for the municipal elections was also provided. Statistical data on the nomination and registration of candidates, as well as the accreditation of observers, was announced, and current issues were discussed. To date, 15,696 individuals have registered their candidacies for the municipal elections set to take place on January 29, 2025, according to Mazahir Panahov, the Chairman of Azerbaijan's Central Election Commission (CEC). He noted that out of the 16,708 people who put themselves forward for the elections, only 16,460 have obtained their signature sheets. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, has extended his condolences to the people of Azerbaijan following the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane in Kazakhstan, which claimed 38 lives, Azernews reports. In a letter addressed to President Ilham Aliyev, Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident. Offering his condolences and sympathy to the President and the people of Azerbaijan, the German President stated that in these challenging times, his thoughts are with those who have lost family members and friends. He also wished a swift and full recovery to the injured and expressed hope for significant progress in the investigation of the incident. TDC hopes Jakarta trip will boost trade with Indonesia The Trade Development Council (TDC) says it will lead a delegation to Indonesia next month to try to drum up business with Asean's largest economy. Around 100 people, including senior executives and start-up bosses, will join the trip to Jakarta, visiting companies and taking part in networking events. TDC research director Irina Fan on Monday said Hong Kong is Indonesia's second largest investor, but the country is only the SAR's sixth largest trading partner when it comes to Asean members. "Many of the enterprises that invest in Indonesia through Hong Kong are mainland subsidiaries or branches in the SAR. Their parent company is on the mainland, but they enter the Indonesian market through Hong Kong," she said. Fan said figures from Indonesian officials show the SAR invested a total of US$18.5 billion in over 8,400 projects in the country between 2018 and 2022. She added that Indonesia has been participating in the TDC's exhibitions, with products such as clothing, electronics and toys, showing that firms there are very much interested in reaching out to buyers from the mainland and elsewhere. India's smartphone market grew 3 per cent YoY in volume and 12 per cent in value in Q3 2024, to achieve a record-high quarter, according to Counterpoint research monthly India Smartphone tracker. 5G smartphones accounted for 81 per cent of the total shipments, with 93 per cent penetration was in the Rs 10,001-15,000 range because of Indians choice for budget-friendly 5G models. The market share breakup for smartphones sold by Chinese, Indian and global brands have largely remained the same over the last five years. Make in India's efforts to localise production of smartphones to the Indian soil has made no dent in the dominance of Chinese smartphones in the Indian market. The Price-sensitive Indian consumers are consistently showing a strong preference for affordable Chinese smartphones with cutting-edge features. As a result, despite the government's efforts to reduce the dominance of Chinese brands in smartphones, their prevalence remains largely unaffected. But if we talk about Chipsets, MediaTek dominated the India's smartphone chipset market with a 54 per cent share. Apple led the premium smartphone segment holds 35 per cent share, followed by Qualcomm with 28 per cent. This highlights growth driven by affordability and technological advancements by these companies. A smartphone chipset provides a core set of functions ranging from cellular communication, to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth uses, to general computing, power management, memory, storage interface, and peripheral interfaces. Chinese smartphone brands have maintained a consistent market share in India, but Chinese chipset producers have witnessed very modest growth in the Indian market. Chinese chipset producers are entering the Indian market and have witnessed a modest but growing market share in India. According to Counterpoint, UNISOC held an 11 per cent global smartphone chipset market share from Q2 2023 to Q3 2024, while HiSilicon (Huawei) held a 2 per cent share. Globally, China is facing challenges due to US-led restrictions and with reports suggesting that the US is preparing to blacklist Chinese chipmakers on security concerns and data privacy. In such a situation India has a great opportunity and is taking mega steps to build its chip industry from scratch. It is making a strategic push to establish a domestic semiconductor ecosystem. The semiconductor mission of the government with a USD 10 billion investment will not only reduce the over dependence on imported semiconductor supplies but also make India an exported of chips. The global semiconductor market is projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030 and India aims to capture a significant share with these initiatives.(ANI) The meeting was held as part of the preparations for the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26. The consultation focused on gathering insights and suggestions from industry leaders to ensure the forthcoming budget addresses key economic priorities and sectoral challenges. The finance ministry in a social media post stated that "Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt.@nsitharamanchairs the fifth Pre-Budget Consultation with industry representatives in connection with the forthcoming Union Budget 2025-26, in New Delhi". As per ministry, the senior officials, including the Finance Secretary, the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), and secretaries from the Department of Economic Affairs and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), were present at the meeting. Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India also participated, providing economic insights to guide the discussions. These consultations are an essential step in shaping a budget that fosters economic growth, supports industries, and addresses the needs of diverse stakeholders. Earlier Sitharaman chaired the fourth Pre-Budget Consultation meeting on Thursday with stakeholders and experts from the export, trade, and industry sectors in preparation for the Union Budget 2025-26. Sitharaman has so far held a series of meetings with various stakeholders, including with MSMEs, farmers' associations, and economists. The Finance Ministry conducts several pre-Budget consultation meetings annually with experts, industry leaders, economists, and state officials. The formal exercise to prepare the annual Budget for the next financial year has already begun. As is the convention, the Budget for 2025-26 will be tabled on February 1, 2025.The 2025-26 Budget will mark Nirmala Sitharaman's eighth budget. All eyes will be on the key announcements and the government's forward-looking economic guidance for the remainder of the Modi 3.0 tenure. (ANI) BusinessWire India Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 30: Sealmatic India Ltd., listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE: BOM: 543782), has taken another significant step in its journey of global expansion by entering into a strategic partnership with ValueTech in Egypt, a company with a strong local presence and a deep understanding of the region's industries, Sealmatic aims to cater to the varied needs of customers in the Egypt and the whole of Africa by offering its global standards of excellence. Sealmatic & ValueTech of Egypt have partnered for selling, repair and refurbishment of Sealmatic mechanical seals in Egypt in order to serve customers in the oil and gas, petrochemical, power, water, desalination, chemical and other process industries. Sealmatic recognizes the immense potential within this market and is eager to bring its expertise, cutting-edge and tailor-made solution. This partnership will help Sealmatic to get introduced amongst the key players in the Egyptian industrial landscape, including specialists in the Oil & Gas and Power sectors, as well as governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources. These connections will be instrumental in carving a niche for Sealmatic in the competitive market of mechanical seals. "The partnership between Sealmatic and ValueTech is more than just a business collaboration, it is a gateway for Sealmatic into the African continent. With the support of ValueTech, we are confident that we will establish a strong presence in the Egyptian market and beyond," says, Umar AK Balwa, Managing Director of Sealmatic. "We have joined forces to offer our customers a service package that can be tailored to all applications while at the same time progressively expanding our joint global service presence," concluded Mrs Zeinab Sherif, "that we are here to get a significant portion of the USD 45 Million mechanical seals market." Egypt's industrial sectors, particularly Oil & Gas, Refinery and Petrochemicals are experiencing rapid growth. Significant projects in both upstream and downstream operations are underway, attracting global attention and investments. India and Egypt share a long standing relationship characterized by economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and mutual respect. As two of the world's oldest civilizations, both nations have consistently worked towards strengthening their bilateral ties. This robust relationship provides a strong foundation for Indian companies like Sealmatic to explore and thrive in the Egyptian market. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India PR Distribution Sri-Ganganagar (Rajasthan) [India], December 30: The Seema Vandan Yatra, a pioneering initiative aimed at rejuvenating India's border villages, concluded its first phase on December 27, 2024. This transformative journey, led by Nachiket Joshi, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist & Convenor of Manthan, Seema Jagran Manch, the Campaign on Rejuvenation of Border Villages, witnessed a remarkable exchange of ideas, collaboration, and community engagement. Commencing from Somnath, Gujarat, on December 19, 2024, the Yatra traversed through several key border villages across Gujarat and Rajasthan. The route included Somnath, Porbandar, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Mandvi, Lakhpat, Tharad, Kelnor, Karamwala, Kishangarh, Pokhran, Longewala, Nachana, amongst other places along the route and culminated in Hindu Malkot, Sri-Ganganagar, Rajasthan. The initiative focused on understanding the challenges and aspirations of these resilient communities while celebrating their cultural heritage and contributions to national pride. The Yatra explored the lives of residents in coastal villages, observing traditional livelihoods such as fishing and understanding their deep-rooted connection to the sea. Participants were inspired by their resilience and the meticulous practices honed over generations, which reflect the spirit of coastal and border communities. The team visited schools, interacted with children to inspire and understand their aspirations, and stayed in homes within the villages, gaining first-hand insights into the daily lives of border residents. Communities were felicitated for their resilience and bravery in living on the first line of defence, highlighting their pivotal role in safeguarding the nation. On December 25, the Yatra paid tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his birth anniversary in Sonu Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan. The event featured heartfelt remembrances of Vajpayee's leadership and an inspiring dialogue with village leaders to chart a path for sustainable development, emphasizing education, healthcare, and grassroots empowerment. The Yatra also included meaningful engagements with religious leaders and members of the Border Security Forces (BSF), recognizing their pivotal contributions to maintaining harmony and security in these sensitive regions. Their insights and support underscored the critical importance of unity and collaboration in driving development and national pride. Nachiket Joshi, remarked, "The Seema Vandan Yatra has been a journey of gratitude and purpose. Our border villages are not just geographical boundaries; they are the soul of our nation, rich in spirit and potential. Together, we will translate these aspirations into actionable development", he further added, "Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been instrumental in bringing attention to the significance of border tourism. This initiative aligns with his vision to not only strengthen the infrastructure in these regions but also celebrate their cultural and historical richness, fostering pride and unity across the nation." One significant observation during these interactions was the migration of families in search of better opportunities, reflecting their aspiration for growth and progress. This presents a valuable opportunity to channel efforts toward creating sustainable solutions that enhance local infrastructure, generate livelihoods, and ensure these vibrant communities can thrive while preserving their unique cultural and geographical identity. The initiative garnered active participation from a diverse group, including NGOs such as Wey We Empower You Foundation, Prakruti Environmental Protection and Research Centre, and RC Dalal Trust. Volunteers like Rishi Goswami and Bibhanshu Baibhav, interns with a deep passion for social impact, also contributed significantly. Additionally, the Yatra was joined at various stages by notable individuals, including Senior Advocate Devendra Saini (Supreme Court), Professional Ishita, Dr. Panav Manek, Assistant Professor Jagdish Bishnoi, Narendra Bishnoi, and others from academic and professional spheres. Their collective engagement highlighted the strength of collaboration in driving meaningful development and transformation. Reflecting on the Yatra, Shirin Udhas Aggarwal, Founder-Director of Wey We Empower You Foundation, shared, "This journey was an eye-opener to the immense potential of our border villages. Their strength and spirit inspire us to work collectively toward sustainable development and a brighter future." By covering critical border areas, the Yatra highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities present in these regions. As the first phase concluded on December 27, the Seema Vandan Yatra left behind not only plans for infrastructure, education, and healthcare but also an enduring spirit of hope and national pride. It sets the stage for sustained efforts in transforming border villages into thriving hubs of progress and unity. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Adani Enterprises is set to exit a joint venture with Adani Wilmar and for that, it has signed an agreement with Wilmar International. Adani Enterprises on Monday informed stock exchanges that it will sell 13 per cent of Adani Wilmar to achieve minimum public shareholding requirements and Wilmar International has agreed to acquire 31 per cent held by Adani Enterprises in Adani Wilmar. With this, Adani Enterprises will fully exit the Adani Wilmar platform. Upon signing the agreement today, Pence, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wilmar International, will acquire all the paid-up equity shares of joint venture Adani Wilmar. It may be noted that with the completion of these two legs, Adani Enterprises would completely exit its 44 per cent holding in Adani Wilmar. Adani Wilmar has a market capitalization of Rs 42,785 crore (USD 5.0 billion) as of Friday, December 27, 2024. Adani Enterprises will raise over USD 2 billion from the overall transaction, which includes two steps - OFS and the sale to Wilmar. The transaction is expected to be consummated before 31 Mar 2025. Adani Enterprises said it will use the proceeds from the sale to turbocharge its investments in the core infrastructure platforms in energy and utility, transport and logistics and other adjacencies in primary industry Adani Enterprises' board of directors has adopted a resolution noting the resignation of Adani Commodities LLP, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises' nominee directors from the board of Adani Wilmar. "The parties have agreed to take further steps for change of name of 'Adani Wilmar Ltd'," Adani Enterprises informed stock exchanges. "AEL will continue to invest in infrastructure sectors which will further strengthen AEL's position as India's largest listed incubator of platforms playing the key macro themes underpinning India's growth story," said the Adani Group flagship company. "Adani Wilmar is well positioned to benefit from the huge scale of operations, a strong distribution network and retail reach across the length and breadth of India. Adani Wilmar has 100 per cent urban coverage and presence in over 30,600 rural towns in India and exports to over 30 countries globally," it added. (ANI) By Azernews Qabil Ashirov The Garabagh conflict inflicted immense agony and trauma on Azerbaijanis, leaving deep wounds that will take a long time to heal. The conflict, marked by war crimes such as ethnic cleansing, torture, rape, and mass killings, stands as a dark chapter in the region's history. The atrocities committed by Armenians, who stained their hands with the blood of innocent people, will not be forgotten by history, which will eventually hold them accountable. The Armenian state, for its part, will also bear the judgment of history for supporting and shielding these criminals and covering up their crimes. Despite the end of the conflict, Armenia continues to uphold and protect these criminals. Even today, Armenia refuses to provide Azerbaijan with landmine maps, which hinders demining efforts and delays the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their hometowns. Furthermore, Armenia is reluctant to cooperate with Azerbaijan to clarify the fate of those who went missing during the First Garabagh War (1988-1994). It is important to emphasize that over 15,000 people died in the First Garabagh War, and 4,210 went missing. The State Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons has been actively working to uncover information about these missing individuals. According to their investigations, 841 were civilians of which 47 were children, including 16 underage girls, 268 were women, and 371 were elderly people. Some of these individuals were prisoners of war (POWs) and corresponded with their families through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (IRCRC). However, many of these individuals, who used to send letters to their families from Armenian prisons, suddenly disappeared, and the Armenian state has never answered the questions or clarified their fate. After the 44-day War in 2020, Azerbaijan discovered several mass graves in different parts of the liberated territories. On December 20, 2024, during a seminar in Baku dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Kamil Zeynalov, an investigator from the Prosecutor General's Office, announced that the remains of 602 individuals had been discovered in the liberated territories. He emphasized that the identities of 120 individuals had been established. This means the fate of many other missing individuals remains unclear. The families of the missing continue to face prolonged uncertainty and pain, yearning for closure. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan is forced to operate alone in this regard. As previously mentioned, Armenia deliberately does not assist, and prominent international organizations have turned a blind eye and deaf ear to the situation. Despite these obstacles, Azerbaijan continues its extensive efforts, including searches, forensic examinations, and appeals to international organizations. The ongoing search and identification efforts aim to bring closure to these families and ensure that the history of these events is accurately recorded. The discovery of the remains is a vital step toward resolving these long-standing issues, but much work remains. The humanitarian and legal efforts to uncover the fate of the missing individuals highlight the dedication and resilience of Azerbaijan in seeking justice and healing. It is crucial for the international community to support these efforts, as the resolution of such human rights issues is fundamental to achieving lasting peace and reconciliation in the region. Only through collective action and a commitment to justice can the wounds of the past be fully addressed, allowing for a future of peace and cooperation. VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 30: CREDAI-MCHI, the apex body representing real estate developers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), is set to redefine home buying with the launch of India's first-ever Quick Real Estate Mall at the upcoming 32nd CREDAI-MCHI Property and Home Finance Expo. Scheduled from January 17 to 19, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, the event will introduce a groundbreaking approach to home buying, tailored to empower women and streamline the purchasing process. This year's expo will place a strong emphasis on Pink Sunday, a dedicated initiative focused on empowering women homebuyers through the MCHI STREE Awas Yojana. This program underscores CREDAI-MCHI's commitment to making homeownership more inclusive and accessible for women, aligning with its vision of fostering transparency, trust, and empowerment in the real estate sector. By addressing the unique needs of women in the home-buying journey, the initiative ensures a supportive and welcoming environment for aspiring homeowners. Speaking about this transformative initiative, Dominic Romell, President of CREDAI-MCHI, emphasized, "The Quick Real Estate Mall is a reflection of our vision to transform the real estate sector with innovation and customer-centric solutions. By streamlining the home-buying process and introducing unique features, we are making homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers. This is not just an event; it is the beginning of a new era in Indian real estate." He added, "This expo is designed to provide an unparalleled experience to buyers. From the Friday Ambassadors Connect, which will see the participation of over 5,000 channel partners, to the Super Saturday Sale offering exclusive deals, we have planned engaging initiatives to benefit everyone involved." Nikunj Sanghvi, Chairperson of the Expo and Treasurer of CREDAI-MCHI, remarked, "We are thrilled to present this groundbreaking initiative to redefine how people experience real estate. With dedicated efforts like Pink Sunday and the Quick Real Estate Mall, we aim to address the evolving demands of homebuyers while empowering women to take confident steps towards homeownership. This expo will set a new benchmark in creating an accessible and inclusive home-buying ecosystem." The Quick Real Estate Mall is poised to revolutionize the home-buying experience by enabling prospective buyers to book their dream homes and secure loan approvals within just ten minutes. This innovative concept addresses the growing demand for convenience and efficiency, streamlining the entire process and setting a new standard in the industry. With this initiative, CREDAI-MCHI aims to enhance accessibility for first-time buyers and create a seamless experience for all participants. The three-day event will also host prestigious awards ceremonies, including the Golden Pillars Awards and Spaciux Awards for Architects, celebrating excellence and innovation in the real estate sector. These initiatives aim to create an engaging platform for developers, financial institutions, and homebuyers to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities. ABOUT CREDAI-MCHI CREDAI-MCHI is an apex body comprising members from the Real Estate Industry in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). With an impressive membership of over 1800+ leading developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI has extended its reach throughout the region, establishing units in various locations such as Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Mira-Virar, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, Palghar-Boisar, Bhiwandi, Uran-Dronagiri, Shahapur-Murbad, and most recently in Alibag, Karjat-Khalapur-Khopoli, and Pen. Being the only Government-recognized body for private sector developers in MMR, CREDAI-MCHI is dedicated to promoting the industry's organization and progress. As a part of CREDAI National, an apex body of 13000 developers across the nation, CREDAI-MCHI has emerged as a preferred platform for regional discussions on housing and habitat by establishing close and strong ties with the government. It is committed to breaking barriers to create a strong, organized, and progressive real estate sector in the MMR.The vision of CREDAI-MCHI is to empower the Real Estate fraternity of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region as it preserves, protects, and advances the right to housing for all. To continue being a trusted ally, guiding their members, supporting the Government on policy advocacy, and assisting those they serve through the ever-evolving real estate fraternity. Website: https://mchi.net/ For further media queries, please contact: Sonia Kulkarni | 9820184099 sonia.kulkarni@hunkgolden.in (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Higher rise in Indian residents' overseas financial assets (USD 66.5 billion) as compared to that in the foreign-owned assets in India (USD 46.7 billion) led to the decline in net claims of non-residents during the quarter, RBI said. Net claims of non-residents on India refers to the difference between the assets and liabilities held by non-residents in India. As per reports, it indicates the overall financial position or exposure that entities/individuals outside India have in terms of claims (assets) on the country. Over 80 per cent of the increase in overseas financial assets during July-September 2024 was due to the surge of USD 53.8 billion in the reserve assets. Reserve assets had 63 per cent share in India's total international financial assets in September 2024. Rise in inward portfolio investment (USD 16.5 billion) and loans (USD 15.4 billion) together accounted for over two-thirds of the rise in foreign liabilities of Indian residents during the quarter, the central bank said. The ratio of India's international assets to international liabilities improved to 76.2 per cent in September 2024 from 74.1 per cent a quarter ago and 71.4 per cent a year ago. The share of debt liabilities in total external liabilities increased to 52.7 per cent in September 2024 from 51.1 per cent a year ago. (ANI) The meeting was also attended by Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM); and Secretaries of Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; School Education and Literacy; and Health Research; and Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India. Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai Director Kailash Sharma; Public Health Specialist and Epidemiologist Dr Atul Kotwal; National Board of Examinations President Dr Abhijat Sheth; St Johns National Academy of Health Sciences Professor Dr Hari Mohan; Shri Vishwakarma Skill University Haryana Vice Chancellor Prof Raj Nehru; Centre for Teacher Accreditation (CENTA) Founder and CEO Ramya Venkataraman; Akhil Bhartiya Rasthriya Shaikshik Mahasangh General Secretary Prof Geeta Bhatt; ABVP National Organising Secretary Ashish Chauhan, among others, were who attended the consultation meeting. Earlier on Monday, Sitharaman, in a separate meeting, met representatives from various industry bodies. The industry bodies put forward a bouquet of suggestions before the government. The Finance Ministry conducts several pre-budget consultation meetings annually with experts, industry leaders, economists, and state officials. The formal exercise to prepare the annual Budget for the next financial year has already begun. Sitharaman has so far held a series of meetings with various stakeholders, including with MSMEs, farmers' associations, and economists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also interacted with a group of eminent economists and thought leaders in preparation for the Union Budget 2025-26 at the NITI Aayog premises last week. As is the convention, the Budget for 2025-26 will be tabled on February 1, 2025. The 2025-26 Budget will mark Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's eighth. All eyes will be on the key announcements and the government's forward-looking economic guidance for the remainder of the Modi 3.0 tenure. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], December 30: In the financial market, investors are searching for ways to understand the market easily to make wise and strategic investment decisions. There are many indicators available that help to understand the changing market sentiments. One of the effective indicators is the Put Call Ratio (PCR). The Put Call Ratio is a strong analytical tool that helps interpret the complexity of the market into actionable insights. This article highlights how to understand changing market sentiments using a PCR, how to manage risk, and more. What Exactly is the Put Call Ratio? The put/call ratio is an effective derivative indicator. This ratio is calculated by dividing the total trades of put options by the total trades of call options. Contrary to other market metrics, the PCR ratio provides a deep psychological understanding to the investor about the market sentiment. Breaking Down Options The following is the breakdown that explains what put options and call options mean: * Put Options: The right to sell an asset at a given price is granted to traders through put options. * Call Options: Call options are the contracts that give traders the right to purchase an asset at a specific price. PCR Calculation: Total Put Options Trading Volume / Total Call Options Trading Volume = PCR Ratio Interpreting Market Sentiment Through PCRThe PCR ratio operates as a sophisticated sentiment barometer, offering insights beyond traditional market analysis: Bearish Sentiment Indicators * A high PCR ratio (above 1.0) suggests increased put option trading * Indicates market participants anticipate potential price declines * Signals defensive investor positioning Bullish Sentiment Signals * Low PCR ratio (below 0.7) demonstrates higher call option volumes * Represents market optimism and positive price expectations * Reflects confident investor outlook Experienced traders leverage the PCR ratio as a contrarian indicator. When market sentiment reaches extreme levels, it often signals potential trend reversals. PCR Sentiment Classification The following breakdown explains how PCR helps to understand different market sentiments: How to Access the PCR Ratio? One can get the PCR ratio online on many stock broker websites or else can download a reliable share trading app. The online trading app offers user-friendly experiences for investors across various expertise levels. Some of the features of online trading apps include: * Online trading apps today provide immediate access to a complete options trading volume and, consequently, real-time PCR ratios for investors. * These new digital platforms have incorporated advanced algorithms that can calculate and showcase the PCR ratio automatically, which minimises human error. * The app features much more user-friendliness, making it easier for all investors to understand trends of the PCR ratio. How Does PCR Ratio Help in Risk Management? The PCR ratio helps with managing the risk factors in the following ways: * Assessment of Hedging Activity: Higher PCR values suggest that investors are actively using options to hedge against potential losses. * Risk Perception Measurement: The PCR indicates how both institutional and retail investors are managing their risks in the market. * Volatility Prediction: Analysing the PCR can provide insights into possible market fluctuations and uncertainties. Strategic Considerations for Investors While PCR ratio offers profound insights, it should never be used in isolation: 1. Combine with technical analysis2. Integrate fundamental research3. Consider broader economic indicators4. Analyse sectoral performance metrics5. Evaluate global market trends Limitations and Realistic Expectations of PCR Ratio While the PCR ratio can be effective in understanding market sentiments, however, PCR comes with certain limitations. This includes: * No Guaranteed Prediction: The PCR ratio represents a sentiment indicator, offering insights into market psychology and not definitive predictions of future market movements. Market sentiments are fluid and influenced by countless variables that can shift rapidly, making the PCR ratio a guide rather than an absolute predictor of market behaviour. * Complex Market Dynamics: Market dynamics involve multifaceted factors that extend far beyond the simple calculation of put and call options. The PCR ratio most of the time captures only one dimension of market movements. Relying exclusively on this ratio without considering other critical indicators would be a significant strategic misstep. The PCR ratio requires ongoing study, contextual understanding, and sophisticated interpretation. Successful investors invest not just monetary resources but also time and energy in understanding the market indicators. Conclusion The Put Call Ratio simplifies the complex market into understandable market data. By providing risk perception and potential market movements, the PCR ratio makes them a valuable tool for investors. One should note that the share market investments involve inherent risks. Therefore, before making any investing decisions, an investor should consider seeking the advice of financial professionals and doing an extensive study of the market. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Microsoft is one of the earliest technology companies in Hyderabad and has grown to a strength of 10,000 over the years. It has also invested in a data centre capacity of 600 MW in the state. Chief Minister Reddy thanked Nadella for regular investments and the growth of Microsoft's business in the city and state. The Chief Minister and his IT Minister discussed various technology imperatives that the state is focusing on including AI, Gen AI, cloud, and sought Microsoft's support to develop a strong ecosystem so that Hyderabad is seen as the leading city in the world in technology domain, the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement Monday. The Chief Minister also explained his plans for infrastructure development in the state including Regional Ring Road, radial roads, Future City, development of new manufacturing clusters, and how the government is proposing to create a vast pool of industry-ready talent through institutions like Young India Skills University. As per a CMO post on X, Satya Nadella reiterated the commitment of Microsoft to partner with the state government in all its initiatives. He appreciated the Chief Minister's vision of enhancing skills and improving infrastructure to the next level and opined that only these two can position Hyderabad in the Top 50 cities in the world for creating economic growth. (ANI) Making the end of 2024 special for kids, Shilpa and her husband Raj Kundra went to Winter Wonderland Theme Park with their son Viaan and daughter Samisha. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEM6OWrteXA/?hl=en&img_index=7 On Monday, the 'Dhadkan' star took to Instagram and shared several pictures and videos showcasing the fun-filled moments she spent with her family. In the videos, Shilpa can be seen enjoying swings and rides at the amusement park. "Wondering & Wandering in Winter Wonderland #londondiaries #winterwonderland #blessed," she captioned the post. Shilpa and Raj got married on November 22, 2009. In May 2012, the couple were blessed with their firstborn Viaan. On February 15, 2020, they welcomed their daughter Samisha via surrogacy. On the professional front, Shilpa was last seen in the web series Indian Police Force. Directed by Rohit Shetty, the series also starred Sidharth Malhotra and Vivek Oberoi in lead roles. The show premiered earlier this year on Amazon Prime Video. Shilpa will next appear in the upcoming Kannada film 'KD: The Devil'. The film also stars Dhruva Sarja, V Ravichandran, Ramesh Aravind, Sanjay Dutt, Jisshu Sengupta and Nora Fatehi in lead roles. Directed by Prem, 'KD-The Devil', the Pan-India multilingual is set to release in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. It is a period action entertainer based on true events from 1970s Bangalore. (ANI) A research team at the University of Arizona College of Medicine--Tucson's Sarver Heart Center found that a subset of artificial heart patients can regenerate heart muscle, which opens the possibilities of new ways to treat and perhaps someday cure heart failure. The results of the research which was co-led by a physician-scientist were published in the journal Circulation. Comparing the repair of skeletal muscles to heart muscles, Hesham Sadek, MD, PhD, director of the Sarver Heart Center and chief of the Division of Cardiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine -- Tucson's Department of Medicine said that when a heart muscle doesn't grow back if it gets injured, "We have nothing to reverse heart muscle loss." Sadek led a collaboration between international experts to investigate whether heart muscles can regenerate. The study was funded through a grant by the Leducq Foundation Transatlantic Networks of Excellence Program. The project began with tissue from artificial heart patients provided by colleagues at the University of Utah Health and School of Medicine led by Stavros Drakos, MD, PhD, a pioneer in left ventricular assist device-mediated recovery. Jonas Frisen, MD, PhD, and Olaf Bergmann, MD, PhD, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, led teams in Sweden and Germany and used their innovative method of carbon dating human heart tissue to track whether these samples contained newly generated cells. The investigators found that patients with artificial hearts regenerated muscle cells at more than six times the rate of healthy hearts. "This is the strongest evidence we have, so far, that human heart muscle cells can actually regenerate, which really is exciting, because it solidifies the notion that there is an intrinsic capacity of the human heart to regenerate," Sadek said. Earlier, Sadek published a paper in Science showing that while heart muscle cells actively divide in utero, they stop dividing shortly after birth to devote their energy to pumping blood through the body nonstop, with no time for breaks. In 2014, he published evidence of cell division in patients with artificial hearts, hinting that their heart muscle cells might have been regenerating. "The pump pushes blood into the aorta, bypassing the heart," he said. "The heart is essentially resting." Sadek's previous studies indicated that this rest might be beneficial for the heart muscle cells, but he needed to design an experiment to determine whether patients with artificial hearts were actually regenerating muscles. "Irrefutable evidence of heart muscle regeneration has never been shown before in humans," he said. "This study provided direct evidence." However, Sadek wants to figure out why only 25 per cent of patients responded to the regeneration of the muscle. "It's not clear why some patients respond and some don't, but it's very clear that the ones who respond have the ability to regenerate heart muscle," he wrote. Sadek believes that in future a mechanical heart will not be a therapy on which people will rely and with this study, he hopes to deliver regenation of heart muscles in future. (ANI) BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of targeting the Election Commission preemptively, drawing parallels with Congress' past allegations and suggesting that both parties foresee electoral defeats in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. "Congress and AAP are in a way 'Bade Miyan' and Chote Miyan'. The allegations Congress levied during Maharashtra and Haryana, the same allegations AAP is raising now...Congress did it after losing elections but since AAP can see their upcoming defeat, they are targeting the Election Commission from now itself.," Poonawalla told ANI on Sunday. Responding to allegations made by AAP MP Sanjay Singh, Poonawalla added, "when it comes to Sanjay Singh's wife, when inquired, got to know that two people from their own family with whom they have some conflict, tried to get her name cut (from voters' list." Meanwhile, AAP MP Sanjay Singh had accused the BJP of attempting to remove his wife Anita Singh's name from the voter list, not once but twice. "They (BJP) ran a campaign to delete the name of voters from the list. They think that let's teach a lesson to Sanjay Singh. What they have done - the New Delhi constituency from where Arvind Kejriwal is the MLA, they (BJP) gave an application to delete the name of my wife - Anita Singh from the voter list, and not just once but twice - on December 24 and 26," Singh told ANI. A day earlier, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of carrying out "Operation Lotus" in the New Delhi constituency since December 15 to manipulate the electoral list by deleting voters' names. Notably, New Delhi is Kejriwal's constituency, and he has served as its MLA since 2015. "In my New Delhi assembly constituency - their (BJP) 'operation Lotus' has been going on since December 15. In these 15 days, they have filed an 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," Kejriwal told reporters. The Assembly polls in Delhi are expected to be held in early 2025. AAP won 62 out of the 70 seats in the 2020 assembly elections and BJP secured eighth seats. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on Sunday and invited her to attend the Maha Kumbh 2025. The Chief Minister also extended an invitation to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena for the Maha Kumbh 2025 to be held in Prayagraj. CM Yogi presented the dignitaries with the invitation letter, along with the symbol and logo of Maha Kumbh 2025, an urn, literature related to the Maha Kumbh, a New Year table calendar, and a diary. CM Yogi Adityanath arrived in Delhi on Saturday to invite dignitaries to the Maha Kumbh to be held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. On Saturday, he met former President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National President and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Mizoram Governor General VK Singh. CM Yogi also presented gifts related to Maha Kumbh to all the dignitaries. On Sunday too, CM Yogi posted a picture of his meeting with dignitaries on his 'X' handle and thanked them for giving their valuable time. Ahead of the Maha Kumbh, CM Yogi and his ministers are visiting different states and inviting dignitaries and common people for the Maha Kumbh. Earlier Uttar Pradesh Minister Jaiveer Singh said that Maha kumbh 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. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Tourism is set to mesmerize attendees at Maha Kumbh 2025 with a spectacular drone show, showcasing mythological tales linked to the Maha Kumbh and Prayagraj, according to a press release. 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 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 "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. The Maha Kumbh, held every twelve years, 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. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a great leader and slammed the Congress for allegedly politicising his passing just days after the leader's cremation. "All I want to say is that Dr Manmohan Singh was a great leader, he served our country a lot. The politics that Congress has done on the last journey shows their very bad mentality... The same Congress party insulted Pranab Mukherjee ji, when Manmohan Singh ji was the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi insulted him and that is in the public domain," CM Himanta Biswa told reporters here. "Congress party has no issue... Congress has started politics in this too...," he added. On Sunday, Assam CM visited and offered prayers at the Narayani Shila Temple in Haridwar. After the Cabinet meeting on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Congress President Kharge and the late Singh's family that the Government would allocate space for a memorial. Meanwhile, cremation and other formalities were to be conducted as a trust needed to be formed and space allocated for the memorial. 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 that the funeral take place at a location where a memorial could be built. The Centre stated that land for the memorial would be earmarked in the next few days. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting that Singh's cremation take place at a location suitable for a memorial 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) The Tripura Kumbh Mela has begun, filling the sacred banks of the Howrah River at Kumbhnagar, Ranirbazar, with devotion and festivity on Sunday. Starting on December 25, the grand spiritual gathering will continue until January 1, 2025. The site came alive as lakhs of devotees, pilgrims, saints, and Naga Sadhus from all over India converged to immerse themselves in prayers and rituals, turning the area into a spiritual heaven. Ranjitand Maharaj, Saint & Head of the Tripureswari Kumbh Mela Committee, said, "The Tripura Kumbh Mela of 2024-25 will take place from December 25 to January 1. This grand fair, held every three years, has been a tradition for ages. This is the second time the Kumbh Mela is being held in Tripura." "The significance of the Kumbh Mela lies in its deep connection to the mythological event of the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) during the Satya Yuga. In this event, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean using Mount Meru as the churning rod, Vasuki Nag as the rope, and a tortoise (Kurma avatar of Lord Vishnu) as the base. Several divine treasures emerged during this churning, including Goddess Lakshmi, Dhanvantari, the Parijata tree, and the Amrit (nectar of immortality) in a pot," Ranjitand Maharaj said. Ranjitand Maharaj further added, "A dispute arose between the Devas and Asuras over the Amrit, leading to a battle. During the scuffle, four drops of Amrit fell at four places: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. It is believed that one drop also fell in Tripura, although this came to light much later through spiritual insights." Just as science has recently reached the moon, our sages and spiritual leaders, with their profound knowledge of both science and the cosmos, had already identified celestial phenomena such as the stars and planets ages ago. "For example, ancient sages calculated that there are nine lakh stars in the sky. Similarly, various sacred sites and traditions emerged from divine revelations during these spiritual churning events--like the 51 Shakti Peethas, the 12 Jyotirlingas, and sacred pilgrimage sites such as Kashi," Ranjitand Maharaj told ANI. Ranjitand Maharaj added," In Tripura, the Kumbh Mela is held at Kumbhnagar in Ranirbazar along the banks of the Howrah River. The site includes Dashami Ghat, which is considered sacred like the Ganga. A temple dedicated to Maa Kumbh Kali is also located here. Pilgrims can bathe, offer prayers, and participate in the fair to earn spiritual merit equivalent to visiting all sacred pilgrimage sites." "Bathing here is said to grant the same benefits as bathing in the Sapta Sarovars (seven holy lakes)," Ranjitand Maharaj told ANI. The Tripura Kumbh Mela, with the support of the government, residents, and revered priests from across the state, brings together thousands of devotees from all over India. Thousands of Naga Sadhus, saints, and monks, along with countless spiritual leaders, participate in the fair. The event is filled with divine energy and grandeur, featuring daily rituals, offerings, and prayers for global peace. Ranjitand Maharaj said, "Every day, around 15,000 to 20,000 pilgrims partake in the prasad, and 2,000 to 2,500 saints are fed at the community kitchen. Various spiritual camps host special prayers, and the atmosphere is charged with devotion and cultural richness." He stated," I appeal to the people of Tripura, India, and the world to visit this divine event. Witness the presence of Naga Sadhus, monks, and saints, and experience the traditions of Sanatan Dharma." Ranjitand Maharaj stated, "This Kumbh Mela offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in spirituality, humanity, and divinity. I pray to Maa Kumbh Kali to bless everyone and fulfil their desires. May this Kumbh Mela bring joy, peace, and blessings to all." (ANI) The Assam Rice Research Institute of Titabar, nestled in the heart of Jorhat district in the state, continues to make contributions to rice cultivation. Over the years, the institute has developed more than 45 rice varieties tailored for diverse environmental conditions, ensuring the resilience and profitability of rice farming. Preserving a rich genetic heritage, the institute houses around 7,000 rice germplasms, including 2,000 indigenous varieties. These local germplasms serve as the foundation for developing high-yield, adaptive, and disease-resistant rice strains. Assam Rice Research Institute Chief Scientist, Dr. Fuleshwar Nath stated that the focus of the organization is to generate technologies that benefit farmers. Among its notable achievements are the development of popular rice varieties like Ranjit and Bahadur which have become household names among farmers. These varieties are not only high-yielding but also adaptable to challenging conditions, benefiting farmers in Assam and neighbouring states like Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, as well as countries like Nepal and Bhutan. To address health concerns, the institute introduced Labanya, a unique purple rice variety with a low glycemic index, ideal for diabetic patients. Its nutritional benefits have gained widespread recognition. For flood-prone areas, the institute previously developed Jalkunwari and Jalashree, which could survive submerged conditions. However, due to farmers' preference for slender grains, these were replaced by Ranjit Sub 1 and Bahadur Sub 1. These improved varieties have gained immense popularity and are now widely cultivated in flood-affected regions. Assam Rice Research Institute Chief Scientist, Dr. Fuleshwar Nath told ANI, "This station is the second oldest in the state. The first one was established in Karimganj, and this station was started in 1923. In 2023, we celebrated its centenary, marking 100 years of service. Now, the station has been converted into an institute known as the Rice Research Institute. From its inception to the present day, the institute has developed around 45 varieties of rice. These varieties are designed for different conditions, locations, and purposes. Some are aromatic, like Joha; some have bold grains, and others are slender. Recently, we developed nutritionally enriched varieties, including Labanya, a purple rice variety with a very low glycemic index, making it ideal for diabetic patients. We have also developed two highly popular rice varieties, Bahadur and Ranjit, which are widely cultivated not only in Assam but also across the northeastern region and some other states in India. These varieties have now been improved and reintroduced as Bahadur Sub 1 and Ranjit Sub 1, specifically designed for flood-affected or submerged areas. These seeds are sold at Rs 20 per kilogram." "Our institute is not directly affiliated with the government. Instead, we focus on generating technologies that benefit farmers. We have a total of 40 hectares of farmland, with 15 hectares dedicated to research and the rest used for seed production. Due to this limited area, large-scale production is not feasible. However, the seeds we produce significantly benefit farmers. Fifteen to twenty years ago, many farmers struggled with food deficits due to the lack of hybrid varieties. Today, farmers growing these improved varieties on even 4-5 bighas of land have seen remarkable benefits. We maintain a germplasm block with around 7,000 germplasms, including 2,000 local varieties. Previously, we developed two flood-resistant rice varieties, Jalashree and Jalkonwari, but farmers did not prefer them due to their bold grains. This feedback led to the development of Ranjit Sub 1 and Bahadur Sub 1, which resemble the grain types of their popular predecessors, Ranjit and Bahadur," he added. A farmer from Titabar Deogharia Gaon, Boloram Gogoi told ANI, "I have been cultivating this rice for many years. In 1995, the Ranjit rice variety was introduced to us, and at that time, its scientific name was TTB 17. Since then, I have been cultivating this variety and achieving excellent yields. We are getting 5-6 times more crops compared to the local rice breeds, which has brought us significant benefits. In 1995, TTB 17 was renamed Ranjit, and I have continued to cultivate this variety ever since. The Assam Rice Research Institute (AARI) provides us with seeds, and every 15 days, scientists from AARI visit our fields for inspection. They also provide training to farmers like me." (ANI) After facing a prolonged dry spell, farmers in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir have got relief with the arrival of rainfall.The farmers had been struggling with harsh conditions, uncertain about the fate of their crops, given the four-month dry spell. For the past four months, farmers have been struggling with dried-out fields and withering crops due to the lack of water. The recent rains have infused them with a new hope for their crops, promising better harvests. Sanjeev Kumar, a farmer from Debrah village in Udhampur, said that the crops would have been destroyed if it didn't rain. He said that without rains the vegetable crops were drying up, leaving him worried. "We waiting for rainfall for the last four months and finally continued rainfall brings cheers to farmers. He added that planted vegetables this time, but due to the absence of rain, the crops were drying up, and we were worried. However, rain has provided relief. If it hadn't rained, our crops would have been ruined," Kumar told ANI. He further stated that rainfall is good for crops, and they will have a good profit. Meanwhile, a layer of fog blanketed many regions of northwest India on Thursday with Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, witnessed snow falling as the city experienced intense cold. "Recent Satellite imagery detected fog layer over South Jammu, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, north Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, west and south Uttar Pradesh, south Himachal Pradesh, south Uttarakhand, southwest Bihar, west Jharkhand, north Chhattisgarh and east Gujarat," The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a post on X. (ANI) Bihar Police has registered an FIR against 600-700 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, for unauthorized gathering, instigating people and creating law and order issues in Gandhi Maidan. This came after Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore and the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants protested at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Sunday, demanding a re-examination for the 70th BPSC prelims. "Jan Suraaj Party was denied permission to organize Chhatra Sansad in front of the Gandhi statue. However, a crowd gathered at the Gandhi statue and created a 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," Patna Administration said in a statement. "An FIR has been registered in Gandhi Maidan police station against 600-700 people including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore on charges of unauthorized gathering of crowd, instigating people and creating law and order problems," Patna Administration added. On Sunday, speaking to the media, Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor said that his party would support students if injustice is done to them. "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," Prashant Kishor said. "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," Jan Suraaj Chief said. 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 (BRS) MLC K Kavitha on Monday hit out at the Congress government in Telangana over the 'increase' in crimes against women. She said that the state government has failed to give attention to the safety of women since there was a 10 per cent increase in the crime rate. There is a rape case every third hour and there is a kidnapping case every fifth hour, the BRS MLC said, adding that this was never the situation in Telangana. "Congress government has not given any attention to the safety of women. We have been highlighting this fact. Unfortunately, there is a 10% increase in crime rate. In Telangana today, every third hour there is a rape case and every fifth hour, there is a kidnap case happening. This is really unfortunate. This was never the situation," Kavitha told ANI. She further said that they had created a 'She team' that works towards preventing petty crimes against women, which would further stop heinous crimes. However, this government doesn't seem to care about women, Kavitha added. "In the last one year, we have ensured that there is peace in Telangana and there is safety for women. We had created 'She' teams, which take care of petty crimes against women and it will prevent major and heinous crimes from happening. However, this government does not seem to care about women at all. They have forgotten all the promises they have made for women. We demand that the Chief Minister should intervene and conduct a proper review of the women's safety in the state," Kavitha said. Earlier, Kavitha launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for neglecting the development of Nizamabad region, where she returned after a gap of 10 months. Nizamabad remains her constituency. "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. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday pointed out 'unconventional methods' of warfare as new challenges before the country, in Mhow. He was addressing senior Army officers at Army War College. "Many unconventional methods like information warfare, AI based warfare, proxy warfare, electro-magnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks are now posing a challenge to us. The dominance of different countries on the availability of electronic chips is also problematic. Monopoly on rare earth materials also indicates a big challenge. Hybrid warfare and Greyzone warfare are adding to our challenges," said Singh. In this challenging situation, it becomes necessary that Indian army should remain well-trained and equipped for all such situations. It is great to see that the training centres of Mhow are playing a very important role in these efforts. This place has been known for its military valour for more than 200 years, he added. This was the first visit by a Defence Minister to the Army War College, Mhow in last 24 years. "Our government is constantly making efforts to increase integration and jointness among the three forces. Because in the future, we will face such challenges which our services will be able to face better together. I am very happy to see that high-level training is provided to officers of all wings in Mhow Cantonment," he said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of making the country a developed nation by 2047. And he sees the current time as a transition period. India is constantly moving on the path of development, he added. "And from a military perspective, we are constantly getting equipped with modern weapons. We are not only equipping our armies but also sending equipment made in the country to other countries," he further added. The Defene minister was on a two-day 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. On Sunday, 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) Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Monday hinted that his party, led by Uddhav Thackeray, may contest the upcoming Mumbai local body polls alone, without an alliance with the Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP. Speaking to ANI, Dubey said, "The suggestion that is coming from Shiv Sainiks across Maharashtra to the party high command is that we should contest the elections alone. By contesting alone, we get the benefit of two things, first, there is enthusiasm among all our workers everywhere, and second, more and more people get a chance to contest the elections." Dubey said Shiv Sainiks are urging the party to fight the Mumbai elections alone but the final decision has to be taken by the high command. "Our workers are demanding that we should contest the elections alone, so we should contest the elections alone. But the final decision is taken by the party high command," Dubey added. Earlier this month, Sanjay Raut also hinted that Shiv Sena (UBT) might contest the elections solo, as party workers were demanding it. Following Raut's statement, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) (NCP-SCP) Pune city president, Prashant Jagtap on December 22 made it clear that his party is ready to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections solo if their alliance partner, Shiv Sena (UBT), decides to go alone. On December 21, Maharashtra NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil said he would ask Raut why he had made such a decision. Speaking to media, Patil said, "I will ask him why he made such a decision. I have been told that he said that they (Shiv Sena - UBT) may fight the election alone, not that they will fight the election alone." The Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) alliance has been a crucial part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, which has been opposing the BJP-led Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Election saw a landslide victory for the BJP-led Mahayuti, with 235 seats won. The Shiv Sena and NCP secured 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The results marked a significant milestone for the BJP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister AK Sharma on Monday said that all preparations have been made for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025. He further stressed that this 2025 event will be "unique" and "divine", guaranteeing an extraordinary experience for all participants. Speaking to ANI, Sharma said, "The Mahakumbh is starting from January 2025, but in reality, lakhs of people have already arrived at the Kumbh site. For this (Mahakumbh), we have made extensive arrangements... More than Rs 15,000 crore worth of projects have been implemented here. We have made all the preparations for the Kumbh... This time, the Mahakumbh will be unique, divine, and I guarantee it. The Mahakumbh held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. 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). As part of the preparations for the Mahakumbh Mela 2025, Uttar Pradesh Police will use under water drones for enhanced security. Inspector-General of Police (IG) PAC East Zone Prayagraj, Rajeev Narain Mishra Speaking to ANI, said that an underwater drone was tested on December 25, which will be used by the water police and Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC). "Efforts have been made to use all the new technology available to ensure smooth conduct of this Maha Kumbh. In this sequence, an underwater drone has been tested today. It will be used by the water police and PAC. This is the kind of drone that can identify a person or object underwater. We can use it anytime as per our requirement. We are constantly making arrangements for all kinds of surveillance in water," IG Mishra told ANI. Additionally, 2,700 AI-enabled cameras are being installed as part of the preparations for Mahakumbh 2025. Speaking to ANI, Additional Mela Adhikari Vivek Chaturvedi said, "Our projects which were being operated in the city regarding Maha Kumbh 2025 have been digitized. This time AI has been used. About 2,700 cameras are being installed which are AI-enabled." The Maha Kumbh 2025 will showcase a vibrant display of India's cultural diversity from January 10 to February 24. The Uttar Pradesh Culture Department is finalising preparations to present the rich folk arts of India during this period, a press release stated. The Culture Department will set up 20 small stages at key locations across Prayagraj, allowing tourists, devotees, and locals to experience the country's diverse cultural heritage over 45 days. Folk dance forms from various states across India will be performed on these stages. (ANI) The order issued on Sunday night which reads, "Sri K. Vijayanand, IAS (1992), Special Chief Secretary to Government. Energy Department is hereby appointed as Chief Secretary to Government of Andhra Pradesh vice Sri Neerabh Kumar Prasad, IAS (1987), Chief Secretary to Government of Andhra Pradesh, retiring from service on attaining the age of superannuation on the afternoon of 31st December, 2024." As per the official website of Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGENCO), the newly appointed Chief Secretary K Vijayanand is 1992 batch IAS officer and has served the Chairman for APGENCO (Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Ltd) since February, 2022. He has also been serving as the chairman and managing director (CMD) of APTRANSCO (Andhra Pradesh Transmission Corporation) since April 2023. APGENCO is a state owned undertaking being the state power Generation utility contributes 40-45 per cent of total Energy Requirement of Andhra Pradesh. K Vijayanand has started Indian Bureaucracy career in 1993 as Assistant Collector of Adilabad and worked as the Sub Collector of Rampachodavaram, Collector of Srikakulam, Managing Director of APGENCO and CMD of APTRANSCO from 2016 to 2019, Chief Electoral Officer & Ex-Officio Principal Secretary from 2019 to 2021. Currently, Vijayanand is the Special Chief Secretary to Government, Energy, as per APGENCO. (ANI) Purnia member of Parliament, Pappu Yadav, met with Bihar Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar on Monday. He discusses the ongoing BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) protest. Yadav condemned the actions of individuals involved in the disturbance, calling them "hooligans" who exploited students for personal gain. Speaking to ANI, Yadav said, "First of all, congratulations to the governor for the New Year and swift to the incident involving the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). He stated that Bihar Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar said, "Come, I'll talk." While addressing several concerns, including the actions of the district magistrate and police officers. Yadav highlights that Governor Arlekar will call the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent Police (SP) to enquire on what basis they used sticks and file a case against the aspirants. He said that he would talk to the Chief Minister personally about the ongoing BPSC protest. Yadav also questioned the discrepancy in the exam process, asking why 12,000 candidates were selected while 4 lakh aspirants were excluded. Yadav further stated that Governor Arlekar said, "There will be a complete investigation on both the issues of the BPSC and the benches, as in other states there are two or three benches, but here there is only one. Referring to the BPSC incident as one requiring top-to-bottom scrutiny." The Governor instructed that the Chairman of the BPSC be questioned, referring to the entire situation as "wrong" and demanding a complete inquiry. "Muscle power sold this movement with the money; they used the children. By going at 3 o'clock in the night, they committed hooliganism with the children. They abused them and asked, What is your position? Who these leaders are calling our children, they don't know what the students of Bangladesh did?", Yadav told ANI. Yadav further added, "When the student in the world boils, the world ends. This is a student satyagraha. No one can stop students." 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) Special Task Force (STF) of Assam police apprehended another terrorist in Kokrajhar district on Monday, officials said. The apprehended person was identified as 35-year-old Gazi Rahman of Bhodeyaguri area in Kokrajhar district. Notably, the STF, Assam has so far arrested 12 Jihadi cadres of ABT and AQIS from Assam, West Bengal and Kerala. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, IGP (STF) told ANI that, as part of Operation Praghat, launched by the STF, a significant breakthrough has been achieved in the ongoing investigation of STF Police Station. "The absconding prime accused, Gazi Rahman of Kokrajhar district, was apprehended by a team of the Special Task Force (STF), Assam, with the assistance of Kokrajhar police. "Necessary legal action is being initiated in this matter. The STF remains committed to ensuring justice and continuing its efforts to apprehend all individuals connected to this case. Further investigation in the case is continuing," Dr Mahanta said. Earlier on December 27, STF Assam apprehended one terrorist identified as 36-year-old Shahinur Islam from Dhubri district. "The operation against Jihadi, namely "PRAGHAT", is being operated throughout the state. In connection with that an ongoing investigation under STF Police Station Case No. 21/2024, the Special Task Force (STF) Assam conducted a successful raid on December 27 at Bandhabpara, Bilasipara under Dhubri district. During the operation, a wanted anti-national Jihadi was apprehended and various incriminating items were recovered. The apprehended Jihadi was identified as Shahinur Islam (36 years old). During the raid, we recovered one book titled Nuriliza (written in Urdu, containing pages 1 to 829), one book titled Jana Wazib (written by Sheikh Nazibullah Hakkani, containing pages 1 to 47), one PAN Card, one Aadhaar Card, one Passport, one mobile phone," IGP Mahanta added. He further said that, the STF remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the state by taking decisive action against anti-national activities. Earlier, on December 24 night, the STF Assam carried out a raid and search operation with the help of Kokrajhar district police at Namapara under the Kokrajhar police station area and achieved a huge success in averting a possible major terror act by fundamentalist/Jihadi elements of a Global Terrorist Organisation (GTO) and apprehended two persons who identified as Abdul Zaher Sheikh and Sabbir Mirdha. The STF team recovered 4 numbers of handmade rifles, that are made to look like AKs, 34 rounds of live ammunition, 24 rounds of blank cartridges, one pair of live un-primed IEDs with cortex, one handmade grenade with explosives, one Circuit of detonators made out of agricultural equipment, 14 numbers of electronic switches, three iron cases used for making of IEDs with 20 iron pieces and plates for causing maximum damage, huge numbers of switches and wires with explosives used in fire crackers along with other incriminating items. The operation successfully averted a major act of terror planned by the Bangladesh based handlers of the arrested members of the terror outfit. The operation was carried out under direct supervision of STF Assam Chief. (ANI) After Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a jibe at ongoing excavation claiming a Shivling can be found at the Chief Minister's residence, Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar asked him why did he not get the excavation done when he was the Chief Minister. Hitting out at Yadav, OP Rajbhar stated that he is making such "baseless" statements to secure his Muslim votes. "He is making statements to secure his vote bank. He is making such baseless statements so that his Muslim vote bank does not slip away. If he knew about this, then why did he not get the excavation done when he was the Chief Minister?... Samajwadi Party only wants the votes of Muslims, they do not do any work, and here (NDA) they are not asking for votes and are also doing work," Rajbhar told ANI. Earlier on Sunday, Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav, in a jibe at the ongoing excavation work in Uttar Pradesh, suggested that a Shivling might also be found at the residence of the state's Chief Minister. "Since the excavation work is underway, I believe that there is a Shivling at the Chief Minister's residence too... we have faith that the Shivling is there," Yadav remarked, implying that such discoveries were allegedly being overly dramatized for political purposes. He further stated, "We should all prepare for its excavation... The media should go first, and we will join after that." On the upcoming Kumbh Mela, Yadav acknowledged the religious and cultural significance of the event but raised concerns about the arrangements. "The Kumbh should end with fervor. And if the government wants any help, our party members are ready to assist. But 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) Independent Lok Sabha MP from Purnia, Pappu Yadav, on Monday said that the Bihar Governor spoke to the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) chairman, Parmar Ravi Manubhai, on the phone to discuss the ongoing protests on the 70th Combined Competitive Preliminary Examination (70th CCE Prelims). Earlier in the day, the independent MP met the governor and submitted a memorandum highlighting the BPSC aspirant's concerns. After meeting the Bihar Governor regarding the protest by BPSC aspirants, Pappu Yadav said, " He (the governor) spoke directly to the BPSC chairman. He said he would also talk to the DM, SP to find out on what basis they used lathi and filed an FIR. He has also said that he will personally speak to the chief minister... He also said that on what basis the exam will be held for 12,000 and not for 4 lakh ?... He said that full inquiry will be done." BPSC aspirants are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13. Earlier, Jan Suraj Party Chief Prashant Kishore criticised the use of lathi-charge and water cannon to disperse protesting BPSC aspirants at Gandhi Maidan, calling it "wrong" and said the "protest will not stop." He further said that the students can neither be intimidated by force nor can they be stopped by resorting to lathicharge. Addressing a press conference he said, "This (lathi-charge on BPSC aspirants) is wrong, completely wrong, and whoever has done this mistake will not be forgiven. As long as we are here, with all our might, those who lathi-charged students will be forgiven, and the protest will not stop..."Today, we will file an FIR against the police, and we will take them to human rights... Students cannot be intimidated by force, nor can they be deterred by filing FIRs or resorting to lathi charges." Prashant Kishore further attacked the state government saying, "The administration was informed...the government says they did not give permission, but this is completely wrong. There is no question of permission. Gandhi Maidan is a public place." Meanwhile, the Bihar Police have registered an FIR against 600-700 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, for unauthorised gathering, instigating people, and creating law and order issues in Gandhi Maidan. This came after Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishore and the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants protested at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Sunday, demanding a re-examination for the 70th BPSC prelims. "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 a law and order problem. A scuffle broke out between the crowd and the 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," Patna Administration said in a statement. "An FIR has been registered in Gandhi Maidan police station against 600-700 people, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, on charges of unauthorised gathering of a crowd, instigating people, and creating law and order problems," Patna Administration added. (ANI) As the "Mini-Pakistan" remark erupts row inviting reactions from opposition leaders, Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday clarified that Kerala was very much part of India, saying he was merely comparing the situation in Kerala and Pakistan. He said that if the treatment meted out to "Hindus" in Pakistan is similar to happenings in India, there should be action against the same. "We want our country, which is a Hindu Rashtra, to remain a Hindu Rashtra," Rane told ANI, adding that "Hindus" must be protected in every way. "Kerala is very much part of India. However, the decreasing population of Hindus is something everyone should worry about. The religious conversion of Hindus into Muslims and Christians (Islam and Christianity) has become an everyday thing there. The love jihad cases where Hindu women are targeted are also increasing there. I was comparing the situation (in Kerala) with Pakistan. The way Hindus are treated in Pakistan if such situations happen in our very own country, we must take action against that. That is what I was trying to say in my speech," Rane, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, said. Rane further said that he was stating facts and was accompanied by a person who has helped "12,000 Hindu women" by stopping them from getting converted to "Islam and Christianity." He maintained that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have won in the Wayanad constituency because they received support from terrorist organisations. "The entire situation can be compared. I was just stating the facts. I was accompanied by a gentleman who has helped 12,000 Hindu women by stopping them from getting converted to Islam and Christianity. What I said about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, you ask anyone in the Wayanad constituency. Who are the people who support them? Which are the organisations that support them? A lot of local BJP leaders have said the same thing. Can Congress come out and say we are wrong? Can they say that there is not a single terrorist organisation that supported Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi in the elections? Let them say. We will give more proof. Whatever I said was based on facts," Rane added. In a speech, Rane compared Kerala to "Mini-Pakistan," saying that Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi were elected as members of Parliament for precisely this reason. "Kerala is mini Pakistan that is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth, you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them," Rane said while addressing a rally in Purandar Taluka of Pune district. Rane, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, was speaking at a function on the occasion of Shiv Pratap Din, the anniversary of a historic incident when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had killed Afzal Khan when he made these remarks. Reacting to this, Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and questioned the need for Rane to remain part of the cabinet. He said that Rane's work was to do this only. (ANI) Jan Suraj Party Chief Prashant Kishore on Monday criticised the use of lathi-charge and water cannon to disperse protesting BPSC aspirants at Gandhi Maidan, calling it "wrong" and said the "protest will not stop." He further said that the students can neither be intimidated by force nor can they be stopped by resorting to lathicharge. Addressing a press conference "This (lathi-charge on BPSC aspirants) is wrong, completely wrong, and whoever has done this mistake will not be forgiven. As long as we are here, with all our might, those who lathi-charged students will be forgiven, and the protest will not stop..."Today, we will file an FIR against the police, and we will take them to human rights... Students cannot be intimidated by force, nor can they be deterred by filing FIRs or resorting to lathi charges." Prashant Kishore further attacked the state government saying, "The administration was informed...the government says they did not give permission, but this is completely wrong. There is no question of permission. Gandhi Maidan is a public place." On Sunday, Bihar police lathi-charged and used water cannon to disperse the protesting BPSC aspirants in Gandhi Maidan. Following the incident, Bihar Police registered an FIR against 600-700 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, for unauthorized gatherings, instigating people and creating law and order issues in Gandhi Maidan. In an official statement, Patna Administration said, "Jan Suraaj Party was denied permission to organize Chhatra Sansad in front of the Gandhi statue. However, a crowd gathered at the Gandhi statue and created a 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 Kishore on charges of unauthorized gathering of crowd, instigating people and creating law and order problems," Patna Administration added. 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) Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy introduced a condolence motion over the passing away of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in the state assembly on Monday, an official release said. He said that the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was an irreparable loss for the country; despite criticisms, the former PM maintained silence and never lost his patience. "Manmohan Singh focused on strengthening the country economically and socially. The former PM will be on the top among all others in economic and political issues. He participated in the protest in Delhi with us as a member of Parliament for the protection of democracy. This is an event that we will remember for the rest of our lives. "Participating in the protest to protect democracy in Parliament is a testament to the former PM's humility," CM Reddy said. The Telangana CM further recalled the schemes introduced during Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister. The eminent leader in the country, Manmohan Singh, introduced the Employment Guarantee Scheme and provided 100 days of work to the poor. He is a great person who also brought the Food Security and Right to Information Acts. Land Acquisition Act - 2013 was also introduced to ensure the landless poor are benefitted." "It is former PM Manmohan who brought the Forest Rights Act of 2006. He brought many laws while continuing the inspiration of Dr. Ambedkar," CM Reddy stated. He termed his demise 'unfortunate,' stating that the liberal policies introduced by him changed the direction of the country. He also said that Manmohan Singh was a 'soulmate' of Telangana. "Manmohan Singh served as Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister of the country and also as a soulmate of Telangana. The Telangana people will keep the former PM in their hearts as he delivered statehood for Telangana," he said. "Manmohan's services to the country are momentous. We are moving a resolution requesting the centre to present India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, to Manmohan Singh for his services to the country. Cutting across party lines, all political parties should support the resolution," the Telangana CM added. He further stated that the government has decided to install a statue of Manmohan Singh in Hyderabad, the release said. Dr Singh passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical issues in Delhi on December 26. (ANI) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh and offered prayers there. The Union Defence Minister was accompanied by the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi who also offered prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple. After visiting the temple, Singh stated that he feels blessed as he had a long pending wish to visit Mahakaleshwar Temple. Speaking to reporters, Rajnath Singh said, "I had a long pending wish to visit Mahakaleshwar Temple. I feel blessed now." He also took to X to share about his visit to the temple and said that he had prayed to God for the happiness, prosperity and good health of all the countrymen. In a social media post on X, Singh wrote, "Today I had the good fortune of visiting and worshipping at the Mahakal temple in Ujjain. This temple is the centre of India's spiritual consciousness. Here I prayed to Mahadev for the happiness, prosperity and good health of all the countrymen. Jai Mahakal!" https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1873647537539989722 Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pointed out 'unconventional methods' of warfare as new challenges before the country, in Mhow. He was addressing senior Army officers at Army War College. "Many unconventional methods like information warfare, AI based warfare, proxy warfare, electro-magnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks are now posing a challenge to us. The dominance of different countries on the availability of electronic chips is also problematic. Monopoly on rare earth materials also indicates a big challenge. Hybrid warfare and Greyzone warfare are adding to our challenges," said Singh. In this challenging situation, it becomes necessary that Indian army should remain well-trained and equipped for all such situations. It is great to see that the training centres of Mhow are playing a very important role in these efforts. This place has been known for its military valour for more than 200 years, he added. This was the first visit by a Defence Minister to the Army War College, Mhow in last 24 years. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is on two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh, for December 29 and 30. (ANI) Amid ruckus in the political circles over funeral arrangements made for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha on Monday lashed out at Congress for "disrespecting" former PM PV Narsimha Rao for not conducting his last rites in Delhi. "It is a well-known fact that the Congress government has ignored PV Narasimha Rao and disrespected him. They did not conduct his last rites in Delhi. In Telangana, we have respected him. We celebrated his birth centenary. We built a huge memorial here in Hyderabad. However, as a former Prime Minister, I believe PV Narasimha Rao should have his own memorial (in Delhi)," Kavitha told ANI. Saying that the discussion happening about former PM Manmohan Singh was "unfortunate," she demanded that there should be a memorial built for him and former PM Narsimha Rao in Delhi. "Whatever discussion is happening about Manmohan Singh is very unfortunate. The memorial should be immediately built. I'm happy that the government has declared mourning days but a memorial for Manmohan Singh should be built, this is my demand. Along with him, we demand that PV Narasimha Rao's memorial is also built in Delhi," Kavitha said. She further hit out at the Congress government in Telangana over the 'increase' in crimes against women. She said that the state government has failed to give attention to the safety of women since there was a 10 per cent increase in the crime rate. "There is a rape case every third hour and there is a kidnapping case every fifth hour," the BRS MLC said, adding that this was never the situation in Telangana. A war of words has broken out between political parties over the cremation of Manmohan Singh at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat with Congress leader criticising the central government for allegedly disrespecting Dr Singh by performing his last rites at Nigambodh Ghat instead of Rajghat. The Congress 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. Meanwhile, 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. (ANI) Ahead of New Year celebrations, the South West District Police of Delhi have rolled out extensive security measures to ensure public safety and maintain order. With large gatherings expected, the police have intensified vigilance, focusing on crowd management and swift response capabilities, according to a press release. Surendra Choudhary, IPS informed that the key security initiatives include 27 traffic checkpoints equipped with breath analyzers to ensure road safety and 57 fortified pickets monitoring vehicular movement and suspect activities. Additionally, 14 Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and 16 Police Control Room (PCR) vans have been stationed at strategic locations for rapid response. "Special attention is being given to 35 celebration venues and 15 popular spots, including malls, motels, and cinema halls, which will be under strict surveillance. Security staff have also been deployed at 21 bus stops, on 60 motorcycles patrolling vulnerable routes, and in eight prominent hotels. Hauz Khas Village, a popular party destination, will see a high-visibility police presence to ensure safety," said an official release. In total, the police force comprises seven Assistant Commissioners of Police, 38 Inspectors, and 329 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors, alongside 161 female officers. Regular beat and vehicle patrols will bolster visibility and quick response mechanisms. Authorities have appealed to residents to celebrate responsibly and cooperate with the deployed personnel. Any suspicious activity should be promptly reported to nearby officers or through the helpline number 112. Dhal Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic said, "Connaught Place and India Gate are the main points in New Delhi district, which always witness huge crowds on New Year. To manage this, the traffic police will impose restrictions in Connaught Place after 8 pm, wherein we enforce diversions at around 12 points on roads leading to Connaught Place. "We will allow only those who have a valid parking label. Apart from this, we will divert the rest of the vehicles. Around 400 of our traffic police personnel will be deployed. Apart from this, there will be around 48 bike patrolling teams in the area. Along with this, our team will be deployed with alcohol meters to check and prosecute drunk drivers," Singh told ANI. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a scathing attack against Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi saying that he has flown abroad to celebrate when the entire nation is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise. He further stated that the Congress party has "abused and insulted" Dr Singh. "While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to bring in the New Year even as the nation observes seven days of mourning. Congress doesn't care for Dr Manmohan Singh. They abused and insulted him during his lifetime They continue to do so now. Yesterday nobody went to collect his ashes. Congress even denied Bharat Ratna to Dr Manmohan Singh as per the latest disclosures. This is their true face," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X. Poonawalla further lashed out saying that for Rahul Gandhi 'paryatan' is nothing new. "Rahul Gandhi has changed the meaning of LoP from Leader of Opposition to Leader of 'paryatan' and Leader of the party. At a time when the country is in grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi has left for 'paryatan' and party, as per media reports...Rahul Gandhi and 'paryatan' is nothing new. At a time when the 26/11 attack happened in Mumbai, he was partying all night. He is not concerned about the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh..." said the BJP leader while speaking to media. Another BJP leader, Amit Malviya stated that Rahul Gandhi has exploited Dr Singh's death for his expedient politics and that Gandhis and the Congress party carry hate against Sikhs. "While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year. Rahul Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr Singh's death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable. The Gandhis and the Congress hate the Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib," Malviya wrote in a post on X. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore has launched a counterattack and called a "diversion politics" by "Sanghis". "When will the Sanghis stop this 'Take Diversion' politics? The way Modi denied Dr. Saheb a place for cremation on the Yamuna banks and how his ministers cornered Dr. Saheb's family is shameful. If Mr Gandhi travels privately, why does it bother you? Get well in New Year," Tagore posted on X. Notably, Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical issues in Delhi on December 26. On Saturday, 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. (ANI) Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday accused the Centre of disrespecting former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by conducting his last rites at a public crematorium at Nigambodh Ghat. "... Name one former prime minister who was cremated at Nigambodh Ghat. Is this kind of behaviour against the Sikh community, against former PM Manmohan Singh, or against the Congress? We don't know," Pawan Khera told ANI. Earlier, a war of words broke 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 government 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 the BJP-led central government, alleging that an "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." In response, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur on Sunday criticised the Congress over former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's demise and cremation and accused the party of trying to "play politics" over the late veteran's passing away. "I feel sad about the fact that Congress tried to play politics on the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh. Will the Nehru-Gandhi family stoop so low that they play politics in the name of Dr. Manmohan Singh and his death? Rahul Gandhi should apologise to the nation," said Anurag Thakur. The UPA government had rejected requests for separate memorials in the national capital, citing a lack of space. (ANI) Punjab Police have apprehended two suspects, Anmol Preet and Navjot Singh, in connection with the murder of Jaswant Singh Gill, which occurred on November 7 in Dabra's Gopal Bagh City, Gwalior district. The crime, allegedly motivated by personal rivalry, involved the assailants firing three bullets at the victim. Speaking to ANI, Dharamvir Singh, Superintendent of Police, said, "The murder was done due to personal rivalry and the two shooters of Canadian gangster Arshdeep Dala, Anmol Preet and Navjot Singh, shot Jaswant Singh Gill dead with three bullets in Gopal Bagh City of Dabra." Two arrested accused have been brought to Dabra for interrogation under a police protection warrant. The accused of deceased Jaswant Singh Gill were caught by Punjab Police. "The accused in the Dabra murder case were brought from Punjab jail to Dabra by the police under a protection warrant, and both are currently being interrogated," Singh told ANI. "Additionally, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team has arrived in Gwalior for the interrogation," he added. "The main accused in this case has been found to be residing in Canada," Singh stated. "Both the arrested individuals have been taken on remand, and their connections, as well as links with Satyapal, the primary accused, are being interrogated. We have also requested the interrogation notes related to the incident these accused were involved in while in Punjab, and we are conducting our questioning based on the information received," he added. "After coordinating with the local police, the NIA team has begun interrogating the suspects," Singh said. "Post-interrogation, any connections to Punjab or other criminal activities will be thoroughly investigated." Regarding Khalistani links, he stated, "In the Gwalior case so far, the murder appears to have occurred due to personal enmity. The main accused, Satpal, who is a family member of the victim, has been arrested, and his connections are under investigation." (ANI) The Centre on Monday assigned senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Vitul Kumar to officiate charge for the post of Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF upon the retirement of the incumbent force chief Anish Dayal Singh on December 31, 2024. Kumar, a 1993-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is currently serving as Special Director General of the CRPF. He will hold the position until the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever comes earlier, according to an office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "The competent authority has approved to assignment of the officiating charge for the post of Director General, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to Vitul Kumar, IPS(UP:93), Special Director General, Central Reserve Police Force upon superannuation of Anish Dayal Singh, IPS (MA:88) on December 31, 2024 till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders, whichever is earlier," reads the document. Born on August 3, 1968, in Punjab's Bhatinda, Kumar holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics. Throughout his career, Kumar has held various significant positions within the police force. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) on February 9, 2009, Inspector General (IG) on December 31, 2012, and Additional Director General (ADG) on January 1, 2018. In September 2024, he was appointed as Special Director General of the CRPF against existing vacancies till his retirement on August 31, 2028. Kumar's service has been recognized with several honours, including the President's Police Medal (PPM) awarded on January 26, 2021, and the Police Medal (PM) on August 15, 2009. He has also received the Director General's Commendation Disc in Silver on January 26, 2016, and in Gold on January 26, 2018. As of December 2024, following the retirement of the incumbent Director General, Anish Dayal Singh, Kumar has been assigned the officiating charge for the post of Director General of the CRPF. He will serve in this capacity until a regular appointment is made or until further orders. (ANI) ABVP workers protested outside Tamil Nadu House in Delhi on Monday over the alleged sexual harassment incident at Chennai's Anna University. The protesters demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister and demanded strict action against the university. One of the protesters said, "The DMK government should step down in shame. As protectors of the people, it's appalling that a student who leaves home to study in a college under government protection falls victim to harm. If such incidents occur even in institutions under government purview, the government must take responsibility and resign." Another protester said, "If such an incident happens, whether it is a member of the DMK or a close associate of Udhayanidhi Stalin, strict action should be taken against the officers who have leaked a very sensitive document to that private person. Action should be taken against them and the situation of women's students in Tamil Nadu needs to be strengthened by providing safety to them." Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) dispatched a two-member fact-finding committee to Chennai to investigate the alleged sexual assault of a 19- 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). 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. 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) Congress MP Tariq Anwar responded strongly to Nitesh Rane's recent comments regarding Kerala and Rahul Gandhi. In a sharp retort, Anwar questioned, "Rahul Gandhi won from Rae Bareli, is 'Pakistan' being created there too? His statement aimed at defending Kerala and countering the divisive narrative pushed by the BJP." Anwar emphasized the unity of Kerala, saying, "All the people living in Kerala, whatever religion they belong to - all are our brothers." He condemned the BJP for using inflammatory language, stating that such remarks were part of an attempt to divert public attention from more pressing issues. "BJP always makes such comments to divert people from the real issues," Anwar added. Meanwhile as the Mini-Pakistan remark sparked a row, Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane on Monday clarified that Kerala was very much part of India, saying he was merely comparing the situation in Kerala and Pakistan. He said that if the treatment meted out to "Hindus" in Pakistan is similar to happenings in India, there should be action against the same. "We want our country, which is a Hindu Rashtra, to remain a Hindu Rashtra," Rane told ANI, adding that "Hindus" must be protected in every way. "Kerala is very much part of India. However, the decreasing population of Hindus is something everyone should worry about. The religious conversion of Hindus into Muslims and Christians (Islam and Christianity) has become an everyday thing there. The love jihad cases where Hindu women are targeted are also increasing there. I was comparing the situation (in Kerala) with Pakistan. The way Hindus are treated in Pakistan if such situations happen in our very own country, we must take action against that. That is what I was trying to say in my speech," Rane, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, said. Rane further said that he was stating facts and was accompanied by a person who has helped "12,000 Hindu women" by stopping them from getting converted to "Islam and Christianity." He maintained that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi have won in the Wayanad constituency because they received support from terrorist organisations. (ANI) Union Minister Chirag Paswan, a key supporter of the NDA government, on Monday, urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for immediate intervention in the ongoing BPSC candidates' protest. 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. In a post on X, Chirag Pawan wrote "Being a key supporter of the NDA government on the issues of the youth and BPSC candidates of Bihar, I have appealed to the Bihar government and the Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar ji for immediate intervention, as a result of which the Chief Secretary (who is the highest official of the government) on behalf of the government has started the process of dialogue with the candidates and students. Soon the fruitful results of this initiative will be seen. This is the result of our government's positive thinking and sensitivity towards the students." Paswan praised the state government's efforts to initiate dialogue with the students, stressing that the issue should be resolved peacefully and without political interference. In his X post, he further condemned the lathi charge and use of water cannons by Bihar Police on Sunday to disperse protesting students in Patna. He called for restraint from the police and emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to the students' demands. Additionally, Paswan urged legal action against any officers responsible for excessive force. "I have never been a supporter of the lathi charge and the use of water cannons on students in Patna yesterday. The police should exercise restraint. If students have come out on the streets with their demands, efforts should be made to solve their problems by explaining them in a peaceful manner, and not by using lathi-charge and water cannons. I have also told the Chief Minister that legal action should also be taken against those police officers who are found involved in such activities," he added in the post. On Sunday, Bihar police lathi-charged and used water cannon to disperse the protesting BPSC aspirants in Gandhi Maidan. Following the incident, Bihar Police registered an FIR against 600-700 individuals, including Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishore, for unauthorized gatherings, instigating people and creating law and order issues in Gandhi Maidan. In an official statement, the Patna Administration said, "Jan Suraaj Party was denied permission to organize Chhatra Sansad in front of the Gandhi statue. However, a crowd gathered at the Gandhi statue and created a 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 Kishore on charges of unauthorized gathering of crowd, instigating people and creating law and order problems," Patna Administration added. (ANI) A delegation of Samajwadi Party visited Sambhal on Monday and handed over a cheque of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those killed during the violence that took place in Sambhal, on November 24. The delegation included Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia Ur Rehman Barq and Uttar Pradesh Assembly LoP and Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey. Barq also slammed the state government and claimed that five people were killed and cases were filed against a specific community. "Not only Sambhal but the entire state and country is ashamed. There had been some disputes between Hindus and Muslims but it was a gone case now. People were living in peace here but it was disturbed. Our five people have been killed... We raised the voice of the people of Sambhal. What kind of justice is that, that our people were killed and cases were filed against us only? We believe in the Constitution and we hope that justice will be done...," said Zia Ur Rehman Barq. Notably, the SP chief Yadav earlier at the end of November announced that his party would provide compensation worth Rs five lakhs to the kin of the deceased in the Sambhal violence. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh police have arrested 50 people in connection with the violence near the Jama Masjid area in Sambhal district on November 24, officials said. Sambhal Superintendent (SP) Krishnan Kumar Bishnoi said that 50 people have been arrested and the search is on for 91 people connected with the violence. He further added that some individuals are yet to be identified. "50 people have been arrested so far in the violence that took place in Sambhal on November 24. The search is on for another 91 people. Some people are yet to be identified, " said SP Bishnoi "The investigation is being carried out from all angles--the cause of the incident and the people behind it. The police have not concluded yet," he added. This development comes after recent violence in the area, during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of a Mughal-era mosque last month, which led to four deaths and injuries among police and locals. (ANI) Political analyst, Tehseen Poonawalla criticized the BJP for putting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's security at risk by publicizing his personal program. Speaking out on the matter, Poonawalla stated, "The LoP, Rahul Gandhi enjoys the same security cover as the Home Minister of India, Amit Shah, and the Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh enjoy." He further warned, "Today, by making his personal program public, the BJP is putting his life in jeopardy." Poonawalla also recalled the tragic history of Gandhi's family, saying, "Remember, Rahul Gandhi's family, be it his father, late martyr Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi or his grandmother, late martyr Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, have been assassinated by terrorists. And today you are his making program Public!" Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a scathing attack against Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi saying that he has flown abroad to celebrate when the entire nation is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise. He further stated that the Congress party has "abused and insulted" Dr Singh. "While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to bring in the New Year even as the nation observes seven days of mourning. Congress doesn't care for Dr Manmohan Singh. They abused and insulted him during his lifetime They continue to do so now. Yesterday nobody went to collect his ashes. Congress even denied Bharat Ratna to Dr Manmohan Singh as per the latest disclosures. This is their true face," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X. Poonawalla further lashed out saying that for Rahul Gandhi 'paryatan' is nothing new. "Rahul Gandhi has changed the meaning of LoP from Leader of Opposition to Leader of 'paryatan' and Leader of the party. At a time when the country is in grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi has left for 'paryatan' and party, as per media reports...Rahul Gandhi and 'paryatan' is nothing new. At a time when the 26/11 attack happened in Mumbai, he was partying all night. He is not concerned about the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh..." said the BJP leader while speaking to media. Another BJP leader, Amit Malviya stated that Rahul Gandhi has exploited Dr Singh's death for his expedient politics and that Gandhis and the Congress party carry hate against Sikhs. "While the country is mourning Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown to Vietnam to ring in the New Year. Rahul Gandhi politicised and exploited Dr Singh's death for his expedient politics but his contempt for him is unmissable. The Gandhis and the Congress hate the Sikhs. Never forget that Indira Gandhi desecrated the Darbar Sahib," Malviya wrote in a post on X. (ANI) The Gujarat Information and Broadcasting Department on Monday organised health check-up camps for journalists in the district offices of the Information Department across the state, an official release said. The event was organised under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Department Avantika Singh, and Director of Information KL Bachani. As per the release, the department conducted health check-ups for a total of 1,532 journalists, To ensure the health and well-being of journalists in Gujarat, the Information and Broadcasting Department, in collaboration with the Gujarat Red Cross Society, launched the "Fit Media, Fit India" campaign, an official release said This initiative, which was inaugurated by CM Patel on October 15 in Ahmedabad, spanned from October 15 to December 19, covering all district headquarters across the state. In India, the press and media are regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy. Journalists, regardless of season or circumstance, work tirelessly to deliver accurate and unbiased information to the public, playing a pivotal role in preserving democratic values. Recognizing their critical contribution, the State Government's Information and Broadcasting Department has consistently prioritized the welfare of journalists, providing various facilities, including insurance coverage, the release said. A total of 1,532 journalists and media personnel benefitted from these camps, which offered, blood tests, X-rays, and ECGs, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, cholesterol, thyroid, and diabetes screening, Health guidance and lifestyle tips to promote well-being. Chairman of the Gujarat Red Cross Society, Ajay Patel, remarked that these health camps were meticulously planned to address the health needs of journalists who work relentlessly for the welfare of society. He stated that a previous health camp in Ahmedabad benefitted 518 journalists, safeguarding many from potentially severe illnesses. He mentioned that such initiatives reflect the State Government's commitment to good governance and public welfare. Journalists across Gujarat have conveyed their gratitude for this initiative, praising the Information and Broadcasting Department's dedication to their health and well-being. The department, in turn, extended its thanks to the Red Cross Society team for their invaluable support in executing this campaign, as per the release. (ANI) The University of Delhi on Monday announced the opening of admissions for its Competence Enhancement Scheme (CES) 2024-25, a program that offers people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to enroll in courses offered by the varsity. As part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the initiative aims to provide a platform for individuals to enhance their knowledge and skills, whether they are senior citizens or younger learners seeking to further their education. The registration for CES 2024-25 will remain open from December 28, 2024, to January 8, 2025. Admissions will begin on January 8, 2025. The scheme invites applications for papers offered by both university departments (for II and IV semesters) and colleges (for II, IV, and VI semesters) during the academic session 2024-25. "University of Delhi, invites applications from interested candidates to its Competence Enhancement Scheme (CES) 2024-25 for the papers offered by the University departments (in II and IV semester) and colleges (in II, IV and VI semester) of the academic session 2024-25," the university said in a statement. The university highlighted that CES is designed to "fulfill educational dreams of those who could not get opportunity earlier," enabling participants to "upgrade academic and professional skills using latest technology, knowledge, and innovation." Any individual who meets the eligibility criteria for a particular paper is eligible to register, with the seats being offered on a supernumerary basis, depending on the availability of seats in the respective departments and colleges. As the scheme is open to lifelong learners, it provides an avenue for personal and professional growth. For more details, prospective candidates can refer to the CES e-brochure available on the university's official portal and the Institute of Lifelong Learning's website, which provides information on available courses, eligibility criteria, registration procedures, and fee structure. Candidates can apply through the official portal, and for further queries, they may contact the Institute of Lifelong Learning via email at ces@illl.du.ac.in. (ANI) Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Monday slammed the BJP over their allegations on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of 'flying abroad when the nation is mourning,' and said that the party should be "ashamed." The Congress MP also demanded an apology from BJP for doing "politics" in the name of former PM Manmohan Singh. "BJP only lies...They lie about everything...They did not give space for the building of a memorial for former PM Dr Manmohan Singh...Rahul Gandhi gave a shoulder to the mortal remains of Manmohan Singh...and BJP is accusing him...The party should be ashamed...They should apologize for doing politics in the name of Manmohan Singh," Randhawa told ANI. Earlier today, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack against Congress MP and Rahul Gandhi saying that he has flown abroad to celebrate when the entire nation is mourning former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise. He further stated that the Congress party has "abused and insulted" Dr Singh. "While the country is mourning former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's demise, Rahul Gandhi has flown abroad to bring in the New Year even as the nation observes seven days of mourning. Congress doesn't care for Dr Manmohan Singh. They abused and insulted him during his lifetime They continue to do so now. Yesterday nobody went to collect his ashes. Congress even denied Bharat Ratna to Dr Manmohan Singh as per the latest disclosures. This is their true face," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote on X. Notably, Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical issues in Delhi on December 26. On Saturday, 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. (ANI) Former Assistant Professor at the University of Delhi, Vinoy Krishna, lauded ISRO's upcoming PSLV launch and the SpaDex mission, calling it a landmark achievement for India. "SpaDex mission, as it is called... India is going to be trying for the first time and as the only 4th nation in the world, it will be an act of docking two objects in space," Krishna said. He described the mission as a monumental step for India's space ambitions, adding, "It is going to be a historic and iconic launch." Meanwhile, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its year-end mission, the "Space Docking Experiment" (SpaDeX), on Monday, said the organisation. The mission will be launched precisely at 10:00:15 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. "Tonight at precisely 10:00:15 PM, PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and innovative payloads are set for liftoff. SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is a pioneering mission to establish India's capability in orbital docking, a key technology for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions. Liftoff: 30 Dec, 10:00:15 PM (22:00:15 hours)," ISRO posted on X. The PSLV-C60 rocket will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on Monday. Preparations have been made to launch the PSLV-C60 rocket. ISRO is ready with all the arrangements. For the 'Spatial' project, which will launch two small spacecraft, ISRO is making all the arrangements to launch the PSLV-C60 rocket from the Sriharikota launch pad. The "Space Docking Experiment" (SpaDeX) mission will use the PSLV-C60 rocket. As per the ISRO, the primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit. "In addition, SpaDeX, because of its small size and mass, is even more challenging due to the finer precision required for the rendezvous and docking maneuvers compared to docking two large spacecraft. This mission will be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth," ISRO said in a statement. Like all ISRO satellites in low-Earth orbit, both the SpaDeX spacecraft carry a differential GNSS-based Satellite Positioning System (SPS), which provides PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) solutions for the satellites. (ANI) Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Monday wrote a letter to Chief Minister Atishi and expressed his disapproval of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal referring her as a "temporary Chief Minister." "I found this very objectionable and I was hurt by it. It was not only an insult to you, but also to your appointee, the President of India and to me as her representative... As a Lieutenant Governor, I am concerned about this level of public discourse and at the same time, I am hurt by the conversation of presenting the full-time Chief Minister of my government as a temporary Chief Minister," the letter read. In the letter he criticised Kejriwal's remark as an affront to "constitutional values and the dignity of the office." "The public definition of temporary or caretaker Chief Minister given by Kejriwal has no constitutional provision and it is also a reprehensible disregard of the democratic spirit and values enshrined in the Constitution drafted by Baba Saheb Ambedkar," it added. He further said that it is well known under what "circumstances" you were made the Chief Minister. "Whether it is the deteriorating condition of Yamuna in the last ten years or the acute shortage of drinking water, the issue of mountains of garbage or the lack of basic facilities in industrial areas, the plight of roads and sewer lines or the crumbling health system, the lack of facilities in unauthorized colonies or the hellish life in slums, everyone knows how possible it is for a Chief Minister, who has been declared temporary and makeshift, to do anything in three-four months. Your leader has also publicly accepted his failures in these areas, but as the Chief Minister, the responsibility for the failures in all these areas will now be yours," the LG further said. The Delhi LG said, " Recently two departments of the Delhi government issued public notices in the press, warning people to be cautious about registrations being done for non-existent schemes by the former Chief Minister. This incident is unprecedented and must have been unsettling for you." "However, I also appreciate the departmental officers who, while discharging their duties, brought to the notice of the public the correct facts regarding the misleading schemes and their registration in the public interest. He further said that he is "concerned" about this level of public discourse and is also "hurt" by the discussion of presenting the "full-time Chief Minister of my government as a temporary Chief Minister." "I wish you a successful and bright future. My letter is written to you personally, but in the times to come, it should be considered a document outlining and recording the current context," LG told Atishi. Atishi became the chief minister in September this year, following Kejriwal's resignation after his release on bail from Tihar Jail in connection with the Delhi liquor policy 'scam.' Delhi's assembly elections are scheduled for early next year. (ANI) "In an operation, the Shahdara police have arrested a 22-year-old transgender accused, Yash @ Yashika, in connection with a theft case involving Rs 50,000," Delhi Police said. According to the police, the accused had stolen the money from an office in Seemapuri on December 23. The police had registered an e-FIR and analyzed over 100 CCTV cameras to identify the suspect. The accused was arrested on December 28 and a stolen scooty was recovered from the possession. The police also recovered Rs 2,500 in cash. The accused has been previously involved in three cases and was handed over to the concerned Investigating Officer (IO) for further investigation. (ANI) Prasad said that the Tamil Nadu Police's incompetence under DMK rule is exposed by the recent Anna University sexual harassment case, amidst skyrocketing crimes transforming the state into a violence hub. "Administrative lapses, caused by ineptitude and mismanagement, erode public trust and underscore the urgent need for reform," he said. BJP Spokesperson questioned and demanded answers from Chennai's Police Commissioner, specifically asking who the accused was speaking to during the crime. He claimed the police's failure to investigate and their cover-up attempts have led to a loss of public trust. "Tamil Nadu Police's inaction and cover-up attempts have lost public trust. Chennai's Police Commissioner must answer: 'Who was the accused speaking to during the crime?' The police's failure to investigate and cover-up attempts have lost public trust," he said. He also urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin to appoint a dedicated Home Minister, implement reforms ensuring accountability, and establish a separate court for police personnel cases. "This will ensure Tamil Nadu Police become a symbol of integrity, duty-bound, and protective of citizens' rights, operating with transparency and accountability," he said. Tamil Nadu BJP spokesperson further alleged that the DMK government's priorities are skewed, focusing on the 2026 elections and party events over citizens' welfare. "Effective governance demands accountability and transparency. A dedicated Home Minister will ensure Tamil Nadu Police's accountability, transparency, and protection of citizens' rights," he said. He demanded Chief Minister MK Stalin, to take immediate action against the surge in crimes, including murder, robbery, rape, theft, and bootlegging. He emphasized the need to prioritize citizens' safety and welfare. "Appointing a dedicated Home Minister and implementing reforms will revitalize Tamil Nadu Police, upholding justice and citizens' rights," he said. A second-year student of Anna University was allegedly sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus, 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 around 8 pm. Based on the complaint, a case has been registered at the Kotturpuram AWPS and an investigation is underway. (ANI) The village of Carterpuri in Haryana is in mourning following the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter, after whom the village was renamed. In 1978, Jimmy Carter visited the village and was warmly received by the residents. The village was renamed in honour of the former US President following his visit to India in 1978. As a token of appreciation, the villagers renamed their village Carterpuri. Since then, the village has maintained a close bond with the Carter family and the White House. Carter passed away at the age of 100. He served as the 39th President of the United States. Former Panch of Carterpuri, Atar Singh recalled the events that unfolded during his visit to India. Atar Singh said, "Deeply saddened by his passing away. We feel as if a member of the family has passed away. It is said that either this is his birthplace or he came here with his mother Lillian Carter. His wife was Rosalynn Carter. His mother used to work as a nurse in Mumbai. Whenever there were vacations they used to come here to propagate their religion. He came here on January 3, 1978, on the advice of his mother, at that time our village used to be known as Daulatpur Naseerabad. Our village was not connected to Delhi or Gurgaon then. There was a forest cover then. Devi Lal, the then Chief Minister (of Haryana) tried to take him to some other village but he (Jimmy Carter) insisted on visiting this village only." He further said that when he came then the village was sealed. Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the passing away of former US President Jimmy Carter, describing him as a "statesman of great vision." PM Modi said that Carter's contributions to fostering strong ties between India and the US leave a lasting legacy. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "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 and the people of the US." In 1978, Jimmy Carter travelled to India as US President. He met India's then-President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai. During his visit, he also addressed the Parliament of India. Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday (local time) at his home in Plains, Georgia, The Washington Post reported, 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, Carter 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 tumours that spread to his liver and brain. 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, The Washington Post reported. 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. Carter also played a role in pushing through the Panama Canal treaties, which placed the critical waterway under Panamanian control, improving US ties with Latin American neighbours. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dilip Saikia has accused Congress of "politics" over the proposed memorial of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who passed away last week. He said Dr Manmohan Singh led the economic liberalization and contributed vastly to India's economic growth. "After his sad demise, Congress is doing some nasty politics regarding his memorial. When the country is mourning his demise, doing politics in his name... people don't expect this type of behaviour from Congress. People want he should get the proper respect," Saikia said. "He was a Prime Minister of our motherland, and we are not bothered by as to which party he belonged to. He served the country and we have great respect for him," the BJP MP added. Congress had urged the government to that the last rites of the former Prime Minister should take place at his final resting place "that would be a sacrosanct venue for the memorial of the great son of India". The government communicated to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the family of Manmohan Singh that it 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. Saikia slammed Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav's comments about the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's residence. "The type of language this alliance uses, they always talk like this, and we don't expect anything else from him," he said. "Their behaviour, actions, words--they always stand against thoughts of the Sanatanis. Appeasement politics is their only agenda." We have seen that they made separate laws for Kashmir and have spoken words like 'Santana (Dharm) is like cancer," Saikia said, taking a dig at the INDIA bloc. Akhilesh Yadav, in a jibe at the ongoing excavation work in Uttar Pradesh, suggested that a Shivling might also be found at the residence of the state's Chief Minister."Since the excavation work is underway, I believe that there is a Shivling at the Chief Minister's residence too... we have faith that the Shivling is there," Yadav has said, implying that such discoveries were allegedly being overly dramatized for political purposes. Earlier on Monday, Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the Centre of disrespecting former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by conducting his last rites at a public crematorium at Nigambodh Ghat. "... Name one former prime minister who was cremated at Nigambodh Ghat. Is this kind of behaviour against the Sikh community, against former PM Manmohan Singh, or against the Congress? We don't know," Pawan Khera said. (ANI) The shocking incident of Congress MLA Uma Thomas falling from the VIP Gallery at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi prompted an investigation by the Forensic team, police officers, and Fire and Rescue officials, who inspected the stadium for any safety lapses. Earlier, Palarivattom Police registered a case against the event organizers. The owner of the event management company, Krishnakumar, who was part of the organizing committee, has been taken into police custody for questioning. Meanwhile, Mridanga Vision has approached the High Court for anticipatory bail in connection with the incident. Congress leader and MLA, Depthy Mary Varghese, blamed the security failure for the incident, saying, "This is a security failure from the side of the police and Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA). It's a real security lapse from the side of the authorities and also from the side of the police authorities. Even the minister is participating in this program. So while it's a VIP program, there should be a security check from the side of the police." The fall of the MLA has raised serious questions about the safety protocols during public events, especially when VIPs are present, highlighting the need for stricter security measures at such gatherings. After the incident, Uma was immediately rushed to Renai Medicity Hospital in Kochi, where she was receiving treatment in the ICU. Meanwhile, Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan informed that Congress MLA Uma Thomas is being monitored after sustaining a head injury during a fall. The Congress MLA fell from the VIP Gallery of JN Stadium in Kochi while attending the Mridanga Naadam, Bharatanatyam Programme. "She has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures. She needs to be monitored for the next 24 hours. We are providing all the medical help," Satheesan told ANI on Sunday night. "At the beginning, we thought it was a grave situation," he added. (ANI) Amid delays in the supply of the engines for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark1A, it is emerging that the price of the deal with the American firm for the GE-414 engines is likely to go up, sources said. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE have been discussing the project for the 98 Kilo Newton thrust GE-414 engines for the LCA Mark-2 aircraft. The GE-404 engines to be used for the LCA Mark1A aircraft have already been delayed by over 18 months and supplies are not likely to begin in March 2025. The price of the deal for the GE-414 engines is now likely to go up in view of the ongoing discussions between the two sides, sources told ANI. The project for the GE-414 engines is very important as it is required for India's indigenous fighter aircraft programme for developing a 4th generation aircraft, they said. The GE-404 engines have been delayed due to supply chain issues faced by the American original equipment manufacturer, the sources said. Both the important indigenous fighter aircraft projects have been hit by delays due to engine issues and have affected the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force. The defence ministry has now formed a committee under the Defence Secretary to give its recommendations on the capability development of the Indian Air Force. The three critical fighter aircraft development projects include the LCA Mark 1A, LCA Mark-2 and the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The IAF has already ordered 83 LCA Mark1A fighters and is working for 97 more of these planes. The most advanced project would be the AMCA which will be the mainstay of the force in the next few decades. (ANI) Leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari on Monday accused the West Bengal government of hindering efforts to acquire land for constructing BSF outposts along the Bangladesh border. "I gave out the details of how non-cooperation is being done (by the state government) with Centre and MHA... Joint meetings are not being held, no coordination with central government agencies, and police released all the 1500 intruders arrested by BSF last year and 1000 this year... The land has not been allotted for 17 BSF outposts, the resolution is being taken up in assembly against BSF and the additional DGP in charge (of West Bengal) is directly condemning BSF... Politics should be stopped for the sake of the country and the Bengali community," Adhikari alleged. "The state police has failed to take necessary actions against transborder criminals. Many of these criminal elements are operating under the protection of the ruling party," he claimed. The BJP leader further said the Central government is "trying hard" to cooperate with the West Bengal government. "The Central Government has tried hard. The state government is not interested in cooperating with the central government," he added. He further said that the total length of the International Border (IB) in State West Bengal is 2,216.7 km. Out of this, 1,647.446 km have already been covered with Border fence. However, in 569.254 km, fencing has not yet been completed. "Of these remaining gaps, 456.474 km are considered feasible for fencing. Out of 456.474 km, presently, land acquisition cases are undergoing in 284.56 km for construction of fence which is important for preventing infiltration. There are total 133 Land Acquisition (LA) cases, covering an area of 284.56 km or 1422.81 acres. Out of these, 120 cases (255.42 Km / 1,350.19 acres) have received cabinet approval from the State Government. However, 03 cases (3.5 Km / 6.69 acres) are awaiting Cabinet approval from the State Government and 10 cases (25.64 Km / 65.94 acres) are still pending for submission to State Government.for approval due to want of revenue documents from the District LA authorities," he added. He further alleged that in 18 cases (72.979 km), no land has been handed over to the BSF yet. "For remaining 63 cases (143.405 km / 778.575 acres), where approval from State Government has been granted, payment could not be made due to slow pending valuation processes of Distt Land Acquisition authorities," he said. Adhikari further claimed that total 17 land acquisition (LA) cases related to Border Outposts (BOPs) which are important for border protection are pending. "Out of 10 cases which have received State Cabinet approval, in 04 cases where payment has been made, but land for BOP has not yet been handed over to BSF. Further, 06 cases are pending due to the pending land valuation. Two cases are still pending for State Cabinet approval and 05 cases are pending for revenue records," he claimed. Adhikari also accused the state police of non-cooperation with the BSF in controlling cross-border crimes, particularly smuggling, cattle trafficking, and the movement of drugs like Phensedyl and Yaba tablets. "Drug smuggling is another trans-border crime, where the drugs are brought near the border from the hinterland. However, State Police never checks the Pharma Shops in hinterland for Phensedyl/ Yaba tablets etc. as a deterrent to check their smuggling across the border to Bangladesh," he said. Adhikari said that MHA has issued directions for the creation of a Border Protection Grid with the institutional mechanism of the District Level Standing Committee to meet on a Monthly Basis but the "state government is yet to implement the system of Monthly coordination. Meeting at District level which is to be attended by all the stakeholders to sort out/ resolve/ coordinate various operational and administrative issue related to border areas." He further alleged that the state police has delayed filing the FIRs saying,"At times, the police officials decline to lodge the FIRs of BSF officials stating that BSF do not have jurisdiction to operate in hinterland thereby ignoring the fact that government of India has extended the area of jurisdiction of BSF under certain provisions up to 50 Kms from IB in many bordering states including West Bengal." "BSF officials face significant challenges in lodging FIRs with local police. They are often made to wait for prolonged durations (6-10 hours) and asked to modify their complaints or provide personal documents like Aadhar cards, etc," he added. Adhikari's remarks came amid growing concerns about infiltration and transborder crimes in the state. 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. (ANI) A Delhi Court has recently granted bail to a man arrested in an alleged illegal arms supply network to the gangs of Tillu Tajpuria and Chhenu Pehalwan. Delhi Police crime branch had busted the network after arresting the accused. At the instance of accused Ajay alias Totla, another accused person named Shamim was arrested from Aligarh and 10 illegal arms and ammunition were recovered. It is alleged that Shamim does supply illegal arms to Ajay who further supplies the same to one Vinay Pandit for use by the Chhenu Pehalwan gang. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Medha Arya on December 24, granted bail to Ajay alias Totla on furnishing a personal bond of Rs. 20000 and surety bond in the like amount. The accused was arrested on December 12, 2024, near the Delhi Noida Border and a stolen bike was recovered from him. An illegal weapon was also recovered at his instance from his house in Sangam Vihar. Defence counsel argued that the recovery was planted upon the accused by the police. Advocate Sanjeev Malik argued that as per FIR secret information for the apprehension of the accused was recieved at 11 PM on December 11, 2024. However, the accused was already arrested by the police at 10.41 PM on the same night. A PCR call was also made by his wife after he was taken in a private car, the counsel argued before the court. A report was also called from the SHO concerned. The same was not filed by the SHO. After noticing all the facts, the court granted bail to the accused. (ANI) US Vice President Kamala Harris paid tribute to former President James Earl Carter Jr, who passed away on Sunday (local time), calling him an inspiration and highlighting his lifelong dedication to fighting for peace, democracy, and human dignity. "President Jimmy Carter was guided by a deep and abiding faith -- in God, in America, and in humanity. Jimmy Carter's life is a testament to the power of service -- as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, the 76th Governor of Georgia, and the 39th President of the United States. He reminded our nation and the world that there is strength in decency and compassion",said Harris in her statement. "As President, he protected our air and water, promoted transparency in government, and brokered an historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. Throughout his life, President Carter was strengthened by the love and support of his partner of 77 years, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, whose life President Biden and I had the opportunity to celebrate in Georgia last year. After leaving office, President Carter continued his fight for peace, democracy, and human dignity through the Carter Center", the statement added. Harris shared that she had the privilege of knowing President Carter for years and would 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", she said. Earlier, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden had also expressed their condolences on the demise of Jimmy Carter, calling him a "man of great character and courage." https://x.com/POTUS/status/1873503977792225522 It was noted in the statement by the White House that an official state funeral will be held in Washington DC for James Earl Carter Jr., "who gave his full life in service to God and country." James Earl Carter Jr, 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. (ANI) US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden mourned the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, describing him as an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian. In a statement, the Bidens reflected on Carter's lifelong commitment to peace, civil rights, and humanitarian efforts, noting his global impact and his legacy of compassion and moral clarity. In a statement released by the White House, they said, "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" "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", the statement added. In their statement, Joe and Jill Biden said that Jimmy Carter's life serves as an example for anyone searching for what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning. They stated that Carter, "showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people - decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong." The statement from the White House also noted that an official state funeral will be held in Washington DC for James Earl Carter Jr, "who gave his full life in service to God and country." https://x.com/POTUS/status/1873503977792225522 James Earl Carter Jr, 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 a statement from the Carter Center in 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 had spread to his liver and brain. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported the detection of 23 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels near the island, with 16 aircraft crossing the median line and entering Taiwan's airspace, In a post shared on X, the MND said, "23 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 16 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1873534468130226486 Meanwhile, the 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." Military activity was also reported on Saturday when seven Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels were around its territory Earlier, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence took to X to share the opening of New Barracks of the ROC Armed Force Army 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. 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) US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden mourned the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, describing him as an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian. In a statement, the Bidens reflected on Carter's lifelong commitment to peace, civil rights, and humanitarian efforts, noting his global impact and his legacy of compassion and moral clarity. In a statement released by the White House, they said, "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" "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", the statement added. In their statement, Joe and Jill Biden said that Jimmy Carter's life serves as an example for anyone searching for what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning. They stated that Carter, "showed that we are a great nation because we are a good people - decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong." The statement from the White House also noted that an official state funeral will be held in Washington DC for James Earl Carter Jr, "who gave his full life in service to God and country." https://x.com/POTUS/status/1873503977792225522 Former US President James Earl Carter Jr, 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 a statement from the Carter Center in 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 had spread to his liver and brain. (ANI) At least eight individuals were killed and 13, including civilians, were injured on the Afghan side during ongoing clashes at the border, which continued late into Saturday night, according to security officials, Dawn reported. The intense exchange of fire followed an escalation in tensions after Pakistani fighter jets targeted alleged camps of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province earlier this week. The clashes erupted after a failed attempt by militants on the Afghan side to infiltrate Pakistan, triggering fresh fighting on Saturday. One Frontier Corps soldier was martyred, and 11 others sustained injuries in the renewed violence. Security sources confirmed that on Friday night, militants attempted to breach the border, but their efforts were thwarted by Pakistani forces. Following the failed infiltration attempt, the militants joined Afghan forces and launched an attack on Pakistani posts with both light and heavy weapons on Saturday morning. The Afghan forces, in coordination with militants, targeted several Pakistani border posts in areas including Ghozgarhi, Matha Sangar, Kot Ragha, and Tari Mengal. The clashes lasted throughout the day. Pakistani forces responded with retaliatory fire, inflicting significant losses on the Afghan side, and forcing the attackers to abandon their border posts, sources claimed as per Dawn. Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concerns over the use of Afghan soil by militants for cross-border attacks, particularly in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the issue last week, urging the Afghan government to take decisive action against the TTP, emphasising that attacks from Afghan soil were a "red line" for Pakistan. He also stated that while Pakistan is willing to engage in talks with Kabul, dialogue cannot occur alongside ongoing attacks. On the same day as the airstrikes, a Pakistani delegation, led by Special Representative Muhammad Sadiq, met with Afghan leaders in Kabul to resume diplomatic dialogue after a year-long hiatus, Dawn reported. The Afghan government lodged a protest over the airstrikes, claiming that at least 46 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed. The strikes followed an attack in South Waziristan last week, which resulted in the martyrdom of 16 Pakistani soldiers. (ANI) Retired teachers and employees of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) in Karachi have accused the university administration of withholding their pensions and retirement benefits for several months, leaving many facing severe financial hardships, Dawn reported. According to Tausif Ahmed Khan, a retired associate professor and convener of the Committee for Retired Teachers and Non-Teaching Staff at FUUAST, employees who retired between 2017 and 2024 have not received their pensions for the past four months. Furthermore, many retirees have not received their other post-retirement benefits for an even longer period. Khan highlighted that six of the 80 affected retirees have already passed away, further exacerbating the distress of their grieving families. The financial struggles faced by the retirees have been compounded by health issues requiring regular medical attention, for which they depend on their pensions. Khan emphasised, "Pension is our right, not a charity being given by the government." He condemned the university's actions as "illegal and inhumane," asserting that despite having surplus funds exceeding PKR 500 million, the university had invested the money in a private bank instead of paying the retirees their dues. Khan further revealed that despite clear directives from the Federal Ombudsman to use the surplus funds to pay the retirees, the university's Vice-Chancellor (VC) chose to invest the funds, including PKR 100 million from November's profits, into a private bank in Islamabad. He claimed that the funds had been invested in Habib Bank's Bahria Enclave Branch during the tenure of a bank manager who had close ties to the university's accounts officials. After the manager's transfer to Bank Alfalah, the funds were moved to his new branch without proper approval from the university's Syndicate, reported Dawn. The issue has raised further concerns, as Khan clarified that the university's rules do not restrict the use of funds for the Karachi campus, despite some officials claiming otherwise. Tariq Iqbal, spokesperson for the Higher Education Commission (HEC), confirmed to Dawn that the HEC provides grant-in-aid to public sector universities without campus distinctions, leaving the decision on fund allocation to the universities' statutory bodies or syndicates. When approached for comment, the VC stated that only October's pension had not been paid and that no other dues remained. He also asserted that the investment of the funds occurred before his tenure as Vice-Chancellor. However, Khan has called for an investigation into the alleged misuse of funds and has urged Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the university's pro-chancellor and Federal Minister for Education, to take swift action, Dawn reported. As the crisis continues, Khan warned, "If we aren't paid our pensions and other dues, we will be forced to go on a hunger strike from January 2025." (ANI) In a post on X, Indian High Commission in Suva wrote, "Thank you Hon'ble Deputy Prime Minister Prof. @bimanprasad for the heartfelt condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh." https://x.com/HCI_Suva/status/1873571052955344988 Biman Prasad called Manmohan Singh a "great leader" of India and said that his leadership and contributions will be greatly missed. "With deep sadness, signed the condolence book at the High Commission of India in Suva, mourning the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a great leader of India. His leadership and contributions will be greatly missed. #RIP #ManmohanSingh," Biman Prasad wrote on X. https://x.com/bimanprasad/status/1873572012112970088 Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related medical issues in Delhi on December 26. On Saturday, 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. 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. 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 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 modernizing India's economy.He was succeeded by Narendra Modi in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections. (ANI) A recent survey reveals that the overwhelming majority of adults in Taiwan identify as Taiwanese, with only a small minority considering themselves Chinese. The poll, conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF), highlights a stable trend in national identity that has been consistent for several months, Taiwan News reported. The nationwide survey, carried out between December 9 and 11, asked respondents, "Do you identify as Taiwanese or Chinese, or do you have a different view?" The results showed that 76.1 per cent of those surveyed identify as Taiwanese, while only 10.1 per cent consider themselves Chinese. Another 9 per cent said they identify as both Taiwanese and Chinese, while 4.5 per cent had no opinion on the matter, and 0.4 per cent refused to answer. The survey, which included 1,083 participants aged 20 and above, used a combination of landline (70 per cent) and mobile phone (30 per cent) interviews. The margin of error for the survey is +-2.98 per cent, with a 95 per cent confidence level. Comparing this latest poll to one conducted in June, the results show little change in public sentiment. Although there was a slight decrease in those identifying exclusively as Taiwanese (down 0.7 per cent) and a small increase in those identifying as Chinese (up 3.5 per cent), the overall pattern of Taiwanese identity dominance remains unchanged, reported Taiwan News. In further breakdowns, the survey found that 54.5 per cent of Taiwanese adults strongly identify as Taiwanese, while 21.6 per cent moderately identify as such. Only 3.5 per cent strongly identify as Chinese, with 6.6 per cent identifying moderately as Chinese. The data also shows that the trend towards identifying as Taiwanese is consistent across age groups, particularly for those aged 25-54, where more than 80 per cent consider themselves Taiwanese. Ethnic background also plays a role in national identity. Among the Hoklo ethnic group, 81.8 per cent identify as Taiwanese, while 67.6 per cent of Hakka respondents share the same view. Even among people from other Chinese provinces, 46.9 per cent identify as Taiwanese. Educational background has minimal impact on identity, with 76 per cent of those with a college education identifying as Taiwanese, mirroring similar figures across all educational levels. Political party affiliation strongly influences national identity as well. Among supporters of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), 96.8 per cent identify as Taiwanese, while just 0.9 per cent consider themselves Chinese. Conversely, in the Kuomintang (KMT), 48.2 per cent identify as Taiwanese, 26.7 per cent as Chinese, and 20.6 per cent with dual identity. Voters from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and neutral voters also show a strong preference for Taiwanese identity, Taiwan News reported. TPOF pollster Yinglong You, who designed the questionnaire, noted that the survey's data was weighted by region, gender, age, and education level to ensure accurate representation of Taiwan's population. The data also draws from the latest demographic information from Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior. (ANI) Taiwanese lawmakers from both the governing and opposition parties have proposed a bill to combat the rising issue of forced organ harvesting, with the bill outlining severe punishments, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, for offenders, Taipei Times reported. The proposal aims to tackle the exploitative practices perpetrated by crime syndicates targeting vulnerable individuals. The draft bill, titled the "Act on Combating and Preventing Forced Organ Harvesting," was jointly introduced by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lin Szu-ming, and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Legislator Chen Gau-tzu. They explained that international human rights organisations, including the UN, the US Congress, and the European Parliament, have long recognised forced organ harvesting as a crime against humanity, especially in countries like China, where this practice has become widespread. The bill was designed to address the growing exploitation of people who fall victim to these scam syndicates, which frequently target individuals who are tricked into working overseas and subsequently forced into organ harvesting. The proposed bill outlines several severe penalties for individuals involved in forced organ harvesting. Offenders who commit the crime through threats, violence, or deception could face a prison sentence of at least seven years, along with fines ranging from NTD 1 million to NTD 12 million (USD 30,562 to USD 365,707), reported Taipei Times. If the crime results in the victim's death, the penalty would be a life sentence, the death penalty, or imprisonment for a minimum of 12 years, in addition to a fine ranging from NTD 3 million to NTD 30 million. Furthermore, if the victim suffers severe bodily harm, the penalty would include life imprisonment or a prison term of at least 10 years, along with a fine ranging from NTD 2 million to NTD 20 million. The bill also addresses other criminal offenses related to forced organ harvesting, such as transplanting harvested organs, storing or transporting them, and operating facilities where victims are held captive. These offenders would face prison sentences of between five and 12 years, with fines ranging from NTD 1 million to NTD 10 million. To encourage reporting of such crimes, the bill also offers whistle-blower protections and rewards in accordance with procedures established by the Executive Yuan. The proposed legislation further includes a provision that prevents civil servants, medical professionals, and healthcare personnel from visiting China, Hong Kong, or Macau to conduct or assist in organ transplants, Taipei Times reported. Any such offenders would have their professional eligibility permanently revoked. The law would apply to anyone involved in forced organ harvesting within the territory of Taiwan, regardless of their nationality or origin. (ANI) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and the army chief should hold talks to address the pressing challenges faced by the country, The Express Tribune reported. Speaking to reporters in Kallar Syedan, Awam Pakistan Party chief Abbasi stressed that country's development depends on respecting public opinion. Slamming the election process, he said, "The country will progress only when the people's voice is honoured." Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that results on Form 47 have turned polls into a mockery, according to The Express Tribune report. He expressed concern over Pakistan's governance, stating, "A nation cannot be run in the manner Pakistan is being managed." Criticising the manipulation of the stock market, he said, "Artificially raising the stock index benefits no one, even if it soars to the skies." He also spoke about the influence of military in Pakistan's political landscape, stressing that the army chief holds the real power, The Express Tribune reported. Abbasi said, "The Army Chief holds the real power. The challenges facing the country will only be resolved when Imran Khan and the Army Chief sit together to find solutions." His statement comes amid ongoing debates over political reconciliation and governance in Pakistan. Pakistan's federal government has sought a charter of demands from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as the first round of talks between the two sides concluded in the National Assembly on December 23, ARY News reported. The meeting presided over by Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had the participation of representatives of the government and PTI. During the meeting, PTI and the federal government held talks on the current political situation. For the meeting, the government committee included Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Irfan Siddiqui, Aleem Khan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Farooq Sattar. The opposition committee comprised Asad Qaiser, Hamid Raza, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. The next round of talks between PTI and the federal government is scheduled to be held on January 2, ARY News reported. During the meeting, Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the committee members from both the government and PTI and stressed the importance of negotiations in strengthening democracy. He stated that the dialogue process is a positive omen and necessary for the progress of Pakistan. (ANI) China has stationed around 400 military personnel at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy in Serthar County, eastern Tibet, as part of a broader strategy to tighten control over the region, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said, citing reports from Tibet. The arrival of the troops on December 20, 2024, is accompanied by helicopter surveillance, signalling an escalation of security measures at the world's largest Tibetan Buddhist study centre, the CTA said. Larung Gar, founded in 1980, has long been a hub for Buddhist monks and nuns seeking to deepen their spiritual education. However, it has faced increasing restrictions from the Chinese government, which sees the academy as a centre of Tibetan identity and autonomy. In previous crackdowns, particularly in 2016-2017, thousands of monastic dwellings were demolished, and many practitioners were forcibly evicted. As a result, the population at Larung Gar has been halved, from around 10,000 to a significantly smaller number. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said that the reports have indicated that China plans to impose new regulations at Larung Gar, including limiting the length of time residents can stay to a maximum of 15 years. Additionally, all monks and nuns will be required to register with the authorities, and the total number of religious practitioners is expected to be reduced. Chinese students are reportedly being asked to leave, signalling a targeted effort to decrease the academy's population further. These measures represent a continued effort by the Chinese government to exert greater control over Tibetan Buddhist institutions. The new regulations are part of a wider campaign to restrict religious freedom in Tibet, where traditional Buddhist practices have come under increasing pressure. The Larung Gar Academy, once a beacon of Tibetan Buddhist scholarship, is now facing heightened state surveillance and restrictions, reflecting the broader trend of diminishing religious autonomy in the region. The increasing military presence and stringent regulations at Larung Gar reflect China's ongoing efforts to control Tibetan Buddhism and restrict religious freedoms in Tibet. These measures are part of a broader strategy to diminish Tibetan cultural and religious autonomy, further consolidating state control over the region's spiritual institutions. (ANI) Zubair Baloch, a young journalist and student, was allegedly abducted by Pakistani security forces in a late-night operation in Hub Chowki, Balochistan. In response to his abduction, Zubair Baloch's family and supporters have organised protests, including blocking the CPEC Highway, to demand his immediate and safe release, The Balochistan Post reported. Zubair's sister stated that armed men in a Vigo vehicle raided their home at 3 am on Sunday and forcibly took her brother, The Balochistan Post reported. "We have no idea where he has been taken or the reason he was targeted," she explained. Zubair Baloch, a native of Tijaban in Turbat, holds a degree in Political Science from Balochistan University and has previously worked with the Intekhab newspaper in Balochistan. He was in Hub Chowki on vacation when he was reportedly abducted. In response to Zubair Baloch's abduction, his family and supporters blocked the CPEC highway and staged protests at Hub Bypass and Hoshap. They have urged local communities to join the sit-ins, warning that the demonstrations will continue indefinitely unless their demands are addressed. During a press conference with members of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) HubZone, Zubair's family condemned the growing number of enforced disappearances in Balochistan. "This crisis has touched every Baloch family," they stated. "Today it's our brother, tomorrow it could be someone else's son or father." The family has given authorities a three-day deadline to secure Zubair Baloch's safe return, The Balochistan Post reported. "If he is not released within this time frame, we will intensify our protests and take more severe actions," they warned. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee has also condemned the abduction of Zubair and stated, "Given the recent pattern in Balochistan, where enforced disappearances often end in staged encounters and extrajudicial killings, we are deeply concerned that Zubair may face a similar fate at the hands of the state." (ANI) Paank, the human rights wing of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has condemned the abduction and extrajudicial killing of Zareef Baloch, as well as the denial of justice to his grieving family, the Balochistan Post reported. In a post on X, Paank stated, "We condemn the abduction, torture, and extrajudicial killing of Zareef Baloch, as well as the subsequent denial of justice to his family. Reports suggest that Pakistan's forces have prevented the grieving family from taking Zareef Baloch's body to Turbat for conducting a post-mortem examination and protests are deeply troubling and amount to a blatant violation of basic human rights." https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1872952523197161647 According to The Balochistan Post, the family has accused Pakistani security forces of committing this inhuman act and has appealed for justice during a press conference. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) also condemned the killing, stating, "Zareef Baloch was subjected to horrific torture, with his tongue cut out while he was still alive. This barbaric act appears to be a deliberate attempt to silence and suppress Baloch voices while concealing decades-long atrocities against the Baloch people." The BYC further highlighted, "When the family resisted this inhumanity, they took Zareef's body for a postmortem and demanded justice for his cold-blooded murder. However, the family and residents of Tump were barred from moving towards Turbat by the Frontier Corps (FC) at Kolaoh, near Hasia Abad. The forces detained the family and confiscated Zareef's body. Since last night, the family has been hosting a sit-in protest, which continues now." Paank lamented that such actions not only compound the family's anguish but also reflect a deliberate effort to suppress opposition and demands for justice, reported The Balochistan Post. Highlighting the threat of abducting Zareef Baloch's children, Paank noted it underscores "the pervasive climate of fear and impunity that enables such serious violations to persist." The organisation has urged Pakistan's authorities to allow the family to grieve and protest peacefully without disruption. It called for a fair and transparent investigation into the abduction, torture, and killing of Zareef Baloch, ensuring that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the passing away of former US President Jimmy Carter, describing him a "statesman of great vision." PM Modi said that Carter's contributions to fostering strong ties between India and US leave a lasting legacy. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "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 and the people of the US." In 1978, Jimmy Carter travelled to India as US President. He met India's then-President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and then-Prime Minister Morarji Desai. During his visit, he also addressed Parliament of India. Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday (local time) at his home in Plains, Georgia, The Washington Post reported, 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, Carter 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. 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, The Washington Post reported. 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. Carter also played a role in pushing through the Panama Canal treaties, which placed the critical waterway under Panamanian control, improving US ties with Latin American neighbours. (ANI) Prominent Baloch activist Mahrang on Monday highlighted the oppressive and brutal treatment of the region by the Pakistani state. She said that the oppression and brutality of the state of Pakistan in Balochistan has crossed all limits and extremes and every home and household is affected by state oppression and there is widespread protest. In a post on X, she said, "The oppression and brutality of the state of Pakistan in Balochistan has crossed all limits and extremes. At present, every home and household is affected by state oppression and there is widespread protest." She also informed that currently, sit-ins, protests and strikes are ongoing in various places in Balochistan. "Sit-ins are ongoing in Hub Chowki and Hoshab against the enforced disappearance of Zubair Baloch, while in Shaheed Fida Chowk in Turbat, the families of Shaheed Zarif and Shaheed Naveed are holding sit-ins and strikes against the extrajudicial killing of their loved ones," added the post on X. https://x.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1873672400111636751 A protest demonstration is being held in front of Baloch University today at 4 pm by the Baloch Solidarity Committee in support of the protest of the families of the forcibly disappeared Zubair Baloch, Shaheed Zarif Baloch, and Shaheed Naveed Baloch. "You are all requested to join the protest and express solidarity with these families," Mahrang Baloch appealed. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a prominent Baloch rights group, reported increasing threats from authorities. "The ongoing protests in Kech and Hub Chowki are facing increasing repression and threats from the authorities. At Kech, the Frontier Corps (FC) has imposed a curfew, creating a climate of fear among protesters. Protesters are being harassed at various locations, with reports of FC personnel snatching mobile phones to intimidate and suppress their voices. In Hub, the district administration has issued direct threats, warning that they will crack down on the protesters if the demonstrations are not withdrawn. This heavy-handed approach has escalated concerns for the safety and well-being of the protesting families and participants," it said. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1873667793788301376 "Most of the protesters are women, children, and elderly individuals who are already enduring immense suffering. Instead of addressing their legitimate grievances, the authorities are resorting to harassment, intimidation, and threats, further exacerbating their plight. We call upon all concerned citizens, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates to raise their voices against this injustice and ensure the safety of those exercising their fundamental right to peaceful protest," the rights group appealed. (ANI) Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) is grappling with a significant issue: widespread unemployment among its youth. Despite the region's natural beauty and vast potential for growth, university graduates from PoGB are struggling to find meaningful employment. The lack of job opportunities has become a critical concern for the local population. Fahim Akhter, a social activist from the region, has expressed the deep frustration felt by the youth. "On one hand, the government insists that jobs are being offered, but on the other hand, university graduates are left with no opportunities. They are stranded without any viable options," he explained. Akhter also emphasised the urgent need for a shift in the government's approach to employment in the region. According to him, the key solution to combating unemployment in PoGB lies in promoting entrepreneurship. "The government must encourage the local population to pursue business ventures, offering them the necessary support. Those willing to start their own businesses should be given access to resources like soft loans and other financial assistance," he stated. One of the major obstacles to youth employment in PoGB is the lack of infrastructure and opportunities to develop local businesses. Akhter pointed out the irony that despite the region's proximity to the busy Sost border, local youth are unable to capitalise on this geographical advantage in terms of job opportunities. The economic potential of the region remains largely untapped due to the government's neglect. Akhter also called for a change in the mindset of the people of PoGB. He stressed the need to move away from the traditional belief that government jobs are the only option for securing a livelihood. "We need to broaden our perspectives. Apart from government jobs, people can create their own businesses, particularly in sectors like tourism, which has immense untapped potential in this region," he explained. The youth of PoGB not only need job opportunities but also require guidance and support to unlock their full potential. Sadly, the puppet government of PoGB has largely failed to respond to these pressing needs. Acting at the behest of Islamabad, the government has focused more on exploiting the region's people and resources than on investing in the future of its residents. Instead of taking concrete actions to address the region's developmental challenges, the government has largely ignored the economic needs of the youth. Despite the region's abundant natural resources, the PoGB government has failed to create a sustainable and inclusive economic environment. This neglect has left the region's youth with few prospects and limited opportunities for growth. (ANI) The MWM had called for nationwide protests to show solidarity with the people of Parachinar, who have been staging their sit-in for six days demanding justice and peace, as reported by Dawn. According to the Karachi Traffic Police, the following roads are currently blocked due to sit-ins. MA Jinnah Road, Numaish Chowrangi, and Kamran Chowrangi are completely blocked from all directions due to MWM protests, as per ARY News. The protesters have blocked both roads from Johar Mor to Johar Chowrangi. Professor Ghufran Ahmad Road between Block 19 and Block 20 in Gulistan-e-Johar is closed. According to ARY News, the road near Noor-e-Elahi Hotel at Saffora Chowrangi, as well as the route leading to Rim Jhim Tower, is blocked by protesters setting up tents on the main road. Additionally, Abu Al-Hasan Isfahani Road and the Super Highway near Abbas Town are also closed to traffic. Other affected areas include Five Star Chowrangi, University Road heading towards Samama Shopping Centre, and NIPA Road, all of which are blocked. Traffic is also restricted on Shams-ud-Din Azimi Road near DHA Flats, Surjani Road, and the Incholi Shahrah-e-Pakistan route towards Sohraab Goth. Nawab Sadiq Ali Khan Road, stretching from Nazimabad No. 1 to Nazimabad No. 2, is similarly closed. Notably, The MWM is continuing protests at 10 spots in Karachi against the Kurram issue, the Karachi traffic police said. Meanwhile, traffic police have launched a 24/7 helpline to assist the residents of Karachi amid the ongoing Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM). For Karachi citizens, the Traffic Police have established a 24-hour operation at their 1915 helpline office, working in three shifts to provide real-time traffic updates. Following the situation, Sub-Inspector Ilyas Siyal stated, "We are utilizing four telephones exclusively for the helpline and monitoring the situation through cameras. While the protests have disrupted traffic for three days, we are guiding citizens on which routes are blocked and suggesting alternative paths to their destinations." (ANI) Cattle traders staged a protest at the Miryakhel cattle market in Bannu on Sunday, voicing their anger over the alleged killing of a fellow trader by the police in the Lakki Marwat district, as per Dawn. The protesters, who assembled at the market in the morning, called for the dismissal of a terrorism-related case filed against the deceased trader and urged a thorough investigation into the incident. During the demonstration, Malik Dil Faraz Khan, Akbar Nawaz Khan, Munawar Khan, Saadullah, and others stated that a few days earlier, the Serai Gambila police in Lakki Marwat had allegedly killed a cattle trader named Asif Ali and subsequently labeled him a terrorist Dawn reported. They mentioned that the deceased, along with his father, Abdul Sattar, would visit the market every day for business. As per Dawn, a trader explained that on the night of December 23, Asif Ali was riding his motorcycle back to his Mandan Manjiwala village after watching a kabaddi match when the police signaled him to stop. "This frightened Asif, causing him to speed away, which led the police to chase him and shoot him dead," he said. According to the report, the traders added that the killing also triggered protests in Lakki Marwat. They called on the provincial police authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and to withdraw the FIR filed against him under various sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Penal Code. A health staff member, speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the paramedical staff association on Sunday, stated that the shortage of doctors in public sector hospitals is severely affecting healthcare services in rural areas of Lakki Marwat, with over two dozen basic health units operating without physicians. The event was attended by former Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MPA and the party's provincial deputy general secretary Malik Noor Saleem Khan, former district councillor Fawad Ahmad Khan, deputy district health officer Tauqeer, medical superintendent of Government City Hospital Kifayat Bitanni, along with local elders and paramedics. Saleem administered the oath to the newly elected president of the association, Farifullah Khan, senior vice-president Khairullah, general secretary Ali Amin Shah, and other office-bearers. On this occasion, the association's provincial general secretary, Luqman Gul, emphasized that paramedics play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services to the sick. He noted that while health facilities are facing a shortage of doctors, the presence of paramedics ensures that service delivery is not affected. He also urged the government to allow paramedics to practice privately in rural areas after their official hours. The former lawmaker remarked that, since the chief minister hails from the southern region, he is committed to bringing sustainable development to this underdeveloped part of the province. Saleem encouraged paramedics to fulfill their professional duties with integrity and devote themselves to serving the community. (ANI) A sit-in held by an All Parties Alliance in Gwadar for the past two weeks, continued on Sunday as talks with the local authorities remained inconclusive. The protesters announced that the sit-in would continue till the demands are accepted, Dawn reported. The official committee which included ADC Bohair Dashti, GDA Chief Engineer Haji Syed Muhammad and Naib Tehsildar Munir Ahmed Zamrani held talks with the alliance leaders who mentioned their demands. The committee assured the protesters that their demands would be discussed with higher authorities to address the issues and fine a solution. The demands included end to power outages and heavy electricity bills in Makran, halt to illegal trawling between Jewani and Gadani, Dawn reported. The alliance called for implementation of the promise that fishermen colonies would be built in Ormara, Jewani, Pasni and Gwadar. They urged the authorities to abolish the token system and permit the people to do their business through Kontani border on the basis of CNICs. They called for shifting the proposed shipyard at Surbandan to Kupper, Kalmat, and disbursement of aid announced for rain-affected families. The alliance has also demanded dredging of Pasni fish harbour and payment of salaries, according to Dawn report. The committee told the protesters that 100 Levies personnel have been deployed to help reduce trawling activities. The committee said that approval has been given for building fisherman colonies. Alliance convener Abdul Ghafoor Hoth and BNP leader Majid Sohrabi participated in the talks with administration. (ANI) The body was found on Friday (local time), a statement by Scotland Police said. "Around 11.55am on Friday, 27 December, 2024, police were made aware of a body found in the water near Newbridge," the statement said. The statement said that Saju's family was informed of her death. "Formal identification has still to take place however the family of Santra Saju, 22, has been informed," the statement read The police said that the death was not suspicious. "The death is not believed to be suspicious. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal." Earlier on December 23, the Scotland Police said they were continuing their operations for the search of Saju. As per the police, she went missing from the South Gayle Area of Edinburgh. The police released a CCTV screengrab where Saju was last seen, wearing a black jacket, earmuffs and a black mask. https://x.com/PSOSWestLothian/status/1871241429596434722 "One week on from our initial appeal, officers are continuing their enquiries to trace Santra Saju, 22, who is missing from the South Gyle area of Edinburgh." (ANI) Karachi's Mayor was commenting on roadblocks by the MWM at key thoroughfares in Karachi, as per ARY News. "Karachiites are suffering from a situation not related to them," Wahab said, adding, "Protesting MWM has been an ally of the PTI, which has a government in KP province," he commented. He said, "We are trying to resolve the issue with talks". He further added that the people going to workplaces were facing difficulties, ARY News reported. Protests by Majlis-e-Wahdatul-Muslimeen (MWM) have brought parts of Karachi to a standstill, with multiple key roads closed due to demonstrations, ARY News reported on Monday. The MWM had called for nationwide protests to show solidarity with the people of Parachinar, who have been staging their sit-in for six days demanding justice and peace, as reported by Dawn. According to the traffic police," Karachi Traffic Police, the following roads are currently blocked due to sit-ins. MA Jinnah Road, Numaish Chowrangi, and Kamran Chowrangi are completely blocked from all directions due to MWM protests, as per ARY News. The protesters have blocked both roads from Johar Mor to Johar Chowrangi. Professor Ghufran Ahmad Road between Block 19 and Block 20 in Gulistan-e-Johar is closed. According to ARY News, the road near Noor-e-Elahi Hotel at Saffora Chowrangi, as well as the route leading to Rim Jhim Tower, is blocked by protesters setting up tents on the main road. Additionally, Abu Al-Hasan Isfahani Road and the Super Highway near Abbas Town are also closed to traffic. Other affected areas include Five Star Chowrangi, University Road heading towards Samama Shopping Centre, and NIPA Road, all of which are blocked. Traffic is also restricted on Shams-ud-Din Azimi Road near DHA Flats, Surjani Road, and the Incholi Shahrah-e-Pakistan route towards Sohraab Goth. Nawab Sadiq Ali Khan Road, stretching from Nazimabad No. 1 to Nazimabad No. 2, is similarly closed. (ANI) The regional communication bureau informed in a statement, that the tragedy occurred when a truck packed with passengers plunged into a river in Sidama state, approximately 300 kilometres south of the capital city, Addis Ababa. Following the accident, the Sidama Police Commission Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate shared a Facebook post and stated, "68 males and three females are known to have died in the accident so far", quoting Chief Inspector Daniel Sankura. In its statement late on Sunday, the regional communication bureau had given the death toll as 60, also adding that survivors were being treated at Bona General Hospital. Images shared by the Sidama Regional Health Bureau show the chaotic scene of the accident, with a vehicle partially submerged in water and a large crowd of people attempting to help pull it from the waters, as per Al Jazeera. Other images depict the devastating aftermath, with bodies lying on the ground, some covered in blue tarpaulin. Further, the Sidama Regional Health Bureau has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and said it would share more information later. According to the police commission, the accident in southern Ethiopia occurred at approximately 5:30 pm local time on Sunday. The incident involved a vehicle plunging into a river, resulting in the loss of numerous lives. He added that, Some of the passengers were returning from a wedding ceremony and some families had lost multiple members. The traffic police in the region reported the truck was overloaded, which likely caused the accident. However, authorities have not disclosed the exact number of passengers on board at the time of the incident. According to Al Jazeera, Road accidents are common in Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation, where roads are often poorly maintained. At least 38 people, mostly students, were killed in 2018 when a bus plunged into a ravine in Ethiopia's mountainous north. (ANI) Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his support for Syria's efforts to overcome the impact of decades of dictatorial rule and restore stability and also highlighted the 500 tonnes of wheat flour aid for Syria's recovery. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1873695127367004440 "We support the Syrian people in overcoming decades of dictatorial rule and restoring stability, security, and normal life in Syria," Zelenskyy said. Following the visit of Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to Damascus, Zelenskyy shared a post on X and stated, "Upon my directions, Ukraine's Foreign Minister @Andrii_Sybiha paid a visit to Damascus together with Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food @vkoval8. The Ukrainian delegation held important talks with the Syrian administration, leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa and ministers." Highlighting Ukraine's ongoing efforts to aid Syria's recovery and improve relations between the two countries, he affirmed, "As we promised, the first 500 tonnes of Ukrainian wheat flour are planned to arrive tomorrow. And there will be more deliveries, as well as more mutually beneficial cooperation in many areas." "We truly value the chance to restore normal and stable life in Syria and stand ready to develop long-term, strategic relations. I anticipate ministers Sybiha and Koval to provide me with their reports on the visit's results upon their return to Ukraine," he added. Recently, Sybiha visited Damascus and met with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and his counterpart Asaad Hassan al-Shaybanio on Monday. Syria hopes for "strategic partnerships" with Ukraine, its newly appointed foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, told his Ukrainian counterpart Sybiha, Al Jazeera reported. "Certainly the Syrian people and the Ukrainian people have the same experience and the same suffering that we endured over 14 years," he added, drawing parallels between Syria's 2011-2024 war and Russia's seizure of Ukrainian territory in 2014 and culminating in its full-scale 2022 invasion. In response, Sybiha said at a news conference after the met with Syrian leaders, "We look forward to mutual recognition of the sovereignty of the two countries so that we can complete diplomatic representation in Syria." "We believe Ukrainian-Syrian relations will witness great development," he added. The meeting marks one of the most consequential visits since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep appreciation on Monday for the United States' steadfast support following President Joe Biden's announcement of USD 2.5 billion in military aid for Ukraine before leaving office next month. Further, Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of this support, particularly as Russia intensifies its attacks, including the involvement of North Korean soldiers and ongoing weapons supplies from North Korea and Iran. In a post on X, he said, "Ukraine deeply appreciates the United States' steadfast support, especially as we approach the end of this challenging year. The nearly USD 2.5 billion in security assistance is a crucial contribution that will strengthen our defenders on the frontlines." "This support comes at a critical moment, as Russia intensifies its assaults, even resorting to involving North Korean soldiers and continuing to receive weapons from North Korea and Iran. Every act of solidarity from our partners saves lives, strengthens our independence, and reinforces our resilience. It also demonstrates that democracies are stronger than autocratic aggressors," he added. Further, Zelenskyy extended gratitude to Biden, members of Congress, and the American people for their unwavering support since the onset of Russia's invasion in 2022. "We extend our gratitude to President Biden @POTUS, leaders and members of both parties in Congress, and all American people for their unwavering support of Ukraine," he said. "From the very first days of Russia's aggression in 2022, the assistance of America and other partners, combined with the heroism, bravery, and determination of the Ukrainian people, has played a key role in enabling Ukraine to defend its sovereignty, liberate significant territories from Putin's criminal forces, and restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea," he added. Zelenskyy further emphasized the importance of continued unity against Russia's aggression and war crimes. "Russia and its evil axis accomplices speak the language of war crimes and intimidation," he stated. "Together with the US and other partners who share our values, we must respond with strength, dignity and an unshakable commitment to freedom." Looking ahead, Zelenskyy reiterated the need to work toward peace through strength, with the shared goal of achieving peace by 2025. "We must continue moving toward peace through strength to achieve our common goal of peace in 2025--a goal shared by Ukraine and all its partners. Ukraine, which defends itself from brutal daily attacks, counts on our strategic friends," he said. "Today, I am proud to announce nearly USD 2.5 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, as the Ukrainian people continue to defend their independence and freedom from Russian aggression," as per White House statement. Today's announcement--which includes an additional USD 1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a USD 1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package--builds on this effort and will provide Ukraine with both an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems. (ANI) A court in northern China handed prison terms to two teenagers for murdering their classmate with a shovel, in a case that triggered a national debate over the treatment of juvenile offenders, as per Al Jazeera. Three suspects, all aged 13 at the time of the murder, were accused in April of bullying a 13-year-old classmate surnamed Wang over a long period before ultimately killing him in an abandoned greenhouse in March, Al Jazeera reported. The killers reportedly attacked Wang with a shovel before burying his body. The case drew public attention to how the law deals with juveniles accused of serious crimes, as per Al Jazeera. Two of the suspects surnamed Zhang and Li, were sentenced to life and 12 years in jail respectively for intentional homicide by a court in the city of Handan in the province of Hebei, China's CCTV said on Monday. No motive was given. The court found the methods of the killing "were particularly cruel, and the circumstances were particularly heinous," it added. A third suspect surnamed Ma escaped with a sentence of "special correctional education", in line with the law, Al Jazeera reported. They were detained the day after the body of the victim was found on March 10, buried in a shallow pit in an abandoned greenhouse on the city's outskirts, state media said. The court said Zhang bore principal responsibility for killing Wang with a shovel and initially devised the murder plan, while Li, his main accomplice, joined in the killing and subsequent burial. Ma followed the pair to the site of the murder and witnessed the killing, but did not participate. In 2021, China lowered its age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 for "special cases" such as inflicting death by "extremely cruel means." The Hebei case is thought to be one of the first to apply the lower age limit. At the time of the crime, state media said all four were the offspring of rural migrant workers who spent most of the year working in large cities, leaving grandparents and other relatives to care for their children. According to 2020 census data, there are nearly 67 million so-called "left-behind" children in China. Academic research indicates that these children are more vulnerable to mental health issues, bullying, and involvement in criminal activities. (ANI) Sushanta Das Gupta, a journalist from Bangladesh and editor of Dainik Amar Habiganj on Monday raised serious concerns about the state of minorities in Bangladesh, the "growing ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh". Gupta, who addressed a joint press conference in the national capital, said the Bangladesh government has acknowledged that there have been several incidents of violence against minorities. "The current government in Bangladesh has admitted that 80 incidents of violence against minorities have taken place, and if nothing was happening, why would they acknowledge it?" he asked. A press conference was held on Monday in the national capital to draw attention to the situation faced by Hindus, indigenous people, and tribal communities in Bangladesh. The event focused on the ongoing challenges these groups face under the present government. The press conference highlighted the "escalating religious intolerance and violence" faced by religious minorities and indigenous populations in Bangladesh. Gupta emphasised the need of efforts to raise awareness. "This is our second campaign, which began at the UN Minority Forum. We will continue to take further steps. It's not just Hindus who are suffering, but also minorities of other faiths, including Christians," he said. He also expressed concern over recent developments in Bangladesh's foreign relations, particularly the growing alliance between Pakistan and Bangladesh. "The concept of visa-free entry for Pakistanis has never existed in Bangladesh's history, yet it was introduced after August. Additionally, moves like Pakistani military personnel providing training in Bangladesh are extremely concerning," he said. Gupta alleged that the present government is operating "outside the bounds of the nation's constitution". US-based journalist and human rights advocate Sitangshu Guha said the Indian government should support minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, and also called for global intervention. He suggested the creation of autonomous zones in Hindu-majority regions in Bangladesh and urged India and UN members to impose sanctions on Bangladesh. Guha described the situation "as a struggle for fundamental rights and dignity" and said the size of the Hindu population is decreasing in Bangladesh. Pushpita Gupta, president of the Secular Bangladesh Movement, UK, claimed that religious minorities did not have adequate support in Bangladesh and temples were not being constructed. She cited a book and talked about "the grim situation faced by Hindus" in the country. She also shared the harrowing experience of a Dhaka University student who had to flee the country just before her exams due to threats of attack and rape. Canada-based Arun K Datta shared a personal account of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, during which his family and many others suffered atrocities from Pakistani forces. "Our homes were burned in 1971, and I was forced to live in a refugee camp in India. Every Hindu family was affected by the violence. There are no official records of the land we lost, and we are still fighting to reclaim it. There is no accurate record of how many people perished during the 1971 conflict. Even Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation's leader at the time, showed no concern for our suffering....This pain has haunted us for decades, and we continue to endure the consequences of those tragic events," he said. Speakers at the press conference sought to raise international awareness about the "human rights violations" and sought immediate action to address the situation in Bangladesh. (ANI) Sioux Falls, and much of the southeastern side of South Dakota, is expected to see anywhere from a trace of snowfall up to 2 inches Monday, according to the National Weather Service office. According to the agency's latest forecast, rain and snow will develop Monday morning, with a brief mix of precipitation that could result in slick surfaces. That rain, however, will transition to snow by mid-morning, moving northwest to southeast as the system heads into Iowa in the early evening hours. The risk for hazardous travel conditions for the area is growing, the NWS stated. When will the storm hit the area? The beginning of the storm is expected to start at about 4 a.m. Monday, but peak timing for the storm is expected between noon and 9 p.m., according to the NWS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The system will end sometime between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Tuesday. When will Sioux Falls see rain transition to snow? The highest snowfall amounts, possibly 2 to 4 inches or more, are expected near and west of the James Rivery Valley, the NWS stated. Most of the area will see light to moderate rain through about noon or later. Then, the rain will change over to snow by 3 p.m., though the exact timing isn't certain, the forecast states. By 6 p.m., the Sioux Falls area will see a full transition to light or moderate snowfall, the prediction states. A variety of precipitation types will impact the area on Monday. Light to moderate rain should dominate the midday hours, but cooling through the afternoon and evening will bring a change to snow, generally from northwest to southeast. Have any watches or warnings been issued? As of 5 p.m. Sunday, areas to the west of Mitchell and Huron are under a winter weather advisory from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, where the areas could see up to 4 inches of accumulation from the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No warnings or watches have been issued for Minnehaha or Lincoln counties at this time. Mild late December weather will soon be a thing of the past, as the area sees a downward trend in temperatures into 2025. A wintry mix Monday may result in hazardous winter travel conditions at times. What's expected after the storm? After the storm moves through, the area will see temperatures plummet as the new year kicks off. Then, chances for snow showers are anticipated to return by Saturday, through the weekend. The average high will be 28 degrees while the average low is expected to be 10 degrees. Here is how the weekend is shaping up after Monday, according to NWS as of Sunday evening: Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 26. North northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Year's Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 9. Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 17. Thursday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 2. Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 13. Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around -3. Saturday: A 30% chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 12. Saturday night: A 50% chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 0. Sunday: A 20% chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 9. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Mixed winter system moves in Monday for Sioux Falls: What to know Dozens of Russian drones are being lost over Ukraine which is spoofing some of them to fly back towards Russia or Belarus, according to military experts. Ukraines air defence downed 21 drones out of 43 launched by Russia in an overnight attack on Monday targeting six regions across the country, the Ukrainian air force said. Drone debris damaged residential houses in the eastern Kharkiv region and in the Odesa region in the south, regional officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyivs air force said that 22 other drones were lost. Military analysts said Ukraine was increasingly using electronic warfare to redirect or spoof kamikaze Russian drones, some supplied by Iran. This involves interfering with, and confusing, their navigation systems so they start targeting a different location. The tactic is believed to enable Ukraine to instruct the drones to instead head towards sites in Russia or Belarus. But the electronic warfare can also affect other devices, including civilians mobile phones. The General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces issued a statement last month to highlight this impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said in a statement: Attention, during the measures to repel air attacks by the Russian occupiers, electronic warfare means are used. In particular, to increase the effectiveness of the impact on the enemy, means of coordinates (spoofing) are used. A side effect of this impact is a violation of the precise time system used by mobile phones in the automatic time update mode. Given the above, it is advisable to disable the automatic time update mode in the phone and take into account that during the announcement of air alerts, the accuracy of the operation of satellite navigation systems may be impaired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days ago, on December 27, Ukraines air force said the countrys air defences shot down 13 out of 24 Russian drones launched in an overnight attack. It added that the other 11 Russian drones were lost without causing damage. Drones believed to being spoofed by Ukraine include Iranian-designed or supplied Shahed models. Vladimir Putins Ukraine war is the first conflict which has seen drones used in such a dominant way, leading to experts saying they may now be more important in terms of battlefield impact than soldiers. Russia has hit Ukraine with repeated waves of drone attacks, including targeting critical infrastructure such as gas, electricity and water plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has developed drones which can fly more than 1,000 kilometres to hit targets deep inside Russia. Both Kyiv and Moscow have come under repeated drone attacks. Britain is developing drone warfare technology and has supplied unmanned aircraft to Ukraine. A statue of Jimmy Carter outside the Georgia Capitol. (Photo by Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder) State offices in Kentucky are flying flags at half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at 100. Gov. Any Beshear directed the lowering of flags in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code and a proclamation from the White House, says a release from the governors office. Beshear said flags at state offices should stay at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jimmy Carter was a true American he lived through his faith and values each and every day, lifting up his neighbors and serving our great country through kindness and compassion, said Beshear. Let us all learn from him and honor his memory by leading with love. Britainy and I are praying for the entire Carter family and our country as we mourn the loss of this American hero. Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from Jan. 20, 1977, to Jan. 20, 1981. Beshear encouraged individuals, businesses and organizations to join in this tribute. Flag status information is available at governor.ky.gov/flag-status. Also, KET announced it will re-air several programs that celebrate Carters life and legacy In Their Own Words: Jimmy Carter, 8/7 p.m., Monday: An intimate and inspiring story of a long-shot outsider who beat the odds against him again and again and never looked back in his quest to better the lives of millions. Jimmy Carter: American Experience, 2/1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5: Revisit the life of the Georgia peanut farmer who rose to become the 39th U.S. president. The film traces Jimmy Carters rapid ascent in politics, dramatic fall from grace, unexpected resurrection and post-presidential success as a humanitarian. Pope Francis has called for a negotiation to end the war in Ukraine in a Christmas Day message where he appealed for weapons to be laid down in global conflicts and reconciliation between enemies. The 88-year-old pontiffs remarks came hours after a massive aerial attack by Russia and follow his consistent push for a negotiated peace settlement to end the war in Ukraine. Months of increased bombardment by Russia has left Ukraine in a precarious position as the war continues into a third winter. May the sound of arms be silenced in war-torn Ukraine! the pope said during his traditional Urbi et Orbi (To the city and to the world) address and blessing. May there be the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation and to gestures of dialogue and encounter, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past the pope has even suggested Ukraine should have the courage of the white flag, remarks that were criticized by Kyiv, although relations between the Vatican and Ukraine have improved. Ukraines President Volodmyr Zelensky met the pope for a third time in October and thanked the Holy See earlier for its help to secure the release of Ukrainian prisoners. A peace deal to end the Ukraine war has become a more likely prospect following the re-election of President Donald Trump who has pledged to end the conflict, while Zelensky has recently signaled a willingness to enter into negotiations to end the war. While Francis has not laid out a detailed position on what a peace deal would look like in Ukraine, the Holy Sees foreign minister has said the position is that they respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Elsewhere in his Christmas message, the pope called for peace across the Middle East, saying the humanitarian situation is extremely grave in Gaza. I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly to the dear community in Gaza, he said. May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Francis has been more vocal recently about the Israel-Hamas war and has described what had been happening as Gaza cruelty and not war. He made these remarks in his annual Christmas address to cardinals who lead the churchs central administration in what appeared to be a reference to the Israeli airstrikes on Friday that killed 25 Palestinians in Gaza. And in excerpts of a book published last month, the pontiff called for an investigation into allegations of genocide. Israels assault has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians and injured over 100,000 since the war started, according to Gazas health ministry. Israel launched its assault on Gaza after Hamas-led militants attacked the country on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. The Pope also talked about closeness to the Christian community in Lebanon, especially in the south, and to that in Syria, at this most delicate time and for the doors of dialogue and peace be flung open throughout the region, devastated by conflict. He called attention to the children who are dying from an outbreak of measles in the Democratic Republic of Congo and for those in the east of that country, and of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Mozambique. The humanitarian crisis that affects them is caused mainly by armed conflicts and the scourge of terrorism, aggravated by the devastating effects of climate change, resulting in the loss of life and the displacement of millions of people, he said. Swiss guards line up on Wednesday, December 25, as Pope Francis delivered his traditional Christmas speech at the Vatican. - Yara Nardi/Reuters On Christmas Eve, the pope inaugurated the Catholic Churchs jubilee year, an ancient tradition which began with the opening of St Peter Basilicas Holy Door, normally cemented shut. The jubilee year, which dates back to biblical times, centers on forgiveness and pilgrimage and has led to major upheaval central Rome as the Eternal City scrambles to prepare to welcome 35 million visitors over the coming year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who pass through the holy door, and carry out certain spiritual and charitable acts, receive a plenary indulgence, a centuries-old Catholic tradition which relates to the forgiveness of sins and can help release a soul from purgatory. Francis said he hoped the jubilee to be a moment when the ideological walls that so often mark political life are torn down, for the forgiveness of debts of poorer countries and for the Christmas message to inspire political authorities in the American continent to promote social harmony. In his Christmas Day address, Francis said the opening of the Holy Door shows that Gods mercy can do all things and encourages everyone to be reconciled with ourselves and able to be reconciled with one another, even our enemies. The pope was brought to the balcony overlooking St Peters in a wheelchair and delivered his speech while sitting. The jubilee year is likely to test the stamina of the pontiff who decided to lead last Sundays Angelus prayer from inside his residence in the Vatican due to cold symptoms. On Thursday, he is due to travel to Romes Rebibbia prison to open a holy door as part of the jubilee celebrations, the first time such a portal will be opened in a prison. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Flags in Vermont have been lowered to half-staff in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday. Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. Several state leaders, including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, reacted to Carter's death on social media Sunday. Sanders called Carter "a decent, honest and down-to-earth man" on X, formerly Twitter. Welch said on the platform that Carter was "a champion of peace, an advocate for the environment, and a force for good." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Becca Balint, Vermont's sole U.S. representative, also sent thoughts to Carter's family on X. "His legacy is a reminder of what public service can and should look like," she wrote. Democratic Presidential nominee hopeful Jimmy Carter campaigns at the Galilee United Methodist Church in Englewood, N.J. on June 6, 1976. Why are flags at half-staff in Vermont? Flags fly at half-staff at the Washington Monument on the National Mall following the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, in Washington, U.S., December 30, 2024. Flags are being flown at half-staff around the country, including in Vermont, for 30 days in honor of former President Jimmy Carter. On Sunday, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering flags across the country to be flown at half-staff "in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. and as an expression of public sorrow." Biden also appointed Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning, calling on Americans to assemble in their respective places of worship to memorialize Carter. How long will flags be at half-staff? Flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days from the day of Carter's death on Dec. 29, according to Biden's order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means flags will be at half-staff until Jan. 28, 2025. The period will extend through Inauguration Day, which is Jan. 20. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: How long will flags fly at half-staff in VT to honor Jimmy Carter? TOKYO, Dec 31 (News On Japan) - A 29-year-old man and a 15-year-old high school student were arrested for dangerous driving at the famous scramble crossing in Tokyo's Shibuya district. Taichi Watanabe, an unemployed resident of Kawasaki City, and a first-year high school student are accused of driving motorcycles without licenses and engaging in reckless behavior, including ignoring traffic signals and making sharp turns, at the Shibuya crossing early on the morning of December 24th. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the two motorbikes were seen speeding through the intersection while spraying fire extinguishing agent before fleeing the scene. During questioning, both suspects admitted to the charges. About two hours prior to the Shibuya incident, similar reckless behavior was reported in Kawasaki City, and authorities are investigating possible connections. Source: ANN TOKYO, Dec 31 (News On Japan) - End-of-year shrine visits, known as "Nenmatumoude," are a growing tradition observed from mid-December until New Years Eve. This practice allows people to express gratitude for the past year and set intentions for the coming one. But what makes these visits particularly appealing? Natsumi Sunaga, an assistant priest at Hebikubo Shrine, explains: "Mid-December marks the completion of our annual shrine cleaning. You can visit a pristine shrine, and the lack of crowds lets you pray in peace." Avoiding the New Years rush seems to be a significant draw. Even on the day of our visit, several individuals were spotted observing "Nenmatumoude." Additionally, the blessings received during these visits are believed to carry over into the new year. Nao Takayasu, a weather forecaster, shared another highlight: "This shrine has something unique to boost your luck!" The shrine is home to a snake representing next years Chinese zodiac. Visitors can even touch it under special circumstances. Hebikubo Shrine enshrines both a dragon deity and a white snake deity, symbolizing prosperity and protection. Source: TBS TOKYO, Dec 31 (News On Japan) - Reports of rodent infestation have surged nationwide in recent years, posing increasing challenges for homeowners. The issue, which is particularly evident during the year-end season, has left many families struggling to find effective solutions. In one residential area in Chiba Prefecture, residents have been troubled by rodents for months. One homeowner shared their ordeal, saying, "The other morning, I prepared food for my dog here before going on a walk. When I returned, about one-third of it was gone. They even eat soap!" Signs of rodent activity were evident throughout the house, and traps set by the homeowner repeatedly failed. Eventually, they turned to a professional pest control service for help. A technician set traps baited with food favored by rodents, and the team monitored the premises with security cameras. During the night, footage captured rodents scurrying across chairs and tables. In one instance, the rodent was successfully trapped alive. The following morning, the team inspected the trap and found a rodent measuring approximately 7 centimeters in length. Later, another rodent was caught, bringing the total to two. The relieved homeowner remarked, "Now that weve caught two of them, I feel this might be enough." The challenge, however, extends beyond individual homes. Urban areas, particularly in bustling city centers, face increasing issues related to rodent infestation. Mitigation efforts are complicated by the rodents' intelligence. Shinya Okawa, from the Sales Planning Division at Benry Corporation, explained, "Rodents are clever. Once they see another rodent caught in a trap, they learn to avoid it, making them harder to capture over time." The problem doesn't end with rodents. In another residence, a trap set in the attic captured a masked palm civet measuring approximately 60 centimeters in length. Preventing infestations requires careful management of food sources. Okawa emphasized, "Avoid leaving food items accessible to rodents and keep your home clean. Tidiness is crucial in deterring pests." As the year-end cleaning season approaches, thorough cleaning may serve not only as a tradition but also as an effective rodent control measure. Source: FNN Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to undergo prostate removal surgery on Sunday, his office said after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The procedure comes with Israel at war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip more than 14 months after the Palestinian militants carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 last year. Netanyahu underwent a test at Hadassah Hospital on Wednesday, where he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement, the prime ministers office said in a statement. As a result, the prime minister will undergo prostate removal surgery tomorrow, it said. In March, he underwent a hernia surgery, while in July last year doctors implanted a pacemaker in Netanyahu after a medical scare. By Donatus Anichukwueze The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives on Christmas Eve intercepted two boats loaded with 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis at the Eleko beach in Lekki area of Lagos. The operatives arrested six foreign nationals who had brought the consignments from Ghana during a midnight operation on Christmas Eve. A statement released on Sunday by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the suspects include two Ghanaians, Godsway John (38) and Freedom Kelvin (33), and four Beninese: Chegoun Hounsou (23), Gadabor Nyameto (47), Adantg Sasa (34), and Ayao Kayivi (21). According to him, the cannabis consignments had been smuggled into Nigeria from Ghana via the waterways. The NDLEA, in a separate operation, arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Orizu Arthur, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board an Air France flight to Paris on Sunday, 22nd December. According to the Agencys statement, Orizu was flagged during passenger clearance when he refused to undergo a body scan, citing medical reasons. 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, Babafemi added. Babafemi also disclosed that two suspects were arrested in separate operations for possession of compressed cannabis sativa. He said, A suspect, Ibrahim Shaibu, 35, was arrested in possession of 40 album-size parcels of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 35kg, on Christmas Day, 25th December, at Central Motor Park, Katsina. Another suspect, Umar Ahmed, 47, was nabbed along the Zaria-Malumfashi road, Katsina, with 27 parcels of the same psychoactive substance, weighing 13.5kg, on Saturday, 28th December. Similarly, Babafemi said a raid in Benin City, Edo State, on 23rd December led to the arrest of a 21-year-old suspect, Kosisochukwu Ozigbo. Recovered from the suspect were: 32,490 pills of tramadol (225mg, 200mg, and 100mg); 936 bottles of codeine-based syrup; and various quantities of other opioids, he added. World leaders sent condolences to South Korea on Sunday after the country suffered its deadliest aeroplane 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 Koreas 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 Chinas 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 that 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. France mourns terrible toll Frances foreign ministry said that Paris learnt with great emotion the terrible toll and sends condolences to the affected families Germany sees incredible loss German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the crash is yet another blow to the nations 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. Greece profoundly saddened Profoundly saddened by the tragic incident, Greeces foreign affairs ministry said on X, sending condolences during this difficult time. 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. IATA shocked, saddened We are shocked and saddened by the accident involving Jeju Air flight 7C2216. Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers and crew on the flight and their loved ones, the International Air Transport Association, which represents some 340 airlines that comprise 80 percent of air traffic, said in a statement. Serbia disbelief As we watch with disbelief the horrific scenes from the crash site, our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, President Aleksandar Vucic wrote on X, adding that he was deeply shaken. Spain profoundly shocked Spains foreign ministry said that Madrid was profoundly shocked by the terrible accident, sending condolences and all our solidarity to those affected. Turkey deeply saddened We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred at Muan International Airport in our friend, the Republic of Korea, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a post on X. By Francis Ugwu The Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested Mahdi Shehu, an activist over allegations of sharing a misleading video that has gone viral online. Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, made this known in a post on his X handle on Monday. According to Makama, the Kaduna-based activist and political commentator was detained by the DSS due to allegations concerning a video which he said has potential national security ramifications. The security expert stated that Shehus arrest by DSS took place over the weekend after the video gained traction on social media. Makama disclosed that sources indicate that Shehu is currently in custody in Kaduna and may face court proceedings shortly. The video in question involved the sharing of outdated footage, falsely suggesting that the Nigerian government intended to establish a French military base in the North-West. Authorities have reportedly issued directives for Shehus arraignment while ensuring that his rights are upheld during his detention, Makama said. Additionally, it has been noted that Shehu previously faced legal issues, including an arrest for attempted extortion, as explained by former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami. Meanwhile, Shehus lawyer, according to the security expert, has argued that his clients arrest was politically motivated. By Matthew Atungwu Kinsmen of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, have appealed to the former governor of the state, Peter Odili, to forgive their brother (Wike) over his recent statement against him (Odili). DAILY POST recalls that Wike had stated that he restored life to Odili and his family, noting that Odili has no justification to speak against him. The former governor, Odili, had earlier said that Governor Siminialayi Fubara, has successfully prevented one man from converting the state into his private estate. Responding to the statement in Port Harcourt, the state capital, a group of Wikes kinsmen, Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, frowned at the attack by Wike on Odili, stating that it was unnecessary. President General of the body, Chizy Enyi, who is a kinsman of the Minister of FCT, said it was wrong for Wike to say the many unprintable things against Odili. Enyi expressed concerns that Wike was referring to the same man whom he had declared was responsible for his success in politics. Our worry is that this is the same Nyesom Wike, who publicly in a live television said that if not for Sir Dr. Peter Odili and his wife, he could not have made it to be the governor of Rivers State. He swore that any day, he would say anything that would make the family of Dr. Odili to cry, that God should not allow him to grow. However, we have come to a realisation that his stock in trade is to say one thing and do another. In the same way, he bragged that he could never be a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria again, and today, what is he? It is an obvious fact that the only Rivers man, living and dead, who has wanted to personalise Rivers State as his personal structure, is Nyesom Wike. We are all aware of the issues with the governor of Rivers State, Sir Sim Fubara, and Nyesom Wike is on who is to control the resources and structure of the state, he said. Enyi pointed out that Wike has become a showman because despite his duty as a minister, he returns to the state to cause issues, adding that the showmanship is affecting the development of the state. He, therefore, pleaded with Odili to forgive the minister, stressing that it is Wike that wants to personalize the state. Wikes showmanship is not good for Rivers development. Wike should always know what to say and how to say it. We hold Odili to a high esteem. Wike cannot reduce the golden governor to nothing. The showmanship of Nyesom Wike, in trying to be noticed always, has done more harm than good to him. Yet, he does not want to learn his lessons. On behalf of Rivers people, Nyesom Wike, inclusive, we apologise to Sir Dr. Peter Odili, the former Golden Governor of Rivers State and his family, as we plead with him to forgive Nyesom Wike, who does not have respect and regard for humanity, he added. Morocco is establishing itself as the future Silicon Valley, taking advantage of several factors fostering the countrys technological rise, according to the Spanish trade magazine Paradavisual. With growing investment in the startup sector, a young, skilled workforce and support for innovation, Morocco is positioning itself as the future Silicon Valley, the article titled Morocco, the new Silicon Valley reads. Highlighting the factors behind this technological momentum and the opportunities Morocco offers entrepreneurs, the Spanish media outlet says that the Kingdom boasts a rapidly expanding startup ecosystem. In this respect, the magazine sheds light on successful examples of innovative Moroccan startups and their impact on the national economy, while emphasizing the quality of the countrys education system which produces the talent and skills needed for digital economy. Morocco, the same source adds, has also introduced a series of reforms with the aim of fostering a favorable environment for investment, particularly foreign investment, and thus bolstering its technological ecosystem. In this regard, the magazine cites the tax advantages offered to technology companies, as well as the technological infrastructure available such as Internet connectivity and data centers. To enshrine this growth and build a sustainable technological future, Morocco needs to address a number of challenges, including access to financing and building up cutting-edge skills, as well as exploring opportunities generated by artificial intelligence, precision agriculture and renewables, the news outlet notes. In a major army leadership reshuffle, Mauritanias president Mohammed Ould Ghazouani removed generals who had recently met Algerias chief of staff. Mauritanian observers said the move was a pre-emptive strike from President Ould Ghazouani, sensing a potential Algeria-orchestrated coup. Under the reshuffle, General Mohamed Vall Ould Rais was appointed new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. The move was also seen as conducive to strengthening Mauritanias defense leadership following incursions by the Algerian army into the Mauritanian territory. Like its Sahel neighbors, Mauritania has for decades combatted terrorist groups sprouting from the Algerian civil war. It has also been victim of attacks by the Algeria-based Polisario separatists, notably in the 1970s. Algeria has in recent months pressured Mauritanian to adopt pro-Polisario positions, but to no avail. Algeria has been pressuring Mauritania to block Moroccan initiatives, notably the gas pipeline with Nigeria and the Atlantic initiative to offer landlocked Sahel states access to the Atlantic. After a visit this month in Rabat, Mauritanias president fully backed the two regional integration initiatives, a royal palace statement said. Worth mentioning that Mauritania refused to join an Algerian attempt to create a new Maghreb Union, which was joined by Algerian proxy president Kais Saied of Tunisia and a fraction of Tripoli represented by Mohamed Younes el-Menfi whose legitimacy is often questioned. An aid convoy carrying vital food and medical supplies has arrived in a besieged area of Sudanese capital Khartoum for the first time since the countrys civil war broke out in April 2023, according to the World Food Programme (WFP), which provided 22 trucks loaded with 750 tonnes of food. A total of 28 trucks arrived in southern Khartoum last week, bringing food and medicines for as many as 200,000 families in a war-torn country where half of the people are at risk of starvation, say aid groups and local volunteers. The first aid convoy in more than one and half year reached the conflict-stricken capital after UN agencies and Sudanese community groups negotiated a safe passage with the warring army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The convoy, organized by the UN and humanitarian agencies, also included five trucks from UNICEF carrying medicines, and one truck from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and CARE. The ongoing civil war has left around half of Sudans population about 24.6 million people in desperate need of food. Previous attempts to deliver humanitarian aid have been hindered by security threats and roadblocks set up by the two warring sides. Access to the area has been essentially cut off due the conflict dynamics. It took three months of often daily negotiations with government authorities at all levels and with other parties who controlled the access, said Sheldon Yett, UNICECs Sudan representative. Sudans armed forces have been fighting the paramilitary RSF since April last year, when a power struggle between the two factions of the military regime broke out into open conflict. West Africas regional bloc ECOWAS has thrown its weight and support behind Nigeria after Nigers accusations that Abuja was plotting to destabilize its northern neighbor, notably by harboring members of the former Bazoum administration and collaborating with foreign powers. The Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) has come to Nigerias defense as its diplomatic row with the military junta in Niger escalates. ECOWAS has come out strong in support of Nigeria, dismissing allegations that the country is sponsoring terrorism as completely baseless. In a statement, the Abuja-based regional bloc reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and stood firmly with Nigeria and other member states against these claims. For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security of several countries not only in the West African subregion but also on the African continent, the statement released on Thursday (26 December) said. ECOWAS also highlighted the achievements of the Nigeria-led Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which testifies to Nigerias long-standing dedication to peace and security across Africa. The strained relations between Nigeria and Niger worsened after the latters military government leveled many accusations against its neighbor, including that it was harboring the Lakurawa terrorist group with the intention of using it to destabilize their country. Nigerian military leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani further slammed Nigerias president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of allegedly conniving with France to plot anti-government activities. Nigeria has come hard on Nigerian military juntas claims, dismissing them as imaginary. According to Mohammed Idris, minister in Bola Tinubus government, these claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country. Despite repeated denials from Nigeria, tensions remain high. Libya has officially become the 53rd member of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), marking a significant step towards enhancing economic integration within Africa. This milestone was announced to the media over the weekend, although the formal membership occurred earlier in the week. As part of its membership, Libya aims to leverage Afreximbanks support for several ambitious development projects, including the creation of a free zone in Misrata and the development of a land route connecting the country to its neighboring nations. The banks soft financing will play a pivotal role in these initiatives, which align with Libyas broader goals of strengthening its position as a regional logistics hub and achieving sustainable economic growth. Libyas long-standing ties to Africa position it as a key player in the advancement of continental trade and economic integration. By joining Afreximbank, Libya is poised to enhance its economic and trade relations with other African countries. The partnership will open access to a wide range of financial products and services, both funded and unfunded, that are aimed at boosting Libya-Africa trade, investment in trade-enabling infrastructure, and transforming the structure of the Libyan economy. Libyas GDP stood at $50.49 billion in 2023, making it the 12th largest economy in Africa. Despite this, less than 10% of its trade is conducted with other African nations. This membership offers Libya a unique opportunity to increase its trade within the continent, contributing to both its own economic growth and the broader goals of Afreximbank to improve trade and economic conditions across Africa and beyond. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbanks total assets and contingencies stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. King Mohammed VI has sent a message of condolences and compassion to President of the United States Joe Biden, following the death of the former U.S. President Jimmy Carter that he described as a man of reconciliation and dialogue. In this message, the Sovereign expressed deep sorrow over the news of the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a man of reconciliation and dialogue, and paid tribute to the legacy of the late American President. On this painful circumstance, the King offered to Biden, to Carters relatives, and to the American people his sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. The Monarch recalled the official visit the Late King Hassan II paid to the United States at the invitation of the late Jimmy Carter, in November 1978. The meetings held, on that occasion, reaffirmed the depth and scope of the longstanding relations uniting the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America. They also underscored the strategic nature of their partnership as well as the common views they had on peace-related issues, the Monarch emphasized in his message. State funeral will be held on January 9 for Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived former president, who died at the age of 100 on Sunday. The 39th president of the United States earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. President Radev expressed condolences after the plane crash in South Korea President Rumen Radev expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the plane crash in South Korea. " Bulgaria mourns the tragic news of the plane crash in Muan. I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and heartfelt sympathies to the people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand, " the head of state wrote on X. Sometimes a Single Word Is Enough to Open a Door With George C. Wolfes revival of Gypsy, one of theaters great directors reimagines one of theaters great musicals Contractor Faces OSHA Penalties for Exposing Workers to Trench Collapse Risks Bandera Utility Contractors LLC faces $107,228 in penalties for exposing workers to unprotected trench conditions. Following a July 2024 investigation, OSHA has cited Bandera Utility Contractors LLC of Frisco, Texaswhich specializes in underground utility construction, including water and sewer systemsfor exposing workers to hazardous conditions during trenching operations, marking the second time the company has faced such violations. According to a recent release, inspectors found workers performing tasks like excavation, laser surveying and tool use in a trench without an adequate protective system. OSHA also noted the absence of sufficient ladders or safe escape routes, which are critical in preventing injuries during trench collapses. The agency proposed $107,228 in penalties after observing employees working in unprotected trenches at a Fort Worth work site. However, Bandera Utility was previously cited for trench safety failures in 2022. The company was held responsible for a fatal incident in which a worker died while repairing a sewer line in an unprotected trench. Failing to protect workers during trenching operations is reckless and unacceptable, especially when the risks are widely recognized, OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor in Fort Worth, Texas, said in a statement. Bandera Utility Contractors has a duty to protect its workers from cave-ins, and OSHA will continue to enforce federal laws to ensure compliance. Implementing and remembering the three Ssslope, shore and shieldcan save lives and enhance job site safety. The investigation revealed that Bandera was subcontracted by Greystar Development and Construction LP, a Dallas-based global housing development firm, for the project. Bandera Utility Contractors has 15 business days to comply with OSHAs findings, request an informal meeting with the agency or challenge the citations. RIGID Constructors Cited for Safety Failures After Workers Drowning RIGID Constructors LLC faces over $50,703 in penalties for failing to prevent a workers drowning at a North Carolina worksite. Louisiana-based contractor RIGID Constructors LLC now faces serious safety violations following the drowning of a 27-year-old heavy equipment operator at a Leland, North Carolina, worksite in August 2024. OSHA investigators proposed $50,703 in penalties for failure to comply with safety regulations that could have prevented the incident. According to a recent release, the drowning occurred when the equipment operator and a foreman attempted to reposition a pump at the water-filled Cell-3 Eagle Island site using an amphibious excavator. The machine tipped over while exiting the water, trapping the operator underwater. Emergency responders were unable to save them. OSHAs investigation found that RIGID Constructors failed to train workers in operating the marsh hoe used during the incident and did not provide or enforce the use of personal protective and lifesaving equipment. The company also neglected to provide a skiff for emergency rescues, a measure required by federal safety standards. RIGID Constructors failure to comply with federal safety and health standards resulted in a preventable tragedy, OSHA Area Director Kimberley Morton in Raleigh, North Carolina, said in a statement. Safety cannot be just a marketing slogan or an afterthought; it must be a core commitment. Workplace safety isnt optional, a privilege for some or merely a recommendation; it is the law. RIGID Constructors, headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, specializes in heavy civil and marine construction services and employs approximately 370 workers nationwide. The company has 15 business days to either comply with OSHAs findings, request an informal meeting, or contest the citations before an independent commission. The U.S. oil and gas supermajors, Exxon and Chevron, have seen their employee numbers grow in the United States in 2024, but they have also posted job openings overseas, including in India, the Philippines, and Argentina, new research by data and analytics company GlobalData showed. Overall, the number of job postings at Exxon and Chevron declined this year, but hiring trends remain positive and relatively better compared to pre-Covid numbers, according to the analytics firm. These hiring trends are valid for the entire global oil and gas industry, with countries with high job posting numbers, including the United States, India, and the UK. At the same time, countries with high year-on-year growth in job postings included Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the GlobalData Job Analytics Database. It is noteworthy that even though the US continues to account for a majority of jobs posted by several key players, other countries across different continents are also seeing hiring activity by these companies, said Sherla Sriprada, business fundamentals analyst at GlobalData. Most of the job openings at Exxon and Chevron were for the United States, but the supermajors also posted a significant number of jobs for the Philippines, Argentina, and several India locations. Related: Senegals First Oil Exports Push Economic Growth to Record High Exxons job ads are focusing on EM lithium products in the U.S. and lube operations in Argentina, while Chevron is looking to hire talent for supply and trading bulk operations in Argentina and complying with GHG/methane regulations in the United States, the GlobalData research found. Employment trend analysis at Exxon and Chevron from GlobalDatas Company Filings Analytics Database also reveals that Exxons worldwide employee counts have declined over the last five years, while Chevron has seen an increase in 2023, Sriprada said. However, Exxon US employee counts have seen a marginal increase in 2023 while Chevron US employee counts had a much healthier growth. In the U.S. upstream, Exxon and Chevron, as well as other producers, have been looking to do more with less and have boosted their output even as rig counts have remained relatively flat over the past few months. Despite the coming administration of a President with friendly policies toward the industry, U.S. producers are not expected to embark on a drill, baby, drill campaign to boost oil and gas output significantly. Commodity prices and market fundamentals will be much more important signals for the work and production activity that the companies will be doing in 2025 and beyond, although deregulation and faster permitting for energy infrastructure could help, analysts say. The priorities of the U.S. oil industry have drastically changed since Trumps first term. The U.S. shale patch is drilling, but it is drilling because it wants to distribute more of the profits to shareholders. It has made huge progress in capital discipline and efficiency gains and is getting more bang for its buck. Priorities are now returns to investors and financial frames capable of withstanding oil price volatility. We're not going to see anybody in 'drill, baby, drill' mode," ExxonMobil Upstream President Liam Mallon said at the end of last month. A radical change (in production) is unlikely because the vast majority, if not everybody, is focused on the economics of what they're doing, Mallon added. The other supermajor, Chevron, announced in early December that its 2025 capital expenditure (capex) would be lower than in 2024. Chevron expects its upstream spending next year to be about $13 billion, of which roughly two-thirds will go to develop its U.S. portfolio. Permian Basin spend is lower than the 2024 budget and anticipated to be between $4.5 and $5.0 billion as production growth is reduced in favor of free cash flow, Chevron said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com President-elect Donald Trumps friendly oil policies could boost U.S. crude production beyond the currently estimated growth. However, Trumps vow to drill, baby, drill and the promised deregulation in the oil and gas industry with faster permitting could hit a wall of continuously growing global supply. This higher production from non-OPEC+ producers is set to tilt the market into a large surplus in 2025, even if OPEC+ keeps its current commitment to begin bringing back supply from April, analysts and forecasters say. At the current state of affairs, supply is expected to exceed demand by around 1 million barrels per day (bpd) next year. But market observers know that geopolitics will surely play a role in oil prices going forward. And they concur that the biggest wildcard is Trumps policy toward Iran, Venezuela, and Russia, as well as potential tariff impacts on energy prices in America, its economy, and global economic growth. On the supply side, expectations are bearish. Non-OPEC+ supply, including from the United States, will continue to grow, analysts say. The expected increase is set to offset a large part of the ongoing OPEC+ production cuts. With more than 2 million bpd of OPEC+ cuts, the global oil market has a comfortable spare capacity of well over 5 million bpd, concentrated in some of OPECs biggest producers Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and Kuwait. As a result, The oil market is not particularly concerned about supply over the next few years, especially in an environment where Chinese oil demand growth has disappointed, especially in 2024, Andy Lipow, president at Lipow Oil Associates, told Yahoo Finance this week. Estimates of Chinas oil demand growth have been constantly downgraded throughout the year from 700,000 bpd growth for 2024 expected in January to just 180,000 bpd growth seen in December, Lipow noted. Related: U.S. Oil Production Shattered Records Again in 2024 Modest demand growth in 2025 and a strong supply increase from non-OPEC+ producers led by the U.S., Brazil, Guyana, and Argentina are expected to keep oil prices next year at around the current levels of Brent Crude in the low $70s and WTI Crude prices hovering around the $70 per barrel mark, most analysts and investment banks say at the end of 2024. The oil market will see a surplus next year even if OPEC+ begins to unwind its production cuts in April 2025 as currently planned, they reckon. In early December, the OPEC+ group decided to delay the start of the easing of the 2.2 million bpd cuts to April 2025, from January 2025. The group also extended the period in which it would unwind all these cuts into the following year through September 2026. Due to the OPEC+ decision, next years surplus may not be as large as previously feared, but a surplus we will see, banks say. Even if OPEC+ keeps its oil production as-is for the whole of 2025, there would still be a surplus in supply of 950,000 bpd next year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its monthly report for December. If OPEC+ does begin unwinding the voluntary cuts from the end of March 2025, this glut will swell to 1.4 million bpd, according to the agency. All these forecasts could be quickly upended by President Trumps tariff policies and geopolitical choices. Stricter U.S. sanctions against Iran under Donald Trump and geopolitical tensions would be bullish catalysts for oil prices. But fundamentals currently point to supply outstripping demand, which is a downside risk for oil prices in 2025. Going short now you have to be brave, Frederic Lasserre, Global Head of Research & Analysis at commodity trader Gunvor, told Bloomberg last week. Yes, fundamentals are not so great, but market participants know that geopolitics will play a role next year for sure. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Ukrainian officials and Western allies express concerns over the potential for a peace deal that would cede Ukrainian territory to Russia. Russia continues to make advances in the Donbas region, capturing the town of Novotroyitske and pushing towards the strategic city of Pokrovsk. The Biden administration has announced a final $2.5 billion aid package to Ukraine, amidst concerns that support may dwindle under the Trump presidency. The White House has announced a $2.5 billion aid package to Ukraine and pledged to "continue surging" aid to get it to the authorities in Kyiv "as quickly as possible." The White House said in a statement on December 30 that the pledge includes an additional $1.25 billion drawdown package for the Ukrainian military and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package. "I've directed my Administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible -- including drawing down older U.S. equipment for Ukraine, rapidly delivering it to the battlefield, and then revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base to modernize and replenish our stockpiles with new weapons," outgoing President Joe Biden said in the statement. The pledge comes hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Washington was set to announce an "important decision" on support for his war-torn country's armed forces. Despite the pledge to continue ratcheting up support, the package is likely to be the last brought forth during the Biden administration, which is said to fear that President-elect Donald Trump will significantly reduce or halt arms supplies to Ukraine in order to push Kyiv to negotiate a peace settlement with Russia. "At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine's position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," Biden added. Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated on January 20. Russia has been pushing back Ukrainian troops on the front lines for weeks and claimed on December 29 to have seized another town in Ukraine's Donetsk region as it continues its long, bloody drive against the strategic -- but nearly destroyed -- southern logistics hub of Pokrovsk. Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces captured Novotroyitske, a settlement with a prewar population 6,300 about 16 kilometers south of Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian military did not comment specifically about Novotroyitske, but it said Russian troops had carried out 133 attacks on its positions, most of which were in the Pokrovsk area. Analysts have speculated on what the Kremlin forces' next steps will be for the city, a strategic logistics hub for Kyiv. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said geolocation data suggested the Russian military was about 10 kilometers from the border of the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin may be putting pressure on the Russian military command to advance to the border, and not to cover Pokrovsk at this time," it wrote. In an interview with RFE/RL, Viktor Muzhenko, the former Ukrainian military commander, said any truce between Kyiv and Moscow that leaves swaths of Ukrainian territory under Russian control would represent a victory for the Kremlin and "fully compensate [it] for its costs of the war." Muzhenko, who led the military from 2014-19, said the situation with the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and parts of Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions is "critical" -- "not only for the loss of territories, but also [the loss of] half of the resource base of Ukraine." Any new support from Washington would come on the heels of an announcement by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on December 29 that Kyiv had received an additional 150 million euros ($156 million) in aid from Denmark, France, and Lithuania to help finance the country's defense industry. "These funds, in particular, will be used for the production of missiles, deep-strike drones and artillery installations," he said in a Facebook post. Meanwhile, outgoing German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she does not expect the next government in Berlin to "abandon" Ukraine in its fight against Russia. "No German government devoted to the security of Germany and Europe will abandon the people of Ukraine," she said in an interview published by Bild newspaper on December 29. Germany will vote on February 23, a day after the anniversary of Russias 2022 full-scale invasion. after a coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed last month. Berlin trails only Washington in the amount of support provided to Ukraine, although Scholz has been reluctant to send heavy weaponry to Kyiv, often angering the Ukrainian leadership. Addressing worries that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump may push a peace deal detrimental to Kyiv following his January 20 inauguration, Baerbock underlined the importance of providing for Ukraine's security needs in any such agreements. "Only reliable, long-term and, above all, truly sustainable security guarantees will prevent [Russian President Vladimir] Putin from resorting to further campaigns of conquest. Only then will there be lasting peace and stability in Ukraine," she told Bild, without being specific. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Carlos Slim, Latin Americas richest man, boosted his stakes in American energy companies in the current year as the worlds leading tycoons continue betting on fossil fuels. Slim invested $602 million in Parsippany, New Jersey-based refiner PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF), boosting his stake to 25%, and also bought $326 million worth of shares in Houston-based oil producer Talos Energy Inc. (NYSE:TALO). Last year, the Mexican billionaires Grupo Carso SAB agreed to acquire PetroBal SAPIs stake in two oil fields in Campeche in southern Mexico for $530 million, expanding its bet on energy production. Under the deal, Grupo Carso will take a 50% stake in the Ichalkil and Pokoch oil field. According to the company, the fields produce about 16,350 barrels of crude oil equivalent per day. Carso shares jumped to record highs after the deal was announced. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador welcomed the deal despite earlier being critical of energy reforms that opened exploration to private investment, Why do I celebrate this? Because it stays in the hands of Mexicans and Im sure that theyre going to invest to extract crude. I consider that to be good news, the president said at his daily news conference. Obradors nationalist policies have seen the Mexican government become increasingly hostile to foreign companies. Last year, giant oil and commodities trading firm, Trafigura, was forced to scale back its oil trading business in Mexico thanks to shrinking margins. Trafigura has recorded margin compression due to fuel subsidies by the Mexican government. Meanwhile, Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) has continued growing its oil and gas stakes. Two weeks ago, Berkshire Hathaway bought another 8.9 million shares of Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY) with the company now owning 260 million shares of OXY. Berkshire Hathaway's OXY stake is currently worth $12 billion, making it the companys sixth largest holding. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China has just given a potential boost to its crude oil imports as it has issued a second batch of import quotas for 2025 to its independent refiners, trade sources told Reuters on Monday. Unlike the state refiners, private refiners in China need to be granted import quotas to be able to import crude to process at their refineries. The Chinese authorities have now issued at least 152.49 million metric tons of crude oil import quotas to the independent refiners, the so-called teapots, according to Reuterss sources. These add to at least another 5.84 million metric tons of crude by the end of 2024 or early next year, which China issued at the end of November. The 5.84 million-ton quota was expected to be used by the end of this year. With the second batch of at least 152.49 million tons, crude import quotas to independent refiners for 2025 have increased so far to 158.33 million tons, or 3.17 million barrels per day (bpd), per Reuters estimates. This compares to a total import quota of 179.01 million tons for 2024. China has recently raised the provisional cap of crude import quotas that it would issue to private refiners in 2025to 257 million tons, up from the cap of 243 million tons of crude for 2024. China, the worlds largest crude oil importer, has seen lackluster oil demand and crude imports in 2024 amid a weaker-than-expected economy and faltering demand for road transportation fuels. The fresh crude oil import quotas could spur purchases in 2025, especially if oil prices continue to be in the low $70s per barrel. After months of weak crude imports, Chinas imports rose in November for the first time in seven months as lower prices stimulated stronger demand. The average daily import rate in November stood at 11.81 million barrels, Reuters reported earlier in December, citing customs data from China. The total for the month was 14.3% higher than a year ago. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Italian energy major Eni has started production from the second phase of its oil and gas development Baleine offshore Cote dIvoire, boosting output from the field in West Africa. This weekend, Eni announced the successful start-up of Phase 2 at the Baleine field, which will raise production to 60,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and 70 million cubic feet of associated gas (equivalent to 2 million cubic meters). Phase 2 is being developed via the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Unit (FPSO) Petrojarl Kong which is deployed alongside the Floating Storage and Offloading Unit (FSO) Yamoussoukro for the export of oil. All processed natural gas will supply local energy demand through a connection with the pipeline built during the projects Phase 1, the Italian company said. Eni last year launched oil and gas production from the Baleine field, less than two years after the discovery. The Phase 1 development used a refurbished and upgraded FPSO unit capable of handling up to 15,000 barrels per day of oil and around 25 Mscf/d of associated gas. The Italian major is currently studying the development of Phase 3 at Baleine. If approved and implemented, the third stage would boost the fields production to 150,000 barrels of oil per day and 200 million cubic feet of associated gas. This would further consolidate Cote dIvoires role as a regional energy hub and strengthening strategic collaboration with the local partner, Eni said. Eni has been betting on international oil and gas developments offshore Africa in recent years and has recently strengthened its presence in Cote dIvoire. In November, the Italian firm signed the contracts for the acquisition of four new exploration blocks offshore Cote dIvoire with the local Ministry of Mines, Oil and Energy. Under the agreements, Eni will be able to explore the area for up to 9 years. The new blocks are close to the Calao discovery, which represents a strategic opportunity to create further synergies in the area, Eni says. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Slovakia threatened to suspend electricity deliveries to the Ukraine after the latters president, Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his decision to not extend a natural gas transit deal with Russias Gazprom. The deal, which expires tomorrow, provides for vital supplies to Slovakia, whose president has been hard at work trying to secure the deliveries beyond December 31. Robert Fico has noted that alternative deliveries of natural gas would make it more expensive for the Central European state and lead to transit fee losses to the tune of half a billion euros, Reuters reported. With Zelensky adamant about the Gazprom deal, Fico last week said After Jan. 1, we will assess the situation and the possibilities of reciprocal measures against Ukraine. The Slovakian president added If it is unavoidable, we will halt the electricity supplies that Ukraine needs during grid outages. Or we will agree on a different course of action. Ukraine has become heavily reliant on electricity imports from the European Union as Russia pounds its grid infrastructure. Zelenskys response to Ficos warning about the suspension of electricity supplies was to accuse the Slovakian president of opening a second energy front. It appears that Putin gave Fico the order to open the second energy front against Ukraine at the expense of the Slovak people's interests, Zelensky said on X, as quoted by Reuters. Slovakia promptly rejected this accusation, with its foreign minister saying on Sunday that Zelenskys claims were fabricated. We fully understand that they are exposed to a long-term war conflict, but that is why they should not create new enemies and fabricate a formation of a second front because member states of the European Union, including Slovakia, support Ukraine and its people, Juraj Blanar said on Facebook. President Fico doubled down on sounding the alarm, calling on the European Union to find a way to continue gas deliveries via the Ukraine. We are coming to a conclusion that must be unacceptable for the European Union and its goals, Fico said in an open letter. Unilateral stoppage of transit through Ukraine towards Slovakia will cost European citizens, businesses and infrastructure tens of billions. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Moldovan breakaway region of Transnistria has started turning the gas taps off ahead of the expiry of a gas transit deal between Russias Gazprom and Ukraines Naftogaz after Volodymyr Zelensky said he would not renew the deal. Reuters reported that the gas supply cuts in Transnistria began on Sunday, focusing on state institutions on the border with Moldova. All of the gas Moldovaand Transnistriaget from Russia passes via the Ukraine route. The authorities of Moldova have accused Russia of weaponizing its energy resources despite the repeated statements of Ukraines Zelensky that Ukraine was against extending the deal with Gazprom. Besides the end of the gas transit deal between Moscow and Kyiv, there is also an issue with unpaid Russian gas deliveries to Moldova, which Gazprom cited as the reason for a planned suspension of deliveries to the former Soviet republic beginning on January 1. According to a former Moldovan energy minister, Moldova does not owe Gazprom any money because, since 2022, Russia has been exporting gas only to Transnistria. Russia currently exports some 2 billion cu m of natural gas to Transnistria, where the gas is used to generate electricity that is then transmitted to Moldova. Moldova has been trying to fend off Russian influence in the breakaway Transnistria region, a narrow strip of land between the Dniester River and the Ukrainian border, which isnt recognized by the international community. But since 2022, Transnistria and the central government of Moldova have agreed that all natural gas sent by Russian giant Gazprom to Moldova flows to Transnistria. Following the reports that Ukraine will not renew the transit deal with Gazprom, the Moldovan authorities discussed alternative supply routes with Gazprom, which has agreed to consider these but only after the outstanding debt, to the tune of $700 million, is paid. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Christian Leaders in Syria Issue a Joint Statement of Hope and Reconciliation Amid Transition On December 29, 2024, the Patriarchs and Heads of Christian Churches in Syria released a historic joint statement from Damascus, addressing the nation and the international community during a period of significant transition for Syria. "At this historic moment, as Syria undergoes a new transition, we address the public with a message of love and hope," the leaders declared, emphasizing their responsibility to advocate for peace and unity during the Holy Nativity season. The statement highlighted the role of Christians in fostering national reconciliation, advocating for economic relief, contributing to constitutional reform, and maintaining hope for Syria's future. Stressing the need for unity, the Church leaders called for "a comprehensive national dialogue" to rebuild social cohesion and strengthen Syria's identity as a diverse and inclusive nation. They underscored the importance of dialogue workshops and community-driven projects to promote trust, coexistence, and reconciliation. The statement also made an urgent appeal to the international community to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Syria. "These sanctions have negatively impacted Syrian citizens from all spectrums," they noted, emphasizing the devastating effect on both local communities and neighboring countries grappling with migration crises. Turning to constitutional reform, the Patriarchs stressed the need for inclusivity and adherence to principles of citizenship, human rights, and the rule of law. "Drafting a new constitution that reflects the aspirations of Syrians is key to building a modern and democratic state," they affirmed, calling for the active participation of all components of society. Hope for Syria's future was a central theme of the message. The Church leaders envisioned a united and sovereign Syria founded on democracy, human rights, and equality. They emphasized the importance of a secular state that respects diversity while maintaining neutrality toward religion. "A new Syria should remain united and serve as a model of a modern state," they proclaimed. The statement concluded with a powerful call to action: "We urge our Christian faithful not to retreat into isolation or fear but to engage actively in the public sphere." The leaders called on all Syrians, both at home and abroad, to work together in rebuilding the nation, while appealing to the international community to support Syria's recovery and lift sanctions. Signed by Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, and Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Youssef I Absi, the joint message expressed hope that God would bless their efforts and guide Syria toward reconciliation and peace. Read the full announcement: Turkey is working to resolve the energy supply issues in Syria and is ready to provide electricity to the country, where Ankara supported the rebels who toppled Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on Monday. The vast majority of people meet their electricity needs with generators, so there is actually a very serious need for electricity, Reuters quoted Bayraktar as telling reporters in Turkey. Currently, Turkey supplies power to some parts of northern Syria. Now Turkey has vowed to help the war-torn country after the 13-year-long civil war. Turkey is also ready to supply electricity to Lebanon, according to the Turkish energy minister. A team of Turkish government officials is already on the ground in Syria and has had high-level contacts with the current de facto leader in Syria, the rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Turkish team has been discussing energy cooperation with Syria and how Syrias oil and natural gas resources could be used to provide energy, Bayraktar said. Turkish firm Karpowership, which owns a fleet of floating power plants, told Reuters on Monday that it is being considered as one of the alternatives for providing electricity to Syria. There are talks between countries, alternatives are being evaluated. It is too early for us to say anything at this stage, Karpowership said in a statement to Reuters. Turkey has also signaled that it wants to take part in the revival of oil and gas production in Syria. We are also studying the use of crude oil and natural gas for reconstruction of Syria, Minister Bayraktar said last week. We plan to tell our counterparts how we can make contributions in that sense. Our objective is to develop these projects. Bayraktar also said there were plans for new oil and gas pipelines between Syria and Turkey. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Yakubu Dogara Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of the 8th House of Representatives has said contrary to believe in some quarters that corruption is the major problem facing the country, the lack of leadership is to be blamed for the countrys woes. Mr Dogara stated this on Tuesday while addressing participants at a conference organised by the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement. President Muhammadu Buhari has often emphasized on the need to rid the country of corrupt elements, saying they are the major problems of the country. Mr Buharis war against corruption is said to be selective mainly targeted at opposition politicians. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, recently accused the president of promoting corruption in the country by refusing to probe his allies alleged to be corrupt. Nigerias real disease is lack of leadership; I disagree with all those who say our major national disease is financial corruption; rather, the real disease has been the absence of true leadership, Dogara said. The speaker also said lack of direction by leaders in the country encouraged fraudulent conduct. This in turn breeds moral corruption and wickedness. Get a true leader that solves moral corruption and wickedness; when that happens, you will search for financial corruption to no avail. Unfortunately, the leadership model we have practised so far is the kind of leadership that produces sycophants who are expected to serve their political godfathers and not the people, he said. The lawmaker also blamed godfatherism for some of the conduct of those elected into positions in the country. Our so-called leaders have mastered the art of political witchcraft so much so that if you are independent minded, you are automatically disqualified. If for any reason you are picked, then you have to surrender your soul for them to eat in small bites until you become their worshiper. In the midst of this pandemic sycophancy, the so-called godfathers expect the children to fit in and not to stand up to be counted or make a difference. For you, trailblazers who carry the burden and the promises of a generation that must not fail, if you are ever going to get there, it must be on the wings of discipline that produces character. This is because without character, you cannot be men and women of influence and without influence, you cannot change anything. Character means that you cannot be separated from your word a quality no godfather in history has ever possessed, he said. To overcome the challenges, Dogara charged the youths to apply an all-inclusive politics because politics means reaching out to all and not to lose sight of the long-term goal of representing their people, state and country. Says Sanwo-Olu should be star of inauguration The outgoing Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has congratulated his successor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying the new governor deserves to enjoy his historic day without him sharing the glory with him. In a veiled reference to why he will not be attending the formal inauguration of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, today, Ambode said Sanwo-Olu should be allowed to be the star of his inauguration. This was part of a press release by Ambodes Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Habib Aruba this morning. READ ALSO: Updated: Ambode hands over to Sanwo-Olu in private ceremony The out-going governor in the release said: I have already formally handed over reins of power in the State to the new Governor in a most cordial and convivial ceremony at the State House yesterday. The formal inauguration should have Mr. Sanwo-Olu as the star of the day. I dont think that glory should be shared with him by my presence, Ambode said. Ambode said he has had a quality private moment with his successor and he is confident that with the prayers, cooperation and collective support of all Lagosians, the new government will succeed in the excellent tradition of progressive governance which Lagos State is known for. The attackers of the former deputy senate president, Dr Ike Ekweremadu have been identified by Bavaria state police in Germany. An official of the foreign affairs ministry in Abuja said that the Bavaria state police have analysed the attack videos and identified four of the suspected attackers. His words, I cannot reveal their identities for now because the German authorities are now co-operating with us and investigating the attack, the official told TheCable. Police arrest 8 suspected cult members during initiation(Opens in a new browser tab) Recall that Ekweremadu was attacked by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in Nuremberg, Germany when he honoured an invitation by Ndigbo Germany. The attackers stoned Ekweremadu with eggs and tore his cloths. The incident has generally been condemned by Nigerians and international communities. But the leader of the group, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in his reaction opined that Ekweremadus case was a warning to all Igbo leaders in the south-east zone. Federal prosecutors say a Nigerian man living in the U.S. state of Georgia has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for his role in an internet fraud scheme that stole millions through computer and wire fraud. The U.S. attorneys office in Memphis, Tennessee, says 31-year-old Olufolajimi Abegunde was sentenced Tuesday for wire fraud. Prosecutors say the Atlanta resident and several other people created fake business emails and profiles on dating websites to trick victims into sending money to bogus bank accounts. Funds were laundered and wired to destinations in West Africa. The organization caused more than $10 million in damages. Abegeunde helped launder money through a compromised business email of a land title company located in Bellingham, Washington, and a real estate company in Memphis, Tennessee. The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu cast his vote at 10.53 a.m., at Femi Okunni Polling Unit, Ward 09 in Ikoyi during the governorship/ State Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Sanwo-Olu arrived the polling unit at 10.38 a.m., accompanied by his wife, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. The APC governorship candidate expressed his confidence that he would emerge victorious in the elections while addressing reporters after he had performed his civic responsibility. I am glad that I have voted and Im confident that I will emerge victorious at the end of the whole exercise because we communicated and engaged everyone during our campaigns. I have done a lot of work than my opponents in terms of reaching out to the people of the state and spreading my manifesto; so that gives me an edge. Also, exactly six months ago, September 9, 2018, I collected my nomination form from the party and such coincidence means that I will be the next governor of Lagos State. Earlier, there were reported slight issues with the card readers. I am happy that they have been resolved and generally, the elections have been peaceful and Im confident of winning, he said. (NAN) A 25-year-old Yusuf Isiaka was on Sunday stabbed to death by his friend Segun Banji over ram fighting. The incident occurred at Oke Oko in Isawo, Ikorodu around 12pm. Banji, a resident of 15, Araromi Street, Oke Oko was said to have stabbed Isiaka on his left chest causing an instant death. Trouble was said to have started after the duo had a N500 bet on ram fighting but the one whose ram lost the fight refused to remit the money to the other. Although it was not clear who was the reneging party, an argument was said to have ensued between them which led to a fight. Banji was said to have broken a bottle during the fight and stabbed Isiaka on the left chest. As soon as he realised his friend was down, Banji, it was gathered fled the scene and went into hiding but was eventually fished out by officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps Safety Corps (LNSC) with the help of Owutu community members. A source said while the suspect was bring moved to the agencys office in Bolade for onward handover to police, a military officer in Ikorodu stopped the team and directed that they stayed back for police to come and take him. We took the suspect in our patrol vehicle but the military base within the area headed by Captain Ogbodo said we should wait at their check point till the police arrived. On the arrival of Owutu anti-robbery squad, the captain directed we should handover the suspect to the police and we all moved down to the station. A woman Inspector was detailed as Investigating Police Officer (IPO), he said. A relative to the deceased said the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) and that the suspect had been begging for forgiveness. He is only begging to be forgiven. The deceaseds mother is alive and mourning. It is very painful. His body is still in the mortuary because police are still doing their work, he said. Contacted, the spokesman for the agency Olawale Afolabi confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect was handed over to the police. (Above is New Yorks congestion price toll plan) By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com STEP #1 NY Governor proposed congestion price tolls Kotek proposed congestion price tolls STEP #2 Public backlash made NY Governor pause toll program Public backlash made Kotek pause toll program STEP #3. After election, NY Governors party gained seats. After election, Koteks party gained seats. STEP #4 NY Governor un-pauses tolling scheme Will Kotek now un-pause Oregon toll plan? (also introduce gas tax) We think Governor Kotek will likely go full steam ahead with tolling in the 2025 Legislative Session. Here is what the co-chair of the Oregon Joint Transportation Committee said about tolling. Here is what the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board said about New York Governors surprise tax move: Democrats gained three House seats in New York on Election Day, so now they can get back to tax-and-spend government as usual. Thats the message from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is reviving a tax on driving into Manhattan she paused in what now looks like a political bait-and-switch. Ms. Hochuls office is moving ahead with a so-called congestion-pricing system that will charge drivers who enter New York Citys main business district, on top of many current tunnel and bridge fares. The proposed initial fee of $15 enraged commuters after state regulators approved it in March, and the Governor agreed to pause it indefinitely in June. But now she wants to activate the traffic cameras and begin taxing drivers by early January. Both the pause and reversal were timed to the political calendar. Nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers oppose congestion pricing, according to a Siena College poll, and Democrats in close House races feared their party would get blamed. Ms. Hochul took the issue out of the news for long enough to help flip three seats in the stateMs. Hochul wont give up on the plan because it checks boxes on the progressive wish-list: Reducing driving and carbon emissions, and funding New Yorks debt-laden transit system without concessions from bloated union rolls. Here is how the NY Post described it: The Taxpayers Association of Oregon has been warning you and taxpayers about tolling and the upcoming 35-cent gas tax. Be ready! Was this article helpful? If yes,please contribute online to support future articles at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). Xi sends condolences to South Korean acting president over plane crash Xinhua) 08:01, December 30, 2024 BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday sent a message of condolences to South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok over the heavy casualties in the crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane. Xi said he was shocked to learn that the crash has caused heavy loss of human lives. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families, and wished an early recovery of the injured. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) From superyachts and luxury villas to the latest marine tech and luxury lifestyle offerings, the 2025 show expects to generate over one billion baht for the marine leisure and luxury lifestyle sectors Thailand, 24 December 2024 Phuket is set to welcome thousands of international high net worth individuals, boating enthusiasts and luxury aficionados as the island prepares to host the annual Thailand International Boat Show from 9 12 January, 2025 at the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina. From superyachts and luxury villas to the latest marine tech, gadgets and luxury lifestyle offerings, the 2025 show will showcase the best of Phuket and Thailand to the world. Having already smashed records with 50+ boats in-the-water, 60+ exhibitors and an expanded in-water-onshore exhibition space, organisers expect the show to be the biggest and best yet, and generate more than one billion baht for the marine leisure and luxury lifestyle sectors. The support weve received from the industry this year has been exceptional, commented David Hayes, CEO of Thailand International Boat Show organisers JAND Events. All the major brokers and brands have confirmed in-the-water with sail and power boats from 24 feet upto 120 foot superyachts confirmed to display. Weve also expanded the onshore exhibition zone to accommodate increased interest with the air-conditioned area now 100% larger than last year. There are also lots of activities planned throughout the show which will appeal to people of all ages and interests. Phukets tourism has rebounded strongly with the island experiencing near record visitor arrivals. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket expects to welcome 13 million international visitors this year. This in turn has fuelled the islands popularity as the premier holiday home destination in Asia with High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWI) investing in luxury villas and enjoying the yachting and luxury lifestyle that Phuket offers. Growing yachting and improving accessibility for visiting superyachts, as well as developing cruise tourism, are key cornerstones of the governments policy to drive luxury tourism in Thailand and inline with this, organisers of the Thailand International Boat Show will welcome a number of superyachts as well as luxury real estate and lifestyle suppliers to the event this year. Exhibitors from around the world to showcase in Phuket Top international boat brands and brokers from across Thailand and the region will be exhibiting at the show. Simpson Marine will be showcasing the Sanlorenzo 90A amongst others while Boat Lagoon Yachting will be showing a number of Princess Yachts, and Derani Yachts the popular Axopar Boats. Other in-water exhibitors include DCH Marine, who are representing Sunseeker, The Yacht Sales Co, Asiamarine, Asia Yachting, Lee Marine, Leopard Catamarans, MGC Marine, Northrop & Johnson, Go Boating, Fleming Yachts, Sunreef Yachts, Motor Field (Thailand), Extreme Marine, Marine Xplorer, and Flow Yacht Club. A newcomer to the industry, Primus Marine has confirmed the largest in-water line-up to date with six boats, including two Aquila and four from the Beneteau range. Marine services, water toys, gadgets and more will exhibit on shore as well as luxury real estate from Aquella Lakeside Villas and the Standard Residence, Bangtao. Adding to the excitement, Cessna and Beechcraft by Textron Aviation return as presenting sponsor of the VIP Lounge which for the first time will be hosted on the Superyacht Lady Eileen II, and also for the first time the Exhibitors and Captains Lounge will be hosted on board the superyacht Free Bird. Visitor-friendly show The place to be and be seen in January each year, the Thailand International Boat Show is known for its social activities. From music on the boardwalk and live DJ performances, to alfresco dining, theres plenty to see and do, day and night. And on Childrens Day (11th January) therell be a range of activities for the youngest family members ensuring theres something for everyone at the 2025 Thailand International Boat Show. The third Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event will take place 9 12 January, 2025 and is open daily from 13:00 20:00 except on Sunday 12th January when the show closes at 19:00. Admission is free. The four-day show is preceded by the Thailand Yachting Conference and Show Gala Dinner at Conference Center Hall at Splash Beach Resort on 8 January. For more details and special ticketing options, visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A butterfly rests on the nose of assistant butterfly collector Edgar Emojong at the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI) in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga What began as a childhood hobby more than six decades ago has led to what might be Africa's largest butterfly collection in a suburb of Kenya's capital. Steve Collins, 74, was born and raised in western Kenya. By the age of 5, he was fascinated by butterflies and started building a collection that has grown to more than 4.2 million, representing hundreds of species. "My parents encouraged us to look for butterflies after visiting the Congo and were gifted a trapping net by some friends," Collins said. "By the time I was 15 years old, I was already visiting other countries like Nigeria to study more about butterflies." During his 20-year career as an agronomist, Collins dedicated his free time to research. He established the African Butterfly Research Institute in 1997. Now, running out of space and time, he hopes to hand it over to the next generation. On his 1.5 acres (0.6 hectare) of land, hundreds of indigenous trees and flowering bushes form a well-knit forest. Hundreds of butterflies dance from one flower to another, at times landing on Collins' hand. His collection is private, although it was initially open to the public when he ran it as an education center between 1998 and 2003. Steve Collins, a butterfly collector and the founder of the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI), holds a butterfly collection box in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga Collins has 1.2 million butterflies from across Africa delicately pinned in frames and stored in rows of shelves, with another 3 million in envelopes. "They need to be kept in dark spaces," he said. "The form of storage also ensures the dried butterflies are not eaten by other insects, parasites and predators. We also ensure we apply insecticides once a year to keep them safe." Julian Bayliss, an ecologist specializing in Africa and a visiting professor at Oxford Brookes University, said he has collected butterflies for Collins over two decades. "There is a large part of that collection that is completely irreplaceable because a large part of Africa's habitat is being destroyed," Bayliss said. Africa is vulnerable to climate change, with periods of prolonged drought and serious flooding destroying forests and other butterfly habitats. Edgar Emojong, assistant butterfly collector at the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI), catches butterflies in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga Bayliss suggested digitizing the collection to make it accessible worldwide. Whoever takes it over "needs to be an institution that is well-founded, well-funded and secure," he said. Scott Miller, an entomologist at the Smithsonian Institution, met Collins almost 30 years ago. He said such collections provide critical information that could show environmental changes over 60 years. "These physical specimens, you can actually keep going back to them to get new layers of information as you learn more or you get a different technology or you get different questions," he said. Collins is concerned that soon he will no longer be able to sustain his research. He said his most prized butterfly costs $8,000which he keeps from sight, concerned about possible theftand hopes to sell the collection to an individual or research institution. Assistant butterfly collector Edgar Emojong pins a butterfly at the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI) in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga Steve Collins, a butterfly collector and the founder of the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI), holds a butterfly collection box in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga Steve Collins, a butterfly collector and the founder of the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI), holds a butterfly in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga Edgar Emojong, assistant butterfly collector at the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI), pins a butterfly in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga A butterfly collection box at a storeroom at the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI) in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga Steve Collins, a butterfly collector and the founder of the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI), holds a butterfly in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga Edgar Emojong, assistant butterfly collector at the African Butterfly Research Institute (ABRI), holds a butterfly in Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga The costs of running his institute are high. An annual budget posted in 2009 on the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa website was $200,000. Collins estimates that the specimens and other assets are worth $8 million. "This has been my hobby for decades, and I can't put a price on what I have done so far. I'm currently seeking to ensure the species are in safe hands when I'm out of this world," he said. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Illustration of the proposed model. Credit: Sensors (2024). DOI: 10.3390/s24217030 Super-resolution (SR) technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of images. SR reconstruction aims to generate high-resolution images from low-resolution ones. Traditional methods often result in blurred or distorted images. Advanced techniques such as sparse representation and deep learning-based methods have shown promising results but still face limitations in terms of noise robustness and computational complexity. In a recent study published in Sensors, researchers from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposed innovative solutions that integrate chaotic mapping into SR image reconstruction process, significantly enhancing the image quality across various fields. Researchers innovatively introduced circle chaotic mapping into the dictionary sequence solving process of the K-singular value decomposition (K-SVD) dictionary update algorithm. This integration facilitated balanced traversal and simplified the search for global optimal solutions, thereby enhancing the noise robustness of the SR reconstruction. In addition, researchers adopted the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) greedy algorithm, which converges faster than the L1-norm convex optimization algorithm, to complement K-SVD, and constructed a high-resolution image using the mapping relationship generated by the algorithm. They trained and learned high- and low-resolution dictionaries from a large number of images similar to the target. Through the joint dictionary training method, the high- and low-resolution image blocks under the dictionary had the same sparse representation, reducing the complexity of the SR reconstruction process. The proposed method, named the Chaotic Mapping-based Sparse Representation (CMOSR), significantly improves the image quality and authenticity. It could effectively reconstruct high-resolution images with high spatial resolution, good clarity, and rich texture details. Compared to traditional SR algorithms, the CMOSR exhibits better noise robustness and computational efficiency. It does not generate unexpected details when processing images and is more inclusive of image sizes. More information: Hailin Fang et al, Super-Resolution Reconstruction of Remote Sensing Images Using Chaotic Mapping to Optimize Sparse Representation, Sensors (2024). DOI: 10.3390/s24217030 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The electroluminescence (EL) images demonstrate that devices of various sizes perform effectively at operational current densities, even for the smallest 3 m device. The UVC micro-display can offer exceptional uniformity and significant light output power, enabling the successful implementation of the pattern transfer process. Credit: HKUST In a breakthrough set to revolutionize the semiconductor industry, the School of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has developed the world's first-of-its-kind deep-ultraviolet (UVC) microLED display array for lithography machines. This enhanced efficiency UVC microLED has showcased the viability of a lowered cost maskless photolithography through the provision of adequate light output power density, enabling exposure of photoresist films in a shorter time. Conducted under the supervision of Prof. Kwok Hoi-Sing, Founding Director of the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Displays and Optoelectronics Technologies at HKUST, the study was a collaborative effort with the Southern University of Science and Technology, and the Suzhou Institute of Nanotechnology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. A lithography machine is crucial equipment for semiconductor manufacturing, applying short-wavelength ultraviolet light to make integrated circuit chips with various layouts. However, traditional mercury lamps and deep ultraviolet LED light sources have shortcomings such as large device size, low resolution, high energy consumption, low light efficiency, and insufficient optical power density. To overcome these challenges, the research team built a maskless lithography prototype platform and used it to fabricate the first microLED device by using deep UV microLED with maskless exposure, improving optical extraction efficiency, heat distribution performance, and epitaxial stress relief during the production process. Prof. Kwok highlighted, "The team achieved key breakthroughs for the first microLED device including high power, high light efficiency, high-resolution pattern display, improved screen performance and fast exposure ability. This deep-UV microLED display chip integrates the ultraviolet light source with the pattern on the mask. It provides sufficient irradiation dose for photoresist exposure in a short time, creating a new path for semiconductor manufacturing." Moving images of geometries. Credit: Nature Photonics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01551-7 "In recent years, the low-cost and high-precision maskless lithography technology of traditional lithography machines has become an R&D hotspot because of its ability to adjust the exposure pattern, provide more diverse customization options, and save the cost of preparing lithography masks. Photoresist-sensitive short-wavelength microLED technology is therefore critical to the independent development of semiconductor equipment," Prof. Kwok explained. "Compared with other representative works, our innovation features smaller device size, lower driving voltage, higher external quantum efficiency, higher optical power density, larger array size, and higher display resolution. These key performance enhancements make the study a global leader in all metrics," said Dr. Feng Feng, postdoctoral research fellow at HKUST's Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering (ECE), concluded. Their paper, titled "High-Power AlGaN Deep-Ultraviolet Micro-Light-Emitting Diode Displays for Maskless Photolithography", has been published in the journal Nature Photonics. It has since earned wide recognition in the industry and was named by the 10th International Forum on Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (IFWS) as one of the top ten advances in China's third-generation semiconductor technology in 2024. Looking forward, the team plans to continue enhancing the performance of AlGaN deep ultraviolet microLEDs, improve the prototype, and develop 2k to 8k high-resolution deep ultraviolet microLED display screens. Dr. Feng is the first author, while Prof. Liu Zhaojun, Adjunct Associate Professor of HKUST's ECE Department, who concurrently serves as an Associate Professor at Southern University of Science and Technology, is the corresponding author. Team members also include ECE postdoctoral research fellow Dr. Liu Yibo, Ph.D. graduate Dr. Zhang Ke, and collaborators from other institutions. More information: Feng Feng et al, High-power AlGaN deep-ultraviolet micro-light-emitting diode displays for maskless photolithography, Nature Photonics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01551-7 Journal information: Nature Photonics 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: Live photo of Uropterygius hades. Credit: Dr. Wen-Chien Huang The Hades' snake moray (Uropterygius hades), a dark brown, slender snake moray eel, has chosen the road less traveled, thriving in dim and muddy river mouths, unlike most of its marine moray eel relatives. It is widely distributed across the Central Indo-Pacific, and has been found in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, southern Java, and Fiji. This new moray eel was named after Hades, the god of the underworld, due to its unique habitat, burrowing behavior, high sensitivity to light, and most notably, its deep, dark coloration. Scientists Dr. Wen-Chien Huang, Dr. Rodulf Anthony Balisco, Dr. Te-Yu Liao, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, Western Philippines University, the Philippines, and Dr. Yusuke Hibino, Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History, Japan, describe this new species in a paper published in the journal ZooKeys. They named it after Hades, the underworld god, to emphasize its imposing appearance and its habitat in dim, turbid environments. This idea was inspired by Dr. Wen-Chien Huang, who was influenced by Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of Hades in the movie Clash of the Titans. There are approximately 230 species of moray eels worldwide, with most inhabiting marine environments. Only one species has been confirmed to spend the majority of its life in freshwater. Some marine species, like the slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete), can tolerate and occasionally enter lower-salinity environments such as river mouths. However, moray eels specifically adapted to estuarine habitats are exceedingly rare. The discovery of Hades' snake moray was actually accidental, when the three researchers from National Sun Yat-sen University investigated the cave of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, aiming to survey the aquatic fauna and targeting a cave eel species, the bean-eyed snake moray (Uropterygius cyamommatus). Live photo of Uropterygius hades . Credit: Dr. Wen-Chien Huang Fresh specimen of Uropterygius hades . Credit: Dr. Wen-Chien Huang Fresh specimen of Uropterygius hades . Credit: Dr. Wen-Chien Huang Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Palawan, the Philippines. Credit: Dr. Wen-Chien Huang This eel, with its highly reduced eye size, is considered an ideal example for studying the evolutionary processes that allow eels to adapt to cave environments. However, the researchers did not find any bean-eyed snake morays in the cave; instead, they collected a slender moray with a conspicuous, uniformly deep dark color. When kept in an aquatic tank, the Hades' snake moray exhibits tail-first burrowing behavior, which is rarely seen in moray eels. Additionally, it is highly sensitive to light, consistently attempting to hide when exposed to it. Its small eyesthought to be an adaptation to low-light environmentsand its reduced number of head sensory poresbelieved to help avoid clogging by the substratesuggest that this species might be an excellent burrower, relying primarily on chemoreception rather than vision to detect prey or avoid predators. More information: Wen-Chien Huang et al, Description of a new uniformly brown estuarine moray eel (Anguilliformes, Muraenidae) from the Central Indo-Pacific Ocean, ZooKeys (2024). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1220.129685 Journal information: ZooKeys 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: Shufang Tian and Xin Zhao A recent study by scientists at the University of Florida sheds light on how soil and nutrient management practices significantly influence the productivity and quality of leafy green crops grown in high tunnel organic systems. The research provides valuable insights for organic farmers seeking to optimize crop yields while maintaining soil health and meeting market demands for high-quality produce. Leafy greens, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, are increasingly in demand in the United States, with organic sales growing by over 24% between 2016 and 2021. Florida, a key producer of organic leafy greens, faces challenges in maintaining productivity due to subtropical conditions like temperature extremes, humidity fluctuations, and frequent rainfall. These challenges are compounded by sandy soils with low organic matter content, making water and nutrient management difficult. As high tunnel systems gain popularity among Florida growers, research is needed to evaluate their effectiveness in improving crop yields and quality under these conditions. High tunnels, which are unheated greenhouse-like structures, are increasingly used in organic farming to extend growing seasons and protect crops from adverse weather conditions. Despite this growing interest in high tunnel organic vegetable production, limited information is available regarding optimizing nutrient management for organic leafy greens in Florida sandy soils. In this 3-year study, the cowpea cover crop as well as a range of soil amendments, nutrient inputs, and management techniques were examined to determine their impact on crop performance in high tunnels, within the context of crop rotation as required by organic vegetable production. The work is published in the journal HortScience. Results revealed that tailored and integrated nutrient management not only improved crop yields but also helped maintain the overall nutritional quality of organically-grown leafy greens, key factors for consumer satisfaction and marketability. It also pointed out the need to tackle the interactions of soil fertility management practices along with environmental conditions on vegetable mineral and phytochemical compositions while promoting crop productivity. This study underscores the importance of balancing soil fertility and plant nutrient requirements, especially in high tunnel systems with sandy soils. Effective management strategies, the research suggests, can help mitigate challenges such as nutrient leaching and soil degradation, ensuring sustainable production for organic farmers. These findings contribute to a growing body of knowledge aimed at supporting the organic agriculture sector, offering actionable recommendations for farmers and agricultural advisors. The high tunnel organic vegetable systems research was part of a recently completed multi-institutional project led by Dr. Xin Zhao. Dr. Zhao is a Professor in the of Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Her research program focuses on high tunnel vegetable systems, organic and integrated vegetable cropping systems and innovative technologies for improving crop resilience, soil health, and food quality in vegetable and strawberry production. Lead author Shufang Tian completed her Ph.D. research in the Zhao Lab and now works as a Small Farms IPM Lead Academic Coordinator with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Co-authors Drs. Jeffrey K. Brecht and Bala Rathinasabapathi are also professors in the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. More information: Shufang Tian et al, Influence of Soil and Nutrient Management Practices on Crop Productivity and Quality in High Tunnel Organic Leafy Green Production, HortScience (2023). DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI17327-23 Journal information: HortScience Cancun judge sentences three to prison for running cocaine off coast of Mahahual Mahahual, Q.R. Three men caught transporting cocaine off the coast of Mahahual in May have been sentenced. A Cancun judge handed down a 13 year and seven month prison sentence to the Mexican nationals after being found guilty of transporting narcotics and gang association. Photo: FGR of Quintana Roo May 2024. The Attorney General of the Republic (FGR), based in Cancun, says a district judge ordered the sentence against Adalberto E, Guadalupe V and Candido G for being criminally responsible for the transportation of cocaine hydrochloride with the aggravating factor of having been carried out in a gang. According to the investigation, the arrest occurred in May 2024 when they were aboard an unnamed vessel without registration, flag or lights. The boat, outfitted with two outboard motors, was located approximately 165 nautical miles southeast of Mahahual where they were sighted by elements of the Coast Guard of the Secretariat of the Navy. It was the second similar cocaine seizure made off Costa Maya in the Spring. According to authorities, the cocaine was being run by a fleet of drug boats that originated in Colombia with destinations of Puerto Rico and Quintana Roo. Photo: FGR of Quintana Roo May 2024. The three men detained off the coast of Mahahual are of Mexican nationality. Two are from the state of Sinaloa and one from Oaxaca. They have each been sentenced to 13 years, seven months and 19 days in prison. Photo: FGR of Quintana Roo May 2024. The May seizure off Mahahual was believed linked to the first seizure, also 3 tons of cocaine, by the Ministerio Publico of Honduras on May 9. Official information surrounding that seizure was not released until May 12 when, according to their statement, approximately 3 tons (2,878 kilos) of cocaine was seized from a small vessel off the coast of Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazan. Photo: FGR of Quintana Roo May 2024. That vessel, they reported, is believed to have had a final destination of Quintana Roo, but was intercepted before reaching Mexico. Navy rescues 38 stranded on failed catamaran off Isla Mujeres Cancun, Q.R. Dozens of tourists were rescued from a failed catamaran Saturday night off the coast of Isla Mujeres. The boat was found adrift by Mexicos Navy approximately two miles off shore. On board were 38 tourists. Navy personnel began their search for the vessel late Saturday after receiving a request for help after their engine failed. In a statement, the Secretary of the Navy reported on the rescue. After receiving a call for help in the Command and Control Room of the Fifth Naval Region, it was reported that a catamaran with 38 people on board had drifted due to engine failure. An Interceptor Patrol of this institution was ordered to set sail immediately, as well as a Defender-type boat from the Naval Station for Search, Rescue and Maritime Surveillance (ENSAR) of Isla Mujeres, which located said boat. Personnel from the Fifth Naval Region rescued the 38 people aboard that was adrift approximately two nautical miles (3,704 kilometers) north of Punta Sam. The people were immediately rescued, and they were transferred to a safe harbor at the Naval Station of Puerto Juarez, where naval personnel provided first aid. Plane makes emergency landing after leaving Cancun International Monterrey, Q.R. A Viva Aerobus flight from Cancun to Ciudad Juarez made an emergency landing in Monterrey. Flight 2220 was forced to make the emergency landing due to cabin depressurization during the flight. The airline confirmed the plane landed at the Monterrey International Airport at 3:10 p.m. due to cabin depressurization. The plane was flying from Cancun to Ciudad Juarez and was over the Gulf of Mexico when it began to experience problems. According to Viva Aerobus, the depressurization, although not serious, forced the crew to activate emergency protocol. The plane landed at Monterrey International Airport where another aircraft was made available to transport the passengers to their original destination. The new flight departed the airport at 4:10 p.m., the airline added. The affected aircraft will undergo a thorough review to determine the cause of the problem, Viva Aerobus said in a statement. The company reiterated its commitment to the safety and well-being of its passengers. Search and recovery find body of missing Playa del Carmen swimmer Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A 40 year old man was found drowned late Sunday night off a central Playa del Carmen beach. A search and recovery team found his body in the water near centro several hours after he was reported missing. Emergency services received the report around 6:30 p.m. Sunday that an adult male, who went swimming off a beach area near Constituyentes Avenue, had not returned. Civil Protection started the evening search along with lifeguards, which lasted for more than four hours. It was not until after 11:00 p.m. when the mans body was finally found in front of a central hotel near 8th Street North, approximately five city blocks from where he reportedly entered the water. The now-deceased, who has not been named, was visiting from the State of Mexico. He is suspected to have died by drowning, however, an autopsy will confirm the official cause of death. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/china-completes-worlds-longest-high-speed-tunnel---reports-1121304219.html China Completes World's Longest High-Speed Tunnel - Reports China Completes World's Longest High-Speed Tunnel - Reports Sputnik International China has completed the construction of the world's longest expressway tunnel, Tianshan Shengli, that will link the southern and northern parts of the Xinjiang autonomous region, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday. 2024-12-30T07:20+0000 2024-12-30T07:20+0000 2024-12-30T07:20+0000 beyond politics china xinjiang tunnel high-speed trains high-speed railway https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/1e/1121304337_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1f5ce0465851432f60cfb28b080b3c8b.jpg The 14-mile tunnel is expected to reduce travel time across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes once in operation in 2025, the news agency reported. The project is also crucial for the regional capital of Urumqi in northern Xinjiang and Yuli County in southern Xinjiang, cutting travel time between the two locations from about seven hours to just over three hours, the report said. china xinjiang Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Construction of World's Longest High-Speed Tunnel Completed in China's Xinjiang Sputnik International Construction of World's Longest High-Speed Tunnel Completed in China's Xinjiang 2024-12-30T07:20+0000 true PT0M31S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International world's longest expressway tunnel, longest tunnel in china, tianshan shengli https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/greece-to-face-higher-costs-if-it-rejects-russian-gas--russian-ambassador-1121303111.html Greece to Face Higher Costs if It Rejects Russian Gas Russian Ambassador Greece to Face Higher Costs if It Rejects Russian Gas Russian Ambassador Sputnik International Greece should be prepared to pay more if it rejects Russian gas for political reasons, Russian Ambassador to Greece Andrey Maslov said in an interview with Sputnik. 2024-12-30T04:32+0000 2024-12-30T04:32+0000 2024-12-30T05:00+0000 alexei maslov greece russia athens liquefied natural gas (lng) russian gas gas supplies gas transit gas shipments world https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/03/1121077051_0:118:3221:1929_1920x0_80_0_0_1c2e3023f34662a8f5132a353253176d.jpg The United States has set Europe the task of abandoning Russian energy resources by 2027. For this purpose, in particular, an LNG terminal was built in Alexandroupoli and put into operation three months ago. "The Greek government constantly publicly emphasizes the task of abandoning Russian gas. I cannot judge how possible this is. Athens tried to replace Russian supplies with more expensive LNG from other countries, but this resulted in an explosive rise in fuel prices. Greek citizens were forced to pay exorbitant bills for gas and electricity," Maslov said. Theoretically, Greece's refusal of Russian energy resources is possible, but "common sense" may prevail, the diplomat believes. "As for the refusal of our energy resources by 2027, then theoretically everything is possible. The question is, however, why, and whether the Greek side will be ready to pay so much more for the sake of some political considerations. Politics is politics, but in some cases, elementary common sense may prevail," the Russian ambassador concluded.On Cooperation Within UNSCRussia is ready for constructive cooperation with Greece in the UN Security Council, the ambassador pointed out.But time will tell how it will be in reality, he added.On Publications About Ukraine ConflictThere are few unbiased publications about the conflict in Ukraine in Greek media, the Greek media scene generally remains anti-Russian, the ambassador added in the interview.According to Maslov, there are conscientious and sensible journalists in Greece, mainly in electronic media, who try to professionally approach the coverage of the conflict in Ukraine and convey an objective point of view."Sometimes such bold voices are heard in media resources close to the government. However, such examples are few, and even more so, a balanced, sober view is not dominant here. The bulk of the media, as before, broadcasts a distorted Western point of view, relying on Western sources as the ultimate truth," Maslov noted. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241229/major-winners-and-losers-of-halting-russian-gas-transit-through-ukraine-1121300467.html greece russia athens ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian gas supplies, russian gas transit, russian gas shipments, russian gas export, russian gas sold to europe, ussian gas sold to eu, ussian gas sold to greece https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/israel-declares-no-intent-to-attack-yemen-but-promises-retaliation-against-houthi-strikes-1121309251.html Israel Declares No Intent to Attack Yemen, But Promises Retaliation Against Houthi Strikes Israel Declares No Intent to Attack Yemen, But Promises Retaliation Against Houthi Strikes Sputnik International Israel has no conflict with Yemen or any intention to attack it but will retaliate against attacks launched from Houthi-controlled areas, Danny Danon, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations said on Monday. 2024-12-30T17:39+0000 2024-12-30T17:39+0000 2024-12-30T17:39+0000 military middle east danny danon israel yemen sanaa houthis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105640/39/1056403980_0:300:5760:3540_1920x0_80_0_0_5a4f115e851698ef1932e6dfb0e6b441.jpg We have no conflict with Yemen So we have no intention to attack Yemen, but we will retaliate, Danon told journalists. Direct conflict between Israel and the Houthis has intensified this month. After a series of rocket and drone attacks launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, Israel conducted strikes on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the Hudaydah province on December 19, which resulted in civilian casualties. On December 26, in response to additional attacks by the Houthis Israel launched a strike on the Sanaa International Airport. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was inside the airport at the time. He was unharmed but one crew member of the UN delegation got injured. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241227/israel-just-getting-started-conducting-airstrikes-on-yemen---netanyahu-1121280164.html israel yemen sanaa Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israel, yemen, houthis, sanaa, israeli strikes on yemen https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/musk-calls-ukraines-zelenskyy-all-time-champ-for-greatest-heist-in-us-1121308969.html Musk Calls Ukraines Zelensky All-Time Champ for Greatest Heist in US Musk Calls Ukraines Zelensky All-Time Champ for Greatest Heist in US Sputnik International US billionaire Elon Musk on Monday called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy an "all-time" champion for the US "greatest heist," commenting on US President Joe Bidens decision to allocate another $2.5 billion to Ukraine. 2024-12-30T17:15+0000 2024-12-30T17:15+0000 2024-12-30T17:52+0000 world elon musk us joe biden donald trump ukraine kiev volodymyr zelensky https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/0e/1120885313_0:146:2817:1730_1920x0_80_0_0_12508d304867cf7bd0f6f9b481681ca3.jpg "All-time champ," Musk said on X in response to another users comment saying that the Ukrainian leader "has genuinely pulled off one of the greatest money heists of all time." Earlier in the day, Biden announced another package of aid to Ukraine worth nearly $2.5 billion. US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the Ukraine conflict through talks. He has repeatedly said he could resolve it in just one day and criticized the US approach to the conflict. Russia has repeatedly said that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder the conflict settlement process and make NATO countries a party to the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will be a legitimate target for Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241203/total-us-military-aid-to-ukraine-under-biden-tops-62bln---pentagon-1121076588.html ukraine kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us, ukraine, elon musk, volodymyr zelenskyy, us aid to ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/no-preconditions-for-resolving-the-ukrainian-conflict-at-present---kremlin-1121306249.html No Preconditions for Resolving the Ukrainian Conflict at Present - Kremlin No Preconditions for Resolving the Ukrainian Conflict at Present - Kremlin Sputnik International There are currently no preconditions for ending the Ukrainian conflict or any of its phases, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik on Monday. 2024-12-30T10:12+0000 2024-12-30T10:12+0000 2024-12-30T11:12+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine vladimir putin dmitry peskov sergey lavrov russia ukraine ukraine crisis peace talks https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0b/16/1120965309_0:138:3151:1910_1920x0_80_0_0_4b440a71fa6aff4b9de47512708c5793.jpg "No," Peskov said.Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Sputnik that Russia is open to negotiations on resolving the situation surrounding Ukraine. However, he emphasized that these talks must focus on addressing the root causes of the crisis and take into account the actual situation "on the ground."Lavrov also reminded that Russia's approach to resolving the conflict had been outlined by President Vladimir Putin.In June, Putin proposed initiatives for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. According to his plan, Moscow would immediately cease hostilities and express readiness for negotiations once Ukrainian forces withdraw from the territories of Russia's newly integrated regions. Additionally, Kiev would need to declare its refusal to join NATO, undertake demilitarization and denazification efforts, and adopt a neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status. Putin also stressed the necessity of lifting sanctions against Russia as part of the resolution process. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240614/putin-sets-condition-for-ukraine-peace-talks-full-ukrainian-withdrawal-from-new-russian-regions-1118950944.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia, ukraine, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian conflict, war in ukraine, russia-ukraine peace talks, kremlin, dmitry peskov https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/russia-brings-back-150-soldiers-from-ukrainian-captivity-1121308513.html Russia Brings Back 150 Soldiers From Ukrainian Captivity Russia Brings Back 150 Soldiers From Ukrainian Captivity Sputnik International Russia has returned 150 soldiers from Ukrainian captivity in exchange for 150 Ukrainian prisoners of war, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. 2024-12-30T14:45+0000 2024-12-30T14:45+0000 2024-12-30T14:48+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russia ukraine ministry of defense pow prisoner swap https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/1e/1121308353_0:294:3024:1995_1920x0_80_0_0_f46b80bd73ff8ec52373029ab7678623.jpg "On December 30 of this year, as a result of the negotiation process, 150 Russian servicepeople were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime," the ministry said in a statement, adding that 150 Ukrainian POWs were transferred in exchange. All Russian military personnel are currently on the territory of Belarus, where they are receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance, as well as the opportunity to contact their relatives, the statement read, adding that they will be transferred to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Ministry of Defense. The United Arab Emirates provided humanitarian mediation efforts during the return of Russian soldiers from captivity, the ministry added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241102/ukraine-agreed-to-take-back-279-pows-out-of-935-proposed-for-exchange---russian-ombudswoman-1120755681.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia, russian special military operation, ukraine, ukrainian conflict, ukrainian crisis, war in ukraine, pows, prisoners of war, prisoners exchange, prisoners swap Friday marks the first anniversary of the opening of Beijing Library, located in Tongzhou district, Beijing municipality. At a news conference held to celebrate the birthday on Friday, Beijing Library has listed out numbers signifying its achievements in the year that passed. In the first 88 days since opening, Beijing Library had received a whole million readers in all, and now its annual number of visitors has already exceeded 3.7 million. Among them, the youngest visitor was 0-year old, and the oldest was 93. Throughout the year, the library hosted over 3,400 events, including urban concerts, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, and classical poetry appreciation sessions, benefiting 18 million people both online and offline. In collaboration with libraries from eight provinces and municipalities along the Grand Canal, the Beijing Library launched activities such as intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, cultural and tourism exhibitions, with a most significant of them being themed "The Grand Canal in Poetry and Prose", which initiative allowed participants to explore canal cities and retrace the path of the Grand Canal. Thanks to all the achievements, in October the Beijing Municipal Library stood out among 16 libraries from 10 countries worldwide, winning the Public Library of the Year Award presented by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). This was the first time a Chinese library received this prestigious honor in the global public library community. On the same day, the Beijing Library announced a series of favorable policies for readers to meet their diverse and convenient public cultural service needs. For example, by activating the library card authentication service on smartphones, readers can use their social security cards to enjoy services such as borrowing books. In the new year, the Beijing Library will also host over 1,000 sessions of reading activities that include reading guidance for readers so young as being infants, marking the beginning of newborn reading. Additionally, there will be efforts to promote Grand Canal culture through reading activities, which will integrate cultural exchange and tourism elements. The Beijing Library also officially launched new scenarios for its smart reading service. The naked-eye 3D reading of two classic ancient books, namely Compendium of Materia Medica on herbals and The Exploitation of the Works of Nature on ancient technologies are now online, allowing readers to directly "touch" virtual images, transforming static pages into dynamic perceptions. With the help of AI, the smart desktop also provides readers with original reading and assisted reading functions, such as translation, glossary, and excerpts, helping them fully understand the text and acquire information and knowledge in a more efficient and intelligent way. Mao Yajun, director of the Capital Library, stated that in the new year, the Beijing Municipal Library will provide top-notch service management to offer readers a first-class reading and cultural experience. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/russian-forces-liberate-novoolenovka-in-donetsk-region-1121306391.html Russian Forces Liberate Novoolenovka in Donetsk Region Russian Forces Liberate Novoolenovka in Donetsk Region Sputnik International Russian forces from the Tsentr Battlegroup have liberated the settlement of Novoolenovka in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), according to a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defense. 2024-12-30T11:44+0000 2024-12-30T11:44+0000 2024-12-30T12:03+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russia donetsk region russian ministry of defense https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/1e/1121306508_0:154:3094:1894_1920x0_80_0_0_55c755cf4e5a8f9d6b6b6faf52858557.jpg "The determined actions of units from the Tsentr Battlegroup have resulted in the liberation of the settlement of Novoolenovka in the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry announced.Additionally, over the past 24 hours, units from the Tsentr Battlegroup reportedly repelled 11 counterattacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, inflicting significant losses. According to the statement, the Ukrainian side suffered up to 420 casualties, lost two tanks, including a German-made Leopard, as well as other equipment.The Ministry of Defense noted that Russian forces targeted personnel and equipment belonging to three mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry brigade, a mountain assault brigade, two assault battalions, a marine brigade, and a National Police assault brigade. The engagements occurred near the settlements of Dzerzhinsk, Vozdvizhenka, Dachenskoye, and Peschanoye in the DPR.In addition to personnel losses, Ukrainian forces reportedly lost two infantry fighting vehicles, one armored personnel carrier, a British-made Snatch armored vehicle, five pickup trucks, a 155mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery unit, two 152mm D-20 guns, a 122mm Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, three 122mm D-30 howitzers, and an electronic warfare station, as outlined in the ministry's statement.Other DevelopmentsForces of Russias Sever Battlegroup targeted two Ukrainian brigades near Kazachya Lopan, Velikiye Prokhody, and Liptsy in the Kharkov region, resulting in up to 65 Ukrainian casualties, along with the destruction of one armored vehicle, one truck, a 152mm D-20 gun, two 122mm D-30 howitzers, and an electronic warfare station.The Yug Battlegroup advanced to more favorable positions, inflicting over 295 casualties on Ukrainian forces, destroying one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, an M113 APC, a Kozak armored vehicle, two pickups, two electronic warfare stations, and two field ammunition depots.The Vostok Battlegroup pushed deeper into Ukrainian defenses, targeting three mechanized brigades and one territorial defense brigade, inflicting over 175 casualties. Ukrainian losses included a Paladin self-propelled artillery unit, an M119 howitzer, a 152mm D-20 gun, three vehicles, an electronic warfare station, and a field ammunition depot.The Zapad Battlegroup improved its frontline positions and targeted six Ukrainian brigades, including mechanized, assault, territorial defense, and national guard units, inflicting over 530 casualties. Ukrainian losses included one tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, four APCs (three of which were M113s), eight vehicles, a Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled gun, a Hyacinth-B 152mm gun, a 122mm Gvozdika howitzer, three 122mm D-30 howitzers, and an M119 howitzer.The Dnepr Battlegroup struck Ukrainian forces from three territorial defense brigades near Antonovka, Mikhailovka, and Yantarnoye in Kherson region, resulting in up to 75 casualties. Ukrainian losses included one armored vehicle, four cars, and two field ammunition depots. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241223/russian-forces-target-ukrainian-airfields-and-drone-depots-liberate-storozhevoye-in-donetsk-region-1121243462.html russia donetsk region Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian special military operation, ukraine, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian conflict, war in ukraine, donetsk region, novolinovka https://sputnikglobe.com/20241230/ukraines-second-front-in-africa-zelensky-will-bite-dust-there-1121305198.html Ukraines Second Front in Africa: Zelensky Will Bite Dust There Ukraines Second Front in Africa: Zelensky Will Bite Dust There Sputnik International Moscow earlier said that unable to defeat Russia on the battlefield, Ukraine decided to open a second front in Africa, pandering to terrorist groups in such countries as Mali and Niger. 2024-12-30T09:30+0000 2024-12-30T09:30+0000 2024-12-30T09:30+0000 ukraine mali niger analysis volodymyr zelensky maria zakharova kiev russian foreign ministry https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/0c/1e/1121305037_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_73b831b6346b437dfd0b01b81a521b20.jpg Ukraine's opening of a "second front" on the African continent is "a desperate move aimed at media sensation, with no clear vision and strategy," Professor Alexis Habiyaremye, Research Chair in Industrial Development at the University of Johannesburg, told Sputnik.Context for Ukraine in AfricaIt is unclear what Ukraine's strategy in Africa is "beyond participation in destabilization" of the continent, he said, mentioning the Confederation of Sahel States, which are "led by a vision of sovereignty that is stronger than Ukrainian hatred and racism."Ukrainian intelligence services "have unashamedly claimed to collaborate" with terrorist groups in Africa, "hoping to destabilize Russian security partners, and by doing so, to discredit Russia," the analyst added, pointing to "the blanket impunity granted to Ukraine by its Western backers."Why is the Effort Fruitless?The professor singled out the Sahel region, where he said the Kiev regime relied on "French logistics and American satellite technology" to help "terrorists ambush troops of Malian Armed Forces."Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier stated that Malis and Nigers decision to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine indicates the African countries growing understanding of the terrorist nature of the Kiev regime. https://sputnikglobe.com/20241113/west-uses-ukraine-to-achieve-geopolitical-goals-in-africa--malis-foreign-minister-1120870172.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240306/cash-troop-and-ammo-strapped-ukraine-finds-time-for-anti-russia-proxy-war-in-africa-1117168751.html ukraine mali niger kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg ukraine's 'second front' in africa, ukraine's strategy in africa, neocolonial western powers, sahel region, american satellite technology, african nations With $4,610 to go, Marc Campbell will try to become the first Atlantic Canadian based driver to go over $1 million in seasonal earnings during the Tuesday, Dec. 31 evening New Year's Eve program at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park. The 14-dash Tuesday program gets underway at a special 6 p.m. post time. The Orwell, P.E.I. horseman sits at $995,390 in driving earnings in 2024 as he sets his sights on a previously untouched plateau. Marc Campbell is also running away with the driving title for his 15th straight season with 171 victories at the track, ahead of second place David Dowling at 127 wins. The trainers race at Red Shores Charlottetown is a similar tale with Jennifer Doyle scoring an all-time record of 96 wins in 2024 over Ron Matheson at 63 wins and Jeff Holmes with 54 victories. Doyle has a total of 112 wins on Prince Edward Island this year as she tries to overtake Campbells record of 113 training wins between Charlottetown and Summerside in a calendar year. The feature of the evening is the race 13 $4,600 Preferred with Roll Em, to be driven by Campbell, looking to repeat for trainer Brent Campbell, who also co-owns the six-year-old gelding with Savage Stable and Ryan MacLeod. The post three starter knocked off this class last week in 1:55.4. Also in the field are Impeccable Shadow (Adam Merner), No Plan Intended (David Dowling), Bee Two Bee (Jason Hughes) and Blood Money (Gilles Barrieau). The Post Time Picks is siding with Bee Two Bee to visit the winners circle again after winning three of his last five starts at this level: Bee Two Bee flew home in :27.4 to win two starts back and matched that final quarter speed last week but had to settle for third. It's difficult to win from off-the-pace in a compact field so Hughes might change tactics this week and point his charge to the front. If he's successful, he could go all the way. To view Tuesday's harness racing entries, click the following link: Tuesday Entries - Charlottetown Driving Park. (Red Shores) When Get Around Town set foot on the racetrack for the last time this month, the 14-year-old gelding finished his career with a feat likely unmatched by any Standardbred racehorse. No, you wont find the veteran pacer on any all-time list for wins or money earned but with 459 starts the horse can lay claim to a remarkable record for toughness and durability. When owner and trainer team Bill and Brian Boroff pull the pacers racing shoes for the final time, the unlikely warhorse will hold a distinction that has likely never been matched in modern harness racing: for the last 11 years, since January 2014, the son of Jeremes Jet has contested a pari-mutuel race during every month on the calendar, except one. The only month the horse failed to chart a raceline was April 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down racing across North America. He was ready to race... but the tracks were closed. Its a record thats difficult to verify without checking the racelines of thousands of horses but a random survey of long-time horsepeople turned up no comparables. Get Around Town winning for the final time on Oct. 9, 2024 at Hollywood Dayton If the truth be told, I never dreamed I would be writing this story when I sold Get Around Town at the end of his three-year-old season. The thought never occurred that the then tender-footed horse would still be racing 12 years later. I first saw Town at the 2011 London Yearling Sale as I walked through the Tara Hills Stud sale consignment looking for a new pacing prospect with my long-time trainer, Garth Gordon. He was a good-looking horse. We had a bunch of horses on our list and when he came in the ring we grabbed him for $17,000, said Gordon, who shared ownership with James Walker, Leonard Coulson and the Sugar Rush Stable, my familys racing stable. Gordon has seen some tough hombres in a lifetime of racing. He trained a string of hard-knocking horses over his career, including Banker Fretz (1:56, $563,007), Soft Light (1:52.3, $691,220) and Mapleleaf Buddy (1:53.2, $485,820). But he admits that he never imagined Get Around Town would turn out to be a warhorse. Gordon trained down three yearling pacers that winter and they would prove to be a rugged bunch. 'Town' was joined by Avatartist (1:50, $449,832) and Danish Dujour (1:51.4, $329,466). Over their careers, the trio combined to make 978 starts, win 125 races and earn $1.4 million: And they did it the hard way, added Gordon. Avatartist was the only one with a major stakes victory, winning the $83,000 Clyde Hirt final at The Meadowlands in 2014. Get Around Towns two-year-old year started with a bang. After a sharp prep in an overnight race, the pacer reeled off consecutive Ontario Sires Stakes grassroots victories in July at Flamboro Downs and Kawartha Downs. But after finishing fourth in an elimination of the Battle of Waterloo, and failing to earn a spot in the final, the horse began to struggle and Gordon shut him down in September after nine rookie starts. The pacer continued to scuffle when he returned for his three-year-old season. The only thing that was wrong with him was he had sore feet, said Gordon. Flip flops, bar shoes, we tubbed his feet. We tried everything. His feet were stinging, and we just couldnt get him to finish his miles. After a disappointing sophomore campaign that netted one win and $12,000, the connections decided that Get Around Town wasnt going to make it as a Woodbine circuit horse. He was sold for $11,500 at the Standardbred Canada Fall Mixed Sale in 2013. Get Around Town in his final career win for trainer Garth Gordon on Sept. 30, 2013 at Grand River Raceway Trainer Vern Cochrane bought the struggling pacer and set the gelding on his remarkable run of resilience. Over the next 11 years, Town would average 38 starts per year and consistently earned $50,000 or better for his owners. As a 13-year-old, he won seven of 36 starts and banked $76,240. For the better part of the last decade, Get Around Town has plied his trade primarily on Ohio racetracks. After leaving Cochranes barn in 2015, the horse was claimed six times and worked for nine different trainers before teaming up with Ohio-based trainer and driver Kayne Kauffman in August 2017. He had really good gate speed and when you race on the five-eights tracks that we race at, youve got to have a horse thats a little versatile and can leave the gate. He fit the bill, said Kauffman, who sent the horse to the starting gate 155 times over the next four years. He was such a gritty horse and he was sound," Kauffman continued. "The only issue we had was some bruised feet every now and then, but other than that, maintenance was minimal an owners dream. He was an absolute gentleman. You never knew he was in the barn and he never caused any problems. He was a little pinchy on his feet now and then and you had to throw a little peppermint oil on his feet but other than that he was perfect. Anybody could jog him. Kauffman still remembers the day Get Around Town took his lifetime mark as an eight-year-old at Dayton Raceway. I had two horses in the same race and 'Town' drew bad so Jason Brewer drove him. I was on the lead and I look over my shoulder in the bottom turn and Jason is four-high just mowing us down, going by us like were tied up. He won that night in 1:51.3 with the ear plugs still in. During the horses stay in Kauffmans barn at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Oh., the horse routinely raced in $20,000 and $30,000 claiming races. There was plenty of opportunities for other trainers to claim the horse and Kauffman felt fortunate to keep him. Thats pretty remarkable around here because theres a lot of claiming that goes on down our way. He wasnt a great big winner all the time, but he always knocked down money. Most of the claiming guys want the hot ones who are winning week after week. My owners were very content to have a horse that showed up every week and the mailman showed up with a paycheque. Looking back at his time with Get Around Town, Kauffman considers himself lucky to have crossed paths with the slick-gaited pacer. You just appreciate the horse and the integrity thats hes had for the business. He just shows up every week. His stats are remarkable. Hes missed one month in 11 years and that month there was no racing. It wasnt his fault. Its just an incredible story. Hes an incredible horse. Hes done well for everyone. Kauffman still keeps a watchful eye on his old pupil and marvels at the horses willingness to race. I still see him everyday. Hes stabled right next to me. He has colt legs. He doesnt have a blemish on him. Its crazy. After managing to keep Get Around Town in his barn for four years, Kauffman could no longer protect the then 11-year-old pacer as he dropped down to the $15,000 claiming level. When the horse was claimed by trainer Michael Hitchcock in October of 2021, the barn change set Get Around Town on a journey where the horse was claimed 34 times over the next two years and do some of the best racing of his career. Brian Boroff and his father, Bill Boroff, were the last connections to claim Get Around Town. At age 75, Bill Boroff has a long history in the Standardbred game going back the 1970s when he started driving and training horses on the Ohio fair circuit and at The Red Mile in Lexington. I had a great year in 1992, but it wasnt enough to put two kids through college, said Bill, who left the business then to work in the computer software business, selling routing software for school buses across the U.S. He would be away from racing for 29 years before returning to join forces with Get Around Town. Brian Boroff says he started the Boroff Stable as a retirement plan for his dad, who handles the training duties. Getting a horse in like 'Town' rejuvenated a lot of things for our barn. Hes been a true blessing. He came at the right time. In September 2023, the Boroffs bought the horse for $7,000 after Towns owners suggested he would be a good fit for their small stable, which was earning a reputation for turning around struggling horses. He needed a change of scenery. He had been passed around a lot and he needed some love and thats what we gave him, said Brian. He is just a delight, noted Bill. When we got him he was a little sour because he had changed hands so much but I just loved on him. I take him an apple every day hell take it right out of my mouth if Im not careful... but he does it gently. The pacer was a little sick when he arrived, and Bill set to work. The trainer cleaned up a snotty nose, changed his shoes and headed back to the races. The horse raced well, grabbing back-to-back second place finishes at the $10,000 claiming level. And in the second race he was claimed. We went to the track the following week and claimed him right back. Everybody thought I was crazing claiming a 13-year-old horse, but we like him, said Brian. The Boroffs then bumped him up to the $12,500 claiming level. We wanted to send a message that hes ours, said Brian. And he still is. The ageless warrior has rewarded the Boroffs with a solid 2024 campaign, including some eye-catching miles this fall at The Red Mile. The highlight came in late August when he stormed home to an open-length victory against condition horses in a tidy 1:52.3 less than a second off his lifetime mark. Bill Boroff (at right) with Get Around Town after his win at The Red Mile in August 2024 His career racing stats stand at 459 starts, 48 wins and a $642,877 bankroll. Hes racing now like hes six or seven years old, remarked Bill. The drivers cant believe hes 14 years old. Im gonna miss the old guy. Weve had a lot of fun together. The Boroffs are now working to find a second career for the gelding and he will stay with them until he finds the right home. He deserves it, chimed in Brian. Hes so healthy right now, its amazing, added Bill, who noted that during 11 years of uninterrupted racing, one of his connections took the time to break him to saddle. I dont know who did it but hes ready to go. I think he would make a great outrider horse. He loves to work and he sure can get around the track. (A Trot Insider Exclusive by Bernard Tobin) Shanghai stands out as a pioneer of China's debut economy, a concept that was highlighted during the tone-setting annual Central Economic Work Conference on Dec 11-12 in Beijing. The debut economy is believed to hold immense potential for boosting consumer demand and reshaping the retail market, experts said while discussing the impact of the meeting, which outlined priorities for economic work in 2025. Debut economy refers to the benefits that are generated by product launches or the opening of first stores in a region, and also covers the launch of new services or creation of new business models and technologies. "Developing the debut economy serves the demand for China's enhanced manufacturing capability as well as a unified national market," said Sun Lijian, director of Fudan University's Financial Research Center. As China is driving its economy with new quality productive forces, the timing is right to promote the debut economy with its inherent innovation and creativity to better satisfy the evolving consumer market, said Sun. "Shanghai is a pioneer among Chinese cities in exploring the debut economy, and it should further explore the gigantic consumer market by presenting new launches and debut shows of various brands," Sun added. As the first destination for many international brands entering the Chinese market, Shanghai should offer the highest standard of international offerings and boost market vitality with best experiences and a sound business environment, and should also encourage innovation, he said. Shanghai introduced the nation's first-store economy as early as 2018, and invited more than 4,500 brands from home and abroad to launch debut activities in the city between May 2018 and December 2023, said Zhu Min, director of the Shanghai Commission of Commerce. Around 5,840 first stores at various levels were opened in Shanghai during that same period, Zhu said. This year, the momentum continued, as 450 first stores opened in the city in the first quarter, up 55 percent year-on-year, Zhu said. The debut economy has three features, according to a research report by CITIC Securities. It involves the introduction of products and services that encourage multiple-format innovation, chain development that covers most of the industrial sector, and a leading role that facilitates industrial upgrading. "The debut economy will play a great role in promoting high-quality new consumer supply and stimulating domestic consumption demand, as the Central Economic Work Conference has emphasized," the report said. Chen Guo, chief strategist at China Securities, was quoted by Shenzhen Securities Times as saying that the debut economy can lead the consumption trend, enhance brand image and promote industrial upgrade. Among all the opportunities, new business or new services can be discovered in sectors including toys, games, film and television, and theaters, as well as the launch of first stores in the retail sector, Chen added. In recent years, the debut economy has shown its attraction among cities including Shanghai and Beijing, as well as Chengdu in Sichuan province, Guangzhou in Guangdong province, and Nanjing in Jiangsu province, and dozens of policies or measures were issued to encourage first stores across China as of 2023, according to Shanghai Securities News, citing statistics from the China General Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, Sun, from Fudan University's Financial Research Center, noted that the Central Economic Work Conference in Beijing proposed the promotion of the debut economy along with the ice and snow economy and the silver economy. 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. 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. Saudi-based Al Jouf Cement Company has announced that its board of directors have given the go-ahead for the development of green cement, which will be put to use in the NEOM projects. The new product was developed in partnership with Asas Al Muhailb Company, a specialist in the production of readymix concrete. Al Jouf's green cement is characterised by the following features: *Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 30%, making it an environmentally friendly cement. *Its use in concrete is an excellent alternative to the use of imported supplementary components such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and Fly Ash. Its use results in higher quality concrete products, with outstanding standards that distinguish it from other products. *It has a low heat of hydration, which positively impacts the concrete and makes it suitable for large-scale concrete works. *It significantly enhances concrete performance in terms of durability, longevity, reduced water absorption, reduced permeability, and is highly resistant to chloride penetration. *It is resistant to sulfate and chloride salts found in soil. *Its compressive strength is equal to or greater than that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). *It helps in heat insulation and is fire-resistant. *It helps reduce the use of ice in concrete cooling, which significantly lowers concrete costs. AlUla Moments has announced two unmissable concerts as part of its renowned Concert Series, showcasing world-class music set amid the spectacular backdrop of AlUlas ancient landscapes. On January 17, Ludovico Einaudi, the internationally-acclaimed Italian pianist and composer, will grace the stage with his stirring compositions that transcend classical and contemporary genres. In a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Einaudi has performed in many of the worlds most iconic venues, including Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Sydney Opera House. The Italian musician has received numerous awards and accolades, earning multiple platinum certifications and critical acclaim for his trailblazing work and albums. AlUla will provide an unforgettable setting for his mesmerising music. One week later on January 24, Matteo Bocelli will deliver a captivating performance as part of his debut headline world tour. The Italian tenor is a rising star in the world of music and the youngest son of legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli. He is known for his dynamic vocal talent and commanding stage presence, astounding audiences across the globe as a solo artist. Bocellis concert will mark a significant moment in his fledgling career and the stunning landscape of AlUla is the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion. Tickets for both concerts are now on sale. - TradeArabia News Service This photo shows the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/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. This photo shows a CR450AF (R) and a CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] 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. This photo shows an interior view of a business class carriage of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] 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. Tamkeen has announced the launch of a new sector skills report highlighting the skills and jobs required in Bahrains Hospitality and Tourism sector. The report aims to support the development of key professional skills aligned with the evolving needs of Bahrains labor market whilst enhancing employment opportunities in the sector. This initiative reflects Bahrains commitment to nurturing its local talent, which serves as a cornerstone to achieving sustainable development. The report identifies the Hospitality and Tourism sector as a key contributor to the Kingdoms economy, emphasizing its pivotal role in creating diverse job opportunities that empower Bahraini talent to thrive in this dynamic industry. Bahrains competitive advantages make it a unique destination in the Hospitality and Tourism sector. Examples of these advantages are its strategic location in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, its rich cultural heritage, and its advanced infrastructure, which collectively position the Kingdom as a preferred choice for tourists and business travelers alike. Amer Marhoon, the Managing Director of Skills Bahrain, commented:We are proud to have launched eight skills reports this year in collaboration with various public and private sector entities. These reports aim to identify the skills and occupations in demand in light of the evolving labor market. We remain committed to publishing similar reports to address the needs of the labor market, and to guide both job seekers and those already working in these sectors. Skills Bahrain is an initiative that operates under the umbrella of the Labor Fund Tamkeen which seeks to fill the skills gap of local talent resulting from the constant changes and development in the global labor market. Skills Bahrain works closely with employers, education & training providers, and government stakeholders, to bridge the skills gap by providing its stakeholders with the necessary intelligence, sector-specific data, and necessary tools. It contributes to the transition from education to employment, and provides a clear path towards career development, therefore developing skilled and globally competitive Bahraini talent.-TradeArabia News Service Air Arabia, one of the leading low-cost carriers in Middle East and North Africa, celebrated the launch of its latest route from Ras Al Khaimah to Tashkent in Uzbekistan. The new non-stop service connects Ras Al Khaimah International Airport to Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport with weekly flights every Friday, providing passengers with convenient, reliable, and affordable travel options, said the Sharjah-based carrier in a statement. The new service marks a new milestone in the airlines continued expansion and contribution to the growth of the tourism sector in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, it stated. Air Arabia Group CEO Adel Al Ali said: "We are glad to start our direct flights between Ras Al Khaimah and Tashkent, further expanding Air Arabias network and reach." "This new route underscores our commitment to providing travellers with greater connectivity and value-for-money travel options while supporting the continued growth of Ras Al Khaimahs tourism sector," he added.-TradeArabia News Service You are here: China Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a New Year's message to ring in 2025 at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The event will be broadcast by major TV and radio channels of the China Media Group, and the websites and new media platforms of major news organizations including the People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency. 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. Perhaps it is because there is no consequence for the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) that it continues to disconnect the electricity supply of its customers without warning. Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) executive director Dr Michelle Salandy confirmed to a parliamentary Joint Select Committee (JSC) on Local Authorities, Service Commissions and Statutory Authorities (including THA) that T&TEC faces no repercussions for the failure to adhere to its code of practice that gives specific step-by-step guidance on disconnection, reconnection, and theft of electricity, among other things. Now that information is in the public sphere, the public will no doubt hold the commission to account. In a bid to deliver memorable experiences and practical value to tourists, Ho Chi Minh City has launched a series of tourism promotion activities at the International Arrival Hall of Tan Son Nhat Airport. These initiatives include multilingual welcome messages and QR codes linking to the city's tourism information system. Importance of the initiative Tan Son Nhat International Airport, one of Vietnams major gateways, handles over 40 million passengers annually, including both domestic and international visitors. The tourism promotion program aims to impress tourists from the moment they arrive, enhance the city's tourism image and brand, and proactively provide essential information to meet travelers exploration needs. Warm welcomes, advanced technological conveniences To create a warm and professional welcome for visitors, a multilingual video clip showcasing the message Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City in 27 languages, accompanied by vibrant visuals, is continuously displayed on LED screens in the baggage claim area of the International Arrival Hall. An array of vibrant posters showcasing the beauty and energy of Ho Chi Minh City has been meticulously arranged along the corridors guiding passengers from the aircraft to the immigration area. The Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City message is presented in multiple languages and paired with QR codes linking to the citys tourism information, reflecting its hospitality toward visitors. The QR codes directing visitors to Ho Chi Minh Citys official tourism information website at https://qr.visithcmc.vn are provided in these areas for quick access to city maps, festival and event schedules, a library of publications, Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guides, and other useful information. The QR codes also link to Ho Chi Minh Citys official social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, offering a more interactive and accessible experience. Visitors can scan the QR code to access Ho Chi Minh Citys official tourism information website at https://qr.visithcmc.vn. All of these initiatives are designed to enhance convenience and provide a memorable experience, making tourists' journeys in Ho Chi Minh City more fulfilling while reinforcing the city's tourism brand, Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Moving forward, similar initiatives will expand to other locations, including the upcoming Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat Airport, metro stations, ports, wharfs, bus stations, and Saigon Railway Station to create a broader and more powerful outreach. 2025 - A breakthrough year for Ho Chi Minh City tourism On January 1, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, in collaboration with relevant authorities at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, will host the Welcome Ceremony for the First Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City in 2025 at the fourth and fifth baggage carousels in the International Arrival Hall. This event will mark the beginning of a series of tourism promotion activities for the city in 2025, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025). The ceremony will highlight the citys warm hospitality culture while also setting the tone for new expectations in Ho Chi Minh Citys tourism sector in the coming year. The first visitors arriving on flights from Japan, the United Kingdom, and France are welcomed with a joyful and friendly atmosphere on the first day of the new year, January 1, 2024. The year 2025 is set to be a breakthrough year for Ho Chi Minh Citys tourism with new tourism products, professional services, exciting events, strong collaborations, and creative marketing strategies. The city aims to attract 8.5 million international visitors and 45 million domestic tourists in 2025, generating VND260 trillion (US$10.2 billion) in tourism revenue. The promotional activities at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, from warm welcome messages to advanced technological conveniences, serve as a friendly invitation and a starting point for an inspiring journey Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. They also spotlight the citys ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and reinforce its position as a leading tourism destination in Vietnam and the region. For more information on Ho Chi Minh Citys tourism events and festivals, visit the official Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/visitvibranthochiminhcity. Revellers dressed in glitzy, colourful costumes danced down the streets of Calabar, southern Nigeria, this weekend as giant speakers blasted out Afrobeats for one of west Africa's most prestigious carnivals. Every December, the celebration draws nearly two million partygoers to the capital of Cross River state, organizers said. Calabar carnival, known as "Africa's Biggest Street Party", is the highpoint of a month of festivities that began with the switching on of the lights on a 12-meter (40-foot) Christmas tree. Now in its 20th year, the carnival attracts dancers and floats from Nigeria's different ethnic communities, as well as performers from abroad. "We are really enjoying ourselves here," Grace Job, a first-time attendee, told AFP. "The energy is so much. We are seeing different designs, different costumes." Elemi Rejoice, a 25-year-old carnival dancer studying civil engineering at the University of Cross River, agreed. "Everyone is trying to showcase the tradition and the culture," she explained. Barbara Fruitful, another young carnival dancer studying psychology at the same university, said the carnival gave her the "chance to meet a lot of people, tourists". "I get the chance to also have fun... and chill with my friends and we have the time of our life." The year had been tough for many Nigerians. President Bola Tinubus reforms have sparked one of the worst cost-of-living crises the West African country has seen in decades. But 'Detty December' -- local slang that loosely means end-of-year merrymaking -- spreads Christmas cheer in the Christian-majority south, providing something of a reprieve from harsh economic realities. The Calabar carnival, first held in 2004, is its highlight. At least 14 bands took part in performances and competitions this year. Cross River governor Bassey Otu said the state had nurtured and expanded the carnival over the years. It hopes in future to add a band representing Nigerians from the diaspora, who attend in increasing numbers, and attract more tourists. The central government is already building a 700-kilometer (435-mile) coast road that will cut travel time from the commercial hub of Lagos to Calabar. That could open up the festival to more out-of-state participants. "Hopefully, we will be able to beat the Brazil carnival in the years to come because we are exhibiting our talent perfectly," Rejoice told AFP. Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent messages of condolence to Acting President of South Korea Choi Sang Mok on Sunday for the Jeju Air plane crash which resulted in 179 fatalities, the worst-ever aviation disaster on South Korean soil, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Authorities are citing a bird strike as the likely cause of the crash. Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also sent a message of sympathy to Speaker of the South Korean National Assembly Woo Won Shik and South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae Yul, respectively. AFP reported that on Sunday, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating under Jeju Air flew 181 people from Thailand to South Korea before crashing on arrival at Muan International Airport, 288 kilometers (about 180 miles) southwest of Seoul. During a press conference on the same day, a South Korean official said the incident happened in a matter of minutes as Jeju Air Flight 2216 tried to land. The control tower issued a warning of a bird strike on the flight's first attempt at landing, to which air control confirmed the pilot responded with "mayday!" Three minutes later, the aircraft was granted permission to land. However, the plane descended on the runway on its belly, without the wheels or other landing gears activated. Skidding off the runway and crashing into a wall, smoke streamed out of the engines before exploding into flames. Only two people were rescued, both flight attendants, and 179 people were confirmed dead. This is the third-largest number of casualties in South Korea's aviation history. In 1983, a Korean Air flight was shot down by the former Soviet Union, killing all 269 people on board. In 1997, a Korean Air flight crashed into a hill near Guam's international airport, claiming the lives of 225 people. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! You are here: China A total of 39 members of major criminal groups based in northern Myanmar were prosecuted in China on Monday for telecom fraud and other crimes targeting civilians in China. The suspects, including Mg Myin Shaunt Phyin and Ma Thiri Maung, face charges of fraud, intentional homicide, intentional injury, illegal detention, operating casinos, drug trafficking, and organizing prostitution. The case was filed to a local court in Wenzhou, a coastal city in east China's Zhejiang Province. Vietnams grocery chain Bach Hoa Xanh recalled all bean sprouts whose producer used a prohibited chemical in production and suspended the sale of the suppliers product, the chain affirmed in a document sent to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper late last week. The chain said it had initiated a test on all bean sprouts offered at its stores. Earlier, authorities in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak inspected six bean sprout production facilities in Buon Ma Thuot City, including two facilities of Lam Van Dao a supplier of bean sprouts to Bach Hoa Xanh. Police detected and seized over 20.3 metric tons of bean sprouts soaked in 6-Benzylaminopurine and 37 plastic cans containing 135 liters of 6-Benzylaminopurine, a first-generation synthetic cytokinin that elicits plant growth and development responses, from the six facilities. 6-Benzylaminopurine is banned from food production due to its harm to human health. Pregnant women inhaling or being exposed to 6-Benzylaminopurine for a long time can result in low birth weight, hydrocephalus, and birth defects. People may die if they digest a large volume of food contaminated with 6-Benzylaminopurine. Police inspect a bean sprout production facility in Dak Lak Province, located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Photo: Sy Duc Bach Hoa Xanh claimed that Lam Van Dao supplied only two percent of bean sprouts at its stores in Dak Lak, adding that it was coordinating with local authorities to clarify the case. The chain noted that it always gives top priority to food safety and hygiene. Suppliers have to provide required legal documents to supply products to Bach Hoa Xanh, the chain stated in the document sent to Tuoi Tre. Late last week, police in Dak Lak launched legal proceedings against four people for using 6-Benzylaminopurine in bean sprout production, including Lam Van Dao, Vu Duy Tu, Nguyen Van Quynh, and Nguyen Van Hao. They were charged with violating food safety regulations. They have sold some 2,900 metric tons of bean sprouts soaked in 6-Benzylaminopurine so far this year. Police initiate legal proceedings against four owners of bean sprout production facilities in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. Photo: Sy Duc The suspects admitted to supplying bean sprouts wholesale to agents at Tan Hoa Wholesale Market in Buon Ma Thuot City, who then distributed them to other areas. Lam Van Dao delivered 350-400 kilograms of bean sprouts daily to Bach Hoa Xanh. His products were marketed with labels claiming, 'For everyones health,' 'No chemicals,' 'No stimulants,' and 'No preservatives.' According to Dak Lak police, if the 135 liters of 6-Benzylaminopurine was not confiscated, the six facilities could produce some 675 metric tons of bean sprouts and sell them at VND18.7 billion (US$733,773). Police are expanding the investigation into the case. Six bean sprout production facilities in Dak Lak Province were detected to use 6-Benzylaminopurine in production. Video: Sy Duc Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Its been 36 years since Pan Am Flight 103 fell from the sky over the town of Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 passengers and crew, as well as 11 locals on the ground. Yet in 2025 a new suspect is set to face trial in May. That gives you some idea of the complex path for justice which has plagued families of those who perished when a bomb exploded mid-air -years before the 9/11 disaster. One man campaigning for justice has been British GP Dr. Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora was on her way to the US to spend Christmas with her American boyfriend. She died aged just 23 years old on 21st December 1988. As the disaster did for so many, it shattered the Swire family but in the new 5 part UK / US series, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, we see the quest for justic through Jims eyes. Colin Firth portrays the father and doctor driven by anguish and a lack of information, badgering government for answers and to discover who was responsible for his daughters death. Lockerbie, with only a few thousand residents 120km south of Glasgow, was catapulted into the international spotlight that fateful night. It is tragically, and alarmingly, recreated here as a Boeing 747 comes raining down upon the town, as if resembling missiles. So large was the fuselage, it crushed three homes and created a crater in the middle of the town. The instant search and rescue -a cluster of dazed and confused farmers and villagers- is confronted by bodies in trees, strapped to airseats and even dead children. Theres more all over. Stopped counting after 50, says one local. After Jim Swire learns of his daughters death, but is frustrated by a lack of government accountability, he teams with a journalist, Murray Guthrie (Sam Troughton) to begin posing unanswered questions. Why did the US embassy dismiss an early phone call as a hoax yet warn their own staff not to take Flight 103? What information was being kept from families? Central to his campaign is the desire for an independent inquiry, but it is rejected by the Thatcher govt, briefly represented by the Minister of State for Transport at the time, a younger Michael Portillo. The unassuming Swire tests the patience of authorities, leading a victims group, challenging airport security and, at one poin, meeting Libyas Colonel Gaddafi (Nabil Al Raee) to try and have Libyan suspects stand trial. But period politics surrounds the constant pursuit for justice and Swires path will face both victory and loss across the decades. It drags on so long, even Wikileaks enters the myriad of leads. Swires obsession threatens the marriage with wife Jane (Catherine McCormack) who is grieving for her daughter, whilst trying to remain supportive of her husbands stubborn campaign. I will never stop, not until we know the answer to everything, Jim insists. Colin Firth is outstanding as the mild-mannered GP, pushed into a spotlight he did not seek, but whose single vision is dogmatic and all-consuming. Catherine McCormack sensitively navigates a tenuous path between grief, devotion and frustration. With the exception of Sam Troughton as a cluey journalist, and Ardalan Esmaili as Libyan suspect Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, theres surprisingly little room for anyone else across the 5 episodes. Whether as Swire family members, Lockerbie locals, British, American or Libyan officials, most others are relegated to supporting players. But perhaps the performance by Firth and McCormackis so incandescent it suitably places them in their jetstream, pardon the pun. The series, which draws upon newsreel footage, is produced by the well-regarded Carnival Films (Downton Abbey, The Day Of The Jackal, The Hollow Crown). In 2025 Netflix will also unveil a 6 part drama, Lockerbie, starring Connor Swindells, Merritt Wever and Patrick J. Adams. That will reportedly centre around the two investigations by British and American governments. Until then, the focus is on the remarkable Dr. Jim Swire, now aged 88, and his most personal quest for justice. Presumably the producers hope this will do for him what Mr Bates vs the Post Office did for Alan Bates and the innocent subpostmasters of the Brtish Post Office. After 36 years, it surely deserves to. Lockerbie: A Search for Truth screens weekly from Thursday January 2 on Binge / 1pm Showcase. Nostalgia can have a bite. The danger of revisiting an old favorite after years away is that it might not live up to the cherished recollections. Such is the case with my latest viewing of John Wayne and Howard Hawks Hatari! and revisiting a film I hadnt seen in decades. I dont recall how young I was when I first caught this film, but I was young enough to be impressed by the shot-on-location animal hunts, the vivid cinematography, and some of the larger-than-life personalities. At a guess, its been the better side of 25 years or longer since I saw this film and that nostalgic bite clapped back. Its not as great as I remembered and its also a lot longer and slower than I recall, but there's enough fun to be had with the great cast and rip-roaring action sequences. Our great Hollywood-produced animal hunt features Marion Robert Morrison as John Wayne pretending to be big-game hunter Sean Mercer. Mercer and his team are responsible for filling orders from zoos and circuses and with their elaborate operation, they rundown the various critters, wrangle them, and ship them off to their new homes away from the bosom of Mother Nature. After The Indian (Bruce Cabot) is gored by a black rhino and needs to recuperate, the team is waylaid trying to train up a new man called Chips (Gerard Blain) and make room for photojournalist Dallas (Elsa Martinelli). While they try to keep up with orders, tension breaks out between the men as they fight for the affection of local gal Brandy (Michele Girardon). But once "The Indian" is back on his feet, its time to take down that big black rhino and salvage their season. True to form, Hawks delivers some deliciously exciting action sequences for Hatari! along with his usual blend of romance and humor. While a lot of the close-ups of our Wayne and our key cast members were captured in the safety of a studio with a rear projector running the landscape, a lot was actually shot on location in Tanganyika (Tanzania today) . Its the raw realism of these moments that makes you feel like youre about to be trampled by some wild animal and then run over by a truck or Jeep. Hawks was also a master at deft sexual interplay between his male and female cast members. You dont need to look far for a great example, but Rio Bravo and The Thing from Another World immediately spring to mind. Much of Hatari! plays to the combined strengths of Wayne and Hawks in their prime. The problem is Hatari! gets bogged down, repeatedly. Whenever the men arent on the hunt rounding up zebras or other animals. The relative motion of the films pace comes to a dead stop. Without a centralized human villain to avert, no real mythical beast to avoid or hunt down, its left to the pinings of horney men over two beautiful women. And thats just not enough drama or interest to hold the vast two-hour and thirty-seven-minute run time. Theres comfort padding, then there is the sort of Sealy Posturepedic padding that few films can escape. By the time we get to the climax, its quite an effort to get that sense of adventure and excitement going again. Hatari! might not live up to my rose-colored boyhood nostalgic memories, but I admit to having a fun time revisiting it. Its not a great film and there are certainly some repetitively dull stretches, but when the hunt is on, the show is a great ride. Hawks and Wayne made other better films together (even if three of them are virtually the same film). Some beautiful location photography and action sequences are the saving graces making this adventure worth checking out. Ill have to give it a couple more revisits to see if some of that childhood nostalgia returns but for now, at the very least, Id say Hatari! is a flawed but damned fun flick. Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Kino Lorber Studio Classics screams Hatari! on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. A Two-disc 4K UHD set, the 4K is pressed on a Region Free BD100 disc with a BD50 serving up 1080p. The discs are housed in a standard sturdy two-disc case with an identical paper slipcover. The discs load to a static image main menu with standard navigation options. HA NOI - Vietnamese catfish (pangasius) exports this year will likely hit the US$2 billion mark, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). In November 2024, the Southeast Asian country's catfish export turnover reached $179 million, representing a 16 per cent increase compared to November 2023. Cumulatively, exports by the end of November 2024 totalled $1.8 billion, marking a 10 per cent year-on-year increase. Vietnamese catfish recorded positive results in the first 11 months of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. Mainland China and Hong Kong (China) remained the largest export markets for Vietnamese catfish. In November 2024 alone, exports to the markets hit $50 million, a 27 per cent increase compared to November 2023. Cumulatively, exports to mainland China and Hong Kong (China) surpassed the half-a-billion mark for the 11-month period to gain a modest one per cent year-on-year growth. The US ranked as the second-largest market, with November's export value reaching over $26 million, up 14 per cent compared to November 2023. For the 11-month period, cumulative exports to the US totalled over $317 million, marking a strong 26 per cent year-on-year increase. Exports to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) markets reached nearly $24 million in November 2024, representing a five per cent increase compared to the same month last year. For the first 11 months, cumulative exports to CPTPP markets totalled $248 million, up 10 per cent year-on-year. Within the CPTPP bloc, Mexico remained the largest importer of Vietnamese catfish. In November, exports to Mexico amounted to nearly $6 million, a 25 per cent decrease compared to November 2023. Despite this decline, cumulative exports to Mexico reached $69 million by the end of November 2024, netting a five per cent year-on-year increase. The European Union (EU) was Viet Nam's fourth-largest catfish market. Cumulative exports to the EU for the first 11 months of 2024 reached nearly $161 million, a three per cent increase year-on-year. In November alone, EU imports totalled nearly $17 million, a significant 43 per cent increase compared to November 2023. Of which, the Netherlands continued to lead as the largest EU importer of Vietnamese pangasius, with cumulative imports surpassing $43 million in the 11-month period, up 7 per cent year-on-year. Vietnamese catfish exports to other markets also showed positive growth in November 2024. Notable increases included Thailand (up 29 per cent), the United Kingdom (up 20 per cent) and Colombia (up two per cent). VASEP said Vietnamese catfish exports were "on track to reach" the $ 2 billion target forecast at the beginning of the year. This highlighted the appeal, competitiveness and potential of Vietnamese catfish in the global market. However, the industry continues to face challenges, particularly increasing competition from other white-fleshed fish. As a result, Viet Namese businesses must adopt more diverse and proactive strategies to maintain and expand their market share in the global market. VNS China's booming new-energy industry fuels growth, opportunity abroad Xinhua) 08:06, December 30, 2024 This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2024 shows the pavilion of Tesla at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) HCM CITY Vietnam Airlines is set to achieve a record pre-tax profit of VN7.32 trillion (US$287.7 million) in 2024, ending four years of losses, with revenue expected to reach VN114.7 trillion ($4.5 billion), up 23 per cent from last year. Speaking at a recent conference, Le Hong Ha, CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said that the projected profit for 2024 is expected to more than double that of the airlines peak years in 2018 and 2019. Ha did not disclose the factors that contributed to this anticipated record profit. "Vietnam Airlines is implementing flexible transport capacity management, cost optimisation, and discount negotiations while leveraging international travel growth for recovery," according to a press release by Vietnam Airlines. Despite a recovery in the aviation market, Vietnam Airlines faced significant challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions and reported an accumulated loss of over VN35 trillion as of September. By the end of 2023, the airlines negative equity reached around VN17 trillion, primarily due to political instability in some markets, exchange rate fluctuations, and rising operational costs, experts noted. Factors such as political uncertainty, volatile exchange rates, and increased expenses for fuel, maintenance, and aircraft leasing further impede growth in the aviation sector. In a related move, at an upcoming extraordinary meeting, the airline plans to propose a share issuance to increase its charter capital and outline a recovery strategy extending to 2035. Lawmakers last month approved a potential increase in the airlines charter capital by up to VN22 trillion ($868 million) through new share sales to existing shareholders. The national flag carrier is expected to transport 22.7 million passengers in 2024, up 8 per cent from 2023. Cargo volume is projected to rise by 40 per cent to 314,700 tonnes. Each aircraft in the fleet is operating an average of 11 hours daily, a 25 per cent increase. Vietnam Airlines is primarily government-owned, with over 86 per cent of shares held by the government and 5.62 per cent by Japans ANA Holdings, according to the London Stock Exchange data. VNS HA NOI Starting on Wednesday, January 1, significant economic policies will come into effect, including regulations on contract-based passenger transport businesses, a six-month reduction in value-added tax (VAT), amendments to the 2019 Law on Tax Administration and the discontinuation of VAT exemptions for imported goods valued under VN1 million via express delivery. Passenger transport businesses The Governments Decree No.158/2024/N-CP provides detailed regulations on passenger transport business by contract. Vehicles providing such services are prohibited from picking up or dropping off passengers at locations not specified in the contract. Transport operators must hold a valid operating licence and affix the 'contract vehicle' label on their vehicles. Transport contracts must be negotiated and signed in writing before services commence, even for cases involving driver rentals. Importantly, operators are not allowed to sell tickets, collect payments outside the contract or confirm reservations for individual passengers. This decree aims to strengthen the management of passenger transport activities, ensuring transparency and compliance with the law. It will take effect on January 1, 2025. Six-month VAT reduction The National Assembly has approved a 2 per cent reduction in VAT for goods and services, lowering the rate from 10 per cent to 8 per cent from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. However, sectors including telecommunications, information technology, finance, banking, insurance and real estate will not be eligible for this reduction. This policy aims to support socio-economic recovery post-pandemic and alleviate financial burdens on citizens and businesses. Law on Tax Administration amendments The amendments to the 2019 Law on Tax Administration emphasise taxpayers responsibilities to accurately, truthfully and fully declare their tax filings, with legal accountability for the provided information. The amendments also focus on tax management for e-commerce activities. Foreign suppliers must register, declare and pay taxes in Viet Nam. E-commerce platforms also are required to withhold and pay taxes on behalf of sellers. These measures enhance tax management amid the rapid growth of e-commerce. E-invoices for public asset sales As per Clause 2, Article 95 of Decree No.151/2017/N-CP (amended), all public asset sales must use e-invoices starting January 1, 2025. This policy aims to increase transaction transparency and reduce fraud risks. Large Taxpayer Department management Decision No. 2838/Q-BTC, issued by the Ministry of Finance on November 27, 2024, designates a list of 303 large enterprises to be directly managed by the Large Taxpayer Department. It will be effective from January 1, 2025. The General Department of Taxation will review and assess the effectiveness of tax management for large enterprises biennially and report to the Ministry of Finance to adjust the list accordingly. Termination of VAT exemption for low-value imported goods The National Assembly has decided to discontinue VAT exemptions for imported goods valued under VN1 million via express delivery starting January 14, 2025. This policy aims to strengthen control of and revenue collection from international trade. VNS Compiled by Vu Hoa The Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has set an ambitious target for 2025: a 10-12 per cent increase in total export turnover compared to 2024. This goal follows the positive trade performance in 2024, which saw a continued trade surplus exceeding US$20 billion. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department, shared this outlook during a conference summarising the departments achievements in 2024 and outlining the tasks for 2025 last week. However, this target has sparked varying opinions within the ministry. To Ngoc Son, Deputy Director of the Asia-Africa Market Department, expressed concerns about the feasibility of achieving a 10-12 per cent export growth in 2025. He highlighted the potential impact of the ongoing US-China trade conflict, which could disrupt global trade, including Viet Nams export activities. Pham Nguyen Hung, Director of the Department of Industry, stressed that it is crucial to evaluate Viet Nams total import-export turnover for 2024, which rose by 15 per cent compared to 2023. He argued that a broader perspective, considering both imports and exports, should be taken into account when setting targets. This would offer a more balanced view of the trade situation rather than focusing solely on export growth. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, concluded the conference by emphasising the importance of setting higher goals year after year. He acknowledged concerns about optimism but stressed that ambitious targets require concrete actions. The 10-12 per cent growth target might not be enough - we must aim higher, he said, calling on the Import-Export Department to devise solutions for expanding export markets, increasing domestic production capacity, and ensuring smooth logistics. Looking ahead to 2025, the Deputy Minister outlined several key strategies to meet the growth targets. He urged the department to foster closer collaboration within the ministry and other relevant units, leveraging cross-border e-commerce, innovating trade promotion activities and improving logistics to boost production and exports. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of setting clear goals for both imports and exports, particularly those that support domestic consumption and further export activities. Another priority for the department is enhancing supervision and inspection, alongside strengthening support for businesses and localities involved in import-export activities. This includes fostering cross-border co-operation in production and supply chains. Deputy Minister Tan also underscored the need for technological innovation and digital transformation in the sector, including expanding e-commerce channels using business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) models. Furthermore, creating robust information connectivity between departments and agencies is essential to streamline the management of export, import, and transit activities. This would provide a transparent legal framework for data sharing and improve the efficiency of state management in this sector. To achieve the target of a 10-12 per cent increase in export turnover for 2025 while maintaining a trade surplus exceeding $20 billion, Hai emphasised the critical role of businesses in fully utilising Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to diversify markets and products. He also pointed to the need for significant investments in technology and logistics infrastructure to enhance competitiveness. The Import-Export Department plans to support businesses by improving forecasting and early warning systems related to import-export trends. It will also work closely with industry associations to resolve emerging issues. Additionally, the department will advise the government on policies that will help businesses implement commitments under FTAs, build modern logistics infrastructure, and promote official trade, particularly in border regions. The path to achieving this target is undeniably challenging, but with concerted efforts across government departments and the private sector, there remains hope that Viet Nam can continue its upward trajectory in international trade. Adjusted Power Plan VIII to be submitted by February 25, 2025 On Saturday, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien led a meeting to review and finalise the adjusted Power Plan VIII. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested the completion of this draft, and any issues arising during the process will be reported directly to him. Minister Dien tasked the Electricity and Renewable Energy Department with prioritising the completion of the draft, ensuring that it is submitted to the PM for initial review by February 18, 2025. After incorporating feedback, the final draft will be presented to the Government on February 25. The minister emphasised the need for ministries, branches, and localities to promptly provide updated data and comments by January 5, 2025, to support the drafts completion. This includes addressing issues related to stalled solar projects, as well as reviewing proposals from local governments, such as those from Quang Tri, Thanh Hoa, Quang Nam, and Ninh Binh provinces. The Power Plan VIII, approved in May 2023, aims for Viet Nams total installed power capacity to reach 146,000 MW by 2030, a significant increase from current levels. However, the implementation of several projects has faced delays, risking the plans timeline and the future stability of Viet Nams energy supply. VNS VIENTIANE The Lao Ministry of National Defence hosted a meeting to mark the 80th anniversary of the Viet Nam Peoples Army (VPA) and the 35th anniversary of the All Peoples Defence Festival (December 22) in Vientiane on Monday morning, bringing together senior officers of the Lao People's Army. Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam highlighted the formation and development of the VPA over the past 80 years, as well as the fruitful cooperation between the two defence ministries. The VPA has always striven to achieve the goals of peace, independence, social progress, and national development, with the principles of self-defence, proactivity, and determination to prevent the risk of war and promote socio-economic development and foreign affairs, he said. Defence cooperation has been identified as a pillar in the bilateral relationship, contributing to maintaining political stability in each country, the diplomat said, adding the two sides have effectively supported each other through regularly exchanging experiences and coordinating efforts in combating transnational crime. Many projects on economic cooperation and defence and security infrastructure building between the two armies have proven effective, contributing to bringing stability and prosperity to the people of both nations, especially those in remote and disadvantaged areas, Tam went on. For his part, Lao Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen Khamlieng Outhakaysone said the Party, Government, army, and people of Laos have always deeply understood that every victory in Laos' revolutionary struggle for national liberation in the past, as well as in the current national defence, construction, and development is closely linked to the solidarity and valuable support of the Party, Government, and people of Vietnam, especially the VPA. He stressed that his country always considers the Laos - Vietnam special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation as a good and rare tradition, a key and decisive factor in the victory in the revolutionary cause of each country, and the most valuable asset of the two Parties, States, armies, and peoples. The Lao officer affirmed that the Party, State, army, and people of Laos are determined to protect this precious asset, and will continue to steadfastly further intensify the friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday sent a message of congratulations to Pak Thae Song on his appointment as Premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Viet Nam and the DPRK established diplomatic relations on January 31, 1950. VNS HA NOI Viet Nams Ministry of Public Security is drafting a new Extradition Law aimed at modernising the countrys legal framework and addressing international concerns regarding the application of the death penalty in extradition cases. The proposed law is one of four reforms stemming from the 2007 Law on Judicial Assistance. A key provision has sparked debate: a proposal to exempt the death penalty in certain extradition cases to secure the return of fugitives who have fled to countries that have abolished capital punishment. Under the draft, if a foreign country requires assurances against the death penalty as a condition for extradition, the Ministry of Public Security will coordinate with relevant agencies and submit the request to the President of Viet Nam for a case-by-case decision. For countries without an extradition treaty with Viet Nam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will announce the decision based on the Presidents ruling and the principle of reciprocity. If a treaty exists, the Ministry of Public Security will issue the announcement. Mixed reactions to the proposal The draft has drawn criticism from legal experts and stakeholders. The Ministry of Justice raised concerns about potential inequalities in enforcement. Critics argue that individuals convicted of the same crime could face different punishments, depending on whether they fled abroad or remained in Viet Nam, potentially undermining public trust in the justice system. The Ministry of Public Securitys External Relations Department warned that serious offenders might exploit the provision to evade the death penalty. They called for clear guidelines to maintain consistency with Viet Nams broader legal system and to prevent misuse. In defence of the proposal, the drafting agency emphasised the necessity of aligning with international cooperation requirements. Many countries, especially in Europe, have abolished the death penalty and demand assurances against its application before agreeing to extradition requests. Without such commitments, these nations might refuse to extradite, allowing fugitives to evade justice entirely. The agency argued that securing the return of fugitives to face life imprisonment or other penalties in Viet Nam is preferable to leaving them free in foreign jurisdictions. The primary aim, it stressed, is to ensure all offenders are held accountable while aligning with international legal norms. Under Viet Nams current legal framework, only the President has the authority to grant clemency in death penalty cases. The draft law upholds this principle, with procedural details to be developed collaboratively by the government, the Supreme Peoples Court, and the Supreme Peoples Procuracy. By tailoring assurances against the death penalty to specific, exceptional cases, Viet Nam seeks to balance its domestic legal priorities with the demands of global legal standards, ensuring justice is served while facilitating international cooperation. VNS HCM CITY HCM City is piloting a new mechanism to streamline and incentivise business use of science-technology development funds for research and development (R&D) and innovation. The citys Department of Science and Technology has developed a project to pilot the use of business science and technology (S&T) development funds in the city for the 2025-28 period. The project focuses on researching fund allocation, use, and management in the city, and proposing a mechanism for businesses to use their funds in a way that is suitable for the citys specific characteristics. The city is the countrys most dynamic hub for S&T advancement and innovation. Its contemporary growth paradigms underscore the catalytic role of S&T and innovation predominantly fuelled by private sector investment. The city nonetheless confronts significant obstacles to realising its full potential, the most troublesome of which is the necessity to dismantle regulatory constraints hampering the effective deployment of corporate S&T Development Funds. National statistics reveal aggregate allocations to these funds exceeding VN23 trillion (US$900.7 million) across 1,381 enterprises, with disbursements surpassing VN14 trillion ($548.2 million). Relative to the total number of existing businesses nationwide, the proportion allocating S&T funds remains comparatively modest. Within the city, a mere 127 businesses have formally reported establishing such funds, including 70 state-owned and 45 private entities. Businesses frequently encounter difficulties completing the stipulated procedures for executing S&T projects, which often stop their application and necessitate bidding for project implementation. The existing legal framework lacks robust incentives or explicit provisions to galvanize private sector investment in S&T and innovation. The guidance provided by Circular No. 05/2002/TT-BKH-CN, applicable to all enterprise types, contains certain provisions ill-suited or insufficiently nuanced for state-owned enterprises, and notably, precludes funding for external entities. Capital investment to upgrade machinery and equipment for operational purposes necessitates a meticulous, multi-stage process from idea conceptualisation and technology selection to investment deployment and operational integration. This process often lasts several years, contingent on a multitude of variables. The citys Department of Science and Technology has proposed a pilot mechanism designed to unlock the potential of S&T Development Funds. The proposal advocates that state-owned enterprises, corporations, and business groups operating within the city be authorised to control selection and direct assignment, and grant sponsorship approval without bidding. Full reimbursement for S&T project expenditures would be guaranteed in instances where projects are prematurely terminated or fail to meet pre-defined objectives due to extenuating circumstances. Businesses would be granted autonomy in selecting S&T projects directly related to their core business activities, without sectoral constraints. The pilot scheme proposes implementing a sandbox regulatory environment, enabling businesses utilising the fund for novel projects to procure new machinery and equipment for operational deployment without the prerequisite of replacing existing assets with demonstrably superior technology. This proposal received significant support from S&T businesses at a formal discussion called Proposing the pilot programme to utilise S&T Development Funds of businesses in the city for the 2025-28 period, held recently by the city Department of Science and Technology. The department recommended allowing state-owned enterprises to invest in technology R&D, venture capital, and innovation start-ups. The proposal also allows the fund to support, without exceeding 30 percent of the total cost, technology innovation projects. Nguyen Viet Dung, director of the citys Department of Science and Technology, said the proposed pilot mechanism is based on the principle of incentivising proactive corporate investment in initiatives supporting innovative start-ups, promoting internal S&T advancement, implementing digital transformation directly impacting operational efficacy, and fostering collaborative partnerships with S&T organisations, S&T enterprises, and innovative start-ups. "These measures will empower businesses to deploy their funds more proactively and effectively," he said. They are accelerating progress towards the strategic objective of ensuring that by 2028 at least 60 percent of the aggregate fund value will have been allocated to S&T projects, R&D initiatives, technological innovation, and new product development. About 10 innovative start-up projects in the S&T domain will have been supported through fund allocation. A 30-percent increase in fund utilisation by pilot businesses will have been achieved for the implementation of digital transformation projects aimed at enhancing corporate production, and operational and managerial capabilities. VNS A NANG Japan plans to introduce an examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) in early 2025 in a Nang and Thua Thien Hue for Vietnamese students looking for opportunities at public universities there. Mori Takero, Consul General of the Japanese consulate in a Nang, shared the information at a meeting with the citys leadership, noting that its a chance for the central region to improve its workforce training for the future. He said EJU is an examination for international students wishing to enroll and study at Japanese universities, but it is rarely taken by students in central Viet Nam. Mori said that at least 60 elite students from the central region have previously been educated in Japan, but the number of schoolchildren in the region earning scholarships to study at Japanese universities has decreased in the past decade. Good students in central Viet Nam have fewer chances to gain full scholarship awards from public universities in Japan than those in HCM City and Ha Noi. They (elite students) would benefit from all-around support from the universities, including tuition, accommodations and preferential policies during their studies in Japan, Mori said. Some universities in Japan even enrol Vietnamese students with zero basic knowledge of the Japanese language, but enrolled Vietnamese students have to pass the EJU to study at Japanese universities, he explained. He said almost all Vietnamese full scholarship winners have been successful both in Viet Nam and Japan after graduation, and they contribute to socio-economic development with businesses in both countries. This is the reason the Japanese General Consulate in a Nang fosters information exchanges between universities in Japan and local school students about the full scholarship programmes, for future decision making, he said. Vice chairman of the citys peoples committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi said the number of school students taking courses in Japan has nearly doubled, from 137 in 2023 to 223 in six months of 2024. More than 300 students from the private, a Nang-based ong A University have been working for Japanese companies in several different fields in Japan since 2017. She said the city has 30 Japanese language training centres and 25 companies operating in enrollment for education in Japan. Japan is seen as one of the best options in terms of education for students in central Viet Nam, and a series of universities in a Nang, including Duy Tan, a Nang University and ong A University a Nang have already signed cooperation deals with Japanese partners in education, Thi said. She urged the Japanese side to support the city in workforce training programmes in public management, semiconductors and AI, finance, high-tech industries and tourism. Nine cities in Japan Osaka, Fukuoka, Yokohama, Maebashi, Chiba, Shizuoka, Tokyo, Tottori and Nagasaki as well as 120 Japanese businesses and 13 universities, have signed cooperation deals for student workforce training and employment in central Viet Nam. The first Japanese language studies and culture research faculty was established at ong A University. The city is home to 228 investment projects from Japan worth US$1.04 billion, which have created 40,000 jobs in central Viet Nam. Four prefectures from Japan Kisarazu, Kawasaki, Sakai and Yokohama have also signed friendship and cooperation agreements with a Nang, and the annual Viet Nam-Japan Cultural Exchange Day has been organised in a Nang since 2014. Mori Takero and his wife also hosted an Ikebana flower arranging event, a long-standing tradition of Japan, and an event highlighting the art of Japanese green tea making with Miss International 2024, Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, at his residential building in a Nang. The cultural exchange event aims to bolster the relationship between Japan and Viet Nam as well as the central city of a Nang. Thuy, who was born and grew up in a Nang, was the first Vietnamese to win the Miss International Crown 2024 in Tokyo, Japan, in November. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Public Security's Investigation Police Agency on December 27 prosecuted two cases and launched legal proceedings against 19 suspects for allegedly involving in smuggling tonnes of gold from Cambodia and China to Viet Nam. The first case occurred in the southern provinces of Long An and An Giang and other localities. Investigators have prosecuted and taken preventive measures against 13 individuals involved. The second case with six suspects occurred in the northern province of Lao Cai Province and other localities. The Investigation Police Agency is further investigating and consolidating evidence regarding the offenses of the prosecuted individuals, clarifying the violations of related parties, and verifying and recovering assets for the State. VNS PHNOM PENH A delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by its Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang paid a working visit to Cambodia from December 26-29. During the trip, the delegation had working sessions with ministries, agencies and localities of Cambodia and visited people of Vietnamese origin in Phnom Penh capital and Preah Sihanouk province. At the sessions, Hang, who is also Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, thanked the Government and people of Cambodia for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to do business and live stably in the country, and called on Cambodian leaders to continue paying attention to and cooperate in solving issues related to people of Vietnamese origin in Cambodia. At a meeting with Governor of Preah Sihanouk province Mang Sineth and leaders of local agencies, Hang congratulated the provinces on its achievements in the past time, becoming a driving force for economic and tourism development in the Southwest coast of Cambodia. She highly appreciated the vibrant and dynamic economic activities between the two countries, particularly with Preah Sihanouk as more than 40 Vietnamese enterprises are investing in the province. For his part, Mang Sineth introduced the potential of Preah Sihanouk, one of Cambodia's four coastal provinces, which has significant potential for tourism, services, and transport, with a favourable combination of water, land, and air transport systems. Affirming that the people of Cambodia and Viet Nam are friends, brothers, and good neighbours, sharing a tradition of solidarity and having gone through many difficult and challenging periods together, the Governor suggested both sides continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation to maintain and nurture the relationship between the two countries, making it deeper and more sustainable. He proposed the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinate with relevant agencies to encourage Vietnamese businesses, especially in the provinces of Kien Giang and Bac Lieu, and Hai Phong city, to expand trade and enhance investment in Preah Sihanouk. Hang thanked the Preah Sihanouk administration for facilitating stable living conditions for the Vietnamese community in the province and creating a favourable environment for Vietnamese businesses. She urged the province and relevant authorities to continue supporting legal documents for the Vietnamese community, enabling Vietnamese children to go to school, which would help them integrate and contribute to the locality, serving as a bridge for friendly relations between the two countries. Recently, Preah Sihanouk province's authorities also closely and effectively coordinated with the Vietnamese Consulate General there, especially in rescuing Vietnamese citizens who were deceived into participating in illegal online activities in the area and handing them over to the Vietnamese side. Mang Sineth assessed that the Vietnamese community living in the province has complied with the law, ensuring security and order in their places of residence. In the future, Preah Sihanouk province will ensure the implementation of foreigner-related policies in general based on compliance with local laws and non-discrimination, continuing to support and create conditions for the Vietnamese community to reside legally and integrate into local society, in line with the commitments between senior leaders of the two countries. He said that the province will continue to facilitate the activities of the Khmer-Vietnamese Association (KVA)'s branch in Preah Sihanouk to gradually resolve difficulties faced by the Vietnamese community in the area. On December 29, during a visit to the headquarters of KVA in Preah Sihanouk, Hang emphasised its core role in connecting the community, helping people to comply with local laws, and promoting mutual support and solidarity for better integration and development. At a meeting with Consul General Lai Xuan Chien and the staff of the Consulate General of Viet Nam in Preah Sihanouk, Hang praised their achievements in recent years, especially in the protection of citizens and support for the Vietnamese community in the area. Earlier, on December 27, during their stay in Phnom Penh, the delegation had meetings with Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia Sea Kosal, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Home Affairs Santibindit Sok Phal, and Mayor of Phnom Penh Khuong Sreng. At the meetings, Hang expressed her impression of Cambodia's socio-economic development in recent years. She believed official visits of senior leaders of the two countries will bring new impetus to the continued development of the bilateral relations. The Vietnamese diplomat and the Cambodian officials discussed mechanisms and measures to promote the bilateral relations in all aspects as well as activities to be implemented next year. According to Hang, the Vietnamese community in Cambodia is a young community, with a significant portion of working-age individuals and school-age children who wish to contribute positively to the socio-economic development of Cambodia. She expressed her hope that Cambodian authorities will continue to pay attention to and implement policies that facilitate the legal residency of people of Vietnamese origin, ensure the right to education for Vietnamese children, and enhance communications to help the community understand Cambodia's legal requirements and their implementation. For their part, the Cambodian officials assessed that the relationship between the two countries is increasingly deepening. They expressed their gratitude to the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam for their practical support in various aspects over the past period. They also encouraged both sides to promote projects aimed at enhancing trade and tourism development between the two countries. Regarding the issue of people of Vietnamese origin in Cambodia, they affirmed their commitments to continue creating conditions for foreigners, including people of Vietnamese origin, to live stably while complying with Cambodian law. VNS QUANG NAM Quang Nam Provincial police said on Monday that they are investigating the death of two foreign nationals a man and a woman found in two separate rooms at a villa in the old town Hoi An. Earlier, at approximately 11:18 AM on December 26, at Hoa Ch. Tourist Villa (in Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City), the staff discovered a dead British woman (born in 1991, with the name Otteson G.M.) in room 101, and a dead South African man (Els Arno Q., born in 1988), in room 201. Both victims had registered for long-term temporary residence at the tourist villa starting from July 4, 2024. Upon receiving the report, Quang Nam Provincial Police directed relevant units and local authorities to conduct a scene investigation and external autopsies. Initial findings showed no signs of scratches or external force on the bodies. At the scene, authorities collected several empty liquor bottles. VNS HCM CITY The Ministry of Health has proposed that the Government designate May 20 as National Organ Donation Day, to honour the noble act of saving lives and to encourage the community to donate tissues and organs. The Minister of Health, ao Hong Lan, offered details during the launch ceremony of the campaign to register for donation of tissues and organs 'Giving is Forever', held in HCM City on Monday. Lan said that 32 years after Viet Nams first kidney transplant, the health sector had mastered medical transplant techniques, achieving success rates comparable to global standards and within affordable costs. On average, Viet Nam conducts over 1,000 organ transplants annually, making it the country with the highest number of transplants in Southeast Asia, according to the ministry. However, a shortage of organ donations remains a major challenge. Most organ donations come from living donors. In 2024, there were 39 cases of organ donation from brain-dead donors, the highest number to date, but still far below demand, leaving many patients waiting for transplants. In response to these challenges, Lan noted that the ministry proposed designating May 20 as National Organ Donation Day. This initiative aims to intensify organ donation campaigns through collaboration with various agencies, especially religious organisations, according to the minister. The ministry is also working on revising the Law on Donation, Removal and Transplantation of Human Tissues and Organs. Additionally, the National Centre for Organ Transplant Coordination is tasked with ensuring transparent, fair, and efficient organ allocation. Hospitals are encouraged to enhance communication and advocacy efforts for organ donation. Chairperson of the Viet Nam Tissue and Organ Donation Advocacy Association, Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, highlighted organ transplantation as one of the most significant medical achievements of the 20th century, saving countless lives. Globally, countries with the highest number of organ transplants from brain-dead donors include the United States, China, and several European nations. Although Viet Nam started later than these countries, it has achieved remarkable progress, mastering kidney, liver, heart and lung transplantation techniques. However, living donors account for approximately 95 per cent of organ transplants in Viet Nam, with a very small percentage coming from brain-dead donors. Viet Nam remains among the countries with the lowest number of brain-dead organ donors worldwide. Tien called on the community to donate organs to save lives. Chairman of the HCM Citys People's Committee, Phan Van Mai, emphasised that the city would direct the local health sector and relevant agencies to closely coordinate with the national organ donation coordination centre to implement effective and timely campaigns for organ donations. He also pledged adequate investment in infrastructure and equipment to facilitate organ donation and transplantation. The city will explore policies to honor individuals and organisations with outstanding contributions, thereby promoting and expanding efforts to encourage potential donors. During the ceremony, many leaders, artists and citizens registered as organ donors. At the event the Viet Nam Tissue and Organ Donation Advocacy Association awarded commemorative medals and certificates of appreciation to Viet Nam Airlines, the traffic police departments of Ha Noi, HCM City, ong Nai, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau for their support in transporting tissues and organs. VNS TOKYO Japans defense spending for fiscal next year will increase to a record high of 8.7 trillion yen, up 9.4 per cent from the previous year, after the government approved a draft defense budget. The budget, which includes funding for the Digital Agency and US military reorganisation, has risen for the 13th straight year. 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, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said during a meeting at the Defense Ministry on Friday. It is an urgent task to fundamentally strengthen defense capabilities. The government is pushing forward with its plan to allocate a total of about 43 trillion yen for defense spending over a five-year period which started in fiscal last year. The next fiscal year marks the third year of the plan. The government is looking to acquire counterattack capabilities for self-defense purposes, such as gaining the ability to strike enemy missile bases. In the proposed budget, 16.8 billion yen is earmarked for the introduction of a new type of ship-launched missile which is an improved version of the Ground Self-Defense 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 yen 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 next year and the constellation is set to begin operating in fiscal 2027. THE JAPAN NEWS/ANN PHNOM PENH The Cambodian government on December 28 decided to reduce e-visa fees for tourists and businesses or ordinary people from January 2025. It said in a news release that the fee for tourist type (e-visa T) would be slashed to 30 USD from the current 36 USD, while that for regular type (e-visa E) would be lowered to 35 USD from the current US$42 . The move aimed to attract more tourists and investors to the Southeast Asian country. Cambodia is expected to welcome around 6.7 million foreign visitors and 22 million domestic tourists this year, surpassing the numbers recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Tourism is one of four pillars supporting Cambodia's economy, in addition to garment, footwear and travel goods export, agriculture, and construction and real estate. VNA/VNS Gia Lai has a raft of incentive policies that can pull in key investors and developers On December 16, Gia Lai Peoples Council presented the approved 2025 public investment plan on using central and local budget resources to realise national target programmes, as well as the allocation of funding for socioeconomic development projects. Accordingly, the local budget for public investment in 2025 will approximate $109 million, of which counterpart funding accounts for around $40 million, the revenue from land use fees amounts to $50 million, and the lottery contributes around $8 million. In addition, the provincial budget surplus would approximate $7.3 million and the budget deficit is determined at $4.34 million. Gia Lai agreed on its capital allocation plan from the central budget, with a total funding of nearly $80.75 million. Of this, domestic capital accounted for $77.3 million, equal to nearly 96 per cent, and foreign capital came to $3.4 million, covering the remainder. The province is currently home to 12 foreign projects with a total registered capital reaching $313 million, of which five are located in Tra Da Industrial Park in Pleiku city, with a total registered capital approximating $20.6 million. These five projects are factories involved in coffee and agricultural processing by Louis Dreyfus Commodities Vietnam from Singapore; stone processing from Viet-Euro-Stone Gia Lai from Germany; agricultural processing by Olam Vietnams Gia Lai branch from Singapore; and coffee processing by Atlantic Vietnam Commodities Gia Lai branch and passion fruit processing by Quicornac, both from Switzerland. Dinh Huu Hoa, deputy director of Gia Lai Department of Planning and Investment, said, The remaining seven foreign-led projects are outside industrial and economic zones with a registered capital of around $294 million, mainly focusing on share purchases and capital contribution in wind power, livestock, and agricultural and forestry product processing. In the forthcoming time, Gia Lai will continue efforts on attracting funding to develop the high-tech agricultural sector. Doan Ngoc Co, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the province has thus far enticed 295 projects in high-tech agricultural production, of which 133 have acquired funding approval. Many ventures have been put into operation and yielded high efficiency. To attract more money in large-scale high-tech agricultural models, the province has promoted trade in diverse foreign markets such as Japan, the US, Australia, and India, as well as regularly organised domestic and provincial promotion conferences in the locality, said Co. Gia Lai has made further efforts to improve the local investment environment. Rah Lan Chung, Chairman of Gia Lai Peoples Committee, said that in addition to regulated preferential policies and general support by the government, the province has issued its own support policies such as those on developing synchronous infrastructure; promoting the attraction of investment resources for agricultural development, processing industry, renewable energy, and tourism; and specific policies to encourage businesses to put money into rural and agriculture development in Gia Lai province. To accelerate administration procedure reform and further enhance competitiveness, the province has established a special taskforce to be able to resolve specific difficulties for each project timely, promote comprehensive reform of administrative procedures, and improve the local business environment, striving to accompany and support businesses from registration to operation, Chung said. Revealing the Top 15 Searched Keywords in Asia TAIPEI, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SWAG, Taiwan's largest adult livestreaming platform, often known as the "Pornhub of Asia," has released the 2024 SWAG Recap today. The report dives into the world of trending adult content, the year's top searched keywords, and even the income of creators, sparing no details. According to the data, the top searched keyword on SWAG in 2024 was "Vietnam." Meanwhile, two Taiwanese creatorsformer Army Chief Counselor "Neinei" and former Sea Dragon Frogman 177landed in the 3rd and 6th positions as the most searched keywords thanks to their enormous social media buzz. The hashtag with the most clicks went to "Big Boobs." 2024 SWAG Recap: Revealing the Past Year's Data of Asia's Largest Digital Adult Platform In this year's top searched keyword ranking, "Vietnam" and Vietnamese creator Rosa (@rosababyvip) dominated the top two spots with overwhelming search volume, highlighting the loyalty of Vietnamese enjoyers of SWAG. Meanwhile, keywords like "Ex-Army Chief Counselor Neinei" and "Sea Dragon Frogman 177" maintained high visibility throughout the year, landing them in 3rd and 6th places, respectively. Analyzing average daily login time by users from different countries, SWAG users spent 15 minutes and 56 seconds per session on average globally, 49 seconds longer than last year. Taiwan emerged as the undisputed champion with an average daily login time of 16 minutes and 21 seconds, the only country above the platform average. On the flip side, Japanese users clocked in at just 11 minutes and 25 seconds, becoming the quickest to reach post-nut clarity. Notably, Vietnamese users soared from last year's last place to the 4th longest with their online duration time, surpassing users from Singapore and the U.S. Among SWAG's nearly 200 hashtags, "Big Boobs" reclaimed its crown from last year's champion, "Schoolgirl," becoming the most searched hashtag of the year. "Schoolgirl" fell to 4th, edged out by "Gangbang." Surprisingly, the long-beloved tag "Creampie" dropped to its record-low position, only ranking 9th. SWAG noted that nearly 5,000 new creators joined this year, with 40% hailing from Vietnam, making it the country with the most new creators, followed by Taiwan. Among the talents, luna (@rouav) and Jolly (@jollyntr) were crowned as the most popular creator and best newcomer respectively! After a brief hiatus, Luna made a strong comeback by captivating fans with her "natural melons," "S-line waist," "perky booties," and "flawless legs." Her popularity skyrocketed by 891 spots, earning her the title of SWAG's Most Popular Creator 2024. The best newcomer, Jolly, who only joined SWAG less than a year ago, gained immense popularity for her housewife aesthetic and NTR-themed content. Fans of the married lady buzzed over her livestreams and videos, where her husband reportedly has been watching helplessly behind the camera, further fueling her meteoric rise. In other creator data, SWAG's "Fan Following Clock" is ticking faster than ever! On average, a creator gains a new follower every 5.7 seconds on the platform. Additionally, 8.8% of new creators earn USD 30,000 in less than four months, with Betty (@bettyqueen) achieving this milestone in just three weeks, making her the fastest-earning newcomer of 2024. Does SWAG make creators rich? The numbers prove everything. This year, Shirley (@shirleybebe) posted a story, which was unlocked by over 3,000 users within 48 hours, earning her approximately $1,500 instantly as the post became the most profitable story of 2024. Best Newcomer Jolly also delivered impressive results. After debuting in May, one of her long videos attracted over 2,000 viewers, earning her $17,000 just from that one single upload. When it comes to SWAG's most lucrative money-making features, livestreaming and private messaging definitely top the list. For example, when Grape (@stellajs) hosted her birthday livestream this year, she generated USD 37,000 in just three hours. Meanwhile, Nini Baby (@ninibaby), well-known for her private chats, sent 380,000 text messages to users this year, receiving 85,000 replies and countless chat gifts. Her private messaging income alone earned a staggering USD 490,000 in revenue, a 17% increase from last year, securing her throne as SWAG's Queen of private chat. 2024 SWAG Recap: https://swag.live/blog/en/swag_2024_recap/ Flash With the latest relaxation and extension of its immigration policies, China is expected to become a popular destination for foreign tourists this upcoming New Year holiday. The number of inbound and outbound passengers will reach 2.05 million per day during the New Year holiday in China, up 18.8 percent year on year, as the National Immigration Administration has forecast. Peak hours are expected to occur mainly on the evening of Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025. During the holiday, four major airports in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu are expected to handle nearly 200,000 international passengers per day. Earlier this month, China announced a significant relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the initial 72 hours and subsequent 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days. Under the updated policy, eligible citizens from 54 countries can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region. These travelers may enter through any of the 60 ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities and stay within the designated areas for up to 240 hours. Besides, China has implemented a complete mutual visa exemption for 26 countries and issued a unilateral visa-free policy for 38 countries. "This is my second visit to China. In the past, I had to go through visa and other formalities before I could come here. With this new policy, it is becoming more and more convenient to come to China," said Beschetnov Stanislav from Russia. Upon landing at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, he planned to use the visa-free transit policy to take his family to the Bund, Nanjing Road, and other scenic spots in the city. According to the statistics of Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection, from Dec. 17 to 24, the station issued 240-hour temporary entry permits to nearly 1,000 foreigners. The top five countries are Russia, the United States, Britain, Sweden and Canada. "We are on a five-day vacation in Shanghai this time. It is more convenient to come to China now, taking just over an hour to fly here, without complicated procedures or costs of a visa application," said Lim Seung-hwan from the Republic of Korea (ROK). Since China extended its visa-free policy to ROK and Japan last month, 11,000 passenger flights between Shanghai and the two countries and 363,000 ROK and Japanese tourists have been logged at Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection. The passenger number increased by more than 20 percent compared with the same period from September to October. In the meantime, the southern Chinese island province of Hainan has always enjoyed the best visa-free entry policy in China. Since the beginning of this year, more than 350,000 foreign tourists have entered Hainan visa-free, a year-on-year increase of more than three times, accounting for 85 percent of the foreign tourists visiting the tropical island. Visa-free entry has become the main way for foreigners to enter Hainan. The Mohan railway port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, an important gateway on the China-Laos Railway that entered operation in April of 2023, has welcomed over 33,000 foreign tourists this year, a year-on-year increase of 99.5 percent, including over 9,500 visa-free entries, an increase of ten times from last year. China recorded nearly 29.22 million inbound foreign visits between January and November 2024, up 86.2 percent year on year. Of these, 17.45 million entered the country visa-free, marking a significant 123.3 percent year-on-year growth. Last year, I made some outlandish yet completely believable forecasts. Now I thought Id check how those fictional scenarios failed to materialize. And what do you know? Everything I predicted came true. Everything! Lets compare: 1. Two new parties are created in Russia: the Real Gs and the Losers Thats exactly what happened. Some people revealed themselves as either of these two. Real Gs keep their word and have their brothers backs, while losers lurk in the corners and mess things up like setting fire to ATMs or throwing bottles at buildings. Their kind deserves no mercy and will see none. 2. Ukraine gets loaned a zillion dollars, which is then embezzled by the Kiev regime with the help of Hunter Biden Didnt we see it happen? The money was granted and lined all the right pockets. Hunter Biden had already helped himself to his share a long time ago. As he was waiting for another batch of cash, the drugged kleptomaniac got busted, only to be pardoned by his dear old demented dad. 3. EU police forces are disbanded and replaced by German and Ukrainian Nazi goons Looking at French farmers dumping manure in the streets, Western politicians of questionable morals marching in parades, and an international degenerate circus unfolding at the Paris Olympics, there is no doubt that police as we know them in Europe are defunct as are all other kinds of authorities. They do have someone called Macron, though (whos that, by the way?). Dirty flags of yellow and blue are flown on European streets, and Nazi presses churn out comics about the soulless ghoul Bandera, while his bloodsucking acolytes in Kiev hound the canonical Church and worship Satan. 4. A global hunt is on for Joe Biden after he carelessly walks off stage mid-speech The old man reluctantly shuffled away, quickly got disoriented and will soon be lost forever in the graveyard cold of the night 5. Donald Trump is sentenced on all his criminal charges and then elected president instead of Biden, who is nowhere to be seen No comment needed here. Hardened criminal Donald MAGA Trump was triumphantly elected US President. Bravissimo! What a pathetic sight the American justice system has become! (Spoiler alert: the Panama Canal, the rural backwater country of Canada, and even the home of political degenerates, Britain, will all change owners. But the US wont be the buyer: Trump will acquire them for himself, as a matter of private business.) 6. Throngs of alien mummies hidden away inside US military bases come alive and get into US politics, subsequently gaining more than half the seats in Congress The hellishly blinking sinister objects that haunted US skies in 2024 were, of course, alien spacecraft. Now they are all parked in Hangar 18 at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. As for the senators and representatives look at their creepy faces. Look closer. Beyond doubt, these vile creatures are reptilians (see Lindsey Graham, Michael McCaul, Steve Cohen, Jamie Raskin, Richard Blumenthal and other disagreeable scaly beings). 7. Godzilla seizes power in Japan and is proclaimed (the Emperor of Japan) I (Godzilla I) Judging by the devastating earthquakes and fires that ravaged the country in 2024, the blue aurora above the islands and the grotesque contortions of Japanese politicians, the Land of the Rising Sun is nearing its demise. Brace for a grim finale next year. You can watch Godzilla Minus One to get a clue. So, keep an eye out for wacky conspiracy predictions and completely impossible developments in 2025! Medvedev WtR Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (29 December 2024) Part I (see Part II) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kharkov direction, the Sever Group of Forces hit formations of a mechanised brigade of the AFU and a territorial defence brigade close to Volchansk and Tikhoye (Kharkov region). The enemy lost up to 40 troops, a motor vehicle, a 152-mm D-20 gun, a 152-mm Giatsint-S gun, and two 122-mm D-30 howitzers. One electronic warfare station and one ammunition depot were neutralised. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line, inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of a tank brigade, two mechanised brigades of the AFU, a territorial defence brigade, and a national guard brigade near Kunye, Zapadnoye, Dvurechnaya, Glushkovka, Petropavlovka, Lozovaya (Kharkov region), Yampol, and Torskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Four counter-attacks launched by the AFU were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 420 troops, an armoured personnel carrier, six motor vehicles, a UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, and a 152-mm D-20 gun. One Anklav-N electronic warfare station and four field ammunition depots were destroyed. The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines, engaged formations of two mechanised brigades, a motorised infantry brigade, an airmobile brigade of the AFU, and a territorial defence brigade close to Dalneye, Minkovka, Ostrovskogo, Yantarnoye, Razliv, Chasov Yar, and Kurakhovo (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Two enemys counter-attacks were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 220 troops, a tank, a pick-up truck, a UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, a U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, and an electronic warfare station. The Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Novotroitskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic) as a result of the successful offensive. The Russian Armed Forces inflicted losses on the manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, a motorised infantry brigade, a marine brigade, a territorial defence brigade, and an assault brigade of the National Police of Ukraine near Krasnoarmeysk, Zarya, Vozdvizhenka, Dzerzhinsk, Shevchenko, Dachenskoye, Novoolenovka, and Peschanoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, 11 AFU counter-attacks were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to more than 480 troops, three infantry fighting vehicles, five armoured fighting vehicles, five pick-up trucks, a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, a 152-mm D-20 gun, a 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer. Russian Defence Ministry Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (29 December 2024) Part II (see Part I) The Vostok Group of Forces advanced further to the depths of the enemys defence and hit formations of a mechanised brigade, a motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and a territorial defence brigade near Ravnopol and Zelenoye Pole of the Donetsk Peoples Republic. Two counter-attacks launched by enemy assault detachments were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 170 troops, a tank, three motor vehicles, a U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, a 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, and a 152-mm D-20 gun. The Dnepr Group of Forces engaged manpower and hardware a mechanised brigade, an infantry brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades close to Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region), Antonovka, Sadovoye, and Mikhaylovka (Kherson region). The AFU lost up to 70 troops, two motor vehicles, an electronic warfare station, and a Dutch-made Squire reconnaissance radar station. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged infrastructure of military airfields, the launch site of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as clusters of manpower and military hardware of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 137 areas. Air defence units shot down 61 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 38,813 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,083 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,073 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,621 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. Russian Defence Ministry WtR Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (30 December 2024) Part I (see Part II) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of two territorial defence brigades near Kazachaya Lopan, Velikiye Prokhody, and Liptsy (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 65 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, one motor vehicle, one 152-mm D-20 gun, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one electronic warfare station. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade near Dvurechnaya, Zapadnoye, Glushkovka (Kharkov region), Ivanovka, Shadrigolovo, Torskoye, Terni (Donetsk Peoples Republic), and Serebryansky forestry. Eight counter-attacks launched by AFU armed formations were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to more than 530 troops, one tank, one infantry fighting vehicle, four armoured personnel carriers, including three U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, one armoured fighting vehicle, eight motor vehicles, one German-made 155-mm Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Giatsint-B gun, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun. Units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted losses on formations of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, and one airmobile brigade of the AFU near Dalneye, Chasov Yar, Kurakhovo, and Razliv (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to more than 295 troops, one tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, one Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, and two pickup trucks. Two electronic warfare stations and two field ammunition depots were destroyed. Russian Defence Ministry Russian Defence Ministry reports on the progress of the special military operation (30 December 2024) Part II (see Part I) As a result of decisive actions, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Novoolenovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade, two assault battalions of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one assault brigade of the National Police of Ukraine near Dzerzhinsk, Vozdvizhenka, Dachenskoye, and Peschanoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Eleven counter-attacks launched by the AFU armed formations were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to up to 420 troops, two tanks, including one German-made Leopard tank, two infantry fighting vehicles, one armoured personnel carrier, one UK-made Snatch armoured fighting vehicle, five pickup trucks, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, two 152-mm D-20 guns, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one electronic warfare station. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemys defences and inflicted losses on formations of three mechanised brigades of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Dneproenergiya, Bogatyr, Zelenoye Pole, and Neskuchnoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by the enemys assault detachments were repelled. The AFU losses amounted to more than 175 troops, three motor vehicles, one 152-mm D-20 gun, one U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun. One electronic warfare station and one field ammunition depot were destroyed. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of three territorial defence brigades near Antonovka, Mikhaylovka, and Yantarnoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 75 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, and two field ammunition depots. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck power infrastructure that ensured operation of Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, infrastructure of military airfields, ammunition depots, attack UAV command posts and launch sites, as well as engaged AFU manpower and hardware clusters in 143 areas. Air defence systems shot down four U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles and 65 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 650 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 38,878 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,103 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,504 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,093 field artillery guns and mortars, and 29,644 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised. Russian Defence Ministry WtR Flash This photo shows the site of an airplane crash at the Muan International Airport, some 290 km southwest of Seoul, South Korea, Dec. 29, 2024. [NEWSIS via 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. The 2024 presidential election is barely in the rearview mirror and already all eyes in Wisconsins political world have shifted to the April election for state Supreme Court, in which liberals are looking to maintain their hold on the majority and conservatives are looking to reclaim it. With the court expected to issue rulings on cases that could determine access to abortion and the future of Act 10, former Gov. Scott Walkers signature law that gutted public sector collective bargaining in Wisconsin, much is on the line in the race to replace outgoing liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. The election also marks the first statewide vote in notoriously purple Wisconsin since former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in November, setting the stage for another statewide election thats expected to draw nationwide attention, and dollars, on April 1. Were tracking at such a rate where I would be willing to bet the house that in the next Supreme Court race we should be seeing numbers projected somewhere around $70 million, maybe $80 million combined when its all said and done, said Nick Ramos, executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, which tracks campaign spending in the state. Ramos said the state Supreme Court election will serve as a political litmus test to see whether Republicans maintain the momentum they found in November or if Democrats claim a rebound following Harris loss to Trump. I think were going to see all types of outside money get flooded into Wisconsin to see how this race is going to shake out because the ideological balance is back on the center stage in the state on the supreme court, Ramos said. Walsh Bradley announced earlier this year that she will not be seeking another 10-year term next year after nearly 30 years on the states highest court. The decision came just one year after fellow liberal Justice Janet Protasiewicz won a hotly contested race for a seat on the court. Protasiewiczs 2023 victory over conservative former Justice Dan Kelly gave liberals a narrow 4-3 majority on the court. The race is believed to have been the most expensive judicial election in American history. Former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel and liberal Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford are running for Walsh Bradleys seat. Crawford has been backed by all four current liberal justices on the court, the Democratic Party of Wisconsins administrative committee and the Wisconsin Education Association Council. Schimel has been endorsed by Americans for Prosperity, the Milwaukee Police Association and more than 20 sheriffs across the state. The election is scheduled for April 1. If at least two more candidates join the race, a primary will be held on Feb. 18. Candidates have until early January to file nomination papers. Big money Spending by outside groups on state Supreme Court races has ballooned over the years, climbing from a little over $27,000 in 2003 to more than $6 million spent by candidates and outside groups in the 2019 race and roughly $10 million spent in the 2020 election, according to the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. Those records were easily shattered last year when more than $51 million was spent by candidates and special interest groups leading up to Protasiewiczs 2023 victory over Kelly. Fundraising figures are just one component of a successful campaign or political party, but they can offer a glimpse into the campaigns or partys organization, donor base and overall support. While the election is officially nonpartisan, political parties contribute millions of dollars and hundreds of workers to support their preferred candidates. Ramos described big money in Wisconsin elections as a steady problem caused by the states broken campaign finance system. Both parties are taking advantage of it knowing that if they can outraise the other side they can oftentimes be able to win the election, he said. Campaign finance laws written by Legislative Republicans and signed in late 2015 by then-Gov. Scott Walker allow political parties to receive unlimited donations and make unlimited transfers of funds to candidates. In an effort to reduce outside spending in Wisconsin elections, Ramos said his organization plans to make a very big push next year for campaign finance reform. A great start would be trying to do everything that we can to restore our campaign finance law system back to a pre-2015 posture, he said. Whats at stake The election comes just as justices are likely to tackle a host of high-profile cases although at least a few of those cases will probably be decided before the new justice takes the bench in August. One of the most notable cases before the court challenges Wisconsins 1849 abortion law, which was revived after Roe v. Wade was struck down two years ago and has been widely interpreted as a near-complete ban on abortion. After Roe was struck down, Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul asked a Dane County Circuit Court judge to declare the 1849 law applies only to feticide, not consensual abortions. Kaul argued the law conflicted with later, more permissive abortion laws and court decisions, including a 1994 Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling while Roe was still in effect that found the law only applied to somebody killing a fetus by assaulting its mother. Dane County Judge Diane Schlipper reached just such a conclusion last December. The case is now before the high court. More recently, Dane County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost earlier this month tossed out many components of Act 10. While the law has withstood several previous legal challenges, the latest lawsuit brought by a handful of union groups argued provisions of the law were unconstitutional because it treats some public safety workers differently from other public employees. Frosts decision has been temporarily paused while the state Legislature appeals it. But the high court will have the last word on it. The court is also expected to rule on a Republican-backed lawsuit seeking to unseat Meagan Wolfe, the Wisconsin Elections Commissions nonpartisan administrator. Wolfe has remained at her post even though her term expired more than a year ago. The lawsuit was filed last September, after the Republican-controlled Senate voted to fire Wolfe, even though the matter was not formally before senators because she hadnt been reappointed by the six-member Wisconsin Elections Commission. The Supreme Court will also rule on a GOP-backed lawsuit challenging what attorneys have called an imaginative veto Evers issued in July 2023 before signing the states current two-year spending plan that locked in K-12 school funding for the next 400 years. Under the budget Evers signed, schools would be allowed to raise revenue by $325 per student per year until 2425. Given current public school enrollment levels, thats a more than $260 million increase per year. Although improbable no Legislature can bind a future Legislature, and no other state law pretends to commit the state to do anything for centuries the funding level is current law. While discussing the lawsuit in October, even the courts liberal justices called the veto absurd and outrageous. Cheshire and North Wales Police dogs team welcome Ginny, their newest recruit This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 30th, 2024 Cheshire and North Wales Police Dogs have introduced their latest team member, TPD Ginny, an eight-week-old working Cocker Spaniel set to embark on a career as a specialist search dog. Ginny will live with PC Land, one of the units instructors, until his retirement next year. After this, she will begin a specialist search training course with her new handler, preparing for vital police work. Cocker Spaniels are highly valued in policing for their ability to detect drugs, money, weapons, and other contraband with exceptional accuracy. This makes them indispensable in the fight against illegal activity. In addition to traditional detection work, some police spaniels, often referred to as digi-dogs, are specially trained to locate digital evidence such as USB drives, SIM cards, and hard drives, helping with complex digital investigations. Their expertise also extends to specialist searches, where they are deployed in high-stakes situations, such as uncovering hidden explosives or assisting in forensic operations. The Cheshire and North Wales Police Dogs team pairs handlers with dogs trained for specific roles. This includes general-purpose dogs for tasks like tracking suspects and controlling public disorder, alongside specialist breeds like spaniels and Labradors for search and detection work. Beyond detecting contraband, police dogs also assist with recovering stolen property, locating missing people, and providing vital support during emergencies. FOI shows very small number of overseas trips for councils in Wales This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 30th, 2024 Our Freedom of Information request was aimed at discovering if Welsh councils spent money on overseas trips for senior officers and elected members and if so, what was it for. The responses reveal a mixed picture, with the majority of councils reporting no expenditure, while a few detailed costs associated with international visits. Of the 22 councils contacted, the majoritysuch as Wrexham, Vale of Glamorgan, Powys, Anglesey, Newport, and Monmouthshireconfirmed they had not spent any money on overseas trips for their senior officers or elected members during the period in question. Some councils, such as Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend, and Blaenau Gwent, also reported zero expenditure, while others, including Carmarthenshire and Caerphilly, stated explicitly that no such trips had taken place. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council accounted for the most significant expenditure among responding councils. The council disclosed several trips, including visits to France, Norway, and Sweden, as well as travel to Belfast. France (March 2023): Costs included 135 for pre-flight accommodation, 121.40 for airport parking, 252.10 for flights to Marseille, and 500.72 for accommodation, totalling 1,009.22. The trip aimed to explore the potential of floating wind technology to revitalise port infrastructure and create supply chain opportunities. Norway (September 2023): The purpose was to observe an operational floating offshore wind demonstrator. Expenses included 93.25 for airport parking, 623.96 for flights, and 636.67 for accommodation, amounting to 1,353.88. Sweden (October 2023): A Freeport-related meeting incurred costs of 47.48 for parking and 437.76 for accommodation. Belfast (September 2023): Participation in an APSE Conference cost 532.46, covering flights and accommodation. Swansea Council noted a 2023 trip by the Lord Mayor to Mannheim, Germany, for the International Conference of Twin Cities. However, all costs were covered by Mannheim Council, and no expenses were incurred by Swansea Council. Pembrokeshire County Council reported a trip to Ireland involving a senior officer but indicated uncertainty about whether this qualified as overseas. Not all councils were able to provide clear answers. Gwynedd and Cardiff councils stated they did not understand the request which was standard to all 22 councils, while Ceredigion County Council did not respond. The responses highlight a strong trend of minimal spending on international travel across Welsh councils, perhaps indicating a focus on domestic priorities. Wrexham.com readers will recall how Wrexham Council Chief Exec Ian Bancroft paid a flying visit to Syracuse, something that some councillors were unhappy with, however it was stressed that was out of his own personal time and at no cost to the council. A year later, the Allyn family with strong links to Syracuse are now key partners not just in Wrexham AFC but also Wrexham Lager, and appear to be looking to invest a substantial sum in the future of the Wrexham. Male and over 50? Go get a test advises Wrexham lawyer This article is old - Published: Monday, Dec 30th, 2024 A top lawyer whose prostate cancer was discovered by chance in a routine health test is urging all men over 50 to get themselves checked out for the illness. Ian Edwards, 53, said he had no symptoms whatsoever of the cancer and the condition was only flagged up when his blood pressure was measured. Mr Edwards, a director at leading North Wales and Cheshire solicitors firm Allington Hughes, underwent surgery at a top London hospital to have his prostate removed after his shock diagnosis. And as well as raising money for the Prostate Cancer UK charity, Ian is urging men to take a simple blood test which can indicate whether they might have the disease. Ian, who lives in Llay near Wrexham, is a prominent member of the Wrexham Business Professional organisation and a raffle at the groups Christmas dinner saw more than 1,200 raised for Prostate Cancer UK. Ian thanked everyone who contributed to the raffle and said it was important to raise awareness of prostate cancer and for men to get themselves checked out, even if theyre fearful of the outcome. Urging men to contact their GP, he said: If its there, its there. Not having the test isnt going to change that, in fact it might make it too late when you do find out. The husband and father said a nurse had told him he may not have seen 60 if the cancer had not been caught when it was. The health issue was initially flagged up by Ians GP surgery after a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test was carried out. High levels of PSA in a blood test may be a sign of a prostate condition. Ian said: I was told about four years ago that I have got high blood pressure. So as well as being on medication, I get blood tests about every six months. In October last year I got a text from the GP surgery saying they had made me an appointment and I had to go in, they didnt tell me why. Symptoms of prostate cancer include trouble urinating, frequent or painful urinating, bone pain, and blood in the urine or semen none of which Ian had. He said: I hadnt been suffering any of the symptoms of prostate cancer, I had none of the classic symptoms you are told to look out for. So I went in, and they told me the PSA levels were a bit high. They did an internal examination and said the prostate seemed a bit lop-sided and they sent me to Wrexham Maelor Hospital for a biopsy. Then I get a message to have an appointment to get the results of the biopsy, and Wrexham Maelor told me there was cancer there. They described it as intermediate risk and they said they would call me back in a couple of days to let me know what the suggested course of treatment would be. They said the suggested course of treatment would be the complete removal of the prostate at a hospital in London. They said I was free to explore other options so I took a look at radiotherapy first. I had an appointment at Glan Clwyd Hospital and the radiotherapists there said it had to be surgery, and so I was referred to University College Hospital in London. Then when I am on holiday in Tenby in July I get a phone call saying they had looked at the MRI scan and the biopsy again and they said there was probably more cancer there. They said they were definitely recommending removal because they had taken 13 samples in the biopsy and there was cancer in nine of them. I went to University College Hospital in London in September, they put you to sleep, they take it out. They said the cancer had got right to the perimeter, so they had to take out more of the surrounding tissue than they wanted to, but they had to. Im not an expert on this, but the nurse I spoke to said you wouldnt have seen 60 if it hadnt been caught. So thats why I keep talking about it. I hadnt got any symptoms right up until the day I went in. Ian, who is married to Delyth and has a 19-year-old son Jamie, said work colleagues and fellow members of the Wrexham Business Professionals organisation had also been very supportive after he informed them of his health battle. He said: They have all been really good, very supportive, and theyve been asking how I am. They have been asking about prostate cancer. My main message to everyone is to go and get a test. There could be people my age who have got it, who havent got high blood pressure, who are walking around with it, and who wont find out until it is too late. Ian said he was still on the long road to full recovery following his cancer treatment. He said: I feel tired, I will go home some nights and just go straight to bed. Some weekends, if Ive been working all week, Ill just spend Saturday and Sunday asleep in bed recovering, and then back to work on the Monday. I suppose you can say it doesnt end with the operation, it starts with that. Ive already been sent follow-up appointments and obviously I will be having PSA blood tests at regular intervals going forward anyway. Its not like its all behind you, or that you can put it behind you and move on, its still there hanging over you. You are here: World Flash Torp Airport in Norway resumed operations on Sunday afternoon after a Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) Boeing 737, which made an emergency landing Saturday evening, was cleared from the runway. The incident disrupted flights for approximately 5,000 passengers, causing numerous cancellations and delays over the weekend, national broadcaster NRK reported. The aircraft, en route from Oslo to Amsterdam, was diverted to Torp following reports of hydraulic failure. Pilots experienced difficulties controlling the plane, which veered off the runway onto the grass after landing at 7 p.m. All 176 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated without injuries, KLM said in a statement. Passengers described the atmosphere during the emergency landing as calm, with one traveler recalling loud applause upon landing. Evacuated passengers were transported by bus to the terminal and later to Oslo Gardermoen Airport, where hotel accommodations were arranged. Norwegian police and the Accident Investigation Board Norway conducted a preliminary investigation before authorizing the aircraft's removal. The recovery process faced delays as the plane became stuck in mud, complicating efforts. For those who savor slow travel and long for a bygone era of elegance, luxury train travel offers an unparalleled experience. Picture plush interiors, gourmet dining and ever-changing vistas. These journeys are not to be confused with run-of-the-mill train travel, which usually only includes a snack bar or quick-serve food and is typically designed to get passengers to their destination as efficiently (and affordably) as possible. Luxury experiences, on the other hand, are a destination in themselves. As someone who has had the opportunity to take a ride myself, I can say that these premium trains provide more than just a way to get from point A to point B. These journeys cater to those seeking a stress-free way to explore diverse landscapes and cultures while also appealing to those who want comfort, cultural immersion and nostalgia. Members only Of course, the upgrade in service and dining can also mean a slightly steeper price tag. According to the 2024 AARP Travel Trends survey, travelers 50-plus anticipated spending around $6,659 on their adventures, a number that has been fairly consistent over the years. Depending on your length of travel, most swanky rail journey options today fall somewhere within that range, making the appeal that much sweeter. Train Treks are perennially popular for our participants as well, Maeve Hartney, chief program officer for Road Scholar, tells AARP. The not-for-profit brand focuses on educational travel specifically for the 50-plus community and features a range of global offerings, including Train Treks, which are Road Scholars all-inclusive rail trips. Trains are an amazing way to experience landscapes, learn about how other countries manage their rail system, and travel sustainably. At Rocky Mountaineer, more than 90 percent of our guests are 50 years-plus, says Nicole Ford, vice president of communications, sustainability and stakeholder relations at the North American-based luxury train operator with routes through Canada and the U.S. These are guests who prioritize good service, socializing and meeting new people, and enjoying nature and soft adventures in comfort. When off the train, these travelers like to take scenic tours, explore on their own by walking, and have local culinary experiences. Whether youre seeking something new across Americas heartlands or youre looking for cultural immersion in far-off lands, these 12 luxury train journeys are up for the challenge (pricing is in U.S. dollars and will depend on conversion rates). Rocky Mountaineers GoldLeaf service features multicourse menus and seating in an upstairs lounge. Courtesy Rocky Mountaineer The Rocky Mountaineer, U.S. and Canada Starting price: $1,725 (2-day Denver to Moab route in April) If youre dreaming of a journey that blends awe-inspiring landscapes with the luxury of world-class service, the Rocky Mountaineer offers the perfect escape. With glass-domed coaches and panoramic windows, this train journey is your front-row seat to North Americas western mountain vistas, including the Canadian Rockies. To maximize your trip, opt for a complete package that includes train fare, handpicked hotel stays, and guided excursions that dive deeper into the rich history and culture of the regions you pass through. Onboard, youll indulge in gourmet meals made with local ingredients, offering you a taste of the region. Choose from two exclusive service levels: GoldLeaf for a premium experience featuring multicourse menus and seating in an upstairs lounge, or SilverLeaf, which offers a cozy experience with more casual dining and all-around spectacular views. Amtrak Coast Starlight Train travels from Seattle to Los Angeles. Here, the observation car windows allow panoramic views. Alamy Amtrak Coast Starlight Train, U.S. Starting price: $497 Although it may not have the same luxury amenities offered on many of the higher-end experiences, this 35-hour route from Seattle to Los Angeles makes up for it with views of some of the Western U.S.s stunning backdrops. From Mount Shasta and the Cascade Range to tranquil glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, this journey is more for the traveler who appreciates natural beauty. It is also for those who want to travel without having to drive or fly. Book a first-class sleeper cabin to have your own private retreat during the journey, and when youre ready to be social, head to the dining car to meet other riders. Keep in mind this is a standard passenger train, so you wont be able to hop on and off like some train experiences that are designed to be the destination in themselves. GoldStar Service on the Alaska Railroad is available on the Coastal Classic Train and the Denali Star Train. Credit: Glenn Aronwits The Alaska Railroad GoldStar, U.S. Starting price: $213 for GoldStar service route from Anchorage to Girdwood The GoldStar Service on the Alaska Railroad offers a luxury experience that is designed to delight. While the railroad offers scenic routes for every budget, the GoldStar Service stands out as the ultimate indulgence combining comfort, elegance and spectacular views. GoldStar is available exclusively on two itineraries the Coastal Classic Train and the Denali Star Train. These trips are only available from mid-May through mid-September to make the most of the seasons extended daylight hours. That could also provide more opportunities to spot Alaskan wildlife (though never a guarantee) and the towering mountains, sprawling glaciers and pristine wilderness. Linda Lavin, a Tony Award-winning stage actor who became a working class icon as a paper-hat wearing waitress on the TV sitcom Alice, has died. She was 87. Lavin died in Los Angeles on Sunday of complications from recently discovered lung cancer, her representative, Bill Veloric, told The Associated Press in an email. Members only A success on Broadway, Lavin tried her luck in Hollywood in the mid-1970s. She was chosen to star in a new CBS sitcom based on Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore, the Martin Scorsese-directed film that won Ellen Burstyn an Oscar for playing the title waitress. The title was shortened to Alice and Lavin become a role model for working moms as Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother with a 12-year-old son working in a roadside diner outside Phoenix. The show, with Lavin singing the theme song Theres a New Girl in Town, ran from 1976 to 1985. Alice, Polly Holliday, Linda Lavin, Beth Howland, 1976-85 Courtesy Everett Collection The show turned Kiss my grits into a catchphrase and co-starred Polly Holliday as waitress Flo and Vic Tayback as the gruff owner and head chef of Mels Diner. The series bounced around the CBS schedule during its first two seasons but became a hit leading into All in the Family on Sunday nights in October 1977. It was among primetimes top 10 series in four of the next five seasons. Variety magazine listed it among the all-time best workplace comedies. Lavin soon went on to win a Tony for best actress in a play for Neil Simons Broadway Bound in 1987. She was working as recently as this month promoting a new Netflix series in which she appears, No Good Deed, and filming a forthcoming Hulu series, Mid-Century Modern, according to Deadline, which first reported her death. Lavin grew up in Portland, Maine, and moved to New York City after graduating from the College of William and Mary. She sang in nightclubs and in ensembles of shows. Iconic producer and director Hal Prince gave Lavin her first big break while directing the Broadway musical Its a Bird ... Its a Plane ... Its Superman. She went on to earn a Tony nomination in Simons Last of the Red Hot Lovers in 1969 before winning 18 years later for another Simon play, Broadway Bound. In the mid 1970s, Lavin moved to Los Angeles. She had a recurring role on Barney Miller and in 1976 was chosen to star in a new CBS sitcom based on Ellen Burstyns Oscar-winning waitress comedy-drama, Alice Doesnt Live Here Anymore. Flash At least 45 people have been killed between Nov. 27 and Dec. 22 in Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, according to a source from the Lebanese army on Sunday. During the period, the Israeli army also arrested 17 people from border towns, all of whom were civilians working in agriculture and livestock, the source said on condition of anonymity. The violations include airstrikes, drone and airplane flights over eastern and southern Lebanon, artillery shelling, machine gun fire, incursions, bulldozing of roads and agricultural fields, erecting earthen barriers, as well as burning and crushing vehicles, the source said. According to estimates by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, between Nov. 27 and Dec. 22, Israel launched over 816 land and air attacks against Lebanon, shelling border villages, booby-trapping homes, destroying residential neighborhoods, and blocking roads. Candice Ardell, deputy director of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) media office, said on Sunday that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed its forces that the safety of peacekeepers cannot be guaranteed in the vicinity of the Taybeh area, and patrols must avoid this area. "The safety of the peacekeepers is a top priority, and we will not do anything to put them at unnecessary risk," Ardell stressed. "We remind the IDF of their obligations under Resolution 1701 to ensure the safety of the peacekeepers and ensure their freedom of movement throughout the UNIFIL area of operations in southern Lebanon," she added. In a statement on Saturday, the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture said the latest Israeli attacks destroyed and bulldozed the seed multiplication project built in Wadi al-Hujayr in 2020 with the support of the World Food Program and funding from the European Union. A ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, went into effect on Nov. 27, aiming to halt nearly 14 months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The terms of the ceasefire agreement include Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory within 60 days, with the Lebanese army deploying on the Lebanese-Israeli border and in the south, taking over security there, and banning any presence of weapons and militants. Despite the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army has continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, though at a significantly reduced intensity, with some attacks resulting in casualties in southern and eastern Lebanon. Flash 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. As we conclude another year, it is essential to reflect on the key developments, challenges, and achievements that have shaped different sectors throughout the past 12 months. The year 2024 has been marked by dynamic shifts, rapid innovation, and the continued adaptation to both external factors and emerging trends. Adgullys annual feature REWIND revisits different sectors and identifies the key developments as well gauges the long-term impacts of those developments. We speak to a cross-section of industry leaders to bring a 360-degree view of the industry landscape, the growth trends, financial performance, disruptions, innovations, challenges and more. In a candid interaction with Adgully for Rewind 2024, Himanshu Arora, Co-Founder, Social Panga, delves into the transformative year that 2024 has been for the advertising and marketing industry. Highlighting the convergence of technological advancements like AI and emotionally resonant creative campaigns, Arora shares insights into the evolving industry dynamics, Social Pangas strategic growth through international expansion, and the brands steadfast commitment to delivering impactful, solutions-driven marketing for clients across diverse sectors. Overview of the Ad Industry and economy in 2024 This year has been a fascinating blend of technological innovation and emotional resonance in advertising. While AI has been the buzzword driving conversations, the most impactful campaigns across industries have been those that deeply connect with human emotions. The industry is experiencing a paradigm shift creative work that evokes empathy and sentiment continues to shine, while routine, mechanical tasks are increasingly powered by AI-driven solutions. From an economic perspective, India remains one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with GDP growth projected between 6% and 7%. Consumer sentiment remains optimistic, laying the foundation for sustained growth in the long term. Sectoral performance At Social Panga, we are industry-agnostic, partnering with brands across diverse categories such as q-commerce, healthcare, FMCG, tech, fashion, and more. Heres a quick snapshot of some key trends shaping few of these industries: Fashion: Fast fashion continues to dominate, with brands like Zudio and Snitch leading the way. Gen Z and millennials thrive on instant trends, fueled by social media interactions. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are driving engagement and shaping fashion choices. Healthcare: The shift away from fear-based marketing is vital. Today, healthcare brands need to focus on adding value to peoples lives, with content that informs, educates, and inspires. Whether its long-form videos on YouTube or short, reels on Instagram, the goal is to connect meaningfully with audiences. Social Pangas performance in 2024 2024 has been a defining year for Social Panga. Our integration with LS Digital has set the stage for higher growth trajectory, both in terms of value creation and geographic expansion. This year saw us establish operations in Dubai, while solidifying our presence in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, all while maintaining our solutions-driven approach. We are doubling down on providing comprehensive solutions across digital communication, production, branding, media, and influencer marketing. Global expansion is on the horizon, with a clear emphasis on tapping into international markets. Whether its harnessing AI-driven innovations or building on our strengths, our vision is to lead the charge in the marketing space, creating meaningful growth for our clients and ourselves. Also Read: Experiential travel, bleisure tourism shaped travel ecosystem in 2024 The Indian radio industry underwent a significant transformation in 2024, driven by the governments ambitious push towards digital FM radio. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is spearheading a significant modernization of Indias FM radio landscape, aiming to enhance broadcast quality, optimize spectrum usage, and unlock new growth opportunities for the sector. The key initiative involves the introduction of digital FM radio in 13 major cities across the country. This move is expected to revolutionize the industry by enhancing broadcast quality, optimizing spectrum usage, and fostering significant growth opportunities. Key Policy Changes Digital radio rollout: The MIB is exploring four global digital radio technologies, prioritizing a simulcast approach to ensure a smooth transition for existing broadcasters. Industry-friendly reforms: Elimination of non-refundable fees and the annual license fee for private FM stations. A 40% increase in base rates for advertisements on private FM stations. Collaboration with TRAI: The MIB is working closely with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to develop a comprehensive digital radio broadcast policy, emphasizing open standards, spectrum efficiency, and expansion of services to underserved areas. E-auction of FM radio channels: The Indian government has implemented a transparent e-auction system for FM radio channel allocation, aiming to expand radio coverage to more areas. Expansion of Community Radio: Community radio stations continue to play a vital role in preserving local culture and providing a platform for local artists. The MIB grants permission to eligible organisations to establish these stations, fostering cultural diversity and community engagement. The number of community radio stations has grown substantially, with 481 stations currently operational, up from 140 in 2014. This growth is attributed to the government's efforts to simplify the application process and provide financial support through the Community Radio Support Scheme (CRSS). Increased Focus on Local Content: Community radio stations are playing a crucial role in promoting local content, including regional languages, cultures, and stories. This shift towards hyper-local content is helping to bridge the communication gap and empower local communities. Benefits of digital FM Superior Sound Quality: Digital radio offers a significantly improved listening experience compared to analogue broadcasts. Increased Channel Capacity: Digital technology enables the transmission of multiple channels within the same frequency band, expanding content diversity for listeners. Enhanced Spectrum Efficiency: Digital radio optimizes spectrum usage, allowing for more efficient allocation of this valuable resource. New Revenue Streams: Digital radio opens up new avenues for revenue generation, such as data broadcasting, interactive services, and targeted advertising. The road ahead The governments initiatives to modernize the FM radio industry signal a promising future for the sector. By embracing digital technologies and fostering a conducive environment for industry growth, India aims to ensure that radio remains a vibrant and engaging medium for years to come. Radio advertising Radio advertising in India experienced a 2% growth in advertising volumes during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to the latest TAM AdEx India report. This data, compiled in collaboration with RCS India, analysed information from over 120 radio stations nationwide. Key Findings Sectoral Contribution: The services sector continued to dominate, contributing 30% of ad volumes. The auto sector followed with a 10% share, while retail and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) each held a 9% share. Notably, BFSI moved up from fifth place in 2023 to third this year. The services sector continued to dominate, contributing 30% of ad volumes. The auto sector followed with a 10% share, while retail and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) each held a 9% share. Notably, BFSI moved up from fifth place in 2023 to third this year. Top Categories: Properties/real estate led the way with a 16% share, followed by hospitals/clinics and cars at 7% each. Retail outlets-jewellers secured the third spot with a 6% share. Properties/real estate led the way with a 16% share, followed by hospitals/clinics and cars at 7% each. Retail outlets-jewellers secured the third spot with a 6% share. Growth Drivers: Car advertising saw a significant 60% growth, while retail outlets-jewellers experienced a 50% increase. The automobile general insurance category recorded the highest growth at 260%. Car advertising saw a significant 60% growth, while retail outlets-jewellers experienced a 50% increase. The automobile general insurance category recorded the highest growth at 260%. Top Advertisers: LIC remained the top advertiser, with new entrants to the list including GCMMF, Hyundai Motor India, and Renault India. LIC remained the top advertiser, with new entrants to the list including GCMMF, Hyundai Motor India, and Renault India. Top Brands: LIC Housing Finance ranked first, followed by Vimal Pan Masala. Newcomers to the top 10 brands list included LIC Jeevan Utsav, Maruti Suzuki Arena, Manappuram Loan Against Gold, Acko General Auto Insurance, and Malabar Gold and Diamonds. LIC Housing Finance ranked first, followed by Vimal Pan Masala. Newcomers to the top 10 brands list included LIC Jeevan Utsav, Maruti Suzuki Arena, Manappuram Loan Against Gold, Acko General Auto Insurance, and Malabar Gold and Diamonds. Geographic Distribution:Gujarat led in advertising volumes with an 18% share, followed by Maharashtra at 16%. The top five states contributed 62% of the total ad volumes. Jaipur remained the top city, accounting for 8% of advertising volumes, with the top 10 cities contributing 62% of the total. The Indian radio industry is on the cusp of a transformative era, fuelled by the governments strategic push toward digital FM. The steady rise in radio advertising volumes, driven by key sectors like services, retail, and BFSI, highlights the mediums enduring relevance in Indias media landscape. Also Read: Radio ad volumes up 2% in Jan-Sept24; Over 5k exclusive advertisers present Kristin Cavallari revealed on a recent episode of Bunnie XOs podcast Dumb Blonde that Morgan Wallen has been with every woman on the planet. The Hills star, 37, called the 31-year-old Wallen a good guy with a big heart. However, she also admitted he was a player from the Himalayas. Cavallari, who said she hasnt spoken to the country music star in a year, was complimentary of Wallen. Hes a great (f-word) buddy ... He was good in bed, she told Bunnie, who is married to country star Jelly Roll. She said Wallen had been a true gentleman on their first date and had even met her kids. Earlier this month, Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts in a Nashville courtroom as a result of an April incident in which he threw a chair off the sixth-floor balcony of Eric Churchs bar, Chiefs. Wallen, 31, was sentenced to one week at a DUI education center. He also received two years of probation, one year for each charge of reckless endangerment. The performer must also pay a $350 fine and court fees. Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. A barrage of gunfire erupted at an east Jefferson County apartment complex Sunday, sending two people to the hospital. Jefferson County sheriffs deputies were dispatched at 4:45 p.m. to Summit Ridge Apartments on Haversham Drive to a report of a person shot. When deputies and Center Point Fire and Rescue medics arrived, they found a 29-year-old had sustained a gunshot wound. She was reportedly shot in the pelvis. The woman was taken by ambulance to UAB Hospital in Birmingham. Sheriffs spokesman Henry Irby said her injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Deputies learned an 18-year-old male had been taken by private vehicle to UAB Hospital with a gunshot wound. His injuries also dont appear to be life-threatening, Irby said. Deputies initially issued an emergency call for all available assistance but the reason for the alert was not immediately clear. Additional details surrounding the shooting have not been released. Irby said no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call sheriffs investigators at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. A search is underway for a man who appeared to jump off a pier in south Alabama early Monday morning, according to the Fairhope Police Department. In a Facebook post the department stated they responded to a call of a possible incident at Fairhope Municipal Pier at 2 a.m. Surveillance footage of the incident captured a man wearing a light-colored shirt jump from the pier, according to the department. Fairhope police are currently unsure whether the man made it out of the water safely. The Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are helping searching the area. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Jackson with the Fairhope Police Department at 251-928-2385. An investigation is underway after skeletal remains were found in Opelika over the weekend. Opelika police were notified just before 3 p.m. Saturday that someone had located the remains in a wooded area in the 2600 block of Northpark Drive. Detectives requested help from the Montgomery Police Departments cadaver dog. This morning, investigators from both agencies launched an active search of the area. Officials said the remains will be sent to the Lee County Coroners Office for further examination. Anyone with information is asked to call Opelika police at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App. Tips can also be submitted to Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP (7867). This an opinion tribute. Sign up for JD Crowes newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to JDs weekly newsletter, Crowe Jam. America will likely never appropriately appreciate Jimmy Carter, the President; there should be no equivocation on Jimmy Carter, the man. A true servant who didnt need a high office to achieve his high calling. - Roy S. Johnson, columnist for AL.com. Today, we pay tribute to the life of Jimmy Carter: Our greatest former president. At 100, Carter was Americas longest-living president. He lived a long life. A Full Life. Of service to others. Carter may have been an unlucky president, but he was a lucky man. A lucky and good man. After he entered hospice care in February of 2023, he was able to experience the outpouring of love for him and his accomplishments from the deluge of tributes that immediately followed. He did it right. If you want to see what you mean to people before you die, let em know early. Carter has spent his entire life serving others. The Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project is just one of his living legacies. He was still swinging a hammer for the poor in his 90s. Carter was able to attend the funeral and say goodbye to his dear wife, Rosalynn, who died in November of 2023 at the age of 96. Jimmy and Rosalynn were married for 77 years. In life, they were rarely separated. Now, they celebrate their reunion. Jimmy and RosalynnJD Crowe While looking through quotes by and about Carter, one that stood out is the one printed at the top of this page by my friend and colleague Roy S. Johnson. Roy states so eloquently what Im trying to say right now. He first wrote this tribute to Carter last year in his weekly newsletter, The Barbershop. Jimmy Carter Quotes (Author of A Full Life) (goodreads.com) 10 Major Accomplishments of Jimmy Carter Carter Work Project | Carter Work Project (habitat.org) Many of my cartoonist colleagues published wonderful tributes for Jimmy Carter almost two years ago. Im glad he got to see them. I just wasnt ready yet. Thank you, Jimmy Carter. For a full life, well lived. Rest in peace, Jimmy. And in the loving arms of your beloved Rosaylnn. True stories and stuff by JD Crowe The mysterious Bubble Guy of Fairhope and the art of bubble Zen - al.com How I met Dr. Seuss Robert Plant head-butted me. Thanks, David Coverdale I was ZZ Tops drummer for a night and got kidnapped by groupies Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group and AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @jdcrowe@al.com. Gov. Kay Ivey has authorized flags flown at half-staff in the capitol complex and across Alabama for 30 days in honor of President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100. The governors proclamation summarized the public service of Carter, the peanut farmer, engineer, Navy officer, and Sunday school teacher who worked for causes such as Habitat for Humanity for decades after leaving the White House: A native of Plains, Georgia, approximately 40 miles from the Alabama state line, Jimmy Carter first served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. After his father died, he left military service to return home to take over the family peanut farm. In 1962, Carter entered politics running successfully for the Georgia State Senate. In 1970, he won the Georgia Governors race. In December 1974, Jimmy Carter jumped into the Democratic primary for President among a field of more than a dozen candidates. His long-shot candidacy was not only victorious in the primary but ultimately in the 1976 general election. He served one term in office as President during which time our country faced many challenges from an energy shortage to U.S. diplomats being taken hostage in Iran. After leaving the White House in 1981, Carter forged the longest post presidency of any American chief executive. He was well known for his advocacy of international human rights through the Carter Center, and his hands-on assistance to disadvantaged persons through his years of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Jimmy Carter not only lived the longest of any former U.S. President, but his life also brought greater dignity to the presidency. Carters death on Sunday came more than a year after he entered hospice care at his home in Plains. Carters wife, Rosalynn, died in November 2023 at age 96. Archibald: Mourn Jimmy Carter, and grieve for America, too JD Crowe: Tribute to Jimmy Carter, our greatest former president Authorities have released the name of a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash at a Midfield intersection. The Jefferson County Coroners Office on Monday identified the victim as Sean Caribe Avant. He was 49 and lived in Birmingham. Midfield police and fire medics responded to the wreck at 2:09 p.m. Sunday at Bessemer Super Highway and Wilkes Road. They arrived to find Avant critically wounded. He was taken to Princeton Baptist Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 2:57 p.m. Authorities said there were no other serious injuries. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation. Avants son, 18-year-old Sean Caribe Avant Jr., was found shot to death in February 2020, days after his parents had reported him missing. A dead whale has washed up on the beach at Fort Morgan on the Alabama coast. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab confirmed a sperm whale carcass washed up along the shore in Fort Morgan, WKRG-TV reported. Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency officials told the station that crews were responding to calls of a beached whale on Sunday afternoon. Beachgoers noticed the whale early Sunday morning near the Beach Club Resort & Spa in Fort Morgan, following heavy storms in the area over the weekend. Its unusual but not unprecedented. Typically only two sperm whales a year ever beach in the entire Gulf of Mexico, according to Dr. Ruth Carmichael, marine biologist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. In November 2020, a sperm whale estimated at 35 to 40 feet long wandered into Mobile Bay, struggling to survive. Biologists euthanized the sperm whale in Mobile Bay on Nov. 25, 2020. Dauphin Island Sea Lab officials said in 2020 that it was the first documented stranded sperm whale in the state of Alabama. The whales are used to deep water but the bay averages only about 10 feet deep outside the shipping channel. Male sperm whales can reach up to 62 feet in length, females can be up to 39 feet long, and they are known as deep divers, commonly reaching a depth of about 1,150 feet. A 60-foot-long male sperm whale weighs more than 50 tons. Sperm whales may dive for an hour or more, then spend about 10 minutes at the surface breathing once every 10 seconds. They feed on octopus and squid. Officials with Share the Beach - West Beach shared numbers to call if you encounter an injured or dead animal. Sea Turtle Hotline: 866-SEA-TURTLE (866-732-8878) Marine Mammal (dolphin/whale/manatee): 877-942-5343 Orange Beach Wildlife (shore/other birds): 844-303-9453 According to Tolkien, hobbits don't like to travel. Bilbo Baggins discovered his liking for travel later in life and he communicated his discovery to his nephew, Frodo, It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to. Roughly 100 million Americans take to the road on vacation every year, some taking two or three trips. It is part of our nature to want to get away and see new things. It's always been so. Humans throughout history have desired to know what's over the next hill and what's beyond the horizon. Due to constraints of budgets, time and other concerns, some people began to spend their vacations at or near home in so-called "staycations." That's all well and good, and it can be a very relaxing and economical way to refresh yourself. One can relax and unwind with leisurely pursuits and hobbies, or attend to needed projects around the house. Many people enjoy traveling within their state or to other destinations across the U.S. The phrase "See America First" was coined around 1906 in response to the habits of wealthy Americans who were spending vast sums to visit Europe. It was thought that by improving access to remote regions such as the Rocky Mountains, more people would consider spending their vacations (and their money) here at home. It worked. The National Park Service reported that 325 million people visited America's national parks last year. Not all were Americans, of course, but that's an impressive number just the same. Some make it their business to go further. We admire those who've taken great risks and departed into the unknown. The study of the lives and accomplishments of explorers such Marco Polo, Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Vespucci, Magellan, Cook, Shackleton, Armstrong, and Ballard could take a lifetime. Brave men doing great things inspire others to do the same. Humanity's explorations began a new phase with Russia's launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957. America followed with Explorer 1 in 1958 and the space race began. Triumphs and tragedies followed. The early accomplishments of Glenn and Shepherd inspired us while the deaths of Grissom, Chaffee, and White made us question the costs. We watched in horror as the astronauts aboard Challenger and Columbia died. Nevertheless, over 8,000 people applied to be astronauts in 2024, less than a dozen of whom will be selected as astronaut candidates. Watching the SpaceX rockets land back on their pads, even maneuvering precisely into their gantries, is awe-inspiring. Musk says, You want to wake up in the morning and think the future is going to be great -- and thats what being a spacefaring civilization is all about. Its about believing in the future and thinking that the future will be better than the past." That turns out to be true. The technologies developed by NASA have produced such items as laptop computers, laser technology for cataract surgeries, solar cells, water-filtration systems, precision GPS, cochlear implants and CAT scans. And we have bigger fish to fry. Author Robert A. Heinlein said that, "The Earth is just too small and fragile a basket for the human race to keep all its eggs in. Elon Musk is taking Heinlein at his word. He plans on launching unmanned Starship rockets to Mars in 2026. If successful, the first crewed flights will take place in 2030. Colonies on the moon and Mars can one day provide humanity with population safety nets, as well as springboards for more exploration within our solar system. Only about half of Americans believe that public funding of space travel is worthwhile. Many believe that taxpayer money would be better spent fighting poverty. They cry, "Why go to space when we have so many problems here at home?" Americans have been waging a war on poverty since the early 1960s, spending over $22 trillion along the way. The result is that more people are dependent on the government than ever before. Those who counsel us to turn our attention inwards in a futile attempt to solve all of humanity's problems before we look heavenward are endorsing mediocrity. We are fortunate that there are those among us who strive relentlessly forward, who set their sights on goals so ambitious that they seem impossible. The poet Robert Browning wrote, Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for? The very act of reaching for those things that may elude us gives us purpose and a sense of fulfillment. When we plan a vacation, the destination is often just a part of the experience. Caribbean cruises and road trips are about more than the journey's end. We want to enjoy ourselves along the way, maybe even learn a thing or two. The same is true of our space program. Image: Steve Juvetson I spent just under twenty years in East Africa doing international development work. Since then, Im often asked, Have the billions of dollars that Western countries invested in Sub-Saharan Africa since their independence in the early 1960s done anything, or has it been a waste of time and taxpayers money? The most famous answer to this question came from an economist working at New York University in Manhattan. William Easterly is the author of the provocatively titled book The White Mans Burden: Why the Wests Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good, as well as his follow-up The Tyranny of Experts. Easterly has argued that, once one crunches the foreign assistance given to the developing world since WWII, and especially in the case of Sub-Saharan Africa, there is noand has not beenany significant increase in the GDP of any of these countries. Therefore, one can consider the last five decades of development assistance to have been a failure. Indeed, I may have been part of that failure but more on this later in the article. Image: The Doho primary school in Kenya. Public domain. Therefore, as President Trump and his brilliant team of skeptics and independent thinkers grapple with the future role of institutions like USAID in the months ahead, it wont be surprising if America cuts development assistance or reduces it substantially. President Trump would probably announce this policy change by saying, No more free money for losing countries and their corrupt rulers! If things were so simple, I would be one of those who would argue that the West must immediately turn off the tap that has fueled overseas corruption, rent-seeking, and the demoralization of Africas small but growing middle classes. However, recent IMF statistics have caused me to doubt this overly simplistic conclusion. The IMF has been tracking remittances from Sub-Saharan Africans working outside of their countries of birth. They have concluded that, by 2015, expatriate Africans were sending home $441 billion each year. This is more than three times the amount of official development assistance that the continent receives, both multilateral and bilateral. This shows that, somehow, over the last half a century, average Africans and their families have been investing in education and professional training. When independence came in the 1960s, less than a quarter of most sub-Saharan African citizens could read and write. Sixty years later, the average is now close to 70%. This has correlated with a frenzy of school building throughout SubSaharan Africa and in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where I spent so much of my time. In the eighties and nineties, everywhere you went in rural or urban Africa, someone was building a school, and parents were spending their last dollar to make sure that all their children, both male and female, were literate. Those who were fortunate finished high school, and the most fortunate entered the trades and professions. At dinner parties and conferences in places like Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, my colleagues and I in rural and international development collectively wrung our hands, worried about the negative employment prospects of overqualified Africans. However, even then, oil-rich Gulf states imported masses of African workers, and others sought their destinies in industrializing India and even China. Indeed, during the last fifty years, Europe and the Americas have allowed hundreds of thousands of well-trained and diligent immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa to become citizens and contribute to the economy. I remember a plane flight I took from Toronto to New York some ten years ago when I was commuting to a job in Manhattan. I sat beside a young Nigerian lawyer who had a successful practice in Manhattan and, no doubt, sending money back home to her extended family and village, for that is the custom across Sub-Saharan Africa. Regardless of your tribal background, if you rise, then the number of people you must help widens according to your kin and lineage obligations. Allow me then for a moment to take you back to Tanzania between 1998 and 2002. A Western government hired me to manage a multi-sector rural development project in one of the most underdeveloped rural districts. It was also one of the first of its kind, a rural democratization project where we spent the first year setting up committees to ensure transparent use of funds for primary development needs. It was hard and tedious work. We successfully created a corruption-free zone, which is a story in and of itself. After every government department and start-up NGO in our district got their first grant of thousands of dollars to implement a project with a rudimentary plan, the villagers finally began to understand that they, too, could successfully apply for funds. Regardless of the time and effort our Tanzanian development consultants spent with various villages, introducing new crops or irrigation schemes, the villagers stubbornly, I thought at the time, invested in building primary schools. However, they knew that if they built a school, the government would send teachers. If there were teachers, their children would become literate. If literate, they might go to high school, and if they graduated from high school and got further training, they might get a job in the country or overseas. If this happened, then these poor, often illiterate peasants whose company and dignity I so much enjoyed and admired when working together would then get remittances from their successful children who would take care of them in their old age and provide inspiration and financial help for the next generation. Our project mandate was strict. Once we did our due diligence and explained the options to villagers, and if they to a man and woman, decided to build schools, then that is what we didbuild schools. One of my bosses in the system used to take periodic digs at me, saying, Clarfield, why do we not just have done with it and call it the Rural School Building Project and let it go at that? At the time, I was almost religiously committed to multi-sector, integrated rural development but, given my democratic prejudices, I went with the people. Even if school building might be a dead end, I knew that at least our project represented transparency and honesty to the peasants and pastoralists among whom we worked and who had been so hard done by thirty years of corrupt socialism in a one-party state, where standards of living went down dramatically until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1990. And so I wrung my hands, worried, and did my job. For the last decade, I have been taking people on Safari to Kenya and Tanzania, sometimes once and sometimes twice a year. These are upscale tours where the tents are so clean you can eat off the floor. There is nothing like the beauty of the Great African Rift Valley and the Serengeti and their virtually prehistoric herds of elephant, giraffe, zebra, and lion. It is a bucket list experience. On one occasion, a client had a medical emergency. Both a male and female Kenyan nurse arrived to diagnose and successfully treat this client, who was and is eternally grateful. Chatting in Swahili with the female nurse, she told me her story and, as she got to know me, said that she wanted to work overseas. I told her that was a good idea. So, one must conclude that, somehow, during the last fifty years, Sub-Saharan Africans from modest village backgrounds managed, by any means, to turn development assistance to their advantage. They have become literate. They have been trained. They have a great work ethic. They are humble, charming, and client-centered in that wonderful way that Sub-Saharan Africans have, so hard to describe yet so obvious to those who have had the pleasure of working and living among them. If I were President Trumps international development advisor for Sub-Saharan Africa, I would suggest that USAID match dollar-for-dollar every dollar that expatriate Africans send back to their home villages. It has never been tried before and is seriously worth considering. For their part, the Africans are not asking for handouts as they have already given their contribution. America can meet them halfway. After Lori Lightfoot was voted out of the mayors seat in Chicago after her calamitous tenure, I dearly hoped that the residents of Chicago had come to their senses about progressive mayors and would vote for someone who had some understanding of fiscal responsibility and the role of a big-city mayor. It was not to be. The mayoralty of progressive Brandon Johnson has been, to say the least, a disaster. Even as hes witnessed his rejection by Boards, Committees and the residents of Chicago, he continues to double down on failing policies. How did he get himself into such a mess? He began his professional career as a teacher, but realized he could get more done from a political position: First, he was elected to the county board, with the help of the board president, herself a former history teacher. Then he decided to run for mayor. The [teachers] union endorsed him. It donated $2 million to his campaign and sent out its army of door knockers to spread the word about him. In an upset, the hip young teacher won, against an opponent with a better-known name who outspent him 2-1. Once Johnson linked up with the teachers union (CTU), his future was bright. Brandon and the union are joined at the hip. How bad has Johnsons governance been? Hes decided to take control of the Chicago Board of Education, due to his dispute with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez: According to published reports, the current board had backed Martinez in a dispute with Johnson over the CPS budget and contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union for which Johnson was once an organizer, and was a major financial supporter of his campaign for mayor. Martinez is opposing high-interest loans the mayor wants CPS to take out to support teacher raises being negotiated with the CTU, at a time when CPS is facing a $500 million deficit for the 2025 contract year. The board did not include the loan in the approved CPS budget for the 2024-25 school year. Johnson demanded that Martinez resign, and Martinez refused. Instead, Johnson has reconfigured the Board of Education. Instead of Johnson selecting all the board members, he will be able to select ten of them, and ten will be elected by the citizens. Since Martinez is refusing to leave, Johnson can simply tell the citizens that he selected to fire him. Easy. The entire Chicago Board of Education will resign later in the month as a protest against his actions against Martinez. Johnson seems to be incapable of contradicting his patrons on the CTU, and the price tag just keeps getting larger and larger. But the list of his irresponsible decisions doesnt end there. Heres a sampling: He approved a 20% raise to the Chicago Police Department over four years, and added $1.06 billion to the police pension funds total liability; He refuses to allow the question of whether Chicago should be a sanctuary city to go before the voters. Meanwhile, Chicago has been deluged with illegal immigrants; Hes added a $500,000 snowplowing pilot program and $400,000 to fund a vice mayors office; His actions have led to the warning of a downgrade of the Citys pension fund. He claims that hes having regular discussions on progressive ideas with Gov. Pritzkers office, which the Governor denies. He asked for a $300 million tax hike, which the City Council refused; later they also rejected a $68.5 million property tax hike that he requested. He insists that those who criticize him are racist. He broke a City Council tie, 23-23 for a resolution that called for an immediate unconditional cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Refusing to hold Hamas responsible at all for their role in the conflict was not well-received; Although he originally supported the defunding the police movement, hes finally realizing that doesnt solve their violent crime problem: After months of stating that Chicago cant police its way out of its violent-crime disease, Johnson finally crossed the first threshold to getting a handle on this mayhem, and that was to point the finger of blame where it belongs at criminals, not some systemic conspiracy. Better policing isnt all thats needed, but it surely is a critical component. Mayor Johnson is deeply enmeshed in his own blame game and false optimism: he says the states reduction of the citys property tax revenue is to blame; he blames the Chicago Board of Education for not passing tax legislation for the public schools. Hes presented no plan for the taxes he was trying to raise, $100 million, for housing the homeless. Hes lost the support of the business community. And he insists on wearing rose-colored glasses: But at his news conference after the council meeting, Johnson refused to accept an alarmist view of the future. He also would not say what his Plan B would be should this progressive revenue not come through in time for the 2026 budget cycle. How about we just focus on what we want? Johnson said when asked whether hes ruled out trying to pass a future property tax hike, after aldermen threw his latest attempt back in his face. I want you all to stay positive, OK, because the people of Chicago and the state of Illinois really require that. Look, I know its easy to go back and forth about this tax versus this tax, but people have sold the people of Chicago out for too long, and they have kowtowed to the interests of the ultrarich. Keep your chin up, Mayor Johnson, and just keep blaming your predecessors and the ultrarich. Well see where that gets you in the next election. Image: Charles Edward Miller, via Wikimedia Commons (extracted) // CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed Three days before Christmas, an illegal alien set a dozing woman on fire, and as she engulfed in flames before the abundant video filmers, a seemingly lackadaisical police officer clopping by like a routine beat cop walked by, not looking at the fiery, walking horror literally in front of him. Here is a hideous screen shot from one of the Do New York's subways sound like the kind of place where you'd like to take a ride?Three days before Christmas, an illegal alien set a dozing woman on fire, and as she engulfed in flames before the abundant video filmers, a seemingly lackadaisical police officer clopping by like a routine beat cop walked by, not looking at the fiery, walking horror literally in front of him.Here is a hideous screen shot from one of the dozens of videos on X, showing the cop just walking by without rendering aid: It was so hard to look at. He didn't help her. What happened to standard person-on-fire measures, taught by emergency first responders to every school kid -- stop, drop, and roll. Why didn't he throw his coat on her to try to save her life? Based on the disturbing video, the cop just let her burn as the illegal who set her on fire literally fanned the flames. Nothing to see here, move along. (Which was what one cop pretty much told the illegal, unaware that he was the arsonist who set the woman on fire, and the illegal almost got away.) And according to the New York authorities, all was fine and dandy, as both the transit cop chief and the district attorney defended the police response. According to CBS News: ... NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Gulotta said during a news conference on Sunday that several officers responded, and he praised their efforts. "I think he did his job perfectly, as his fellow officers went and got MTA workers got fire extinguishers, and eventually were able to extinguish the individual," Gulotta said. "Eventually," he said. Sound like the right urgency for a human being literally on fire? The New York Times reported similar statements: The footage of the Dec. 22 killing on the F train also showed a police officer walking by the woman, as she was in flames. The officer appears to walk past her without helping her, which led to public outrage and shock. Joseph Gulotta, the departments chief of transit, has praised the officers actions, saying he did his job perfectly. The officer stayed, trying to preserve the crime scene as other officers rushed to get fire extinguishers, he said during a news conference following the attack. On Friday, [Brooklyn District Attorney Eric] Gonzalez also defended the officer. We believe that the officer, considering all the circumstances, all the smoke and flames that were in the train car at that time, did the most that he could do, he said. Did his job perfectly? The message sent here is that when an illegal sets you on fire in New York, you, too, can expect to be burned to a cinder, until the cops "eventually" get around to putting the fire out. Now, I'm not an unfair person. The video seen was a snippet, and done by a gawker who should have been putting the fire out, too. A snippet isn't an entire event, and always lacks context. Police officers have been unfairly railroaded based on snippets of video (e.g., the Rodney King or George Floyd incidents), so it's right to leave open the possibility that the transit cop chief and the district attorney are telling the truth. What's more, cops have be unfairly under fire by leftists in recent years. And even if this cop is the laziest, most cowardly cop on the planet, I am against doxxing any cop. But it's bad communication here from these authorities, simply dismissing any criticism of the police response as baseless even though people know what they have seen with their own eyes. Gulotta tried to claim that the cop was "securing the crime scene" when it was pretty clear he was not -- the bad guy fanning the flames on the victim actually got away. Gonzalez tried to claim that the cop was constrained by smoke and flames, but didn't explain why the cop was so close to the smoke and flames that he could have helped the woman, nor did he explain why the accused killer didn't have any problems with smoke or flames as he walked up to the victim to fan the flames. New Yorkers could see the picture -- the victim was in front of the door of the open subway car door where there would be more fresh air than in a closed subway car. They ought to explain these things with some level of seriousness. They have a public relations problem they are treating as a minor matter. If they'd like to dispel the idea that this was a crony coverup, one hand washing the other, or someone protecting lazy cops, they need to lay this out with credible explanations. They seem to forget that such thumb-twiddling among the subway personnel has been an issue before. When I lived in New York 20 years ago, subway employees came under public criticism for doing nothing when a woman was being raped by a criminal right in front of their eyes. Nothing to see here, move along. If cops can't be counted on to show courage under fire, then they are basically hall monitors, and that raises questions as to why the public should be paying them as they do. If they want to 'serve' like hall monitors, they should be paid like hall monitors. Forget the lionization of cops as brave and selfless in the absence of any credible explanation on this matter. New York's cops make six-figure salaries because they are supposed to be extraordinary. Doing nothing in an emergency tells us of time-card keepers and cowards who have lost their sense of mission. It suggests powerful unions that protect them no matter how little they do, and management that punishes them if they do anything outside "regulations." It could be any of these things. Or it could be that the cops acted properly. But these officials are going to have to explain to us why it's acting properly to walk by when another human being is on fire. If they don't, the message sent is that that's what they'll do to the next guy on fire, and plenty of subway riders are going to take note and get some other means of transportation. Why would anyone ride a New York subway if what we have just seen is the perfect police response to someone burning in front of them? Image: Screen shot from X video // fair use A favorite American axiom asserts if our government took charge of the Sahara Desert there would soon be a shortage of sand. While theres more than a little truth to that, a manifestly demonstrated truth is that socialism and communism are even more efficient at destroying economies and lives. Margaret Thatcher wisely observed the trouble with socialism is you always run out of other peoples money. Communists do it faster and more violently, Cuba being a prime example: Fast-forward to last Friday [10-18-24], when the electric grid in Cuba suffered a complete collapse. This is not an exaggeration or a metaphor. The entire island went darkeven Havana, which has been protected from the worst of the recent blackouts. It was a civilizational breakdown. The economy quite literally ground to a halt, as factories and stores were ordered closed by the government. From elementary schools to universities, the educational system was put on pause. Hospitals turned people away. For three days, Cuba, already tattered and abused, entered a special circle of hell reserved for the most mismanaged nations on earth. In December, it happened again: Cubas energy grid has collapsed, leaving millions without power, the latest in a series of failures on an island struggling from creaking infrastructure, natural disasters and economic turmoil. The state-run utility company, the Cuban Electric Union, said workers were attempting to get the grid back online but local officials warned residents the difficult process of restoring power to aging Soviet-era power stations could take days. Cubas top energy producer, the Antonio Guiteras power plant in Matanzas, suffered an overnight failure, prompting the grids collapse on Wednesday [12-04-24], the company said. It takes little imagination to understand what happens when theres no electricity. That instantly plunges a society back to the beginning of the 1900s. No refrigeration, no elevators, no running water or sewage systems, no medical technology, no medications, no banking, nothing on which modern society depends for daily life. More recently, Cuba has actually run out of sugar, long one of its only export crops and a primary source of income. Its sugar crops have collapsed, and Cuba is now reduced to importing sugar, which is also one of Cubas staple foods. Already among the worlds poor, imported sugar is now unaffordable for most Cubans: Graphic: X Screenshot At the current exchange rate of 1 Cuban peso = .04177USD, 600 Cuban pesos are equivalent to 25 US dollars per pound of sugar. Meanwhile, how much does a pound of sugar cost in the U.S.? $1. Its the miracle of socialism: in a Communist country that was formerly swimming in sugar, the product now costs 25 times as much as in the capitalist country next door. Which sums up, in a nutshell, the poverty of people living under socialism. And if thats not bad enough, like every other aspect of life under communism, Cubas housing is collapsing: The ongoing collapse of Cuba caused by decades of disastrous communist policies has left a significant portion of the nations housing in a derelict state, posing a high risk to its impoverished inhabitants, who live in buildings that could collapse at any time. Collapsing buildings are a recurring deadly problem for Cubans. The communist Castro regime, which controls housing and all other aspects of Cuban life, appears to have no interest in improving housing for its people nor in maintaining Cubas historic buildings, many of which are presently in a precarious state. The Cuban governments housing gaslighting would make Harris/Biden spokesliars like Alejandro Mayorkas look like amateurs: According to statements issued last week by Delilah Diaz Fernandez, the communist regimes Director General of Housing, 65 percent of Cubas 4.07 million homes are deemed to be in good technical condition. The Castro regime official also admitted that out of Cubas 168 municipalities, 59 have not completed basic housing units, with ten of the municipalities located in Havana. Even if anyone could take a communists word on anything, at least 35% of Cubas housing is not in good technical condition whatever that means. Its safe to assume what might pass for good in Cuba would be wretched at best in America. What else would one expect of a nation full of American cars from the 50s held together with spit and bailing wire? One of the more revealing tropes of socialist/communist useful idiots is their spin whenever and wherever those pseudo-systems of governmenteconomics, reallyinevitably fail: true socialism/communism has never been tried. Communismsocialism is communism-litehas been tried for almost exactly 65 years in Cuba, and its failure is written in misery and blood. Circa 2025, its being rewritten in blood, pre-industrial revolution conditions, darkness, poverty, squalor and slow starvation. As George Santayana said: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. The same is true of those who refuse to recognize present reality and the lessons it teaches. Happy New Year, comrades. 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. It seems COSTCO has not gotten the message and is doubling down on its DEI policies while other large companies and many small ones are jettisoning their DEI programs. As if this were not enough, COSTCO is threatening its shareholders with lawsuits if they do not jump as high as the DEI devils want. Right now: The proposal noted that while Costco has changed around the names of its DEI initiatives, they remain rather unchanged in practice. 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. Accordingly, even if only a fraction of those employees were to file suit, and only some of those prove successful, the cost to Costco could be tens of billions of dollars. In response, Costco has doubled down on its DEI initiatives and urged shareholders to block the review. It is apparent that the lessons learned from Bud Light and Target and Disney are falling on deaf ears. Only the public can see to it that COSTCO gets its mind right. DEI is, pure and simple, racial discrimination against white people -- especially white men -- and Asians. If my boss threatened a lawsuit against me if I rejected white people and straight men and Asians, I'd hire my own lawyer and sue his arse off for intimidation, racism, and overall heavy-handed bad judgment. While I do appreciate the low gasoline prices and the Kirkland brand, I will cut up my COSTCO card if this is not reversed in the next week and will no longer shop there. My friends will do likewise in a New York minute. DEI is poison and I can do without shopping at COSTCO. You would think that given the anti-DEI sentiment across the nation right now that COSTCO might think twice about threatening shareholders and continuing their racist DEI policies, but no. Maybe it's a Trump-win backlash, somebody at COSTCO throwing a progressive tantrum because Kamala lost and Fascist Hitler Orange Man won so decisively. But whoever is responsible for the down-your-throat DEI policy needs to be reassessed and fired, not necessarily in that order. Image: Tony Webster The death of President Carter is an excellent occasion to examine the unique American problem of homelessness. Carters most famous charity and outlet for service work was Habitat for Humanity. Carter worked with the group for 35 years and helped the organization toward the construction of more than 4,000 homes around the world. His hard work in service epitomized his Christian convictions and the model of ethics he sought to set for the nation. Despite decades of work, homelessness in the United States has increased to record levels in the past year -- higher than levels during the 2008 recession. Homelessness has increased by roughly 20% for the past two years. More than 650,000 Americans are homeless in the current data. It is the fault of our intellectual culture that promotes misunderstanding both about the problem and causes of homelessness along with the evident solutions. The empiricism of federalism is an ideal intellectual bank from which we can draw the policy resources to reduce homelessness. The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution designates powers not reserved to the central government to the states. The federalism laboratory provides rich data at all times for Americans to discover better public policy. Our federalism laboratory provides us with a clear political set of referents for the problem: California and New York. These two states make up more than 1/3 of the homelessness population in the United States. One-fourth of all homeless people live in either Los Angeles or New York City. More specifically, per capita homelessness is highest in: 1) Washington D.C. (72.5), 2) New York (52.7), 3) Vermont (50.9), and 4) California (46.6). The parenthetical numbers are the number of homeless people per 100,000. It is important to realize that policymaking is important as a cause of homelessness. The state of Virginia has one of the lowest homelessness rates of any U.S. state despite its northern cousin that stands astride the worst homelessness crisis -- Washington, D.C. Even liberal journalist icon Nicholas Kristof has lamented the rise of homelessness in liberal enclaves -- though he falsely rationalizes that it is a West Coast problem and not an East Coast problem. Homelessness among veterans has declined steadily in the U.S. since 2011 -- being cut by more than half. Unfortunately, in 2023 that number began to rapidly rise once again. Though homelessness increases are driven by big blue cities, there are exceptions to this national rule. Texas cities, despite being among the nations largest (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Austin), have succeeded in reducing homelessness in the past two years. These successes come amidst a wave of illegal immigration where the state served as a primary doorstep for border crossings among millions in the past four years. Dallas is a rare major city with a Republican mayor. Eric Johnson switched parties from Democrat to Republican in 2023. While the nation has experienced an 18% increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2024, Dallas has experienced a 16% decline. This success is an important step toward a 2026 goal of cutting homelessness in the city by 50%. In May of this year, the mayor was honored by a declaration from the Federal government that the city had ended homelessness among veterans, despite the growing national trend. In 2023, Houston achieved the lowest homeless persons rate of any major U.S. city (50 per 100,000). Austin, despite its liberal governance, also achieved reductions in homelessness. The marked contrast between California cities and Texas cities makes solution-driven policymaking evident. The political policy styles that hinder affordable housing include rent controls and environmental regulation. The effort to mandate inexpensive housing alongside massive increases in demand for housing is a prime recipe for homelessness increase. Environmental policies such as Californias ban on natural gas stoves is illustrative of a larger pessimist framework of policymaking that views human habitation as a threat to the planet. This perspective marginalizes and suppresses housing for human beings. President Carters Christian mission of building more houses remains a noble and necessary endeavor and a model for good citizen character. Nonetheless, policymakers are responsible for larger structural policies that can either increase homelessness -- as observed in D.C., L.A., and NYC -- or they can enact policies that make it easier to build more homes that reduce homelessness like that seen in major Texas cities such as Houston and Dallas. President Carters political party made a mantra of empathizing with homelessness while enacting policies that cause its cruel increase. The passing of President Carter is a good time to reconsider our misguided efforts and applaud the policies that are actually working to effectively love our neighbors as ourselves. Dr. Ben Voth is professor of rhetoric and director of debate at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He is the author of several academic books regarding political communication, presidential rhetoric, and genocide. Image: Kevin Wong As a young freelance journalist and photographer in Washington, D.C. in the mid-1970s, I covered Georgia Democrat Gov. Jimmy Carters successful campaign for the presidency in 1976. I was on the press bus when he campaigned in the primaries in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. I had press credentials to attend the Democrat National Convention in New York City in July when his party nominated him, and I had credentials to cover his inauguration at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 1977. During his one-term presidency, I reported from time to time on what he and his administration were doing. This blog, written several hours after Carter passed away yesterday at his home at age 100, mainly focuses on the time (1976-77) when I had the closest, most in-person view of him including as one of the boys on the [campaign] bus. What I have never forgotten in the almost half-century since then is how the reality I observed of Carter, as he dispatched his more well-known opponents on his ascent to the presidency, differed substantially from the carefully crafted image that helped to get him elected. As Time magazine reported yesterday: I am a farmer, an engineer, a businessman, a planner, a scientist, a governor, and a Christian, Jimmy Carter introduced himself to elite journalists and by extension their audiences at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 12, 1974, during the announcement speech launching his 1976 presidential campaign. Over the next five decades, the media, increasingly the primary power brokers under the new rules of U.S. politics, shaped Carters image. As a thumbnail description of James Earl (Jimmy) Carter, Jr., as he was sold to the American public as the next president starting in 1974, truer words were never spoken. In the wake of the takedown of President Richard Nixon in August 1974 as a result of the Watergate affair and the almost impossible tasks facing his successor, Gerald R. Ford, the prospects for the Republican Party in 1976 were dismal. Most American voters wanted to throw the bums out, and Carter a little-known Southern governor when he embarked on his campaign the same year that Nixon was ousted took full advantage of his supposed outsider status. In fact, however, Carter already had covert and deep roots on the inside, in particular as a carefully chosen member groomed by the Trilateral Commission, a shadowy group of globalist elitists organized by David Rockefeller in 1973. With their help, Carter already had a leg up with the mainstream mockingbird media. His shtick was to present himself as an aw-shucks Southern gentleman, but a man of the people, the grinning Georgian as I called him in a cover story I wrote in 1976 about California Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown was Carters last opponent left standing before Mr. Jimmy, as his peanut farm employees called him, secured his partys nomination. A valuable resource on Carters Trilateral connection is the book Trilaterals Over Washington by Anthony Sutton and Patrick Wood, published in 1978. The covers of the major mainstream newsweeklies that were influential in the 1970s, like Time and Newsweek, always pictured Carter with a broad smile which he robotically turned on when the cameras were aimed at him. Television coverage on the three networks also portrayed him in that kind of positive light. The grinning Georgian as he appeared on the cover of Time magazine, May 10, 1976. Cover Credit: ALAN REINGOLD // fair use The contrast that I observed between the meme that dominated the mainstream media and the Carter I witnessed closely on the campaign trail was night and day. In personal appearances including press conferences, Carter was often surly, angry, and short-tempered. This is often the case with national politicians, Minnesota Democrat Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey, who ran unsuccessfully for the presidency multiple times, being another example that I witnessed close up. But with Carter it was different, because his whole public image in 1976 rested on his supposedly down-to-earth geniality and simpering mien. I will never lie to you, was one of the main themes of his 1976 campaign. Another was the hubris reflected in the audacious title of the Carter campaigns official biography, Why Not the Best?, supposedly written by Jimmy himself. Meanwhile, it is little remembered now but Jerry Brown of all people, who didnt enter the presidential race until late March 1976, stood out in positive contrast at that point to Carter in close encounters on the campaign trail. During the primary races and at the New York City Democrat Convention in July, I took literally thousands of photos of Carter, his family, his VP choice Minnesota Sen. Walter Mondale, and Carters top staff who were privately referred to by reporters who covered the campaign as the Georgia Mafia. There was good reason for that designation. The group of newbie down-home media manipulators and political gurus Carter had assembled resembled political operatives such as James Carville and George Stephanopoulos who steered Bubba Bill Clintons campaign in 1992, acting like the arrogant good ol boy bullies that they were. In terms of analyzing the big picture of Carters presidency, I defer to and highly recommend Andrea Widburgs spot on analysis in her blog yesterday, Former President Jimmy Carter dead at 100. As a two-shot illustration of how I recall Carter really appearing more often than not during the 1976 campaign, I offer below two photos that I took of him on different occasions in Washington, D.C. in 1976. Candidate Jimmy Carter casting a typical worried glance during a press conference on Capitol Hill in May 1976. Photo by Peter Barry Chowka Even in worry, Carter clearly thought of himself as the smartest man in the room and did not like to be questioned by the ink-stained wretches of the press. Carter arriving at a meeting with a major labor union boss. Photo by Peter Barry Chowka Here, he cast a strange look that was not atypical of him, unless you watched only the mainstream media coverage which was mostly all that was available to the American public in the 1970s. Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran investigative journalist who has been working for six decades in a variety of media, both mainstream and alternative. On Dec. 23, 2024, Peter was a guest on the BBC World Service program Weekend, debating the question Does Trump plan to prosecute journalists? Audio of the segment is here. How many times did you hear that abortion would doom the GOP and President Trump's return to power? It was like "our daily bread" in the liberal media. Abortion was going to drive millions of women to the ballot box to settle the score over the overturning Roe. Well, it didn't happen. It turns out that many men and women like the idea that they can make their own decisions, thanks to Dobbs. The so-called "abortion wave" did not happen. as Politico pointed out: After campaigns to preserve abortion rights helped halt a red wave in 2022 and won Democrats key races in 2023, many in the party headed into November confident that putting the issue directly on the ballot in nearly a dozen states would juice turnout and pull swing voters to the left -- especially after Harris replaced President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket and made a forceful defense of abortion rights her leading message. Clearly, that didnt happen. Yes, abortion-rights ballot measures passed in seven more states and won majority support in Florida, though the measure failed because the state requires a 60 percent supermajority for passage. But voters in those same states, on the same ballot, voted for Republicans with a history of opposing abortion rights. Most Arizona voters, for instance, overturned a 15-week abortion ban and checked a box for Trump. Polling before and after the election showed that other issues -- including the economy and immigration -- took precedence for most voters, steering them toward GOP candidates. And many strategists and abortion-rights advocates believe the ballot measures created a permission structure for Republicans voters who were worried about the impact of bans on the procedure. There are a handful of states left where citizens can put an abortion-rights measure on the ballot in the future, and groups in Arkansas, Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota are likely to try again after initiatives there fell short or were blocked by courts this year. But the era of Democrats counting on such measures to boost their candidates chances is officially over. Thank God that it's over. Maybe we can finally treat women with a little respect without assuming that all they care about is abortion. My sense is that two other things happened. First, voters got comfortable voting for abortion in their states. Here in Texas, we passed a "heartbeat law" and our neighbors in New Mexico voted for their own version of Roe. In the end, everybody is happy and democracy works as intended. Second, and this may have been more important, voters did not go for the extreme position. You get the feeling that voters understood that there is something wrong with a culture that allows late-term abortions. Most voters saw that for what it was -- killing something that looks too much like a real baby. So the critics of Roe got it right. Let the voters decide and things will work out. Abortion has finally been taken off the agenda on presidential elections. Yes, no more nominations for judges obsessed with Roe! P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: Jordanuh17 Most of the media is working very hard to destroy Trump's nominations for cabinet no matter how much fake dirt they have to dig up. They are also working to protect the status quo and bureaucracy no matter how much incompetence and corruption there is. They will rarely, if ever, find anything to cut. They will always find someone that a program helps and then do a sob story. Here, the Hill puts out a pure piece of propaganda falsely claiming that the CFPB is a financial lifeline for many Americans Opinion - Elon Musk wants to delete many Americans financial lifeline On Nov. 27, Elon Musk who, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, has been tasked by President-Elect Trump with running a new Department of Government Efficiency posted on his platform X that he wants to Delete CFPB, referring to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The agency, Musk said, was part of a problem of too many duplicative regulatory agencies in Washington. But there are no other agencies in the federal government returning money to Americans bank accounts in the way the CFPB does. Since its founding, the agency has returned more than $19 billion in cash to people who have been scammed by financial institutions, including predatory payday lenders and even some of the largest banks in the country. The CFPB is just another regulator, nothing more. Banks were already regulated by the FDIC, the Federal Reserve, and state regulators prior to Congress setting up this new regulator in 2011. CFPB is the brainchild of Elizabeth Warren. It is just a fiefdom of bureaucrats. Its budget is not even approved by Congress. It is funded by the Federal Reserve, which is currently losing hundreds of billions each year. But the bureaucrats at CFPB don't have to worry about their paychecks. They are very highly paid. The CFPB is not responsible for setting up any bank, credit union or savings and loan, so it is absolutely not a financial lifeline for anyone, contrary to what the piece in the Hill says. In fact, every regulation that they or other regulators implements puts pressure on banks, especially on small- and medium-sized banks. Instead of working to provide reasonably priced loans and accounts to customers, they have to spend huge amounts on compliance to please bureaucrats. According to Google AI, in 2011, the year CFPB started, there were 6,275 banks and now there are only 4,577 banks, a reduction of nearly 30%. Big banks are growing and small- and medium-sized banks are disappearing. There is no evidence CFPB is giving people more choice. As far as the $19 billion that CFPB has recovered for consumers, other regulators could have done that if the banks were screwing customers. Maybe The Hill could have asked how much money was siphoned off for CFPB itself or given as kickbacks to political supporters from their corrupt slush fund. In another example of how the Bureaus unconstitutional structure and lack of oversight corrupts its mission, it appears the CFPB has abused its power to penalize lawbreakers to establish a fund it has used for political purposes. The CFPB and Democrats are bragging that they are dictatorially reducing overdraft fees which they pretend helps everybody. That is a lie. It helps the few who abuse their accounts but will take away options of poor and middle class people to get free accounts: Summary: the CFPB is just a duplicative fiefdom of bureaucrats issuing regulations to control the private sector. It should be eliminated becuase it never should have been created in the first place. It has reduced choices and competition. It is a shame that most of the media and other Democrats seem to think the government is the solution to everything and the private sector and profits are bad. Democrats pretend they support the little guy but their policies destroy the little guys and help the big guys. On a side note: While all Democrats and some Republicans were willing to shut down the government instead of raising the debt ceiling like Trump wanted, Janet Yellen remained quiet. She kept her mouth shut even though she knew the debt ceiling would be hit in a few weeks, even before Trump takes office. Biden and Democrats have been shoveling money out as fast as they can after Trump won, yet Yellen has been silent. Yellen has been as worthless and dangerous as Treasury secretary as Biden has been as president. The DEI cabinet all kept their jobs no matter how incompetent they have been. Image: government agency logo // public domain Google has been one of the biggest drivers of artificial intelligence development. The company pioneered the implementation of advanced AI-powered features on mobile devices. Its suite of products has also received integration with Gemini AI models. Googles CEO has now confirmed that powering Gemini will be the companys main focus for 2025. Google did not start the AI revolution in the consumer market; that honor goes to OpenAI. However, Google quickly figured out what the next big thing in tech would be. The Mountain View giant began developing the Gemini models as the foundation for its medium- and long-term apps and services. The initial launch of the Gemini chatbot was somewhat disappointing as it was far behind ChatGPT. After all, OpenAI had already been ahead of everyone in the segment. Googles biggest focus in 2025 will be to boost Geminis capabilities to close the gap The company has been working hard on enhancing Geminis capabilities for years. During the 2025 strategy meeting on Dec. 18, Google CEO Sundar Pichai told employees that the next year will be about closing the gap and establishing a leadership position there [on AI] as well. With the Gemini app, there is strong momentum, particularly over the last few months, he added. Googles current situation includes increasingly tough competition from rivals and growing regulatory pressure. The firm recently said that integrating AI into Google Search is its biggest bet for the future. But OpenAI and Perplexity are both working on the same thing, and their products are already available for testing. Additionally, OpenAI may soon become a for-profit company, which could help them speed up their progress even more. As a threat, Perplexity isnt far behind. It has a $9 billion value and just closed a $500 million funding round. Given this, Pichai states that 2025 will be critical. I think its really important that we internalize the urgency of this moment, and we need to move faster as a company. The stakes are high. These are disruptive moments. In 2025, we need to be relentlessly focused on unlocking the benefits of this technology and solving real user problems, he added. Next year could bring a slowdown in the AI industry During the latest DealBook Summit, Sundar Pichai said some interesting things about the coming year. He suggested that 2025 would bring a slight dip in the pace of development in the AI segment. So, the company will focus more on strengthening current productssuch as Geminithan on developing new ones. In line with that, Googles CEO has told employees that scaling Gemini on the consumer side will be our biggest focus next year. How to attack ChatGPT dominance For a long time, the name Google has been synonymous with internet search. Many people even think that Google is the only search engine out there. In the AI segment, OpenAI is achieving something similar with ChatGPT. Google is aware of this, and one of its employees submitted the following question: Whats our plan to combat this in the upcoming year? Or are we not focusing as much on consumer facing LLM? Demis Hassabis, Google DeepMind co-founder, responded to the question by saying that the products themselves are going to evolve massively over the next year or two. To do so, they will work hard on turbo charging the Gemini app in 2025. The executives vision is for Gemini to be able to seamlessly operate over any domain, any modality or any device. The Archers has been licensed by the BBC for a new play described as a love letter to the soap. The long-running BBC Radio 4 programme, set in the fictional village of Ambridge, will arrive at the Barn Theatre, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, in September, ahead of the soaps 75th anniversary in January 2026. Haywire A Not-So-Everyday Story Of How The Archers Was Born, written by Tim Stimpson, is a love letter to The Archers and the minds that created it, and a fond and funny celebration of one of British medias most enduring creations, according to the theatre. Chief executive and artistic director, Iwan Lewis, said: This season (2025) isnt just about showcasing incredible stories, its about making theatre as accessible and inviting as a cosy night at home with Netflix. I also couldnt be more thrilled to work alongside the brilliant Tim Stimpson, whose deep connection with The Archers brings an authenticity to Haywire. Having the invaluable support of Jeremy Howe, the editor of The Archers, and the BBC, is a true privilege, and Im deeply grateful for their trust in the Barn Theatre in telling this story. This production is a labour of love, a celebration of one of the worlds most enduring and cherished dramas. Its an honour to bring this story to life for audiences and pay tribute to 75 years of laughter, heartache and community woven into the fabric of British culture. The Archers was created by Godfrey Baseley, originally as a way to help educate farmers in modern production methods, when Britain was still in the grip of food rationing. Pilot episodes of the soap first aired in May 1950 on the BBC Midlands Home Service. The first national episode was broadcast on January 1 1951. Haywire A Not-So-Everyday Story Of How The Archers Was Born will be staged between September 1 and October 11. A crisis facing the UKs car finance market is looming as a crucial court decision over the potential mis-selling of loans could see lenders foot a 30 billion compensation bill, and send shockwaves across the industry. Some experts have raised the possibility that potentially millions of motorists could be eligible for a payout. This could happen if the UKs highest court, the Supreme Court, upholds a landmark ruling on hidden motor finance commission arrangements next year. That judgment, made in the Court of Appeal in October, said it was unlawful for car dealers to gain commission from lenders without receiving the customers fully informed consent to the payment. It means that customers should have been clearly told how much commission dealers would earn, and agree to it. The decision opened the floodgates to a potential fresh wave of complaints from motorists who think they may have been mis-sold car finance in previous years. While the industry waits to see whether the Supreme Court upholds or overrules the judgment, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is separately investigating whether there was widespread misconduct in the motor finance market and, if so, how affected consumers should be compensated. Benjamin Toms, a banking analyst for RBC Capital Markets, said that if the court ruling is upheld, and depending on the specific judgment, there could be more complaints that are brought to court. The FCA, in a letter to the Supreme Court, estimated that almost 99% of the roughly 32 million car finance agreements between 2007 and 2021 involved a commission payment to a broker. What theyre saying, without being explicit, is if you make the wrong decision in this case, thats a lot of court cases youre going to have to hear, Mr Toms said. He also said it could have ramifications beyond motor finance, with a ruling potentially incorporating other financial arrangements where commission is paid. In a worst-case scenario, where it is decided that most eligible customers were given an unfair deal, banks and other financial services firms could face a compensation bill worth as much as 33 billion, according to analysis by RBC. Credit ratings agency Moodys also estimated that the compensation costs could hit 30 billion. Gurpreet Chhokar, consumer law expert for consumer group Which?, said: Its clear that there could be millions of motorists who will be entitled to compensation as a result of some finance lenders charging customers commission without their informed consent. The Court of Appeals ruling, which decided it wasnt enough for lenders to bury information about them receiving commission in the small print, could especially if the Supreme Court, which has granted permission for an appeal of the decision, agrees with the ruling have far-ranging implications. It could include, for example, broker agreements between insurers and customers who pay for motor and home insurance monthly and therefore pay interest. She added that consumers should seek advice sooner rather than later if they believe they have been affected. For now, banks are left in limbo as they await the courts verdict and the FCAs plans for potential compensation. The chief executive of Lloyds, which earlier this year said it was setting aside 450 million to cover potential compensation costs, said the uncertainty was one of the biggest problems for the industry. Charlie Nunn said at a conference earlier this month: We absolutely think the industry, regulators and the Government are going to need to come together to provide that certainty for consumers, for the car industry, and actually for the investability of the UK economy. The Supreme Court is expected to hear the appeal, involving banking groups Close Brothers and FirstRand Bank, around March 2025, with a verdict reached later in the year. A dog which plunged 30 metres down a waterfall has been rescued. The dog, named Margot, fell in the Devils Pulpit area of Finnich Glen, near Loch Lomond, Stirlingshire, on Sunday. Rescuers from Lomond Mountain Rescue Team were called to assist the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in pulling Margot to safety, and were alerted just after 11.30am. A spokesperson for Lomond Mountain Rescue Team said: Once on scene, a rescue plan was agreed, and a rigging system was quickly and efficiently organised to lower a team member down to the dog. Rescuers pull Margot the dog to safety at the Devils Pulpit waterfall (Lomond Mountain Rescue Team/PA) The dog, Margot, was very co-operative with its rescuer, and was soon hauled back up onto the bank, where it was reunited with its owner and taken to be checked over by a vet. Margot was unharmed and had bumps and scrapes following the accident. The rescue took around an hour-and-a-half, including planning for the possibility that Margot could become frightened and jump off. Deputy team leader Jan Miller said: It is a very popular area, people flock to it. On TV and film the gorge is portrayed in a better light. It is a very overgrown area so the edges are not clear to see. She added: It was lovely of the couple to phone and thank us, it was very much appreciated. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: We were alerted at 11.11am on Sunday to reports of a dog which had fallen into a gorge at the Devils Pulpit near Killearn. Operations Control mobilised several specialist resources and supported mountain rescue partners in the recovery of the dog, which was then handed back into the care of its owner. Crews then left the scene after ensuring the area was safe. AstraZeneca introduced a policy in 2022 which said that all employees should work for three days a week from the office - JASON ALDEN/BLOOMBERG An IT worker has won a legal battle to sue AstraZeneca for discrimination after his former employer refused to let him work from home for his eczema. An employment judge ruled that Laszlo Kalman is a disabled person because of the adverse impact the skin condition has on his day-to-day activities. A preliminary hearing was told how Mr Kalman suffers from skin dryness, discomfort and itching, which affects his ability to sleep and socialise with others. The Hungarian citizens case will progress to a final hearing against AstraZeneca at a later date. The hearing was told that the primary source of his issues with the pharmaceutical giant related to a new policy which asked employees to work three days a week in the office. However, Mr Kalman considered his condition required him to remain working from home. The hearing at Bury St Edmunds was told that Mr Kalman started working as an IT apprentice for AstraZeneca in September 2019. Exacerbating his symptoms He was hired on a four-year contract that ended in September last year. In 2022, the company introduced a policy which said all employees should work for three days a week from the office following the Covid pandemic. But, Mr Kalman, who has suffered with eczema since early childhood, said that the condition meant he should continue working from his home. He said the condition often affected daily activities, such as bathing taking longer, having to apply a moisturising balm after his shower, household chores exacerbating his symptoms and his sleep being affected. Mr Kalman said he also has to spend more time shopping and preparing food, and that his symptoms flared up during periods of stress. The tribunal heard Mr Kalmans conditions were negatively impacted by the Covid vaccine, and by contracting the virus, and that he underwent a series of alternative treatments in his home country, including acupuncture. Employment Judge Sarah Moore ruled that his eczema is a disability and he is therefore allowed to progress with a discrimination claim. Adverse impact She said: As regards the impact that would have on [his] ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities, [he] gave evidence that his eczema affects his sleep, and further that if left untreated his eczema would significantly impair his ability to fall and stay asleep and would make basic activities like showering and wearing clothes painful. He also stated that it would be likely to have an adverse impact on his desire to socialise and generally be seen in public. For that reason I am therefore satisfied that [Mr Kalman] satisfies the definition of being a disabled person. Another claim of disability discrimination in relation to the allergies that Mr Kalman suffers from was dismissed by the judge. The preliminary hearing also heard that he alleges unfair dismissal and whistleblowing amongst other complaints. The full hearing will take place at a later date. Dominique Pelicots lawyer said his former wife Gisele is not and has never been his adversary Dominique Pelicot will not appeal against his 20-year sentence for orchestrating the mass rape of his former wife Gisele Pelicot in a case that horrified France and turned a 72-year-old grandmother into a feminist idol. Beatrice Zavarro, Pelicots lawyer, told French media on Monday morning that her client will not appear before the appeals court. He has decided not to appeal, because he believes that it would be a new ordeal and new confrontations for his wife, Ms Zavarro said. Ms Pelicot is not and has never been his adversary, she added. Ms Pelicot will probably return to court, as 17 of 51 co-defendants convicted of charges ranging from rape to sexual assault have so far filed appeals. Her physical presence at the appeals trial is not obligatory, but her lawyer said that if she is in good health she plans to attend. She has no fear of it, that is what she told us, Stephane Babonneau told France Inter radio. The second trial will probably take place next year. Unlike the first, in which the accused appeared in criminal court before five magistrates, the appeals trial will be held before a jury. Defence lawyers pointed out that the media fallout from the original trial would likely work against them and translate to harsher sentences for the co-defendants. The media impact of this trial could have consequences on the jurors decisions, and the accused could therefore be sentenced more harshly, one lawyer told French newspaper Le Figaro. I am convinced that jurors could be harsher than the court, added another defence lawyer who, during the trial, denounced the influence of the court of public opinion. On Dec 19 French courts in Avignon gave Pelicot, 72, the maximum 20-year sentence for aggravated rape following a three-month trial in which the public learnt how Pelicot drugged his former wife of 50 years between 2011-2020 and recruited men off the internet to rape her while she was unconscious. The children of Ms Pelicot have complained that the sentences, which ranged from three to 15 years for the other defendants, were not severe enough. The sentences fell short of the prosecutions requests, which ranged from four to 18 years. The public prosecutor has yet to announce plans for an appeal of the sentences and has five days to decide. While the rape trial against his former wife may have wrapped up, Pelicot remains under investigation for two separate cold cases involving an attempted rape in 1999 in Seine-et-Marne, and the rape and murder of a 23-year-old estate agent in Paris in 1991. Shame changes sides Ms Pelicot has become an international feminist symbol for waiving her right to anonymity and allowing the trial to be aired in public so that shame changes sides. There have been calls for Ms Pelicot to be rewarded with a Nobel Prize or the Legion dHonneur for her bravery in turning the tables on her tormentors. Following the sentencing, Ms Pelicot said she hopes the trial will change the discourse on sexual violence against women. When I opened the doors of this trial on September 2, I wanted society to be able to take part in the debates that took place. I have never regretted that decision, she said. I now have confidence in our ability to collectively grasp a future in which everyone, woman and man, can live in harmony, with mutual respect and understanding. Rioters in Southport on July 30, after the killing of three young girls - Getty Hate crimes against Jews and Muslims spiked after the Oct 7 attacks and the Southport stabbings, figures have revealed. Some of the UKs largest police forces recorded a steep increase in anti-Semitic incidents accompanying the start of the conflict between Hamas and Israel in 2023. Another spike in hate crime came after the July 2024 killings of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The stabbings were followed by widespread public disorder and Islamophobic attacks on mosques, Muslim-run shops and asylum hostels. Figures obtained from police by the PA news agency using Freedom of Information requests show some of the worst spikes were in Manchester, West Yorkshire, London and on the transport network. Imam Sheik Hussein examines damage to a Southport mosque on July 31, as hate crimes began to spike - James Speakman/PA Greater Manchester Police recorded an average of 13 anti-Semitic offences a month January-September 2023, followed by spikes of 85 in October and 68 in November. Islamophobic offences averaged 35 a month in 2023 and 39 a month January-July 2024, before a sharp jump to 85 in August, then 21 in September. In West Yorkshire, anti-Semitic offences averaged six a month from January to September 2023, before leaping to 44 in October. Islamophobic offences averaged 33 a month in 2023 and 39 a month January-July 2024, then spiked to 94 and 73 in the two months after the Southport attacks. British Transport Police recorded a monthly average of seven anti-Semitic offences from January to September 2023, followed by a jump to 60 in October and 70 in November. It also saw low numbers of Islamophobic offences each month (under 20) across this period, apart from spikes in November 2023 (42) and August 2024 (29). Police speaking to mosque staff in Haringey in August 2024, as Islamic centres stepped up security - Jonathan Brady/PA In London, the Metropolitan Police logged an average 54 anti-Semitic offences a month January-September 2023, followed by steep rises to 517 in October, 411 in November and 228 in December. Islamophobic offences spiked in 2024 from 116 a month March-July to 190 in August and 97 in September. All the forces said the number of incidents had decreased after these spikes. Thirty-three other regions including Merseyside, South Yorkshire and West Midlands recorded a lower number of hate crimes against Jews and Muslims overall, but with a similar pattern of spikes. Noa Argamani was taken hostage by Hamas during the Oct 7 2023 attacks and rescued by Israeli forces on June 8 2024 Left to right: Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, victims of the Southport attack - Merseyside Police Dave Rich of the Community Security Trust (CST), which records and combats anti-Semitic attacks, said their own figures showed similar trends and hate crime levels had not returned to normal since the Oct 7 attacks. He added: This kind of anti-Jewish hatred should be unacceptable to all. Iman Atta, the director of the hate crime monitoring group Tell Mama, said: Anti-Muslim hate or Islamophobia spikes repeatedly when there are international issues and when there is far-Right agitation, extremism, continued finger-pointing at a political level against Muslims, and even post the Brexit vote. We have assisted over 5,000 British Muslims this year and the number keeps rising. In December 2024, people protest against a rise in anti-Semitism in London - Vuk Valcic/Getty The Government said it was increasing funding to help stamp out the toxic vitriol spread by a minority of people. Dame Diana Johnson the Home Office minister for policing, fire and crime prevention said: Perpetrators of hate crime should be in no doubt that they will face the full force of the law. The significant increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic hate crime is very serious, which is why we have committed up to 47.4 million per year in protective security funding for Jewish and Muslim communities to 2027-28. Ionut Cencu was jailed for 22 weeks for seven offences of shoplifting goods valued at 5,855 - CHP Photography The Home Office tried to halt the private prosecution of a prolific foreign shoplifter who police had failed to arrest for seven separate store thefts, The Telegraph can reveal. The private security firm, My Local Bobby (MLB), mounted the private prosecution of Ionut Cencu, 45, an illegal Romanian migrant, after police failed to turn up to a specs store in London on each of his seven shoplifting raids in November and December 2023. Two MLB officers detained him on the seventh occasion and held Cencu for three hours with the assistance of a member of staff but the Met Police still did not attend, even though he had got away with nearly 6,000 in a six-week targeted shoplifting spree on the shop. TM Eye, MLBs parent company, decided to mount a private prosecution to protect the stores owners from further thefts by Cencu as a conviction could get him locked up and pave the way for a court order banning him from the shop on pain of jail if breached. However, the Home Office asked TM Eyes lawyers to drop their prosecution because it said the outstanding criminal proceedings were preventing officials from deporting him as a failed asylum seeker and illegal migrant. It said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had already dropped its charges for separate offences. However, David McKelvey, an ex-Scotland Yard detective chief inspector who founded TM Eye, said his lawyers refused as they were concerned that if he found his way back into the UK again and stole from the store, there would be no record of him offending, which would not give the shop the protection it deserved. TM Eye successfully proceeded with the prosecution and Cencu was jailed last month for 22 weeks for seven offences of shoplifting goods valued at 5,855 from the specs shop. The court noted that he had nine separate court appearances over the past 10 years for 17 separate offences, and had used 11 alias names and two false dates of birth. Mr McKelvey said: Cencu will be deported after serving his sentence, but the process exposed troubling gaps in how repeat offenders and immigration violations are handled. This case underscores the vital role of private security and legal professionals in addressing gaps in public services. Without their persistence, this offender could have evaded accountability entirely. He said TM Eye had no option but to mount a private prosecution after police took no further action, but added that it had exposed significant inefficiencies in the criminal justice and immigration systems. There were court delays: six hearings were required, and the defendant initially failed to appear, delaying the case further, he said. There were immigration complications. As an asylum seeker, the defendant breached bail conditions and used multiple aliases, complicating efforts to hold him accountable. There were inter-agency hurdles: coordination with the Home Office, CPS, and Immigration Enforcement added delays. Despite these obstacles, MLB, TM Eye and Woolf Law (TM Eyes lawyers) worked tirelessly to ensure justice. Totally unacceptable Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: It is a total disgrace that the Met Police did not attend on seven separate occasions including one where the offender had been detained by store security. Police promised last year to always attend retail crime scenes when an offender had been detained, where there had been an assault or where needed to secure evidence. Despite record ever funding levels and record ever police numbers, I am appalled that they did not turn up to arrest a criminal as they had promised to do. It is totally unacceptable that the police and CPS would not prosecute. We pay our taxes in order for them to do this. Criminals like Cencu should be prosecuted, imprisoned and then kicked out of the country with a ban on ever coming back to the UK. The fact that this career criminal attempted to claim asylum is also a sick joke. I pay tribute to MLB and TM Eye for their work. The police and CPS could learn a lot from them. Shoplifting hit a record high in the year to June with 469,788 offences reported to police, up nearly 29 per cent on the previous years total of 365,173. However, the proportion charged has fallen to a low of just 16.2 per cent, down from 29.8 per cent in 2016 A Home Office spokesman said: We make no apology for wanting to remove foreign national offenders at the earliest opportunity. We work with law enforcement to ensure there is no barrier to deporting foreign criminals, as it is in the public interest for these people to be removed swiftly. Chocolat author Joanne Harris has had trigger warnings added to her books - Clara Molden When my youngest daughter came home from school one day, she was very excited to tell me about a poem she and her classmates had read. It was by a woman who set fire to her own head, she said. The poet was Sylvia Plath and I had to explain to my teenager that gassing yourself was once a common method of suicide. She was a bit disappointed with that. But the details of Plaths own death the leaving of milk, bread and butter out for her children, before poisoning herself with carbon monoxide continue to disturb anyone who has read them. Indeed, there is little more chilling than hearing Plaths own voice not what you expect at all as she recites her poem, Daddy. I made a model of you, A man in black with a Meinkampf look, And a love of the rack and the screw. And I said I do, I do. So daddy, Im finally through. The black telephones off at the root, The voices just cant worm through. I dread to think how many trigger warnings this one poem might prompt. There isnt a single line within it that does not set off deep unease. The sins of darkness are visited upon the souls of us sensitive readers. Which is why we read in the first place. I dont remember how old I was when I read The Diary of Anne Frank or The Grapes of Wrath or Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I dont remember when we were taught about Salome demanding the head of John the Baptist. Its amazing we all survived somehow. Just as we were let out to play all day as long as we got home in time for tea, so too did our teachers let us read at whatever level we were at. There isnt much thats darker than Thomas Hardy anyway, is there? I studied Latin, in a state school by the way, and I loved it not for its grammar but for the unparalleled gore of its tales. Those were the days when we sneaked out, underage, to watch The Exorcist and A Clockwork Orange. No one died. Except on the page or on screen. What lived was our imagination and who in their right mind would want to curb that? Quite a few mediocre, middlebrow authors it seems. One such person is Joanne Harris, author of the best-selling Chocolat and now a proponent of trigger warnings, including in her own novels. Her best-seller contains spousal abuse, mild violence, death of parent, cancer, hostility and outdated terms for travelling community and religious intolerance. Be still my beating heart and pass me Brett Easton Elliss American Psycho, or actually any classic. Harris is not only sweetness and light though, as it turns out. When Salman Rushdie was stabbed she conducted a jolly little Twitter poll to jokily ask which writers actually received death threats. Her intervention came after JK Rowling, who had come out in support for Rushdie in the wake of the attack, had just been warned: Dont worry, you are next. Instead, Harris appears to be a fully paid-up member of the being cruel to be kind lobby, which cancels anything that does not fit the current stultifying orthodoxy of publishing. She was, after all, head of the Society of Authors and defended the hounding of women such as Rowling who did not agree with her on the issue of trans rights. As Rowling herself said: Harris has consistently failed to criticise tactics designed to silence and intimidate women who disagree with her personal position on gender identity ideology and has said publicly, Cancel isnt a dirty word. We habitually cancel things we no longer want. This culture is still everywhere. Actually, culture is the wrong word, this is profound parochialism. In the dying days of 2024, social justice now means that Homers The Iliad and The Odyssey are issued with trigger warnings at the University of Exeter. There are references to sexual violence, rape and infant mortality, undergraduates are counselled. Students who feel upset are advised to leave the classroom and contact wellbeing if they are distressed. Wellbeing? What fresh hell? The truth is that trigger warnings a lazy idea, largely imported from American campuses are an embarrassing offshoot of the therapising of everyday life. I say this as someone who studied psychotherapy for a couple of years and believes it is a valuable practice. The idea that literature, film and paintings can set off repressed trauma is to censor art, but does nothing to help the actually traumatised. Nowadays, people describe themselves as traumatised if they have to wait too long for a bus. Real trauma, by comparison, is unmistakable when you encounter it. I will never forget meeting ex-soldiers helped by the charity Combat Stress who were finding everyday life impossible. The movement of a net curtain would have them throwing themselves under a table as they relived an ambush, while a flicker of a candle would take them back to seeing their friends burnt to death. In a different setting, while teaching mature students, I remember having to deal with a woman who became tremendously agitated about a film I showed her and her classmates. The scene that upset the woman was not dramatic, but there was something in it that destroyed her. A sofa. A sofa from the 50s. It was on such a sofa her uncle had raped her as a child. She was able to get counselling and carry on the course. But none of us could have possibly known beforehand that the film in question would have brought back these awful memories. The point being that trigger warnings are not only censorious and infantilising, they also mostly dont work. Every day on the news we see the corpses of children. Most crime dramas revolve around the rape and murder of women. Has anyone listened to any drill lyrics lately? Or even got on a bus where they will hear slurs of every kind? Sexist, racist, ableist you name it. Trigger warnings are the foreplay of cancel culture, make no mistake. You may be offended by this and, if you are, perhaps its better we pretend it doesnt exist. Like children who close their eyes and think you cant see them, those of this world-view are bears of very little brain. Dont just take my word for it; studies also show trigger warnings dont make much difference. So what are they actually for? I suppose they indicate a kind of non-specific niceness, a caring approach that doesnt require any actual care. Depictions of whale-hunting now need trigger warnings. Mermaids could upset some disabled people, apparently. This is a form of madness that masquerades as compassion but is really about the need to conform. No one dies from being offended, but trigger warning here everyone dies in the end. All of this is, as the great novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said, not about goodness but the appearance of goodness. So, as we prepare to bid adieu to this year, I hope trigger warnings go with it. I wish you all an excellent 2025 in which we may talk freely, offend and disagree with each other. As adults. As sensitive, sensible people who do not need dire warnings about art or literature. You see freedom never requires a trigger warning, it requires us simply to let ourselves be shocked, entertained and alive to wonder. Those who would close us down are those who offend me. Dont let them. Staff at St Helier hospital have to constantly deal with structural problems that make their already challenging jobs even harder. Photograph: Jill Mead/The Guardian St Helier hospital is older than the NHS itself. A once beautiful modernist building that admitted its first patients in 1941, it has been left to crumble. The white paint is chipping at every corner of its formerly gleaming exterior and its state of the art balconies have been fenced off due to modern safety regulations. More pressing concerns for staff are the structural issues that make their already challenging jobs much harder. Large windows built for an optimal stream of ventilation are held together with masking tape to stop them falling in on staff and patients. Corridor floors are sinking into the ground and seep mud, and lifts are out of service so often that ambulances are used to take the most vulnerable patients from side exits in wards to the main hospital building or the intensive care unit. Pauline Swift, a consultant nephrologist, says the state of the building has reached crisis point. She recalls how that morning a cold morning in October a nurse had tried to close a window in a kidney dialysis treatment room and it fell off in her hand. Somebody ordered extra blankets because it was so cold because of the broken windows, she said. Its a brilliant little unit but really do you want to be looking after your patients in this environment? None of us do. St Helier in Sutton is one of thousands of hospitals found in a Guardian investigation to be in a state of disrepair. A third of NHS sites in England require repairs in order to prevent serious and/or catastrophic failure, major disruption to clinical services or serious injury or prosecution. The NHS is just one area of the public realm that has been left to crumble. A Guardian project has found more than 1.5 million pupils are studying in schools that require major rebuilding or refurbishment, or have a high repair need. Two in five court buildings are considered to be in poor condition, while thousands of prisoners are being held in buildings considered inhumane. The problems at St Helier are obvious to even the untrained eye buckets stand under gaping holes in the ceiling all around the building. The ceiling tiles that used to be there have disintegrated from water damage. A large sheet of tarpaulin can be seen bulging under a hole in a corridor ceiling and draining into a bucket below. I would say throughout the winter, when I walk through the hospital, I will probably be able to go to three or four places where I will find some sort of device being used to stop water escaping from a roof, says James Blythe, the managing director at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals. In February 2022, three days after Blythe started his role in the hospital, a busy renal ward had to be shut down and demolished as it was deemed too dangerous for patients. It was subsiding so much that there were ceiling tiles falling on patients heads, he says. The Epsom and St Helier University hospitals NHS trust says it has spent almost 60m on improving the estates over the past five years and has had to cancel 600 operations directly because of the problems. The majority of our capital budget goes on backup maintenance ... It means that were not really able to invest in anything new, we just mostly do repairs and mandatory upgrades, Blythe says. Epsom and St Helier University NHS trust was one of the 40 places promised a new hospital under Boris Johnsons new hospitals programme. The trust was promised a brand new specialist emergency care hospital in Sutton and significant investment in Epsom and St Helier hospitals to modernise the facilities. In September, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, put the scheme under review, with the trust yet to gain clarity on whether it will receive what had been promised. One of the wards in the hospitals intensive care unit (ITU) was recently given a state of the art upgrade with proper ventilation, heat regulation and a digital control system that can be accurately monitored. But other wards in the ITU were not so lucky and staff are left having to make decisions on which ward vulnerable patients should be treated in. Jane Camilleri, the head of nursing for critical care, treats the hospitals sickest patients day in day out on the ITU wards. She says the buildings issues are a constant juggle. Theres only certain types of patients we can put in here because the air exchange isnt adequate, so patients with airborne infections, you will have to have next door because youve got the appropriate air exchange, she says. The ITU at St Helier does not meet NHS regulations in terms of bed space, air exchange and ventilation. But without funding, meeting those requirements is deemed impossible. Like elsewhere in the hospital, the team in the ITU has little choice but to keep doing the best for their patients in terrible conditions. Victoria police allegedly intercepted a 28-year-old man from South Yarra at the Beyond the Valley music festival in Barunah Plains on Monday afternoon. Photograph: Con Chronis/AAP A man has been charged with alleged drug trafficking at the festival the Victorian government is trialling its first mobile pill testing service. Victoria Police allegedly intercepted a 28-year-old man from South Yarra at the Beyond the Valley music festival in Barunah Plains on Monday afternoon. They conducted a search and seized what is alleged to be 17 MDMA pills, four grams of cocaine, and seven other pills believed to be drugs of dependence. He has been charged with trafficking cocaine and MDMA, and was bailed to appear before the Geelong magistrates court in March. The music festival is the first event to feature pill-testing, as part of an 18 month trial by the state government, set to run throughout the summer music festival season. The mobile testing service is confidential and anonymous, and offers personalised information for attenders. It is planned to be at 10 festivals and events across the state in total, and is the largest pill-testing trial in the country. Victoria Police said in a statement they will maintain a highly visible presence at the Beyond the Valley music festival. They said they are aware a drug-checking place is operating at this festival, but added they will continue to enforce against drug offences away from the drug-checking place and seize any illicit substances. As always, police may use discretion to not enforce possession offences. Under the new legislation, it is not a criminal offence to possess small amounts of illicit drugs if you are attending a drug-checking place as a client. As a result, officers will not be attending these sites unless responding to incidents requiring police attendance, the Victoria police statement said. Firefighters work at the wreckage of the plane - Chung Sung-Jun South Korean investigators looking into a jet crash that killed 179 people are examining the placement of a concrete barrier near the end of a runway after an expert called it verging on criminal. Jeju Airs Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and skidded down the runway on Sunday before smashing into a structure placed beyond the Tarmac and erupting in flames. Of the 181 people on board, 179 were killed. Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, ordered an emergency safety inspection of the countrys entire airline operation system as investigators worked to identify the victims and find out what had caused the deadliest air disaster in the countrys history. Officials said Sundays crash came after the plane was struck by birds at around 9am local time (midnight GMT), but experts have said a bird strike alone could not have caused the scale of the disaster. Credit: Lee Geun-young Footage of the crash showed that the pilot had successfully performed a belly landing, but that the plane could not slow down before smashing through a concrete-reinforced structure positioned at the end of the runway. Officials are now investigating what role the localiser antenna played in the crash, transport ministry officials told a media briefing. Localiser antennas are typically built at the end of runways to help bring planes in to land, but in this case they were built on top of a concrete-reinforced mound. David Learmount, a leading aviation safety expert, said all the passengers could have survived the crash had it not been for the foundations of the structure. The landing was absolutely perfect, the pilot put it down wings level, doing a good job in bad circumstances, Mr Learmount told The Telegraph, adding: Even as it skids off the runway, the plane is still structurally sound and there is no fire. But then it hits the bank and all hell erupts. If it had not been there it would have sailed through it. Mr Learmount said that while it was normal for an instrument landing system antenna to be placed at the end of a runway, the structure was usually designed to be collapsable. If the array had been designed as normal, the aircraft could have passed through it and continued to slow down as it passed through the perimeter fence, which was less substantial, and then come to a halt, he said. Joo Jong-wan, South Koreas deputy minister for civil aviation, said the localisers had been built on piled-up soil, and concrete structures have been installed within these soil layers. The connection between these localisers and the accident will be thoroughly examined during the investigation process, said Mr Joo, adding that the specific foundation on which these devices are placed varies from airport to airport as there is no standardised or uniform design. Mr Learmount, a former RAF pilot and qualified flying instructor, described the presence of the solid embankment with which the plane collided as verging on criminal. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) sets out agreed international standards that the runway overrun should be cleared to ensure that damage to an aircraft is not severe, although it does not have the power to enforce these guidelines. I have never seen anything quite like this before, he said. There is no justification for the structure everybody knows it is meant to be frangible. It is much easier to build something above ground than dig below. That is a possibility. Sally Gethin, another aviation expert, said the onus was on individual nations to adopt international standards on overrun areas set out by the ICAO. I personally havent come across anything like this before, but that is not to say there are no other examples of these barriers, she told The Telegraph. My understanding is that they [the localiser antennas] were quite close to the overrun area. It has given rise to the idea that the concrete structure was the main culprit. On speculation that the landing systems could have been installed on an embankment to offset the slope of the runway, Mr Learmount said that if the antenna needed to be raised to work at a certain level this could have been done with a frangible frame. The plane could not slow down before it smashed through the concrete-reinforced structure - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters The wreckage of the Jeju Air plane - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters Mr Joo said maintenance records of systems such as engines and landing gear would be thoroughly reviewed for the 101 Boeing 737-800 planes operated by six airlines in the country. Transportation ministry officials said the jets flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder had been recovered, but it was not yet clear whether the data was sufficiently intact to be analysed. The Jeju Air pilot told air traffic control that the plane had suffered a bird strike before it crashed while landing, transport officials revealed on Monday. While the control tower had warned the pilots that birds had been seen in the vicinity shortly before the strike occurred, and footage emerged online, showing what appeared to be birds striking the engine, it is unclear whether this was the primary cause of the disaster. Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, said: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended. Credit: South Korea MBC TV Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, also said emergency services are typically prepared for a belly landing. Choi Kee-young, a professor 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. Christian Beckert, a flight safety expert and Lufthansa pilot, said the video footage suggested that, apart 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. Bird strikes have been a major concern for airports and aviation agencies for years. In the US, wildlife strikes cause more than $900 million (715 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. Last year, 19,603 strikes were recorded with 3.6 per cent causing damage. 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 such as bird hazing or removal. Radar systems are also used to detect bird activity along flight paths, providing pilots with key information to avoid potential hazards. Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, lays a flower as he visits a memorial for the crash victims - SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg A relative of one of the victims waits near a makeshift shelter at Muan International Airport - Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images On Monday morning, investigators were trying to identify some of the last remaining victims as anguished relatives waited inside the Muan airport terminal. I apologise deeply... but the extent of the damage to the bodies is profound, an official told families at a briefing Monday, trying to explain the immense hurdles facing workers trying to recover remains while also preserving crash-site evidence. There are many cases in which arms and legs have been severed, he said, his words causing cries of shock and horror among the relatives. Authorities said they had identified 146 of the victims of the disaster - Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images Using fingerprints and DNA analysis, authorities have identified 146 of the victims, and are working hard on the 33 still to be verified. The crash killed mostly local residents who were returning from holidays in Thailand, while two Thai nationals also died. Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash, said he was told by authorities that his brother had been identified, but he has not been able to see his body. We want the authorities to bring our loved ones back, even if they are only 80 per cent intact, he said. Police say they believe an abandoned burning car in the Sydney suburb of Wakeley is linked to the fatal shooting. Photograph: Facebook/Fire and Rescue NSW Police have charged an alleged getaway driver after the shooting death of a man outside a family home in western Sydney in what they have labelled a targeted attack. Emergency services found a 31-year-old man in Canley Heights on Sunday night after reports of shots being fired just before 7pm. Paramedics treated him for gunshot wounds but he died at the scene. Emergency services were called a short time later to an abandoned burning white Audi in the neighbouring suburb of Wakeley and police believe the incidents are linked. Police said they believe the victim was shot in his car, before attempting to escape on foot. They allege that the assailant approached the drivers side window and fired a number of shots into the window. The victim ran a short distance before succumbing to his injuries, police said. Det Supt Daniel Doherty said the man was shot outside a family residence and that police were alleging the shooting was related to organised crime. He said police had identified a second vehicle involved, a grey Jeep Cherokee. Its a very sad, tragic situation its terrible for his family, Doherty said. A 33-year-old man was arrested on Monday morning after investigations. He was taken to Fairfield police station where he was charged with accessory after the fact to murder and driver not disclosing the identity of driver/passenger as required. He was refused bail to appear in Parramatta local court on Tuesday. Police will allege in court the man was driving one of the getaway cars used in the fatal shooting. Det Acting Supt Jason Pietruszka said investigators believed this was a targeted attack and the incident had sparked a significant investigation. I think its important to say from the outset that we believe this to be a targeted attack. This is not a random shooting, he said. The New South Wales police have put significant resources into the seriousness that were taking this investigation. Homicide detectives are continuing their investigation and anyone with information was urged to come forward. Forensic investigators at the scene of last nights shooting on the outskirts of Trinidads capital, Port of Spain. Photograph: Jermaine Cruickshank/Trinidad Express The government of Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency after a weekend of violence in the Caribbean dual-island nation took the number of murders this year to 623. Five men were shot overnight in an estate on the outskirts of the capital, Port of Spain, a man killed outside a police station on Saturday, and a 57-year-old woman was shot dead on Friday as she collected her teenage son from hospital in San Fernando. In a population of 1.5 million, the unprecedented tally for 2024 makes Trinidad and Tobago one of the most violent countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Under the emergency powers announced by the office of the prime minister, Keith Rowley, the police and army have widespread authority to detain individuals without charge and search properties without warrants. In a statement, Rowley said he was disappointed in the murder tally for 2024 and appealed to the police to use their new powers to make life uncomfortable for criminals. At a press conference in Port of Spain, at which Rowleys absence was criticised by local media, the attorney general, Stuart Young, said there would be no public curfew imposed at this time. Young said the measures had been introduced as a result of a week of brazen acts by criminals in the country and that there was an expectation of a wave of reprisal attacks at a scale so extensive that it endangers public safety. Related: The Caribbean island of Trinidad grapples with a national crisis of violence He said there were limited assurances he could give to a concerned public, adding: What we are faced with was heightened criminal activity with the use of high-velocity assault weapons in reprisal attacks between gangs. Its not about culling the homicide rate, its about expecting brazen acts which are going to endanger the public, he said, although he admitted that the past 10 years of the governments tenure had seen crime rates spiral upwards. The president, Christine Kangaloo, said in a proclamation: I am satisfied that a public emergency has risen as a result of the occurrence of action that has been taken or is immediately threatened by a person, of such a nature and on so extensive a scale, as to be likely to endanger the public safety. An estimated 42.6% of the killings are gang-related, and almost all are linked to organised crime, according to the police. The last state of emergency to be declared in Trinidad and Tobago was in 2021 to allow for restrictions during the Covid pandemic. Smiling face on image of Earth Its all very well for the Dalai Lama to pronounce that the purpose of our lives is to be happy but even His Holiness struggles to articulate how. What is the best and more reliable medicine for the soul? Its the question that has bedevilled humanity since time immemorial. And now the biggest study of its kind is hoping to discover an answer that has eluded holy men, philosophers and scientists. Prof Elizabeth Dunn of the University of British Columbia has teamed up with over 1,000 scientists based in more than 70 countries, who are now aiming to recruit at least 30,000 volunteers to take part in tests for whats being called the Global Happiness Megastudy. The subjects will be asked to take part in short happiness interventions, which might involve taking exercise or engaging in social interactions, to see what strategies are most likely to put a spring in peoples step and whether these vary by age, income and geography. Our goal is for this to be the largest, most comprehensive, most diverse experiment on happiness ever conducted, says Dunn. Its like the Avengers: many of the top happiness researchers from around the world have come together to join forces. In the past year, more than 1,000 scientists have submitted proposals, which have recently been honed down to seven different categories of interventions. Volunteers will be asked to perform one of these activities, which last no longer than 25 minutes and can be conducted in the home without specialist equipment. It is hoped that the research will shed new light on what, if anything, is guaranteed to provide us with a boost. But answers may yet prove elusive. Happiness, after all, is almost by definition subjective. Sometimes Im happy, sometimes Im blue / My disposition depends on you, as Joni Mitchell sang. Such ambiguity makes for good art but bad science. Researchers have long struggled to come up with objective means of measuring wellbeing. While the Dalai Lama is eager to pronounce that the purpose of our lives is to be happy, its not easy to measure happiness - Getty Whats more, most studies tend to be confined to relatively small groups of people. One of the most common methods for measuring happiness is through self-report surveys and polls, such as those used by the UNs World Happiness Report, which critics say are susceptible to different forms of bias. Harvard famously conducted one of the longest studies of happiness by following the lives of 268 men who entered college in the late 1930s. The key finding of the study was that close relationships were far more important than money or fame in ensuring that people lived a happy life. But it also showed they were important in living a longer life too. The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health, said Robert Waldinger, the director of the study and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. Loneliness kills. Its as powerful as smoking or alcoholism. The Harvard study, while incredibly influential, was unable to look at the differences between generations or nationalities or gender. Indeed, there was only very limited variation in socio-economic class; among the original recruits were eventual President John F. Kennedy and legendary Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee (although the research eventually expanded to include the off-spring of the original subjects and other control groups). The Global Happiness Megastudy aims to address the shortcomings of previous studies, which have been criticised for focussing on so-called weird subjects those from western, educated, industrialised, rich and democratic countries. As the researchers point out, what makes a person in Uxbridge happy might not raise a smile in Ulaanbaatar. Dunn and her team are focussed on developing consistent methodologies that will work in a variety of cultures in order to to find strategies that can effectively improve happiness for different people in different parts of the world. However, some scientists have raised concerns that the studys reliance on self-reported measures of happiness could result in uneven findings. In 2019, a team of scientists at The Alan Turing Institute took aim at such inconsistency and tried to circumvent the cultural differences in how people perceive and express happiness by developing a method to analyse online texts from millions of works of fiction and non-fiction, including books and newspapers, that had been published over the past two centuries in four countries the US, the UK, Germany and Italy. They employed statistical algorithms that were able to conduct sentiment analysis by measuring how frequently the authors had used positive and negative words to express their emotional attitude. This created a qualitative assessment of wellbeing, which was cross-checked against Eurobarometer survey data to create the National Valence Index. The index was then used to calculate the extent to which major changes such as wars, economic progress and revolutions in public health over the preceding 200 years had impacted overall happiness. The UK was most miserable in the well-named Winter of Discontent in the late 1970s - Getty While gross domestic product is often assumed to be associated with a rise in well-being, we found that its effect on well-being throughout history is marginal at best, wrote Thomas Hills, an associate professor of Psychology at the University of Warwick. GDP has increased fairly consistently over the last 200 years in the four countries that we looked at, but well-being has moved up and down dramatically over that time. The study found that the UK was most miserable in the well-named Winter of Discontent in the late 1970s. However, wellbeing and happiness had already begun to fall during the 1950s. The UK was happiest during the interwar years in the 1920s and at the end of the Second World War. Americans were also happiest in the 1920s with wellbeing taking a hit during the Civil War, the Great Depression and the Korean War. What is perhaps most remarkable is that well-being appears to be incredibly resilient to short-term negative events, wrote Hills. Wars create dramatic valleys in well-being, but soon after the war well-being frequently recovers to its pre-war levels. Lasting changes to our measure of happiness occur slowly, over generations. The hope of The Alan Turing Institute was that its findings would help lead to better policy-making decisions. The research suggested, for example, that an extra year of life equated to a 4.3 per cent rise in GDP. This suggests that policies that help increase happiness and as a result, longevity may therefore be more beneficial than those that simply seek to boost GDP. Some of us are born Eeyores while others are natural Tiggers, suggests Lyubomirskys research - Alamy Slippery as satisfaction may be, knowing what reliably makes most people happy could substantially improve wellbeing across populations. And, pleasingly, research conducted by Sonja Lyubomirsky, a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, suggests that people can indeed shift their baseline level of happiness over time. Lyubomirsky produced a famous pie chart that suggested around 50 per cent of what determines a persons happiness is our genetic set point some of us are born Eyeores while others are natural Tiggers. A further 10 per cent a much smaller percentage than most people might suppose is determined by external factors. However, a full 40 per cent of a persons happiness can be boosted and maintained over the long-term by their intentional behaviours. Those exact percentages have been questioned since the initial research with even Lyubomirsky conceding her pie chart may have outlived its usefulness. However, she argues that the broad premise that it is theoretically possible for people to influence their own happiness still stands and has been backed up by subsequent research. Could the Global Happiness Megastudy now offer a major leap forward in our understanding? Dunn, for her part, is certainly hopeful it will result in an unprecedented, insightful dataset on joy. If we find things that are universally effective, or that are at least effective in certain places, and identify what kinds of places those are, or what kinds of people benefit, it will be a huge leap forward for the science of happiness, she says. Ultimately, the Global Happiness Megastudy may help unlock a new, universal truth. Or it might simply confirm the ancient wisdom of Aristotle: Happiness depends upon ourselves. Yearender: Peace, stability in Middle East still distant in 2025 08:11, December 30, 2024 By Guo Yage ( Xinhua Displaced Palestinian children play at a shelter in Gaza City on Dec. 9, 2024. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) The escalating crises in the Middle East over the passing year have deepened human tragedies, geopolitical shifts, and socioeconomic challenges, leaving the region's prospects for 2025 shrouded in uncertainty. 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. Israeli troops are seen near the buffer zone in the Golan Heights, on Dec. 15, 2024. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua) "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. People walk past a billboard showing late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 2, 2022, one day ahead of the second anniversary of his assassination by the United States in Iraq. (Xinhua/Gao Wencheng) 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. People try to get food relief in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, Aug. 29, 2024. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua) 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. (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.) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Though the general opinion about cats is that they hate the water and abhor being bathed, this is not always the case. Some cats actually love the water, love swimming, and even love taking showereven if they discover this fact late in life. That is definitely the case for the senior cat in this video, who has only recently discovered the amazing sensory pleasures of a nice, hot shower. Friends. Here is a little joy for your timeline. Our cat, Jasper, just turned 15. And we only discovered that he loves hot showers this year lol. I have never seen a cat enjoy a shower. Hes like a capybara in a hot spring! Hoping yall have a restful Sunday #GrumpyCat #Singapura pic.twitter.com/quluyffocs Erin C. Sanders, MSN, WHNP-BC (She/Her) (@ErinSandersNP) December 22, 2024 Jasper is a fifteen year old Singapura cat, and he has finally realized the joy of taking a nice hot shower. Now, he cant get enough. Related: Cat's Refusal to Get Out of the Relaxing Bathtub Is Totally Relatable We only discovered that he loves hot showers this year, writes his mom on Twitter/X. I have never seen a cat enjoy a shower. Hes like a capybara in a hot spring! In the video, a distinctive brown-ticked cat with large, erect ears and huge yellow eyes stands still in the basin of a tun while his people spray him with warm water. Hes clearly having the time of his life. In the comments, people express concern that his newfound obsession with hot showers indicate an underlying illness, perhaps undiagnosed arthritis or something of even greater concern. But his mom rushes to reassure people that hes always been a heat-seeking feline, and this new activity is just another way for him to get at the heat he adores. I appreciate your concern but I can assure you all that Jasper has had a long standing love affair with heating pads, blankets, space heaters, sun spots, and my laptop over the years. We just didnt think he would like water or the shower becausehes a cat. Additionally, because Jasper is a Singapura cat, a breed originally from the tropical clime of Singapore, it makes sense that he likes it hot. All About the Singapura Cat Singapura cats are a modern breed of cat supposedly imported from Singapore in the 1970s, though there is a controversy about their origin. Some claim that they were derived from street cats in the country, while others say they are a cross between Burmese and Abyssinian fancy cat breeds. Like most modern breeds of cats, their breeding programs have concentrated on their coloration and size. Singapura cats are notably small, with large eyes and ears, and ticked agouti (tabby) coats in a sepia brown color. The name Singapura comes from an old fashioned name for Singapore, but it is also supposed to evoke a cats purr. In their native Singapore, they are promoted by the tourism board as Kucinta cats, which is an amalgamation of two Malay words meaning cat and love. Whatever their origin, they are certainly beautiful cats, and Jasper here is an adorable example of the breed. Cats and Water Some cat breeds are known for liking water more than others, but any cat can be trained to tolerate baths, especially if you start them young. Many cat breeders make it a point to get their kittens used to bathing when they are very small, especially if the cat is defined to be shown at cat shows and must have perfectly clean fur. Other breeds, such as hairless varieties, require regular bathing for hygiene reasons. Hairless cats will become smelly and sticky as oils build up on their skin without regular baths. And some cats, like Maine Coons, are known for just loving to swim, like little tigers. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Society must and can do better to work to end violence against women and girls, Northern Irelands First Minister has said. Michelle ONeill expressed her horror at the murder of seven women in the region in 2024 and vowed to press the Stormont Executives Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy. She said launching it had been a top priority for the Executive and that she would continue to ensure the strategys targets were delivered. A vigil was organised by Womens Aid Down Armagh at Solitude Park in Banbridge following the murder of Karen Cummings in the town in December (Rebecca Black/PA) But she said everyone in society shared a responsibility to challenge the misogyny that enables such heinous crimes to persist. There were community vigils held earlier in December following the murder of mother-of-two Karen Cummings, 40, in Banbridge. Ms ONeill noted that behind the death of each of the seven women were families left shattered by grief. As a society, we must and can do better, she said. Thats why launching the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy was a top priority for this Executive, and why I will continue to ensure the strategys targets are delivered. We all share a responsibility to challenge the misogyny that enables such heinous crimes to persist. Women should feel safe in every street, town, and city across this island. The Stormont Assembly was resurrected in January 2024 after a period of political instability. Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray, left to right, First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended the Remembrance Sunday service at Belfast City Hall in November (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms ONeill made history by becoming the first nationalist or republican to serve as first minister at Stormont. In her first New Year message as first minister, Ms ONeill said the return of the political institutions brought a new horizon and immense opportunities for people here. She also reiterated her pledge to be a first minister for all. Weve made significant progress on key issues that affect people right across society, she said. One of the Executives first acts was to award public sector workers the fair pay increase they absolutely deserved. Projects that were stalled for years due to the absence of an Executive are now coming to fruition. Major developments, like the A5 and Strule campus, are progressing, while Belfasts state-of-the-art transport hub is now open bringing us one step closer to a cleaner, greener society. Finance minister Caoimhe Archibald secured vital additional funding for essential services like health and education, while childcare costs have been subsidised, putting more money back in families pockets as we continue working on long-term strategies to reduce costs further. Momentum is also building behind the expansion of Magee University, with progress continuing towards delivering 10,000 students at the campus. Infrastructure minister John ODowd arrived on one of the first trains into the new Belfast Grand Central Station in October (Brian Morrison/Department of Infrastructure/PA) Ms ONeill added that her job as leader was to keep pushing us forward, united in purpose, to bring about real change in peoples lives. Local ministers are now in the driving seat, making decisions that will shape the lives of people here, with your best interests at heart, she said. I recognise there is still much to do, and I am more determined than ever to continue delivering strong leadership and positive change. Lets embrace the opportunities ahead, united in purpose, as we build a brighter future for everyone who calls this island home. I wish you all a happy, peaceful, and prosperous 2025. Sir Keir Starmer will be under pressure to prove he can deliver on Labours promises in 2025 as the party faces its first electoral test since its landslide general election victory. After Rachel Reeves first Budget in October saw 40 billion of tax rises that she said would wipe the slate clean, she will set out a spending review next year. The Chancellor has said this will crack down on waste in Whitehall so money can go elsewhere, such as to improve living standards. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will set out a spending review next year (PA) She has ordered departments to find 5% savings, which could mean cuts for the Civil Service from 2026. Labour has also promised a timetable for boosting defence spending to 2.5% of GDP will be revealed in the strategic defence review in the spring. It will be a delicate balance: Sir Keir could face a backlash to the cost depending on where the money will come from, but failing to show how they will meet the goal will raise questions at a time when he has doubled down on support for Ukraine and said the UK needs to bolster its military capabilities. The Prime Minister ran on a platform of economic growth and has said he wants people to feel better off, but has acknowledged it will take some time before living standards improve across the country. He is putting Labours plans in motion, pledging to take on nimbys with planning reforms that aim to cut red tape and clear the way to build 1.5 million homes and get decisions made on 150 major infrastructure projects. But some will be worried about environmental protections being weakened and local councils being bypassed to achieve this. Plans to decarbonise the grid by 2030 will also press ahead. The Government has said this will save people up to 300 on energy eventually, but bills could still rise during the transition period as the UK continues to rely on fossil fuels. As part of the drive to build infrastructure for clean energy, ministers will be able to bypass local opposition to onshore wind farms. How accepting people are of this may hinge on the incentives for communities that host them. Sir Keirs plans to decarbonise the grid by 20230 could prove controversial with some voters in rural areas (Ben Birchall/PA) The Prime Minister has shrugged off plummeting polling for Labour and his own declining popularity, saying he will be judged at the next general election. A petition calling for a re-run of the general election, now signed by more than three million people, will not lead to another election but will get renewed attention when MPs debate it in January. And local elections will give a measure of how the public feel about the party across the country. All seats on all 21 county councils and 10 unitary authorities in England will be up for election in May but some could be postponed if they are far enough along in being redesigned under devolution revolution plans. If Labour struggles to win seats, this may not result in recording massive losses as they are coming from a low base in the 2021 polls. The Conservatives have more to lose they made significant gains at those elections, thought by many to be down to a successful Covid-19 vaccination campaign that buoyed the partys popularity. Nigel Farages Reform UK hopes to boost its numbers on councils and has approved more than 1,000 candidates, including Tory defector Andrea Jenkyns, who will run for the newly-created role of Greater Lincolnshire Mayor. The 2025 local elections will be a major test for the Government (PA) Sir Keir will also face challenges abroad as he seeks to reset the UKs relationship with the EU and support Ukraine while navigating US President-elect Donald Trumps return to the White House. The Prime Minister has rejected suggestions that he will have to choose between a closer trade deal with the EU and a free trade agreement with Mr Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs that experts predict would have damaging consequences. Efforts to improve relations with Beijing are also set to continue, but Sir Keir has acknowledged the challenge that China poses amid fresh allegations that spies have been infiltrating Westminster. In Parliament, MPs will scrutinise proposals to legalise assisted dying after the Bill cleared its first parliamentary hurdle in a historic Commons vote. Some who supported the Bill indicated they might not continue to do so at a further vote if they are not convinced of safeguards around potential coercion. A committee will examine the issues highlighted during the debate. Three members of a people smuggling gang that sexually abused young boys and moved thousands of migrants illegally through Europe have been arrested in the UK. The trio, who have all been convicted in their absence by a Belgian court, were part of a network that inflicted extreme cruelty on the people they smuggled, including children, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said. The Afghan nationals helped move migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and the Balkans into western Europe, mainly France and Belgium, with many then being crammed onto small boats to the UK. Young boys making the journey were seriously sexually abused, with gang members filming the harrowing attacks and using the footage to blackmail their victims. Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai, also known as Raees Hamza, 23, was arrested in Hemel Hempstead on Monday; National Crime Agency officers arrested 20-year-old Zeeshan Banghis, aka Bangash Zeeshan, 20, in New Kent Road, London on December 18; and Ziarmal Khan, also known as Boxer Bhai, 24, was arrested on December 6 at Stansted Airport on suspicion of domestic violence, before he was further arrested over his conviction in Belgium. Zeeshan Banghis was arrested in London on December 18 (NCA/PA) So far 23 members of the gang have been convicted and sentenced by a court in Antwerp, 11 of whom were prosecuted in their absence. Ahmedzai was jailed for 10 years, while Khan and Banghis were each sentenced to three years, and all were fined 3,000 euros (2,486). Extradition proceedings have begun to send them to Belgium to serve their prison sentences. The UKs National Crime Agency worked with Belgian authorities for two years to build evidence against the gang, who now all face sentences ranging from two to 18 years. NCA deputy director Craig Turner said: These men were part of a network involved in illegally moving migrants across the globe, through Europe and eventually into northern Europe and the UK, profiting from the dangerous situations they put vulnerable people into as they were transported, and committing the most heinous sexual offences against them. The work done by NCA officers, alongside partners in the UK and Belgium, was crucial to securing the convictions in Antwerp of gang members in November this year, and these further arrests should send a very clear message that we will not stop in our work to disrupt and dismantle the gangs that are behind these horrendous crimes. The Home Secretary said: This case is nothing short of sickening. These men ran extensive illegal smuggling operations and inflicted extreme cruelty on the migrants they smuggled some of them children when they were at their most vulnerable. Popular cruise lines are racing to grow their private island and port portfolio. Brittany Chang/Business Insider Cruise lines are spending millions on private islands and ports exclusive to their guests. These private Caribbean properties are money trees for companies like Carnival and Royal Caribbean. In-house destinations are becoming increasingly necessary amid rising fuel costs and port restrictions. About 140 miles east of Miami, Royal Caribbean's private Bahamas island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, receives thousands of eager families virtually every day of the year. The cruise line and its competitors don't just own ships they also have land-based portfolios. Across the Caribbean and in countries like Honduras and Belize, almost every major cruise company has snatched up and developed beachfront properties exclusively for their guests. To travelers, these secluded ports of call are convenient, safe, and cherished: "The vast majority of people love the islands," Patrick Scholes, a lodging and leisure research analyst at Truist Securities, told Business Insider in March. To cruise lines, they're cash cows. And now, maybe more than ever before, a necessity as operators seek out profits amid rising operating costs and ever-restrictive ports. The industry is cruising into a private island renaissance Disney Cruise Line said its new private destination, Lighthouse Point, seen in a rendering, will launch on the Bahamas island of Eleuthera this summer. The cruise line already has a private island, Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise Line Cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, and MSC collectively own 17 ports and private destinations in the Caribbean (including properties still under development). Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told analysts in 2023 that the CocoCay had seen robust demand, including from repeat travelers. As such, the financial returns on the $350 million investment have been "exceptionally high and significantly above its target," Naftali Holtz, CFO of Royal Caribbean Group, said a few months prior. Renderings of the "Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island" show a sprawling beachfront property lined with cabanas, lounge chairs, and pools. Royal Caribbean International Given travelers' appetite, the cruise giant has continued to grow its splashy Bahamas getaway. The most recent extension opened in January, adding the adult-only Hideaway Beach to CocoCay's 14-slide waterpark, upscale beach club, massive pool, and umbrella-lined beaches. Perfect Day Mexico is set to open in 2027. Carnival says Celebration Key, shown in a rendering, will flex resort-like amenities like oceanside cabanas and a grown-ups-only infinity pool. Carnival Cruise Line Carnival is also growing its real estate portfolio next with Celebration Key, a $600 million resort on Grand Bahama Island scheduled to open in 2025, and expansions to its private Half Moon Cay a year later. Private ports have become a cruise line goldmine for three major reasons. 1. Fuel is expensive Food is Royal Caribbean's second-highest expense after fuel, Linken D'Souza, the cruise line's senior vice president of food and beverage, told reporters in late January. Brittany Chang/Business Insider Fuel is a major expense for the cruise industry. Fortunately, most Caribbean private destinations are only a night's sailing from Florida's major ports. Amid rising fuel costs, it's easy to see why cruise lines are increasingly focusing their itineraries on these nearby stops. In September 2023, Josh Weinstein president, CEO, and chief climate officer of Carnival Corp called the forthcoming Celebration Key a "win-win-win for the environment, our guests, and the people of the Bahamas," citing the property's proximity to its Florida homeports and the subsequent reduced fuel expenditure. It could certainly be a "win" for travelers: In the same call, he told analysts that a guest-fronted fuel surcharge is "certainly not off the table." 2. Private destinations keep profits in-house About two-thirds of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean-bound guests could go to CocoCay this year, Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's president and CEO, told analysts in December 2023. Brittany Chang/Business Insider These private ports offer plenty of opportunities for guests to spend big. And with no need for third-party excursion operators, cruise lines can keep more profits in-house. Before its debut, pre-cruise bookings for CocoCay's new Hideaway Beach surpassed the company's expectations, Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, told analysts in October 2023. Admission can cost up to $89 per person during peak season. Nearby, entry to the more exclusive beach club could be shy of triple that cost. Royal Caribbean says Thrill Waterpark's Daredevils Peak is the tallest slide in North America. Brittany Chang/Business Insider Even the otherwise complimentary parts of the island have splurge-enticing options like rentable cabanas and snorkeling gear. Travelers content with a basic beach chair and the lunch buffet don't have to ball out on these up-charged luxuries. But they sure are hard to resist, especially as cruisers have become eager to spend more on their vacations. For families, skipping CocoCay's waterpark could be as sacrilegious as skipping Disney World during an Orlando vacation, Scholes said. A day pass to Thrill Waterpark can exceed $100 per person that's more than $400 down the drain for a family of four in one afternoon. 3. Some popular ports are saying 'no' to giant cruise ships Ships weighing more than 96,000 tons are banned from entering Venice, Italy's Giudecca Canal. Simone Padovani/Awakening/Getty Images The world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, can carry 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew. This sudden influx of travelers could overwhelm smaller destinations and their locals, like the more than 25,000 residents of Santorini, Greece, and 25,600 of Key West, Florida. With concerns like pollution and over-tourism, it's no surprise the popular Greek island limits daily cruise visitors, while its Florida counterpart has faced a fraught battle to restrict cruise tourism. Ports in states like California, Alaska, Maine, and Florida have restricted cruise tourism. CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images They're not alone. Cities across the US and Europe have increasingly limited travelers coming by sea either through size restrictions, daily visitor limits, or complete bans. This includes desirable ports like Juneau, Alaska, French Polynesia, and Venice, Italy. Ironically, at the same time, mass-market cruise lines have continued to grow the size of their vessels so much so that several of these new mega-ships are now simply too big to fit into some ports. So, if you can't beat the ports, why not join them? Especially if you can outfit your private properties with dozens of profit-growing amenities. Read the original article on Business Insider At least three of the officers involved in the fatal beating of Robert Brooks, a New York man held at the Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York, were previously accused of assault, according to court documents obtained by CNN. The officers were among 14 staff named by the Department of Corrections related to Brooks death. None of the officers have been charged with wrongdoing. CNN has not been able to confirm the identities of the officers shown in the video, or what specific role each named person is alleged to have had. Body-worn camera footage released Friday shows correctional officers at the facility punching and kicking Brooks with his hands handcuffed behind his back in a medical examination room. The fatal beating is now under investigation by the New York Attorney General, and Gov. Kathy Hochul has called for those involved to be fired. Federal officials are also looking into the case. The FBI Albany Field Office and the Department of Justice are reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Robert L. Brooks to determine the appropriate federal response, the FBI said in a statement to CNN. None of the officers or their representatives have commented since the video came to light. CNN has reached out to the officers for comment. However, the correctional officers union, which typically speaks on behalf of prison employees, issued a statement that described the footage as incomprehensible to say the least and certainly not reflective of the great work that the vast majority of our membership conducts every day. Two of the New York officers, Sgt. Glenn Trombly and Officer Anthony Farina, were named in a complaint filed in federal court in 2022, based on a 2020 incident which occurred at the same prison where Brooks died. The complaint alleges as another correctional officer beat a handcuffed inmate at the correctional facility, Trombly and Farina looked on and failed to intervene in any manner to prevent or stop the beating, leaving the plaintiff with a permanent facial deformity. The case remains pending. The plaintiffs attorney told CNN it was office policy not to comment on pending cases. Farina resigned from his role at the Marcy Correctional Facility after Brooks death, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision told CNN Monday. A different officer, Nicholas Anzalone, who was named by the department, is also named in a separate federal complaint in 2022, stating he joined an assault on an inmate by another correctional officer at the same facility. The complaint alleges the officer was involved in a cover-up fabricating disciplinary charges against the inmate, who was left with substantial physical and mental injuries. The case is still ongoing. Court documents detailed the incident. Defendants CO Nicolas Anzalone entered the bathroom during the assault and joined CO Iodice in kicking Plaintiff while he lay on the ground and/or failed to stop CO Iodices assault After beating him, Defendants took Plaintiff to the Marcy infirmary in a van wherein they forced Plaintiff to lie face down on the floor while CO Anzalone kicked his feet. The inmates attorney, Katie Rosenfeld, told CNN her client was brutally assaulted in 2020 at Marcy CF, the same prison where Robert Brooks was just murdered (involving) one of the same corrections officers. Her client thought he would die that day, as officers punched and kicked him to a bloody heap. The officers then lied to cover up the beating, Rosenfelds statement says. Rosenfeld added, If DOCCS (the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision) had done anything about the officers at Marcy who it knew were routinely terrorizing incarcerated people, Mr. Brooks would still be alive today. The New York Times first reported the previous accusations against the officers. Brooks was pronounced dead on December 10 at Wynn Hospital in Utica, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James. Brooks, 43, had been serving a 12-year prison sentence since 2017 for first-degree assault, prison documents show. Watchdog calls out previous assault reports A 2022 report from a watchdog organization found widespread reports of assaults at the Marcy Correctional Facility by officers and recommended an investigation from the attorney generals office. The investigation by the Correctional Association of New York, an independent agency charged under the law with visiting and examining New Yorks correctional facilities to report on prison conditions and treatment of inmates, consisted of 117 interviews with incarcerated individuals at the facility. In a statement at the time, the organizations executive director Jennifer Scaife said, A number of issues at Marcy troubled us during our monitoring visit, including pervasive allegations of racial discrimination, mistreatment by staff, and non-adherence to the requirements of HALT (the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act). We are calling upon the State Inspector General and DOCCS Office of Special Investigations to investigate these serious allegations of racial discrimination and violations of human rights, said Scaife. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision said in a statement, We have addressed or are in the process of addressing the majority of the recommendations contained in the 2022 CANY report on Marcy Correctional Facility. It singled out a recommendation for body-worn cameras. One of those recommendations adopted has been DOCCS investment of millions of dollars to continue to expand fixed cameras in all facilities, along with body-worn cameras. Body-worn cameras were deployed to Marcy Correctional Facility in May 2024. Those cameras were critical in preserving the evidence of the fatal attack of Mr. Brooks. The New York Office of Inspector General investigated and took action following the release of the CANY report, a spokesperson for the office told CNN. Citing confidentiality in revealing any active investigations, the office said it responded to CANYs briefing in its recent public reports into the misapplication of drug testing, the unconscionable persistence of racial disparities in disciplinary infractions, and the implementation of the HALT legislation intended to limit the use of solitary confinement. The inspector generals office visited New Yorks 42 prisons, training sessions for corrections staff and held quarterly meetings with CANY. Every specific allegation from incarcerated New Yorkers, correctional staff, and CANY alike is thoroughly and timely reviewed by OIG leadership, the spokesperson said. CNNs Polo Sandoval contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has accused Russia of accidentally shooting down an airliner on Christmas Day in a disaster that killed 38 people, and covering up the cause. We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia. This is a fact, Aliyev said in a televised interview, according to a transcript posted on Azerbaijans presidential website. No one can deny this fact, Aliyev continued. Again, we are not saying that this was done intentionally, but it was done. The Azerbaijan Airlines plane was traveling to Grozny in Chechnya before it made an emergency landing near Aktau, Kazakhstan, the airline said on Wednesday. Russias Federal Air Transport Agency first said the plane crashed after colliding with birds, though it later said Ukrainian combat drones and dense fog forced the plane out of Russian airspace. Perforations in the planes body that look similar to damage from shrapnel or debris led many to believe the plane was shot down by Russian air defense units, including a US official who told CNN that signs pointed to a Russian system striking the plane. The fact that the fuselage is riddled with holes indicates that the theory of the plane hitting a flock of birds is completely removed from the agenda, Aliyev said in Sundays interview. It is possible that when the plane was damaged, when it was hit, the pilot could have perceived it as a collision with birds. Because it would probably never have occurred to anyone that our plane might be fired at from the ground while flying over a country friendly to us, he continued. Emergency workers at the crash site of the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near Aktau, Kazakhstan. - Azamat Sarsenbayev/Reuters The Azerbaijani president said the plane was damaged over Russian territory, adding that means of electronic warfare put our plane out of control. At the same time, as a result of fire from the ground, the tail of the plane was also severely damaged, Aliyev continued. A Russian dispatcher said shortly before the crash that an oxygen tank exploded in the planes cabin, Kazakhstans Transport Minister Marat Karabayev said on Thursday. Aliyev said this was another regrettable and surprising moment that clearly showed that the Russian side wanted to cover up the issue, which, of course, is unbecoming of anyone. On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace in a phone call with Aliyev, adding that Russian air defenses were active at the time but stopped short of admitting fault. Russian state media TASS reported that Putin and Aliyev had another call on Sunday, but did not offer any more information on the conversation. Aliyev said Sunday that instead of making up theories about the reason for the crash, Russia should instead take the blame and apologize fully. He also said that Russia suggested that the Interstate Aviation Committee investigate the disaster, but Azerbaijan categorically refused because it is no secret that this organization consists mostly of Russian officials and is headed by Russian citizens. If we had seen fair and reasonable steps by Russia in the immediate aftermath of the accident, we probably would not have objected. But we saw that attempts to cover up the case were quite obvious, Aliyev said. Of course, our plane was hit by accident there can be no talk of a deliberate act of terror here, he said. Therefore, admitting guilt, apologizing in a timely manner to Azerbaijan, which is considered a friendly country, and informing the public about this these were measures and steps that should have been taken, he continued. Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except for some absurd theories, Aliyev said. On Monday, Azerbaijan state media AZERTAC reported that Russias Investigative Committee Chairman Aleksandr Bastrykin pledged there would be a full and objective investigation of the crash. Russia also promised to identify those responsible for the disaster and hold them to account, AZERTAC said. The aircraft that went down was a Brazilian-made Embraer 190. Kazakhstan state news agency Kazinform said Monday that the flight recorders have been sent to Brazil, where international experts will be joined by their Azerbaijani counterparts to analyze the devices in a move to ensure transparency and credibility. This story has been updated. CNNs Darya Tarasova, Aruzhan Zeinulla, Hassan Tayir, Kosta Gak, Oren Liebermann and Stephanie Halasz contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The bags were found near the Canadian border. These were some big baggies. Border Patrol agents found two backpacks stuffed with $1.1 million worth of cocaine dumped near the border with Canada. The two agents were patrolling the Blaine Sector of Washington last week when they stumbled across the black bags in woods not far from the border near Lynden, the US Customs and Border Protection said. The bags were found near the Canadian border. US Customs and Border Protection Inside, they found 30 brick-like packages weighing 78 pounds of a white powdery substance later confirmed to be cocaine. It was not immediately clear how the bags got there, or why they were dumped. Thanks to the vigilance of Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents these dangerous narcotics were prevented from reaching our communities, said Chief Patrol Agent Rosario Pete Vasquez. Our agents work tirelessly day in and day out to protect this nation, and this seizure highlights that crucial commitment. CBP turned the drugs over to the Drug Enforcement Administration, officials said. They contained $1.1 million worth of drugs. US Customs and Border Protection Its unclear who put the bags there or how long they were there before they were discovered. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing. By Steve Holland and Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Monday announced nearly $6 billion in additional military and budget assistance for Ukraine as President Joe Biden uses his final weeks in office to surge aid to Kyiv before President-elect Donald Trump takes power. Biden announced $2.5 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the United States has made available $3.4 billion in additional budget aid to Ukraine, giving the war-torn country critical resources amid intensifying Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. "At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraines position in this war over the remainder of my time in office," Biden said in a statement. Biden's announcement includes $1.25 billion in military aid drawn from U.S. stockpiles and a $1.22 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package, the final USAI package of Biden's time in office. Under USAI, military equipment is procured from the defense industry or partners, rather than drawn from American stocks, meaning it can take months or years to arrive on the battlefield. Yellen said in a statement the direct budget assistance, provided in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, marked the final disbursement under the 2024 Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. The U.S. Congress has approved $175 billion in total assistance for Ukraine since Russia's invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Recently the Russians have been using North Korean troops to bolster their fighting position. North Korean forces are experiencing mass casualties on the front lines of Russia's war against Ukraine, with 1,000 of their troops killed or wounded in the last week alone in Russia's Kursk region, White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Friday. Biden said the new assistance will provide Ukraine with "an immediate influx of capabilities that it continues to use to great effect on the battlefield and longer-term supplies of air defense, artillery, and other critical weapons systems." Nearly three years into the war, Washington has committed billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine, but it is uncertain if the aid will continue at that pace under Trump, who succeeds Biden on Jan. 20. Trump has said he wants to bring the war to a swift end. During the presidential campaign, Trump questioned the level of U.S. involvement in the conflict, suggesting European allies should bear more of the financial burden. Some of his fellow Republicans - who will control both the House of Representatives and Senate starting next month - have also cooled on sending more aid to Kyiv. A U.S. official said the $3.4 billion in budget funding brings the total in U.S. budget aid to Ukraine to just over $30 billion since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Most of those funds are used to keep Ukraine's government running by paying salaries to teachers and other state employees. Washington has separately provided approximately $61.4 billion in security assistance to Kyiv since the start of the war, according to the Pentagon. Biden said the Defense Department is in the process of delivering hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds, thousands of rockets, and hundreds of armored vehicles "which will strengthen Ukraines hand as it heads into the winter." Yellen said continued economic aid for Ukraine was crucial to allow it to maintain government services and continue to defend its sovereignty, warning against moves to cut funding. "Ukraines success is in Americas core national interest," she said, vowing to continue to pressure Moscow with sanctions and to help position Ukraine to achieve a just peace. "We must not retreat in this effort." (Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Howard Goller) Conservatives are slamming President Biden for using former President Jimmy Carters death Sunday to take a jab at incoming President Donald Trump. Biden, asked Sunday what his former Republican rival could learn from Carters presidency, replied, Decency, decency, decency. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needed something and just keep walking? Biden said. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or the way they talk? The political remark did not sit well with conservatives, who ripped Biden, 82, for using the opportunity to attack instead of merely honoring Carters legacy and for having the audacity to speak about decency. President Biden just couldnt help himself and took a swipe at President-elect Trump even in the context of former President Jimmy Carters death. AFP via Getty Images The unmitigated gall of the corrupt Biden lecturing Americans on decency off of Carters death, radio host Jorge Bonilla wrote on X. Another radio personality, Hugh Hewitt, also unloaded on Bidens use of the word decency. Is it decent to have deceived the American public for years about your condition and to do so via a complicit and complacent legacy media? Hewitt said on the site, referring to the elderly presidents apparently ailing mental and physical faculties. The greatest cover-up in modern American political history, and the greatest media scandal as well, is still unacknowledged on the record by anyone around President Biden and by almost all legacy media figures. Their sunk costs are enormous but they wont cut them loose and own the cover-up or the complicity, Hewitt said. Legal analyst Jonathan Turley pointed out that Carter, unlike Biden, did not pardon a family member embroiled in a corruption scandal. Biden infamously pardoned his son Hunter for a period of nearly 11 years after vowing not do so repeatedly on the campaign trail, while Carter did not pardon his brother Billy amid questions concerning a loan he took from Libya. Instead of showing Carters honesty, Biden lied for years and then pardoned his own son after repeatedly denying that he would ever do so during the campaign, Turley wrote. He pardoned his son for any crimes committed over a ten-year period, including potential crimes that many believe implicated the President himself in the multimillion influence-peddling operation. Carter passed away Sunday at the age of 100. Bettmann Archive Trump said Americans owe Carter a debt a gratitude. Getty Images Carter, the 39th president, died Sunday at the age of 100. His death prompted those on both sides of the aisle, including Trump, to come forward praising his legacy and long life. 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 president-elect wrote 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. The White House did not immediately respond to an inquiry from The Post on Monday. Theo Wargo/Getty Alex James of Blur in April 2024 Blur's Alex James was definitely on the naughty list one year. In his new book Over The Rainbow: Tales from an Unexpected Year, per Metro UK, the "Song 2" musician, 56, revealed that was once kicked out of a church Christmas party for desecrating an "antique figurine of the naked baby Jesus." "I had been smoking in the room with the art and the objects, as usual," he writes. "Someone I didnt know had said, 'Im not sure if youre allowed to smoke in here.' Id dutifully picked up a little ashtray on the sideboard where I was leaning and extinguished my cigarette." Related: Taylor Swift Receives Apology from Blur's Damon Albarn After His Claim She 'Doesn't Write' Her Songs However, what James picked up was not in fact an ashtray. Instead, it was a statue of Jesus. "Sadly, unlike some staterooms, not everything in this one was actually an ashtray," he writes. "Id happened upon an antique figurine of the naked baby Jesus and stubbed my [cigarette]-end out by rubbing it around in his crotch, quite obliviously." The incident got worse when he broke the figurine and tried to repair it. "When I was alerted to what Id done by the person whod asked me to stop smoking, I tried to put a positive spin on it," James writes. "I picked baby Jesus back up to demonstrate his robustness by tugging one of his little arms." He adds: "The arm came off along with a plume of impossibly fine, glittering, powdery dust." Luckily, James "managed to wedge it back on." 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. Rune Hellestad - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Graham Coxon, Damon Albarn, Dave Rowntree and Alex James perform with Blur in August 2023 Related: Oasis Confirm North American Dates as Part of 2025 Reunion Tour: 'America. Oasis Is Coming' James gave up drinking alcohol in 2002 before he met his wife Claire Neates the mother of his five children and married her in April 2003. In an interview with Red Magazine via Virgin Radio, the Blur bassist opened up about the differences between his life as an artist and at home parenting. "The last time I went away, I dropped the kids at school and flew to Mexico City, where there were thousands of people waiting for us at the airport and hotel. When we got to the venue a stadium it was huge," he said. "But afterward, you get home and you have to wash up and the kids are like, 'Dad, stop being a w-----.'" Read the original article on People Gleb Garanich/Reuters Natural gas futures surged 24% with a cold spell expected across the eastern half of the US. Forecasts call for below-average temperatures on the East Coast and parts of the Midwest for January. Rising gas prices are also influenced by fears of cold weather in Europe and continued sanctions against Russia. Natural gas futures soared as much as 24% on Monday as investors anticipated a cold spell that would affect much of the United States. Weather forecasts call for a significant temperature drop starting this weekend up and down the East Coast and some parts of the Midwest heading into January. The cold weather is expected to be below average temperatures and dip into below-freezing levels. "Nat gas surging +16% given forecasts of a cold front in the U.S in the coming days," Patricia Medina, market analyst at the New York Stock Exchange, said on Monday. Investors expect the temperature drop to spark a rebound in demand for the heating commodity, which is a common oil substitute. The price of February futures for natural gas jumped to a high of $4.20 per million British thermal units in Monday's trading session. The gain continues recent trends, with the price of natural gas up 176% since its 2024 intra-day low reached in mid-February and up about 90% since its early August lows. Natural gas prices are on track to close at their highest level in nearly two years. According to Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, the predictions of cold weather that are driving gas prices up also extend into Europe. "Fears of a cold winter in Europe are also pushing gas higher," Kuptsikevich told Business Insider on Monday, adding that the recent price action should be bullish for oil prices. "We note the five-week decline in US commercial crude oil inventories. Stocks are now 4.5% lower than a year ago and remain near the lower end of the range over the past decade. The picture is complemented by a series of six-week declines in gas inventories," Kuptsikevich said. Such low inventories would suggest further demand for the commodity. Finally, continued sanctions against Russia's economy are boosting demand for US liquefied natural gas, according to Kuptsikevich, helping put upward pressure on prices. Overall, Kupsikevich is leaning bullish on the oil and gas sector, suggesting that the recent rally in commodity prices should continue as the incoming Trump administration has close ties with the oil lobby. "The agenda of US energy exports around the world and declining support for alternative energy sources should favour oil," Kuptsikevich said. Read the original article on Business Insider WASHINGTON Joe Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Jimmy Carters improbable presidential bid, seeing the progressive southerner and fiscal conservative as a necessary transitional figure in the Democratic Party, which was losing working-class voters. Both shared a common vision. And both also knew what it was like to be underestimated. That was the start of the intertwined and complex relationship between the man who became the longest-lived former president in history until his death and the nations oldest sitting president. It was a friendship they maintained until the end, and which Biden will honor when at Carters request he will deliver the eulogy for the man he's called "the spirit and the heart of the American people." "I think that what Jimmy Carter is an example of is just simple decency, simple decency," Biden said Sunday. "And I think that's what the rest of the world looks to America for." Biden said he was both an admirer and friend of Carter's. "I've been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years," he said. Jimmy Carter during an interview in New York on March 24, 2014. Staying grounded A key to their relationship was the capacity both had to stay grounded despite the heights to which they rose, according to grandson Jason Carter. I think my grandparents feel a real connection to that ability to go through this sort of rigmarole of politics and stay who you are, Carter told USA TODAY. Still, they had their differences. Biden was critical of Carter for not being able to pull off a transformation of the Democratic Party. He couldnt overcome the orthodoxies of the Democratic Party, and he couldnt overcome himself, Biden wrote in his 2007 memoir, Promises to Keep" in which he faulted Carter's governing style as too insular. Restoring the soul of America Biden, with his blue-collar blueprint to rebuild America, made his own attempt as president to stop the erosion of non-college-educated workers from the partys base. But just as the working-class "Reagan Democrats" helped turn Carter out of office, Donald Trump's gains among non-college educated voters helped fuel his 2024 comeback. When Biden defeated Trump in 2020, he'd vowed to restore the soul of America, something for which Carter had been an inspiration even though Biden thought the deeply faithful former president had a dangerous penchant for moralizing when he was in office. You thump that Bible one more time, Biden said he warned Carter during his presidency, and youre going to lose me, too. To know Carter's core, Biden said with admiration on Sunday, was to "know he never stopped being a Sunday school teacher at that Baptist church in Plains, Georgia." Was Carter too inexperienced? Biden too old? Carter may have had his own doubts about how well suited Biden was for the nations highest office. In 2019, when the 76-year-old Biden was campaigning for the office, Carter said he didnt think he wouldve been able to handle the demands of the White House as a senior citizen. Carter was in his 50s when he served in the White House. But Biden, in his memoir, said he learned from Carters administration the importance of experience. Jimmy Carter was a man of decency and a man of principle, but it wasnt enough, Biden wrote. Thats the first time I realized that on-the-job training for a president can be a dangerous thing. Biden didn't think Carter trusted him Biden, a creature of Congress proud of his interpersonal skills, was critical of the standoffishness of Carter, a newcomer to Washington. Despite having campaigned for Carter in 30 states Carter later wrote that Biden "had been my most effective supporter during the 1976 campaign" Biden felt Carter acted as if he didnt trust him. And, Biden resented that, in their brief one-on-one meetings, Carter kept a close eye on his watch. As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Biden tried to smooth over rough patches between Carter and foreign leaders, particularly the prickly German chancellor. Helmut Schmidt was furious with Carter for unilaterally deciding to cancel the deployment of neutron bombs in Western Europe. When Schmidt was about to meet with the Soviets as Carter was working on an arms limitation deal, the chancellor refused to talk to Carter or his secretary of state in advance. But he would talk to Biden. While expressing his outrage at Carter over the neutron bomb cancellation, Schmidt nonetheless told Biden he would not sell out the West. Biden defended Carter's Panama Canal treaties On another of Carters major foreign policy forays, Biden helped defend his treaties transferring the Panama Canal to Panamanian ownership. The Senates ratification of the treaties was a major victory for Carter. Biden also tried, this time unsuccessfully, to help Carter win ratification of the SALT II nuclear arms treaty hed negotiated with the Soviet Union. Biden and Carter clashed over busing Biden voted with Carter more often than average for a Senate Democrat in three of Carters four years in office, according to CQ Almanac. But their relationship was strained over the issue of busing to integrate schools. An opponent of court-ordered busing in his home state, Biden sought Carters support for legislation to limit the ability of judges to order the busing of white children to schools in Black neighborhoods and vice versa. Carter thought Bidens proposal was unconstitutional, according to biographer Jonathan Alter. That soured his relationship with Biden, who in September 1977 said of the president he had bet on: Nixon had his enemies list, and President Carter has his friends list. I guess Im on his friends list, and I dont know which is worse, Alter wrote in His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life." After Ted Kennedy declared he would challenge Carter for the 1980 presidential nomination, Biden considered trying to run as a compromise candidate. He opted out, he later wrote, because he wasnt ready to answer the question of why he wanted to be president and what he would do if he won. Biden didn't have as important a role in Carter's reelection campaign as he did in 1976. But he still made an effort. "Joe Biden and twelve other senators met at lunchtime to decide how best to support me," Carter wrote in his dairy on July 31, 1980. "They called a press conference afterward that was very lightly covered predictably." Biden benefited from Carter's elevation of the vice presidency When Biden agreed to be Barack Obamas 2008 running mate, he did so in part because of a change Carter had made to the vice presidency. Instead of an also-ran, Vice President Walter Mondale was a real partner to Carter with a West Wing office, unprecedented access to meetings and private lunches with the president. Mondale was the first person Biden consulted, outside of his own family, when deciding whether to team up with Obama. He told me his weekly lunch with President Jimmy Carter turned out to be the cornerstone of their working relationship, Biden wrote in his 2017 book Promise me, Dad. So, Barack and I decided to follow that advice as a way to make sure we had regular meetings where we could talk to each other privately, and with absolute honesty, about everything that was on our minds. 'The right person for this moment' When Biden secured the 2020 Democratic nomination for president, Carter called him the right person for this moment in our nations history. He understands that honesty and dignity are essential traits that determine not only our vision, but our actions, Carter said in his Democratic National Convention endorsement of the man he said had been his loyal and dedicated friend for decades. More than ever, thats what we need. Carter was unable to attend Bidens inauguration, the first presidential inauguration hed missed since taking the oath of office in 1977. In a call the night before to wish Biden well, Carter told the incoming president hed be with him in spirit. In Carters final months, Biden wrote on a relatively regular basis, letting Carter know he was thinking about him and praying for him. It wasnt so much a substantive discussion, Jason Carter said, as just acknowledging this lifetime of friendship. Biden, on Sunday, said the world may never see Carter's like again. "We'd all do well to try to be a little more like Jimmy Carter, he said. Every time he was summoned, he stepped up. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Biden's complex history, friendship with Jimmy Carter Concerns are growing for the safety of a prominent hospital director in Gaza who was taken into Israeli custody after the Israel Defense Forces raided the site, detained scores of people and forced the closure of one of the last functioning medical facilities in the enclave's north. Video captured outside Kamal Adwan Hospital and verified by NBC News shows its director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, wearing a white medical overcoat and walking alone toward a military vehicle. The street is strewn with rubble and the buildings around him appear destroyed, the video shared widely on social media shows. While it isn't clear exactly when the video was shot, the Israeli military confirmed Monday that it had detained and interrogated Abu Safiya. He was being held as a "suspect" and being questioned over "potential involvement in terrorist activity," IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said in a post on X. Dr. Hossam Abu Safieh supervises the treatment of an injured man on Nov. 21. Before his detention, Abu Safiya, a pediatrician, repeatedly warned about the IDF's raid on the hospital and how it endangered patients, including premature babies. On Friday, he posted video on his Instagram account showing a quadcopter dropping a bomb a few yards from Kamal Adwan Hospital, with the bomb exploding with a loud bang before sending plumes of smoke into the air. On Friday, video geolocated by NBC News to the area around the hospital showed a crowd of men stripped down to minimal clothing walking in a line with their hands raised. Separately, NBC News' crew on the ground in Gaza captured video of a blaze tearing through several units at the hospital on the same day. In it, people could be seen racing to try to douse the flames with buckets of water, while others sifted through the rubble. Shoshani previously said there was no connection between the fire and the IDF's activities at the site. Since Friday, there has been no sign of Abu Safiya, with international organizations, including the World Health Organization, sounding the alarm and demanding his release. "Hospitals in Gaza have once again become battlegrounds and the health system is under severe threat," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday in a statement on X, adding that Kamal Adwan was forced to go out of service following the IDF's raid. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya walking down a damaged street. "We call for his immediate release," Ghebreyesus said, while noting that Abu Safiyas whereabouts are unknown. Hospitals and medical workers are considered protected under international law, which states that they must never become targets in warfare. Asked to confirm Abu Safiyas whereabouts and why he was detained, the IDF declined to respond. The IDF alleged that Kamal Adwan had been used as a "Hamas command center." More than 240 people were detained over the weekend, all of them terrorists, it added in a statement. Sharing a photo of Abu Safiya, over the weekend, the international human rights group Amnesty International said it was "extremely concerned over the fate & wellbeing" of the medical director. "He must be released immediately and unconditionally," the organization said in a statement posted on X. Ghebreyesus said critical patients had been moved out of Kamal Adwan to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which he noted was "itself out of function." He said WHO workers on the ground and partnering groups were able to deliver basic medical and hygiene supplies, as well as water Monday to the Indonesian Hospital, in addition to transferring 10 critical patients to Al-Shifa Hospital, which has been heavily bombed and raided by Israeli forces repeatedly throughout the war in the Gaza Strip. Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahya, Gaza, in October. But Ghebreyesus said that at least four patients were detained during WHO's efforts. "We urge Israel to ensure their health care needs and rights are upheld," he said. Meanwhile, the WHO director-general noted that multiple other hospitals in Gaza had also been attacked over the past several days. The IDF said it has been well documented that Hamas uses hospitals and medical centers for its operations and pointed to weapons and tunnel systems found at and around hospitals. It also pointed to the alleged confession of former Kamal Adwan Hospital Director Ahmad Kahalot, whom the IDF detained last year and said had confessed to being a senior Hamas member. Local health officials vehemently dispute claims that medical centers are used by Hamas or other militants. NBC News was not able to independently verify the IDFs claims. Israeli forces' repeated attacks on hospitals and medical facilities in Gaza have left the enclave's health care system decimated amid a spiraling humanitarian crisis, with most facilities damaged or destroyed in Israel's more than a yearlong military offensive. "If a hospital has been reduced to a bombed-out shell, it would cease to be protected, but otherwise a hospital, whether immediately used or not, is presumptively protected as an important civilian institution," Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, previously told NBC News. "It can be attacked only if actively used for military purposes, and even then, only if the civilian harm is not disproportionate." The Illinois-based nonprofit organization MedGlobal was also among those to condemn the IDF's attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital, calling it a "brutal violation of a protected medical space" as it echoed calls for Abu Safiya's release. "Dr. Abu Safiya and his team constitute the lifeline of healthcare provision in northern Gaza," Rajaa Musleh, MedGlobals Gaza country director, said in a statement. More than 45,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israeli forces launched their offensive in the enclave after the Hamas-led Oct. 7 terrorist attack, in which some 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others taken hostage, marking a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict. On Sunday, 179 people were killed as a plane touched down in South Korea, making it the deadliest plane crash in South Korea's history. Two of the six Jeju Air crew members are the only survivors of the crash, and are being treated at a local hospital after the plane 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. The plane was en route from Bangkok, Thailand. Victims ranged from ages 3 to 78, according to authorities. Firefighters and rescue teams work at the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024 in Muan-gun, South Korea. A plane carrying 181 people, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. A team of U.S investigators was being assembled to aid South Korea's probe into the crash. The crash happened the same week an Azerbaijan Airlines flight crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. This crashes are far from the norm, with a one in an 11 million chance for the average American to be involved in a plane crash, according to PBS. Here's a list of some of the deadliest and most shocking plane crashes in recent history. The Tenerife Airport disaster In 1977, 583 people were killed on an airport runway on the Canary Island of Tenerife after a KLM Boeing 747 attempted to take off. There was heavy fog and the Boeing crashed into a Pan Am 747, leading to the tragedy. Japan Airlines Flight 123, JA8119 On Aug. 12, 1985, 12 minutes after it took off from Tokyo, the plane experienced "an explosive decompression," which led to extensive damage and caused the plane to lose control and crash into remote, mountainous terrain in the Gunma Prefecture, which lies at the center of Japan, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Of the 524 people onboard the plane, only four survived. Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 Another tragedy and great mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared while it was en route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Beijing, China on March 8, 2014. The flight carried 227 passengers and 12 crew members onboard the Boeing 777 that seemingly vanished a decade ago. The number of casualties count can not be confirmed as the craft is still missing, but the search is set to resume over a decade after its disappearance, Malaysia Minister of Transport Anthony Loke announced Dec. 20. American Airlines Flight 587 On Nov. 12, 2001, an Airbus A300 crashed into a neighborhood in Queens, New York, two months after 9/11 in 2001, according to ABC 7 NY. The plane carried 260 people. Everyone onboard and five people on the ground were killed in the crash. The American Airlines flight, which took off from Kennedy Airport, and was headed to the Dominican Republic, a country in the Caribbean. Alaska Airlines flight 261 January 31, 2000, all 88 people on board the flight, which was en route to San Francisco from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, were killed when it nosedived into the Pacific Ocean 2.7 miles north of Anacapa Island, California, according to the FAA. "Accident investigation revealed a wide range of human, technical, and organizational factors contributing to this tragic event," according to a report from the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology. Contributing: Greta Cross; USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are the deadliest plane accidents? See list after South Korea crash By Ramadan Abed and Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Yahya Al-Batran woke up in the early hours of Sunday morning to find his wife, Noura trying to wake their newborn twin sons Jumaa and Ali as they lay together in the makeshift tent the family occupied in an encampment in the central Gaza Strip. Intense winter cold and heavy rain across the coastal enclave in previous days had made their lives a misery but what he heard was more serious. "She said she had been trying to wake Jumaa up, but he was not waking up, and I asked about Ali and she said, he was not walking up either," he told Reuters on Sunday. "I held up Jumaa, he was white and freezing like snow, like ice, frozen." Jumaa, a month old, died of hypothermia, one of six Palestinians who have died of exposure and cold over recent days in Gaza, according to doctors. Ali was in critical condition on Monday in intensive care. In the second winter of the war in Gaza, the weather has added an extra element of suffering to hundreds of thousands of people already displaced, often multiple times, while efforts to agree a ceasefire go nowhere. The death of Jumaa al-Batran shows how severe the situation facing vulnerable families remains. Israeli authorities say they have allowed thousands of aid trucks carrying food, water, medical equipment and shelter supplies into Gaza. International aid agencies say Israeli forces have been hampering aid deliveries, making the humanitarian crisis even worse. Yahya al-Batran's family, from the northern town of Beit Lahiya, fled their home early in the war for al-Maghazi, an open air patch of dunes and scrubland in central Gaza which Israeli authorities decreed as a humanitarian zone. Later on, as al-Maghazi became increasingly unsafe, they moved to another encampment in nearby Deir al-Balah city. "Since I am an adult I may take this and endure it, but what did the young one do to deserve this?" Jumaa's mother, Noura al-Batran said. "He could not endure it, he could not endure the cold or the hunger and this hopelessness." TATTERED TENTS Around the area, dozens of tents, many already tattered from months of use, have been blown away or flooded by the strong winds and rain, leaving families struggling to repair the damage, patching torn sheets of plastic and piling up sand to hold back the water. It is another aspect of the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza's 2.3 million population, caught by the relentless Israeli campaign against the remnants of Hamas and dependent on an erratic aid system increasingly vulnerable to looting as order has broken down. Israel's campaign against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, and turned the enclave into a wasteland of rubble and destroyed buildings. 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. The United Nations relief agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, said on Sunday that the aid is nowhere near enough and a ceasefire was desperately needed to deliver as famine loomed. Earlier this month, Israeli and Hamas leaders expressed hopes that talks brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United States could lead to an agreement to halt the fighting and return Israeli hostages held by Hamas, potentially opening the way to a full ceasefire agreement. But optimistic talk of a deal before the end of the year has faded and it remains unclear how near the two sides are to an agreement. Even as the displaced suffer, Israeli troops have been battling Hamas fighters in the ruined area around the northern towns of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahiya, now out of reach of emergency services cut off by the fighting. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Editing by Angus MacSwan) By Bo Erickson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -January brings several consequential dates for the U.S. Congress as Republicans consolidate power as a result of last November's elections with full control of the Senate, House of Representatives and White House. JAN. 3: The 119th Congress convenes with new members being sworn in. Republicans hold a narrow majority of 219-215 in the House. The Senate majority is 53-47, well below the 60-vote threshold needed to advance most legislation. Republican Senator John Thune already has been selected for the top job of Senate majority leader, but all eyes will be on the lower chamber as the House votes for speaker. Speaker Mike Johnson is running to stay in his position and is backed by President-elect Donald Trump. However, if as few as two Republicans vote against Johnson, his speakership could be in jeopardy because a majority of the chamber is needed to win. Democrats will nominate Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to challenge Johnson for the speakership but are expected to fall a few votes short. The party with the majority -- no matter how slim -- is always expected to win the speaker's post. JAN. 6: Exactly four years after an angry mob of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol trying to stop the congressional certification of President Joe Biden's 2020 victory, Congress will once again convene to certify Trump's 2024 win during a joint session of Congress. Vice President Kamala Harris, who Trump defeated in the election, will preside over the Electoral College count in her dual capacity as Senate president. Hostility like the 2021 Capitol riot is not expected, yet Congress has since then passed reforms to the certification process to prevent outside disruptions. Trump has vowed to pardon some of the Jan. 6 defendants when he takes office. JAN. 7-9: President Joe Biden has declared Jan. 9 a national day of mourning and the official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. Congressional leaders announced the coffin bearing Carter's remains will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9 in the run-up to the state funeral. JAN. 20: Trump will be sworn in on the West Front steps of the Capitol and takes office as the 47th president, only the second president to be reelected after leaving office. Trump is expected to announce dozens of executive actions on his first day in office from immigration changes to energy decisions. Once Trump is inaugurated, he will be able to formally nominate his Cabinet picks and some Senate confirmation votes could be held promptly. (Reporting by Bo Erickson; editing by Richard Cowan and David Gregorio) 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. 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. 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. Peanut farmer to President: Jimmy Carter's unprecedented path into politics and beyond 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. 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. Jimmy Carter funeral: Former president's viewing arrangements, planning underway 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmy Carter's faith: A born-again Christian, progressive evangelical The storm system that spun up deadly tornadoes across the Southeast will rush across the northeastern U.S. on Monday before another storm is expected to follow its path, bringing rounds of heavy rain to the region that could hamper travel and impact New Year's celebrations. More than four dozen tornadoes were reported from Texas to Georgia as the storms knocked out power to thousands of homes and delayed or canceled thousands of flights from Friday to Sunday. The severe weather outbreak killed at least four people in Texas, Mississippi and South Carolina. As of Monday, flood advisories were still in place throughout the Southeast as elevated river levels and run-off still posed a danger in some areas, according to the National Weather Service. Damage from an overnight storm is seen in Pike Road, Ala., on Sunday December 29, 2024. The storm system is expected to continue pushing north throughout the day, bringing rain, wind and fog across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. "There can be rumbles of thunder as far north as the northern tier of Pennsylvania, New York City and southern New England," said Dave Dombek, a senior meteorologist for AccuWeather. To the west, strong winds and several inches of snow were forecast from northern Idaho to western Iowa on Monday as a low pressure system moves east from the Rockies and spreads over the Plains and Midwest regions. Winter storms warnings were active as up to a foot of snow could fall over the Rockies and flurries could be seen as east as the Ohio Valley, according to the national weather service. Snow, wildfire, hurricanes and heat: Sign up for USA TODAY's Climate Point newsletter. Lakeshore flooding expected in western New York The national weather service office in Buffalo, New York, issued a flood warning for Erie and Chautauqua counties, saying water will rise rapidly on the eastern end of Lake Erie, resulting in flooding and "significant shoreline erosion." "Waves are often larger than they appear and can easily wash you away," the warning said. "Expect significant beach erosion and debris, local road closures and extremely dangerous boating conditions." The flood warning was issued just before 3 a.m. local time and is set to expire at 1 p.m., according to the weather service. Red flag warnings issued amid high winds in the West A combination of low humidity, dry conditions and high winds led authorities to issue red flag warnings across western Texas, eastern New Mexico as well as parts of Colorado and Kansas. The many fire warnings were in place through Monday afternoon and are set to expire in the evening. The mountain ridges and east slopes across the lower Plains were most at risk as forecasters expect consistent winds of 20 to 30 mph. "Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning," said the weather service in El Paso, Texas. In Pueblo, Colorado, the local weather service office warned residents to avoid starting fires outside because wind gusts in southeastern parts of the state could reach as high as 60 mph. Forecasters expect drought conditions to persist and worsen across the southern tier of U.S. over the coming months as La Nina conditions develop, raising the risk of wildfires from the Southeast to the Southwest. "Fire is probably the biggest danger going into winter," climatologist and drought expert Brian Fuchs told USA TODAY in an email in mid-December. More: 2025 climate forecast warns of winter danger but not the cold kind Over 85k without power across eastern US Tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without power Monday as storms brought strong winds and heavy rain across the eastern U.S. Over 85,000 utility customers did not have power Monday morning, down from Sunday's high of more than 200,000 outages, according to PowerOutage.us. Pennsylvania had the most outages, at 38,300, followed by Mississippi, 28,000; Ohio, 13,500; and West Virginia, 6,400. "Strong winds will blow down trees and power lines," warned the weather service office in Buffalo, where wind gusts of up to 60 mph were forecast. "Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles." Flood warnings active throughout the East, Midwest Weather service officers from eastern Texas to the Carolinas, Ohio, Illinois and western New York issued flood warnings as rivers continue to rise and forecasters anticipate more rain this week. The National Weather Service office in Little Rock, Arkansas, warned farmers to move livestock to higher ground as the Black River rose to its flood stage of 17 feet. "Agricultural lands along the river east and south of Pocahontas will be impacted by high water," the warning said. The White River in Augusta, Arkansas, northeast of Little Rock, has flooded "thousands of acres of farm ground," a local weather service office said in a weather alert Monday, adding: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles." In southern Illinois, the weather service office in Lincoln said the Little Wabash River was within several inches of impacting U.S. Route 50, a major highway that runs from Sacramento, California, to Ocean City, Maryland. Similar warnings were issued in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. Flights delays, cancellations down from the weekend Air travel on Monday in the U.S. was much smoother than it was over the weekend, when severe weather across the Southeast led to tens of thousands of delays and cancellations. Over 20,000 flights in the U.S. were delayed or canceled on Saturday and Sunday, most of them in Georgia and Texas, according to the tracking site FlightAware. As of Monday morning, there were 84 cancellations and 2,423 delays within, into or out of the U.S., FlightAware said. The FAA said departures at Denver International Airport were delayed by an average of a half hour "due to wind." The agency also said a delay or ground stop program at Boston Logan International Airport later Monday afternoon is "possible." Four killed in powerful weekend storms A storm system pummeled Texas and the Southeast over the weekend, killing at least four people across the region as well as knocking out power to thousands of homes and businesses and impeding air travel. Two people were killed in Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves said in a statement. One person was killed and two were injured when a tree fell on a home in Natchez, a city on the Mississippi River and near the Louisiana border. A second death was reported in Lowndes County, which shares a border with the Alabama. A woman was killed by a tornado that tore across Brazoria County, Texas, on Saturday, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and Manvel Mayor Dan Davis. The tornado damaged several dozen buildings and structures, including a local elementary school, which suffered "catastrophic damage," according to local officials. In North Carolina, a 70-year-old man was killed Sunday morning after a tree fell on his pickup truck in Iredell County, just north of Charlotte, state troopers told multiple local news outlets. Heavy rain in forecast for the Northeast on New Year's Eve Behind Monday's storm, a second weather system is forecast to drench the East Coast from North Carolina to southern New England on Tuesday. In New York, where thousands are expected to gather for the Times Square ball drop, officials have already begun warning people that the heaviest rain is forecast to hit the city between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 4 a.m. Wednesday. "Planning on seeing the ball drop in Times Square for New Year's Eve? Be weather aware, as moderate to heavy rain is possible within a few hours of midnight that night," the New York State Weather Risk Communication Center said in a weather outlook on X. The storm may also cause several inches of snow around the northern and western Great Lakes, including Chicago. Contributing: John Bacon, Thao Nguyen and Doyle Rice (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heavy rain in forecast for Northeast; snow falls across Plains states WASHINGTON Funeral services for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at age 100, will begin this weekend and end on Jan. 9, moving from his home state of Georgia to Washington, D.C. Carter's family and his Secret Service Detail will carry his remains from the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia, to a hearse on Saturday, which will then travel through his hometown of Plains, Georgia, according to a release from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. The motorcade will stop at his boyhood home, during which the National Park Service will salute him and ring the bell on the farm 39 times, a reference to his service as the nation's 39th president, before heading to Atlanta. The former Georgia governor's remains will stop at Georgia's State Capitol and then lie in repose at the Carter Presidential Center for public visitations in Atlanta until Tuesday, Jan. 7. A couple stands in front of The Carter Presidential Center's sign, after the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the age of 100, in Atlanta, Georgia on December 29, 2024. On Tuesday, Carter's remains will be moved to his presidential plane, Special Air Mission 39, where he will travel to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and then to the U.S. Capitol building. Carter will then lie in state in the Capitol, where members of Congress can pay their respects during a 3 p.m. service. The public can visit Carter's remains at the Capitol from 7 p.m. to midnight Tuesday and all day Wednesday. On Thursday, Jan. 9, Carter will be moved to the National Cathedral for a funeral service at 10 a.m. Then he and his family will travel back to Plains, Georgia, for a private funeral service that afternoon, followed by a burial at his home. Congressional leaders also sent a letter Monday to Carter's son, James Carter III, detailing the plans. "On behalf of the United States Congress and the American people, we write to express our sincerest condolences to you on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter," wrote House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, soon-to-be Senate Republican Leader John Thune, and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries."In recognition of President Carters long and distinguished service to the nation, it is our intention to ask the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to permit his remains lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia to DC: Former President Jimmy Carter's funeral service details Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter and Rep. Barbara Jordan, D-Texas, at the Democratic National Convention in New York on July 15, 1976. When Alexis M. Herman first met Jimmy Carter back in the 1970s, she never imagined how their fates would intertwine, nor the heights to which their careers would rise. He was governor of Georgia then, and I was just a few years out of college, Herman said. Herman, an Alabama native and Xavier University alumna, was a volunteer on civil rights leader Andrew Youngs congressional campaign when Andy introduced me to Jimmy Carter and told him of the work I was doing. At the time, Herman was involved in an experimental project to create a minority womens employment program in Atlanta. It was the height of the womens movement, she recalled. But women of color were not getting certain opportunities. Her efforts helped place the first Black women in professional and technical roles at major corporations such as General Motors, Coca-Cola, Xerox and Delta Air Lines. From Georgia, the initiative spread across the South. Carter seemed impressed. After he defeated incumbent Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential election, he nominated Herman to be director of the Womens Bureau in the Labor Department. Years later, during the Clinton administration, Herman returned to the department this time as the countrys first Black labor secretary. From judgeships to Cabinet-level appointments, Black women broke ground in Carters administration. He was in office from 1977 to 1981, amid the wave of feminist and gender activism that followed the height of the Civil Rights Movement. After the announcement last year that Carter, 100, had entered hospice care at home, Black women who worked with Carter during his administration told NBC News that Carter, who died Sunday, had long been a champion of women, notably as shifting gender norms coincided with his term. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman in 1998. At 29, Herman was the youngest person to fill the director role at the Womens Bureau, which was established in 1920. She spent her three-year tenure advocating for women-centric policy issues that ran the gamut from equal pay and child care to maternity leave and sexual harassment protections. There is not one single initiative related to womens rights that did not have its foundation in the Carter administration, Herman said. According to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, Carter is one of 12 presidents who have appointed women to Cabinet or Cabinet-level positions since President Franklin D. Roosevelt named Frances Perkins labor secretary in 1933. During his four years in the White House, Carter appointed four women to such positions, CAWP data shows. Under Carter whom Black voters overwhelmingly supported in the 1976 presidential race, a contest they were credited with helping him win Black women were catapulted into key posts. In 1977, he appointed Patricia Roberts Harris, a Howard University alumna and attorney, as secretary of housing and urban development, making her the first Black woman to serve as a White House Cabinet secretary. When Carter later named Harris the first secretary of the newly reorganized Department of Health and Human Services, she became the first woman to hold two different Cabinet positions. Hazel R. OLeary, a corporate attorney who initially joined the Ford administration, rose through the ranks under Carter to be chief administrator of the Economic Regulatory Administration in the newly created Energy Department. Carter tapped Eleanor Holmes Norton, now Washington, D.C.s delegate to Congress, to become the first woman to head the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1977. President Jimmy Carter at Patricia Roberts Harris' swearing-in ceremony to be secretary of health, education and welfare on Aug. 3, 1979. The beauty of President Carter is he was ahead of his time because of his inclusion of Black women in key roles, said Shavon Arline-Bradley, the president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women. She pointed to Dorothy Height, the late civil rights leader who led NCNW for four decades. In her book Open Wide the Freedom Gates, Height wrote that Carter appointed her to the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. The other fifteen members were professionals in fields like medicine, ethics, law, health and education. I was a public member, she wrote. And I brought to the commission what I had learned face to face with poor women. I could be the voice of women who knew that their rights had been violated. I had something to contribute in the shaping of public policy recommendations and pressed for policies to be written so that they were understandable. While the Congressional Black Caucus of that era was sometimes critical of Carters policies and the impact on Black Americans, he regularly engaged with its members. They included Black congresswomen who were powerhouses on Capitol Hill and the national stage, like Rep. Shirley Chisholm, of New York, a Democrat with Caribbean roots who was reportedly driven to tears calling out the administrations Haiti policy. Rep. Barbara Jordan, D-Texas, campaigned for Carter and was a keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention where he was nominated for president. Carter and Jordan were political allies, said Carla Brailey, an associate professor of sociology and a senior fellow at the Barbara Jordan Institute for Policy Research at Texas Southern University, where Jordan was an alumna. Once he was elected, Carter reportedly considered Barbara Jordan on his short list for the job of attorney general, she said. Jordan did not get the job, Brailey said, but she was offered a United Nations post a position she apparently did not covet. President Jimmy Carter meets with Rep. Shirley Chisholm on July 14, 1977. Carter grew up in Plains, Georgia, where his father was a farmer and businessman and his mother was a registered nurse. As a child, he formed close, endearing relationships with Black members of his small community in an era of segregation. Following military service as a naval officer, he returned home to run his familys peanut farm and later sought public office. Karin Ryan, senior policy adviser for human rights at the Atlanta-based Carter Center, worked alongside Carter for some decades. Human rights, democracy and womens rights are pivotal to our work, she said of his presidency and post-presidency. With former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the center placed a major emphasis on advancing the rights of women and girls globally. In his 2014 book, A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power, Carter wrote, The worlds discrimination and violence against women and girls is the most serious, pervasive, and ignored violation of basic human rights. In public speeches, he challenged misinterpretations of religious scriptures relegating women to secondary status and decried practices such as genital mutilation, honor killings and sex trafficking. Today, the centers programs promote womens leadership in peace-building, combating sexual exploitation and strengthening the capacity of organizations serving less developed nations to promote gender equality, improve womens access to education and more. Rep. Nikema Williams, a Democrat, represents Georgias 5th Congressional District, known as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement. President Jimmy Carter is an inspiration. He never stopped working for peace, democracy and uplifting those most marginalized, Williams said in a statement. I named my son Carter after this great President. I strive everyday to make sure Carter has the same humility and commitment to service as his namesake. CORRECTION (Dec. 30, 2024, 6:15 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated Carla Braileys position at Texas Southern University. She is an associate professor of sociology, not an assistant professor. A previous version of this article misstated how many Black women Carter appointed to his Cabinet and to Cabinet-level positions. It was one, not four. As Joe Biden's presidency nears its end, he bid farewell to a "dear friend" in former President Jimmy Carter. Carter, 100, died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. Biden released a statement on his X account and through the White House honoring the 39th U.S. president. "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian," Biden's statement reads. "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." "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 also called Carter "a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism." "We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together," Biden said. "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, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts." Over six decades, Jill and I 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. pic.twitter.com/irknhZ6CJY President Biden (@POTUS) December 29, 2024 'A man of principle, faith, and humility' Biden said he implores the youth in America to study the Plains, Georgia native. "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," according to Biden's statement. "He showed that we are (a) great nation because we are a good people decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong." To end his statement, Biden announced that he is ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C. after 100 years of him giving "his full life in service to God and country." Biden addresses Carter's death in press conference Biden also held a news conference honoring Carter, saying the former president "lived a life measured not by words but by his deeds." He also commented on Carter's melanoma diagnosis, which had spread to four different parts of his brain by the time he was 90 years old, according to the American Cancer Society. "Jimmy Carter was just as courageous in his battle against cancer as he was in everything in his life," Biden said. "Cancer was a common bond between our two families, as of many other families. When our son Bo died, Jimmy and Rosalynn were there to help us heal." Biden and Carter go way back Not long after taking office in 2021, Biden and the first lady, Jill Biden, visited Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter at their home in Plains, Georgia. It was great to see President Carter," Biden said about the visit, per CNN. "He reminded me that I was the first person to endorse him outside of Georgia. And we sat and talked about the old days." The president called the Carters "old friends" and said he and his wife "had a nice time," the outlet reported. According to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, Biden was the first U.S. senator to endorse Carter during his 1976 presidential bid. We believe being right on the issues is not enough in 1976. Our nation and our party need a president who is not only right, but who has demonstrated ability to accomplish our common goals, Biden and then-Sen. Birch Bayh wrote in a joint letter at the time, adding, We believe that person is Jimmy Carter. In a video released to CBS News in October, Biden celebrated Carter's 100th birthday by calling the former president a moral force for our nation and the world and a beloved friend. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jimmy Carter death: Joe Biden praises his 'dear friend' in statement 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. Food & Wine / Getty Images In 2014, with little fanfare, the Nizza appellation in the Asti region of Monferrato in Piedmont was created, giving this Barbera dAsti sub-area its own, high-quality Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) appellation. Its now been ten years since this happened, but wine moves slowly finally, people are starting to talk about this niche region, its high standards, and its truly delicious wines. While the rest of Italy often sees Barbara as a ubiquitous workhorse grape, people in Nizza cherish and respect it; studies suggest it originated with wild vines in the local Monferrato area. And its in the Nizza vineyards where Barbera truly finds the best growing spots, at least according to many producers, sommeliers, and importers. David Giuliano, the Italian portfolio manager for New Yorks Regal Wine Imports, says, In the Langhe region, where you find the Nebbiolo grape, Barbera will always get the second-quality parcel of the vineyard, but in Nizza, Barbera gets its day in the sun. There it can fully mature on hillside sites that in the Langhe would be reserved for Nebbiolo. Essentially, by devoting the best vineyard sites to Barbera, Nizza wine automatically sets higher standards for the variety than anywhere else in the world. Related: If You Love Pinot Noir, Meet Your New Favorite Wine Region Nizza DOCG requirements are rather strict. Wines must be 100 percent Barbera, production areas are limited to those with south-west to south-east exposures, and vineyards must have a minimum of 4,000 vines per hectare (2.47 acres) with a maximum average of ten buds per vine. There are also specific yield requirements, and minimum barrel and bottle aging requirements. (The name of the grape itself is not mentioned on the label, either, which is typical of many European appellations.) clodio / Getty Images What does Nizza DOCG wine taste like? Nizza DOCG wines are powerful, complex, full-bodied expressions of the Barbera grape. In the glass, they typically have an intense ruby-red color, shifting towards crimson as the wine ages. Aromas tend to suggest ripe red cherries and sweet, spicy chocolate. While there are stylistic differences from winery to winery, of course, Nizza DOCG wines usually have alluring flavors of ripe red cherries, red plums and juicy pomegranate, sometimes ending on a savory note suggesting wild mushrooms. They feel velvety and complex, balancing refreshing acidity and modest tannins. Related: Meet the High-Altitude, Underdog Region That Is Producing Some of the Best Italian Wines Beki Miller, beverage manager and sommelier at Wolfgang Pucks Carama in Las Vegas, loves wines from Nizza: They particularly show well with some age, and have great structure compared to Barberas from Alba and Asti. Pairing Nizza DOCG wines with food Miller says the crunchy acidity she finds in Nizza wine makes it pair ideally with cured meats and aged cheeses, and also pizza. Dana Beninati, the chef and sommelier behind New Yorks Dine with Dana, says Nizza wines are elegant and inviting, making them an easy choice when welcoming guests to a dinner party. I love serving them with snacks that have a good bit of salt and spice, too, like black pepper Kettle chips, hunks of aged cheese, or something like a caramelized onion focaccia. Both Beninati and Stephano Chiarlo, winemaker and co-CEO of Michele Chiarlo winery and president of the Nizza Producers Association, love pairing Nizza wine with pork or veal ragu. Beninati also suggests a simple pastrami sandwich. For me, the pastrami spice rub and the fattiness of beef brisket bring out the best in Nizza reds, she says. Especially if you serve them with a slight chill. As more Nizza DOCG wines come to the U.S. market, the regions excellent Barberas are definitely becoming easier to find. Here are four producers to look for. Related: Ordering Wine for the Table? These 13 Bottles Pair With Any Entree Nizza DOCG producers to seek out Ricossa Food & Wine / Ricossa With roots in Piedmont dating back to the 1800s, the Ricossa family is known for producing classic wines that express the cultural and gastronomic tradition of the region. Ricossas 2019 Lorenzo Ricossa Noceto Nizza ($28) is a stunning example, with elegant balsamic hints of thyme and sage, and finish that suggests licorice, vanilla and cocoa. Michele Chiarlo Food & Wine / Michele Chiarlo Michele Chiarlo has been making Piedmontese wines from some of the finest crus since 1956, and is one of the pioneers of the Nizza designation. For Nizza DOCG wines, look for its 2021 La Court Vigna Veja Barbera dAsti Superiore Nizza ($67) and 2022 Cipressi Nizza ($32). Produced only in excellent vintages and in limited quantities, La Court offers notes of concentrated black fruits, rhubarb, and chocolate with a long, velvety finish. Cipressi is less concentrated, with elegant cherry, raspberry and sweet tobacco notes on the nose. Related: How to Find the Best Italian Wines Frasca Food & Wine / Frasca Wine New kids on the block, the Frasca family returned to Italy with the desire to make elegant, terroir-expressive wines in Nizza Monferrato. They brought Asti-born winemaker Matteo Gerbi, making the most of his Langhe Barolo pedigree and his passion for Nizza Monferrato, back to an area he felt was underappreciated. Together, they acquired the La Guaragna estate in 2019. The grapes for their first vintage 2020 Frasca Nizza ($32) were grown in estates sustainably farmed, hill-top vineyard La Guaragna, producing a brilliantly red, medium-bodied Barbera with plum, currant, and raspberry aromas, that finishes on a rustic, earthy note and soft tannins. Cascina Guido Berta Food & Wine / Cascina Guido Berta The son of vine growers, Guido Berta took to managing his family business and opened a wine cellar at a young age in the 1990s. Berta largely focuses on growing Barbera, farming sustainably (and working towards fully organic practices). His 2021 Guido Berta Nizza ($30) offers an intense garnet-red hue and aromas of cherries and red plums, with subtle hints of cocoa; those luscious red-fruit flavors continue on the palate. Read the original article on Food & Wine Patrick Egan, 39, has been charged with assault, committing a bias-motivated crime and harassment in connection with an attack on KKCO/KJCT reporter JaRonn Alex on December 18. (Mesa County Sheriff's Office) A Colorado man is facing possible bias-motivated charges for allegedly attacking a television news reporter after demanding to know whether he was a citizen, saying This is Trumps America now, according to court documents. Patrick Thomas Egan, 39, was arrested December 18 in Grand Junction after police say he followed KKCO/KJCT reporter JaRonn Alexs vehicle for around 40 miles from the Delta area. Alex told police that he believed he had been followed and attacked because he is Pacific Islander. After arriving in Grand Junction, Egan, who was driving a taxi, pulled up next to Alex at a stoplight and, according to an arrest affidavit, said something to the effect of: 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! Alex, who had been out reporting, then drove back to his news station in the city. After he got out of his vehicle, Egan chased Alex as he ran toward the stations door and demanded to see his identification, according to the document laying out polices evidence in the case. Egan then tackled Alex, put him in a headlock and began to strangle him, the affidavit said. Coworkers who ran out to help and witnesses told police that Alex appeared to be losing his ability to breathe during the attack, which was partially captured on surveillance video, according to the document. According to the stations website, Alex is a native of Detroit. KKCO/KJCT reported that he was driving a news vehicle at the time. Egan was arrested on suspicion of bias-motivated crimes, second degree assault and harassment. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday to learn whether prosecutors have filed formal charges against him. Egans lawyer, Ruth Swift, was out of the office Friday and did not return a telephone message seeking comment. KKCO/KJCT vice president and general manager Stacey Stewart said the station could not comment beyond what it has reported on the attack. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com 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. 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. 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. "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' 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. 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." 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. 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. 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. 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) By Ju-min Park and Hongji Kim MUAN COUNTY, South Korea (Reuters) - South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country's entire airline operation as investigators worked to identify victims and find out what caused the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil. All 175 passengers and four of the six crew were killed when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway at Muan International Airport, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall. Two crew members were pulled out alive. The top priority for now is identifying the victims, supporting their families and treating the two survivors, Choi told a disaster management meeting in Seoul. "Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families," he said. "As soon as the accident recovery is conducted, the transport ministry is requested to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the entire aircraft operation system to prevent recurrence of aircraft accidents," he said. As a first step, the transport ministry announced plans to conduct a special inspection of all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airliners beginning on Monday, focusing on the maintenance record of key components. Jeju Air flight 7C2216, arriving from the Thai capital Bangkok, was trying to land shortly after 9 a.m. (0000 GMT) on Sunday at the airport in the south of the country. Investigators are examining bird strikes, whether any of the aircraft's control systems were disabled, and the apparent rush by the pilots to attempt a landing soon after declaring an emergency as possible factors in the crash, fire and transportation officials have said. Experts say many questions remain, including why the plane, powered by two CFM 56-7B26 engines, appeared to be travelling so fast and why its landing gear did not appear to be down when it skidded down the runway and into a concrete embankment. CFM International is a joint venture between GE Aerospace and France's Safran. On Monday, transport ministry officials said as the pilots made a scheduled approach they told air traffic control the aircraft had suffered a bird strike, shortly after the control tower gave them a warning birds were spotted in the vicinity. The pilots then issued a Mayday warning and signalled their intention to abandon the landing and to go around and try again. Shortly afterwards, the aircraft came down on the runway in a belly landing, touching down about 1,200 metres (1,310 yards) along the 2,800 metre (3,062 yard) runway and sliding into the embankment at the end of the landing strip. 'YOU DON'T HAVE A WALL' Officials are investigating what role the localiser antenna, located at the end of the runway to help in landing, played in the crash, including the concrete embankment on which it was standing, transport ministry officials told a media briefing. "Normally, on an airport with a runway at the end, you don't have a wall," said Christian Beckert, a flight safety expert and Lufthansa pilot based in Munich. "You more have maybe an engineered material arresting system, which lets the airplane sink into the ground a little bit and brakes (it)." The crash killed mostly local residents who were returning from holidays in Thailand, while two Thai nationals also died. "I can only accept it, make peace with it," said Boonchuay Duangmanee, 77, the father of one of the Thai victims. "When I think about it, I remind myself that it was an accident. It's something that can happen to anyone. So, I've come to terms with it because no matter what I do, my daughter won't come back." On Monday morning, investigators were trying to identify some of the more than two dozen remaining victims, as anguished families waited inside the Muan airport terminal. Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash, said he was told by authorities that his brother had been identified but has not been able to see his body. Park called on victims' families to unite in responding to the disaster, citing a 2014 ferry sinking that killed more than 300 people. Many relatives of the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster complained it took authorities too long to identify those killed and the cause of that accident. Transportation ministry officials said the jet's flight data recorder was recovered but appeared to have sustained some damage on the outside and it was not yet clear whether the data was sufficiently intact to be analysed. The recorder has been transported to Seoul and an analysis will begin when a team of U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing officials arrive in the country late on Monday, the officials told reporters. Muan International Airport remains closed through Wednesday but the rest of South Korea's international and regional airports including the main Incheon International Airport were operating as scheduled. Shares of Jeju Air hit their lowest level on record on Monday, trading as much as 15.7% lower. Boeing's U.S.-listed shares fell 4.2% in early trading and were set to lose about $5 billion in market capitalization. Under global aviation rules, South Korea will lead a civil investigation into the crash and automatically involve the NTSB since the plane was designed and built in the United States. A large memorial has been set up in a county gym about 9 km (5 miles) from the crash site, where people including acting President Choi came to pay respects. Choi, who is overseeing recovery efforts and the investigation, became acting leader just three days ago after the country's president and prime minister were impeached over the imposition of a short-lived martial law. The aviation insurance industry could be looking at a claim for about $15-$20 million under the airline hull insurance policy, and total passenger liability claims of $120-$180 million due to the crash, according to Marcos Alvarez, managing director of global insurance ratings at Morningstar DBRS. (Reporting by Ju-min Park, Hongji Kim, Dogyun Kim in Muan, Jihoon Lee, Hyunsu Yim, Joyce Lee in Seoul and Hyonhee Shin in Sejong; additional reporting by Napat Wesshasartar in Bangkok, Carolyn Cohn in London, Abhijith Ganapavaram and Dave Graham; Writing by Jack Kim; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Michael Perry and Ros Russell) "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." You've heard of Lyme disease, but there's a relatively new tick-borne illness in town, and its symptoms have been leaving many doctors and patients perplexed. Its called Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), and it can make people bitten by certain ticks severely allergic to certain animal proteins found in mammals meaning it is often triggered after a person eats red meat or dairy. It's different from Lyme disease, as it's an allergy, whereas Lyme is a bacterial infection. There are a few reasons why AGS is so mysterious, the first being that it was only recognized in 2002 and theres a lot that scientists are still learning about it. A 2023 survey found that 45% of health care providers hadn't heard of AGS, and another 35% weren't confident in their ability to treat it. The other is the fact that the first sign may be a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis (think: throat-swelling, difficulty breathing) in people who develop the condition, often a long while after being bitten by a tick. More than 110,000 people so far have developed Alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but the agency notes that the actual number of cases may be higher. Heres what infectious disease doctors want you to know about this mysterious disease. What is Alpha-gal syndrome? This potentially fatal condition gets its name from the molecule galactose--1,3-galactose (a.k.a. alpha-gal), which is found in most mammals. People with AGS can develop symptoms after they eat red meat, dairy or are exposed to other products made from mammals. Alpha-gal syndrome is mostly linked with the bite of an infected lone star tick, which is more common in the South, East and Central states in the U.S. Those are the areas in which most AGS cases are found, according to the CDC. But scientists havent ruled out that other types of ticks can spread it as well, and other tick species in different countries have also been linked to AGS. epantha - Getty Images When youre bitten, the tick transfers that molecule, galactose--1,3-galactose, to the body, explains William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The body then develops antibodies to it. Because the body of a person with AGS then has antibodies to meat, they can end up getting an allergic reaction when they eat meat or are even around meat products, Dr. Schaffner says. Its a very strange illness, he says. The symptoms of Alpha-gal syndrome AGS can cause a range of symptoms: mild ones like a rash or hives, or more severe ones such as difficulty breathing, and even anaphylaxis, says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D. , senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Some people may also have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and a drop in blood pressure after having animal products, Dr. Schaffner says. Symptoms usually show up two to six hours after eating or contact with the animal product, according to the CDC, and they include: Hives or itchy rash Nausea or vomiting Severe stomach pain Heartburn or indigestion Diarrhea Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing Drop in blood pressure Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or eyelids Some people with a severe form of alpha-gal syndrome may have trouble being around animals after developing the condition. One case study from Spain, for example, showed how three cattle workers with AGS had allergic reactions after touching or breathing in amniotic fluid from cows who were giving birth. Making things even trickier is that people may not make the immediate connection to a tick bite, especially given that the allergy may not fully develop until three months after the bite. It is often difficult to figure out exactly what the symptoms are due to, and to link it to a prior tick bite, Dr. Adalja says. Given that AGS is a newer condition, some doctors also may not be aware that it exists, Dr. Schaffner says. How to get diagnosed and treated If you have any of the symptoms above, get to an emergency department. If you've had them, and they've gone away on their own, don't blow it off: speak to your doctor. Theres a test for the antibodies that the body produces in response to AGS; thats how the syndrome is usually diagnosed. Skin allergy testing may also help guide a diagnosis, according to the CDC. Doctors really have to think about this diagnosis, Dr. Schaffner says. Because its a newer illness, they may not have seen AGS before, he explains. Depending on a patients symptoms, it may even be chalked up to a foodborne illness at first. Once someone is diagnosed with Alpha-gal syndrome, its usually recommended that they take antihistamines to reverse the symptoms, Dr. Adalja says. In severe cases, doctors may recommend that the person carry around an epinephrine auto-injector, like an Epi-pen, which is used in cases of anaphylaxis. BSIP - Getty Images Doing ones best to avoid meat and mammalian products is also recommended, although Dr. Schaffner says that people with alpha-gal syndrome can often eat poultry and seafood . You dont have to become a vegetarian, he says. New treatments are being explored, too, including exposure treatments to try and desensitize people, Dr. Adalja says. How to protect yourself from AGS The best way to decrease the risk of developing alpha-gal syndrome? Avoid being bitten by a tick, Dr. Adalja says. According to the CDC , that includes the following: Be mindful of grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, where ticks like to live Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin when you may be around ticks Walk in the center of trails Use insect repellents that contain ingredients registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone Check your body and clothes for ticks when you come indoors after being outside Examine gear and pets after they come inside Shower within two hours of coming indoors (this may help wash off unattached ticks) If you suspect that you have Alpha-gal syndrome, Dr. Schaffner says, talk to your doctor, and don't be shy about bringing it up. They can test you for allergies, and recommend the best treatment program from there. You Might Also Like An Indiana school bus driver was busted for allegedly driving under the influence with some of the 32 kids on her bus calling in to report her driving them erratically, authorities said. Kayla Pier, 38, was arrested Thursday, months after the alarming Sept. 20 drive from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School in La Porte County, cops said. During the drive, some of the 32 kids on the bus reported Pier for her driving behaviors and mannerisms, the La Porte County Sheriffs Office said. Piers erratic driving was reported by some of the 32 kids on her bus. La Porte County Sheriff's Office Pier resigned from her job after the bus was intercepted by school transit authorities. La Porte Community School Corporation The schools transportation director intercepted the bus and removed the driver who resigned later that day. However, the criminal investigation was not launched until more than a month later, when school officials passed along results from a toxicology test, cops said. It was not immediately clear why that was carried out by the school body rather than cops. Investigators also found video from the school bus, as well as footage taken by some of the concerned kids onboard, police said. Pier faces charges of operating while intoxicated and neglect of a dependant. The sheriffs office commended the courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of their driver. Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring, said Capt. Derek J. Allen. The La Porte Community School Corporation said it is incredibly proud of the students who reported Pier. La Porte Community School Corporation also said it was incredibly proud of our students, who recognized something was wrong and reported their concerns responsibly. Their actions exemplify the see something, say something principles we teach in our schools. These students potentially prevented a serious incident through their alertness and responsible decision-making, the corporation said. While this incident is deeply troubling, it has reinforced the importance of fostering an environment where students feel empowered to report concerns. Pier turned herself in to police custody Thursday and was booked into the La Porte County Jail, according to police. She was released on bond, according to authorities. A family photo of Myra Mills, the great-great-grandmother of retired Boston University professor Michelle Johnson, who traveled to South Carolina and North Carolina to research her family history. Earlier this year, as she and her spouse piled into their Hyundai Tucson and prepared to travel the American South seeking answers about the ancestors she knew had been enslaved, Michelle Johnson found other questions suddenly on her mind. Am I deluding myself, she wondered? Will I actually find anyone? Is this really that important? I just had to let go and say, lets go for it and see what happens, the retired Boston professor said. I had some trepidation. But look how it paid off. Johnsons long journey through family keepsakes, official documents and ultimately the land where her ancestors once toiled illustrates both the complex challenges and rewards for Black Americans, logistically and emotionally, in pursuing their genealogical histories. In the past, the thought of digging into her family history had never occurred to Johnson, who'd taught journalism at Boston University. An heirloom family Bible offered names and family rumors swirled around other details, but she harbored little hope of finding much more. We all knew that as African Americans that our records are spotty, she said. Theres this thing called slavery that gets in the way of going down any serious rabbit holes. Michelle Johnson, professor emerita of journalism at Boston University, holds a photo of her great-great-grandfather Simon Peak in Glenn Springs, S.C., where according to 1870 census records Peak briefly lived as an adolescent, in April 2024. Johnson and spouse Myrna Greenfield drove from Boston to North and South Carolina in search of genealogical information about Johnson's mother's side of the family. Prior to 1870s post-emancipation census, enslaved individuals were often listed only by their first names, gender and age. To put it in a nutshell, youre looking for people listed as property rather than as people, said Hollis Gentry, a genealogy information specialist for the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives in Washington, D.C. African American lives were valued according to how much they could produce as laborers. As a result, Black Americans are required not only to research their own families but those who enslaved them, Gentry said. Ric Murphy, president general of the Society of the First African Families of English America, a heritage society based in Palmyra, Virginia, said those potential roadblocks have discouraged many from delving into their family histories. However, as new documents are surfacing because people are now learning to do genealogical searches, the brick wall of 1870 has been shattered, Murphy said. A lot of obstacles were put in our way, but were becoming very sophisticated in navigating the genealogical land mines that are out there. Its so much harder for us, but also more rewarding as well. Johnson, 68, had signed up for an Ancestry.com account, intrigued by family stories and photos supplied by her mother, Doris Yarborough Johnson. Realizing there were gaps in the story that couldnt be filled by just searching databases, she was inspired to act after watching episodes of Finding Your Roots, the PBS show hosted by Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. Dr. Henry Louis Gates of "Finding Your Roots" speaks during the PBS segment of the Summer 2019 Television Critics Association Press Tour 2019 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 29, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. I had this sense that there was information locked up in libraries or maybe some church records, that there was probably stuff I was missing, she said. That was the big impetus for this trip, to break out of the digital space and just go down and see if I could find documents that hadnt been digitized. She decided to travel South. The experience, Johnson said, was significant not only on a personal level but on a broader one as well. It confirmed that Black history is American history, she said. There are people who want to separate it out and make it all about the Founding Fathers, but theres history that predates all of us in this country, and the history of African Americans being enslaved and how they survived and excelled in the years after. It just taught me about resilience and that the American dream exists in a number of ways. A journey to the past begins Johnson and spouse Myrna Greenfield left Boston in April on a journey that would see them wander old graveyards and get tailgated by impatient locals on two-lane backroads in search of four family names: Yarborough, Peaks, Turner and Mills. This wasnt just a road trip, she wrote in a narrative she compiled about her journey. It was a pilgrimage into the heart of my familys history. A collage of photos showing Michelle Johnson and spouse Myrna Greenfield embarking on their trip from Boston to South Carolina and North Carolina in search of genealogical information about Johnson's maternal side of the family, from a narrative report Johnson ultimately produced about their findings. Johnson, a retired journalism professor at Boston University, was inspired to make the trip after watching the PBS show, "Finding Your Roots." Johnson mostly hoped to find where her mothers family members were from, maybe even the plantations they had worked on. She was curious about her mothers Scotch-Irish maiden name of Yarborough and had been aware of census records listing some family members as mulatto. I knew from my grandmother telling me stories about the slave owner slipping down to the slave quarters that we had sides of our family who could pretty much pass for white, she told USA TODAY. But we didnt know who they were or where that had happened. Her search had become more than just a hobby. She needed to understand, as so many others do, her place in the world and those whose lives had paved the way for her own success. For Black Americans, she wrote, such searches can be fraught with complexities, with family histories inextricably intertwined with the painful legacy of slavery, the struggles of Reconstruction and the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Johnson had two destinations in mind. Her mother had shared fond memories of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where shed lived as a young girl, and of Spartanburg, South Carolina, where shed been born and spent summers with her grandparents. Librarians in both places were more helpful than she could have imagined. When she visited Spartanburg, a local librarian had pulled materials in advance, with books and computer printouts on a table awaiting her arrival. I dropped my jaw when we walked up and she showed us what shed found, Johnson said. Not only was there a fair amount of material on us, but she explained that was because my family was owned by one of the biggest plantation and slave owners in the county. In Spartanburg, S.C., librarian Christen Bennett, at left, shows retired Boston University professor Michelle Johnson materials detailing some of Johnson's maternal family history. Johnson was inspired to travel from Boston to South and North Carolina doing genealogical research after watching episodes of the PBS show, "Finding Your Roots." That individual, she learned, was Govan Mills, who according to an 1850 slave schedule owned more than 100 slaves in North Carolina and South Carolina. Records for the white side are always voluminous because they had to file taxes, slave schedules and records of real estate sales and purchases, Johnson said. "I about passed out. I had been looking for this information for years, and all of a sudden there it was right in front of me. She and Greenfield started highlighting printouts and taking photos of pages from non-circulated books that detailed bits of her family history. Johnson learned slaves were used not just as labor but as collateral to purchase land and goods, with two individuals she believed to be Jerry and Myra Mills, her great-great-grandparents, listed by their first names in those 1850 records. Discovering lived truths prompts mix of emotions Unearthing the lived truths of ones ancestors, especially those affected by enslavement, can unleash a variety of emotions, the Smithsonian's Gentry said. You get the whole gamut, from ecstasy and joy to sorrow and grief, she said. Its like, I found them, and theres joy in that. Then theres the grief of realizing, they had a monetary value and were treated in a certain manner. Its sad when you realize the implications of that information. While Johnson had had years to accept the idea that her ancestors had been enslaved, to see their status officially documented was jarring. She learned the grand home where Govan Mills once lived not only still stood just across the border in Tryon, North Carolina, but was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She unearthed an online invitation to a recent event that provided directions to the site. A family photo of Myra Mills, the great-great-grandmother of retired Boston University professor Michelle Johnson. Johnson, who traveled to South Carolina and North Carolina in April 2024 to research her family history, said Mills and her husband Jerry were born into slavery and was able to locate the house in Tryon, N.C., where their slave owner once lived. She and Greenfield drove there, hoping to find the house and snap a quick picture in front, with Johnson holding a photo of her great-great-grandmother. Instead, they encountered the homes current residents, a white couple who invited them in for beverages and a tour, the four of them discussing art, history and genealogy a scenario that would have been beyond Jerry and Myra Mills' wildest imaginings. Before seeing Johnson and Greenfield off and inviting them to return, Jeff and Sherry Carter showed them the former kitchen and slave quarters behind the home, as well as the will that Govan Mills had left in 1862 valuing Jerry and Myra Mills and their two children at $2,700 about $84,000 in today's dollars. They had taken the slave cabin and pieced it together with this old kitchen and use it as a guesthouse now, Johnson said. There was a ladder leaning up against it and they told us the enslaved persons working there would have used it to up to the second level. I wondered if any of my relatives would have been there. Would they have worked in that kitchen? To be in that space where some of them might have been was really moving. Census records from 1870 showed Jerry and Myra Mills stayed in the Spartanburg area post-emancipation, where they legalized their marriage in 1866 a right not allowed them when they were enslaved. By 1900, Myra was listed as a widow, and her 1916 death record listed the cause as cancer, her parents and birthplace unknown. The Mills lives spanned two major American historical periods, the antebellum South and the post-Civil War era. Their twice-widowed daughter Susan, meanwhile, would continue the family line from Reconstruction to the early Civil Rights Movement, her two marriages looping in the family names of Turner and Peak. Because South Carolina kept no official records before 1911, Johnson said, no record existed of Susans marriage to Andy Turner, estimated by Ancestry.com to have occurred around 1893. By 1920, however, records showed she was married to farmer Simon Peak, a former slave who grew up during the Civil War. A page from an early 1930s-era yearbook of former Atkins High School in Winston-Salem, N.C., shows Dowd Yarborough Jr. at bottom. Yarborough was the maternal grandfather of Michelle Johnson, a retired Boston University professor inspired to dig into her family history and travel to North Carolina and South Carolina to research her mother's side of the family. Those same records showed 9-year-old Annie Mae, Johnsons grandmother, among the children listed in the Peak household. The Peaks would relocate to Winston-Salem between 1930 and 1937. Meanwhile, Annie Mae Peak would marry Dowd Yarborough in 1935, the couple eventually moving to Baltimore. While Dowd perished under mysterious circumstances, Annie Mae persevered with just a grade-school education, pushing her three children to succeed, with Johnsons mother and uncle earning advanced degrees from historically Black universities. 'The ancestors will speak to you' The trip far exceeded Johnsons expectations, and as she and Greenfield began their trip back to Boston, Johnson suggested a slight detour to rural Franklinton, North Carolina, where a death certificate had told her a member of the Yarborough family had been buried. The two wandered a local cemetery once set aside for nonwhites and found several Yarboroughs, but none matched the names from Johnsons research. Instead, they stopped for lunch, where their waitress asked what had brought them to town, chuckling when she heard they were seeking Yarboroughs; the area was full of them. The waitress suggested heading to a nearby small town called Oxford, which had a genealogy room. There, a librarian led them to county directories with family narratives in alphabetical order. When Johnson flipped to the Y section, she discovered a page featuring many of the names shed encountered in her research, with more stories indicating slave roots and noting all members of this branch of Yarboroughs were/are all mulattos. A page from a library collection of family histories detailing the Yarborough family in a region north of Raleigh. Retired journalism professor Michelle Johnson came across the book at an Oxford, N.C., library while researching her family genealogy in April 2024. Yarborough was her mother's maiden name. The whole detour had been by chance or had it? The librarian felt otherwise, saying that when people visited the genealogy room they often said they felt guided by ancestors. Johnson had to agree. We would have completely missed this had I not stopped there, Johnson said. It was a hell of a way to end the trip. Murphy, of the heritage society, said Johnsons experience echoes those hes heard from others who have made that emotional journey. I tell people all the time that once you start genealogy, the ancestors will speak to you, he said. They will often tell you where to look and whether a piece of paper is important enough. The ancestors are very restless, and almost everyone will say the ancestors guided them. Honoring memory, forging identity While more than 400 heritage societies operate in the U.S., few specialize in verifying the histories of people descending from those once enslaved, Gentry said. Johnson knows she isnt a professional genealogist and eventually hopes to have her findings certified. In the meantime, though, she still hopes to research her fathers side of the family. A collage of photos taken in April 2024 by retired Boston University professor Michelle Johnson of the home where former slave owner Govan Mills lived in Tryon, N.C.. Johnson, 68, traveled to North and South Carolina to research her maternal family history, discovering that Mills had owned Jerry and Myra, Johnson's great-great-grandparents, as slaves. She ended up meeting the home's current owners, who toured her around the house and former slave quarters. Shes shared copies of her narrative with her family so younger generations can pass it on to their kids. In doing so, she wrote, we not only honor their memory but also forge a stronger sense of our own identity. Johnson said Black Americans daunted by the task of researching their own family trees should start small. Tools now available have made it much easier, she said, especially as companies like Ancestry.com incorporate the power of artificial intelligence. Such advances have inspired new waves of amateur and professional researchers, in the way that author Alex Haleys 1976 novel Roots sparked an interest in documenting Black American genealogy with the resources at hand. Genealogical research has been democratized, Gentry said. Reclaiming those stories, Johnson said, is critical given recent movements to whitewash American history. I hope that folks make sure it continues to be taught in our educational institutions, but if it doesnt, we will do what the ancestors did, she said. We will tell our own stories. (This story was updated to correct an error.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family genealogy: For Black Americans, search offers trials, rewards 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. Key Points Bird strike, concerete wall - Questions over South Koreas deadliest plane crash Families camp out at airport demanding answers Another Jeju Air flight faces similar landing gear issue - report South Korea orders emergency air safety probe after Jeju Air crash Why was there a concrete wall at end of runway? This live blog is now closed 15:35 , Tom Watling This live blog is now closed. You can read more of our coverage here. In pics: Wreckage of the Jeju Air flight Monday 30 December 2024 04:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Firefighters work at the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport (Getty Images) Jeju Air flight crash (Getty Images) Another Jeju Air jet experiences landing-gear issue - report Monday 30 December 2024 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar A Jeju Air aircraft that departed from Gimpo Airport in Seoul for Jeju today experienced an unidentified landing-gear issue after take-off and returned to Gimpo, Yonhap news agency reported. The aircraft landed safely at the Gimpo airport, it added. This comes a day after a Jeju Air flight crashed at the Muan international airport yesterday, killing all 175 passengers along with four crew members .One of the survivors was being treated for fractures to his ribs, shoulder blade and upper spine, said Ju Woong, director of the Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital. Ju said the man, whose name was not released, told doctors he woke up to find (himself) rescued. Details on the other survivor were not immediately available. Keir Starmer pays tribute Monday 30 December 2024 05:00 , Jabed Ahmed Sir Keir Starmer sent his deepest condolences to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea which killed 179 people. 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. (EPA) Watch: Moment South Korea plane skids along runway before fiery crash Monday 30 December 2024 05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar A Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people skidded down the runway at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday, December 29, before crashing. The aircraft appeared to land without its landing gear deployed as it touched down on the tarmac, skidding and veering off the runway before slamming into a wall and bursting into flames. Watch here. Jeju Air: Moment South Korea plane skids along runway before fiery crash US investigators help South Korea in probe after crash Monday 30 December 2024 06:00 , Jabed Ahmed 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. Planemaker Boeing BA.N and the Federal Aviation Administration are participating, NTSB said. Moments after landing the plane burst into flames (South Korean National Fire Agency/AFP/Getty) Experts question bird strike claims Monday 30 December 2024 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Experts have questioned whether a bird strike could have caused the undercarriage to fail after a flight with 181 people onboard crashed in South Korea yesterday. All but two of the 181 people aboard Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 died on Sunday morning after the plane embarked on an unsuccessful emergency landing at South Koreas Maun International airport. It had flown in from the Thai capital of Bangkok, carrying dozens of Christmas holidaymakers. Among the passengers were five children under the age of 10, including a three-year-old. Horrifying footage showed the plane skidding across the runway before colliding with a brick wall and bursting into flames. The only two survivors were two crew members who had been seated at the back of the plane. More here. Why did the South Korean Jeju Air flight crash? Experts question bird strike claims King Charles and Queen profoundly saddened by crash Monday 30 December 2024 07:00 , Jabed Ahmed 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. The King underwent a procedure at the London Clinic in January before he announced his cancer diagnosis the following month (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Wire) Distraught families want answers after 179 people die Monday 30 December 2024 07:17 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar 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. 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. 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. More here. Families want answers after South Koreas deadliest domestic air disaster More than 140 victims identified Monday 30 December 2024 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar At least 141 victims of the Jeju Air plane crash have been identified so far, South Koreas land ministry said today, according to Yonhap news agency. The ministry said all the 179 bodies have been moved to a temporary morgue and families of the victims will be contacted following autopsies. Once we are ready to transfer the bodies following autopsies by investigation agencies, we will contact the families, an official said. Jeju Air CEO bows in apology after South Korea deadly plane crash Monday 30 December 2024 08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Jeju Airs CEO bowed in apology after one of his airlines passenger planes crashed and burst into flames at an airport in South Korea. At a news conference in Gimpo, Kim E-bae issued a sincere apology and condolences to those who have lost their lives in the accident and their families. Jeju Air CEO bows in apology after South Korea deadly plane crash Families camp out at airport demanding answers Monday 30 December 2024 08:23 , Barney Davis Aid materials are arriving in the area set up for family members arriving at the airport to identify the victims. They have set up rows of booths handing out ramen, water, fruits and tissues, according to the BBC. The crash killed mostly local residents who were returning from holidays in Thailand, while two Thai nationals also died. I can only accept it, make peace with it, said Boonchuay Duangmanee, 77, the father of one of the Thai victims. When I think about it, I remind myself that it was an accident. Its something that can happen to anyone. So, weve come to terms with it because no matter what I do, my daughter wont come back. On Monday morning, investigators were trying to identify some of the more than two dozen remaining victims, as anguished families waited inside the Muan airport terminal. Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash, said he was told by authorities that his brother had been identified but has not been able to see his body. Park called on other victims families to unite in responding to the disaster and recovery efforts, citing a 2014 ferry sinking that killed more than 300 people. Many relatives of the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster complained it took authorities too long to identify those killed and the cause of that accident. APTOPIX South Korea Plane Fire (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) South Korea plans to inspect Boeing 737-800 jetliners Monday 30 December 2024 08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar South Koreas transport ministry today said the government plans to conduct safety inspections on all Boeing 737-800 jetliners operated by the countrys airlines. The Boeing 737-800 plane operated by South Koreas budget airline Jeju Air skidded off a runway at Muan International Airport in the countrys south, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into a fireball yesterday. The incident killed all but two of the 181 people aboard. Acting president Choi Sang Mok presided over a task force meeting on the crash and instructed the Transport Ministry and police to launch investigations into its cause. He also ordered the ministry to implement an emergency review of the countrys overall aircraft operation systems. Another Jeju Air flight faces similar landing gear issue - report Monday 30 December 2024 09:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar A Jeju Air aircraft that departed from Gimpo Airport in Seoul for Jeju today experienced an unidentified landing-gear issue after take-off and returned to Gimpo, Yonhap news agency reported. The aircraft landed safely at the Gimpo airport, it added. The airline informed its 161 passengers on board about the mechanical defect caused by the landing gear issue and subsequently returned the flight around 7.25am (local time). This comes a day after a Jeju Air flight crashed at the Muan international airport yesterday, killing all 175 passengers along with four crew members In pics: Rescuers comb Jeju Air plane crash site on Monday Monday 30 December 2024 09:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar A rescue worker stands near the wreckage of the Jeju Air aircraft (REUTERS) Police officers work with dogs near the site of a plane fire outside of Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea (AP) Thai family grieves daughters death in crash: My daughter wont come back Monday 30 December 2024 10:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar A family in northeastern Thailand are mourning the loss of Jongluk Duangmanee, one of two Thai nationals of the Jeju Air crash, and wish to bring her body home for a religious ceremony. All 175 passengers and four of the six crew were killed when the Boeing 737-800 crash-landed and skidded off the end of the runway at South Koreas Muan International Airport yesterday. Boonchuay Duangmanee, 77, said he must come to terms with his 45-year-old daughters sudden death.I can only accept it, make peace with it, he told state broadcaster Thai PBS. No matter what I do, my daughter wont come back.He had felt a sense of unease when neighbours told him of the Jeju Air crash, he added, as his daughter often travelled with the airline. Jongluk, the third youngest in the family, had been working in South Korea for seven years and would visit her home in Udon Thani, about 500km north of the Thai capital, every year. Investigators to probe materials of concrete fence Monday 30 December 2024 10:28 , Barney Davis New acting president Choi Sang-mok on Monday presided over a task force meeting on the crash and instructed authorities to conduct an emergency review of the countrys aircraft operation systems. The essence of a responsible response would be renovating the aviation safety systems on the whole to prevent recurrences of similar incidents and building a safer Republic of South Korea, said Mr Choi, who is also deputy prime minister and finance minister. Ministry officials said they will look into whether a concrete fence at Muan Airport housing a set of antennas designed to guide aircraft safely during landings should have been made with lighter materials that would break more easily upon impact. Video of the crash indicated that the pilots did not deploy flaps or slats to slow the aircraft, suggesting a possible hydraulic failure, and did not manually lower the landing gear, suggesting they did not have time, said John Cox, a retired airline pilot and chief executive of Safety Operating Systems in St Petersburg, Florida. Despite that, the jet was under control and travelling in a straight line, and damage and injuries likely would have been minimised if not for the barrier being so close to the runway, Mr Cox said. (YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images) Concerns raised over quick 28-minute safety check before fatal flight Monday 30 December 2024 11:00 , Barney Davis The Korea Times reports that the doomed B737 flew four countries in a day, the month before the crash with tight one-hour turnarounds allowing just 28 minutes for safety checks. One veteran mechanic with over a decade of experience working with B737s told Korea Times: The 28-minute maintenance time is barely enough to check for cockpit warning lights and visually inspect the exterior for obvious damage. Its essentially a walkthrough, not a detailed inspection. The aircraft involved in the crash was purchased by Jeju Air in 2017 but had previously been operated by Ryanair. Alarmingly, just one day after the crash, another Jeju Air B737 experienced a landing gear issue and was forced to return to the airport immediately after takeoff. Jeju Air reassure Thai victims they will be responsible for damages Monday 30 December 2024 11:30 , Barney Davis Thai Ambassador to South Korea Tanee Sangrat expressed condolences to the families and said JeJu Air officials had told them the airline will be responsible for costs of tragedy. The Embassy has reported the tragedy to the Foreign Minister and (the Thai) MFA and coordinated closely with (the) Korean authorities concerned. Our Consular Department has informed families of the two Thai victims, he said. Our Embassy has also worked closely with Jeju Air officials who reassured us that they would be responsible for the related costs of damages of the victims. Today the Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul and Team Thailand offices have lowered the flag for seven days in mourning for the victims. We will continue to work with all local authorities and provide assistance to victims and their families. What is a bird strike? Monday 30 December 2024 12:20 , Barney Davis A bird strike is a collision between a plane in flight and a bird. In the UK there were more than 1,400 bird strikes reported in 2022, but only about 100 affected the plane. The miraculous Hudson River landing was needed after the airbus collided with a flock of geese. All 155 passengers and crew survived. But some aviation experts are sceptical about whether a bird strike could have caused the crash at Muan Airport. Typically they [bird strike] dont cause the loss of an airplane by themselves, Mr Thomas told Reuters. Australian airline safety expert Geoffrey Dell also told the news agency: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended. In pictures: Families mourn loss at the scene where Jeju Air Boeing 737 crashed Monday 30 December 2024 13:20 , Barney Davis (YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images) (YONHAP/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images) Muan has the highest rate of bird strikes among South Koreas 14 airports Monday 30 December 2024 14:20 , Barney Davis According to data submitted to Rep Lee Yeon-hee of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, a total of 559 bird strike incidents occurred with planes at 14 regional airports from 2019. Gimhae International Airport had the highest number of bird strikes at 147, followed by Gimpo at 140, Jeju at 119, Daegu at 38 and Cheongju at 33. At Muan, a total of 10 bird strike incidents have occurred. However, when considering the occurrence rate relative to the total number of flights operated, the airport near Muan has the highest rate among the 14 airports. Investigators are examining bird strikes, whether any of the aircrafts control systems were disabled, and the apparent rush by the pilots to attempt a landing soon after declaring an emergency as possible factors in the crash, fire and transportation officials have said. Experts say many questions remain, including why the plane, powered by two CFM 56-7B26 engines, appeared to be travelling so fast and why its landing gear did not appear to be down when it skidded down the runway and into a concrete embankment. Why did the South Korean Jeju Air flight crash, killing 179? Experts question bird strike claims Monday 30 December 2024 14:42 , Barney Davis Experts said it seemed unlikely a bird strike would have been the sole cause of the landing gear malfunctioning. Why did the South Korean Jeju Air flight crash? Experts question bird strike claims Key timings of the crash Monday 30 December 2024 15:20 , Barney Davis Below, we have some key timings of the Jeju Air plane crash earlier today, according to South Koreas transport ministry. They show local times in South Korea. 08:57 a.m. - Control tower issued a bird strike warning 08:59 a.m. - Mayday call 09:03 a.m. - Runway crash 11:30 a.m. - Flight data recorder recovered 2:24 p.m. - Cockpit voice recorder recovered WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Victims being identified by fingerprints says firefighter Monday 30 December 2024 16:20 , Barney Davis Firefighters described the crash site as overwhelmingly grim as they worked to identify the victims for families camped outside. Theres no way to describe it except as utterly horrific, said a firefighter. It was impossible to identify the victims by their faces or even their locations. We had to go through the passenger list and painstakingly match any fingerprints we could find. (AFP via Getty Images) Satellite images show South Koreas Muan airport in the aftermath of the Jeju Air crash Monday 30 December 2024 17:20 , Barney Davis (via REUTERS) (via REUTERS) South Korea plane crash disaster marks another setback for Boeing Monday 30 December 2024 18:20 , Tom Watling South Korea plane crash disaster marks another setback for Boeing South Korea struggles to determine cause of plane crash that killed 179 people Monday 30 December 2024 20:06 , Tom Watling South Korea struggles to determine cause of plane crash that killed 179 people Anger as families await victims remains after South Korea plane crash Monday 30 December 2024 21:27 , Tom Watling Anger as families await victims remains after South Korea plane crash Experts ask why the South Korean Jeju Air flight crashed, killing 179 Monday 30 December 2024 23:06 , Tom Watling Why did the South Korean Jeju Air flight crash? Experts question bird strike claims Moment Jeju Air plane skids along South Korea runway before crash 01:05 , Tom Watling Jeju Air: Moment South Korea plane skids along runway before fiery crash South Korea plane crash: Everything we know so far 03:05 , Tom Watling South Korea plane crash: All we know so far US investigators and Boeing officials join Jeju Air crash probe 03:17 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar A team of investigators from the US and officials from aircraft manufacturer Boeing joined the on-site probe of the Jeju Air plane crash at the Muan international airport. A member from the US Federal Aviation Administration, three experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board and four representatives from Boeing have joined South Korean investigators, Seouls transport ministry said. South Korean and US investigators discussed the schedule procedures and specific areas of focus for the investigation, Joo Jong-wan, head of aviation policy at the transport ministry, told reporters. Bird strike, concerete wall - Questions over South Koreas deadliest plane crash 04:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Investigators are examining bird strikes, whether any of the aircrafts control systems were disabled, and the apparent rush by the pilots to attempt a landing soon after declaring an emergency as possible factors in the crash, fire and transportation officials have said. All 175 passengers and four of the six crew were killed when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall. Two crew members were pulled out alive. 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. The plane slammed into the embankment at high speed and erupted into a fireball. Bodies and body parts were thrown into surrounding fields and most of the aircraft disintegrated in flames. South Korean officials say the embankment was built according to standards, and that there are similar features at other airports including in the US and Europe. But many experts said its proximity to the end of the runway defied best practices and likely made the crash far more deadly than it may have been otherwise. The runway design absolutely (did) not meet industry best practices, which preclude any hard structure like a berm within at least 300m of the runways end, John Cox, chief executive of Safety Operating Systems, told Reuters. Jeju Air stock hit record low 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Shares of South Korean budget carrier Jeju Air hit their lowest on record yesterday, after the deadliest air crash in the country killed 179 people. Jeju Air shares traded down 8.5 per cent after falling as much as 15.7 per cent earlier in the session to 6,920won (3.74), the lowest since they were listed in 2015. The share slide yesterday wiped out as much as 95.7bn won (51.9m) in market capitalisation. Jeju Air CEO bows in apology after South Korea deadly plane crash 05:07 , Tom Watling Jeju Air CEO bows in apology after South Korea deadly plane crash Anger as grieving families wait for victims remains 05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Desperate families who camped out at an airport awaiting news of their loved ones wailed and passed out as names of the 179 killed in South Koreas deadliest plane crash were announced yesterday. Grief and shock swept through the room as it emerged the only two survivors were cabin crew sitting at the back of the Boeing 737-800 which crash-landed at Muan International airport. Investigators have retrieved the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, but it could be months before the cause of the disaster is clear including why Jeju Air flight 7C 2216 from Bangkok landed without its slats or wheels deployed, and why there was a solid object beyond the runway perimeter that the pilots were unable to avoid. More here. Anger as families await victims remains after South Korea plane crash At least 174 victims identified 06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The remains of at least 174 people have been identified by South Korean officials as grieving families camp outside the morgue for the bodies of their loved ones. Of the 32 people who could not be identified by fingerprints, we identified 17 people in the first DNA test and 10 more in the second round, the land ministry said today. We are further confirming the remaining five due to DNA inconsistencies. Officials yesterday said it could take up to 10 days to prepare the dead for transport. Doomed aircraft operated 13 flights in 48 hours before the crash 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar The Jeju Air plane that crashed in Muan killing 179 people had operated 13 flights in 48 hours just prior to the fatal incident, Yonhap news agency reported citing sources. The high number of trips in such a short period has raised concerns over excessive usage of the Boeing B737-800 aircraft to meet the Holiday rush. It was found to have traveled to domestic and international destinations, including Beijing, Bangkok, Kota Kinabalu, Nagasaki and Taipei. What is known about a fiery passenger jet crash landing that claimed 179 lives in South Korea? 07:07 , Tom Watling What is known about a fiery passenger jet crash landing that claimed 179 lives in South Korea? In pics: People pay tribute to the victims of Jeju Air crash 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar People pay tribute to the victims of the 29 December Jeju Air passenger plane crash at a memorial altar in front of Seoul City Hall (EPA) People pay their respects at the altar in front of Seoul City Hall in memory of the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash (AFP via Getty Images) Moment South Korea plane skids along runway before fiery crash 08:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar A Jeju Air passenger plane carrying 181 people skidded down the runway at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday before crashing. Yonhap news agency, citing firefighting authorities reported that, except for the two rescued, all the missing passengers are presumed dead and search efforts have now shifted to recovering the bodies. The aircraft appeared to land without its landing gear deployed as it touched down on the tarmac, skidding and veering off the runway before slamming into a wall and bursting into flames. Watch here. Jeju Air: Moment South Korea plane skids along runway before fiery crash South Korea intensifies probe into Jeju Air crash 09:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar South Korea ramped up investigations today into the cause of its deadliest domestic air accident as police scrambled to identify victims, while families of those killed in this week's crash of a Jeju Air jet pushed for more details. 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 holding navigation equipment. But remarks in the airport's operating manual, uploaded early in 2024, said the embankment was too close to the end of the runway and recommended that the location of the equipment be reviewed during a planned expansion. A transport ministry official said authorities would need to check the document before replying to questions. Mourners react as they pay their respects at a memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash (AFP via Getty Images) South Korea to complete inspections by 3 January 09:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar South Korean officials said inspections of all 101 B737-800s operated by South Korean airlines were set to wrap up by 3 January, though the airport would stay closed until 7 January. Acting president Choi Sang-mok yesterday ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country's entire airline operation. Jeju Air to reduce flight operations by up to 15 per cent 10:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Jeju Air will reduce its flight operations by up to 15 per cent until March to strengthen its operational safety measures, chief executive Kim E Bae said. We are committed to addressing the ongoing situation, reinforcing safety protocols and restoring public trust," he told reporters today. 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. The Jeju Air boss said the company was preparing emergency financial support to cover necessary expenses and assist the families of the victims. "We are in detailed discussions with both domestic and international insurers to handle the settlement process," Mr Kim added. South Korea begins releasing bodies of victims 10:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar South Korean officials today began releasing bodies of the victims killed in the Jeju Air plane crash on Sunday. Of the 179 victims, the bodies of four have completed the handover procedures to their bereaved families for funerals, transport minister Park Sang-woo said site of the disaster, where 179 people were killed in one of the worst plane crashes in South Koreas history. For 28 victims, whose identities have been confirmed and autopsies completed, we will allow funeral procedures to begin from 2pm (local time) today with the consent of their families, he added. In pics: Mourners pay their respects 11:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Mourners react as they pay their respects at a memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash (AFP via Getty Images) Mourners pay their respects at a memorial altar for the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash (AFP via Getty Images) People pay tribute to the victims of the 29 December Jeju Air passenger plane crash at a memorial altar in front of Seoul City Hall (EPA) Trump's secretary of state nominee offers condolences 11:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Marco Rubio, the senator nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the secretary of state, offered deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the Jeju Air plane crash. "Our hearts go out to the Korean people. We share in your grief over the tragic loss of 179 people," he wrote on X. "Our prayers are with you and your great nation." Our hearts go out to the Korean people. We share in your grief over the tragic loss of 179 people. And we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones amid this immeasurable pain. Our prayers are with you and your great nation. Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 31, 2024 Families want answers after 179 die in plane crash 11:59 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar 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. 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 Yonhap news agency that his sister-in-law, daughter, her husband and their young children were tragically on board. More here. Families want answers after South Koreas deadliest domestic air disaster Bird strike, concrete wall - Questions over South Koreas deadliest plane crash 12:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar Investigators are examining bird strikes, whether any of the aircrafts control systems were disabled, and the apparent rush by the pilots to attempt a landing soon after declaring an emergency as possible factors in the crash, fire and transportation officials have said. All 175 passengers and four of the six crew were killed when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall. Two crew members were pulled out alive. 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. The plane slammed into the embankment at high speed and erupted into a fireball. Bodies and body parts were thrown into surrounding fields and most of the aircraft disintegrated in flames. South Korean officials say the embankment was built according to standards, and that there are similar features at other airports including in the US and Europe. But many experts said its proximity to the end of the runway defied best practices and likely made the crash far more deadly than it may have been otherwise. The runway design absolutely (did) not meet industry best practices, which preclude any hard structure like a berm within at least 300m of the runways end, John Cox, chief executive of Safety Operating Systems, told Reuters. South Korea plane crash: Everything we know so far 13:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar South Korea plane crash: All we know so far Family members of South Korea plane crash victims call for help 13:29 , Tom Watling South Korea plane crash victims families plead for help recovering loved ones South Korea plane crash is the deadliest in a year marked by several fatal aviation accidents 14:02 , Tom Watling South Korea plane crash is the deadliest in a year marked by several fatal aviation accidents 2024 was deadliest year for commercial aviation since 2018 14:45 , Tom Watling Anger as families await victims remains after South Korea plane crash 15:31 , Tom Watling Anger as families await victims remains after South Korea plane crash Firefighters work at the wreckage of the plane - Chung Sung-Jun South Korean investigators looking into a jet crash that killed 179 people are examining the placement of a concrete barrier near the end of a runway after an expert called it verging on criminal. Jeju Airs Boeing 737-800 belly-landed and skidded down the runway on Sunday before smashing into a structure placed beyond the Tarmac and erupting in flames. Of the 181 people on board, 179 were killed. Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, ordered an emergency safety inspection of the countrys entire airline operation system as investigators worked to identify the victims and find out what had caused the deadliest air disaster in the countrys history. Officials said Sundays crash came after the plane was struck by birds at around 9am local time (midnight GMT), but experts have said a bird strike alone could not have caused the scale of the disaster. Credit: Lee Geun-young Footage of the crash showed that the pilot had successfully performed a belly landing, but that the plane could not slow down before smashing through a concrete-reinforced structure positioned at the end of the runway. Officials are now investigating what role the localiser antenna played in the crash, transport ministry officials told a media briefing. Localiser antennas are typically built at the end of runways to help bring planes in to land, but in this case they were built on top of a concrete-reinforced mound. David Learmount, a leading aviation safety expert, said all the passengers could have survived the crash had it not been for the foundations of the structure. The landing was absolutely perfect, the pilot put it down wings level, doing a good job in bad circumstances, Mr Learmount told The Telegraph, adding: Even as it skids off the runway, the plane is still structurally sound and there is no fire. But then it hits the bank and all hell erupts. If it had not been there it would have sailed through it. Mr Learmount said that while it was normal for an instrument landing system antenna to be placed at the end of a runway, the structure was usually designed to be collapsable. If the array had been designed as normal, the aircraft could have passed through it and continued to slow down as it passed through the perimeter fence, which was less substantial, and then come to a halt, he said. Joo Jong-wan, South Koreas deputy minister for civil aviation, said the localisers had been built on piled-up soil, and concrete structures have been installed within these soil layers. The connection between these localisers and the accident will be thoroughly examined during the investigation process, said Mr Joo, adding that the specific foundation on which these devices are placed varies from airport to airport as there is no standardised or uniform design. Mr Learmount, a former RAF pilot and qualified flying instructor, described the presence of the solid embankment with which the plane collided as verging on criminal. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) sets out agreed international standards that the runway overrun should be cleared to ensure that damage to an aircraft is not severe, although it does not have the power to enforce these guidelines. I have never seen anything quite like this before, he said. There is no justification for the structure everybody knows it is meant to be frangible. It is much easier to build something above ground than dig below. That is a possibility. Sally Gethin, another aviation expert, said the onus was on individual nations to adopt international standards on overrun areas set out by the ICAO. I personally havent come across anything like this before, but that is not to say there are no other examples of these barriers, she told The Telegraph. My understanding is that they [the localiser antennas] were quite close to the overrun area. It has given rise to the idea that the concrete structure was the main culprit. On speculation that the landing systems could have been installed on an embankment to offset the slope of the runway, Mr Learmount said that if the antenna needed to be raised to work at a certain level this could have been done with a frangible frame. The plane could not slow down before it smashed through the concrete-reinforced structure - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters The wreckage of the Jeju Air plane - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters Mr Joo said maintenance records of systems such as engines and landing gear would be thoroughly reviewed for the 101 Boeing 737-800 planes operated by six airlines in the country. Transportation ministry officials said the jets flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder had been recovered, but it was not yet clear whether the data was sufficiently intact to be analysed. The Jeju Air pilot told air traffic control that the plane had suffered a bird strike before it crashed while landing, transport officials revealed on Monday. While the control tower had warned the pilots that birds had been seen in the vicinity shortly before the strike occurred, and footage emerged online, showing what appeared to be birds striking the engine, it is unclear whether this was the primary cause of the disaster. Geoffrey Dell, an Australian airline safety expert, said: Ive never seen a bird strike prevent the landing gear from being extended. Credit: South Korea MBC TV Trevor Jensen, an Australian aviation consultant, also said emergency services are typically prepared for a belly landing. Choi Kee-young, a professor 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. Christian Beckert, a flight safety expert and Lufthansa pilot, said the video footage suggested that, apart 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. Bird strikes have been a major concern for airports and aviation agencies for years. In the US, wildlife strikes cause more than $900 million (715 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. Last year, 19,603 strikes were recorded with 3.6 per cent causing damage. 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 such as bird hazing or removal. Radar systems are also used to detect bird activity along flight paths, providing pilots with key information to avoid potential hazards. Choi Sang-mok, South Koreas acting president, lays a flower as he visits a memorial for the crash victims - SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg A relative of one of the victims waits near a makeshift shelter at Muan International Airport - Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images On Monday morning, investigators were trying to identify some of the last remaining victims as anguished relatives waited inside the Muan airport terminal. I apologise deeply... but the extent of the damage to the bodies is profound, an official told families at a briefing Monday, trying to explain the immense hurdles facing workers trying to recover remains while also preserving crash-site evidence. There are many cases in which arms and legs have been severed, he said, his words causing cries of shock and horror among the relatives. Authorities said they had identified 146 of the victims of the disaster - Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images Using fingerprints and DNA analysis, authorities have identified 146 of the victims, and are working hard on the 33 still to be verified. The crash killed mostly local residents who were returning from holidays in Thailand, while two Thai nationals also died. Park Han-shin, who lost his brother in the crash, said he was told by authorities that his brother had been identified, but he has not been able to see his body. We want the authorities to bring our loved ones back, even if they are only 80 per cent intact, he said. 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. FILE - The country's coat of arms is displayed on the facade of a government building in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Aug. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ash Allen, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago (AP) A spike in deadly gang violence prompted the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago to implement a country-wide state of emergency Monday. The declaration followed a weekend marred by a spate of gang-related violence that resulted in multiple deaths, including five men believed to be victims of reprisal shootings. There is no doubt in my mind that we are dealing with an epidemic, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds told reporters at a press conference. While the state of emergency will not see a curfew being implemented, residents were told to expect an increased police and military presence. Law enforcement will also have the ability to conduct searches, detain suspects for 48 hours and conduct arrests without a warrant. Schools, business and other activities, including upcoming New Years celebrations are expected to proceed as scheduled. Acting Attorney General Stuart Young stressed that while there was general concern about the increased violence, there was particular unease about increased and heightened brazen acts of criminal activity by gangs carrying illegal weapons. The criminal gangs via the use of the high-powered assault weapons and other illegal firearms in areas of Trinidad and possibly Tobago are likely to immediately increase their brazen acts of violence in reprisal shootings on a scale so extensive that it threatens persons and will endanger public safety, Young said. The twin island republic has recorded an unprecedented 623 homicides for the year to date and, according to Hinds, gang-related activities have accounted for 263 of them. Trinidad and Tobago residents are not strangers to states of emergency. In 2021 the Keith Rowley administration implemented one to restrict movements and limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus during the pandemic. Ten years earlier, his predecessor Kamla Persad-Bissessar instituted a limited state of emergency and curfew in areas that were declared crime hotspots. All four living former American presidents paid tribute on Sunday to the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, who died on Sunday at age 100. The condolences came from Donald Trump, the former and future president who is set to be sworn back into the White House next month, as well as Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, who praised Carter for working tirelessly for a better, fairer world." Carter was the longest living former commander-in-chief in U.S. history, and his relationships with several of his successors put him in a unique position as a role model for post-presidency life. "Carter was quite ambitious on human rights, global public health, election integrity and promoting democracy around the world," said Matthew Dallek, a professor of political management at George Washington University. "In some ways he was a more political ex-president than many of the other ex-presidents we've had." Jimmy Carter speaks along side other former presidents' George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama as they attend the Hurricane Relief Concert in College Station, Texas, on Oct. 21, 2017. Here is what the former presidents said about the life and legacy of Carter, the nation's 39th president who served in the White House from January of 1977 to January of 1981. Donald Trump Trump said Carter tried to "improve the lives of all Americans" when he was president despite the challenges he faced. 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 wrote in a post on his social media website, 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, wrote Trump, the nation's 45th president and who on January 20 will also become it's 47th president after winning a second non-consecutive term this fall. Carter had initially defended Trump during the Republican's presidency, saying in a 2017 interview how he thought the media had been "harder on Trump than any other" White House occupant. But less than a year later, Carter expressed concern about growing racial and other divisions in the U.S. following the 2016 election won by Trump. During a 2018 appearance on "The Late Show," television host Stephen Colbert asked Carter whether America wants "kind of a jerk as president." Carter's reply: "Apparently, from this recent election, yes." Carter later said Trump ascended to the presidency due to Russian interference, and Trump responded by calling Carter a "nice man" but a "terrible president." On Carter's 100th birthday in October, Trump took aim at his predecessor's time in office, as well as President Joe Biden. Trump said Biden had replaced Carter as the worst president in American history. "Jimmy Carter is the happiest man because Jimmy Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison," Trump said at a campaign stop in Waunakee, Wisconsin. In a second post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said he "strongly disagreed" with Carter philosophically and politically, but that he "truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for." "He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect," Trump wrote. "He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office." U.S. President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, former President Bill Clinton, and former President Jimmy Carter attend the opening ceremony of the George W. Bush Presidential Center April 25, 2013 in Dallas, Texas. Barack Obama Obama, the nation's 44th president, praised Carter's "decency" while leading the country and after he left the White House. "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," Obama, the country's 45th president, said in a statement. "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," added Obama, who served as president from January of 2009 until January of 2017. Early in Obama's first term, Carter said during a TV interview that he believed the "overwhelming portion" of opposition toward the nation's first Black president was due to his race. "And I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the south but around the country, that African Americans are not qualified to lead this great country," Carter said in 2009. That didn't stop Carter from airing his own disagreements with Obama. At one point during Obama's tenure, Carter questioned the U.S. strategy against the Islamic State, specifically the use of aerial drones. Then in 2014, Carter suggested the Democratic leader was avoiding talking about race, and that it "might be an embarrassment to President Obama to single out African American people." Carter also commented about how Obama never reached out for advice, and that he didn't have his email address. In his statement on Sunday, Obama said Carter's values led him to choices that made the world better. "In doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service," Obama said. "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." U.S. President George W. Bush (C) meets with President-elect Barack Obama (2nd-L), former President Bill Clinton (2nd-R), former President Jimmy Carter (R) and former President George H.W. Bush (L) in the Oval Office January 7, 2009 in Washington, DC. George W. Bush Bush, the nation's 43rd president, said Carter "was a man of deeply held convictions" and offered his condolences to the Carter family. "He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country," Bush said in a statement. "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," Bush said. Historians note that Carter and Bush share a deep faith and had "evangelical" style in their presidencies, which they expressed in polar opposite ways. That contrast was widely seen in foreign policy. For example, Carter used his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 2002, which came during the lead up to the United States' invasion of Iraq, to spotlight his religious beliefs. I worship Jesus Christ, whom we Christians consider to be the Prince of Peace, he said. "...We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each others children." Bush had reportedly underscored how his faith was a chief engine in deciding to overthrow Saddam Hussein in Iraq. "I do believe there is an Almighty, and I believe that a gift of that Almighty to all is freedom," he told New York Times columnist David Brooks in 2007. That same year Carter had blasted the Bush administration's foreign policy decisions, saying that "as far as the adverse impact on the nation around the world, this administration has been the worst in history." Bush pushed back at the time, saying in response to Carter that going to war was necessary. Were at war with an enemy that is relentless and determined," Bush said. "And its essential that the decisions I make protect the American people as best as we can." Former presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter join President Bill Clinton to kick off the "Day of Commitment" "Day of Service" at Marcus Foster Stadium in Philadelphia on April 27, 1997. Bill Clinton Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life, Clinton, the country's 42nd president, said in a statement on Sunday. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others until the very end. Clinton's 1992 White House victory marked the first time a Democrat won a presidential election since Carter in 1976. According to Clinton's presidential library, Clinton at the time said he and Carter were, "as different as daylight and dark." Carter had refused to endorse Clinton during the 1992 Democratic primaries, saying "people are looking for somebody who is honest and tells the truth." But during Clinton's White House tenure, the president looked to Carter for help on international matters, such as cooling relations with North Korean President Kim Il Sung, who was attempting to militarize plutonium fuel rods. In 1999, Clinton awarded Carter and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Clinton in his statement also praised Carter for working tirelessly for a better, fairer world, highlighting his work on civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia, as well as his efforts as president to protect natural resources and promote energy conservation, return the Panama Canal to Panama and to secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former presidents react to Jimmy Carter's death By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a $5-million verdict that E. Jean Carroll won against Donald Trump when a jury found the U.S. president-elect liable for sexually abusing and later defaming the former magazine columnist. A unanimous three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected Trump's argument that the trial judge should not have let jurors hear evidence about the Republican's alleged past sexual misconduct, making the trial and verdict unfair. The court said that evidence, including Trump bragging about his sexual prowess on an "Access Hollywood" video that surfaced during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, established a "repeated, idiosyncratic pattern of conduct" consistent with Carroll's allegations. "Taking the record as a whole and considering the strength of Ms. Carroll's case, we are not persuaded that any claimed error or combination of errors in the district court's evidentiary rulings affected Mr. Trump's substantial rights," the court said in an unsigned decision. The May 2023 verdict stemmed from an incident around 1996 in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan, where Carroll, now 81, said Trump raped her, and an October 2022 Truth Social post where Trump denied Carroll's claim as a hoax. Though jurors in federal court in Manhattan did not find that Trump, 78, committed rape, they awarded the former Elle magazine advice columnist $2.02 million for sexual assault and $2.98 million for defamation. 'HOAX,' TRUMP SPOKESPERSON SAYS A different jury ordered Trump in January to pay Carroll $83.3 million for defaming her and damaging her reputation in June 2019, when he first denied her rape claim. In both denials, Trump said he did not know Carroll, she was "not my type," and that she fabricated the rape claim to promote her memoir. Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, said in a statement that Americans "demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed." It was not clear if any appeal would go to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump tapped Cheung last month to be his White House communications director. Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer for Carroll, said in a statement: E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today's decision." Carroll's cases are continuing despite Trump's having won a second four-year White House term. In 1997, in a case involving former President Bill Clinton, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that sitting presidents have no immunity from civil litigation in federal court over actions predating and unrelated to their official duties as president. EVIDENCE SHOWED PATTERN: COURT Trump argued the $5-million verdict should be thrown out because the trial judge, U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who is not related to Roberta Kaplan, should not have let jurors hear testimony from two other women who accused him of sexual misconduct. One, businesswoman Jessica Leeds, said Trump groped her on a plane in the late 1970s. The other, former People magazine writer Natasha Stoynoff, said Trump forcibly kissed her at his Mar-a-Lago estate in 2005. Trump's lawyers also said the trial judge should not have let jurors watch the 2005 "Access Hollywood" video, where Trump boasted graphically about forcing himself on women. But the appeals court said that in each of these encounters, "Mr. Trump engaged in an ordinary conversation with a woman he barely knew, then abruptly lunged at her in a semi-public place and proceeded to kiss and forcefully touch her without her consent." It said this was "relevant to show a pattern tending to directly corroborate witness testimony and to confirm that the alleged sexual assault (of Carroll) actually occurred." The court also rejected Trump's claim that Kaplan should have allowed evidence that a prominent Democratic critic, billionaire LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, funded Carroll's case, saying it had "little probative value." Carroll is also a Democrat. Judge Kaplan also oversaw the trial that ended with the $83.3 million verdict. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Luc Cohen; Editing by Louise Heavens and Rod Nickel) Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a game changer, with tools like ChatGPT and other AI models transforming how customer relationship management (CRM) systems function for organisations like Sinch MessageMedia. In an interview with ARN, Jeremy Nagle product manager at Sinch MessageMedia said the B2B mobile messaging solution provider and Zoho marketplace and integration partner, AI is changing customer interactions. Sinch MessageMedia provides a messaging solution, Smooth Messenger, that integrates directly into Zoho CRM. This integration allows businesses to use SMS and MMS as a communication channel within the familiar Zoho CRM interface. The ability to automate tasks like customer communication based on interaction history is revolutionising customer relationships, said Nagle. AI allows businesses to create tailored messages based on a customers past interactions, he said. Its no longer something only big companies like Amazon can afford, this level of personalisation is now accessible to most businesses. The automation of repetitive tasks frees up teams to focus on higher-value activities, even industries with strict regulations can adopt AI responsibly, provided theres a focus on privacy and compliance, said Nagle. Instead of jumping between different systems, they want a unified view, he said. Zohos widgets feature allows businesses to pull data from various platforms into one CRM interface, creating a seamless experience. This is especially valuable for companies looking to offer omnichannel service. Today's headlines: WHO director-general calls on Israel to stop attacks on Gaza hospitals. New board game simulates Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Taliban leader bans windows (and imposes the closure of existing ones) on the upper floors of buildings overlooking courtyards or areas used by women. Cambodia pardons and sends home 13 Philippine women jailed for illegal trafficking of surrogate mothers. MIDEAST UNITED STATES Jimmy Carter, the 39th US President, died yesterday at the age of 100. A Democrat in office from 1976 to 1980, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, and will be remembered for two episodes related to the Middle East: the successful 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, the first Arab nation under President Anwar Sadat to recognise the Jewish state, then led by Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and the 1979-81 Iran hostage crisis, when the US embassy staff was taken hostage in Tehran, ending with their release under his successor, Republican Ronald Reagan, to whom he lost the 1980 presidential election. Carter was also the president who completed the process of normalising relations with China on 1 January 1979 breaking formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. GAZA WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has called for an end to attacks on hospitals in Gaza, after Israel struck one and raided another. People in Gaza need access to health care, he said. Israeli forces arrested more than 240 Palestinians, including dozens of staff at Kamal Adwan Hospital, among them its director Hussam Abu Safiya. TAIWAN CHINA A new board game titled 2045, on sale next January, simulates a Chinese invasion of Taiwan over the next 20 years. Players must study war-related issues and events, using colourful action cards and role-playing characters involved in operations, in the 10 days leading up to the "fictional" invasion. The characters include members of Taiwans armed forces, pro-Chinese agents and politicians who work to sabotage defences, as well as citizens taking up arms to defend the homeland. AFGHANISTAN The Taliban's supreme leader has issued an order banning the construction of windows in residential buildings overlooking areas used by women, and blocking existing ones. The courtyard, the kitchen, the neighbour's well and other places usually used by women" should not be visible because seeing women work can lead to obscene acts. CAMBODIA PHILIPPINES Cambodia pardoned 13 Philippine women and sent them home yesterday, after they were convicted of trafficking of surrogate mothers, a practice outlawed in Cambodia. The women were part of a group of 24 foreigners arrested by police in September and sentenced to four years in prison on 2 December for attempted cross-border human trafficking. JAPAN Japans Mount Fuji has lost a winter month because of faster global warming. According to a report published by Climate Central, the town of Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture, added 35 days above freezing per year on average between 2014 and 2023, the highest among 901 cities in the northern hemisphere involved in the study. Human activities are increasingly impacting snowfall and ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need to reduce the use of fossil fuels. RUSSIA AZERBAIJAN Azerbaijan could tighten entry rules for Russian nationals after Russia imposed restrictions on Azerbaijani migrants. This decision also reflects Azerbaijans irritation over the Aktau air disaster involving an Azerbaijani plane, probably shot down by Russia, following the principles of parity and reciprocity, reads a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Baku. UZBEKISTAN Even though the country has ample gas and oil resources, people in Uzbekistan are forced to burn coal and wood to keep warm. The practice is causing pollution levels to soar, as experts and environmentalists report with increasing unease massive deforestation. by Stefano Vecchia Pardoned by Cambodias king, the women were caught up in a racket that put the spotlight back on human trafficking. Three children already born will be given up for adoption in the Philippines if the mothers are unable to care for them. Manila (AsiaNews) The children born to three Philippine women charged in October in Cambodia for surrogacy can be given up for adoption if the mothers do not have the economic means to raise them. The three are part of a group of 13 Philippine women sent home yesterday; the other 10 are pregnant. Another seven who were not pregnant were repatriated soon after their arrest. At present, the women remain under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Authority for Child Care, who will be in charge of reintegrating them into Philippine society and vetting the possibility of adoption. At the same time, the women are also valuable sources of information about the surrogacy racket. If they dare to sue their recruiters, we can be sure that they will be given protection by the government, said Nicholas Felix Ty, undersecretary in the Philippine Department of Justice. Accused in Cambodia of violating human trafficking law, the women left the country right after receiving a royal pardon from Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. For the Cambodian court, the women had the intention to have babies to sell to a third person in exchange for money, which is an act of human trafficking. Although illegal in Cambodia, surrogacy remains widely practised in accommodating clinics under the control of local and international rackets that seek to meet a demand that is coming especially from China, where some couples are willing to pay between US$ 40,000 and US$ 100,000 to arrange for a woman to carry their child. The story of the repatriated Philippine women who risked heavy prison sentences to earn a fraction of what the "clients" paid has put the spotlight back on the risks that Philippine citizens face when they are recruited by the surrogacy mafia. For the Philippine Department of Justice, this is evidenced by recent events in which Philippine authorities were able to identify and stop would-be surrogate mothers before they left and arrest their recruiters. Russian bloggers reported earlier in the day that Karapetian, who held the post for just three months in 2021, was briefly detained by police in Moscow on Sunday. But an Armenian pro-opposition publication quoted him saying that he was only summoned to a police station in the Russian capital to familiarize himself with documents sent from Yerevan. He claimed that the criminal case caused surprise and laughter among Russian law-enforcement officials. The authorities in Yerevan did not say whether the Russian indeed refused to extradite Karapetian. Armenias Interior Ministry told RFE/RLs Armenian Service that he was included on its official wanted list after being charged about a month ago with two counts of abuse of power, illegal entrepreneurship and inactivity. The ministry refused to give any details of the accusations. For its part, the Office of the Prosecutor-General said an Armenian court refused to approve an arrest warrant sought by investigators and ruled that Karapetian should only be banned from leaving Armenia pending investigation. After his sacking in November 2021, Karapetian moved to Russia and kept a low profile for almost two years. In a video message circulated in October 2023, he blamed the Armenian government for Azerbaijans September 19-20 military offensive and resulting recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh. He pledged to launch a political movement to liberate Armenia from a bunch of cowards and amateurs governing it. Pashinian hit back at Karapetian during a news conference in March. He said he sacked the 57-year-old general because the latter failed to inform him that Azerbaijani troops attacked a section of Armenias border with Azerbaijan in November 2021 and seized Armenian army positions there the day before. The ex-minister countered that he was in Dubai on a working visit that day and therefore physically unable to report the situation. He also claimed that Pashinian ordered Armenian troops not to open fire at Azerbaijani forces that crossed another section of the border in May 2021. Karapetian had served as chief of Armenian military intelligence until being fired in 2016 by then President Serzh Sarkisian. Pashinian appointed him as his national security adviser shortly after coming to power in May 2018. He promoted Karapetian to the post of defense minister in August 2021. 30 December 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more In a recent interview with Azerbaijan Television, President Ilham Aliyev offered his reflections on the tragic crash of an AZAL plane en route from Baku to Grozny, shedding light on its causes and the broader implications of the incident. The interview, most certainly answers one of the frequently asked questions: How a little country like Azerbaijan demonstrate successful diplomacy? President Ilham Aliyev began by detailing how he received the devastating news during his flight to St. Petersburg for the CIS Summit. While on board the plane, I was informed about the crash in Aktau. I immediately instructed the relevant state bodies to take all necessary actions. My primary concern was ensuring that the investigation was conducted promptly and fairly, the President stated. This proactive approach underscores his unwavering commitment to swift decision-making during emergencies. In his interview, the President elaborated on the series of immediate measures he ordered. Among them was the establishment of a State Commission to oversee the investigation. I instructed the creation of a State Commission without delay. A delegation composed of representatives from the relevant state bodies was dispatched to Aktau to cooperate with Kazakh authorities and to address the situation firsthand, he said. This rapid response reflected his determination to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the facts behind the crash. President Ilham Aliyev also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in managing such incidents. We received full support from the Kazakh authorities, who immediately opened an investigation and provided assistance to our delegation on the ground, he noted. His comments reflected the diplomatic acumen required to navigate such an event while maintaining strong bilateral relations. This was not an accident One of the most significant revelations from the head of states interview was his acknowledgment that the plane crash was not merely a technical failure but the result of an external attack. The investigation revealed that the crash was caused by a missile strike, he said, adding that this fact was later confirmed in a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Putins call to apologize for the incident and acknowledge Russias role demonstrated the influence of President Aliyevs leadership in securing accountability on an international scale. Such tragedies cannot be justified. However, the admission of responsibility is a step toward preventing such occurrences in the future, President Aliyev remarked. Reflection of values: people and state above all The Presidents handling of the crisis demonstrated his deep sense of responsibility toward the Azerbaijani people. From the moment I received the news, my focus was on protecting the interests of our citizens and ensuring justice for those affected, he stated. His actions reinforced his reputation as a leader who prioritizes the needs of the nation in both domestic and international affairs. The Presidents insistence on transparency and accountability also sent a strong message about Azerbaijans expectations of its international partners. In situations like this, the truth must prevail, no matter how difficult it may be, he asserted. His principled stance highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity and trust between nations. The AZAL plane crash in Aktau was a tragic event, but it also underscored the critical role of leadership in times of crisis. President Aliyevs swift and effective response, as well as his ability to navigate the complex diplomatic and technical challenges of the situation, exemplified his commitment to his nations sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. Through his decisive actions and thoughtful remarks, President Aliyev reminded the world of the importance of strong leadership grounded in the values of accountability, justice, and compassion. As he aptly stated in the interview, The interests of Azerbaijan and its people will always come first. That is my duty as President. This incident, though tragic, reaffirmed President Aliyevs resolve to protect his people and strengthen Azerbaijans position on the global stage. It stands as yet another testament to his guiding principle: I am the President of every Azerbaijani citizen. For now, this is the most and the best appropriate response to the incident. Due to this determination and principled stance, Russian President Vladimir Putin later reached out to the Azerbaijani leader to express his apologies. During this conversation, it was confirmed that the plane crash was the result of a missile attack.. With that the threat of a new geopolitical crisis has mostly been averted. Moving forward, the focus will be on the "black box." 30 December 2024 17:50 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan National Library has launched a virtual exhibition titled "December 31 - World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day", Azernews reports. The virtual exhibition features photos, as well as literature related to the notable day in Azerbaijani and various other languages, along with articles published in periodicals. Those who wish to explore the virtual exhibition can do so by using the link. The traditional exhibition also opened its doors at the library, showcasing literature in Azerbaijani and various other languages on topics such as "National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the Idea of National Solidarity," "The Political Legacy of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijanism," "The National Ideology of the Azerbaijani People," "The Idea of Patriotism," "The Idea of National Statehood," "The Development and Historical Activities of the Azerbaijani Diaspora," "Promotion of Spiritual Values," and more. Azerbaijan National Library is a treasure trove of knowledge for bookworms. With over 5 million books, manuscripts, and maps, the Azerbaijan National Library is considered one of the largest libraries in the Caucasus region. Since 1939, the library has borne the name of the eminent playwright Mirza Fatali Akhundov. The library has an extensive collection of literature in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, and other languages. It has collected and preserved national editions, works of Azerbaijani and foreign authors about Azerbaijan published abroad. The National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, visited the National Library four times in 1995-1997 and donated nearly 300 books from his personal library. In 2004, the Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library was granted the status of a national library by the decision of Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers. The building of the library is no less impressive. The library's faade is decorated with the statues of eminent poets and writers like Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin and many others. The scope of the library's activities is constantly expanding. In 2005, on the basis of legal copies received from publishing houses and printing companies, the library published the yearbook "Books of Azerbaijan" for 1990, 1991, 2000, and 2001. Over the past years, the National Library has signed a memorandum on bilateral mutual cooperation with about 80 libraries. In 2021, the Culture Ministry and Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library launched a joint campaign, "Let's go to Garabagh with a book", to restore libraries in the Garabagh region. A large number of books were donated to the Garabagh Book Fund by a number of international organizations working in the field of culture, Turkic-speaking countries, famous foreign and local authors, publishers, and print houses. Since 1992, the Kazakhstan National Academic Library has been a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL). Morevoer, it has been part of the Non-Profit Partnership "Library Assembly of Eurasia" (BAE) since 1993. In 2002, the library took the lead in the Kazakhstan National Committee for the UNESCO program "Memory of the World," which aims to preserve documentary heritage. Furthermore, in 2008, it became the regional center for the IFLA PAC (Preservation and Conservation) core program, which focuses on the preservation of library materials and ensuring their accessibility for future generations. As of now, the collection of the Kazakhstan National Academic Library boasts approximately seven million books. 30 December 2024 22:40 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A cooperation agreement has been signed between the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the World Alpagut Federation, Azernews reports. The signing ceremony took place at the foundation's headquarters. This agreement aims to strengthen intercultural collaboration, protect Turkish cultural heritage, and ensure the international recognition of the Alpagut sport. The discussions were initially held on joint efforts to protect and promote the rich heritage of Turkish culture and support the development of the national sport of Alpagut. The significant role of martial arts in preserving the customs and traditions of Turkic peoples was emphasized. The agreement was signed by President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova and First Vice-President of the World Alpagut Federation and a member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Konul Nurullayeva. Chairman of the World Alpagut Federation Kutsan Vasif Namazov and board member Farid Aliyev attended the signing ceremony. The promotion of the rich Turkish heritage and the transmission of Alpagut to the younger generation were discussed. Aktoty Raymkulova emphasized the importance of signing the agreement, stating, "We intend to implement joint projects for the promotion of Turkish culture and the popularization of Alpagut. This is crucial not only for Alpagut but also for the preservation of Turkish cultural heritage." Konuul Nurullayeva remarked, "This agreement is an important step towards enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration between the two organizations. Alpagut is a martial art that reflects the values of the Turkic world, and its preservation and promotion is of great significance to us." Kutsan Vasif Namazov also highlighted the importance of the agreement. Farid Aliyev noted the importance of Alpagut's recognition in the international arena, stating, "This collaboration will help establish Alpagut not only as a martial art but also as part of our culture." The results of this collaboration are expected to contribute to the global recognition of the richness of Turkish culture and the invaluable values of Alpagut. The signing of the agreement signifies the expansion of joint activities between the two organizations and the increased global recognition of Turkish culture. The parties plan to carry out several projects in the future, including seminars, competitions, cultural festivals, and more. 30 December 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has sent a letter of condolences to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in connection with the tragic loss of life as a result of the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the city of Aktau, which was flying from Baku to Grozny on December 25, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Excellency, It is with deep sadness that we learned of the tragic plane crash near Aktau yesterday, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. On behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, allow me to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as to the families of the victims and injured for this tragic incident. We stand by the government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan at this difficult time, wishing the injured speedy recovery and the country steady peace and security. Yours sincerely, Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 29 December 2024 18:57 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has sent a letter of condolences to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in connection with the tragic loss of life as a result of the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines plane near the city of Aktau, which was flying from Baku to Grozny on December 25, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Ilham Heydarovich, With deep sorrow and grief, the Republic of Belarus received the news of the tragic loss of lives in the crash of the Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The Belarusian people share the weight of the misfortune that has befallen the people of Azerbaijan, and the grief of the irreplaceable losses. In this difficult time, I ask you to accept my sincere words of support and sympathy to you, dear Ilham Heydarovich, to the families and loved ones of the victims, and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Sincerely, Aleksandr Lukashenko President of the Republic of Belarus 30 December 2024 10:21 (UTC+04:00) Kazakhstan will be sending the black boxes from the crashed AZAL aircraft to the Brazilian Center for Investigation and Prevention of Aircraft Accidents (CENIPA), Azernews reports citing the Kazakh Ministry of Transport. This decision was made by the Commission investigating the aviation incident, which is chaired by Kazakhstans Minister of Transport, Marat Karabayev. According to the standards set forth in Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, the nation conducting the investigation is responsible for analyzing the flight recorders and selecting the country for their reading and decoding. Kazakhstan ratified this convention in 1992 and is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In alignment with the provisions of this agreement, ICAO recommendations, and consultations with the aviation authorities of Azerbaijan and Russia, the commission has opted to send the flight recorders to CENIPA in Brazil. This choice is based on Brazil's position as the manufacturer of Embraer aircraft, as well as its technical capabilities, certified laboratories, and the necessary equipment for decoding black boxes, according to the ministry. 30 December 2024 13:32 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan's first humanitarian aid convoy to Syria has set off, Azernews reports. This is the first aid convoy from Azerbaijan to Syria. The aid convoy consists of around 200 tons of food and essential supplies and includes 10 vehicles. It is noteworthy that on December 8, opposition forces entered Damascus, leading to President Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country. Mohammad al-Bashir, who leads the rescue government, was appointed as the head of the Syrian transitional cabinet on December 10. On December 29, a meeting took place between Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister, and Assad Hasan al-Shibani, the Foreign Minister of Syria's Transitional Government. The parties emphasized their agreement on opening a new chapter in collaboration and friendship in the longstanding relations between Azerbaijan and Syria. In this regard, it was mentioned that the reopening of the Azerbaijani embassy in Damascus, after 12 years, is planned to take place as soon as possible. 30 December 2024 13:15 (UTC+04:00) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has demanded a comprehensive, unbiased, and transparent investigation into the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flight that occurred on December 25, Azernews reports. "Civil aircraft must never be the intended or accidental target of military operations. The strong potential that Azerbaijan Airlines flight 8243 could have been the victim of military operations, as indicated by several governments including Russia and Azerbaijan, places the highest priority on conducting a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. The world eagerly awaits the required publication of the interim report within 30 days, in line with international obligations agreed in the Chicago Convention. And should the conclusion be that this tragedy was the responsibility of combatants, the perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice," said Willie Walsh, IATAs Director General. On December 25, an Embraer 190 operated by AZAL, traveling from Baku to Grozny, crashed just 3 kilometers from Aktau Airport. The aircraft had a total of 67 individuals aboard, which included 62 passengers and 5 crew members. On December 26, the bodies of 14 victims, along with the remains of four deceased passengers, were brought back to Azerbaijan. The accident resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 injuries. The black boxes from the aircraft have been retrieved, and teams are currently working to analyze the data in accordance with international aviation standards. An investigation is ongoing, and conclusive findings will be reached after all necessary research and data analysis are completed. 30 December 2024 14:40 (UTC+04:00) An Azerbaijani delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev has visited Syria, Azernews reports. During the visit, Rafiyev held discussions with Assad Hassan Al-Shibani, the Foreign Minister of Syrias transitional government. Rafiyev extended congratulations from Azerbaijans leadership regarding the commencement of a new phase focused on enhancing stability in Syria and ensuring the well-being of its citizens, as well as promoting representation for the Syrian people in governance. He affirmed that Azerbaijan, alongside the Republic of Turkiye, stands in support of Syria during this crucial period and expressed Azerbaijan's readiness to assist with reconstruction efforts. In addition to humanitarian assistance, Azerbaijan is dedicated to providing the necessary diplomatic backing to the new Syrian government. Rafiyev pointed out Azerbaijans experience in post-conflict reconstruction, which could be beneficial to Syria's recovery process. Minister Al-Shibani commended Azerbaijans liberation of its territories as a significant milestone for peace both regionally and globally, offering congratulations to the Azerbaijani people and leadership. He characterized President Ilham Aliyev as a determined leader and drew parallels between Syria's transition in governance and Azerbaijans historic victory. The Syrian Foreign Minister noted that the new governments main objective is to achieve national unity through dialogue with all domestic groups and to promote peaceful relations with neighboring countries. He emphasized that the previous administration left Syria in a state of devastation and isolation, highlighting the importance of socio-economic development, national and political unity, and improving Syrias international standing. Both parties underscored their mutual desire to embark on a new era of cooperation and friendship between Azerbaijan and Syria, with a focus on re-establishing long-dormant bilateral relations. In this context, plans were discussed to reopen the Azerbaijani Embassy in Damascus, which has been closed for 12 years. At the end of their meeting, Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shibani was invited to visit Azerbaijan to further strengthen the newly formed ties. He gratefully accepted the invitation and expressed his enthusiasm for regular visits from Azerbaijani representatives to Syria. 30 December 2024 17:42 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva has visited the STEAM Innovation Center, Azernews reports. The Azerbaijan Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev provided Leyla Aliyeva with information about the Innovation Center. Acquainted with the center's activities, the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation observed the innovative technologies being implemented there and the teaching and learning processes aimed at fostering students' creativity. It was noted that the STEAM Innovation Center was established to contribute to the development of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in Azerbaijan. Here, students utilize modern technologies to enhance their knowledge and skills, while also developing their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Leyla Aliyeva also explored the technologies available at the center, including robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and virtual and augmented reality laboratories. Additionally, she met with students on an excursion at the center and was introduced to their projects. After reviewing the students' projects, the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation praised their work and emphasized the importance of innovations that could be applied in various fields. Leyla Aliyeva stated that the achievements of young people in the fields of science and technology are fundamental to the sustainable development of the country. During the meeting, students shared their future plans, innovative ideas, and goals. In the wake of a burst pipe incident, Duke University Hospital in Durham, N.C., has reopened some emergency department beds and shared plans to restore the waiting room and triage area by weekend's end, according to a Dec. 28 update from the hospital. However, the ED remains on diversion for ambulance traffic after the pipe burst late Dec. 26, flooding the ED and other areas on the first floor. A chilled water pipe used to supply heating and cooling to the building burst around midnight Dec. 26. Since then, Duke has been directing incoming ambulance patients to other hospitals in the area. Patients who arrive by their own means are being treated in unaffected areas throughout the hospital, including a mobile treatment area stationed outside the ED. "We are grateful for our EMS partners and other local healthcare facilities who have helped ensure that our community has access to urgent medical care," Duke Health said in a news release. Duke was one of three hospitals on the East Coast to experience water-related disruptions Dec. 26. The incidents which also occurred at hospitals in New York and Pennsylvania are unrelated but similarly impacted operations, requiring patient transfers and rescheduled appointments. Former President Jimmy Carter's healthcare legacy though marked by political defeats laid the groundwork for modern policy approaches to address rising costs, a policy expert wrote in a Dec. 29 op-ed published in Time. Mr. Carter, who died Dec. 29 at age 100, entered office in 1977 during a period of skyrocketing healthcare costs. Total national health expenditures had steeply risen from $74 billion in 1970 to $152 billion in 1977, largely driven by the 1965 launch of Medicare and its generous reimbursement policies, according to Guian McKee, PhD, White Burkett Miller Professor of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia's Miller Center for Public Affairs. Hospital cost containment was a cornerstone of Mr. Carter's healthcare agenda. In 1977, he drafted a two-pronged proposal to cap total hospital revenue growth and limit annual capital expenditures an ambitious approach that faced significant pushback from hospitals. While Congress repeatedly rejected his efforts, Mr. Carter's vision put an important spotlight on "the burgeoning cost control problems in the American health care system," Dr. McKee wrote. He also influenced the Democratic Party's shift from advocating for single-payer systems to embracing a mix of public and private insurance, a strategy later reflected in the Affordable Care Act. "More than any other modern president, he took on the health care industry, as well as his own allies, by attempting to address the high costs of American health care," Dr. McKee wrote. Mr. Carter's actions offer "a template for the kind of leadership and focus needed to address the health care system's enduring flaws in 2024," he added. Read the full op-ed here. From a judge sentencing four people for their roles in a $54.3 million scheme to a Medicare Advantage insurer agreeing to pay up to $98 million to settle allegations of knowingly submitting invalid diagnoses, here are 10 healthcare billing fraud cases that Becker's has reported since Dec. 6: 1. Philip Hall, a 48-year-old pharmacist of Jamestown, Tenn., was charged with six counts of aggravated identity theft and nine counts of healthcare fraud. 2. Sixteen different cardiology practices and associated physicians across 12 states agreed to pay a combined $17.7 million to settle allegations of overbilling Medicare for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. 3. Independent Health will pay up to $98 million to settle allegations a now-defunct subsidiary knowingly submitted invalid diagnoses to boost Medicare Advantage payments. 4. A physician who worked for two Pasadena, Calif., hospices was sentenced to two years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme that defrauded Medicare out of more than $3 million. 5. A Montana physician was sentenced to six months in prison followed by six months of home confinement for his role in a $31 million telemedicine fraud scheme. 6. A New York operations manager was charged for allegedly conspiring to offer and pay kickbacks to physicians in exchange for ordering unnecessary brain scans. 7. Oroville (Calif.) Hospital agreed to pay $10.25 million to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute. 8. A medical biller was sentenced to five years of probation for stealing more than $1.1 million that was intended to be paid directly to three surgeons who provided medical care to injured workers under the New York State Workers Compensation Law. 9. A Florida telemarketer was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare out of $67 million by billing for medically unnecessary genetic testing. 10. A Florida federal judge sentenced four people for their roles in a $54.3 million Medicare fraud scheme that involved paying kickbacks and bribes to telemarketers and telemedicine providers to secure orders for medically unnecessary prescriptions. The ERISA Industry Committee has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, challenging the state's Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act. ERIC argues that two provisions of the law are invalid under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which preempts state laws related to employee benefit plans. The lawsuit claims that the Minnesota law restricts employers' use of pharmacy networks and mail-order programs for maintenance medications, according to a Dec. 27 news release from the agency. ERIC's complaint seeks to halt the enforcement of the Minnesota law, arguing that it interferes with federal protections under ERISA. The agency also expressed concern that the law extends beyond Minnesota, impacting prescription drug benefit plans nationwide if they contract with PBMs licensed in the state. Criticism of Invest NI as figures show just 2% of positions are based in Derry Concern has been raised at the number of cyber jobs concentrated in the greater Belfast area, as the sector is expected to play a crucial role in the future development of economies across Northern Ireland. It comes after it was revealed that 95% of the future-facing cyber jobs are based in greater Belfast with only 2% in the city of Derry. SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin has said that the figures are evidence of how far we still have to go to rebalance our economy. The figures were revealed during a Department for the Economy (DfE) committee meeting, during which Alan Ramsey, director for international trade and investment, was asked how the cyber sector can feed into a regionally balanced economy. SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin Mr Ramsey said that the current spread was actually quite good, adding that an examination of regional profiles had given the department an understanding of where things are happening. He added that when it comes to foreign direct investment (FDI), Invest NI planned to link up with local economic development partnerships and this will be based on industrial capabilities, their research, their skills offer, local education university provision. During the meeting Jeremy Fitch, executive director for business growth at Invest NI, spoke of hybrid working and suggested that although a company may be based in Belfast, employees could be working from home in other areas of Northern Ireland. He said employees are based right across Northern Ireland adding that he believes it is encouraging from a regional balance point of view, while admitting more work needs to be done. Mr Fitch added: "I say this having done the inward investment job, Northern Ireland is a small place and whenever we bring visits to Northern Ireland sometimes we will have them for one day or two days. We will determine the visits according to what they want to see. So if they want to meet with the universities, and fundamentally, what they are looking to do is satisfy themselves that they will be able to find the skills, they will tend to go to the areas of greater population and thats just the reality of it. In response to the comments made during the meeting, Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin said that sounded like the old Invest NI, adding that Derry is 90 minutes from Belfast so it is not outrageous for investors to visit both. Earlier this year, Economy Minister Conor Murphy put forward a new approach towards a regionally balanced economy at the centre of his economic vision. Mr Murphy said that everyone should share in the benefits of prosperity. Ms McLaughlin recognised the Sub Regional Economic Plan that has been published and is pleased that a target has finally been adopted to distribute more investment outside the Belfast Metropolitan Area. However, I am concerned that at the recent economy committee meeting, we saw much of the same thinking that has dominated the economic development agency for years, Mrs McLaughlin said. Continuing the same old model is simply not viable if we are to achieve regional economic balance across Northern Ireland. The figures presented by Invest NI reinforce the urgency with which we need to act to ensure jobs are being created in the north west. "The technology sector is crucial for the future of Northern Ireland's economy, but the fact that 95% of cyber jobs in Northern Ireland are based in the greater Belfast area is evidence of how far we still have to go to rebalance our economy. She added: The north west has the opportunity to be front and centre of this expanding sector but this will only be possible with the assistance of Invest NI. It must step up to the plate on this issue and realise the potential of our second city. "I also reject any assertion that Derry could benefit from jobs in Belfast because such jobs can be performed remotely. This is no substitute for roles based in Derry and all the economic benefits such investments can bring. I was disappointed that Invest NI still appears to hold this outdated viewpoint. In a statement, Invest NI said it recognises the need to do more in the north west to improve the business base, to grow productivity performance, to encourage higher productivity businesses in the area and attract more FDI. A spokesperson added: One of the strategic priorities in our 2024-27 Business Strategy is stronger regional balance. This includes a target that 65% of investments (offers we make) will be to companies based outside the Belfast Metropolitan area, in order to encourage and stimulate economic growth throughout Northern Ireland. '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 Stop sexual harassment and violence against women, rape and sexual abuse concept, The concept of stopping violence against women and rape. International Women's Day Almost two-thirds of staff at higher education institutions have experienced some form of sexual harassment in the last five years, a report has revealed. The COSHARE North-South survey outlined the key findings from the first all-island study of staff members experiences of consent, sexual violence and harassment in higher education across Ireland. A total of 364 staff, including 236 participants from Northern Ireland, took part in the survey, opting to answer questions on their experiences of sexual violence and harassment. Dr Susan Langdon, Senior Lecturer in Psychology (Mental Health) at Ulster University, said the findings show a deeply concerning pattern. Sexual violence and harassment is pervasive in all walks of our lives but it should not be, she said. These findings demonstrate concerning patterns of sexual violence and harassment experienced by staff in higher education in both their personal and professional lives. The survey comes at a time when violence against women has been on the rise in Northern Ireland. Members of the COSHARE research team from Ulster University & University of Galway launch the COSHARE North-South survey report. Last September saw the launch of Stormonts long-awaited strategic framework for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG), First Minister Michelle ONeill said the strategy which charts the way forward until 2031 marked the first step in dealing with a problem she described as an epidemic. Of those surveyed, 43% said they had experienced some form of this behaviour in their work or personal lives in the last year, while 66% said they had experienced it in the last five years. Almost two-thirds of participants (64%) said they had experienced sexual harassment in the past five years. This included 57% who had experienced sexist hostility in the last five years (27% in the last year), 23% with an experience of electronic or visual sexual harassment in the last five years (11% in the last year). One quarter (26%) experienced some form of sexual violence in the past five years. Almost a quarter said they had been touched in a way that made them feel uncomfortable, 16% indicated unwanted attempts of stroking or kissing; and 10% had been made to touch, stroke or kiss someone when they did not want to. Over 30% said they experienced sexualised comments in the last five years (19% in the last year) while 31% had experienced unwanted sexual attention in the last five years (13% in the last year). While this behaviour should never be tolerated, we are grateful to our own higher education Institutions, Ulster University and the University of Galway, for their support and encouragement to progress with this important work, Ms Langdon continued. Were pleased that our institutions already proactively work with us on a range of initiatives that look to end violence and harassment in the workplace. We are also grateful to our wider higher education colleagues who supported and facilitated dissemination and awareness raising of this research, ensuring that those who wished to contribute, had their say. The cross-border research said there must be greater collaboration between NI and Republic of Ireland Higher Education sectors to enhance protections for staff and support for change. Less than half (46%) of the participants agreed their higher education Institution proactively addressed issues of sexual violence and harassment, while only one-third (36%) saw their senior management as visible on this issue. When asked about campus culture, 14% said agreed that sexual harassment and violence among staff was a problem at their institution. Around 40% of staff said that they had received particular forms of information from their HEI relevant to consent, sexual violence and harassment. There were other encouraging signs that staff want to contribute through being involved in training, with 80% displaying a willingness to support initiatives and 65% saying they would take an active role in delivery. Paddy Hill was a thoroughly Belfast man decent, outspoken, combative and with no side to him, an MP for the city has said after the justice campaigners death at the age of 80. Patrick Joseph Hill was one of the Birmingham Six, a group of men wrongfully convicted of IRA attacks on pubs in the English city. He died peacefully in his home on Monday morning, the Miscarriage of Justice Organisation (MOJO) said. Mr Hill was one of six men found guilty of the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings which led to the deaths of 21 and injured 182. The Birmingham Six served a 17-year stretch in prison before their sentences were overturned in 1991. After his release, Mr Hill went on to found MOJO, which helps people who were imprisoned but proclaim innocence for crimes they were accused of. MOJO announced Mr Hills passing in a social media post. The statement said: Our condolences to his family at this sad time. We ask that you respect the familys privacy. May he rest in eternal peace. The organisation consists of criminologists, lawyers and law students that provide their knowledge and expertise on voluntary basis. SDLP leader Claire Hanna expressed her deepest sympathies to Mr Hills family. The South Belfast MP said: On behalf of the SDLP I extend deepest sympathies to the family of Paddy Hill, who I was fortunate to meet and spend time with in the past. He was a thoroughly Belfast man decent, outspoken, combative and with no side to him. He suffered the trauma and injustice of many lifetimes, brutal treatment by the West Midlands Police, being framed, and suffering torturously long false imprisonment. "He so often acknowledged the support of those who stood by the Birmingham Six and fought for their release, and was contemptuous of those whose actions had caused his suffering and that of the victims of the Birmingham massacre. In a tribute to Mr Hill, Aontu Leader Peadar Toibin hailed Mr Hill for his work which challenged the establishment across these islands on human rights issues. The Meath West TD said: It was with great sadness we learned of Paddys death this morning. Despite his wrongful conviction, Paddy, through his organisation MOJO, advocated for justice for all and challenged the establishment across these islands on human rights issues. "I know his loss will be deeply felt by his family, friends and those who knew him. My thoughts and those of the Aontu family are with them today. Just three of the Birmingham Six are still living, including Gerry Hunter, John Walker and Billy Power. Hugh Callaghan died in 2023 and Richard McIlkenny died in 2006. Labour MP Kim Johnson paid tribute to Mr Hill in social media post. The Liverpool Riverside MP said: Incredibly sad news about the passing of Paddy Hill, one of the wrongly convicted Birmingham 6. After spending 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, Paddy spent the rest of his life dedicated to helping victims of miscarriages of justice. TD for Dublin South West Paul Murphy said: RIP Paddy Hill. The victim of the British injustice system who spent his life fighting injustice. He came to Ireland in 2017 to support #JobstownNotGuilty and spoke at our huge rally in Liberty Hall. He gave up his time and energy to support us and so many others. Multiple vehicles have been damaged in south Belfast in what police are treating as sectarian motivated hate crimes. The PSNI have said that on Sunday they received a report that four vehicles parked at the Maryrivlle Park area of the city had been damaged. A second report that a vehicle parked in the Mowhan Street area had been damaged was also received. Police have said they are investigating a potential link between the reports. Inspector Green said: Shortly after 11:45am on Sunday 29th December, it was reported to police that four vehicles parked overnight at the Maryville Park area were damaged. A further report was received by police of a vehicle parked in the Mowhan Street area, which was also damaged sometime between midnight and around 1:30pm on Sunday 29th December. Enquiries are continuing but at this stage, police are investigating a potential link between these reports which are also being treated as sectarian motivated hate crimes. Police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to these incidents, or who may have witnessed anything suspicious in either locations that may be able to assist with their enquiries. "Please contact 101, quoting reference number 538 29/12/24 or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime. Incident at Coleraine bus station An incident has occurred at Coleraine bus station. The Air Ambulance has been pictured at the scene. A Translink spokesperson said: We can confirm an incident has occurred involving a car at Coleraine Bus & Rail Centre this morning. Emergency services were called to the scene and we are assisting the PSNI with their enquiries. Translink services are currently departing from the front of the station. 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 yellow weather warning for snow in Northern Ireland has been cancelled, and an updated yellow weather warning for wind on New Years Eve has been issued by the Met Office. The warning for strong winds across Northern Ireland will be in place between 6am on Tuesday until 7pm and may cause some travel disruption. The forecaster has warned that strong winds could bring gusts up to 60mph across many areas, with stronger winds for exposed areas. A spokesperson for the Met Office said: Strong and gusty westerly winds will develop across the north and east of Northern Ireland. Gusts of 45 to 50 mph are expected, perhaps reaching 60 to 65 mph in a few exposed areas, and this may lead to some travel disruption. As we head into 2025, temperatures are expected to fall close to freezing and there may be some snow across parts of Northern Ireland on New Year's Day. The Met Office had issued a yellow warning for snow in Northern Ireland from 7am on New Year's Day until midnight, but this has now been cancelled. The forecaster 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. The Northern Ireland First Minister vowed to press the Stormont Executives Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy (Gareth Chaney/PA) Society must and can do better to work to end violence against women and girls, Northern Irelands First Minister has said. Michelle ONeill expressed her horror at the murder of seven women in the region in 2024 and vowed to press the Stormont Executives Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy. She said launching it had been a top priority for the Executive and that she would continue to ensure the strategys targets were delivered. A vigil was organised by Womens Aid Down Armagh at Solitude Park in Banbridge following the murder of Karen Cummings in the town in December (Rebecca Black/PA) But she said everyone in society shared a responsibility to challenge the misogyny that enables such heinous crimes to persist. There were community vigils held earlier in December following the murder of mother-of-two Karen Cummings, 40, in Banbridge. Ms ONeill noted that behind the death of each of the seven women were families left shattered by grief. As a society, we must and can do better, she said. Thats why launching the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy was a top priority for this Executive, and why I will continue to ensure the strategys targets are delivered. We all share a responsibility to challenge the misogyny that enables such heinous crimes to persist. Women should feel safe in every street, town, and city across this island. The Stormont Assembly was resurrected in January 2024 after a period of political instability. Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray, left to right, First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly attended the Remembrance Sunday service at Belfast City Hall in November (Liam McBurney/PA) Ms ONeill made history by becoming the first nationalist or republican to serve as first minister at Stormont. In her first New Year message as first minister, Ms ONeill said the return of the political institutions brought a new horizon and immense opportunities for people here. She also reiterated her pledge to be a first minister for all. Weve made significant progress on key issues that affect people right across society, she said. One of the Executives first acts was to award public sector workers the fair pay increase they absolutely deserved. Projects that were stalled for years due to the absence of an Executive are now coming to fruition. Major developments, like the A5 and Strule campus, are progressing, while Belfasts state-of-the-art transport hub is now open bringing us one step closer to a cleaner, greener society. Finance minister Caoimhe Archibald secured vital additional funding for essential services like health and education, while childcare costs have been subsidised, putting more money back in families pockets as we continue working on long-term strategies to reduce costs further. Momentum is also building behind the expansion of Magee University, with progress continuing towards delivering 10,000 students at the campus. Infrastructure minister John ODowd arrived on one of the first trains into the new Belfast Grand Central Station in October (Brian Morrison/Department of Infrastructure/PA) Ms ONeill added that her job as leader was to keep pushing us forward, united in purpose, to bring about real change in peoples lives. Local ministers are now in the driving seat, making decisions that will shape the lives of people here, with your best interests at heart, she said. I recognise there is still much to do, and I am more determined than ever to continue delivering strong leadership and positive change. Lets embrace the opportunities ahead, united in purpose, as we build a brighter future for everyone who calls this island home. I wish you all a happy, peaceful, and prosperous 2025. Installation of special black lighting at school didnt go to plan Children being protected by the RUC in 2001 as loyalists protested during their walk to Holy Cross Primary School. Photo: Cathal McNaughton/Sunday Life A thoughtless security company gave away an attempt by the police to catch those behind a pipe bomb attack on Holy Cross Primary School in north Belfast more than two decades ago, a declassified file reveals. Among government documents opened at the Public Record Office in Belfast today under the 20-year rule is a memo sent by an official in the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMdFM) about an attack on the school. DUP minister rejected relaxing licensing laws for the Queens Golden Jubilee Officials thought blanket relaxation would be less cumbersome than a host of individual requests, but minister said no Queen Elizabeth II walking through Parliament Buildings with the Speaker, Lord Alderdice, during her Golden Jubilee year. Photo: John Harrison Sam McBride Mon 30 Dec 2024 at 07:30 A DUP minister told his officials that he wouldnt be approving any relaxation of the licensing laws to make it easier to toast Queen Elizabeth IIs Golden Jubilee with an alcoholic beverage. Fighting in Sudan has created what the United Nations has described as one of the largest displacement crises in history (David OHare/Trocaire/PA) A hunger crisis could kill more people in Sudan than bullets from its vicious civil war, an Irish humanitarian worker who visited the country has said. An estimated 30 million people have been affected by malnutrition, displacement and gender-based violence that has ravaged Sudan during the conflict. The civil war has driven an estimated 14 million people from their homes, around 30% of its population, and created what the United Nations has described as one of the largest displacement crises in history. David OHare, from Irish charity Trocaire, said the scale of the need in the north African nation is the worst he has ever seen and is going totally under the radar, unfortunately. David OHare, of Irish charity Trocaire, in Sudan, where he said a hunger crisis could kill more people than bullets from the civil war (David OHare/Trocaire/PA) On a recent trip, he visited an internal displaced persons (IDP) camp in Thobo and was struck by one mother in particular, Madina. After losing her husband and son, she and her seven children walked for six days to the camp in mid-30C heat, eating leaves and grass for food. Her youngest boy, Murimabi, was extremely malnourished and was treated at a health centre which she said saved his life. I would have guessed he was three he was nine, Mr OHare, who is based in Belfast, told the PA news agency. Severe malnutrition over a prolonged period of time had stunted his growth. The Trocaire staff told me that his health has vastly improved since he arrived, but he still obviously has many medical issues stemming from that malnutrition. Sudan was plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital of Khartoum and spread to Darfur and other regions. This has badly affected a nation heavily reliant on agriculture, where people are forced to leave their land and can no longer grow their own food. Climate change has also led to poor harvests, due to either a lack of rain or land being flooded. Famine has been declared in five areas across the country, with a further five areas due to enter famine conditions in the coming months. Around 14 million people, 30% of the inhabitants of Sudan, have been forced to flee their homes, Mr OHare said. So, to put that in context, thats twice the population of the entire island of Ireland. Ive worked in the humanitarian sector for nearly 20 years, and Im still finding it hard to get my head around the scale of the crisis that I saw first-hand in Sudan. Theres roughly 48 to 50 million inhabitants, so half the population 25 million people are at risk of acute malnutrition. Its absolutely horrendous. David Trocaire said he thought a nine-year-old boy called Murimabi whom he met in a camp in Sudan was around three years old (David OHare/Trocaire/PA) Trocaire runs 15 rural health centres and 11 nutrition outreach sites in the country to help tackle hunger and health issues. The Amdulu Health Centre was originally set up to help 12,000 people, but that number has doubled since an IDP camp opened nearby. Mr OHare said head of clinic Elizabeth Philip Kori described malnutrition as a major problem, particularly for women and children. In the state where the Nuba Mountains are located, South Kordofan, a million displaced people have arrived and added to its population of two million people in an already poor area. Juma Idris Kuku, the regional director of the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association, told Mr OHare that in this region it is not the fighting that kills people, it is a lack of food. The conflict has been the driver, but thats not what is the biggest risk to people at the moment, he said. Asked what it is about the crisis that makes it the worst he has seen, Mr OHare said: Its the scale that is just so vast. Its when I see kids that are very obviously malnourished, theyve got the little swollen bellies, their heads are very big. You can see obvious stunting in their growth. On a human level, thats what gets me the most. Its women and children who always seem to be the most vulnerable in these situations. He added: The scale of the need is totally outstripping available resources, which is one of the reasons why our Christmas appeal is for children in conflict, including kids in Sudan. Mothers and children wait at a clinic in Sudan (David OHare/Trocaire/PA) But he said the actions of a group of farmers in the Nuba mountains, who shared food with new arrivals to the region, had given him hope. They didnt have a safety net for themselves in terms of food, and yet they still shared what little they had with those people who were even worse off than them, whod had to flee with nothing, he said. That mutual support for someone, a stranger, but that you know theyre in a worse position than you are, and those farmers did share what little they had. That gives me hope. Senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry is among the politicians named in the annual New Year Honours list. The former shadow foreign secretary, who has been made a dame, appears on the list alongside Sadiq Khan, who has been made a knight after securing a record third term as mayor of London. Dame Emily has served as MP for Islington South since 2005 and, after her surprise exclusion from Sir Keir Starmers first Cabinet after the election, now chairs the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. She told the PA news agency she was both honoured and surprised by her appointment as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She said: I think of my grandmothers, neither of whom were even allowed to work as married women, and think how utterly delighted theyd be to see this. My husband was knighted a few years ago and I never felt comfortable sharing his title, calling myself Lady Nugee, but Dame Emily is a name Id be proud to go by. She added that, on telling the drag queen Ella Vaday that she was going to be a dame, her friend, who was then appearing in a pantomime, replied: Oh fantastic, and where are you on? Nick Gibb has received a knighthood (Victoria Jones/PA) Conservatives Andy Street, the former West Midlands mayor, and Nick Gibb, the former long-serving schools minister, also received knighthoods. Sir Andy, who was elected as the West Midlands first mayor in 2017, said he had only been the front man and the honour was an accolade for the people in the West Midlands who made a success of the combined authority and the mayoralty. He said: Behind it lies a huge endeavour to set this up from scratch and make it the success that it is. It was a huge honour to be able to do that on behalf of citizens across the West Midlands. Former West Midlands mayor Andy Street said his knighthood was an accolade for the people in the West Midlands who made the new mayoralty a success (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Foreign Secretary David Lammy congratulated Mr Khan, saying: Sadiq has delivered free school meals for Londons kids, cleaned up the citys polluted air and built record numbers of council homes. Im so proud that Britain is a place where you can go from being the son of a bus driver on a council estate to being the first Muslim in Cabinet, mayor of our great capital city and a knight of the realm. Several former MPs also received honours in the annual list. Former MP Ranil Jayawardena, who served as environment secretary under Liz Trusss brief premiership, and former Conservative deputy chief whip Marcus Jones have both been made knights. Former Labour MP Kate Hollern, who lost her Blackburn seat to Independent candidate Adnan Hussain in July, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Lord Mike Katz, the national chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement who was recently ennobled by Sir Keir, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). circa 1980: American Democratic politician and the 39th President of the United States of America, Jimmy Carter. (Photo by MPI/Getty Images) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter smiles during an interview in New York, Monday, Jan. 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff) Social Democratic and Labour Party Leader Claire Hanna MP has paid tribute to former US President Jimmy Carter following news of his death on Sunday night. President Carter, Americas 39th President, passed away at the age of 100. Ms Hanna said President Carter was the first US President to seriously engage with issues in Northern Ireland. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The South Belfast and Mid Down MP said: Throughout his life Jimmy Carter was an advocate for human rights, peace, humanitarianism and doing whats right, no matter how difficult. Alongside his late wife Rosalynn, his legacy stretches far beyond his term as President and his achievements through the Carter Centre and with Habitat for Humanity are arguably just as meaningful as anything he achieved while in office. At a time when violence was raging across Northern Ireland, Jimmy Carter ignored advice not to intervene and stuck his head above the parapet calling for the US to become directly involved in trying to secure peace here and promising investment after it was established. He was persuaded to get involved by Tip ONeill, Ted Kennedy and others who updated him with the latest happenings here, though their own engagement with John Hume. Carters intervention was a significant one, he was serious about his commitment to advancing the cause of peace around the world and shared Humes vision that the only solution to the conflict here could be a peaceful one. His statement sent a clear message to the then-British government that they could no longer act with impunity when it came to Northern Ireland. Jimmy Carter leaves a lasting imprint not only on Northern Ireland, but around the world. He has left the world a better place as a result of his contribution throughout a lifetime of service and I can think of no greater legacy than that. SDLP leader Claire Hanna Carter, who was the longest-living former American president, died on Sunday, December 29, his son announced. An immediate cause was not given. 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. In 2018, it was revealed by official files that he had been previously suggested for a Northern Ireland peace process role. Speculation was mounting in January 1993 that president-elect Bill Clinton would appoint a special envoy. British Foreign Office official Jonathan Powell mentioned Mr Carter in a note disclosed in an archived British government file released by the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast. Mr Powell described how former congressman Bruce Morrison, then head of the Irish Americans for Clinton lobby group, envisaged the envoy. Mr Powell wrote: He (Morrison) did not envisage an Irish American filling the role. An Irish American like (Bill) Flynn would have too much baggage. He envisaged instead someone completely independent, like Jimmy Carter, or someone in the same mould but of lower profile. Mr Carter only served one term in office but became a diplomat and mediator around the world. He worked on the Middle East peace process and tried to encourage talks between North and South Korea. In 1993 a statement from the Friends of Ireland in the US said: On this St Patricks Day, the Friends of Ireland in the US Congress join with Irish Americans in calling for renewed efforts to achieve peace, reconciliation and justice in Northern Ireland. In the event, former Democratic senator George Mitchell was appointed as envoy in 1995, securing a commitment to non-violence from the gunmen and ultimately becoming the architect of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Students hold white flowers in front of the court building as the verdict is given in a trial of the parents of a boy who killed 10 people in a school shooting in 2023 in Belgrade (Darko Vojinovic/AP) A court in Serbia has convicted the parents of a teenage boy who shot dead nine pupils and a guard and wounded six more people at a school in Belgrade in 2023. The Higher Court in Belgrade sentenced Vladimir Kecmanovic, father of the boy, to 14 years and six months in prison for grave acts against public safety and for child neglect. The mother, Miljana Kecmanovic, was sentenced to three years in prison for child neglect but was acquitted on charges of illegal possession of weapons. The boy was 13 years old when he committed the crime and therefore too young to face a trial, according to Serbian law. Miljana Kecmanovic arrives at the court prior to a verdict in the trial (Darko Vojinovic/AP) His parents were detained soon after the shooting and charged for failing to keep the weapons out of reach of their son. The massacre at the Vladislav Ribnikar primary school in central Belgrade on May 3 2023 shocked the Balkan nation which was used to crises but where mass school shootings had never happened before. The couples lawyer, Irina Borovic, said the verdict came as no surprise because public pressure was enormous and the expectations were huge. Ms Borovic said she will appeal against the verdicts. Ninela Radicevic, who lost her daughter in the shooting, said we are not satisfied because no one was held responsible for the murder of nine children and the school guard. The boy used his fathers guns to open fire on his fellow pupils and others. He walked into the school and first opened fire in the hall before heading into a classroom where he continued shooting. Students hold white flowers in front of the court building (Darko Vojinovic/AP) Police have said that the teenager called them after the shooting and calmly said what he had done. He has been held in a specialised institution since the shooting and testified at his parents trial. The proceedings were closed to the public except for the reading of the verdicts. Also convicted and sentenced to 15 months in prison for a false testimony was a shooting instructor who worked at a shooting ground where the boy practised shooting. The school shooting was followed the next day by another mass killing in villages outside the capital. Uros Blazic, 21, took an automatic rifle and opened fire at multiple locations, killing nine people and wounding 12. He was sentenced earlier this month to 20 years in prison. The back-to-back shootings triggered a wave of street protests and a crackdown on widespread illegal gun ownership. Houthi supporters carry a mock rocket and chant slogans during an anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, on Friday (Osamah Abdulrahman/AP) Israels military said it intercepted a missile fired towards the country by Yemens Houthi rebels, setting off sirens late on Monday in central Israel including Tel Aviv. There were no reports of injuries from Magen David Adom, Israels rescue service. The Houthis have been firing drones and missiles at Israel as well as attacking shipping in the Red Sea corridor attacks they say will not stop until Israel agrees to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Israel has carried out two waves of intense strikes in recent weeks in Yemen in response to the missile attacks. The latest launch raises the likelihood of further Israeli retaliation. At a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, Israeli UN ambassador Danny Danon vowed his country will respond decisively to Houthi attacks. In Gaza, wounded Palestinians whom Israeli soldiers expelled from a northern Gaza hospital over the weekend described harrowing conditions where they were forced to strip down to their underwear in cold winter weather for hours. They surrounded the hospital at 4am and burned all the buildings around the hospital, said Wissam Warsh, a 45-year-old father of five who spent almost a week at Kamal Adwan Hospital receiving treatment. He said soldiers made the hospital director, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, bring all the patients outside before detaining him. They told him over the loudspeaker that he had 10 minutes to evacuate them, and they began firing shells around the hospital as a pressure tactic, Mr Warsh said. He and other patients were recuperating at Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, where he spoke to The Associated Press from a hospital bed on Sunday. Israels military says its troops entered the hospital because Hamas militants were using it as a base, and said more than 240 militants were detained, including Mr Abu Safiya. Hospital officials have denied those claims. Other patients said the Israeli army refused to provide them with food or water. Staff at Kamal Adwan Hospital say it has been hit multiple times over the past three months as Israeli forces wage an offensive against Hamas fighters, who the army says have regrouped in northern Gaza. Israel has virtually sealed off the areas of Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya from food or medical aid. Members of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government detain a man suspected of being part of the militias of the ousted president Bashar Assad in Adra, on the outskirts of Damascus (Leo Correa/AP) Syrias new government said it deployed dozens of soldiers in the Damascus suburb of Adra on Monday in search of alleged militiamen loyal to ousted president Bashar Assad, with military police vehicles seen transporting detainees. A security campaign was carried out in Adra town which led to the arrest of the militia leaders in the area, said Abu Yaarub, a security official who did not give his full name in accordance with regulations. He added that five top militiamen were detained. Clashes erupted last week in several cities across Syria between Assad supporters and the new government, which is led by Islamist rebels. Members of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government taking part in an operation to detain suspected militias of the ousted president Bashar Assad in Adra (Leo Correa/AP) Since Mr Assads fall, dozens of Syrians have been killed in acts of revenge, according to activists and monitors, the vast majority of them from the minority Alawite community, to which Mr Assad belongs. Also on Monday, Ukraines foreign minister met Syrias de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus, days after Kyiv announced the delivery of a large shipment of wheat flour to the country following the ousting of Mr Assad, Russias ally. Syria is gradually shifting away from Iran and Russia and rekindling ties with Western and Gulf Arab nations that had opposed Mr Assads rule, as well as Turkey, which backed opposition forces during the civil war. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country will send 500 tons of wheat flour to Syria through the UN World Food Programme to help improve the countrys food security and economic crisis. About 90% of Syrians live in poverty, according to the UN. The Ukrainian delegation held important talks with the Syrian administration, leader Ahmed Al-Sharaa and ministers. We support the Syrian people in overcoming decades of dictatorial rule and restoring stability, security, and normal life in Syria, Mr Zelensky wrote on X. Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said he hopes that a new Syria would become a country that respects international law. He said Ukraine is ready to share its experience in gathering evidence and conducting investigations to hold war criminals accountable. The Russian and Assad regimes supported each other because their foundation is violence and torture, he said. Also on Monday Syria, appointed its first female interim Central Bank governor, as the country navigates through recovering its battered economy after the downfall of the Assad dynastys rule. Maysaa Sabreen is the second woman appointed in a leadership role under Ahmad al-Sharaa and his Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led Mr Assads ousting in an offensive in early December. Ms Sabreen had served as the Central Banks first deputy governor. Travel review: A trip to Norways Bergen doesnt have to break the bank Making the most out of stunning fjords and historic towns is not as costly as you might fear Rare solitude overlooking the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord, the longest fjord in Norway. Photo: Getty Emer Roche Mon 30 Dec 2024 at 14:00 Too expensive, was a common refrain when I mentioned my dream trip to Bergen Norways second-largest city and the Western Fjords. Ex-CIA spook who exposed agencys secret torture programme in Belfast to talk life as a spy Former counter-terrorism operative on treacherous double agents, his role in an Iraqi missile strike and hunting down bin Laden henchman John Kiriakou (Photo by Rob Latour/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images) Christopher Woodhouse Mon 30 Dec 2024 at 13:00 The ex-CIA agent who helped expose the agencys secret torture programme is set to lift the lid on more of the organisations global clandestine operations at an event in Belfast. Eagle Archives, March 13, 1957: Mr. and Mrs. Philip Wynne brought their family of three from Leeds, England, to Pittsfield in 1951, looking for security from nuclear fission and greater opportunity for their children. Six years later, they're not sure about the security; they are about the opportunity. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has a contract in place for the removal of the Bel Air Dam and the associated rehabilitation of the stream channel and floodplains on that branch of the Housatonic River. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. NURA plans Kerala foray to launch AI-driven health screening centre in Calicut December 30, 2024 | Monday | News Plan to open 100 centres globally by 2030 NURA, an advanced diagnostic venture between Fujifilm Healthcare and Dr Kuttys Healthcare, is all set to foray into Kerala by opening its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Health Screening Facility in Calicut (Kozhikode). The facility was inaugurated by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan in the presence of Teiichi Goto President Fujifilm, V Abdurahiman, Ayisha Kutti. The debut in Kerala marks a significant milestone in NURAs endeavour to provide early detection and comprehensive health screening services to the people of India. This Calicut centre is not just a screening facility, but it is a global training centre an experiential hub where people can experience the advantages of cutting-edge healthcare technologies, which NURA will be expanding globally. With this centre NURA aims its presence across the country and to strengthen its position as a global leader in the preventive healthcare market. The Calicut centre is designed to screen up to 50 people a day, offering world-class screening test experience with advanced technology, to facilitate faster and accurate detection of diseases at very early stages. Currently, the centre offers Cancer and Metabolic syndrome screening but Locomotive syndrome screening and treatment plan for aging society will come up soon. In addition, NURA has an ambitious expansion plan, eyeing new centres in Chennai, Pune, Ahmedabad and other major Indian cities by the next year. By 2030, NURA envisions a network of 100 centers globally, making preventive healthcare accessible worldwide About NURAs Kerala debut, Pinarayi Vijayan Chief Minister Kerala said We welcome NURAs entry into Kerala as the state has a dearth of advanced yet affordable screening facilities. The demand for such services is increasing exponentially in the state as the state-funded health agencies are deficient in serving a large pool of patients." NURA has been on an ambitious expansion journey, establishing centres in India, East Asia and in ASEAN countries, the Middle East, and Africa in 2024. With the recent launch of the Calicut centre, joining other facilities in Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, NURA continues to deliver health screenings in just 120 minutes, leveraging Fujifilms leadership in healthcare IT and advanced screening test technology to ensure accurate, efficient, and hassle-free results.